Too Many Crooks

Too Many Crooks

• Friday, 16 January 2015

Too Many Crooks Spoil the Broth: Pennsylvania Dutch Mystery, Book 1

Written by: Tamar Myers
Narrated by: Caroline Miller
Length: 6 hrs and 33 mins
Series: Pennsylvania Dutch Mystery, Book 1
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:10-24-14
Publisher: NYLA
Audible.com

Publishers Summary

Readers will delight in this laugh-out-loud cozy mystery debut - and relish the country cooking recipes included.
This debut mystery introduces Magdalena Yoder, prim, proper, and persnickety proprietor of the PennDutch Inn, where guests luxuriate in the true "Amish experience," (read: doing Magdalena's chores and paying top dollar for the opportunity!).
When one of her more reclusive guests takes a tumble down the PennDutch's picturesquely steep staircase and breaks his neck, the timing couldn't be worse. It's the start of hunting season - and her inn is packed to capacity!
What at first seems to be a horrible accident (and insurance nightmare for Magdalena!) could turn out to be a much more sinister event; and when another mishap occurs, Magdalena is certain there is a killer in her group - and it's up to her to sniff out the culprit…before the world's most incompetent town sheriff throws her in jail!

My Review

I must begin by confessing little knowledge of the Amish and Mennonite faith, other than that gleaned from the odd TV programme.
It did take a while to get into the story, but I was soon hooked, it didn't take long to realise that a certain wry sense of humour is needed to enjoy Magdalena. Magnificent Magdalena, whose puritanical, thrifty and penny pinching ways adapted surprisingly well to the sharp business practices necessary to maintain her family home. Quick to judge others, and often times her own sister, who is all but a fallen woman, Magdalena succinctly rationalises her own, sometimes less than Christian, attitude. I love the way she suckers people into the "Amish experience"!
Savannah, the sister in question, has a very pampered dog, and she has men, she smokes and she, well, let's say she's a lively lady, she also takes no notice of the prim and proper Magdalena. This in itself makes for some really funny listening.
As you will know from the blurb, murder and mayhem occur, all very wittily described by the author who also sets up some very amusing dialogue for the listeners enjoyment. I also loved the cook who was perpetually either fired or quitting, yet somehow always found a reason to return
Books with recipes don't always translate to audio so well, but I feel this one did and I'd just love to listen to more.

Narration

Caroline Miller did an excellent job, so many diverse and varied characters, both male and female, yet all were clearly characterised. I loved her Magdalena, she masterfully portrayed the prim, judgemental woman who rationalised her sometimes slightly questionable choices in a very dry and witty manner. It was all there, in her voice, wonderful stuff! Hope there's lots more to come.

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