Share

Book review: Recipes for Love and Murder by Sally Andrew

accreditation
Recipes for Love and Murder by Sally Andrew is published by Umuzi, an imprint of Penguin Random House in 2015.

Tannie Maria loves food. In fact, she believes that food can solve any problem.

When her weekly cooking column in the Karoo Gazette is scrapped in favour of an advice column, Tannie Maria decides to give advice in the only way she knows – through food and recipes.

As her column gets more popular, Tannie Maria receives letters from a wide circle of readers across the Karoo. Yet it is one local letter which changes everything – the letter from a woman with an abusive husband, involved in a complicated love triangle, who wants to escape.

When the author of the letter dies, Tannie Maria and her fellow journalist, Jessie, decide to take the investigation into their own hands, and search for the killer.

Along the way, they uncover a host of secrets, leads, and recipes. Add a touch of drama, some suspense, and a charming love story, and you have the recipe for a winning story.

Recipes for Love and Murder is a true literary adventure with a delightful South African flair. The book is clever and original, as it includes a list of recipes which are guaranteed to solve any problem, among the host of clues, which makes it an immersive whodunit.

An intriguing narrative filled with unexpected twists and a refreshingly diplomatic love story makes Recipes for Love and Murder an absolute joy to read. Andrew’s South Africanisms and slang are so natural and do not feel forced as is, unfortunately, the case with much local literature.

Tannie Maria is an unconventional hero – an older single lady with curves and veldskoene, and yet she remains as inspiring as any young, fabulous protagonist. Andrew tastefully handles the subject of domestic abuse.

Tannie Maria’s passion and enthusiasm despite a very difficult past serve to illustrate that love truly conquers all, and that any woman can emerge victorious, regardless of her situation.

Recipes for Love and Murder is so enjoyable and polished that it is difficult to believe it is Andrew’s first novel. One can only hope that she continues to write, and that Tannie Maria becomes a regular on the South African literary scene.

Keen on reading this book? Buy your copy now.

Follow Women24 on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE