Description from Amazon:
Who knew a Marilyn Monroe movie could kill you? When Oom
Frik of Oom Frik’s Fantastiques dies during a vintage movie screening in
Ladismith, Tannie Maria and her policeman boyfriend Henk are on the scene.
Ja, the old thrift-shop owner had a heart condition, but was there more to his
demise? It’s rumoured that among Frik’s junk are valuable treasures, and the
grumpy, paranoid old guy frequently altered his will.
When a second body turns up, there’s a clue: a letter addressed to Tannie Maria
asking for advice – and a milk tart recipe. Fifty-plus agony aunt Maria and
feisty young journalist Jessie conduct their own treasure hunt and murder
investigation. The police are looking for the perpetrator too, but the amateur
detectives have unique skills, and Tannie Maria’s food is a powerful incentive
to get people to talk.
Maria and Jessie step into deep danger, but all is not doom and gloom. Spring
has arrived in the Karoo, and Henk and Maria discuss moving in together, even
though his home is full of his late wife’s stuff. Maria knows food has a way of
filling the dark spaces, for better or for worse. Perhaps, once the Klein Karoo
crime-buster’s work is done, she might follow her own advice and try a healing
recipe.
And with that, the series ends. My oh my, but Ladismith certainly
is a town filled with mystery and crime! For such a quiet Karoo dorpie, there
is a lot of action there.
Maria and Henk’s relationship definitely took a battering in this one, with each believing the other had eyes for someone else. This takes a toll on Maria’s ability to give sage advice to those who write in to her column. After all, when love is being questioned and the past interferes, how are you supposed to help others? And when Maria felt her love of food was becoming for more than pleasure, she had to take a serious look at herself and what she felt was important in life. When she looked into Overeaters Anonymous, this gem was in the book:
Overeaters Anonymous came from far away, probably
America. They wouldn’t understand about rusks. If you live in South Africa, you
know that rusks are not stuffing your face – they are a way of life. It’s just
bad manners not to have one with your coffee.
I shall miss Hattie with her perfect hair, excellent Excel system, and lack of ability to make a cup of coffee, and Jessie, with her gecko tattoo, red scooter, and enthusiasm to help everyone.
The story itself was as outlandish as ever, with murders, mystery, sneaking around, wills, treasure, a pink lacy bra, and Karoo Zoo biscuits. And the recipes look as good as before – I’ll be trying Zaba’s Harissa paste for sure.
A great end to a fun series – what a pity it’s over!
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