Too Many Crooks Spoil the Broth

Pennsylvania Dutch Mystery, Book 1

By: Tamar Myers

Narrated by: Caroline Miller

Length: 6 hrs and 33 mins

Publisher's 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!

©1994 Tamar Myers (P)2014 Tamar Myers

A cozy little mystery ...

Any additional comments?

This was a nice little mystery. Magdalena Yoder is the owner a small inn in the heart of Amish country. She offers her guest 3 meals a day and the option to have an Amish Experience by cleaning up their rooms themselves. Its the start of deer hunting season and with an inn full of guests including a congressman, protesters against hunting and Magdalena's sister Susannah stirring up trouble, Magdalena is in for a busy week.

I thought that the mystery was solid and a good start to this series. I have always enjoyed Ms. Miller's work and look forward to more books in this series.

I would recommend this book to those who enjoy mysteries. I would listen to this again.

good first story

What made the experience of listening to Too Many Crooks Spoil the Broth the most enjoyable?

It was fun to list to, it had some very funny spot. The story was good it was a little hard to keep track of everyone. It's a good story to listen to, and I am looking for to the next one to be release on audio.

Would you be willing to try another book from Tamar Myers? Why or why not?

Yes

What does Caroline Miller bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Life, I think this would have been hard for me to read but she gave each person their on voice.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes I got this done in one day.

Too many crooks

Storyline was ok. First half was very enjoyable Didn't expect there to be so much cussing in the last half.

Great narration of a cozy mystery!

First installment I've listened to from this series--read by a great narrator and love Magdalena and the PennDutch Inn!

More, Please!

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!
©1994 Tamar Myers (P)2014 Tamar Myers

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.

Slow story

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I might recommend this book in the written format. I love the narrator,.I just feel that the book takes way to long to get to the action for an Audio book.

If you’ve listened to books by Tamar Myers before, how does this one compare?

This is my first Tamar Myers audiobook.

Which character – as performed by Caroline Miller – was your favorite?

I love Magdalena Yoder, her Mennonite background as an innkeeper / sleuth is appealing. Carline Miller the narrator really makers this character real as life!

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The scene of Magdalena's sister putting on make up was great!

Not worth the time

I got to chapter 3 and gave up. I kept waiting for there to be a point to get to, but alas only judgements.

Refreshing

Loved it! #2 downloaded before I finished the first. A safe listen around children.

Hilarious

I enjoyed listening to this book. I haven't laughed so hard in a while. I love how the author delivered a murder mystery with a comedic spin.