Book Review: The Hand That Rocks the Ladle

Reviewed By: Carol Schwaderer Dickinson - RAM

The Hand That Rocks the Ladle     Amazon US PB Amazon Canada PB
Tamar Myers
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Woman Main Character   Amateur Sleuth   Culinary   Ethnic
Series: Pennsylvania Dutch Mysteries with Recipes # 8
Signet; 2000; $5.99; pp 261

Mennonite inn keeper Magdalena Yoder copes with irritating and non-paying guests, and what to do about meals while her cousin/cook Freni is unavailable during the birth of her grandchildren. Suzanne and Melvin have some newlywed adjustments to make requiring Magdalena's help, while Magdalena copes with surprises her romantic relationship with her new neighbor, nasty surprises at the new hospital and Freni believes there is an unreported grandchild she expects Magdalena to find.

I liked the clever way she used characters from previous stories to staff the new hospital and yet it won't handicap enjoyment by readers who have not experienced the previous books. The humor is a toned down a notch, which many people would find a plus. It was still funny enough for me. The plot appears to be more obvious than some of her other books, Its not a spoiler to say the theme is stolen babies which would usually be a turnoff for me, but it was handled with a light touch and enough humor to make it acceptable. As to who is responsible for stealing babies, that was not so obvious and kept me guessing almost as long as Magdalena.

Carol Schwaderer Dickinson - RAM

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Carol Schwaderer Dickinson - RAM