When Tannie Maria, a charismatic widow in rural South Africa, is compelled by her employer (the local Gazette) to write an advice column rather than her beloved food column, she soon finds that she both enjoys and excels at helping people. Her thoughtful and specialized advice includes recipes that promise to ameliorate any given problem. But when one of the women she advised is found murdered, a horrified Tannie Maria turns sleuth. By turns serious and humorous in tone - and with a well-developed romance to boot - this unique, exotic, and warmly descriptive mystery is a deliciously charming read (with equally delicious recipes!).