Stephanie S. reviewed on + 168 more book reviews
A most unusual book!! This is essentially a cookbook, and it contains many recipes. But it's also a chaptered "thesis" on murders in the household--within mystery writing.
For instance, there's a chapter entitled "The Butler: What he Saw", which explains that, often in mystery novels, butlers are frequently "go-to characters" because they have unquestioning access to every part of a house. "Some of the duties that may keep him abroad at night are making sure the windows are closed, so that this action can be used to help establish the time of the crime". This chapter also contains recipes for "A Hunt Breakfast" including everything from Trout With Lemon and Parsley Butter, Ham Filled Crepes, Scotch Brown Bread, and many more.
There is another chapter entitled "Tempest in a Teapot: The Care and Brewing of Tea", which explains, for example: "The ultimate tribute to the teapot, its temple, the tea shop, and its vestal virgin, the spinster, was paid by Agatha Christie in 'Funerals Are Fatal'. The genteel companion, Miss Gilchrist, kills her employer with a hatchet all for the love of a tea shop."
And so on. Lots of chapters devoted to all parts of the mystery novel, plus recipes. Again, a most unusual book!!
For instance, there's a chapter entitled "The Butler: What he Saw", which explains that, often in mystery novels, butlers are frequently "go-to characters" because they have unquestioning access to every part of a house. "Some of the duties that may keep him abroad at night are making sure the windows are closed, so that this action can be used to help establish the time of the crime". This chapter also contains recipes for "A Hunt Breakfast" including everything from Trout With Lemon and Parsley Butter, Ham Filled Crepes, Scotch Brown Bread, and many more.
There is another chapter entitled "Tempest in a Teapot: The Care and Brewing of Tea", which explains, for example: "The ultimate tribute to the teapot, its temple, the tea shop, and its vestal virgin, the spinster, was paid by Agatha Christie in 'Funerals Are Fatal'. The genteel companion, Miss Gilchrist, kills her employer with a hatchet all for the love of a tea shop."
And so on. Lots of chapters devoted to all parts of the mystery novel, plus recipes. Again, a most unusual book!!
