As the World Churns: A Pennsylvania Dutch Mystery by Tamar Myers

I seem to have a habit these days of picking up books mid-series and reading them without the benefit of a back story. I don't think that it is a bad thing; it actually is a plus in my book since there is nothing worse than waiting with baited breath for an author to release the next book in a series that you thoroughly enjoy. Such is the case with As the World Churns: A Pennsylvania Dutch Mystery by Tamar Myers.

I originally saw this book displayed in the rather small mystery section of my library. A native Pennsylvanian, I grew up near Amish, but not the Amish of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. I am familiar with many of the aspects essential to Amish and Mennonite life, so this book intrigued me.

As the World Churns focuses on the soap operaesque life of Magdalena Yoder Rosen. The book picks up at the honeymoon of Magdalena and her husband, lovingly referred to as the "Babester." Upon hearing the news of an escaped convict whom she helped convict previously, Magdalena promptly faints dead away. As she tries to solve the heinous crime committed against a dear friend, poor Magdalena keeps fainting at the most inopportune moments. Sandwiched in between chapters are yummy ice cream recipes that I am dying to try out.

As a character, Magdalena is a feisty, mouthy and at times very opinionated woman. She has no qualms about pointing out others mistakes and is often way out in left field on a tangent. She is also very funny and some of her antics will keep you in stitches as you unravel the mystery with her. I enjoyed the character so much, I do plan to go back and start at the beginning and get the rest of the back story, which was alluded to many times in this novel.

I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and I must say, I was taken by surprise with the plot twists. I recommend As the World Churns to anyone who loves a nice, cozy mystery and a character with spunk. Most of her novel titles are puns and I find that very amusing. For more information about this book or to see the author's website, please click here.