THE HAND THAT ROCKS THE LADLE
Tamar Myers
Signet, Mar 2000, $5.99, 272 pp.
ISBN: 0451197550

In Hernia, Pennsylvania Magdalena Yoder owns and manages the famous Penn Dutch Inn. Though in the center of Amish-Mennonite country, Magdalena has catered to many of our nation's rich and famous. Rather well off due to her successful business, Magdalena is very devoted to her relative Freni and the woman's spouse Mose. The couple is excited that their daughter-in-law Barbara is pregnant with triplets.

However, in the delivery room something unusual happens that changes Freni's elation to worry. Barbara gives birth to twin boys as witnessed by the delivery room doctor, the nurse, and Freni's son. The doctor insists the physician who claimed that Barbara was carrying triplets was simply wrong. Freni believes a third child was born and is now missing. She pleads with Magdalena, who has solved a mystery or two, to investigate. Neither one is aware that danger awaits the amateur detective.

THE HAND THAT ROCKS THE LADLE, the eighth installment in the Magdalena Yoder culinary regional mysteries, retains the freshness and humor of the previous seven novels. Tamar Myers continues her mastery by painting an insightful look at the Amish and Mennonite cultures. In a religious way, the very human Magdalena remains as obnoxious, proud, and delightful as she has always been. The entertaining story line is engaging, but it is the captivating characters that serve up this scrumptious, low caloric but very delicious treat.