Manna from Hades

The Cornish Mysteries, Book 1

By: Carola Dunn

Narrated by: Wanda McCaddon

Eleanor Trewynn is a widow of some years living in Port Mabyn, a small fishing village in Cornwall, England. In her younger days, she traveled the exotic parts of the world with her husband. These days she's retired and founded the local charity shop. Her niece, Megan Pencarrow, transferred nearby and was recently promoted to the rank of Detective Sergeant. Perhaps the only downside is that she is now working for a DI who doesn't approve of women on the police force and who really doesn't much approve of Megan's aunt Eleanor, as she is something of a thorn in his rather substantial side.

All of these factors collide when, the day after collecting donations, Eleanor and the vicar's wife find the dead body of a long-haired, scruffy-looking youth hidden in the stockroom of the charity shop. Then they discover that some donated jewelry thought to be fake is actually very real, very expensive, and the haul from a violent robbery in London. Making matters more complex, the corpse found in the storeroom is apparently not one of the robbers.

Carola Dunn's Manna from Hades is a confounding Cornish case of daring theft, double-cross, and a wily older woman confronted by a case of murder most foul.

©2009 Carola Dunn (P)2017 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

very good mystery

I really enjoyed this book and I didn't realize until it was finished that there weren't any swear word. And it didn't take anything away from the story. The story was very good. meaning, I didn't figure out who the guilty party was until it was almost finished. The characters were interesting and humorous. Wanda McCaddon did a great job of narration.

Cute thrift

Interesting twists along the way of collecting items for thrift shop… good characters and of course mystery!

Love Carola Dunn books!

Love these stories!! Second time reading them!! Love all her books!! She makes them come alive!

Discount women of any age at your own expense

Listening to this story I laughed so many times. The way the descriptions too obviously show a smart capable woman and an absolutely clueless man. Then, once again, he gets the credit. But, along the way, there are some redeeming qualities among the males that bring hope for the race.
This one is for women who have That boss. You know who he is. He puts his deadline work on your pile, asking you to look it over by tomorrow, has you drive so he can work, then shows you the rubbing on the car from the weeds, and has you pick up and pay for lunch.

Loved it

I really loved this book. The story was very interesting and as a Doc Martin fan, I find Cornwall beautiful. I voice of this performer was pleasant, but all her characters sound alike, that was the only drawback.

Narrator doesn't distinguish voices very well.

it's a pity that the voice of one character wasn't that different from another. I had a hard time figuring out who was talking at times even within context.

Chock full of charming twists and turns.

Quirky characters, visually evocative settings, intriguing plot twists and turns, all contribute to a satisfying read.

Nice cosy mystery for an Autumn evening

I struggled at first, but the story picked up speed and I enjoyed it!!

The narrator is one I've particularly enjoyed in other series. She is comforting to hear. In this story she really hashed the white South African accent badly. She sounded more like someone doing a poor job of a Mumbai accent.
Actually, I truly enjoyed this story and I do recommend it. It's not Agatha Christie by any means, but it's a nice cosy.

Wonderful, believable, female characters

I almost didn’t choose this because a review said the main character wasn’t believable! Not only is she believable? She reminds me in ever so many ways of the strong, complicated, kind and steel sharp women I’ve known in my life. Terrific story terrific world building and terrific reader. Thoroughly enjoyed!

Manna from Hades

Loved it, especially going back in time when life was so much simpler. Wanda McCaddon does a brilliant job narrating, I find her voice very soothing.