Mrs. Odboddy Hometown Patriot by Elaine Faber {Review}

Mrs. Odboddy Hometown Patriot by Elaine Faber

Kindle Edition, 258 pages

Published January 21st 2016 by Elk Grove Publications 

 

 

Since the onset of WWII, Agnes Agatha Odboddy, hometown patriot and self-appointed scourge of the underworld, suspects conspiracies around every corner…stolen ration books, German spies running amuck, and a possible Japanese invasion off the California coast. This seventy-year-old, model citizen would set the world aright if she could get Chief Waddlemucker to pay attention to the town's nefarious deeds on any given Meatless Monday.

Mrs. Odboddy vows to bring the villians, both foreign and domestic, to justice, all while keeping chickens in her bathroom, working at the Ration Stamp Office, and knitting argyles for the boys on the front lines.

Imagine the chaos when Agnes’s long-lost WWI lover returns, hoping to find a million dollars in missing Hawaiian money and rekindle their ancient romance. In the thrilling conclusion, Agnes’s predictions become all too real when Mrs. Roosevelt unexpectedly comes to town to attend a funeral and Agnes must prove that she is, indeed, a warrior on the home front.

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My Review: 4 Stars

Mrs. Odboddy is a comforting, nostalgic read. Set in Northern California during WWII, this story embraces the feelings and events of that time in small town America. Agnes Odboddy is in her seventies, but that doesn't stop her from bustling her way into the thick of things, including a mystery. She's a bumbling and suspicious, yet likable, character, one who is far from perfect, but who is trying her best to do the right thing. She's a little naive when it comes to crime and sleuthing, but she's also not experienced in that area.

I enjoyed the characters and found them all a bit eccentric. Their names are all quirky, such as Haggenbottom, Odboddy, Waddlemucker, etc. but these outlandishly named characters only added to the story. The pacing is gentle, and the story unfolds in a natural and gradual way, with unique situations cropping up occasionally. I've recently said that I would love to live in the 1940s or 50s, but after reading this and the in-depth way of life during this time, I'm not so sure. Rations for everything and stipulations on purchases wouldn't be a fun way to live. These people are so good-natured and patriotic, handling it all in stride.

I liked seeing the mystery unfold. There are a few intense moments, as well as several hilarious moments, but overall, this is a cozy mystery that leaves a reader with the warm fuzzies.

Content: mild violence; mild religious elements; very mild romance (implied affair). 

*I received a copy in exchange for an honest review*

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About the Author:

Elaine Faber's short stories are published in magazines and multiple anthologies. She is an active member of Sisters in Crime, Inspire Christian Writers and Cat Writers Association.

Black Cat's Legacy, Elaine's debut fantasy cat-mystery novel., is the first in a series of three Cat Mysteries involving Thumper, who solves mysteries with the aid of his ancestors' memories.

Elaine lives in Elk Grove, CA, with her husband. They share their home with four house cats, and usually more, counting those at the door night and morning looking for a hand-out.

Mrs. Odboddy - Hometown Patriot is the first in Elaine's WWII humorous mystery series. Mrs. Odboddy fights the war from the home front, seeing conspiracies and spies around every corner. When Mrs. Roosevelt comes to town to attend a funeral, Agnes Odboddy's fears become a reality and she must prove she is, indeed a hometown patriot.