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Passport to Peril #10
From Bad to Wurst
It's Oktoberfest and the globetrotting Iowa seniors are sharing their Sounds of Music adventure with several oompah bands whose dream of performing in a famous German beer hall is about to be realized. But when a deadly relic from wartime Munich rains disaster on the group, their dreams are shattered—until an unlikely guest offers them new hope.
The tour hits a sour note when tragedy strikes a guest who knew the musicians' most guarded secrets. Was the death an unfortunate accident or something more sinister? As the group travels from the beer tents of Munich to the fairytale castle of Mad King Ludwig, Emily strives to restore harmony. But with the situation escalating out of control, could the gang be looking at a terrible end to their German interlude?
The tour hits a sour note when tragedy strikes a guest who knew the musicians' most guarded secrets. Was the death an unfortunate accident or something more sinister? As the group travels from the beer tents of Munich to the fairytale castle of Mad King Ludwig, Emily strives to restore harmony. But with the situation escalating out of control, could the gang be looking at a terrible end to their German interlude?
312 pages, ebook
First published December 8, 2015
9 people are currently reading
325 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
November 12, 2023
I love this series so much! It marries my love for travel with my need to follow clues to solve a mystery. Oktoberfest has long been on my bucket list so this was just what I needed to get me to book this trip (still haven’t yet, though; still have to work). Emily and her band of seniors are up to their usual antics and her parents have joined her on this trip, adding to the hilarity. There’s never a dull moment with the group from Iowa and I am sad there’s only two left in the series. Highly recommended for the perfect armchair vacation.
October 22, 2017
I love these books and this one was no exception. I think part of the reason this one was so fun was because I had been to several of the places they toured. The mystery was good and you've got to love Nana and the rest of the seniors.
January 20, 2016
Find this and other reviews at Ramblings of a Daydreamer.
Ten books into the Passport to Peril series, and I still don’t know how Maddy Hunter manages to write such fun, funny, unique stories. I’m always impressed, always amused, and always left guessing about the mystery until the last minute.
Every time I pick up one of these books, it feels like being reunited with people I’ve known forever. As soon as I started reading From Bad to Wurst, I was happy to have another chance to catch up with Emily, Etienne, and the rest of the gang from Iowa. By now, I can picture them all so clearly it’s like a movie is playing out in my head as I read. In fact, I’d love to see the Passport to Peril series turned into a TV show or movie. I think it would appeal to people of all ages with its smart humour, relatable characters, and the crazy antics of the seniors. Hunter has a knack for taking a story that should seem ludicrous and making it completely, hilariously believable.
As much as I love Emily - and I really do, I feel like she could be my best friend - the scene-stealing seniors really make these books for me. They’re a mixture of old school and teenage mentality in a way. Their obsession with (and knowledge of) modern technology is so amusing, and I love that you can expect certain things from them in each book, but they still always manage to surprise you. I also really enjoyed the parts with Emily’s mom and dad (I laughed so hard over some of the scenes with Emily’s mom and Nana), and was glad to see more of Etienne in this book. The new characters made great additions as well.
From Bad to Wurst is a laugh-out-loud funny (mis)adventure through Germany. Hunter’s descriptions of the places and history are so seamlessly woven in, I felt like I was right there with the gang as they travelled. This is a great addition to one of my all-time favourite series.
Ten books into the Passport to Peril series, and I still don’t know how Maddy Hunter manages to write such fun, funny, unique stories. I’m always impressed, always amused, and always left guessing about the mystery until the last minute.
Every time I pick up one of these books, it feels like being reunited with people I’ve known forever. As soon as I started reading From Bad to Wurst, I was happy to have another chance to catch up with Emily, Etienne, and the rest of the gang from Iowa. By now, I can picture them all so clearly it’s like a movie is playing out in my head as I read. In fact, I’d love to see the Passport to Peril series turned into a TV show or movie. I think it would appeal to people of all ages with its smart humour, relatable characters, and the crazy antics of the seniors. Hunter has a knack for taking a story that should seem ludicrous and making it completely, hilariously believable.
As much as I love Emily - and I really do, I feel like she could be my best friend - the scene-stealing seniors really make these books for me. They’re a mixture of old school and teenage mentality in a way. Their obsession with (and knowledge of) modern technology is so amusing, and I love that you can expect certain things from them in each book, but they still always manage to surprise you. I also really enjoyed the parts with Emily’s mom and dad (I laughed so hard over some of the scenes with Emily’s mom and Nana), and was glad to see more of Etienne in this book. The new characters made great additions as well.
From Bad to Wurst is a laugh-out-loud funny (mis)adventure through Germany. Hunter’s descriptions of the places and history are so seamlessly woven in, I felt like I was right there with the gang as they travelled. This is a great addition to one of my all-time favourite series.
December 8, 2015
A series and new author for me. I found excellent descriptions of area during an Bavarian area during an Oktoberfest. As I have not read the earlier books, I had problems separating the characters. The seniors from Iowa are on a sound of music tour of Germany. The group has 4 bands along. After the group lands in Germany walking toward the restaurant an delay munition explosion occurs and one of the group was killed. Emily was injured in the explosion. The group is given the red carpet treatment. and the bands asked to play. Was the person kill or murder Emily must find an answer before disaster strikes the tour. I will read this author again.
Disclosure: I received a free copy from Midnight Ink through Netgalley for an honest review. I would like to thank them for this opportunity to read and review the book. The opinions are my own.
Disclosure: I received a free copy from Midnight Ink through Netgalley for an honest review. I would like to thank them for this opportunity to read and review the book. The opinions are my own.
December 14, 2020
From Bad to Wurst by Maddie Hunter is the 10th book in the Passport to Peril Mystery series. Emily and her Iowan seniors are joined by several oompah bands on their Sound of Music tour of Munich during Oktoberfest when unfortunately one of the tour group is murdered. I love joining Emily on her tours which are always fun and entertaining despite the mishaps. Lots of laughs are guaranteed as well as learning a bit about the region. A safe and enjoyable way to travel in theses times.
January 2, 2016
Wonderful escape reading. I love to travel and I love this goofy group of people. It's a nice long series and I hope it continues for a long time. Wish I could join them in real life - the laughs would never end.
September 5, 2021
Another fantastic book in this series. I can write a huge review, but it will be the same as all the others I wrote for this series. I loved the characters, the mystery was good as I really had no idea who did it or why, and I loved the location! I love Germany so that scored extra points hahaha!
In this installment the group goes to Munich in Germany. Emily's parents also join the tour group again which brings many, many hilarious situations like how Emily's dad can play accordion which no one knew and the moment Emily's mom has amnesia and can't even remember her own mother, Emily's Nan! The others in the group this time feature musicians. When an old WWII bomb goes off and Emily gets hurt and another tour guest get killed, the city of Munich wants to praise the Iowans for their courage and make sure they get the best hotels, the best restaurants and that the musicians will play during Oktoberfest in the best tents. But then disaster strikes again, when there is another dead body. But this time.... it's murder.
Yeah, again so many funny moments to which I had to laugh so hard. Emily's mom is afraid at the beginning of the book she will lose her mother in the Oktoberfest crowd so she bought a toddler harness to clip into Nan! I could imagine it when reading! Again, if you have not read this series yet, I would really recommend it if you want a fun, easy read with love able characters and a good murder mystery!
In this installment the group goes to Munich in Germany. Emily's parents also join the tour group again which brings many, many hilarious situations like how Emily's dad can play accordion which no one knew and the moment Emily's mom has amnesia and can't even remember her own mother, Emily's Nan! The others in the group this time feature musicians. When an old WWII bomb goes off and Emily gets hurt and another tour guest get killed, the city of Munich wants to praise the Iowans for their courage and make sure they get the best hotels, the best restaurants and that the musicians will play during Oktoberfest in the best tents. But then disaster strikes again, when there is another dead body. But this time.... it's murder.
Yeah, again so many funny moments to which I had to laugh so hard. Emily's mom is afraid at the beginning of the book she will lose her mother in the Oktoberfest crowd so she bought a toddler harness to clip into Nan! I could imagine it when reading! Again, if you have not read this series yet, I would really recommend it if you want a fun, easy read with love able characters and a good murder mystery!
February 19, 2018
Emily and her group of touring Iowa seniors (including her parents and her grandmother) are joined by three oompa bands on a visit to Munich. Emily and husband Etienne have arranged for the bands to play at beer halls in the run-up to Octoberfeste, and the groups are looking forward to their day in the spotlight. Tragically, an unexploded bomb, left over from World War II, is unearthed during some street repairs and one of the band members, an accordionist, is killed. No worries--well, only Emily's worries--as her father volunteers to play instead. What--he knows how to play the accordion? Meanwhile, Em's mother has a case of temporary amnesia, and Nana reacts badly to a miracle skin cream. Just a typical tour, until a woman who claims to be clairvoyant drops dead.
July 21, 2018
Another enjoyable, humorous installment in the Passport to Peril series. I love how irreverent Hunter is in this series. Hers is a particular sense of humor that you typically don't see in other cozy mystery series, but Hunter makes it work well for the people and the setting in her series.
I don't have much else to say about this - it wasn't a world changing read, but it was good for what I wanted at this point in time. Light, fluffy brain candy seems to be the word of the week (or month). Basically - I'm in summer reading mode.
Would recommend to cozy mystery fans. I think this series would be a pretty good starting point for those who don't typically read cozy mysteries, also, especially if you also enjoy a quirky sense of humor.
I don't have much else to say about this - it wasn't a world changing read, but it was good for what I wanted at this point in time. Light, fluffy brain candy seems to be the word of the week (or month). Basically - I'm in summer reading mode.
Would recommend to cozy mystery fans. I think this series would be a pretty good starting point for those who don't typically read cozy mysteries, also, especially if you also enjoy a quirky sense of humor.
February 20, 2019
Emily and Etienne are taking the seniors from Iowa to Munich Germany. They are on a German Band Tour and the seniors have their own Bands and are excited to play their instruments at Oktoberfest Celebrations. On the way to their destination, one of the women is killed by an unexploded ordinance and Emily is hurt and so are the German workmen. Some of the people jump in to help those injured, but then Zola, a psychic CPA, is murdered at one of the Oktoberfest celebrations. Now Emily has to find out who murdered her so that they can go home at the end of their vacation.
I loved this story. I was laughing at some of the things that happened on the trip and so interested in the descriptions of the places they were visiting. Such a fun read. I am definitely going to try and get the other books so I can read them, too!
I loved this story. I was laughing at some of the things that happened on the trip and so interested in the descriptions of the places they were visiting. Such a fun read. I am definitely going to try and get the other books so I can read them, too!
November 11, 2017
Funny! Glad to return to this fun loving series. It combines a few ingredients I love: bad puns, humor, travel and a mystery. This book brought back vivid memories of when Mark and I went to Munich for Oktoberfest. The author has cleverly brought the elderly characters in the book up to modern times. They know how to use the new technologies in fun and ridiculous ways. Etienne was featured in this book. I love him and Emily together.
February 22, 2017
It has been awhile since I've read a book in this series and was happy to finally revisit the old gang. Despite the seriousness of the crime and other incidents there were funny moments involving the seniors who make up the tour group. The story also meant more to me as I've been to the parts of Germany that they visited; brought back lots of good memories! Now that I've come back to the series I'll be deciding on the next book (yep, read out of order). The Kindle editions are a bit pricey though, unfortunately, so I'll be stretching it out. A good read!
July 28, 2015
The first time I went on a bus tour with a group, I thought it would be a good setting for a mystery. There's a limited number of suspects and someone clever could combine the possible motives and opportunities with an ever changing backdrop of tourist sites. It would be several years before Maddy Hunter would start her Passport to Mystery series. She added a giant dollop of humor to her murder mysteries, and a touch of romance.
I have missed the last few adventures, so this was a chance to reconnect with the old gang and see what's new. Tour escort Emily has finally married Etienne and they now own the tour company. Emily's trans ex-husband is out of the picture and no mention of her, so no clue about her story. Nana is cantankerous as ever and fabulously wealthy. Emily's parents are along for the ride this time, I recall them as always being detached voices at the end of a long distance phone line. Several of the tour members are new, so you naturally suspect the murder victims and perpetrators will come from their ranks, much like the red-shirted Star Trek crew members you've never seen before this episode.
As a mystery the story was a bit slow, there was no murder until about halfway through the book, although there was a death early on. It all added up by the end. There's plenty of banter and slapstick to entertain in the meantime. The characters are often more like cartoon characters than real people. And then I remembered the tours I've been on, and have to admit, we all acted more than a little cartoonish.
I was slightly disconcerted by a sub plot that wasn't clarified until the very end. It would be a definite spoiler to say anything about it, but I had to remind myself that this was fiction and that what would be potentially dangerous and ethically wrong in real life can be humorous in fiction.
Now I have to go back and pick up the Passport mysteries I've missed. Not quite as good as a European vacation, but who needs the jet lag?
(Thanks to NetGalley and Midnight Ink for a digital review copy.)
I have missed the last few adventures, so this was a chance to reconnect with the old gang and see what's new. Tour escort Emily has finally married Etienne and they now own the tour company. Emily's trans ex-husband is out of the picture and no mention of her, so no clue about her story. Nana is cantankerous as ever and fabulously wealthy. Emily's parents are along for the ride this time, I recall them as always being detached voices at the end of a long distance phone line. Several of the tour members are new, so you naturally suspect the murder victims and perpetrators will come from their ranks, much like the red-shirted Star Trek crew members you've never seen before this episode.
As a mystery the story was a bit slow, there was no murder until about halfway through the book, although there was a death early on. It all added up by the end. There's plenty of banter and slapstick to entertain in the meantime. The characters are often more like cartoon characters than real people. And then I remembered the tours I've been on, and have to admit, we all acted more than a little cartoonish.
I was slightly disconcerted by a sub plot that wasn't clarified until the very end. It would be a definite spoiler to say anything about it, but I had to remind myself that this was fiction and that what would be potentially dangerous and ethically wrong in real life can be humorous in fiction.
Now I have to go back and pick up the Passport mysteries I've missed. Not quite as good as a European vacation, but who needs the jet lag?
(Thanks to NetGalley and Midnight Ink for a digital review copy.)
December 6, 2015
****Copy from NetGalley in return for an honest review****
I love me some cozy crime, but it's always a challenge to jump into the middle of a well-established series. However, I didn't feel too lost when I was reading From Bad to Wurst. I liked the plot, the characters and the humour - and if I sometimes felt like I was missing a bit of the background to Emily and Etienne's relationship and to her family, it didn't frustrate me or stop me from following the action.
I really liked the descriptions of the places that the tour was visiting as well - they made it a bit different from the usual run of cozies. I thought Emily jumped to conclusions a lot and the German detective was a bit overblown, but I rattled through the book, was pleased with the conclusion and would read more in the series if I happened across them.
I love me some cozy crime, but it's always a challenge to jump into the middle of a well-established series. However, I didn't feel too lost when I was reading From Bad to Wurst. I liked the plot, the characters and the humour - and if I sometimes felt like I was missing a bit of the background to Emily and Etienne's relationship and to her family, it didn't frustrate me or stop me from following the action.
I really liked the descriptions of the places that the tour was visiting as well - they made it a bit different from the usual run of cozies. I thought Emily jumped to conclusions a lot and the German detective was a bit overblown, but I rattled through the book, was pleased with the conclusion and would read more in the series if I happened across them.
August 1, 2016
Another great one featuring Emily and her gang of technology savvy seniors. On their 10th trip they are on the way to Germany with a couple groups of oompah bands. While touring Munich, Emily accidentally trips and old war time bomb resulting in the untimely demise of one of the band mates. As usual madness and mayhem ensues and Emily, Entienne and the seniors have to pull together to stop any additional murders. Such a great series! Can't wait for the next one!
February 13, 2018
Ultimate Reading Challenge 2018. A book set about Halloween.
The story takes place in Bavaria during Oktoberfest. The travel agency has created a special tour to allow a group of musicians to perform at several locations during their tour. I've read several in this series before. The usual cast of Iowa regulars are here including Emily's parents, Grandmother, and Grandmother boyfriend. The only non-musician, non-regular on this trip is Zola who is clairvoyant. She seems to be amazingly perceptive. At one point, she refuses to walk down one street and cautions Emily not to do so. Minutes later, unexploded ordinance left over from WWII explodes killing one of the musicians on their tour. Later they plan to get together as a group so everyone can have their fortune told, but that doesn't happen. I easily figured out motive for the murder that occurred later, though I did not figure out who committed the murder. Although it isn't necessary to read this series in order, it would help to start with some of the earlier books so that you can understand the characters better.
The story takes place in Bavaria during Oktoberfest. The travel agency has created a special tour to allow a group of musicians to perform at several locations during their tour. I've read several in this series before. The usual cast of Iowa regulars are here including Emily's parents, Grandmother, and Grandmother boyfriend. The only non-musician, non-regular on this trip is Zola who is clairvoyant. She seems to be amazingly perceptive. At one point, she refuses to walk down one street and cautions Emily not to do so. Minutes later, unexploded ordinance left over from WWII explodes killing one of the musicians on their tour. Later they plan to get together as a group so everyone can have their fortune told, but that doesn't happen. I easily figured out motive for the murder that occurred later, though I did not figure out who committed the murder. Although it isn't necessary to read this series in order, it would help to start with some of the earlier books so that you can understand the characters better.
June 26, 2021
Some parts of this (mom’s amnesia) were funny but not realistic. I liked the descriptions of Munich and the castles and Eagle’s Nest.
The accordion case thrown over the side of the mountain? Again, not realistic! More than just the amnesiac would have seen a big thing wheeling past!
I enjoyed how Emily’s dad could miraculously play amazingly by ear. But he hadn’t touched an instrument for decades so I doubt he would be THAT good.
I will say that the ending, the whodunnit, was quite a good surprise.
I loved the grandma character- what spunk! Not having read previous ones in the series, I’m not sure why the millionaire lady had such a strange redneck “voice.”
All in all, this was a fun and quick read. I liked it.
The accordion case thrown over the side of the mountain? Again, not realistic! More than just the amnesiac would have seen a big thing wheeling past!
I enjoyed how Emily’s dad could miraculously play amazingly by ear. But he hadn’t touched an instrument for decades so I doubt he would be THAT good.
I will say that the ending, the whodunnit, was quite a good surprise.
I loved the grandma character- what spunk! Not having read previous ones in the series, I’m not sure why the millionaire lady had such a strange redneck “voice.”
All in all, this was a fun and quick read. I liked it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 13, 2017
Ms. Hunter never uses conventional methods of murdering a person in this series. I was so caught up in the excellent dialog, action scenes, humor etc., that I suddenly realized almost 47% into the book, no murder yet...then it happened.
The colorful background set by this series, makes reading almost a compulsion for me. I'm so fond of each book in this series, and was never more so than in Bavaria! Bombs, Oompah bands, Emergency room visits, Celebrations, and death...
I can't wait to read the next volume.
The colorful background set by this series, makes reading almost a compulsion for me. I'm so fond of each book in this series, and was never more so than in Bavaria! Bombs, Oompah bands, Emergency room visits, Celebrations, and death...
I can't wait to read the next volume.
May 30, 2019
The book is very easy to read, including large font, and has no Magnam-like shootouts. The book is based around several Iowan characters that are peachy keen and Midwest nice.
Ok, the story is a bit cheesy and hokey, but its perfect summer reading while having a bier by the pool. The trip to Bavaria is based on her real trips and research, and seem to be accurate. Better than a few other series that rely on postcards and google searches. As a cozy mystery, its not bad. I should mention that I read #10 first, so I have no idea what the first 9 are like. Blame the yard sales.
Proust!
Ok, the story is a bit cheesy and hokey, but its perfect summer reading while having a bier by the pool. The trip to Bavaria is based on her real trips and research, and seem to be accurate. Better than a few other series that rely on postcards and google searches. As a cozy mystery, its not bad. I should mention that I read #10 first, so I have no idea what the first 9 are like. Blame the yard sales.
Proust!
September 19, 2017
I am so in love with this series! Every single book! I love catching up with Emily, Etienne, Nana, Bernice and all the other senior travelers. There is so much in each book! Humor, a great mystery, amazing writing and love reading about other countries. In this book we get to go to Germany and everything that goes with it; bands, beers, cuckoo clocks, etc. I cannot recommend these books enough! I am so ready for the next book!!
January 26, 2018
This was a fun read. Once in a while it may have crossed the line into cartoonishly over the top, but I never really minded. The quirky and often snarky seniors were surprisingly enjoyable company and I enjoyed learning a little about a few German tourist attractions. I hope I can find more of the books in this series!
November 24, 2018
Laugh a minute
Another hilarious international vacation with a bunch of zany old folks. These old people really know their way around. Even dead people don't stop them. The law doesn't intimidate them. However, make them late for their meals and there is no telling what will break out!!! Highly recommended.
Another hilarious international vacation with a bunch of zany old folks. These old people really know their way around. Even dead people don't stop them. The law doesn't intimidate them. However, make them late for their meals and there is no telling what will break out!!! Highly recommended.
May 28, 2018
This book is set in Bavaria in Munich and the surrounding area. Emily and her husband are leading a group of people from Iowa on the trip which will include three bands playing in the Oktoberfest. Lots of medical emergencies suffered by members of the group. The book was a quick easy read.
October 31, 2018
Very good mystery
It was a entertaining mystery with a group of senior citizens visiting Germany. One of them is murdered. I didn't guess the ending and found the book very amusing.
It was a entertaining mystery with a group of senior citizens visiting Germany. One of them is murdered. I didn't guess the ending and found the book very amusing.
June 30, 2019
Wacky, off the wall sort of cozy. Senior citizens who still have a LOT of life left in them.
An "organized" tour group where the owners have little control over their tourists.
It is quickly one thing after another.
An "organized" tour group where the owners have little control over their tourists.
It is quickly one thing after another.
June 8, 2023
Another fun adventure, this time to Germany, with Emily, Nana and the rest of the wacky Seniors. I think one reason why I enjoyed this one so much more is because I spent ten years in Germany and recognize many of the locations.
Read
May 7, 2017not going to read just got couple of library books, and one of this series is enough
October 25, 2017
Always enjoy this series, light, funny, lovely for a few hours of escapism.
April 5, 2018
Kindle
April 10, 2018
This series is so silly. But definitely entertaining.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews