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Mrs. Odboddy Mysteries #1
Mrs. Odboddy: Hometown Patriot
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.
288 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 21, 2016
104 people are currently reading
140 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
June 9, 2016
Agatha Odboddy and her granddaughter, Katherine, both lost their men to the war and now they are on their own. Neither woman is looking for romance, although Agatha would like nothing more than to see her granddaughter happily married and starting her own family, but Katherine will have none of that. For now, the women are content to volunteer their services to their country on the home front. Agatha is into everything from knitting socks to working at the Ration Stamp office.
Unfortunately, Agatha Odboddy sees conspiracies everywhere she goes. She’s reported so many of them that the police no longer listen and the town thinks she’s short a few marbles, to say the least. Even her granddaughter can no longer defend her grandmother’s strange actions, no matter how much she loves and respects the older woman. Honestly, who can believe there are German spies in their small town? Or law abiding citizens stealing ration books? Or a Japanese invasion right in their own hometown?
To add to the craziness, Agatha decides owning chickens is a great way to save money on eggs and an old flame returns to make Agatha’s heart flutter. Oh, did I mention that the First Lady, Mrs. Roosevelt, shows up to attend the funeral of a local man? Agatha is determined to be there for that event.
Agatha is quite the character – she’s a force to be reckoned with. She’s full of spunk, spirit and determination. Nothing gets her down, even when the entire town thinks she’s nothing more than a crazy lady. I fell in love with her from page one. She’s the heart of the story. She reminds me very much of Lucy in the old “I Love Lucy” series.
The author does a wonderful job of painting a picture of the era and transporting the reader back in time. I truly felt the hardship of the timeframe. At the same time, I felt the hopefulness of the future.
When I first saw the synopsis for this mystery, I was intrigued. I love the WWII setting. It’s a very different take than I’m used to in my mysteries. This book is everything I hoped for – mystery, romance, humor, and a setting that I find fascinating. The author does a nice job of mixing it all together in one epic story. Plus, the book brought a smile to my face. What more can you ask for?
I can’t say enough good things about this unique book. I’m looking forward to the next one in this series.
FTC Disclosure: The author provided me with a copy of this book to review for this blog tour. This did not influence my thoughts and opinions in any way. All opinions expressed are my own.
Unfortunately, Agatha Odboddy sees conspiracies everywhere she goes. She’s reported so many of them that the police no longer listen and the town thinks she’s short a few marbles, to say the least. Even her granddaughter can no longer defend her grandmother’s strange actions, no matter how much she loves and respects the older woman. Honestly, who can believe there are German spies in their small town? Or law abiding citizens stealing ration books? Or a Japanese invasion right in their own hometown?
To add to the craziness, Agatha decides owning chickens is a great way to save money on eggs and an old flame returns to make Agatha’s heart flutter. Oh, did I mention that the First Lady, Mrs. Roosevelt, shows up to attend the funeral of a local man? Agatha is determined to be there for that event.
Agatha is quite the character – she’s a force to be reckoned with. She’s full of spunk, spirit and determination. Nothing gets her down, even when the entire town thinks she’s nothing more than a crazy lady. I fell in love with her from page one. She’s the heart of the story. She reminds me very much of Lucy in the old “I Love Lucy” series.
The author does a wonderful job of painting a picture of the era and transporting the reader back in time. I truly felt the hardship of the timeframe. At the same time, I felt the hopefulness of the future.
When I first saw the synopsis for this mystery, I was intrigued. I love the WWII setting. It’s a very different take than I’m used to in my mysteries. This book is everything I hoped for – mystery, romance, humor, and a setting that I find fascinating. The author does a nice job of mixing it all together in one epic story. Plus, the book brought a smile to my face. What more can you ask for?
I can’t say enough good things about this unique book. I’m looking forward to the next one in this series.
FTC Disclosure: The author provided me with a copy of this book to review for this blog tour. This did not influence my thoughts and opinions in any way. All opinions expressed are my own.
February 15, 2016
This was a fun read, with Agnes' antics and tall tales. Agnes sees conspiracies and Nazi spies everywhere. She volunteers in various ways to help support the home front as the boys fight in WWII. Mixed in there is a touch of nostalgia with her friend Lily taken away because of her Japanese heritage, boys killed in the war effort, and rationing of food, gas, and other items.
Propriety and fashion of the time, as well as references to her service as a secret agent in WWI, add to the lively story. Her lost love comes into her life with his blue eyes and romance is in the air for both Agnes and Katherine. Excitement builds when Mrs. Roosevelt is to attend a funeral, and the mortuary is the place to be.
Agnes calls wolf so often she's not usually believed, even when telling the truth. Agnes' personality is complex and her apparent foolishness adds a humorous component. Then again, perhaps she's not all that foolish an old woman after all.
FTC Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book in the hopes that I would post an honest review. This has not affected the content of my review in any way.
Propriety and fashion of the time, as well as references to her service as a secret agent in WWI, add to the lively story. Her lost love comes into her life with his blue eyes and romance is in the air for both Agnes and Katherine. Excitement builds when Mrs. Roosevelt is to attend a funeral, and the mortuary is the place to be.
Agnes calls wolf so often she's not usually believed, even when telling the truth. Agnes' personality is complex and her apparent foolishness adds a humorous component. Then again, perhaps she's not all that foolish an old woman after all.
FTC Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book in the hopes that I would post an honest review. This has not affected the content of my review in any way.
March 7, 2021
Just a cute, funny book.
May 17, 2017
This book has everything a cozy should have- danger, odd characters, unusual circumstances, wacky names. With a name like Odboddy you expect it to be silly. The book delivers with a punch and so much more!
I loved the description of life during supply rationing days. Not just the wonderful pitch-in things the propaganda wants you to believe in and follow. Mrs. Odboddy, ("warrier on the home front and the self appointed scourge of the underworld," ) now in her seventies and perhaps with a slight hearing disorder, stays on top of what needs to be done and how best to get things done.
"She wasn't exactly equiped to take on a spy ring and an enemy by herself." However she does consider it her CIVIC DUTY to report every suspicious activity she notices, and not much escapes her notice.
While I am not quite as old, the scene about mixing up Oleo margarine had me laughing aloud, because it is so real. She also has a few points of view that are relevant today, such as feeling uncomfortable with the federal government being in charge of personal information and data lists.
Just as rationing brought on all kinds of "unintended consequences," so do other forms of government regulation. Not that this is a political book. These are observations used to set the environment. I also enjoyed the noir phrasing, such as "the game is afoot."
Although Mrs. Odboddy proclames herself an old woman, she is still not immune to the charms of a man. When an old heart throb from a quarter century past reappears in her life, her heart does begin to flutter again. And could Dr. Dew-Wright be the one to bring Katherine's heart back to life?
Whenever you hear words such as "How much trouble could it (or they) be..." or "isn't this a good idea?" you know you'd best prepare yourself for an adventure. Mrs. Odboddy always has such good intentions. "I just don't know where I go wrong." Which of us hasn't had those thoughts?
Come for the silly, fall in love with the main character even with her flaws, learn some history while you are entertained!
4.5 stars!
I loved the description of life during supply rationing days. Not just the wonderful pitch-in things the propaganda wants you to believe in and follow. Mrs. Odboddy, ("warrier on the home front and the self appointed scourge of the underworld," ) now in her seventies and perhaps with a slight hearing disorder, stays on top of what needs to be done and how best to get things done.
"She wasn't exactly equiped to take on a spy ring and an enemy by herself." However she does consider it her CIVIC DUTY to report every suspicious activity she notices, and not much escapes her notice.
While I am not quite as old, the scene about mixing up Oleo margarine had me laughing aloud, because it is so real. She also has a few points of view that are relevant today, such as feeling uncomfortable with the federal government being in charge of personal information and data lists.
Just as rationing brought on all kinds of "unintended consequences," so do other forms of government regulation. Not that this is a political book. These are observations used to set the environment. I also enjoyed the noir phrasing, such as "the game is afoot."
Although Mrs. Odboddy proclames herself an old woman, she is still not immune to the charms of a man. When an old heart throb from a quarter century past reappears in her life, her heart does begin to flutter again. And could Dr. Dew-Wright be the one to bring Katherine's heart back to life?
Whenever you hear words such as "How much trouble could it (or they) be..." or "isn't this a good idea?" you know you'd best prepare yourself for an adventure. Mrs. Odboddy always has such good intentions. "I just don't know where I go wrong." Which of us hasn't had those thoughts?
Come for the silly, fall in love with the main character even with her flaws, learn some history while you are entertained!
4.5 stars!
May 2, 2016
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*
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*
May 29, 2016
Mrs. Odboddy, Hometown Patriot by Elaine Faber included 1940s history, humor and a mystery.
Mrs. Odboddy has hearing issues which are pretty funny, and she begins to see a Nazi spy behind every bush, so to speak. Is she paranoid or on the right track? She’s definitely trying to do the right thing and she’s patriotic, a great combination.
I found this book to be very entertaining.
Mrs. Odboddy has hearing issues which are pretty funny, and she begins to see a Nazi spy behind every bush, so to speak. Is she paranoid or on the right track? She’s definitely trying to do the right thing and she’s patriotic, a great combination.
I found this book to be very entertaining.
May 27, 2017
This is a cute and clever cozy about Agnes Agatha Odboddy, who in her bumbling way does prove herself to be a hometown patriot and hero, and a home front warrior. Agnes is a sweet and good woman, but she's not perfect. She manages to bumble her way into more strange and dangerous situations than are believable. Agatha would do well in any madcap, screwball comedy movie. Still, I enjoyed reading this book.
Agatha lives with her granddaughter Katherine, or rather her granddaughter lives with her. Agatha's husband and son both died in WWI. Agatha has a few secrets that no one knows, save those who were involved, and to her contrition and delight, one of those secrets shows up on her doorstep.
While this book is well-written, my one major complaint about it is that there seems to be a discrepancy about Agatha's age. The book makes it very clear that Agatha is 70 years old. However, it also implies that 24 years earlier, she was young and working as an undercover agent during WWI. It speaks of the youth she’s lost during that quarter of a century. Given that she’s 70 in the book I figure that during WWI, Agatha would have been in her early 40s, not exactly a spring chicken.
This is a lovely, feel good tale about people doing their best to fight the war as best they can on the home front. It's filled with period words, products, and activities, so it adds a nice, heaping helping of nostalgia for those who appreciate it. I do, so I found this a highly enjoyable read.
I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys cozy, humorous books.
Agatha lives with her granddaughter Katherine, or rather her granddaughter lives with her. Agatha's husband and son both died in WWI. Agatha has a few secrets that no one knows, save those who were involved, and to her contrition and delight, one of those secrets shows up on her doorstep.
While this book is well-written, my one major complaint about it is that there seems to be a discrepancy about Agatha's age. The book makes it very clear that Agatha is 70 years old. However, it also implies that 24 years earlier, she was young and working as an undercover agent during WWI. It speaks of the youth she’s lost during that quarter of a century. Given that she’s 70 in the book I figure that during WWI, Agatha would have been in her early 40s, not exactly a spring chicken.
This is a lovely, feel good tale about people doing their best to fight the war as best they can on the home front. It's filled with period words, products, and activities, so it adds a nice, heaping helping of nostalgia for those who appreciate it. I do, so I found this a highly enjoyable read.
I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys cozy, humorous books.
October 6, 2021
Mrs. Odboddy: Hometown Patriot (Mrs. Odboddy Mysteries #1) — Elaine Faber (29 chapters) Oct. 1-3, 2021
So, Mrs. Odboddy, I assume, is a former spy from WWI who has since retired, but still does her part to help the current war cause, which includes volunteering to help the troops and participating in church and social event. She has lost family in the war and her granddaughter, who lost her fiancee in the war lives with her as well.
Mrs. Odboddy believes there are Nazis everywhere and that there are spies among her. Everyone else thinks she crazy.
There is no murder in this story; there is mystery and intrigue involving stolen Hawaiian money and ration book black market schemes.
There is a dead body in the story but not a murder victim.
I really wan’t sure how much I was going to like this book. This didn’t have anything to do with the period (WWII, which I enjoyed as it described the ration life) but rather exactly where this story was going.
It was OK, I liked it; it was a quick read, but it didn’t knock my socks off.
Three stars.
So, Mrs. Odboddy, I assume, is a former spy from WWI who has since retired, but still does her part to help the current war cause, which includes volunteering to help the troops and participating in church and social event. She has lost family in the war and her granddaughter, who lost her fiancee in the war lives with her as well.
Mrs. Odboddy believes there are Nazis everywhere and that there are spies among her. Everyone else thinks she crazy.
There is no murder in this story; there is mystery and intrigue involving stolen Hawaiian money and ration book black market schemes.
There is a dead body in the story but not a murder victim.
I really wan’t sure how much I was going to like this book. This didn’t have anything to do with the period (WWII, which I enjoyed as it described the ration life) but rather exactly where this story was going.
It was OK, I liked it; it was a quick read, but it didn’t knock my socks off.
Three stars.
December 10, 2017
Creative Character Monikers Keep Occurring.
Ya gotta love Mrs. Odboddy. Who wouldn't like a ditzy grandmother who, during WWII, is determined to help save her town and country from German spies, Japanese attacks, and homegrown crooks profiting from their countrymen's wartime sacrifices? She's not the hardnosed detective-type she fancies herself, of course. Her mistakes make her a laughing stock at times. But, Agnes Odboddy's bungling escapades will keep you laughing and shaking your head. Meanwhile, you'll learn much about domestic life in the U.S. during WWII.
Enjoy Mrs. Odboddy's adventure along with Mildred Haggenbottom, Pastor Lickleiter, Dr. Don Dew-Wright, Police Chief Cyrus Waddlemucker, and others.
Ya gotta love Mrs. Odboddy. Who wouldn't like a ditzy grandmother who, during WWII, is determined to help save her town and country from German spies, Japanese attacks, and homegrown crooks profiting from their countrymen's wartime sacrifices? She's not the hardnosed detective-type she fancies herself, of course. Her mistakes make her a laughing stock at times. But, Agnes Odboddy's bungling escapades will keep you laughing and shaking your head. Meanwhile, you'll learn much about domestic life in the U.S. during WWII.
Enjoy Mrs. Odboddy's adventure along with Mildred Haggenbottom, Pastor Lickleiter, Dr. Don Dew-Wright, Police Chief Cyrus Waddlemucker, and others.
May 13, 2024
My husband gave me this book as a gift when I mentioned was intrigued by the premise of it. This is a laugh out loud story as long as you have a sense of humor about growing older. Since I am approaching Agnes Odboddys age I thought her predicaments were hysterical. I'm as hard of hearing as she is, but i usually wear my hearing aids. She wants to support the war effort and has an incredibly soft heart which spells trouble when she stumbles into intrigue. She suffers from what lots of us do we think we need to report potential problems to the authorities but they dismiss us as old busy bodies. I love that Agnes never stops trying and proves her worth. This is the first book I read by Elaine Faber but it won't be the last! Highly recommended for laughs and a little WWII history!
July 27, 2022
Miss Marple meets Murder She Wrote in the middle of WWII. Elaine Faber's delightful tale illuminates what it was like to live during a time when rationing and scarcity taught you how to be creative and life went on, even if the boys were fighting overseas. Agnes Odboddy is the essence of a cozy heroine, eccentric, impetuous, questioning and smart. Desperate Doings mixes history and mystery with a cast of interesting characters and an engaging plot that equally tickles your funny-bone and engages your deductive mind.
April 25, 2019
This is one of the most refreshing, well-constructed books I have ever read. That is not to say it is complex with an intricately crafted plot. Every chapter builds to the ending which, while not a shock to the average reader, brings everything together for one satisfying conclusion. I would recommend reading this book a chapter or two at a time during lunch or any time you have a few minutes. Excellent diversion.
March 10, 2018
Comically Mischievous!
This is a must read for those who want to escape for a little while. A definite page-turner! Humor with suspicious intrigue, spies, deviants, romance and cooks! Oh my goodness, most enjoyable. #buckroth
This is a must read for those who want to escape for a little while. A definite page-turner! Humor with suspicious intrigue, spies, deviants, romance and cooks! Oh my goodness, most enjoyable. #buckroth
May 16, 2019
Absolutely Great
This is wonderful story with lots of interesting details about the lives of average Americans during World War II. Of course, Mrs. Morbidly is far from average. Her adventures and the other zany characters keep the story rolling along at a good clip.
This is wonderful story with lots of interesting details about the lives of average Americans during World War II. Of course, Mrs. Morbidly is far from average. Her adventures and the other zany characters keep the story rolling along at a good clip.
January 18, 2021
Historical novel
Humor thrown into this family clean novel.
The story takes place during ww2. I laughed so much.
This is what we need during these trying times we live in.
I enjoyed the book and I recommend it and the author
quite a sense of humor.
Humor thrown into this family clean novel.
The story takes place during ww2. I laughed so much.
This is what we need during these trying times we live in.
I enjoyed the book and I recommend it and the author
quite a sense of humor.
February 20, 2017
I made it to chapter 15 before I gave up in disgust. The character of Mrs. Odboddy is So irritating that I simply could NOT finish this book. Mrs. Odboddy gives senior citizen women a bad name.
March 4, 2018
Very funny
Loved Mrs. Odbody! It was a hoot! Really great story! WOULD RECOMEND THIS BOOK to anyone who love a funny well crafted tale!
Loved Mrs. Odbody! It was a hoot! Really great story! WOULD RECOMEND THIS BOOK to anyone who love a funny well crafted tale!
June 8, 2018
Good
this book has so many different crimes and criminals committing them that this poor elderly women trying to do her part for the war effort.
this book has so many different crimes and criminals committing them that this poor elderly women trying to do her part for the war effort.
July 28, 2020
There is some fun and humor but also the comedy is so indicative of America's paranoia and racism. Couldn't finish it.
September 11, 2024
Loved Ms. Odboddy’s caper!
Charming, funny, suspenseful. I enjoyed the many historical references for how comparatively uncomplicated life was back then. Thanks for the read!
Charming, funny, suspenseful. I enjoyed the many historical references for how comparatively uncomplicated life was back then. Thanks for the read!
March 8, 2017
Good for quick read.
Good for light reading and highly recommended for that purpose. However personally I prefer stories with more suspense and intrigue. Chickens roosting in the house is a bit far fetched and needs a lot of imagination.
Good for light reading and highly recommended for that purpose. However personally I prefer stories with more suspense and intrigue. Chickens roosting in the house is a bit far fetched and needs a lot of imagination.
July 2, 2016
I received a complimentary copy of this book as a part of a book tour for a fair and honest review.
A fan of both cozy mysteries and historical fiction, I jumped at the chance to read and review Mrs. Odboddy: Hometown Patriot, the first book in Elaine Faber’s Mrs. Odboddy Mystery series. Set in a small town on the Southern California coast, Mrs. Odboddy is a book filled with traditional American themes, a couple of intriguing mysteries, and the reminder that everyone, regardless of one’s age, needs to be willing to make whatever sacrifice is needed by your country. If you like cozy mysteries or historical fiction, this is a book you will enjoy.
Ms. Faber does a good job introducing and developing Agnes Odboddy, the seventy year old heroine of her story, right from the start. A woman who has sacrificed both a husband and son in her country’s defense during WW1, Agnes knows more about the cost of freedom than most people. Having served as a spy during WW1 herself, Agnes is determined to do what she can to help the war effort now that WW2 has begun. I liked Agnes character, and liked the fact that the heroine of the story is older, though I did worry about some of the risks Agnes took at her age.
The secondary characters were well developed and I especially liked Katherine, Agnes’ adult granddaughter, Chief Waddlemucker, though he did think Agnes was crying “wolf” and tended to ignore her reports, and I even liked most of the members of her knitting group, though one of them was not to be trusted. There are actually two mysteries within the story, one having to do with stolen ration books and the other with stolen money, and even one Nazi spy. The story’s pace is fairly even, though things definitely sped up as the story got closer to the end.
I enjoyed Ms. Faber’s voice as a writer and while there were a couple of issues; I couldn’t tell if Agnes just needed a better hearing aid or if she was beginning to suffer from a too vivid imagination. Overall, I think Ms. Faber did a good job with this cross genre story and enjoyed it overall. I will be curious to see how Ms. Faber continues to develop Agnes, and her granddaughter Katherine, as the series continues.
Are Agnes suspicions about a possible Nazi spy correct? And what about her suspicions regarding ration books and the black market? And just how does Eleanor Roosevelt figure into Agnes life? You’ll have to read Mrs. Odboddy: Hometown Patriot to find out.
A fan of both cozy mysteries and historical fiction, I jumped at the chance to read and review Mrs. Odboddy: Hometown Patriot, the first book in Elaine Faber’s Mrs. Odboddy Mystery series. Set in a small town on the Southern California coast, Mrs. Odboddy is a book filled with traditional American themes, a couple of intriguing mysteries, and the reminder that everyone, regardless of one’s age, needs to be willing to make whatever sacrifice is needed by your country. If you like cozy mysteries or historical fiction, this is a book you will enjoy.
Ms. Faber does a good job introducing and developing Agnes Odboddy, the seventy year old heroine of her story, right from the start. A woman who has sacrificed both a husband and son in her country’s defense during WW1, Agnes knows more about the cost of freedom than most people. Having served as a spy during WW1 herself, Agnes is determined to do what she can to help the war effort now that WW2 has begun. I liked Agnes character, and liked the fact that the heroine of the story is older, though I did worry about some of the risks Agnes took at her age.
The secondary characters were well developed and I especially liked Katherine, Agnes’ adult granddaughter, Chief Waddlemucker, though he did think Agnes was crying “wolf” and tended to ignore her reports, and I even liked most of the members of her knitting group, though one of them was not to be trusted. There are actually two mysteries within the story, one having to do with stolen ration books and the other with stolen money, and even one Nazi spy. The story’s pace is fairly even, though things definitely sped up as the story got closer to the end.
I enjoyed Ms. Faber’s voice as a writer and while there were a couple of issues; I couldn’t tell if Agnes just needed a better hearing aid or if she was beginning to suffer from a too vivid imagination. Overall, I think Ms. Faber did a good job with this cross genre story and enjoyed it overall. I will be curious to see how Ms. Faber continues to develop Agnes, and her granddaughter Katherine, as the series continues.
Are Agnes suspicions about a possible Nazi spy correct? And what about her suspicions regarding ration books and the black market? And just how does Eleanor Roosevelt figure into Agnes life? You’ll have to read Mrs. Odboddy: Hometown Patriot to find out.
February 11, 2021
This was a fun book to read. Had it in my stash for awhile but glad I read it. I like this type setting ( WW2 ) so that made it more enjoyable. Also realistic type characters and events. Don't pass up this book.
June 15, 2016
This follows Agnes Agatha Odboddy who is volunteering all her services on the homefront for the boys fighting the war. Of course Agnes suspects everyone of something devious. Getting the Chief of Police to pay attention is another story.
I loved this story it was great full of funny situations that make you laugh along with mystery and adventure and even Mrs. Roosevelt makes an appearance. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and couldn't put it down. I followed Agnes with her ups and downs trying to figure out if she was on to something or loosing her mind. I can't wait to see what is next for our Hometown Patriot!
I also enjoyed the fact that her granddaughter Katherine Odboddy was featured in this book as well and alternated chapters with her grandmother. Katherine spends her time doing hair and trying to move past her own demons in her life. It was great to see Katherine move on through the book!
I loved this story it was great full of funny situations that make you laugh along with mystery and adventure and even Mrs. Roosevelt makes an appearance. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and couldn't put it down. I followed Agnes with her ups and downs trying to figure out if she was on to something or loosing her mind. I can't wait to see what is next for our Hometown Patriot!
I also enjoyed the fact that her granddaughter Katherine Odboddy was featured in this book as well and alternated chapters with her grandmother. Katherine spends her time doing hair and trying to move past her own demons in her life. It was great to see Katherine move on through the book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 17, 2016
I'm a bit on the shelf on this one. Mrs. Odboddy is quite the character and I'm not sure if she annoys me or amuses me. I did speed through the book, I like the era, so the writing was entertaining, but I think I'll reserve judgement until I've read the next book. The characters are vivid, the setting good, and the story engaging. I'm just not quite sure....
July 29, 2016
If you are over 70, you'll love being reminded of the life at home during WWII. If you are under 70, you will find it interesting to read about rationing and the home guard, and look outs at the ocean, etc. It is definitely a fun read. Faber has giving a lot of information about the home front during WWII and worked it into an interesting story about an interesting character. I recommend it.
August 23, 2016
Laugh Out Loud Funny
I absolutely loved this book! It was so relaxing and enjoyable. It was well written and easy to read! The characters were pleasant and fun! And it was Laugh Out Loud funny from beginning to ending! Looking forward to reading book two on the Mts. Odboddy series!
I absolutely loved this book! It was so relaxing and enjoyable. It was well written and easy to read! The characters were pleasant and fun! And it was Laugh Out Loud funny from beginning to ending! Looking forward to reading book two on the Mts. Odboddy series!
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June 12, 2016In Elaine Faber's brand new series Mrs.Odboddy Hometown patriot you will meet a fun and witty cast of characters, a fresh new story and enjoy hours of fast-paced humorous reading. A page-turner that will keeping you wanting more.
June 29, 2016
I like the time period and what was going on at the home front, but the main character could be quite annoying at times. The mystery was odd.
BTW, no CIA during WW2, and I'd wonder how much the population of the US knew about the OSS.
BTW, no CIA during WW2, and I'd wonder how much the population of the US knew about the OSS.
April 23, 2017
The title of this book intrigued me, so I read it. It a delightful cozy mystery set in WWII in a small town in Northern California. Mrs. Odboddy is an older woman who was a spy in WWI but is now an ordinary patriotic citizen. She keeps seeing enemy spies everywhere and lets Police Chief Waddlemucker know about them. The police get a good laugh at her expense. She also says things to people that she highly embellishes. Everyone dismisses her talk. One of the things I like about this book is her type of hard hearing. It is the same as my husband’s! She hears, “I have some Chinese plumbers on my roof” but what was really said, “I have some prize cucumbers from Rufus.” Absolutely hysterical! Mrs. Odboddy is a unique heroine that is thoroughly likeable. The situations she gets involved with are hilarious! I highly recommend this book!
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