In this book, bookseller Claire Malloy looks into a thirty-year old murder and fresh dead bodies disconcertingly appear. Author Joan Hess has two series of books; I recommend both. The second series involves tiny Maggody, Ark, pop. 755, where dead bodies and mysteries pop up on a regular basis. The lone peace officer, police chief Arly Hanks,does her best despite the interfering of her mother, Ruby Bee and Ruby's best friend, Estelle.
Claire Malloy, bookseller and mother of a teen-aged girl (who is so true to life) finally gets out of Farberville, Arkansas. Destination--Acapulco, but not, alas, for a vacation. A long-lost cousin has asked for her help and Claire's curiosity gets the better of her common sense. An interesting mystery and funny, as always.
Renee S. (renee45) reviewed Closely Akin to Murder (Claire Malloy, Bk 11) on + 588 more book reviews
very, very good book
This is one of my favorites. Didn't end at all the way I would have expected. The only question I have, is what happened to Melanie, from the previous book? She's not mentioned again.
Shirley J. (NoShushing) -
Claire Malloy's cousin, Veronica Landonwood, calls from Chicago to ask for help in tracking down a blackmailer who threatens to expose her past. Veronica (Ronnie) was once jailed for murder, and has rehabilitated herself into a scientist with a chance to win the Nobel prize, unless her past becomes public.
Marie R. (lynxxmarie) -
Fast read and good mystery. I found it to be humorous in just the right plsces.
Shannon H. (Shann) reviewed Closely Akin to Murder (Claire Malloy, Bk 11) on + 336 more book reviews
a great cozy.. witty and funny.. hess is a great mystery writer i loved all her books
good read
PATRICIA K. (AgathaRaisin) reviewed Closely Akin to Murder (Claire Malloy, Bk 11) on + 61 more book reviews
11th in the series
Wonderful--typical Claire and daughter. Funnier than some.
At first it seems like a prank. How could Veronica Landonwood be the voice on the other end of the phone when she died three decades ago? But as Arkansas bookseller and amateur sleuth Claire Malloy is about to find out, her cousin 'Ronnie' is very much alive-and in trouble. And could use Claire's help. Today, Ronnie is a renowned scientist living in Chicago. But when she was a teenager, she had a run-in with a famous Hollywood producer in Acapulco, Mexico. He attempted to sexually assault her-and she killed him. Having served time in prison, Ronnie finally put this episode behind her, until now. Just when she has a real shot at the Nobel Prize, a ruthless blackmailer is threatening to expose the secrets of her past. Can Claire help to preserve Ronnie's reputation and keep her out of harm's way? That will depend on Claire's investigation, and what really happened on the night of the murder so many years ago.
