by Joan Hess (Author)

"Outstanding...A fun-to-read mixture of homicide and humor."
THE PITTSBURGH PRESS
In this, the seventh adventure in the Claire Malloy series, Claire discovers a lot about her late, unlamented husband. The viperish family matriarch, Miss Justicia, gives a preview of her latest will at the decaying family estate in Louisiana. From snobbish Cousin Maxie and timid, tippling Pauline to beautiful Ellie and her porky dad, the Malloys appear a poisonous lot--and appeareances in this case are not deceiving. When Miss Jusiticia and her wheelchair end up in the bayou, Claire is certain that one of them assisted the old lady to her death. And snakes, snipers, and tapeworms notwithstanding, she's prepared to prove it....

Front Jacket

Praise for the" Claire Malloy Mystery Series
"A worthy issue; a few eccentrics; lots of ill-advised forays into danger; and a blithe heroine whose ironic reflections often produce a chuckle. Of special interest to dedicated animal-lovers." --"Kirkus Reviews on "Roll Over and Play Dead
"Hess again provides lively and diverting entertainment via her brash and articulate detective."
--"Publishers Weekly on "Roll Over and Play Dead
"Witty, ironic, and biting...Joan Hess has an unerring comedic instinct."-"Bookpage
"Joan Hess fans will find a winning blend of soft-core feminism, trendy subplots, and a completely irreverent style that characterizes both series and the sleuth, all nicely onstage."-"Houston Chronicle
"Breezy and delightful...Claire Malloy is one of the most engaging narrators in mystery."
-"The Drood Review
"Whether she's hammering my funny bone or merely passing a feather beneath my nose, Joan Hess always makes me laugh. Murder only raises Joan Hess's wicked sense of humor. Enjoy!"-Margaret Maron, author of" Storm Track
"Definitely entertaining. Hess deftly sprinkles red herrings and odd characters throughout."-"Library Journal on "The Murder at the Mimosa Inn
""Dear Miss Demeanor is great fun...Hess's poniard is tipped with subtle wit."
-"Chicago Sun Times
"Hess's theme is a serious one, but she handles it with wit. Claire is an appealing character, and this is an engaging mystery for anyone who likes crime mixed with comedy."-"Booklist on "Roll Over and Play Dead
"Hess's style-that of a more worldly Erma Bombeck-rarely flags. Amiable entertainment with an edge."-"Kirkus Reviews
"Joan Hess is one funny woman."-Susan Dunlap
"Joan Hess is the funniest mystery writer to come down the pipe since England's incomparable Pamela Branch. And oh, how well Joan writes."-Carolyn G. Hart

Back Jacket

Things that go bump in the Bayou...
For bookseller and amateur sleuth Claire Malloy getting a root canal beats going to a Malloy family reunion. But it is time her fifteen-year-old daughter Caron visits her deceased father's relatives. Now Claire and Caron have arrived at Malloy Manor, a run-down mansion in Louisiana's bayou country...where the mosquitoes are big enough to barbecue, the swamp is crawling with alligators, the butler looks like he stepped out of a teen slasher movie, and the wheelchair-bound matriarch, Miss Justicia, races around the grounds cackling like a loon.
It's the perfect setting-for a murder. Before a night has passed, Miss Justicia is sleeping with the fishes. The police call it a "tragic accident." Caron is all for calling a cab. But Claire wants to have a closer look at her "loving" relatives since she has a hunch leaving Malloy Manor isn't going to be all that easy...and neither is staying alive.

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