The Dexter Leader
A Heritage Newspaper
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Women take the lead in a series of mysteries
By Joan Elmouchi
PUBLISHED: July 31, 2008
Readers love to read series about familiar, comfortable characters that feel like old friends. Especially popular are light, gentle mysteries usually featuring a woman in the leading role. These books offer minimal mayhem, some smart detective work, a little humor, a bit of romance, and a satisfying ending that leaves the reader clambering for the next installment. Here are some suggested series:
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The most popular mystery writer on the planet is Mary Higgins Clark. While most of her novels stand alone, her "Alvirah and Willy" series includes six titles sure to please. Alvirah Meehan is a former cleaning lady who won millions in the New York lottery, and she and her husband Willy now have a fancy apartment near Central Park, and the time for Alvirah to put her superior sleuthing skills to work. First introduced in "Weep No More, My Lady", these swiftly moving, cozy tales are always entertaining.
Mary Higgins Clark's daughter Carol has established her own reputation as a best -selling author. Her single-word titled mysteries started with "Decked" in 1992, and continue with the 2008 entry, "Zapped."
They feature Los Angeles private eye Regan Reilly, first a single gal, and 11 titles later, married to NYPD cop Jack Reilly. That Reagan's husband has the same last name is typical of Clark's humor. The two Clarks have teamed up for several novels, and in "Deck the Halls," Reagan pairs with her mother's character Alvirah Meehan to solve the kidnapping of Reagan's father. These are light, humorous crime tales.
Lovely, funny and clever, the "Southern Sisters" series is sure to delight. Unfortunately, author Anne George has passed away, and the series ended with the 2001 title "Murder Boogies with Elvis." But there are eight wonderful titles to enjoy, including "Murder on a Bad Hair Day" and "Murder on a Girls' Night Out". The novels feature the narrator, petite Patricia Anne, and her statuesque, brazen sister Mary Alice. When Patricia Anne, nicknamed Mouse, retires after a long career as a high school teacher, bodies start popping up all over the place. Never actively sleuthing, somehow the two very different sisters always manage to get into the middle of the mystery. With old cats, lazy dogs, good-humored husbands and sisterly bickering, these tales are a delight.
The starchy, proper Miss Julia is the heroine of the "Miss Julia" books, another delightful Southern series. After the death of her miserable husband, Wesley Lloyd, Julia Springer finds herself a very wealthy widow and free for the first time in her life. But before she has time to enjoy her new life, there's a shocking development. Hazel Marie Puckett and her wan nine-year old son, Little Lloyd, appear on Julia's doorstep claiming to be Wesley Lloyd's long-time mistress and offspring. The resulting scandal shocks Miss Julia to the core, but she stiffens her spine and comes up with the perfect plan for revenge. The following nine titles follow the mild adventures of Miss Julia, Hazel Marie, Little Lloyd, and a host of wonderful characters, including a surprising romance. Crooked televangelists, car chases, evil uncles, and even a kidnapping appear in the stories, which are ruminations on small-town southern life with a smattering of mystery thrown in.
Author Alexander McCall Smith has a great love of his characters and of Africa, which shine through in the "No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency" series. Precious Remotswe is the one and only lady detective in all of Botswana, and she and her prickly assistant, Grace Makutsi (known for her big, round glasses) use common sense and natural insight to expose cheating spouses, find missing relatives, and uncover sneaky thieves.
In the course of 10 titles, the most recent being 2008's "The Miracle at Speedy Motors," Mma Remotswe acquires a husband in the reliable mechanic Mr. J. L. B. Matekoni, and two foster children from the orphanage where Mr. Matekoni keeps the ancient machinery in working order. Even Grace Makutsi finds a suitor in a stuttering but prosperous furniture store owner. These warm and wise stories will put a smile on your face.
All books are available at the McKune Memorial Library in Chelsea.
Joan Elmouchi is the library director at McKune Memorial Library.
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