A Holly, Jolly Murder

I've worked my way through almost all of Hess's books, but somehow had overlooked this earlier one. It's a fun mystery, as all of her books are, and it was fun to see Caron tackle a problem on her own.

This was the first Claire Malloy Mystery i have ever read and based on it, i just ordered 8 more. i loved the humor in here. i am a 50 year old woman and for me, at least, there were some pages that had me literally laughing so hard that i had tears in my eyes. i am looking forward to passing each of them on to my best friend after i read them to share the fun with her. After all the serious mysteries i regularly read, it was great to read something that was just plain fun.

Joan Hess has yet to write a bad book (and I've read them all). Her books are a hoot! Funny and entertaining, she can always put a smile on my face.

Claire Malloy is upset with the two people she loves. Her lover is visiting his mother and perhaps his ex-wife. Her daughter is embroiled in a million dollar lawsuit. Both of them add to her agitation when they insist that Claire is to inflexible with her personality and lifestyle set in cement. When Malthea, a Druid leader, invites Claire to attend one of their rituals, she accepts to prove to her loved ones that she can do non-routine things. However, instead of a ceremony, Claire becomes involved with the murder of a wealthy cult member, Nicholas Chandler. She investigates the case and soon believes that teenager Roy Tate killed the blackmailing Nicholas. However, Roy blames Malthea's demon for putting him over the edge. Claire still needs to learn whether Roy is faking insanity and, if he is, why did he kill Nicholas? Though for some unfathomable reason, not as popular as Joan Hess's Maggody series, the Claire Malloy mysteries are fun to read because of the way the pragmatic lead protagonist seems to always land in ludicrous situations. A HOLLY, JOLLY MURDER showcases Claire at her lovable best, struggling with a mystery just as she tries to widen her horizons by diving into the middle of New Age elements. Fans of the Maggody series need to try this book. They will not be disappointed by it. Harriet Klausner