Guess Who's Coming to Die? (Thoroughly Southern Mysteries, No. 9)

Except for the first two books, I have read all of Patricia Sprinkle's Thoroughly Southern Mystery series to date and have loved each one. The stories envelop the reader in the cozy comfort of visiting with old friends, without ever letting them overstay their welcome. Each book reveals something new about returning favorites and introduces enough new friends, family members, and villains to keep things fresh and interesting. The mysteries are clever, intriguing, complex. The setting is rich in the regional flavors, customs, and manners of the small-town South, but never at the expense of other cultures or groups of people. This series never disappoints. I hope Signet will one day offer BUT WHY SHOOT THE MAGISTRATE? and WHEN DID WE LOSE HARRIET? in the same style as the rest of the series so my collection may be complete.

The latest in a series featuring Georgia magistrate MacLauren Yarbrough and her family. Set in a hither-to small town, the problems of growth have begun to spring up. Pushed by her husband Joe, MacLauren accepts an invitation to join the Magnolia Ladies' Investment Club. Murder strikes on her first night there, and once more MacLaren finds herself involved in solving a crime. Who done it? This enjoyable read gives you the answer.

PATRICIA SPRINKLE: Wonderful Author. Her stories never disappoint the reader. The characters she develop-es in each of these Southern Mysteries come to life. You feel the emotions surrounding the story line of the person. Each new book in the series is a joy to enjoy! The Artist who creates each Book Cover does an excellent job.

What fun! I can always count on a Patricia Sprinkle book to brighten my day. Oh sure, there's a dead body -- sometimes in a gruesome predicament -- but Sprinkle manages, like every good mystery writer, to give us a compelling puzzle, a well-planned plot, a satisfying denouement, and plenty of side information along the way. In GUESS WHO'S COMING TO DIE? she manages to eviscerate developers who clear-cut land without thinking of the consequences, with a sideswipe at owners of gas-guzzling SUVs. And she does it without sounding like she's on a soap-box. Quite a trick to that. This one is a winner!

Each time I pick up one of Patricia Sprinkle's stories about Mac Yarbrough, I am sure that she will not be able to top the last one. However, each time I am pleasantly suprised with an even more complex mystery with extraordinary characters, all with convoluted reasons for being suspected of the crime or crimes. For me, it just doesn't get any better. Having been born and raised in the south, these characters recall people I remember from my long-ago childhood. Mac is a fictional character with whom I am sure I could be friends. I can picture friendly visits and lengthy conversations about things interesting to both of us. The method of her reasoning and the teasing out of obscure information about the other characters keeps me guessing until the end of the book. The "reveal" in this book is presented in a manner that is every bit as good as any final act in a thrilling play. The scene has been set and that description has been written so well I can picture it all in my mind. I can't imagine that anyone would be disappointed with this mystery. The rich descriptions of the characters, their motives and actions (sometimes irrational, just as in real life) and the ultimate solution by a very real and interesting protagonist, are all reasons to read this book.