Magnolias and Mayhem

A great collection of short stories. Southern mysteries by some of the best mystery short story writers around. Each story is charming and entertaining. A wonderful American take on the English-type mystery. Enjoy!

The southern mystery sub-genre is known for its "gentle" belles that solve crimes by being polite "steel magnolias" who "delicately" find the clues that identify the criminal. This collection pays homage to the regional mystery of the south as each tale provides that genteel background disguising a rock solid individual or two. The fourteen tales are all well written as expected from some of the sub-genre's leading authors. Each story provides a full picture of the area to include powerful characterizations and many amusing scenarios. None of the stories are weak though some are incredibly excellent like those of Carolyn Hart and Elizabeth Daniel Squires. Fans of the Southern crime story will fully enjoy this anthology intended for leisure reading over several cold nights.Harriet Klausner

Jeffrey Marks' anthology "Magnolias and Mayhem" from Silver Dagger Press is another winner from that small publishing house. Some great short stories including authors such as Jeff Marks, Margaret Maron, Deborah Adams, Dean James and Elizabeth Daniels Squires. There are also separate stories by the self-styled "evil twins", [Barbara]Taylor McCafferty and Beverly Taylor Herald as well as Carolyn Hart, Jeff Abbot, Toni Kelner, etc. Fine stories for those who like their mysteries with a Southern touch, but with a healthy diversity in style and content.

I like these tales of mystery and murder set in the always mysterious south. Some are better than others - loved Marti's Secrets, by Grant Devereaux, totally took me by surprise - but all of them are good! An enjoyable read all around.

I recently purchased MAGNOLIAS AND MAYHEM at a book signing. I judge a book by its cover. Let me be the first to tell you that looks can be deceiving. As you know there are some short stories that are better than others, but that is not the case with this collection. I was very impressed. HAPPY READING!