Mama Does Time

I read a lot of mysteries. I started out with the "English Cottage" mysteries, so it's no surprise that I prefer mysteries that have a good sense of place, time and character. I also like mysteries that are part of a series. It's difficulty to find a good mystery, so when I do, I want there to be more. I've also read a fair number of first-time authors, probably because I harbor a secret dream of being one myself. I'm pretty critical of first-timers. But I have to say that I really liked Deborah Sharp's MAMA DOES TIME. It has a comfortable voice. She doesn't try too hard to be funny--interecting humor in a way that doesn't call attention to itself. And Sharp has a delightful sense of time, place and familial relationships. It meets all of my criteria. It's a great read--and there are more to come! How cool is that?

As a 30-year resident of the state, I've come to love and cherish the remnants of old Florida that have escaped the developers. Deborah Sharp, a Florida cracker and crackerjack writer, captures that rare essence in her debut novel, "Mama Does Time." With a sharp eye and quick wit, she brings to life Himmarshee, a still unspoiled bit of Florida real estate, in which live fun- and man-loving Mama, her three grown daughters and a passel of colorful characters that spring off the pages of this funny yet suspenseful read. I don't want to give a smidgen of the plot away (and there's no need since other reviews offer a taste). What I will say is that as a journalist, book author and lifelong lover of mysteries, I thoroughly enjoyed the world Sharp conjures up, melding Carl Hiaasen's mastery of Florida absurdism with Erma Bombeck folksiness seamlessly bound together with Sharp's eye for detail and fun. I eagerly await the next episode in what I hope will be a long line of Mace Bauer novels.

As an avid reader of this type of murder mystery genre, I am always on the lookout for a new cast of well-written characters and an "I have to finish it now!" story. This has it all! It is smart, witty, and full of vibrant details that make Mama, her family, and a quirky Florida town come alive. From the first page to the last, the wonderful images elicited from the author's descriptive writing placed me into the hilarious chaos that surrounds Mama and left me on the edge of my seat to find out who done it! It has left me wanting more Mama!! I looked for other Mace Bauer mysteries and there is another book coming in July- can't wait!! PS: My husband, who is definitely not a reader, (unless reading Cat in the Hat to our two small children qualifies as being a reader) saw how caught up I became in the book and had to read it himself. He is now a few pages from the end. Mace Bauer can work miracles too it seems :)

I really enjoyed this fast-read. Mama and her antics took me on a journey to the "back roads Florida" I love. The writing is full of color and the "Florida speak" is so entertaining. I rarely laugh out loud, but I did as I read "Mama." I thought this would mostly appeal to women, but was pleasantly surprised that "Mama" appeals to men too. I can't wait for the next "Mama" book.

Wow, What a ride!!! I had heard about this book from a friend who heard the author talk about her new series. And being a Yankee who once lived in the south and constantly traveled to quirky parts of Florida, I thought I would give it a try...it was like getting on a thrill ride that definitely did not disappoint! I love this colorful woman that everyone would want to know, and each character was so wonderfully bizarre that they felt real. This was so fun to read that I cannot wait for the next one. I immediately sent a copy to my friends who know I always am on the cutting edge of discovering new authors. I Googled the author's name to find something else y her and found this great blog - http://mysterygal-mysterygal.blogspot.com/ as well as an index of her USA Today articles. Why she is not a syndicated columnist is beyond me. Erma Bombeck you may have met your match!!!