The Merry Wives of Maggody: An Arly Hanks Mystery

The Maggody books have all been enjoyable but this one - to me - is the best yet. The Buchanans are here but more as side characters. They had a tendency to be a little wearing after a while. The focus is on Maggody's first ever golf tournament. Quite a neat trick as they don't have a golf course (does a swamp count?) and no one knows how to play. Mrs. Jim Bob is in charge and the competition is fierce for the grand prize - a $40,000 bass boat. Much care is given to the development of the competitors - both from Maggody and from out of town. There are 2 murders and plenty of suspects. The mystery is very good but I especially enjoyed seeing some of the characters in a new light. Arly and Ruby Bee's relationship takes a new turn. I even found myself caring for Mrs. Jim Bob and that was completely unexpected. The next book in this series should be especially interesting with all the new plot twists which occurred in this one.

I love Joan Hess's books and especially the Maggody series. This one is a great addition and was a fun read. It is the sort of book you don't like to put down. Arly is pregnant and not yet married (although that might be in the next book). Can't wait for the next one to find out. Some authors have trouble continuing a series this long. Joan Hess proves that this does not have to be the case. This book is just as new and interesting as the beginning ones of the series.

What can I say, I was not disappointed, I started laughing within the first few pages. I love the Maggody folks, and have read each of the Maggody series, and can't wait for the next one. I will be donating my copy to our city library so others can enjoy. Joanne from Oregon

I've read every Maggody book with great delight and have been anticipating this book and expecting great pleasure in reading it. It did not disappoint. The entire premise of a golf tournament in this tiny, rural town, with its limited resources and mostly backward folk, was hilarious to begin with. Mrs. Jim Bob's idea of "golf widows" being needy set me off in a spasm of giggles that recurred with each and very mention of the term. (Having known a few "golf widows" who thoroughly enjoyed their status, made it even funnier for me.) The new major and incidental characters from "away" who are involved in this story are every bit as exceptional as the "ordinary" denizens of Maggody and their characters are perfectly developed in this story. Arly Hanks is, as usual, the only truly sane member of this menagerie and, in spite of being in an "interesting condition," is able to see through the obvious and collar the perpetrator. I certainly recommend this cozy for anyone who loves mystery with humor.

The 755 residents of Maggody, Arkansas are overall excited over hosting the first ever Maggody Charity Golf Tournament, which symbolizes how far from homemade cornpone to country club whiskey the townsfolk's have come; though secretly most prefer the products of the back woods distillery. Mrs. Jim Bob Buchanan who came up with the idea refuses to accept any issues to prevent the tournament; for instance there are no golf courses, clubs or players in the town; most of the folks cannot spell the word golf. When Mrs. Jim Bob announces the prize of a $40,000 bass boat for the first hole in run, everyone takes out brooms and what not to practice golf. Faberville Country Cub professional Tommy Ridner wins the prize over the hoot and holler of locals claiming he is an outside ringer as is PGA player Bonaparte Buchanan brought in by his clan to keep the prizes inside the family. Someone murders Tommy and soon afterward his friend. Pregnant police chief Arly Hanks puts aside her tea for tee time to investigate the homicides; while a LPGA pro files an assault complaint. Merry Wives of Maggody is even zanier than the title implies as golf proves a lethal sport with a hole in one having new meaning as a hole in the head. The thin story line is fast-paced from the moment Mrs. Jim Bob tries to change the town's rep from the centerfold of hick to glamour and never slows down as Arly investigates the homicides and the assault. Golf has never been crazier than in Maggody as Joan Hess strokes an ace on the sixteenth hole with this amusing cozy. Harriet Klausner