This month I’m writing about another book that I really have wanted to re-read for a long time now – Joan Hess‘s Strangled Prose, the first in her Claire Malloy Mystery Series.
Claire Malloy is a busy woman – she’s a widow, a mother, and a business owner, running a semi-successful bookstore in Farberville, Arkansas, a small college town where life seems to largely revolve around the liberal arts college Claire’s husband was a professor at before his untimely demise. Claire doesn’t live the romanticized small-town life often shown in many modern Cozies – though she has a relatively wide social circle, her natural cynicism (verging on pessimism) often leads her to see the negative in those around her, including but not limited to her daughter, her bookstore, and her friends.
One of these friends, Mildred Twiller, aka renowned romance author Azalea Twilight, convinces Claire to hold a signing and reception for her most recent release, Professor of Passion. The signing is most definitely not a success – one of Claire’s other friends, a professor at the local college, arrives to read a few choice excerpts from the book, all of which make very clear parallels between the characters of the novel and questionable acts by the local academics. Suffice to say, it isn’t long before Mildred Twiller/Azalea Twilight is found dead, strangled to death at her house.
Before I go any further in discussing this series, I’ll have to mention that it’s a bit older than many of the Cozies I’ve covered, and as a result doesn’t fit many of the modern conceptions of a Cozy. Most notably, the novel deals a lot more with sex than many other Cozies nowadays – not on-screen, but more as an element of character backstories and as a topic for discussion, especially considering that the deceased for this novel is a renowned romance author. I personally did not find any of this any more objectionable than I did when I first read this novel thirty years ago – but some readers might.
As I said, I still enjoy this novel as much as I did decades ago. One of the most interesting parallels I noted as I re-read it was how many elements from this, a novel first released in the mid-eighties, have now become staples of the Cozy genre in general. As with most modern Cozies, Claire is an independent woman in one of a handful of specific occupations – in her case, owner of a book store. Also as within most modern Cozies, she was once either married or in a serious committed relationship that has relatively recently ended, not due to her own choice – in this case, the death of her husband. And also in this case, there’s the introduction of a detective Claire seems to feel some attraction toward, though in this case the attraction is substantially less evident and acted upon than in many modern Cozies due to Claire’s own somewhat prickly nature.
There are noteworthy differences, however. The most obvious have already been mentioned – namely, the somewhat candid attitude toward sex compared to modern Cozies and Claire’s more acerbic personality. The second in particular is something I appreciate as a nice change from the more positive, “can-do” style modern Cozy sleuths – I suppose it’s nice to see someone who doesn’t always seem to see only the best in people right away!
Overall, I’m not sure I can recommend Strangled Prose to everyone, but it’s certainly right up my own alley. It’s certainly an interesting study in Cozy-ish novels from the 1980’s.
If you’re interested in other Joan Hess series, she’s also the author of the also quite-excellent Maggody Mystery Series. I wrote about the Claire Mallory series because I slightly prefer it, but I know many people prefer the Maggody series, which I also like a lot – just not quite as much as this one.
Karen Simpson says
I absolutely loved this series. I can’t count how many times I just laughed out loud when she was making comments and during the exchanges with KAREN….the daughter who talked in caps. Just a lovely way to enjoy reading time.
Also, did she not finish the last Amelia Peabody?…another that makes me laugh out loud.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Karen, I’m going to quote you right here, because this is exactly how I felt about this series: “I absolutely loved this series. ” And, yes, you are absolutely right, she did finish the last novel in Elizabeth Peters’ Amelia Peabody series. I meant to include that in my entry, but cannot believe I forgot… Thanks for the reminder!
MVS says
I haven’t read this one but I have read two more from the series. I think they are very entertaining! I hope to get my hand on this title and any others.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
MVS, every once in a while I think about all of the authors who I used to enjoy reading and Joan Hess is certainly one of them! At first I preferred her Maggody series – which is set in a rather dysfunctional small town in Arkansas. It’s really something how Joan Hess was able to write two such strong series that are so very different from each other. I miss her mysteries!
Cathy N says
I love Joan’s Maggody series. I’ve only read one Claire Malloy. I’ll have to catch up. I was so sad to hear of Joan’s passing a few years ago.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Cathy N, when I used to read Joan’s Maggody series in bed (with a flashlight) I would have to stifle my laughter so I didn’t wake up my husband. Those Maggody books are absolutely hilarious! I know I already said this in another comment, but I miss Joan Hess’ mysteries!
Marsha Bly says
I loved those first & older Claire Mallory books… later ones, not quite so much.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Marsha Bly, I have a tendency to sometimes tire of a sleuth/author, too…
Miriam G says
I wonder: is it us who get tired, or is the author? For example, I used to love Agatha Raisin, but in the last couple of books, they’ve become boring and a rehash of previous stories. It’s like M.C. Beaton takes a list of paragraphs from previous novels and makes a copy-and-paste. Agatha used to be an intelligent woman, now she’s a whining sop.
The same happened to me with The Cat Who… series. The first ones, love. The last two or three books in the series, painting by numbers.
On the other hand, Mary Daheim’s Bed and Breakfast and Alpine series are still going strong in my opinion.
I don’t know, just my 0.02…
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Miriam G, I agree about getting tired of certain sleuths/series. I have such a difficult time deleting an author from my favorites list. I usually end up reading two more books (or I should say “trying to read”) after I have grown tired. Just this morning I finished reading one of my favorite author’s books which I finally had to quickly skim through just to make it to the end. It’s great finding an author who you want to stay with through the entire series…
Minikraut says
I find that happens to me, too. And I discovered that one reason is the author repeating too much background knowledge for the sake of those who didn’t read the previous books in a series. Which could be quite helpful when books would frequently be out of print rather quickly. With the rise of the e-book, it’s usually easy to go read no1 first. Maybe authors will notice and skip all the repetitions eventually.
Ginger (Bronx) says
Love your comments, Dana! I also like the Claire Malloy series slightly better than the Maggody series. One slight advantage (and disadvantage) is the Maggody series are slightly more whacky in their plots. Primary attraction of the Claire series for me is she’s such a distinct individual (love to have her as a friend!, and her relationship with her daughter feels so real at so many points.
I recently purchased (used) some of the 1980s and 1990s books, with an intention of re-reading them. Will pick one up next —
Moving my Claire Malloy’s higher on my to-read list. Thanks!
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Ginger (Bronx), I am trying to bring attention to some of the authors of yester-year. I am hoping some readers who have never read any of their mysteries might be inspired to try them. You’re right about Maggody being a whacky group… it’s definitely a series I wouldn’t want to read all at one time. The books are fun, but you need to take a breather between them!
Jane Exner says
I really enjoyed the Maggody series.i read them all and I wish she had written more. I haven’t read all of the Mallory series but liked what I have read.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Jane Exner, I can’t believe Joan Hess wrote these series thirty years ago. It’s fun to go back to mysteries before every sleuth was able to access a computer and find out everything about the possible culprits. Also, today’s sleuths having a phone with them at all times is another great advantage the sleuths from (let’s say) the 1980s didn’t have. I’m really getting in the mood to re-read Malice in Maggody…
Bookish Hooker says
I just picked this book up at a used bookstore and can’t wait to read it. I love the older mysteries.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Bookish, I hope you enjoy it as much as some of the rest of us did!
Rita Ingersoll says
Sounds like I will have to make a trip to the book store! Just as soon as I finish Cleo Coyles Shot in The Dark! Love the husband and wife writing team.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Rita, if you decide to read the series, I hope you’re able to read it in chronological order. The characters develop from book to book…
marilyn kros says
i read both series. i liked the maggody series best
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Marilyn, that Maggody crowd sure keeps the stories fun!
Pam Walker says
I tried the Maggody series but did not like it as well as the Claire Malloy series.
Bek says
The Claire Mallory series is already on my list, and based on what you’ve said, I’m going to move it up several notches! LOL, after having read the Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter series, I doubt that anything Claire or those around her do will shock me overly much.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Bek, I sure hope you enjoy the series. It has remained one of my favorites over all these years…
PamB says
I’ve not read a book by Joan Hess so will definitely be looking at the used book stores and hopefully find some. Several of my favorite authors are from ‘years ago’.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
PamB, me, too! I’m going to be posting an entry about Diane Mott Davidson’s series which is another one that I consider one of my favorites.
Barb E says
I loved Joan Hess and Diane Mott Davidson too. You are on a roll!
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Barb E, I just wish there were more of their mysteries to read!
Georgeann Hendrick says
Joan Hess also wrote “Mummy Dearest,” one of the Claire Malloy series. She wrote this as a tribute to Barbara Mertz (aka Elizabeth Peters). The setting is Egypt; the denouement harks back to the old-style reveals of gathering all the suspects together. This is one of my all-time favorite books.
I too am saddened that there will be no more books by Joan Hess.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Georgeann, thank you for the comment – I also quite enjoy Elizabeth Peters, and was glad to see Joan Hess finish that series. Sorry, but I did take out the spoiler part of your post – I don’t want anything to be a spoiler for those who might not have started the series.
Pam Walker says
I am a big fan of this series and love Joan Hess’s subtle humor.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Pam Walker, that’s one of the differences that Joan Hess was able to make between her two series. Subtle VS Dysfunctional/Crazy in her Maggody series.
Mel says
I always preferred the Arly Hank’s/Maggody series .She also wrote a few books with the protagonist named Theo Bloomer. I think one title had something about ‘a deadly ackee’, or something like that.
Yet Claire’s daughter was a hoot!
She was one of my top faves, next to Evanovitch for laugh out loud enjoyment.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Mel, I certainly agree that these are some great series. I might not prefer Maggody, but it’s also definitely great.
Lacey Sheridan says
I’ve enjoyed several of the Claire Malloy mysteries also. For me, the MC’s maturity and the normal attitudes toward sex are a large part of the draw. Cozies can be restful: they are too formulaic to be anything else. But they can also be tiresome: the litle girl trapped in a woman’s body, never becoming angry and blushing coyly at a male smile like a teenager. Other cozy authors could learn from Joan Hess; cozies don’t have to read like Nancy Drew.
Sharon in MD says
Joan Hess is a new-to-me author. Thanks, Danna, for a very interesting blog on her series. I have ordered book 1 from the Maggody Mystery Series and the Claire Mallory Series from my public library. I’m so happy they had them, as well as, the rest of the books in these series!
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Sharon, I hope you enjoy them as much as I have!
Patrick McIntosh says
I love both the Claire Malloy & Arly Hanks Maggody mysteries as well as the two Theo Bloomer mysteries she wrote as Joan Hadley & her short stories. All of which always helped me to forget my woes.
I see that the pilot TV show Arly Hanks is now available on DVD.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Patrick, they’re certainly all great mysteries, though it’s been a long time since I’ve read many of them. I definitely need to continue rereading these books.
Hadroka K says
I love the Clair Malloy series. Is there any discussion of it being continued by another author?
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Hadroka, not that I have heard. Picking up a series by a deceased author is often a tricky proposition.
Terry says
I loved Joan Hess’s books, both the Claire Malloy and Maggody series. I have never laughed so hard reading a book as I did in Maggody’s book 2, Mischief in Maggody. I have read and reread every book in both quite different series.
Georgeann Hendrick says
My favorite Claire Malloy book is Mummy Dearest, Joan Hess’s fun-filled tribute to Elizabeth Peters’s Amelia Peabody series.
As others have mentioned, this book made me laugh out loud. What fun.
I’m not sure I would get on a camel, even for my picture to be taken.
Karen says
I adored the Claire series….the dialogue between mother and daughter completely cracked me up every time……she was such a fun writer.