Deader Homes & Gardens

Joan Hess finally returns with Claire Malloy in Deader Homes & Gardens. Bookstore owner Claire is back from her honeymoon with Police Chief Peter Rosen and they are now feeling the confines of living in small quarters with Claire's teenage daughter Caron. Claire sets out to find the happy family a new home that will meet every ones expectations.

After an extensive search with her realtor, Claire finds the perfect home in Hollow Valley.  A meadow with a stream, an orchard, a pool, a library, crown moldings, hardwood floors...what more could a woman want?  How about a seller?  It seems the last owner died under mysterious circumstances and not only does rightful ownership of the house seems to be in question, but whether it is really for sale seems to be up in the air also. Claire's realtor then disappears while showing the house to Claire and can't be found.  Soon bodies start piling up and Claire needs to solve several mysteries before Peter gets home from out of town and so that she can buy her dream house.

Deader Homes & Gardens is a fun, fast read.  Claire Malloy has been one of my favorite fictional female sleuths since her arrival in 1986 in Strangled Prose. I have always admired Hess for her snappy, witty dialogue, especially between Claire and Caron, and she doesn't disappoint in this book.  Need a smile and a laugh?  This is the book for you.