Deader Homes and Gardens, Joan Hess
Deader Homes and Gardens, Joan Hess
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Deader Homes and Gardens

Author: Joan Hess

Narrator: Rachael Warren

Unabridged: 11 hr 9 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 02/01/2012

Synopsis

Back from her somewhat unusual honeymoon, Claire Malloy must face the harsh reality of life with her new husband, police chief Peter Rosen, and her teenage daughter Caron—three people simply can't fit into her cosy two bedroom apartment. After a week of fruitless looking, she finally finds the perfect place—a well preserved large house on a large plot of land in an area called Hollow Valley. There are only a few problems, such as the real estate agent disappeared mid-showing and hasn't been seen since. And the last owner died in circumstances labeled "accidental" but were actually both "mysterious" and "dubious." The family that owned the estate is now suing the lover of the dead owner over the rights to the property. Oh, and it isn't really for sale. When the previous owner's lover dies practically at her feet, Claire decides to take matters into her own hands. After all, to get the house of her dreams, first she has to find a killer. And all's fair in love, war, and real estate.

About Joan Hess

Joan Hess is the author of both the Claire Malloy and the Maggody mystery series. She is a winner of the Agatha Award, a member of Sisters in Crime, and a former president of the American Crime Writers League. A longtime resident of Fayetteville, Arkansas, she now lives in Austin, Texas.

About Rachael Warren

Rachael Warren, an audiobook narrator and actress, is a member of the resident acting company at Trinity Repertory Company in Providence, Rhode Island, where she has played such roles as Eliza Doolittle, Sally Bowles, Ophelia, and Portia, as well as originating roles in world premieres by artists such as Paula Vogel and Charles Strouse. Her work has also been seen across the United States at regional theaters and on several national tours.

Reviews

Goodreads review by Barbara on March 17, 2017

Okay - now I remember why I stopped reading this series. Claire Mallory is so self-absorbed, so self-centered and so full of her herself, she gets unbearable after awhile. I'm sure this is supposed to be tongue in cheek and funny, but it doesn't come off that way; at least not to me. She also seems......more

Goodreads review by Lynne on April 09, 2012

If I remember correctly, I had decided not to read any more "Claire Malloy" mysteries. However, I read the book jacket and thought I would give them another chance. It seems that Claire has married her long time 'friend' Police Chief Peter Rosen. I thought perhaps Ms. Hess was going to let the marri......more

Goodreads review by Lain on April 02, 2012

I am just not so thrilled about these recent entries in the Claire Malloy series. In this, Claire is recently married and in search of a larger domicile for her, new husband (and deputy chief) Peter Rosen, and daughter Caron. Claire falls in love with a house in a secluded valley inhabited by a nutt......more

Goodreads review by Marti on October 07, 2012

Why is it that certain writers employ the wife of a policeman sleuth ploy? This is the first of this series that I have read--got it at the bookmobile--and probably won't pick this author again. This character, Claire Malloy is quite an annoying person about which to read. She is self centered and s......more

Goodreads review by Ruth on February 09, 2013

If you are a fan of cozy mysteries, Joan Hess has two very entertaining series - the Claire Malloy series, which takes place in "Farberville," Arkansas, a fictional college town, and the Maggody series, with female sheriff Arly Hanks. I love both series, and have read them all. I recommend starting......more

Quotes

“Breezy and delightful...one of the most engaging narrators in mystery.” Deadly Pleasures

“Snappy, sassy…A cast of eccentric supporting characters…add local color.” Publishers Weekly

“Humor, sympathetic characters, and plot twists make for an enjoyable addition to this cozy series.” Booklist

“Real estate problems escalate into murder when newly married Claire Malloy stumbles into a dangerous housing market. This long-running series never loses steam.”                      Library Journal

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