Book review: "Strangled Prose" by Joan Hess

Tweet

“Strangled Prose” by the late Joan Hess (1986, St. Martin’s, 184 pages) was the first entry in the 20 book Claire Malloy mystery series. The setting is Farberville inspired by Hess’ hometown of Lafayette, Arkansas. Widowed with 14-year-old daughter Caron, Claire owns a book store across the street from Farberville College subbing for the University of Arkansas. Her business “The Book Depot” is located inside the former train station. Story is related in first person narrative by Claire. It seems imperative for a mystery cozy to have a likable main character. Claire Malloy is not that. She possesses a snooty arrogant attitude that is not endearing. The woman can be short and sharp tongued toward customers. Her contempt for romance novels means she will not stock them. Apparently she does not need the business they generate. There is a mystery. Local resident and best selling romance novelist Mildred Twiller has steamrolled Claire into holding a book launch at the store. Mildred’s latest romance epic “Professor of Passion” contains thinly veiled character based on real people including Claire’s late husband Carlton. Shocking secrets are revealed and someone is so upset that Mildred is strangled with a silk scarf and everyone is a suspect including Claire. The mystery itself is tricky but Claire solves nothing. She runs around clueless and angry. There is stuff with her precocious daughter and some lame developing “chemistry” with police detective Rosen. The novel is supposedly clever humorous but any wit or charm escaped me. The popularity of this series is baffling based on this debut effort.