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Claire Malloy #18
Deader Homes and Gardens
Claire Malloy discovers that house-hunting can be murder—literally—in the latest entry in Joan Hess's "wildly entertaining series." (Mystery Scene)
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.
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.
291 pages, Hardcover
First published February 1, 2012
23 people are currently reading
431 people want to read
About the author
Joan Hess
115 books337 followersJoan Hess was the author of both the Claire Malloy and the Maggody mystery series. Hess was a winner of the American Mystery Award, a member of Sisters in Crime, and a former president of the American Crime Writers League. She lived in Fayetteville, Arkansas.
Joan Hess also wrote a mystery series under the pseudonym of Joan Hadley.
Series contributed to:
. Crosswinds
. The Year's 25 Finest Crime and Mystery Stories
. Malice Domestic
. Deadly Allies
. Sisters in Crime
Joan Hess also wrote a mystery series under the pseudonym of Joan Hadley.
Series contributed to:
. Crosswinds
. The Year's 25 Finest Crime and Mystery Stories
. Malice Domestic
. Deadly Allies
. Sisters in Crime
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 178 reviews
March 18, 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 to think she is better at investigating murders than the police; even though her new husband is a police official. (I guess she is in a sense - this is a series about her.) The police don't have the same sense of urgency she does and they get bogged down trying to find evidence. She on the other hand, goes off with her hair-brain theories.
Not sure I'll try another; but I must admit, I am curious about the honeymoon in Egypt, which is apparently what the previous book is about. May try that one.
She also seems to think she is better at investigating murders than the police; even though her new husband is a police official. (I guess she is in a sense - this is a series about her.) The police don't have the same sense of urgency she does and they get bogged down trying to find evidence. She on the other hand, goes off with her hair-brain theories.
Not sure I'll try another; but I must admit, I am curious about the honeymoon in Egypt, which is apparently what the previous book is about. May try that one.
April 9, 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 marriage segue into this series with Chief Rosen as the main character. Wrong...at least for this book. I was still subjected to Ms. Malloy's annoying, interfering style in order to solve a mystery that really hadn't been a mystery until she entered the picture. Just as soon as she came on the scene, Peter left until the end of the book. I also wanted to read the series because it takes place in Arkansas. Well, I have learned my lesson...Claire Malloy mysteries are not in my future. There are too many books to spend my time on less than 3 to 4 star books!
April 3, 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 nutty extended family, the Hollows. But before she can put an offer down, her real estate agent disappears.
The rest of the book involves a twisted and turning plot and various revelations. This has to be the most confusing and, at the same time, easiest to figure out "whodunnit" mystery I've read in a long time. Unfortunately, I think Claire should hang up her PI shoes and enjoy her newlywed status.
Don't bother with this one.
The rest of the book involves a twisted and turning plot and various revelations. This has to be the most confusing and, at the same time, easiest to figure out "whodunnit" mystery I've read in a long time. Unfortunately, I think Claire should hang up her PI shoes and enjoy her newlywed status.
Don't bother with this one.
July 7, 2012
Although I'm not a huge fan of the Claire Malloy books, they've always held my interest. The author's attempts at humor aren't to my taste, and I find the sleuth's teenager daughter totally irritating but the mysteries are usually diverting. However, I do not read cozy mysteries to be taught social justice lessons by a liberal author.
September 11, 2018
I very much enjoy the Clare Malloy mysteries, and this is a good one. I like the humor in the writing, as well as the characters and the plot.
October 17, 2020
Fun, quick read. My first time reading a Joan Hess book or this series. I liked the characters, the strong female lead, the daughter and her friends, but not sure if this series is one I would continue with.
March 2, 2019
I think I agree with others at advising that readers give this one a 'miss'.
While her married status has not improved Claire's sense of self-preservation, and while apparently permanent adolescents Caron and Inez have grown up a bit more, they remain just as solidly in their one-note joke stereotypes with the total absence of the cop-husband a highly convenient coincidence.
The protagonist is cringe-ily embarrassing in her expectation that all should step to her demands, even though I realise much of this attitude is deliberate on the author's part for comic effect. It does become tedious however, and when the plot hinges on people inexplicably answering Claire's outrageously invasive questions I find it simply unbelievable. The woman would be long gone and buried somewhere in a large stylish designer potted plant otherwise.
Amazingly the freezer of the house she 'borrows' constantly provides all the food she needs and similarly hard to sustain unrealistic coincidences continue. Surely Cosies don't have to be this formulaic, although increasingly I suspect the larger mega-corp publishers which insist on the 'same-only [minimally] different' mantra in the US will forever cultivate this hideous KFC-style field of dreck.
Basically Claire Malloy's stories seems a tired series, as others have said, in the 'been there done that' category and while Hess seems determined to continue it, the retirement age for this one might have long passed it's shelf life.
While her married status has not improved Claire's sense of self-preservation, and while apparently permanent adolescents Caron and Inez have grown up a bit more, they remain just as solidly in their one-note joke stereotypes with the total absence of the cop-husband a highly convenient coincidence.
The protagonist is cringe-ily embarrassing in her expectation that all should step to her demands, even though I realise much of this attitude is deliberate on the author's part for comic effect. It does become tedious however, and when the plot hinges on people inexplicably answering Claire's outrageously invasive questions I find it simply unbelievable. The woman would be long gone and buried somewhere in a large stylish designer potted plant otherwise.
Amazingly the freezer of the house she 'borrows' constantly provides all the food she needs and similarly hard to sustain unrealistic coincidences continue. Surely Cosies don't have to be this formulaic, although increasingly I suspect the larger mega-corp publishers which insist on the 'same-only [minimally] different' mantra in the US will forever cultivate this hideous KFC-style field of dreck.
Basically Claire Malloy's stories seems a tired series, as others have said, in the 'been there done that' category and while Hess seems determined to continue it, the retirement age for this one might have long passed it's shelf life.
March 24, 2017
Another book so bad, I cannot even stomach it for any reason. It started out funny, and there was hope. The interaction with the main characters teenage daughter was hilarious, as it reminded me of living and dealing with my own teenagers at times. That was not enough to redeem the story further on as it progressed. An Insipid, silly, and off of the mystery subject "Down the Rabbit Hole" so called, "Mystery." It reminds me of mashed potatoes at a potluck long ago. You thought you were getting potatoes, but they were so full of garlic, You could not even tell you were eating potatoes. This "Cozy?" mystery was so full of rambling claptrap, I would be a fool to continue listening.
It is sad really. A few years back I read several other books by this author and I liked them. They take place in the Ozarks not too far from my home. So sad that this author has gotten sidetracked and has lost the view of a good straight mystery. Maybe a ghost writer has taken over? I do not recommend this book.
It is sad really. A few years back I read several other books by this author and I liked them. They take place in the Ozarks not too far from my home. So sad that this author has gotten sidetracked and has lost the view of a good straight mystery. Maybe a ghost writer has taken over? I do not recommend this book.
October 7, 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 seems to think that everyone should do what she wants. On page 77--"I was increasingly annoyed by people's inability to remain where I wanted them to be. First Angela, then Terry, and now Nattie had taken it upon themselves to complicate my agenda. All I wanted was the house." Yes, and she will move heaven and earth to see that she gets it. I think that one should LIKE the main character. Can't here.
August 12, 2012
I hated this book. Usually I will give up on a book that I detest, but for some reason, I kept thinking that it had to get better. It didn't.
I loathed Claire. I loathed every character in this novel, it seemed that not one of them had a redeeming feature.
Claire was quite possibly the most self-centered, egotistical, uncaring, selfish protagonist I have ever come across.
All the sentences were super short. I doubt that a comma was ever needed. The flow was stilted. Just like this paragraph.
I give this book one star and the caution; don't waste your time.
I loathed Claire. I loathed every character in this novel, it seemed that not one of them had a redeeming feature.
Claire was quite possibly the most self-centered, egotistical, uncaring, selfish protagonist I have ever come across.
All the sentences were super short. I doubt that a comma was ever needed. The flow was stilted. Just like this paragraph.
I give this book one star and the caution; don't waste your time.
July 29, 2012
Hess is a decent writer to return to now and then...her characters are predictable and the plot is easy, though I think this book was about 50-75 pages too long. I miss Claire being in the book store and wish Hess would write this series a bit more so I can return to it more often, but this seems to be "when she has time". It's a quick read with little demanding of the reader with some interesting characters, but they really have the "been there done that" feel if you are a reader.
February 9, 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 with the first one and just keeping on, but they do stand on their own, as well. Either way, enjoy!
November 11, 2013
I have read most of this series. I have enjoyed most of them but this one is my least favorite. Claire Malloy is so pushy and annoying in this book that I started disliking her by the second chapter. The whole plot just seemed forced. Not sure if I'll be buying another Claire Malloy mystery -- maybe a library checkout.
August 25, 2012
This book started off pretty well, and I thought it would be a moderately entertaining read. The further into it I got, the more cartoonish the plot development became. Between the motley assortment of offbeat family members and the increasingly unlikely events portrayed, I couldn't finish.
April 4, 2020
Apparently I read this book in 2014, and remembered absolutely nothing about it! I still give it a 3 for the enjoyment.
This was my 2014 review: I got this book on a clearance sale at Big Lots for $.30, and certainly got more than my money's worth in enjoyment!
This was my 2014 review: I got this book on a clearance sale at Big Lots for $.30, and certainly got more than my money's worth in enjoyment!
July 7, 2012
It has been a while since I've read anything in the Claire Malloy series. Now I remember why. What an annoying woman.
October 21, 2012
Claire, Claire, Claire. When did you become so self-centered and whiny? This book was a disappointment.
March 1, 2016
Terrible. Boring
May 22, 2016
Marking this as DNF as I find the main character seems to be a small minded condescending snob. Maybe I should try this series from the first book to find the character likable.
January 31, 2018
When Claire Malloy returns from her honeymoon following her wedding to Peter Hanson, deputy police chief of the Farberville Police Department, she realizes that her current dwelling is no longer able to accommodate her teenaged daughter, Caron, Peter, and her. She begins the hunt for a new house, and her real estate agent, Angela Delmond, shows her multiple properties. None fit the bill until Angela calls to tell her about a place that is not on the market, might be tied up in legal situations, but is perfect.
Claire goes to see the place and is immediately ready to buy it and move in. Unfortunately, Angela receives a phone call, rushes outside to handle it, and then disappears without a word to Claire. Having no transportation, Claire decides to wait a bit and meets her first member of the Hollow family. Thus, her adventures begin.
This is book #18 in the series, so I have missed a lot of back story by reading this one first. It was almost too "cosy" for me. I also didn't understand how Claire could enter the house so many times, eat food there, have Caron and Inez there to swim, and basically behave as if the house was hers when she had no legal claim at all. I know that she needed to be there in order to follow the mysterious death and murder of two people, but she was breaking the law. She also did a few other illegal things, so I questioned her credulity.
However, like other civilians who "help" the police, Claire proved useful. It also seemed odd to me that some of the family members would share information with this relative stranger in their midst. If you can let go of these thoughts, then it is an engaging read.
I might try one of the previous books, as reviews on another site indicated that this was not one of her better entries in the series.
Claire goes to see the place and is immediately ready to buy it and move in. Unfortunately, Angela receives a phone call, rushes outside to handle it, and then disappears without a word to Claire. Having no transportation, Claire decides to wait a bit and meets her first member of the Hollow family. Thus, her adventures begin.
This is book #18 in the series, so I have missed a lot of back story by reading this one first. It was almost too "cosy" for me. I also didn't understand how Claire could enter the house so many times, eat food there, have Caron and Inez there to swim, and basically behave as if the house was hers when she had no legal claim at all. I know that she needed to be there in order to follow the mysterious death and murder of two people, but she was breaking the law. She also did a few other illegal things, so I questioned her credulity.
However, like other civilians who "help" the police, Claire proved useful. It also seemed odd to me that some of the family members would share information with this relative stranger in their midst. If you can let go of these thoughts, then it is an engaging read.
I might try one of the previous books, as reviews on another site indicated that this was not one of her better entries in the series.
July 15, 2021
This is cozy mystery par excellence, the kind of writing that Agatha Christie would be proud of. The story is told in the first person, through the eyes of protagonist and amateur sleuth Claire Malloy. Claire surprised me with her sardonic but amusing take on the world. She is intelligent, articulate and gutsy, with wisdom earned through a failed marriage and by raising a teenage daughter, but she also has amusing blind spots as she is driven by her desire (in this book) to buy a beautiful home. The plotting is just exemplary. Claire's motivation couldn't be clearer or stronger, which allows events to unfold in a very natural and believable way. The characters are all interesting and, while rather stereotypical (this is a cozy mystery after all), they do not feel extraneous. The mystery deepens beautifully and the ending is interesting, unpredictable and satisfying. I was also impressed with the effective use of dialogue in this book. The main weakness of this book would be that the characters are all white, and Claire and her (second) husband are also very wealthy (millionnaires)...and that has just gotten old - why do so many mystery writers seem to assume that readers want their protagonists to be perfect and rich? At least Claire is not young and blond, which seems to be the norm for a lot of other cozies. Yawn.
July 16, 2018
While I loved the main characters and enjoyed teen pest Jordan's antics and false bravado ....I found the plot confusing and ended up just skimming through to get to who did it and why ..That being said it won't stop me from reading more of the Claire Malloy series at all.Since I did enjoy the personalities and charm of the setting and the witty banter ..I'm willing to overlook the somewhat tedious storyline.I know from experience that one flaw in line of books that is otherwise just fine doesn't necessarily mean the downfall of all ( Harry Potter 4 for sure i.e.) So I will definitely meet up with Claire and company for another outing .I liked enough to not slam or negate the entire book completely ....it was a pleasant enough afternoon read .
April 11, 2023
I actually enjoyed the book. There were moments when the main character did feel a tad annoying. But it is a book that definitely kept me on the edge and wanting to know how it ends.
To think that there are inheritances that do bitter and turn family on each other was what made this book so fascinating.
I definitely recommend for others to read it.
Almost reminds me of all of us moms that what all of those cold cases and want to solve it ourselves, that’s what the main character kinda is to me.
The only exception is she does go completely out of her way to try and solve this case.
To think that there are inheritances that do bitter and turn family on each other was what made this book so fascinating.
I definitely recommend for others to read it.
Almost reminds me of all of us moms that what all of those cold cases and want to solve it ourselves, that’s what the main character kinda is to me.
The only exception is she does go completely out of her way to try and solve this case.
October 4, 2020
This is number eighteen in the series but my first read of this character and author. There were some references to past incidents where Claire got involved as an amateur sleuth but not enough to distract from the story or make me feel lost as a new-to-the-series reader. Good writing. I listened to it while making masks for our school district, and it was a nice distraction from tedium. I can't say whether fans of the series will enjoy since I have no comparison. I will say I wouldn't be adverse to reading an earlier book (most likely #1) in the series as this was entertaining.
March 21, 2022
House-hunting can be murder... well, at least for Claire who finds the perfect house after much searching but has to battle through a missing real estate agent, a family of eccentrics, and the murder of the current but contested owner of the property. Caron and Inez provide assistance with computers, phones, and the 14-year-old Goth member of the family. As always, Claire manages to stay the right side of the law or at least provides the police with enough clues so husband Pete Rosen doesn't end up having to arrest her.
July 7, 2023
I love Joan Hess' Claire Malloy series. (I haven't been reading them in order. I don't think it matters.) Claire finds the perfect house to buy but there are some challenges. There is a family in the area that doesn't like anyone who isn't family. They are all amazingly eccentric. Her own teenage daughter, her daughter's friend, and the outrageous fourteen year old from the Hollow family.
The owner(s) of the perfect house are gay so if that bothers you, skip the book.
I enjoyed it, though. I'm a big fan of Claire Malloy.
The owner(s) of the perfect house are gay so if that bothers you, skip the book.
I enjoyed it, though. I'm a big fan of Claire Malloy.
October 9, 2017
Even though it got off to a slow start, Deader Homes and Gardens by Joan Hess turned out to be an entertaining cozy mystery. It had all the elements that I enjoy in a cozy mystery: a strong female protagonist; a countryside mansion with beautiful gardens; quirky characters; and a mild murder (actually three), with no gruesome violence. It was definitely predictable, but I still enjoyed listening to the audio version.
January 31, 2024
The story "Deader Homes and Gardens" by Joan Hess is number 18 in the Claire Malloy series. The creative characters, central midwest area, and crafty ending will give readers a smile. The tale will tickle your humor bone as only this mystery is able to in this book. The reader will need a map to track destinations provided in this story. As this is 18th in this group the reader may try other books to see why it ends as the it did. copy right 2012 291 pages
October 15, 2024
I liked the earlier Claire Mallory book series yet stopped as I became uncomfortable with how the character herself developed. To me, she became self-absorbed that the mystery itself became less entertaining and interesting to even solve because I can't stand the main character's personality. I came back to read it because I thought that the mystery itself is interesting yet once again, the character ruined the mystery vibe.
July 15, 2017
Joan Hess is a very good writer who manages to have touches of humor in a book that is a cozy murder mystery. Trying to find your dream home when your realtor actually disappears and dead bodies appear does not daunt Clair Malloy and her teenage assistants. I will definitely read more Joan Hess books!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 178 reviews