More Malice Domestic

by Mary Higgins Clark (Editor), Elizabeth Peters

New York Times bestselling author Mary Higgins Clark & Elizabeth Peters present this delightfully chilling collection of original mystery stories. This fitting tribute to the world's most beloved crime writer, Dame Agatha Christie, showcases a houseful of top contemporary writers at their very best.

Genres: Mystery, Short Stories, Fiction, Audiobook, Cozy Mystery, Anthologies

Audio Cassette

Published January 1, 1997

About the author

The #1 New York Times bestselling author Mary Higgins Clark has written thirty-eight suspense novels, four collections of short stories, a his­torical novel, a memoir, and two children’s books. With bestselling author Alafair Burke she wrote the Under Suspicion series. With her daughter Carol Higgins Clark, she has coauthored five more suspense novels. Her sister-in-law is the also author Mary Jane Clark.

Clark’s books have sold more than 100 million copies in the United States alone. Her books are beloved around the world and made her an international bestseller many times over.

Reviews

[Jestine Myers · Rating 3 out of 5]

I listened to the audio version on the Libby app.

[Moira Fogarty · Rating 4 out of 5]

A mixed bag of well-penned short stories, ripe for enjoying during a commute or in the kitchen, these were in no way cozy classic mysteries, but genre-bending tales that focused on out-of-the-box settings and ideas that might not have found a home elsewhere, despite the good quality of their craftsmanship. There are strange settings for murder (a gorilla enclosure at the zoo) which explore the ambiance and politics of place; strange weapons for murder (a kite string) that triggers an older couple to go on a Miss Pollifax-style hunt for the killer, highlighting the difference and sameness between the younger and older generations; strange accomplices for murder (the victim's wife), showing the frustrations of the mother of a teenager with some cutting dialogue and marking where loyalties truly lie between men and women; strange motives for murder (a badly bequeathed boat) in a complicated and macabre Addams-family style setting, as witnessed by a newly engaged outsider. There's also a hard-boiled lady detective who solves the mystery of an outbreak of black cat thefts in her New York neighborhood. For me, the jewel in this oddball crown was the final story - the Sherlockian homage starring Irene Adler and Oscar Wilde pursuing the mystery of an artist frantically painting his dead model. The story is told from the perspective of Adele's uptight maid, and has a dashing combination of entertaining dialogue, darkly atmospheric stairwells and garrets, and a diabolical crime. No heavy meaty fare in the collection, but a cornucopia of delicious bite-sized treats, perfect October reading in prep for Halloween.

[Ruth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this collection of short stories quite delightful. All are by different authors and seem to be well written. I love Elizabeth Peters introduction in which she says, "our murderers don't kill for the fun of it (serial killers) or for a misguided ideal (assassins and terroists) or for pay (hired hit men). They only do in people they know and love (or hate)."

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

I normally don't like short stories, but this was really fun to listen too. A couple of them were really weird, but the editors, Mary Higgins Clark and Elizabeth Peters put together a fun to listen to collection.

[Michelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not the best short stories in the series but ok.

[Rocky · Rating 2 out of 5]

I enjoyed the first few short stories, but eventually lost interest and couldn't finish the audio presentation of this compilation.

[Sandy · Rating 2 out of 5]

While short story collections always have some that appeal and other that don't, this collection had few I liked.

[Bernadette · Rating 2 out of 5]

Listened to this group of short stories in the vein of Marple on our drive home from Thanksgiving in Illinois. Sorry to say I can't remember much beyond the first story, so I guess I must rule this collection pleasant but not memorable.

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have to say, I had my doubts about this anthology at the beginning. The first two stories weren't really interesting to me, but the others were really good! I was happy to find out that Joan Hess was one of the writers, and I think I'll try Carole Nelson Douglas’ Irene Adler stories soon.

[Lauren · Rating 3 out of 5]

More like 3.5--a great collection of witty and sometimes dark cozies, featuring a zookeeper, kite flyer, bookstore owner, and Oscar Wilde. The kind of relaxing stories (well-performed on audible) that help you briefly forget about fascism and taxes.

[Chery Ann Wills · Rating 4 out of 5]

A delightful anthology of (mostly murder) mysteries. Some were quite humorous. Only one was dragged out (which is why the 4 not 5 stars). All remarkably well narrated. And editing was superb, making all the writing a joy to read. I only wish there had been more stories.

[Mary · Rating 1 out of 5]

Audiobook. The only reason I continued with this book was because of the Library summer reading challenge. They were really dumb stories, murder mysteries.Note: I didn't like the audio book format, in that I never knew the title of the story I was listening to.

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love, love love this collection of mystery short stories. Two of my favorite authors are the editors ( Mary Higgins Clark, Elizabeth Peters). I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys fun mysteries similar to Agatha Christie.

[Kevin Shoop · Rating 3 out of 5]

Grade: C+

This collection was MUCH better than Malice Domestic 2. Nothing earth-shattering, but an enjoyable listen.

[Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Excellent short stories for commute reading.

[Egore · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoy the kite one.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved these short murder mystery stories - such a range of characters and styles. I especially loved the one about visiting the in laws!