Murder on a Girls' Night Out

Southern Sisters #1

by Anne George

A different kind of sister act

Patricia Anne—“Mouse”—is respectful, respectable, and demure, a perfect example of genteel Southern womanhood. Mary Alice—“Sister”—is big, brassy, flamboyant, and bold. Together they have a knack for finding themselves in the center of some of Birmingham’s most unfortunate unpleasantness.

Country Western is red hot these days, so overimpulsive Mary Alice thinks it makes perfect sense to buy the Skoot ‘n’ Boot bar—since that’s where the many-times-divorced “Sister” and her boyfriend du jour like to hang out anyway. Sensible retired schoolteacher Patricia Anne is inclined to disagree—especially when they find a strangled and stabbed dead body dangling in the pub’s wishing well. The sheriff has some questions for Mouse and her sister Sister, who were the last people, besides the murderer, of course, to see the ill-fated victim alive. And they had better come up with some answers soon—because a killer with unfinished business has begun sending them some mighty threatening messages…

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Fiction, Humor, Audiobook, Cozy, Southern

244 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published February 1, 1996

About the author

Anne Carroll George was an American author and poet. She was Alabama's 1994 state poet. George died in 2001 of heart surgery complications.

Anne George was an Agatha Award-winner and a former Alabama State Poet. She was a cofounder of the Druid Press, and a regular contributor to literary and poetry publications. She was nominated for several awards, including the Pulitzer for a book of verse entitled Some of It Is True.

Series:
* Southern Sisters Mystery

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Reviews

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two sisters who couldn't be more different. Mary Alice, who was called "Sister" and Aunt Sister by her relatives, and Patricia Anne, who Mary Alice called "Mouse". Patricia Anne was an ex-teacher, quiet and liked a peaceful life, while her sister was full of life, living it to its fullest, which included a number of husbands over the years.

Both women were in their sixties when Mary Alice decided to buy the run down Skoot'n'Boot bar that Ed was selling. It was a whim and one Mary Alice didn't think through - but she never did. When Ed was discovered murdered in the bar, that was the beginning of a horror run of misfortunes and dangerous events that had Patricia Anne telling Mary Alice to "bulldoze it"...

Murder on a Girls' Night Out is my first by Anne George, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I laughed out loud on many occasions at the antics of the two women, the dry wit and constant barrage of "stuff"!! The sheriff had an amazing amount of patience with the women and I didn't work out the bad guy at all. I'm looking forward to #2 soon and thank my Goodreads friend for the copies :) Recommended.

[Rob · Rating 5 out of 5]

One review will have to do for all of these books, mainly because I really cannot recommend one any more highly than I do any other. They are all funny, they are all interesting, and they are all touching portraits of Patricia Anne's (the narrator) life, not because of soppy sentimentality, but because they record a real woman, her real joys, contentments, and fears, the quiet triumph that her life both has been and is, and the ups and downs of her everyday existence--or what passes for an everyday existence for anyone whose sister is the eccentric Mary Alice.

I mourned when Anne George passed away as if I'd lost a good friend. Worse, I'd only just gotten to know her. I'd quickly devoured all her Southern Sisters series (save the last one) and was eager for more. Alas, we only got one more, Murder Boogies with Elvis. At the same time, I'm glad indeed she gave us eight wonderful novels. I suppose longing for a ninth is greedy.

Read this—read all of them—and enjoy.

[Arlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Anne George died after undergoing heart surgery, I felt badly for her family and I hated that I would never have another Sister and Patricia Anne book to read!! If you are a Southerner, you will love these two sisters who still squabble at ages 60 and 65! But they are devoted to one another and to solving crimes that occur in their hometown of Birmingham, Al. Whenever I am feeling down, I can count on the Southern Sisters to make me smile or laugh out loud. This is probably my favorite mystery series.

[Ed · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've enjoyed reading Anne George's mysteries for a number of years (of course I read them out of order). This debut series title was no different. The sleuthing sisters are likeable, funny, and smart characters I'm drawn to. The Birmingham, AL, setting only adds to their appeal. Their very different personalities remind us of the people we have met or known in our own lives. The mystery plot becomes secondary to the lively characters. The prose style is easy to follow while remaining distinctive. If you like cozy mysteries taking place in the South, this series just might be the right one for you.

[Montzalee Wittmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clever and witty !

Murder on a Girl's Night Out by Anne George is a multi-layered mystery with a very strange cast of characters! This is more than a mystery, it's a study of characters! Each character is so well defined! One of the main characters, the sister to the main character, is so annoying that I am so thankful she is not my sister!
Great plot, dialogue, and world building! Great job!

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

The world lost a major star when Anne George passed away. I think her books are the funniest, warmest and loveliest of cozies. Patricia Ann (Mouse) and her sister Mary Alice (Sister) are two completely opposites. Mouse is small and petite and Sister weighs 250 and is big and brassy. The two get themselves mixed up in some of the craziest mysteries you can think of. In this (the first), Mary Alice has purchased a nightclub called the Boot Scoot. She and Mouse go to check the place out and find the previous owner has been murdered. There are plenty of suspects to look at but when they get too close the sisters find themselves the targets of the murderer. These books are wonderful and should be read by every cozy lover. I plan to re-read the whole series again and again.

[Cathy DuPont · Rating 2 out of 5]

After reading an intense book, one that I pay much attention to, I find reading what's called 'cozy mystery' a needed diversion, a 'no-brainer.'

Although I didn't guess the 'who dunnit it' I didn't much care, just breezed through this book.

I liked the sisters, both of them, and the book was pretty good, as cozy mysteries go.

Got a number of Anne George books, so I'm sure I'll pick up another one but have read some (Charlaine Harris, Snookie Stackhouse fame) that I liked much, much more. By the way, apparently Harris is making so mint with the vampire series, now TV series; so much so that she hasn't written a cozy mystery in years. Too bad, she had a devoted following, myself included. My favorite character was the Aurora (Roe) Teahouse. She was a hoot and had a sex life to boot!

Someone mentioned to me that cozy mysteries are called 'brain candy' and if that's a good description, this one was like black licorice for me. I could eat it, and it was kindof sweet, but wouldn't eat it again, if I had a choice.

[Kaydee · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm torn about how to rate these books, because even though they are "easy-reads", they are more than fluff to me. Maybe it's because you just can't help falling in love with Patricia Anne a.k.a. "Mouse" and her crazy sister Mary Alice. Their relationship is hilarious and heart-warming.

The entire series is fun, fast paced, and at times - laugh-out-loud funny.

If you are familiar with the Birmingham, AL area where the stories take place, some of the fun comes from feeling like you are part of an inside joke - for example, understanding the on-going debate over Vulcan's backside.

I can easily say that more than the mysteries, my love of these books comes from Patricia Annes kitchen. The place she has her coffee every morning, where Mary Alice munches on cookies and gabs about her latest scheme, where everyone is invited to have a diet coke or a chicken salad sandwich...

These books are like comfort food.

[Jeanne Adamek · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series! It is one of my favorite one to re-read, which I have done. A lot. And it still can make me laugh.

If you love cozy mysteries, interesting, quirky, fun characters--and a sometimes ridiculous mystery storyline with Southern charm this series is for you. Patricia Anne and Mary Alice are truly wonderful, and I find my days a bit brighter when I read this series.

REALLY very much RECOMMENDED!

[Pattie Tierney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a huge fan of the Anne George Southern Sisters series of books. Sure, they're fluffy, with more emphasis on character than plot, but that's fine with me. I have never laughed out loud while reading a mystery more than I have with this series. Small, meek, younger sister, Patricia Anne, a retired English teacher, plays the perfect straight man/woman to over-the-top, thrice-widowed, extra-large, ass-kicking, Mary Alice. I recommend the entire series. Read them in order for character continuity, and prepare to smile...a LOT!

[Gina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the best murder mystery series written. There are 8 books total (Anne George passed away) but those eight books are well written, funny, touching and just entertaining. I read this series at least once a year.

[Mailis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must have series i still remember with utter fondness.

[Haley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun, silly read with a twist

[Maria · Rating 3 out of 5]

A humorous mystery involving two sisters getting up there in age and who couldn't be more different. Fun read with a few very telling points made about relationships - husband/wife, sister/sister, mother/daughter, etc. I loved some of the southern traditions, as in the shoes and what colors can be worn when. That certainly brought back some memories.

[Bonnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wanted to give this 3 1/2 stars but I rounded up to 4 because the book did what it intended to do - provide a witty, fun and fast read.

Murder on a Girls Night Out was a cute, cozy mystery which was just what I was looking for when I picked it up. It's a pretty quick read, so if you're enjoying it, you might want to order the next book in the series half way through.

Patricia Anne and Mary Alice are, to say the least, a hoot. These two sisters are complete opposites yet compliment each other. Mary Alice decides to buy a Country Western club on a whim and shortly thereafter the original owner is murdered. What ensues next is a novel filled with hilarity and feel-good moments. Husbands, boyfriends, daughters, a bartender, a former student, politicians, hippies, and band members are just a few of the cast of characters.

This book was cute and cozy. The sisters stumble on a murder and they sort of stumble on the murderer. It's not like some other mystery novels where the heroines set out to find the murderer. These two don't go looking for the trouble, it comes to them. I think it might have been a little more fun if they actually set out to find the culprit a la Cagney and Lacey or some other such crime fighting duo. Maybe this will come in later books. I am definitely going to find out! I'm already looking forward to Murder on a Bad Hair Day.

[Jill Jackson · Rating 3 out of 5]

An enjoyable read. The author has a good sense of humor, and that is what made her story a page-turner for me. I found this book on the free give-away shelf at my local library, and picked it up for my mother. I'm not really a mystery novel fan, but did start reading this one out of curiosity. I immediately liked the narrative voice of the author, and was laughing at the entertaining dialogue between the two middle-aged sisters. As far as the mystery goes, I didn't really care who did it or why. That wasn't the point for me. I carried on to the end of the book because I enjoyed being a part of the characters' lives.

[LJ · Rating 2 out of 5]

MURDER ON A GIRLS' NIGHT OUT - Okay
George, Anne - 1st in Southern Sisters series

Purchasing the local tavern in the hopes of securing her finances, impulsive widow Mary Alice and her skeptical ex-schoolteacher sister, Patricia Anne, are forced to solve a murder when they discover a body in the tavern.

I loved the characters but the story was weak.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really lovely

I love this series. my mother and I started reading it together just after I graduated from UAB. every time I read these books I feel her near me. I loved them the first time, and every time after.

[Kristen Freiburger · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cozy mystery as I head into fall

[Melissa Brock · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not good. I want a clean mystery not an insipid one. I gave up after two chapters of stereotyped characters.

[Andy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Murder on the Girl's Night Out was a good start to a mystery series. I liked the pov protagonist, Patricia Anne, she was an interesting character to follow around. I also enjoyed her relationship with her sister Mary Alice. The author knows how to write a believable and fun sibling relationship, so it was amusing to read about their interactions. The mystery was pretty good, and I didn't really guess whodunnit until it was revealed. All in all, an enjoyable read and I wouldn't mind continuing on.

[Cait S · Rating 3 out of 5]

So there were some things I really liked about this and some things that drove me slightly crazy.

I liked the fact that the main characters were older ladies (in their sixties.) I haven't read many books with POVs like that and it was fun. They were very funny and very sweet, it lent a lot to the relationship between the sisters and also Patricia Anne and her husband.

I also enjoyed the fact that, unlike a lot of cozy mysteries, the main character here doesn't try to play detective. She doesn't try to solve the crime and suddenly, miraculously have all the answers despite not having any experience with police work at all. Bad things happen that the characters by coincidence are involved in and the story sort of unfolds around them. I much, MUCH prefer this style.

A couple things I didn't like. First, Patricia Anne is a retired English teacher who constantly corrects other people's grammar. Okay, I can deal with that. But not in a book that has so many typos. Literally at one point the author misnames one of her own characters (twins named Fay and May, except at one point they become Kay and May). If you want to have a hoity toity grammar police in your book, perhaps get a decent editor.

The other thing I didn't like is that Mary Alice's daughter Debbie has a Mexican nanny for her children and the way the author paints this nanny (who is a character we see a handful of times so this isn't just once) is really just...gross and racist, to be totally honest. Apparently she's shot a man, is the first to ask if she needs to bring out a weapon during a potential fight, is basically borderline incompetent at everything else. Like. All completely unnecessary.

I'll keep going with the series though. Hopefully those issues are resolved within the next book.

[Ruby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who says life ends when you're sixty? Not the case for Mary Alice and her often reluctant sister, Patricia Anne in this cozy mystery by Anne George...

Retired school teacher Patricia Anne is happy being a housewife... making applesauce, cookies, and taking care of her husband, Fred. This all changes when her often eccentric sister, Mary Alice buys a western night club called the Boot'n Skoot and promptly tells Patricia she wants her help. Travelling to the boot themed night club, the sisters meet the owner, a nice middle aged man named Ed, who can make his hula girl tattoo dance. Patricia isn't exactly ready to start line dancing into the act, but her sister basically volunteers her to help with the set up. It isn't until they find Ed murdered that things get really really weird and Patricia Alice starts playing private eye.

Truly, this is a great book. Miss George makes you fall in love with her characters from the get go and anyone who has ever spent time in the South will laugh out loud at how well she captures the Down South lifestyle. As mysteries go, it kept me guessing right up to the end and spun each web at the right time, not giving too much away. Easily read, there is very little graphic nature in this book or vulgar language so most anyone can read it. As for the age of the characters being a factor, I am in my thirties and I thoroughly enjoyed it from cover to cover.

So... sit down with a cup of hot tea and join the Southern sisters in their first mystery... I promise you will come back for more.

[Ian · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first “Mouse” and “Sister” Southern Sisters Mysteries by Anne George.

A different kind of sister act

Patricia Anne—“Mouse”—is respectful, respectable, and demure, a perfect example of genteel Southern womanhood. Mary Alice—“Sister”—is big, brassy, flamboyant, and bold. Together they have a knack for finding themselves in the center of some of Birmingham’s most unfortunate unpleasantness.

Country Western is red hot these days, so overimpulsive Mary Alice thinks it makes perfect sense to buy the Skoot ‘n’ Boot bar—since that’s where the many-times-divorced “Sister” and her boyfriend du jour like to hang out anyway. Sensible retired schoolteacher Patricia Anne is inclined to disagree—especially when they find a strangled and stabbed dead body dangling in the pub’s wishing well. The sheriff has some questions for Mouse and her sister Sister, who were the last people, besides the murderer, of course, to see the ill-fated victim alive. And they had better come up with some answers soon—because a killer with unfinished business has begun sending them some mighty threatening messages…

I loved this book. It’s the first one in this series that I have read…but not the last! The Sisters are so much fun in this well plotted mystery. The characters are well defined. It has been a joy to read.

https://finalchapterreadersgroup.word...

[Teresa · Rating 1 out of 5]

I really wanted to like this series, however I don't understand how the title matches the story line and plot. There were many insignificant characters with no purpose in this book. For instance Bonnie Blue, Henry, Debbie, and even the one woman that they were looking for whose name I have completely forgotten and I just finished reading the book. There was not enough character development and I found the book confusing, I had to keep re-reading paragraphs to try and figure out the character, the who and the when, and the where.

The main characters Patricia Anne and Mary Alice were not mature for the age group and I found both characters annoying and "dimwitted". Anne George wrote with the style of "guess who the murderer is" and you are looking for that climax of the story, but the climax takes place in Chapter 19 and its like when you been cheated in a intimate situation, and you are like "really" that's it?

So the climax is incomplete and left me feeling so disappointed and really confused. I am so happy I finished this book, but will not be moving on to book#2.

[Malini · Rating 2 out of 5]

I am disappointed with this book because I was told that someone who enjoys Agatha Christie's Miss Marple series would love this. The Southern Sisters are nothing like Ms Marple.

We learn how much the lady characters weigh, how many times they've been married, etc. There is nothing wrong with such information if they add to the plotline but I sensed an undercurrent of judgement. Also, I am not familiar with the American South, and maybe misogyny, stereotypes and casual racism are common there.

Many characters are introduced like we know them from before but this is the first book in the series!

The actual murder takes up very little space in the book and there is no sleuthing in the traditional sense. They just stumble upon the solution, but by the end I simply didn't care.

[Mayar Mahdy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rereading this 6 years later, I'm surprised I said I didn't like it. I really love this series now (not for the mystery aspect but for the characters and the general vibe).
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This was a let down. I loved the premise and the audio narrator made it so southern, even the names were great, but the book wasn't.

The mystery wasn't strong and the detective work was mediocre. I had no interest in the story whatsoever.

That being said, the general atmosphere was nice enough to give the series a second chance.

[Barb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written in 1996, this little mystery with its snappy dialogue is still a very fun read in 2019. Two sexagenarian sisters from Alabama, Mary Alice who is large and headstrong, and Patricia Anne, small and sensible, have as much fun as and get into more trouble than teens. Mary Alice impulsively purchases the Skoot n' Boot, a line-dancing bar, but before she can occupy it it becomes the focus of one disaster after another. Murder on a Girls' Night Out was an Agatha nominated novel.

[AlegnaB † · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book bored me, even though I'm a life-long southerner, a woman, and over 50 years old. It contains a lot of profanity.

[Kristi Clemow · Rating 3 out of 5]

A cute cozy mystery - I enjoyed the sisters - personal summary/spoiler in comments