Miss Julia Delivers the Goods

Miss Julia #10

by Ann B. Ross

Miss Julia faces a double dose of trouble-this time right under her own roof. Miss Julia's iron will and kind heart have assured her a spot among the most beloved characters of Southern literature. In her latest adventure, Miss Julia whisks Hazel Marie off to the doctor when the latter admits she's been feeling poorly. The news floors them Hazel Marie is pregnant with twins. Unfortunately, she's also just sent her beau, Mr. Pickens, packing. Miss Julia needs a plan-and fast. So when Sam's house is robbed, Miss Julia declares that only J. D. Pickins, P.I., can get his things back. Playing Cupid and solving the crime might seem like a tall order but readers everywhere know that Miss Julia always delivers the goods.

Genres: Fiction, Mystery, Humor, Cozy Mystery, Cozy, Southern, Chick Lit

364 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 30, 2009

About the author

Ann B. Ross, who taught literature at the University of North Carolina at Asheville, is the author of Miss Julia Speaks Her Mind, one of the most popular Southern debut novels in years, Miss Julia Takes Over, Miss Julia Throws a Wedding, and Miss Julia Hits the Road. She lives in Hendersonville, North Carolina.

Reviews

[Carol Jones-Campbell · Rating 4 out of 5]

First Read: Miss Julia is beside herself. Hazel Marie has taken ill, but she refuses to let Miss Julia notify Mr Pickens. Apparently they have broken up; he’s in Charlotte working on a case and may be moving there. Hazel Marie says she is ready to get on with her life, but she is clearly miserable. Miss Julia and Lillian both think that the two just need some time together to work things out, but how to engineer that when they are in different cities? When there’s a break-in at Sam’s home and only the research on his book is taken, Miss Julia suggests that Sam hires Mr Pickens to investigate. With this forced proximity, Miss Julia is sure that Hazel Marie and the confirmed bachelor will work things out.

Second Read: I love Miss Julia and the rest of the cast of characters in these charming Southern stories. Everyone is in everyone else’s business, but always (or mostly) with good intentions. The basic storyline in this book (#10 in the series) is fairly straightforward. While the mystery of who broke into Sam’s place does provide a little distraction, the main focus is on Hazel Marie and Mr Pickens and their on-again-off-again relationship. At this point she is pregnant with twins. That was a plot swinger if there ever was one.

It’s not great literature, but it’s a fun read. A few laughable moments, no real danger, and characters you just want to hug … what could be better on a summer day? Recommend.

[Ellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Miss Julia Delivers the Goods. by Ann B. Ross.

Never a dull moment. Miss Julia has her hands full. this time it's due to Hazel Marie's condition. Hazel Marie has not been feeling well at all. Tests are run and it turns out she's expecting. This news comes shortly after she has called it quits with Mr. Pickens, the father. And it looks like twins are on the horizon.

The problems never cease, so it's up to Miss Julia to be the mediator. Can she work out this major dilemma?

I enjoyed another wonderful romp through the crazy mixed up maze of Miss Julia's life and love for her dearest friends.

[FangirlNation · Rating 5 out of 5]

Miss Julia faces two serious personal crises in Miss Julia Delivers the Goods by Ann B Ross. First, Hazel Marie, the former mistress of Julia’s first husband and the mother of Wesley Lloyd Springer’s illegitimate son, Lloyd, gets really sick. Taking Hazel Marie to the doctor, Miss Julia has to put her friend in the hospital until the young doctor substituting for the regular doctor on vacation finally does a pregnancy test, which comes out positive. But Hazel Marie has just broken up with her longtime gentleman friend, JD Pickens, because he has no desire to get married, so Hazel Marie has decided to stand up for herself and end things with Mr. Pickens and refuses to tell him about her pregnancy. So ashamed of having another illegitimate baby, Hazel Marie tries to find all sorts of schemes to get away from town, so no one will know her sin. And Miss Julia is determined to do everything to keep Hazel Marie and Lloyd in town.

Read the rest of this review and other fun, geeky articles at Fangirl Nation

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one of my favorite Miss Julia books yet. Sometimes the author has to work very hard to fit the manipulations and shenanigans into the plot, but all the nonsensical fun made sense and was plot driven in this book.
I reread the book March 2025 in preparation for reading the rest of the series.it is still a favorite.

[Susan Ash hanson · Rating 2 out of 5]

A ridiculous drama queen

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

I haven't read a Miss Julia book for a long time because I got so disgruntled at her lack of backbone in the last book I read, which I can't even remember. I checked this one out on a whim as an e-audio book from the library, and it was a rollicking good time. The reader of the book was outstanding in portraying her personality. I get a little perturbed at how constantly she worries about what all the townsfolk will say and goes all around the houses trying to keep gossip at bay, only having to face it in the end anyway. You'd think she'd learn by now, but if she did that, there wouldn't be a story, now, would there? I've put a hold on the next volume, but now I have to wait to see what else will transpire.

[Rosemary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another amusing instalment in the series. Hazel Marie is tired of being always the girlfriend, never the wife, and has sent J.D. packing. But then she goes down with a mysterious illness that makes her throw up, especially in the mornings. Meanwhile, Sam's house has been burgled, and it seems to be related to his researches into the history of Abbotsville.

I enjoyed this one. I admire Ann Ross for creating characters who keep me engaged even while it takes three chapters for nothing much to happen. They're really developing through the series.

[Tamara Evans · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was entertaining and although I enjoyed the relationship between Julia and her husband Sam as well as solving the mystery of who stole Sam’s files he needed to complete a book he was writing, the character of Hazel Marie annoyed me to now end!

First Hazel Marie has recently broken off her relationship with P.I. JD Pickens because she wants to get married and he doesn’t. Next, JD moves out of state then shortly thereafter, Hazel Marie discovers she’s pregnant. The rest of the novel is Hazel Marie hiding in shame and worried about how this news will impact Julia and Sam.

[Suzanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Still delightful, still has me reading past my bedtime, but lots of characters in one of the subplots that were a bit challenging to keep up with!! Wanted to get back to how and if JD and Hazel Marie were going to be able to resolve this dilemma satisfactorily!! On a side note: listening to audiobook & kudos to narrator for creating enough voices for all those characters!! 👍🏻

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series and Miss Julia is the best....she gets herself into so many pickles, at least that's how she sees it.

[Ellen · Rating 4 out of 5]

.

[Teri Pre · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was beginning to wonder if it was worth continuing on with this series, but this proved to me that, at least for now, it is. This one was so much fun!

[Marie Bertholf · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think I've grown weary of Miss Julia and her antics. So, I'm going to take a break from her for a while.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the latest volume about a Southern lady of a certain age who is constantly faced with a world she isn't ready to understand and a mystery plus a dilemma regarding a member of her household.

I love Sam, Miss Julia's second husband who is the love of her life and has a gentle way of pointing out when she is being ridiculous. Plus he puts up with her schemes and plans. Plus in this case he is the reason for the mystery when his house is burgaled for the research Sam needs to write his history of the county.

Miss Julia enlists the help of private investigator JD Pickens to solve Sam's crime and bring him back around to help solve her other dilemma. The member is Hazel Marie, her late husband's girl friend and the mother of his child. Both now live with Miss Julia and are very dear to her.

She realizes how dear when Hazel Marie talks about leaving town with her son Lloyd to spare Miss Julia's reputation. Keeping them close becomes central to the story along with an abundance of good hair.

[Book Concierge · Rating 3 out of 5]

Miss Julia is beside herself. Hazel Marie has taken ill, but she refuses to let Miss Julia notify Mr Pickens. Apparently they have broken up; he’s in Charlotte working on a case and may be moving there. Hazel Marie says she is ready to get on with her life, but she is clearly miserable. Miss Julia and Lillian both think that the two just need some time together to work things out, but how to engineer that when they are in different cities? When there’s a break-in at Sam’s home and only the research on his book is taken, Miss Julia suggests that Sam hires Mr Pickens to investigate. With this forced proximity, Miss Julia is sure that Hazel Marie and the confirmed bachelor will work things out.

I love Miss Julia and the rest of the cast of characters in these charming Southern stories. Everyone is in everyone else’s business, but always (or mostly) with good intentions. The basic storyline in this book (#10 in the series) is fairly straightforward. While the mystery of who broke into Sam’s place does provide a little distraction, the main focus is on Hazel Marie and Mr Pickens and their on-again-off-again relationship.

It’s not great literature, but it’s a fun read. A few laughable moments, no real danger, and characters you just want to hug … what could be better on a summer day?

[Joni · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the story. Miss Julia has her quirks and sometimes they drive me crazy, but the overall story always wins out with me.

I listened to BOCD. The narrator bothered me and it took me several CDs to stop obsessing about her vocal changes. I felt her portrayal of Lillian, Miss Julia's African-American cook/housekeeper/sidekick, was more like "Steppin' Fetchit" from movies in the first half of the 20th century...borderline racial stereotype...not in the writing, but in the vocal portrayal. Ms. Darlow (the narrator) sounded at times like Susan Sarandon's character in "Bull Durham" crossed with Southern school marm...just not to my liking. Once I lightened up on hearing the voice I enjoyed it better.

[Dawn King · Rating 4 out of 5]

The adventures of Miss Julia is captured by Ann B. Ross in this popular series. While this is not high literature, I thoroughly enjoy the situations that Miss Julia finds herself in. She is like a madcap Angela Lansbury careening through her small southern town trying to please everyone while dealing with her many personal crazy friends and relations. These are hilarious and often you can't put them down. I don't know why they never made this into a comedy series.

I would recommend that you read the first part of the series before reading the other books. They will be funnier when you know the background.

[Sandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audiobook: I was looking for a new series to start, something easy and enjoyable. I think this is it. As I was reading, I realized I did read one of her earlier books. This was pretty easy reading and I figured out that it is mostly about an older lady who is a huge busy body in her small town and that is basically what the book was about. The mystery in the book was a smaller second part of the story and not real interesting. But I loved the reader and the accents and the old town busy body and I look forward to reading another one just to visit old friends.

[NancyL Luckey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whenever a "Miss Julia" book comes out, I HAVE to read it.
I started out wondering why Miss Julia couldn't see the obvious in the first story of the book. Then she picks up on things I didn't see in the other story (There's always more than one plot).
I think my favorite character in all the "Miss Julia" books is Lillian, Julia's housekeeper. She's the one with common sense and kindness.

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Miss Julia books are always a wonderful break from the stress and worries that consume us all. In this installment, she must help her husband Sam determine why someone would break into his home and destroy his notes and interview tapes for his local legal history while also trying to mend the broken relationship between her best friend Hazel Marie and her beau.

[Ali · Rating 2 out of 5]

65%: a lot, and mean A LOT, of repetitive and pointless hand wringing over an out of wedlock (adult) pregnancy and what the people in the town (who she admittedly doesn’t like) will think or say.

35%: a mediocre and fairly obvious mystery (no murder, just some light B&E and burglary).

Originally published in 2009, but would have felt less out of place in 1979. This just wasn’t my jam.

[Nancy Steinle gummel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Miss Julia Delivers the Goods by Ann B Ross is a clever little story that encompasses a small town or neighblod where every one everyone else. People volunteering to help out if you are sick visiting each other. And of course the accompanying gossip.

[Lois · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of fun for fans of Miss Julia. This series is very light and funny and makes great reading while traveling. Add to this the fact that Ann Ross is a North Carolina author and professor at Appalachian State and it makes the series worth a try.

[Virma · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you love- " I Love Lucy" then Miss Julia Books are for you! Hilarious hi-jinks!

[Russell Sanders · Rating 3 out of 5]

Having completed Ann B. Ross’s Miss Julia Delivers the Goods, I have now read ten of the books in the series. This one is my least favorite. Most of the narrative is Miss Julia, the indomitable Southern matriarch of a very unusual “family,” fretting over a problem in Hazel Marie’s life. Hazel Marie was Miss Julia’s late husband’s mistress, so you can see what I mean when I put quotation marks around the word family. Hazel Marie’s problem could lead to her leaving their small North Carolina town, and if that happens, Miss Julia will lose not only this younger woman she’s come to love but also Hazel Marie’s son Lloyd, the offspring of Miss Julia’s deceased husband and a young man whom Miss Julia thinks the world of. The mystery that usually appears in this book that involves Miss Julia, often puts her life in danger, and provides a dilemma for her to solve is present in Miss Julia Delivers the Goods, but it is extremely secondary to Hazel Marie’s problem. And therein lies my issue with this edition of the series. I found it tedious, for we know in the end that all will be resolved harmoniously and the solving here just seems to be a “let’s get it done; no, we’re delayed” over and over and over. The narrative moves quickly, the characters are charming and engaging as ever, albeit frustrating in their actions, and I will definitely read the next book in the series. But I have to say, for me, this one just didn’t please as much as the others of Ross’s Miss Julia books.

[Allen Duhe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Miss Julia Never Disappoints

Oh, I’ll readily admit I could sometimes take Miss Julia and give her what for - and heaven knows she would deserve it. But, at the same time, it’s impossible not to applaud her pluck and her concern for her growing family. In this novel, she watches Hazel Marie and Mr. Pickens at odds, hoping against hope that the two will grow up and own up, if only for the sake of the family Hazel Marie is nurturing. And, with all the work Sam Murdoch has put into his history of the county, it’s difficult not to hope that his files have survived and will be returned to him. And, as with all Miss Julia’s escapades, all is well in the end. Maybe not quite the way Miss Julia would prefer, but close enough. Bless her heart….

If you’ve not read any of the Miss Julia novels, my suggestion is to start with the very first one and work through them in an orderly fashion (unlike the way I’ve done it, starting with the second-to-last and last one, then going back and randomly hitting various of them in no particular order until just the last couple). You owe it to yourself (and Miss Julia) to start at the beginning. And she’ll love you for it, bless her heart…

[Avid Series Reader · Rating 2 out of 5]

Miss Julia Delivers the Goods is the 20th book of the Miss Julia mystery series set in contemporary North Carolina. Hazel Marie isn't feeling well, at all (not even caring about her hair!). Miss Julia is distraught. The family doctor is on vacation; his substitute is too young and casual for Miss Julia to trust. It's obvious to the reader - but not to the doctor - what "ails" Hazel Marie. After many tests, a nurse suggests the obvious. Good grief!

Miss Julia's beloved husband Sam has spent long hours compiling a town history, interviewing many residents. When his house is broken into, all his work is stolen.

Miss Julia learns from Hazel Marie that she broke up with JD Pickens. He's away on business, and plans to move away permanently. This will not do! Miss Julia must reunite them to "save the day". Since he's an investigator, she gets Sam to hire JD to solve the mystery of the break-in (who wants the town history information suppressed that badly?).

Miss Julia pitches in herself with redoing interviews. Her observation that many of the people have wonderful hair actually is a clue to solving the break-in mystery.

Miss Julia finally gets JD and Hazel Marie face-to-face. Him trying to get her out a window while a surprise party crowd is waiting for her elsewhere in the house is a hilarious scene.

[Jade Lazaro · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had every kind of action I was looking for : robbery, a little bit of madness, high strung emotions, and my favorite characters finally may be moving forward in their relationship. I will say you don't know how many times I kept wishing someone would tell Mr. Pickens the news. Also, the way he found out was hilarious. I think Miss Julia may have had a small crush on Mr Pickens after seeing him in a towel. Also, leave it to Lillian to deliver the news in a blunt and crazy manner. But it worked, didn't it? I will say how come I was the only one to know the real cause of Hazel Marie's nausea and nobody else picked up on the crazy and erratic mood swings? A bug or flu caught in San Francisco, really? Now I have to pick up the next book to see what happens next! As far as I know a Mrs. Hazel Marie Pickens is in the future. The drama that went down at Sam's house when the thief was finally caught was epic. Miss Julia should consider learning how to make hitting someone over the head with a rake a new form of self defense. Now that the the cat is out of the bag and the rake is in someone's hair, on to the next book!

[Julie Trapp · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hazel Marie has been feeling under the weather so Miss Julia takes her to the doctor. She is put in the hospital for tests, but anyone with half a brain (including MJ who has had no children of her own) would know from the symptoms that she was pregnant. However, she has booted out Mr. Pickens as he does not want to get married a 4th time. Then, there is the breakin and robbery at Sam's house and some of his research has been taken. Also, the information he got from city hall for his history of the town has disappeared. Mr. Pickens is brought back from Charlotte to help solve the case. The women are so dense and just plain ditzy. The book could have been shorter as much was repeating what had already been written. Not the best of the series. Miss Julia is a busybody and needs a hobby - oh, yeah, it's being an amateur sleuth and saving face.

[Holly · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars. An entertaining story from the Miss Julia series, full of hysterical women and shenanigans. There is a criminal mystery in this book, which is pretty common in this series, but it almost comes across as more of an afterthought compared to the primary storyline. The real story is about Hazel Marie and Mr. Pickens, and it falls somewhere between comically ridiculous and annoying. That’s about all I can say without spoilers.

If I’m being totally honest, I liked the way this book ended much more than I liked the rest of the book. The outcome to both storylines made it worth the read. It wasn’t one of my favorites in the series, but it’s important for moving some character arcs forward and for shuffling some people around in the small town of Abbotsville.