Saturday, July 08, 2006

Gone Too Soon

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There are many Southern writers, but I think my all-time favorite is the late Anne George. She only wrote eight "Southern Sisters" mysteries, but I will read them over and over. They are "Murder On A Girl's Night Out," "Murder On A Bad Hair Day," "Murder Runs In The Family," "Murder Makes Waves," "Murder Gets A Life," "Murder Shoots The Bull," "Murder Carries A Torch," and her final book, "Murder Boogies With Elvis". George was once a school teacher, lived in Birmingham, Alabama. She was also an Alabama State Poet, and has one novel, "This Once And Magic Life".

Her books are set in Birmingham, and features Patricia Ann and her much married sister, Mary Alice, who is her partner in solving the mysteries. Hilarity ensues. Also appearing are Patricia Ann' husband, Fred, her daughter, Haley, and various other relatives and characters who enrich the delightful plots. You really get to know and like her characters.

These are thoroughly southern books, and I related to many of the traditions and sayings, for instance, Haley calls Mary Alice "Aunt Sister". Mary Alice is accidentally funny, and the sisters often bicker, as siblings will do. George has drawn from many personal experiences in all her books, laced with hilarious situations.

The books are just so real! And, I'm sorry she didn't start writing them much earlier in life or, even better, if she had lived and was still writing today. You'll love these books if you're from the south. And, if you're a damnyankee (What? That's not one word?) you'll learn something.

7 comments:

Lisa said...

Betty, I just stumbled upon your blog--what a great idea to do book reviews. I'm impressed that you read so many books, as I don't make nearly as much time for that as I would like. Hope you had a good weekend!

Lisa said...

P.S. You may have written about her in a post I haven't gotten to yet, but speaking of Southern writers, do you like Anne Rivers Siddons? She is one of my favorites. I especially like her books "Colony," "Outer Banks" and "Downtown."

Kell said...

When I first started reading, I was thinking of Ann Granger and kept getting confused because she's British! Those books sound really cute and entertaining. And I know where to go if I want to read one!

Betty said...

Lisa: Yes, I like Siddons' books very much. I don't think I've read her latest one, but I will one day. By the way, welcome to the blog.

Kell: You'll have to read them here. I don't let Anne George's books out of my house. lol

Saz: Glad I haven't bored you to death, yet.

Melina said...

Betty have you read any Carol O'Connor books?? Great series...although it's set in Chicago ;)

Melina said...

Whoops..Carol O'Connell...big difference!!

Betty said...

Melina: No, I haven't ready anything by Carol O'Connell, but I will. I'm always looking for new authors (new to me, that is).