Book Review: Magnolias and Mayhem

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

Magnolias and Mayhem     Amazon US TPB Amazon Canada TPB
Jeffrey Marks
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Cozy   [Short Stories]
Silver Dagger, Nov 2000, $15.00, 200 pp.

The southern mystery sub-genre is known for its "gentle" belles that solve crimes by being polite "steel magnolias" who "delicately" find the clues that identify the criminal. This collection pays homage to the regional mystery of the south as each tale provides that genteel background disguising a rock solid individual or two.

The fourteen tales are all well written as expected from some of the sub-genre's leading authors. Each story provides a full picture of the area to include powerful characterizations and many amusing scenarios. None of the stories are weak though some are incredibly excellent like those of Carolyn Hart and Elizabeth Daniel Squires. Fans of the Southern crime story will fully enjoy this anthology intended for leisure reading over several cold nights.

Harriet Klausner

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner