I haven't read any of the books in this series in a long time and only remembered that I didn't much care for it, but couldn't remember why. I was lazy when I went to the library and didn't feel like going downstairs to the stacks, so I just grabbed this off of the new book rack. As soon as I started reading, I remembered why. Every single person in the series is so unpleasant and Arly, the main character so depressing and passive. On top of that everyone in the town is a caricature - either a hayseed/inbreed mutant or redneck sumbitch. It ended up being a skim through to find out whodunit. The Merry Wives were anything but (they seldom are in Maggody!). With a few exceptions they are either bullied or bullies. This particular episode had of course a murder to solve, but it also evolved the character of our friendly Chief of Police, Arly Hanks. We were able to get background on her and her parents, which has never been presented before. We also see the classic Buchanon skills in action, meet a few swindlers and cheats, and in a turn of events that is new to this series, a murderee who is likable in a gruff sort of way. Often the Maggody books introduce a character, give us a little glimpse into their personality, then kill them off. We usually don't regret their passing, as they are not nice people.The victim here was not really nice either, but he was likable. Actually there were 2 victims, both of whom were likable in their own way. The entire premise was set up around a golf tournament to benefit "golf widows", and the only dissatisfaction that I might have comes from that. Read the book to find out why!
Do You like book The Merry Wives Of Maggody (2010)?
I'm giving this a skimpy 3 stars. It's time to put this series to bed, Joan.
—tabby
Merry Wives of Maggody: An Arly Hanks Mystery by Joan Hess (2010)
—barrym1011
