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Deader Homes and Gardens Audiobook
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(3.01) - 372 listener ratings
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Publisher Description
Back from her somewhat unusual honeymoon, Claire Malloy must face the harsh reality of life with her new husband, police chief Peter Rosen, and her teenage daughter Caron—three people simply can't fit into her cosy two bedroom apartment. After a week of fruitless looking, she finally finds the perfect place—a well preserved large house on a large plot of land in an area called Hollow Valley. There are only a few problems, such as the real estate agent disappeared mid-showing and hasn't been seen since. And the last owner died in circumstances labeled "accidental" but were actually both "mysterious" and "dubious." The family that owned the estate is now suing the lover of the dead owner over the rights to the property. Oh, and it isn't really for sale.
When the previous owner's lover dies practically at her feet, Claire decides to take matters into her own hands. After all, to get the house of her dreams, first she has to find a killer. And all's fair in love, war, and real estate.
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"Love writer Joan Hess!!! I began the Maggody series thanks to my Grandmother! Overall, have found the Claire Malloy series a little dull, but loved Better Homes & Gardens!! Love her sarcasm and wit! Did miss that Peter was not involved more but then I guess she wouldn't get to work as well!!"
— Joanna (4 out of 5 stars)
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“Breezy and delightful...one of the most engaging narrators in mystery.”
— Deadly Pleasures -
“Snappy, sassy…A cast of eccentric supporting characters…add local color.”
— Publishers Weekly -
“Humor, sympathetic characters, and plot twists make for an enjoyable addition to this cozy series.”
— Booklist -
“Real estate problems escalate into murder when newly married Claire Malloy stumbles into a dangerous housing market. This long-running series never loses steam.”
— Library Journal
Deader Homes and Gardens Listener Reviews
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" This was ok. She is also not my very favorite author, but the premise sounded good. "
— Dee, 2/18/2014 -
" I liked this mystery series when it first came out. I guess I lost track of it. Only have 4 others that I haven't read. I love the main character -- owns a book store. Sounds like something I might like to do in another life. "
— Jane, 2/18/2014 -
" Joan Hess's books are nutty, entertaining fluff. This one was ok, nothing special. "
— Linda, 2/9/2014 -
" I think my favorite part of Joan Hess's books are the comedy. Many times reading this book I laughed out loud and forced my husband to hear what had just made me laugh. This Malloy series book was ok but I found it a little bit slow in pace. Also, I have to admit I prefer the Arly Hanks series. This story revolved around a house that Clair Malloy and her husband wanted to purchase. Claire REALLY wanted it. The previous owner had died and now his gay boyfriend inherited it. The whole area had been owned by one family for a long time and the story revolves around this and some other story lines. I am glad I read it though. Hopefully a Hanks book will be next. "
— Linda, 2/3/2014 -
" I love these books! So much fun,breezy and not too much thinking involved. Great beach reads! "
— Deb, 1/26/2014 -
" another in the claire malloy series of cozy mysteries. "
— Diane, 1/26/2014 -
" This author is new to me and was suggested by a friend. Truthfully what she suggested was Arly Hanks (Maggody) series, but I couldn't find those at the library so I decided to read this one instead. I found it rather boring. "
— Jeanette, 1/20/2014 -
" Generally like this series, and this one no exception. "
— Shirley, 1/19/2014 -
" Claire, Claire, Claire. When did you become so self-centered and whiny? This book was a disappointment. "
— Mary, 12/15/2013 -
" Enjoy the Claire Malloy series. Very funny ' "
— Jonny, 12/11/2013 -
" This book started off pretty well, and I thought it would be a moderately entertaining read. The further into it I got, the more cartoonish the plot development became. Between the motley assortment of offbeat family members and the increasingly unlikely events portrayed, I couldn't finish. "
— Harry, 12/8/2013 -
" This was the first book I read from this author and not sure if it was the right one to start with..It sounded good from the preview,however,it was just ok to me..No wow factor.. "
— Karen, 12/4/2013 -
" One star less than usual. This was not my favorite in the series and I don't know why. Still a good read. "
— Belinda, 9/27/2013 -
" I haven't been reading this series. I like her other books quit a bit. pleasant read & colorful characters. "
— Kathy, 7/12/2013 -
" Back from her honeymoon, Claire Molloy searches for a larger home for her family. She falls in love with one, but the real estate agent disappears while showing the home. Is the agent a flake, or did something sinister happen to her? Book 18 in the series. "
— Chi, 2/10/2013 -
" I really enjoy the Claire Malloy mysteries. I have to read them in small doses though as the teenage drama in them can be a bit overwhelming if I read three or four in a row. "
— DianeG, 1/10/2013 -
" It was typical for this series - amusing, if slightly silly. "
— Katherine, 12/31/2012 -
" I love the claire malloy mysteries, she always gets herself in trouble,but for some reason she gets herself back out of it. "
— Fran, 8/24/2012 -
" I love Joan Hess! And I love both of the series that she writes. Her adventures in Maggody make me howl with laughter. And I love how some of her characters from that series have made guest appearances in the Clair Malloy series! This book is an excellent addition! "
— Ingrid, 7/13/2012 -
" Claire Malloy is becoming.....extinct? I had forgotten since the last book, the character is "over processed". Time to wrap this series Joan! the storyline was a huge D R A G until 3/4 of the story-then it took off! The earlier book were wonderful. "
— Laura, 3/30/2012
About Joan Hess
Joan Hess is the author of both the Claire Malloy and the Maggody mystery series. She is a winner of the Agatha Award, a member of Sisters in Crime, and a former president of the American Crime Writers League. A longtime resident of Fayetteville, Arkansas, she now lives in Austin, Texas.
About Rachael Warren
Rachael Warren, an audiobook narrator and actress, is a member of the resident acting company at Trinity Repertory Company in Providence, Rhode Island, where she has played such roles as Eliza Doolittle, Sally Bowles, Ophelia, and Portia, as well as originating roles in world premieres by artists such as Paula Vogel and Charles Strouse. Her work has also been seen across the United States at regional theaters and on several national tours.