It's been awhile since I've read Joan Hess's Claire Malloy series. I'd forgotten how much I love it. The writing is extremely entertaining and doesn't take itself too seriously. It's very refreshing, especially these days when there are a glut of cozy mysteries whose authors take themselves and their heroines way too seriously.In "Poisoned Pins," bookstore owner Claire is approaching 40 and trying to cope with the latest antics of her 15-year-old daughter, Caron, who has been recruited by the sorority-girl-next-door to become a My Beautiful Self consultant. Mysterious goings-on ensue at the sorority house, and one of the girls is killed in a hit-and-run accident. Or was it an accident? Then there is Katie the Kappa Kitten, the classic literature-quoting Harley Davidson biker, the ditzy sorority house mother, and enough beguiling characters to fill a circus troupe.In the hands of a lesser writer, this story could have failed miserably. The blackmail plot is flimsy at best, and Caron speaks with bigger words and vaster knowledge than any 15-year-old I've ever met. But the style of the writing is so darn entertaining that I set aside all believabiity issues and just enjoy the story. A definite 5 stars. I'm going to have a great time catching up on the series!
