A Holly, Jolly Murder (Conclusion)

The conclusion of this story bears strong resemblances to that of other mysteries that follow - I hate to over-generalize – the standard “formula” for such stories.  The protagonist, who is almost always the person solving the mystery, gets into a dangerous and deadly situation that it seems will result in their demise.  I first noticed this reading Sue Grafton (A is for Alibi), and later, John D. MacDonald (The Something-Colored Something-or-Other) and found myself wondering earlier in this book if it would happen here. 

So the murderer turns out to be the person who was suspected all along.  Now that’s a new twist!  All facetiousness aside, it was good to note that we weren’t told at the end that the murderer turned out to be someone we least expected (the butler did it) instead of the most logical candidate.  But, yes, the murderer captures the amateur sleuth at gunpoint and takes her to a secluded place to murder her.  The sleuth takes advantage of a minor slip-up on the part of the murder (a rather flimsy one in this case) and gets away, resulting in a breath-taking chase scene. 

As hackneyed as all this sounds, it really plays out well in the writing.  If you’re going to follow “the formula” you’d better do it very well; and she does.  Backing into the murderer in his own hearse is nice irony, and driving him to the emergency room in it (“I told them the body was in the back.  They were hesitant to open the doors until I’d explained that I wasn’t looking for the morgue.”) is icing on the cake. 

More between-the-lines commentary about the uncomfortable fit of paganism and family life is sprinkled here and there.  “The van reeked of patchouli oil and dried peanut butter.”  The author never really gets “preachy” at us, but makes it clear that she thinks alternative religions are misguided, sometimes even dangerously so.  She appears to fall into the common comfortable disregard of the fact that the major, accepted religions have a lot more blood on their hands than the so-called New Age religions.  Oops, speaking of being preachy…!

 

It does take an entire chapter to tie up all the loose ends.  But that is mitigated by the fact that even more time is spent on resolving the sub-plots and revisiting some of the quirkier characters and relationships (the heroine’s “science fiction hippie” for example).  As always in this book, the author’s snappy humor makes up for a lot, including a prologue chapter that might otherwise have been just a little too long.  Claire’s daughter justifies her mother’s trust in her by coming through with a smart – though risky – solution to her own dilemma.  Over all, a satisfying ending to a superbly entertaining book.  I came very close to buying the first book in the series and starting it immediately!  But…time to move on!

[Addendum from CJ:  I finished this book way before Christmas & just never got around to posting.  I probably never would have chosen it myself, as I am not much of a fiction/murder mystery person. However I found it an easy, enjoyable read and cheered for everyone at the end.  I had to laugh at Claire and her final encounter with "the suspect". I too was a little fed up with all the twists and turns and probably would have gone into mama bear mode myself. I liked the underlying theme of the underdog winning. Whether it be Claire's daughter outwitting the rich & powerful, or Claire herself connecting with the hippie.  I agree that it was somewhat Agatha Christi-ish in that the sleuth got so involved by complete happenstance, but the comedy kept it fresh and out of the mundane pile.  I must admit, I'm a little curious about how the situation with the boyfriend and his ex-wife is going to work out. I may have to go for the next in the series just to see what happens there. I always do enjoy a good melodrama.]




Our book for January will be "Clockwork Angels" by Kevin J. Anderson and Neil Peart! This is a pretty recent publication, not out in paperback yet as far as I know. But it is timely, given that it is based on the story outlined in the lyrics of Rush's latest CD, and that Rush has recently been honored by induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Join us!

A Holly, Jolly Murder (Chapters 9-12)

My misgivings about this book degenerating into another predictable series of question-and-answer sessions – the stereotypical Mystery novel – were unfounded after all.  True, there is quite a bit of amateur-sleuth-style questioning going on, but the circumstances leading up to each encounter vary greatly and the storyline sweeps along naturally, with many intriguing personality juxtapositions along the way. 

Rather than simply accumulating clues toward the solution of the mystery, the tension and momentum increase as well, revolving around the very captivating theme of Pagan religions and their darker manifestations, complete with visitations by a demon named Ambesek - accompanied by the author’s ever–appealing dry humor: “…I heard a crackling noise from somewhere behind the firs.  Not the rustling of a small animal, mind you, or the fluttering of dried leaves in the branches, or even the blazing of a satanic furnace as something slipped out for a field trip.”  Parenthetical asides are used in much the same way:  “ ‘…I’m just not sure that doctors and shrinks can battle forces from the bowels of hell.’  Stephen King, please pick up the white courtesy phone.” 

Our author, speaking through our heroine, never really tries to conceal her contempt for those who claim to believe in Druidism or other “pagan” religions.  As for myself, I have somewhat more sympathy for them, feeling that their beliefs are not significantly more far-fetched than those of other religions; just held by a smaller minority and therefore given less deference.  At one point, Hess seems to lump vegetarians in with the same mindset she is exploring in the “offbeat” religion realm – an understandable error, one supposes, since the two concepts often seem to be linked by proximity.  Hess’ comedic references to bean sprouts, for example, really are well delivered. 

One of the underlying concepts here, relating to paganism, is that when people involve themselves in belief systems that dabble in “dark forces” or “sinister realms,” these people will more than likely encounter negative experiences suggestive of those forces and realms, through the self-fulfilling prophecy psychology.  That is probably a valid premise, and it’s one that is being deftly explored throughout this story.  All of the difficulties that the group of people who call themselves “the grove” encounter seem to originate, at least in part, with such beliefs.

 

The sub-plots; especially the one involving Claire’s daughter, Caron; still seem wedged into place artificially, if seamlessly.  It’s hard to see how Caron’s situation adds to the overall picture, other than as a distraction to keep Claire from staying completely focused, perhaps causing her to commit a dangerous slip later in the story.  If Caron’s exploits somehow become inserted into the main story line at some point near the end, in a way that makes sense, I will be very impressed!  I’m giving the author the benefit of the doubt for now…



Our book for January will be "Clockwork Angels" by Kevin J. Anderson and Neil Peart!  This is a pretty recent publication, not out in paperback yet as far as I know.  But it is timely, given that it is based on the story outlined in the lyrics of Rush's latest CD, and that Rush has recently been honored by induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.  Join us!

A Holly, Jolly Murder (Chapters 5-8)

FM:  This book continues to be entertaining, but I can’t help feeling that it falls into a trap that I’ve seen before, especially with Mystery stories.  The first quarter of the story contains all the fun of introducing the characters, establishing the momentum of the story, discovering the corpse/theft/puzzle that needs to be solved: in short, everything that makes the story a Mystery.  After that, the rest of the book is dedicated to the standard running around, looking for (or stumbling over) clues, certain characters questioning certain other characters, disclosing the facts needed to solve the mystery in just the right order and at just the right pace. 

CJ:  You can't really say this is a nail biter, but it has a definite pull! I'm finding myself reading ahead in this book that on the surface seems a little bland, but takes you twisting and turning through with people who seem quite unlikely in the setting of a murder. 

FM:  Some people read mostly or even exclusively Mystery novels, and presumably don’t get jaded on this sameness of approach book after book.  There is an element of puzzle-solving for the reader that these readers presumably get hooked on, trying to guess how the ending will play out – figuring out “Who Done It.”  For me, it feels like too-familiar territory and I’m ready for the plot to suddenly veer into an entirely new direction, fearing that it probably won’t.  Hess’ special brand of humor continues to add a lot, but it can’t really carry the story by itself.  Something totally unexpected needs to happen, not just new information coming to light. 

CJ:  The shifting drama between the old Druids, the potentially psychopathic Roy, and the normal daily teen drama with Caron keeps me turning pages.  I can kind of relate to Claire. Plain & boring, but way too much into everyone's business without realizing it. Her attempt to corner Roy from his apartment to Fern's duplex makes you wonder why she didn't just stop looking? Something is driving her to find something she may not really want to find. 

FM:  One device that seems to be a favorite among Mystery writers is to bring in a sub-plot, a secondary story completely unrelated to the plot of the Mystery itself.  This book is no exception; in fact we are treated to two of these sub-plots.  One of them involves Claire’s teenage daughter, Caron, who can be a real parenting challenge. 

CJ:  I have acquired a new favorite saying from this one! "Dealing with teenagers can be like building a castle with dry sand".  I've been searching for those exact words for years! 

FM:  Caron has hired on at the mall to help with the Santa Claus kiosk, where small children line up to sit on Santa’s lap and tell him what they want for Christmas.  This is, in fact, the sole aspect of the book relating directly to Christmas.  She gets involved in a legal wrangle for picking up a lawyer’s child and the worst seems about to happen. 

CJ:  I particularly enjoyed the "Willie Wonka" Violet scene at the mall! How many times have I wanted to correct a poorly parented brat in public! I was cheering for Caron, despite the fact that I knew that a child that spoiled would spell serious trouble. Then the inevitable happened. Another twist in a book with more turns than a hog’s tail!

 

FM:  The other sub-plot involves Claire’s significant other, Peter, and his out-of-town trip to deal with his mother’s boyfriend issues and – uh-oh – his ex-wife drops everything to go and help with that, bringing up real fears and jealousies that Claire is now having to deal with. 

CJ:  A little part of Claire brings to mind Peggy Hill. Like Peggy, she seems to imagine because she somehow ended up in a murder investigation in the past & her boyfriend is a policeman that she now has super sleuth powers. I wonder when Peter is going to confront her involvement in this one?  Speaking of Peter, the ex-wife entering the picture was a nice twist. I could almost feel the hackles go up when that announcement was made! 

FM:  These sub-plots are engagingly dealt with and interesting enough in their own right; but I still get the feeling that they are “filler” designed to help flesh out an otherwise thin plot or to break any possible monotony or jadedness the reader might be experiencing with the standard Mystery plot devices.  Here’s hoping for big surprises to come – but whatever happens, I can recommend this book very highly! 

CJ:  Good call, Foreverman! I was thinking, how about a little Tarl Cabot for old time’s sake? 

FM: We’re certainly on the same page about doing some sci-fi/fantasy for January – I’ve wanted to do that anyway! I would like to defer the Gor novel (Tarl Cabot’s series) until February if everyone’s cool with it, so we can read Kevin J. Anderson’s "Clockwork Angels" in January, as close to Rush's Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction as possible.  [“Clockwork Angels” is the newest CD by Rush, and the book mirrors the story line depicted in the album lyrics!]


Next week's Chapters: 9-12

A Holly, Jolly Murder (Chapters 1-4)

FM:  Joan Hess has a very natural, engaging writing style which is always a pleasure to read.  This is the first Claire Malloy book that I have read; I am familiar with Hess’ writing through the Maggody series, which is made from a very different literary recipe: think Andy Griffith (with a female protagonist) and Rhoda and The Beverly Hillbillies all rolled into one.  Claire Malloy is a different breed of cat, but the dry, often tongue-in-cheek humor is still there and just as much fun.  In both series, the variety and depth of characterization is masterfully done.

CJ:  I particularly like the character development. Even though Claire has spent just a few hours with each of the other characters, there is an intimate feeling of relationship with them. Especially Roy. I know his type, he just wants attention & love. Claire sees that, but is afraid to bring him into her life for fear of permanently scarring her own child.

FM:  Despite the Christmas-related title of this book, the author is actually taking a close look at “alternative lifestyle religions” here, in particular the New Age versions of ancient Celtic sects, such as Druids, Wiccans, Pagans, and etcetera.  It’s not an entirely impartial analysis; probably even offensive to those who “practice” those religions; but the practitioners in the story are at least seen in very human terms and not stereotyped as people.  There is very little reference to anything having to do with Christmas; but one might wonder if the author is indirectly pointing a satirical finger at traditional religion as well; and one wonders how it will tie in. 

CJ:  I too am waiting for the revelation of how the title fits the book. I'm guessing there will be some mix of Christianity with the other mishmash of religions/beliefs.   I must say, being a little like Claire, I was anticipating the deep secrets of the Druids in their winter solstice ritual. 

FM:  True, we don’t get a good look at what was supposed to have gone on there.  But the parenting techniques give us a hint: “…They got into a tussle last night and knocked over a bookcase.  Sullivan was furious enough to ground them for two weeks.  He doesn’t believe that they should be allowed to express their aggressive impulses.  I’m afraid they’re becoming stifled.  Cosmos, in particular, needs to act out his inherent urge to compete with his father for tribal dominance, which is all he’s doing when he attacks Rainbow.  She, on the other hand, must deal with her sexual attraction to her father and her resentment toward me.” She touched a bruised semicircle below her eye.  “She was so upset last night that she hit me.  She cried afterward, but I assured her that she was only acknowledging her basic instincts.”  I tried to hide my revulsion at her psychobabble.  “It’s a shame they’ll miss the ritual.”  “Perhaps not,” she said. “Last year Cosmos ate so many tarts that he threw up in the van.” More than a yuk-yuk moment, that last comment shines a light on the fact that children have a knack for bringing us back to reality – and any universal belief system from which we need to be brought back to reality is, well, unreal. 

CJ:  The banter between and about the children makes me giggle. It brings to mind the struggle between parents to raise children properly and accentuates the extremes that I see every day as a teacher.  My visual of the Sawyers is something of a combination of the Munster's and The Brady Bunch with Johnny Depp as the dad and Lady Gaga as the mom. So weird you'd swear they do some serious drugs, but clean as a whistle. 

FM:  There is indeed a stark contrast between Claire and her newfound acquaintances.  But as down-to-earth and practical as she is - presented to us as a remarkably logical and consistent armchair detective  –  she seems to fall short of that at one point:  “Six to eight hours ago…That would put the time of death between midnight and two.  I suppose after they’d decorated the living room, the others left and Nicholas turned off the lights and went to bed. When he heard the window break, he went downstairs to investigate.  Bad decision.”  “Could have happened that way,” Jorgeson commented.  “Which means,” I commented, “that the members of the grove had nothing to do with this.”  Hmmm.  I think we dropped a couple of syllogisms there.  How does she rule out one or more of the party returning to do the deed?  Here’s hoping this is just a case of sloppy editing in an otherwise extremely enjoyable book.

 

Next week's Chapters: 5-8