A Very Eligible Corpse (Hannah and Kiki Mysteries) [Paperback]

Annie Griffin (Author)

Book Description

Series: Hannah and Kiki Mysteries | Publication Date: September 1, 1998

Hannah is quiet, modest, and thoroughly lady-like. Kiki is loud, tacky, and totally man-crazy. Aside from their age (early sixties) these two sisters couldn't be more different. But when Kiki's latest love interest is killed, they find themselves on common ground--in trying to solve the murder. Kiki herself argued with Arnold Lempke the night before his death--and she doesn't have an alibi. It doesn't help that she lied to (and flirted with) police at the murder scene. So Hannah agrees to help her sister prove her innocence...

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Hannah and Kiki, two sisters in their early 60s, literally stumble across murder when they attempt to mend fences with Kiki's current love interest. The man they find murdered proved himself rude, obnoxious, and lecherous, but flaky and flirtatious Kiki would never have killed him. Before police can pin the blame on her sister, Hannah, cool and collected, hopes to find the real culprit. This is the first in a humorous and diverting new paperback series set in California; for larger collections.
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

Sixty-one year old Hannah Malloy's prime focus is her garden and her roses. Her year younger sister Kiki's focus is on dragging Arnold Lempke aboard a cruise ship and making certain she spends the voyage horizontal. Both agenda's are disrupted when they discover Arnold stabbed to death near his prize rose bush. Kiki is considered the prime suspect after someone reports an argument she had with Arnold. Hannah's suspicions center on Reverend Swanson, the spiritual leader and chief financial officer of a local cult. Arnold's daughter is involved with the cult and he'd threatened to bring evidence of fraud to the DA. That inquiry reaches a literal dead end when the Reverend is stabbed in the back with a kitchen knife, one covered with Kiki's fingerprints. And what about the former chief of police who's interest in the case and Hannah is more personal than professional? Anne Griffin has created a quirky combo in the straight-laced Hannah and the self-absorbed Kiki. The dialogue between the sisters is sharp and funny. Hannah's efforts to find the killer are often hampered by Kiki's exploits. The hint of romance lends a poignant touch to an enjoyable read. This one will have you laughing out loud! A great bedtime read, if you don't want any sleep. Linda Fitzner -- Copyright © 030199 Literary Times, Inc. All rights reserved -- From Literary Times

Product Details

• Paperback: 272 pages
• Publisher: Berkley; Hannah and Kiki Mystery. edition (September 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0425165353
• ISBN-13: 978-0425165355
• Product Dimensions: 6.6 x 4.2 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,241,470 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

30 of 34 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Believable and entertaining, August 6, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: A Very Eligible Corpse (Hannah and Kiki Mysteries) (Paperback)

Though she is sixty years old, Kiki Goldstein feels she is the sexiest vamp in Hill Creek, California. In fact, the outgoing and totally confident Kiki feels she can turn any man into a "lust machine". Her older sister, the modest Hannah Malloy, feels her younger sibling is too loose with her morals. Kiki has a date on a cruise (that she won from the local flower club) with Arnold Lempke, who she plans to score with tonight. However, in spite of Kiki's outrageous flirting, Arnold makes a play for Hannah before leaving in a vile mood.

However, instead of a date, the sisters find a murdered Arnold, lying among his beloved rose bushes. Since Kiki was earlier seen arguing with the deceased and she has no alibi. she become the prime suspect. Instead of panicking over the circumstantial evidence, Kiki flirts with the police officers at the crime scene, leaving it up to Hannah to prove her nutty sibling is a harmless siren, but not a killer.

A VERY ELIGIBLE ! CORPSE is a very humorous amateur sleuth tale that will leave readers laughing from start to finish. The two sisters with their contentious, but loving relationship, are two of the best characters to grace a who-done-it in a number of years. The murder mystery is puzzling enough to please most aficionados. Annie Griffin has scribed a winning opening gamut in what is hoped to be a long running series.

Harriet Klausner

21 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best new author I have read in ages !!!!!!!!!!!!, August 24, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: A Very Eligible Corpse (Hannah and Kiki Mysteries) (Paperback)

Annie Griffin , please write faster ! The story is tightly held together,Griffin is a good storyteller. It is laced together with warmth, and is laugh out loud FUNNY !!!!!!! What a treat to read a new book and say , I can not wait for the next one ! A real winner !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Betty Milton

19 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Annie Griffin is the best new writter of the year!, February 6, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: A Very Eligible Corpse (Hannah and Kiki Mysteries) (Paperback)

Annie Griffin brings the flavor of Marin County- rose gardens, parties, boutiques, coffee shops, gossip, and shopping - alive in her book. Ms. Griffin knows Marin and its inhabitants, I'm looking forward to meeting them again in her next book.