Nora Deloach

Simone has driven three hours to Otis, South Carolina to help her mother distribute clothes to the needy. This is fine for Simone, but what isn’t is that Mama is also investigating some local secrets that may be tied to the death of a young lady named Brenda Long.

Brenda’s bones have been found in a fresh shallow grave. Her reputation is of a do-gooder. Drugs are being sold in the high school and Brenda is out to stop it. She must have come uncomfortable close to those involved to wind up show more murdered.

Mama has had success in solving previous cases in and around Otis. This one may be more dangerous than any one she has had before.

The body count rises as Mama traces down leads. So does the danger to Mama and her family. Drug dealing in small town Otis is trying to raise itself to big city level, a deadly demon to deal with.

Mama is a determined character that is known and appreciated by many in Otis — but there are some….

I’m not sure how many books are in the series. I’ve read four so I’ll have to research for more! show less

Simone Covington is a paralegal for a prestigious law firm in Atlanta. When her boss goes on vacation, she decides to spend a week at her parents home in Otis, S. Carolina. Her Mama is having bunion surgery and will need help around the house. Meanwhile her Dad's new dog Midnight brings home a present, a baby's skull, which is taken to the Sheriff. Simone takes Mama to the grocery store for supper's groceries. While there an odd local woman is found with a screaming baby. The baby was stolen show more from its mother, Cricket. After Cricket is reunited with her baby, Cricket is found murdered the next day and the baby is missing. Midnight brings home another skull. And to make matter' worse, Simone's best friend is pregnant and wants an abortion. Mama, wants to find Cricket's missing child, so Simone has to chauffeur her Mama around town. The search for the baby and the murderer uncover some deep dark secrets which the citizens of Otis do not want uncovered. I really enjoyed the twists, turns, and clues sprinkled throughout the story. The characters are likable and quirky. I need to find more of this series to read. show less

A very enjoyable light Murder mystery and a fast read. Mama is an amazing cook and a case manager for Social Services. She is a very common sense practical woman. She and her husband James live in Otis, S. Carolina. Mama's rather nasty mean neighbor dies and leaves Mama 250 acres of land. Mama barely knew the woman. The neighbor's son Nat inheirited the house and furnishings. He was not pleased and accused Mama of stealing the land. However, Nat soon turns up dead. Mama has to find the show more killer before she herself is murdered over the 250 acres. More importantly Mama's reputation could be ruined if word gets out about the inheritance. I enjoyed the characters and the small town setting of the story. The characters are not without flaws, which was refreshing. I will read more of this series. show less

This book easily ranks as an easy entertaining read with not too much fluff to slow you down. The plot is good however, in my opinion, there's just not enough of it. The three gossiping ladies are a comical element to the story. I would read her other books in the series, they make for light, quick entertainment.

Don't read this series on an empty stomach -- all that talk about Mama's big dinners will make you hungry.