Step into the charming world of the Southern Sisters, where cozy mysteries, Southern hospitality, and sisterly banter collide in Birmingham, Alabama! Penned by Anne George, this delightful series follows Patricia Anne 'Mouse' Hollowell and Mary Alice 'Sister' Crane, two 60-something sisters with opposite personalities, as they stumble into murders and unravel them with wit and warmth. With eight books brimming with humor and heart, Southern Sisters is a must-read for cozy mystery fans craving a taste of the South.
From the moment you open the first novel, you’re hooked by the sisters’ dynamic—Mouse’s sensible, retired-teacher vibe versus Sister’s flamboyant, thrice-widowed pizzazz. Set against Birmingham’s rolling hills and iconic Vulcan statue, the series blends quirky characters, laugh-out-loud moments, and just enough suspense to keep you guessing.
How Southern Sisters Began
Anne George, an Alabama native and former teacher, crafted the Southern Sisters series in 1996, drawing inspiration from her own life and her cousin’s larger-than-life personality. A Pulitzer Prize-nominated poet and Alabama’s 1994 State Poet, George infused her mysteries with authentic Southern charm and sharp humor. Her debut novel, Murder on a Girls’ Night Out, won the prestigious Agatha Award, launching a series that would captivate readers worldwide until her passing in 2001.
George’s goal was simple: create a cozy mystery series that felt like chatting with family. By rooting Mouse in her own reserved nature and modeling Sister after her bold cousin, she crafted a duo that feels real, relatable, and endlessly entertaining.
The Heart of Southern Sisters
The series kicks off with Murder on a Girls’ Night Out (1996), where Sister impulsively buys a country-western bar, only for the sisters to find a strangled body in the wishing well. In Murder Gets a Life (1998), the sisters visit their new in-law’s trailer park and discover a corpse with a hog-butchering knife in its chest. Murder Makes Waves (1997) takes them to Destin, Florida, where a beach vacation turns deadly with a body washing ashore. Finally, Murder Boogies with Elvis (2001), George’s posthumous finale, sees the sisters entangled in a murder at an Elvis impersonator convention.
At its core, Southern Sisters is about family, community, and the quirks of Southern life. Themes of sisterhood shine through Mouse and Sister’s bickering yet unbreakable bond, while Birmingham’s vibrant setting—complete with its steel-town history and cultural landmarks—grounds the stories. George’s style is light and humorous, with snappy dialogue and vivid descriptions that make you feel like you’re sipping sweet tea on a porch. The mysteries are classic cozy—gentle yet engaging, with just enough twists to keep you turning pages.
The series also stands out for its older protagonists, offering a refreshing take on sleuthing. Mouse and Sister prove age is no barrier to adventure, tackling murders with wisdom, humor, and a touch of Southern sass.
Why Southern Sisters Resonates
Southern Sisters has left a lasting mark on the cozy mystery genre, earning a Pulitzer Prize nomination and a devoted fanbase. Its blend of humor, heart, and Southern flair makes it a comfort read, often compared to potato chips—you can’t stop at one! Fans on Goodreads and Amazon rave about the series’ laugh-out-loud moments and relatable characters, with many rereading the books for their cozy, familiar feel.
Though Anne George’s passing ended the series after eight novels, its legacy endures. It’s inspired readers to explore Birmingham’s landmarks, like the Vulcan statue, and introduced countless fans to the joys of cozy mysteries. For Southern women and retirees especially, Mouse and Sister are icons of resilience and fun.
- First Published: 1996
- Number of Books: 8
- Awards: Agatha Award (1996), Pulitzer Prize nomination
- Setting: Birmingham, Alabama, and Destin, Florida
Grab Murder on a Girls’ Night Out and dive into the Southern Sisters’ world of cozy mysteries, where every page is a sip of Southern charm!