The Recommended Reading Path for Anne George
For anyone diving into the work of Anne George, the primary recommended path is straightforward: start with her acclaimed Southern Sisters series and read it in publication order. Because there is no difference between the chronological order and the release order for this series, following the books in the sequence they were published ensures you experience the evolving personal lives, marriages, and hilarious relationship dynamics of the central duo without missing a beat.
While her cozy mysteries are her most famous creations, Anne George was also a highly talented poet and literary novelist. After you have completed the mysteries, you can explore her standalone novels and award-nominated poetry collections to get a full picture of her literary depth.
Southern Sisters Mysteries in Publication & Chronological Order
The core of Anne George’s legacy is the eight-book Southern Sisters mystery series. Set in Birmingham, Alabama, the stories follow the investigations of two very different sisters: Patricia Anne "Mouse" Hollowell, a sensible, retired English teacher, and Mary Alice "Sister" Crane, a flamboyant, thrice-divorced bar owner. The series is best read in the following sequence:
- Murder on a Girls' Night Out (1996) – The Agatha Award-winning debut where the sisters purchase a country music pub and immediately stumble onto a murder.
- Murder on a Bad Hair Day (1996) – Patricia Anne and Mary Alice investigate a crime involving an avant-garde art gallery and a missing artist.
- Murder Runs in the Family (1997) – Sisterly drama meets genealogy research when the sisters uncover secrets in their own family tree.
- Murder Makes Waves (1997) – The sisters take a trip to the Florida panhandle (Destin, Florida), only for murder to crash their beach vacation.
- Murder Gets a Life (1998) – Sister decides to marry husband number four, but her new husband's family brings nothing but trouble and murder.
- Murder Shoots the Bull (1999) – The sisters investigate when a local environmental activist is accused of murder.
- Murder Carries a Torch (2000) – Snake handlers and religious cults take center stage in this quirky mystery.
- Murder Boogies with Elvis (2001) – Published posthumously, the final mystery follows the sisters trying to solve a murder during an Elvis impersonator contest.
Standalone Novels, Poetry, and Short Stories
Beyond the Southern Sisters, Anne George wrote in a variety of genres. These books can be read in any order, though reading them after the mysteries provides a lovely contrast to her comedic detective work:
Standalone Novels
- Wild Goose Chase (1985) – Anne George’s very first novel, published by Druid Press, which showcases her early storytelling voice.
- This One and Magic Life (1999) – A poignant, literary novel exploring the complexities, secrets, and dynamics of a Southern family gathered for a funeral.
Short Story & Poetry Collections
- Spraying Under the Bed for Wolves (1985) – An early poetry collection capturing the quirks of daily life.
- Some of It is True (1993) – Her highly acclaimed, Pulitzer-nominated poetry collection that cemented her status in the Southern literary landscape.
- The Map That Lies Between Us (2000) – A later poetry collection reflecting on aging, memory, and geography.
- Not Quite Cricket (2019) – A posthumously published short story that gives readers one final, delightful taste of George’s sharp observations and signature humor.
Co-Founded Anthologies
- A Baker's Dozen: Contemporary Women Poets of Alabama (1988) – Co-edited and published through Druid Press, which George co-founded to promote emerging female poets in Alabama.
What to Know Before You Start
Anne George’s cozy mysteries are widely celebrated for their authentic portrayal of Birmingham, Alabama. The relationship between the two main characters is inspired by George's own life; Patricia Anne "Mouse" was modeled closely on George herself, while the bold, colorful Mary Alice "Sister" was inspired by her cousin. The books are famous for their warm humor, recipes included at the end of many volumes, and the lighthearted sibling bickering that carries each plot forward. If you appreciate clean mysteries that focus more on character relationships and Southern humor than graphic violence, you will feel right at home with this series.