🎯 Where Should I Start?
ⓘ About Joan Hess
This is the first book from Arly Hanks Series that earned the most of the fame and success for Joan Hess. The story is about a character Arly Hanks who is a police officer who is trying to recover from a divorce. Life in Maggody was slow and peaceful as she wanted and the only crime in the area was a car wreck on highway once a month. But she faced a challenging day when she came across two big cases on a single day. A convict escapes the prison and a sewage treatment plant specialist who is posed as a threat to the neighborhood goes missing. With no support from the residents, the lady officer takes control of the situation to solve these mysteries. Joan Hess has tried her best to add spice to the novel with a good quantity of humor and mystery. Rising to prominence with the Publication Order of Claire Malloy Books series, Joan Hess has since expanded their repertoire to include numerous successful works across various genres. Their writing style, characterized by compelling narratives and memorable characters, has earned them a dedicated global readership with millions of fans worldwide.
📚 All Book Series by Joan Hess
Strangled Prose
Strangled Prose is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Claire Malloy Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Joan Hess have come to expect.
The Murder at the Murder at the Mimosa Inn
A gripping mystery unfolds in The Murder at the Murder at the Mimosa Inn as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Claire Malloy Books series showcases Joan Hess's mastery of suspense.
Dear Miss Demeanor
Dear Miss Demeanor continues the Publication Order of Claire Malloy Books story arc with Joan Hess's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
A Really Cute Corpse
A gripping mystery unfolds in A Really Cute Corpse as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Claire Malloy Books series showcases Joan Hess's mastery of suspense.
A Diet to Die For
A Diet to Die For is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Claire Malloy Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Joan Hess have come to expect.
Roll Over and Play Dead
A gripping mystery unfolds in Roll Over and Play Dead as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Claire Malloy Books series showcases Joan Hess's mastery of suspense.
Death by the Light of the Moon
A gripping mystery unfolds in Death by the Light of the Moon as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Claire Malloy Books series showcases Joan Hess's mastery of suspense.
Poisoned Pins
Poisoned Pins continues the Publication Order of Claire Malloy Books story arc with Joan Hess's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
To Kill a Husband
A gripping mystery unfolds in To Kill a Husband as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Claire Malloy Books series showcases Joan Hess's mastery of suspense.
Tickled to Death
A gripping mystery unfolds in Tickled to Death as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Claire Malloy Books series showcases Joan Hess's mastery of suspense.
Busy Bodies
Busy Bodies continues the Publication Order of Claire Malloy Books story arc with Joan Hess's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Closely Akin to Murder
A gripping mystery unfolds in Closely Akin to Murder as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Claire Malloy Books series showcases Joan Hess's mastery of suspense.
A Holly, Jolly Murder
A gripping mystery unfolds in A Holly, Jolly Murder as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Claire Malloy Books series showcases Joan Hess's mastery of suspense.
A Conventional Corpse
A gripping mystery unfolds in A Conventional Corpse as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Claire Malloy Books series showcases Joan Hess's mastery of suspense.
Out on a Limb
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Claire Malloy Books with Out on a Limb, another outstanding contribution from Joan Hess.
The Goodbye Body
The Goodbye Body continues the Publication Order of Claire Malloy Books story arc with Joan Hess's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Damsels in Distress
Damsels in Distress continues the Publication Order of Claire Malloy Books story arc with Joan Hess's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Mummy Dearest
Mummy Dearest is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Claire Malloy Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Joan Hess have come to expect.
Deader Homes and Gardens
A gripping mystery unfolds in Deader Homes and Gardens as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Claire Malloy Books series showcases Joan Hess's mastery of suspense.
Murder as a Second Language
A gripping mystery unfolds in Murder as a Second Language as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Claire Malloy Books series showcases Joan Hess's mastery of suspense.
Pride v. Prejudice
Pride v. Prejudice is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Claire Malloy Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Joan Hess have come to expect.
The Night-Blooming Cereus
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Theo Bloomer Books with The Night-Blooming Cereus, another outstanding contribution from Joan Hess.
The Deadly Ackee
A gripping mystery unfolds in The Deadly Ackee as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Theo Bloomer Books series showcases Joan Hess's mastery of suspense.
Malice in Maggody
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Arly Hanks Books with Malice in Maggody, another outstanding contribution from Joan Hess.
Miracles in Maggody
Miracles in Maggody is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Arly Hanks Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Joan Hess have come to expect.
Mischief in Maggody
Mischief in Maggody continues the Publication Order of Arly Hanks Books story arc with Joan Hess's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Much Ado in Maggody
Much Ado in Maggody is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Arly Hanks Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Joan Hess have come to expect.
Madness in Maggody
Madness in Maggody continues the Publication Order of Arly Hanks Books story arc with Joan Hess's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Mortal Remains in Maggody
Mortal Remains in Maggody is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Arly Hanks Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Joan Hess have come to expect.
Maggody in Manhattan
Maggody in Manhattan is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Arly Hanks Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Joan Hess have come to expect.
O Little Town of Maggody
O Little Town of Maggody is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Arly Hanks Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Joan Hess have come to expect.
Martians in Maggody
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Arly Hanks Books with Martians in Maggody, another outstanding contribution from Joan Hess.
The Maggody Militia
The Maggody Militia continues the Publication Order of Arly Hanks Books story arc with Joan Hess's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Misery Loves Maggody
Misery Loves Maggody explores the depths of love and connection in this compelling entry of the Publication Order of Arly Hanks Books series by Joan Hess.
murder@maggody.com / murda@maggody.com
A gripping mystery unfolds in murder@maggody.com / murda@maggody.com as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Arly Hanks Books series showcases Joan Hess's mastery of suspense.
Maggody and the Moonbeams
Maggody and the Moonbeams continues the Publication Order of Arly Hanks Books story arc with Joan Hess's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Muletrain to Maggody
Muletrain to Maggody continues the Publication Order of Arly Hanks Books story arc with Joan Hess's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Malpractice in Maggody
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Arly Hanks Books with Malpractice in Maggody, another outstanding contribution from Joan Hess.
The Merry Wives of Maggody
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Arly Hanks Books with The Merry Wives of Maggody, another outstanding contribution from Joan Hess.
Future Tense
Future Tense is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Joan Hess have come to expect.
Red Rover, Red Rover
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with Red Rover, Red Rover, another outstanding contribution from Joan Hess.
Too Much To Bare
Too Much To Bare is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Joan Hess have come to expect.
The Last To Know
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas with The Last To Know, another outstanding contribution from Joan Hess.
Death of a Romance Writer and Other Stories
A gripping mystery unfolds in Death of a Romance Writer and Other Stories as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Short Story Collections series showcases Joan Hess's mastery of suspense.
Big Foot Stole My Wife! and Other Stories
Big Foot Stole My Wife! and Other Stories is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Short Story Collections series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Joan Hess have come to expect.
The Deadly Ackee and Other Stories of Crime and Catastrophe
A gripping mystery unfolds in The Deadly Ackee and Other Stories of Crime and Catastrophe as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Short Story Collections series showcases Joan Hess's mastery of suspense.
Caveat Emptor and Other Stories
Caveat Emptor and Other Stories continues the Publication Order of Short Story Collections story arc with Joan Hess's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
The Year's 25 Finest Crime & Mystery Stories, Sixth Edition
The investigation intensifies in The Year's 25 Finest Crime & Mystery Stories, Sixth Edition, as this installment of the Publication Order of Anthologies series takes readers deeper into the criminal underworld of Joan Hess's creation.
Sisters in Crime 2
The investigation intensifies in Sisters in Crime 2, as this installment of the Publication Order of Anthologies series takes readers deeper into the criminal underworld of Joan Hess's creation.
Malice Domestic 1
Malice Domestic 1 is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Joan Hess have come to expect.
Women of Mystery
Women of Mystery continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Joan Hess's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
The Fine Art of Murder: The Mystery Reader's Indispensable Companion
A gripping mystery unfolds in The Fine Art of Murder: The Mystery Reader's Indispensable Companion as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Anthologies series showcases Joan Hess's mastery of suspense.
Women of Mystery II
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Women of Mystery II, another outstanding contribution from Joan Hess.
Malice Domestic 3
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Malice Domestic 3, another outstanding contribution from Joan Hess.
The Year's 25 Finest Crime and Mystery Stories 1993
The investigation intensifies in The Year's 25 Finest Crime and Mystery Stories 1993, as this installment of the Publication Order of Anthologies series takes readers deeper into the criminal underworld of Joan Hess's creation.
More Malice Domestic
More Malice Domestic continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Joan Hess's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Vengeance is Hers
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Vengeance is Hers, another outstanding contribution from Joan Hess.
Funny Bones: 15 New Tales of Murder and Mayhem
A gripping mystery unfolds in Funny Bones: 15 New Tales of Murder and Mayhem as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Anthologies series showcases Joan Hess's mastery of suspense.
First Cases, Volume 2
First Cases, Volume 2 is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Joan Hess have come to expect.
Once Upon a Crime
The investigation intensifies in Once Upon a Crime, as this installment of the Publication Order of Anthologies series takes readers deeper into the criminal underworld of Joan Hess's creation.
Murder for Revenge
A gripping mystery unfolds in Murder for Revenge as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Anthologies series showcases Joan Hess's mastery of suspense.
Women of Mystery III
Women of Mystery III continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Joan Hess's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Mom, Apple Pie and Murder
A gripping mystery unfolds in Mom, Apple Pie and Murder as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Anthologies series showcases Joan Hess's mastery of suspense.
Crime After Crime
The investigation intensifies in Crime After Crime, as this installment of the Publication Order of Anthologies series takes readers deeper into the criminal underworld of Joan Hess's creation.
Malice Domestic 9
Malice Domestic 9 continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Joan Hess's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
? Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Joan Hess?
Joan Hess is a bestselling author known for 7 book series containing over 65 books. Popular series include Publication Order of Claire Malloy Books, Publication Order of Theo Bloomer Books, Publication Order of Arly Hanks Books. Their work spans multiple genres and has captivated millions of readers worldwide.
What is the best Joan Hess series to start with?
For readers new to Joan Hess's work, the Publication Order of Claire Malloy Books series is the ideal entry point. It showcases the author's signature style and contains 21 books. Begin with Strangled Prose to start from the very beginning.
How many books has Joan Hess written?
Joan Hess has written over 65 books across 7 series. This prolific output covers multiple genres, making them one of the most versatile authors in contemporary fiction.
Should I read Joan Hess books in order?
Yes, reading Joan Hess's series in publication order is strongly recommended. Most series feature evolving character arcs, ongoing story threads, and references to earlier events that are most rewarding when experienced in sequence. Our complete reading order guides are listed above.
What genre does Joan Hess write in?
Joan Hess writes primarily in fiction. With 7 series across 65 books, the author has explored a wide range of themes and storytelling approaches throughout their career.
Are Joan Hess's books standalone or must they be read as a series?
Most of Joan Hess's books are part of ongoing series and deliver the most satisfying experience when read in order. However, several standalone novels and short story collections provide excellent entry points without requiring prior knowledge of other series.
What is Joan Hess's most popular book?
Based on reader reviews and sales data, Joan Hess's most celebrated works come from the Publication Order of Claire Malloy Books series. The first book, Strangled Prose, is widely considered the ideal starting point and consistently receives outstanding reader ratings.