Jane Lawless, Books Two and Three by Ellen Hart

Jane Lawless, Books Two and Three by Ellen Hart

Vital Lies

Seal Press, 1991

Overview: When Jane’s friend Leigh invites her to spend Christmas at her country bed and breakfast, Jane looks forward to a relaxing break from her restaurant. But when a series of disturbing events interrupt her quiet vacation, Jane finds herself once again in the center of a mystery. Why does someone want Leigh to sell the inn? Why to all the guests seem to have dark, mysterious pasts? Only Jane, with her ever-dramatic sidekick Cordelia, can untangle this web of lies.

My Reaction: I was right! Hart’s Jane Lawless series is awesome. Vital Lies is an intricately plotted, fast moving page-turner. Plus, it’s one of those great mysteries set in a closed environment where everyone knows that the murder must be amongst them; reminiscent of Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None, but told with more compassion and psychological depth. Jane is a thoroughly likable detective, and her friend Cordelia is lovably eccentric – the kind of person wont to flop dramatically onto a bed, but who will be there when Jane’s in a pinch (with only a few grumbles). Two excellent protagonists, combined with the cozy setting of a bed and breakfast at Christmas time, make Vital Lies a delightful and thoughtful mystery, which I thoroughly enjoyed.

Stage Fright

Seal Press, 1992

Overview: The Werness family has been a veritable theatrical dynasty for decades, and Cordelia’s theater company has just agreed to stage the oldest daughter Antonia Werness’ latest play. While the show is a success, strange things begin to happen to those connected to the family. Once again, it’s up to Jane and Cordelia to discover who is truly innocent and who is merely acting a part.

My Reaction: On the back of my copy of Stage Fright there is a review from Minneapolis Women’s Press which compares Jane and Cordelia to Nancy Drew and George but “grown up and out as lesbians.” I think that captures what I find appealing about Hart’s series; Jane and Cordelia’s often comical friendship provides a lighthearted center to the psychologically rich mystery narrative. Stage Fright especially has some dark moments; be forewarned about disturbing family secrets revealed in the end. But there’s also a potential new love interest for Jane (hooray!) as well as more delicious sounding food AND Cordelia in drag. Definitely recommended!

Previously Reviewed: Hallowed Murder

Jane Lawless Series

1. Hallowed Murder, 1989
2. Vital Lies, 1991
3. Stage Fright, 1992
4. A Killing Cure, 1993
5. A Small Sacrifice, 1994
6. Faint Praise, 1995
7. Robber's Wine, 1996
8. Wicked Games, 1998
9. Hunting the Witch, 1999
10. Merchant of Venus, 2001
11. Immaculate Midnight, 2002
12. An Intimate Ghost, 2004
13. The Iron Girl, 2005
14. Night Vision, 2006
15. The Mortal Groove, 2007
16. Sweet Poison, 2008
17. The Mirror and the Mask, 2009
18. The Cruel Ever After, 2010
19. Lost Women of Lost Lake, 2011
20. Rest for the Wicked, 2012
21. Forthcoming: Taken by the Wind, 2013