Her first few cases prove to be challenging, finding a neighbor’s favorite umbrella, helping the librarian go after delinquent patrons and stopping the high school kids from rearranging the bookstore. Her most exciting case is finding Kirby Willet, an odd inventor who left boxes in storage at Frannie Thomas’ house and has vanished. In the meantime, Madeline and longtime friend Jerry Fairweather continue dancing around their feelings for each other. They’ve been waiting for the right time to “get together” since college and Madeline is beginning to feel as if it’ll never come.

Jerry is a bit off these days, still feeling the guilt from a fire that killed his parents when he was younger, a fire he has always been blamed for causing. This along with his, as Madeline considers them, scams and hair-brained schemes, leaves Madeline wondering if she should continue to pine for him. A movie coming to town provides Jerry more opportunities for money making, including renting out his house. When the director is murdered, it looks like it’s more business for everyone, including Madeline.

With a fast pace and a quirky cast, A Hard Bargain is a fun, quick read. Madeline maintains her Southern lady-like qualities as she dodges Pagentoids (fans of her former self) and tries to set up her own business. Jerry and his followers are a fun crowd, and Madeline has legitimate concerns about their future together, though when it becomes a reality, she makes her decision quickly and surely.

There are several options for the murderer, though the give away clue occurs early on and readers who remember it will have no trouble figuring it out. Madeline is sassy and tough, but every inch a lady, and wants to give back to the community that gave to her. Expect a happy ending for all, though the next chapter in Madeline’s and Jerry’s lives is sure to be anything but body-free given their track record. A Hard Bargain is everything you’d expect from a Southern Mystery from sultry air to wacky characters.

--Jennifer Monahan WInberry