Miss Julia Stirs up Trouble

Largely invented troubles that could be solved with any two characters having honest conversations serve as the skimpy framework for the plot of Ross’s 14th Miss Julia novel (after 2012’s Miss Julia to the Rescue). Miss Julia Murdoch, the Gladys Kravitz of Abbotsville, N.C., spends her October collecting recipes and arranging unsolicited cooking lessons for extended family member and recent mother of twins Hazel Marie, after the latter’s housekeeper, James, is injured in a fall. James’s mysterious mail, Hazel Marie’s PI husband’s potential philandering, and the intrusive presence of Hazel Marie’s uncle all provide fodder for Miss Julia’s meddling. A collection of four dozen recipes and household hints with diverting commentary brightens the otherwise contrived story. Readers seeking a mystery with quirky Southern characters would be better served by the works of Donna Andrews or Carolyn Haines. 8-city author tour. Agent: Deborah Schneider, Gelfman Schneider Literary Agents. (Apr.)