Rita Mae Brown: A Literary Journey Through Her Works
Rita Mae Brown is an acclaimed American author known for her witty, satirical, and often controversial novels. She's a pioneer for LGBTQ+ representation in literature and a master of crafting captivating stories that blend humor, social commentary, and a touch of the absurd. If you're new to her work, here's a guide to the most popular Rita Mae Brown books in order, covering her most celebrated series and stand-alone titles:
The Southern Ladies Series
- Rubyfruit Jungle (1973): This groundbreaking novel is considered a landmark in LGBTQ+ literature. It follows Ruby Lee, a young woman struggling to find her identity and place in the world as a lesbian in the rural South.
- Six of One (1985): This sequel takes place five years after Rubyfruit Jungle. Ruby Lee, now a successful interior designer, is facing new challenges and personal growth.
- High Hearts (1996): The third book in the series explores the complex relationships and family dynamics that surround Ruby Lee and her close-knit group of friends.
The Mrs. Murphy Series
This beloved series features a witty and independent cat named Mrs. Murphy who teams up with her owner, a private investigator named Harry "H" Harris, to solve crimes.
- Mrs. Murphy and the Reluctant Vampire (1986): A charming debut that introduces the dynamic duo of Mrs. Murphy and Harry Harris. They uncover a vampire plot in the quaint town of Cacophony, Virginia.
- Mrs. Murphy and the Chinese Invasion (1987): The duo faces a new threat in this installment as a mysterious Chinese group seeks to acquire a rare antique.
- Mrs. Murphy and the Leprechauns of Doom (1988): More mysteries await as Mrs. Murphy and Harry investigate a group of leprechauns who have gone rogue.
- Mrs. Murphy and the Matterhorn (1991): The pair is called upon to solve a murder at a prestigious boarding school in the mountains.
- Mrs. Murphy and the Golden Bones (1992): Mrs. Murphy and Harry tackle a case involving a cursed family and a stolen golden artifact.
- Mrs. Murphy and the Wild Irish Rose (1994): The duo gets caught in a whirlwind of family secrets and Irish folklore while investigating a murder in the Irish countryside.
- Mrs. Murphy and the Dead Man's Eyes (1995): A missing will and a series of strange occurrences lead Mrs. Murphy and Harry into a mystery involving a dead man's eyes.
- Mrs. Murphy and the Howling Dogs (1998): The series continues with a tale of murder, intrigue, and a pack of howling dogs that hold the key to solving a mystery.
- Mrs. Murphy and the Irish Curse (2000): A mysterious curse and a family feud lead Mrs. Murphy and Harry to Ireland to solve a murder.
- Mrs. Murphy and the Cherry Pie Murder (2003): The series returns with a charming story of a missing pie and a dead body that brings Mrs. Murphy and Harry together to solve the case.
- Mrs. Murphy and the Irish Goodbye (2005): The duo faces a new mystery when a woman disappears in a quaint Irish village.
- Mrs. Murphy and the Deadly Dance (2007): A murder at a dance competition brings Mrs. Murphy and Harry to the scene to uncover the truth.
- Mrs. Murphy and the Crime of Passion (2009): Mrs. Murphy and Harry are back in their hometown of Cacophony, Virginia to investigate a murder and a missing antique.
- Mrs. Murphy and the Secret of the Irish Inn (2010): A trip to Ireland brings Mrs. Murphy and Harry to a mysterious inn where secrets and danger lurk.
- Mrs. Murphy and the Lost Cat of the Irish Country (2013): Mrs. Murphy and Harry take on the case of a missing cat, uncovering a web of intrigue and family secrets.
- Mrs. Murphy and the Scarlet Duchess (2015): This installment returns to the vibrant world of Harry Harris and Mrs. Murphy as they face a new mystery.
- Mrs. Murphy and the Wicked Witch of the West (2017): This exciting installment brings the iconic cat and her partner to the world of Oz to solve a magical mystery.
Other Notable Works
- The Hand That Rocks the Cradle (1987): A satirical thriller about a young woman who becomes the target of a dangerous and manipulative neighbor.
- Sudden Death (1992): A controversial novel that follows a group of female friends in the midst of a political scandal.
- The Last Time They Met (1999): This standalone novel tells the story of a group of friends reunited after a tragic event.
- The Gay Deceivers (2004): A humorous and insightful novel about a group of gay men in the 1950s who form a secret society.
Exploring Rita Mae Brown's Works
Rita Mae Brown's novels offer a diverse and fascinating literary journey. Whether you're seeking sharp social commentary, witty mysteries, or thought-provoking tales of self-discovery, her works are sure to captivate and entertain.
