If you're a fan of the fun Debutante Dropout Mystery series, you know that Cissy's actions will cause much consternation for her loving and infuriated daughter, Web-designing rebel Andrea Blevins Kendricks, who's chosen a life that (gasp) doesn't even involve wearing a proper slip. When Andy's much-bullied camp comrade Annabelle Meade, owner of Belle Meade, needs the Texas Rangers to deal with Cissy's crying homicide, Andy goes from ex-debutante to deputy.

Amid the mystery shenanigans and clever dialogue, Andy worries that Cissy may be losing her mind, and struggles with Cissy's mortality (not just because a murderer has targeted wealthy widows). But fear not; Cissy isn't too frail to verbally smack Andy after a hint that the two dead women, who signed up for an exclusive dating service, are too old for love.

Mother-daughter relationships play a key role in this series, and while other readers may prefer more CSI-like police work, the best mystery plots have an emotional stake for the hero. As they bicker and bond, Andy and Cissy shine, whether they're wearing Cartier or cubic zirconias.