Rita Mae Brown's Books in Order: A Journey Through Her Literary Landscape
Rita Mae Brown, a prolific and celebrated American author, has penned a diverse range of books across genres like mystery, satire, historical fiction, and more. Here's a guide to her novels in chronological order, showcasing the evolution of her literary voice and the captivating stories she brings to life:
Early Works & The "Southern Comfort" Series
- *Rubyfruit Jungle* (1973): Her debut novel, a groundbreaking coming-of-age story exploring sexuality and identity in 1960s America. This book cemented her place as a prominent voice in feminist literature.
- *Venus Envy* (1978): A follow-up to Rubyfruit Jungle, focusing on the protagonist's journey as a lesbian in the tumultuous 1970s.
- *Six of One* (1980): This humorous novel follows the story of a lesbian couple navigating love and life.
- *Southern Comfort* (1981): The first book in the "Southern Comfort" series, introducing the detective duo, Harry Haristeen and his dog, "Mrs.!")
- *High Hearts* (1982): The second book in the series, with Harry and "Mrs." facing a new case.
- *Sudden Death* (1983): The third book in the series, where Harry and "Mrs." find themselves in danger.
- *The Hand That Rocks the Cradle* (1984): A chilling thriller about a seemingly perfect nanny with a dark secret.
Beyond the "Southern Comfort" Series
- *Bingo* (1985): A blend of mystery and satire set in a bingo hall, offering a unique look at the lives of the characters involved.
- *The Klondyke Kid* (1987): A historical fiction novel set in the Klondike Gold Rush era, exploring the themes of ambition, greed, and survival.
- *The Story of the Last Dog* (1989): A poignant tale of a dog's journey through time, narrated by the dog himself, examining the human condition.
- *In the Country of the Blind* (1990): This historical fiction novel explores the world of blindness through the eyes of a young woman who is transported to a society of blind people.
- *The Cat's Meow* (1992): Brown returns to the detective genre with the captivating story of an artist who finds herself entangled in a web of murder and intrigue.
- *The Well of Souls* (1994): A sweeping historical epic set in the 1840s, exploring the themes of slavery and freedom.
- *A Merry Mix-Up* (1996): A delightful and comedic novel about a group of women navigating their lives and relationships in a charming and witty way.
- *The Body in the Garden* (1997): A suspenseful tale of a gardener who uncovers a shocking secret hidden in her garden.
- *The Diaries of Adam and Eve* (1998): A witty reimagining of the classic tale, exploring the relationship between Adam and Eve through their diaries.
- *The Mysteries of the Cat series (2001-present): A series of mysteries featuring the detective duo, Mrs.!") and her owner, a woman named Maxine.
- *Sudden Death* (2002): A new edition of Brown's book about a murder in the world of competitive ballroom dancing, with updated details.
- *The Wild Woman's Guide to Life, Love, and the Pursuit of Happiness* (2010): A memoir and a guide for women, offering insightful and humorous reflections on life and personal growth.
- *The Right Dog for You: A Step-by-Step Guide to Finding Your Perfect Match* (2014): A guide for dog lovers to help them find the perfect canine companion based on their lifestyle and personality.
Beyond Novels:
Rita Mae Brown has also written numerous short stories, essays, and plays. She is a versatile writer who continues to explore new genres and themes.
This list is not exhaustive, but it provides a good overview of Rita Mae Brown's work in chronological order. Whether you're a long-time fan or new to her writing, this list is a great starting point for exploring her fascinating and diverse body of work.
