  Author: Ann B. Ross Genre: Mainstream Fiction/Mystery/Humor Review: Those keeping a close watch on my reading habits may have noticed that I'm drawn to reading clusters of books by the same author.
The truth is that I can't let go of characters I liked and must read every book where their name is uttered or else I feel in some way incomplete. I believe blame for this malady may be placed on my mother who purchased for my very first urlLink Baby-Sitter's Club book back in the day. That book started a sick obsession with fictional characters--so much that I wished that I was one of them. Oh, to be a baby-sitter with insignificant problems and yearly vacations...*sigh* Sick obsessions aside, my adult tastes have changed every so slightly, and while I no longer get my rocks off on teeny bopper three-hour novels, I do scratch and bite over books like the Miss Julia series because I still am unable to let go of characters I like. Although I'm not typically a fan of mystery novels, I didn't realize this was one until after I finished it--a little temporary brain-fartitude for ya. While in the first book in the series, Miss Julia Speaks Her Mind established that the Southern woman's place is not one of Civil War era of servitude to everyone but herself, Miss Julia Takes Over is a humorous reminder that taking the high ground is harder but will create less dirt to sweep under the rug.
As a woman, I also caught Ross's subtle hint that jealousy may be a useful tool in driving a lady to beat the crap out of some skank acquire the gentleman of her choice. For those more interested in Lillian, Lloyd, and Hazel Marie, they return as well with their usual mannerisms and quirky conversational traits. I could just wrap them up with a little bow and love them and squeeze them and ... name them "George.
" Verdict: Fine literature? No. But I love Miss Julia. I can think of a couple of people just like her... It's a good beach read. Incidentally, if you go to the beach, I'd like to come. I promise to be very quiet. 
