Miss Julia Strikes Back

By: Ann B. Ross

Narrated by: Cynthia Darlow

New York Times best-selling author Ann B. Ross creates endearing characters whose earnest exploits trigger wholesome laughter.

This time, America's favorite senior citizen takes on thieves who've stolen her jewelry. Although it's not the first time they've targeted her small North Carolina town, Miss Julia vows to make it the last. Soon she and her posse rush to Palm Beach for some sun, sand, and a bizarre stakeout. But how can two elderly ladies, a boy, and a tipsy private eye outfox crafty criminals?

©2007 Ann B. Ross (P)2007 Recorded Books

The characters

Loved the Julia character and the reader. Also the mystery and suspense that the story always kept you guessing about!

Same Miss Julia

I find that the Miss Julia story lines do not change much. I have read every book in the series up to this book. I did not enjoy this one as much as the others, probably because most of the characters were on trips and basically were not in the story. I will definately continue to read this series.

Genuine Southern accent

I live in the Carolinas. You don’t hear this deep of an accent, much, but I recognized it. The story was fun and the main character indefatigable.

Miss Julia Strikes Back

I have never enjoyed a Miss Julia book more! The story is very funny, but the narrator elevated it to hysterical. I laughed out loud through the whole book.

A crazy trip to Florida with Miss Julia

As Miss Julia Strikes Back by Ann B. Ross opens, Miss Julia discovers that her wedding ring and engagement ring are missing. Upon talking to her friend in the police, she learns that the theft is likely the work of a criminal gang that has been working several states. Determined not to leave this matter to the police, Miss Julia drives with Little Lloyd, now promoted to Lloyd, three days to Florida, where the gang reportedly hangs out, to hire Frank Tuttle, a private investigator whom her friend uses. Upon arriving in Palm Beach, Miss Julia finds Mr. Tuttle, but he is in a bar, dead drunk at noon. When he faints, the pair have to drag him out of the bar and end up calling, Etta Mae Wiggins, a nurse friend of Lloyd's mother to fly down to Florida to help them.

So begins the latest adventure of Miss Julia in another wild caper that made me laugh really hard. I had to suspend some of my disbelief to accept that Miss Julia would have put up with Tuttle upon seeing his drunken state instead of finding another detective. But once I did that, I really enjoyed this book. One of the funniest scenes involved Miss Julia's throwing away Mr. Tuttle's clothes while he is drunk and making him ride to the airport with her wearing nothing but a blanket.

The book had a surreal moment when Etta Mae admires the fancy clothes of those going to an expensive party and wonders if Donald Trump is there. "Who's he?" asks Lloyd. "Just someone who happens to live here. Part time," says Miss Julia.

I really enjoy the voice of Miss Julia. Her interpretations of things become amusing, as we the readers recognize the reality that Miss Julia does not. She also has her own quips that she does not recognize as clever but which come across so. I also had to smile once when Miss Julia once referred to "she or he" instead of "he or she." As a feminist, I prefer to alternate the order instead of limiting myself to saying "he or she" all the time. This order is based upon old rules that because Adam was created first, the man must always be named first.

This book is a mystery, but not a murder mystery and only a light mystery at that. It is such an enjoyable book that I had a lot of fun listening to it.

Cynthia Darlow does a terrific job of narrating this book. I love the voices she uses, as she realistically performs the voice of Lillian, the African American housekeeper; Lloyd, a boy about 12; Miss Julia, the older woman; and Mr. Tuttle, a frequently-drunk middle-aged man. In addition, Darlow channels Miss Julia so that I can't imagine anyone else as the genteel lady who keeps getting into trouble.

I had a great time listening to Miss Julia Strikes Back! This book is truly delightful and so much fun. I give it five stars!

Intriguing and Hilarious

This was one of the best books I’ve enjoyed so far! And, absolutely loved the ending!

Love Ms. Julia

If you could sum up Miss Julia Strikes Back in three words, what would they be?

Funny, southern, and unstoppable

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

This was the first Ms. Julia book. I couldn't turn it off. It was so funny, and well written. I couldn't wait to see what happened next.

What does Cynthia Darlow bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Her speaking voice is very easy to listen to, and sounds exactly as I thought prim Ms. Julia would sound. There are no unnatural pauses, or obvious edits.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Ms. Julia's Jewelry is missing...the thieves better hope the cops find them first!

Any additional comments?

Please, please get the rest of this series!

Miss Julia Strikes Back

The book is very funny and the narrator makes it even funnier. I could just see then racing around Florida looking for her stolden items. Want more books like this one.

A Fun Read!

The narrator did an excellent job and the story was well written. This Miss Julia episode did not disappoint!

Never disappoints

Miss Julia has a way of just lifting my spirits. If I’m having a bad day I just pick up my phone and put in my ear buds and I’m in Abbotsville NC again. I listen to the different stories going on at the same time. Then there is always an adventure going on.

I have listened since book 1, and I guess someone could start on book 12 or whatever one this is.
I’m so thankful for these books besides the Bible it is by far my favorite. Your husband yells at you? Go see what Miss Julia’s up to.