Joan Hess Papers

Collection

Identifier: MS-0066

Staff Only

Collection Overview

Abstract

The Joan Hess Papers consists of manuscript materials for novels written by Joan Hess between 1986 and 1990.

Dates

Creation: 1985-1990, undated

Extent

1.04 Cubic Feet (1 records carton.)

Creator

Hess, Joan, 1949-2017 (Person)

Scope and Contents

The collection consists of a number of copyedited manuscripts for novels written by Joan Hess between 1986 and 1990. Two books from her Maggody series are included- Mischief in Maggody and Much Ado in Maggody.

Manuscripts for five books featuring her long-running character Claire Malloy can also be found in the collection: Strangled Prose Dear Miss Demeanor Red Rover, Red Rover A Really Cute Corpse Roll Over and Play Dead

A manuscript for the stand-alone novel Future Tense is also included.

This collection will be of interest to those interested in Joan Hess and her writing process, as well as editing practices during the 1980s and early 1990s.

Biographical / Historical

Joan Hess (1949-2017) is an American mystery writer best known for two series, The Claire Malloy Mysteries and The Maggody Mysteries. Both series take place in Arkansas, where Hess was a longtime resident. A short-lived 1993 CBS series titled Arly Hanks was based on the central character of The Maggody Mysteries. Hess, under the pseudonym Joan Hadley, has also written two books featuring the character Theo Bloomer.

Hess served as president of the American Crime Writers League, and was a long time member of Sisters in Crime. Her stories have been published in anthologies such as Sisters in Crime, Crosswinds, and Malice Domestic.

Joan Hess was a longtime resident of Fayetteville, Arkansas. Later in life she relocated to Austin, Texas where she died at her home Nov. 23, 2017.

Conditions Governing Access

No known access restrictions.

Conditions Governing Use

Copyright and other restrictions may apply to the materials in this collection. Researchers using this collection assume full responsibility for conforming to the laws of libel, privacy, and copyright, and are responsible for securing permissions necessary for publication or reproduction.