Southern Grit
The writing style in Three Times Lucky definitely takes into account the book's Southern setting, and this comes through especially in the dialogue between characters. There's a lot of "yes ma'am" and that good old Southern hospitality:
"Don't trouble yourself dear," she replied. "I have a basket of fried chicken in the Buick. Let's spread a tablecloth on the porch. Detective? Deputy?" She fastened her smile on Deputy Marla. "You are a full deputy, aren't you dear?"
"Yes, ma'am," Deputy Marla said, standing up straight. (21.7-8)
The writing style is also pretty no nonsense because it's told from the perspective of Mo, who tells things like they are. The story flows at a rapid pace and is relayed to the reader in an unpretentious style—as though Mo is telling the story to a good friend over a campfire.