What the Cat Dragged In by Miranda James

 What the Cat Dragged In

Book Summary

Librarian Charlie Harris and his faithful feline companion, Diesel, have inherited Charlie’s grandfather’s house, along with a deadly legacy: a decades-old crime scene, in this all-new mystery in the New York Times bestselling Cat in the Stacks series.

Charlie has always believed that his grandfather had sold his house to his longtime tenant, Martin Hale. So when Martin dies, Charlie is surprised to discover the house was not left to Martin but instead belongs to Charlie. As he and Diesel check out the house he remembers fondly from his childhood, he is pleasantly surprised that it is in better condition than expected. That is, until they find a literal skeleton in a closet.

While the sheriff’s department investigates the mysterious remains, Charlie digs deeper into the past for clues to the identity of the bones and why they are there. But the cold case heats up quickly when Martin’s grandson is found dead on the farm.

As Charlie delves into his own family history, he encounters many people who might have been motivated to take a life. But Charlie and Diesel know that things are not always what they seem, and that secrets seemingly lost to time have a way of finding their way back to haunt the present.

My Thoughts

Charlie Harris and Diesel—Ramses too—are back and they have quite a conundrum.  Charlie learns that he has inherited his paternal grandfather’s farmhouse and land.  He is inspecting the attic with Diesel when he hears a thud and sees a skull.  Diesel has discovered a skeleton in a wardrobe with dirt clinging to it.  Charlie can imagine what Kanesha Berry will say.  While the deputies do their work, a storm hits the area downing trees.  Deputies find Martin Hale’s grandson, the man who had leased the farmhouse, dead under one of those trees.  Unfortunately, the tree is not what killed the man.  Charlie has his work cut out for him with this curious case.

What the Cat Dragged In by Miranda James is the 14^th A Cat in the Stacks Mystery.  It can be read as a standalone if you are new to the series.  Personally, I have loved reading this charming series from the beginning.  What the Cat Dragged In is well-written with developed characters.  Charlie Harris is a great character.  He is friendly, smart, caring, and a good family man.  He is rarely seen without his sidekick, Diesel (a Maine Coon cat).  I just love Diesel who acts like a person.  He has a darling personality and I love his chirps.  Ramses, of course, is a busy kitten.  He is getting bigger and more rambunctious.  All of the other characters that we love are back as well such as Sean, Laura, Azalea, Stewart, Haskell, Miss An’gel, and, of course, Little Charlie.  The mystery was complex and unique.  I like that there is a cold case and a current case.  There investigation into the skeleton is more interesting than the present day one.  Charlie must delve into the past to unravel this one.  We get to learn more about the Harris family.  The modern murder I found a cinch to solve.  There were some fun aspects to this case, and I just loved the reveal.  I enjoy every visit with Charlie and Diesel, and this was no exception.  Great characters, a fun whodunit, Southern charm, and humor in one engaging cozy mystery.  I am eager to read Hiss Me Deadly next spring.  What the Cat Dragged In is an engaging tale with a chirping cat, a surprising skeleton, an unanticipated inheritance, a thundering storm, a mystery murder, and historical revelations.  

What the Cat Dragged In is available from Amazon*.  You can find the other A Cat in the Stacks Mysteries here.  The next novel in A Cat in the Stack Mystery series is  Hiss Me Deadly which publishes March 29, 2022 (can pre-order now).  You should check out A Deep South Mystery series by Dean James (aka Miranda James).  Other novels out today are Her New Story by Laura Bradford, Carved in Stone by Elizabeth Camden, Be My Ghost by Carol J. Perry, The Last Chance Library by Freya Sampson, and Halloween Party Murder by Leslie Meiers, Lee Hollis, and Barbara Ross.  Thank you for joining me today.  I am sharing my thoughts on The Last Chance Library by Freya Sampson tomorrow.  I hope that you have an upbeat day.  Take care of yourself, be kind, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Cat Me If You Can by Miranda James

Book Summary

Cat Me If You Can by Miranda James has Charlie Harris, Helen Louise Brady, and Diesel in Asheville, North Carolina.  They are spending a week at a boutique hotel with the rest of the members of the mystery reader’s club from Athena, Mississippi.  Miss An’gel and Miss Dickce Ducote organized the event so the members could get a chance to know each other better and discuss their favorite mystery authors.  Charlie and Helen Louise are looking forward to a tranquil week with an opportunity to see the sites of Asheville including the Biltmore Estate.  They enter their suite at the hotel to find a maid supine on the couch.  It turns out that woman has narcolepsy and fell asleep (whew).  The group is having their first discussion when Denis Kilbride enters and causes a scene.  Denis is an uninvited guest who followed Ellie Arnold to Asheville.  The next day Denis is found dead in their meeting room and everyone in the group is on the investigating detective’s suspect list.  Charlie, with help from the Ducote sisters, Helen Louise, and Diesel, begins searching for links between the members and the victim.  Their pursuit of the killer, though, can lead to unexpected consequences. 

My Thoughts

Cat Me If You Can by Miranda James is the 13^th A Cat in the Stacks Mystery.  It can be read as a standalone for those new to this feline cozy mystery series.  I thought Cat Me If You Can was well-written with developed characters.  Charlie Harris and Diesel are back.  They are heading out of town with Helen Louise Brady, Charlie’s fiancé, for Asheville, North Carolina.  A chance for their mystery’s reader club from the Athena Public Library to get to know each other and talk about their favorite mystery authors.  The group also gets a private tour of the Biltmore Estate and a chance to visit other sites in Asheville.  Their plans are soon derailed when an uninvited guest is murdered.  Charlie along with Miss An’gel do a little investigating on their own.  Of course, Diesel gets in on the action.  They learn some surprising information and uncover a clue or two.  Then comes the reveal reminiscent of Mrs. Fletcher.  There are multiple suspects, good clues, and misdirection.  I enjoyed solving this whodunit.  It was a nice change of pace for the story to take place outside Athena.  It gives Charlie and Helen Louise some alone time which they rarely get back home.  I enjoyed the groups discussion on the Golden Age of mysteries.  I wrote down several authors that I am looking forward to exploring.  Diesel was his usual adorable self with his cute little trills and chirps.  Miranda James has created a great cast of characters for this series.  They are likeable and relatable.  There were some discussions along with attitudes about a sensitive subject that were realistic (I could imagine similar thoughts and actions happening around the world).  I enjoyed the humor scattered throughout the book.  Cat Me If You Can was an entertaining cozy mystery and I cannot wait to read What the Cat Dragged In next spring.  Cat Me If You Can is a charming tale with the beautiful Biltmore, a Golden Age gumshoe expose, mystery meetings, a sleepy servant, a painful pin, and the darling Diesel.

Cat Me If You Can releases Tuesday, August 25 and is available from Amazon*.  You can find the other books in A Cat in the Stacks Mystery series here.  The series began with Murder Past Due.  The next A Cat in the Stacks Mystery is What the Cat Dragged In which publishes April 6, 2021.  You can find Miranda James' other novels by clicking here.  Thank you for joining me today.  Tomorrow I am featuring Dead End Detective by Amanda Flower.  It is the debut of A Piper and Porter Mystery series. I hope that you have a merry day.  Take care, be kind, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*This post contains affiliate links.

Careless Whiskers by Miranda James

Hello!  Buried to the Brim by Jenn McKinlay comes out on Tuesday, January 28.  It is the sixth A Hat Shop Mystery.  I just love this series and I am happy that it is continuing.  The Tea Chest by Heidi Chiavaroli releases on February 4 as well as Two Steps Forward by Suzanne Woods Fisher (third book in The Deacon's Family series).    Dead to the Last Drop by Tonya Kappes is the 8th A Killer Coffee Mystery and publishes on February 21.  Sunsets, Sabbatical and Scandal by Tonya Kappes releases on March 24.  It is the 10th A Camper & Criminals Cozy Mystery.  My TBR list just keeps getting longer and longer!  Is there a new book coming out that you are looking forward to reading?  

Careless Whiskers by Miranda James returns readers to Athena, Mississippi.  Athena College puts on a play every spring for a fundraiser with a guest artist as the star.  The original actor cast in the roll became ill and the replacement has Laura, Charlie’s daughter, a tad upset.  Luke Lombardi is a pompous man who likes to provoke people.  But, as they say, the show must go on and Luke’s contract is already signed.  Laura is starring in Careless Whispers and her husband Frank is the director.  Charlie attends the welcome reception with Helen Louise and soon understands why his daughter is distraught.  Someone plays a prank on Luke by having pig ears presented to him as a special hors d’oeuvre.  Rehearsals begun the next day in which Charlie can see Luke in action.  Thankfully, Miss An’gel Ducote has a plan in place to get Luke to control his unfortunate behavior.  If only Miss An’gel could get the prankster to quit as well.  The practical joker stroke again but the star is not amused.   Charlie is enjoying the performance on Saturday when Luke collapses after taking a drink from the glass Laura handed him.  Luke Lombardi is dead, and Laura is the prime suspect.  Chief Kanesha Berry knows that Laura would not commit murder, but she must stick with the facts.  Charlie must once again don his sleuthing cap so he can unmask a killer.

Careless Whiskers by Miranda James is the twelfth A Cat in the Stacks Mystery.  It can be read as a standalone courtesy of the background information provided by the author.  Charlie Harris and Diesel are back along with the adorable Ramses.  Charlie has sworn off investigating after a close call, but, when his daughter is in the line of fire, he must dive in once again.  Luke Lombardi is the guest actor for the performance of Careless Whispers written by a local playwright using the name Finn Zwake.  Luke has an ego the size of Texas and an insufferable attitude to go with it.  Laura and Luke have a series of altercations during the week of rehearsals with Laura stating more than once that she would “kill” him if he did such a thing again (she was frustrated).  When Luke ends up dead on the stage after drinking from the glass handed to him by Laura, she finds herself at the top of the suspect list.  Charlie knows his daughter is innocent and begins nosing around searching for answers.  There are several suspects from Luke’s paramour to his understudy.  I liked following Charlie’s investigation. There are good clues and misdirection to distract readers from the solution.  In addition, there is the prankster in the theater and  two men who both claim to be the playwright Finn Zwake.  I thought Careless Whiskers was well-written with steady pacing.  I appreciated the addition of my what my father termed ten dollar words (sangfroid and inamorata are two examples).  The words suited the education of the characters.  I thought that the characters were developed and realistic.  The authors descriptions allowed me to visualize each one especially Finn Zwake with his shaggy mane of red hair and ridiculous mustache.  Charlie continues to develop as he grows older.  It is nice to see him slowing down at work and enjoying time with his grandchildren.  I especially love the scenes with Charlie at home with Diesel and Ramses.  I find Diesel’s little chirps and trills delightful.  It is cute that Ramses tries to imitate his older brother.  I laughed often while reading Careless Whiskers thanks to the abundance of humor.  The ending was very special and left me smiling.  Careless Whiskers is a diverting cozy mystery with an arrogant actor, a frisky feline, disquieting disputes, a phony playwright, and puzzling pranks.  

A Maine Coon cat like Diesel

Careless Whiskers can be obtained from Amazon* (in ebook, hardcover, and audible).  You can find a list of the other novels in A Cat in the Stacks Mystery series here.  The next A Cat in the Stacks Mystery is Cat Me if You Can which will be out on August 11, 2020.  Thank you for joining me today.  I will be back tomorrow with my review of The Bridge to Belle Island by Julie Klassen.  I hope you have a successful day.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*This post contains affiliate links.

The Pawful Truth by Miranda James

Welcome!  Cliff Hanger by Mary Feliz, Buried by Ellison Cooper, Shamed by Linda Castillo, A Genuine Fix by J.C. Kenney and Window on the Bay by Debbie Macomber come out tomorrow. A Charming Misfortune by Tonya Kappes and Versions of Her by Andrea Lochen will be released on July 23.  Which new release are you looking forward to reading?

The Pawful Truth by Miranda James returns readers to Athena, Georgia.  Charlie Harris has enrolled in the history of early medieval England taught by the enigmatic Dr. Carey Warriner.  Charlie is glad to see another mature student in the classroom, but Professor Warriner is less than thrilled by the appearance of Dixie Belle Compton.  Charlie is surprised when Dixie later shows up at his office asking to be his study partner.   Charlie is happy to have an excuse to turn her down especially after Melba warns him that Dixie is trouble with a capital T.  On Friday, Dixie fails to show up for class.  When Charlie arrives at home, he finds Chief Deputy Kanesha Berry waiting for him.  Dixie was found dead in her apartment and Charlie cannot help but wonder if Professor Warriner could be responsible especially after his recent uncharacteristic behavior.  Melba shares gossip that has been circulating about Professor Warriner and his wife, Dr. Irene Warriner who teaches in the English department.  Irene happens to be best selling Regency romance author who has a book signing at the local bookstore on Saturday which Charlie attends.  Unfortunately, the event goes sideways when Carey Warriner attacks a colleague.  The next day, another murder rocks the town.  The Ducote sisters pay Charlie a visit to ask him to do a little snooping in order to get the crimes solves in a more expeditious manner.  Charlie is happy to oblige, but this time his curiosity may get him killed.  

The Pawful Truth by Miranda James is the eleventh A Cat in the Stacks Mystery. There is background information in the first half of The Pawful Truth to aid those who are new to A Cat in the Stacks Mystery.  Personally, I suggest you begin with Murder Past Due. I always enjoying picking up the latest installment in A Cat in the Stacks Mystery series.    I thought The Pawful Truth was well-written and the pace moved along steadily.  Athena, Georgia is a small Southern college town with charming shops and some quirky residents.  I like the cast of characters which includes Charlie, Diesel, Melba, Azalea, Helen Louise, Stewart, Haskell, the Ducote Sisters, and, the newest member, Ramses.  I like that Charlie is an older protagonist along with his love of books.  He is a good man who loves his family, friends and fur babies.  Charlie’s family is included so we can find out how his daughter-in-law is doing after her bout with postpartum depression.  I can tell that the author has cats from the way she describes their behavior especially Ramses.  When Ramses uses Charlie’s leg for a climbing tree, she perfectly described how it feels to have those sharp little claws digging into your leg.  I just love Diesel’s little chirps.  Those two cats are such charmers and their antics had me chuckling.  The mystery had several viable suspects and there were good clues.  It is a whodunit that can be solved before the solution is revealed, but that did not deter my enjoyment of this cozy mystery.  I did feel there was to much speculation and repetition of case details.  I did like seeing more of Miss Dickce Ducote.  She has a mischievous side that likes to come out now and then.  We also get to meet to two new ladies who are administrative assistants at the college, and they provide some helpful information.  The Pawful Truth has rampant gossip, two suspicious deaths, a curious kitten, a distrustful spouse, a tolerant Maine Coon Cat, and an admittingly nosey librarian.

The Pawful Truth will be out Tuesday, July 16 and can be purchased on Amazon (as well as Barnes & Noble, Kobo, iBooks).  The next novel in A Cat in the Stacks Mystery series is Careless Whiskers which comes out on January 21, 2020.  You can find the complete list of A Cat in the Stack Mystery novels here.  Thank you for visiting today.  I will be sharing my review of Window on the Bay by Debbie Macomber tomorrow.  I hope you have a remarkable day.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

Six Cats a Slayin' by Miranda James: Review of the latest A Cat in the Stacks Mystery

Good Day!  A Vintage Death by Mary Ellen Hughes and Wreath Between the Lines by Daryl Wood Gerber are out today.  I will feature Wreath Between the Lines on November 16 (I believe there is a giveaway).  You do not want to miss reading these two delightful cozy mysteries.

Six Cats a Slayin' by Miranda James is the tenth novel in A Cat in the Stacks Mystery series. Charlie Harris has a new neighbor, Gerry Albritton who makes him uncomfortable with her overly flirtatious manor. Gerry is hosting a Christmas party to meet her new neighbors, and she sends over her assistant to make sure Charlie will be attending.  Charlie will attend if his girlfriend, Helen Louise Brady can be on his arm (protection).  Christmas is approaching, and it is Charlie’s first one as a grandfather.  He is worried about his daughter-in-law, Alex who seems exhausted from work and taking care of a colicky baby.  But Alex is not ready to accept help.  Charlie opens the door one day to find a box of five kittens on his doorstep with a note asking him to keep them safe.  Diesel decides it is his duty to keep the little frisky felines out of trouble.  At Gerry’s Christmas party, the whole neighborhood has shown up.  Gerry has been causing a stir with her attempts to buy up the houses on the street and her over-the-top outdoor Christmas decorations.  There is quality champagne and inexpensive appetizers.  Suddenly there is a loud crash and, when the crowd parts, Charlie sees Gerry collapses on the floor.  Helen Louise performs CPR, but Gerry is pronounced dead by the EMTs. Gerry’s death is suspicious, and Charlie is curious which one of the party attendees is the killer (and will be getting coal in his stocking this Christmas).  Charlie has two mysteries to solve and Christmas preparations to complete.  Will he get is all accomplished before Santa slides down the chimney? 

Six Cats a Slayin’ is a light and joyful Christmas cozy mystery.  Charlie is a unique main character for cozy mysteries because he is male.   Charlie Harris is a librarian at the local college in the archive room.  His cat, Diesel goes with him to work (and about town) and contributes with his little chirps which are so cute (and expressive).  Diesel appoints himself guardian of the kittens which exhausts him since they are so busy.  Thankfully, Charlie’s renters come up with an idea to keep the curious kitties contained.  Gerry Albritton has moved into the neighborhood and is wasting no time making her mark.  She has flirted with every man she has encountered and is now trying to buy up her neighbor’s homes.  It is no surprise when when Gerry ends up murdered.  Solving Gerry’s murder was a cinch.  I was surprised when it did not occur until I was almost halfway through the book.  One little detail gave me the identity to Gerry’s killer (I kept hoping it I would be wrong since I would have loved a twist).  I did enjoy reading on to find out more about Gerry since she was mysterious about her background.  The mystery surrounding the kittens was a puzzle and who doesn’t love cute felines.  Six Cats a Slayin’ contains good writing with a gentle pace. Six Cats a Slayin’ contains Christmas preparations, taking care of the kittens (in detail), speculation on Gerry’s killer, shopping for Christmas presents, food preparation and eating, playing with kittens, Charlie talking about his weight and needing exercise, attempts to catch the kittens’ owner, time spent at work, and concern about Alex.  Charlie has caring friends and a loving family.  They rally round to help out when there is a need.  You can read Six Cats a Slayin' as a standalone, but I recommend reading this series from the beginning (the earlier books are the best ones).  Six Cats a Slayin’ is a merry cozy mystery that will have you laughing over the rambunctious kittens’ behavior.

Thank you for stopping by today and reading my review.  I am going to feature Yule Log Murder by Leslie Meier, Barbara Ross, and Lee Hollis.  Three entertaining cozy mysteries in one book.  I hope you have a delightful day filled with engaging novels.  Happy Reading!

Kris
The Avid Reader