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 

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