Something Whiskered by Miranda James

 Something Whiskered

Book Summary

A dead baron, an Irish castle, and an unexpected ghost . . . Charlie Harris, Helen Louise Brady, and their feline friend Diesel find themselves hot on the trail of a conniving killer in this delightful Cat in the Stacks Mystery from New York Times bestselling author Miranda James.

Charlie Harris and his wife, Helen Louise Brady, have arrived in Ireland for their honeymoon. After a few days in Dublin, they head to County Clare, ancestral home to Helen Louise’s extended family, the O’Bradys. Her cousin Lorcan runs Castle O’Brady as a bed-and-breakfast with his wife Caoimhe and their daughter and son-in-law. But upon arrival at the castle, the newlyweds are shocked to see a body falling from the roof.

The dead man is centenarian Finn, Baron O'Brady, Lorcan’s grandfather, which means that Lorcan now becomes the new Baron O'Brady. Was someone in a hurry for Lorcan to assume the title and ownership of the estate? Or is there another reason for wanting Finn dead? And why is a ghostly cat making an appearance in their room-is he trying to warn them? Charlie and Helen Louise must answer these questions and more as they realize the local garda can't solve the crime alone. And along with Diesel they will have to investigate themselves or risk something wicked coming their way…

My Thoughts

Something Whiskered by Miranda James is a delightful tale.  I enjoyed Helen Louise, Charlie, and Diesel’s adventures in Ireland. Their honeymoon got off to a soaring start.  The vivid descriptions of the castle and grounds allowed me to envision them.  I agreed with Charlie about the library.  It is a place where I would happily spend weeks in exploring and reading.  I was happy that the honeymooners took Diesel with them.  I love how he chimes in on conversations (getting his two cents in) and gives comfort to those who are distressed.  Diesel is also a good judge of characters.  

The mystery began right away.  The way the body was discovered was certainly unique as was the manner of death.  I liked that Charlie and Helen Louise worked together to solve the crime.  Helen Louise knew the people involved, which was helpful.  At the end of the book, I was left with a couple of unanswered questions.  It was nice to meet Helen Louise’s Irish relatives.  There were some colorful characters working and residing on the estate.  I also enjoyed the Irish slang and phrases.  Something Whiskered is the seventeenth A Cat in the Stacks Mystery.  While fans of the series will enjoy this installment, I recommend newcomers start with a different book.  I enjoyed the departure from Charlie’s normal locale, but I did miss the regular cast of characters.  Something Whiskered is a máirt tale with a charming moggy, lipstick threats, an ancient elevator, drunken rants, car troubles, and a happy honeymoon.

Something Whiskered is available from Amazon*.  You can find the other books in A Cat in the Stacks Mysteries here.  If you follow Miranda James on Amazon, they will send you an email when he has a new book release. Other books that came out today are Trusting the Amish Farmer by Laurel Blount (a heartwarming story) and Hunting the Amish Witness by Dana R. Lynn (a suspenseful story). I will return tomorrow with A Family on His Doorstep by Alena Auguste (there will be a giveaway). I hope that you have a joyful day.  I am off to run a couple of errands. Do you plan out your errands?  I try to arrange them out for efficiency.  I am lucky that I can usually go in a circle.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

*This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase using my links, I will receive a small commission from the sale at no cost to you.  Thank you for supporting The Avid Reader.

Hiss Me Deadly by Miranda James

 Hiss Me Deadly

Book Summary

Charlie and Diesel must catch a killer before he strikes another deadly note in this latest installment of the New York Times bestselling Cat in the Stacks Mysteries.

Charlie Harris remembers Wilfred “Wil” Threadgill as one of the outsiders during high school in Athena. Although Wil was a couple of years ahead of him and his friend Melba Gilley, Melba had a big crush on Wil, who dropped out after his junior year. An aspiring musician, Wil hit the road for California and never looked back. Wil eventually became a star, fronting a band and writing award-winning songs. 

Coming back to Athena to work for two weeks with students in the college music department, Wil is now the big man on campus. Not everyone is happy to have him back, however. His entourage has been the target of several acts of petty harassment. At first, they are easy for Wil to shrug off, but the incidents escalate and become more troubling. When one of the band members is killed Charlie worries that Melba, now deeply involved with the man at the center of the attacks, could be in deadly danger. It is up to Charlie and Diesel to find out who hates Wil Threadgill enough to silence his song . . . forever!

My Thoughts

Hiss Me Deadly by Miranda James is the fifteenth A Cat in the Stacks Mystery.  It is hard to believe that we have had fourteen adventures with Charlie and Diesel.  If you are new to the series, I would recommend starting with one of the earlier books in the series.  Charlie and Diesel find themselves caught up in a mystery when musician and composer Wil Threadgill returns to Athena after forty years.  Wil has a bad feeling that something is wrong within his entourage.  He is hoping Charlie and Diesel will have some insights.  I found that to be vague and odd.  Then an old friend and high school bandmate of Wil’s end up dead.  Charlie is not very hands on in this investigation.  He does ask some questions (that’s it).  There are a couple of incidents that happen to other people, but we are not privy to them.  We are only told about them.  The whodunit can be solved before the reveal.   I felt the mystery was lacking.  There is no sleuthing and no action.  There was a subplot involving Wil that added nothing to the book.  The story moves along lethargically.  All our favorite characters are present including the adorable Diesel (love his warbles and chirps). 

We get to follow Charlie as he goes about his day-to-day life (getting up and having breakfast, feeding the cats, heading off to work, talking to Sean, etc.).  His son, Sean, has an issue with his wife regarding her coming back to work and their new home.  He seeks his father’s advice and so does Charlie’s daughter-in-law.  There is lots of talking and eating in this installment.  Melba acted like a lovesick fool. There was even a moment of jealousy which I thought was out of line.  Hiss Me Deadly is my least favorite book in A Cat in the Stacks Mysteries.  It needed some oomph (action, humor, sleuthing).  I was not a fan of the foul language in the book.  There was too much of it and it was unneeded.  I am glad that Charlie and Helen Louise are in a good place.  I am looking forward to their nuptials.  Hiss Me Deadly takes us back to Athena with a returning rocker, an electric killing, curious occurrences, a chirruping cat, a family fuss, a dwelling decision, and matrimonial determinations.  

Hiss Me Deadly will be out on Tuesday, June 27 and it can be preordered from from Amazon*.  You can find the other fourteen A Cat in the Stacks Mysteries here.  If you follow Miranda James on Amazon, they will send you an email when she has a new book release.  Thank you for joining me today.  On Tuesday, June 27 I will be featuring A Murder of Aspic Proportions by Amy Lillard.  It is the second A Sunflower Cafe Mystery.   I hope that you have a fun weekend.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

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

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

Claws for Concern: A Cat in the Stacks Mystery

Welcome!  I hope everyone is having a good week thus far.  Lethal Licorice by Amanda Flower will be out on Tuesday, February 27.  It is the second novel in An Amish Candy Shop Mystery series.

Claws for Concern by Miranda James is A Cat in the Stacks Mystery. It is July in Athena, Georgia and we find Charlie Harris along with his Maine Coon cat, Diesel volunteering at Athena Public Library.  Charlie notices the gentleman, who has been coming into the library for the last week, has returned.  The man wants to look at the local phone books to locate Delbert Collins.  Delbert was married to Charlie’s Aunt Dottie.  Charlie discovers the man is Bill Delaney, and he is the son of Delbert Collins.   Del never knew about Bill, and Bill did not find out about his birth father until after his mother passed away three months ago.  Charlie wants to get to know Bill better and is going to invite him to stay with him.  Then Charlie learns that Bill was entangled in a murder investigation. The multiple homicide investigation went cold and was never solved.  Charlie teams up with true crime writer, Jack Pemberton to resolve the twenty-year-old case.  Jack wants to write a book about Charlie (and Diesel) regarding a few of his past cases (his sleuthing prowess).   Accompany Charlie, Jack and Diesel as they delve into the case and uncover a killer.

Claws for Concern may be the ninth book in A Cat in the Stacks Mystery series, but it can be read as a standalone.  I like the author’s writing style (conversational and comfortable) and the characters are developed.  Diesel is a smart, lovable cat who enhances the book (I enjoy his manner of speaking and interacting).  I do not understand, though, why Charlie feels the need to have someone watch Diesel (a catsitter) when he cannot take the cat with him.  This happened a couple of times in the book.  I thought the pace, though, was a little slow (especially in the first part of the book).  The mystery does not start until the halfway mark.  The first half of the story is devoted to Charlie’s daily activities (eating, walking, spending time with girlfriend, volunteering at the library, talking with daughter, watching grandson, etc.) as well as meeting Bill Delaney and talking to Jack Pemberton about his book idea.  There was a lack of action through the whole book.  There is questioning, looking up records and speculation (ho hum).  The mystery had some interesting points, but it was not compelling.  There was a lack of suspects which made identifying the culprit a simple matter.  The wrap up at the end could have used a few tweaks (it was lacking).   I had eagerly been anticipating Claws for Concern after reading Twelve Angry Librarians last year.  Unfortunately, Claws for Concern was not of the same caliber as its predecessor.  If you are new to A Cat in the Stacks Mystery series, then I suggest starting with Murder Past Due.  Readers looking for a light, pleasant cozy mystery will be pleased with Claws for Concern.  The next novel in this series Six Cats a Slayin' which is scheduled to be released on October 23.

Thank you for visiting today.  Tomorrow I will be reviewing Miss Mary's Daughter by Diney Costeloe.  It is a historical mystery set in London in 1886.  I hope that you have a jolly day.  I am off to rake up leaves (thanks to the lack of rain).  The area I raked two days ago looks like I never touched it.  I am currently reading Who the Bishop Knows by Vannetta Chapman which will be published on March 6.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

Fixing to Die: A Southern Ladies Mystery

This week has just sped by so quickly.  Miranda James is the author of A Cat in the Stacks Mystery series (Claws for Concern will be out in February 2018) along with A Southern Ladies Mystery series.  The novels in A Southern Ladies Mystery series are Bless Her Dead Little Heart, Dead with the Wind, Digging Up the Dirt, and the latest is Fixing to Die.

Fixing to Die by Miranda James is the fourth book in A Southern Ladies Mystery series.  An’gel and Dickce Ducote have received a letter from Mary Turner Catlin about strange happening at her home, Cliffwood in Natchez, Mississippi. Mary Turner is at a loss and needs their help.  The sisters along with their ward, Bengy (and the pets) pack up and head to Natchez (with Bengy driving so they make it without any speeding tickets and get to enjoy the scenery).  Mary Turner was not kidding about the odd things occurring around the house—doors closing on their own, items moving around a room, cold spots, and strange shadows.  Is there a ghost at Cliffwood or is someone trying to get the Catlin’s out of their home?  The Ducote’s are just getting settled when a psychic shows up at the door saying she was drawn by a spirit who needs her help.  But she is not the only unwanted guest.  Two cousins and their lawyer descend on Cliffwood and insist upon staying for a few days (just what they need during their vacation time).  The next day Nathan Gable (one of the cousins) is found dead in his bed with a frightened expression on his face.  Did one of their unexpected guests kill Nathan or was it the spirit haunting Cliffwood?  An’gel and Dickce want answers and set out to reveal the truth.

Fixing to Die has some lively characters and a beautiful old home for the setting (I would love to live in it).  Miranda James did a wonderful job at portraying the accent of people who live in the South along with their characteristics.  The story contains some nice writing, but it lacked an ease. I thought Fixing to Die was a slow starter.   The murder did not occur until the 48% mark.  The murder mystery was straightforward and the majority of readers will identify the perpetrator long before the reveal (it can be deciphered before Henry Howard finds Nathan’s cold body).  The “hauntings” and who is behind them is equally unpuzzling. There was little investigation by the sisters.  They never looked at the body or checked out the crime scene.  Most sleuths would rush to check out both before the police arrive (the body would give them vital clues).  An’gel and Dickce asked questions, examined walls (for secret passageways), and endlessly speculated what could have happened.  The story is lacking in action and ending was anticlimactic.  The author also left some threads dangling at the end of Fixing to Die.  My rating for Fixing to Die is 3.5 out of 5 stars.  I would not recommend starting with Fixing to Die.  I have read the other books in A Southern Ladies Mystery series, and I felt a little lost in the beginning.  I liked what was called the Nancy Drew effect (made me laugh).  Who doesn’t want to find a secret passageway?  

I hope everyone has had a pleasant week and that you will have a relaxing weekend.  I will be sharing my thoughts about House. Tree. Person by Catriona McPherson next time.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader