A mysterious death in a Virginia farm town has the locals scratching their heads—while frisky feline Mrs. Murphy and her friends, fat-cat Pew...
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reviews
Sep 21, 2009
Samantha
rated it: 
I think it may be a time to take a nice, long break from the adventures of Harry, Mrs. Murphy, Tee Tucker and Pewter. For one, they're getting a little preachy of the "country life is the only life worth living" opinion. I get it. It's great. Now back off! Don't shove it down my throat!
This installment finds Harry and the gang happening upon a man who is drawing his dying breath after having had his throat ripped out by an animal? A person? And he tested positive for rabie More...
This installment finds Harry and the gang happening upon a man who is drawing his dying breath after having had his throat ripped out by an animal? A person? And he tested positive for rabie More...
Feb 10, 2009
Genie
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The story begins with Mary Minor "Harry" Harristeen, postmistress of tiny Crozet, Virginia, coming across a dying man whose throat has been slashed. A major complication is that he also had rabies. While checking out the crime scene, Harry finds a ring that belonged to a long-missing woman. The question is: are the two cases connected and if so, how? Many interconnected puzzles begin to unfold with one of the strangest being the disappearance of a famous studhorse. As an addition to th
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Sep 20, 2011
Donna
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Many years ago I read two books of this series, and was somewhat underwhelmed then, as well. Maybe it was because at that time I was so enjoying "The Cat Who..." series, and also discovering Maeve Binchy and Dorothy Gilman 2 favorite authors). I'm afraid Rita Mae Brown's series didn't have a chance with me at that time. Giving it another try was, unfortunately, a confirmation that this series and these characters don't resonate. In this book, one learns about horse breeding and a lo
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Aug 22, 2011
Marji
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It's been about 2 years since I read these, so I'm not sure I've pegged the correct one for this review. Since I seldom dislike books, I felt I needed to explain my low rating for this one. I'm not spoiling the ending by telling who the culprit is, but I will say how disappointed I was that the murderer got clean away! Even though the proof was there in front of the authorities, the criminal was left to live rich and untouched. I kept thinking I would read in a later book that the beast was take
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Dec 04, 2011
Knight
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I've liked most of the Sneaky Pie Brown books; in any series some are better than others. That's why I was surprised to read the negative comments about this book and the series.
I listened to the audio book on a long car drive. Being light reading, it was a good companion. I liked the reader, too. And now I'm going to read the book. Me, compulsive? NOooo.
The Commenter named Felicity mentioned bad grammar; perhaps I missed that because audio "reading" is more lik More...
I listened to the audio book on a long car drive. Being light reading, it was a good companion. I liked the reader, too. And now I'm going to read the book. Me, compulsive? NOooo.
The Commenter named Felicity mentioned bad grammar; perhaps I missed that because audio "reading" is more lik More...
Jul 21, 2010
Oceana2602
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Ok, I'm going to do a standard review for the rest of the Mrs. Murphy books I read, because I really can't think of something smart to say about every single one of them. Actually, it's hard to come up with something smart to say about any one of them, because they are not really smart books.
Though, no, that's not true. They aren't trivial as such, they aren't too easy - or, in other words, they don't hurt my brain while I read them. But I think we can all agree that they are also n More...
Though, no, that's not true. They aren't trivial as such, they aren't too easy - or, in other words, they don't hurt my brain while I read them. But I think we can all agree that they are also n More...
Apr 29, 2008
Holli
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I read all of the Sneaky Pie Brown mysteries. Even though they contain talking animals, they aren’t silly like some mystery series. I also enjoy the southern setting and the relationships between the characters. They are fun books, good entertainment for me. This one had a few twists, Harry’s resignation from the post office and her “reawakening affection” for Fair. I wonder where Harry will be in the next book . . . .
From Publishers Weekly
Bestseller Brown (The Tale More...
From Publishers Weekly
Bestseller Brown (The Tale More...
Jan 21, 2008
Felicity
rated it:
This is, I believe, the worst book I have ever finished. A full catalog of its crimes would take several pages, but I shall try to restrain myself.
It is written in cliche-ridden, awkward English that is often incorrect; its characters are thinly drawn and tiresome, and its heroine verges on Mary-Sueism, so competent, virtuous, and beautiful is she. After all, if she cared about dressing well, she'd be the prettiest gal in town, and her blond, muscular, broad-chested veterinarian ex-h More...
It is written in cliche-ridden, awkward English that is often incorrect; its characters are thinly drawn and tiresome, and its heroine verges on Mary-Sueism, so competent, virtuous, and beautiful is she. After all, if she cared about dressing well, she'd be the prettiest gal in town, and her blond, muscular, broad-chested veterinarian ex-h More...
Jun 27, 2007
Ruth
rated it:
I checked this audiobook out several months ago to listen to on my way to/from work. However, I soon discovered that I am way too sleepy (mornings) or brain dead (evenings) to listen to audio books most days. I managed to make it about halfway through the book before I had to return it. (Someone else had requested it.) So, then I checked out a paper copy of the book, and finished the rest.
This book was an interesting read/listen. There are LOTS of characters, and it was difficult for More...
This book was an interesting read/listen. There are LOTS of characters, and it was difficult for More...
Dec 01, 2010
Janet
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I have read enough of these to know that many of the animals have their own conversations and that often they have clues to the finale because of their superior eyesight, hearing and sense of smell. That said, this entry into the series added in talking broodmares, talking foxes, more talking mice, and they generally talked about little that had to do with advancing the overall storyline. The basic plot (rabies in human and a missing woman) was good, but this book needed serious editing.
Feb 14, 2010
Sean
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The Mrs. Murphy books have been getting a lot better since the disastrous and offensive entry with the stereotypical gay/trans killer. The murder of a Crozet local hearkens back to a cold case from decades before - as always, Mrs Murphy and her animal friends are on the trail! These books are cozy mysteries through and through, and a lot like comfort food they are nice to come to when you really need them.
Jul 23, 2010
Jennifer
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What I loved about this book: that it was in a south-central rural area, lots of discussion about horses and breeding, and scenes with only the animal characters. What was disappointing: the reading as lackluster. I may read another book in this series but I won't listen to another one by the same reader.
I have just started this book-on-CD; selected it because it is co-authored and co-stars a cat. How bad can that be? Although it is a little slow getting started, but that may be he s More...
I have just started this book-on-CD; selected it because it is co-authored and co-stars a cat. How bad can that be? Although it is a little slow getting started, but that may be he s More...
May 25, 2009
The indomitable sleuthing of famed tiger cat Mrs. Murphy, her feline pal Pewter, and the Corgi, Tee Tucker
and the humans brings me such Purr-fect delight!
and the humans brings me such Purr-fect delight!
Oct 10, 2010
Vicki
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Here's another book where the author checked out the medical information, so she avoided mangling it.
I can't emphasize enough how much I like that.
I can't emphasize enough how much I like that.
Jan 29, 2009
Mrs.Y.
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These wonderful Mrs. Murphy mystery books are written from the point of view of two cats and a Welsh Corgi dog! I have read them all!
Oct 15, 2009
Christina
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The later books are more opinionated, but I've gotten attached to the residents of Crozet and still enjoy reading about their lives.
Mar 05, 2010
Judy
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I really like Rita Mae Brown books. This is an old one, but not one I had read before. A little different for Harry.
Apr 16, 2011
Diane
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This series of light mysteries are a delight! You miss the characters when the story ends.Enjoy!
Jul 06, 2009
Jun 12, 2008
Natalie
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This is one of the later books...some of the changes in the characters lives made it difficult to go back and read the earlier books again...I should have waited. Usually I look at the order they were published before reading a large number of the same author to avoid this problem.
Charming animals and believable characters make it fun to read. This one had a few more political opinions regarding gay rights but I skimmed and it did not spoil the book for me.
Charming animals and believable characters make it fun to read. This one had a few more political opinions regarding gay rights but I skimmed and it did not spoil the book for me.
Nov 12, 2007
George
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Another in the "Harry" Haristeen and her two cats and Welsh corgi set in rural Crozet, Virginia mysteries. This time the murders occur related to horse breeding and Harry and her pets help unravel the mystery. A lot more personal stuff in this story as the author starts changing aspects of Harry's life so there is more person emphasis in this one.
May 06, 2010
Jan
rated it:
Problems with pets in the workplace and dead bodies by the stream.
Enjoyed this one more than most.
Enjoyed this one more than most.
Oct 01, 2011
I rarely quit reading a book once I've started, but I couldn't handle this one after about 75 pages. I've ready several of her books before, and managed to enjoy them, but this one dragged, has far too many characters, and, much as I love pets, the "conversations" were sappy.
