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Cat in the Stacks #3
File M for Murder
In this mystery in the New York Times bestselling Cat in the Stacks series, librarian Charlie Harris and his cat Diesel must clear the name of someone near and dear to their hearts—Charlie’s own daughter.
Athena College’s new writer in residence is a famous native son, playwright Connor Lawton, known for his sharp writing—and sharper tongue. After an unpleasant encounter, librarian Charlie Harris heads home to a nice surprise: his daughter, Laura, is visiting and will be subbing for another professor this fall semester. It’s great news until he hears who got her the job: her old flame, Connor Lawton...
Fearing competition for Connor’s affections, one of his admirers tries to drive Laura out of town. And then, before Connor finishes the play he is writing, he is murdered—and Laura is the prime suspect. Knowing she’s innocent, Charlie and his faithful sidekick, Diesel, follow Connor’s cluttered trail of angry lovers, bitter enemies, and intriguing library research to find the true killer before his daughter is forever cataloged under “M”—for murderer.
Athena College’s new writer in residence is a famous native son, playwright Connor Lawton, known for his sharp writing—and sharper tongue. After an unpleasant encounter, librarian Charlie Harris heads home to a nice surprise: his daughter, Laura, is visiting and will be subbing for another professor this fall semester. It’s great news until he hears who got her the job: her old flame, Connor Lawton...
Fearing competition for Connor’s affections, one of his admirers tries to drive Laura out of town. And then, before Connor finishes the play he is writing, he is murdered—and Laura is the prime suspect. Knowing she’s innocent, Charlie and his faithful sidekick, Diesel, follow Connor’s cluttered trail of angry lovers, bitter enemies, and intriguing library research to find the true killer before his daughter is forever cataloged under “M”—for murderer.
294 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 31, 2012
221 people are currently reading
2454 people want to read
About the author
Miranda James
23 books1,248 followersPen name of Dean James, who also writes as Honor Hartman and Jimmie Ruth Evans
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 511 reviews
April 16, 2020
After finishing the 'Southern Ladies' mystery series by Miranda James, it was time to catch up on the 'Cat in the Stacks' mystery series, beginning with the 3rd of eleven books to date, File M for Murder. Miranda James is a pseudonym for the author who has several other series under a couple of names. I haven't gotten to those yet, but I will in time. I really enjoy the author's writing style, tone, and voice, so I'm apt to pick up any novels that have been written.
The 'Cat in the Stacks' books focus on Charlie Harris, a college librarian in Athena, Mississippi (among other roles too), and Diesel, his Maine coon cat. Charlie has two adult children in their 20s, and in File M for Murder, his daughter, Laura, comes home from Hollywood to teach at the college for a semester. Unfortunately, her ex, a famous writer, looms over her and then ends up dead. Charlie has to protect his daughter, which means going up against ruthless Deputy Kanesha Berry, also his housekeeper's daughter. Laura protests her innocence, but which member of the college or town of Athena had it in for the famous writer? We learn he lived there once before, he'd been having an affair with someone else, and he was researching a past death. Just how did it all catch up to him finally?
A few reasons why you might love this series: (1) a southern setting with charm and true heritage, (2) a cat who takes over everywhere he goes, (3) a rivalry between the key cop and the amateur sleuth, (4) an older male protagonist in a cozy, and (5) a strong cast of characters who will keep you guessing for many pages. James always packs a nice punch with the reason why the killer murders someone. When it's related to Charlie's past, it's even better. Knowing the author lives in a town probably not too unlike the main village in his books makes it feel even more authentic.
I already have books 4 and 5, but once I get through those, I'll order the next group, as I intend to finish them all by this summer. Anyone want to join in?
The 'Cat in the Stacks' books focus on Charlie Harris, a college librarian in Athena, Mississippi (among other roles too), and Diesel, his Maine coon cat. Charlie has two adult children in their 20s, and in File M for Murder, his daughter, Laura, comes home from Hollywood to teach at the college for a semester. Unfortunately, her ex, a famous writer, looms over her and then ends up dead. Charlie has to protect his daughter, which means going up against ruthless Deputy Kanesha Berry, also his housekeeper's daughter. Laura protests her innocence, but which member of the college or town of Athena had it in for the famous writer? We learn he lived there once before, he'd been having an affair with someone else, and he was researching a past death. Just how did it all catch up to him finally?
A few reasons why you might love this series: (1) a southern setting with charm and true heritage, (2) a cat who takes over everywhere he goes, (3) a rivalry between the key cop and the amateur sleuth, (4) an older male protagonist in a cozy, and (5) a strong cast of characters who will keep you guessing for many pages. James always packs a nice punch with the reason why the killer murders someone. When it's related to Charlie's past, it's even better. Knowing the author lives in a town probably not too unlike the main village in his books makes it feel even more authentic.
I already have books 4 and 5, but once I get through those, I'll order the next group, as I intend to finish them all by this summer. Anyone want to join in?
January 8, 2014
It was with some trepidation that I read this book, having not enjoyed the first in the series, but I had nothing else on hand at the time. And often as we know it takes a book or two for a writer to really get into their craft.
This volume was much better written, without some of the howlers perpetrated in Vol 2 of the series. However, there is still little to no description of the city or the people that populate it; I still have no idea what the protagonist is supposed to look like beyond being over 50 and a bit pudgy. I think using the first person "I" narrative voice was not the best choice, given that the I-character is supposedly a man...but often uses language more appropriate to a woman. I don't know of any Southern men of a certain age who would use the word "scrumptious" to describe chicken salad (or anything else). They seldom use the word "cute" unless talking about a two-year-old girl. And addressing a large tomcat as "sweet/adorable kitty?" Eh. I don't think so. I grew up around southern men and I never heard them use language like this. Women, yes. There was more variety in the first half of the book, but by the second we were back to "scratching the cat's head" every few paragraphs. I've owned cats. They don't sleep all night, they get up early in the day and wake YOU up demanding to be fed (particularly on Saturdays and holidays when you can sleep in), and they object to having their heads messed with exclusively. Why not stroke, pat, smoothe, or a few of the dozen other verbs for petting an animal?
The puzzle itself was better constructed than the last one, and held my attention a bit better. The end was rather anti-climactic though, with all the action happening "off-camera" and being discussed by the main characters. The author speaks disparagingly of Jessica Fletcher's famous "library scene reveal-alls", but she could work on her own endings a bit to an advantage.
This volume was much better written, without some of the howlers perpetrated in Vol 2 of the series. However, there is still little to no description of the city or the people that populate it; I still have no idea what the protagonist is supposed to look like beyond being over 50 and a bit pudgy. I think using the first person "I" narrative voice was not the best choice, given that the I-character is supposedly a man...but often uses language more appropriate to a woman. I don't know of any Southern men of a certain age who would use the word "scrumptious" to describe chicken salad (or anything else). They seldom use the word "cute" unless talking about a two-year-old girl. And addressing a large tomcat as "sweet/adorable kitty?" Eh. I don't think so. I grew up around southern men and I never heard them use language like this. Women, yes. There was more variety in the first half of the book, but by the second we were back to "scratching the cat's head" every few paragraphs. I've owned cats. They don't sleep all night, they get up early in the day and wake YOU up demanding to be fed (particularly on Saturdays and holidays when you can sleep in), and they object to having their heads messed with exclusively. Why not stroke, pat, smoothe, or a few of the dozen other verbs for petting an animal?
The puzzle itself was better constructed than the last one, and held my attention a bit better. The end was rather anti-climactic though, with all the action happening "off-camera" and being discussed by the main characters. The author speaks disparagingly of Jessica Fletcher's famous "library scene reveal-alls", but she could work on her own endings a bit to an advantage.
November 23, 2017
Very good read - much better than the previous one. Things were much more personal for Charlie and his children this time around and it was a good guessing game; I didn't get it all figured out until they did [with the exception of one or two things] and that made it even better, even with the rather anticlimactic ending. Which was kind of needed due to all the climatic shenanigans that went on in the story.
April 22, 2024
Charlie Harris is a librarian in his 50's who loves his enormous,3 foot- long, 50 lb. Maine Coon kitty, Diesel. This beautiful boy is excellent at providing help and comfort...mostly comfort, to anyone in his little world, that needs it, and sometimes serves as a great listener for his pet human. Diesel. Even though he is a cat, he's high on the scope of feline intelligence...and did I mention that Diesel is a big, handsome boy with a purr that sounds like a diesel engine...hence his name.
Our Charlie has a habit of getting involved in murders. He seems to have a gift for tripping over dead bodies and inserting himself into police investigations. It’s a habit that the local police find very annoying and less than endearing.
This case is close to home. Charlie’s daughter Laura is home for the summer, teaching a drama class at the local college where Charlie's library duties take place. She got the temporary position through the influence of the resident playwright at the university, Connor Lawton. Connor is a major pain in the posterior. Not just to Charlie, but to every person he comes in contact with. He’s rude, arrogant and downright insulting to everyone, so it's not surprising that no one likes him. It's also no surprise that no one mourns him when he’s found dead in his apartment. However, the long line of suspects...those who might want him dead... stretches as far as the eye can see.
Once Connor is out of the way, whoever is behind his death turns their sights on Laura Harris, and her family finds itself under threat from everywhere. Charlie, as usual, feels like it’s all up to him to figure out who is responsible before the killer manages to either kill his daughter or burn down his house with everyone inside.
I loved the cat, and the other characters were okay. The mystery went on a bit long but still had a satisfactory ending. As you can guess, Diesel was my favorite character and mainly the reason, I read the book. Put a cute animal on the cover and I'm putty in the publishers' hands:)
Our Charlie has a habit of getting involved in murders. He seems to have a gift for tripping over dead bodies and inserting himself into police investigations. It’s a habit that the local police find very annoying and less than endearing.
This case is close to home. Charlie’s daughter Laura is home for the summer, teaching a drama class at the local college where Charlie's library duties take place. She got the temporary position through the influence of the resident playwright at the university, Connor Lawton. Connor is a major pain in the posterior. Not just to Charlie, but to every person he comes in contact with. He’s rude, arrogant and downright insulting to everyone, so it's not surprising that no one likes him. It's also no surprise that no one mourns him when he’s found dead in his apartment. However, the long line of suspects...those who might want him dead... stretches as far as the eye can see.
Once Connor is out of the way, whoever is behind his death turns their sights on Laura Harris, and her family finds itself under threat from everywhere. Charlie, as usual, feels like it’s all up to him to figure out who is responsible before the killer manages to either kill his daughter or burn down his house with everyone inside.
I loved the cat, and the other characters were okay. The mystery went on a bit long but still had a satisfactory ending. As you can guess, Diesel was my favorite character and mainly the reason, I read the book. Put a cute animal on the cover and I'm putty in the publishers' hands:)
August 3, 2012
I'm about 1/2 way through this 3rd book in the series and what i'd like ot know is this: why does every single meal they eat at home include green beans? Hasnt anyone else noticed this????
Didnt finish it - found the writing a bit bland and the characters annoying with their politeness. yes I did get through the first 2 books and did enjoy ethe first one but this one just annoyed me somehow.
Didnt finish it - found the writing a bit bland and the characters annoying with their politeness. yes I did get through the first 2 books and did enjoy ethe first one but this one just annoyed me somehow.
July 29, 2024
Secretos familiares, recuerdos reprimidos que vuelven y asesinatos. Te la vas a pasar bien con este, creo.
Escenas y demás:
*Aunque podría ser el vodka mezclado con… eh… alguna cosa desconocida para mí hablando, estoy casi, casi convencida de que Diesel entiende lo que se le dice. Maa, ¿qué sabes? tal vez tenga poderes ocultos o así…
En una nota no relacionada, alguien debería intentar detenerme la próxima vez que se me ocurra beber un domingo. Enérgicamente. No es que vaya a lograrlo, no, pero se agradecería la intención.
...Señor infernal, mi cabeza…
*Charlie, intentando usar a la inspectora Berry con el fin de amenazar a Connor… solo para que dicha inspectora no se encuentre disponible: tremendo chasco, ese.
*Connor Lawton, el insoportable, insoportable imbécil.
Si piensas que no debo hablar mal de los muertos, entonces solo necesitas recordar algo: tengo a Diesel de mi lado y claramente ese es el argumento definitivo.
*Diesel, trayendo —a pedido de Charlie— juguetes y, finalmente, la memoria externa que escondió en algún lugar.
*Laura, usando a Diesel para espantar a Damitra Vane: tan genial.
Mmm, al final va a resultar que voy a continuar con estos libros solo por el gato…
*Diesel, descubriendo el paquete bomba que iba dirigido a Laura y alertando a Charlie sobre la existencia de tal objeto: le debes la vida de tu hija a ese gato, Harris. Será mejor que sigas siendo amable con él y empieces a considerarlo tu amo y señor, o si no…
*La antigua relación entre Stewart y Ray necesita ser relatada más a fondo. Por el bien de la transparencia informativa, claro está.
El escritor Connor Lawton no le agrada ni al arch— digo… al bibliotecario Charles Harris ni —y esta es la opinión más importante— a Diesel, el gato Maine Coon. La última y muy poderosa opinión significa, por supuesto, que Charlie ha de procurar tratar con Lawton lo menos posible, sí.
¿El problema? Lawton es el ex de su hija, hija que ha venido a Athena con la intención de pasar una buena temporada con él (y esa visita tendría que causarle únicamente alegría y no traer el drama a su vida, maldición)
¿El otro problema? Lawton está obsesionado con Laura (no, de verdad: tremendamente, tremendamente obsesionado. En serio amigo, no es no. Entiéndelo y cálmate ya, joder) y, lamentablemente, ahí también está Damitra Vane, la ex de Connor obsesionada con el tipo (la obsesión se aprende de algún lado, supongo)
¿¿El problema más grave? Laura halla al dramaturgo muerto (probablemente asesinado, en realidad), Charlie nota que ella comienza a… comportarse raro (y a mentir a la policía. Sospechoso, sospechoso) y los policías no parecen estar nada, nada felices de ver al señor Harris involucrado en otro caso de persona fallecida.
"Esto no va a empeorar de ningún modo desde aquí", aseguró nadie nunca.
Escenas y demás:
*Aunque podría ser el vodka mezclado con… eh… alguna cosa desconocida para mí hablando, estoy casi, casi convencida de que Diesel entiende lo que se le dice. Maa, ¿qué sabes? tal vez tenga poderes ocultos o así…
En una nota no relacionada, alguien debería intentar detenerme la próxima vez que se me ocurra beber un domingo. Enérgicamente. No es que vaya a lograrlo, no, pero se agradecería la intención.
...Señor infernal, mi cabeza…
*Charlie, intentando usar a la inspectora Berry con el fin de amenazar a Connor… solo para que dicha inspectora no se encuentre disponible: tremendo chasco, ese.
*Connor Lawton, el insoportable, insoportable imbécil.
Si piensas que no debo hablar mal de los muertos, entonces solo necesitas recordar algo: tengo a Diesel de mi lado y claramente ese es el argumento definitivo.
*Diesel, trayendo —a pedido de Charlie— juguetes y, finalmente, la memoria externa que escondió en algún lugar.
*Laura, usando a Diesel para espantar a Damitra Vane: tan genial.
Mmm, al final va a resultar que voy a continuar con estos libros solo por el gato…
*Diesel, descubriendo el paquete bomba que iba dirigido a Laura y alertando a Charlie sobre la existencia de tal objeto: le debes la vida de tu hija a ese gato, Harris. Será mejor que sigas siendo amable con él y empieces a considerarlo tu amo y señor, o si no…
*La antigua relación entre Stewart y Ray necesita ser relatada más a fondo. Por el bien de la transparencia informativa, claro está.
El escritor Connor Lawton no le agrada ni al arch— digo… al bibliotecario Charles Harris ni —y esta es la opinión más importante— a Diesel, el gato Maine Coon. La última y muy poderosa opinión significa, por supuesto, que Charlie ha de procurar tratar con Lawton lo menos posible, sí.
¿El problema? Lawton es el ex de su hija, hija que ha venido a Athena con la intención de pasar una buena temporada con él (y esa visita tendría que causarle únicamente alegría y no traer el drama a su vida, maldición)
¿El otro problema? Lawton está obsesionado con Laura (no, de verdad: tremendamente, tremendamente obsesionado. En serio amigo, no es no. Entiéndelo y cálmate ya, joder) y, lamentablemente, ahí también está Damitra Vane, la ex de Connor obsesionada con el tipo (la obsesión se aprende de algún lado, supongo)
¿¿El problema más grave? Laura halla al dramaturgo muerto (probablemente asesinado, en realidad), Charlie nota que ella comienza a… comportarse raro (y a mentir a la policía. Sospechoso, sospechoso) y los policías no parecen estar nada, nada felices de ver al señor Harris involucrado en otro caso de persona fallecida.
"Esto no va a empeorar de ningún modo desde aquí", aseguró nadie nunca.
July 9, 2015
I don't know WHAT it is about this series that I just love to pieces! It makes me feel so warm and fuzzy! I love the main characters, the setting, and most importantly, DIESEL! Great books and I look forward to the rest of the series, as always.
February 9, 2020
Charlie Harris, archivist at a university in Athena, Mississippi, finds himself involved in another investigation when his daughter Laura returns home to teach drama. When the playright/director for the production turns up dead, several suspects with varying motives emerge. Fortunately Diesel the cat helps keep a fire meant to torch the home from ever gaining hold and shows Charlie the suspicious package addressed to Laura before she can open it. One suspect is killed. Police must seek the killer from striking again and try to keep Laura safe, but Charlie and his son Sean, an attorney, know they need to help. While this installment provides a fun reading experience, the police and amateur sleuths need better relationship development to improve the series. Kanesha, whose mother works for Charlie, seems entirely too cold and distant. I think the author, in an effort to make her seem all business-like, made her too cold.
November 13, 2015
This was the 3rd in the series. I didn't read the first two, but that seemed to be okay. Charlie Harris is a librarian, with a Maine Coon cat named Diesel. His daughter is a suspect in the murder of her ex fiancé. While the story could have been a good one, I just felt little connection with the main characters. And I felt that Charlie (as a good old southern boy) was way to obsessed with good manners. A big disappointment was that the cat was merely a prop, and had nothing to do with helping to solve the mystery. Also, I have owned cats for many, many years and none have ever "chirped" or "warbled" as this cat did on almost every page. I have no desire to read anything else from this series.
July 25, 2013
This book was remarkably similar to the first in this series.
The victim is a writer (again.) There are 12 chapters before his death to establish what a bastard he is (again.) And someone close to Charlie is implicated (again.)
I find I'm getting a little annoyed with the author's writing and lack of dimension to the characters. Just about every sentence having to do with Deputy Berry refers to how cold and stand-offish she is. We get it. Can you give us something else please?
And Diesel is just plain unbelievable. Don't get me wrong, I love him and want to have him for my own, but he is written too much as a human. Lillian Jackson Braun's books have an intelligent, crime-solving cat, but Coco's -a cat.- Diesel meows and acts like he's part of the conversation. I would like to see more cat-ness in him.
The ending is very anti-climactic. In fact, the author goes so far as to come out and say it's anti-climactic but "this isn't television" and "real life doesn't work that way." Really? It's a book. It should work "that way."
One good thing I can say is I like the development of Charlie. We got to see is over-protective father side. And, as a librarian myself, I love his librarian instincts.
The victim is a writer (again.) There are 12 chapters before his death to establish what a bastard he is (again.) And someone close to Charlie is implicated (again.)
I find I'm getting a little annoyed with the author's writing and lack of dimension to the characters. Just about every sentence having to do with Deputy Berry refers to how cold and stand-offish she is. We get it. Can you give us something else please?
And Diesel is just plain unbelievable. Don't get me wrong, I love him and want to have him for my own, but he is written too much as a human. Lillian Jackson Braun's books have an intelligent, crime-solving cat, but Coco's -a cat.- Diesel meows and acts like he's part of the conversation. I would like to see more cat-ness in him.
The ending is very anti-climactic. In fact, the author goes so far as to come out and say it's anti-climactic but "this isn't television" and "real life doesn't work that way." Really? It's a book. It should work "that way."
One good thing I can say is I like the development of Charlie. We got to see is over-protective father side. And, as a librarian myself, I love his librarian instincts.
August 13, 2016
Charlie Harris is delighted to have his daughter, Laura, in town for the semester teaching drama at Athena College. He’s less excited about having Connor Lawton as the writer in residence since the playwright is nasty man. However, it is still a surprise when Laura finds him murdered late one afternoon. Who hated Connor enough to kill him?
Having Laura in town was wonderful since it gave us a chance to get to see a different side of Charlie. We’re actually getting a rather large cast of characters already, but I truly love them all. Yet the characters never slow down the plot, which builds steady to a logical yet surprising climax.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
Having Laura in town was wonderful since it gave us a chance to get to see a different side of Charlie. We’re actually getting a rather large cast of characters already, but I truly love them all. Yet the characters never slow down the plot, which builds steady to a logical yet surprising climax.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
March 14, 2021
File M for Murder by Miranda James is the 3rd book in the Cat in the Stacks Mystery series. Charlie's actress daughter Laura is teaching at Athena College when she finds her former boyfriend and college writer in residence Connor Lawton murdered. An interesting mystery but seemed rather slow and drawn out. It was a while before the murder occurs but picked up a little following this. I liked that Charlie was able to use his librarian skills and contacts to search for clues. Diesel played a slightly bigger role but seems to be more of a prop and not really contributing very much. I liked that Charlie kept the police updated and left the arrests to them. An okay book but it seemed to drag a bit for me.
January 16, 2016
This series features Charlie Harris who has returned home to Athena, Mississippi to work as a librarian. He also has a sidekick that goes almost everywhere he goes, a rescued Maine coon cat named Diesel. Diesel is happy to don a harness and leash and travel around town with Charlie. Most of the people of Athena have adjusted to this huge cat and realize how friendly he is, they always have pats and treats ready for Diesel.
In File M for Murder, Charlie is surprised when his daughter, Laura, returns home from Hollywood to fill in for another professor at the local college. Charlie, Sean and Diesel are thrilled to have her home.
He then learns that her old boyfriend, Connor Lawton, a playwright, is also at the college as a writer-in-residence, working on his new play and helped her get the job. Charlie in not at all impressed with the man who is just plain rude. Connor is also followed to Athena by an old girlfriend who believes she is the only woman good enough for Connor.
Before the sharp tongued writer can finish his play he is murdered and Charlie’s daughter becomes the prime suspect. Charlie and Diesel are on the case. He soon finds many other viable suspects but can he find the real killer before any of his family or friends end up filed under M for murder.
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Yes, Diesel is one of the shining stars of this series. His meows, warbles, chirrups, and head bumps are priceless. He is so in tune to human’s feelings. If you are a cat person like me you will truly understand. But without Charlie there is no story so together they make a great team of shining stars. We also know that Charlie is not the only human who talks to their pets like they understand exactly what we are saying. I know Azalea is shaking her head at me.
This story touched my heart because of the relationship Charlie has with his daughter. I found myself missing the talks I used to have with my dad. Like Charlie, he was there for me through thick and thin until his death, although he definitely was not a cat person. Charlie was definitely Laura’s hero in this story, just like a dad should be. James creates a wonderful family dynamic that reaches out to Justin and Stewart, Charlie’s boarders. All the characters are strong, real and jump right off the page.
This mystery was complex and following the tidbits and putting them all together was very entertaining. It will change the way you look at your local librarian because contrary to what we think we can’t find everything we need to know on the internet. Sometimes we need to dig a little deeper and go through those old musty files, especially when trying to solve a murder, be it a new one or a very old one.
File M for Murder is full of Southern Charm and the residents of Athena will work their way right into your heart, especially one huge Maine coon cat! Love ya Diesel!
In File M for Murder, Charlie is surprised when his daughter, Laura, returns home from Hollywood to fill in for another professor at the local college. Charlie, Sean and Diesel are thrilled to have her home.
He then learns that her old boyfriend, Connor Lawton, a playwright, is also at the college as a writer-in-residence, working on his new play and helped her get the job. Charlie in not at all impressed with the man who is just plain rude. Connor is also followed to Athena by an old girlfriend who believes she is the only woman good enough for Connor.
Before the sharp tongued writer can finish his play he is murdered and Charlie’s daughter becomes the prime suspect. Charlie and Diesel are on the case. He soon finds many other viable suspects but can he find the real killer before any of his family or friends end up filed under M for murder.
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Yes, Diesel is one of the shining stars of this series. His meows, warbles, chirrups, and head bumps are priceless. He is so in tune to human’s feelings. If you are a cat person like me you will truly understand. But without Charlie there is no story so together they make a great team of shining stars. We also know that Charlie is not the only human who talks to their pets like they understand exactly what we are saying. I know Azalea is shaking her head at me.
This story touched my heart because of the relationship Charlie has with his daughter. I found myself missing the talks I used to have with my dad. Like Charlie, he was there for me through thick and thin until his death, although he definitely was not a cat person. Charlie was definitely Laura’s hero in this story, just like a dad should be. James creates a wonderful family dynamic that reaches out to Justin and Stewart, Charlie’s boarders. All the characters are strong, real and jump right off the page.
This mystery was complex and following the tidbits and putting them all together was very entertaining. It will change the way you look at your local librarian because contrary to what we think we can’t find everything we need to know on the internet. Sometimes we need to dig a little deeper and go through those old musty files, especially when trying to solve a murder, be it a new one or a very old one.
File M for Murder is full of Southern Charm and the residents of Athena will work their way right into your heart, especially one huge Maine coon cat! Love ya Diesel!
September 15, 2015
Oh my! Librarian Charlie Harris' Athena MS home sure is full! His daughter Laura has moved in. So there are Charlie's 2 borders - Justin and Stewart, his son - Sean, Stewart's dog, Dante, and of course his side kick Diesel - the Maine Coon Cat. Thank goodness his house is large since Laura is teaching at the College for the Fall Semester. How and who helped her get this gig is Connor Lawton. Charlie isn't crazy about the man. He's obnoxious, ill tempered, and still enamored with Laura. There are many people who'd like to swing a bat at his head, including Charlie. When the playwright in residence is found murdered there is no shortage of suspects, including Laura.
After finding the body, Laura took something from Lawton's apartment and lied to Kenisha Bell. Not good, because Chief Deputy Bell always gets her man or woman. Charlie decides to investigate the murder before Laura finds herself in jail or dead. Attacked in her office Laura is in danger, as well as the whole Harris household - a little arson here and there, threats, warnings. Who killed Lawton? Was his unfinished play based in real life and why would someone kill over it?
James is a wonderful writer, knows how to tell a story while keeping the reader turning the pages. Don't look for many red herrings in the story line. There aren't many. The clues as to who-dun-it are dropped with care until James reveals the killer through Charlie. And boy was I surprised!
After finding the body, Laura took something from Lawton's apartment and lied to Kenisha Bell. Not good, because Chief Deputy Bell always gets her man or woman. Charlie decides to investigate the murder before Laura finds herself in jail or dead. Attacked in her office Laura is in danger, as well as the whole Harris household - a little arson here and there, threats, warnings. Who killed Lawton? Was his unfinished play based in real life and why would someone kill over it?
James is a wonderful writer, knows how to tell a story while keeping the reader turning the pages. Don't look for many red herrings in the story line. There aren't many. The clues as to who-dun-it are dropped with care until James reveals the killer through Charlie. And boy was I surprised!
March 11, 2023
File M for Murder is book three in the Cat in the Stacks series by Miranda James. Charlie Harris's daughter Laura found a job as a relief teacher in the art department. However, she was not pleased to learn that her idol writer Connor Lawton helped her get the job and became the prime suspect in his murder. Charlie Harris had no time to lose to find the evidence to prove his daughter's innocent. The readers will continue following Charlie Harris's investigation to discover what happens.
File M for Murder is an enjoyable, cozy mystery when you want something quick and engaging to read and forget about your day with a cup of tea and a chocolate biscuit. Reading File M for Murder, I had to laugh at how the animal characters intertwine thought out this book. I love Miranda James' portrayal of her characters and the way they all interact with each other throughout this book. File M for Murder is well-written and researched by Miranda James. I like Miranda James' description of the settings of File M for Murder which allowed me to imagine being part of the book's plot.
The readers of File M for Murder will learn about the assistant role in the Theater Department production. Also, the readers will understand the problems of being in a toxic relationship.
I recommend this book.
File M for Murder is an enjoyable, cozy mystery when you want something quick and engaging to read and forget about your day with a cup of tea and a chocolate biscuit. Reading File M for Murder, I had to laugh at how the animal characters intertwine thought out this book. I love Miranda James' portrayal of her characters and the way they all interact with each other throughout this book. File M for Murder is well-written and researched by Miranda James. I like Miranda James' description of the settings of File M for Murder which allowed me to imagine being part of the book's plot.
The readers of File M for Murder will learn about the assistant role in the Theater Department production. Also, the readers will understand the problems of being in a toxic relationship.
I recommend this book.
June 9, 2025
Obviamente, Diesel es mi personaje favorito ;D Disfruto mucho de esta serie pero esta vez, se me ha quedado un poco justita. Me gusta como lectura entretenida y agradable entre otras, para "refrescar".
La trama ha estado bien, también la aparición de la hija de Charlie Harris como nuevo personaje familiar. Lo único que me ha decepcionado ha sido su final apresurado y con falta de datos. Se alarga con cosas innecesarias para luego pegar un acelerón que no tiene justificación.
La trama ha estado bien, también la aparición de la hija de Charlie Harris como nuevo personaje familiar. Lo único que me ha decepcionado ha sido su final apresurado y con falta de datos. Se alarga con cosas innecesarias para luego pegar un acelerón que no tiene justificación.
January 20, 2016
It's funny. I enjoyed the first two books in this series, but in retrospect, I think they had some of the same flaws that will make this book my last. For one thing, it takes about a third of the book for the murder to actually occur. That's almost 100 pages suffering through the murder victim being an asshole, to the point that I wanted to jump into the story and off him myself. I much prefer mysteries where the murder happens quickly so more time can be spent on the actual investigation. Plus, you only need to spend so much time establishing that the murder victim is a dick, and so once again this book has to resort to threatening somebody close to the protagonist with suspicion of the crime. This time it's his daughter, newly returned from Hollywood. At this point, I wouldn't be surprised if a third kid gets retconned in for the next book. The book also suffers from being rather anticlimactic. None of Charlie's actions make that big of a difference towards solving the murder. He does take some actions to help protect his daughter that prove important, but in the end, it's the head sheriff's deputy that actually solves the crime, just as in the first book. I'm pretty frustrated by this, because it makes me wonder why Charlie is the protagonist when he's not actually the major actor in the plot. I will say that Diesel, the titular cat in the stacks, is pretty cute and makes me want to get a Maine Coon of my own. But when I have other cozies with cute cats that I can read, Diesel sadly isn't enough to make me stick with this series. I wish these were better, as they were sort of my introduction to cozy mysteries, but sadly I think I'll have to wave this cat and librarian duo good-bye.
January 19, 2022
Charlie Harris is thrilled to have his daughter, Laura, home for the fall semester. She’s teaching a class and he’s thrilled to spend time with her. He’s not very happy to hear playwright Connor Lawton helped get her the job and that his daughter had a relationship with the man. Connor is far from being one of Charlie’s favorite people.
Connor’s latest fling shows up in town and is set on getting rid of Laura. Connor and Laura work on a play at school, but Connor gets angry when things don’t go his way. Then, Connor is found dead with Laura being the #1 suspect. No way is Charlie going to let his daughter go to jail. With the help of Diesel, his handsome Maine Coon cat, Charlie searches for a killer. Slowly, he begins to uncover many secrets and many possible suspects.
This is the third book in the Cat in the Stacks books. I love this series, but I fell helplessly behind in reading the books. This year I’ve decided to concentrate on finishing the series. I’m so glad I did. I totally loved this book. My only complaint is that there wasn’t enough of Diesel. I can never get enough of that cute kitty.
I really like the way the author is developing the relationship with Charlie and his children. I’m looking forward to more of that in future books. Charlie is such a lovable character as is his kitty Diesel.
I zoomed right through this book. I loved every minute of it. The storyline was interesting and kept me guessing. This is on the top of my TBR and I’m more than ready to continue with book #4. I’m determined to catch up to the current books.
Connor’s latest fling shows up in town and is set on getting rid of Laura. Connor and Laura work on a play at school, but Connor gets angry when things don’t go his way. Then, Connor is found dead with Laura being the #1 suspect. No way is Charlie going to let his daughter go to jail. With the help of Diesel, his handsome Maine Coon cat, Charlie searches for a killer. Slowly, he begins to uncover many secrets and many possible suspects.
This is the third book in the Cat in the Stacks books. I love this series, but I fell helplessly behind in reading the books. This year I’ve decided to concentrate on finishing the series. I’m so glad I did. I totally loved this book. My only complaint is that there wasn’t enough of Diesel. I can never get enough of that cute kitty.
I really like the way the author is developing the relationship with Charlie and his children. I’m looking forward to more of that in future books. Charlie is such a lovable character as is his kitty Diesel.
I zoomed right through this book. I loved every minute of it. The storyline was interesting and kept me guessing. This is on the top of my TBR and I’m more than ready to continue with book #4. I’m determined to catch up to the current books.
May 2, 2020
Charlie Harris works as a librarian at a local college in Athena, Mississippi. He almost never goes anywhere without his trusty sidekick, Maine coon cat Diesel. Charlie's daughter surprises him by coming home for a few months to work in town. Playwright Connor Lawton and Charlie's daughter Laura are working together. Connor is not well-liked, and when Laura discovers his body, she's the number one suspect.
Amateur sleuthing at its finest! I have to add this author to my auto-buy list now. Loved the way the author laid out the mystery and the suspects. Diesel is a big hit with an even bigger personality, and I just loved him. This book definitely stands out for me, and it's going on my keeper shelf.
Amateur sleuthing at its finest! I have to add this author to my auto-buy list now. Loved the way the author laid out the mystery and the suspects. Diesel is a big hit with an even bigger personality, and I just loved him. This book definitely stands out for me, and it's going on my keeper shelf.
July 27, 2017
I really enjoy this series. Each book seems to add a likeable new character. The main character, Charlie, is a man, which is refreshingly uncommon in the cozy mystery world. His close family and friends play well off one another and provide interesting ideas to Charlie as he works through the mystery. His giant cat Diesel is so lovable, I wish I had him for my own. Though there were a few parts of this story that seemed a bit more wordy than they needed to be, the plot flowed well and there were plenty of clues to keep me guessing. With hints at Charlie's new romance and both his adult children in town, I'm looking forward to continuing this series!
April 18, 2024
Aaaaaaaah, cómo me gusta Miranda James y esta serie, de verdad. Estoy totalmente enganchada y quiero y necesito mucho más.
Espero que Alma traiga pronto el siguiente porque adoro a Charlie, Diesel y el resto de la familia que le rodea.
En esta ocasión, y por primera vez desde que leo los cozy mystery de Alma, acerté el asesina/o/e (o lo que haya sido para que no sea spoiler) desde el principio y estoy muy orgullosa de mí misma ✌🏽.
He tenido la sensación de que me ha faltado más acción al final, pero me ha gustado y me ha mantenido enganchada durante las horas que me ha durado.
¡Quiero más!
Espero que Alma traiga pronto el siguiente porque adoro a Charlie, Diesel y el resto de la familia que le rodea.
En esta ocasión, y por primera vez desde que leo los cozy mystery de Alma, acerté el asesina/o/e (o lo que haya sido para que no sea spoiler) desde el principio y estoy muy orgullosa de mí misma ✌🏽.
He tenido la sensación de que me ha faltado más acción al final, pero me ha gustado y me ha mantenido enganchada durante las horas que me ha durado.
¡Quiero más!
June 8, 2023
J’avais beaucoup aimé les 2 premiers mais celui un peu moins. L'intrigue est longue à venir et le dénouement est un peu fouillis, j’ai du relire certaines pages pour comprendre les raisonnements et il n’y a pas d’explication pour l’un des meurtres
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 14, 2017
Originally published at Reading Reality
I am predisposed to like this series. The amateur sleuth is a 50-something librarian named Harris who loves his enormous cat. Said cat is excellent at providing aid and comfort (but mostly comfort) to anyone in his orbit who needs it, and sometimes serves as a great sounding board for his human.
We all talk to our cats, and we all believe that they understand at least some of what we say, and vice versa. Diesel, while rather large for a cat, because Maine Coons are very large cats, acts like a cat a bit on the high end of feline intelligence. But no more than that. One of the things I love about Diesel is that he never does anything that cats don’t do – albeit writ somewhat large. It’s not uncommon for Maine Coon cats to be three feet long from nose to tail, and for the males to top out at over 20 pounds. Diesel is a big, handsome boy with a purr that sounds like, you guessed it, a diesel engine.
And Charlie Harris is very much a librarian. I can easily identify with what he does at work, and why he does it. And also why he loves the parts of this job that he loves, and dislikes the parts he doesn’t love. He rings true as “one of us”. Except for that fascinating habit he has of getting involved in murder. Like so many fictional small town amateur detectives, he does have a gift for tripping over dead bodies and inserting himself into police investigations. It’s a knack that the local police detective finds more annoying than endearing, to say the least.
This particular case hits rather close to home. On the plus side, Charlie’s daughter Laura is home in Athena for the summer, teaching a drama class at the local college where Charlie works. On the minus side, she got the temporary gig through the influence of this year’s resident playwright at the university. And Connor Lawton is a major pain in the ass. Not just to Charlie, but to every single person he comes in contact with. He’s rude, arrogant and downright nasty to all, and no one likes him one bit.
He’s one of those people who is just such a big arsehole that no one seems to mourn him when he’s found dead in his apartment. Rather, the long line of people who might want to do him in stretches rather far.
But once Connor is out of the way, whoever is behind his death turns their gaze upon Laura Harris, and her family finds itself under threat from all sides. Charlie, as usual, feels like it’s all up to him to figure out whodunit – before the killer manages to either kill his daughter or burn down his house with everyone inside.
Escape Rating B: This series is always a good time. I got hooked when I picked up Twelve Angry Librarians, and so far I have yet to be disappointed by a single trip to Athena, Mississippi. I grabbed this one because I bounced hard off of two books, and needed something that I knew would draw me right in, and File M for Murder certainly delivered.
The mysteries in this series are definitely cozy. And not just because Diesel, like all Maine Coons, is a very furry cat. Athena, Mississippi is a small college town, and everyone pretty much does know everyone. When Charlie needs to find the dirt on someone living in town, he knows just who to ask. And when he has to do research on someone’s past doings, he knows just which library has all the resources he needs, as well as the skill to use them.
There are plenty of cat mysteries, but one of the things that I like best about this series is that Diesel is just a cat. A very big cat, but just a cat. He doesn’t do anything that cats don’t do. Even in this particular story, where there is one point where Diesel really does save the day, he does it by smelling something off and meowing about it until he gets his human’s attention. Not all of us receive letter bombs (thank goodness) but that a cat would sniff out that the thing just smells “wrong” in a big way is quite possible.
It’s not that I don’t love Shirley Rousseau Murphy’s Joe Grey series, because I do, but one talking cat mystery series is probably enough. Or at least it is for this reader.
Another thing that I enjoy about this series is that Charlie is not always the first person to solve the mystery, the best person to solve the mystery, or even the person who saves the day by solving the mystery. In Charlie’s cases, he does get in the way of the police as often as he helps them. He doesn’t always do the cliche thing of getting all the suspects together for the big reveal. Sometimes the solution is anti-climactic, and Charlie is a step behind the police. It feels more human, and more likely, that an amateur sleuth would be as much of a hindrance as a help, while it still gives the reader a chance to put the pieces together along with Charlie, mistakes and all.
If you are looking for a light, fluffy and fun mystery series, with lovely people in an interesting setting, check out Charlie and Diesel. You don’t have to start with Murder Past Due (I didn’t) – this series is just good cozy fun wherever you jump in.
I am predisposed to like this series. The amateur sleuth is a 50-something librarian named Harris who loves his enormous cat. Said cat is excellent at providing aid and comfort (but mostly comfort) to anyone in his orbit who needs it, and sometimes serves as a great sounding board for his human.
We all talk to our cats, and we all believe that they understand at least some of what we say, and vice versa. Diesel, while rather large for a cat, because Maine Coons are very large cats, acts like a cat a bit on the high end of feline intelligence. But no more than that. One of the things I love about Diesel is that he never does anything that cats don’t do – albeit writ somewhat large. It’s not uncommon for Maine Coon cats to be three feet long from nose to tail, and for the males to top out at over 20 pounds. Diesel is a big, handsome boy with a purr that sounds like, you guessed it, a diesel engine.
And Charlie Harris is very much a librarian. I can easily identify with what he does at work, and why he does it. And also why he loves the parts of this job that he loves, and dislikes the parts he doesn’t love. He rings true as “one of us”. Except for that fascinating habit he has of getting involved in murder. Like so many fictional small town amateur detectives, he does have a gift for tripping over dead bodies and inserting himself into police investigations. It’s a knack that the local police detective finds more annoying than endearing, to say the least.
This particular case hits rather close to home. On the plus side, Charlie’s daughter Laura is home in Athena for the summer, teaching a drama class at the local college where Charlie works. On the minus side, she got the temporary gig through the influence of this year’s resident playwright at the university. And Connor Lawton is a major pain in the ass. Not just to Charlie, but to every single person he comes in contact with. He’s rude, arrogant and downright nasty to all, and no one likes him one bit.
He’s one of those people who is just such a big arsehole that no one seems to mourn him when he’s found dead in his apartment. Rather, the long line of people who might want to do him in stretches rather far.
But once Connor is out of the way, whoever is behind his death turns their gaze upon Laura Harris, and her family finds itself under threat from all sides. Charlie, as usual, feels like it’s all up to him to figure out whodunit – before the killer manages to either kill his daughter or burn down his house with everyone inside.
Escape Rating B: This series is always a good time. I got hooked when I picked up Twelve Angry Librarians, and so far I have yet to be disappointed by a single trip to Athena, Mississippi. I grabbed this one because I bounced hard off of two books, and needed something that I knew would draw me right in, and File M for Murder certainly delivered.
The mysteries in this series are definitely cozy. And not just because Diesel, like all Maine Coons, is a very furry cat. Athena, Mississippi is a small college town, and everyone pretty much does know everyone. When Charlie needs to find the dirt on someone living in town, he knows just who to ask. And when he has to do research on someone’s past doings, he knows just which library has all the resources he needs, as well as the skill to use them.
There are plenty of cat mysteries, but one of the things that I like best about this series is that Diesel is just a cat. A very big cat, but just a cat. He doesn’t do anything that cats don’t do. Even in this particular story, where there is one point where Diesel really does save the day, he does it by smelling something off and meowing about it until he gets his human’s attention. Not all of us receive letter bombs (thank goodness) but that a cat would sniff out that the thing just smells “wrong” in a big way is quite possible.
It’s not that I don’t love Shirley Rousseau Murphy’s Joe Grey series, because I do, but one talking cat mystery series is probably enough. Or at least it is for this reader.
Another thing that I enjoy about this series is that Charlie is not always the first person to solve the mystery, the best person to solve the mystery, or even the person who saves the day by solving the mystery. In Charlie’s cases, he does get in the way of the police as often as he helps them. He doesn’t always do the cliche thing of getting all the suspects together for the big reveal. Sometimes the solution is anti-climactic, and Charlie is a step behind the police. It feels more human, and more likely, that an amateur sleuth would be as much of a hindrance as a help, while it still gives the reader a chance to put the pieces together along with Charlie, mistakes and all.
If you are looking for a light, fluffy and fun mystery series, with lovely people in an interesting setting, check out Charlie and Diesel. You don’t have to start with Murder Past Due (I didn’t) – this series is just good cozy fun wherever you jump in.
July 21, 2024
This is a 3rd book in my new favourite serie and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It is engaging, very well written and the mystery is well plotted. In this book also Laura, daughter of main character Charlie returns home from Hollywood so we get to know more Charlie's family. There is something special in this serie for me so that I just want to read one book after another and so far there are 16 books.So still a lot of great read is awaiting me with this serie and it makes me happy.
September 4, 2021
Connor Lawton made an abysmal first impression on his initial visit to the Athena Public Library.
The third book in the Cat in the Stacks series introduces us to Charlie's daughter, Laura. She is an actress who will be teaching at Athena College for the semester. Much to her dismay, her former boyfriend, Connor, is the writer is residence. Charlie must work to clear Laura's name when Connor turns up dead and she is the prime suspect.
I enjoy catching up with the characters that have been introduced previously. Charlie's boarder, Stewart, makes me laugh. It was great to see the interaction between Charlie, Sean and Laura. Of course Diesel is the star of the book. He is perfectly written and I love when he is in the plot.
You get a bit of background about Charlie as a child when we meet his former babysitter. Small towns can be wonderful or horrifying depending upon your view of everyone knowing your business.
The mystery was well done with twists and turns to keep you guessing. The victim was so obnoxious that several people could have done him in. I love Kanesha Berry! I really appreciate that a young woman in the South is portrayed as smart and independent.
I had my suspicions early on about the culprit but it is always a treat to discover the reveal.
This is a great series that I'm surprised I waited so long to start. I look forward to the next book.
The third book in the Cat in the Stacks series introduces us to Charlie's daughter, Laura. She is an actress who will be teaching at Athena College for the semester. Much to her dismay, her former boyfriend, Connor, is the writer is residence. Charlie must work to clear Laura's name when Connor turns up dead and she is the prime suspect.
I enjoy catching up with the characters that have been introduced previously. Charlie's boarder, Stewart, makes me laugh. It was great to see the interaction between Charlie, Sean and Laura. Of course Diesel is the star of the book. He is perfectly written and I love when he is in the plot.
You get a bit of background about Charlie as a child when we meet his former babysitter. Small towns can be wonderful or horrifying depending upon your view of everyone knowing your business.
The mystery was well done with twists and turns to keep you guessing. The victim was so obnoxious that several people could have done him in. I love Kanesha Berry! I really appreciate that a young woman in the South is portrayed as smart and independent.
I had my suspicions early on about the culprit but it is always a treat to discover the reveal.
This is a great series that I'm surprised I waited so long to start. I look forward to the next book.
February 5, 2012
File M For Murder is the third in the A Cat In The Stacks Mystery series.
Just as Charlie is getting reacquainted and use to having his grown son around, his daughter Laura surprising him to come home too. Laura, an actress living in LA, will teaching a couple basic courses in the theatre department. She got the job with the help of Connor Lawton. Lawton is an arrogant playwright and is at Athena for two semester as writer-in-residence.
Laura had been in a relationship with Connor, but for her it is over, Connor is not ready to concede the loss of Laura. Then Damitra Vane arrives in town, making it clear that she is Connor's girlfriend and will do anything to make sure she remains that way. Laura goes to Connor's apartment in hopes of explaining her feelings for him and hoping to work with Connor solely on a professional basis, only to find him dead.
Quite naturally being the one that found the body, she quickly becomes a person of interest. Especially once the police learn that she has Connor thumb drive for his missing computer. But soon Laura is attacked in her office and a fire is started at her dad's house. Then Damitra is found murdered too.
The pressure is now on Charlie, Sean and Laura to find if there are any clues on the thumb drive that would help find the murderer before they are able to strike again.
This a very delightful series and an easy read. James is a great story teller.
I'm not much of a cat person, but I must say that Diesel, Charlie's rescue Maine Coon cat does put a smile on my face.
So looking forward to the next book in the series.
Fred
Just as Charlie is getting reacquainted and use to having his grown son around, his daughter Laura surprising him to come home too. Laura, an actress living in LA, will teaching a couple basic courses in the theatre department. She got the job with the help of Connor Lawton. Lawton is an arrogant playwright and is at Athena for two semester as writer-in-residence.
Laura had been in a relationship with Connor, but for her it is over, Connor is not ready to concede the loss of Laura. Then Damitra Vane arrives in town, making it clear that she is Connor's girlfriend and will do anything to make sure she remains that way. Laura goes to Connor's apartment in hopes of explaining her feelings for him and hoping to work with Connor solely on a professional basis, only to find him dead.
Quite naturally being the one that found the body, she quickly becomes a person of interest. Especially once the police learn that she has Connor thumb drive for his missing computer. But soon Laura is attacked in her office and a fire is started at her dad's house. Then Damitra is found murdered too.
The pressure is now on Charlie, Sean and Laura to find if there are any clues on the thumb drive that would help find the murderer before they are able to strike again.
This a very delightful series and an easy read. James is a great story teller.
I'm not much of a cat person, but I must say that Diesel, Charlie's rescue Maine Coon cat does put a smile on my face.
So looking forward to the next book in the series.
Fred
June 17, 2017
Just finished and loved it! I don't know what took me so long to start this series - on to read #4 next! A+
July 22, 2023
It’s not that I knew who would kill who less than 20% through the book, or that the big secret was obvious or even that the attitude of the narrator and his son towards the daughter is sickeningly overprotective…it’s that the story drags: we are giving too much detail that goes absolutely nowhere.
Just one example: the narrator and his children agree to eat an hour later, we are told what they will eat, then we are told the narrator felt peckish anyway so we are told that he opened his fridge, that he chose a portion of cheese, that he peeled and slowly ate it and that he threw away the wrapper…all in painstaking detail and all totally unrelated to the plot. This is not a one off, this is the whole blessed book.
Just one example: the narrator and his children agree to eat an hour later, we are told what they will eat, then we are told the narrator felt peckish anyway so we are told that he opened his fridge, that he chose a portion of cheese, that he peeled and slowly ate it and that he threw away the wrapper…all in painstaking detail and all totally unrelated to the plot. This is not a one off, this is the whole blessed book.
May 2, 2015
My Thoughts...
I always know I can depend on James to satisfy me when I am in a cozy frame of mind. And he didn't disappoint me this time. He hit another ball out of the park with this one. It is Book #3 in the "A Cat In The Stacks Mystery" series.
He is now on my list of favorite authors, and if you like cozy mysteries, James books are the best....there is humor and plenty of Southern charm to go around...Anyone for a glass of Sweet Tea? This cozy mystery makes for a leisurely and enjoyable read.
I enjoyed it so much that I awarded it 4 "Hair Ball Kitty" stars. I own this book and it is a part of my personal library.
I always know I can depend on James to satisfy me when I am in a cozy frame of mind. And he didn't disappoint me this time. He hit another ball out of the park with this one. It is Book #3 in the "A Cat In The Stacks Mystery" series.
He is now on my list of favorite authors, and if you like cozy mysteries, James books are the best....there is humor and plenty of Southern charm to go around...Anyone for a glass of Sweet Tea? This cozy mystery makes for a leisurely and enjoyable read.
I enjoyed it so much that I awarded it 4 "Hair Ball Kitty" stars. I own this book and it is a part of my personal library.
April 29, 2015
When Charlie Harris discovers his daughter, Laura has come home and has a job subbing for another professor at Athena College, he is thrilled. He finds out that the person who got her the job is her ex-boyfriend, Connor Lawton, a playwright who is to be the writer-in-residence for the year at Athena. He is an unpleasant man who drinks too much and has a sharp, obnoxious tongue. When Laura discovers Connor's dead body and his death is determined a homicide, she becomes a prime suspect.
When Laura becomes a target after being hit on the head, having their house caught on fire and receiving a letter-bomb, it is even more important for Charlie to discover who is really to blame.
When Laura becomes a target after being hit on the head, having their house caught on fire and receiving a letter-bomb, it is even more important for Charlie to discover who is really to blame.
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