ARSENIC AND OLD BOOKS
Book 6 in the Cat In The Stacks Mysteries
by Miranda James
Lucinda Beckwith Long, the mayor of Athena, Mississippi, has donated a set of Civil War-era diaries to the archives of Athena College. She would like librarian Charlie Harris to preserve and substantiate them as a part of the Long family legacy—something that could benefit her son, Beck, as he prepares to campaign for the state senate.
Beck’s biggest rival would like to get a look at the diaries in an attempt to expose the Long family’s past sins. Meanwhile, a history professor is also determined to get her hands on the books in a last-ditch bid for tenure. But their interest suddenly turns deadly, leaving Charlie with a catalog of questions to answer. Together with his Maine Coon cat Diesel, Charlie must discover why the diaries were worth killing for before he too reaches his final chapter.
Beck’s biggest rival would like to get a look at the diaries in an attempt to expose the Long family’s past sins. Meanwhile, a history professor is also determined to get her hands on the books in a last-ditch bid for tenure. But their interest suddenly turns deadly, leaving Charlie with a catalog of questions to answer. Together with his Maine Coon cat Diesel, Charlie must discover why the diaries were worth killing for before he too reaches his final chapter.
MY REVIEW
ARESENIC AND OLD BOOKS, indeed the entire Cat In The Stack
series, is told from the perspective of the lead character, who in the case is
a man. I’ve never read a cozy with a male lead before. I found it to be
refreshing. Charlie Harris is an enjoyable character, and I love his interactions with
his Main Coon cat, Diesel, and that Diesel is readily accepted into so many
places. He goes everywhere!
There are a few fun supporting characters as well, such as
Charlie’s girlfriend, Helen Louise, his housekeeper Azalea, and his friend and
co-worker, Melba, plus a few others.
As for the mystery, it too
was different from others I have read in cozies. While he was at the center of
things, Charlie didn’t play a real big role in the solving part of this one the
way most protagonists do. While it was a good story and mystery, everything
seemed to wrap up rather quickly at the end. I kept waiting for a little action
and/or the big “ta-da” moment, but they never really came.
AVAILABLE in Paperback
February 2!
Available now in Hardcover
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Thanks, Lisa. When I started reading cozy mysteries, I "blitz-read" this series in order to catch up. Now, I have to wait (impatiently) for the next one to come out, like everyone else. :) I love how Charlie can take Diesel almost everywhere. Sounds like the next book, No Cats Allowed, may change that, though. :(
ReplyDeleteTerrific review of a fabulous book. Love Charlie and Diesel! I wish my cats were as laid-back as Diesel--mine are fairly psycho (but sweet) and I can't take them anywhere. Except to the vet's of course, but that's another whole story.
ReplyDeleteI absolutely love this series and can't wait to read this! Nice review. I hope to own a cat like Diesel someday!
ReplyDeleteJust read my first Cat in the Stacks book, Murder Past Due; it was an enjoyable read. Looking forward to a lively FB book group discussion in the near future.
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to read this I love The Cat in the Stacks series. Donna McKenzie
ReplyDeleteI love every book in this series. Diesel and Charlie make a great team. All the mysteries are great.
ReplyDeleteGreat series!
ReplyDeleteI truly enjoy this series. The relationships of the characters are so believable and the plot isn't oven away on chapter two, but winds and twists throughout the book like real life does.
ReplyDeleteThe second best thing about these stories is the spin-off series about the southern ladies!