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Mrs. Murphy #1
Wish You Were Here
Curiosity just might be the death of Mrs. Murphy--and her human companion, Mary Minor "Harry" Haristeen. Small towns are like families: Everyone lives very close together. . .and everyone keeps secrets. Crozet, Virginia, is a typical small town-until its secrets explode into murder. Crozet's thirty-something post-mistress, Mary Minor "Harry" Haristeen, has a tiger cat (Mrs. Murphy) and a Welsh Corgi (Tucker), a pending divorce, and a bad habit of reading postcards not addressed to her. When Crozet's citizens start turning up murdered, Harry remembers that each received a card with a tombstone on the front and the message "Wish you were here" on the back. Intent on protecting their human friend, Mrs. Murphy and Tucker begin to scent out clues. Meanwhile, Harry is conducting her own investigation, unaware her pets are one step ahead of her. If only Mrs. Murphy could alert her somehow, Harry could uncover the culprit before the murder occurs--and before Harry finds herself on the killer's mailing list. "From the Paperback edition."
242 pages, Hardcover
First published November 1, 1990
711 people are currently reading
9279 people want to read
About the author
Rita Mae Brown
173 books2,232 followersRita Mae Brown is a prolific American writer, most known for her mysteries and other novels (Rubyfruit Jungle). She is also an Emmy-nominated screenwriter.
Brown was born illegitimate in Hanover, Pennsylvania. She was raised by her biological mother's female cousin and the cousin's husband in York, Pennsylvania and later in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.
Starting in the fall of 1962, Brown attended the University of Florida at Gainesville on a scholarship. In the spring of 1964, the administrators of the racially segregated university expelled her for participating in the civil rights movement. She subsequently enrolled at Broward Community College[3] with the hope of transferring eventually to a more tolerant four-year institution.
Between fall 1964 and 1969, she lived in New York City, sometimes homeless, while attending New York University[6] where she received a degree in Classics and English. Later,[when?] she received another degree in cinematography from the New York School of Visual Arts.[citation needed] Brown received a Ph.D. in literature from Union Institute & University in 1976 and holds a doctorate in political science from the Institute for Policy Studies in Washington, D.C.
Starting in 1973, Brown lived in the Hollywood Hills in Los Angeles. In 1977, she bought a farm in Charlottesville, Virginia where she still lives.[9] In 1982, a screenplay Brown wrote while living in Los Angeles, Sleepless Nights, was retitled The Slumber Party Massacre and given a limited release theatrically.
During Brown's spring 1964 semester at the University of Florida at Gainesville, she became active in the American Civil Rights Movement. Later in the 1960s, she participated in the anti-war movement, the feminist movement and the Gay Liberation movement.
Brown took an administrative position with the fledgling National Organization for Women, but resigned in January 1970 over Betty Friedan's anti-gay remarks and NOW's attempts to distance itself from lesbian organizations. She claims she played a leading role in the "Lavender Menace" zap of the Second Congress to Unite Women on May 1, 1970, which protested Friedan's remarks and the exclusion of lesbians from the women's movement.
In the early 1970s, she became a founding member of The Furies Collective, a lesbian feminist newspaper collective in Washington, DC, which held that heterosexuality was the root of all oppression.
Brown told Time magazine in 2008, "I don't believe in straight or gay. I really don't. I think we're all degrees of bisexual. There may be a few people on the extreme if it's a bell curve who really truly are gay or really truly are straight. Because nobody had ever said these things and used their real name, I suddenly became [in the late 1970s] the only lesbian in America."
Brown was born illegitimate in Hanover, Pennsylvania. She was raised by her biological mother's female cousin and the cousin's husband in York, Pennsylvania and later in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.
Starting in the fall of 1962, Brown attended the University of Florida at Gainesville on a scholarship. In the spring of 1964, the administrators of the racially segregated university expelled her for participating in the civil rights movement. She subsequently enrolled at Broward Community College[3] with the hope of transferring eventually to a more tolerant four-year institution.
Between fall 1964 and 1969, she lived in New York City, sometimes homeless, while attending New York University[6] where she received a degree in Classics and English. Later,[when?] she received another degree in cinematography from the New York School of Visual Arts.[citation needed] Brown received a Ph.D. in literature from Union Institute & University in 1976 and holds a doctorate in political science from the Institute for Policy Studies in Washington, D.C.
Starting in 1973, Brown lived in the Hollywood Hills in Los Angeles. In 1977, she bought a farm in Charlottesville, Virginia where she still lives.[9] In 1982, a screenplay Brown wrote while living in Los Angeles, Sleepless Nights, was retitled The Slumber Party Massacre and given a limited release theatrically.
During Brown's spring 1964 semester at the University of Florida at Gainesville, she became active in the American Civil Rights Movement. Later in the 1960s, she participated in the anti-war movement, the feminist movement and the Gay Liberation movement.
Brown took an administrative position with the fledgling National Organization for Women, but resigned in January 1970 over Betty Friedan's anti-gay remarks and NOW's attempts to distance itself from lesbian organizations. She claims she played a leading role in the "Lavender Menace" zap of the Second Congress to Unite Women on May 1, 1970, which protested Friedan's remarks and the exclusion of lesbians from the women's movement.
In the early 1970s, she became a founding member of The Furies Collective, a lesbian feminist newspaper collective in Washington, DC, which held that heterosexuality was the root of all oppression.
Brown told Time magazine in 2008, "I don't believe in straight or gay. I really don't. I think we're all degrees of bisexual. There may be a few people on the extreme if it's a bell curve who really truly are gay or really truly are straight. Because nobody had ever said these things and used their real name, I suddenly became [in the late 1970s] the only lesbian in America."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 729 reviews
February 5, 2022
3.5⭐I've heard of this popular series and have been wanting to read it. There are thirty books and that's kind of intimidating to jump in but thanks to The Mystery, Crime, and Thriller Group pick for February BOTM, I find this to be a perfect opportunity to check it out.
This is a great start to a new series set in Crozet Virginia, a town of three thousand near Charlottesville. I saw a cat on the cover and to my surprise, she's Mrs. Murphy! Mary Minor Haristeen, or Harry, the town's postmistress is her "mom" and there's Tee Tucker, a Welsh Corgi. The animals can talk to one another and they curse (a lot) which surprise me to see that in a cozy. They help Harry solve crimes or get her out of dangerous situations.
The mystery is light and enjoyable. Harry has a habit of reading other people's postcards while at work when she realizes every recipient who received one with "Wish you were here" ends up dead. I'll be reading more from this series. I find the characters, setting, and animals quite charming.
Read for Book Across America BINGO - Snag A Read For Free and BOTM for The mystery, crime, and thriller Group
This is a great start to a new series set in Crozet Virginia, a town of three thousand near Charlottesville. I saw a cat on the cover and to my surprise, she's Mrs. Murphy! Mary Minor Haristeen, or Harry, the town's postmistress is her "mom" and there's Tee Tucker, a Welsh Corgi. The animals can talk to one another and they curse (a lot) which surprise me to see that in a cozy. They help Harry solve crimes or get her out of dangerous situations.
The mystery is light and enjoyable. Harry has a habit of reading other people's postcards while at work when she realizes every recipient who received one with "Wish you were here" ends up dead. I'll be reading more from this series. I find the characters, setting, and animals quite charming.
Read for Book Across America BINGO - Snag A Read For Free and BOTM for The mystery, crime, and thriller Group
October 30, 2025
This is the book that changed my life. I read it years ago - at least over 20, because that is how long I have had corgis. Because, it was this book that actually introduced me to the adorableness and cuteness of corgis. Especially, Tucker with the cutest wiggly butt. But, I get ahead of myself.
The premise of the story is this...
Harry is the post-mistress in a small town in Virginia. She has a curious, bossy tiger cat named Mrs. Murphy and of course, a pembroke welsh corgi named Tucker. At her job, Harry likes to read postcards that don't belong to her. When citizens start turning up murdered, Harry remembers that each had received a postcard with a tombstone on the front and a message, 'wish you were here' on the back.
Now this is the point where things get cute. I know... how can murder be cute? Well, that part isn't. Bear with me a moment.
As Harry begins to investigate, so do Mrs. Murphy and Tucker. This is the cute part.
Yes, we as readers get to watch this dual investigation take place - because you see, Mrs. Murphy and Tucker talk. To each other. Of course, Harry can't hear them. But, we readers can. Now, because they are so astute at picking up clues, they try their best to alert Harry to the dangers, but...(no spoilers from me). Will Mrs. Murphy and Tucker be able to save the day?
(Well considering this is #1, and 30 books follow, I think we are safe to say, all will be well..but I won't tell you how.) BTW, the latest #31 was just published this year: Hiss & Tell.
Is this a cutesy cozy? Of course. Is it a quick page-turner. Well, no. Does it have an immense cast of characters. Well, yes. But, there is a page at the beginning of the book that lets us know who everybody is, so we can keep track. Does that help? Kind of.
I realize that this story is pure silliness, and charm. But, when one of her books was made in to a movie, I was the first one (probably others to) who watched it. Who couldn't resist that cute wiggly butt following the cat everywhere? After all, they had murders to solve and places to be. 3.5 stars.
The premise of the story is this...
Harry is the post-mistress in a small town in Virginia. She has a curious, bossy tiger cat named Mrs. Murphy and of course, a pembroke welsh corgi named Tucker. At her job, Harry likes to read postcards that don't belong to her. When citizens start turning up murdered, Harry remembers that each had received a postcard with a tombstone on the front and a message, 'wish you were here' on the back.
Now this is the point where things get cute. I know... how can murder be cute? Well, that part isn't. Bear with me a moment.
As Harry begins to investigate, so do Mrs. Murphy and Tucker. This is the cute part.
Yes, we as readers get to watch this dual investigation take place - because you see, Mrs. Murphy and Tucker talk. To each other. Of course, Harry can't hear them. But, we readers can. Now, because they are so astute at picking up clues, they try their best to alert Harry to the dangers, but...(no spoilers from me). Will Mrs. Murphy and Tucker be able to save the day?
(Well considering this is #1, and 30 books follow, I think we are safe to say, all will be well..but I won't tell you how.) BTW, the latest #31 was just published this year: Hiss & Tell.
Is this a cutesy cozy? Of course. Is it a quick page-turner. Well, no. Does it have an immense cast of characters. Well, yes. But, there is a page at the beginning of the book that lets us know who everybody is, so we can keep track. Does that help? Kind of.
I realize that this story is pure silliness, and charm. But, when one of her books was made in to a movie, I was the first one (probably others to) who watched it. Who couldn't resist that cute wiggly butt following the cat everywhere? After all, they had murders to solve and places to be. 3.5 stars.
March 8, 2023
I picked this book out on a whim...didn't know what to expect at all. Virginia Beach Public Library had it as one of the Staff Picks on their e-book collections, so I thought, why not?
Most of the books in this series take place in Crozet, Virginia (which also intrigued me, since I go by Crozet every time I go see my family in Ohio and West Virginia). This first book in the series I found a little crude at first (a lot of unnecessary swearing), but it gets better throughout the story. Another thing that seems odd at first is that the animals talk to each other. Sounds kind of childish, but these animals don't have childish thoughts. They are very smart, and they help solve the murders that keep happening around them, with their keen senses that the humans don't possess.
I didn't find this book to be a favorite of mine in the series, but it did get me hooked, and I'm up to the 17th book in the series now!
Most of the books in this series take place in Crozet, Virginia (which also intrigued me, since I go by Crozet every time I go see my family in Ohio and West Virginia). This first book in the series I found a little crude at first (a lot of unnecessary swearing), but it gets better throughout the story. Another thing that seems odd at first is that the animals talk to each other. Sounds kind of childish, but these animals don't have childish thoughts. They are very smart, and they help solve the murders that keep happening around them, with their keen senses that the humans don't possess.
I didn't find this book to be a favorite of mine in the series, but it did get me hooked, and I'm up to the 17th book in the series now!
September 24, 2021
The 'Mrs. Murphy' cozy mystery series began over three decades ago, with the charming premise that animals could speak amongst themselves and help their owner solve crimes. In recent years author Rita Mae Brown has used the Mrs. Murphy novels to promote her politics and to discuss American history, and I've enjoyed the books less and less. For that reason, I decided to reach back and read this first novel in the series, just for fun.
*****
Thirtysomething Harry Haristeen is a postmistress in the town of Crozet, Virginia, which contains 3,000 residents.
Harry has a tiger cat named Mrs. Murphy, a Welsh corgi named Tucker, and a regular visitor named Pewter - a gray cat who lives in the butcher store near the post office. The animals regularly converse among themselves, often ruminating about human foibles and the superiority of cats and dogs.
As the story opens Harry is hauling in mailbags and stewing about her divorce from equine veterinarian Fair Haristeen.
Though both Harry and Fair agree the marriage has run its course, Fair is playing the victim and garnering the sympathy of the Crozet community - much to Harry's chagrin.
Harry puts Fair out of her mind as she sorts the mail and sneakily reads people's postcards. One postcard in particular catches Harry's attention. Addressed to wealthy cement contractor Kelly Craycroft, the postcard shows a beautiful Paris cemetery and contains the message 'Wish you were here'.....with no signature. The message seems prophetic later on, when Kelly is found dead.
A few days later, a similar postcard is received by another Crozet resident, Maude Bly Modena. Afterwards Maude Bly - who owns a successful packaging supply business - is also found dead.
As postmistress, Harry is the first person to make the connection between the postcards and the killings. Harry confides her observations to Deputy Sheriff Cynthia Cooper, and goes on the lookout for more 'warning cards.'
Moreover, Harry, being a natural born busybody, starts investigating the murders herself. This greatly concerns Mrs. Murphy and Tucker, who dearly love Harry and fear for her safety.
The townsfolk are alarmed by the murders, and speculate they might be connected to rumors of hidden treasure stashed in (now closed) railroad tunnels blasted through the Blue Ridge Mountains by Claude Crozet.
For their part, the cops theorize that Kelly and Maude Bly might have been running drugs. No one really knows what's going on, and the crime spree continues.
As it happens, Mrs. Murphy and Tucker discover important clues about the killings, and - by their behavior - are able to communicate SOME of their findings to Harry. The pets are also on hand when the killer is finally exposed, which is a lucky thing all around.
In the meantime, there's a lot going on in Crozet. Harry's estranged husband Fair is 'friendly' with the gorgeous widow of murder victim Kelly Craycroft;
the wealthy Queen of Crozet (Big Marilyn), sends out invitations to her daughter (Little Marilyn's) wedding, but snubs Marilyn's brother and his African-American wife;
Harry's best friend Susan has problems with her teenage children;
Mrs. Murphy and Tucker cause havoc in the mailroom; and more.
This is a promising start to the 'Mrs. Murphy' series, and a good place for interested readers to begin. The animal characters are especially fun, and - as the series goes on - come to include horses, owls, foxes, mice, and more.
Recommended to fans of quirky cozy mysteries.
You can follow my reviews at https://reviewsbybarbsaffer.blogspot.com
November 25, 2018
I started reading the Mrs. Murphy series years ago before I had kids and life got incredi-busy. Somewhere in the middle of the series I got so busy with life (darn adulting!) and lost connection with this series. I popped back in a year or so ago and reviewed a couple of the newer books. This year...since I declared 2018 to be a Read-Whatever-the-Heck-I-Want-To Year....I decided to re-read some favorite books and series. The Mrs. Murphy series was right near the top of the list! I loved these books....and I'm happy to be re-visiting Crozet, VA and its quirky residents once again.
There are 26 books in the series. Wish You Were Here started it all back in 1990. Mary Minor "Harry'' Harristeen is the postmistress of Crozet. She's smack dab in the middle of a slightly messy divorce from her Veternarian husband, Fair. And being a small VA town, locals are gossiping up a storm about her and the situation. Harry tries to keep calm, enjoying the company of her fur babies -- Mrs. Murphy (a tiger striped tabby) and Tee Tucker (a Welsh Corgi). Suddenly, a string of murders takes the town's attention off Harry's divorce. Harry (who has a habit of reading postcards while working in the post office) knows that each of the victims received a post card before their demise with a strange cemetery picture on the front and "Wish You Were Here'' written on the back. Harry immediately starts a bit of amateur sleuthing to ferret out the killer's identity. Mrs. Murphy, Tucker and their furry friends try to help, but it's a bit difficult as humans are too stupid to understand what's being said to them (Mrs. Murphy's opinion....not mine ha ha). Harry, unfortunately, doesn't think about the fact that her poking her nose in might turn the killer's attention to her...... Oops.
I love this series! Rita Mae Brown interjects a lot of her personal beliefs about land use, politics, taxes, feminism and other subjects.....but I don't care. The characters are engaging and definitely give a peek into affluent, small town southern life. Some of the side characters are a complete snooty turn off....but it all mixes well into the plot. I like the mix of human and animal points of view. Mrs. Murphy and Tee Tucker are main characters just as much as Harry.
In later books, Brown interjected a bit too much of her personal thoughts and muddied up the stories too much with her rants.......but the first few books are more story/less rant.
I listened to the audio book version of this story. Narrated by Kate Forbes, the audio from Recorded Books, Inc is just over 8 hours long. Forbes has a nice voice and does a good job with character voices. I have partial hearing loss, but was easily able to hear and understand this entire book. Very enjoyable listening experience!
I'm going to enjoy re-reading this series! On to book 2, Rest in Pieces.
There are 26 books in the series. Wish You Were Here started it all back in 1990. Mary Minor "Harry'' Harristeen is the postmistress of Crozet. She's smack dab in the middle of a slightly messy divorce from her Veternarian husband, Fair. And being a small VA town, locals are gossiping up a storm about her and the situation. Harry tries to keep calm, enjoying the company of her fur babies -- Mrs. Murphy (a tiger striped tabby) and Tee Tucker (a Welsh Corgi). Suddenly, a string of murders takes the town's attention off Harry's divorce. Harry (who has a habit of reading postcards while working in the post office) knows that each of the victims received a post card before their demise with a strange cemetery picture on the front and "Wish You Were Here'' written on the back. Harry immediately starts a bit of amateur sleuthing to ferret out the killer's identity. Mrs. Murphy, Tucker and their furry friends try to help, but it's a bit difficult as humans are too stupid to understand what's being said to them (Mrs. Murphy's opinion....not mine ha ha). Harry, unfortunately, doesn't think about the fact that her poking her nose in might turn the killer's attention to her...... Oops.
I love this series! Rita Mae Brown interjects a lot of her personal beliefs about land use, politics, taxes, feminism and other subjects.....but I don't care. The characters are engaging and definitely give a peek into affluent, small town southern life. Some of the side characters are a complete snooty turn off....but it all mixes well into the plot. I like the mix of human and animal points of view. Mrs. Murphy and Tee Tucker are main characters just as much as Harry.
In later books, Brown interjected a bit too much of her personal thoughts and muddied up the stories too much with her rants.......but the first few books are more story/less rant.
I listened to the audio book version of this story. Narrated by Kate Forbes, the audio from Recorded Books, Inc is just over 8 hours long. Forbes has a nice voice and does a good job with character voices. I have partial hearing loss, but was easily able to hear and understand this entire book. Very enjoyable listening experience!
I'm going to enjoy re-reading this series! On to book 2, Rest in Pieces.
January 29, 2018
YIKES what a stinker. I read this for the "mystery written by LGBT author" bit of the Read Harder challenge and I regret it deeply. Part of this is that I've never read cozy mysteries so I now know I am super not a fan. But also, the characters were so vapid and weak that I found myself rushing to the sections where the corgi and his cat friend solve the mystery, which is probably not how the book was supposed to be read.
Also, was super not a fan of the weird casual racism in certain parts of the book, or the general bodyshaming comments that played an oddly significant role throughout (which, of course, was only targeted at women). I get it. One of the characters is overweight. And honestly the character development was so bad that that was the only thing I knew about her.
Another thing -- THERE IS A CHARACTER NAMED BOOMBOOM AND NO ONE ADDRESSES IT.
So, yeah. Don't read this unless you can find a supercut of the animals solving the mystery, and even then, they have some really toxic views on mental health and just life in general that feels like Brown turned them into some kind of furry Ayn Randian mouthpiece.
Also, was super not a fan of the weird casual racism in certain parts of the book, or the general bodyshaming comments that played an oddly significant role throughout (which, of course, was only targeted at women). I get it. One of the characters is overweight. And honestly the character development was so bad that that was the only thing I knew about her.
Another thing -- THERE IS A CHARACTER NAMED BOOMBOOM AND NO ONE ADDRESSES IT.
So, yeah. Don't read this unless you can find a supercut of the animals solving the mystery, and even then, they have some really toxic views on mental health and just life in general that feels like Brown turned them into some kind of furry Ayn Randian mouthpiece.
September 12, 2025
If you like well-written mysteries in which the protagonist is a sweet postal worker getting over a divorce who has a cat and a dog that can "talk" (to be fair, the reader is privy to their thoughts, but everybody else just hears meows and barks.), Rita Mae Brown's long-running cozy mystery series featuring her beloved cat-detective, Mrs. Murphy, and dog-detective, Tee Tucker, is right up your alley.
"Wish You Were Here" was the first in the series. It's adorable.
Btw: Ms. Brown also wrote the screenplay for the now-classic slasher film "Slumber Party Massacre", which was also adorable.
"Wish You Were Here" was the first in the series. It's adorable.
Btw: Ms. Brown also wrote the screenplay for the now-classic slasher film "Slumber Party Massacre", which was also adorable.
November 26, 2017
Rita Mae Brown's 'Mrs. Murphy' series has been on my radar for a long time but it hasn't been until now that I borrowed the first title from my library. I wish I knew I would enjoy it so much. I would have begun years ago. Fortunately there are well over 20 books in the series and I look forward to reading each one chronologically. I have already put the second 'Rest in Pieces' on hold. A postmistress with a Welsh Corgi and tiger cat are the stars of the series. It has very charming and amusing banter and actions between the dog and cat who are opinionated about humans but love their owner/companion despite the flaws from which all human suffer. I recommend this to people who love cozies, dogs and cats.
May 8, 2012
I really wanted to love this one because of the Corgi dog in the story. However sadly I did not. I am not a huge fan of cat's so I really didn't care too much for Mrs. Murphy. Although I do have to admit the interactions between the animals were so cute! There were several things however that I didn't like about the book:
1. The very first thing that was very annoying to me in the beginning was all the characters thrown in the first chapters so soon. It was kind of hard for me to keep up with who was who and I found myself constantly having to go back to the list of characters.
2. The character names were very weird. "Boom Boom"? I wonder where the author came up with them.
3. I was looking for more mystery and action in this book. Sadly it fell short on that aspect.
My favorite character was Tucker the Welsh Corgi. He was so cute ( I am just a huge dog lover!). Harry lacked more development I think. She really didn't stand strong to me as a main character. Since I do like the concept of Mrs. Murphy the cat, and Tucker the dog, solving mysteries, I will be reading more books in the series. I have read that the books after this first one get better.
1. The very first thing that was very annoying to me in the beginning was all the characters thrown in the first chapters so soon. It was kind of hard for me to keep up with who was who and I found myself constantly having to go back to the list of characters.
2. The character names were very weird. "Boom Boom"? I wonder where the author came up with them.
3. I was looking for more mystery and action in this book. Sadly it fell short on that aspect.
My favorite character was Tucker the Welsh Corgi. He was so cute ( I am just a huge dog lover!). Harry lacked more development I think. She really didn't stand strong to me as a main character. Since I do like the concept of Mrs. Murphy the cat, and Tucker the dog, solving mysteries, I will be reading more books in the series. I have read that the books after this first one get better.
February 25, 2022
I was expecting a nice book, but I was disappointed.
It was hard for me to focus on this story. I wouldn't say I'm some big fan of cozy mysteries, but I've read some books in this genre. Sometimes even with good results. But here this typical style of cozy mystery irritated me from time to time. All these inserts about life in a small town, where everyone knows everything about everyone else and is quick to judge, somehow annoyed me.
I also couldn't help feeling that I was reading the next book in the series without reading the previous ones. There are a lot of characters in this book - townspeople and their pets. I had a hard time figuring out who's who, and even more so with remembering it. They all get introduced, but as soon as I put the book aside to do something else, I immediately forgot about all these characters and small-town drama. And it's not something that happens to me often. I put this book aside for a week after reading the first 50 pages, and when I came back, I felt I should read these first 50 pages again to understand what was happening and who is who.
It was a very intriguing idea to make the cat and dog one of the main characters of the story. Pets that use their natural instincts to find out who the killer is and then try to get their people to go in the right direction - great idea. Unfortunately, in my opinion, it did not come out very well. The leaps between the human and animal worlds introduced even more confusion to the already muddling narrative of this book.
It felt like a mess. The search for a murderer was mixed with a good amount of small-town dramas that were irrelevant to the main plot. Added to this were the thoughts of animals. And from time to time some philosophical contemplations about this or that. All this made it very difficult for me to care about the murderer or the investigation.
Interesting idea, but I don't think I will continue this series.
It was hard for me to focus on this story. I wouldn't say I'm some big fan of cozy mysteries, but I've read some books in this genre. Sometimes even with good results. But here this typical style of cozy mystery irritated me from time to time. All these inserts about life in a small town, where everyone knows everything about everyone else and is quick to judge, somehow annoyed me.
I also couldn't help feeling that I was reading the next book in the series without reading the previous ones. There are a lot of characters in this book - townspeople and their pets. I had a hard time figuring out who's who, and even more so with remembering it. They all get introduced, but as soon as I put the book aside to do something else, I immediately forgot about all these characters and small-town drama. And it's not something that happens to me often. I put this book aside for a week after reading the first 50 pages, and when I came back, I felt I should read these first 50 pages again to understand what was happening and who is who.
It was a very intriguing idea to make the cat and dog one of the main characters of the story. Pets that use their natural instincts to find out who the killer is and then try to get their people to go in the right direction - great idea. Unfortunately, in my opinion, it did not come out very well. The leaps between the human and animal worlds introduced even more confusion to the already muddling narrative of this book.
It felt like a mess. The search for a murderer was mixed with a good amount of small-town dramas that were irrelevant to the main plot. Added to this were the thoughts of animals. And from time to time some philosophical contemplations about this or that. All this made it very difficult for me to care about the murderer or the investigation.
Interesting idea, but I don't think I will continue this series.
November 21, 2022
omg why are these talking animals so into capitalism and eugenics?? upsetting
https://www.frowl.org/worstbestseller...
https://www.frowl.org/worstbestseller...
November 2, 2025
‘Wish You Were Here’ by Rita Mae Brown and Sneaky Pie Brown (Sneaky Pie is a cat and the actual author) is a very briskly written murder cozy and yet still charming despite the crisp writing! Yes, it is a cozy but it is an edgy one. There be violent, very violent, deaths, for instance, but they are not lingered on.
I have copied the book blurb:
”Curiosity just might be the death of Mrs. Murphy--and her human companion, Mary Minor "Harry" Haristeen. Small towns are like families: Everyone lives very close together. . .and everyone keeps secrets. Crozet, Virginia, is a typical small town-until its secrets explode into murder.
Crozet's thirty-something postmistress, Mary Minor "Harry" Haristeen, has a tiger cat (Mrs. Murphy) and a Welsh Corgi (Tucker), a pending divorce, and a bad habit of reading postcards not addressed to her. When Crozet's citizens start turning up murdered, Harry remembers that each received a card with a tombstone on the front and the message "Wish you were here" on the back.
Intent on protecting their human friend, Mrs. Murphy and Tucker begin to scent out clues. Meanwhile, Harry is conducting her own investigation, unaware her pets are one step ahead of her. If only Mrs. Murphy could alert her somehow, Harry could uncover the culprit before the murder occurs--and before Harry finds herself on the killer's mailing list.”
There are a lot of characters, so many in fact that the book has a Cast of Characters section. At first, I was checking out the list every chapter, but then I got comfortable with Crozet’s idiosyncratic citizens as if they were my neighbors.
Crozet is a small town of 3,000 people, so everyone not only knows everyone, they each play important parts in keeping the town going. You know what I mean; the town’s cafe owner, the town’s antique shop guy, the mayor, the construction company fellow, the trucking firm, and so forth. It’s not at all like my home town of Seattle with 100,000 cafes at minimum, for example, if you know what I’m getting at. Crozet is the kind of town where everyone who wants to eat out don’t have more than a couple of places to do so unless they drive out of town to the next town. Yeah, that kind of place, so in a way, everyone NEEDS everyone else to do something for them because each person has a skill set that is necessary for the town to function. You HAVE to know everyone else. I’ve never really lived in a place like this. Like, if you want your furnace fixed or your plumbing looked at, in this kind of town, you only have one phone number or one business that you can call, right? So, Mary Minor “Harry” Haristeen, being the town postmistress, really really does know everyone else, there being one, and only one, post office! And most citizens of the town pick up their mail at this one place, the only place, for mail! Wow! This kind of stuff boggles my mind actually. I can’t even really wrap my brain around this kind of home/life/work existence. The book was published in 1990, so small-town living has probably changed a bit since then, I guess. Idk.
However, this kind of small town in the ott years is full of interesting entrepreneurs and families, many of whom have lived in or near the town for three generations or more, is a perfect setting for murders! Harry easily is at the center of all the action, and thankfully for her, her pets, the cat Mrs. Murphy and the corgi Tucker, love her so much they will do anything to help and protect her! Mrs. Murphy in particular is quick and intelligent. Although she discusses everything with Tucker, she easily puts together clues and does her own sleuthing when it is called for. Her biggest problem (besides the handsome tom Paddy, her ex-husband, who still enjoys tempting her into another ‘friends with benefits night’ on the town), is communicating information to her owner Harry. Harry is not able to translate the ‘meows’ into the actual words Mrs. Murphy is actually saying. But Mrs. Murphy and Tucker do their best to steer Harry into following up the correct clue!
Btw, it is obvious Rita Mae Brown is left-leaning politically, or at least her cat the author Sneaky Pie is! But I can’t tell if she is libertarian leftie or simply progressive. Either way, I don’t think MAGA folks will like this book, and maybe the series. I haven’t read the series at all, yet. But I intend to!
I have copied the book blurb:
”Curiosity just might be the death of Mrs. Murphy--and her human companion, Mary Minor "Harry" Haristeen. Small towns are like families: Everyone lives very close together. . .and everyone keeps secrets. Crozet, Virginia, is a typical small town-until its secrets explode into murder.
Crozet's thirty-something postmistress, Mary Minor "Harry" Haristeen, has a tiger cat (Mrs. Murphy) and a Welsh Corgi (Tucker), a pending divorce, and a bad habit of reading postcards not addressed to her. When Crozet's citizens start turning up murdered, Harry remembers that each received a card with a tombstone on the front and the message "Wish you were here" on the back.
Intent on protecting their human friend, Mrs. Murphy and Tucker begin to scent out clues. Meanwhile, Harry is conducting her own investigation, unaware her pets are one step ahead of her. If only Mrs. Murphy could alert her somehow, Harry could uncover the culprit before the murder occurs--and before Harry finds herself on the killer's mailing list.”
There are a lot of characters, so many in fact that the book has a Cast of Characters section. At first, I was checking out the list every chapter, but then I got comfortable with Crozet’s idiosyncratic citizens as if they were my neighbors.
Crozet is a small town of 3,000 people, so everyone not only knows everyone, they each play important parts in keeping the town going. You know what I mean; the town’s cafe owner, the town’s antique shop guy, the mayor, the construction company fellow, the trucking firm, and so forth. It’s not at all like my home town of Seattle with 100,000 cafes at minimum, for example, if you know what I’m getting at. Crozet is the kind of town where everyone who wants to eat out don’t have more than a couple of places to do so unless they drive out of town to the next town. Yeah, that kind of place, so in a way, everyone NEEDS everyone else to do something for them because each person has a skill set that is necessary for the town to function. You HAVE to know everyone else. I’ve never really lived in a place like this. Like, if you want your furnace fixed or your plumbing looked at, in this kind of town, you only have one phone number or one business that you can call, right? So, Mary Minor “Harry” Haristeen, being the town postmistress, really really does know everyone else, there being one, and only one, post office! And most citizens of the town pick up their mail at this one place, the only place, for mail! Wow! This kind of stuff boggles my mind actually. I can’t even really wrap my brain around this kind of home/life/work existence. The book was published in 1990, so small-town living has probably changed a bit since then, I guess. Idk.
However, this kind of small town in the ott years is full of interesting entrepreneurs and families, many of whom have lived in or near the town for three generations or more, is a perfect setting for murders! Harry easily is at the center of all the action, and thankfully for her, her pets, the cat Mrs. Murphy and the corgi Tucker, love her so much they will do anything to help and protect her! Mrs. Murphy in particular is quick and intelligent. Although she discusses everything with Tucker, she easily puts together clues and does her own sleuthing when it is called for. Her biggest problem (besides the handsome tom Paddy, her ex-husband, who still enjoys tempting her into another ‘friends with benefits night’ on the town), is communicating information to her owner Harry. Harry is not able to translate the ‘meows’ into the actual words Mrs. Murphy is actually saying. But Mrs. Murphy and Tucker do their best to steer Harry into following up the correct clue!
Btw, it is obvious Rita Mae Brown is left-leaning politically, or at least her cat the author Sneaky Pie is! But I can’t tell if she is libertarian leftie or simply progressive. Either way, I don’t think MAGA folks will like this book, and maybe the series. I haven’t read the series at all, yet. But I intend to!
May 5, 2009
I absolutely love this series of books. I started the series with the first book "Wish You Were Here" in week 39 of my pregnancy. I needed something light and fluffy and fun to read and, most importantly, something that would be easy to pick back up were I to suddenly 'calve.' (Love you Judy!) Wish You Were Here takes place is beautiful, tranquil Crozet, VA (not too terribly far from where I am typing this review) who's tranquility is shattered by a string of murders. The Postmistress (and Smith graduate) Harry Haristeen begins to get clues to who might be murdered next by intercepting postcards sent from exotic locales with the greeting, 'wish you were here.' With the help of her cat Mrs. Murphy and her Corgi Tee Tucker, she gets involved...
It's not exactly Shakespeare, but it's a good, fun read. Definitely recommended for cat and dog lovers and those who like a good (if somewhat predictable) mystery.
It's not exactly Shakespeare, but it's a good, fun read. Definitely recommended for cat and dog lovers and those who like a good (if somewhat predictable) mystery.
February 20, 2019
The story and the characters in this book were very good. However, the conversations between the pets were unbearable. Seriously? I can’t do books with cats calling each other bitches. I won’t be continuing this series. On the other hand, if you enjoy reading conversations between pets presented seriously, you will love this book. The writer is skilled and develops the characters and their relationships in a way that kept my interest throughout the book. This is a cozy mystery set in a small Virginia town. The main character is a thirty-something postal worker who gets caught up in a murder mystery. Good story; I just can’t take the pontificating of the pets.
October 19, 2017
I honestly can't decide if I want to continue with this series. I'm not a prude, I'm a high school librarian for crying out loud, but the crassness of the language in this book is very out of character for the setting that is portrayed. It just doesn't mesh for me nor does it make it a pleasant cozy read. It became better in the second part of the book but I wondered if the author had a "curse word" quota she was trying to fill in the first 25 pages of the book.
January 1, 2021
What in the actual fuck was this? First of all, let me say, I cuss a lot. My husband regularly exclaims, "Must you be so vulgar?" Comparisons to a sailor (a very salty one) are apt. So, when I say that the cussing in this one threw me for a loop, that's saying something. In the past, I've often complained about the chasteness of the cozy genre. No one ever says "damn," no one ever seems to want anything more than a kiss. Well, there's got to be a happy middle between that and whatever the hell Wish You Were Here is.
In an argument with her soon-to-be-ex-husband, Fair, protagonist Harry declares, "As long as you got fed and fucked, you thought everything was fine!" I stopped reading. I looked over to my husband. I said, "You gotta let me read you this passage." I read it.
"Fed and fucked?!" he said.
I nodded. "Fed and fucked."
EVERY character is dropping f-bombs. The postmistress. The local vet. The uptight rich lady who is very concerned with her image in society. THE CAT. Who'd have thought that in a book with talking animals solving mysteries you'd get passages like this:
"My god, they [human beings] scream murder, and when they have to raise taxes to pay for the criminal acts of the sick in mind, or pay for the increased care of the physically weak, they pitch a fit and fall in it... They won't kill a diseased newborn, but they'll flock by the millions to kill one another in a war... Didn't World War II kill off about forty-five million of them? ... I don't much care if they die by the millions, truth be told...."
What? What? Is the cat recommending infanticide in cases of noticeable disability? She is, right?!
And then there's the GORE. Detailed descriptions of a mangled body in some big construction machine. The thick smell of blood on a hot day coming from a body torn into three parts on a train track. It's just a lot to take in for a cozy mystery.
There is also way, way, way too much fucking information about Claudius Crozet. Why did everyone know so goddamn much about Claudius Crozet? I can't tell you a single thing about whoever the hell founded the town I grew up in. But every resident of Crozet had an encyclopedic knowledge of the details of good ol' Claudy's life and work, which was frankly not that interesting.
The mystery was not good enough to justify any of this. I'm not sure any mystery could be good enough to justify it. (The illustrations really were a delight, though. I wish they hadn't accompanied this book.)
In an argument with her soon-to-be-ex-husband, Fair, protagonist Harry declares, "As long as you got fed and fucked, you thought everything was fine!" I stopped reading. I looked over to my husband. I said, "You gotta let me read you this passage." I read it.
"Fed and fucked?!" he said.
I nodded. "Fed and fucked."
EVERY character is dropping f-bombs. The postmistress. The local vet. The uptight rich lady who is very concerned with her image in society. THE CAT. Who'd have thought that in a book with talking animals solving mysteries you'd get passages like this:
"My god, they [human beings] scream murder, and when they have to raise taxes to pay for the criminal acts of the sick in mind, or pay for the increased care of the physically weak, they pitch a fit and fall in it... They won't kill a diseased newborn, but they'll flock by the millions to kill one another in a war... Didn't World War II kill off about forty-five million of them? ... I don't much care if they die by the millions, truth be told...."
What? What? Is the cat recommending infanticide in cases of noticeable disability? She is, right?!
And then there's the GORE. Detailed descriptions of a mangled body in some big construction machine. The thick smell of blood on a hot day coming from a body torn into three parts on a train track. It's just a lot to take in for a cozy mystery.
There is also way, way, way too much fucking information about Claudius Crozet. Why did everyone know so goddamn much about Claudius Crozet? I can't tell you a single thing about whoever the hell founded the town I grew up in. But every resident of Crozet had an encyclopedic knowledge of the details of good ol' Claudy's life and work, which was frankly not that interesting.
The mystery was not good enough to justify any of this. I'm not sure any mystery could be good enough to justify it. (The illustrations really were a delight, though. I wish they hadn't accompanied this book.)
October 21, 2014
2.5***
Two gruesome murders / mutilations have the residents of Crozet, Virginia in a tizzy. Postmistress Mary Minor “Harry” Haristeen has the only clue – a day or two before they were killed, each of the victims received a postcard of a famous cemetery or tomb with a “Wish you were here” inscription. This book introduces the Mrs Murphy mystery series. Mrs Murphy is a tiger cat, whose “mommy” is Harry. Along with her Welsh corgi companion, Tee Tucker, the animals help Harry find the killer.
When it comes to the central murder mystery, there really are very few clues other than the postcards and the use of cyanide. More of the book is spent on dissecting Harry’s failing marriage and her soon-to-be-ex-husband’s affair with an old high school flame. And then we have the animals and their role in the case. As if anthropomorphizing the animals weren’t enough, Brown also goes off on tangents about the environment, politics, feminism, racism, etc. And some of these tangents are voiced by the animals. PUH LEEZE … The final solution is rushed – set-up and resolved in the last ten pages.
On the plus side, it’s a fairly fast read and Harry is an interesting character. While she’s suffering the hurts of a broken relationship, she is generally a strong, independent woman and I appreciate that. But it IS supposed to be a murder mystery, so I’d like more mystery and less social commentary.
Two gruesome murders / mutilations have the residents of Crozet, Virginia in a tizzy. Postmistress Mary Minor “Harry” Haristeen has the only clue – a day or two before they were killed, each of the victims received a postcard of a famous cemetery or tomb with a “Wish you were here” inscription. This book introduces the Mrs Murphy mystery series. Mrs Murphy is a tiger cat, whose “mommy” is Harry. Along with her Welsh corgi companion, Tee Tucker, the animals help Harry find the killer.
When it comes to the central murder mystery, there really are very few clues other than the postcards and the use of cyanide. More of the book is spent on dissecting Harry’s failing marriage and her soon-to-be-ex-husband’s affair with an old high school flame. And then we have the animals and their role in the case. As if anthropomorphizing the animals weren’t enough, Brown also goes off on tangents about the environment, politics, feminism, racism, etc. And some of these tangents are voiced by the animals. PUH LEEZE … The final solution is rushed – set-up and resolved in the last ten pages.
On the plus side, it’s a fairly fast read and Harry is an interesting character. While she’s suffering the hurts of a broken relationship, she is generally a strong, independent woman and I appreciate that. But it IS supposed to be a murder mystery, so I’d like more mystery and less social commentary.
April 5, 2013
These books clearly have a number of devoted followers, but I barely made it through this first one. This is largely due to expectations of tone - when a cat and dog are trying to solve crimes, I would expect a fairly light read. However, I found most of this book pretty depressing. The characters are largely unlikeable, the main character's divorce drags down both the speed of the narrative and the overall mood, and the animals spend most of the time philosophizing about the horrors of the human condition as regards nature, family, and the mentally ill. There is a mystery in there, but the lack of communication between the (extremely erudite) animals and their human owner is strange and frustrating.
If you're expecting a light tone, try another series. However, as there are many people who enjoy these books, it's definitely worth a try. I'll just be...moving on to something else!
If you're expecting a light tone, try another series. However, as there are many people who enjoy these books, it's definitely worth a try. I'll just be...moving on to something else!
December 22, 2016
I liked "Wish You Were Here" more than two stars reflect. I finally procured Rita Mae Brown's series-opening novel, having stalled a few pieces I've had, for years. It took several chapters to know how I was taking to it because they oversaw an introduction to townspeople. In 1990, I was happy to remember, a post office was a centre of community. I continue to utilize mail, maintain hopes of receiving it, and vacations aren't complete until I send postcards to close friends and family.
I don't share Rita's interpretation of pet attitudes; definitely not about killing offspring. Such a distasteful note had no place. I enjoyed her demonstration that animals think and protect us. It was creative for Harry's pets to run the book and Rita's cat to be co-author. Conferences among Crozet animals predate a popular animal series by Susan Wittig Albert. We might infer that if Crozet is real, the pivotal history could be too. I love fiction for its potential to be instructive. Some people disliked meeting numerous townspeople but in this novel, it was necessary. Their reaction to murder is assessed. A connection with them that grows and shifts the more we deal with them, is measurable like real life and I admired that.
I respected Boom Boom's honesty, postcards from Harry's friend were a riotous highlight, and my favourite development was allying with the town's lecturing Christian. Instead of painting her as an unreachable sourpuss, Harry considers knowing her since birth and enlists her help. Fear is incorporated successfully. A meagre rating comes from the repugnant tangent about offspring and heavily-flawed denouements. Murder would not ensue to protect a storage place and there was an unbelievably glib answer about disfiguring victims: artistry!? Elaborate thievery behind everything was preposterously counterproductive, if money was the aim.
I don't share Rita's interpretation of pet attitudes; definitely not about killing offspring. Such a distasteful note had no place. I enjoyed her demonstration that animals think and protect us. It was creative for Harry's pets to run the book and Rita's cat to be co-author. Conferences among Crozet animals predate a popular animal series by Susan Wittig Albert. We might infer that if Crozet is real, the pivotal history could be too. I love fiction for its potential to be instructive. Some people disliked meeting numerous townspeople but in this novel, it was necessary. Their reaction to murder is assessed. A connection with them that grows and shifts the more we deal with them, is measurable like real life and I admired that.
I respected Boom Boom's honesty, postcards from Harry's friend were a riotous highlight, and my favourite development was allying with the town's lecturing Christian. Instead of painting her as an unreachable sourpuss, Harry considers knowing her since birth and enlists her help. Fear is incorporated successfully. A meagre rating comes from the repugnant tangent about offspring and heavily-flawed denouements. Murder would not ensue to protect a storage place and there was an unbelievably glib answer about disfiguring victims: artistry!? Elaborate thievery behind everything was preposterously counterproductive, if money was the aim.
March 29, 2024
This was so fun and then the cat monologued about eugenics?????? Besides that, it was my favorite kind of mystery, everyone was so nosy and the main character was tied up in the murder because she liked to snoop around and read the post cards she was meant to deliver. I did think the ending could be stronger!
September 19, 2018
This was such a cute start of a hopefully, really fun series. After I got over all the different names of the characters, the story just took off and it was a fun ride. I loved the dialogue and wit of all the pets. I could picture our cats doing some of the same things and saying to myself, "So that's why they do that" several times. I kind of figured out who the killer was, but only because I've read a lot of books, and it was just a natural guess based on that. It was still fun to see how everything came together and why. The ending was a bit rushed as well, but I'm looking forward to the next one.
February 13, 2018
A solid 3 stars. I would've given it more for the animals, who were charming and funny and smarter than most of the humans in the story, but some of the humans really annoyed me. So did the social commentary being thrown around by...you guessed it....the animals. Plot development was a little slow after a good start and I found myself impatiently skimming to find out who did it. I realize this was a "first" so I may try one more since the reviews said the series gets better, but I'm mainly curious to see what Mrs. M and Tucker get up to next.
August 31, 2012
01. Schade, dass du nicht tot bist
o2. Ruhe in Fetzen
03. Mord in Monticello
04. Virus im Netz
05. Herz Dame sticht
06. Tödliches Beileid
07. Die Katze riecht Lunte
08. Rache auf leisen Pfoten
09. Mord auf Rezept
10. Die Katze lässt das Mausen nicht
11. Maus im Aus
12. Die Katze im Sack
13. Da beißt die Maus keinen Faden ab
14. Die kluge Katze baut vor
15. Eine Maus kommt selten allein
16. Mit Speck fängt man Mäuse
17. Die Weihnachtskatze
18. Die Geburtstagskatze
19. Hiss of Death
20. The Big Cat Nap
21. Mausetot
Eine beschauliche Kleinstadt in Virginia, wo jeder noch seinen Nachbarn kennt und das Verbrechen lediglich Erzählungen aus den Medien sind, ist das Zuhause der Postlerin Mary Minor Harristeen, die nur Harry gerufen wird. Sie lebt dort zusammen mit ihrer Katze Mrs. Murphy und ihrem Corgi Tee Tucker. Harry und ihre unspektakuläre Scheidung von Fair sind zur Zeit der größte Skandal, den das Städtchen zu bieten hat, bis der Bauunternehmer Kelly tot in einer Betonmischmaschine gefunden wird und es sehr schnell klar ist, dass dies kein Unfall war. Mit viel Spürsinn machen sich Harry, Mrs. Murphy und Tee Tucker daran, ihre eigenen Ermittlungen aufzunehmen.
Ein richtig schöner Krimi, dem es weder an Spannung noch an Humor fehlt. Ob man möchte oder nicht, man muss Harry und ihre beiden tierischen Freunde einfach ins Herz schließen. Anfangs haben mich die vielen Personen, die im Postamt eintrudeln etwas verwirrt, aber es gab Vorne im Buch ein Personenregister, das mir sehr nützliche Dienste erwies. Kaum hatte ich die Personen im Kopf, stand dem Vergnügen nichts mehr im Wege. Sehr gut haben mir auch die Einblicke in die Konversation und Gedankenwelt von Mrs. Murphy, Tee Tucker und der dicken Katze Pewster gefallen. Es ist der Autorin gut geglückt, das plötzliche Unbehagen und das schleichende Misstrauen, dass sich gegen nette Nachbarn und Bekannte richtet, die man schon ein Leben lang kennt und die alle als mögliche Täter in Betracht kommen.
Mich konnten Mrs. Murphy, Tucker und Harry völlig überzeugen und ich freue mich schon auf den nächsten Teil.
o2. Ruhe in Fetzen
03. Mord in Monticello
04. Virus im Netz
05. Herz Dame sticht
06. Tödliches Beileid
07. Die Katze riecht Lunte
08. Rache auf leisen Pfoten
09. Mord auf Rezept
10. Die Katze lässt das Mausen nicht
11. Maus im Aus
12. Die Katze im Sack
13. Da beißt die Maus keinen Faden ab
14. Die kluge Katze baut vor
15. Eine Maus kommt selten allein
16. Mit Speck fängt man Mäuse
17. Die Weihnachtskatze
18. Die Geburtstagskatze
19. Hiss of Death
20. The Big Cat Nap
21. Mausetot
Eine beschauliche Kleinstadt in Virginia, wo jeder noch seinen Nachbarn kennt und das Verbrechen lediglich Erzählungen aus den Medien sind, ist das Zuhause der Postlerin Mary Minor Harristeen, die nur Harry gerufen wird. Sie lebt dort zusammen mit ihrer Katze Mrs. Murphy und ihrem Corgi Tee Tucker. Harry und ihre unspektakuläre Scheidung von Fair sind zur Zeit der größte Skandal, den das Städtchen zu bieten hat, bis der Bauunternehmer Kelly tot in einer Betonmischmaschine gefunden wird und es sehr schnell klar ist, dass dies kein Unfall war. Mit viel Spürsinn machen sich Harry, Mrs. Murphy und Tee Tucker daran, ihre eigenen Ermittlungen aufzunehmen.
Ein richtig schöner Krimi, dem es weder an Spannung noch an Humor fehlt. Ob man möchte oder nicht, man muss Harry und ihre beiden tierischen Freunde einfach ins Herz schließen. Anfangs haben mich die vielen Personen, die im Postamt eintrudeln etwas verwirrt, aber es gab Vorne im Buch ein Personenregister, das mir sehr nützliche Dienste erwies. Kaum hatte ich die Personen im Kopf, stand dem Vergnügen nichts mehr im Wege. Sehr gut haben mir auch die Einblicke in die Konversation und Gedankenwelt von Mrs. Murphy, Tee Tucker und der dicken Katze Pewster gefallen. Es ist der Autorin gut geglückt, das plötzliche Unbehagen und das schleichende Misstrauen, dass sich gegen nette Nachbarn und Bekannte richtet, die man schon ein Leben lang kennt und die alle als mögliche Täter in Betracht kommen.
Mich konnten Mrs. Murphy, Tucker und Harry völlig überzeugen und ich freue mich schon auf den nächsten Teil.
May 19, 2017
This is the first book in the series and it seemed strange reading it because things do progress over time in Crozet and I have read all of the more recent books. Don't know how I missed this one. This was one of those books I stayed up late for because I just had to finish it. I didn't care for it so much in the beginning but obviously by the end I was anxious to finish it and enjoying every minute of it.
Harry (Mary Minor Harristeen) is the postmistress of Crozet and has two loyal and lovable pet companions who go almost everywhere with her. They are Mrs. Murphy the cat, and Tee Tucker, a corgi. The animals have a friend, Pewter, who belongs to the store owner next door and loves to share in the gossip with the other two. The animals can communicate with each other but are unable to "talk" to Harry so have to try to discover other ways to help her solve the mystery of the murders in Crozet.
Harry becomes involved because she is the postmistress and notices something amiss in the mail which she immediately brings to the attention of the sheriff. Harry is curious and clever. The animals discover a lot about the murder and try to help Harry, but their main goal is to protect her from the murderer because they love her so much. Harry with the help of the Deputy Sheriff identifies the murderer and helps to bring an end to the killings, risking her own life but rescued by her loving animals and her own wit and cunning.
Harry (Mary Minor Harristeen) is the postmistress of Crozet and has two loyal and lovable pet companions who go almost everywhere with her. They are Mrs. Murphy the cat, and Tee Tucker, a corgi. The animals have a friend, Pewter, who belongs to the store owner next door and loves to share in the gossip with the other two. The animals can communicate with each other but are unable to "talk" to Harry so have to try to discover other ways to help her solve the mystery of the murders in Crozet.
Harry becomes involved because she is the postmistress and notices something amiss in the mail which she immediately brings to the attention of the sheriff. Harry is curious and clever. The animals discover a lot about the murder and try to help Harry, but their main goal is to protect her from the murderer because they love her so much. Harry with the help of the Deputy Sheriff identifies the murderer and helps to bring an end to the killings, risking her own life but rescued by her loving animals and her own wit and cunning.
April 6, 2012
If only this series could have kept up along the way it began is the main thought I had while reading the initial book in the Mrs. Murphy series - "Wish You Were Here". The story introduces us to the world of Crozet, Virginia our animal friends & even provides us with a background on the founder of the town which is a very nice touch. When the first crime to affect the town in nearly 2 decades happen, the citizens get a tad concerned & our cast of characters very carefully spring into action. This book has a lot of what on occasion has been missing from this series - an interesting plot, good interaction between all characters (both 2 & 4 legged) along with a story we care about. Every piece & step along the way is done in a way that when done right is what makes this series as enjoyable as it has been through the years. It's just a shame there haven't been as many hits as there have been misses since this very smart debut from 22 years ago.
March 11, 2024
“Written” by a cat about a self insert cat who solves mysteries with her owner is so camp. It was quite a fun cozy read but I didn’t find the killer reveal that satisfying. I would still read another one of these books though.
March 7, 2020
The story introduces us to the world of Crozet, Virginia an animal friendly town. There is a bit of background about the founder of the town which adds to the story. When the first crime to affect the town in nearly 2 decades happen, the citizens get a tad concerned. The cast of characters spring into action. The animals in this book are also characters which brings the light hearted funny spin between the dialogue of the animals. At times the animals seemed to be more intelligent then the humans. Anyways 2 murders happen they need to be solved. Mary Minor Haristeen. better known as Harry the Postmistress is the lovely fur mama to the lovely critters in this story. Postcards come in the mail. There is a lot of cussing in the book but that added to the silliness of the dialogue between the animals. I like the story it was funny, entertaining and involved animals what's not to love a cozy with animals that add a different perspective on a typical cozy. This is why I love cozy's they are much more fun to read not so heavy on the mystery but funny enough how a mystery gets solved that feeds the quirky mind in a bedazzled way.
July 21, 2024
Rating: 5 Stars!!
Review:
This was my first time reading a Cozy Mystery by Rita so I wasnt sure what to expect but I have to say I really enjoyed this one, more than I thought I would.
The Characters were fun and enjoyable to read about. It was hard to pick just one since I seemed to like all of the Characters.
The Setting was beautifully described which made me feel like I was actually in the book while reading especially when the mystery was being solved.
Overall a Good Book 1 in this Cozy Mystery Series. Can't wait to read Book 2 very soon!!
Review:
This was my first time reading a Cozy Mystery by Rita so I wasnt sure what to expect but I have to say I really enjoyed this one, more than I thought I would.
The Characters were fun and enjoyable to read about. It was hard to pick just one since I seemed to like all of the Characters.
The Setting was beautifully described which made me feel like I was actually in the book while reading especially when the mystery was being solved.
Overall a Good Book 1 in this Cozy Mystery Series. Can't wait to read Book 2 very soon!!
April 6, 2025
The premise, that Harry’s cat Sneaky Pie has helped her solve some murders, then typed up the manuscript, signals a very cozy mystery. Oddly, though, the tone is not especially twee. Sneaky Pie and corgi Tee Tucker are remarkably knowledgeable - can you imagine your pets comparing and condemning the numbers of fatalities in World Wars I and II? - and occasionally preachy. They’re less good at communicating their philosophizing and findings to Harry.
This small town in Virginia has a full cast of characters to try on as murder victims and suspects. There’s plenty of snobbery, greed, bigotry, and adultery to go around. I don’t think all the elements quite gelled in this first effort, but many volumes followed this one, so the series presumably found its balance.
And the pet illustrations by Wendy Wray are excellent.
This small town in Virginia has a full cast of characters to try on as murder victims and suspects. There’s plenty of snobbery, greed, bigotry, and adultery to go around. I don’t think all the elements quite gelled in this first effort, but many volumes followed this one, so the series presumably found its balance.
And the pet illustrations by Wendy Wray are excellent.
March 22, 2013
In the sleepy town of Crozet, Virginia, murder lurks. The pesky postmistress Mary Minor "Harry" Haristeen of the little place knows most of the goings-on and is curious about everything else. She also has a curious tiger cat Mrs Murphy and a little dog (Corgi?) to help her. There are also the town's other animals to help them. And of course, colorful characters abound, including the scumbag soon-to-be ex-husband of Harry.
I have a curious and intelligent tiger tabby myself, so I love the idea of having a cat do some detective work. The whole cutesy idea of the byline for the author's cat is something I appreciate too. I do think this book needs a cat lover to appreciate it, and on the whole cat behavior is represented perfectly. I have a bone to pick with Sneaky Pie though. Why pick for a honorary human the one person who really is dumb about you? Observe.
It's a lovely set up. Not the mystery itself, of course, I identified the killer the minute they were introduced. I mean the characters themselves are so full of life, it's easy to imagine them as real denizens of a small town. I extend that to the small animal population as well. They're mostly endearing. Here's the slip up - Harry. From the scenarios I mention above, it's obvious she's not all that perceptive. Nosy, and somehow miraculously stumbles her way into figuring out the mystery, but not really great shakes. I can't think of an intelligent cat approving of her. Not only that, she's way too negative. She sees a person, and all that she can think about is something negative about the person. She's going through a divorce, and that seems to be her reason for behaving like a spoilt child, but honestly, it gets old when she sees the nth person and thinks of something to disapprove. I couldn't wait to get back to any other character except be with this lady. I cheered whenever a character called the bullshit on Harry's supposed saintliness, which actually happened quite often.
My other problem was that it was false advertising of the worst sort. The book's co-written by a cat! So where are the cats? Sure, Mrs Murphy is a sort of central character and gets dialogues, but the critical thinking award goes to Tucker the Corgi. He's a cutie, no doubt, but in what world would a normal crazy cat admit that? There's also the fact that way too less time is spent with the animals, and most of their efforts are like water on a smooth rock anyway. When we do get their ideas, it's filled with so much soapboxing that I was nauseated. Sorry, that was not cool. I need my animals to be animals and not mouthpieces for an author, and misplaced ones too at that. There's seriously no point stopping an already plodding plot to have the animals extol the virtues of culling or whatever. Add to that the out of place history lessons by the humans, the even more out of place rants against the poor Conservatives, bad Virginia politics, the Church etc, and the plot becomes barely visible.
I do hope the series improves, Harry improves, because I don't want to resist tiger cats.
I have a curious and intelligent tiger tabby myself, so I love the idea of having a cat do some detective work. The whole cutesy idea of the byline for the author's cat is something I appreciate too. I do think this book needs a cat lover to appreciate it, and on the whole cat behavior is represented perfectly. I have a bone to pick with Sneaky Pie though. Why pick for a honorary human the one person who really is dumb about you? Observe.
Scenario One ~
Mrs Murphy and Tucker: Let's yowl and tell her some clue about the guy who just walked in to the office.
Susan (Harry's best friend): I think they're trying to tell you something, Harry.
Harry: Yeah, I know they want their treats. Here you go! (in rather disgusting baby-talk) Who's a good kitty!!
Scenario Two ~
Mrs Murphy and Tucker: Let's kill a couple of rodents in exactly the same fashion that the humans have been killed, so that Harry can the connection between them!
Susan (upon seeing the dead animals): Oh look Harry, they're exactly similar to how the humans were mutilated!
Harry (shuddering): What a thing to say! My babies have just brought me these as a present! Let me clean it up!
Conclusion ~
Mrs Murphy and Tucker (talking about humans): We really don't like them because they're so useless. Except Harry, of course. She's like a cat herself!
Me: Wha???
It's a lovely set up. Not the mystery itself, of course, I identified the killer the minute they were introduced. I mean the characters themselves are so full of life, it's easy to imagine them as real denizens of a small town. I extend that to the small animal population as well. They're mostly endearing. Here's the slip up - Harry. From the scenarios I mention above, it's obvious she's not all that perceptive. Nosy, and somehow miraculously stumbles her way into figuring out the mystery, but not really great shakes. I can't think of an intelligent cat approving of her. Not only that, she's way too negative. She sees a person, and all that she can think about is something negative about the person. She's going through a divorce, and that seems to be her reason for behaving like a spoilt child, but honestly, it gets old when she sees the nth person and thinks of something to disapprove. I couldn't wait to get back to any other character except be with this lady. I cheered whenever a character called the bullshit on Harry's supposed saintliness, which actually happened quite often.
My other problem was that it was false advertising of the worst sort. The book's co-written by a cat! So where are the cats? Sure, Mrs Murphy is a sort of central character and gets dialogues, but the critical thinking award goes to Tucker the Corgi. He's a cutie, no doubt, but in what world would a normal crazy cat admit that? There's also the fact that way too less time is spent with the animals, and most of their efforts are like water on a smooth rock anyway. When we do get their ideas, it's filled with so much soapboxing that I was nauseated. Sorry, that was not cool. I need my animals to be animals and not mouthpieces for an author, and misplaced ones too at that. There's seriously no point stopping an already plodding plot to have the animals extol the virtues of culling or whatever. Add to that the out of place history lessons by the humans, the even more out of place rants against the poor Conservatives, bad Virginia politics, the Church etc, and the plot becomes barely visible.
I do hope the series improves, Harry improves, because I don't want to resist tiger cats.
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