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Mrs. Murphy #14
Sour Puss
Rita Mae Brown and her feline partner-in-crime-detection, Sneaky Pie Brown, return to the scene of their bestselling crimes—picturesque Crozet, Virginia. Love is in the air as spring comes to the small town, but no sooner has Mary Minor “Harry” Haristeen remarried than she is rudely interrupted—by murder. And no sooner does the trouble start than curious cats Mrs. Murphy and Pewter, along with corgi Tee Tucker, sink their claws into the case.…
After an unexpected rekindling of their romance, Harry and her veterinarian ex-husband, Fair Haristeen, have happily remarried. But the excitement of their nuptials is quickly overshadowed by the murder of Professor Vincent Forland, a world-famous grape and fungal expert who was in town visiting the local vineyards.
Within days of giving a lecture on how distilled fungus and cattle diseases are the current basis of chemical warfare, Forland’s decapitated body is discovered. After their initial fright, the residents of Crozet believe that this was a political murder and settle back into their routines–until a local is also found dead, killed in the same gruesome manner as Professor Forland. Now residents can’t help wondering, is this really the work of an outsider—or one of their own?
No longer working in the post office, Harry had just planted a quarter acre of grapes, which fuels her natural curiosity over just what the two murder victims knew and had in common. Once the warmth of spring arrives, the grapevines blossom and Harry’s furry entourage discovers the first critical clue. But how can they show the humans what they’ve learned? And how can they—or anyone—stop the killing?
After an unexpected rekindling of their romance, Harry and her veterinarian ex-husband, Fair Haristeen, have happily remarried. But the excitement of their nuptials is quickly overshadowed by the murder of Professor Vincent Forland, a world-famous grape and fungal expert who was in town visiting the local vineyards.
Within days of giving a lecture on how distilled fungus and cattle diseases are the current basis of chemical warfare, Forland’s decapitated body is discovered. After their initial fright, the residents of Crozet believe that this was a political murder and settle back into their routines–until a local is also found dead, killed in the same gruesome manner as Professor Forland. Now residents can’t help wondering, is this really the work of an outsider—or one of their own?
No longer working in the post office, Harry had just planted a quarter acre of grapes, which fuels her natural curiosity over just what the two murder victims knew and had in common. Once the warmth of spring arrives, the grapevines blossom and Harry’s furry entourage discovers the first critical clue. But how can they show the humans what they’ve learned? And how can they—or anyone—stop the killing?
320 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2006
194 people are currently reading
1174 people want to read
About the author
Rita Mae Brown
174 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 181 reviews
August 8, 2011
Well..I started reading some of these Sneaky Pie Brown books again since they were so much fun when they first came out. But wow, this one was really bad. Most of the books are quick and easy murder mysteries with cute comments and quips thrown in from the animals..but not this one.
One of the previous reviewers commented on the fact that the author mentions how she spent a lot of time researching grapes and their diseases, and that's something that's painfully obvious when you read the book. It really is an essay on grape-growing and its faults, with a little mystery thrown in. And the mystery doesn't start until page 100 or so (there's only 270 in the book..). I almost gave up on this book a few times, and looking back, I probably should have. With a rambling first half, a so-so mystery, and an abrupt ending, I definitely wouldn't recommend this one.
If you're looking to start reading the Mrs. Murphy series, don't start here!
One of the previous reviewers commented on the fact that the author mentions how she spent a lot of time researching grapes and their diseases, and that's something that's painfully obvious when you read the book. It really is an essay on grape-growing and its faults, with a little mystery thrown in. And the mystery doesn't start until page 100 or so (there's only 270 in the book..). I almost gave up on this book a few times, and looking back, I probably should have. With a rambling first half, a so-so mystery, and an abrupt ending, I definitely wouldn't recommend this one.
If you're looking to start reading the Mrs. Murphy series, don't start here!
June 2, 2014
I read one of these Mrs. Murphy books years ago and for some reason didn't read any more until now. I think I know why. A lot of talking, philosophizing, and politicizing. Not much murder mystery. I listened to the book on a 6 cd set and the first murder didn't take place until disc 4. I like a cozy mystery but there just wasn't enough mystery for me.
July 28, 2017
I kept waiting for something to happen. Nothing did. Cute concept with critters chatting away. Very likeable cats and dogs. Likeable human characters too but not very well defined. Lots of interesting factoids on wine making and chemical warfare but this does not make a mystery book. Actually all the info was distracting from the 'story' which I admit I gave up on because I simply couldn't find it. First and last Rita Mae Brown book I have attempted. Very disappointing.
June 18, 2018
Spoiler ahead....be forewarned.
I have been reading this series in chronological order. I read it because I am entertained by the interaction and conversations of the animals. I will continue to read this series but #14 here has really disappointed me. Big time. The human heroine of this series, Harry, is a very independent, late 30-ish woman who divorced her husband, Fair (that's his name, believe it or not) because he cheated on her. She is portrayed as an intelligent, no nonsense type of female who is well liked, has many friends, loves animals and supports herself financially. I identify with her. I, too, was married and betrayed by my husband. Imagine my surprise and horror that Harry remarries Fair in this story. it is so out of character, so weak, so lame. It is so disappointing that the author would do this to her character. As one who has personally experienced the same......you can forgive your betrayer but how can you ever trust them again? Even if you love the person, it is never the same. It will never be the same no matter how hard you try because you can't forget a stab in the back and a shot to the heart. I have seldom been so negatively affected by a story line and I hate to say it, but I am hoping that in a future story, Harry and Fair break up, Fair dies...anything that will bring Harry back to being unattached from the man who betrayed her. In the words of Bette Davis, "Weak as water."
I have been reading this series in chronological order. I read it because I am entertained by the interaction and conversations of the animals. I will continue to read this series but #14 here has really disappointed me. Big time. The human heroine of this series, Harry, is a very independent, late 30-ish woman who divorced her husband, Fair (that's his name, believe it or not) because he cheated on her. She is portrayed as an intelligent, no nonsense type of female who is well liked, has many friends, loves animals and supports herself financially. I identify with her. I, too, was married and betrayed by my husband. Imagine my surprise and horror that Harry remarries Fair in this story. it is so out of character, so weak, so lame. It is so disappointing that the author would do this to her character. As one who has personally experienced the same......you can forgive your betrayer but how can you ever trust them again? Even if you love the person, it is never the same. It will never be the same no matter how hard you try because you can't forget a stab in the back and a shot to the heart. I have seldom been so negatively affected by a story line and I hate to say it, but I am hoping that in a future story, Harry and Fair break up, Fair dies...anything that will bring Harry back to being unattached from the man who betrayed her. In the words of Bette Davis, "Weak as water."
April 11, 2022
It's rare I rate a book this low because I usually don't finish books I hate but I was listening to this on CD (also the narrator does a bad job of distinguishing voices) and it was on the so-so side until the absolutely ludicrous end.
The basic plot is someone is threatening the Virginia wine making/grape growing crowd and people are dying. A lot of effort is put forth to make us think that's the killer's motivation. It is such an obvious example of the author wanting to work in all the stuff they researched for no good reason. It drags on about bioterrorism and threats to grapes that it's dull as dishwater. It's laughable that Harry actually considers herself under threat by someone targeting grape growers because she has a quarter acre dedicated to some rare heirloom varietal. Please that is worth no one's time.
It took 3 of 6 discs to get to the disappearance of the professor talking about the bioterrorism (about 100 pages judging by the rest of the reviews) so less than 300 pages of novel that means nothing happens for half the book. If your mystery needs a 100 pages of set up you're doing something wrong. The animals figure out something's wrong by ch 10, takes another 8 before the humans do the same (eye roll)
There is so much wrong with this, like some of the science. She doesn't even quote the Bible right (totally inaccurate as to where in Philippians the quote is from). And that's just the start. Let's get into some of the worst parts. Non-spoilery first.
Harry remarries Fair (this is important for far more reasons than her bad judgment) She is more forgiving than I. If my ex cheated with my good friend I'd not speak to either of them again but I think Boom Boom (really? I can't remember why she's named this but I have ugly suspicions) was even at the wedding. Harry's pets, Mrs. Murphy & Pewter (the cats) and Tucker (the corgi) who narrate half the book were and they destroy the altar with Harry just laughing about it. Ugh.
At one point we have Mrs. Murphy being judgey about another animal being pregnant and reveals she just doesn't have sex when its her time. Harry thinks she's spayed but the vet merely shaved her belly but accidentally spayed another cat. Setting aside that bit of malpractice we're expected to believe, Harry, an expert horsewoman and animal lover doesn't notice there ISN'T an incision in Mrs. Murphy. What about the removal of stitches? And this bit of idiocy adds nothing to the story.
Another totally unnecessary add in was Harry and I think Boom Boom talking and it leads them to the oldest profession and they decide that prostitutes must enjoy their job because sex is fun and 'no one stays with a job they hate.' OMFG. The utter stupidity of that whole exchange can't be understated. How am I supposed to root for a woman who thinks women prostitute themselves for fun? The complete lack of insight into the desperation that drives most women to prostitution is overwhelming as is how judgmental Harry is.
They all are in fact. There is a lot of white privilege going on with her and her friends and a definite whiff of right wing politics which again add nothing to the story line. All of this could have been edited out for a better story.
We're also given displays of toxic masculinity between Fair and Arch, one of Harry's former boyfriends back from CA to work grapevines in VA. which naturally half-heartedly sets up Fair for being a suspect how I'm not sure since it wasn't like it was Arch who died. It would have been better to concentrate on the conversations of Harry's three fur babies with the wild animals in the barn including Simon the possum, Matilda the snake and Flat Face the owl.
Now for the spoilers of this absolutely ridiculous ending but before that let me say the ending is actually rather graphically violent more so than a lot of cozy/amateur sleuth fans would like. Doesn't bug me but I know that is a big issue for some. So it turns out that Arch killed two of the three dead people to set up Fair and he could swoop in to save Harry from her cheating ex because she deserves better (I'd say yes but she thinks women like prostitution so maybe a cheater is what she deserves) .
By some miracle Harry figures it out it's Arch just as he arrives at her barn. I'm not even sure how she knows the truck is his because I don't remember her looking out of the barn. Rather than run out of the barn to her truck/house/her gun she trees herself in the loft and drops her cell phone because we can't have that there ruining this ending right?
So Arch goes up the ladder and ALL the animals end him. Not just her pets which I can see happening but no, all the animals chip in including the wild ones like the owl, snake and possum. Can you see this? If they are reacting t the threat why aren't they biting Harry and Arch equally as they fight (and they do, she stabs him in the face several times, breaking off her knife in his jawbone) No they only attack him. Pewter even blinds him in graphic detail and when he falls out of the loft Tucker tries to bite out his throat. I'm sorry but I just can't see these wild animals rushing to Harry's defense. And as a reward she gives Simon the possum her phone because he likes shiny things.
Now I remember why I quit this series.
The basic plot is someone is threatening the Virginia wine making/grape growing crowd and people are dying. A lot of effort is put forth to make us think that's the killer's motivation. It is such an obvious example of the author wanting to work in all the stuff they researched for no good reason. It drags on about bioterrorism and threats to grapes that it's dull as dishwater. It's laughable that Harry actually considers herself under threat by someone targeting grape growers because she has a quarter acre dedicated to some rare heirloom varietal. Please that is worth no one's time.
It took 3 of 6 discs to get to the disappearance of the professor talking about the bioterrorism (about 100 pages judging by the rest of the reviews) so less than 300 pages of novel that means nothing happens for half the book. If your mystery needs a 100 pages of set up you're doing something wrong. The animals figure out something's wrong by ch 10, takes another 8 before the humans do the same (eye roll)
There is so much wrong with this, like some of the science. She doesn't even quote the Bible right (totally inaccurate as to where in Philippians the quote is from). And that's just the start. Let's get into some of the worst parts. Non-spoilery first.
Harry remarries Fair (this is important for far more reasons than her bad judgment) She is more forgiving than I. If my ex cheated with my good friend I'd not speak to either of them again but I think Boom Boom (really? I can't remember why she's named this but I have ugly suspicions) was even at the wedding. Harry's pets, Mrs. Murphy & Pewter (the cats) and Tucker (the corgi) who narrate half the book were and they destroy the altar with Harry just laughing about it. Ugh.
At one point we have Mrs. Murphy being judgey about another animal being pregnant and reveals she just doesn't have sex when its her time. Harry thinks she's spayed but the vet merely shaved her belly but accidentally spayed another cat. Setting aside that bit of malpractice we're expected to believe, Harry, an expert horsewoman and animal lover doesn't notice there ISN'T an incision in Mrs. Murphy. What about the removal of stitches? And this bit of idiocy adds nothing to the story.
Another totally unnecessary add in was Harry and I think Boom Boom talking and it leads them to the oldest profession and they decide that prostitutes must enjoy their job because sex is fun and 'no one stays with a job they hate.' OMFG. The utter stupidity of that whole exchange can't be understated. How am I supposed to root for a woman who thinks women prostitute themselves for fun? The complete lack of insight into the desperation that drives most women to prostitution is overwhelming as is how judgmental Harry is.
They all are in fact. There is a lot of white privilege going on with her and her friends and a definite whiff of right wing politics which again add nothing to the story line. All of this could have been edited out for a better story.
We're also given displays of toxic masculinity between Fair and Arch, one of Harry's former boyfriends back from CA to work grapevines in VA. which naturally half-heartedly sets up Fair for being a suspect how I'm not sure since it wasn't like it was Arch who died. It would have been better to concentrate on the conversations of Harry's three fur babies with the wild animals in the barn including Simon the possum, Matilda the snake and Flat Face the owl.
Now for the spoilers of this absolutely ridiculous ending but before that let me say the ending is actually rather graphically violent more so than a lot of cozy/amateur sleuth fans would like. Doesn't bug me but I know that is a big issue for some. So it turns out that Arch killed two of the three dead people to set up Fair and he could swoop in to save Harry from her cheating ex because she deserves better (I'd say yes but she thinks women like prostitution so maybe a cheater is what she deserves) .
By some miracle Harry figures it out it's Arch just as he arrives at her barn. I'm not even sure how she knows the truck is his because I don't remember her looking out of the barn. Rather than run out of the barn to her truck/house/her gun she trees herself in the loft and drops her cell phone because we can't have that there ruining this ending right?
So Arch goes up the ladder and ALL the animals end him. Not just her pets which I can see happening but no, all the animals chip in including the wild ones like the owl, snake and possum. Can you see this? If they are reacting t the threat why aren't they biting Harry and Arch equally as they fight (and they do, she stabs him in the face several times, breaking off her knife in his jawbone) No they only attack him. Pewter even blinds him in graphic detail and when he falls out of the loft Tucker tries to bite out his throat. I'm sorry but I just can't see these wild animals rushing to Harry's defense. And as a reward she gives Simon the possum her phone because he likes shiny things.
Now I remember why I quit this series.
June 10, 2021
Not one of my favorite by this author. The animals are what make this book.
October 25, 2008
"As with the previous books in the series, the authors take time to set the scene, refresh our memories of the old characters, and introduce us to the new characters. The action doesn't happen until the penultimate chapter, but Mrs. Murphy fans have come to expect that. We like spending time with our friends and family for a while before we have to get our paws...er...hands dirty with some icky murder. The back story deals with current events and concerns regarding bioterrorism. H5N1 makes a brief appearance, as well as theories about biological weapons used by Iraq in Desert Storm. Most important to the plot is the Supreme Court decision striking down state laws that prohibit direct sales of wines to out-of-state customers. Wine drinkers rejoice."
April 20, 2021
2.25 stars really. This one just felt off. It was like the author wad trying yo show off how much information she acquired while researching grapes and had to instill in the reader all that knowledge. It came off info heavy like a science textbook, rather than z cozy mystery. By the time the mystery happens, you are so overloaded with info about growing grapes and their diseases, that the murder is put on the backburner. The characters felt very flat as well and it just didn't work.
November 12, 2020
Could not finish. After reading 80 pages, I moved on. Too many books to struggle and wonder why? Nothing happened. Page after page of grape/wine types and techniques. Two stars: One for the premise (albeit confusing characters and names) and one star because there may be a point to the 80 pages.
Would not recommend. If I run across an early book by the author I may read.
Would not recommend. If I run across an early book by the author I may read.
December 14, 2011
"Sour Puss" is about as average as you can get for this series with a plot dealing with the grape wine industry & a murder or 2 that honestly don't fit in. Following the remarriage of Harry & Fair a murder occurs in a vineyard that again sets our cast of characters in Crozet on the hunt for a murderer. The main background story centers on the wine industry in Virginia & diseases that can affect grape crops themselves. It's the animals at times that keep this story somewhat moving forward. As per usual Brown keeps you guessing until the end & with an extra funeral in play as well this is just another average but easy to read story in this series
May 17, 2009
After my disappointment with Cat's Eyewitness, I gave Mrs. Murphy another try. I am glad I did. This book was back to the standards I was used to in the series. It does bog down a bit with talk of grape infestations/diseases and theories on different biological weapons, but the narrative was back to the usual easy reading and there was plenty of action involving Harry's animal friends. The animals are the best parts of the book.
I do have wonder about one scene, just because I can't get the physics to work out in my head, but that was minor issue and of no real consequence.
I do have wonder about one scene, just because I can't get the physics to work out in my head, but that was minor issue and of no real consequence.
April 18, 2016
An interesting addition to the series. She did some impressive research about the wine-making industry and always brings to the table a vast amount of agricultural knowledge. For a city girl, reading about life in the country is quite refreshing and a balm to the soul. Unfortunately, someone always ends up getting killed, but it wouldn't be a mystery without that salient fact, now would it? A pleasant cozy mystery overall.
December 31, 2018
This... just didn't make sense.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 19, 2017
I didn't like this as much as the earlier Mrs. Murphy mysteries. It took too long for the murder to actually happen and I don't think the pool of potential suspects was big enough! The animals in action were, as always, the best part. There was too much introductory banter about wine and not enough action.
August 5, 2017
Left me sour
Entertaining at times and stuffy at others. Too much time devoted to lectures on bio-chemical warfare, VA wine making and other grape growing hazards.....I assume to throw red herrings in to the plot? Did not work for me. I figured out the culprit early on and don't see how the main characters couldn't do the same. Even the animals didn't get it
Entertaining at times and stuffy at others. Too much time devoted to lectures on bio-chemical warfare, VA wine making and other grape growing hazards.....I assume to throw red herrings in to the plot? Did not work for me. I figured out the culprit early on and don't see how the main characters couldn't do the same. Even the animals didn't get it
October 9, 2017
This is by far the worst in the series. When the pets sit around and discuss whether they'll be able to get on the bed, or not, because the humans are constantly having sex, it is time to move on to another writer. Like another reviewer, I have not been real happy with the direction the series has taken, because, quite frankly, I feel that the series has gotten lost.
January 17, 2016
I enjoyed this book, but it did seem to start slower than the others in this series. As always the animals are just great.
February 19, 2024
Another Little Free Library selection.
I recognized the author as famous name, so gave it a try.
Not to my taste. That's most of the low rating.
Quick summary (no real spoilers):
A sort of mystery, with two parallel sets of characters - one set a group of wealthy vintners, and the other the domestic and wild animals that live among them, mostly owned by the central character "Harry".
What happens? A lot of killings in a small town in a very wealthy social stratum. A scientist, who has come to give a talk about germ warfare and visit local grape growers to discuss various infections, disappears. He's the professor of two of the locals, who mutually despise each other. Harry is the former love interest of one of these men. About halfway thru the book, after endless descriptions of random things, the body of the dead scientist is made known to Harry by the animals thanks to them learning about it from a local bear. Then a series of murders takes place, implicating Harry's spouse and one of the other vintners. The perp is pretty obvious. In the end the animals save the day.
The writing is probably typical of the series, from looking at reviews of other books and the sample of a different novel attached to the end of this one. It clearly has its audience. Why don't I like it? The animals are completely anthropomorphized. I guess I'm not playing along with the campy humor of it. It's like a little cartoon playing thru the book. The murder itself is pretty obvious. There is no character development to speak of (presumably, this has been done in earlier books in this very long series). There are endless descriptions of objects, clothing, and random ideas including details of various concepts in viticulture and horse husbandry that don't contribute anything to the story. I guess they are supposed to immerse you in the atmosphere and environment of the characters, but they never lead anywhere and are more distracting and time wasting than helpful. The characters don't seem to really have much to do but glide into each other's houses for coffee and cake all day long, but they do complain about how hard they work and how much everything costs. And their conversations don't make up for their lack of work ethic. The police, who have the only noted real jobs in this book, provide no value - neither positive or negative. They are pro forma.
In fairness, Harry and her husband Fair do sometimes lapse momentarily into work on the farm or his veterinary practice, in one case to project the storyline forward. And the policemen settle down to read the entire contents of a computer which have inexplicably been printed out for them. That must've been work.
It all has a weird feeling - like the book was assembled from parts. I wonder how these are written. The author sure turns out a lot of material - I suspect this is done by a team from an outline, a writing studio.
It's a mystery!
I recognized the author as famous name, so gave it a try.
Not to my taste. That's most of the low rating.
Quick summary (no real spoilers):
A sort of mystery, with two parallel sets of characters - one set a group of wealthy vintners, and the other the domestic and wild animals that live among them, mostly owned by the central character "Harry".
What happens? A lot of killings in a small town in a very wealthy social stratum. A scientist, who has come to give a talk about germ warfare and visit local grape growers to discuss various infections, disappears. He's the professor of two of the locals, who mutually despise each other. Harry is the former love interest of one of these men. About halfway thru the book, after endless descriptions of random things, the body of the dead scientist is made known to Harry by the animals thanks to them learning about it from a local bear. Then a series of murders takes place, implicating Harry's spouse and one of the other vintners. The perp is pretty obvious. In the end the animals save the day.
The writing is probably typical of the series, from looking at reviews of other books and the sample of a different novel attached to the end of this one. It clearly has its audience. Why don't I like it? The animals are completely anthropomorphized. I guess I'm not playing along with the campy humor of it. It's like a little cartoon playing thru the book. The murder itself is pretty obvious. There is no character development to speak of (presumably, this has been done in earlier books in this very long series). There are endless descriptions of objects, clothing, and random ideas including details of various concepts in viticulture and horse husbandry that don't contribute anything to the story. I guess they are supposed to immerse you in the atmosphere and environment of the characters, but they never lead anywhere and are more distracting and time wasting than helpful. The characters don't seem to really have much to do but glide into each other's houses for coffee and cake all day long, but they do complain about how hard they work and how much everything costs. And their conversations don't make up for their lack of work ethic. The police, who have the only noted real jobs in this book, provide no value - neither positive or negative. They are pro forma.
In fairness, Harry and her husband Fair do sometimes lapse momentarily into work on the farm or his veterinary practice, in one case to project the storyline forward. And the policemen settle down to read the entire contents of a computer which have inexplicably been printed out for them. That must've been work.
It all has a weird feeling - like the book was assembled from parts. I wonder how these are written. The author sure turns out a lot of material - I suspect this is done by a team from an outline, a writing studio.
It's a mystery!
December 4, 2024
This book is the fourteenth in the series featuring Mrs. Murphy, a Grey tiger short-hair cat who, along with a Welsh corgi dog named Tee Tucker, and the stout grey cat Pewter, solves mysteries with the assistance of Mary Minor “Harry” Haristeen, a farmer outside the small town of Crozet, Virginia, some ten miles west of Charlottesville. (It should be noted that all animals can talk to each other, and that they all understand humans, but humans, being dense imperfect beings, cannot understand the animals.) And these are fun mysteries to read.
In this volume of the series, everyone is growing grapes. Spring Hill Vineyard is run by Rollie Barnes, who made his money being ruthless in the stock market; he is aided by Arch Saunders, who when he was teaching at Virginia Tech had a fling with Harry after she was first divorced from Fair Haristeen. Rockland Vineyards is run by Toby Pittman, who graduated from Virginia Tech along with Arch; he is convinced that he was unfairly kept from a teaching position at Tech by their professor. Hy Maudant is French, and started White Vineyards. There are a couple of other vineyards in the area, including Kludge Estate, run by Bill Moses and Patricia Kludge, who have been advising Harry about her own quarter-acre of grapes. Just after Harry and Fair get remarried, Professor Vincent Forland from Virginia Tech comes over at the initiation of Kludge Estates to join a panel on Eco terrorism and to check out all the vineyards in the area (he was the professor of both Arch and Toby). In fairly short order, there is a disappearance, then a murder that Fair discovers, and Harry discovers an invasive parasitic insect in her peach orchard that should not exist that fair north in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Although Tucker, Pewter, and Mrs. Murphy care not about wine, they do care for their people (Harry and Fair, whom they have always liked), and again make it their mission to try to keep Harry safe when she does investigating to see what is happening and why Fair seems to be smack in the middle of the mystery.
This was a good outing in the series, although I am quite certain that we will never hear about grape again in such an involved manner in the next books of the series.
In this volume of the series, everyone is growing grapes. Spring Hill Vineyard is run by Rollie Barnes, who made his money being ruthless in the stock market; he is aided by Arch Saunders, who when he was teaching at Virginia Tech had a fling with Harry after she was first divorced from Fair Haristeen. Rockland Vineyards is run by Toby Pittman, who graduated from Virginia Tech along with Arch; he is convinced that he was unfairly kept from a teaching position at Tech by their professor. Hy Maudant is French, and started White Vineyards. There are a couple of other vineyards in the area, including Kludge Estate, run by Bill Moses and Patricia Kludge, who have been advising Harry about her own quarter-acre of grapes. Just after Harry and Fair get remarried, Professor Vincent Forland from Virginia Tech comes over at the initiation of Kludge Estates to join a panel on Eco terrorism and to check out all the vineyards in the area (he was the professor of both Arch and Toby). In fairly short order, there is a disappearance, then a murder that Fair discovers, and Harry discovers an invasive parasitic insect in her peach orchard that should not exist that fair north in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Although Tucker, Pewter, and Mrs. Murphy care not about wine, they do care for their people (Harry and Fair, whom they have always liked), and again make it their mission to try to keep Harry safe when she does investigating to see what is happening and why Fair seems to be smack in the middle of the mystery.
This was a good outing in the series, although I am quite certain that we will never hear about grape again in such an involved manner in the next books of the series.
January 12, 2025
2.5 yellow stars.
This is not a review. Comments are for my own recollection and may contain spoilers...
Time: Takes place in May. Harry is not yet 40, so presumably about 39. Harry and Fair have just gotten remarried.
Characters: Harry and Fair, Susan, Boom Boom and Amelia, Blair and Little Mim, the Rev. Jones. An old boyfriend of Harry's - Archie - they presumably had a fling after the divorce, but he has never been mentioned before, so that's a little odd...
Animals: Tee Tucker, Mrs. Murphy, Pewter, and the barn animals - Miranda the blacksnake, Flat Face the Owl, and Simon the possum. The barn animals get to be heroes this time.
This really dragged for me until the last quarter of the book brought in some action with the animals. Harry is now growing grapes and there is endless discussion of viticulture, global warming, bio-terrorism, etc. No murder or mystery until well past halfway in the book. As always, it is the animals and their snarky comments that keep me coming back for more. And I really miss the post-office.
Description: After an unexpected rekindling of their romance, Harry and her veterinarian ex-husband, Fair Haristeen, have happily remarried. But the excitement of their nuptials is quickly overshadowed by the murder of Professor Vincent Forland, a world-famous grape and fungal expert who was in town visiting the local vineyards. After Forland’s decapitated body is discovered, the residents of Crozet believe that this was a political murder and settle back into their routines–until a local is also found dead, killed in the same gruesome manner as Professor Forland. Now residents can’t help wondering, is this really the work of an outsider—or one of their own? No longer working in the post office, Harry had just planted a quarter acre of grapes, which fuels her natural curiosity over just what the two murder victims knew and had in common. Once the warmth of spring arrives, the grapevines blossom and Harry’s furry entourage discovers the first critical clue. But how can they show the humans what they’ve learned? And how can they—or anyone—stop the killing?
This is not a review. Comments are for my own recollection and may contain spoilers...
Time: Takes place in May. Harry is not yet 40, so presumably about 39. Harry and Fair have just gotten remarried.
Characters: Harry and Fair, Susan, Boom Boom and Amelia, Blair and Little Mim, the Rev. Jones. An old boyfriend of Harry's - Archie - they presumably had a fling after the divorce, but he has never been mentioned before, so that's a little odd...
Animals: Tee Tucker, Mrs. Murphy, Pewter, and the barn animals - Miranda the blacksnake, Flat Face the Owl, and Simon the possum. The barn animals get to be heroes this time.
This really dragged for me until the last quarter of the book brought in some action with the animals. Harry is now growing grapes and there is endless discussion of viticulture, global warming, bio-terrorism, etc. No murder or mystery until well past halfway in the book. As always, it is the animals and their snarky comments that keep me coming back for more. And I really miss the post-office.
Description: After an unexpected rekindling of their romance, Harry and her veterinarian ex-husband, Fair Haristeen, have happily remarried. But the excitement of their nuptials is quickly overshadowed by the murder of Professor Vincent Forland, a world-famous grape and fungal expert who was in town visiting the local vineyards. After Forland’s decapitated body is discovered, the residents of Crozet believe that this was a political murder and settle back into their routines–until a local is also found dead, killed in the same gruesome manner as Professor Forland. Now residents can’t help wondering, is this really the work of an outsider—or one of their own? No longer working in the post office, Harry had just planted a quarter acre of grapes, which fuels her natural curiosity over just what the two murder victims knew and had in common. Once the warmth of spring arrives, the grapevines blossom and Harry’s furry entourage discovers the first critical clue. But how can they show the humans what they’ve learned? And how can they—or anyone—stop the killing?
December 8, 2021
Sour Puss by Rita Mae Brown and Sneaky Pie Brown is the 14th part of the "Mrs Murphy" mystery series. The main characters are Mary "Harry" Harristeen and her pets: Mrs Murphy, Tee Tucker, and Pewter.
Harry and her ex-husband, Fair, have rekindled their relationship and remarried to the delight of everyone in Crozet. The celebratory mood is banished, however, when a visiting professor vanishes and is later found murdered. When a combative neighbor is also killed, Harry thinks the two murders have something to do with the local vineyards. She has recently put in a quarter-acre of grapes and is curious as to how to connect the deaths. Unbeknownst to Harry, her pets know quite a bit more about the goings-on, but they have no way to let her know what they've discovered. When Harry arrives at the correct conclusion, will it be too late?
I enjoyed the story immensely. I had thought I would miss Harry working at the Post Office, but setting this installment around the aspect of vineyards was fresh and fun. I figured out who dunnit rather early, thanks to something Cooper said, and I cannot believe it took Harry so long to put two and two together. You're slipping, Harry! The animals played an important role, and not just the pets. Some of the local wild life helped out, either directly or indirectly.
A good book, overall. Four stars!
Harry and her ex-husband, Fair, have rekindled their relationship and remarried to the delight of everyone in Crozet. The celebratory mood is banished, however, when a visiting professor vanishes and is later found murdered. When a combative neighbor is also killed, Harry thinks the two murders have something to do with the local vineyards. She has recently put in a quarter-acre of grapes and is curious as to how to connect the deaths. Unbeknownst to Harry, her pets know quite a bit more about the goings-on, but they have no way to let her know what they've discovered. When Harry arrives at the correct conclusion, will it be too late?
I enjoyed the story immensely. I had thought I would miss Harry working at the Post Office, but setting this installment around the aspect of vineyards was fresh and fun. I figured out who dunnit rather early, thanks to something Cooper said, and I cannot believe it took Harry so long to put two and two together. You're slipping, Harry! The animals played an important role, and not just the pets. Some of the local wild life helped out, either directly or indirectly.
A good book, overall. Four stars!
December 6, 2021
This Mrs Murphy book was written in 2006. The main plot of the book involves the emerging wine industry in central VA and the possibility that someone is introducing pests to damage the grape crop. At the beginning, Fair and Harry get remarried. Harry is no longer working at the Post Office and is doing more farming. She's raising grapes and some heirloom peaches. She and the cats notice an insect on the peaches that is normally found further south. It can carry a disease fatal to both fruits. Meanwhile, other growers have found potential problems with their grapes. Is this due to climate change? Terrorism? Something else? 9/11 and the ensuing anthrax scare are relatively recent and there is much discussion about who could be behind this and for what motive. Things get more complicated when a Va Tech ag professor goes missing.
Deaths occur. Harry, Susan, Mrs Murphy, Pewter, and Tucker investigate. We learn a lot about grapes. In the end it turns out to be more to do with small town social drama in Crozet than some of the more dramatic theories.
Between the changes in the Harry/Fair relationship and Harry no longer being at the Post Office, there is a different vibe to this book. It will be interesting to see how that evolves, not to mention whether any of the town's residents become concerned about the increasing death toll.
Deaths occur. Harry, Susan, Mrs Murphy, Pewter, and Tucker investigate. We learn a lot about grapes. In the end it turns out to be more to do with small town social drama in Crozet than some of the more dramatic theories.
Between the changes in the Harry/Fair relationship and Harry no longer being at the Post Office, there is a different vibe to this book. It will be interesting to see how that evolves, not to mention whether any of the town's residents become concerned about the increasing death toll.
May 25, 2019
I made some ridiculous faces while reading this book, because there are some super-cute moments interspersed with some incredibly sad moments. What a wonderful story! Rita Mae Brown and her co-author Sneaky Pie deliver another delightful title in the Mrs. Murphy series, this one focusing on vineyards, winemaking, and even bioterrorism.
The story begins with the wedding of Harry and her ex-husband Fair, who have reunited after nearly a decade apart. Of course, in typical Crozet fashion, the ceremony is interrupted with Mrs. Murphy chasing Pewter down the aisle in a flurry of hissing and yowling. From there, the residents welcome spring and the fruits of the many local vineyards, and we meet some new characters. Rita Mae and Sneaky Pie have a wonderful knack at writing informative stories while maintaining intrigue and entertainment. I learned a great deal about fungi, pests, bioterrorism, and the art of winemaking, while unraveling the mysterious murder.
I don’t want to spoil the ending, but I will say that I was extremely satisfied at the fate of the murderer in this book. What a complete scumbag.
The story begins with the wedding of Harry and her ex-husband Fair, who have reunited after nearly a decade apart. Of course, in typical Crozet fashion, the ceremony is interrupted with Mrs. Murphy chasing Pewter down the aisle in a flurry of hissing and yowling. From there, the residents welcome spring and the fruits of the many local vineyards, and we meet some new characters. Rita Mae and Sneaky Pie have a wonderful knack at writing informative stories while maintaining intrigue and entertainment. I learned a great deal about fungi, pests, bioterrorism, and the art of winemaking, while unraveling the mysterious murder.
I don’t want to spoil the ending, but I will say that I was extremely satisfied at the fate of the murderer in this book. What a complete scumbag.
August 7, 2019
Many things are afoot in Crozet, Virginia! Harry and Fair Haristeen have rekindled their romance, and remarried, becoming once again the team that they were, to the delight of everyone in town...or almost everyone! An old flame of Harry's, newly returned to Crozet, is less than happy about this development.
And just when it seems that all will live happily every after, someone murders Professor Vincent Forland, a grape expert. Yes, Virginia, in general, and the area around Crozet, in particular, have gone wine crazy, and vineyards are springing up everywhere you look. Even Harry has a small plot planted in a decent wine grape. But why kill the professor? And his isn't the only body on the ground, just the first!
Harry, Fair, and their remarkable animals (Mrs. Murphy (tabby extraordinaire), Pewter (a gray, somewhat zaftig diva of a cat), and Tee Tucker (an irrepressible Pembroke Welsh Corgi) must find out who is killing in Crozet! Are the growers the target, or... could it be Harry, herself?
And just when it seems that all will live happily every after, someone murders Professor Vincent Forland, a grape expert. Yes, Virginia, in general, and the area around Crozet, in particular, have gone wine crazy, and vineyards are springing up everywhere you look. Even Harry has a small plot planted in a decent wine grape. But why kill the professor? And his isn't the only body on the ground, just the first!
Harry, Fair, and their remarkable animals (Mrs. Murphy (tabby extraordinaire), Pewter (a gray, somewhat zaftig diva of a cat), and Tee Tucker (an irrepressible Pembroke Welsh Corgi) must find out who is killing in Crozet! Are the growers the target, or... could it be Harry, herself?
April 8, 2018
I thought this would be a cute book w/ farm pets narrating The Who-dun-it. The pets were helpful, but the humans aren’t like able, unless you are into horse-country Virginia “society”). They are snobby and conservative, w/ ‘way too much political discussion for me in a cozy mystery.
The unpardonable “sin” is that the first disappearance doesn’t occur until 20-25% into the book; the protagonist’s newly-remarried husband isn’t framed for a second murder until 56% into the book, and you have figured out the actual murderer by 2/3’s of the way. The worst thing of all was an incorrect citation of one of the most famous Bible verses: “I can do all things through Christ, Who strengthens me.” It is NOT Philippians 3:10; it is Philippians 4:13!! Easily checked. I couldn’t trust any other of the statistics quoted thereafter. Oh...and you will learn ‘WAY more about viticulture and grapevine killers than you ever wanted to know.
This was book #14 in this series, and just don’t waste your time.
The unpardonable “sin” is that the first disappearance doesn’t occur until 20-25% into the book; the protagonist’s newly-remarried husband isn’t framed for a second murder until 56% into the book, and you have figured out the actual murderer by 2/3’s of the way. The worst thing of all was an incorrect citation of one of the most famous Bible verses: “I can do all things through Christ, Who strengthens me.” It is NOT Philippians 3:10; it is Philippians 4:13!! Easily checked. I couldn’t trust any other of the statistics quoted thereafter. Oh...and you will learn ‘WAY more about viticulture and grapevine killers than you ever wanted to know.
This was book #14 in this series, and just don’t waste your time.
May 10, 2022
A grape mystery! Apparently, Virginia has gone through a vineyard craze. Even Harry has planted an acre of grapes. But now that she and Fair are remarried, life is different. Harry is happy. But an old flame from when she and Fair were separated has shown up. Arch is working with one of the vineyard owners who is buying up as much land as he can. Harry doesn't care much one way or the other about Arch, but Fair is unhappy to see him. And then there is Toby, who everyone says is unstable, but he winds up shot dead and one of the suspects is another farmer, and Fair. Then a Professor from one of the Universities has disappeared. In this one, Harry doesn't take that much of an interest until about half way through the book. Lots of twists and turns, but in this one, I knew who the murderer was right away. The best part was how all the animals saved the day. Even Flat Face the owl and Matilda the black snake and Simon the possum got involved. Nice, cozy read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 27, 2022
I listened to this audiobook in two sessions, one on the drive from LA to Phoenix and the other on the return trip. I was hoping to hear more of how the animals spoke, but they seldom appeared in the beginning of the story, except for when they disrupted Harry and Fair's long-awaited wedding. There was a long, boring, scene where the experts on bioterrorism and chemical warfare discussed the subjects, which never came up later. Then more interminable TMI about viticulture and winemaking. I felt like I was hearing way too many lectures about subjects I had no interest in, and since it was an audiobook, I couldn't just skim it. It seemed forever until the first murder, not just the missing person, but knowing it was a murder. And that ending was way too gruesome to listen to.
I think I'll go back and read the earlier books in the series [11, 12 and 13] that I skipped because I wanted to hear and audio version. Then I'll give up.
I think I'll go back and read the earlier books in the series [11, 12 and 13] that I skipped because I wanted to hear and audio version. Then I'll give up.
July 28, 2017
Fun and engaging
I have read several of Rita Mae Brown's mysteries - both the cat "co-authored" and the hunt themed. I always find them interesting, as her characters are both believable and larger than life. Living as I do in Virginia, I also enjoy the descriptions of nearby areas. Clearly, Ms. Brown is a huge fan of the Charlottesville area.
The talking animals are fun, and I enjoyed the range of animal characters in this book. It's fun to imagine them carrying on their conversations as the humans do theirs.
This book also involved grapes, wine and the pests that afflict them, which I found interesting. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes cozy mysteries and animals.
I have read several of Rita Mae Brown's mysteries - both the cat "co-authored" and the hunt themed. I always find them interesting, as her characters are both believable and larger than life. Living as I do in Virginia, I also enjoy the descriptions of nearby areas. Clearly, Ms. Brown is a huge fan of the Charlottesville area.
The talking animals are fun, and I enjoyed the range of animal characters in this book. It's fun to imagine them carrying on their conversations as the humans do theirs.
This book also involved grapes, wine and the pests that afflict them, which I found interesting. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes cozy mysteries and animals.
September 5, 2021
I agree with many reviewers that there was a whole bunch of information being given about grapes and the things that can harm a grape crop. I finally just gave in and decided to learn something I would never otherwise bother with.
I also agree with many reviewers that the murders were late to show up and really more of an afterthought than what the book was about. It also wasn't really hard to figure out but I was sort of hoping for a big surprise ending with Fair being the murderer. (I don't think she should have remarried him but, whatever)
Where my view might differ is with the ending- I actually enjoyed the action and the whole menagerie joining in to save Harry like some twisted Disney princess action scene. I'm also all about Pewter. Love that Pewter was able to kick some butt.
I also agree with many reviewers that the murders were late to show up and really more of an afterthought than what the book was about. It also wasn't really hard to figure out but I was sort of hoping for a big surprise ending with Fair being the murderer. (I don't think she should have remarried him but, whatever)
Where my view might differ is with the ending- I actually enjoyed the action and the whole menagerie joining in to save Harry like some twisted Disney princess action scene. I'm also all about Pewter. Love that Pewter was able to kick some butt.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 2, 2017
Another win for Sneaky Pie
As always, love the interactions among all the critters. The human players, while not nearly as intelligent, proved to be, well, human with all the strengths and weaknesses that implies. Instantly recognizable well-defined main characters dealing with changes brought about by growing grapes for wine-making and learning and growing while doing so make this tale hard to put down before its end. Don't miss this one!
As always, love the interactions among all the critters. The human players, while not nearly as intelligent, proved to be, well, human with all the strengths and weaknesses that implies. Instantly recognizable well-defined main characters dealing with changes brought about by growing grapes for wine-making and learning and growing while doing so make this tale hard to put down before its end. Don't miss this one!
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