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Mrs. Murphy #33
Sealed with a Hiss
When a decades-forgotten car bobs to the surface of a local creek, with a body still in the driver’s seat, it’s up to Mary Minor “Harry” Haristeen and her beloved cats and dogs to save the day, in this latest mystery from Rita Mae Brown and her feline co-author, Sneaky Pie Brown.
Spring is in full bloom, and everything is blossoming just right for Harry in Crozet, Virginia. Restorations to the long-shuttered local segregated school are nearly complete, and the school will be renamed to commemorate an important community member. To honor the former students, Harry and her friends are hard at work planning a reunion. It’s a big affair, and the crew spends their days hanging plaques at the gym, arranging food, and writing speeches.
But the fifteen acres behind the school are enticing for more than just a school reunion. One realtor soon reveals plans to buy the land and build over it—unless the crew can find a way to stop the sale.
In their search to prevent the purchase, they come across something unexpected: a dead body, which might not be the first to show up this season. With a little aid from Tee Tucker the corgi and Irish Wolfhound Pirate, as well as feline sleuths Mrs. Murphy and Pewter, Harry just might have a chance at solving this mystery and preventing the land purchase once and for all.
Spring is in full bloom, and everything is blossoming just right for Harry in Crozet, Virginia. Restorations to the long-shuttered local segregated school are nearly complete, and the school will be renamed to commemorate an important community member. To honor the former students, Harry and her friends are hard at work planning a reunion. It’s a big affair, and the crew spends their days hanging plaques at the gym, arranging food, and writing speeches.
But the fifteen acres behind the school are enticing for more than just a school reunion. One realtor soon reveals plans to buy the land and build over it—unless the crew can find a way to stop the sale.
In their search to prevent the purchase, they come across something unexpected: a dead body, which might not be the first to show up this season. With a little aid from Tee Tucker the corgi and Irish Wolfhound Pirate, as well as feline sleuths Mrs. Murphy and Pewter, Harry just might have a chance at solving this mystery and preventing the land purchase once and for all.
240 pages, Hardcover
First published April 22, 2025
125 people are currently reading
6294 people want to read
About the author
Rita Mae Brown
173 books2,233 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 83 reviews
September 22, 2025
I received this book for free as a Goodreads giveaway.
This is the 33rd book in a popular series. I read one or two of the earlier books many years ago, but haven’t been following the series.
The recent renovation of an historic school site in a small Virginia town has somehow fueled the interest of an over-eager real estate developer. Meanwhile, the body of a college professor, missing for nearly two decades, is located in his car in the bottom of a creek. Next, there’s another murder. Are the two deaths connected?
I found this book disjointed and filled with many, many, (many!) irrelevant detours and characters. Perhaps these detours are a way for long-time fans to catch up with their old favorites but they do nothing to advance the plot.
Much of the history of the school is told to the reader via conversations where one character says “as you know…” and then proceeds to tell the others stuff they already know. It makes for awkwardly unnatural conversations. And I couldn’t figure out exactly what they were going to do with the school when the restoration was complete. It was a worthwhile project which told an important story, but I was never clear on the end goal. After the big dedication ceremony, the only thing you hear is “oh, the mayor will have to deal with it.”
The animals were somewhat amusing - the readers can “hear” what they are saying, although the human characters in the book cannot - but since they spend most of their time insulting each other, it got old.
The older murder is never solved. They just sorta decide it was probably related to the second death, but there’s really no closure.
In my opinion, this one might be great for long-time fans who want to see what’s going on with Harry and company, but I found it frustrating and unsatisfying.
This is the 33rd book in a popular series. I read one or two of the earlier books many years ago, but haven’t been following the series.
The recent renovation of an historic school site in a small Virginia town has somehow fueled the interest of an over-eager real estate developer. Meanwhile, the body of a college professor, missing for nearly two decades, is located in his car in the bottom of a creek. Next, there’s another murder. Are the two deaths connected?
I found this book disjointed and filled with many, many, (many!) irrelevant detours and characters. Perhaps these detours are a way for long-time fans to catch up with their old favorites but they do nothing to advance the plot.
Much of the history of the school is told to the reader via conversations where one character says “as you know…” and then proceeds to tell the others stuff they already know. It makes for awkwardly unnatural conversations. And I couldn’t figure out exactly what they were going to do with the school when the restoration was complete. It was a worthwhile project which told an important story, but I was never clear on the end goal. After the big dedication ceremony, the only thing you hear is “oh, the mayor will have to deal with it.”
The animals were somewhat amusing - the readers can “hear” what they are saying, although the human characters in the book cannot - but since they spend most of their time insulting each other, it got old.
The older murder is never solved. They just sorta decide it was probably related to the second death, but there’s really no closure.
In my opinion, this one might be great for long-time fans who want to see what’s going on with Harry and company, but I found it frustrating and unsatisfying.
May 18, 2025
First, I must thank Random House for the book copy.
I had never read a Mrs. Murphy mystery, nor a book by this author before. I appreciated the "cast of characters" at the beginning as I did have to refer back a couple times. There are quite a few characters to keep track of, human and animal. Admittedly, it did take me a while to get into the book. There were parts that I was left wondering how is this relevent to a mystery. This mystery had more to it than just land development, which we are led to early on. No spoilers here... the mystery did come together in the end.
A simple read. I am a self-proclaimed slow reader and this book only took me a few days. The animal characters are entertaining and help save "their human." All in all, enjoyable read.
I had never read a Mrs. Murphy mystery, nor a book by this author before. I appreciated the "cast of characters" at the beginning as I did have to refer back a couple times. There are quite a few characters to keep track of, human and animal. Admittedly, it did take me a while to get into the book. There were parts that I was left wondering how is this relevent to a mystery. This mystery had more to it than just land development, which we are led to early on. No spoilers here... the mystery did come together in the end.
A simple read. I am a self-proclaimed slow reader and this book only took me a few days. The animal characters are entertaining and help save "their human." All in all, enjoyable read.
June 4, 2025
I enjoyed this one. I love this series, and I have no intention of giving up on it, but I wish the author would go back to writing about farming and fox hunting. The equines have become almost an afterthought in the books.
I did absolutely LOVE the author's comment about her old horses!
I did absolutely LOVE the author's comment about her old horses!
August 27, 2025
The first book I've read by Rita Mae Brown. I picked it off the shelf at the library on a whim because of the back of book summary and intriguing premise of pets as assistant detectives. I felt it had much less mystery than I was advertised. The cold-case plot isn't much of a focus in my opinion, and isn't properly resolved either. I thought it felt out of place, like it's only there so the book can be advertised as a mystery? There is a little action, but it's at the very, very end.
There's a lot of time spent on the dynamic of the characters and their relationships with each other. I really liked the pets' involvement with the mystery elements when they happened. I also found it comforting and refreshing to read the way the community comes together in the book. I still enjoyed reading this because I enjoy the literal act of reading, but if you're used to/looking for a more thriller-like mystery this definitely isn't that. I doubt I'll read any other works by Rita Mae Brown.
There's a lot of time spent on the dynamic of the characters and their relationships with each other. I really liked the pets' involvement with the mystery elements when they happened. I also found it comforting and refreshing to read the way the community comes together in the book. I still enjoyed reading this because I enjoy the literal act of reading, but if you're used to/looking for a more thriller-like mystery this definitely isn't that. I doubt I'll read any other works by Rita Mae Brown.
April 30, 2025
I haven't read the last few Mrs Murphy novels as they are only on audio at the library. Unfortunate. This one is so much the same story as all of the others. I figured out the murderer when he first showed up and I knew how it was going to end right away. I really love the interaction of the animals, but there wasn't as much as what I remember from previous books. Rather disappointed in this one.
July 25, 2025
3 generous ⭐️. I loved the history lesson on the school system during segregation and the effort to restore the buildings, but there was a murder to solve. And then a 2nd murder and the assumption that though decades separated them, the perhaps were linked.
I didn’t like that. This was a lazy murder mystery. Even the animals were a bit off. And a few other gripes I could list, but I don’t want this to be a bashing. So I’ll leave it as not one of the best in the series
I didn’t like that. This was a lazy murder mystery. Even the animals were a bit off. And a few other gripes I could list, but I don’t want this to be a bashing. So I’ll leave it as not one of the best in the series
May 6, 2025
I always enjoyed this series until the author started a dual timeline story line. She has gone back to a single story line and the last couple of books have been much improved. This book was much improved and true to the original series.
January 13, 2025
'Harry' Harristeen and her friends have just finished renovating the old segregated school, which has stood vacant for decades, and their hard work is finally rewarded. Now they're going to open the school to visitors (and hopefully, donors) to help keep it in shape and as a historic and cultural reminder. But then a real estate agent approaches them with a tasty offer of cash if they will agree to sell the land behind the school for a residential development. He even promises to keep the school and grounds as it, and that the development will be good for both residents and the town of Crozet.
But something doesn't sit right with the offer, and Harry's instincts are telling her to turn it down. Even when done, the agent still pushes, but no one understands why. It doesn't help that Harry and her friend Lucas have found an old car at the bottom of a lake, and its owner is still inside, albeit a skeleton at this time.
But there are no clues to why the person was there -- until it's found he was murdered. Now Harry wants to find out why...if she can keep from becoming another victim...
This is the thirty-third book in the series, and I have been captivated by it for years. I'm not going to lie; I do miss the historical elements from the Colonial times which once were in every book; but I also realize not everyone is like myself and enjoys the past mingled with the present. Ah, well....
However, it doesn't change the fact that Ms. Brown (and Sneaky Pie) are very talented writers. She brings you into the story, and while she is telling it, you feel like you are part of the conversation. Perhaps eavesdropping on those she has with Susan or Cooper...but I enjoy it just the same. While Harry is voicing her thoughts, we progress along with the action, and even her husband Fair has a good part in this one as well.
Not to mention our favorite animals: Tucker, Pirate, Mrs. Murphy, and, of course, Pewter. They have their own say in the story, and their own actions which prove to be just as valuable. We understand that while they like their treats, they are extremely loyal to their people, and would do anything for Harry.
When we begin to understand that this murder is more than just about a land development, it comes almost too late for Harry; but we know that as intelligent as she is, she is also just as resourceful, and has help that we find comes from an unexpected new ally.
The reason for the murder is rather sad, and a bit paranoiac, but nonetheless it is a murder. Harry does what she needs to survive; and all ends just as it should. The mystery is firm, well-written, and kept me reading throughout the story. I highly recommend this and look forward to the next in the series.
I was given an advance copy of this book from the publisher but this in no way influenced my review.
August 22, 2025
This book is the Thirty-Third in the series (and to date, the latest book) featuring Mrs. Murphy, a Grey tiger short-hair cat who, along with a Welsh corgi dog named Tee Tucker, an Irish Wolfhound dog named Pirate, and the stout grey cat Pewter, solves mysteries with the assistance of Mary Minor “Harry” Haristeen, a farmer married to Fair Haristeen, an equine veterinarian, 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.
It is early May 2024 in Crozet, and all of the work has been done on restoring the grounds and buildings of the old Colored School, which educated both Black and Native American students until circa 1959. To celebrate, the Organizing Committee, composed of Harry and her friends, will be holding a Reunion of all of the still living alumni of the School over Memorial Day Weekend, and a lot of work is involved in that process. Meanwhile, behind Aunt Tally’s property, Lucas Harkness (who works for Aunt Tally and lives on the property) and Harry, searching for obstructions in the creek, find a car containing a geology professor who had been missing since 2006; apparently, he supplemented his salary by doing assays on geological formations for interested parties (like real estate companies). Sandy Rycroft, who heads up Hickory Real Estate, approaches the Organizing Committee for the School and notes that he is interested in buying land out back behind the school; he is willing to pay each member of the Committee a payment of $150,000 to not object to the town selling the property for real estate development. Before Memorial Day, a murder takes place, several bodies are found back of the school’s grounds (evidently the land was at one time used as a potter’s field), and Harry’s animals are once again devoted to making sure that Harry does not become a second murder victim.
This novel was a good one, containing a good bit of history and geological information about Virginia, and when the next novel comes out I will be reading it as well.
It is early May 2024 in Crozet, and all of the work has been done on restoring the grounds and buildings of the old Colored School, which educated both Black and Native American students until circa 1959. To celebrate, the Organizing Committee, composed of Harry and her friends, will be holding a Reunion of all of the still living alumni of the School over Memorial Day Weekend, and a lot of work is involved in that process. Meanwhile, behind Aunt Tally’s property, Lucas Harkness (who works for Aunt Tally and lives on the property) and Harry, searching for obstructions in the creek, find a car containing a geology professor who had been missing since 2006; apparently, he supplemented his salary by doing assays on geological formations for interested parties (like real estate companies). Sandy Rycroft, who heads up Hickory Real Estate, approaches the Organizing Committee for the School and notes that he is interested in buying land out back behind the school; he is willing to pay each member of the Committee a payment of $150,000 to not object to the town selling the property for real estate development. Before Memorial Day, a murder takes place, several bodies are found back of the school’s grounds (evidently the land was at one time used as a potter’s field), and Harry’s animals are once again devoted to making sure that Harry does not become a second murder victim.
This novel was a good one, containing a good bit of history and geological information about Virginia, and when the next novel comes out I will be reading it as well.
May 20, 2025
“Sealed with a Hiss” is the thirty-third book in Rita Mae Brown’s Mrs. Murphy Mystery series. While this book can technically be read as a stand-alone book, it is best to read the series in order not only to get a complete feel for the characters but this book has a plotline that has spanned the course of several books (thankfully the flashbacks that took place over several books have disappeared). Characters have come and gone throughout the course of the series but the main ones remain – Harry, Fair, Susan, Ned, and of course the animals Mrs. Murphy, Pewter, Tucker, and newcomer Pirate. You do have to wade through some of the political discussions (Brown is not shy on sharing her political beliefs) but, unlike other books in the series, I did not find that got too much in the way in this particular book. The mystery is well done – there are actually two murders: the body of a victim murdered years ago is discovered as well as a current murder. This is not the type of mystery where readers try to figure out who the killer is from a list of suspects – although long time readers will realize that Brown has a pattern when it comes to killers and be able to figure out who the killer is – instead sit back and enjoy visiting Crozet, Virginia once again.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley.
September 22, 2025
This is my first time reading a book from this author and first time reading a mystery novel – I found there to be charming moments and a few moments that made me laugh, but it is certainly hard to keep up with the vast number of characters there are. However, it makes sense considering this is the story of a small town. The author does include a list of the most important characters in the beginning, which I did revisit throughout reading the book. A flaw in the story development I found is they spent a lot of time establishing in the beginning of fear of land development. Then when someone comes with an offer to develop the land they all say how suspicious it is and “why now?” To me that, really conflicted with how they established the beginning of the book. I didn’t find their suspicions to be compelling enough because of that. It seemed like they forgot how much they talked about someone wanting to buy the land? I really enjoy the humanization of the animal characters, it added whimsy to the book I particularly enjoyed. Overall, I did really enjoy this book and I found the ending surprising. I have a hard time with things that are unsettling or violent, but the lighthearted nature of the book did not leave me feeling disturbed or spooked. I will be reading more books in the series. I checked the book out from the local library.
August 12, 2025
All seems to be well in Crozet, Virginia, the home of Mary Minor Haristeen, aka Harry. She lives on a farm along with her husband, Fair, and four animals. The cats are Mrs. Murphy and Pewter; the dogs are Tucker and Pirate.
Harry and her friends have been working for a long time on restoring a long-time shuttered segregated school. Now has come the time to commemorate the school and to honor the former students. So a reunion is planned; it is going to be a big deal. Plaques are hung in the gym, food is planned and speakers are lined up.
But there are fifteen acres behind the school that are proving to be enticing to people other than the reunion. At least one realtor in interested in buying the land and building houses on it.
In the meantime, a body is found in a car that has been lodged in a creek. The man is identified as a professor of geology and had gone missing years earlier. He moonlighted during summers for contractors seeking to see what was under the land surface.
Then Harry comes across a local realtor behind the school. He has been just stabbed but dies before he can tell her anything. Did his death have anything to do with the earlier body discovered in the creek?
Harry and her menagerie have a mystery cut our for them.
Harry and her friends have been working for a long time on restoring a long-time shuttered segregated school. Now has come the time to commemorate the school and to honor the former students. So a reunion is planned; it is going to be a big deal. Plaques are hung in the gym, food is planned and speakers are lined up.
But there are fifteen acres behind the school that are proving to be enticing to people other than the reunion. At least one realtor in interested in buying the land and building houses on it.
In the meantime, a body is found in a car that has been lodged in a creek. The man is identified as a professor of geology and had gone missing years earlier. He moonlighted during summers for contractors seeking to see what was under the land surface.
Then Harry comes across a local realtor behind the school. He has been just stabbed but dies before he can tell her anything. Did his death have anything to do with the earlier body discovered in the creek?
Harry and her menagerie have a mystery cut our for them.
November 1, 2025
"Sealed with a Hiss" by Rita Mae Brown is the 33rd book and most recent one in a "cozy mystery" series featuring a woman, her two cats, and two dogs, and what seems to be the whole population of a small town in Virginia. This was the first time I read a cozy mystery, and it will probably be my last.
I love reading mysteries, but this book was less focused on the murder than on the planned celebration of the reopening of a historical school. Although there were two murders, one being twenty years earlier, only the most recent case was solved. The first murder was given the "it was probably related to the recent murder, but we'll never know" treatment.
For the rest of the plot, I found it too "cozy" with too many characters and subplots that went nowhere. The characters were constantly explaining what had happened previously (in the other 32 books, maybe?). Finally, the animals were annoying. They talked to one another (evidently, all animals can speak to all species, but not to humans) and were always complaining and insulting each other. It got old real fast.
Maybe if I had started this series from the first book, I would have enjoyed it more. But I think I will stick with my traditional mysteries.
I love reading mysteries, but this book was less focused on the murder than on the planned celebration of the reopening of a historical school. Although there were two murders, one being twenty years earlier, only the most recent case was solved. The first murder was given the "it was probably related to the recent murder, but we'll never know" treatment.
For the rest of the plot, I found it too "cozy" with too many characters and subplots that went nowhere. The characters were constantly explaining what had happened previously (in the other 32 books, maybe?). Finally, the animals were annoying. They talked to one another (evidently, all animals can speak to all species, but not to humans) and were always complaining and insulting each other. It got old real fast.
Maybe if I had started this series from the first book, I would have enjoyed it more. But I think I will stick with my traditional mysteries.
April 5, 2025
Not an unbiased review because I love this series on so many levels. I have not read ALL of them, but the mystery itself is always stellar, and as I really geek history that aspect wins me over every time. Be aware that there is a cast of characters with simple explanations at the beginning of each book.
This time the first murder is a skeleton in a submerged car from a number of years ago which ties into some events in the present and has real relevance to the next murder. In between and all around are the animals who know so much more than the humans, as well as the social goings on that tie the murders together. Superb read!
I requested and received a temporary uncorrected ebook file compliments of Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine, Bantam via NetGalley.
#SealedWithaHiss by Rita Mae Brown and Sneaky Pie Brown #MrsMurphyBk33 @penguinrandomhouse #Anthropomorphism #Virginiahistory #cozymystery #NetGalley #goodreads #bookbub #librarythingofficial #barnesandnoble ***** Review #booksamillion #bookshop_org #bookshop_org_uk @kobo @Waterstones #locallawenforcement #CrimeFiction
This time the first murder is a skeleton in a submerged car from a number of years ago which ties into some events in the present and has real relevance to the next murder. In between and all around are the animals who know so much more than the humans, as well as the social goings on that tie the murders together. Superb read!
I requested and received a temporary uncorrected ebook file compliments of Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine, Bantam via NetGalley.
#SealedWithaHiss by Rita Mae Brown and Sneaky Pie Brown #MrsMurphyBk33 @penguinrandomhouse #Anthropomorphism #Virginiahistory #cozymystery #NetGalley #goodreads #bookbub #librarythingofficial #barnesandnoble ***** Review #booksamillion #bookshop_org #bookshop_org_uk @kobo @Waterstones #locallawenforcement #CrimeFiction
April 6, 2025
The restorations are finally complete for the long-closed segregated school in Crozet. The school was actually mixed native American and Negro. But for a sleepy town, Crozet has more going on. A car turns up in the river with a long missing body in it. A realtor is trying to get the land behind the school supposedly to build a smaller subdivision with green area. Could all this be tied together?
I love this series. The continuing story of neighbors who are lifetime friends combines with a good mystery. There’s a lot of history in this area and farms that date back before the Revolution. And don’t forget the animals who have their own conversations and insight into the events. All together they blend for a great story. #NetGalley
I love this series. The continuing story of neighbors who are lifetime friends combines with a good mystery. There’s a lot of history in this area and farms that date back before the Revolution. And don’t forget the animals who have their own conversations and insight into the events. All together they blend for a great story. #NetGalley
April 23, 2025
Sealed with a Hiss is book #33 in the Mrs. Murphy Mystery series by Rita Mae Brown.
I appreciate the Cast of Characters and Animals at the beginning for those of us who haven’t read this series for a while. These characters are wonderful and it was fun catching up with them. The relationships are what keep me coming back to long running series. I enjoyed the story of renovated school and the mystery of the body in the car. Now to go back and catch up on the books I missed while I wait for the next book!
Thank you to the author, Bantam, and NetGalley for the Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
I appreciate the Cast of Characters and Animals at the beginning for those of us who haven’t read this series for a while. These characters are wonderful and it was fun catching up with them. The relationships are what keep me coming back to long running series. I enjoyed the story of renovated school and the mystery of the body in the car. Now to go back and catch up on the books I missed while I wait for the next book!
Thank you to the author, Bantam, and NetGalley for the Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
June 12, 2025
A cozy mystery set in Crozet, Virginia. Harry and her friends have been working a long time on restoring an old “colored” school in town to preserve the town’s history, educate the young people who don’t remember that time, and pay homage to the aging alumni. Oddly, a real estate developer is showing a lot of interest in buying the land behind the newly renovated school buildings even going so far as to offer large sums of money to those who worked on the renovation. Those close to the project don’t want the development and begin searching for ways to thwart the sale . And then a body is found.
December 16, 2024
Been a fan of this series for years! Followed Harry as she has grown older and faced life with Fair and their pets. This newest entry finds Harry and friends restoring an old school that was for non-white individuals many years ago. There has been a lot of rain in the area and a flooded creek yields a car with a man who has been dead many years. This discovery starts a string of events that bring more murder, more distress for Harry and her pets. It also threatens the stability of the Crozet community. Enjoyed this one and look forward to the next.
March 20, 2025
I haven't read previous books, but felt right at home with the characters both two legged and four. Homey little cozy story with lots of history of a segregated school in Virginia that is being restored. Interesting history lesson, but the murder doesn't happen until 3/4 of the way through, without much detecting as to what happened to him. The main focus of the book is the school and then the murder is solved in two pages and then life goes on. I was granted an early read for an honest opinion.
May 27, 2025
Yes this is one of my go to authors to read a predictable cat and dog mystery. Well they are the one's to solve it first! I do love the way Brown interjects social justice in all her stories. It makes you see how history will always play into the future. She does this without harshness and blends it into the story. Most times the killer isn't identified until the last 10 pages, and you are not trying to figure anything out because you know Mrs. Murphy and her 4 legged pals will figure it out for you!
June 21, 2025
Wow, I thought this would be fun because of the cat as a co-author. It was… …. ….. not what I wanted to to be.
It’s #33 in a collection of cat authored mystery novels. Perhaps this was my issue with not being able to follow the quick, disjointed change in conversation topics. If I knew all the characters intimately?
I kept reading, hoping that the mystery of the creek body would be solved. It was not.
The story of the building restoration was much more prominent than the murders mystery. And the resolution of the realtors murder was short and dumb.
It’s #33 in a collection of cat authored mystery novels. Perhaps this was my issue with not being able to follow the quick, disjointed change in conversation topics. If I knew all the characters intimately?
I kept reading, hoping that the mystery of the creek body would be solved. It was not.
The story of the building restoration was much more prominent than the murders mystery. And the resolution of the realtors murder was short and dumb.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 10, 2025
Honestly, I picked this book up because I thought the cover was cute, and I was disappointed that the cats weren't nearly as involved in the story as I thought they would be. The premise of the story was good, but I think cozy mysteries just aren't my cup of tea. I found that there was way too much time spent on dialogue between characters and not enough time spent on the suspense aspect of the story for my liking. If you like that sort of thing, you might like this book, but I personally found it hard to sit through.
July 12, 2025
While restorations of an old segregated school are being completed and a celebration of its former students is being planned, a local realtor is doing his utmost to purchase the land connected to it. While Crozet can certainly use the money, most of its residents are against the development being planned for the property. Then a car partially surfaces in a local creek with a skeleton in the driver's seat and someone connected to the property development is found dead on the school grounds, and Harry and her pets are caught up in another mystery.
July 22, 2025
This series is so creative with Mrs. Murphy and Pewter the cats and of course Tucker, the corgi, and now a new animal Pirate, the Irish wolf hound.
There’s always a murder and Harry’s helpful animals of course are on board. The author did not do a side a long story based around slavery times as she has done in books in the past. This one stayed contemporary.
I enjoy the different characters and their interactions whether human or animal . The mysteries are always good and this one was just as good as previous books.
There’s always a murder and Harry’s helpful animals of course are on board. The author did not do a side a long story based around slavery times as she has done in books in the past. This one stayed contemporary.
I enjoy the different characters and their interactions whether human or animal . The mysteries are always good and this one was just as good as previous books.
December 20, 2024
Sealed with a Hiss by Rita Mae Brown continues the story of Harry and Susan and their families and friends. This time the mystery centers around the Colored School they have renovated and a body found in the yard, just before the Reunion of those who attended the school. As always, one learns more of Virginia history that never seems to be covered in the history we were taught. The characters are engaging as always and the animals included are an added bonus.
February 21, 2025
I have long been a Rita Mae Brown fan and Sealed with a Hiss is a great addition to her set of fun, informative and engaging mysteries. I feel as if I’ve arrived back home when reading her books set in a beautiful area of Virginia. Her characters are so well developed through her stories that they, human and animal, feel like beloved friends.
Thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballentine for the opportunity to read this ARC.
Thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballentine for the opportunity to read this ARC.
March 14, 2025
Another wonderful visit with our friends in Crozet. This time we find Harry and her friends, both human and furry, preparing for the opening of the historic school they have been working on for a while. During that process, Harry stumbles upon a body from years past and then one more recent. While visiting with friends and working on their project, we are taking on a journey to discover the truth of what happened and why. Thank you to Netgalley and Bantam for the advanced copy.
April 13, 2025
This latest in the long running series sees Harry trying to solve a mystery involving a body in a sunken car and coping with a real estate developer. Luckily, she's got her loyal pals (including her animals- all of whom have something to say) and her husband to help. This isn't as complex as some of the earlier novels but that doesn't mean it isn't a good, enjoyable read, especially for Brown's fans. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. Always like spending time in Crozet.
May 20, 2025
I give Mrs. Murphy 100+ stars!!!!
I've loved this series from the beginning! It's so heartwarming and even has a lot of history mixed in with the storyline, which I totally enjoy. I love the interaction between the animals and the humans and the conversations between the animals. Pewter is such a diva! She has me laughing throughout the book! I absolutely love this series!!!!!❤❤❤❤❤
I've loved this series from the beginning! It's so heartwarming and even has a lot of history mixed in with the storyline, which I totally enjoy. I love the interaction between the animals and the humans and the conversations between the animals. Pewter is such a diva! She has me laughing throughout the book! I absolutely love this series!!!!!❤❤❤❤❤
June 15, 2025
This is book 33 in the Mrs. Murphy series. Harry and all her friends are having a dedication ceremony for the "colored school" Before the big day they find a dead body in the back of the school. This series has the animals that can communicate with each other and Mrs. Murphy, Pewter, Tucker and Pirate all are helpful finding the killer. There is also the real estate developer that has his eyes on the school property.
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