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Mrs. Murphy #24
Tail Gait
Spring has sprung in Crozet, Virginia—a time for old friends to gather and bid farewell to the doldrums of winter. Harry and her husband, Fair, are enjoying a cozy dinner with some of the town’s leading citizens, including beloved University of Virginia history professor Greg “Ginger” McConnell and several members of UVA’s celebrated 1959 football team. But beneath the cloak of conviviality lurks a sinister specter from the distant past that threatens to put all their lives in jeopardy.
When Professor McConnell is found murdered on the golf course the next day—gunned down in broad daylight by an unseen killer—no one can fathom a motive, let alone find a suspect. Just as Harry and her furry cohorts begin nosing into the case, however, a homeless UVA alum confesses to the crime. Trouble is, no one believes that the besotted former All-American could have done the foul deed—especially after Mrs. Murphy, Pewter, and Tucker make another gruesome discovery.
As the questions surrounding Ginger’s death pile up, Harry’s search for answers takes her down the fascinating byways of Virginia’s Revolutionary past. The professor was something of a sleuth himself, it seems, and the centuries-old mystery he was unraveling may well have put a target on his back. As Harry edges closer to identifying an elusive killer, her animal companions sense danger—and rally to find a way to keep Harry from disappearing into history.
When Professor McConnell is found murdered on the golf course the next day—gunned down in broad daylight by an unseen killer—no one can fathom a motive, let alone find a suspect. Just as Harry and her furry cohorts begin nosing into the case, however, a homeless UVA alum confesses to the crime. Trouble is, no one believes that the besotted former All-American could have done the foul deed—especially after Mrs. Murphy, Pewter, and Tucker make another gruesome discovery.
As the questions surrounding Ginger’s death pile up, Harry’s search for answers takes her down the fascinating byways of Virginia’s Revolutionary past. The professor was something of a sleuth himself, it seems, and the centuries-old mystery he was unraveling may well have put a target on his back. As Harry edges closer to identifying an elusive killer, her animal companions sense danger—and rally to find a way to keep Harry from disappearing into history.
336 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2015
288 people are currently reading
1437 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 243 reviews
November 18, 2021
In this 24th book in the 'Mrs. Murphy' series, Harry Harristeen and her pets investigate the death of a history professor. The book can be read as a standalone, but familiarity with the characters is a bonus.
*****
This cozy series - set in Crozet, Virginia - was once a favorite of mine. The main character, 'Harry' Harristeen, was a divorced postmistress and amateur sleuth.
Harry solved mysteries with the help of her 'talking pets', two cats and a corgi.
The lovable animals commented on Harry's activities, philosophized about people, rode mail carts around the post office, protected Harry, and helped solve crimes. The stories also had an array of recurring characters that added fun and depth to the the tales. Most importantly, the mysteries were interesting, with plenty of suspects and clues. The last few books in the series, however, were more political diatribes than cozy mysteries and I decided I'd had enough.
Nevertheless, I decided to check this latest addition out of the library. This book is more of a historical novel about the American Revolution than a mystery and many of the well-liked recurring characters are absent or marginally present. As for Harry, she's now re-married and living on her farm. Thus, there's no chit-chatting with folks in the post office or snacking on baked goods prepared by fellow postmistress Miranda - which was an entertaining aspect of previous books. The talking pets are still present, but not as fun as they once were.
The story: A beloved retired history professor, Greg "Ginger" McConnell, whose specialty is researching and writing about the American Revolution, is shot on the golf course.
Harry and a cadre of college football players - who were Ginger's students decades before - are profoundly grieved. Soon afterwards the death of another person with a connection to Ginger occurs.
Harry and the cops don't know anyone who disliked or had a grudge against Ginger. Thus Harry decides (for no obvious reason) that the murder probably was linked to Ginger's historical research. Unlike standard mysteries, there's not much questioning of suspects or searching for clues. Instead, Harry examines local geography, maps, and old records and becomes very interested in a historically accurate housing development under construction.
The book alternates between the present and the past. In the 'now' parts Harry investigates the murders, caddies for her golfing friend Susan, assists some homeless people, and tends her farm and horses. In the 'then' parts the American Revolution has started and British prisoners of war are housed in a barracks in Virginia.
The historical sections are depictions of the lives of the POW's, who were treated fairly well in the circumstances. They had beds and food and were sent out to work at local farms and businesses. The POWs were friendly with their guards and the local population, and many remained in the colonies when the Revolution ended.
The story is okay, and the solution to the crimes makes sense. Still, the book seems more like an excuse to write about the American Revolution than a mystery. It would make more sense for Rita Mae Brown to publish literary novels about her areas of interest rather than add more pseudo-mysteries to this (formerly well-liked) series.
I wouldn't recommend this book to mystery fans but if you're interested in POWs during the American Revolution you might like it.
You can follow my reviews at https://reviewsbybarbsaffer.blogspot....
September 28, 2015
Cats and mysteries, what a purr-fect, cozy combo! Tail Gait, Rita Mae Brown’s twenty-third Mrs. Murphy mystery is co-written by Brown’s own tabby feline, Sneaky Pie Brown. Ms. Brown’s favorite Southern busybody and her furry friends once again poke their muzzles into some fur-ocious business in this new tail of murder and greed.
An early spring dinner party brings together a few alumni members of UVA’s acclaimed 1959 football team, a retired history professor, Greg “Ginger” McConnell and his wife, and our hero, Mary Minor “Harry” and her husband Pharamond “Fair” Haristeen. Not long after that evening, Ginger is shot while golfing. Because she was close to him and his wife, and because she simply can’t help herself, Harry starts sniffing around, accompanied by her cats Mrs. Murphy and Pewter and Tee Tucker, her faithful corgi.
Well, Sneaky Pie, it seems you CAN teach a human new tricks. Ms. Brown has interlaced the present day Crozet, Virginia, chapters with fictional accounts from Revolutionary War times. She chose to focus on British prisoners of war and worked their personal stories into the landscape and history of modern day Virginia. This is a technique that I have not seen in any of the previous Mrs. Murphy books, and if I were to grade it, I would give it a B. At first I found it distracting from the main story because it seemed to have little connection to the murder. But Ginger, as his former students point out time and again, loved to make history come alive. I did find myself caring about what would become of Charles West and his dog Piglet, Captain Schuyler, and Mr. Garth’s daughters. I even looked up The Barracks in Charlottesville and was surprised to learn that there is such a place. Not only that, but the names of the present day owners, Claiborne and Tom Bishop, are used in the book! It made me wish I had learned history that way instead of having to memorize battles and dates.
As for the motive and identity of the killer, well, that was not too difficult to figure out, although the solution lay in the past, and that was clever. I have read most, if not all of the books in this series, and I still enjoy the banter between the four-legged residents, although I don’t find it to be as witty as it once was. Also, I noted a few errors that made me wonder if Mrs. Murphy has a ghost writer, purr-haps? At one point, the wrong name of a character is used in conversation, which is not a big deal. But Harry is introduced as “Harriet,” not as Mary Minor Haristeen. That one had me scratching my head.
Some have criticized Brown for making Harry too opinionated or judgmental or for inserting her own opinions into her fiction. Frankly, I think this is acceptable, and I noticed that Harry seems to have opened her heart this time, not only to homeless alcoholics but to transgendered people as well.
There is a cast of characters at the beginning of the book, thankfully, as there are numerous good guys and bad guys, past and present to keep track of. There is also a roster of “the really important characters” – somehow I still get confused between Pewter and Mrs. Murphy, so I appreciate the list. I also found myself referring to the cast of soldiers quite frequently because I couldn’t keep straight who was fighting for which side. I did appreciate the research that went into this element of the book, and even though it was slow in parts, I found it quite fascinating. I rather liked the fact that the author(s) chose to have the captors and prisoners actually like each other and be kind to one another despite the hardships of the war. There were more than a few nice touches there. Overall, Tail Gait is a nice, comfy story to pick up when you want some quality time with your favorite pet.
3-1/2 stars
An early spring dinner party brings together a few alumni members of UVA’s acclaimed 1959 football team, a retired history professor, Greg “Ginger” McConnell and his wife, and our hero, Mary Minor “Harry” and her husband Pharamond “Fair” Haristeen. Not long after that evening, Ginger is shot while golfing. Because she was close to him and his wife, and because she simply can’t help herself, Harry starts sniffing around, accompanied by her cats Mrs. Murphy and Pewter and Tee Tucker, her faithful corgi.
Well, Sneaky Pie, it seems you CAN teach a human new tricks. Ms. Brown has interlaced the present day Crozet, Virginia, chapters with fictional accounts from Revolutionary War times. She chose to focus on British prisoners of war and worked their personal stories into the landscape and history of modern day Virginia. This is a technique that I have not seen in any of the previous Mrs. Murphy books, and if I were to grade it, I would give it a B. At first I found it distracting from the main story because it seemed to have little connection to the murder. But Ginger, as his former students point out time and again, loved to make history come alive. I did find myself caring about what would become of Charles West and his dog Piglet, Captain Schuyler, and Mr. Garth’s daughters. I even looked up The Barracks in Charlottesville and was surprised to learn that there is such a place. Not only that, but the names of the present day owners, Claiborne and Tom Bishop, are used in the book! It made me wish I had learned history that way instead of having to memorize battles and dates.
As for the motive and identity of the killer, well, that was not too difficult to figure out, although the solution lay in the past, and that was clever. I have read most, if not all of the books in this series, and I still enjoy the banter between the four-legged residents, although I don’t find it to be as witty as it once was. Also, I noted a few errors that made me wonder if Mrs. Murphy has a ghost writer, purr-haps? At one point, the wrong name of a character is used in conversation, which is not a big deal. But Harry is introduced as “Harriet,” not as Mary Minor Haristeen. That one had me scratching my head.
Some have criticized Brown for making Harry too opinionated or judgmental or for inserting her own opinions into her fiction. Frankly, I think this is acceptable, and I noticed that Harry seems to have opened her heart this time, not only to homeless alcoholics but to transgendered people as well.
There is a cast of characters at the beginning of the book, thankfully, as there are numerous good guys and bad guys, past and present to keep track of. There is also a roster of “the really important characters” – somehow I still get confused between Pewter and Mrs. Murphy, so I appreciate the list. I also found myself referring to the cast of soldiers quite frequently because I couldn’t keep straight who was fighting for which side. I did appreciate the research that went into this element of the book, and even though it was slow in parts, I found it quite fascinating. I rather liked the fact that the author(s) chose to have the captors and prisoners actually like each other and be kind to one another despite the hardships of the war. There were more than a few nice touches there. Overall, Tail Gait is a nice, comfy story to pick up when you want some quality time with your favorite pet.
3-1/2 stars
April 2, 2015
The 23rd Mrs Murphy mystery uses a different method than other books in this series: the solution for the murder of a UVA history professor has a lot to do with what happened during the American war of independence. Thus, there are two storylines, the usual one which tells about what is happening in 2015 and another one which is set during the war. The reader has to get used to two sets of characters. The ones in the 18th century are described quite well and I really liked this storyline, how it tells about the prisoners of war etc. I don't know much about this war and now I'm a little more familiar with it.
The modern story and the actual crime however were actually quite poor. The characters weren't worked out very well, it was obvious why the professor had been killed and also who was the killer. Harry's naiveté towards danger kind of annoyed me, it was worse than in other volumes of the series.
All in all I was rather disappointed by the book. I had high hopes for it because I enjoyed the last volume very much but this one just didn't grab me.
(I received a free digital copy via Netgalley/the publisher. Thanks for the opportunity!)
The modern story and the actual crime however were actually quite poor. The characters weren't worked out very well, it was obvious why the professor had been killed and also who was the killer. Harry's naiveté towards danger kind of annoyed me, it was worse than in other volumes of the series.
All in all I was rather disappointed by the book. I had high hopes for it because I enjoyed the last volume very much but this one just didn't grab me.
(I received a free digital copy via Netgalley/the publisher. Thanks for the opportunity!)
August 13, 2015
Synopsis:
Spring has sprung in Crozet, Virginia—a time for old friends to gather and bid farewell to the doldrums of winter. Harry and her husband, Fair, are enjoying a cozy dinner with some of the town’s leading citizens, including beloved University of Virginia history professor Greg “Ginger” McConnell and several members of UVA’s celebrated 1959 football team. But beneath the cloak of conviviality lurks a sinister specter from the distant past that threatens to put all their lives in jeopardy.
When Professor McConnell is found murdered on the golf course the next day—gunned down in broad daylight by an unseen killer—no one can fathom a motive, let alone find a suspect. Just as Harry and her furry cohorts begin nosing into the case, however, a homeless UVA alum confesses to the crime. Trouble is, no one believes that the besotted former All-American could have done the foul deed—especially after Mrs. Murphy, Pewter, and Tucker make another gruesome discovery.
As the questions surrounding Ginger’s death pile up, Harry’s search for answers takes her down the fascinating byways of Virginia’s Revolutionary past. The professor was something of a sleuth himself, it seems, and the centuries-old mystery he was unraveling may well have put a target on his back. As Harry edges closer to identifying an elusive killer, her animal companions sense danger—and rally to find a way to keep Harry from disappearing into history. (Goodreads)
Review:
Professor McConnell is murdered on a golf course and this murder shocks the entire community. Harry knows that she has to look into the murder because it makes no sense to her. As she and her friends begin to snoop around looking for answers, someone confesses to the crime. Harry has a hard time believing the confession and continues to search for clues. What she eventually uncovers may just be the death of her, both figuratively and literally!
The characters are well developed and well rounded. I loved reading about all the animals and the way they “help” solve the mystery. At times I felt like there were a few too many characters to keep track of. Although I did appreciate having a Cast Of Characters to refer to, the very fact that this was needed tells me there are a few too many.
The writing style flows smoothly and the book is an easy read. The author is very descriptive and at times I felt like I was right there watching all the action. this was a great thing. But sometimes I thought the description was a little much, I did not need to know what everyone was eating, drinking or wearing. Sometimes it became a a bit overwhelming. I think the author did a good job writing about present day and the olden days (Revolutionary War days). My problem is that I am not much of a history person so my interest was not held that well. This is only my opinion and other readers may love having the history mixed in with the present.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading a cozy mystery. If you enjoy reading about historical event, In this case the Revolutionary War era, this is a must read book.
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for a honest review. I would like to thank NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group-Bantam for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Spring has sprung in Crozet, Virginia—a time for old friends to gather and bid farewell to the doldrums of winter. Harry and her husband, Fair, are enjoying a cozy dinner with some of the town’s leading citizens, including beloved University of Virginia history professor Greg “Ginger” McConnell and several members of UVA’s celebrated 1959 football team. But beneath the cloak of conviviality lurks a sinister specter from the distant past that threatens to put all their lives in jeopardy.
When Professor McConnell is found murdered on the golf course the next day—gunned down in broad daylight by an unseen killer—no one can fathom a motive, let alone find a suspect. Just as Harry and her furry cohorts begin nosing into the case, however, a homeless UVA alum confesses to the crime. Trouble is, no one believes that the besotted former All-American could have done the foul deed—especially after Mrs. Murphy, Pewter, and Tucker make another gruesome discovery.
As the questions surrounding Ginger’s death pile up, Harry’s search for answers takes her down the fascinating byways of Virginia’s Revolutionary past. The professor was something of a sleuth himself, it seems, and the centuries-old mystery he was unraveling may well have put a target on his back. As Harry edges closer to identifying an elusive killer, her animal companions sense danger—and rally to find a way to keep Harry from disappearing into history. (Goodreads)
Review:
Professor McConnell is murdered on a golf course and this murder shocks the entire community. Harry knows that she has to look into the murder because it makes no sense to her. As she and her friends begin to snoop around looking for answers, someone confesses to the crime. Harry has a hard time believing the confession and continues to search for clues. What she eventually uncovers may just be the death of her, both figuratively and literally!
The characters are well developed and well rounded. I loved reading about all the animals and the way they “help” solve the mystery. At times I felt like there were a few too many characters to keep track of. Although I did appreciate having a Cast Of Characters to refer to, the very fact that this was needed tells me there are a few too many.
The writing style flows smoothly and the book is an easy read. The author is very descriptive and at times I felt like I was right there watching all the action. this was a great thing. But sometimes I thought the description was a little much, I did not need to know what everyone was eating, drinking or wearing. Sometimes it became a a bit overwhelming. I think the author did a good job writing about present day and the olden days (Revolutionary War days). My problem is that I am not much of a history person so my interest was not held that well. This is only my opinion and other readers may love having the history mixed in with the present.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading a cozy mystery. If you enjoy reading about historical event, In this case the Revolutionary War era, this is a must read book.
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for a honest review. I would like to thank NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group-Bantam for the opportunity to read and review this book.
May 24, 2015
I received an advance copy of this book through Goodreads as a First Reads winner.
I have been disappointed in the last few books in this series, but I thought I would give this one a try – since I didn’t need to spend money to buy it. I was disappointed in this one as well. The plot was predictable. Someone Harry knows is murdered. Harry risks her life solving it while the cops are a step or two behind. As soon as the crime happens it is obvious who committed it and why.
The chapters set during the Revolutionary war were interesting from a historical standpoint but I don’t feel they moved the story along.
Over the last several books Harry has become boring. She is no longer a person I’d like to know; critical of other people and how they live their lives – while touting her own perfection and that of her friends – apparently flawed people are not allowed in her sphere. Maybe that is why the old "regulars" don't show up any more. Even Fair was sent out of town for the entire book.
Every few pages, the author throws in a lecture, from which kind of tea we should be drinking to what brand of truck we should be driving. While asides like this should add to the story these were delivered in a way that made this reader feel like I was being reprimanded by my elementary school teacher. I end up skimming through the pages to miss all that filler.
Maybe the worst part for me is that the animals don’t seem to play as big a part in the story. When I first started reading the series, I was drawn to the interaction among the three friends, but now their roles have diminished – taking the humorous by-play with them.
I think this will be my last Mrs. Murphy book. They are no longer worth the time it takes to read them. If you want a good story, go back and read the first 10 - 15 books in the series.
Note to editor: the date on Chapter 15 is wrong in my advance copy.
I have been disappointed in the last few books in this series, but I thought I would give this one a try – since I didn’t need to spend money to buy it. I was disappointed in this one as well. The plot was predictable. Someone Harry knows is murdered. Harry risks her life solving it while the cops are a step or two behind. As soon as the crime happens it is obvious who committed it and why.
The chapters set during the Revolutionary war were interesting from a historical standpoint but I don’t feel they moved the story along.
Over the last several books Harry has become boring. She is no longer a person I’d like to know; critical of other people and how they live their lives – while touting her own perfection and that of her friends – apparently flawed people are not allowed in her sphere. Maybe that is why the old "regulars" don't show up any more. Even Fair was sent out of town for the entire book.
Every few pages, the author throws in a lecture, from which kind of tea we should be drinking to what brand of truck we should be driving. While asides like this should add to the story these were delivered in a way that made this reader feel like I was being reprimanded by my elementary school teacher. I end up skimming through the pages to miss all that filler.
Maybe the worst part for me is that the animals don’t seem to play as big a part in the story. When I first started reading the series, I was drawn to the interaction among the three friends, but now their roles have diminished – taking the humorous by-play with them.
I think this will be my last Mrs. Murphy book. They are no longer worth the time it takes to read them. If you want a good story, go back and read the first 10 - 15 books in the series.
Note to editor: the date on Chapter 15 is wrong in my advance copy.
September 17, 2020
2020
It's an okay book, but it does feel like it drags on forever. I don't know if that is because it keeps time jumping (we will be in 2015, but then jump back to 1777) and I don't feel like the time jumping was even necessary .
Plus, it annoyed me when everyone was like, "these two murders may not be related." But it was clear from the start that they were. I mean, both of the men knew each other. And they were both interested in the current development of the houses on that old farmland. And they were both interested in history. Of course they were related murders!
And the motivation for the murders was a bit far-fetched for me, too. Like, I get that we are talking about a lot of money here
It's an okay book, but it does feel like it drags on forever. I don't know if that is because it keeps time jumping (we will be in 2015, but then jump back to 1777) and I don't feel like the time jumping was even necessary .
Plus, it annoyed me when everyone was like, "these two murders may not be related." But it was clear from the start that they were. I mean, both of the men knew each other. And they were both interested in the current development of the houses on that old farmland. And they were both interested in history. Of course they were related murders!
And the motivation for the murders was a bit far-fetched for me, too. Like, I get that we are talking about a lot of money here
January 3, 2021
It has been ages since I caught up with Harry Haristeen and her menagerie. I found Tail Gait to be one of the best of the later mysteries. I realized somewhere early on that the writing style reminded me of the young adult historical fiction I read in my teens: not minutely detailed but definitely instructive.
Based on historic events that led to real-life National Trust for Historic Preservation action in 2005, it's "teachy" in a good way. Part of the story is about characters in the late 1700s during the Revolutionary War, in this specific area of Virginia where there once were extensive barracks housing captured British soldiers. Their interactions with the American in charge and the family of a local landowner show a lot of details about how the taming of this area proceeded after the war and why it developed as it did.
On the first spring outing of Harry and friends to the golf course, they heard a noise that sounded something like a shot and briefly wondered what it was, but they quickly got back to the game to finish for the day. Ginger McConnell, a beloved and admired retired UVA history professor had not been within their view, but he had been murdered. Harry, always unable to keep her curiosity at bay and actually having much area knowledge and history to contribute, couldn't help but entangle herself in solving the murder.
Based on historic events that led to real-life National Trust for Historic Preservation action in 2005, it's "teachy" in a good way. Part of the story is about characters in the late 1700s during the Revolutionary War, in this specific area of Virginia where there once were extensive barracks housing captured British soldiers. Their interactions with the American in charge and the family of a local landowner show a lot of details about how the taming of this area proceeded after the war and why it developed as it did.
On the first spring outing of Harry and friends to the golf course, they heard a noise that sounded something like a shot and briefly wondered what it was, but they quickly got back to the game to finish for the day. Ginger McConnell, a beloved and admired retired UVA history professor had not been within their view, but he had been murdered. Harry, always unable to keep her curiosity at bay and actually having much area knowledge and history to contribute, couldn't help but entangle herself in solving the murder.
January 23, 2019
My 24th Mrs. Murphy. I would have liked more Mrs. Murphy, Tucker and Pewter and less chapters set in the 1700’s, but it’s still one of my favorite series!
March 26, 2015
I would like to thank NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Bantam Dell for giving me the opportunity to read this book.
I have not read a Rita Mae Brown book in years. I loved Harry and the animals, Tucker, the Corgie and the two cats, Mrs. Murphy and Pewter. I always thought it would be funny seeing someone driving around and taking their cats places, the dog no problem. Don't forget the two horses, snake and opposum in the barn . It's cute how the author has the animals talk amongst each other.
This story goes back and forth from present, to the past during the American Revolution. I think maybe that is why I wasn't as into this particular book as a lot of her earlier works. I'm not into history too much in my books unless it's a memoir, etc. The thing I liked is the author puts in this particular story about a real place that was a prisoner-of-war camp. The place called Camp Security in York County, PA fought to become a historic landmark. By writing this into the story, people can go there and donate or whatever to help out. I think that was the nice part.
The book is about a friend that is murdered while out playing golf. Ginger McConnell was looking into old historical records, land aquisitions, etc. and this leads to his murder as there is always someone evil trying to hide something in these mystery cases.
I think people that love history and mysteries will greatly enjoy this book.
www.melissa413readsalot.blogspot.com
I have not read a Rita Mae Brown book in years. I loved Harry and the animals, Tucker, the Corgie and the two cats, Mrs. Murphy and Pewter. I always thought it would be funny seeing someone driving around and taking their cats places, the dog no problem. Don't forget the two horses, snake and opposum in the barn . It's cute how the author has the animals talk amongst each other.
This story goes back and forth from present, to the past during the American Revolution. I think maybe that is why I wasn't as into this particular book as a lot of her earlier works. I'm not into history too much in my books unless it's a memoir, etc. The thing I liked is the author puts in this particular story about a real place that was a prisoner-of-war camp. The place called Camp Security in York County, PA fought to become a historic landmark. By writing this into the story, people can go there and donate or whatever to help out. I think that was the nice part.
The book is about a friend that is murdered while out playing golf. Ginger McConnell was looking into old historical records, land aquisitions, etc. and this leads to his murder as there is always someone evil trying to hide something in these mystery cases.
I think people that love history and mysteries will greatly enjoy this book.
www.melissa413readsalot.blogspot.com
June 4, 2015
I had vowed when finished my last Mrs. Murphy book, to never read another - I obviously broke my vow.
While this book still doesn't live up to Ms. Browns earlier works, it is much better than the last book of hers I read. This book still tries to 'teach' us good things, but not as forcefully as the last few. There is less politicking and more about history, less about organic farming and the hazards of eating/using non-organics products and more mystery. And thank you Gods and Goddesses for this!
This book actually has two stories going on at the same time, and until the ending you may not see the necessity of it. This was quite different reading for me, I really loved the secondary story almost more than the main story involving Harry and her mouthy (not too mouthy this time) animals.
There are enough twists to keep me rather engaged in the story and less inclined to put it down to do something else. Again, I still think it isn't on par with her earlier works, but it seems that maybe Ms Brown is taking her readers concerns to heart and doing what she does best.
*ARC supplied by publisher.
While this book still doesn't live up to Ms. Browns earlier works, it is much better than the last book of hers I read. This book still tries to 'teach' us good things, but not as forcefully as the last few. There is less politicking and more about history, less about organic farming and the hazards of eating/using non-organics products and more mystery. And thank you Gods and Goddesses for this!
This book actually has two stories going on at the same time, and until the ending you may not see the necessity of it. This was quite different reading for me, I really loved the secondary story almost more than the main story involving Harry and her mouthy (not too mouthy this time) animals.
There are enough twists to keep me rather engaged in the story and less inclined to put it down to do something else. Again, I still think it isn't on par with her earlier works, but it seems that maybe Ms Brown is taking her readers concerns to heart and doing what she does best.
*ARC supplied by publisher.
April 10, 2018
Rita Mae Brown gives us a look into what went on during the Revaluation War ( Prisoner of War ) camp and how we looked after them. And on the other hand we have two murders one of a famous Professed of History ( Revaluation War Camps ) and an Ex- FootBall Star ( All American ) both dead because of the Revaluation War Camp and The Deeds to the land; if that wasn't enough add one attempted murder and another death and you have your answer GREED. GRAB A COPY AND LEARN SOME HISTORY AND FIND OUT WHO - DUNE - IT.
February 2, 2020
A good blend of then and now.
Great characters! I like the way the 1700 and 1800 events played out along side current day events. Rita Mae Brown and Sneaky Pie Brown are two of my favorite authors. I did figure out “who done it”, but it was at the end and at the same time as Harry figured it out. No sitting around wondering why our hero was clueless. And, I always enjoy the conversations and thoughts of the four-legged, and in this case also slithering, characters. A well-written and much enjoyed mystery for me, that I read in one day and highly recommend.
Great characters! I like the way the 1700 and 1800 events played out along side current day events. Rita Mae Brown and Sneaky Pie Brown are two of my favorite authors. I did figure out “who done it”, but it was at the end and at the same time as Harry figured it out. No sitting around wondering why our hero was clueless. And, I always enjoy the conversations and thoughts of the four-legged, and in this case also slithering, characters. A well-written and much enjoyed mystery for me, that I read in one day and highly recommend.
July 2, 2017
The B story is set during the Revolutionary War, mostly in a prisoner of war camp in Virginia. The history is interesting.
The A story is average for this series.
The A story is average for this series.
October 16, 2017
very enjoyable reading......I love that the 2 cats and the corgi help to. solve the murders....fun!
May 30, 2015
If you need another fix of a "cozy" mystery, the latest in the series featuring Mary Minor "Harry" Haristeen and her corgi, Tee Tucker, as well as her two sleuthing cats, Mrs. Murphy and Pewter, is out this week. It is fun, fluff and fatalities all in one!
Rita Mae Brown (and Sneaky Pie) have added a "twist" to the story set in Crozet, Virginia by adding a cast of characters who lived at the time of the Revolutionary War. Their actions intertwine with contemporary events, including multiple murders. Once again, it is the animals who come to Harry's aid and the mystery, of course, is solved.
While I enjoy escaping with these very light mysteries and found the addition of the Revolutionary War period to be an inventive way to freshen this series, I thought that some historical facts were handled awkwardly. We study the horrible conditions on British troop ships, but details about American camps are less well-known and could have been integrated even more effectively in this story. Overall, don't wait: Tail Gait is worth the read and a welcome addition to the series.
Rita Mae Brown (and Sneaky Pie) have added a "twist" to the story set in Crozet, Virginia by adding a cast of characters who lived at the time of the Revolutionary War. Their actions intertwine with contemporary events, including multiple murders. Once again, it is the animals who come to Harry's aid and the mystery, of course, is solved.
While I enjoy escaping with these very light mysteries and found the addition of the Revolutionary War period to be an inventive way to freshen this series, I thought that some historical facts were handled awkwardly. We study the horrible conditions on British troop ships, but details about American camps are less well-known and could have been integrated even more effectively in this story. Overall, don't wait: Tail Gait is worth the read and a welcome addition to the series.
August 25, 2020
This wasn't my favorite Mrs. Murphy book by Rita Mae Brown. I like history, but this read too much like a history lesson to me---and I'm long past having to read history books--than just a fun novel. I have never been a fan of books that go back and forth in time and so that also turned me off. I do recognize that the past and the "history lesson" had to be included in her plot because it's what she made the murders about, but I just didn't really like it.
However, even with all that, it's still a Sneaky Pie Brown mystery and I will always love the animals in these stories and all the characters. There were a couple of places that made me laugh out loud--like when the cats get into the communion wafers at the vicarage--and I always laugh at the funny things the animals say when they're describing what they perceive to be their not so intelligent human friends.
So, even aside from it not being my favorite in the series, I'm still glad I read it. If you're not a history buff at all, you absolutely won't enjoy this book.
However, even with all that, it's still a Sneaky Pie Brown mystery and I will always love the animals in these stories and all the characters. There were a couple of places that made me laugh out loud--like when the cats get into the communion wafers at the vicarage--and I always laugh at the funny things the animals say when they're describing what they perceive to be their not so intelligent human friends.
So, even aside from it not being my favorite in the series, I'm still glad I read it. If you're not a history buff at all, you absolutely won't enjoy this book.
June 3, 2015
Read as an ARC from NetGalley.
It has been awhile since I last read a book by Sneaky Pie Brown and her human (Rita Mae Brown) . This is a very enjoyable addition to the series. Beloved history Professor Ginger MacConnell is murdered on the golf course. His former students, who live in the UVA area, are mostly all successful business men. They are making money in various parts of land development, building high end homes. Harry and her pets are still sleuthing their way through these books and they will solve the crime. The animal dialogue has always been a charming aspect of the stories and the beautiful central Virginia countryside is detailed so very well as spring blooms.
The most fascinating parts of this book are the flashbacks to the last years of the American Revolution and the prisoner of war camp for the British that was on the land currently under development in the present day story. Of course the solution to the murder is tied to the history of that camp.
It has been awhile since I last read a book by Sneaky Pie Brown and her human (Rita Mae Brown) . This is a very enjoyable addition to the series. Beloved history Professor Ginger MacConnell is murdered on the golf course. His former students, who live in the UVA area, are mostly all successful business men. They are making money in various parts of land development, building high end homes. Harry and her pets are still sleuthing their way through these books and they will solve the crime. The animal dialogue has always been a charming aspect of the stories and the beautiful central Virginia countryside is detailed so very well as spring blooms.
The most fascinating parts of this book are the flashbacks to the last years of the American Revolution and the prisoner of war camp for the British that was on the land currently under development in the present day story. Of course the solution to the murder is tied to the history of that camp.
January 20, 2017
I really enjoyed this book because it kept switching from present day to the Revolutionary War in Virginia. I loved the history, especially the account of the prisoners of war "barracks". Harry is saddened by the murder of an old friend and then the murder of a town drunk. What did the two deaths have in common? Why would someone want both dead? Harry's curiosity once again has her on the hunt to find the relation and then to find the killer. One of the things I like about these Mrs. Murphy books is that although the animals are included as part of the cast of characters, they center on Harry and her solving mysteries. Of course after reading of so many murder mysteries Harry solves, I have to wonder about the city of Crozet having so many deaths. But most of the books, this one included, are delightful. As long as the author stays away from getting on her social issue/ political bandwagon.
May 26, 2015
Over the years I have enjoyed reading about antics of Mrs Murphy, Pewter and Wee Tucker their comments between themslves and the other animals the snake, opossum, owl, coyote and fox. I like the comments on their human companions. This book did not disappointed. I found both stories extremely interesting and well written. I did not like the format as it disrupted the thread of the stories. It is a lesson on how events that occur in the pass effect what happens today. I would recommend this book to anyone especially those interested in animals and early American history.
Full Disclosure: I received a free copy from Random House Publishing Bantam Dell through Netgalley for an honest review. I would like to thank them for the opportunity to read and review this book. The opinions are my own.
Full Disclosure: I received a free copy from Random House Publishing Bantam Dell through Netgalley for an honest review. I would like to thank them for the opportunity to read and review this book. The opinions are my own.
May 17, 2015
I love Rita Mae Brown's Sneak Pie and his animal friends, Tee Tucker, Pewter and Mrs. Murphy, who all appear in the books. I believe that this is the 25th book in this series. I have read all of them and hope that there are many more to come. I keep thinking that the book that I am now reading is the best so far until I get to the next book and decide that this is the best ever. The introduction of all the characters that Ms. Brown takes the time to list is really very handy. This book was written in two different perspectives, Harry (Mary Minor) Haristeen and from an officer in the Revolutionary War. This book was so well written that it wasn't a bit difficult to keep track of.
FTC Full Disclosure - A copy of this book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.
FTC Full Disclosure - A copy of this book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.
August 28, 2015
Tail Gait is the 24th book in Rita Mae Brown Mrs. Murphy series! I think that this might be my favorite book in this series. While it's always a pleasure to catch up with all of the regular characters in Harry's world, I enjoyed this book because of it's simplicity...only a few of the regulars are in the story. With the interweaving of the two story lines and her descriptive, easy flow writing, Rita Mae has proven once again why she's an masterful storyteller. I love both this series and the Sister Jane books!
September 2, 2016
A very satisfying mystery. I do so enjoy these Mrs. Murphy mysteries. I particularly enjoyed what I believe is a new aspect in this series: two parallel stories, one taking place near the end of the Revolutionary War and the other modern-day (so we still get to see what Harry gets herself into—and what Tucker, Mrs. Murphy, and Pewter have to save her from). It was fun hopping back and forth in time, knowing the stories must be connected, but how? Rita Mae Brown (and Sneaky Pie Brown, of course), once again have come up with a very compelling story.
Read
June 18, 2016 I love Rita May Brown and Sneaky Pie Brown's mysteries. With her companions, Tucker the Corgi, Pewter and Mrs. Murphy, the cats, she out to solve the latest murder in her neck of the woods. The long term characters are enduring and reading one of her stories set in Virginia is like visiting an old friend who has exciting news.
June 23, 2015
These books have become so preachy, and yet I always read them. Amazing that she talked about transgender with Kaitlyn Jenner coming out. Especially knowing that this book was in the works well before that happened.
September 5, 2016
Excellent crime, I just love reading about the area I've grown up in. So interesting being able to relate and know many of the places she writes about. And love the animals tboughts and inpact on each story, simply wonderful. Highly recommend these books, I can't wait to read more!!! ☺☺
March 13, 2016
Nice mix of Revolutionary war era and modern era!
March 9, 2020
This installment of the Mrs. Murphy series was a fun divergence from the previous books. In addition to the present-day events (the murder of a prominent history professor), we get to read about a prisoner-of-war camp in Virginia during the Revolutionary War. I liked the dichotomy of the two storylines and figuring out how they tie into one another, and of course the sweet relationship between Lieutenant Charles West and his faithful corgi Piglet was endearing.
This novel also touches on the effects of alcoholism on people and communities, which I found very insightful and important. An all-American UVA football player named Frank Cresey lost himself in the bottle and wound up homeless in the Downtown Mall, an urban shopping center, to the bafflement of everyone who once knew him. However, those of us who have experienced alcoholism in our own families know that this disease can strike anyone. You may start out partying in college with your buddies, then move on to having a couple of beers after work, then enjoying your weekends with some early-afternoon cocktails, and before you know it, you're taking a shot after you wake up to keep your hands from shaking. Alcoholism isn't picky. It doesn't discriminate age, class, wealth, religion, or athletic ability. And once it gets its claws in you, it hurts. Some of the characters ask (perhaps a little unfairly) how Frank could have thrown his whole life away, and Rita Mae Brown does a pretty good job at illustrating that he didn't entirely have a choice. He fell in the bottle, and unfortunately wasn't able to find his way out.
Snoop was a great character in this book. This kind-hearted homeless cabinetmaker offers some valuable insight on the goings-on of the community, primarily because people overlook him so easily. But Harry, true to her nature, sees him and treats him as a human being with dignity and grace, and he becomes a part-time employee of hers, helping out in the barn. These books are cozy mysteries, but they do bring up some important questions of human nature, and illustrate how people don't have to be rich to help someone else. In fact, in this tale, some of the characters raking in the most money turn out to be the ones with the darkest hearts.
Tiny nitpick: Harry introduces herself as Harriet Harristeen in the beginning of the book, but her actual name is Mary Minor Harristeen.
This novel also touches on the effects of alcoholism on people and communities, which I found very insightful and important. An all-American UVA football player named Frank Cresey lost himself in the bottle and wound up homeless in the Downtown Mall, an urban shopping center, to the bafflement of everyone who once knew him. However, those of us who have experienced alcoholism in our own families know that this disease can strike anyone. You may start out partying in college with your buddies, then move on to having a couple of beers after work, then enjoying your weekends with some early-afternoon cocktails, and before you know it, you're taking a shot after you wake up to keep your hands from shaking. Alcoholism isn't picky. It doesn't discriminate age, class, wealth, religion, or athletic ability. And once it gets its claws in you, it hurts. Some of the characters ask (perhaps a little unfairly) how Frank could have thrown his whole life away, and Rita Mae Brown does a pretty good job at illustrating that he didn't entirely have a choice. He fell in the bottle, and unfortunately wasn't able to find his way out.
Snoop was a great character in this book. This kind-hearted homeless cabinetmaker offers some valuable insight on the goings-on of the community, primarily because people overlook him so easily. But Harry, true to her nature, sees him and treats him as a human being with dignity and grace, and he becomes a part-time employee of hers, helping out in the barn. These books are cozy mysteries, but they do bring up some important questions of human nature, and illustrate how people don't have to be rich to help someone else. In fact, in this tale, some of the characters raking in the most money turn out to be the ones with the darkest hearts.
Tiny nitpick: Harry introduces herself as Harriet Harristeen in the beginning of the book, but her actual name is Mary Minor Harristeen.
January 23, 2025
This book is the Twenty-Fourth 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 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.
This book starts out differently than any other; instead of beginning in Crozet, in the modern age, it begins in October of 1777 near Sarasota, New York, where English Lieutenant Charles West, and his Corgi Piglet, have been captured by the Continentals under the command of Captain John Schuyler. The two men end up at the Prisoner of War camp in Virginia, with West and his dog as prisoners (along with many, many others who fought for the Crown), and Schuyler as one of the commanders of the Camp. Meanwhile, in April of 2015, an old very respected Revolutionary War scholar, Professor Ginger McConnell, has been shot dead on the fairway of the golf course. Among those at his funeral are Dr. Nelson Yarbourough, now a dentist, Marshal Reese, a successful developer who designs his developments with a deep appreciation of the local history, and Paul Huber, a landscaper who specializes in eighteenth-century plantings and gardens; the three men were UVA football players for the famed 1959 team, and students under Professor McConnell. Also at the funeral, skulking, is Frank Cresey; he was on the 1975 UVA team, was romantically involved with the professor’s daughter, and hates the professor for ending the romance; he is now a hopeless homeless alcoholic. The story from the 1770s moves on alternately with the story from 2015; at some point, after another murder, Harry realizes that somehow, the solution to the mystery now relates to the old prisoner of war camp, which is where one of the new fancy developments is being constructed.
This was a fascinating story, or stories, and I very much enjoyed reading this book.
This book starts out differently than any other; instead of beginning in Crozet, in the modern age, it begins in October of 1777 near Sarasota, New York, where English Lieutenant Charles West, and his Corgi Piglet, have been captured by the Continentals under the command of Captain John Schuyler. The two men end up at the Prisoner of War camp in Virginia, with West and his dog as prisoners (along with many, many others who fought for the Crown), and Schuyler as one of the commanders of the Camp. Meanwhile, in April of 2015, an old very respected Revolutionary War scholar, Professor Ginger McConnell, has been shot dead on the fairway of the golf course. Among those at his funeral are Dr. Nelson Yarbourough, now a dentist, Marshal Reese, a successful developer who designs his developments with a deep appreciation of the local history, and Paul Huber, a landscaper who specializes in eighteenth-century plantings and gardens; the three men were UVA football players for the famed 1959 team, and students under Professor McConnell. Also at the funeral, skulking, is Frank Cresey; he was on the 1975 UVA team, was romantically involved with the professor’s daughter, and hates the professor for ending the romance; he is now a hopeless homeless alcoholic. The story from the 1770s moves on alternately with the story from 2015; at some point, after another murder, Harry realizes that somehow, the solution to the mystery now relates to the old prisoner of war camp, which is where one of the new fancy developments is being constructed.
This was a fascinating story, or stories, and I very much enjoyed reading this book.
January 28, 2023
I liked the history part of this, going back & forth between 1777-1782 and 2015. It kept me going, wondering exactly how the 2 timelines were going to connect. And it was an interesting connection! I mean it seemed obvious that the deceased knew something someone else needed kept secret—the question was, what.
A few minor things: the audiobook reader is good, there were just a couple of places where her inflection seemed off to me, & sometimes with Harry, Susan & Cooper in a conversation together, I’m not sure who’s talking. Also, about Tucker & Pewter digging up a body in only a few minutes that had to have been buried at LEAST 3 ft down, probably more like 4 ft?? Perhaps I’m wrong, but it seemed like Charles’s rank changed—Capt. at the beginning & Lt. at the end? No mention of John’s promotion from Lt. to Capt., he just suddenly was being called Capt. In the end, at gunpoint, Harry just starts to climb the ladder; why, he didn’t tell her to do that. And the title seems kind of distant from the story line—a reference to their old football days—which has nothing to do with anything except why they all know each other—and why “gait”?? And yet, I liked the history part so much I gave it 5 stars.
The animals didn’t really do any deliberate sleuthing, just accidental discovery & defense.
I was a little disappointed in the end that there wasn’t a connection made between Piglet & Tucker. I mean, as soon as it said the officer’s dog was a Corgi, I thought there was an implication that that was the start of the Corgi breed in the area. (Would an officer really have brought his pet dog with him on a military ship, to cross the Atlantic to go to a war?? Or perhaps Charles was already stationed here when war broke out & he’d gotten the dog here. That was one STURDY dog, surviving everything he did!)
A few minor things: the audiobook reader is good, there were just a couple of places where her inflection seemed off to me, & sometimes with Harry, Susan & Cooper in a conversation together, I’m not sure who’s talking. Also, about Tucker & Pewter digging up a body in only a few minutes that had to have been buried at LEAST 3 ft down, probably more like 4 ft?? Perhaps I’m wrong, but it seemed like Charles’s rank changed—Capt. at the beginning & Lt. at the end? No mention of John’s promotion from Lt. to Capt., he just suddenly was being called Capt. In the end, at gunpoint, Harry just starts to climb the ladder; why, he didn’t tell her to do that. And the title seems kind of distant from the story line—a reference to their old football days—which has nothing to do with anything except why they all know each other—and why “gait”?? And yet, I liked the history part so much I gave it 5 stars.
The animals didn’t really do any deliberate sleuthing, just accidental discovery & defense.
I was a little disappointed in the end that there wasn’t a connection made between Piglet & Tucker. I mean, as soon as it said the officer’s dog was a Corgi, I thought there was an implication that that was the start of the Corgi breed in the area. (Would an officer really have brought his pet dog with him on a military ship, to cross the Atlantic to go to a war?? Or perhaps Charles was already stationed here when war broke out & he’d gotten the dog here. That was one STURDY dog, surviving everything he did!)
April 18, 2025
Now that Spring has arrived in Crozet, VA, Harry and her family and friends are busy with farming, gardening, golfing, and socializing. Not long after having dinner with retired UVA professor Greg “Ginger” McConnell and some of the UVA football team of ‘59, Harry is dismayed to learn Ginger was gunned down on the golf course. Since he was universally beloved, the police can find no motive for the killing. Harry, however, wonders if something that he was researching led to his untimely death. As she tries to piece together what Ginger was looking into and how it could relate to anything current, Harry puts herself in the crosshairs of a killer.
This was something of a departure in this series. Mrs Murphy seemed to almost take a back seat. Plus, the author was alternately telling another story, one from the time of the Revolutionary War, that impacted current events. I’m not fond of stories that jump around in time, although in this case important information was imparted. The narrative held my attention. Characters were fully realized and portrayed flawlessly.
Very good, four stars
This was something of a departure in this series. Mrs Murphy seemed to almost take a back seat. Plus, the author was alternately telling another story, one from the time of the Revolutionary War, that impacted current events. I’m not fond of stories that jump around in time, although in this case important information was imparted. The narrative held my attention. Characters were fully realized and portrayed flawlessly.
Very good, four stars
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