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Cat in the Stacks #8
Douze petits bibliothécaires
L’Association des bibliothèques universitaires du Sud se réunit cette année à Athena. Petits fours et retrouvailles sont au programme. Hélas, certains invités sont moins agréables à revoir que d’autres, à l’instar de Gavin Fong...
Ambitieux, cruel, mesquin – en un mot : tout à fait insupportable –, cet ancien camarade de promotion de Charlie n’a rien perdu de son talent pour se mettre à dos celles et ceux qu’il croise. Pas étonnant que sa mort, toute spectaculaire qu’elle ait été, ne chagrine pas grand monde. Mais lorsqu’une deuxième victime est découverte, Charlie et Diesel doivent identifier le coupable avant que la panique ne s’empare de tous les bibliothécaires du coin !
Ambitieux, cruel, mesquin – en un mot : tout à fait insupportable –, cet ancien camarade de promotion de Charlie n’a rien perdu de son talent pour se mettre à dos celles et ceux qu’il croise. Pas étonnant que sa mort, toute spectaculaire qu’elle ait été, ne chagrine pas grand monde. Mais lorsqu’une deuxième victime est découverte, Charlie et Diesel doivent identifier le coupable avant que la panique ne s’empare de tous les bibliothécaires du coin !
352 pages, Paperback
First published February 21, 2017
424 people are currently reading
2980 people want to read
About the author
Miranda James
25 books1,256 followersPen name of Dean James, who also writes as Honor Hartman and Jimmie Ruth Evans
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 544 reviews
July 31, 2022
Twelve Angry Librarians is the 8th book in the 'Cat in the Stacks' mystery series written by Miranda James. In this caper, ~55ish Charlie Harris, a librarian at Athena College in Mississippi, is working as the interim head of the library when a conference comes to town. Charlie meets a few old friends, some not so friendly anymore, and an enemy from his college days. When the enemy ends up dead, Charlie must solve the case before someone he knows is wrongfully accused of murder... like himself!
I enjoy the relationships in these books. Charlie has two grown children who are both married and expecting babies soon. His wife has passed, but there is a new woman in his life. We have a few good friends at the library, and then there is his tepid alliance with the local deputy who handles murder investigations in the small town. Let's not forget Diesel the ~30 lb. Maine Coon cat who knows exactly when to trust and not to trust. The evolution throughout the books is strong, and I find myself coming back quickly to all the series this author has written. I'm hopeful to finish the next two in this series so that I'm current by the fall to read the newest one when there is an ARC.
In this case, the suspects are aplenty. The deceased was loathsome. He had to be punished, and I love when Charlie decked him... even if violence doesn't solve problems. This was the only way the bad guy would learn his lesson. Go Charlie! Go Miranda James! Thanks for making me laugh and cry all at the same time. I would love to see a TV series with Charlie and Kanesha, the deputy, butting heads. Plus, I'm a fan of cozy college campus mysteries. 4.5 stars and a definite recommendation from me!
I enjoy the relationships in these books. Charlie has two grown children who are both married and expecting babies soon. His wife has passed, but there is a new woman in his life. We have a few good friends at the library, and then there is his tepid alliance with the local deputy who handles murder investigations in the small town. Let's not forget Diesel the ~30 lb. Maine Coon cat who knows exactly when to trust and not to trust. The evolution throughout the books is strong, and I find myself coming back quickly to all the series this author has written. I'm hopeful to finish the next two in this series so that I'm current by the fall to read the newest one when there is an ARC.
In this case, the suspects are aplenty. The deceased was loathsome. He had to be punished, and I love when Charlie decked him... even if violence doesn't solve problems. This was the only way the bad guy would learn his lesson. Go Charlie! Go Miranda James! Thanks for making me laugh and cry all at the same time. I would love to see a TV series with Charlie and Kanesha, the deputy, butting heads. Plus, I'm a fan of cozy college campus mysteries. 4.5 stars and a definite recommendation from me!
August 4, 2021
Still probably my favorite cozy mystery series. It had been awhile since I read one and then I realized the author has been a busy bee and I have several to catch up on! I’m terrible at figuring out the mystery myself, but it’s fun watching it all unwind.
August 11, 2017
An utterly charming first trip into Miranda James's cosy crime mysteries. What really entranced me however, was the main character- a large, adorable and attention seeking Maine Coon cat named Diesel.
His owner Charlie is a librarian who has the misfortune during an academic conference of bumping into an old colleague named Gavin Fong. Gavin is a foul individual who treads over anyone and everyone he can to get the jobs he wants. Unfortunately, by the end of the conference he will be dead, murdered as he delivers a Key Note speech. Charlie can't help but delve into Gavin's background, and the backgrounds of all the other conference attendees (with a little help from Diesel)
Who could be the murderer?
Wonderful little story, I loved it and adored the characters. I will be sure to look into more adventures with Diesel and Charlie!
His owner Charlie is a librarian who has the misfortune during an academic conference of bumping into an old colleague named Gavin Fong. Gavin is a foul individual who treads over anyone and everyone he can to get the jobs he wants. Unfortunately, by the end of the conference he will be dead, murdered as he delivers a Key Note speech. Charlie can't help but delve into Gavin's background, and the backgrounds of all the other conference attendees (with a little help from Diesel)
Who could be the murderer?
Wonderful little story, I loved it and adored the characters. I will be sure to look into more adventures with Diesel and Charlie!
February 25, 2017
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Seeing that kitty on the cover always makes me smile. I can’t believe this it the 8th Cat in the Stacks Mystery. This time we find Charlie running into some people he attended college with. Two he is very happy to see, one he wants to avoid. Knowing the one he wants to avoid is giving a keynote speech means they are going to meet face to face because Charlie’s library is hosting the event. The meeting does not go well but when the man drops dead during his address all eyes turn to Charlie as the prime suspect. Charlie quickly finds out there are several other librarians angry with Mr. Gavin Fong, he just needs to figure out which one permanently checked him out.
This is one of my favorite series of all time. I reviewed the first book, Murder Past Due, back in 2010 and absolutely loved it. Each story continues to build on that first one and always draws me in at page 1. Miranda James writes us another excellent mystery this time. One I read all in one sitting. It was like curling up with some old friends.
Charlie and his wonderful feline sidekick, Diesel, make a fantastic team and they work together so well in their “purr – suit” to find the guilty party. This time there are so many suspects it was fun to parry them down one by one and even circle back to a few that I had already written off. This Gavin Fong sure rubbed people the wrong way. Charlie also has some things happening in his private life as well. Some great things, some that will take some thought, and one that has him a little worried. Diesel is such a calming presence in his life and one I understand so well myself.
This story is the epitome of what a cozy mystery is supposed to be with the exception that our amateur sleuth is a man, but a very lovable man. It is set in a small college town, we have a victim that has plenty of faults, and we are given a great mystery to solve. All the books in this series are outstanding.
A Cat-ivating Cozy !! A Purr-fect Escape!! 5 Paws!!
Seeing that kitty on the cover always makes me smile. I can’t believe this it the 8th Cat in the Stacks Mystery. This time we find Charlie running into some people he attended college with. Two he is very happy to see, one he wants to avoid. Knowing the one he wants to avoid is giving a keynote speech means they are going to meet face to face because Charlie’s library is hosting the event. The meeting does not go well but when the man drops dead during his address all eyes turn to Charlie as the prime suspect. Charlie quickly finds out there are several other librarians angry with Mr. Gavin Fong, he just needs to figure out which one permanently checked him out.
This is one of my favorite series of all time. I reviewed the first book, Murder Past Due, back in 2010 and absolutely loved it. Each story continues to build on that first one and always draws me in at page 1. Miranda James writes us another excellent mystery this time. One I read all in one sitting. It was like curling up with some old friends.
Charlie and his wonderful feline sidekick, Diesel, make a fantastic team and they work together so well in their “purr – suit” to find the guilty party. This time there are so many suspects it was fun to parry them down one by one and even circle back to a few that I had already written off. This Gavin Fong sure rubbed people the wrong way. Charlie also has some things happening in his private life as well. Some great things, some that will take some thought, and one that has him a little worried. Diesel is such a calming presence in his life and one I understand so well myself.
This story is the epitome of what a cozy mystery is supposed to be with the exception that our amateur sleuth is a man, but a very lovable man. It is set in a small college town, we have a victim that has plenty of faults, and we are given a great mystery to solve. All the books in this series are outstanding.
A Cat-ivating Cozy !! A Purr-fect Escape!! 5 Paws!!
June 8, 2017
Listening to this audiobook, 'Twelve Angry Librarians' by Miranda James was a comforting read for me. Having recently lost one of my beloved cats, I felt the need to immerse myself in the world of Charlie Harris and his Maine Coon Cat, Diesel. To me, there is no better combination than books and cats.
In this, the 8th installment in the 'Cat in the Stacks' series, Charlie Harris remains the interim library director at Athena College and this year the college will be hosting the meeting of the Southern Academic Libraries Association. As part of his duties, Charlie was charged with delivering the welcome speech to the group. Although Charlie was looking forward to catching up with old friends from library school... Randi and Marisue... he was also not fond of public speaking and was feeling a bit anxious. To compound his anxiety, Charlie discovered that the keynote speaker was none other than his old nemesis from library school, Dr. Gavin Fong.
As the conference got underway and Charlie began mingling with the visiting librarians in attendance, he discovered that Gavin Fong had apparently not changed in the many years that had passed. He was still as arrogant and mean-spirited as he had always been; and he was certainly not going to win a popularity contest with any of the attendees. In fact, it soon became quite clear just how unpopular Gavin Fong actually was. On the day of his keynote speech... a speech in which he pompously and with evident glee, declared to his audience that they were all about to face unemployment because academic libraries and librarians were becoming obsolete due to the vast abundance of research materials now available online.... someone decided to permanently silence him. Upon taking a sip of his bottled water, Gavin Fong clutched his chest and keeled over... DEAD!
Deputy Kanesha Berry ( a regular character in this series) was assigned to investigate the murder and she found out in short order that determining who did NOT have a grudge against the deceased would be far easier and faster. Even Charlie had to admit to Deputy Berry that he, too, had publicly exchanged angry words with Gavin Fong. Charlie realized that to rescue what remained of the conference AND to clear himself from suspicion, he and Diesel were going to have to engage in a little sleuthing of their own. And when the next body was found.... Charlie knew he was going to have to find the murderer FAST!
Although Diesel, Charlie's Maine Coon Cat, had a more limited role in this installment, listening to his charming warbles and chirps were the salve my wounded heart needed. I always enjoy listening to each installment in the 'Cat in the Stacks' series, narrated by Erin Bennett.
In this, the 8th installment in the 'Cat in the Stacks' series, Charlie Harris remains the interim library director at Athena College and this year the college will be hosting the meeting of the Southern Academic Libraries Association. As part of his duties, Charlie was charged with delivering the welcome speech to the group. Although Charlie was looking forward to catching up with old friends from library school... Randi and Marisue... he was also not fond of public speaking and was feeling a bit anxious. To compound his anxiety, Charlie discovered that the keynote speaker was none other than his old nemesis from library school, Dr. Gavin Fong.
As the conference got underway and Charlie began mingling with the visiting librarians in attendance, he discovered that Gavin Fong had apparently not changed in the many years that had passed. He was still as arrogant and mean-spirited as he had always been; and he was certainly not going to win a popularity contest with any of the attendees. In fact, it soon became quite clear just how unpopular Gavin Fong actually was. On the day of his keynote speech... a speech in which he pompously and with evident glee, declared to his audience that they were all about to face unemployment because academic libraries and librarians were becoming obsolete due to the vast abundance of research materials now available online.... someone decided to permanently silence him. Upon taking a sip of his bottled water, Gavin Fong clutched his chest and keeled over... DEAD!
Deputy Kanesha Berry ( a regular character in this series) was assigned to investigate the murder and she found out in short order that determining who did NOT have a grudge against the deceased would be far easier and faster. Even Charlie had to admit to Deputy Berry that he, too, had publicly exchanged angry words with Gavin Fong. Charlie realized that to rescue what remained of the conference AND to clear himself from suspicion, he and Diesel were going to have to engage in a little sleuthing of their own. And when the next body was found.... Charlie knew he was going to have to find the murderer FAST!
Although Diesel, Charlie's Maine Coon Cat, had a more limited role in this installment, listening to his charming warbles and chirps were the salve my wounded heart needed. I always enjoy listening to each installment in the 'Cat in the Stacks' series, narrated by Erin Bennett.
December 4, 2016
Athena College is hosting the annual meeting of southern Association of Libraries and this stressing out Charlie Harris. Diesel, Maine coon is spending his days with Melba. Charlie is delight he will see old friends. However, one Gaven Fong, he would prefer to not meet again. His luck does not hold and Charlie has an altercation with Haven the first night. The next morning he meets up with old friends and sits with them instead of the Speaker's table. Along with entire conference, Charlie watches as Gaven Fong takes a drink of bottled water and dies. Charlie learns that Gaven hosted a party the night before and these LIBRARIANS had the best opportunity to manage to put the poison in the water. I always enjoy a visit with Charlie, Diesel and family and this one is one the best. The ending will surprise you. I highly recommend this book.
Disclosure: I received a free copy from Penguin Groups through NetGalley for an honest review. I would like to thank them for this opportunity to read and review the book. The opinions expressed are my own.
Disclosure: I received a free copy from Penguin Groups through NetGalley for an honest review. I would like to thank them for this opportunity to read and review the book. The opinions expressed are my own.
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February 13, 2017A Cozy Girl Reads and Writes
Book Review/Giveaway
Feb 18
http://acozygirlreads.blogspot.ca/
Book Review/Giveaway
Feb 18
http://acozygirlreads.blogspot.ca/
October 9, 2017
I read this just because I thought the title is hilarious. Haven't read any of the rest of the series. I almost liked this book. ALMOST. But I couldn't get over the methodical descriptions of our lead's everyday life. If he got a cup of water, we heard about it. If he went to the bathroom, we went with him. I appreciate an attempt to insert realism into storytelling, but this was a tad bit excessive.
April 6, 2017
Twelve Angry Librarians by Miranda James.
Charlie Harris is giving the welcoming speech for the commencement for the Southern Academic Libraries Association. He is definitely not looking forward to that and developments just get worse when he finds that a royal pain from his college days will be in attendance and deliver the keynote address.
Things fly into high gear when Gavin Fong (that royal pain) sends an inappropriate email to Charlie followed by an obnoxious confrontation prior to the annual meeting. Witnesses are for Charlie and against Gavin except for one woman in particular. Charlie's chums from their college days, Randi and Marisue, completely side with Charlie having known Gavin and his malicious ways.
Charlie has other closer to home issues on his plate at the moment. Both his daughter, Laura, and daughter in law, are expecting in the not too distant future. Laura's husband has been offered a job with a future and salary to boot all the way up in Virginia. Charlie is hoping to keep his daughter and soon to be grandchild close to home.
I've stayed with the Charlie & Diesel series for a number of reasons. The characters are likable with everyday problems that confront many families. There are relationships that evolve and grow; nothing remains stagnant. The author's style of writing is a joy to read.
Charlie Harris is giving the welcoming speech for the commencement for the Southern Academic Libraries Association. He is definitely not looking forward to that and developments just get worse when he finds that a royal pain from his college days will be in attendance and deliver the keynote address.
Things fly into high gear when Gavin Fong (that royal pain) sends an inappropriate email to Charlie followed by an obnoxious confrontation prior to the annual meeting. Witnesses are for Charlie and against Gavin except for one woman in particular. Charlie's chums from their college days, Randi and Marisue, completely side with Charlie having known Gavin and his malicious ways.
Charlie has other closer to home issues on his plate at the moment. Both his daughter, Laura, and daughter in law, are expecting in the not too distant future. Laura's husband has been offered a job with a future and salary to boot all the way up in Virginia. Charlie is hoping to keep his daughter and soon to be grandchild close to home.
I've stayed with the Charlie & Diesel series for a number of reasons. The characters are likable with everyday problems that confront many families. There are relationships that evolve and grow; nothing remains stagnant. The author's style of writing is a joy to read.
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February 21, 2017Fans of Miranda James will not want to miss this excellent installment of the Cat in the Stacks Mystery series!
While TWELVE ANGRY LIBRARIANS is the eighth book in this series, it is only the third I have read. With each new title I am becoming more emotionally involved with its characters. Author Miranda James has imbued them with qualities that make it hard to not enjoy them.
I found the librarian convention featured in this story to be fascinating. I enjoyed reading the personalities of the different librarians, and indeed the one who is killed in the book, I’m sad to say, very much acted like one of the ones I have met (only mine is the female version).
As the title suggests, there were plenty of suspects is this story. There were so many that couldn’t stand the murder victim at all. Our own Charlie didn’t like him from over three decades before. So, it was tricky trying to figure out the killer. I suspected right at first, but author James did a great job of throwing me off the scent and leading me astray.
TWELVE ANGRY LIBRARIANS is written with the same consistent style and talent that has come to be expected of Miranda James. It’s this kind of writing that keeps us coming back for more.
While TWELVE ANGRY LIBRARIANS is the eighth book in this series, it is only the third I have read. With each new title I am becoming more emotionally involved with its characters. Author Miranda James has imbued them with qualities that make it hard to not enjoy them.
I found the librarian convention featured in this story to be fascinating. I enjoyed reading the personalities of the different librarians, and indeed the one who is killed in the book, I’m sad to say, very much acted like one of the ones I have met (only mine is the female version).
As the title suggests, there were plenty of suspects is this story. There were so many that couldn’t stand the murder victim at all. Our own Charlie didn’t like him from over three decades before. So, it was tricky trying to figure out the killer. I suspected right at first, but author James did a great job of throwing me off the scent and leading me astray.
TWELVE ANGRY LIBRARIANS is written with the same consistent style and talent that has come to be expected of Miranda James. It’s this kind of writing that keeps us coming back for more.
August 10, 2021
Twelve Angry Librarians by Miranda James is the 8th book in the Cat in the Stacks Mystery series. Athena College is hosting the annual conference for The Southern Academic Libraries Association and when the keynote speaker, universally despised Gavin Fong is poisoned during his speech, Charlie Harris finds himself in the middle of another murder investigation. An enjoyable and entertaining book although rather slow paced as the main part is taken up with the conference and the murder does not occur until halfway through. It is nice to catch up with everyone although briefly, even Diesel misses most of the action. I like that Charlie shares everything with the police rather than taking chances. A charming and interesting mystery.
January 2, 2018
Twelve Angry Librarians is the eighth book in the A Cat In The Stacks Mystery series.
Another wonderful book in this great series. This is one of my favorite series and I just love Diesel and Charlie Harris, actually all the characters.
Charlie is interim library director and the Southern Academic Library Association is holding their annual meeting at Athena College. Charlie is rather upset when he sees that Gavin Fong, a nemesis from his college days, will be the keynote speaker at the meeting. As the meeting is about to begin Fong approaches Charlie and tells Charlie to put in a good word for him for the director’s job. He insinuates that he will tell the people that Charlie reports to something from his past that will harm his position at the college. He continues to harass until Charlie hauls off and punches him in the nose. Several people are aware of what has taken place and offer to be witnesses if Charlie decides or Fong decides to file charges.
As Fong is about to begin his speech he asks a bottle of water and he takes a drink, he collapses and dies. Of course, Charlie fears that once his altercation with Fong becomes known, he will become a person of interest. Charlie certainly is new to investigations, so he begins to learn more about Fong’s past since their college days. He soon finds that there is no shortage of suspects. Charlie soon finds that Fong had been changing jobs every two years and those at the meeting that had worked with him almost all say that they are not sorry he’s dead, just that it is terrible he was murdered. It will appear that he might have been blackmailing people that he had been working with, but Charlies needs to find the one that enough to do Fong in.
In addition to worrying about solving Fong’s murder, Charlies is concerned that his daughter, Laura who is expecting, will be moving with her husband to Virginia. Also, he has been offered the Library Directors position. He doesn’t need a full-time job and he certainly enjoys the freedom of the part-time job as head of historical archives at Athena College.
I will be definitely looking forward to the next exciting book in this masterfully written series.
Another wonderful book in this great series. This is one of my favorite series and I just love Diesel and Charlie Harris, actually all the characters.
Charlie is interim library director and the Southern Academic Library Association is holding their annual meeting at Athena College. Charlie is rather upset when he sees that Gavin Fong, a nemesis from his college days, will be the keynote speaker at the meeting. As the meeting is about to begin Fong approaches Charlie and tells Charlie to put in a good word for him for the director’s job. He insinuates that he will tell the people that Charlie reports to something from his past that will harm his position at the college. He continues to harass until Charlie hauls off and punches him in the nose. Several people are aware of what has taken place and offer to be witnesses if Charlie decides or Fong decides to file charges.
As Fong is about to begin his speech he asks a bottle of water and he takes a drink, he collapses and dies. Of course, Charlie fears that once his altercation with Fong becomes known, he will become a person of interest. Charlie certainly is new to investigations, so he begins to learn more about Fong’s past since their college days. He soon finds that there is no shortage of suspects. Charlie soon finds that Fong had been changing jobs every two years and those at the meeting that had worked with him almost all say that they are not sorry he’s dead, just that it is terrible he was murdered. It will appear that he might have been blackmailing people that he had been working with, but Charlies needs to find the one that enough to do Fong in.
In addition to worrying about solving Fong’s murder, Charlies is concerned that his daughter, Laura who is expecting, will be moving with her husband to Virginia. Also, he has been offered the Library Directors position. He doesn’t need a full-time job and he certainly enjoys the freedom of the part-time job as head of historical archives at Athena College.
I will be definitely looking forward to the next exciting book in this masterfully written series.
February 21, 2017
Athena College is playing host to the Southern Academic Libraries Association convention and Charlie Harris’s old grad school classmate Gavin Fong is giving the keynote address. Charlie doesn’t have fond memories of Gavin, and an encounter opening night proves that Gavin is still as arrogant as ever. But when Gavin collapses and dies in the middle of his speech, Charlie is surprised. Yes, Gavin was a jerk, but who hated him enough to kill him?
As always, this is a strong mystery, with conflict and tension set up from the very first chapter. We have several strong motives and suspects before Gavin dies, and we get some nice twists before the logical solution. The suspects are all believable, and the returning characters continue to be strong. Charlie’s cat Diesel charms like always as well.
NOTE: I received a copy of this book.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
As always, this is a strong mystery, with conflict and tension set up from the very first chapter. We have several strong motives and suspects before Gavin dies, and we get some nice twists before the logical solution. The suspects are all believable, and the returning characters continue to be strong. Charlie’s cat Diesel charms like always as well.
NOTE: I received a copy of this book.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
October 29, 2018
All I can say this is a 'really' cozy mystery. I like 'cozy's', like cats, and love the library. It was okay. I didn't start at the beginning of this series so I didn't have a lot of investment in the characters. I did get tired of patting the Maine Coon cat on the head. Don't think I'll get into this series. (note: not sure about the '12' angry librarians. I didn't count them and Charlie didn't count them for me.)
July 18, 2019
The Southern Academic Library Association (SALA) is holding this year’s annual meeting at Athena College where Charlie Harris is acting as interim director. On top of that, his daughter has recently announced that she, her husband and his unborn grandchild may be moving due to a job offer which would help provide for their growing family so that she will be able to spend time with her child. Of course his love interest has been exceptionally busy with her own booming business, leaving them less quality time. Now, to top everything off, Charlie, as interim library director must give the welcoming speech to all of the visiting librarians; what else could possibly add to Charlie’s stressful life?
As Charlie reads through the list of activities, he sees more trouble; his nemesis from thirty years prior is scheduled to give the key note speech, Gavin Fong. Fong is known as an insufferable know-it-all capable of getting under everyone’s skin. Charlie gets an email from Gavin demanding that he put in a good word for him for the job of director.
When Charlie runs into Gavin in the halls, he ends up hitting him and knocking him down, as Gavin threatens to sue, witnesses step up confirming that Gavin swung first. By the end of the day, Charlie receives a request to attend a special meeting with the Board of Directors first thing the following morning; has Gavin finally done Charlie in?
In his keynote, Gavin puts forth an extremely unpopular opinion; librarians will soon become obsolete. So, as he takes a sip of water during his speech and drops dead, no one seems too upset, although Charlie realizes he is at the top of the suspect list. Will Charlie be able to figure out the mystery encasing Gavin’s death before he is arrested for a crime he did not commit?
As Charlie reads through the list of activities, he sees more trouble; his nemesis from thirty years prior is scheduled to give the key note speech, Gavin Fong. Fong is known as an insufferable know-it-all capable of getting under everyone’s skin. Charlie gets an email from Gavin demanding that he put in a good word for him for the job of director.
When Charlie runs into Gavin in the halls, he ends up hitting him and knocking him down, as Gavin threatens to sue, witnesses step up confirming that Gavin swung first. By the end of the day, Charlie receives a request to attend a special meeting with the Board of Directors first thing the following morning; has Gavin finally done Charlie in?
In his keynote, Gavin puts forth an extremely unpopular opinion; librarians will soon become obsolete. So, as he takes a sip of water during his speech and drops dead, no one seems too upset, although Charlie realizes he is at the top of the suspect list. Will Charlie be able to figure out the mystery encasing Gavin’s death before he is arrested for a crime he did not commit?
January 8, 2020
I needed something light to read over the Christmas/New Year holiday. I have never read any of the other books in this series and formulaic “whodunnits” are definitely not my thing. The book definitely was an easy, light-hearted read. The murder victims are extremely unlikable characters so none of the other characters are upset by their deaths. I’m thinking if a convention was going on and 2 attendees were murdered, maybe it’d be canceled?
Also, I have to admit that Charlie’s relationship with his cat seemed a little over the top. The cat either goes with him or someone has to “babysit” him. Really? The main advantage of having a cat is that it can be left alone long periods of time, but as long as they have food, water and a litter box, it’s all good. In that same vein, I got tired of reading about every time Charlie had to visit the restroom, wash his hands, change his clothes, etc. Too much ink was spent describing mundane tasks, in my opinion. To be fair, I might try another book in the series before I give up on it.
Also, I have to admit that Charlie’s relationship with his cat seemed a little over the top. The cat either goes with him or someone has to “babysit” him. Really? The main advantage of having a cat is that it can be left alone long periods of time, but as long as they have food, water and a litter box, it’s all good. In that same vein, I got tired of reading about every time Charlie had to visit the restroom, wash his hands, change his clothes, etc. Too much ink was spent describing mundane tasks, in my opinion. To be fair, I might try another book in the series before I give up on it.
February 6, 2017
What an amazing honor it was to binge read Miranda James' Twelve Angry Librarians last night. Waiting on the arrival of this one with baited breath, officially is releases on February 21st . It seems that Charlie and Diesel can not seem to keep there noses out of trouble! Boy do I love it. This was a really interesting mystery. I feel so many emotions when I read anything by Miranda James, by page 12 I was already in tears, a few chapters later filled with rage, anxiety gripped a few more chapters and then blessed with that perfectly timed mystery unravel and happy ending. Miranda James has long been a favorite author of mine and this beautifully written book is one to cherish.
August 7, 2018
Well. I never saw THAT coming. This is one of the first times with this series that I had no idea who the killer was -OR- the why. How delightful!!!
October 2, 2017
This was another of the books I ordered while sick last week, and it was the one I wanted most. I love Charlie and Diesel, but it is hard to get their books close to the release date in Australia- they are always ridiculously expensive! This was the most reasonably priced one however, and the pretty hardcover will look great in my collection.
What I loved about this mystery was the completely different aspect of who ends up being the killer- you literally will never guess it! I haven't come across a similar idea in cozy before, so it was with complete satisfaction that I closed this book.
Always love these Southern mysteries, Miranda James is a terrific author that holds your attention throughout. Five stars!
What I loved about this mystery was the completely different aspect of who ends up being the killer- you literally will never guess it! I haven't come across a similar idea in cozy before, so it was with complete satisfaction that I closed this book.
Always love these Southern mysteries, Miranda James is a terrific author that holds your attention throughout. Five stars!
February 7, 2018
With Charlie Harris being the interim library director he needs to get involved in a Library Association annual meeting, this year being help at Athena College. His heart sinks though when he sees that one of the main speakers will be his nemesis from when they were training (Gavin Fong), but Charlie didn't expect to get into a physical fight with him! The problem is that 24 hours later Gavin is dramatically dead and people at the meeting are starting to look at Charlie rather askance, so Charlie needs to prove his innocence again (and at least that will take his mind off the fact that his daughter and her husband may be moving out of State.)
April 9, 2017
In the last Cat in the Stacks, Charlie is helping host a librarian's convention in Athena.
All hell breaks lose when the keynote speaker is poisoned at the podium... the day after he had a brawl with Charlie! However it soon becomes clear that it's not so much a case of who wanted to kill Gavin Fong, but who DIDN'T.
Another delightful novel loaded with fun.
Highly recommended.
All hell breaks lose when the keynote speaker is poisoned at the podium... the day after he had a brawl with Charlie! However it soon becomes clear that it's not so much a case of who wanted to kill Gavin Fong, but who DIDN'T.
Another delightful novel loaded with fun.
Highly recommended.
January 26, 2018
I don't really consider myself a cat person but I really want a cat like Diesel! I love his personality and how he interacts with Charlie. I really just want to snuggle him though I'm not sure how happy Diesel would be about that!
This series is a little unusual in that the main character is a man and at retirement age. He's a true Southern gentleman in the best possible of ways and of the kind you don't see much anymore. He's unfailingly polite, quick to open the door, pull out a chair or make a tactful remark all while staying incredibly nosy!
The mystery was intriguing and followed the Agatha Christie rules of the most unlikable character being the victim. I think the 12 angry librarians in the title was an understatement! The convention center was crawling with angry librarians all with a very real reason to dislike the victim but is that the same as wanting to kill him? Since Charlie has experience in murder investigations and a less than friendly interaction with the victim shortly before Gavin died he finds himself unable to resist following the clues and finding the killer. I really appreciated Charlie's respect for the police - especially for Detective Kanesha Berry and that he encourages everyone he questions to go to the police with their information. There are no TSTL do-it yourself moments in this book!
As some of you know I spend quite a bit of time in Mississippi and so it was an extra treat reading a mystery set in the state. While this is the 8th book in the series I had no problem jumping in here. Since this particular book involves a lot of non-regular characters I'm not sure this would be the case with every book. There are a handful of side characters sprinkled through the book including Charlie's children, their spouses, and a handful of friends. All this brought this little Mississippi town to life - my only complaint is that Helen Louise's Bistro isn't a real place!
If you enjoy a good cozy mystery with entertaining and likable characters (and a delightful cat) this is a must read series!
Review Originally Published at https://iwishilivedinalibrary.blogspo...
This series is a little unusual in that the main character is a man and at retirement age. He's a true Southern gentleman in the best possible of ways and of the kind you don't see much anymore. He's unfailingly polite, quick to open the door, pull out a chair or make a tactful remark all while staying incredibly nosy!
The mystery was intriguing and followed the Agatha Christie rules of the most unlikable character being the victim. I think the 12 angry librarians in the title was an understatement! The convention center was crawling with angry librarians all with a very real reason to dislike the victim but is that the same as wanting to kill him? Since Charlie has experience in murder investigations and a less than friendly interaction with the victim shortly before Gavin died he finds himself unable to resist following the clues and finding the killer. I really appreciated Charlie's respect for the police - especially for Detective Kanesha Berry and that he encourages everyone he questions to go to the police with their information. There are no TSTL do-it yourself moments in this book!
As some of you know I spend quite a bit of time in Mississippi and so it was an extra treat reading a mystery set in the state. While this is the 8th book in the series I had no problem jumping in here. Since this particular book involves a lot of non-regular characters I'm not sure this would be the case with every book. There are a handful of side characters sprinkled through the book including Charlie's children, their spouses, and a handful of friends. All this brought this little Mississippi town to life - my only complaint is that Helen Louise's Bistro isn't a real place!
If you enjoy a good cozy mystery with entertaining and likable characters (and a delightful cat) this is a must read series!
Review Originally Published at https://iwishilivedinalibrary.blogspo...
September 15, 2022
I enjoyed this audiobook narrated by Erin Bennett. The blurb does a far job of describing the plot. The characters Charlie Harris and his Maine Coon cat, Diesel, were a delight to read about in this latest installment in the Cat in the Stacks series. Several of the previous characters were present as well as new characters. The mystery is expertly written and executed. The descriptions were precise and vivid. The dialogue fit the characters. Bennett changed her voice to distinguish among each character. I'm looking forward to the next novel in this series.
December 16, 2025
I received a free copy from Tantor Audio and voluntarily reviewed it.
Twelve Angry Librarians is the eight book in this series and I am having a great time listening to this series. In this book Charlie in his role as interim director has to attend a librarian conference that the college library he works for is hosting. When someone who was despised by many dies Charlie gets involved to solve the mystery. Besides that he is offered the job as director and he has to decide whether to accept the job, while both of his children are both expecting their first baby soon and his daughter is considering a move to another state. So there's plenty going on in this one.
The mystery in this one didn't grip me as much as some of the earlier ones. I liked the library conference setting, I thought that was interesting event to center the mystery around. It was fun to read about the conference and see Charlie catch up with some old friends and make new acquaintances. The mystery involved a person whom many disliked and so there is no shortage of suspects. Something about it just didn't fully grip me. There are some twists along the way that add some intrigue. Charlie is talking a lot to other people who know or have seen more than he did in this. I thought the reveal was quite clever and I thought it was a nice reveal with a great twist when everything fell on it's place. I also liked how Charlie figured it out, but the police also do.
I like reading about Charlie and his cat Diesel and seeing how his life changes throughout the series. He is now considering whether he want the director job, which is a big life decision. He likes some things about this job, but also wonders if he wants to go back to working full time with two grandchildren on their way and it would mean even less time with his girlfriend too. Then there is his daughter who might move to another state. I liked seeing these threads play out and I like how these subplots play out throughout the series. I liked how these got resolved toward the end and look forward to seeing how these decisions influence future books.
To summarize: I enjoy this series and listening to the adventures of Charlie and his cat Diesel as they solve mysteries. This one has a mystery at a librarian conference, which made for an interesting setting. The mystery didn't grip me as much for some reason, but I did think the reveal was quite clever and had an interesting twist and reveal. There is also a big decision Charlie has to make when he is offered the job as director for the library he works at and some other personal life plot lines that are evolving. I like seeing these personal life plot lines play out throughout the series and seeing how Charlie's life changes. I look forward to the next book!
Twelve Angry Librarians is the eight book in this series and I am having a great time listening to this series. In this book Charlie in his role as interim director has to attend a librarian conference that the college library he works for is hosting. When someone who was despised by many dies Charlie gets involved to solve the mystery. Besides that he is offered the job as director and he has to decide whether to accept the job, while both of his children are both expecting their first baby soon and his daughter is considering a move to another state. So there's plenty going on in this one.
The mystery in this one didn't grip me as much as some of the earlier ones. I liked the library conference setting, I thought that was interesting event to center the mystery around. It was fun to read about the conference and see Charlie catch up with some old friends and make new acquaintances. The mystery involved a person whom many disliked and so there is no shortage of suspects. Something about it just didn't fully grip me. There are some twists along the way that add some intrigue. Charlie is talking a lot to other people who know or have seen more than he did in this. I thought the reveal was quite clever and I thought it was a nice reveal with a great twist when everything fell on it's place. I also liked how Charlie figured it out, but the police also do.
I like reading about Charlie and his cat Diesel and seeing how his life changes throughout the series. He is now considering whether he want the director job, which is a big life decision. He likes some things about this job, but also wonders if he wants to go back to working full time with two grandchildren on their way and it would mean even less time with his girlfriend too. Then there is his daughter who might move to another state. I liked seeing these threads play out and I like how these subplots play out throughout the series. I liked how these got resolved toward the end and look forward to seeing how these decisions influence future books.
To summarize: I enjoy this series and listening to the adventures of Charlie and his cat Diesel as they solve mysteries. This one has a mystery at a librarian conference, which made for an interesting setting. The mystery didn't grip me as much for some reason, but I did think the reveal was quite clever and had an interesting twist and reveal. There is also a big decision Charlie has to make when he is offered the job as director for the library he works at and some other personal life plot lines that are evolving. I like seeing these personal life plot lines play out throughout the series and seeing how Charlie's life changes. I look forward to the next book!
October 11, 2020
Due to events in the previous book (which I haven't read and which this book's text was vague about, probably to avoid spoilers for those reading the series out of order), Charlie Harris is now the interim library director at Athena College's library. This year's Southern Academic Libraries Association (SALA) conference is being held at Athena College, so Charlie has that on his plate, as well various personal concerns. His interim position is prompting him to think whether he might want to be library director on a more permanent basis, his daughter and her husband might be moving away shortly after she gives birth, and his son's wife is also pregnant.
Charlie is less than pleased when he learns that one of the conference's keynote speakers is Gavin Fong, a slimeball who hit on his wife back in library school and was generally unpleasant. It doesn't take long to see that Gavin hasn't improved over the years, and he manages to make a few more people angry before dying, apparently of cyanide poisoning.
I've been reading this series all out of order. I started with the first book, listened to the tenth on audio, and then went back and read this, the eighth book. At the start of the series, Charlie was a part-time archivist at Athena College and, I think, a part-time public librarian. In this book, he'd somehow become interim director of Athena College's library - I guess the library didn't have any other senior members who wanted or were able to take the role? At some point I need to read the previous book.
At any rate, this book was probably the best of the three I've read. The mystery was interesting, especially as things became a little more complicated. Charlie and Chief Deputy Kanesha Berry had a good rhythm, compared to the first book. Charlie poked around for info but repeatedly reminded himself that this wasn't his job and he needed to back off sometimes. If he did find out anything potentially useful, he passed it on to Kanesha ASAP. Meanwhile, she did her job and only kept him in the loop as much as necessary. At the end of the book, instead of a dramatic Big Reveal or confrontation at the conference, Charlie sat down with Kanesha and told her his theory about what happened, which she could confirm or deny based on the results of her own more in-depth investigation.
I enjoyed the library aspects, which were generally accurate but did have some issues. The conference felt like a real library conference, with believable session topics. I think this is the first fiction book I've ever read that has mentioned AACR2 and RDA (the previous and current cataloging rules). And yes, Gavin's speech would definitely have angered everyone in the room. There was a bit more drama than I'm used to at real library conferences (I'm not just talking about murder), but I suppose it wasn't too far-fetched.
A couple things I thought were a little off: the overall reaction to the murder and Charlie's line of thought concerning liaison librarians.
If a person was murdered at a conference, wouldn't the police potentially have had to keep everyone there longer than expected? I thought it was odd that not a single person seemed to be worried that they might not be able to leave when planned. No one even asked about it.
And then the liaison librarian thing.
Liaison librarian issues aside, I enjoyed this and plan to read more of this series.
(Original review posted on A Library Girl's Familiar Diversions.)
Charlie is less than pleased when he learns that one of the conference's keynote speakers is Gavin Fong, a slimeball who hit on his wife back in library school and was generally unpleasant. It doesn't take long to see that Gavin hasn't improved over the years, and he manages to make a few more people angry before dying, apparently of cyanide poisoning.
I've been reading this series all out of order. I started with the first book, listened to the tenth on audio, and then went back and read this, the eighth book. At the start of the series, Charlie was a part-time archivist at Athena College and, I think, a part-time public librarian. In this book, he'd somehow become interim director of Athena College's library - I guess the library didn't have any other senior members who wanted or were able to take the role? At some point I need to read the previous book.
At any rate, this book was probably the best of the three I've read. The mystery was interesting, especially as things became a little more complicated. Charlie and Chief Deputy Kanesha Berry had a good rhythm, compared to the first book. Charlie poked around for info but repeatedly reminded himself that this wasn't his job and he needed to back off sometimes. If he did find out anything potentially useful, he passed it on to Kanesha ASAP. Meanwhile, she did her job and only kept him in the loop as much as necessary. At the end of the book, instead of a dramatic Big Reveal or confrontation at the conference, Charlie sat down with Kanesha and told her his theory about what happened, which she could confirm or deny based on the results of her own more in-depth investigation.
I enjoyed the library aspects, which were generally accurate but did have some issues. The conference felt like a real library conference, with believable session topics. I think this is the first fiction book I've ever read that has mentioned AACR2 and RDA (the previous and current cataloging rules). And yes, Gavin's speech would definitely have angered everyone in the room. There was a bit more drama than I'm used to at real library conferences (I'm not just talking about murder), but I suppose it wasn't too far-fetched.
A couple things I thought were a little off: the overall reaction to the murder and Charlie's line of thought concerning liaison librarians.
If a person was murdered at a conference, wouldn't the police potentially have had to keep everyone there longer than expected? I thought it was odd that not a single person seemed to be worried that they might not be able to leave when planned. No one even asked about it.
And then the liaison librarian thing.
Liaison librarian issues aside, I enjoyed this and plan to read more of this series.
(Original review posted on A Library Girl's Familiar Diversions.)
February 15, 2019
Darn it. I normally enjoy this series, but in this one, Charlie's indecisiveness about various things was just annoying.
Also, it loses a star for BAD EDITING: from being repetitive to glaring howlers like his friends Marisue and Randi say they're sharing a room in Chapter Eight, but when Charlie visits them in the book, but in Chapter Twenty-Seven they're suddenly in separate rooms
Also, it loses a star for BAD EDITING: from being repetitive to glaring howlers like his friends Marisue and Randi say they're sharing a room in Chapter Eight, but when Charlie visits them in the book, but in Chapter Twenty-Seven they're suddenly in separate rooms
March 6, 2018
This book was a little bit too dry for me. I've read other fun mysteries with pets involved. Both the cat and the protagonist seemed to take more of a relaxed role. The cat was a conversation piece and the protagonist was very self deprecating about his ability to solve the mystery.
April 6, 2022
Outcome I didn't see.
This book was not exactly what I thought it would be. By the title I expected a group of angry librarians arguing over a new policy and murder as a result. To my surprise there wasn't arguing only a nasty librarian who I would have done away with years ago. Not death just ruining any job opportunities.
It has a good story line and a murderer I didn't expect.
This book was not exactly what I thought it would be. By the title I expected a group of angry librarians arguing over a new policy and murder as a result. To my surprise there wasn't arguing only a nasty librarian who I would have done away with years ago. Not death just ruining any job opportunities.
It has a good story line and a murderer I didn't expect.
April 16, 2017
Another cozy mystery that makes for nice weekend read. Loved the setting of a Library conference & that most of characters were librarians. This mystery has a great twist on "who done it"
July 20, 2018
This was super funny to me -- all the nuances of the library world, conferences etc. Good mystery too!
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