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Mrs. Murphy #34
Clawed and Dangerous: A Mrs. Murphy Mystery
When a series of suspiciously similar deaths begin to pop up across Crozet, Mary Minor “Harry” Haristeen must connect the dots with the help of her beloved cats and dogs in the latest mystery from Rita Mae Brown and her feline co-author Sneaky Pie Brown.
The leaves have fallen in Crozet, Virginia, and with a sudden downpour of cold rain, autumn gloom has settled. But Harry and her best friend, Susan, are determined to cheer up the town, and with the help of a kind local doctor, they just might succeed. Not only is Dr. Anglin kind and generous, he’s also the owner of multiple properties, and he agrees to let Harry and Susan use one of his homes to throw a spooky Halloween bash.
Harry and Susan quickly bury themselves in the flurry of witches, ghosts, and headless horsemen abound. But around town, things grow even spookier when a local townsperson turns up dead. Soon, one dead body turns into multiple—and what’s even spookier is that the deaths seem to be connected.
Could these deaths be the result of a lover’s quarrel? Or is something even more sinister haunting the town? With help from her feline sidekicks Mrs. Murphy and Pewter, and her helpful hounds Tee Tucker and Pirate, Harry has no choice but to get to the bottom of it.
The leaves have fallen in Crozet, Virginia, and with a sudden downpour of cold rain, autumn gloom has settled. But Harry and her best friend, Susan, are determined to cheer up the town, and with the help of a kind local doctor, they just might succeed. Not only is Dr. Anglin kind and generous, he’s also the owner of multiple properties, and he agrees to let Harry and Susan use one of his homes to throw a spooky Halloween bash.
Harry and Susan quickly bury themselves in the flurry of witches, ghosts, and headless horsemen abound. But around town, things grow even spookier when a local townsperson turns up dead. Soon, one dead body turns into multiple—and what’s even spookier is that the deaths seem to be connected.
Could these deaths be the result of a lover’s quarrel? Or is something even more sinister haunting the town? With help from her feline sidekicks Mrs. Murphy and Pewter, and her helpful hounds Tee Tucker and Pirate, Harry has no choice but to get to the bottom of it.
259 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 28, 2026
75 people are currently reading
4961 people want to read
About the author
Rita Mae Brown
145 books2,287 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 - 20 of 20 reviews
April 30, 2026
There’s something undeniably charming about returning to the long-running Mrs. Murphy mystery series by Rita Mae Brown—talking animals, a quaint small town, and that cozy familiarity that once made these books so easy to love.
This is the 34th installment, and while longtime fans may find comfort in revisiting Crozet, Virginia, I was reminded fairly quickly why I drifted away from the series years ago.
I first fell in love with this series more than 20+ years ago, and it even played a small role in shaping my future—after all, one of those unforgettable characters is a Pembroke corgi with that irresistible wiggly butt. It didn’t take long before I decided a corgi of my own was meant to be in my life. That kind of lasting impression says something about the heart of these books.
At its core, the premise still works: a string of suspicious, interconnected deaths layered into a close-knit community, with the ever-observant animals—Mrs. Murphy, Pewter, Tee Tucker, and Pirate—offering their own commentary and insight. The dual perspective between humans and animals remains unique and, at times, entertaining. And yes, the charm is still there, along with the lovingly drawn sense of place and local history.
But the pacing? Painfully slow.
What should feel like a compelling mystery instead takes a backseat to long stretches of cozy, character-driven moments that don’t always move the plot forward. The investigation itself feels almost secondary—as though the murders exist merely to frame the “cuteness” rather than drive real tension or urgency.
For readers who enjoy a true slow-burn and are deeply invested in these characters, this may still hit the mark. There’s a comforting rhythm here that loyal fans will likely appreciate.
For me, though, it raises a fair question: when does a beloved series begin to outstay its welcome?
Sometimes charm alone isn’t enough—and sometimes, even the most endearing series needs to know when it’s time to end.
“Wish You Were Here” - Book 1 review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
This is the 34th installment, and while longtime fans may find comfort in revisiting Crozet, Virginia, I was reminded fairly quickly why I drifted away from the series years ago.
I first fell in love with this series more than 20+ years ago, and it even played a small role in shaping my future—after all, one of those unforgettable characters is a Pembroke corgi with that irresistible wiggly butt. It didn’t take long before I decided a corgi of my own was meant to be in my life. That kind of lasting impression says something about the heart of these books.
At its core, the premise still works: a string of suspicious, interconnected deaths layered into a close-knit community, with the ever-observant animals—Mrs. Murphy, Pewter, Tee Tucker, and Pirate—offering their own commentary and insight. The dual perspective between humans and animals remains unique and, at times, entertaining. And yes, the charm is still there, along with the lovingly drawn sense of place and local history.
But the pacing? Painfully slow.
What should feel like a compelling mystery instead takes a backseat to long stretches of cozy, character-driven moments that don’t always move the plot forward. The investigation itself feels almost secondary—as though the murders exist merely to frame the “cuteness” rather than drive real tension or urgency.
For readers who enjoy a true slow-burn and are deeply invested in these characters, this may still hit the mark. There’s a comforting rhythm here that loyal fans will likely appreciate.
For me, though, it raises a fair question: when does a beloved series begin to outstay its welcome?
Sometimes charm alone isn’t enough—and sometimes, even the most endearing series needs to know when it’s time to end.
“Wish You Were Here” - Book 1 review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
May 7, 2026
I have read all 34 books in the Mrs. Murphy series. Great mysteries with very interesting people and plots. I read this book in kindle format on my iPad. I couldn’t wait to finish it as I wanted to find out who the murderer was. Very surprised at the ending.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I really liked this addition to this long standing series.
Harry and her friend Susan are looking forward to setting up a real haunted house for Halloween.
Thanks to a local doctor, they find the perfect house. and now the fun begins. Witches, ghosts, and the headless horseman are just a few of the tricks.
Unfortunately, when a local resident dies, Harry can't help but wonder if it's murder. Since she's busy with the haunted house, she doesn't have much time to think about, until two more people are dead.
The twists and turns in this story are wild, and of course, the animals are chatty as usual. They bring such fun to the story.
Harry and her friend Susan are looking forward to setting up a real haunted house for Halloween.
Thanks to a local doctor, they find the perfect house. and now the fun begins. Witches, ghosts, and the headless horseman are just a few of the tricks.
Unfortunately, when a local resident dies, Harry can't help but wonder if it's murder. Since she's busy with the haunted house, she doesn't have much time to think about, until two more people are dead.
The twists and turns in this story are wild, and of course, the animals are chatty as usual. They bring such fun to the story.
March 19, 2026
Clawed & Dangerous is the 34th installment in the Mrs Murphy cozy mysteries. In this book, Harry and the Crozet gang are getting ready to host a Seeing Eye Rescue fundraiser and planning a Halloween haunted house. The majority of the book is spent discussing the planning and logistics of this event.
During the planning, a local resident with a checkered past is the first to die in what becomes a series of suspicious deaths. There are also story arcs involving a spooked horse and shady farmhand as well as stealing and squatting in houses around town that are being renovated.
As usual, the animals have their own thoughts and opinions about the humans and what all is happening around town. Harry and her friends also spend a lot of time chatting and sharing their thoughts and opinions on local and global politics and problems while working with local law enforcement to try and figure out the murders.
This is a relatively short book and a quick, cozy read that feels like spending time with lifelong friends!
Thank you to NetGalley and Bantam Publishers for this ebook ARC!
During the planning, a local resident with a checkered past is the first to die in what becomes a series of suspicious deaths. There are also story arcs involving a spooked horse and shady farmhand as well as stealing and squatting in houses around town that are being renovated.
As usual, the animals have their own thoughts and opinions about the humans and what all is happening around town. Harry and her friends also spend a lot of time chatting and sharing their thoughts and opinions on local and global politics and problems while working with local law enforcement to try and figure out the murders.
This is a relatively short book and a quick, cozy read that feels like spending time with lifelong friends!
Thank you to NetGalley and Bantam Publishers for this ebook ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
I won this in a giveaway contest. i will read and review at a different time.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Crozet! In Clawed and Dangerous we find our main Character Harry and best friend Susan getting ready for a halloween themed Seeing Eye Foundation event. Meanwhile several people are murdered via chlorine, and Harry's husband Fair deals with a spooked horse. The mystery was interesting to me. I like how Cooper, the police officer, is friends with Harry, compared to other cozies I read where the main character is actively disliked by the police officer in the story. I did have a little trouble with this one where I kept needing to re-read to understand what was happening and whose POV we were in along with not feeling that the solution came together well. I think at this point the cast of characters is just too big, especially with all the animals. I kept mixing everyone up and several have nicknames or last names they go by too. I do like the animals though, they're a fun addition to the story, and while they have dialogue it isn't ever to the point of being annoying.
Sephora comes into play in this one and I was confused by *so much* talk of it being cheap and affordable. Sure, Sephora has a few less expensive items, but it also carries 100 dollar perfumes and 200 dollars serums. The whole makeup bag plot (no spoilers) never wound up fully explained to my liking and it felt like what was going on there with the bags doesn't happen like that in real life. I also am not a fan of some of the author's political opinions like how she talks about homeless and addicted folk plus the talk of “illegal aliens” but you're never going to hit every reader perfectly.
One last thing was it wrapped up too quickly. There was a little too much of Harry and Susan going back and forth to the different houses that show up in this story for multiple pages and then when the big ending happens it happens so quickly that I wish some of the middle pages were replaced with more excitement at the end.
Overall though it was a nice read. I kept wondering what was going on and how things connected. At one point I had that nice lightbulb moment where I went “Aha!” As I figured out the killer. I didn't quite realize the full extent of things til the very end.
Goodreads 3 star
Storygraph 3.5
Thank you to netgalley and the Publisher for this ARC
Sephora comes into play in this one and I was confused by *so much* talk of it being cheap and affordable. Sure, Sephora has a few less expensive items, but it also carries 100 dollar perfumes and 200 dollars serums. The whole makeup bag plot (no spoilers) never wound up fully explained to my liking and it felt like what was going on there with the bags doesn't happen like that in real life. I also am not a fan of some of the author's political opinions like how she talks about homeless and addicted folk plus the talk of “illegal aliens” but you're never going to hit every reader perfectly.
One last thing was it wrapped up too quickly. There was a little too much of Harry and Susan going back and forth to the different houses that show up in this story for multiple pages and then when the big ending happens it happens so quickly that I wish some of the middle pages were replaced with more excitement at the end.
Overall though it was a nice read. I kept wondering what was going on and how things connected. At one point I had that nice lightbulb moment where I went “Aha!” As I figured out the killer. I didn't quite realize the full extent of things til the very end.
Goodreads 3 star
Storygraph 3.5
Thank you to netgalley and the Publisher for this ARC
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Clawed and Dangerous
The writing team of Rita Mae Brown and her rescue cat, Sneaky Pie, are back with another mystery set in Crozet, Virginia.
Detectives: Harry Harristeen and her animal companions Tucker (a Corgi), Mrs. Murphy (a tiger kitty), Pewter (A full-figured grey cat), and Pirate (an Irish Wolfhound, still a “teen”). Pirate is a relatively recent addition to the lineup, but Murphy, Tucker, and Pewter are experienced in the ways of detecting.
Harry and Deputy Cynthia Cooper are center stage in this mystery. The animals provide scent information and commentary, but don’t really participate in solving the crimes.
In this case, the crime is murder, multiple murders. The method of Unaliving is very clever and quite creative. The solution is convoluted, with leaps of logic that are convenient, but not necessarily realistic.
One of the things I like about the Mrs. Murphy mysteries is the discussion of the current state of affairs from a farmer’s point of view. One of the causes that Harry comments on in this novel is particularly dear to my heart: the importance of public libraries to the community. The authors are not afraid to tackle difficult subjects, but they do so carefully. There is no criticism about any specific political party or figure, but a shrewd approach to often thorny problems.
I very much enjoyed the creation and execution of the Halloween haunted house. Susan, Harry’s friend from the cradle, gets to shine here because the house is her particular purview. Her innovative design is truly breathtaking in its scope as well as its attention to detail. I’d love to set her loose on my community.
The mystery herein is not my favorite of the series, as there are too many leaps of logic and not enough involvement of the animals. But it’s still very good overall, and a satisfying read.
4/5 stars.
#netgalley
The writing team of Rita Mae Brown and her rescue cat, Sneaky Pie, are back with another mystery set in Crozet, Virginia.
Detectives: Harry Harristeen and her animal companions Tucker (a Corgi), Mrs. Murphy (a tiger kitty), Pewter (A full-figured grey cat), and Pirate (an Irish Wolfhound, still a “teen”). Pirate is a relatively recent addition to the lineup, but Murphy, Tucker, and Pewter are experienced in the ways of detecting.
Harry and Deputy Cynthia Cooper are center stage in this mystery. The animals provide scent information and commentary, but don’t really participate in solving the crimes.
In this case, the crime is murder, multiple murders. The method of Unaliving is very clever and quite creative. The solution is convoluted, with leaps of logic that are convenient, but not necessarily realistic.
One of the things I like about the Mrs. Murphy mysteries is the discussion of the current state of affairs from a farmer’s point of view. One of the causes that Harry comments on in this novel is particularly dear to my heart: the importance of public libraries to the community. The authors are not afraid to tackle difficult subjects, but they do so carefully. There is no criticism about any specific political party or figure, but a shrewd approach to often thorny problems.
I very much enjoyed the creation and execution of the Halloween haunted house. Susan, Harry’s friend from the cradle, gets to shine here because the house is her particular purview. Her innovative design is truly breathtaking in its scope as well as its attention to detail. I’d love to set her loose on my community.
The mystery herein is not my favorite of the series, as there are too many leaps of logic and not enough involvement of the animals. But it’s still very good overall, and a satisfying read.
4/5 stars.
#netgalley
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I am very sad to leave a 2 star review, but I have to be honest and this was simply boring. Thank you to NetGalley for sending me an early copy, however I was a big fan of Mrs. Murphy and the gang and had previously read up to book 20 in the series. While there were several dead bodies in this book, there was not exactly much of a mystery or investigating. Instead there was the usual gang just getting together every day to gossip and speculate about what could possibly be going on. Whilst gossiping they spent their time speaking on the state of things in America, including immigration, sex trafficking, drug use, the economy etc. I do not read cozy mysteries for that reason. I personally read them to escape the current situations. I deal with that plenty throughout my day. I do not want to read about people speculating on it in my cozy mystery. And as a side note, my goodness, if they weren't discussing that, then Harry and Susan were running over to the house practically on the daily to keep discussing what they could do with it for the haunted house. I have never had to measure and plan and walk up and down something in my entire life to put together a party/haunted house. That was so boring every time they went over and said, hmm, someone is staying here? Then they could all gossip about how there were squatters of some kind. It's sad to see this series going this way. The animals were always a fun part of it, but now they don't talk about anything interesting either and Pewter is barely comic relief at this point.
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
Harry and her best friend Susan live in Crozet, Virginia. They are planning a haunted house fundraiser on Halloween for a local animal rescue organization. But when they find a local man murdered, followed by two women who no one can identify, Harry and her friends (including her pets) get caught up in trying to solve the murder mystery.
This is book number 34 in the series. I haven't read any of the other books, so I don't know if it's the same, but I found the author to be a little hard to take in this book. She made the mystery include some pretty controversial topics (homelessness, drug addiction, immigration) and slanted the book with what I'm guessing are her political views on the topics. If I'm going to pick up a short and simple murder mystery, I don't want to have someone's politics come into it. I found the tone she used quite out of touch and demeaning honestly.
I also just found the writing - and particularly the dialogue - to be quite immature. There was a lot of conversation around planning this fundraiser instead of focusing on the murder mystery. There is dialogue between the pets, which is fine, but it seemed totally irrelevant to the story.
The book is short and easy to read, but other than that, just wasn't great in my opinion.
I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This is book number 34 in the series. I haven't read any of the other books, so I don't know if it's the same, but I found the author to be a little hard to take in this book. She made the mystery include some pretty controversial topics (homelessness, drug addiction, immigration) and slanted the book with what I'm guessing are her political views on the topics. If I'm going to pick up a short and simple murder mystery, I don't want to have someone's politics come into it. I found the tone she used quite out of touch and demeaning honestly.
I also just found the writing - and particularly the dialogue - to be quite immature. There was a lot of conversation around planning this fundraiser instead of focusing on the murder mystery. There is dialogue between the pets, which is fine, but it seemed totally irrelevant to the story.
The book is short and easy to read, but other than that, just wasn't great in my opinion.
I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Clawed and Dangerous follows a broad cast of characters in rural Virginia, and their animal sidekicks, whose thoughts we get to hear, through their day-to-day lives. We also follow them through pondering and gossiping over a rash of strange murders in their town involving women who are new to town, and a known recovering addict who was well-loved.
While it was enjoyable getting to know the various pets and the characters were pretty interesting, I don't know if I would consider this a murder mystery just because it doesn't feel like they're ever actually trying to solve it exactly, it feels more like they're all gossiping about the murder and how things in the world are generally not great lately - which is valid! - but not quite what I was expecting. Bearing that in mind, this was a speedy read and there was some action at the end so those were some nice factors, and you always love a cast of animal characters that have their own heroic place in a story, so this gets 3.5 stars rounded down for me.
Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine for the opportunity to read this ARC!
While it was enjoyable getting to know the various pets and the characters were pretty interesting, I don't know if I would consider this a murder mystery just because it doesn't feel like they're ever actually trying to solve it exactly, it feels more like they're all gossiping about the murder and how things in the world are generally not great lately - which is valid! - but not quite what I was expecting. Bearing that in mind, this was a speedy read and there was some action at the end so those were some nice factors, and you always love a cast of animal characters that have their own heroic place in a story, so this gets 3.5 stars rounded down for me.
Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine for the opportunity to read this ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Another great story based in Crozet, Virginia. This story starts as the weather is turning in the fall, giving it a wonderful cooler vibe, add it the Halloween Haunted House and it is a great read to get in the mood foe the season. Harry and Susan are working to put together a Haunted house to raise funds. As this task is being completed, a known removing addict is found dead, a calm horse starts to behave badly hurting Harry's husband, Fair and then yet another person is found dead. With the help of her animal friends, Harry starts to look into the death while trying to stay safe, but the killer may be closer than she expects. I enjoyed this quick, cozy read, filled with characters that are easy to fall in love with. I cannot wait for the next in the story! Thank you to Netgalley and Random House for the advanced copy.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Harry and her best friend are planning a haunted house as a fundraiser for a local charity. Her husband, Fair, gets hurt trying to tend to a valuable stallion. Soon, a reformed addict is found murdered. Harry is leaving everything to the local police until two more bodies show up. Of course, I welcomed this new entry in the series. Harry and her friends--human and animal--bring interest and intrigue as they try to solve the crime in the little community. Harry and her friends comment about local politics and problems of the small town as they find themselves in danger. The comments of the animals help to relieve the tension in the story. A good entry! Thanks to NetGalley for the arc.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Mary Minor “Harry” Haristeen, along with her husband and friends (and helpful pets) must solve a series of murders in their small community as they prepare for a spooky Halloween Haunted House fundraiser for the town. As more bodies pile up, with the same unique manner of death, the stakes get higher.
This is the 34th book in this series. I recall reading books in the series when I was younger and this has that same feeling of small town community. The relationships between the people and the animals are genuine and move the stories forward. It brought back memories of other stories when I read this book!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This is the 34th book in this series. I recall reading books in the series when I was younger and this has that same feeling of small town community. The relationships between the people and the animals are genuine and move the stories forward. It brought back memories of other stories when I read this book!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 29, 2026
Clawed and Dangerous is a cozy mystery set within a rural community framework, continuing a long running investigative series centered on Harry Harristeen.
The story uses the Blue Ridge Mountains as a consistent atmospheric backdrop, where local relationships and environmental familiarity contribute to the unfolding investigation. The structure emphasizes gradual clue discovery within a contained setting.
Animal companions play a supporting role in the investigative process, reinforcing observational and situational awareness throughout the narrative.
A traditional cozy mystery entry for readers who enjoy rural settings, recurring characters, and animal assisted investigations within an ongoing series.
The story uses the Blue Ridge Mountains as a consistent atmospheric backdrop, where local relationships and environmental familiarity contribute to the unfolding investigation. The structure emphasizes gradual clue discovery within a contained setting.
Animal companions play a supporting role in the investigative process, reinforcing observational and situational awareness throughout the narrative.
A traditional cozy mystery entry for readers who enjoy rural settings, recurring characters, and animal assisted investigations within an ongoing series.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you Netgalley for letting me read this ARC.
So, our main character is a vet, and he and his wife Harry have a lot of dogs and cats - when the vet goes to a farm to help a horse he gets kicked in the chest and has to go to the ER. Well, why we are there we meet a dr who buys homes and fixes them up- and flips them.
Then all of a sudden people start dying - and so Harry and her sister are trying to solve the murders.
I found the writing kind of stilted and there were so many people, and animals that it was hard to keep up with who was who - but as for a Cozy Mystery - it came to me as a surprise who the murderer was.
So, our main character is a vet, and he and his wife Harry have a lot of dogs and cats - when the vet goes to a farm to help a horse he gets kicked in the chest and has to go to the ER. Well, why we are there we meet a dr who buys homes and fixes them up- and flips them.
Then all of a sudden people start dying - and so Harry and her sister are trying to solve the murders.
I found the writing kind of stilted and there were so many people, and animals that it was hard to keep up with who was who - but as for a Cozy Mystery - it came to me as a surprise who the murderer was.
May 11, 2026
This was a good book; it started slowly, but at page 60 it started to get exciting.
The only thing I disliked about this book was the author sharing too many thoughts on life that seemed negative. That was not good for me, as I am trying to only think of positive things. That is the reason this is not a five-star book
I love all the animals in this series, especially the cats and dogs, who all have their own quirky personalities!
I would recommend this book to all, but especially those animal lovers, like me, out there.
The only thing I disliked about this book was the author sharing too many thoughts on life that seemed negative. That was not good for me, as I am trying to only think of positive things. That is the reason this is not a five-star book
I love all the animals in this series, especially the cats and dogs, who all have their own quirky personalities!
I would recommend this book to all, but especially those animal lovers, like me, out there.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I’m thrilled to read this next Rita Mae Brown and Sneaky Pie Brown book - Clawed and Dangerous! Always a delight and so much fun! For many, many years, I’ve loved these stories with speaking, personable animals set in the stunning Virginia countryside. The genteel, historic farm life, the long-standing relationships, and an easy mystery make such great reads.
Thanks to NetGalley and Ballentine for the opportunity to read this DRC.
Thanks to NetGalley and Ballentine for the opportunity to read this DRC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I received this book as an ARC through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I hadn’t read a Mrs. Murphy mystery before this one, but now I’m eager to get my hands on more books in the series. I loved the inclusion of the pets as characters and the cozy farm setting. The cast of characters was interesting, though the story moved a bit slowly in some spots. I’d definitely recommend this series to anyone who enjoys Lilian Jackson Braun’s The Cat Who... series.
I hadn’t read a Mrs. Murphy mystery before this one, but now I’m eager to get my hands on more books in the series. I loved the inclusion of the pets as characters and the cozy farm setting. The cast of characters was interesting, though the story moved a bit slowly in some spots. I’d definitely recommend this series to anyone who enjoys Lilian Jackson Braun’s The Cat Who... series.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Rita Mae Brown and Sneaky Pie never disappoint. Harry and Susan are planning the Halloween haunted house parties. A local doctor lets them use one of the houses he is renovating for their haunted house. A local handyman is found dead and Harry can never pass up a chance to get involved with her animals to help with the case.
April 28, 2026
Another sure fire hit in the Mrs. Murphy series. I have read this series from the beginning, and it never gets old: the mystery of someone's death, the animals and Harry and Fair and friends. Can't wait for the next one.
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