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Mrs. Murphy #20
Vier Mäuse und ein Todesfall: Ein Fall für Mrs. Murphy (Ein Mrs.-Murphy-Krimi 20)
Für Mary Minor „Harry“ Haristeen sind Autos eine Leidenschaft. Doch in letzter Zeit häufen sich in Crozet die Unfälle. Eines Tages wird der Mechaniker Walt Richardson mit einem Schraubenschlüssel erschlagen. Harry lässt es sich nicht nehmen, gemeinsam mit Tigerkatze Mrs. Murphy seine Reparaturwerkstatt zu inspizieren. Die beiden Hobby-Detektivinnen fi nden dort so einige Merkwürdigkeiten. Und schon stecken sie mitten in einem spektakulären Fall, in dem es um schmucke Oldtimer, mangelhafte Ersatzteile und den nicht ganz sauberen Umgang mit Versicherungen geht.
273 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 3, 2012
193 people are currently reading
1297 people want to read
About the author
Rita Mae Brown
173 books2,231 followersRita Mae Brown is a prolific American writer, most known for her mysteries and other novels (Rubyfruit Jungle). She is also an Emmy-nominated screenwriter.
Brown was born illegitimate in Hanover, Pennsylvania. She was raised by her biological mother's female cousin and the cousin's husband in York, Pennsylvania and later in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.
Starting in the fall of 1962, Brown attended the University of Florida at Gainesville on a scholarship. In the spring of 1964, the administrators of the racially segregated university expelled her for participating in the civil rights movement. She subsequently enrolled at Broward Community College[3] with the hope of transferring eventually to a more tolerant four-year institution.
Between fall 1964 and 1969, she lived in New York City, sometimes homeless, while attending New York University[6] where she received a degree in Classics and English. Later,[when?] she received another degree in cinematography from the New York School of Visual Arts.[citation needed] Brown received a Ph.D. in literature from Union Institute & University in 1976 and holds a doctorate in political science from the Institute for Policy Studies in Washington, D.C.
Starting in 1973, Brown lived in the Hollywood Hills in Los Angeles. In 1977, she bought a farm in Charlottesville, Virginia where she still lives.[9] In 1982, a screenplay Brown wrote while living in Los Angeles, Sleepless Nights, was retitled The Slumber Party Massacre and given a limited release theatrically.
During Brown's spring 1964 semester at the University of Florida at Gainesville, she became active in the American Civil Rights Movement. Later in the 1960s, she participated in the anti-war movement, the feminist movement and the Gay Liberation movement.
Brown took an administrative position with the fledgling National Organization for Women, but resigned in January 1970 over Betty Friedan's anti-gay remarks and NOW's attempts to distance itself from lesbian organizations. She claims she played a leading role in the "Lavender Menace" zap of the Second Congress to Unite Women on May 1, 1970, which protested Friedan's remarks and the exclusion of lesbians from the women's movement.
In the early 1970s, she became a founding member of The Furies Collective, a lesbian feminist newspaper collective in Washington, DC, which held that heterosexuality was the root of all oppression.
Brown told Time magazine in 2008, "I don't believe in straight or gay. I really don't. I think we're all degrees of bisexual. There may be a few people on the extreme if it's a bell curve who really truly are gay or really truly are straight. Because nobody had ever said these things and used their real name, I suddenly became [in the late 1970s] the only lesbian in America."
Brown was born illegitimate in Hanover, Pennsylvania. She was raised by her biological mother's female cousin and the cousin's husband in York, Pennsylvania and later in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.
Starting in the fall of 1962, Brown attended the University of Florida at Gainesville on a scholarship. In the spring of 1964, the administrators of the racially segregated university expelled her for participating in the civil rights movement. She subsequently enrolled at Broward Community College[3] with the hope of transferring eventually to a more tolerant four-year institution.
Between fall 1964 and 1969, she lived in New York City, sometimes homeless, while attending New York University[6] where she received a degree in Classics and English. Later,[when?] she received another degree in cinematography from the New York School of Visual Arts.[citation needed] Brown received a Ph.D. in literature from Union Institute & University in 1976 and holds a doctorate in political science from the Institute for Policy Studies in Washington, D.C.
Starting in 1973, Brown lived in the Hollywood Hills in Los Angeles. In 1977, she bought a farm in Charlottesville, Virginia where she still lives.[9] In 1982, a screenplay Brown wrote while living in Los Angeles, Sleepless Nights, was retitled The Slumber Party Massacre and given a limited release theatrically.
During Brown's spring 1964 semester at the University of Florida at Gainesville, she became active in the American Civil Rights Movement. Later in the 1960s, she participated in the anti-war movement, the feminist movement and the Gay Liberation movement.
Brown took an administrative position with the fledgling National Organization for Women, but resigned in January 1970 over Betty Friedan's anti-gay remarks and NOW's attempts to distance itself from lesbian organizations. She claims she played a leading role in the "Lavender Menace" zap of the Second Congress to Unite Women on May 1, 1970, which protested Friedan's remarks and the exclusion of lesbians from the women's movement.
In the early 1970s, she became a founding member of The Furies Collective, a lesbian feminist newspaper collective in Washington, DC, which held that heterosexuality was the root of all oppression.
Brown told Time magazine in 2008, "I don't believe in straight or gay. I really don't. I think we're all degrees of bisexual. There may be a few people on the extreme if it's a bell curve who really truly are gay or really truly are straight. Because nobody had ever said these things and used their real name, I suddenly became [in the late 1970s] the only lesbian in America."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 254 reviews
September 1, 2012
Dear Sneaky Pie: Thank you, thank you, thank you. I wrote you earlier after reading Hiss of Death asking you to please convince Rita Mae to tone down her political rants in what are admittedly your books. I don't know if the two of you had a heart-to-heart or whether you have used your little editing paws aggressively, but the difference is impressive. While I still am aware of Rita Mae's political attitudes, I didn't feel that I was being hit over the head with them in this book. Kudos. On to the book. Sneaky Pie, you write a good story. As a resident of Virginia (southern part about 90 minutes from your location), I think that you are able to capture the essence of life in the Commonwealth perfectly. And I'm totally in love with your main characters--Mrs. Murphy, Pewter, Tee Tucker and the other animals that live in and around Crozet. Oh, and the human characters are interesting too. But really, Sneaky Pie, if Mary Minor "Harry" Hairsteen doesn't keep her nose out of things that don't concern her, one of my favorite animal characters is going to get seriously hurt. I mean, poor Pewter had the humiliation of her "accident" caused by sheer terror from which I'm not sure she will soon recover. Having to have Harry stop in a drug store to get supplies to clean her up had to be a tough pill to swallow--especially with Mrs. Murphy and Tee Tucker there as witnesses. But as Harry always discovers, things are often not what they should be, people can commit evil acts for money and/or power, and that that you can always rely on your closest friends. And by the way, congratulations on your 20th anniversary.
September 15, 2012
First I must note that I am a great fan of Rita Mae & her animal friends; therefore, I was wildly anticipating this book, the "20th Anniversary" of Mrs Murphy, sleuth cat. However, the animals are much less involved this time around and don't even save any lives! Seriously, the cats and dog involvement here is minimal, mostly they are observers, and frankly, I find them more interesting than some of the human characters. (Oh, by the way, WHAT is with all the animal fighting in this book??? We are used to the snarky comments flying - they are some of the best dialogue in the series - but the seemingly endless wrangling in this outing got on my nerves. Sorry, had to say it.)
Other than that, this is a good story, nice mystery with usual underlying political message that I won't go into, don't want to spoil it; a good, if not great outing.
Still "Cat Nap" is miles better than any of the "Sister Jane" outings which, unless you are a horse or fox-hunter, have to be the draggiest 'mysteries' Ms Brown has ever produced.
Other than that, this is a good story, nice mystery with usual underlying political message that I won't go into, don't want to spoil it; a good, if not great outing.
Still "Cat Nap" is miles better than any of the "Sister Jane" outings which, unless you are a horse or fox-hunter, have to be the draggiest 'mysteries' Ms Brown has ever produced.
June 14, 2012
The title sums it up. I love Rita Mae Brown and this has always been a fun, comfort-read series for me. I was very disappointed in this one - almost felt like someone much less experienced was writing it. Rather than letting the characters develop there was the constant "narrating" of background and thoughts on behalf of the characters. There were also many "statements" made in the book generally on "behalf" of Harry, but even though I have to say I agreed with the various statements, they weren't appropriate to place in the book. (companies that did bad business, etc.) I was looking forward to a lazy read but instead got a story I could barely feign interest in. Hopefully Mrs. Murphy is better rested and ready to go next time around.
August 19, 2012
Too many "we interrupt this mystery for an opinion from our author" moments.
February 21, 2017
To be fair to this book is really not my cup of tea. I chose it because I wanted to try a cozy mystery and the concept of cats helping to solve a mystery seemed cute. Unfortunately the cats have very little to do with the mystery at all.
However for me I found the plot to be unfocused and the author's narrative voice to be inapt. The characters for the most part all seem to share the same manner of speaking and the same views. This made it hard for me to tell them apart and made the dialog read like a monologue at times. There was a lot of unessential information shoehorned into the dialog and narration both.
Perhaps it's common in cozy mysteries but the plot sort of meanders about and seems to be completely unconcerned with the actual mystery. Those who want to read a slice of life about a breast cancer survivor who works on a family farm, owns two cats and a dog, and who likes to gossip with fellow townies about all the murders happening lately would probably enjoy this. I do think it did a fair job of evoking a small town feel and can see how it would be enjoyable for the right reader, even if the characters and narrator seemed a little heavy handed with their political rhetoric at times.
However for me I found the plot to be unfocused and the author's narrative voice to be inapt. The characters for the most part all seem to share the same manner of speaking and the same views. This made it hard for me to tell them apart and made the dialog read like a monologue at times. There was a lot of unessential information shoehorned into the dialog and narration both.
Perhaps it's common in cozy mysteries but the plot sort of meanders about and seems to be completely unconcerned with the actual mystery. Those who want to read a slice of life about a breast cancer survivor who works on a family farm, owns two cats and a dog, and who likes to gossip with fellow townies about all the murders happening lately would probably enjoy this. I do think it did a fair job of evoking a small town feel and can see how it would be enjoyable for the right reader, even if the characters and narrator seemed a little heavy handed with their political rhetoric at times.
July 14, 2012
With this book and also with "Hiss of Death" Rita Mae Brown is (almost) back to her old standards again! After 5+ years of mediocre novels she has written two pretty good ones again. They still aren't as good as the very old ones - I really miss the times when Harry was still Crozet's postmistress - but the logic in the murders is back.
In their 20th adventure Harry and her feline/canine friends are confronted with several brutal murders in a local garage. Harry's passion for cars and her usual curiosity bring her very close to a killer who won't stop at another killing...
I sometimes had slight problems with this book because I hardly know anything about cars and am also not much interested in them. But the solution of the murders was a very logical one and I was really satisfied with the ending.
I just wish that Rita wuould give some of the original characters more room. I really would like to read a lot more on Miranda, Susan, Little and Big Mim again.
In their 20th adventure Harry and her feline/canine friends are confronted with several brutal murders in a local garage. Harry's passion for cars and her usual curiosity bring her very close to a killer who won't stop at another killing...
I sometimes had slight problems with this book because I hardly know anything about cars and am also not much interested in them. But the solution of the murders was a very logical one and I was really satisfied with the ending.
I just wish that Rita wuould give some of the original characters more room. I really would like to read a lot more on Miranda, Susan, Little and Big Mim again.
March 11, 2019
I’ve tried this series before and forgot I don’t enjoy it. It feels written in the 70s even though it’s “modern day”. Maybe that’s Virginia?? I don’t know. I feel like Harry is 60 not 40 (my age).
For this story, there was A LOT of filler with car information. There was a lot of filler in general. The pets weren’t very involved as they have been in past books, which was a disappointment for me. The plot wasn’t even that interesting. Overall, I wouldn’t recommend this one.
Oh and let’s not forget all the fat shaming, especially unsettling in the animals!
For this story, there was A LOT of filler with car information. There was a lot of filler in general. The pets weren’t very involved as they have been in past books, which was a disappointment for me. The plot wasn’t even that interesting. Overall, I wouldn’t recommend this one.
Oh and let’s not forget all the fat shaming, especially unsettling in the animals!
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November 30, 2023That part in Lord of the Rings where Gandalf and the Balrog are locked in a death spiral and neither one will let go even though it means doom for them both? That's how it is with me and cat mysteries.
July 18, 2017
I like hearing the cat's and dog's conversations! Harry is an enigma. A very different kind of heroine. She is funny and hard-working, loyal to her friends and she is nosy. She asks questions and searches for clues that tend to get her in trouble, but she solves it in the end.
December 6, 2018
Mrs. Murphy, Pewter, Tucker and their mistress get involved in car parts theft and murder. Some good ‘fights’ between Pewter and everyone else. Always fun when the big black snake, Matilda, scares Pewter! Number 20 and still going strong!!!
July 14, 2017
I liked it, dragged on in places, but I loved the end!
July 31, 2020
Another in her series that is a quick, fun read with the usual cast of characters.
August 23, 2019
Spring has sprung in Crozet, Virginia...and so has a mystery! Why are perfectly good cars wrecking for no good reason? Even more to the point, why have three, count 'em, three mechanics at a local garage been murdered? Harry and her troupe of remarkable animal friends must solve this mystery, or die trying...and they very well might! Will Mrs. Murphy (redoubtable tabby cat), Pewter (gray, zaftig and sassy feline) and Tee Tucker (Pembroke corgi extraordinaire) be able to help Harry solve these murders and keep her and themselves alive while doing so?
April 30, 2019
I so enjoy this series and the animals that Harry has. If you know these animals....well Pewter is such a drama queen in this adventure, I mean she always is....but so much more in this book. This is a fun must read series for all animal and cozy lovers.
April 3, 2012
When several of Mary Minor “Harry” Haristeen’s friends have minor car accidents that end up with their cars needing major repairs, Harry becomes more than a little suspicious about the repair shop. Harry, being Harry, starts asking questions but before she can learn much, one of the mechanics is murdered. Soon the bodies start piling up and Harry is determined to find out what is going on. However, she needs to be careful or her curiosity may get her killed.
I used to read Rita Mae Brown’s Mrs. Murphy mystery books and enjoyed them, but I drifted away from the series several years ago, tired of the preachiness in the books. I won this copy of “The Big Cat Nap” and decided to see if the series had improved. Unfortunately, it really hasn’t. In this case it wasn’t the political issues that bothered me – although they do exist – Brown’s major target in this book is the auto repair industry (as well as her usual thoughts about farming). For me the problem with the book is that is just seemed lightweight. It was obvious early on who the bad guys were, even before the bodies started piling up. The writing is sloppy – too many times Brown explains things instead of showing them – for example, how many times do we have to be told that Harry is a motorhead? (Brown eventually did attempt to show that a little but by that point it just didn’t work for me). A car accident that is an important part of the plot is thrown in there thoughtlessly – almost as if it doesn’t matter to the plot – a scene with the terrified driver would have worked much better. At times Harry is far too trusting. Too often Brown seems to underestimate the intelligence of her readers by explaining something that readers can easily figure out on their own. Finally, while the animals, Mrs. Murphy, Tucker, and Pewter are usually the strong points of this series, they, outside of an incident in the cemetery, don’t really play an important part in this book. Instead, it seems like all they did was fight.
“The Big Cat Nap” is an okay book in what was once a good series.
I used to read Rita Mae Brown’s Mrs. Murphy mystery books and enjoyed them, but I drifted away from the series several years ago, tired of the preachiness in the books. I won this copy of “The Big Cat Nap” and decided to see if the series had improved. Unfortunately, it really hasn’t. In this case it wasn’t the political issues that bothered me – although they do exist – Brown’s major target in this book is the auto repair industry (as well as her usual thoughts about farming). For me the problem with the book is that is just seemed lightweight. It was obvious early on who the bad guys were, even before the bodies started piling up. The writing is sloppy – too many times Brown explains things instead of showing them – for example, how many times do we have to be told that Harry is a motorhead? (Brown eventually did attempt to show that a little but by that point it just didn’t work for me). A car accident that is an important part of the plot is thrown in there thoughtlessly – almost as if it doesn’t matter to the plot – a scene with the terrified driver would have worked much better. At times Harry is far too trusting. Too often Brown seems to underestimate the intelligence of her readers by explaining something that readers can easily figure out on their own. Finally, while the animals, Mrs. Murphy, Tucker, and Pewter are usually the strong points of this series, they, outside of an incident in the cemetery, don’t really play an important part in this book. Instead, it seems like all they did was fight.
“The Big Cat Nap” is an okay book in what was once a good series.
June 21, 2012
It’s incredible that “The Big Cat Nap” (love the title!) is the twentieth anniversary “collaboration” between tiger cat Sneaky Pie Brown and her human, Rita Mae Brown. This delightful series has more than 4.5 million copies in print, and has frequently been on the New York Times bestseller list. With good reason.
The twentieth adventure begins with a series of inexplicable car accidents in the picturesque town of Crozet, Virginia. They’re all attributed to driver error, but lead character and self-described motor head Mary Minor “Harry” Haristeen—who admits she’s too curious for her own good—thinks that’s too coincidental. One of the accidents involves the truck belonging to Harry’s good friend, the very Reverend Herbert Jones. As a favor, Harry offers to drive Herb to ReNu Mechanics to pick the repaired vehicle.
When Harry and Herb arrive at the garage, there’s no one there—except the dead body of mechanic Walt Richardson. And Walt did not die a pretty death. Enough said. And, strangely, none of the other mechanics in the auto shop seem particularly broken up about his death. Then two more ReNu mechanics are killed. ReNu is a dangerous place to work!
Harry suspects there’s a link between the deaths of the ReNu mechanics and that of a young woman tragically killed in a car accident several weeks before. With the help of her animal friends: Tucker the corgi, and cats Mrs. Murphy and Pewter, Harry unmasks the killer, and almost gets herself killed in the process.
“The Big Cat Nap” is another great read from a great writing—ahem—team. And I heard a hot rumor that during the summer of 2012, Sneaky Pie will run for President of the United States in a special novel that will lead into election season. I, for one, can’t wait for that one. Sneaky Pie already has my vote!
Susan Santangelo, author of “Moving Can Be Murder” for Suspense Magazine
The twentieth adventure begins with a series of inexplicable car accidents in the picturesque town of Crozet, Virginia. They’re all attributed to driver error, but lead character and self-described motor head Mary Minor “Harry” Haristeen—who admits she’s too curious for her own good—thinks that’s too coincidental. One of the accidents involves the truck belonging to Harry’s good friend, the very Reverend Herbert Jones. As a favor, Harry offers to drive Herb to ReNu Mechanics to pick the repaired vehicle.
When Harry and Herb arrive at the garage, there’s no one there—except the dead body of mechanic Walt Richardson. And Walt did not die a pretty death. Enough said. And, strangely, none of the other mechanics in the auto shop seem particularly broken up about his death. Then two more ReNu mechanics are killed. ReNu is a dangerous place to work!
Harry suspects there’s a link between the deaths of the ReNu mechanics and that of a young woman tragically killed in a car accident several weeks before. With the help of her animal friends: Tucker the corgi, and cats Mrs. Murphy and Pewter, Harry unmasks the killer, and almost gets herself killed in the process.
“The Big Cat Nap” is another great read from a great writing—ahem—team. And I heard a hot rumor that during the summer of 2012, Sneaky Pie will run for President of the United States in a special novel that will lead into election season. I, for one, can’t wait for that one. Sneaky Pie already has my vote!
Susan Santangelo, author of “Moving Can Be Murder” for Suspense Magazine
July 28, 2012
What I enjoy about this series is that they are nice fast reads, very light. Usually the heroine stumbles upon a mystery, gets in too deep, witty banter ensues, her pets save her butt. Cheesiness is inherent to the cat mystery, and I'm down with that. I tend to read these out of order, generally according to whichever one happens to be on the library shelf, so perhaps more recent books in the series have devolved, but I was surprised by the lack of effort in this one.
It was terribly predictable; the pets, usually a major part of the plot, were just more characters; the whole was just boring.
It was terribly predictable; the pets, usually a major part of the plot, were just more characters; the whole was just boring.
April 19, 2022
oh what a sad day to have to give one star only to a Mrs. Murphy book. Rita is slipping. I just about threw the book at the wall for all the name brand name dropping! She must be getting kick backs. She would always use Coco-Cola name brand - which I got - but cricky - she's gone too far. Not to mention I believe this is the second consecutive story where we hear over and over and over again about how Harry and Boom Boom are 'gear-heads' - who cares???
Will I read the next one? Give me a year or two to get over this let down and I might.
Will I read the next one? Give me a year or two to get over this let down and I might.
February 22, 2012
A cute whodunnit with talking animals thrown in.
October 3, 2012
a good Mrs Murphy mystery. Typical of the genre. Brown never dissapoints.
December 4, 2018
This was a tough read. It was very dry, even with all the murder.
September 19, 2019
After having recently been diagnosed in remission from Stage 1 breast cancer, Harry Harristeen has a new appreciation for life. Spring has arrived in Crozet, Virginia, bringing with it the blooming flowers, singing birds, and the murder of a mechanic at ReNu, a local auto repair shop. When the victim's coworkers provide the Sheriff's Department with nearly-identical statements, Harry begins to wonder if they might be involved. And of course, her two cats and dog, Mrs. Murphy, Pewter, and Tee Tucker, have no choice but to follow her in case she stumbles across trouble.
This is another solid title in the Mrs. Murphy series. I always love Rita Mae Brown's depictions of Crozet as the seasons come and go; she really knows how to evoke all of the senses when describing springtime in Virginia. The overall theme of this book is the auto insurance and repair industries, and readers will learn a lot while unraveling this murder mystery. For instance, I didn't know anything about car parts, and how aftermarket parts are vastly cheaper than parts made by original dealer-ensured companies, and the fact that cheap parts cause unnecessary injuries and deaths on the roads is appalling. A young woman in this story is killed in an accident when her SUV hits a deer on the road, and if her vehicle had had qualified wheels on it rather than cheap knockoff wheels purchased overseas, she may have survived the crash. Some readers may find these elements preachy or off-putting, but I think it's important to illustrate crooked practices going on right underneath our noses. These books may be fiction, but they are very much based on fact.
I was delighted to see Miranda Hogendobber brought back in this book, as she was caring for her dying sister in a few of the previous titles. Her friendships with Harry and Rev. Jones are especially endearing, and the three of them offer some heartwarming insights on life and love. The four-legged heroes are sassy as always, with Pewter and Tucker arguing throughout most of this book. I like to think that my own cat has her own thoughts and opinions about me, but she more than likely only thinks enough to make a fuss when she's hungry in the evenings. That's okay, though. These books are fun reads for those who are owned by furry critters.
This is another solid title in the Mrs. Murphy series. I always love Rita Mae Brown's depictions of Crozet as the seasons come and go; she really knows how to evoke all of the senses when describing springtime in Virginia. The overall theme of this book is the auto insurance and repair industries, and readers will learn a lot while unraveling this murder mystery. For instance, I didn't know anything about car parts, and how aftermarket parts are vastly cheaper than parts made by original dealer-ensured companies, and the fact that cheap parts cause unnecessary injuries and deaths on the roads is appalling. A young woman in this story is killed in an accident when her SUV hits a deer on the road, and if her vehicle had had qualified wheels on it rather than cheap knockoff wheels purchased overseas, she may have survived the crash. Some readers may find these elements preachy or off-putting, but I think it's important to illustrate crooked practices going on right underneath our noses. These books may be fiction, but they are very much based on fact.
I was delighted to see Miranda Hogendobber brought back in this book, as she was caring for her dying sister in a few of the previous titles. Her friendships with Harry and Rev. Jones are especially endearing, and the three of them offer some heartwarming insights on life and love. The four-legged heroes are sassy as always, with Pewter and Tucker arguing throughout most of this book. I like to think that my own cat has her own thoughts and opinions about me, but she more than likely only thinks enough to make a fuss when she's hungry in the evenings. That's okay, though. These books are fun reads for those who are owned by furry critters.
January 5, 2025
This book is the Twentieth in the series featuring Mrs. Murphy, a Grey tiger short-hair cat who, along with a Welsh corgi dog named Tee Tucker, and the stout grey cat Pewter, solves mysteries with the assistance of Mary Minor “Harry” Haristeen, a farmer married to Fair Haristeen, an equine veterinarian, outside the small town of Crozet, Virginia, some ten miles west of Charlottesville. (It should be noted that all animals can talk to each other, and that they all understand humans, but humans, being dense imperfect beings, cannot understand the animals.) And these are fun mysteries to read.
May is in Virginia, and Harry is being driven by her friend Miranda when Miranda’s old Falcon suddenly slides into the ditch. Miranda calls her auto insurance agency, Safe and Sound, who tells her to have the ReNu garage take care of the damage. A few days later, the vestry board meeting at the Lutheran Church is winding up, and Susan and Harry offer to take the Reverend Herb down to ReNu to pick up his truck; Herb had wanted to use another garage, but Safe and Sound insisted on ReNu, as they do the best and cheapest work. When the three come to the garage, the front guy cannot raise anyone in the back; Harry, Susan, and Herb walk into the back, and find a mechanic with his head thoroughly bashed in. It turns out that the mechanics all had gone to lunch early, and all have the same story about what happened. In short order two or three more murders occur, and Harry is trying to find out what is going on, since all the murders are connected with the garage. And as usual, Harry’s animals are devoted to making sure that their person is safe and sound, and does not get her head bashed in by the person or persons doing the murders.
Again, this was a nice mystery, and I look forward to the next book.
May is in Virginia, and Harry is being driven by her friend Miranda when Miranda’s old Falcon suddenly slides into the ditch. Miranda calls her auto insurance agency, Safe and Sound, who tells her to have the ReNu garage take care of the damage. A few days later, the vestry board meeting at the Lutheran Church is winding up, and Susan and Harry offer to take the Reverend Herb down to ReNu to pick up his truck; Herb had wanted to use another garage, but Safe and Sound insisted on ReNu, as they do the best and cheapest work. When the three come to the garage, the front guy cannot raise anyone in the back; Harry, Susan, and Herb walk into the back, and find a mechanic with his head thoroughly bashed in. It turns out that the mechanics all had gone to lunch early, and all have the same story about what happened. In short order two or three more murders occur, and Harry is trying to find out what is going on, since all the murders are connected with the garage. And as usual, Harry’s animals are devoted to making sure that their person is safe and sound, and does not get her head bashed in by the person or persons doing the murders.
Again, this was a nice mystery, and I look forward to the next book.
March 3, 2023
Mrs. Murphy #20. Harry and Miranda are out for a ride in Miranda's car when they hear a bang and end up in a ditch. Not long afterwards, Rev. Jones's pickup has a similar accident. Then Harry finds a mechanic at a local repair shop with his head bashed in.
Miranda and Rev. Jones both use the same local insurance company and, therefore, the same repair shop. Harry finds the situation suspicious, and even more so, when her friend Fanny's tire store gets robbed of valuable performance tires. Then another mechanic gets killed and Harry knows for sure that something is up.
This story is all about cars. Repairs, insurance, substandard replacement parts, even the benefits of manual transmissions all get investigation and discussion. It also gives Harry an opportunity (and an excuse) to drive around in a souped-up Subaru STI. The car plot doesn't give the animals as much to do as usual, so they spend most of the time riding in cars and bickering among themselves.
After a couple of car chases, Harry figures out the insurance scheme and who the murderers are. Even trusting small-town residents are more saddened than shocked by the revelation that someone offering a service for too good of a price is cutting corners and may take drastic measures to avoid discovery. I can't help feeling the townies aren't going to be very happy with Priuses and Teslas coming in the next few years.
I much prefer Harry talking about cars to complaining about the government and taxes, so I liked this one. Also, in the end, Pewter FINALLY catches the blue jay only to have a clueless but well-intentioned Fair rescue it!!! Poor Pewter.
Miranda and Rev. Jones both use the same local insurance company and, therefore, the same repair shop. Harry finds the situation suspicious, and even more so, when her friend Fanny's tire store gets robbed of valuable performance tires. Then another mechanic gets killed and Harry knows for sure that something is up.
This story is all about cars. Repairs, insurance, substandard replacement parts, even the benefits of manual transmissions all get investigation and discussion. It also gives Harry an opportunity (and an excuse) to drive around in a souped-up Subaru STI. The car plot doesn't give the animals as much to do as usual, so they spend most of the time riding in cars and bickering among themselves.
After a couple of car chases, Harry figures out the insurance scheme and who the murderers are. Even trusting small-town residents are more saddened than shocked by the revelation that someone offering a service for too good of a price is cutting corners and may take drastic measures to avoid discovery. I can't help feeling the townies aren't going to be very happy with Priuses and Teslas coming in the next few years.
I much prefer Harry talking about cars to complaining about the government and taxes, so I liked this one. Also, in the end, Pewter FINALLY catches the blue jay only to have a clueless but well-intentioned Fair rescue it!!! Poor Pewter.
January 23, 2024
It's Spring time, and everything's coming up murder in Crozet, VA. Harry and her BFF, Susan, accompany Reverend Herbert Jones to the repair shop, where his truck is being worked on. There, they discover one of the mechanics with his head bashed in. His fellow co-workers were all late coming back from lunch, and no one knows a thing. Harry is curious about what could have prompted such a violent murder, and her curiosity is really piqued when another mechanic from the same shop is found, shot to death, in his souped up car. Everyone implores Harry to stay out of it and let the police do their job, but she can't help but wonder what the connection is. What Harry learns is that some secrets are worth killing for.
Another interesting, twisty installment in this series. Characterizations are always top-notch, and the plot pelted along, keeping me engrossed. Once again, however, there are multiple murders to contend with, which seems to be the MO with this series. Will there be anyone left alive in Crozet before it's over? LOL! My biggest complaint is (Spoiler!!!) the mere fact that the other murders took place. If the first guy was killed when he began making noise about wanting more hush money, why on earth would anyone else, much less more than one person, attempt the same thing? Madness!
Very good, excellent even, but I'm deducting a star because two of three murders never should have happened. Four stars.
Another interesting, twisty installment in this series. Characterizations are always top-notch, and the plot pelted along, keeping me engrossed. Once again, however, there are multiple murders to contend with, which seems to be the MO with this series. Will there be anyone left alive in Crozet before it's over? LOL! My biggest complaint is (Spoiler!!!) the mere fact that the other murders took place. If the first guy was killed when he began making noise about wanting more hush money, why on earth would anyone else, much less more than one person, attempt the same thing? Madness!
Very good, excellent even, but I'm deducting a star because two of three murders never should have happened. Four stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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August 6, 2025A lot of random fatphobia?? And this book reads like a vessel for Rita Mae Brown’s Southern Virginia politics ngl (but maybe not, she claims otherwise in the authors note) It’s so funny. I feel like she writes her characters doing whatever and the mystery is just a background plot. But I do like the characters a lot, especially the relationship between the main character and her husband.
As for the mystery, the motive is always found but the way the people get murdered is never really explained in a satisfying way? Like why did someone have to die with their head bashed in? Why an ice pick to the head in a grave yard? And why specifically at that time? I want to know the planning behind murder in addition to how the auto insurance guy made shady money, ya know? Because like let’s be real guys, people are dying here that’s kinda a big deal.
As for the mystery, the motive is always found but the way the people get murdered is never really explained in a satisfying way? Like why did someone have to die with their head bashed in? Why an ice pick to the head in a grave yard? And why specifically at that time? I want to know the planning behind murder in addition to how the auto insurance guy made shady money, ya know? Because like let’s be real guys, people are dying here that’s kinda a big deal.
August 25, 2018
Why did I commit to reading this series? Each installment makes me ask myself this question. Her animals and characters are endearing and well rounded, but she is the Queen Of Info-Dumping! If she can’t legitimately use some of her resource information she brings it up in obvious and contrived conversations between characters. Please pass the salt, and did you know China makes more counterfeit car parts than any other country? Sheesh. And I get it, Rita, you’re a Conservative Southerner. But this book was over the top in political rhetoric. At times I felt like I was reading some States’ Rights antebellum manifesto. We have government regulations, taxes, labor unions, global trade agreements, the FDA, and the EPA. Get over it, Rita Mae Brown.
March 16, 2023
Murder and money and greed between an insurance company and a car repair company in rural Virginia and beyond. Harry and Susan give the Reverend a ride to pick up his truck when they find one of the mechanics lying dead with his head beaten in. Meanwhile, suspicious car problems lead back to knock-off parts that don't meet standards and Harry, as usual, doing her own investigating. This, with the the help of Mrs. Murphy, Pewter, and Tucker, of course. And the usual updating of all that's happening in Crozet, with Little Mim expecting her first child, Harry and Fair trying to balance income and expenses on the farm, etc. Nice, cozy mystery. Longer and more involved that some before, and the better for it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 22, 2024
such a silly book!!! i had an amazing time doing a read-a-thon with my friends (the coven), and this really was a perfect book to read and dissect with friends. i loved the cats, and i LOVED alicia (the sapphic retired movie star) (who i need to learn more about)
the mystery was interesting but ultimately too simple for me. if your reader can pick out the two sleaziest characters based on their descriptions in the cast list, and then those two characters end up being the muderers....... then, yeah, the mystery probably needed some fine-tuning. however!! all of the characters were fascinating and compelling, and i thought that the other slice of life plotlines were very sweet and thoughtful.
so much car terminology by the way!!
oh, and i fully thought that the huge diamond necklace was going to play a pivotal role in the story. 3 i overcomplicated it all in my head i fear. but it made me giggle later on because i found out that the writer wrote in two of her friends and their jewelry store into the story. so that necklace was not plot relevant at all actually!! i had an entire narrative going that was a little bit unhinged, but that's part of the fun
overall, this was a wonderful book for a read-a-thon!!!!
the mystery was interesting but ultimately too simple for me. if your reader can pick out the two sleaziest characters based on their descriptions in the cast list, and then those two characters end up being the muderers....... then, yeah, the mystery probably needed some fine-tuning. however!! all of the characters were fascinating and compelling, and i thought that the other slice of life plotlines were very sweet and thoughtful.
so much car terminology by the way!!
oh, and i fully thought that the huge diamond necklace was going to play a pivotal role in the story. 3 i overcomplicated it all in my head i fear. but it made me giggle later on because i found out that the writer wrote in two of her friends and their jewelry store into the story. so that necklace was not plot relevant at all actually!! i had an entire narrative going that was a little bit unhinged, but that's part of the fun
overall, this was a wonderful book for a read-a-thon!!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 15, 2024
This book I was given as a library reading challenge prize winner, and it looked fairly simple and cozy, so I picked it up. So problematic! Not only was the plot see through (was a murder mystery) there is a lot of fat- and body-shaming in here by both the human characters as well as the animal (yes, talking animal) characters, and is very conservative-bent in re: to blaming the government for a lot of things. This was a bit surprising as this book is not that old, released in 2012, but definitely prior to the #Metoo movement, etc. The only parts I really enjoyed were the close friendships and relationships between the people in this small town in Virginia, though even then sometimes they made me uncomfortable and were borderline creepy.
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