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Cat in the Stacks #7
No Cats Allowed
The New York Times bestselling Cat in the Stacks series continues as librarian Charlie Harris and his cat Diesel must clear a friend when the evidence is stacked against her…
Mississippi librarian Charlie Harris and his Maine Coon cat Diesel are on their guard. Oscar Reilly, the new director at the Athena College library, is on a mission to cut costs and has set his sights on the archive and rare book collection. Reilly’s also out to replace Charlie’s fiery friend Melba with someone younger, but his biggest offense is declaring all four-legged creatures banned from the stacks.
With enemies aplenty, the suspect list is long when Reilly’s body is discovered in the library, but incriminating evidence throws suspicion on Melba. Charlie is convinced that his friend is no murderer, especially when he catches sight of a menacing stranger lurking around the library. Now he and Diesel will have to read between the lines, before Melba is shelved under “G” for guilty...
Mississippi librarian Charlie Harris and his Maine Coon cat Diesel are on their guard. Oscar Reilly, the new director at the Athena College library, is on a mission to cut costs and has set his sights on the archive and rare book collection. Reilly’s also out to replace Charlie’s fiery friend Melba with someone younger, but his biggest offense is declaring all four-legged creatures banned from the stacks.
With enemies aplenty, the suspect list is long when Reilly’s body is discovered in the library, but incriminating evidence throws suspicion on Melba. Charlie is convinced that his friend is no murderer, especially when he catches sight of a menacing stranger lurking around the library. Now he and Diesel will have to read between the lines, before Melba is shelved under “G” for guilty...
276 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 23, 2016
328 people are currently reading
2216 people want to read
About the author
Miranda James
25 books1,258 followersPen name of Dean James, who also writes as Honor Hartman and Jimmie Ruth Evans
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 469 reviews
March 8, 2020
Author Miranda James has done it again with the seventh book, No Cats Allowed, in the 'Cat in the Stacks' series. When you have a ruthless new executive overseeing the library, and this man annoys nearly everyone in town, I can't wait to see him die in a perilous 'accident.' At least in books, of course. I certainly wouldn't wish what happens to Oscar in this book on anyone in reality. I will say... I felt a certain kind of justice to know he was off'd in such a manner. Gone, but not forgotten, because of James's fantastic writing and storytelling abilities.
Charlie Harris is our main character. Diesel is his Maine Coon cat, somewhere around 35 lbs. My dog, who is hard to manage, is 25 lbs. I can only imagine! Charlie has two grown children and a girlfriend. His wife passed away years ago but he pines away for her lovingly. I wish we'd had a chance to meet her, perhaps one day in a "historical story." In this caper, everyone at the library is a suspect when it comes to who killed Oscar. We also meet a few other folks, namely his abused wife and her protective brother. Did they finally have enough of the man's damage?
The best part of this story... when Oscar dies... Charlie has to step in to oversee the library. I love watching him manage other people, especially someone who treats him rather poorly because she wanted the job. James cleverly covers the HR side of the organization, and often, it hit too close to home for me. I've had many of the conversations he's had with the HR department about staff, so I felt a nice kinship to the book. As always, the mystery is strong and the dialog rocks. I encountered the Ducote sisters again, albeit briefly, but it makes me smile.
And with that ending, Charlie has some stuff to deal with in the future: grandchildren, pets, and new boarders. What's a guy to do? Well... this one will be ordering the 8th book so I can read it next week. Three more to catch up, then I'm current and waiting for his next release. YAY!
Charlie Harris is our main character. Diesel is his Maine Coon cat, somewhere around 35 lbs. My dog, who is hard to manage, is 25 lbs. I can only imagine! Charlie has two grown children and a girlfriend. His wife passed away years ago but he pines away for her lovingly. I wish we'd had a chance to meet her, perhaps one day in a "historical story." In this caper, everyone at the library is a suspect when it comes to who killed Oscar. We also meet a few other folks, namely his abused wife and her protective brother. Did they finally have enough of the man's damage?
The best part of this story... when Oscar dies... Charlie has to step in to oversee the library. I love watching him manage other people, especially someone who treats him rather poorly because she wanted the job. James cleverly covers the HR side of the organization, and often, it hit too close to home for me. I've had many of the conversations he's had with the HR department about staff, so I felt a nice kinship to the book. As always, the mystery is strong and the dialog rocks. I encountered the Ducote sisters again, albeit briefly, but it makes me smile.
And with that ending, Charlie has some stuff to deal with in the future: grandchildren, pets, and new boarders. What's a guy to do? Well... this one will be ordering the 8th book so I can read it next week. Three more to catch up, then I'm current and waiting for his next release. YAY!
August 11, 2024
Si ciertos libros anteriores hubiesen sido como este, probablemente habría avanzado con la serie más rápido. Vaya, incluso la resolución del crimen, comparándola con otras, no se siente tan… precipitada.
Escenas y demás:
*Advertencia: si adoras a los gatos y tiendes a reaccionar… eh… agresivamente ante quejas injustificadas en contra de tales animales, aléjate (muy, muy lejos) de objetos frágiles y/o con gran valor económico, sentimental o ambos. Yo avisé.
Quizás también deberías alejarte de las paredes. Esa… es solo una sugerencia, de verdad.
...No, no he golpeado ninguna pared recientemente, y cualquiera que te diga lo contrario es un mentiroso que miente.
Además: mi mano, maldito infierno…
*Martin Ford me… está empezando a agradar. El jefe es serio y duro, sí, pero parece que intenta ser justo y competente. Esperaré hasta saber más sobre él, supongo.
*¿Es la primera vez que se menciona el nombre de Bates? ¡es la primera vez que se menciona el nombre de Bates! oooh, ¿cuánto apuestas a que la participación del tipo se incrementará?
*El asesinato de Porter Stanley (oh, adiós a mi principal sospechoso) y, después, la intrusión en el edificio de administración de la biblioteca.
Yo, murmurando: alto, esto está yendo demasiado rápido. Se supone que los acontecimientos en los libros de esta serie no deberían ir demasiado rápido…
*Charlie, iniciando una confrontación y dejándole en claro a Cassandra Brownley que ella, de hecho, no manda en la biblioteca: ese temperamento fuerte debería salir a la luz más seguido, sí señor.
*El disparo que casi, casi, lastima a Charlie: ¿qué diablos?
*Pregunta seria: ¿desde cuándo existen los bolígrafos con memorias USB y por qué yo no sabía que existían?
*Mi mente, teorizando junto con Charlie: ¿dónde están las joyas desaparecidas de la ex esposa de Reilly?; lo de Global Electronic Resources es sospechoso; Delbert Winston está actuando de forma sospechosa; la renuncia de Peter fue extremadamente repentina. Mmm, algo raro está sucediendo aquí… espera, ¿qué pasa con Margie y ese anillo? por dios, Harris, no ignores lo del anillo…
*Charlie y compañía, investigando la casa de Vanderkeller… y encontrando un cadáver: la parte de mí que estaba gritando "¡al fin, investigación activa!" fue efectivamente silenciada, sí.
Cuando Peter Vanderkeller renuncia por… alguna razón, se nombra a Oscar Reilly como director interino de la biblioteca; Reilly realiza una reunión en la que cuenta mucho acerca de su vida personal y se muestra cordial con los empleados… y luego procede a mirar a las mujeres de una forma inaceptable, a acusar a ciertas personas de cosas que no han hecho, a presentar una queja falsa y, en resumen, a no llevarse bien con prácticamente nadie y ser un idiota insoportable. No divertido.
Por supuesto, tal comportamiento no podía quedar sin repercusiones, por lo cual comienzan las bromas pesadas: específicamente, bromas que implican cierto auto siendo pintado (y que aparentan ser relativamente inofensivas) y una broma que implica cartas de despido falsas (y que no es inofensiva en lo absoluto). El jefe Ford no es nada, nada feliz al verse destinado a ser él quien debe hallar al causante de todo este maldito drama, los empleados falsamente despedidos no son nada, nada felices al verse involucrados en un drama causado por la mala actitud de su jefe idiota y a Charles Harris le encantaría saber por qué Reilly se ha propuesto ganarse el odio de todos en la biblioteca y cómo, en nombre de los dioses, la universidad ha logrado (aparentemente) no enterarse del pasado conflictivo, muy malo y nada bueno del sujeto.
¿Y por qué Porter Stanley acechó a su ex cuñado en su lugar de trabajo hasta que Charlie le ayudó (sin querer) a conseguir una reunión con él, de todos modos?
Ah bueno. Todo eso dejará de ser su problema si (con suerte) las quejas en contra de Reilly acaban provocando que despidan al idiota, sí.
Lamentablemente y en detrimento de la paz y tranquilidad, Oscar Reilly es asesinado tras no ser despedido y hacer planes que habrían provocado el cierre del departamento en el que trabaja Charlie. Oh.
¿ahora algunos miembros del personal de la biblioteca van a pasar de tener que lidiar con un jefe imbécil a soportar ser considerados como posibles sospechosos en un caso de asesinato, no? oh bien. Ellos no eran los únicos que odiaban al cabrón, al menos…
Escenas y demás:
*Advertencia: si adoras a los gatos y tiendes a reaccionar… eh… agresivamente ante quejas injustificadas en contra de tales animales, aléjate (muy, muy lejos) de objetos frágiles y/o con gran valor económico, sentimental o ambos. Yo avisé.
Quizás también deberías alejarte de las paredes. Esa… es solo una sugerencia, de verdad.
...No, no he golpeado ninguna pared recientemente, y cualquiera que te diga lo contrario es un mentiroso que miente.
Además: mi mano, maldito infierno…
*Martin Ford me… está empezando a agradar. El jefe es serio y duro, sí, pero parece que intenta ser justo y competente. Esperaré hasta saber más sobre él, supongo.
*¿Es la primera vez que se menciona el nombre de Bates? ¡es la primera vez que se menciona el nombre de Bates! oooh, ¿cuánto apuestas a que la participación del tipo se incrementará?
*El asesinato de Porter Stanley (oh, adiós a mi principal sospechoso) y, después, la intrusión en el edificio de administración de la biblioteca.
Yo, murmurando: alto, esto está yendo demasiado rápido. Se supone que los acontecimientos en los libros de esta serie no deberían ir demasiado rápido…
*Charlie, iniciando una confrontación y dejándole en claro a Cassandra Brownley que ella, de hecho, no manda en la biblioteca: ese temperamento fuerte debería salir a la luz más seguido, sí señor.
*El disparo que casi, casi, lastima a Charlie: ¿qué diablos?
*Pregunta seria: ¿desde cuándo existen los bolígrafos con memorias USB y por qué yo no sabía que existían?
*Mi mente, teorizando junto con Charlie: ¿dónde están las joyas desaparecidas de la ex esposa de Reilly?; lo de Global Electronic Resources es sospechoso; Delbert Winston está actuando de forma sospechosa; la renuncia de Peter fue extremadamente repentina. Mmm, algo raro está sucediendo aquí… espera, ¿qué pasa con Margie y ese anillo? por dios, Harris, no ignores lo del anillo…
*Charlie y compañía, investigando la casa de Vanderkeller… y encontrando un cadáver: la parte de mí que estaba gritando "¡al fin, investigación activa!" fue efectivamente silenciada, sí.
Cuando Peter Vanderkeller renuncia por… alguna razón, se nombra a Oscar Reilly como director interino de la biblioteca; Reilly realiza una reunión en la que cuenta mucho acerca de su vida personal y se muestra cordial con los empleados… y luego procede a mirar a las mujeres de una forma inaceptable, a acusar a ciertas personas de cosas que no han hecho, a presentar una queja falsa y, en resumen, a no llevarse bien con prácticamente nadie y ser un idiota insoportable. No divertido.
Por supuesto, tal comportamiento no podía quedar sin repercusiones, por lo cual comienzan las bromas pesadas: específicamente, bromas que implican cierto auto siendo pintado (y que aparentan ser relativamente inofensivas) y una broma que implica cartas de despido falsas (y que no es inofensiva en lo absoluto). El jefe Ford no es nada, nada feliz al verse destinado a ser él quien debe hallar al causante de todo este maldito drama, los empleados falsamente despedidos no son nada, nada felices al verse involucrados en un drama causado por la mala actitud de su jefe idiota y a Charles Harris le encantaría saber por qué Reilly se ha propuesto ganarse el odio de todos en la biblioteca y cómo, en nombre de los dioses, la universidad ha logrado (aparentemente) no enterarse del pasado conflictivo, muy malo y nada bueno del sujeto.
¿Y por qué Porter Stanley acechó a su ex cuñado en su lugar de trabajo hasta que Charlie le ayudó (sin querer) a conseguir una reunión con él, de todos modos?
Ah bueno. Todo eso dejará de ser su problema si (con suerte) las quejas en contra de Reilly acaban provocando que despidan al idiota, sí.
Lamentablemente y en detrimento de la paz y tranquilidad, Oscar Reilly es asesinado tras no ser despedido y hacer planes que habrían provocado el cierre del departamento en el que trabaja Charlie. Oh.
¿ahora algunos miembros del personal de la biblioteca van a pasar de tener que lidiar con un jefe imbécil a soportar ser considerados como posibles sospechosos en un caso de asesinato, no? oh bien. Ellos no eran los únicos que odiaban al cabrón, al menos…
January 2, 2016
I've never met a cat of any size or type I didn't like (well, except maybe for those pitiful little hairless things) - so one of the annual joys of my life came at the release of a new book in the Cat who series by the late Lilian Jackson Braun. Ah, how I loved reading about the antics of Koko and Yum Yum, the Siamese buddies belonging to journalist "Qwill" Qwilleran. With around 30 in all, they provided a good run.
Until, of course, they came to an end. And since then, I've been hoping to find a mystery series (heck, I'd even settle for a single book) with a feline focus. And by George, I think I've got it. This book, which I received free in exchange for a review from the publisher (via NetGalley), is the seventh in the author's Cat in the Stacks series; now that I've finished it, it looks as if I've got some backtracking to do.
-
The location is Athena College in Mississippi, where the very likable Charlie Harris is a part-time librarian. One of the conditions of his taking the job - which he doesn't need for financial reasons - is that he be allowed to bring Diesel, his larger-than-usual Maine Coon cat, to work with him every day. That's fine with just about everyone except the new library director, a numbers-cruncher type who was brought in after his predecessor, thought to have been involved in some financial hanky-panky, abruptly disappeared.
Nobody much likes the new guy, in fact - certainly not Charlie nor his long-time friend and co-worker, Melba. So when the director's body turns up churned up in a library storage room, no one sheds a tear. Because of that, though, the list of suspects is fairly lengthy. When Melba moves to the top of the list, Charlie and his attorney son Sean get involved, helping the police with the investigation. Tension builds when other bad things begin to happen, including threats to Charlie's own life.
Not having had the benefit of reading previous books in the series, I confess to being a little disappointed that although Diesel is a loving monster of a cat with a sweet personality, he's much more of a schmoozer than a sleuth (put another way, he's no Koko or Yum Yum). That said, this is an easy-breezy story that I thoroughly enjoyed - and for sure I'll be watching for the next installment.
Until, of course, they came to an end. And since then, I've been hoping to find a mystery series (heck, I'd even settle for a single book) with a feline focus. And by George, I think I've got it. This book, which I received free in exchange for a review from the publisher (via NetGalley), is the seventh in the author's Cat in the Stacks series; now that I've finished it, it looks as if I've got some backtracking to do.
-
The location is Athena College in Mississippi, where the very likable Charlie Harris is a part-time librarian. One of the conditions of his taking the job - which he doesn't need for financial reasons - is that he be allowed to bring Diesel, his larger-than-usual Maine Coon cat, to work with him every day. That's fine with just about everyone except the new library director, a numbers-cruncher type who was brought in after his predecessor, thought to have been involved in some financial hanky-panky, abruptly disappeared.
Nobody much likes the new guy, in fact - certainly not Charlie nor his long-time friend and co-worker, Melba. So when the director's body turns up churned up in a library storage room, no one sheds a tear. Because of that, though, the list of suspects is fairly lengthy. When Melba moves to the top of the list, Charlie and his attorney son Sean get involved, helping the police with the investigation. Tension builds when other bad things begin to happen, including threats to Charlie's own life.
Not having had the benefit of reading previous books in the series, I confess to being a little disappointed that although Diesel is a loving monster of a cat with a sweet personality, he's much more of a schmoozer than a sleuth (put another way, he's no Koko or Yum Yum). That said, this is an easy-breezy story that I thoroughly enjoyed - and for sure I'll be watching for the next installment.
March 1, 2016
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Every time these books arrive I look at the cover and see my cat, Wiley. He is now living with my daughter because we can’t have cats here and I miss him so much. He is just a little bit smaller than Diesel but not by much.
In this installment Charlie’s new boss, Oscar Reilly has decided he is allergic to cats and wants to ban Diesel from coming to the library. He also has the rest of the staff ticked off by some of his other actions. He is a human resources nightmare. I was not surprised to find someone had put him out of everyone’s misery, but when the police arrested Melba I knew the had they wrong person. Charlie knows it too, and he is going to get her out of jail and get the right person booked as soon as possible.
James continues to impress me with this series. This time the method of murder was something off the wall and totally unexpected and I had to read it twice to fully grasp the situation. One big ouch let me tell you. But before the crime he takes his time introducing us to Mr. Oscar Reilly, and I disliked him immediately and praise the employees for their restraint. I may not have killed him but probably would have been fired for telling him off and probably slapping him across the face and stomping out. What a first class jerk! The mystery has quite a few twists and turns and several suspects, I would guess anyone the man ever met could be a suspect.
In addition to the murder there are a couple of little subplots that fans of this series will enjoy. I hesitate to say more because I do not want to spoil anything.
I love this series has a male protagonist. A fine Southern gentleman who stays calm but takes action. He opens his home and his heart and draws us right into to these stories. All the characters are wonderfully developed and so real.
The pages pass quickly and as always my visit to Athena comes to an end much too soon. This was a delightful way to spend an afternoon but I need a few more warbles from Diesel and more time with Charlie and his friends and family. Next year…
Every time these books arrive I look at the cover and see my cat, Wiley. He is now living with my daughter because we can’t have cats here and I miss him so much. He is just a little bit smaller than Diesel but not by much.
In this installment Charlie’s new boss, Oscar Reilly has decided he is allergic to cats and wants to ban Diesel from coming to the library. He also has the rest of the staff ticked off by some of his other actions. He is a human resources nightmare. I was not surprised to find someone had put him out of everyone’s misery, but when the police arrested Melba I knew the had they wrong person. Charlie knows it too, and he is going to get her out of jail and get the right person booked as soon as possible.
James continues to impress me with this series. This time the method of murder was something off the wall and totally unexpected and I had to read it twice to fully grasp the situation. One big ouch let me tell you. But before the crime he takes his time introducing us to Mr. Oscar Reilly, and I disliked him immediately and praise the employees for their restraint. I may not have killed him but probably would have been fired for telling him off and probably slapping him across the face and stomping out. What a first class jerk! The mystery has quite a few twists and turns and several suspects, I would guess anyone the man ever met could be a suspect.
In addition to the murder there are a couple of little subplots that fans of this series will enjoy. I hesitate to say more because I do not want to spoil anything.
I love this series has a male protagonist. A fine Southern gentleman who stays calm but takes action. He opens his home and his heart and draws us right into to these stories. All the characters are wonderfully developed and so real.
The pages pass quickly and as always my visit to Athena comes to an end much too soon. This was a delightful way to spend an afternoon but I need a few more warbles from Diesel and more time with Charlie and his friends and family. Next year…
January 21, 2017
No Cats Allowed is the 7th book in the A Cat In The Stacks Mystery series.
Another great story in this delightful series. James once again skillfully writes a well plotted and exciting story.
There is turmoil at the library on the campus of Athena College. The former library director has left in disgrace after overspending the budget by some $500,000. Then Oscar Reilly is appointed the interim director and to say he lacks people skills is to put it mildly. He threatens to remove his administrative assistant, Melba and informs Charlie Harris that he can no longer bring his cat, Diesel, to work. In addition, pranks have been played on Reilly.
Soon Porter Stanley shows up, he is Reilly’s ex-brother-in-law. That evening the body of Reilly is found in the basement of the library, caught between movable bookcases. Suspicion immediately falls on Stanley. But then when Stanley is shot to death, Harris is even more convinced that the killer must have some ties to the college. Harris is convinced by the president of Athena College to take over as the interim head of the library. With this appointment, Charlie is in a better position to delve into the problem of the overspending and to determine if it was actually overspending of something else.
Most all of the regular characters are back to provide support for Charlie and his endeavors. The supporting characters are all well defined and there’s not a one that I wouldn’t want to friends with. In addition, Charlie and Kanesha Berty, chief deputy, seem to understand each other and work well together. Of course, the wonderful Diesel is back being his adorable self.
Definitely, will be reading the next book in this wonderful series.
Another great story in this delightful series. James once again skillfully writes a well plotted and exciting story.
There is turmoil at the library on the campus of Athena College. The former library director has left in disgrace after overspending the budget by some $500,000. Then Oscar Reilly is appointed the interim director and to say he lacks people skills is to put it mildly. He threatens to remove his administrative assistant, Melba and informs Charlie Harris that he can no longer bring his cat, Diesel, to work. In addition, pranks have been played on Reilly.
Soon Porter Stanley shows up, he is Reilly’s ex-brother-in-law. That evening the body of Reilly is found in the basement of the library, caught between movable bookcases. Suspicion immediately falls on Stanley. But then when Stanley is shot to death, Harris is even more convinced that the killer must have some ties to the college. Harris is convinced by the president of Athena College to take over as the interim head of the library. With this appointment, Charlie is in a better position to delve into the problem of the overspending and to determine if it was actually overspending of something else.
Most all of the regular characters are back to provide support for Charlie and his endeavors. The supporting characters are all well defined and there’s not a one that I wouldn’t want to friends with. In addition, Charlie and Kanesha Berty, chief deputy, seem to understand each other and work well together. Of course, the wonderful Diesel is back being his adorable self.
Definitely, will be reading the next book in this wonderful series.
August 18, 2016
This is book seven in the “Cat in the Stacks” series. I have previously read book one and two in the series. This appears to be a series one does not have to read in order as each book stands on its own.
Our protagonist is Charlie Harris and his Main Coon cat Diesel. Charlie is a retired librarian who had returned to his hometown Athena, Mississippi, after his wife died. He is working part-time at his alumni, Athena College, as an archivist. Diesel comes to work with Charlie and is enjoyed by fellow workers and students. The library director suddenly quits and an interim director is appointed from the accounting department. Oscar Reilly proceeds to alienate everyone including Charlie after he bans Diesel from the library. Then Reilly and others are murdered and Diesel and Charlie are on the hunt for the killer or killers. The college president appoints Charlie the new interim library director and now someone is trying to kill him.
The book is well written. The author does a great job of weaving the story and characters into an exciting story. James is a gifted storyteller. I picked up on one piece of information, that Mississippi does not register guns. Have not yet checked this out to see if it is a true fact or not. But in the story a gun could not be traced to the owner because there was no registration required. I am always on the lookout for bits of unusual information. This is a fun read and I learn more about Maine Coon cats with each book.
Erin Bennett does a great job narrating the book. She is a well known voice over artists and audiobook narrator.
Our protagonist is Charlie Harris and his Main Coon cat Diesel. Charlie is a retired librarian who had returned to his hometown Athena, Mississippi, after his wife died. He is working part-time at his alumni, Athena College, as an archivist. Diesel comes to work with Charlie and is enjoyed by fellow workers and students. The library director suddenly quits and an interim director is appointed from the accounting department. Oscar Reilly proceeds to alienate everyone including Charlie after he bans Diesel from the library. Then Reilly and others are murdered and Diesel and Charlie are on the hunt for the killer or killers. The college president appoints Charlie the new interim library director and now someone is trying to kill him.
The book is well written. The author does a great job of weaving the story and characters into an exciting story. James is a gifted storyteller. I picked up on one piece of information, that Mississippi does not register guns. Have not yet checked this out to see if it is a true fact or not. But in the story a gun could not be traced to the owner because there was no registration required. I am always on the lookout for bits of unusual information. This is a fun read and I learn more about Maine Coon cats with each book.
Erin Bennett does a great job narrating the book. She is a well known voice over artists and audiobook narrator.
May 11, 2025
This is the seventh book in the “A Cat in the Stacks Mystery” series. Charlie Harris and his beloved Maine Coon cat Diesel are back in this new adventure. I just have to start this review with – I’m a big fan of this series and a cat lover. So, this book immediately won me over.
Oscar Reilly, the new library director, is on a mission to cut costs. One of those costs is assistant Melba, who happens to be a dear friend of Charlie’s. Reilly wants to replace her with someone younger and less costly. To add fuel to the fire, he bans Diesel from the library claiming to have an allergy to cats. Charlie points out to the HR department that Reilly has often been near Diesel with no allergic reactions.
When Reilly is found dead in the library, Melba is the main suspect. However, there is no short supply of suspects. Charlie is determined to prove his friend’s innocence.
This book oozes with charm. Charlie and Diesel always leave me smiling. I just want to cuddle with that adorable Main Coon.
Okay, enough about the handsome kitty Now, to the story, there were a few twists and turns I wasn’t expecting. It’s fast-paced and an enjoyable read. All of the characters are well-developed and seem realistic to me. Each one has a distinct personality that comes right through with every page. I feel as if I’m visiting with old friend. I’m looking forward to the next one.
Disclosure: The publisher and NetGalley provided me with a copy of this book for my honest review. This did not influence my thoughts and opinions in any way. All opinions expressed are my own.
Oscar Reilly, the new library director, is on a mission to cut costs. One of those costs is assistant Melba, who happens to be a dear friend of Charlie’s. Reilly wants to replace her with someone younger and less costly. To add fuel to the fire, he bans Diesel from the library claiming to have an allergy to cats. Charlie points out to the HR department that Reilly has often been near Diesel with no allergic reactions.
When Reilly is found dead in the library, Melba is the main suspect. However, there is no short supply of suspects. Charlie is determined to prove his friend’s innocence.
This book oozes with charm. Charlie and Diesel always leave me smiling. I just want to cuddle with that adorable Main Coon.
Okay, enough about the handsome kitty Now, to the story, there were a few twists and turns I wasn’t expecting. It’s fast-paced and an enjoyable read. All of the characters are well-developed and seem realistic to me. Each one has a distinct personality that comes right through with every page. I feel as if I’m visiting with old friend. I’m looking forward to the next one.
Disclosure: The publisher and NetGalley provided me with a copy of this book for my honest review. This did not influence my thoughts and opinions in any way. All opinions expressed are my own.
December 19, 2016
The Athena College Library has a new director, and Oscar Reilly seems determined to drive all the staff away. The heads of the library’s departments hate him and Charlie’s friend Melba is ready to quit. In fact, Charlie’s issue, that Oscar is claiming allergies as a reason that Charlie can’t bring his cat Diesel to work anymore, seems minor. It’s not terribly surprising when Oscar turns up dead, but who actually killed him?
Those who like this series will love this installment. The characters are as delightful as ever, and we get some advancement on series plot threads. The murder is set up well with good suspects and motives that Charlie has to work his way through until we reach the logical solution. This is my favorite to date in the series.
NOTE: I received a copy of this book in hopes I would review it.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
Those who like this series will love this installment. The characters are as delightful as ever, and we get some advancement on series plot threads. The murder is set up well with good suspects and motives that Charlie has to work his way through until we reach the logical solution. This is my favorite to date in the series.
NOTE: I received a copy of this book in hopes I would review it.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
February 20, 2016
Charlie and Diesel are back with a new murder. This time it looks like murder is stacked against one of the libraries own!
I’m still rather new to the Cat in the Stacks Mysteries. The thing that has surprised me most with the ones I have read, has been the lack of action during the reveals in the books. However, in reading NO CATS ALLOWED, it occurred to me that an action packed ending doesn’t make or break a story. It’s the writing that is important, and the writing in this series is superb. So, please forgive me Maranda James for searching out something that didn’t need to be found.
Enjoyable characters, both human and feline, an excellent plot, and writing that draws a reader in are all present and accounted for in NO CATS ALLOWED. Author James captures the imagination with this clever tale of murder, making it a real page turner. A true mystery in every sense of the word, I was reminded of classic mystery heroes who use brain power, observation, and deduction to solve the crime.
Fans of this series are sure to be delighted with this newest installment!
I’m still rather new to the Cat in the Stacks Mysteries. The thing that has surprised me most with the ones I have read, has been the lack of action during the reveals in the books. However, in reading NO CATS ALLOWED, it occurred to me that an action packed ending doesn’t make or break a story. It’s the writing that is important, and the writing in this series is superb. So, please forgive me Maranda James for searching out something that didn’t need to be found.
Enjoyable characters, both human and feline, an excellent plot, and writing that draws a reader in are all present and accounted for in NO CATS ALLOWED. Author James captures the imagination with this clever tale of murder, making it a real page turner. A true mystery in every sense of the word, I was reminded of classic mystery heroes who use brain power, observation, and deduction to solve the crime.
Fans of this series are sure to be delighted with this newest installment!
January 2, 2016
I was given this book in exchange for an honest review by Mysteries and Crime Thrillers on blogspot.
Everybody at the Athena College Library hates the new Library Interim Director, Oscar Reilly. He’s tyrannical, annoying, and childish. So when Reilly is found dead and Melba, Charlie’s close friend, is framed it’s up to Charlie and his feline companion, Diesel, to figure out who the real killer is. Things only get more complicated when one in the growing list of suspects is also killed. Can Charlie figure out who the murderer is before someone else dies?
This was the first time I read a cozy mystery with a feline companion protagonist. I wasn’t sure what to expect.
After reading the synopsis I was under the impression that Diesel’s role was going to be essential in solving the mystery. This was not so. Diesel’s main role in the story was to interact with Charlie and add charm to the story, which he certainly did. I think any cat lover would have found themselves shouting, “My kitty does that too!” as they read their interactions. I can certainly see why so many people enjoy these cozy mysteries.
The world building in this story was excellent. I felt like I was living it, standing right next to Charlie as it happened. That being said, there were times when I felt all the little details were a bit unnecessary and that they only slowed down the flow of the story.
Over all I felt the book was a bit slow. I was impatiently waiting to get to the mystery and when it did occur it wasn’t very thrilling. There were no big twists or big reveals throughout the rest of the book either, not until the very end. The end was not obvious which is great. A good mystery should always keep you guessing. But it didn’t have a mind blowing end like I had hoped for either.
This book was certainly not bad. I just don’t think was the book for me.
Everybody at the Athena College Library hates the new Library Interim Director, Oscar Reilly. He’s tyrannical, annoying, and childish. So when Reilly is found dead and Melba, Charlie’s close friend, is framed it’s up to Charlie and his feline companion, Diesel, to figure out who the real killer is. Things only get more complicated when one in the growing list of suspects is also killed. Can Charlie figure out who the murderer is before someone else dies?
This was the first time I read a cozy mystery with a feline companion protagonist. I wasn’t sure what to expect.
After reading the synopsis I was under the impression that Diesel’s role was going to be essential in solving the mystery. This was not so. Diesel’s main role in the story was to interact with Charlie and add charm to the story, which he certainly did. I think any cat lover would have found themselves shouting, “My kitty does that too!” as they read their interactions. I can certainly see why so many people enjoy these cozy mysteries.
The world building in this story was excellent. I felt like I was living it, standing right next to Charlie as it happened. That being said, there were times when I felt all the little details were a bit unnecessary and that they only slowed down the flow of the story.
Over all I felt the book was a bit slow. I was impatiently waiting to get to the mystery and when it did occur it wasn’t very thrilling. There were no big twists or big reveals throughout the rest of the book either, not until the very end. The end was not obvious which is great. A good mystery should always keep you guessing. But it didn’t have a mind blowing end like I had hoped for either.
This book was certainly not bad. I just don’t think was the book for me.
February 12, 2018
I loved this book - I wish I had a cat like Diesel. Charlie and his sleuthing skills never disappoint!
July 23, 2021
Second Review: 07/23/2021
I've just finish reading No Cats Allowed for the second time and enjoyed every word. My favorite characters are Charlie Harris, Melba, his secretary, and Diesel, his Maine Coon cat. This novel is well deserving of a five star rating.
First Review: 02/28/2020
Charlie Harris works part-time for the Athena College Library in the Archives and Rare Book collection. He brings his Maine Coon cat, Diesel, with him to work. The new interim library director, Oscar Reilly, is not making any friends among the library staff. He's called two staff members liars and claims he is allergic to cats. Charlie decides to file a complaint with the Human Resources Department, and then considers taking a leave of absence for six months. The only hang up is Reilly has to approve the leave. Charlie could quit, but he loves the work he does for the library.
Melba with the library administration comes over to Charlie's house to tell him Reilly accused her of vandalizing his car. Charlie suggests she file a complaint with HR. Later Sean, Charlie's son and an attorney, stops by to pick up a few things. Charlie discuss what's been going on with Oscar, Melba and the library staff. Both Charlie and Sean wonder what is Reilly's game?
On Charlie's day off, he and Diesel are walking when they see a 6'8" man getting out of a small car. Charlie and Diesel walk over to the man and introduce themselves. They find out his name is Porter Stanley. He is interested in seeing the antebellum building the Athena College Administration is housed in. While Charlie gives a oral history of the building, they decide to stop by the director's office. Cassandra Brownley is arguing with Oscar in his office. She storms out, walking swiftly past Charlie and Porter. When Oscar Reilly sees Porter Stanley he is afraid. When Reilly turns up dead in the library basement, there are plenty of suspects with grievances against him. Who killed Oscar Reilly and why?
I picked up this book because a friend, Jay Cudney, reads Miranda James's A Cat in the Stack mysteries. His reviews are always so interesting I just had to check out her novels for myself. Charlie Harris is a wonderful protagonist, coupled with his 35 pound Maine Coon cat, Diesel, who meows, warbles and chirps, make a delightful amateur sleuth and companion. Diesel does not help solve the crimes, but he is a lovely sidekick to add humor or to help relieve tension. I liked all the characters except, of course, the nasty, bullying ones. The plot is solid. It keeps a steady pace to the end. I like this cozy mystery's resolution. There were no loose ends. This is the first book I've read by Miranda James. I look forward to my next in the series.
I've just finish reading No Cats Allowed for the second time and enjoyed every word. My favorite characters are Charlie Harris, Melba, his secretary, and Diesel, his Maine Coon cat. This novel is well deserving of a five star rating.
First Review: 02/28/2020
Charlie Harris works part-time for the Athena College Library in the Archives and Rare Book collection. He brings his Maine Coon cat, Diesel, with him to work. The new interim library director, Oscar Reilly, is not making any friends among the library staff. He's called two staff members liars and claims he is allergic to cats. Charlie decides to file a complaint with the Human Resources Department, and then considers taking a leave of absence for six months. The only hang up is Reilly has to approve the leave. Charlie could quit, but he loves the work he does for the library.
Melba with the library administration comes over to Charlie's house to tell him Reilly accused her of vandalizing his car. Charlie suggests she file a complaint with HR. Later Sean, Charlie's son and an attorney, stops by to pick up a few things. Charlie discuss what's been going on with Oscar, Melba and the library staff. Both Charlie and Sean wonder what is Reilly's game?
On Charlie's day off, he and Diesel are walking when they see a 6'8" man getting out of a small car. Charlie and Diesel walk over to the man and introduce themselves. They find out his name is Porter Stanley. He is interested in seeing the antebellum building the Athena College Administration is housed in. While Charlie gives a oral history of the building, they decide to stop by the director's office. Cassandra Brownley is arguing with Oscar in his office. She storms out, walking swiftly past Charlie and Porter. When Oscar Reilly sees Porter Stanley he is afraid. When Reilly turns up dead in the library basement, there are plenty of suspects with grievances against him. Who killed Oscar Reilly and why?
I picked up this book because a friend, Jay Cudney, reads Miranda James's A Cat in the Stack mysteries. His reviews are always so interesting I just had to check out her novels for myself. Charlie Harris is a wonderful protagonist, coupled with his 35 pound Maine Coon cat, Diesel, who meows, warbles and chirps, make a delightful amateur sleuth and companion. Diesel does not help solve the crimes, but he is a lovely sidekick to add humor or to help relieve tension. I liked all the characters except, of course, the nasty, bullying ones. The plot is solid. It keeps a steady pace to the end. I like this cozy mystery's resolution. There were no loose ends. This is the first book I've read by Miranda James. I look forward to my next in the series.
March 19, 2016
No Cats Allowed by Miranda James.
This was the 7th in the Cat in the Stacks Mystery series and my 7th. Just when I think charlie Harris can't top his last encounter with a murder and murderer...he does!
Charlie Harris's director at the library has quit without warning and a new director has been assigned in his stead. The problem is this new interim director is outrageously abusive to not just some of the library staff but all of the staff and it has the library in an uproar about this treatment. Charlie is no exception although his temper is kept well under control considering the circumstances.
Diesel, Charlie's Coon Cat, is there by Charlie's side through it all and a great companion for Charlie...as well as Melba. Melba, a close friend and co-worker at the library, has a place in her heart for Diesel and often cares for him while Charlie is caught up in the drama of his work.
Then, half way through the story, the inevitable happens and the interim director is erased from the scene. The murder takes place inside the basement of the library and only someone with a key could have gained entrance. Could it be someone on the inside or is there a more sinister explanation?
The beginning of this story was slow for me but once it took off there was no stopping the suspense. Charlie's family life continues to develop as each character's life grows in depth bringing more interest to the story (and to Charlie). Highly recommended for any cozy mystery lover of an excellently written series.
This was the 7th in the Cat in the Stacks Mystery series and my 7th. Just when I think charlie Harris can't top his last encounter with a murder and murderer...he does!
Charlie Harris's director at the library has quit without warning and a new director has been assigned in his stead. The problem is this new interim director is outrageously abusive to not just some of the library staff but all of the staff and it has the library in an uproar about this treatment. Charlie is no exception although his temper is kept well under control considering the circumstances.
Diesel, Charlie's Coon Cat, is there by Charlie's side through it all and a great companion for Charlie...as well as Melba. Melba, a close friend and co-worker at the library, has a place in her heart for Diesel and often cares for him while Charlie is caught up in the drama of his work.
Then, half way through the story, the inevitable happens and the interim director is erased from the scene. The murder takes place inside the basement of the library and only someone with a key could have gained entrance. Could it be someone on the inside or is there a more sinister explanation?
The beginning of this story was slow for me but once it took off there was no stopping the suspense. Charlie's family life continues to develop as each character's life grows in depth bringing more interest to the story (and to Charlie). Highly recommended for any cozy mystery lover of an excellently written series.
October 25, 2023
Very few cozy mystery reads are better for me than Charlie and Diesel. Miranda James is just such a good cozy writer!
In this one, Charlie has a new boss at the library, Oscar Reilly, who rubs everyone the wrong way. Reilly apparently doesn't care for cats, and asks Charlie to stop bringing Diesel to work w/ him, really riling up Charlie and friends. Reilly has a background in finance, not library science, so was brought into the archives to rein in the budget, really overinflated by the previous administrator, Peter, who abruptly resigned his position ... in relation to the budgetary problems? We'll see.
Reilly is hit by a couple of "pranks" ... or were they warnings? The inevitable cozy-mystery murder occurs and of course, Charlie is drawn into the middle of it, trying to figure things out w/ the help of his friend, Melba, his housemates, and his children -- not to mention his ginormous Maine Coon companion, Diesel.
Does Charlie help Deputy Berry solve the crime ... or does he become the next victim?
As usual, a satisfying, five-star read from Ms. James. I honestly did NOT recognize the murderer until told, as there were the usual number of red-herring suspects.
In this one, Charlie has a new boss at the library, Oscar Reilly, who rubs everyone the wrong way. Reilly apparently doesn't care for cats, and asks Charlie to stop bringing Diesel to work w/ him, really riling up Charlie and friends. Reilly has a background in finance, not library science, so was brought into the archives to rein in the budget, really overinflated by the previous administrator, Peter, who abruptly resigned his position ... in relation to the budgetary problems? We'll see.
Reilly is hit by a couple of "pranks" ... or were they warnings? The inevitable cozy-mystery murder occurs and of course, Charlie is drawn into the middle of it, trying to figure things out w/ the help of his friend, Melba, his housemates, and his children -- not to mention his ginormous Maine Coon companion, Diesel.
Does Charlie help Deputy Berry solve the crime ... or does he become the next victim?
As usual, a satisfying, five-star read from Ms. James. I honestly did NOT recognize the murderer until told, as there were the usual number of red-herring suspects.
November 18, 2018
This was the first Miranda James novel I read and except for a few quirks, I really loved the characters and the setting. And of course I love cats! Charlie's Maine Coon cat Diesel is unique. I wish I knew a cat who would walk on a leash. I've had many and tried it and all they do is lie down on their backs and look up at me and say--Do you think I'm a dog? For more about this series, read my review of the first book in the series, MURDER PAST DUE. If you enjoy a cat cozy mystery, you'll enjoy this--though I did think the way the victim was murdered was truly gruesome.
November 8, 2016
This is definitely my favorite cozy mystery series I've EVER come across. The whodunit was not quite as suspenseful and twisty this time as in some of the previous books though, I guessed the killer VERY soon and turned out being right. I still adore the characters and setting in this series though!
April 20, 2017
Wonderful, wonderful! Using real skills of researching and thinking, murders and mayhem gain their solutions. Main character Charlie has an excellent cast of family, friends, police, and workers to aid him in giving us a good tale. Diesel the Maine coon cat is essential and delightful as always! Diesel is one of my favorite animal cozy characters. I am posting this during National Library Week, so just choose any volume in this Cat in the Stacks series and escape to the library for some reading pleasure!
February 6, 2016
Some students say that Charlie Harris is a eccentric man because he walks his pet cat, a large Maine Coon, Diesel on a leash and brings him to work. Charlie is a librarian that catalogues rare books and maintains the archives at Athena College in Mississippi. When a new library director is brought in after the previous director's sudden departure, Oscar Reilly, he is not met with the warmest welcome.
Oscar soon starts throwing his weight around and targets Charlie and wanting to cut costs in the rare books and archives and Reilly files a complaint he is allergic to Diesel and he is no longer able to bring him to to work. Reilly also sets his sights on Charlie's friend Melba who works in the office with Charlie. The whole office starts feeling Oscar Rielly's wrath. When he is discovered in the library dead under a book shelf. Charlie's friend and co-worker, Melba becomes the main suspect in his death.
Charlie knows that Melba couldn't have possibly killed the man no matter how much he was hated. Possibly all the staff and students of Athena College could have had a motive for killing him and suspicious things start happening around campus but when a mysterious stanger is seen by Melba outside the college, things start getting more suspicious and Charlie is determined to find the killer so the police can throw the book at him.
This is one of my favorite series that I am always anxious to read. I love heading back to this southern town in Mississippi to visit Charlie and Diesel to see what murder mystery they will get themselves caught up in next. No Cats Allowed is a comfort and cozy read with a hateful murder victim that no one missed, including me. Diesel will tug on your heart strings and the characters have no shortage of southern charm.
Libraries, books and a big, lovable cat is just purrfect perfection. Author Miranda James weaves out an excellent plot that leaves you hooked until the end. I can't wait to read and review the next in the series.
FTC Disclosure Thank you to the publisher and/or author for providing us with a copy of this book for review.This did not influence our thoughts in any way. All the opinions of the book and review are honest and our own
Oscar soon starts throwing his weight around and targets Charlie and wanting to cut costs in the rare books and archives and Reilly files a complaint he is allergic to Diesel and he is no longer able to bring him to to work. Reilly also sets his sights on Charlie's friend Melba who works in the office with Charlie. The whole office starts feeling Oscar Rielly's wrath. When he is discovered in the library dead under a book shelf. Charlie's friend and co-worker, Melba becomes the main suspect in his death.
Charlie knows that Melba couldn't have possibly killed the man no matter how much he was hated. Possibly all the staff and students of Athena College could have had a motive for killing him and suspicious things start happening around campus but when a mysterious stanger is seen by Melba outside the college, things start getting more suspicious and Charlie is determined to find the killer so the police can throw the book at him.
This is one of my favorite series that I am always anxious to read. I love heading back to this southern town in Mississippi to visit Charlie and Diesel to see what murder mystery they will get themselves caught up in next. No Cats Allowed is a comfort and cozy read with a hateful murder victim that no one missed, including me. Diesel will tug on your heart strings and the characters have no shortage of southern charm.
Libraries, books and a big, lovable cat is just purrfect perfection. Author Miranda James weaves out an excellent plot that leaves you hooked until the end. I can't wait to read and review the next in the series.
FTC Disclosure Thank you to the publisher and/or author for providing us with a copy of this book for review.This did not influence our thoughts in any way. All the opinions of the book and review are honest and our own
December 11, 2015
I've read a couple of these in the past, and know to expect an engaging yet fun cozy mystery with an unusually large Maine Coon as a leading character and a more realistic protagonist who does not try to poke his nose in everywhere for everything, who acts reasonably and without gossping, and generally appears normal. I was not disappointed!
There are a couple of plot holes () but they were easily dismissed.
And in case there's anyone else who, like me, is thrown by a reference to "Dad", remember the cat-owned "Charlie" is male, despite the tendency of cozy cat-related mystery characters to be female!
Disclaimer: I received a free copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
There are a couple of plot holes () but they were easily dismissed.
And in case there's anyone else who, like me, is thrown by a reference to "Dad", remember the cat-owned "Charlie" is male, despite the tendency of cozy cat-related mystery characters to be female!
Disclaimer: I received a free copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
May 10, 2016
How cute are these books! These Southern mysteries by Miranda James are easy and fun and just plain fabulous. When I first started this series, I had my doubts that such quaint mysteries would hold my attention, but now I'm hooked. This author's style is not complex or overblown, and these cozy reads are often what I need when life gets too hectic.
No Cats Allowed isn't meant to be a complicated, hard-to-solve mystery. Just enjoy Charlie Harris and his faithful cat Diesel as they try to go about their business but find themselves knee deep in murder and mayhem. Fun!
***
"Nothing deadlier than polite demolition by a Southern steel magnolia." ~ chapter 13
No Cats Allowed isn't meant to be a complicated, hard-to-solve mystery. Just enjoy Charlie Harris and his faithful cat Diesel as they try to go about their business but find themselves knee deep in murder and mayhem. Fun!
***
"Nothing deadlier than polite demolition by a Southern steel magnolia." ~ chapter 13
November 28, 2016
Charlie Harris and his cat Diesel are much loved by everyone, that is, by everyone but the new library director, Oscar Dillard. Oscar seems to attract enemies like a hound attracts fleas. When his body is discovered in library’s basement, the problem isn’t finding a suspect; the problem is narrowing down the long list of people he has wronged. This well-plotted mystery is filled with twists and turns, and peopled with likable characters, including Diesel, of course, and is fine example of a fascinating cozy at its best.
November 17, 2016
This are really cute books. Love the characters, animals, and the writing. Have enjoyed all that I've read so far.
March 23, 2017
Charlie and Diesel are back again for another fantastic cozy mystery, but this time they're going to have to solve a murder case where almost no one even liked the victim. Everyone is a suspect, even Charlie himself! But with some good Southern charm, a helping of good lunches and dinners, and of course Diesel to warble his answers we all know Charlie will solve the case!
I hope the new position Charlie occupies becomes a focus in the next book. It is an interesting one, and brings him closer to Melba and her insights. I love the way his personal life is progressing, and his family is building around him.
A great cat filled cozy mystery, although we only get a glimpse of the Ducote sisters this time. Five stars.
I hope the new position Charlie occupies becomes a focus in the next book. It is an interesting one, and brings him closer to Melba and her insights. I love the way his personal life is progressing, and his family is building around him.
A great cat filled cozy mystery, although we only get a glimpse of the Ducote sisters this time. Five stars.
May 22, 2018
Ooooooooo, this one was good. I had the murderer figured out, but I think it is only because I read a lot of mysteries and this one seemed "right" to me - the why didn't become evident until closer until the end and then the rest of the reveal was like O M GOSH and made it all come together.
I really enjoy this series - things have smoothed out and it feels much more like a southern mystery than the first few did and I am starting to really enjoy the characters quite a bit.
Looking forward to the next installment.
I really enjoy this series - things have smoothed out and it feels much more like a southern mystery than the first few did and I am starting to really enjoy the characters quite a bit.
Looking forward to the next installment.
September 10, 2024
This one was fun. Either I really like this series or I really want a Main Coon cat. Could be both.
February 23, 2025
J’ai beaucoup aimé le fait qu’une bonne partie du livre se passe avant que le crime n’ait lieu. Cela permet de découvrir d’autres aspects de la vie à Athena et de concentrer l’enquête sur la deuxième partie du livre.
September 15, 2022
An entry in the cosy mystery series set in college town Athens, Mississippi, featuring widowed librarian Charlie Harris and Diesel, his outsized Maine Coon cat. In this one, the former library head left extremely abruptly and his replacement has taken an intense dislike to Diesel, who, harnessed and on a leash, accompanies Charlie everywhere, including to work. But the new guy banishes Diesel. Not for long, though—the unpleasant fellow turns up dead, and it soon transpires that there’s been financial skulduggery aplenty at the library.
March 4, 2021
Really loved this book, a really great plot with characters that would be a match for any great privit eye. I love the way James unfolds his story and all the great twist and turns, and all the interactions of Charlie's family. And of course Diesel. Can't wait for more of his books.
May 24, 2019
Charlie and Diesel are involved in investigating the mysterious death of the interim library director - who, with his not so winning personality - had several people wanting to see him gone. Another good read in the series!
June 26, 2018
This was a good, solid cozy mystery. The author's repetition got to me a little. I enjoy cats in mysteries, but she used the same scenario every time she mentioned Diesel, and her language was a little stiff for me, but it was nice having a woman write a male protagonist, and the clues and plot were well paced. A good read.
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