Dead in the Dining Room

Moorecliff Manor Cat #1

by Leighann Dobbs

When the patriarch of Moorecliff Manor drops dead at dinner, it’s up to Aunt Araminta and her Siamese cats Arun and Sasha to uncover the identity of the killer. It will be no easy task, as there is no shortage of suspects... including the butler.

But Araminta soon finds herself with more questions than answers. What was the mysterious phone call about? Who has been removing heirlooms and why? How did they manage to get poison into Archie’s dinner and not poison everyone at the table? Who was the mystery man that Daisy met in the garden? And why does Harold, the butler, never answer the door?

As Araminta and the cats follow the clues, it becomes clear that she will have a hard decision to make because the clues are pointing in one unmistakable direction - someone in the Moorecliff family is a cold-blooded killer.

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Crime, Animals, Fiction, Amazon, Cozy

161 pages, Paperback

First published January 4, 2021

About the author

USA Today bestselling author, Leighann Dobbs, discovered her passion for writing after a twenty year career as a software engineer. She lives in New Hampshire with her husband Bruce, their trusty Chihuahua mix Mojo and beautiful rescue cat, Kitty.

Her book "Dead Wrong" won the "Best Mystery Romance" award at the 2014 Indie Romance Convention.

Her book "Ghostly Paws" was the 2015 Chanticleer Mystery & Mayhem First Place category winner in the Animal Mystery category.

Reviews

[Mara · Rating 4 out of 5]

When the patriarch of the Moorecliff family drops dead in the middle of a celebratory dinner, the family is in shock, but attributes it to his heart problem. Later, when the death is ruled murder by poisoning the family is stunned. How could Archie's food/drink have been poisoned when they all ate and drank the same meal? Araminta Moorecliffe, the deceased elderly aunt, has a lot of questions and wants to make sure she gets the answers. And she will with the help of her pair of Siamese furbabies, Arun and Sasha.

I read this novella, which kicks off a new series, in a couple of hours. I thought the author did a great job introducing the main character, Araminta and the reader gets a good feel of the kind of person she is. Being a cat lover, I loved Arun and Sasha. As with other series by this author, the animals are part of the family and help the humans solve the mystery.

I enjoyed Araminta and how she cared about her family but it didn't blind her to their faults. I liked that although she's in her 80s, she doesn't want to be coddled and has her own sense of style. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series about this wealthy but quirky family.

[Katrina Bores · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute cozy mystery book. I don’t normally read these, but read it as part of a reading challenge . Was short and sweet. A woman and her two cats try to find out who killed the owner of Moorecliff manor. Trying to piece together the information was fun. I didn’t expect who it was to be the killer. I will read more books by this author in the future. 4.5 stars rounded down to 4.

[JoAn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Araminta and her two Siamese cats, Arun and Sasha, must sniff clues when her nephew, Archie, is murdered at dinner. A cute cozy mystery with a smart and wily matriarch and her adorable cats. This is a novella but it was still quite a mystery.

[moxieBK · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dead in the Dining Room (A Moorecliff Manor Cat Cozy Mystery Book 1) — Leighann Dobbs (20 chapters) Jan 21-22, 2021

This is definitely a series that I am going to continuing reading (after I read the other books I have for my 2021 Reading Challenge, that is!) Ms. Dobbs always comes up with some great plots, maybe not original, but the characters are always unique, likable, and tend to work well with the other characters. This one is no different.

This is a mystery that stars two cats (Arun and Sasha) that we can hear and how they help their mistress of the house (Araminta,) solve a mystery. Who dies was not who I thought it would be and the killer was a bit of a surprise too.

The mystery involves an old-money family (who felt a bit snooty at first, but actually were a pretty good bunch,) the Mooreheads. At the end of the story, you know where the sequels will lead, but that makes it a bit more charming.

Great author, great story. Fast read.

Five stars.

[Lise · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Moorecliffs gathered to celebrate the two-hundredth anniversary of their family business, are heartbroken when the head of the family abruptly drops dead at dinner. Araminta Moorecliff, 84 and still feisty, takes it upon herself to investigate his death. Was it merely a heart attack? Or something more sinister?

Normally I settle into a book by this author quite happily, but this time the series didn't resonate with me. I'm not sure if it was the setting or the anthropomorphic cats or the fact that the characters were without warmth. Something was wrong. The puzzle, however, was a good one and kept me involved with the story until the end.

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very good first volume for a new series; I love the two cats!!

This book was about finding the murderer of Archie, who had a heart condition thus the police assuming that was the cause of his death. Enter the two Siamese cats who started digging up clues and then there were all kinds of suspects to be the killer. It was an enjoyable book and am looking forward to reading the next one.

[Miss W Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dead in the Dining Room is the first book in a brand new series by Leighann Dobbs.
I LOVED this book so much. When I picked it up I couldn't put it down and read it in one sitting.

This is a classic who dunit closed room murder mystery.

While the entire family is gathered at Moorecliff Manor for a celebratory dinner, Archie drops dead.
Aunt Araminta and her two siamese cats Arun and Sasha work to discover who the killer is before they strike again.

The characters in this story are well developed, complex and perfectly fleshed out.

The setting of Moorecliff Manor is descriptive and I could picture it in my minds eye.

There are plenty of suspects and two very charming cats that made this the perfect murder mystery.
There is more than one mystery going on and the author seamlessly wove the two together.

I CANNOT wait for the next book in this series.

[Jenny · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dead in the Dining Room is book one in the Moorecliff Manor Cat series by Leighann Dobbs. The death of the patriarch of Moorecliff Manor caused Aunt Araminta and her Siamese cats Arun and Sasha started to investigate. Dead in the Dining Room readers will continue to follow Aunt Araminta and her Siamese cats Arun and Sasha.

Dead in the Dining Room is a lovely cozy mystery. I engaged with the plot of this book from the first page. I love the way Leighann Dobbs portrayed her human and cat characters that at times make me laugh. Dead in the Dining Room is well written and researched by Leighann Dobbs. I like Leighann Dobbs description of the settings of Dead in the Dining Room that complimented the book's plot.

I recommend this book.

[Gail A Ostrove · Rating 5 out of 5]

They tried to blame the Butler but couldn't make the case

Poor Harold was going deaf and blind couldn't answer the door anymore. Bernard had a good scapegoat. It almost worked until they found out about his embezzlement. Daisy was a good prime suspect until they discovered she was really being groomed by Archie to take over everything. He must have really loved and trusted her.

[Francine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cat cozy mystery

I really enjoyed reading this book. It’s a bit different with the cats being part of the story but that made it fun & interesting for me.

[Helen Castrucci · Rating 5 out of 5]

I totally enjoyed this book. It’s a quick read. I thought I knew who the culprit was immediately but I changed my mind several times.

[Jodie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a fun little quick read cosy mystery. I would recommend for anyone looking for a palate cleanser of a book. The cats in this were an adorable edition and I would be intrigued to read more of the series for sure.

It’s not the most complex of mysteries. But it was a fun time.

[Katherine Decker · Rating 5 out of 5]

A short cute cozy. I like the chapters that are from the view of the cats.

[Valerie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice cozy series where you get into the minds of cats who help to solve the crime. OK characters, but the cats really steal the show. Wish they could actually communicate with their owner, but guess that would not be as helpful to the plot twist. Recommend for folks who love cozy mysteries with cats in them.

[Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Archie Moorecliff (the patriarch of Moorecliff Motors) suddenly dies during dinner.
His aunt Araminta takes it upon herself to solve what will be a murder.
She has several suspects, and none of them who she wants to believe a murderer, as they are all part of her family and household for years.

Daisy Moorecliff - The 15 years junior second wife of the Moorecliff Motor Company patriarch
Bernard Moorecleff - Archibald's brother and head of the west coast division of the motor company
Reginald Moorecliff - Archie's son from his first marriage
Harold - The longtime family butler
Trinity - The maid
and finally
Mary - The family cook

These were the people present when Archie died.

Pro's:
This was a short story with developed characters that give a good sense of family dynamics.

Con's:
All of the investigations appeared to be done by Araminta.
The police were mentioned by name and rank, but really had no part in the story except to be made to look like they don't know how to do their jobs. This is mainly because they were not really part of the story at this time and were only mentioned in passing. I get the feeling that at least one of them will have a larger part in future stories.

[Bridget Love to read Lewis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Slow poison

Several family members are home and one is a murderer! Archie wife Daisy is much younger and has been groomed to take over the business talk about motive! There are other family members and staff that stand to gain a success substantial sum! All signs point to the Butler but did the But!er do it? Cats save the day!

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dead in the Dining Room is the first in new Moorecliff Manor series.
Moorecliff Manor is the family seat and business headquarters to Moorecliff Motors.
During a family dinner, the head of the company keels over. It turns out he was poisoned...but whom in the family and household could have done it...his wife, his brother, the butler???
Aunt Araminta and her 2 faithful Siamese cats Arun & Sasha are on the case!!
Full of quirky characters, and a trail of twisting clues.
Fun, fast, and enjoyable read!!

[Nancy Lanko · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Archibald Moorecliff is murdered during a family dinner, will the police begin to figure out what happened? So many motives, money just one, the " his too young bride" ... Will family matriarch Araminta and her Siamese cats Arun and Sasha be able to sniff out the clues?
I found this to be a fun read and am looking forward to reading more books in this series

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great start to a new series! Araminta Moorecliff is quite the character with her eclectic fashion sense, inquisitive mind, and Siamese cats Arun and Sasha, who help her solve puzzles. I'm looking forward to the next book in this series and knowing more about the Moorecliffs.

[Debi Paglia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this new series! It’s an easy read and a little shorter than her usual book. The characters are well developed and interesting. The setting of a old manor house is always fun. There are lots of suspects and intrigue. Plus there are two very savvy felines! Looking forward to the next book!

[Cheri Schaefer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great beginning to a new series!

Love this new series! Especially Arun and Sasha!
I like the idea that they have major roles in the
story line and have speaking lines, as well. I find
this a fantastic new series and will definitely be
sticking with it!!!

[Ferne (Enthusiastic Reader) · Rating 3 out of 5]

As I love the "The Cat Who..." series by Lilian Jackson Braun featuring retired newspaper journalist James (better known to friends as Qwill) Qwilleran and his 2 Siamese cats, Koko and Yum-Yum I was very intrigued to meet senior Araminta Moorecliff and her 2 Siamese cats, Arun and Sasha. Meeting Aunt Araminta will be at the formal Moorecliff Manor in direct contrast to the small town life of Pickax and the informal Qwill living in Moose County, "400 miles north of everywhere" with series fans knowing Pickax is modeled after the small town of Bad Axe, Michigan where Braun resided with her husband until the mid-1980's.

I loved Aunt Araminta from the opening sentence,

"Araminta Moorecliff couldn’t have imagined that someone at the family table would be having their last meal when she came out of her room dressed in her finest bright-orange-and-red flowered polyester pantsuit for dinner."

Certainly Aunt Araminta didn't expect a murder at the dining room table of the family manor home after a toast to celebrate the 70th Anniversary of Moorecliff Motor Company.

It was also fun to learn that Arun thought he was a bit more regal than dainty Sasha and I imagined to myself what Arun and Koko might discuss in cat speak knowing Sasha would be having her own conversation with Yum-Yum.

What an appealing start for a new series. I'm looking forward to future adventures with Aunt Araminta and her two Siamese cat companions. They are quite the sleuthing team.

[Jan Sjostrand · Rating 4 out of 5]

fun mystery with quirky characters and 2 fun cats. I like that we can tell what the cats are saying and how the help solve the murder

[Sherrel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dead in the Dining Room

First of a new series by Leighanne Dobbs, there is murder, theft, a set of circumstances reminiscent of the game Clue and Siamese cats trying to get their human to understand the clues they find.
The plot is well worked with a twist or two for good measure. The characters are detailed.
This is a good read!

[Maureen Hetzel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I admit to preferring mysteries where “clever” animals, be they digs or cats, do NOT assist in the solution. This one takes the cake on that theme by having two cats “conversing” multiple times throughout as they solve the murder. Just too cute for me and I won’t be back for subsequent books in the series.

[Jennifer Murray · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 rounded up to 4 ⭐️

[Pat · Rating 2 out of 5]

I gave it 2 stars but it really only deserved 1. I really. disliked this book. Hated the main characters name (Araminta). One of the worst names ever used in a book. I actually looked it up to see if it was a real name and discovered that it is a rare name but has been used before. In my head every time I saw it Arabella was what my brain would say and, it turns out, it is actually a form of Arabella.

Then the cat thing in every other chapter. OMG I really hate that. The cats talk to each other but not all the time. They just want to get Araminta's attention so they can solve the crime. There is another series that I have read that uses this same idea. Probably written by the same author since I have read lots of her stuff.

And then the whole premise of all those family members living together. And why was Araminta seated at the head of the table if Archie was in charge of everything? And the marble table that seats 20? My goodness that thing must have weighed hundreds of pounds! And what is the deal with dressing Araminta weird? Does that have any significance to the story? Were we suppose to think she was old and feeble-minded? Seriously I was so confused by those unanswered questions. At least they filled us in on why the butler never answered the doorbell - he was deaf!

Next in series will be a big pass for me.

[Rosalind · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Dead in the Dining Room” by USA Today bestselling author Leighann Dobbs is the first book in her “Moorecliff Manor Cat Cozy Mystery” series. Regal Aunt Araminta presides over her family’s mansion, Moorecliff Manor, along with her pair of Siamese cats, Arun and Sasha, who have personality to spare. Also living in the house are various relatives, including her nephew, who is in charge of the family’s highly successful business. The clockwork running of the mansion that her nephew insists upon comes to a shocking halt when he suddenly falls dead into his dinner. He did have a heart problem. But Aunt Araminta is troubled. The cats are even more suspicious and discuss the matter between themselves. They do their best to steer Araminta to the clues. The suspects are many. The relatives, of course, would benefit from inheriting the business, though, who would inherit what? The butler and maid may have a motive, as well. Then there’s the mysterious underworld figure. This mystery novel is a delightful puzzle with plenty of humor and an engaging main character, Aunt Araminta. I loved the conversations between Arun and Sasha! This is a mystery series worth becoming addicted to.

[Cinda Inman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful new series by Leighann Dobbs. The story was shorter than most and I read it in one sitting. The Moorecliffe Manor is the setting. The author describes in suc detail you can imagine the Manor. The Moorecliffe are having a celebratory dinner when the patriach, Archie, dies at the table. At first the family thought it was his heart but later discovered he had been poisoned. His aunt Araminta, wants to find the answers. She knows it must be someone in the house, whether it be the family or the butler or maid, she begins investigating.
While investigating the murder she discovers that someone has been stealing antiques from the Manor. She is determined to solve both.
Could it be Daisy, Archie's younger wife; Bernard, Archie's brother and the head of the West coast division of Moorecliffe Motors; Reginald, Archie's son; Harold Murray, the butler or Trinity, the maid.
I enjoyed getting to know the characters and look forward to watching them grown in future books.
I received an advanced copy of this book. This is my honest opinion.

[Pam · Rating 3 out of 5]

amazon:
When the patriarch of Moorecliff Manor drops dead at dinner, it’s up to Aunt Araminta and her Siamese cats Arun and Sasha to uncover the identity of the killer. It will be no easy task, as there is no shortage of suspects... including the butler.

But Araminta soon finds herself with more questions than answers. What was the mysterious phone call about? Who has been removing heirlooms and why? How did they manage to get poison into Archie’s dinner and not poison everyone at the table? Who was the mystery man that Daisy met in the garden? And why does Harold, the butler, never answer the door?

As Araminta and the cats follow the clues, it becomes clear that she will have a hard decision to make because the clues are pointing in one unmistakable direction - someone in the Moorecliff family is a cold-blooded killer.