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Cat in the Stacks #2
Inventaire fatal
Vieil homme charmant à la tête de l’une des plus grosses fortunes d’Athena, James Delacorte demande à Charlie Harris d’effectuer l’inventaire des livres les plus rares de son onéreuse bibliothèque. Mais peu après le début de cette collaboration, Delacorte est retrouvé mort à son bureau. Voilà que Charlie se retrouve avec un cadavre sur les bras et un meurtre à élucider incognito, dans l’ombre du bureau du shérif ! Pour Charlie, c’est certain, l’assassin est l’un des membres de la famille Delacorte, tous plus excentriques les uns que les autres... Aidé de son fidèle Diesel, il part à la recherche de preuves quand un second crime se produit. Charlie et son maine coon n’ont plus le choix : ils doivent à tout prix élucider l’affaire avant qu’il n’y ait une troisième victime...
384 pages, Paperback
First published May 3, 2011
451 people are currently reading
3575 people want to read
About the author
Miranda James
23 books1,248 followersPen name of Dean James, who also writes as Honor Hartman and Jimmie Ruth Evans
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 691 reviews
September 13, 2017
4 stars to Miranda James's Classified as Murder. I very much enjoyed this classic cozy tale. It is reminiscent of an Agatha Christie story with all the key elements from a family of potential killers, a mysterious theft, and more going on that anyone realizes!
Story
James Delacorte, a single and eccentric octogenarian, hires Charlie Harris, eccentric librarian extraordinaire, to uncover a potential book thief in his own family. James suspects his ruthless family may be stealing from him, but he doesn't suspect they'd go as far as killing him. But it happens! And right before he dies, James amends his will adding in a codicil to have Charlie inventory the library and become the collection's custodian for Athena College in their small Missisippi town. When a second death occurs, Charlie realizes there's more going on that everyone realizes... Is is the secretive grand-niece, the manipulative grand-nephew, the loony in-law, the mean sister or the loyal butler?
There's also a good side-story introducing Charlie's estranged son back into the fold forcing Charlie to determine how to heal old wounds from when his wife passed away and his kids felt a bit neglected.
Strengths
1. It's a classic whodunit with all the remnants of an Agatha Christie tale.
2. Seeing more of Charlie's relationships with his family, you learn to like him even more. I want to see what happens to him in the future.
Weaknesses
A bit of an abrupt end. I would like to hear more about what happens next with the book collection, the family who has to move on and the new houseguest. Perhaps that's in book 3 of the series.
Final Thoughts
Charlie Harris grows on you. His herd of helpers is building. His relationships are expanding and gaining depth. I'd like to learn more about the town and how it all comes together. Book 3 will move up on my "To Read" list.
About Me
For those new to me or my reviews... here's the scoop: I read A LOT. I write A LOT. And now I blog A LOT. First the book review goes on Goodreads, and then I send it on over to my WordPress blog at https://thisismytruthnow.com, where you'll also find TV & Film reviews, the revealing and introspective 365 Daily Challenge and lots of blogging about places I've visited all over the world. And you can find all my social media profiles to get the details on the who/what/when/where and my pictures. Leave a comment and let me know what you think. Vote in the poll and ratings. Thanks for stopping by. Note: All written content is my original creation and copyrighted to me, but the graphics and images were linked from other sites and belong to them. Many thanks to their original creators.
Story
James Delacorte, a single and eccentric octogenarian, hires Charlie Harris, eccentric librarian extraordinaire, to uncover a potential book thief in his own family. James suspects his ruthless family may be stealing from him, but he doesn't suspect they'd go as far as killing him. But it happens! And right before he dies, James amends his will adding in a codicil to have Charlie inventory the library and become the collection's custodian for Athena College in their small Missisippi town. When a second death occurs, Charlie realizes there's more going on that everyone realizes... Is is the secretive grand-niece, the manipulative grand-nephew, the loony in-law, the mean sister or the loyal butler?
There's also a good side-story introducing Charlie's estranged son back into the fold forcing Charlie to determine how to heal old wounds from when his wife passed away and his kids felt a bit neglected.
Strengths
1. It's a classic whodunit with all the remnants of an Agatha Christie tale.
2. Seeing more of Charlie's relationships with his family, you learn to like him even more. I want to see what happens to him in the future.
Weaknesses
A bit of an abrupt end. I would like to hear more about what happens next with the book collection, the family who has to move on and the new houseguest. Perhaps that's in book 3 of the series.
Final Thoughts
Charlie Harris grows on you. His herd of helpers is building. His relationships are expanding and gaining depth. I'd like to learn more about the town and how it all comes together. Book 3 will move up on my "To Read" list.
About Me
For those new to me or my reviews... here's the scoop: I read A LOT. I write A LOT. And now I blog A LOT. First the book review goes on Goodreads, and then I send it on over to my WordPress blog at https://thisismytruthnow.com, where you'll also find TV & Film reviews, the revealing and introspective 365 Daily Challenge and lots of blogging about places I've visited all over the world. And you can find all my social media profiles to get the details on the who/what/when/where and my pictures. Leave a comment and let me know what you think. Vote in the poll and ratings. Thanks for stopping by. Note: All written content is my original creation and copyrighted to me, but the graphics and images were linked from other sites and belong to them. Many thanks to their original creators.
November 12, 2017
Now THIS is how you write a cozy mystery!!!
I loved every second of this book - even when I figured out who the killer was [but not the why or initially, the how] and the parts where the author feels he has to mention every time Diesel has to visit the utility room [I do not care about his litter-box habits], it was a noticeably better book than the last two tepid books I just read. I love Charlie and it was interesting to see his interaction with his son Sean and also to learn about some of the old books that were in Mr. Delacourte's library collection. And Stewart was HILARIOUS. ;-)
I am really enjoying this series and am looking forward to the next book!
I loved every second of this book - even when I figured out who the killer was [but not the why or initially, the how] and the parts where the author feels he has to mention every time Diesel has to visit the utility room [I do not care about his litter-box habits], it was a noticeably better book than the last two tepid books I just read. I love Charlie and it was interesting to see his interaction with his son Sean and also to learn about some of the old books that were in Mr. Delacourte's library collection. And Stewart was HILARIOUS. ;-)
I am really enjoying this series and am looking forward to the next book!
July 26, 2024
Este es, de hecho, mejor que el primero y, además, Charlie es quien da con la identidad del asesino.
Escenas y demás:
*Señor, Diesel es un gato grande. Yo siempre he querido un gato grande. Mmm, la suerte que tienen algunos… *procede a buscar en Google "cómo extraer un gato ficticio de un libro para… tomarlo prestado por un ratito, sí"*
En una nota no relacionada, mi gato ha vuelto a casa desde su "lugar de trabajo" en el que no estuvo vacacionando alegremente, no. Ahora deberé tener cuidado con lo que murmuro mientras escribo, supongo. Agh.
*El incidente de las bragas comestibles: cualquiera que se atreva a llamar "animal inmundo" a Diesel (y a Dante. También estoy pensando en el perro y definitivamente no lo olvidé, no) se merece que le avergüencen públicamente.
*El primer encuentro de Charlie con la familia Delacorte: ay.
*Los momentos que enviaron a la voz en mi cabeza a teorizar locamente (acertó —de cierta manera— con una de sus teorías, así que pueden sorprenderse libremente. No me ofenderé ni nada, de verdad. Por favor, si hasta yo me he sorprendido)
1. El mayordomo, entregándole dinero a un desconocido.
2. El cuarto volumen del inventario que (tal vez) fue tomado por Hubert, la página arrancada y el tórrido romance que, se dice, el antes mencionado mantiene con —agárrense— una bibliotecaria.
3. La parte en la que se cuenta que Eloise y Delacorte pasaban tiempo juntos comiendo galletas: las galletas de/con cacahuetes existen, gente. Solo digo.
4. Stewart Delacorte, siendo amable de repente.
...Por otro lado, tiendo a no confiar en las personas amables, así que esos podrían —quizás— ser mis prejuicios propios hablando.
*La lectura del testamento, también conocido como Ese-Documento-Que-No-Hizo-Nada-Feliz-A-La-Familia-Delacorte.
*La confrontación entre Sean y su padre que, afortunadamente, termina convirtiéndose en una charla emotiva: eh, me pregunto cómo será mantener una charla emotiva con un padre… oh bien. Ese es un asunto para no considerar más tarde, sí. Hacia adelante.
*El hallazgo provocado por un Diesel hambriento: ¿quién es un gato maravilloso?
En otra nota no relacionada, me acaban de arañar. Y me echaron de mi asiento. Tan injusto…
Sospechando que hay artículos faltantes en su extensa colección de libros, James Sullivan Delacorte decide contratar a Charles Harris para que revise su inventario. Después de todo, Harris debe poseer el conocimiento suficiente para ayudarle puesto que es archivista (que no, no de ese tipo. Urgh) y catalogador de libros raros en la biblioteca de la universidad.
Charlie acepta el trabajo, por supuesto. Habrá que identificar a un ladrón y lidiar con la (no) encantadora familia de Delacorte,sí, pero no puede ser tan difícil, evitará que piense demasiado en la tensa relación que mantiene actualmente con su hijo Sean y, honestamente, el sueldo ofrecido es generoso… y, entonces, descubre que alguien ha desorganizado los tomos (los muchos, muchos tomos que él ha de volver a organizar. Divertido), halla al señor Delacorte muerto (probablemente asesinado, en realidad. Tendrá que tratar con la inspectora Berry nuevamente, ¿no? tan… genial, eso), se le informa acerca de la posible compra y desaparición de una obra de Edgar Allan Poe (¿por qué diablos yo nunca había oído hablar sobre Tamerlán, de todos modos?) recibe una amenaza telefónica y, como las cosas todavía no están lo suficientemente mal, ocurre una segunda muerte (en serio, ¿cuándo el pobre hombre se inscribió para verse involucrado en esta clase de situaciones?)
Escenas y demás:
*Señor, Diesel es un gato grande. Yo siempre he querido un gato grande. Mmm, la suerte que tienen algunos… *procede a buscar en Google "cómo extraer un gato ficticio de un libro para… tomarlo prestado por un ratito, sí"*
En una nota no relacionada, mi gato ha vuelto a casa desde su "lugar de trabajo" en el que no estuvo vacacionando alegremente, no. Ahora deberé tener cuidado con lo que murmuro mientras escribo, supongo. Agh.
*El incidente de las bragas comestibles: cualquiera que se atreva a llamar "animal inmundo" a Diesel (y a Dante. También estoy pensando en el perro y definitivamente no lo olvidé, no) se merece que le avergüencen públicamente.
*El primer encuentro de Charlie con la familia Delacorte: ay.
*Los momentos que enviaron a la voz en mi cabeza a teorizar locamente (acertó —de cierta manera— con una de sus teorías, así que pueden sorprenderse libremente. No me ofenderé ni nada, de verdad. Por favor, si hasta yo me he sorprendido)
1. El mayordomo, entregándole dinero a un desconocido.
2. El cuarto volumen del inventario que (tal vez) fue tomado por Hubert, la página arrancada y el tórrido romance que, se dice, el antes mencionado mantiene con —agárrense— una bibliotecaria.
3. La parte en la que se cuenta que Eloise y Delacorte pasaban tiempo juntos comiendo galletas: las galletas de/con cacahuetes existen, gente. Solo digo.
4. Stewart Delacorte, siendo amable de repente.
...Por otro lado, tiendo a no confiar en las personas amables, así que esos podrían —quizás— ser mis prejuicios propios hablando.
*La lectura del testamento, también conocido como Ese-Documento-Que-No-Hizo-Nada-Feliz-A-La-Familia-Delacorte.
*La confrontación entre Sean y su padre que, afortunadamente, termina convirtiéndose en una charla emotiva: eh, me pregunto cómo será mantener una charla emotiva con un padre… oh bien. Ese es un asunto para no considerar más tarde, sí. Hacia adelante.
*El hallazgo provocado por un Diesel hambriento: ¿quién es un gato maravilloso?
En otra nota no relacionada, me acaban de arañar. Y me echaron de mi asiento. Tan injusto…
Sospechando que hay artículos faltantes en su extensa colección de libros, James Sullivan Delacorte decide contratar a Charles Harris para que revise su inventario. Después de todo, Harris debe poseer el conocimiento suficiente para ayudarle puesto que es archivista (que no, no de ese tipo. Urgh) y catalogador de libros raros en la biblioteca de la universidad.
Charlie acepta el trabajo, por supuesto. Habrá que identificar a un ladrón y lidiar con la (no) encantadora familia de Delacorte,sí, pero no puede ser tan difícil, evitará que piense demasiado en la tensa relación que mantiene actualmente con su hijo Sean y, honestamente, el sueldo ofrecido es generoso… y, entonces, descubre que alguien ha desorganizado los tomos (los muchos, muchos tomos que él ha de volver a organizar. Divertido), halla al señor Delacorte muerto (probablemente asesinado, en realidad. Tendrá que tratar con la inspectora Berry nuevamente, ¿no? tan… genial, eso), se le informa acerca de la posible compra y desaparición de una obra de Edgar Allan Poe (¿por qué diablos yo nunca había oído hablar sobre Tamerlán, de todos modos?) recibe una amenaza telefónica y, como las cosas todavía no están lo suficientemente mal, ocurre una segunda muerte (en serio, ¿cuándo el pobre hombre se inscribió para verse involucrado en esta clase de situaciones?)
January 28, 2016
Charlie is surprised when James Delacorte asks for his help cataloging his private library since the two hardly know each other. But James fears that someone is stealing his rare books. Returning from his lunch break his first day on the job, Charlie finds James dead. Who killed him? Are there really missing library books?
I let too much time pass before I got back to this series, but I was thrilled to see Charlie and his cat Diesel again. They are great main characters, and I liked how Charlie and several relationships around him grew in this book. The mystery was a bit slow to get started, but once it did, the tension was strong and the ending was great.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
I let too much time pass before I got back to this series, but I was thrilled to see Charlie and his cat Diesel again. They are great main characters, and I liked how Charlie and several relationships around him grew in this book. The mystery was a bit slow to get started, but once it did, the tension was strong and the ending was great.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
July 29, 2016
This is book two of the Cat in the Stacks Mysteries. In this story retired librarian Charlie Harris and Maine Coon cat Diesel are hired by a wealthy man, James DeLacorte, to catalog his library of rare books. DeLacorte thinks someone is stealing from his collection and wants Charlie to determine how many books have disappeared.
Chief Deputy Kenosha Berry, from book one, arrives when Charlie discovers DeLacorte has been murdered. Berry asks for Charlie’s help because of the rare books. Charlie’s son, Sean, an attorney has quit his job in Texas and is now staying with Charlie for awhile. Charlie and Diesel are on the case.
The book is well written and easy to read. There is little action but lots of suspense. This is a book of words and mental deduction. James is an excellent story teller. I read this as an audiobook downloaded from Audible. Erin Bennett does an excellent job narrating the book.
Chief Deputy Kenosha Berry, from book one, arrives when Charlie discovers DeLacorte has been murdered. Berry asks for Charlie’s help because of the rare books. Charlie’s son, Sean, an attorney has quit his job in Texas and is now staying with Charlie for awhile. Charlie and Diesel are on the case.
The book is well written and easy to read. There is little action but lots of suspense. This is a book of words and mental deduction. James is an excellent story teller. I read this as an audiobook downloaded from Audible. Erin Bennett does an excellent job narrating the book.
October 31, 2023
Book two in the Cat In The Stacks mystery series featuring librarian Charlie Harris and his Maine coon cat, Diesel.
James Delacorte is an aging, eccentric millionaire, who frequents the library where Charlie volunteers. He asks for a private meeting, and lets Charlie know that he had a collection of rare books he would like catalogued. In fact, he suspects someone is stealing from the collection. Within hours of beginning the inventory, however, Mr Delacorte is dead, and someone in the household must have done it.
I like Charlie and we learn more about his background in this installment. His son, Sean, arrives unannounced, but makes himself quite useful in the investigation. And, of course, Diesel is always present.
The mystery is satisfyingly concluded, though I guessed the culprit fairly early. Still, I enjoyed watching the characters figure it out. And, I love all the literary references.
James Delacorte is an aging, eccentric millionaire, who frequents the library where Charlie volunteers. He asks for a private meeting, and lets Charlie know that he had a collection of rare books he would like catalogued. In fact, he suspects someone is stealing from the collection. Within hours of beginning the inventory, however, Mr Delacorte is dead, and someone in the household must have done it.
I like Charlie and we learn more about his background in this installment. His son, Sean, arrives unannounced, but makes himself quite useful in the investigation. And, of course, Diesel is always present.
The mystery is satisfyingly concluded, though I guessed the culprit fairly early. Still, I enjoyed watching the characters figure it out. And, I love all the literary references.
March 30, 2015
I had heard such good things about this series when I picked up the first book, however, I felt I was left down. But that wasn't the case with this book.
This book was marvelous, the characters were great, especially the new ones, I really hope they come back in the next books. The setting was also good, especially the mansion.
The mystery was mediocre, the killer didn't really surprise me, but it was solid.
Overall a good book. I'll look for more in this series.
This book was marvelous, the characters were great, especially the new ones, I really hope they come back in the next books. The setting was also good, especially the mansion.
The mystery was mediocre, the killer didn't really surprise me, but it was solid.
Overall a good book. I'll look for more in this series.
July 23, 2020
I had let way too much time pass since I read the first in this awesome series, and I hope not to let that happen again. I absolutely love Charlie. He's great dad, rare book cataloger, librarian and just all around nice guy, but he definitely won't take lip from anyone. I'd love to just hug Diesel, he's such a sweet cat and so darn smart. I love how he always manages to sniff out a clue or tell Charlie something important.
I enjoyed getting to know Charlie's son Sean in this book. I knew Charlie was a widower with two grown kids, but it was nice to focus on one of them, since he was probably going to move to Athena. This author excels at writing crazy families into the mysteries, meaning the family that Charlie was working for this time--a good example would be the other series Southern Ladies' first two books. Great sense of humor too, and I'm so glad Cat in the Stacks still continues on! In an ironic twist at the end, the killer was revealed. Sean and Charlie made good sleuthing buddies, and I'm looking forward to him working with his dad from time to time. Maybe we'll get to meet Charlie's daughter Laura eventually.
I enjoyed getting to know Charlie's son Sean in this book. I knew Charlie was a widower with two grown kids, but it was nice to focus on one of them, since he was probably going to move to Athena. This author excels at writing crazy families into the mysteries, meaning the family that Charlie was working for this time--a good example would be the other series Southern Ladies' first two books. Great sense of humor too, and I'm so glad Cat in the Stacks still continues on! In an ironic twist at the end, the killer was revealed. Sean and Charlie made good sleuthing buddies, and I'm looking forward to him working with his dad from time to time. Maybe we'll get to meet Charlie's daughter Laura eventually.
May 17, 2015
I really love this endearing little series. Simple, relaxing mysteries with twists and turns and a great panel of characters.
January 16, 2016
I just have to say I LOVED THIS BOOK!! as much or more than the last.
Miranda says the Delacorte family "eccentric", I call that an understatement, a few could come right out the same line as members of the Addams Family as they were "creepy, kooky, mysterious and spooky". Their butler really started to remind me of Lurch. These characters were spectacular!!
The author also hits your heart with the relationship of Charlie and his son. I too love the way Diesel relates to Dante, the dog entering his feline domicile, but the way this cat reacts to other people and situations, using his cat sense, I wouldn't have expected any less. This cat is truly special in many ways.
The book was a pure joy to read, extremely entertaining and filled with intrigue. This reviewer proclaims it the "purrfect" book to "escape into" as soon as possible. You will be "chirping" about this series to all your friends.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Berkley Prime Crime, a division of Penguin Publishing. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Miranda says the Delacorte family "eccentric", I call that an understatement, a few could come right out the same line as members of the Addams Family as they were "creepy, kooky, mysterious and spooky". Their butler really started to remind me of Lurch. These characters were spectacular!!
The author also hits your heart with the relationship of Charlie and his son. I too love the way Diesel relates to Dante, the dog entering his feline domicile, but the way this cat reacts to other people and situations, using his cat sense, I wouldn't have expected any less. This cat is truly special in many ways.
The book was a pure joy to read, extremely entertaining and filled with intrigue. This reviewer proclaims it the "purrfect" book to "escape into" as soon as possible. You will be "chirping" about this series to all your friends.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Berkley Prime Crime, a division of Penguin Publishing. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
December 23, 2024
Madre mía, mira que es malo este libro. Parece un fanfic, en el sentido de que parece escrito por alguien que necesita llenar párrafos con cosas intrascendentes para seguir subiendo capítulos y mantener el público.
No tiene pausas. Quiero decir, tenemos al protagonista que, por ejemplo, va a la casa de un anciano coleccionista de libros que le encarga repasar el inventario de su biblioteca y después de eso se va a casa y se prepara la cena y se mete en la cama y la autora cuenta todo esto aunque no tiene importancia en vez de editar todo lo que no importa. Que es como el 80% del libro.
El misterio es flojo, los personajes son olvidables y de verdad que me pone muy nerviosa que la autora no sepa editar los capítulos. Tiene un 2 porque no hay nada verdaderamente insultante. Es solo una mala novela.
No tiene pausas. Quiero decir, tenemos al protagonista que, por ejemplo, va a la casa de un anciano coleccionista de libros que le encarga repasar el inventario de su biblioteca y después de eso se va a casa y se prepara la cena y se mete en la cama y la autora cuenta todo esto aunque no tiene importancia en vez de editar todo lo que no importa. Que es como el 80% del libro.
El misterio es flojo, los personajes son olvidables y de verdad que me pone muy nerviosa que la autora no sepa editar los capítulos. Tiene un 2 porque no hay nada verdaderamente insultante. Es solo una mala novela.
April 12, 2020
Solid story. Enjoyed the relationship between Charlie and his son, Sean, who has quit his job and suddenly appeared with a small dog, Dante, in tow. Luckily Dante got along with Diesel, the 30+ pound Maine Coon, my favorite character. Charlie is hired by an aging wealthy gentleman to inventory his rare book collection as he is worried that one of his family members has been pilfering from the collection. The family members are as eccentric as thosein any Christie novel. All in all, enjoyable and I will be reading more in this series.
December 23, 2015
With a black woman in charge of the police department, and an openly gay man in this book, how could I not be happy? (Albeit Stewart was a bit stereotypical.) I did appreciate how casual Sean was about the whole situation, and he made it very clear early on that he was comfortable with it all.
Over all, Diesel is still my favorite character, but Charlie and Sean rank up there.
4 out of 5
Over all, Diesel is still my favorite character, but Charlie and Sean rank up there.
4 out of 5
February 25, 2019
Miranda James has the most delightful series in the A Cat In The Stacks mystery series. For those who love books, cats, a touch of humor and good manners these mysteries are just the ticket.
November 24, 2024
no creí que lo iba a disfrutar tanto
June 15, 2016
My librarian recommended this book to me and I am glad she did. I had heard of Maine Coon cats but didn't know much about them. Diesel is quite a cat. Picture a thirty pound cat who walks on a leash, chirps instead of meows.
Now for the rest of the book.
The set up to the murder is standard. The setting is interesting. A collection of over 7000 rare books makes the reader's mouth drool.
The murder method is different. I hadn't thought of this possibility before. Sobering.
Red herrings flop through the plot trying to disguise the true solution to the crime.
It is an enjoyable book. I intend to find the others. Diesel is too good to miss. Why the name? Read the book.
Now for the rest of the book.
The set up to the murder is standard. The setting is interesting. A collection of over 7000 rare books makes the reader's mouth drool.
The murder method is different. I hadn't thought of this possibility before. Sobering.
Red herrings flop through the plot trying to disguise the true solution to the crime.
It is an enjoyable book. I intend to find the others. Diesel is too good to miss. Why the name? Read the book.
February 12, 2021
Classified as Murder by Miranda James is the second book in the Cat in the Stacks Mystery series. James Delacorte asks Charlie to inventory his rare book collection as he believes items are being stolen, but Charlie finds him dead soon after starting the job. I liked this book much more than the first one. We meet Sean, Charlie's son with whom he had become a bit estranged. I liked that Diesel helped to provide an essential clue and it was interesting to learn about some of the rare books. A nice, entertaining and typically cozy mystery.
February 7, 2021
Charlie is a retired librarian that volunteers several days a week at the local library. One of his long time customers at the reference desk hires Charlie to do an inventory of his book collection because he fears something is going on. When a serious accident befalls his employer, Charlie is asked to keep his eyes and ears open.
This is a great book and the use of Diesel, the Maine Coon cat is well done. I liked the mystery and the clues. A good book for an enjoyable read.
This is a great book and the use of Diesel, the Maine Coon cat is well done. I liked the mystery and the clues. A good book for an enjoyable read.
April 23, 2023
Probably more 1.5...
When I as my local bookstore they had a whole shelf dedicated to cozy mysteries, something I happened to be quite in the mood for while I was searching. Now, I absolutely love cats and have had one as my reading companion ever since I was born, it has been rare in my life not to have a cat by my side in some capacity. So, when I saw the covers of the "Cat in the Stacks" series, I was overjoyed because I thought this was just the perfect book to read. With blurbs on the cover declaring "Charlie's feline sidekick, Diesel, is a real charmer." I was pretty optimistic about the book for sure, so I happily purchased it and put it in my list to read next.
Now, the main reason I was looking for a new cozy mystery series which featured cats is because I'm pretty far along the series written by Lillian Jackson Braun. Since she has passed away, I know there are only so many books in that series and I have almost all of them, so I was feeling around for what to get next when I came across this book. I feel like I was reading this book for different reasons than the author intended... so, based on other reviews I've read, I'm not even sure if I was the target audience for this thing.
Anyway, while I know this is the second book in the series, it's the only one I intend to read, because I almost DNF'd this book a few times, but since I paid cover price for the book I was intent on finishing it. I'll note here that Miranda James is a pen name for Dean A. James. He has also won the Agatha award, which I find humorous given how much other reviewers mention Agatha Christie and the multiple times he mentions Agatha Christie in his own book!
This book is the sequel to Murder Past Due, but I figured these stories would be more episodic and I'd be missing out on personal character details. For example, I assumed I was supposed to know something of the relationship between the main character and his son prior, but it didn't affect the overall story. The real problem was that my bookstore just didn't have the first novel, so here we are.
This book continues the story of Charlie and his cat named Diesel. Diesel is a huge cat, 30+ pounds and a Maine Coon. This is huge for a Maine Coon even, and I rather think maybe James should have gone for an actual exotic cat like a domesticated Cerval or something? Might have made for a really different interaction overall, of course, he'd have to have had experience with Cerval's to know how to write about them. I assume finding themselves amidst the throws of a good mystery is going to be a standard event for our two characters and the backdrop for this mystery is that a wealthy patron of library Charlie volunteer's at hires Charlie to help organize his rare book collection. The patron is Mr. Delacorte and he naturally lives in a mansion. So, it starts to feel a bit like a game of Clue at this point and I'm not lost on the possible reference of The Body in the Library.
While trying to sort the books and track down the thief our wealthy patron is shockingly murdered, but they tell us that on the back of the book, so I don't feel I'm even remotely spoiling this. This launches an investigation with a cast of characters where everyone in household could be a suspect of the murder! Now it is really starting to feel like Clue, minus the fun, and we have a so so cast of characters to follow around and figure out the who-done-it.
There are two major reasons I did not like this book and a bunch of minor ones, which I will put behind the spoiler tag. The absolute most major reason is I didn't like the way he wrote the cat. If you own a cat and you are interested in reading about cat antics amidst a good mystery, the only recommendation I have for you at this time is "The Cat Who..." series by Braun mentioned above. Her books are not all amazing, but they are all pretty fun and cute with very well written cats. There's almost thirty books in her series, so you will be well occupied if you've never read those. Let's get on with Diesel. As far as fictional cats go, frankly, he's boring. He is the most un-catlike cat I've ever really read about. At first I was pretty excited, because Charlie brings his cat literally everywhere with him. So, I was expecting some seriously silly cat hijinks throughout the book. But there is only one one real instance at the end. Really? It took the whole book for Diesel to act like a cat and only act like a cat once? The majority of the book, Diesel just seems to exist. Charlie interacts with Diesel by patting him on the head or whatever and Diesel warbles at Charlie, but that is all he does, aside from go to the bathroom. And let me tell you, we get told about every single time Diesel uses his litterbox or needs to go. This information does not need to be in this story, like at all. It bears absolutely no relevance and your wasting pages when you could have Diesel be a cat, not a dog. That's the main thing I got out of this, James wanted to write about a well trained dog companion, but maybe cozy mysteries with cat companions sell better, so he made the dog a cat, but it still 100% acts like a dog. It was kind of infuriating to read about the whole thing. If you've owned a cat you know this book is way off the mark and for that reason, I don't think I could ever really read another one.
The second reason I just couldn't go onto another book is that this book is easily 100 pages too long. This book is overly descriptive to the point where it feels like a teenager fleshing out an English essay for the sake of fleshing out an English essay just to hit that word/page count requirement. We are treated to every single little detail of Charlie and Sean's day. What they ate for breakfast everyday this book occurs. Every meal they eat. They don't just "go home for lunch" then come back to sort the library. No, we go with them! It's absolutely maddening to read this at times. We don't need to know any of this information. It felt like this book was written for people incapable of imagining what lunch is, or people that are "yeah, they had lunch, but what did they eat?" At which point, I'd want to know, why do you care what a fictional character ate every moment of every day?
Now, I happen to be well aware that I am a fast paced filthy Northerner, but this book felt so slow to read. The pacing was daunting when it didn't feel the need to be. While a lot of people loved Charlie, I feel like I got annoyed with him. The over-politeness dedication, which I guess is typical of the stereotyped southern gentleman did wind up wearing thin with me. There are multiple instances where Charlie "feels he's in trouble" and they talk about his embarrassment like being in the principles office. All he really was doing was giving information to a cop, so it just felt weird. I think I prefer the irascible hard hitting detectives out there a bit more, which is why I mentioned above that I may not be the target audience for this type of book. It takes the concept of "cozy" and makes it a synonym for a slow and languid jaunt through Charlie's life.
The mystery itself, to be honest, felt a little cliché. I know James tried to do a pretty good job casting aspersions to other characters, but when it is revealed who the murder is, you saw it coming many pages before hand. You are able to narrow down the household to literally two suspects nearly halfway through the book, and your assumptions end up being confirmed all around by the end. Now the book does end somewhat abruptly and I felt more could be written about the aftermath of the case, but, alas, we had to hear about all the details of those breakfasts and the cooking process... so much more important than story after all.
I will say, this book did score some serious points for me with the whole element of inclusivity. There's at least one gay character, Stewart, and they're not the murderer and they were my favorite character. Mainly because they just seemed so personable and did not hide behind a veneer of politeness. I was pleased to see the other characters supportive of Stewart in general and it just felt very well done.
In the end, if you want a cat mystery novel with cute cat antics, these are not going to fill that void. These books are entirely human centric. The animals just kind of exist next to the humans. But they never go off and do crazy animal things. The dog and cat are super well behaved and never get into any real mischief, which makes them boring. They don't do anything. If you are, however, looking for what I assume is an Agatha Christie styled mystery, then this might strike that chord much better. Even amidst this book Charlie mentions twice that it's "like being in an Agatha Christie novel". By all means, write an Agatha Christie novel, don't market this as a cozy cat mystery, because that's not really what we get out of it.
When I as my local bookstore they had a whole shelf dedicated to cozy mysteries, something I happened to be quite in the mood for while I was searching. Now, I absolutely love cats and have had one as my reading companion ever since I was born, it has been rare in my life not to have a cat by my side in some capacity. So, when I saw the covers of the "Cat in the Stacks" series, I was overjoyed because I thought this was just the perfect book to read. With blurbs on the cover declaring "Charlie's feline sidekick, Diesel, is a real charmer." I was pretty optimistic about the book for sure, so I happily purchased it and put it in my list to read next.
Now, the main reason I was looking for a new cozy mystery series which featured cats is because I'm pretty far along the series written by Lillian Jackson Braun. Since she has passed away, I know there are only so many books in that series and I have almost all of them, so I was feeling around for what to get next when I came across this book. I feel like I was reading this book for different reasons than the author intended... so, based on other reviews I've read, I'm not even sure if I was the target audience for this thing.
Anyway, while I know this is the second book in the series, it's the only one I intend to read, because I almost DNF'd this book a few times, but since I paid cover price for the book I was intent on finishing it. I'll note here that Miranda James is a pen name for Dean A. James. He has also won the Agatha award, which I find humorous given how much other reviewers mention Agatha Christie and the multiple times he mentions Agatha Christie in his own book!
This book is the sequel to Murder Past Due, but I figured these stories would be more episodic and I'd be missing out on personal character details. For example, I assumed I was supposed to know something of the relationship between the main character and his son prior, but it didn't affect the overall story. The real problem was that my bookstore just didn't have the first novel, so here we are.
This book continues the story of Charlie and his cat named Diesel. Diesel is a huge cat, 30+ pounds and a Maine Coon. This is huge for a Maine Coon even, and I rather think maybe James should have gone for an actual exotic cat like a domesticated Cerval or something? Might have made for a really different interaction overall, of course, he'd have to have had experience with Cerval's to know how to write about them. I assume finding themselves amidst the throws of a good mystery is going to be a standard event for our two characters and the backdrop for this mystery is that a wealthy patron of library Charlie volunteer's at hires Charlie to help organize his rare book collection. The patron is Mr. Delacorte and he naturally lives in a mansion. So, it starts to feel a bit like a game of Clue at this point and I'm not lost on the possible reference of The Body in the Library.
While trying to sort the books and track down the thief our wealthy patron is shockingly murdered, but they tell us that on the back of the book, so I don't feel I'm even remotely spoiling this. This launches an investigation with a cast of characters where everyone in household could be a suspect of the murder! Now it is really starting to feel like Clue, minus the fun, and we have a so so cast of characters to follow around and figure out the who-done-it.
There are two major reasons I did not like this book and a bunch of minor ones, which I will put behind the spoiler tag. The absolute most major reason is I didn't like the way he wrote the cat. If you own a cat and you are interested in reading about cat antics amidst a good mystery, the only recommendation I have for you at this time is "The Cat Who..." series by Braun mentioned above. Her books are not all amazing, but they are all pretty fun and cute with very well written cats. There's almost thirty books in her series, so you will be well occupied if you've never read those. Let's get on with Diesel. As far as fictional cats go, frankly, he's boring. He is the most un-catlike cat I've ever really read about. At first I was pretty excited, because Charlie brings his cat literally everywhere with him. So, I was expecting some seriously silly cat hijinks throughout the book. But there is only one one real instance at the end. Really? It took the whole book for Diesel to act like a cat and only act like a cat once? The majority of the book, Diesel just seems to exist. Charlie interacts with Diesel by patting him on the head or whatever and Diesel warbles at Charlie, but that is all he does, aside from go to the bathroom. And let me tell you, we get told about every single time Diesel uses his litterbox or needs to go. This information does not need to be in this story, like at all. It bears absolutely no relevance and your wasting pages when you could have Diesel be a cat, not a dog. That's the main thing I got out of this, James wanted to write about a well trained dog companion, but maybe cozy mysteries with cat companions sell better, so he made the dog a cat, but it still 100% acts like a dog. It was kind of infuriating to read about the whole thing. If you've owned a cat you know this book is way off the mark and for that reason, I don't think I could ever really read another one.
The second reason I just couldn't go onto another book is that this book is easily 100 pages too long. This book is overly descriptive to the point where it feels like a teenager fleshing out an English essay for the sake of fleshing out an English essay just to hit that word/page count requirement. We are treated to every single little detail of Charlie and Sean's day. What they ate for breakfast everyday this book occurs. Every meal they eat. They don't just "go home for lunch" then come back to sort the library. No, we go with them! It's absolutely maddening to read this at times. We don't need to know any of this information. It felt like this book was written for people incapable of imagining what lunch is, or people that are "yeah, they had lunch, but what did they eat?" At which point, I'd want to know, why do you care what a fictional character ate every moment of every day?
Now, I happen to be well aware that I am a fast paced filthy Northerner, but this book felt so slow to read. The pacing was daunting when it didn't feel the need to be. While a lot of people loved Charlie, I feel like I got annoyed with him. The over-politeness dedication, which I guess is typical of the stereotyped southern gentleman did wind up wearing thin with me. There are multiple instances where Charlie "feels he's in trouble" and they talk about his embarrassment like being in the principles office. All he really was doing was giving information to a cop, so it just felt weird. I think I prefer the irascible hard hitting detectives out there a bit more, which is why I mentioned above that I may not be the target audience for this type of book. It takes the concept of "cozy" and makes it a synonym for a slow and languid jaunt through Charlie's life.
The mystery itself, to be honest, felt a little cliché. I know James tried to do a pretty good job casting aspersions to other characters, but when it is revealed who the murder is, you saw it coming many pages before hand. You are able to narrow down the household to literally two suspects nearly halfway through the book, and your assumptions end up being confirmed all around by the end. Now the book does end somewhat abruptly and I felt more could be written about the aftermath of the case, but, alas, we had to hear about all the details of those breakfasts and the cooking process... so much more important than story after all.
I will say, this book did score some serious points for me with the whole element of inclusivity. There's at least one gay character, Stewart, and they're not the murderer and they were my favorite character. Mainly because they just seemed so personable and did not hide behind a veneer of politeness. I was pleased to see the other characters supportive of Stewart in general and it just felt very well done.
In the end, if you want a cat mystery novel with cute cat antics, these are not going to fill that void. These books are entirely human centric. The animals just kind of exist next to the humans. But they never go off and do crazy animal things. The dog and cat are super well behaved and never get into any real mischief, which makes them boring. They don't do anything. If you are, however, looking for what I assume is an Agatha Christie styled mystery, then this might strike that chord much better. Even amidst this book Charlie mentions twice that it's "like being in an Agatha Christie novel". By all means, write an Agatha Christie novel, don't market this as a cozy cat mystery, because that's not really what we get out of it.
February 5, 2024
Adictivo, interesante y bueno. Cómo me ha gustado el segundo libro de esta serie, me ha recordado muchas veces a una buena novela de Agatha Christie.
Esta serie de Miranda James que está trayendo Alma Editorial está pasando a ser de mis favoritas.
Me muero de ganas de leer el siguiente.
Esta serie de Miranda James que está trayendo Alma Editorial está pasando a ser de mis favoritas.
Me muero de ganas de leer el siguiente.
July 29, 2025
A fun cosy mystery with a cat! I love a cosy mystery but the addition of the cat (who is super smart) is awesome. Also the main character works at the library! What's not to love :)
May 4, 2011
Once I stopped staring at "Diesel" on the cover of the book, and it did take me a long time, I found myself loving "Classified as Murder" by Miranda James.
What did I love? Well that the title tied into the storyline of the novel so well. It was about a private collection having to be classified. There were murders, of two of the characters I liked so it impacted me more harshly.
Then, there was the introduction and better understanding of the main Character's son, Sean. I enjoyed that the relationship was one that needed time and effort. I was greatly pleased in the outcome. In addition, the local policewoman is drawn deeper and we begin to see a working relationship bloom.
Charlie, the sleuth, being a male, also gives a different perspective and I find myself enjoying it. There may be a romance blooming. I enjoyed the male vantage point.
Then, there is "Diesel" who also develops and finds a new 'friend.' I love how Ms. James draws the personality and fullness of her best friend, whom happens to be a Maine Coon Cat. The inter-relationship of Diesel and Charlie is very realistic and welcoming to the reader, whom is a lover of 4-footed babies.
I actually would have given this book 7 stars. It really pleased me and I pray there will be more coming.
What did I love? Well that the title tied into the storyline of the novel so well. It was about a private collection having to be classified. There were murders, of two of the characters I liked so it impacted me more harshly.
Then, there was the introduction and better understanding of the main Character's son, Sean. I enjoyed that the relationship was one that needed time and effort. I was greatly pleased in the outcome. In addition, the local policewoman is drawn deeper and we begin to see a working relationship bloom.
Charlie, the sleuth, being a male, also gives a different perspective and I find myself enjoying it. There may be a romance blooming. I enjoyed the male vantage point.
Then, there is "Diesel" who also develops and finds a new 'friend.' I love how Ms. James draws the personality and fullness of her best friend, whom happens to be a Maine Coon Cat. The inter-relationship of Diesel and Charlie is very realistic and welcoming to the reader, whom is a lover of 4-footed babies.
I actually would have given this book 7 stars. It really pleased me and I pray there will be more coming.
October 26, 2021
Charlie Harris is a widower who works
part-time in the University of Athena’s
Archive section. Charlie owns a Maine
Coon cat named Diesel. Diesel is loved
by the town. He accompanies Charlie
to almost everywhere he goes on a
leash.
Charlie takes on a job doing an inventory
and classifying a rare book collection for
an elderly man.
This man, James Delacorte thinks
someone is stealing from him.
After Charlie and Diesel start the job,
James is found dead in his private library.
The police enlist Charlie to aide in the
investigation especially after a second
body is discovered. In addition to the
murders, Charlie discovers a copy of
Poe’s Timberland missing.
Which one of the family is the culprit of
the murders and taking the valuable
copy?
Enjoyed this story with lots of twists and
turns. Plus enjoyed Charlie’s son, Sean
role in working with his Dad to make sure
he stays safe until the culprit is found.
The reader will also meet Dante, the dog
who comes to live in Diesel’s territory.
A good read.
This is book #2 in the Cat in the Stacks
Mystery series. It can be read as a stand alone.
part-time in the University of Athena’s
Archive section. Charlie owns a Maine
Coon cat named Diesel. Diesel is loved
by the town. He accompanies Charlie
to almost everywhere he goes on a
leash.
Charlie takes on a job doing an inventory
and classifying a rare book collection for
an elderly man.
This man, James Delacorte thinks
someone is stealing from him.
After Charlie and Diesel start the job,
James is found dead in his private library.
The police enlist Charlie to aide in the
investigation especially after a second
body is discovered. In addition to the
murders, Charlie discovers a copy of
Poe’s Timberland missing.
Which one of the family is the culprit of
the murders and taking the valuable
copy?
Enjoyed this story with lots of twists and
turns. Plus enjoyed Charlie’s son, Sean
role in working with his Dad to make sure
he stays safe until the culprit is found.
The reader will also meet Dante, the dog
who comes to live in Diesel’s territory.
A good read.
This is book #2 in the Cat in the Stacks
Mystery series. It can be read as a stand alone.
May 20, 2011
I loved this fun, relaxing, feel-good, cozy Southern whodunit, and I would give it at least seven stars if I could. Librarian Charlie Harris is hired by an elderly, eccentric, wealthy gentleman to inventory his rare-book collection. Unfortunately, not long after Charlie begins the job, the man is found murdered at his desk.
What I love most about this series is the characters, especially the pleasant, easygoing Charlie and his irresistible Maine coon cat, Diesel. There are a number of other likable characters too, and, of course, some unlikable ones as a contrast (though some of the initially unpleasant people turn out not to be so bad after all).
This second book in Miranda James' "Cat in the Stacks" series is possibly even more delightful than the first one, largely because Charlie's grown son, Sean, shows up unexpectedly with his newly acquired poodle, Dante, and it's really fun to read about the interaction between Diesel and Dante.
The two books in this series are the ultimate in comfort reads, and I hope there will be many more.
What I love most about this series is the characters, especially the pleasant, easygoing Charlie and his irresistible Maine coon cat, Diesel. There are a number of other likable characters too, and, of course, some unlikable ones as a contrast (though some of the initially unpleasant people turn out not to be so bad after all).
This second book in Miranda James' "Cat in the Stacks" series is possibly even more delightful than the first one, largely because Charlie's grown son, Sean, shows up unexpectedly with his newly acquired poodle, Dante, and it's really fun to read about the interaction between Diesel and Dante.
The two books in this series are the ultimate in comfort reads, and I hope there will be many more.
December 30, 2020
*4.5- I really enjoyed reading this book! It was the perfect light and cozy mystery. I liked all of the characters, and I thought that the whole book was very interesting. While I think that the mystery wasn't the most complicated, and the twist wasn't that big, I still liked that aspect of the book. I also liked the storyline that was happening between Charlie and his son Sean, I thought that it added dimension to the book. I also liked what the author did with the Delacorte family. I liked how eccentric the family was, and it reminded me of another book or movie, but I can't remember what they remind me of. The family and the book had a sort of Agatha Christie vibe. Anyway, I thought that this was a really fun and light read. While I see this book mostly classified as adult, I don't think that there was anything super adult about it. I think that any teenager can read it, and be perfectly fine. There is nothing inappropriate for a teen to read in it. I highly recommend this book, especially if you are looking for a lighter read.
January 25, 2019
Charlie has been hired to inventory a large collection of rare books by its elderly owner. Just as he is about to begin this task, Charlie’s grown son returns home, obviously troubled but not sharing his problems with his dad. Waiting for Sean to be ready to talk, Charlie goes about his business with his cat, Diesel. But what should have been an orderly task becomes a messy murder. Now Sean becomes involved with Charlie, in sleuthing out the murderer and keeping Charlie safe. Much happens in this second book of this cozy series, including the addition of new characters and the further development of the older ones. An interesting storyline coupled with delightful characters, this well written cozy is sure to entertain its readers.
June 6, 2017
This book really deserves a 4.5. With the mixture of characters and mystery the author really kept you on your toes. At first I was not sure I was going to enjoy the book because the first book didn't do it for me, but this one was WONDERFUL. All of the characters had their own personalities that you could tie to. I knew who did it before the first murder took place sadly, but that didn't falter me from my continued reading. Eloise is a dear and I love her character. That is all I will say for now.
February 9, 2021
Murder and Humor the best of both worlds.
This is the second book of the Cat in the Stacks. And from the start I knew this was a book I would have trouble putting down. And I was right.
Again Miranda James has written the characters that they spring to life and hop off the page.
I watched in my mind's eye as the plot unfolded and the characters brought humor, sometimes dry, to make me laugh out loud at their personalities. I can't wait to read the next book and hope Stewart Delacourt is there.
This is the second book of the Cat in the Stacks. And from the start I knew this was a book I would have trouble putting down. And I was right.
Again Miranda James has written the characters that they spring to life and hop off the page.
I watched in my mind's eye as the plot unfolded and the characters brought humor, sometimes dry, to make me laugh out loud at their personalities. I can't wait to read the next book and hope Stewart Delacourt is there.
June 26, 2019
This was a competent cozy mystery. The hero, a librarian, is likeable. I didn’t guess the murderer until the very end. The cat is loving and snuggly but seems not very cat-like. Maybe the author has a mischief-free cat who never sulks or gets annoyed. The cat contributed nothing to the mystery’s solution: no clues, no hissing at the villain when they cross paths. But he was sweet.
September 1, 2020
I wish there had been a Christmas book between the first and the second. I would have loved to have gotten to know Sean better before we see his breakdown.
I loved the story and how it was predictable but also surprising.
Excited for the next book in the series.
I loved the story and how it was predictable but also surprising.
Excited for the next book in the series.
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