WHISKERS IN THE DARK
Whiskers in the Dark: A Mrs. Murphy Mystery
by Rita Mae Brown
About the Book
Cozy Mystery
28th in Series
Bantam (June 4, 2019)
Hardcover: 288 pages
ISBN-10: 0425287181
ISBN-13: 978-0425287187
Digital ASIN: B07H72MD6Z
Death stalks the Blue Ridge Mountains as a centuries-old mystery resurfaces and murder mars the lead-up to an annual beagle competition, in a thrilling new tale from Rita Mae Brown and her feline co-author Sneaky Pie Brown.A massive nor’easter has hit northern Virginia, where Mary Minor “Harry” Harristeen joins groundskeeping efforts at the National Beagle Club at Aldie as the date for its springtime Hounds for Heroes veterans’ benefit approaches. Harry’s fellow volunteers, including her oldest friend, Susan Tucker, comprise a spirited group of hunting enthusiasts, some former service members themselves. But things take a sinister turn when, after a routine tree cleanup along the Club’s hunting trails, retired foreign services officer Jason Holzknect is found dead, throat slit from ear to ear. Soon enough, another murder in their midst jolts the preparations, convincing Harry that the killer is familiar with the Club—and must be close by, masked in plain sight.The intrigue extends to the grounds of Harry’s beloved local church, where the identity of an eighteenth-century skeleton wearing precious pearls remains a mystery. The anonymous woman’s neck had been snapped, and marks on the grave where her body was secreted indicate that someone recently tried to remove it, leading Harry to question how well she really knows those around her.As always, Harry’s crime-solving cats Mrs. Murphy and Pewter, and Tee Tucker the Corgi share her determination to sniff out the foes among friends, even those long buried. Harry will need her four-legged companions’ help more than ever: a ghostly beagle only they can see may hold the key to the culprit.
Her characters have been adopted by readers. Especially endearing to them are the chattering animals.
This book fits the Amateur Sleuth genre, but has elements of a harder, classic mystery. With elements of historical fiction, political intrigue, it tells the tale of two time periods. The reader does have to focus and may need to read between the lines. In the end, each reader must draw their own ethical conclusions.
I enjoyed the varied aspects of this book. Not everything is neatly wrapped up at the end. It leaves much to consider and contemplate. I am curious how this book will affect Harry and the continuation of the series. The storyline is not an event a character can experience and come through unchanged.
About the Author
Rita Mae Brown is the bestselling author of the Sneaky Pie Brown mysteries; the Sister Jane series; the Runnymede novels, including Six of One and Cakewalk; A Nose for Justice and Murder Unleashed; Rubyfruit Jungle; and In Her Day; as well as many other books. An Emmy-nominated screenwriter and a poet, Brown lives in Afton, Virginia, and is a Master of Foxhounds and the huntsman.
Sneaky Pie Brown, a tiger cat born somewhere in Albemarle County, Virginia, was discovered by Rita Mae Brown at her local SPCA. They have collaborated on numerous Mrs. Murphy mysteries—in addition to Sneaky Pie’s Cookbook for Mystery Lovers and Sneaky Pie for President.
Author Links
Website - http://ritamaebrownbooks.com/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/RitaMaeBrown
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