Life is never dull for semi-retired librarian and archivist Charlie Harris, especially with his charming cat Diesel by his side, and an alarming knack for finding himself in the middle of murder investigations on a regular basis. His life has quietly slipped into a routine since his last encounter with a murder mystery, and he is looking forward to watching the Athena College theatre production that features his daughter Laura in a leading role, carefully directed by his son-in-law Frank. It is a very exciting time for the theatre department, but the actor who has the male lead has a reputation for being difficult and Laura and Frank are both feeling the pressure and the stress.
When Charlie meets the infamous Luke Lombardi he is everything he has been told to expect - good and bad, and it doesn't take long for the arrogant actor to make his presence known. Pushing down his urge to protect his family, Charlie tries to stay out of the drama, but when Lombardi dies during a performance Laura becomes a suspect and he is determined to protect her. As Chief Deputy Kanesha Berry and her team start working the case Charlie tries to stay out of the way, not an easy feat in a small town where it seems like everyone knows everyone else, and your family is involved. There is more than one mystery for the team to deal with however, and the drama is not limited to the stage. Can Charlie stay out of trouble long enough to help solve the case?
Careless whiskers is yet another charming and thoroughly engaging story in the Cat in the stacks mystery series. Once again Miranda James has brought together an interesting cast of characters that bring drama and depth to the story, and once again familiar characters are like family not only for Charlie and Diesel, but also for us. There are the interactions and conversations that we expect to see when Charlie in on a case, and there are the usual charming moments between Charlie and Diesel. It would be all too easy for the series to become stagnant or terribly predictable, but James has managed to maintain the charm of the series, expanding the cast of characters over time to keep it grounded and realistic.
This is a fantastic series and I have recommended it to different people over the years, partly because I think it's great that there is a series with a librarian in the lead (professional pride and all), but also because the entire is relatable and charming.
If you like this book then try:
- Murder past due by Miranda James
- Bless her dead little heart by Miranda James
- Dipped, stripped, and dead by Elise Hyatt
- French polished murder by Elise Hyatt
- Lending a paw by Laurie Cass
- Books can be deceiving by Jenn McKinlay
- Pies and prejudice by Ellery Adams
- One for the money by Janet Evanovich
- Death of a kitchen diva by Lee Hollis
- Death of a country fried redneck by Lee Hollis
Reviewed by Brilla
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