Arsenic and Old Books (Cat in the Stacks Mystery)
Lucinda Beckwith Long, the mayor of Athena, Mississippi, has donated a set of Civil War-era diaries to the archives of Athena College. She would like librarian Charlie Harris to preserve and substantiate them as a part of the Long family legacy—something that could benefit her son, Beck, as he prepares to campaign for the state senate.
Beck’s biggest rival would like to get a look at the diaries in an attempt to expose the Long family’s past sins. Meanwhile, a history professor is also determined to get her hands on the books in a last-ditch bid for tenure. But their interest suddenly turns deadly, leaving Charlie with a catalog of questions to answer. Together with his Maine Coon cat Diesel, Charlie must discover why the diaries were worth killing for before he too reaches his final chapter.
INCLUDES A BONUS SHORT STORY
Reviews (182)
Great cozy mystery
When Mayor Lucinda Beckwith Long gives Charlie Harris a set of Civil War era diaries, he is eager to read them not only for their history but because the contents may play a major part in the senate race between Lucinda's son Beck and Jason Singletary. It turns out the Charlie isn't the only one who wants those diaries and it looks like someone is even willing to kill if that is what it takes to get them. “Arsenic and Old Books” is the delightful sixth book in Miranda James’ (Dean James) Cat in the Stacks cozy mystery series - a series that gets better and better with each book. It took me a while to get used to reading about a male protagonist in a cozy mystery (the genre is full of female protagonists) but I like Charlie and of course his wonderful cat Diesel (there is a bonus short story about how Charlie met Diesel which it very cute to read). I also love the supporting characters - I need in Azalea in my life (my mouth was watering as I read the book)! The plot of the Civil War diaries was an interesting one - I am from New England and I am always fascinated at the south’s perspective of the Civil War. I also loved the snippets of the diary that we got to read. The mystery itself is well plotted with plenty of twists and turns - I was expecting someone else to die. There are also more than a few surprises involving the diary – this book kept me guessing from beginning to end! “Arsenic and Old Books” is another great cozy mystery by Miranda James.
Author and publisher need to do their homework!
Only reason I gave this otherwise interesting series a 2 star is because Deisel, the cat star of the series, is always described as a grey Maine Coon cat. BUT! the cat shown on the cover of EVERY book in this series is ALWAYS a brown domestic shorthair. A domestic shorthair looks NOTHING like a Maine Coon cat. And you can't even get the color right !!! As a cat lover I have to wonder why the author allows this to keep happening. A black mark for Miranda.
The Best at Her Best
When it comes to cozy mysteries, there are basically two categories of writers: Miranda James and everyone else and, even if you haven't read any of the other Cat in the Stacks mysteries, reading this will convince you of that. The author's first book was a guide to the works of Robert B. Parker, the author of the Spenser novels. Obviously these books are totally different, but, I think, you can definitely see the influence. There's an economy of description that you don't see in a lot of books in this genre, and that helps make this more page-turning than the average traditional mystery. The dialogue is tight and you may very well find yourself reading this in one sitting. James has crafted a memorable southern town with characters you don't forget, and this book's incorporation of library science/archival technology/Civil War history is spectacularly well-done and always integral to the plot. And finally: This is a really beautiful, full-sized hardcover--feels great and totally worth the splurge. This should be the bestselling mystery of the year.
Good Mystery and Protagonists
I love this series. The mysteries are very good, I love Charlie and his big (Maine Coon) cat. Charlie’s job is interesting to me as well. And unlike the silly women who always find themselves caught by the killer, these mysteries are more realistic. This book revolved around diaries from the Civil War Times and I would love to read more of those diaries, too; something like that would be fascinating.
Hurrah for Diesel
These Miranda James books are special to me. I have a 20 lb. cat just like Diesel so I relate in a special way. In spite of that fact, the characters in these books are precious across the board. They are light-weight murder mysteries with no gore, no need for graphic profanity, and still keep you glued to the page. Every new title from this author is devoured with relish. Charlie and Diesel are a breath of fresh air in a world of violence, foul adjectives, drugs and mayhem. After doing research all day on various subjects, which contain all of the above, spending an evening with these two characters is a delight. They make me smile and feel that the world may not be so bad after all.
Get two stories in one
Again Charlie and Diesel involve you with familiar and new characters in a fun puzzle. Could politics be motivating some of these characters or is it long standing dislike and prejudice. Another draw you in story by Miranda James with directions to go and great fun to deduce who and why. Wonderful read again.
Another Good One from Miranda James
James does her usual excellent job of plotting, unexpected twists, and character development. You get your pick of who you think is going to get it and that's always nice. I'm enjoying the series and see I'm at the last one with the next book. I'll miss the characters and the town. I was a little worried there because more sex than I like was creeping in. I know it's a part of modern life; I just don't like to read or hear about it. :-) otherwise, another fun book from Miranda James. And as always, the narration is spot on and enjoyable.
Fun and enjoyable read
I really enjoyed this whole series. There's the mystery and the who done it then how do you solve this and at the same time it's relaxing it's not something where you're sitting at the edge of your seat and I found myself laughing many times throughout all the books.
Good read
In a series of books, the first I found in a book store. Since I like books and cats I decided to see how it read. To my delight it is a good mystery, no blood and gore. A great read with amazing characters and a good marvelous cat!
I love it when a title is perfect for a mystery
I have never had a cat (very allergic to them), but I want to meet Diesel the Maine Coon cat in this series. Diesel has captivated me since he appeared on the first cover and has made me a fan of cover artist Dan Craig. However, the real star of this series is the writer who has made Charlie and his work as an archivist and amateur sleuth so interesting and enjoyable! I love it when a title is perfect for a mystery! The diaries and Diesel short story were great bonuses!
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