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Mrs. Murphy #9
Claws and Effect
CLAWS AND EFFECT
Winter puts tiny Crozet, Virginia, in a deep freeze and everyone seems to be suffering from the winter blahs, including postmistress Mary Minor “Harry” Haristeen. So all are ripe for the juicy gossip coming out of Crozet Hospital–until the main source of that gossip turns up dead. It’s not like Harry to resist a mystery, and she soon finds the hospital a hotbed of ego, jealousy, and illicit love.
But it’s tiger cat Mrs. Murphy, roaming the netherworld of Crozet Hospital, who sniffs out a secret that dates back to the Underground Railroad. Then Harry is attacked and a doctor is executed in cold blood.
Soon only a quick-witted cat and her animal pals feline Pewter and corgi Tee Tucker stand between Harry and a coldly calculating killer with a prescription for murder.
Winter puts tiny Crozet, Virginia, in a deep freeze and everyone seems to be suffering from the winter blahs, including postmistress Mary Minor “Harry” Haristeen. So all are ripe for the juicy gossip coming out of Crozet Hospital–until the main source of that gossip turns up dead. It’s not like Harry to resist a mystery, and she soon finds the hospital a hotbed of ego, jealousy, and illicit love.
But it’s tiger cat Mrs. Murphy, roaming the netherworld of Crozet Hospital, who sniffs out a secret that dates back to the Underground Railroad. Then Harry is attacked and a doctor is executed in cold blood.
Soon only a quick-witted cat and her animal pals feline Pewter and corgi Tee Tucker stand between Harry and a coldly calculating killer with a prescription for murder.
336 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2001
198 people are currently reading
1144 people want to read
About the author
Rita Mae Brown
178 books2,198 followersRita Mae Brown is a prolific American writer, most known for her mysteries and other novels (Rubyfruit Jungle). She is also an Emmy-nominated screenwriter.
Brown was born illegitimate in Hanover, Pennsylvania. She was raised by her biological mother's female cousin and the cousin's husband in York, Pennsylvania and later in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.
Starting in the fall of 1962, Brown attended the University of Florida at Gainesville on a scholarship. In the spring of 1964, the administrators of the racially segregated university expelled her for participating in the civil rights movement. She subsequently enrolled at Broward Community College[3] with the hope of transferring eventually to a more tolerant four-year institution.
Between fall 1964 and 1969, she lived in New York City, sometimes homeless, while attending New York University[6] where she received a degree in Classics and English. Later,[when?] she received another degree in cinematography from the New York School of Visual Arts.[citation needed] Brown received a Ph.D. in literature from Union Institute & University in 1976 and holds a doctorate in political science from the Institute for Policy Studies in Washington, D.C.
Starting in 1973, Brown lived in the Hollywood Hills in Los Angeles. In 1977, she bought a farm in Charlottesville, Virginia where she still lives.[9] In 1982, a screenplay Brown wrote while living in Los Angeles, Sleepless Nights, was retitled The Slumber Party Massacre and given a limited release theatrically.
During Brown's spring 1964 semester at the University of Florida at Gainesville, she became active in the American Civil Rights Movement. Later in the 1960s, she participated in the anti-war movement, the feminist movement and the Gay Liberation movement.
Brown took an administrative position with the fledgling National Organization for Women, but resigned in January 1970 over Betty Friedan's anti-gay remarks and NOW's attempts to distance itself from lesbian organizations. She claims she played a leading role in the "Lavender Menace" zap of the Second Congress to Unite Women on May 1, 1970, which protested Friedan's remarks and the exclusion of lesbians from the women's movement.
In the early 1970s, she became a founding member of The Furies Collective, a lesbian feminist newspaper collective in Washington, DC, which held that heterosexuality was the root of all oppression.
Brown told Time magazine in 2008, "I don't believe in straight or gay. I really don't. I think we're all degrees of bisexual. There may be a few people on the extreme if it's a bell curve who really truly are gay or really truly are straight. Because nobody had ever said these things and used their real name, I suddenly became [in the late 1970s] the only lesbian in America."
Brown was born illegitimate in Hanover, Pennsylvania. She was raised by her biological mother's female cousin and the cousin's husband in York, Pennsylvania and later in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.
Starting in the fall of 1962, Brown attended the University of Florida at Gainesville on a scholarship. In the spring of 1964, the administrators of the racially segregated university expelled her for participating in the civil rights movement. She subsequently enrolled at Broward Community College[3] with the hope of transferring eventually to a more tolerant four-year institution.
Between fall 1964 and 1969, she lived in New York City, sometimes homeless, while attending New York University[6] where she received a degree in Classics and English. Later,[when?] she received another degree in cinematography from the New York School of Visual Arts.[citation needed] Brown received a Ph.D. in literature from Union Institute & University in 1976 and holds a doctorate in political science from the Institute for Policy Studies in Washington, D.C.
Starting in 1973, Brown lived in the Hollywood Hills in Los Angeles. In 1977, she bought a farm in Charlottesville, Virginia where she still lives.[9] In 1982, a screenplay Brown wrote while living in Los Angeles, Sleepless Nights, was retitled The Slumber Party Massacre and given a limited release theatrically.
During Brown's spring 1964 semester at the University of Florida at Gainesville, she became active in the American Civil Rights Movement. Later in the 1960s, she participated in the anti-war movement, the feminist movement and the Gay Liberation movement.
Brown took an administrative position with the fledgling National Organization for Women, but resigned in January 1970 over Betty Friedan's anti-gay remarks and NOW's attempts to distance itself from lesbian organizations. She claims she played a leading role in the "Lavender Menace" zap of the Second Congress to Unite Women on May 1, 1970, which protested Friedan's remarks and the exclusion of lesbians from the women's movement.
In the early 1970s, she became a founding member of The Furies Collective, a lesbian feminist newspaper collective in Washington, DC, which held that heterosexuality was the root of all oppression.
Brown told Time magazine in 2008, "I don't believe in straight or gay. I really don't. I think we're all degrees of bisexual. There may be a few people on the extreme if it's a bell curve who really truly are gay or really truly are straight. Because nobody had ever said these things and used their real name, I suddenly became [in the late 1970s] the only lesbian in America."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 146 reviews
April 23, 2009
Ok, I'm going to do a standard review for the rest of the Mrs. Murphy books I read, because I really can't think of something smart to say about every single one of them. Actually, it's hard to come up with something smart to say about any one of them, because they are not really smart books.
Though, no, that's not true. They aren't trivial as such, they aren't too easy - or, in other words, they don't hurt my brain while I read them. But I think we can all agree that they are also not "great literature", and certainly not intellectually challenging, and as such, they are a bit of a guilty pleasure for me. (that and the talking animals, of course)
But they are pretty straight-forward crime stories, not overly complicated, but also never boring. They live from the interaction of the characters and the settings, both of which Brown handles brilliantly. That she also manages to make the reader fall in love with the characters, not only the familiar ones, but also the new ones she adds in each book, shows that a master she really is.
And so I have no problem admitting that I have read and loved every single one of the Mrs. Murphy books, and I'm convinced that I'll continue to love them for as long as she continues to write them, which I hope will be until forever.
Though, no, that's not true. They aren't trivial as such, they aren't too easy - or, in other words, they don't hurt my brain while I read them. But I think we can all agree that they are also not "great literature", and certainly not intellectually challenging, and as such, they are a bit of a guilty pleasure for me. (that and the talking animals, of course)
But they are pretty straight-forward crime stories, not overly complicated, but also never boring. They live from the interaction of the characters and the settings, both of which Brown handles brilliantly. That she also manages to make the reader fall in love with the characters, not only the familiar ones, but also the new ones she adds in each book, shows that a master she really is.
And so I have no problem admitting that I have read and loved every single one of the Mrs. Murphy books, and I'm convinced that I'll continue to love them for as long as she continues to write them, which I hope will be until forever.
March 28, 2018
Number 9 was another great visit with Mrs. Murphy, Pewter and Tucker!! Now on to 10!!
January 5, 2010
This series by Rita mae Brown will be a pleasure to anyone who has lived with a pet and enjoys mysteries that are of the "cozy" variety. The animal characters are fun; the characters engaging and the books an easy and pleasurable read.
January 28, 2019
I place this kind of book in what I call the "Murder She Wrote" category, where I would also place the Judge Deborah Knott series from Margaret Maron and the Caterer Goldy Schulz series from Diane Mott Davidson. As interesting as these series may be, and possibly well written, I can't get past the fact that the main character in each of these series has a woman living in a small town who seems to stumble upon murder after murder, which by the end of the book she of course, and not the police, solves. Shouldn't half the people in the town be dead by now? If you lived there or were a friend of the main character in any of these books wouldn't you want to move, like far, far away? I wouldn't want to be associated with or have anything to do with her, because, well, you know know how that's probably going to turn out.
So was this book any good? It was just okay. Fine for listening to on my vacation while I drove. Not so bad that I wanted to turn it off, but not anything that I really cared about either. Like all the other books in this series, the events in this one were not very plausible, and at times downright silly.
So was this book any good? It was just okay. Fine for listening to on my vacation while I drove. Not so bad that I wanted to turn it off, but not anything that I really cared about either. Like all the other books in this series, the events in this one were not very plausible, and at times downright silly.
June 10, 2009
Not my favorite of the Mrs. Murphy Mysteries. These are not exceptionally brainy mysteries. Very often one can figure it out before the end and even more often belief must be suspended to imagine the cats and dog are solving the crime and then leading the humans to the answer. I mean, I believe my cats and dogs are more than they seem, but I am fairly sure they would be unable to drive a car---a standard shift, in particular.
In this installment yet another Crozet resident (it's such a small town, Brown is likely to run out eventually, right?) is found murdered. This time, the victims throat is slit in the basement of the local hospital. Yet again, our heroine Harry and her band of critter sidekicks find themselves in the middle of the investigation (or rather, insert themself in the middle of the investigation) and in the path of danger. What will happen? Well, the critters will solve the case, lead Harry and Cooper to the answer and then rescue one, or both, of them from peril, of course. Critters save the day! :) A delightful, fluffy series. Love them, love them. (Some more than others...)
In this installment yet another Crozet resident (it's such a small town, Brown is likely to run out eventually, right?) is found murdered. This time, the victims throat is slit in the basement of the local hospital. Yet again, our heroine Harry and her band of critter sidekicks find themselves in the middle of the investigation (or rather, insert themself in the middle of the investigation) and in the path of danger. What will happen? Well, the critters will solve the case, lead Harry and Cooper to the answer and then rescue one, or both, of them from peril, of course. Critters save the day! :) A delightful, fluffy series. Love them, love them. (Some more than others...)
January 5, 2025
2.5 for the story but rounded up to 3 for the cute artwork
February 21, 2019
Rita Mae and Sneaky Pie Brown deliver another wonderful Mrs. Murphy mystery with Claws and Effect. In this installment, a murder at Crozet Hospital raises questions about who could be responsible, especially considering the victim, Hank Brevard, was rather abrasive and none too missed. We meet several new characters who work at the hospital, including the arrogant but talented surgeon Dr. Bruce Buxton. Harry and her furry children can’t help but do their own investigating, and along the way, find danger. Simultaneously, Little Mim Sanburne has decided that her town needs a new face in the mayor’s office, and launches her mayoral campaign against her own father Jim.
This novel brings small-town politics, fox hunting, medical drama, and plenty of philosophy from the mouths of Mrs. Murphy, Tee Tucker, and Pewter. And, there is an unexpected loss of a beloved supporting character, which broke my heart a little bit. I love all of the characters in Crozet and have read 9 books so far, and I’ve become rather attached to them. They say you should kill your darlings, and Rita Mae and Sneaky Pie Brown have not pulled any punches in this book. Nevertheless, this is another delightful cozy mystery, and is aptly set during mid-February, and so I especially loved curling up and figuring out who was the culprit.
Also, reading about Miranda’s baked goods never fails to make my stomach growl. And she bakes her heart out once again in this story, so there was much protest from my gut.
This novel brings small-town politics, fox hunting, medical drama, and plenty of philosophy from the mouths of Mrs. Murphy, Tee Tucker, and Pewter. And, there is an unexpected loss of a beloved supporting character, which broke my heart a little bit. I love all of the characters in Crozet and have read 9 books so far, and I’ve become rather attached to them. They say you should kill your darlings, and Rita Mae and Sneaky Pie Brown have not pulled any punches in this book. Nevertheless, this is another delightful cozy mystery, and is aptly set during mid-February, and so I especially loved curling up and figuring out who was the culprit.
Also, reading about Miranda’s baked goods never fails to make my stomach growl. And she bakes her heart out once again in this story, so there was much protest from my gut.
August 1, 2024
The premise of this series sounds good: cozy mysteries set in a small southern town, with pet cats who can talk to each other and to other animals, and who assist with solving the crimes. What I got instead was a long, boring mystery muddled up by a large and confusing cast of characters, with almost no talking cats, and too many irrelevant filler details and random author-rants.
I probably shouldn’t have started on book 9 of the series, so that’s on me. Maybe the characters and the small-town gossip drama make more sense after reading the first eight books. But it also felt like so much of the book was filler – most of the character interactions had nothing to do with solving the mystery, or with advancing any plot at all. If you like hanging out with these characters while they make tea and ride horses and call each other on the telephone, there’s plenty of that. There are also lots of asides where the author inserts random rants about a variety of topics: sales tax, shopping centers, horses, etc.
The most disappointing aspect was how infrequently the pets actually featured in the story. There are pets that talk to each other and assist with crime solving! But we almost never see them! Why? These clever and sarcastic animals are the feature that makes this series stand out as different from other cozy mysteries, and yet they hardly feature at all. Very disappointing.
An example of the rambling filler that forms the bulk of this book:
I probably shouldn’t have started on book 9 of the series, so that’s on me. Maybe the characters and the small-town gossip drama make more sense after reading the first eight books. But it also felt like so much of the book was filler – most of the character interactions had nothing to do with solving the mystery, or with advancing any plot at all. If you like hanging out with these characters while they make tea and ride horses and call each other on the telephone, there’s plenty of that. There are also lots of asides where the author inserts random rants about a variety of topics: sales tax, shopping centers, horses, etc.
The most disappointing aspect was how infrequently the pets actually featured in the story. There are pets that talk to each other and assist with crime solving! But we almost never see them! Why? These clever and sarcastic animals are the feature that makes this series stand out as different from other cozy mysteries, and yet they hardly feature at all. Very disappointing.
An example of the rambling filler that forms the bulk of this book:
“Chain store after chain store lined Route 29; fast-food restaurants, large signs blazing, further added to the dolorous destruction of what had once been beautiful and useable farmland. The strip, as it was known, could have been anywhere in the United States: same stores, same merchandise, same food. Whatever comfort value there was in consistency was lost aesthetically.
Back in the late sixties the Barracks Road shopping center at the intersection of Gath Road and Emmet Street, Route 29, broadcast the first hint of things to come. It seemed so far out then, three miles north of the University of Virginia.
By the year 2000 the shopping centers had marched north almost to the Greene County line. Even Greene County had a shopping center, at the intersection of Routes 29 and 33.
The city of Warrenton wisely submitted to a beltway around its old town. Charlottesville eschewed this solution to traffic congestion, with the result that anyone wishing to travel through that fair city could expect to lose a half hour to forty-five minutes, depending on the time of day.” (start of chapter 38)
November 2, 2022
I've enjoyed all the Mrs. Murphy mysteries I've read so far, and I've read them in order. But I've so many recommendations that the audiobooks have an interesting take on the talking animals that when I had a long drive scheduled this week, I decided to try this one to hear in the car. I wasn't that impressed with the animal voices, but I'm glad I tried it out. My main objection to mystery audiobooks is that it is inconvenient to go back to find where a particular clue was dropped. When driving, it is impossible [if I want to reach my destination safely]. So I'll continue to read Mrs. Murphy stories in print form.
As for Claws and Effect, I liked the hospital setting and seeing relationships deepen between the longterm characters. I had a pretty good idea who the murderer was, or at least one of the murderers since it wasn't clear how many there were. I could have done with less information about horses and hunting, but I did appreciate that the hunters always let the fox escape, and that we got to hear what the fox was thinking. I also liked the Underground Railroad involvement. But I though the ending was too abrupt; I wanted to know more of what happened to certain characters afterward.
As for Claws and Effect, I liked the hospital setting and seeing relationships deepen between the longterm characters. I had a pretty good idea who the murderer was, or at least one of the murderers since it wasn't clear how many there were. I could have done with less information about horses and hunting, but I did appreciate that the hunters always let the fox escape, and that we got to hear what the fox was thinking. I also liked the Underground Railroad involvement. But I though the ending was too abrupt; I wanted to know more of what happened to certain characters afterward.
July 23, 2019
Something nefarious is going on a Crozet Hospital. First, the long-time head of the Maintenance department is found dead in the boiler room. This prompts Harry (Mary Minor) Haristeen to go prowling. She just wanted to see where it happened, to get a feel for the incident, but she ends up flat out on the floor herself, most fortunately NOT dead. The investigation really heats up, though, when the beloved town doctor is also murdered. It will be up to Mrs. Murphy, Tee Tucker and Pewter, who complains ever step of the way, to find the secret buried in the bowels of the hospital, and to save the day!
August 26, 2020
I flew through this one. I did have an idea as to who did it, but didn't understand why. The ending was fairly quick with no real explanation as to why, but it was still a really good read. I found things a little bit open ended as to explanations behind things. I don't want to say too much without giving some things away, but when the characters do or say things, you understood why. This time, it just felt a little flat for me. Not sure why. I'm still looking forward to continuing this series as I just adore all the characters.
February 24, 2022
awesome book, always love the cats and love the story lines, and the mystery that follows
February 28, 2025
Deceptively dark cozy mystery… people associated with Crozet, Virginia’s hospital are turning up dead. Harry, along with the usual cast of characters, including her pets, are on the case…
March 1, 2015
I wonder if other folks familiar with the Lilian Jackson Braun "Cat Who..." series picked up this book or others by Brown expecting more of the same. I don't want to say that I was disappointed, as I enjoyed the book, but it didn't strike me as special as the Braun series.
As in the Braun books we have a human who with the help of their two cats, and here a dog as well, solves various crimes in their communities. Unlike Braun's Kwill, the animals in the Brown series actually narrate part of the story and we get to see them in action, often solving the mystery before their 'Mom' postmistress, Mary "Harry" Haristeen has a clue. Poor Kwill has to try to figure out the behavior of head feline Koko and what it has to do with the murder or other crimes shaking up his town.
In this book we have a violent murder in a hospital, which may or may not be the work of someone doing something illegal at that institution. When Harry is herself attacked things begin to fall in place and the four-footed trio decides to take action to protect "Mom". Also, more information on fox hunting than I will ever need to know for any social occasion I ever attend.
While there is some humor, especially when the three house pets and other animal friends are telling the tale (pardon that), Brown doesn't display the wit and charm of Braun's storytelling. In fact, the crimes in the "Cat Who.." series often take a backseat to the goings on in the rural town and the violence almost takes place 'off camera'. While you could classify this series as a 'cozy' the violence is a bit more graphic and the characters (human and animal) placed in situations of danger.
A decent read with a special touch for animal lovers, but I can't say that it will come close to replacing Koko & Yum Yum as my favorite furry detectives.
As in the Braun books we have a human who with the help of their two cats, and here a dog as well, solves various crimes in their communities. Unlike Braun's Kwill, the animals in the Brown series actually narrate part of the story and we get to see them in action, often solving the mystery before their 'Mom' postmistress, Mary "Harry" Haristeen has a clue. Poor Kwill has to try to figure out the behavior of head feline Koko and what it has to do with the murder or other crimes shaking up his town.
In this book we have a violent murder in a hospital, which may or may not be the work of someone doing something illegal at that institution. When Harry is herself attacked things begin to fall in place and the four-footed trio decides to take action to protect "Mom". Also, more information on fox hunting than I will ever need to know for any social occasion I ever attend.
While there is some humor, especially when the three house pets and other animal friends are telling the tale (pardon that), Brown doesn't display the wit and charm of Braun's storytelling. In fact, the crimes in the "Cat Who.." series often take a backseat to the goings on in the rural town and the violence almost takes place 'off camera'. While you could classify this series as a 'cozy' the violence is a bit more graphic and the characters (human and animal) placed in situations of danger.
A decent read with a special touch for animal lovers, but I can't say that it will come close to replacing Koko & Yum Yum as my favorite furry detectives.
February 24, 2021
This one was good. An old-fashioned who-done-it with a criminal racket at the bottom of the motive. Plus, the cats and dog preform some extra-awesome feats. They're practically superheros since they drove Blair Banebridge's Porsche, so opening and shutting a secret entrance in a basement is nothing.
This following criticism only matters if you're reading in order, but the timelines start to stretch in this one. Susan's oldest child is somehow still in HS even though he was a junior or a senior in much earlier books. Time has passed since the reunion, which is mentioned, but if it happened less than 6 months ago this town has seen more than 5 murders this year, so the shock each resident shows at the beginning starts getting hilarious. If it's almost 18months later, Harry and Fair's romance is moving at a pace that boggles the mind. It's purposefully building tension, but completely unrealistic. Plus, Harry's stated age in this book is 37 which means she either graduated HS at 15 or 16 depending on if the reunion was 6 or 18 months before this book starts. See? Stretchy timelines. If they keep it up, Harry and Fair will have married in middle school.
Obviously, any murder mystery series set in a small town will have more murders per year/per capita than any major city in the world, so my comments about how shocked the residents are at yet another murder are entirely with that in mind. Notably, this is the first book where a character from more than one book is killed. It's terribly sad, which is why there is a comfort in most cozy mysteries that new characters are either a murderer, a victim, or related to the crime in some way. This book breaks that mold, so, props.
This following criticism only matters if you're reading in order, but the timelines start to stretch in this one. Susan's oldest child is somehow still in HS even though he was a junior or a senior in much earlier books. Time has passed since the reunion, which is mentioned, but if it happened less than 6 months ago this town has seen more than 5 murders this year, so the shock each resident shows at the beginning starts getting hilarious. If it's almost 18months later, Harry and Fair's romance is moving at a pace that boggles the mind. It's purposefully building tension, but completely unrealistic. Plus, Harry's stated age in this book is 37 which means she either graduated HS at 15 or 16 depending on if the reunion was 6 or 18 months before this book starts. See? Stretchy timelines. If they keep it up, Harry and Fair will have married in middle school.
Obviously, any murder mystery series set in a small town will have more murders per year/per capita than any major city in the world, so my comments about how shocked the residents are at yet another murder are entirely with that in mind. Notably, this is the first book where a character from more than one book is killed. It's terribly sad, which is why there is a comfort in most cozy mysteries that new characters are either a murderer, a victim, or related to the crime in some way. This book breaks that mold, so, props.
December 17, 2015
Claws and Effect is the 9th book in the Mrs. Murphy series. If you haven't read the other books in the series some of what's going on may not necessarily make as much sense to you, but this is minor because most of these little things don't impact the main storyline. You also may not have any attachment to the characters - which I admit I have come to like. These are all very normal people, they could be any one of us (or our neighbors). Except for maybe Mrs. Murphy, Tucker, and Pewter - the animal crime solvers of the group - you'll either love them or you won't.
I do enjoy these stories, they don't require heavy thinking and are easy to read (and often figure out before the end) but they are still enjoyable. In this particular installment, something fishy is going on at the Hospital - some new faces, some old familiar ones. We also lose an old familiar character (from previous books) which I didn't see coming but I suppose made sense to the story. Harry and her critter crime solvers once again find themselves in the middle (and by find themselves in, I mean put themselves in the middle of the investigation - curiosity is a powerful and sometimes dangerous thing). Between the cats, the dog, and the humans they manage to solve the case and apprehend the bad guy (well the one left standing anyway). If you've read previous books you know how it goes - with Mrs. Murphy, Tucker, and Pewter saving the day.
It's an entertaining series (I read it while getting my car serviced), with delightful characters that grow on you and interesting (if not super elaborate) mysteries.
I do enjoy these stories, they don't require heavy thinking and are easy to read (and often figure out before the end) but they are still enjoyable. In this particular installment, something fishy is going on at the Hospital - some new faces, some old familiar ones. We also lose an old familiar character (from previous books) which I didn't see coming but I suppose made sense to the story. Harry and her critter crime solvers once again find themselves in the middle (and by find themselves in, I mean put themselves in the middle of the investigation - curiosity is a powerful and sometimes dangerous thing). Between the cats, the dog, and the humans they manage to solve the case and apprehend the bad guy (well the one left standing anyway). If you've read previous books you know how it goes - with Mrs. Murphy, Tucker, and Pewter saving the day.
It's an entertaining series (I read it while getting my car serviced), with delightful characters that grow on you and interesting (if not super elaborate) mysteries.
January 25, 2014
3.5 stars here. I would give it 4, but the things I liked best were not really related to the plot (an essential part of a mystery novel, IMHO).
I always enjoy spending time in Crozet with Harry and Miranda and Susan and Coop and all the animals (would have liked to see Simon the Opossum make more than a cameo appearance). I actually even enjoyed Big Mim in this book, which is a first. The mystery was pretty good, over all, but a lot of time was spent focusing on a red herring that really was not as plausible as the characters seemed to think it was. And there were a couple of things that were never explained -- the first victim early on talks about manners of death and mentions what happens to him, but that is never tied in to the actual solution; the second victim seems to have known something, but we never really find out what (we can guess one thing, but even so, there is a question as to its accuracy). In short, there are loose ends which in real life would probably not be tied up, but which I like to see resolved in books. Points go to the author for bringing in the real feel of Central Virginia and for the identity of victim #2; you could see it coming but not believe it would really happen.
I always enjoy spending time in Crozet with Harry and Miranda and Susan and Coop and all the animals (would have liked to see Simon the Opossum make more than a cameo appearance). I actually even enjoyed Big Mim in this book, which is a first. The mystery was pretty good, over all, but a lot of time was spent focusing on a red herring that really was not as plausible as the characters seemed to think it was. And there were a couple of things that were never explained -- the first victim early on talks about manners of death and mentions what happens to him, but that is never tied in to the actual solution; the second victim seems to have known something, but we never really find out what (we can guess one thing, but even so, there is a question as to its accuracy). In short, there are loose ends which in real life would probably not be tied up, but which I like to see resolved in books. Points go to the author for bringing in the real feel of Central Virginia and for the identity of victim #2; you could see it coming but not believe it would really happen.
April 17, 2015
While the mystery is fun, the gimmick of the animals solving the mystery seems forced. Not only is 1/3 of the book full of unimportant information to the crime and solving it, that same third happens at the start of the book. That means you read 1/3 of the book before anybody dies. I have read another in this series and the same thing was done. The animals rarely contribute anything other than bickering and begging. Even more annoying is that certain plot points are a big deal, like this chain letter at the start of this book, and are never resolved in any way. Who cares?! Plus, who takes three animals everywhere? Maybe the dog, but two cats? After two books in this series, I am prefect content to move on.
May 1, 2018
Funny series! In this book besides Mrs. Murphy ( tiger cat), Pewter (an overweight gray kitten)
and Tee Tucker (a corgi dog) who always talk to each other to help their human solve murders,
they are talking to horses, Simon (a possum), Flatface ( a huge owl) and barn mice!!! I think
I am alittle crazy but I do enjoy these books!!!
and Tee Tucker (a corgi dog) who always talk to each other to help their human solve murders,
they are talking to horses, Simon (a possum), Flatface ( a huge owl) and barn mice!!! I think
I am alittle crazy but I do enjoy these books!!!
January 13, 2016
Great read
Another enjoyable book with the cats and corgi. I wish my cat had their insights. Very enjoyable book. I look forward to the next one.
Another enjoyable book with the cats and corgi. I wish my cat had their insights. Very enjoyable book. I look forward to the next one.
December 23, 2017
I really like the old books in this series better than the newer ones.
May 3, 2021
Number 9 in the Mrs Murphy series, a fun break from more serious matters in the world and in books. I'm reading them as I come across them. Although the last one I read was #3, I was able to figure out who everyone was.
A form letter is making the rounds of seemingly sleepy little Crozet, VA, promising bad luck to anyone who declines to participate. Then the plant manager at the local hospital is found dead in the boiler room. Post mistress Harry Haristeen, her 2 cats and dog, the sheriff and deputy, as well as several local citizens start to investigate. The dead man wasn't popular, but people can't imagine what would cause someone to murder him. It's rumored that the hospital was once a stop on the underground railroad. They wonder if there's a secret room or passage that could be used to hide something. Harry snoops around and gets bonked on the head in the boiler room.
Someone else turns up dead. The animals make some discoveries while snooping around the hospital. The sheriff and deputy make some discoveries while going through hospital accounts. Eventually, the key townsfolk figure out a way to get the killer to reveal himself at a foxhunt/chase, and the animals figure out how to show Harry and Deputy Cooper what they've found.
In the meantime, we get an amusing glimpse at life in the Charlottesville, VA hunt country. I enjoyed visiting these folks and the Nancy Drew/Scooby Doo style mystery. If you're in the mood for something serious, this isn't something for you, but if you like smart alecky animals and an amusing story that doesn't require (or hold up to) much heavy thinking, give it a shot.
On a final note, as some characters were discussing possible theft of drugs, equipment, and body parts for the black market, it occurred to me that this world is only about 90 miles from the much, much darker Patricia Cornwell/Kay Scarpetta world. Both authors have roots in Florida and central VA, among other things in common. They couldn't be much more different, but I like them both.
I also liked this passage: "...one of the problems with Virginians was that many of them longed for a return to the time of Thomas Jefferson. Of course, none of them ever imagined themselves as slaves or poor white indentured servants. They always thought of themselves as the masters on the hill."
A form letter is making the rounds of seemingly sleepy little Crozet, VA, promising bad luck to anyone who declines to participate. Then the plant manager at the local hospital is found dead in the boiler room. Post mistress Harry Haristeen, her 2 cats and dog, the sheriff and deputy, as well as several local citizens start to investigate. The dead man wasn't popular, but people can't imagine what would cause someone to murder him. It's rumored that the hospital was once a stop on the underground railroad. They wonder if there's a secret room or passage that could be used to hide something. Harry snoops around and gets bonked on the head in the boiler room.
Someone else turns up dead. The animals make some discoveries while snooping around the hospital. The sheriff and deputy make some discoveries while going through hospital accounts. Eventually, the key townsfolk figure out a way to get the killer to reveal himself at a foxhunt/chase, and the animals figure out how to show Harry and Deputy Cooper what they've found.
In the meantime, we get an amusing glimpse at life in the Charlottesville, VA hunt country. I enjoyed visiting these folks and the Nancy Drew/Scooby Doo style mystery. If you're in the mood for something serious, this isn't something for you, but if you like smart alecky animals and an amusing story that doesn't require (or hold up to) much heavy thinking, give it a shot.
On a final note, as some characters were discussing possible theft of drugs, equipment, and body parts for the black market, it occurred to me that this world is only about 90 miles from the much, much darker Patricia Cornwell/Kay Scarpetta world. Both authors have roots in Florida and central VA, among other things in common. They couldn't be much more different, but I like them both.
I also liked this passage: "...one of the problems with Virginians was that many of them longed for a return to the time of Thomas Jefferson. Of course, none of them ever imagined themselves as slaves or poor white indentured servants. They always thought of themselves as the masters on the hill."
September 4, 2022
As my first Mrs. Murphy mystery, I have to admit that this was definitely the cute, cozy mystery I was looking for.
I picked this one up at my grandma's library sale because I had been hearing about Rita Mae Brown and wanted to try her out. I wasn't disappointed, even though I can't say that I loved this book. I genuinely enjoyed it though and will probably read the other Mrs. Murphy mysteries.
First of all, I thought they way she involved Harry's pets Mrs. Murphy, Pewter and Tucker was a very original take on a story, and one that I haven't seen before. It stood out to me throughout the story, and I thought she employed the use of the pets in solving the mystery very well and it never appeared fake or unrealistic. Which brings me to another point. I was afraid going into this book that it would appear too Lifetime-y, and I was pleased to find out that I was worried over nothing. The mystery was very realistic and not far-fetched at all. It was something that could have happened in real life. There were never any moments where I felt like rolling my eyes and there weren't any fortuitous twists to allow them to solve the mystery either.
At the same time, I appreciated the fact that it was a cozy mystery. The story takes place in a small town and there are plenty of small town characters and mannerisms that made me feel warm and fuzzy despite all of the people being murdered. Claws and Effect was not at all predictable, which I immensely enjoyed. I had a hunch about who was behind everything, and it turned out that I was right, but the answers weren't glaringly obvious and I didn't feel annoyed at the fact that I figured out whodunit.
Overall, I truly enjoyed this book. I went into it looking for a light read after all of the rather depressing books I've been reading, and this didn't disappoint. I was also glad to find that even while being a light read, I didn't feel like I was losing brain cells. I highly recommend to people looking for a good mystery or for those who love animals.
I picked this one up at my grandma's library sale because I had been hearing about Rita Mae Brown and wanted to try her out. I wasn't disappointed, even though I can't say that I loved this book. I genuinely enjoyed it though and will probably read the other Mrs. Murphy mysteries.
First of all, I thought they way she involved Harry's pets Mrs. Murphy, Pewter and Tucker was a very original take on a story, and one that I haven't seen before. It stood out to me throughout the story, and I thought she employed the use of the pets in solving the mystery very well and it never appeared fake or unrealistic. Which brings me to another point. I was afraid going into this book that it would appear too Lifetime-y, and I was pleased to find out that I was worried over nothing. The mystery was very realistic and not far-fetched at all. It was something that could have happened in real life. There were never any moments where I felt like rolling my eyes and there weren't any fortuitous twists to allow them to solve the mystery either.
At the same time, I appreciated the fact that it was a cozy mystery. The story takes place in a small town and there are plenty of small town characters and mannerisms that made me feel warm and fuzzy despite all of the people being murdered. Claws and Effect was not at all predictable, which I immensely enjoyed. I had a hunch about who was behind everything, and it turned out that I was right, but the answers weren't glaringly obvious and I didn't feel annoyed at the fact that I figured out whodunit.
Overall, I truly enjoyed this book. I went into it looking for a light read after all of the rather depressing books I've been reading, and this didn't disappoint. I was also glad to find that even while being a light read, I didn't feel like I was losing brain cells. I highly recommend to people looking for a good mystery or for those who love animals.
November 8, 2024
This book is the Ninth in the series featuring Mrs. Murphy, a Grey tiger short-hair cat who, along with a Welsh corgi dog named Tee Tucker, and the stout grey cat Pewter, solves mysteries with the assistance of Mary Minor “Harry” Haristeen, the Postmistress of the small town of Crozet, Virginia, some ten miles west of Charlottesville. (It should be noted that all animals can talk to each other, and that they all understand humans, but humans, being dense imperfect beings, cannot understand the animals.) And these are fun mysteries to read.
In these mysteries, besides several set in stone venues, other venues arise as needed, to disappear again when not needed. The venue arising in this mystery, set in February of 2001, is the Hospital; not long after Dr. Bruce Buxton (a knee specialist with a huge ego), Sam Mahanes (the hospital administrator, who does not get along with Buxton), Tussie Logan (head nurse in pediatrics) and Hank Brevard (the Gloomy Gus plant manager of the hospital) check their mail at the post office, Brevard is found nearly decapitated with a sharp instrument in the boiler room of the hospital. Mrs. Murphy, Pewter, and Tucker recall the old rumors that parts of the hospital date back to the early 1800s, and that the hospital was a stage on the Underground Railroad; Harry goes to the boiler room of the hospital, where Brevard was killed, and ends up bopped on the head, a wound that demands stitches. Sheriff Shaw and Deputy Cooper become convinced that some sort of fraud is happening at the hospital (Drugs? Transplant organs? High-end medical equipment?), but cannot figure out what is going on. Naturally the animals have figured out the how, if not the what, but are in the position of being unable to tell Harry what they have found (if only the animals could get their humans to listen to them!).
This was a pretty good mystery; and I am fairly sure that the hospital will now fade back into the mists, not to be mentioned again unless needed for a future mystery.
In these mysteries, besides several set in stone venues, other venues arise as needed, to disappear again when not needed. The venue arising in this mystery, set in February of 2001, is the Hospital; not long after Dr. Bruce Buxton (a knee specialist with a huge ego), Sam Mahanes (the hospital administrator, who does not get along with Buxton), Tussie Logan (head nurse in pediatrics) and Hank Brevard (the Gloomy Gus plant manager of the hospital) check their mail at the post office, Brevard is found nearly decapitated with a sharp instrument in the boiler room of the hospital. Mrs. Murphy, Pewter, and Tucker recall the old rumors that parts of the hospital date back to the early 1800s, and that the hospital was a stage on the Underground Railroad; Harry goes to the boiler room of the hospital, where Brevard was killed, and ends up bopped on the head, a wound that demands stitches. Sheriff Shaw and Deputy Cooper become convinced that some sort of fraud is happening at the hospital (Drugs? Transplant organs? High-end medical equipment?), but cannot figure out what is going on. Naturally the animals have figured out the how, if not the what, but are in the position of being unable to tell Harry what they have found (if only the animals could get their humans to listen to them!).
This was a pretty good mystery; and I am fairly sure that the hospital will now fade back into the mists, not to be mentioned again unless needed for a future mystery.
January 10, 2020
The winter blahs have everyone in Crozet, VA, feeling lethargic. The town gets more excitement than it needs, however, when the head maintenance man at the hospital is found dead, murdered, in the boiler room. Everyone has a theory as to why someone may have killed Hank. Harry can't resist asking questions and speculating with her friends, and what she learns is that the hospital is an island unto itself, filled with its own spats, alliances, squabbles, and affairs. When Harry's snooping results in her being injured, the animals take it upon themselves to find out more of what's going on, in an effort to protect their 'mother'. They discover a hidden room in the hospital's underbelly, one that may date back to the days of the Underground Railroad. Unfortunately, the cats and dog can't communicate this to Harry, and it isn't until more people die and the killer gets desperate that the crimes come to light.
I always enjoy these books. The wry wit and dry observations of the animals are some of the best parts about the series. Harry is likable and relatable, and all characters are portrayed well, even secondary and temporary ones. The plot was paced well and kept me turning pages. Overall, a very good book, and my complaints were subjective. Also, I found myself thinking about the story when I wasn't actively reading it, which is always the hallmark of a good tale. For that reason, it earns five stars.
I always enjoy these books. The wry wit and dry observations of the animals are some of the best parts about the series. Harry is likable and relatable, and all characters are portrayed well, even secondary and temporary ones. The plot was paced well and kept me turning pages. Overall, a very good book, and my complaints were subjective. Also, I found myself thinking about the story when I wasn't actively reading it, which is always the hallmark of a good tale. For that reason, it earns five stars.
June 8, 2017
Not a review. These notes are for my own reference and may contain spoilers!
Reread on audio. 3.5 stars.
Takes place in February. Harry has been divorced for four years. She is said to be 37.
Tracy, Mrs. Hoggendobber's "boyfriend" is away in Hawaii selling his house. Plot revolves around the Crozet hospital. Lots of new characters from the hospital staff. And there is a lot of fox hunting.
Regulars:
The usuals: Harry, Fair, Mrs. Hogendobber, Susan Tucker, Big Mim and Little Mim, Cynthia and Rick (police). Tee Tucker, Mrs. Murphy, and Pewter. Regular Larry Johnson (retired doctor) is shockingly one of the murder victims. Little Mim is running against her father for mayor of Crozet.
Book description: Winter puts tiny Crozet, Virginia, in a deep freeze and everyone seems to be suffering from the winter blahs, including postmistress Mary Minor “Harry” Haristeen. So all are ripe for the juicy gossip coming out of Crozet Hospital–until the main source of that gossip turns up dead. It’s not like Harry to resist a mystery, and she soon finds the hospital a hotbed of ego, jealousy, and illicit love. But it’s tiger cat Mrs. Murphy, roaming the netherworld of Crozet Hospital, who sniffs out a secret that dates back to the Underground Railroad. Then Harry is attacked and a doctor is executed in cold blood.
Reread on audio. 3.5 stars.
Takes place in February. Harry has been divorced for four years. She is said to be 37.
Tracy, Mrs. Hoggendobber's "boyfriend" is away in Hawaii selling his house. Plot revolves around the Crozet hospital. Lots of new characters from the hospital staff. And there is a lot of fox hunting.
Regulars:
The usuals: Harry, Fair, Mrs. Hogendobber, Susan Tucker, Big Mim and Little Mim, Cynthia and Rick (police). Tee Tucker, Mrs. Murphy, and Pewter. Regular Larry Johnson (retired doctor) is shockingly one of the murder victims. Little Mim is running against her father for mayor of Crozet.
Book description: Winter puts tiny Crozet, Virginia, in a deep freeze and everyone seems to be suffering from the winter blahs, including postmistress Mary Minor “Harry” Haristeen. So all are ripe for the juicy gossip coming out of Crozet Hospital–until the main source of that gossip turns up dead. It’s not like Harry to resist a mystery, and she soon finds the hospital a hotbed of ego, jealousy, and illicit love. But it’s tiger cat Mrs. Murphy, roaming the netherworld of Crozet Hospital, who sniffs out a secret that dates back to the Underground Railroad. Then Harry is attacked and a doctor is executed in cold blood.
November 27, 2022
] I've enjoyed all the Mrs. Murphy mysteries I've read so far, and I've read them in order. But I've so many recommendations that the audiobooks have an interesting take on the talking animals that when I had a long drive scheduled this week, I decided to try this one to hear in the car. I wasn't that impressed with the animal voices, but I'm glad I tried it out. My main objection to mystery audiobooks is that it is inconvenient to go back to find where a particular clue was dropped. When driving, it is impossible [if I want to reach my destination safely]. So I'll continue to read Mrs. Murphy stories in print form.
As for Claws and Effect, I liked the hospital setting and seeing relationships deepen between the longterm characters. I had a pretty good idea who the murderer was, or at least one of the murderers since it wasn't clear how many there were. I could have done with less information about horses and hunting, but I did appreciate that the hunters always let the fox escape, and that we got to hear what the fox was thinking. I also liked the Underground Railroad involvement. But I though the ending was too abrupt; I wanted to know more of what happened to certain characters afterward.
As for Claws and Effect, I liked the hospital setting and seeing relationships deepen between the longterm characters. I had a pretty good idea who the murderer was, or at least one of the murderers since it wasn't clear how many there were. I could have done with less information about horses and hunting, but I did appreciate that the hunters always let the fox escape, and that we got to hear what the fox was thinking. I also liked the Underground Railroad involvement. But I though the ending was too abrupt; I wanted to know more of what happened to certain characters afterward.
August 11, 2025
Read this book without having read any of the others, so I can attest this is perfect as a standalone! As others have said, it is a very straightforward mystery, which is great if you are looking to cuddle on the couch with your own favorite furbaby and aren't looking for something overly challenging. For a book about talking pets however, I wish they had been featured more! With the exception of the ending, it didn't feel like the pets had a very active role in the goings ons and were rather onlookers to everything, which is logical, but disappointing. The story also got sidetracked often with tidbits that didn't ultimately matter to the story, which is great for those who just want to hang with the characters a bit but tended to pull me out of the story.
March 2, 2019
I thought the animals in this book were charming, I liked the small town friendships, and it was significantly less political than a later book that I read in the series. One thing that bugged me is that in the beginning chain letters were repeatedly mentioned, then towards the end it states that Harry is reeling from finding out the author of the chain letters. Except the book never mentions this. I don't know if it was edited out or what, but as it's written, Harry magically ascertains the chain letter author (and perhaps whether or not they were actually significant to the story) while the reader is left in the dark.
April 20, 2020
I haven't read 1-8 of Mrs Murphy mysteries, so getting to know the characters and remembering who was who was difficult for a few chapters. Especially because the author weaves everyday life into the story and I found myself having to remember "which person was that again?" If I had read previous ones I would have probably got into it sooner, but once I did, oh boy! I loved the mystery and the addition of Harry's pets being involved in solving it and just their interactions within the story was adorable and the "cherry on top" for me.
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