Santa Clawed (Mrs. Murphy Mysteries) by Rita Mae Brown
|
List Price: Our Price: $0.91 You Save: $24.09 (96%) Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Buy Used: from $0.01 (click here) Category: Book See more book details and other editions |
|---|
Book Reviews of Santa Clawed (Mrs. Murphy Mysteries)
Book Review: Finally something like she used to write!
Summary: 4 Stars
I have liked Rita Mae Brown's Mrs. Murphy series from the beginning but her last few books have left me hugely disappointed and almost ready to give up on her, but this book has reedeemed her. I love holiday books and since Christmas mysteries seem to be the current trend it doesn't surprise me that Brown has jumped on the bandwagon. While this is not the best of the holiday cat mysteries (I prefer Shirley Murphy's Cat Deck the Halls) it is certainly one I will read on a yearly basis.
The plot in short leaves the religious organization, Brothers of Love, short several members during the holiday season as they appear to be targeted by a murderer in their midst. What I really liked about this books is that I never guessed whodunit. Usually I am quite sleuthy and can figure it out, but Brown caught me completely off guard with this one. Our beloved main character, Harry, cannot keep her amateur nose out of the case and winds up a little worse for wear as she assists her friend, Sheriff Deputy Cooper in solving the mystery.
I liked that Brown made the book center more around the animals, as they have seemed to go by the wayside in her two previous books. I also liked the fact that she has stopped using her books as political forums, as that got very old very fast. However, most of the other usual cast of characters have disappeared. Miranada Hogendobber, a favorite of mine, has a very small part in this book as does Big Mim, who as the Queen of Crozet usually plays up quite prominently in the book.
I realize as this review goes on it sounds like I didn't really like the book. I did because as I mentioned before, Brown did not make this book like a political forum as she has done in the previous two novels. However, for the price of the book it reads very quickly. I hope that Brown continues to write more books like this (though a bit longer might be nice) and brings the Mrs. Murphy series back to the quality it used to have.
Book Review: enjoyable anthropomorphic whodunit
Summary: 4 Stars
With the Christmas holidays arriving soon, life seems comfy in Crozet, Virginia; a place where all sorts of animals talk to each across species lines. The only ones who don't understand the inter-animal communication system are the dumb humans. Although Mary Minor "Harry" Haristeen thinks she can sometimes comprehend what her pets are saying especially her two cats Mrs. Murphy and Pewter, and to a lesser degree her corgi Tee Tucker.
Harry and her husband Fair are looking for a Christmas tree at a farm run by The Brothers of Love, a group dedicated to helping AIDS patients at their hospice. When they reach the monks' tree farm near the Blue Ridge Mountains, Harry and Fair are stunned to find the dead body of Brother Christopher, who joined the monastery soon after he left jail. He was sent there for insider trading bilking clients for millions. When a second monk is found murdered, his throat slashed similar in a way to Christopher's death with a coin also in his mouth, the police know they are dealing with a cold blooded killer. Harry and her animal caretakers investigate only to find her caught in a web by a predator willing to make the Yuletide season blood red.
Obviously similar to previous tales in the long running saga, anyone who appreciates a pick me up filled with humor and murder will want to read SANTA CLAWED. Although Harry and Fair remarried they are still honeymooning while finding corpses decorating trees. The animals do what they do best one claw make that clue at a time while trying to keep their meddling beloved owner safe from her actions that place her in danger. The mystery is fun as the killer is in plain sight but difficult to identify. Team Brown provides another enjoyable Harry and her PUSS `N CAHOOTS anthropomorphic whodunit.
Harriet Klausner
Book Review: Enjoyable and cute, but......go back to original vision
Summary: 4 Stars
The Christmas season is upon Crozet Va. and Harry Harristen and her brood are excited. They are getting a beautiful tree from the Brothers of Love convent.
They arrive at the tree farm and one of the brothers is someone Harry knew in high school. The man had fallen from grace due to insider trading and became a monk to repent of his sins.
When Harry, Fair and the animals come back to pick up the tree, they fine Brother Chrisopher dead at the base.
Later his autopsy reveals he has a ancient coin stuck under his tounge.
What does it mean and why are the monks targeted??
When another Brother ends up dead, they know something has targeted them, and Harry and brood are right in the middle of it.
The animals of course lend the best part of the story.
For a couple of books, Rita Mae had gotten into heavy politics and discussions that did not lend a good vibe to the theme of the books.,
This one for the most part, stayed away from that.
I hope the furure books get back to the original theme, the animals.
The first ones, paydirt and wish you were here were the best ones...
Hope they take a turn for the better.
Book Review: Holiday Mystery Gift Giving
Summary: 4 Stars
Purr-fect winter mystery reading as Rita Mae Brown serves up SANTA CLAWED. Harry, Mrs. Murphy,Tucker, and Pewter go to the Brothers of Love tree farm for their tree. An unexpected tree skirt is the crumpled body of Brother Chis. A most unwelcome ending for an old high school classmate who was turning his life around.
Sheriff Rick Shaw and Deputy Cynthia Cooper do their best to keep Harry out of their investigation, but another brother and a leading doctor also turn up dead. Harry and her animal friends plow through the snow to find a solution before the season is completely ruined for the residents of Crozet, VA.
Best taken with a mug of hot chocolate, a downy throw, and a blazing fire -- can't promise the snow.
Nash Black, HAINTS and WRITING AS A SMALL BUSINESS.
Book Review: A Winner!
Summary: 4 Stars
This series has had its ups and downs but, happy to say, this latest entry shows Sneaky Pie and Rita Mae are definitely back on track. The authors' opinions and views are less preachy and integrated better into the story which is a darn good mystery. The ending has a couple of nice and (to me) unexpected twists. The animals are hilarious and delightful as usual. The very last page will have you smiling and shaking your head at the very least if not laughing out loud. This is also a great story to get you in the mood for Christmas. ENJOY!