Six Cats a Slayin’

Charlie is doing his best to show some peace and goodwill toward his nosy neighbor Gerry Arbitron, a real estate agent who seems to have designs on his house (and maybe on him, as well), while preparing for a very important role, indeed–his first Christmas as a grandfather.

The last thing Charlie expects is to gain several new additions to his family. Charlie finds a box on his doorstep with five kittens inside and a note begging him to keep them safe. With Diesel’s help, Charlie welcomes the tiny felines into the Harris household just as Gerry decides it is time to throw a lavish holiday party.

Determined to make her mark on Athena, Gerry instead winds up dead at her very own party. Though attempts to dig into her past come up empty, Charlie and his girlfriend, Helen Louise, witness two heated exchanges involving Gerry before her death: one with a leading citizen and another with the wife of a good friend. Will one of these ladies wind up on the sheriff’s naughty list? Charlie and Diesel have to wrap up the case before the special season is ruined by a sinister scrooge.

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Series: Cat in the Stacks Mystery – Book #10
Author: Miranda James
Genre: Cozy Mystery/Pet/Holiday
Publisher: Berkley

Rating:

Six Cats a Slayin’ is the 10th book in the “Cats in the Stacks” mystery series. Ms. James easily weaves a tale that both amuses and intrigues. Her writing style is fast-paced, smooth, with a sense of humor and intellect. This new addition to the series, like all the other books, has readers turning the page excitedly.

The character of Charlie is not your average lead in a cozy, he is, after all, a he. He is also not the young hunk that so many cozies insert as a love interest. Charlie is a grandfather and a proud one at that. He has a family he loves, friends, and coworkers that insert themselves into his life when least expected but are always welcome. His love interest, Helen Louise has a way of showing up out of the blue and helping Charlie see reason and to keep a level head.

Charlie’s cat, Diesel is a character all his own. If you didn’t know he was a cat, you would assume he was a longtime friend of Charlie’s. Diesel knows everyone Charlie knows and even goes to work with him.

Other characters in this book/series play an important part in Charlie’s life and in solving the murder. Azalea, Charlie’s housekeeper, is an intricate part of his life and household. She is also an amazing cook, and more than happy to have five new kittens in the house, even if she doesn’t show it on the surface. Add a daughter-in-law who is suffering from postpartum depression with unachievable mom goals, two new grandbabies, and a host of other characters, and you have the makings of a story that draws you in and never let’s go.

Readers will worry along with Charlie and Helen about their loved ones, the kittens that were dumped on Charlie’s front porch, and the new mysterious neighbor who manages to get herself murdered just before the holidays. Charlie feels it is up to him to help solve the murder and the mystery of who the neighbor, Gerry, was. When the identity of the victim is resolved, and the murderer unmasked the reader will thrill at the uniqueness of the motive and will understand the reason the killer felt there was no other option.

This book, Six Cats a Slayin’ is warm and inviting, even with murder at its core. It is unique with just enough old-fashioned intrigue to make it a favorite for readers of all types. If there is an issue with the book, it is that the reader may need some context on who the players are and what has gone on in the past. Overall, I highly recommend this book and suggest readers go back to book one to enjoy more of the adventures of Charlie and Diesel.