In the latest mystery in the New York Times bestselling Cat in the Stacks series, librarian Charlie Harris and his Maine Coon cat Diesel must clear a friend when the evidence is stacked against her…
Springtime in Mississippi is abloom with beauty, but the library’s employees are too busy worrying to stop and smell the flowers. The new library director, Elwyn Dillard, is a brash, unfriendly Yankee who’s on a mission to cut costs—and his first targets are the archive and the rare book collection.
As annoying as a long-overdue book, Dillard quickly raises the hackles of everyone on staff, including Charlie’s fiery friend Melba—whom Dillard wants to replace with someone younger. But his biggest offense is declaring all four-legged creatures banned from the stacks.
With enemies aplenty, the suspect list is long when Dillard’s body is discovered in the library. But things take a turn for the worse when a threatening e-mail throws suspicion on Melba.
Charlie is convinced that his friend is no murderer, especially when he catches sight of a menacing stranger lurking around the library. Now he and Diesel will have to read between the lines, before Melba is shelved under “G” for guilty… (Summary via Goodreads)
I have been in love with this series from book one. It was the first cozy I read. This is book seven and it just keeps getting better and better. I love the dynamic with Charlie and his lovable Maine Coon Diesel. I have a Maine Coon and can relate to all of the interactions and yes even talking to mine just like Charlie.
Book seven is filled with a lot of adventure and turmoil. Everyone is unhappy with the new interim Director of the Library, Oscar Reilly. He is rude, obnoxious, and has no managerial abilities. Although he does know his finances since he used to work in the finance department. He was brought in to help with the messed up budget from the last Director Peter Vanderkeller who just up and left one day with thousands missing from the budget. Everyone wants this guy gone! Even mild mannered Charlie is having a hard time "turning the other cheek". Several coworkers have had run ins with Oscar and even complained to HR. Then Oscar is found dead in the basement of the library with evidence that puts one of Charlie and Diesel's best friend in the line of fire, Melba. Charlie knows his friend and knows she couldn't possibly be the killer. Now Charlie is on the case to find the real killer much to the dismay of his family. Will he be able to find the killer before he or she strikes again?
This is my favorite cozy series and I have to admit it has to do with the writing but also Diesel. He is just too darn adorable.
Who can't love a mystery with a lovable cat, library, and a whole lot of southern charm. This book will have you on the edge of your seat. I can't wait for book eight.
Review by Penny M.
I love this series, but have to wonder about the discrepancy between the overview naming the Director as Elwyn Dillard and the reviewer calling him Oscar Reilly.
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