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Cat in the Stacks #6
Arsenic and Old Books
In Athena, Mississippi, librarian Charlie Harris is known for his good nature—and for his Maine coon cat Diesel that he walks on a leash. Charlie returned to his hometown to immerse himself in books, but taking the plunge into a recent acquisition will have him in over his head…
Lucinda Beckwith Long, the mayor of Athena, has donated a set of Civil War-era diaries to the archives of Athena College. The books were recently discovered among the personal effects of an ancestor of Mrs. Long's husband. The mayor would like Charlie to preserve and to 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 is Jasper Singletary. His Southern roots are as deep as Beck's, and their families have been bitter enemies since the Civil War. Jasper claims the Long clan has a history of underhanded behavior at the expense of the Singletarys. He'd like to get a look at the diaries in an attempt to expose the Long family's past sins. Meanwhile, a history professor at the college is also determined to get her hands on the books in a last-ditch bid for tenure. But their interest suddenly turns deadly…
Now Charlie is left with a catalog of questions. The diaries seem worth killing for, and one thing is certain: Charlie will need to be careful, because the more he reads, the closer he could be coming to his final chapter…
Lucinda Beckwith Long, the mayor of Athena, has donated a set of Civil War-era diaries to the archives of Athena College. The books were recently discovered among the personal effects of an ancestor of Mrs. Long's husband. The mayor would like Charlie to preserve and to 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 is Jasper Singletary. His Southern roots are as deep as Beck's, and their families have been bitter enemies since the Civil War. Jasper claims the Long clan has a history of underhanded behavior at the expense of the Singletarys. He'd like to get a look at the diaries in an attempt to expose the Long family's past sins. Meanwhile, a history professor at the college is also determined to get her hands on the books in a last-ditch bid for tenure. But their interest suddenly turns deadly…
Now Charlie is left with a catalog of questions. The diaries seem worth killing for, and one thing is certain: Charlie will need to be careful, because the more he reads, the closer he could be coming to his final chapter…
306 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 15, 2015
About the author
Miranda James
41 books1,172 followersPen name of Dean James, who also writes as Honor Hartman and Jimmie Ruth Evans
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 482 reviews
June 11, 2019
Archives. Genealogy. History. Rare journals written in specific ink and on unusual paper. Of course, I'll love it. I'm talking about the 6th book, Arsenic and Old Books, in the 'Cat in the Stacks' cozy mystery series written by Miranda James. It was published in 2015 but I'm catching up on this series so that I'm ready for the 11th book, which I received via NetGalley last month. The author is a fantastic guy, and the series is always enjoyable to read; hence, it's a definite recommend for those who love southern stories, even-paced investigations by a lovable amateur sleuth, and witty dialog.
Charlie works at a library in Athena, Mississippi. The mayor brings in a collection of her husband's ancestor's journals for cataloging and repair. Her son believes something in them will help showcase why he should be elected to the state senate that year. Unfortunately, as soon as the journals are left with Charlie, tons of people come out of the woodwork to steal them. What exactly did an ancestor write about that's worth all this trouble? After a few chapters, we find out who knows the potential reason, but before we actually discover it, the journals are stolen and one of the potential thieves is killed in a hit-and-run accident. Charlie and Diesel are on the case.
One of the Ducote sisters makes an appearance, which made me quite ecstatic. There was a friendlier relationship between Charlie and the deputy, Kanesha Berry, whereas in the past, it was a bit cantankerous. James delivers a strong story dating back to Civil War times, a wealth of information on how people wrote journals ~15o years ago, and a lovely change in many of Charlie's relationships. I appreciate the writing style and tone, and it always makes me relax and focus on the actual story. It's an easy read but full of complexity in the mystery.
In this book, the mayor looks very suspicious, and we don't get to meet her husband despite lots of conversations surrounding him and their son's hope for politics. Throw in a news reporter, some professors, an opponent in the election, and some people with grudges against the family, and you've got a lot to work with. Diesel is misbehaving in this book, but he seems to learn his lessons. I need to introduce him to my dog, Baxter, so that behavior is transferred. On to the next one...
Charlie works at a library in Athena, Mississippi. The mayor brings in a collection of her husband's ancestor's journals for cataloging and repair. Her son believes something in them will help showcase why he should be elected to the state senate that year. Unfortunately, as soon as the journals are left with Charlie, tons of people come out of the woodwork to steal them. What exactly did an ancestor write about that's worth all this trouble? After a few chapters, we find out who knows the potential reason, but before we actually discover it, the journals are stolen and one of the potential thieves is killed in a hit-and-run accident. Charlie and Diesel are on the case.
One of the Ducote sisters makes an appearance, which made me quite ecstatic. There was a friendlier relationship between Charlie and the deputy, Kanesha Berry, whereas in the past, it was a bit cantankerous. James delivers a strong story dating back to Civil War times, a wealth of information on how people wrote journals ~15o years ago, and a lovely change in many of Charlie's relationships. I appreciate the writing style and tone, and it always makes me relax and focus on the actual story. It's an easy read but full of complexity in the mystery.
In this book, the mayor looks very suspicious, and we don't get to meet her husband despite lots of conversations surrounding him and their son's hope for politics. Throw in a news reporter, some professors, an opponent in the election, and some people with grudges against the family, and you've got a lot to work with. Diesel is misbehaving in this book, but he seems to learn his lessons. I need to introduce him to my dog, Baxter, so that behavior is transferred. On to the next one...
October 25, 2021
In this 6th book in the 'Cat in the Stacks' series, unearthed Civil War diaries spark murder. The book can be read as a standalone.
*****
Charlie Harris, a middle-age southern gentleman, is the archivist at the Athena College library in the town of Athena, Mississippi. Charlie strolls to work every day with his pet Diesel - a Maine Coon cat. Though Diesel doesn't talk/solve mysteries/attack bad guys like cats in some mystery books he does enjoy being petted and pampered and getting treats.
As the story opens the mayor of Athena, Lucinda Beckwith Long, has found some Civil War era diaries written by her husband's ancestor and donated them to the library archives.
Almost immediately, before Charlie can prepare the diaries for public viewing, he is besieged by two women who insist on getting access to the journals. One claims to be a graduate student and the other is a history professor. Two men running for State Senator are also interested in the diaries: Beck Long (the mayor's son) - who grew up entitled and privileged, and Jasper Singletary - who grew up in poor economic circumstances.
Long apparently thinks his ancestor's laudatory past will help him win votes while Singletary claims the diaries will show their author was a murderer. (Though who would admit to this in a diary is beyond me. 🙄)
Pretty soon the diaries are stolen, a murder occurs, and Mayor Long happens to discover an additional diary that could affect the State Senator election. Charlie Harris makes some important discoveries about the diaries in between eating chicken-and-dumpling lunches; chatting with his girlfriend; talking to his son; strolling to work and back; petting his cat Diesel; coordinating with Chief of Police Kanesha Berry; and so on. As it turns out there are some explosive revelations in the diaries, but to say more would give away spoilers.
In any case, the diary entries were quite interesting. They revealed that some southerners embarked upon the Civil War rather cheerfully, thinking it would be over in a matter of months. Instead they came to suffer privation and hardship.
The book meanders along to a satisfactory conclusion. I thought some of the goings-on in the story seemed over the top and not credible. However, modern politics demonstrates that some people would do almost anything to get elected, so who knows.
I'd recommend the book to fans of cozy mysteries (and cats).
You can follow my book reviews at: http://reviewsbybarbsaffer.blogspot.com/
August 19, 2023
This is my first time reading a cozy mystery with cats; I've heard a lot about them, because my mom has read all of Lillian Jackson Braun's The Cat Who... books, and even listened to some of them on audio. Now, I see why such novels are as popular as they are; this was definitely good fun. There were a few moments that could have been left out, but, overall, I enjoyed it.
March 29, 2015
This is the first book I’ve read by Miranda James. I found it to be a well written story. It was a fast and easy read. The words felt as though they just flowed effortlessly from the author’s pen (keyboard).
ARESENIC AND OLD BOOKS, indeed the entire Cat In The Stack series, is told from the perspective of the lead character, who in the case is a man. I’ve never read a cozy with a male lead before. I found it to be refreshing. Charlie Harris is enjoyable, and I love his interactions with his Main Coon cat, Diesel, and that Diesel is readily accepted into so many places. He goes everywhere!
There are a few fun supporting characters as well, such as Charlie’s girlfriend, Helen Louise, his housekeeper Azalea, and his friend and co-worker, Melba, plus a few others.
As for the mystery, it too was different from others I have read in cozies. While he was at the center of things, Charlie didn’t play a real big role in the solving part of this one the way most protagonists do. And while it was a good story and mystery, everything seemed to wrap up rather quickly at the end. I kept waiting for a little action and/or the big “ta-da” moment, but they never really came.
ARESENIC AND OLD BOOKS, indeed the entire Cat In The Stack series, is told from the perspective of the lead character, who in the case is a man. I’ve never read a cozy with a male lead before. I found it to be refreshing. Charlie Harris is enjoyable, and I love his interactions with his Main Coon cat, Diesel, and that Diesel is readily accepted into so many places. He goes everywhere!
There are a few fun supporting characters as well, such as Charlie’s girlfriend, Helen Louise, his housekeeper Azalea, and his friend and co-worker, Melba, plus a few others.
As for the mystery, it too was different from others I have read in cozies. While he was at the center of things, Charlie didn’t play a real big role in the solving part of this one the way most protagonists do. And while it was a good story and mystery, everything seemed to wrap up rather quickly at the end. I kept waiting for a little action and/or the big “ta-da” moment, but they never really came.
April 12, 2021
Cozy murder mystery revolving around diaries from the Civil war era and of courser murder. Here I go again and run head first in an series this time book number six. Must be more careful and look up the books before reading them. But it's has its charm going in blind. I enjoyed the book nevertheless and didn't think I've missed to much for me to enjoy this case but I'm curious to read other books in this series. And I just have to add that this book does include a cat!! Not just to draw you in on the cover.
August 6, 2024
Los descubrimientos hechos gracias a cierto diario me resultaron un tanto interesantes. La causa y resolución del crimen, por otro lado… eh. Esperaba más, la verdad.
Escenas y demás:
*El encontronazo Marie versus Charlie y Melba: esa profesora necesitaba ser puesta en su lugar, y Melba realizó un trabajo maravilloso al hacerlo.
*La misteriosa reaparición, menos de 24 horas después del robo, de los 4 diarios… y el repentino —muy repentino. Qué sospechoso— hallazgo de un quinto volumen.
*La llegada de las páginas que fueron arrancadas del diario: en serio, Charlie necesita dejar de recibir cosas enviadas por personas justo después de que estas han muerto. Si seguimos así, un día de estos le va a dar un infarto al pobre hombre.
*Ese último giro con el tarlatán verde: maa, al final la familia Singletary tuvo razón… pero no del modo en que pensaban. Triste.
*La historia sobre Charlie encontrando a un bebé Diesel: dioses, ¿quién se habrá atrevido a abandonar a esa indefensa criatura bajo la lluvia?
Ser el archivista (oh, no esto otra vez) del Athena College es, en opinión de Charles Harris, un buen trabajo, y definitivamente mejora cuando recibe, por parte de la alcaldesa Lucinda Beckwith Long, 4 diarios escritos por Rachel Adeline Afton Long, una miembro de la prominente familia Long que vivió durante la Guerra Civil. ¡Seguro que dentro hay nuevos descubrimientos! ¡nueva información interesante! ¡tal vez relatos sobre hechos históricos! ¡tan genial! ¿Y qué si la alcaldesa espera que Charlie encuentre en ellos alguna cosa que sea útil para la carrera política de su hijo Beck? ¡probablemente ese será un detalle sin importancia en el futuro próximo, sí!
Lo que no es nada genial es tener que tratar con gente no muy amable que desea (no, necesita) acceder a los diarios inmediatamente y quienes no entienden que todavía no están listos para ser vistos por el público en general, ¡maldición! Gente como la profesora Marie Steverton, una vieja amiga de la alcaldesa que exige acceso exclusivo a los volúmenes y a quien tendrá que soportar durante 3 semanas y la escritora independiente —y prometida de Andrew Beckwith "Beck" Long, según afirma— Kelly Grimes, quien no es ni un poco feliz tras enterarse del acceso exclusivo concedido a Steverton. Oh diablos. Charlie ha de hallar una solución para esta situación y rápido, o de lo contrario ocurrirán… disputas. Y él odia, odia las disputas.
Y luego, puesto que intentar evitar un conflicto en toda regla no es lo suficientemente preocupante, los diarios desaparecen (¿ya no hay artículos por los cuales pelear, al menos?) y la profesora Steverton es asesinada. Ay. Ahí van las soluciones rápidas y fáciles, alejándose. Argh.
¿Y qué es lo extremadamente importante que podrían contener unos diarios antiguos como para que alguien los robe, de todos modos… y qué, en nombre de los dioses, se traen entre manos la supuesta prometida de Andrew Beckwith Long y el rival político de este, Jasper Singletary?
¡¿Y por qué ese condenado libro con las memorias de Rachel Long no puede dejar de ser difícil de encontrar y por qué no para de esfumarse cada vez que Charlie se siente siquiera ligeramente cerca de él, maldita sea?!
Ahora, un breve comentario que te hará decir "Charlie no debe llegar al universo Magnus. Nunca. Afortunadamente, no vive ahí ni es un "Archivista" de ese tipo. Uf".
"No lo admitiría ante mucha gente, pero era un poco entrometido. La gente me fascinaba, sobre todo cuando observaba lo que consideraba un comportamiento extraño."
Escenas y demás:
*El encontronazo Marie versus Charlie y Melba: esa profesora necesitaba ser puesta en su lugar, y Melba realizó un trabajo maravilloso al hacerlo.
*La misteriosa reaparición, menos de 24 horas después del robo, de los 4 diarios… y el repentino —muy repentino. Qué sospechoso— hallazgo de un quinto volumen.
*La llegada de las páginas que fueron arrancadas del diario: en serio, Charlie necesita dejar de recibir cosas enviadas por personas justo después de que estas han muerto. Si seguimos así, un día de estos le va a dar un infarto al pobre hombre.
*Ese último giro con el tarlatán verde: maa, al final la familia Singletary tuvo razón… pero no del modo en que pensaban. Triste.
*La historia sobre Charlie encontrando a un bebé Diesel: dioses, ¿quién se habrá atrevido a abandonar a esa indefensa criatura bajo la lluvia?
Ser el archivista (oh, no esto otra vez) del Athena College es, en opinión de Charles Harris, un buen trabajo, y definitivamente mejora cuando recibe, por parte de la alcaldesa Lucinda Beckwith Long, 4 diarios escritos por Rachel Adeline Afton Long, una miembro de la prominente familia Long que vivió durante la Guerra Civil. ¡Seguro que dentro hay nuevos descubrimientos! ¡nueva información interesante! ¡tal vez relatos sobre hechos históricos! ¡tan genial! ¿Y qué si la alcaldesa espera que Charlie encuentre en ellos alguna cosa que sea útil para la carrera política de su hijo Beck? ¡probablemente ese será un detalle sin importancia en el futuro próximo, sí!
Lo que no es nada genial es tener que tratar con gente no muy amable que desea (no, necesita) acceder a los diarios inmediatamente y quienes no entienden que todavía no están listos para ser vistos por el público en general, ¡maldición! Gente como la profesora Marie Steverton, una vieja amiga de la alcaldesa que exige acceso exclusivo a los volúmenes y a quien tendrá que soportar durante 3 semanas y la escritora independiente —y prometida de Andrew Beckwith "Beck" Long, según afirma— Kelly Grimes, quien no es ni un poco feliz tras enterarse del acceso exclusivo concedido a Steverton. Oh diablos. Charlie ha de hallar una solución para esta situación y rápido, o de lo contrario ocurrirán… disputas. Y él odia, odia las disputas.
Y luego, puesto que intentar evitar un conflicto en toda regla no es lo suficientemente preocupante, los diarios desaparecen (¿ya no hay artículos por los cuales pelear, al menos?) y la profesora Steverton es asesinada. Ay. Ahí van las soluciones rápidas y fáciles, alejándose. Argh.
¿Y qué es lo extremadamente importante que podrían contener unos diarios antiguos como para que alguien los robe, de todos modos… y qué, en nombre de los dioses, se traen entre manos la supuesta prometida de Andrew Beckwith Long y el rival político de este, Jasper Singletary?
¡¿Y por qué ese condenado libro con las memorias de Rachel Long no puede dejar de ser difícil de encontrar y por qué no para de esfumarse cada vez que Charlie se siente siquiera ligeramente cerca de él, maldita sea?!
Ahora, un breve comentario que te hará decir "Charlie no debe llegar al universo Magnus. Nunca. Afortunadamente, no vive ahí ni es un "Archivista" de ese tipo. Uf".
"No lo admitiría ante mucha gente, pero era un poco entrometido. La gente me fascinaba, sobre todo cuando observaba lo que consideraba un comportamiento extraño."
December 27, 2023
Arsenic and Old Books is book six by Miranda James in the Cat in the Stacks series. One day while Charlie Harris was working in the Archives, the Mayor of Athena, Lucinda Beckwith Long, donated a set of civil war-ear diaries of her husband's family. Before Charlie Harris could organise the journals to be ready to be included in the Archives, he had a visit by two people who wanted to get their hands on the diaries. However, the Diaries disappear when Charlie Harris goes to Lunch, and one of the prime suspects dies. The readers of Arsenic and Old books will continue to follow Charlie Harris to discover what happens.
Arsenic and Old Books is a fantastic addition to this excellent series by Miranda James. I enjoy how Miranda James incorporates animals in her books, ensuring I engage with her stories. I love Miranda James' portrayal of her characters and their interaction with each other. Arsenic and Old Books is well-written and researched by Miranda James. I like Miranda James' description of the settings of Arsenic and Old Books, which allowed me to imagine being part of the book's plot.
Arsenic and Old Books readers will learn that Green Tarlatan is poisonous due to the arsenic component. The readers of Arsenic and Old Books will learn about the role of Library Archives in preserving historical documents.
I recommend this book.
Arsenic and Old Books is a fantastic addition to this excellent series by Miranda James. I enjoy how Miranda James incorporates animals in her books, ensuring I engage with her stories. I love Miranda James' portrayal of her characters and their interaction with each other. Arsenic and Old Books is well-written and researched by Miranda James. I like Miranda James' description of the settings of Arsenic and Old Books, which allowed me to imagine being part of the book's plot.
Arsenic and Old Books readers will learn that Green Tarlatan is poisonous due to the arsenic component. The readers of Arsenic and Old Books will learn about the role of Library Archives in preserving historical documents.
I recommend this book.
February 21, 2015
Dollycas’s Thoughts
History and politics clash as 4 diaries dating back to the Civil War are donated to Athena College. As soon as word gets out of the acquisition people are banging down Charlie’s door to get their hands on them. Before Charlie can even get a good look at the books they are stolen from his office and a woman ends up dead. Just what is written in these diaries? Charlie feels obligated to find out but has to be careful because if the information has already gotten on person killed Charlie could be next!
These are some of my favorite characters. Charlie Harris is a true Southern gentleman with a huge heart. His constant companion is a Maine Coon cat named Diesel. This cat stole my heart when I met him in the first Cat in the Stacks Mystery, Murder Past Due. He reminded me so much of my own cat that I just fell in love.
The Civil War diaries were a fantastic element. I did figure out one part of the mystery a little early due to some knowledge I acquired several years ago but that truly didn’t take away from this story.
Charlie was so busy solving the mystery this time that with the exception of Diesel many of the supporting characters we have grown to love really just had cameo roles in this story. Most of the new characters introduced were suspects and spent a lot of time on the pages and everyone of them was playing an angle and were pretty selfish types. Good for the story but I missed seeing my old friends more.
James writing flows so easily making the pages fly and our visit to Athena ends much too soon. There is a fun short story included that tells us how Charlie came to be Diesel person and part of the family.
I love this series and look forward to each new installment. I can’t wait to escape to Athena, Mississippi next year!
July 21, 2016
When I have been reading a great number of books with heavy themes, my favorite way of taking a break is picking up a cozy mystery. There are a number of series that I enjoy in this genre but I discovered a series which is new to me… 'The Cat in the Stacks' series. 'Arsenic and Old Books' is actually the 6th installment in the series. I did not have any problem following the story but I liked the books so much that I intend to check out the earlier installments.
The story takes place in Athens, Mississippi and the protagonist/sleuth is librarian Charlie Harris. Charlie is a 50-something widower with two grown children who spends his time, in and out of work, with his pet Maine coon cat named Diesel. Athens is a quiet southern town and life happens at a slow pace… but it's also a town where having historical roots to the distant past means everything and the politics.. well, the politics of small town life can be downright deadly.
The story begins one hot and humid summer morning. Charlie and Diesel report for work at the library as they always do and they immediately have an unexpected visitor… the mayor of Athens, Lucinda Beckwith Long. The mayor has delivered a set of Civil War-era diaries to Charlie and explains that she wishes to donate them to the historical archives of Athens College ; but first she needs Charlie's skills as archivist to assure that the diaries are preserved and substantiated as part of her husband's family legacy… the LONG family legacy. The Longs are a very old and important family in Athens and the diaries, which belonged to an ancestor of Mr. Long, were discovered in an old trunk in the family's attic. Mayor Long also told Charlie that her son, Beck, would be running for a seat in the state senate and she was hoping Charlie would discover some wonderful family stories he could use in his campaign… to remind the town, of course, how important the members of the Long family have been to the success of the town.
Before Charlie can even begin to examine the diaries, he is bombarded with calls asking about the diaries and when they would be available to study. One call is from a faculty member of Athens College… Marie Steverton.. a history professor who is trying desperately to secure a tenured position at the college and is aware that her time to achieve this is quickly running out. Another call is from a young woman, a student… or someone claiming to BE a student… who is eager to study the diaries for her thesis project. Charlie is bewildered and annoyed and is wondering just how word about the diaries has spread so quickly. Yes, Athens is a small town and the gossip chain works quickly…. but CHarlie and Diesel are beginning to become suspicious that something else is going on….
Before Charlie and Diesel can discover the secrets of the diaries, they are STOLEN right out of his office…. an then they are just as quickly and mysteriously returned…. but most surprisingly, the theft is followed by MURDER! Who stole the diaries and then replaced them? What secrets do they contain… what secrets can be worth killing over more than a century after the Civil War?
Having possession of the diaries, Charlie decides that he must comb through them to discover once and for all what secrets the books contain. Charlie and Diesel, along with friend Deputy Kanesha Berry of the Athens Police Department, put their heads together and with some good old fashioned police work combined with the startling revelations gleaned from the diaries, the murderer was finally revealed.
This mystery featured characters that were somewhat stereotypical … what you might expect from small town living; but they were charming, amusing and likable (for the most part). I WAS able to predict the outcome before it was revealed but that did not dampen my enjoyment of the story. I have had an avid interest in the American Civil War since I visited Gettysburg for the first time as a child so the very personal Long family Civil War story was of great interest to me and kept me reading.
A light and entertaining tale!
The story takes place in Athens, Mississippi and the protagonist/sleuth is librarian Charlie Harris. Charlie is a 50-something widower with two grown children who spends his time, in and out of work, with his pet Maine coon cat named Diesel. Athens is a quiet southern town and life happens at a slow pace… but it's also a town where having historical roots to the distant past means everything and the politics.. well, the politics of small town life can be downright deadly.
The story begins one hot and humid summer morning. Charlie and Diesel report for work at the library as they always do and they immediately have an unexpected visitor… the mayor of Athens, Lucinda Beckwith Long. The mayor has delivered a set of Civil War-era diaries to Charlie and explains that she wishes to donate them to the historical archives of Athens College ; but first she needs Charlie's skills as archivist to assure that the diaries are preserved and substantiated as part of her husband's family legacy… the LONG family legacy. The Longs are a very old and important family in Athens and the diaries, which belonged to an ancestor of Mr. Long, were discovered in an old trunk in the family's attic. Mayor Long also told Charlie that her son, Beck, would be running for a seat in the state senate and she was hoping Charlie would discover some wonderful family stories he could use in his campaign… to remind the town, of course, how important the members of the Long family have been to the success of the town.
Before Charlie can even begin to examine the diaries, he is bombarded with calls asking about the diaries and when they would be available to study. One call is from a faculty member of Athens College… Marie Steverton.. a history professor who is trying desperately to secure a tenured position at the college and is aware that her time to achieve this is quickly running out. Another call is from a young woman, a student… or someone claiming to BE a student… who is eager to study the diaries for her thesis project. Charlie is bewildered and annoyed and is wondering just how word about the diaries has spread so quickly. Yes, Athens is a small town and the gossip chain works quickly…. but CHarlie and Diesel are beginning to become suspicious that something else is going on….
Before Charlie and Diesel can discover the secrets of the diaries, they are STOLEN right out of his office…. an then they are just as quickly and mysteriously returned…. but most surprisingly, the theft is followed by MURDER! Who stole the diaries and then replaced them? What secrets do they contain… what secrets can be worth killing over more than a century after the Civil War?
Having possession of the diaries, Charlie decides that he must comb through them to discover once and for all what secrets the books contain. Charlie and Diesel, along with friend Deputy Kanesha Berry of the Athens Police Department, put their heads together and with some good old fashioned police work combined with the startling revelations gleaned from the diaries, the murderer was finally revealed.
This mystery featured characters that were somewhat stereotypical … what you might expect from small town living; but they were charming, amusing and likable (for the most part). I WAS able to predict the outcome before it was revealed but that did not dampen my enjoyment of the story. I have had an avid interest in the American Civil War since I visited Gettysburg for the first time as a child so the very personal Long family Civil War story was of great interest to me and kept me reading.
A light and entertaining tale!
September 29, 2015
I just can't get enough of these endearing little mysteries. What, oh what, will I do until the next one comes out next year? This jumped from 4 to 5 stars with the extra story of how Diesel was found. Warm&fuzzies all around!
February 3, 2015
Another get installment in this series. Spending time with Charlie and Diesel, is always a blast. The mystery was fun but the inner story involving the Civil War was very interesting and had me flipping pages fast to see, which family story turned out to be true. And I have to say, the title of this book was very clever, I didn't see how arsenic was going to play a part in this book until the end. I wished, there had been more characters involved with this story, like Charlie's son and daughter, Sean and Laura, and Helen Louise. But I'm glad, Diesel was in most of the story. His little cat antics always brings a smile to my face or a slight laugh.
September 29, 2017
Small town Southern politics, family secrets dating back to the Civil War and long-time family feuds. All these come to the forefront when the mayor of Athens donates a set of Civil War journals to the college. Charlie is in charge for preparing them for viewing. Things get wonky when a dead body turns up. This is a very good cozy series, made even better by the addition of Diesel, Charlie's Maine coon cat. Recommend!
September 26, 2020
The best cozy mystery I’ve read so far. The characters were all interesting, especially the librarian’s Maine Coon kitty. The author, whose real name is Dean James, is a native of Mississippi and worked in an academic library in Houston for many years. His main character, Charles Harris, is loosely based on himself, I guess.
The plot of this story surrounds a local election, but this is in no way a political thriller! I enjoyed how gently the plot moved along, with twists and turns right up to the last page.
My copy of the book, borrowed from the library, included a short story explaining how Mr. Harris discovered his feline pal.
A quote I liked from page 239:
“I ought to keep track of my questions, though. Accordingly, I pulled out a notepad and pen to start jotting them down. I preferred writing to typing at times like this, because something about the physical act itself seemed to help clarify my thought processes.”
The plot of this story surrounds a local election, but this is in no way a political thriller! I enjoyed how gently the plot moved along, with twists and turns right up to the last page.
My copy of the book, borrowed from the library, included a short story explaining how Mr. Harris discovered his feline pal.
A quote I liked from page 239:
“I ought to keep track of my questions, though. Accordingly, I pulled out a notepad and pen to start jotting them down. I preferred writing to typing at times like this, because something about the physical act itself seemed to help clarify my thought processes.”
February 9, 2015
There's nothing more endearing than venturing into Librarian, Charlie Harris's and his Maine Cook cat, Diesel's world. A true southern gentleman in every sense of the word, Charlie is thrilled when mayor of Athena, Mississippi Lucinda Beckwith Long donates four volumes that turn into five of her husband's ansestor diaries to the archive at Athena College.
The word of the diaries on campus is soon out and a history professor who really wants tenure and a newspaper reporter who is looking to add fuel to the fire for a political race between two men running for the state senate. The two men are Beck Long and Jasper Singletary and since the diaries belong to an ancestor of Beck Long, there could be hidden family secrets hidden within the diaries as opponent, Jasper Singletary is hoping for.
As Charlie starts to explore the diaries for cataloging for the archive and they are suddenly stolen from Charlie's office. He is horrified of the discovery and history professor is found dead from a hit and run driver. Charlie starts to wonder if this is a coincidence and fighting to acquire these diaries turns deadly and Charlie begins to wonder what will become of him but he soon is helping out Kanesha Berry Chief of the Athena Police department of finding the diaries and and a murderer.
I loved having a first hand looking into life in civil war times with entries from the diaries, It made for an interesting story. In the heat of politics also made this book a fast moving story. People fighting for what they want and think they deserve could sometimes not be a good thing if theft and murder is the result but it did make for a dynamic installment the Cat in the Stacks mysteries.
We mustn't forget Charlie's Maine Coon Cat, Diesel, who is loyally by Charlie's side in all of the Cat in the Stacks mysteries. More human like as Charlie admits too. Reading about Charlie and Diesel's life in all of this series always stirs up warm and cozy feelings within me but I always know this dynamic crime fighting duo will catch their killer. Also a great addition was the short story included of "When Charlie met Diesel" about how they came together
February 14, 2015
Arsenic and Old Books by Miranda James.
Charlie Harris and Diesel are at his office upstairs in Athena's Public Library. Mayor Long is at the door with a request for Charlie to peruse old family diaries dating back to the Civil War. As soon as Charlie can declare them as originals from the Long family a new entry may be made to the library's archives.
Is that the only reason Mayor Long wants Charlie to examine the four volumes fou8nd in the Long family's attic? Could any information in those volumes help her son, Beck, with his campaign for the state senate?
Could other long buried secrets be revealed in those diaries? Charlie has more than four diaries on his hands when chaos erupts in an effort by some to gain possession of these volumes.
Another excellent entry in the cat in the Stacks mystery series. A page turner with the same lovable characters. Highly recommended.
Charlie Harris and Diesel are at his office upstairs in Athena's Public Library. Mayor Long is at the door with a request for Charlie to peruse old family diaries dating back to the Civil War. As soon as Charlie can declare them as originals from the Long family a new entry may be made to the library's archives.
Is that the only reason Mayor Long wants Charlie to examine the four volumes fou8nd in the Long family's attic? Could any information in those volumes help her son, Beck, with his campaign for the state senate?
Could other long buried secrets be revealed in those diaries? Charlie has more than four diaries on his hands when chaos erupts in an effort by some to gain possession of these volumes.
Another excellent entry in the cat in the Stacks mystery series. A page turner with the same lovable characters. Highly recommended.
June 29, 2015
For a reading challenge, I needed to read another book about a librarian. I'm not a fan of cozy mysteries. I can read them without much eye rolling, but they seem to be a little too tame for me. I don't need dark and gritty, I just like there to be more depth.
This book, however, is the best cozy mystery I've ever read. I liked the characters more than the story. I also loved the fat cat. I will say that the story felt like it was written well. I just wasn't pulled in. It contained more of the benign dialog that I find tedious. So three stars because this was a pleasant surprise.
This book, however, is the best cozy mystery I've ever read. I liked the characters more than the story. I also loved the fat cat. I will say that the story felt like it was written well. I just wasn't pulled in. It contained more of the benign dialog that I find tedious. So three stars because this was a pleasant surprise.
September 17, 2016
This is a fun mystery ... I especially like the way the protagonist is involved in the "thinking" about the mystery, but not really in the investigation (which he leaves to police). That's a more realistic scenario. I LOVE the cat ... he has such personality! I did think the resolution to the mystery came a little too quickly, or neatly ... I needed a bit more "solving" of the mystery.
February 2, 2016
Arsenic And Old Books is the sixth book in the A Cat In The Stacks Mystery series.
Without a doubt this is my favorite series with a feline character. I love reading about Diesel and his human sidekick, Charlie Harris.
The story starts with the mayor of Athena, Lucinda Long, donating four diaries of the Long family that date back to the Civil War. Practically before Charlie Harris even has a chance to peruse this wonderful addition to the archives of Athena College, Marie Steverton assistant professor, demands that she have exclusive rights to the diaries. She is quickly running out of time to get tenure and is hoping that the diaries will give her the inside track. Shortly after this Kelly Grimes contacts Charlie wanting to borrow them. She alludes to the fact that Beck Long, son of the mayor, needs information contained in them in his campaign against Jasper Singletary.
Soon the books are stolen out of Charlies office, only to be returned, as mysteriously, but with 10 pages missing from one of them. Then Steverton is found dead in a street, the victim of a hit and run driver. Now it is up to Charlie to help Deputy Berry to learn what was in the diaries that everyone wants so badly and who that person is.
Another enjoyable visit to Athena and it's enjoyable residents. And to enjoy the adorable Diesel. Diesel doesn't really involved in the sleuthing, but in his fashion puts people at ease so that Charlie is able to obtain the information he thinks he might need.
Anxiously awaiting the next book in this enjoyable series.
Without a doubt this is my favorite series with a feline character. I love reading about Diesel and his human sidekick, Charlie Harris.
The story starts with the mayor of Athena, Lucinda Long, donating four diaries of the Long family that date back to the Civil War. Practically before Charlie Harris even has a chance to peruse this wonderful addition to the archives of Athena College, Marie Steverton assistant professor, demands that she have exclusive rights to the diaries. She is quickly running out of time to get tenure and is hoping that the diaries will give her the inside track. Shortly after this Kelly Grimes contacts Charlie wanting to borrow them. She alludes to the fact that Beck Long, son of the mayor, needs information contained in them in his campaign against Jasper Singletary.
Soon the books are stolen out of Charlies office, only to be returned, as mysteriously, but with 10 pages missing from one of them. Then Steverton is found dead in a street, the victim of a hit and run driver. Now it is up to Charlie to help Deputy Berry to learn what was in the diaries that everyone wants so badly and who that person is.
Another enjoyable visit to Athena and it's enjoyable residents. And to enjoy the adorable Diesel. Diesel doesn't really involved in the sleuthing, but in his fashion puts people at ease so that Charlie is able to obtain the information he thinks he might need.
Anxiously awaiting the next book in this enjoyable series.
May 13, 2015
Fun cozy, love the protagonist's occupation--an archival librarian. Very accurate depiction of how the process works. (I do this for a hobby--I'm a fiction collection librarian for my regular job.)
This is my first book in the series, and I listened to it on audio. I liked Charlie, the protagonist, but the book is written in first person and was read by a woman, and I thought Charlie was female for the first few pages. Charlie is a very mild-mannered man--pleasant, academic, a nice guy.
On the other hand, three of the women in the book (the mayor, an instructor, and a journalist) were so aggressive that I found them two dimensional. They were in Charlie's face every time they talked to him. The mayor was a bit less caustic, but the other two were over-the-top demanding and obnoxious. I prefer characters with more depth and subtlety.
Several Civil War diaries and a memoir had information about the past that some people thought might hold damaging information about present-day families. Part of the plot involved delaying Charlie's opportunities to read them, which felt contrived after awhile. When the entries were revealed, I enjoyed them very much. Love first-person historical documents, even if they are fiction!
The Maine Coon cat, Diesel, is a charming addition to the story.
This is my first book in the series, and I listened to it on audio. I liked Charlie, the protagonist, but the book is written in first person and was read by a woman, and I thought Charlie was female for the first few pages. Charlie is a very mild-mannered man--pleasant, academic, a nice guy.
On the other hand, three of the women in the book (the mayor, an instructor, and a journalist) were so aggressive that I found them two dimensional. They were in Charlie's face every time they talked to him. The mayor was a bit less caustic, but the other two were over-the-top demanding and obnoxious. I prefer characters with more depth and subtlety.
Several Civil War diaries and a memoir had information about the past that some people thought might hold damaging information about present-day families. Part of the plot involved delaying Charlie's opportunities to read them, which felt contrived after awhile. When the entries were revealed, I enjoyed them very much. Love first-person historical documents, even if they are fiction!
The Maine Coon cat, Diesel, is a charming addition to the story.
February 15, 2015
As soon as the mayor donates a set of Civil War diaries to the library, people show up demanding immediate or exclusive access. Charlie Harris hasn't even had a chance to examine them yet. So, what's the hurry? What story do the diaries hold that demands all the fuss? What could be worth killing for in some musty old books?
I mostly enjoyed the story, but I have to say there was quite a bit of repetition as Charlie tells various people the same story more than once. I thought it pretty outrageous that people actually thought something that happened 150 years ago had any real bearing on present day elections, but who knows? The public is a strange animal sometimes, especially in the deep South where there are many who still refer to the Civil War as the War of Northern Aggression.
I do love how much Charlie panders to his cat Diesel. That's one spoiled kitty.
The biggest failing though was the abrupt ending. After all the build up, we just get a quick telling by Charlie about how the murder actually happened and who did it.
I mostly enjoyed the story, but I have to say there was quite a bit of repetition as Charlie tells various people the same story more than once. I thought it pretty outrageous that people actually thought something that happened 150 years ago had any real bearing on present day elections, but who knows? The public is a strange animal sometimes, especially in the deep South where there are many who still refer to the Civil War as the War of Northern Aggression.
I do love how much Charlie panders to his cat Diesel. That's one spoiled kitty.
The biggest failing though was the abrupt ending. After all the build up, we just get a quick telling by Charlie about how the murder actually happened and who did it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 21, 2016
When the Athena College library receives a donation of an old diary kept by a resident from the Civil War, Charlie Harris is thrilled. However, before he can process them, he has two women demanding to see them immediately, and he is hearing claims that they might influence the current local election. When the diaries go missing, Charlie is concerned, but when someone turns up dead, he is truly puzzled. What exactly is in these diaries?
Between the past and the present, we are presented with a strong mystery that pulls us in and keeps us turning pages. I was always intrigued, wondering what Charlie would discover next. The mystery is so strong it doesn’t leave room for sub-plots, and many of the series regulars are reduced to cameos, and I missed them. However, the new characters are strong enough to make up for it.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
Between the past and the present, we are presented with a strong mystery that pulls us in and keeps us turning pages. I was always intrigued, wondering what Charlie would discover next. The mystery is so strong it doesn’t leave room for sub-plots, and many of the series regulars are reduced to cameos, and I missed them. However, the new characters are strong enough to make up for it.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
February 8, 2015
Charlie Harris, part-time archivist at Athena College, receives a donation from the mayor's husband's family--four Civil War era diaries of one of the ancestral Longs. Several people--a professor and a journalist to the fore--want to see them, but they're stolen before anyone gets a chance to read the contents. Then the professor dies, and the books are returned, along with a fifth partial volume the mayor has just found. Everyone (except maybe Charlie) is sure that the diaries will prove key to deciding a current election. Then there are the missing pages...James gives us a plot that is convoluted and yet fairly obvious, and there's not much contribution by Maine Coon Cat Diesel or our other human favorites. Much as I usually enjoy this series, this particular one is undistinguished. Better luck next time!
April 4, 2015
I've long been a fan of Charlie Harris and his main coon cat, Diesel. In this latest tale, the town's mayor and grand dame, Lucinda Beckwith Long donates civil war era diaries of an ancestor of her husband. When a reporter and a college professor of Athena College express an intense interest in viewing them, Charlie, who is the librarian who works the archives of the college is harassed by their demands. The story centers around a political race between Beck Longworth, the mayor's son and Jasper Singletary whose roots go back as far as the Longs. Family histories with secrets and political ambitions guide this story. When the college professor is murdered in a hit and run after the diaries are stolen and then mysteriously returned, Charlie suspects the diaries hold the key to everything that is occurring. Diesel adds a light note to the story with his chirps, grumbles and purrs.
April 1, 2018
Anytime you add the Civil War to ANY story [even a cozy], there is bound to be a lot of sadness involved. Such is the case with this edition of the Cats in the Stacks mystery. Charlie and Diesel find themselves neck-deep in a mystery that involves murder and intrigue and the Civil War and someone bent on getting tenure no matter the cost.
This was a good read, but the best parts of the book are the diary itself and what Charlie finds there. It tells a story that is so sad and heartbreaking and you just have to know that at some point, someone in the North or South experienced what happened in the diaries.
Excellent writing and [obvious] research from the author.
This was a good read, but the best parts of the book are the diary itself and what Charlie finds there. It tells a story that is so sad and heartbreaking and you just have to know that at some point, someone in the North or South experienced what happened in the diaries.
Excellent writing and [obvious] research from the author.
March 22, 2015
Another awesome book in the cat in the stacks series. Loved my visit with Diesel and Charlie. I'm so glad I picked this series up!
November 3, 2019
I continue to be delighted by the series, and this book lived up to my expectations for a well written, solid mystery.
In this installment, the Mayor brings Charlie some old family diaries, thinking they may have some historical content. All of a sudden, people are demanding to see the diaries. Mayor Long's son is running for the state senate, and his competition wants those diaries because he thinks it will prove a crime committed by the Long ancestors. Then someone is killed, diaries disappear and then reappear, and Charlie finds himself smack dab in the middle of things.
The story kept my attention. There were lots of twists and turns to keep you guessing, but they all made sense and nothing was too far-fetched. We continue to see Charlie and Diesel evolve now that his children are out of the house with families and careers of their own. HIs relationships deepen in a mature way. There's no 'I just met you and love you' silliness going on here. These books are well written and thoughtful. I'm just happy that there are more in the series for me to discover.
I recommend both this book and the series if you have not discovered the Cat in the Stacks series
In this installment, the Mayor brings Charlie some old family diaries, thinking they may have some historical content. All of a sudden, people are demanding to see the diaries. Mayor Long's son is running for the state senate, and his competition wants those diaries because he thinks it will prove a crime committed by the Long ancestors. Then someone is killed, diaries disappear and then reappear, and Charlie finds himself smack dab in the middle of things.
The story kept my attention. There were lots of twists and turns to keep you guessing, but they all made sense and nothing was too far-fetched. We continue to see Charlie and Diesel evolve now that his children are out of the house with families and careers of their own. HIs relationships deepen in a mature way. There's no 'I just met you and love you' silliness going on here. These books are well written and thoughtful. I'm just happy that there are more in the series for me to discover.
I recommend both this book and the series if you have not discovered the Cat in the Stacks series
February 7, 2018
Charlie Harris works in the college library and is in charge of the archives. The mayor donates some journals from one of her husband's ancestors during the Civil War. Immediately two people want exclusive access to the books before Charlie has even had time to enter them in. The diaries become the center of attention and one of the interested parties ends up to have been misleading Charles as to why she wants access. The other, a college professor, wants them to enable her to write something to help get her tenure at the college. The books disappear and the college professor ends up murdered. The mystery is not just who murdered the professor, but also why? What secrets do these diaries have? Charlie helps with the investigation.
August 20, 2018
There are mysteries both old and new in this cozy featuring Charlie the librarian and Deisel the cat. When a set of Civil War diaries are donated to the library, much interest is arroused in their content. They stir up feelings of animosity between two rival politicians whose family feuds go back that far. More than one person wants to read the secrets contained in them. Throw in mystery deaths from that era, add in a current hit-and-run death, and top it off with the theft of books from Charlie’s office, you have the stage set for a great cozy tale. Deisel is just frosting on the cake, making an interesting story even more entertaining. Well-written with good character development, this series just keeps getting better.
September 9, 2024
This is the 6th book in the serie and it is again good. It revolves around civil War-era diaries donated to the library by the Mayor's family. We enjoy Charlie and Diesel, who is this time quite naughty, a lot here. The book is well plotted and well written. Looking forward to read next one in the serie.
September 8, 2023
This one I thought was a bit on the cheesy side.
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