Mrs. Murphy Mystery postmistress Mary Minor (Harry) Hairsteen Series by Rita Mae Brown & Sneaky Pie Brown
Book 13: Cat's Eyewitness
After she decides to quit her job as the Crozet, Va., postmistress because her animal companions-cats Mrs. Murphy and Pewter and corgi Tee Tucker-are no longer permitted to accompany her to work, Mary Minor "Harry" Haristeen and best friend Susan Tucker retreat to a Blue Ridge Mountains monastery, where a statue of the Virgin Mary suddenly begins to bleed from the eyes. This curiosity, which attracts national media attention after a local reporter, Nordy Elliott, files a short piece on it, becomes more of a concern when Susan's beloved great-uncle, a monk, turns up dead at the foot of the statue. While Harry, her two cats and her dog investigate, Nordy becomes the next murder victim, in a symbolic manner linked to the supposed miracle.
This was a bit more preachy than previous of the series. We even see Boom-Boom falling in love with a woman! I think this book has focused much more on the emotions of the various characters and less on the mystery. Listened to on tape so perhaps that is why I noticed it more.
Book 12: Whisker of Evil
This mystery concerns the death of Barry Monteith, a local horse breeder. Even more mysterious is that fact that Barry, although viciously murdered, was also infected with rabies. Harry soon finds the class ring of Mary Pat Reines, a local horsebreeder who disappeared in 1967 with her prize stallion. Two more deaths soon follow, and the entire close-knit town is shaken, trying to discover the murderer and the source of Barry's rabies. A lot of personal growth happens to Harry as well. She finally opens up her heart to love again and decides to quit working at the postoffice when she is told she can't have her animals working with her. Overall a good read but I do get a little tired of the horse stuff. A must read in the series or you'll come in an go huh?!? when she isn't working at the postoffice.
Book 11: Tail of the tip-off
Set in the middle of UofA woman's basketball season and murder is personal! Construction company owner H.H. Donaldson falls dead in the parking lot of the Clam, the University of Virginia's giant sports complex. The police and Harry are barely into trying to find out who killed H.H.-and how-when a second mysterious death occurs at the arena. Will she find out who did it before she is the next victim. I honestly did not figure it out, much more complicated than most of these mysteries.
Book 10: Catch as Cat Can
When Roger O'Bannon dies during the spring festivities at Crozet, Virginia, it's up to Postmistress Mary Minor "Harry" Haristeen's coterie of animals--her Welsh corgi, Tucker, her portly gray cat, Pewter, and, of course, feline sleuth extraordinaire Mrs. Murphy--to get to the bottom of the murder connection. I listened to this on tape. This is a very fun series. I have read all, but periodically go through and re-read every couple of years. It helps me remember who and why people are important to Harry.
9. Claws and Effect
8. Pawing Through the Past
7. Cat on the Scent
6. Murder on the Prowl
5. Murder, She Meowed
4. Pay Dirt
3. Murder at Monticello
2. Rest in Pieces
1. Wish You Were Here