Book 54, 2019

[chez_jae]

Pawing Through the Past by Rita Mae Brown

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



Earlier this evening, I finished reading Pawing Through the Past by Rita Mae Brown (and Sneaky Pie Brown). It's the 8th book in the "Mrs Murphy" mystery series with postmistress Harry Harristeen, her tabby cat Mrs Murphy, and her corgi Tee Tucker.

Harry is keeping busy with running the Post Office in Crozet, doing chores on her small farm, and helping to plan her 20th class reunion. When she and other members of her graduating class receive anonymous mailings with 'You'll never grow old' on them, Harry takes it as a compliment. However, when one of her classmates is murdered, the mailings take on a sinister tone. Another, similar mailing is followed by another murder, indicating that someone is out for revenge. Harry doesn't know why, but someone in her class does. As things become clearer, the most likely suspect disappears, leaving everyone on edge. There's no telling when the killer will strike again, nor who the target will be.

Harry's pets, Mrs Murphy, Tucker, and Pewter, begin sniffing out clues on their own, afraid that Harry may be a target. They are determined to protect her at any cost.

There was a lot of action in the book, including more mundane things than murder. Harry needs a new truck and is nervous about taking on the expense, she takes in a temporary boarder, and her ex, Fair, is determined to win her back. This story was perhaps a bit darker than the others, what with the underlying theme behind the murders. Still, it was exciting and kept my attention.

Favorite lines:
♦ "Death to anyone who dares touch this chicken!"
♦ "It would be more romantic if they'd wash one another's heads."
Pewter had the best lines!

Very good, five stars!