5 comments about The Tail of the Tip-Off.

1. It's a brutal January in Crozet and the citizens keep warm by cheeing on their favourite University basketball team until someone drops dead outside of the gym one cold night. Of course Harry and her animal pals never for once think it is natural causes, and sure enough another body turns up in one of the storage closets where the basketball games are played. This sets Harry and all her friends on the search of a murderer. And this murderer seems particularly cold-blooded. There's lots of fun and hijinks before they unmask the "perp". As usual, lots of good times between the pages of a Rita Mae Brown Mrs. Murphy mystery.



2. In one of the latest Mrs. Murphy mysteries, the citizens of Crozet are on the lookout for a sneaky murderer. At one of the University of Virginia's women basketball matches, wealthy construction tycoon H.H. Donaldson drops dead in the parking lot. What scares the amateur detective Mary Minor "Harry" Haristeen is that the murderer could've been sitting right behind her. After Sheriff Shaw and Deputy Cooper confirm that it wasn't a heart attack that ended his life, cats Mrs.Murphy, Pewter, and corgi Tucker are searching for a cold-blooded killer who blends in among the residents of the small Virginian town. As the answer is within the mammal detectives' grasp, building inspector Mychelle is found stabbed to death in the sporting supply closet. Before the killer claims another victim, the animal trio must figure out who's behind the killings and why. This contemporary equivalent of Sherlock Holmes will leave you breathless.
   This baffling mystery includes the typical list of suspects. H. H. was widely known to be a ladies' man, so of course most thought of Anne Donaldson, his long time wife he recently left for a day. She would have motive of jealousy of his latest affair. It would also explain Mychelle's death if she were the mistress, who she surprisingly turned out to be. Harry also suspects BoomBoom, but that's mainly because she thinks BoomBoom is the mistress of every marriage, like she was in Harry's marriage to Fair. In addition, there was Fred Forrest, Mychelle's employer, and Matthew Crickenberger, a well-liked architect.
   During this time around, Harry's detecting skills plummet just a little. Procedures that should've been taken didn't cross her mind until it was too late. On some occasions, her typical character was shoved aside. For example, BoomBoom persuaded Harry to return to the crime scene at UVA after H.H.'s death. The two women, and Harry's pets of course, were greeted by a very nasty, tired, Sheriff Rick Shaw who had just begun his fifth cup of black coffee. His poor attitude and vicious tone scared them off the premises before Tucker could sniff around. Usually, if this situation were to present itself, Harry would ignore Shaw's orders and find a way to sneak in to search for clues.
   What really brings this book to the top is the whodunit. As mentioned Fred Forrest and Matt Crinkenburger were in the same business as H. H. Thanks to Fair and ice cubes, Harry was able to figure out what her pets had already known: how the two killed him. Someone at he game disguised a blowgun in a noisemaker at the fateful game. It whizzed by H.H. and released a poisonous icicle coated with batrachotoxin, or the toxin secreted by rare bright tropical frogs which happened to be in a terrarium at Matthew's office. H.H. had figured out Matthew's scam of using cheap materials and overcharging millions out of the clients, while Fred covered for him and approved the hazardous buildings. They put up an act of hating each other, but that didn't fool Mychelle, who figured out why H.H. had been murdered.
   Mrs.Murphy along with her feline, and canine, friends continue their streak of solving Crozet's murders in Rita Mae Brown's (and Sneaky Pie Brown's) thrilling books.
   
   R.Turner



3. Winter has hit the small town of Crozet, Virginia with quite a blow, but Mary Minor "Harry" Haristeen, the town postmistress, isn't shocked, or perturbed by the abrupt change in weather. After all, she and her friends (both furry and human) know exactly how to keep warm by indulging in warm treats, working hard, and...rooting for the University of Virginia's women's basketball team, in an effort to keep their spirits high, and bring the gold home for the team. But when local contractor, H.H. Donaldson, dies in the parking lot after one of the spirited games, word quickly spreads that it wasn't your average death...H.H. was killed, and his murderer's trail is cold. Harry is shocked to believe that one of her fellow basketball fans, and acquaintances is a cold-blooded killer, finding it hard to let H.H.'s death sit right with her. And everyone knows, best of all Harry's tiger cat Mrs. Murphy, that when something doesn't agree with Harry, she has a tendency to start poking her nose where it doesn't belong. Even if she risks putting herself, and her feline (and canine) friends in danger. Now, in an attempt to ensure that their curious (okay, downright nosy) mother doesn't waste one of her nine lives, Mrs. Murphy, along with her feisty feline pal, Pewter, and their canine relative, Tee Tucker have decided to join the amateur sleuth in uncovering who exactly H.H.'s killer is, and why he (or she) did him in. But with Harry constantly gallivanting off at all kinds of odd hours of the day and night, it's becoming complicated for the feisty furballs to keep their eyes on her 24/7, leaving Harry wide open for discovery, or, even worse...gambling with her own life.
   
   There's nothing that I love more than curling up with a cozy mystery on a cold day, especially one with felines and canines scurrying around. So, when the temperature made a quick drop, I headed directly for Mrs. Murphy and the Crozet gang, to see what new mysteries they were wrapping themselves up in. As per usual, Harry was her delightful self. A self-confident, brave, intrepid character, whose independence is admirable, as are her hard work and sleuthing skills. Accompanied by the always-hungry, often sarcastic, Pewter; the short-legged, stubby-tailed, flying solo canine, Tee Tucker; and the oft-times conceited, but lovable, Mrs. Murphy; along with handfuls of other enjoyable characters, THE TAIL OF THE TIP-OFF was certainly one-sitting-read worthy. The descriptions of the Virginian countryside were incredible; as were the additions of some new characters, who will hopefully be sticking around for awhile. The purr-fect mystery to accompany a nice, warm mug of cocoa on a cold winter's day.
   
   Erika Sorocco
   Freelance Reviewer



4. I found this title as a used, unabridged, audio book. This book did absolutely nothing for me. Too much chit chat and not enough action or intrigue to keep me interested. Of the last 20 audio books that I've listened to, this was the only one that disappointed. What else can I say?



5. This was my first introduction to a Rita Mae Brown novel. I was not impressed with it as I figured out "who dunnit" early.
   
   The book felt like it attempted to beguile the reader with many ideas. It really didn't work as it felt as if it didn't have focus on the design.
   
   I kind of liked the antics of Mrs. Murphy, Tucker, Pewter and the church cats. I especially liked the image of Tucker the Corge jumping on somebody, growling, baring teeth and screaming "die!" Overall, there were funny points and the sad story of Brinkly the dog but I was not satisfied when the story finally ended.
   
   Winter comes to the town of Crozet. The snowplows are working overtime but the weather does not stifle basketball fever. After a heated womens basketball game, building contractor H. H. Donaldson collapses in the parking lot and dies. The autopsy shows he was murdered by something puncturing his neck which poisoned him. Why was H.H. murdered? Was it his wife because of his frequent affairs? Was it his rival Mathew Crickenbom? What about the building inspector Fred who wrestled him away from an argument in the parking lot? Mary "Harry" Haristeen owner of Mrs. Murphy, Tucker, and Pewter decides she has to find out.
   
   Overall this book had potential to be great. It's descriptions of the countryside were good. I liked the idea of the animals talking to each other and complaining about humans. The main problem with the book was the plot was not at all tight. Too many variables were not explained well and the explanations for motive were not good at all.
   
   All in all it's not a bad story. It just wasn't finished.
   
   Kate Forbes does a good job as the narrator.

No comments about Rache auf leisen Pfoten. 3 Cassetten. Ein Fall für Mrs. Murphy..

No comments about Sour Puss.

No comments about The Tail of the Tip-Off UNABRIDGED.

No comments about Catch As Cat Can (Unabridged Cassettes).

No comments about Murder on the Prowl (Mrs. Murphy series).

5 comments about Whisker of Evil.

1. I really, really enjoyed this particular Mrs. Murphy mystery. As a horse person, I didn't find the detail about breeding and bloodlines to be tiresome. And the mystery itself was wonderfully wrought and believable. The relationships between the primary characters are developing nicely, too. Looking forward to continuing with the series.



2. I have been reading the Mrs. Murphy series and really enjoying it. The best part about these books is the characters and by now I feel that I know everyone. Ms. Brown knows how to characterize. In this book Harry is facing life-changing decisions, but while she's going through her own personal epiphany, there are murders occurring again in Crozet. This particualar murderer appears to be particularly evil, and Harry and her friends have trouble trying to find a motive. There's also an old crime that appears to be connected to the new ones, and the murderer doesn't appear to be able to stop killing so they are really in a rush to find himr or her. The book moves along quickly, and I also found out some good information on horse breeding and on the transference and symptoms of rabies infection at the same time. Great fun!



3. This is one of two books Ive read in her series. I didnt know it was a series till recently. The other one I also saw as a movie and this one I heard on C.D. with my daughter. ( as well as reading them. )
   I think Mrs. Brown and partner are fantastic when it comes to intruge. My daughter screams at me everytime we get into the car and I dont have the book playing. 9 disks go a long way and I think its great learning for a baby under one to be read to as much as possible.
   There are so many factions to this book and so many things come "to light" as a tie in to the other book that Ive read so I didnt have a problem keeping up with it all even though the two books are so spaced apart ( 3 years by the book standards) and about 4 or 5 since I read the last one.
   I plan to get them all now that I know Mrs. Murphy has her own series of books. My daughter and I will become greater fans together when we read/hear her books at bed time!



4. such as painting a room, or cleaning the kitchen, these books are entertaining as audio books. At the risk of sounding "snobbish" (which I am not) they are a cross between "Murder She Wrote" and Mr. Ed.



5. For fans of Rita Mae Brown this is a great book. It continues the adventures of Mrs. Murphy and her many animal friends. I think this book even adds some animals we haven't heard from before. There are changes in Harry's personal and professional life of great interest to Harry's fans. There is the usual mystery. I wouldn't start the series with this book; however. Readers will want a little more background and should start with a book that was published earlier.

5 comments about Claws and Effect.

1. Mary Minor "Harry" Haristeen, the local post office operator/detective is out to solve another of Crozet's mysterious murders along with her pets Mrs. Murphy, Pewter, and Tucker. The hospital is not the sort of place the town would've expected to be a crime scene, but after Hank Brevard, the plant manager, is killed in the old boiler room, no one knows what to expect. When semi-retired doctor Larry Johnson becomes the next victim after Harry's set foxhunt to catch the real killer fails, Mayor Jim Sanbourne's wife, Mim, has a terrible breakdown over her and Larry's past. Sheriff Rick Shaw and Deputy Cynthia "Coop" Cooper become even agitated that they catch the crazy murderer. They believe both of the murders are connected to Crozet Hospital, but they can't make the connection until they investigate old records of the hospital's IVAC units. Sam Mahanes, the director, swears their old so his nurses can operate them easily and they're cleaned whenever they become filthy. According to the only IVAC unit manufacturer and cleaner for miles, Crozet had stopped sending them in for cleanings four years ago and that the billings Shaw and Coop found were forgeries. Just a week after Larry's killed, nurse Tussie Logan is shot straight through the heart at her apartment and only Mrs. Murphy knows why. Browns exciting and surprising mystery goes right to the top with Agatha Christie's and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's.
   Claws and Effect isn't just completely about the mystery. Even with all the killings in the small Virginian town, its politics aren't cooling down, in fact, they're heating up rapidly. Jim Sanbourne, the long time mayor, is beginning to support big business in Crozet. The only person in town crazy enough to challenge him is his own daughter Marilyn, or Little Mim, as Harry calls her. As their relationship goes downhill, Big Mim has a terrible crisis when Larry's killed. Many years ago, the two young friends fell madly in love, but Mim's mother didn't approve of her marrying such a poor medical student. Mim was too scared to stand up to her, so she agreed to marry the incredibly rich Jim Sanbourne. After Larry's funeral though, the older woman realizes her true feelings almost twenty years too late.
   What really sets this novel apart from other murder mysteries is that the main detectives are all animals. Mrs. Murphy is the older tiger cat in charge of the others who's always willing to look into any mystery that crosses her path, big or small. Next there's Pewter, the gray, very opinionated, cat with a huge appetite. Her other animal friends agree that if she were to have kittens, Pewter would starve them if there wasn't enough food. Half the time, she's sleeping or just being whiney, but Murphy always manages to pull her into another one of her schemes. Tee Tucker, Harry's corgi, will do anything to protect her guardian. She's very loyal to Harry and provides a solution to any of her feline friends' arguments.
   Like few mysteries out there, the conclusion was very surprising based on the information uncovered by the characters. In the last chapters of the book leading up to the conclusion, Coop, Harry, and all her animals visit the boiler room again where Hank was killed and Harry was attacked from behind. Murphy shows them the secret door on the floor that leads to the storage of the old, unprofessionally cleaned IVAC units when they hear footsteps outside. The humans go into the cellar and the animals hide behind the empty cardboard boxes as they wait. It's only Hank's replacement, but someone from behind knocks him out, making him fall into the cellar. Murphy, Pewter, and Tucker attack him, allowing Harry and Coop to escape, leaving the knocked out plant manager and hoping he'll be all right. The animals find the rumored tunnel used in the Underground Railroad and quickly climb with Harry and Coop. When the get out at the other end in the parking lot, the rush to their car to find Director Mahanes coming back from a meeting, but he can't fool Tucker's nose. She alerts Harry, an owner who never doubts her crime-solving pets, and attacks Mahanes to the ground as Coop puts the cuffs on him.
   Money, politics, and murder make the perfect blend for a great cat mystery. Rita Mae Brown illustrates yet again that she, and her cat Sneaky Pie Brown of course, are two of the best contemporary mystery writers there are.
   
   R. Turner



2. In the 9th book in Mrs. Murphy and Tucker mystery series, something fishy is going on at Crozet Hospital. A staff member is found dead in the boiler room at the small town hospital, and before long, Mary Minor Haristeen (aka Harry) is poking her nose into the death. She soon starts to speculate that something must be going on in the hospital that caused a killer to become nervous and murder the manager. Normally curious by nature (she has been known to read the postcards), postmistress Harry is aided in the mystery by her cats, Mrs. Murphy (a tiger) and Pewter (a rather fat grey cat), and her dog, Tee Tucker (a Welsh corgi). As the animals accompany Harry nearly everywhere, they use their heightened senses to find clues and gently guide their human to help put the pieces of the mystery together. Hospital corruption is exposed, and Harry, with the help of Deputy Cynthia Cooper, must work quickly to find the murderer before any more victims turn up.
   
   
   I have enjoyed each of the books in this series, and found this one to be one of my favorites. I was kept guessing until the end as to who the murderer might be, and even though I figured out what was going on with the hospital, I found myself wondering how Harry and her animal friends would uncover the truth. I was shocked and saddened by the death of a long-time member of the series, because the books are good not only for the mysteries, but for the strength of the characters. These books make you want to pack your bags and visit Crozet, Virginia.
   
   
   If you enjoy the KoKo and Yum Yum mysteries by Lilian Jackson Braun, give this series a try. The 1st book in the series is called "Wish You Were Here". Enjoy!



3. In the 9th book in Mrs. Murphy and Tucker mystery series, something fishy is going on at Crozet Hospital. A staff member is found dead in the boiler room at the small town hospital, and before long, Mary Minor Haristeen (aka Harry) is poking her nose into the death. She soon starts to speculate that something must be going on in the hospital that caused a killer to become nervous and murder the manager. Normally curious by nature (she has been known to read the postcards), postmistress Harry is aided in the mystery by her cats, Mrs. Murphy (a tiger) and Pewter (a rather fat grey cat), and her dog, Tee Tucker (a Welsh corgi). As the animals accompany Harry nearly everywhere, they use their heightened senses to find clues and gently guide their human to help put the pieces of the mystery together. Hospital corruption is exposed, and Harry, with the help of Deputy Cynthia Cooper, must work quickly to find the murderer before any more victims turn up.
   
   
   I have enjoyed each of the books in this series, and found this one to be one of my favorites. I was kept guessing until the end as to who the murderer might be, and even though I figured out what was going on with the hospital, I found myself wondering how Harry and her animal friends would uncover the truth. I was shocked and saddened by the death of a long-time member of the series, because the books are good not only for the mysteries, but for the strength of the characters. These books make you want to pack your bags and visit Crozet, Virginia.
   
   
   If you enjoy the KoKo and Yum Yum mysteries by Lilian Jackson Braun, give this series a try. The 1st book in the series is called "Wish You Were Here". Enjoy!



4. In the 9th book in Mrs. Murphy and Tucker mystery series, something fishy is going on at Crozet Hospital. A staff member is found dead in the boiler room at the small town hospital, and before long, Mary Minor Haristeen (aka Harry) is poking her nose into the death. She soon starts to speculate that something must be going on in the hospital that caused a killer to become nervous and murder the manager. Normally curious by nature (she has been known to read the postcards), postmistress Harry is aided in the mystery by her cats, Mrs. Murphy (a tiger) and Pewter (a rather fat grey cat), and her dog, Tee Tucker (a Welsh corgi). As the animals accompany Harry nearly everywhere, they use their heightened senses to find clues and gently guide their human to help put the pieces of the mystery together. Hospital corruption is exposed, and Harry, with the help of Deputy Cynthia Cooper, must work quickly to find the murderer before any more victims turn up.
   
   
   I have enjoyed each of the books in this series, and found this one to be one of my favorites. I was kept guessing until the end as to who the murderer might be, and even though I figured out what was going on with the hospital, I found myself wondering how Harry and her animal friends would uncover the truth. I was shocked and saddened by the death of a long-time member of the series, because the books are good not only for the mysteries, but for the strength of the characters. These books make you want to pack your bags and visit Crozet, Virginia.
   
   
   If you enjoy the KoKo and Yum Yum mysteries by Lilian Jackson Braun, give this series a try. The 1st book in the series is called "Wish You Were Here". Enjoy!



5. I've been reading the Mrs Murphy books for years. Got a little behind. But am catching up with Claws & Effect. As with all these books, they are well written and very entertaining. Plus I love the animals!

5 comments about Full Cry (Foxhunting Mysteries).

1. Having read the other books in this fox hunting series, I can say this one is not up to the standard. The plot line is not as well defined as in the other books. It is rather sketchy to be honest.
   
   While Rita Mae Brown fans will probably read it anyway, it is not a book that will draw in new fans.



2. I have always enjoyed Rita Mae Brown's work. That being said, and yes, this story line does wear abit thin, but the worst, unforgivable sin is that she read the story herself. It was awful. Several times she will start a sentence, only to stop and restart after a few words. There was no feeling of character in her voice. Yoy can hear her swallow and clear her throat, so I guess it's the production values that are the biggest offender.



3. I listened to this on CD in my car...driving around western Virginia.
   
   -The author is not a very good reader...her rhythm/intonation is off...but I didn't mind the flubs at all. It's nice to have a reader that sounds like a real person. And by having her read it, the we avoid the distraction of having the technical terms being pronounced incorrectly. (Although I'm not used to hearing "hooves" rhyming with "moves".)
   
   -It's a matter of taste, but talking animals (or babies, for that matter) have no appeal whatsoever for me. Ugh! And if they did talk, no horse that I've ever ridden would have said, "Are you all right?" when I fell off. I believe they'd say, "Aaaaaaaaah...at last. Hey, there's some grass!"
   
   -Being a woman of a certain age, I liked the Sister character, (although I don't believe she still had her figure at 72). But the denouement---and Sister's actions in it---was utterly improbable and illogical. Gimme a break!



4. I have been a great fan of Rita Mae Brown (and Speaky Pie Brown) for many years. I am enjoying the Foxhunting Mysteries trementously. I love the characters, the plots, the education I am getting on the sport of fox hunting, and Rita Mae Brown's personal philosophy on many subjects. I highly recommend this series, if you like books that are thought provoking as well as entertaining. Full Cry is the third book in the series. I have read all five of the books now available and am anxiously awaiting the next great story about the Jefferson Hunt Club.



5. I agree wholeheartedly with another reviewer who remarked that Brown should decide if she's going to sermonize or write a mystery. I think she has decided....she's sermonizing. This book wasn't even remotely interesting. A minor mystery was deeply embedded in all Brown's preaching. If you aren't paying attention, it'll slip right past you.
   ...And I made the mistake of getting "The Hounds and the Fury" at the same time I got "Full Cry." I'm not looking forward to it.

No comments about Pawing Through the Past (Mrs. Murphy series, Book 8).