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Cat in the Stacks #4
Out of Circulation
Everyone in Athena, Mississippi, knows Charlie Harris, the librarian with a rescued Maine coon cat named Diesel. He's returned to his hometown to immerse himself in books, but when a feud erupts between the town's richest ladies, the writing on the wall spells murder.
The Ducote sisters are in a tiff with Vera Cassity over the location of this year's library fundraising gala, and Charlie would rather curl up in a corner than get into the fray. It seems everyone—even his housekeeper Azalea—has it in for Vera. And at the gala, she gives them good reason, with a public display of rancor aimed at anyone who gets in her way.
But those bitter words wind up being her last. When Charlie discovers Azalea standing over Vera's dead body, it's up to him—with a little help from Diesel—to clear Azalea's name, and catch a killer before his last chapter is finished.
The Ducote sisters are in a tiff with Vera Cassity over the location of this year's library fundraising gala, and Charlie would rather curl up in a corner than get into the fray. It seems everyone—even his housekeeper Azalea—has it in for Vera. And at the gala, she gives them good reason, with a public display of rancor aimed at anyone who gets in her way.
But those bitter words wind up being her last. When Charlie discovers Azalea standing over Vera's dead body, it's up to him—with a little help from Diesel—to clear Azalea's name, and catch a killer before his last chapter is finished.
289 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published December 31, 2012
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About the author
Miranda James
47Ìýbooks1,208ÌýfollowersPen name of Dean James, who also writes as Honor Hartman and Jimmie Ruth Evans
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May 14, 2020
Out of Circulation is the 4th book in the 'Cat in the Stacks' cozy mystery series written by Miranda James, a pseudonym for Dean James (and he has other ones too). I began reading the author's work a few years ago and completed one of the other series (Southern Ladies) before finding my way back to this one. I am determined to catch up to the current book (#11) before the summer starts since I was recently awarded the latest on NetGalley. I've grown very fond of the author's writing style, plots, and characters, and I look forward to each new one when it's next in my queue.
Charlie Harris is ~52 and works at a library in the small town of Athena, Mississippi. He has two grown children and lost his wife years ago. He inherited a large home from an aunt who passed and continues to use it as a boarding house. Charlie also has a few pets, most prominently, Diesel, a ~35 lb. Maine Coon cat. I've been around the breed before as a friend of my father's had one years ago -- they do get huge! In this caper, we meet Dickce and An'gel, the two spinster sisters who become the focal point of the 'Southern Sisters' cozy series that Miranda James also writes. I really hope he publishes another one there, but... I was pleasantly surprised to see them as the main characters in Out of Circulation. Had I read the books properly in order, I would've been introduced to them before I read their separate series. Oops! You can do it this way, but I recommend reading in order.
This was my favorite book in this series so far. I love genealogical mysteries, and when I learned we'd be exploring the background of the Ducote sisters, I was psyched. A woman in their social circle is annoying everyone around her when it comes to various volunteer efforts in Athena. Of course, she winds up dead. I really didn't like the woman, but there was a lovely call/letter with Charlie that made her seem a bit nicer. Did the sisters kill her? Doubtful, but Charlie must investigate. Unfortunately, it's his housekeeper Azalea who looks most guilty. We learn what happened between the two women in the past, and since the normal deputy solving these crimes is Kanesha, Azalea's daughter, she's been removed from the investigation. Charlie and Kanesha had some run-ins in the previous books, so this was a great change of pace.
Author James is truly gifted at transporting readers to Mississippi and the southern lifestyle. Coming from the north, it's a completely different way of life for me (although my other half is from Louisiana, so I do have some exposure). James has created vivid characters who leap off the pages either as friends or enemies right away. While I adore Diesel the cat, I'm possibly more fond of the various house guests at Charlie's place. They provide a great deal of balance and color to the intensity of the crimes, but we also experience a variety of personalities to bring in some laughter.
The secret we learned in this book was fantastic. The hidden relationships were even better. I actually think there could be a sequel to understand more about the woman who died... what happened to her growing up to make her the way she was. We get some details, but it was so fascinating, I wanted more. I'm excited to find out what happens to Charlie's kids in the next adventure given how this book ended - a nice small cliffhanger without rustling the boat too much. I'll be reading the fifth one early next month. Kudos for a wonderful series that insists I finish it ASAP!
Charlie Harris is ~52 and works at a library in the small town of Athena, Mississippi. He has two grown children and lost his wife years ago. He inherited a large home from an aunt who passed and continues to use it as a boarding house. Charlie also has a few pets, most prominently, Diesel, a ~35 lb. Maine Coon cat. I've been around the breed before as a friend of my father's had one years ago -- they do get huge! In this caper, we meet Dickce and An'gel, the two spinster sisters who become the focal point of the 'Southern Sisters' cozy series that Miranda James also writes. I really hope he publishes another one there, but... I was pleasantly surprised to see them as the main characters in Out of Circulation. Had I read the books properly in order, I would've been introduced to them before I read their separate series. Oops! You can do it this way, but I recommend reading in order.
This was my favorite book in this series so far. I love genealogical mysteries, and when I learned we'd be exploring the background of the Ducote sisters, I was psyched. A woman in their social circle is annoying everyone around her when it comes to various volunteer efforts in Athena. Of course, she winds up dead. I really didn't like the woman, but there was a lovely call/letter with Charlie that made her seem a bit nicer. Did the sisters kill her? Doubtful, but Charlie must investigate. Unfortunately, it's his housekeeper Azalea who looks most guilty. We learn what happened between the two women in the past, and since the normal deputy solving these crimes is Kanesha, Azalea's daughter, she's been removed from the investigation. Charlie and Kanesha had some run-ins in the previous books, so this was a great change of pace.
Author James is truly gifted at transporting readers to Mississippi and the southern lifestyle. Coming from the north, it's a completely different way of life for me (although my other half is from Louisiana, so I do have some exposure). James has created vivid characters who leap off the pages either as friends or enemies right away. While I adore Diesel the cat, I'm possibly more fond of the various house guests at Charlie's place. They provide a great deal of balance and color to the intensity of the crimes, but we also experience a variety of personalities to bring in some laughter.
The secret we learned in this book was fantastic. The hidden relationships were even better. I actually think there could be a sequel to understand more about the woman who died... what happened to her growing up to make her the way she was. We get some details, but it was so fascinating, I wanted more. I'm excited to find out what happens to Charlie's kids in the next adventure given how this book ended - a nice small cliffhanger without rustling the boat too much. I'll be reading the fifth one early next month. Kudos for a wonderful series that insists I finish it ASAP!
August 7, 2021
In this fourth book in the 'Cat in the Stacks' cozy mystery series, library archivist Charlie Harris investigates the murder of the town's most unpopular woman. The book can be read as a standalone.
Charlie Harris, a middle-age southern gentleman living in Athena, Mississippi, is the archivist at the Athena College Library and a regular volunteer at the Athena Public Library.
Charlie is almost always accompanied by Diesel - his 36-pound Maine Coon cat - who strolls around with a harness and leash. Diesel is an amiable fellow who warbles to express his opinions and solicits pats and strokes from everyone around.
As the story opens the 'Friends of the Library' are meeting at Charlie's house to discuss the upcoming fundraiser. The octogenarian, 'old money', blueblood sisters Miss An'gel and Miss Dickce Ducote want to host a merry costume gala - with finger foods - at their mansion. By contrast, 75-year-old, 'new money', upstart Vera Cassity wants to hold an elegant sit-down-dinner at her estate.
The Ducotes win and gloat about their victory over Vera - who's a pushy and unpopular bully. In fact when Charlie's housekeeper, Azalea Berry, hears that Vera was in 'her house' she becomes enraged.....though she won't give details about her grievance.
A few days after the meeting, Vera pays a visit to Charlie at the Athena College Library. Vera says she's writing a pamphlet about the town's first families and needs to look at the Ducotes' papers in the archives. When Charlie tells Vera the Ducote collection isn't open to the public, Vera is infuriated.....and Charlie wonders about her ulterior motive.
The night of the fundraiser rolls around and the attendees show up dressed as their favorite literary characters, such as Hercule Poirot, Ariadne Oliver, Thomas Pitt, Mma Ramotswe, Amelia Peabody and more. Vera, who's dressed as Scarlet O'Hara, immediately gets into a ruckus with a fellow guest. Moreover, the Ducote siblings engineer a plan to frustrate Vera's ambitions.
Hercule Poirot and Ariadne Oliver
Thomas Pitt
Mma Ramotswe
Amelia Peabody
Scarlet O'Hara
After the party's been rocking for a while, with plenty of eating and drinking, Vera's dead body is found at the bottom of a back staircase. Unfortunately, Charlie's housekeeper Azalea is nearby - trying to get out of a blocked door. The sheriff considers Azalea the prime suspect for Vera's murder, but Charlie's certain she's innocent and sets out to prove it.
The 'suspects' at the top of Charlie's list include the Ducote sisters; Vera's husband Monty; and Monty's (not so secret) extramarital girlfriend.....but anyone at the party could be the perp. To aid in his quest to find 'the real killer' Charlie talks to Azalea; interviews persons of interest; discusses the case with his girlfriend Helen Louise; and (secretly) liases with deputy sheriff Kanesha Berry - who's off the case because she's Azalea's daughter.
During his investigation Charlie receives a previously mailed letter from Vera containing a photograph of a woman.
This inspires the amateur sleuth to look into the library's archives, where he learns some very surprising things. Eventually Charlie puts all the clues together and solves the crime.
Much of the book's fun rests with Diesel, who's always angling to be petted by bumping his head against people's hands; climbing into people's laps; sitting beside people on the sofa; etc. Like all good pets Diesel also cadges food and treats, especially bits of bacon from the breakfast table. The humans in this story eat well also, especially because Charlie's lady friend is a professional baker and chef. 🙂
This is an entertaining cozy mystery, recommended to fans of the genre.
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October 1, 2018
I am not a cosy fan but I like cats and I like libraries and I liked this book! The cat in the stacks is a Maine Coon cat called Diesel and he weighs 36 pounds! That is some cat.
Diesel's human is a librarian called Charlie and together they get involved in solving murders - as you do:) I liked that the story did not dissolve into silliness, that the characters were reasonably real and that the cat was a cat and behaved like one. A very smart one I admit but cats can be very smart.
It was altogether entertaining and very readable. I will now go back and start at book 1.
Diesel's human is a librarian called Charlie and together they get involved in solving murders - as you do:) I liked that the story did not dissolve into silliness, that the characters were reasonably real and that the cat was a cat and behaved like one. A very smart one I admit but cats can be very smart.
It was altogether entertaining and very readable. I will now go back and start at book 1.
August 1, 2024
Escenas y demás:
*La reunión para decidir dónde se realizarÃa la gala: oh, diosesâ€�
*La amenaza hecha por Vera Cassity dirigida a Charlie, a cierta beca y (lo imperdonable, lo más importante) a Diesel: lo llamó "monstruo". ¡monstruo! ¿¡cómo se atreve, esa hija de�!?
*El enfrentamiento entre Sissy Beauchamp y Vera Cassity. Públicamente. Frente a conocidos. Porque mantener un mÃnimo de compostura y moderación es imposible, evidentemente. Divertido.
*El diario privado de Cecilia Ducote esâ€� un artÃculo bastante informativo, sÃ.
*La descripción de la sombra que Azalea vio la noche del asesinato� descripción que, de alguna manera, consiguió que yo conectara los puntos e identificara a quien cometió el crimen incluso antes de que Charlie lo hiciera.
...SÃ, ya puedes sorprenderte por el suceso inusual. Adelante.
Cuando se inician los preparativos para una gala organizada por la junta de la biblioteca pública, Vera Cassity está decidida, decidida, a que el evento de recaudación de fondos se lleve a cabo en Ranelagh, una propiedad de su esposo Morton y suya, y no en River Hill, lugar perteneciente a la familia Ducote. Y ella no se dejará vencer por esas molestas, molestas hermanas An’gel y Richelle "Dickce" Ducote. No esta vez. No otra vez.
Ella, por supuesto, ve sus planes frustrados, y no solo por las hermanas Ducote, sino también por los otros miembros de la junta, quienes no aprecian a Cassity ni un poquito.
Lamentablemente para su salud mental, Charles Harris es uno de estos miembros y no le gusta nada encontrarse en medio de esta clase de enfrentamientosâ€� ¡pero está bien, está bien! él soportará los conflictos. Y las amenazas venideras. Y todo el drama. Y tratará de ayudar y apoyar a quienes Vera intente perjudicar. Estas sonâ€� cosas manejables, sÃ.
Lo que definitivamente no es manejable (y a lo que aún no recuerda haberse inscrito. No, en serio. No lo hizo) es encontrar a la señora Cassity asesinada y a Azalea Berry, su asistenta, junto al cuerpo.
El último hecho mencionado, claro está, no hace feliz ni a Charlie ni a Kanesha Berry, quien debe soportar que el sheriff Gerald Tidwell considere a su madre como la principal sospechosa del asesinato, que no la deje trabajar en el caso y verse obligada a pedir ayuda al señor Harris. Urgh.
Afortunadamente, casi todos en Athena odiaban a Vera, por lo que los sospechosos serán numerosos. Pequeñas victorias, supongo.
Desafortunadamente, Azalea tenÃa una poderosa razón para odiar a Vera, razón que según el sheriff podrÃa, quizás, haberla llevado a cometer el crimenâ€� y, desgraciadamente, también hay cierta hostilidad entre Kanesha y Tidwell dando vueltas por ahÃâ€�
*La reunión para decidir dónde se realizarÃa la gala: oh, diosesâ€�
*La amenaza hecha por Vera Cassity dirigida a Charlie, a cierta beca y (lo imperdonable, lo más importante) a Diesel: lo llamó "monstruo". ¡monstruo! ¿¡cómo se atreve, esa hija de�!?
*El enfrentamiento entre Sissy Beauchamp y Vera Cassity. Públicamente. Frente a conocidos. Porque mantener un mÃnimo de compostura y moderación es imposible, evidentemente. Divertido.
*El diario privado de Cecilia Ducote esâ€� un artÃculo bastante informativo, sÃ.
*La descripción de la sombra que Azalea vio la noche del asesinato� descripción que, de alguna manera, consiguió que yo conectara los puntos e identificara a quien cometió el crimen incluso antes de que Charlie lo hiciera.
...SÃ, ya puedes sorprenderte por el suceso inusual. Adelante.
Cuando se inician los preparativos para una gala organizada por la junta de la biblioteca pública, Vera Cassity está decidida, decidida, a que el evento de recaudación de fondos se lleve a cabo en Ranelagh, una propiedad de su esposo Morton y suya, y no en River Hill, lugar perteneciente a la familia Ducote. Y ella no se dejará vencer por esas molestas, molestas hermanas An’gel y Richelle "Dickce" Ducote. No esta vez. No otra vez.
Ella, por supuesto, ve sus planes frustrados, y no solo por las hermanas Ducote, sino también por los otros miembros de la junta, quienes no aprecian a Cassity ni un poquito.
Lamentablemente para su salud mental, Charles Harris es uno de estos miembros y no le gusta nada encontrarse en medio de esta clase de enfrentamientosâ€� ¡pero está bien, está bien! él soportará los conflictos. Y las amenazas venideras. Y todo el drama. Y tratará de ayudar y apoyar a quienes Vera intente perjudicar. Estas sonâ€� cosas manejables, sÃ.
Lo que definitivamente no es manejable (y a lo que aún no recuerda haberse inscrito. No, en serio. No lo hizo) es encontrar a la señora Cassity asesinada y a Azalea Berry, su asistenta, junto al cuerpo.
El último hecho mencionado, claro está, no hace feliz ni a Charlie ni a Kanesha Berry, quien debe soportar que el sheriff Gerald Tidwell considere a su madre como la principal sospechosa del asesinato, que no la deje trabajar en el caso y verse obligada a pedir ayuda al señor Harris. Urgh.
Afortunadamente, casi todos en Athena odiaban a Vera, por lo que los sospechosos serán numerosos. Pequeñas victorias, supongo.
Desafortunadamente, Azalea tenÃa una poderosa razón para odiar a Vera, razón que según el sheriff podrÃa, quizás, haberla llevado a cometer el crimenâ€� y, desgraciadamente, también hay cierta hostilidad entre Kanesha y Tidwell dando vueltas por ahÃâ€�
October 6, 2016
This is my second foray into the small college town of Athens, Mississippi and the sleuthing adventures of special collections librarian, Charlie Harris and his sidekick, Maine Coon cat Diesel. This fourth installment in the 'Cat in the Stacks' series, 'Out of Circulation' , begins with Charlie lamenting his decision to become the latest member of the Friends of the Library Board. Charlie would rather spend his evenings at home with Diesel and curled up with a good book but the Friends are meeting to plan the library's annual fundraising gala.
The Friends of the Library board meeting turned out to be anything BUT friendly. Deciding that the gale would be a costume ball was relatively easy. The problems started when trying to decide where the gala should be held. The problems it seemed came down to what is typically a conflict�. it was 'old money', Miss An'gel and Miss Dickce Ducote from an old respected Athens family wanting to hold the gala at their family mansion�.. versus the 'new money' Mrs. Vera Cassity, who descended from a more 'common' background but had married a VERY successful man (read RICH!). Barbs and insults were exchanged between the three.. of course, in that 'sweet-as-you-please' manner that it seems that only southern women can pull off. Finally, a vote was taken among the board members and unfortunately for Charlie, his vote was the decider and the Ducote mansion was the venue for the gala. Vera, of course, stalked out of the meeting but not before hurling more insults, threats and accusations.
Charlie was appalled and shaken by Vera's uncivilized behavior but in the days that followed, he discovered that Vera was quite infamous for her uncivilized behavior. In fact, Charlie couldn't find one person in Athens who had a kind word to say about Vera Cassity.. including his own housekeeper Azalea who shocked Charlie with her admission that she despised the woman.
Finally, the night of the gala arrived and the guests began arriving at the Ducote mansion dressed in costumes representative of their favorite bookish sleuths (and I have to admit that hearing of these costumes was one of my favorite parts of the story!!) . Charlie, who decided to dress as the Belgian detective Hercule Poirot from the Agatha Christie series, wandered through the party, watchful but also hoping that things would go smoothly. The guests mingled, sipping champagne and nibbling hors d' oeuvres. Initially, Charlie felt as if he had been worried needlessly but soon enough, Charlie witnessed a number of 'dust ups' between Vera Cassity and various guests.. one altercation even turned physical. To Charlie's relief, the gala finally came to an end. Exchanging pleasantries with the Ducote sisters, Charlie was approached by Vera's husband� had Charlie seen her? She was nowhere to be found� and Charlie's housekeeper, Azalea was missing too!
It just so happened that Charlie was the person to stumble upon both Azalea AND Vera. Azalea was pounding on the locked door of the servant's staircase and at the bottom of those stairs lay a crumpled heap� a DEAD Vera Cassity! Could she have tripped on the long skirt which had been part of her costume for the evening and fallen down the stairs? It became obvious in no time that Vera had had help tumbling down the stairs. But WHO? It was clear to Charlie that the field of suspects was wide open�. a simpler question to answer would have been, who LIKED Vera Cassity? The sherif's department began an investigation into Vera's death; but Charlie and Diesel kept their ears tuned to the Athens grapevine and soon reluctantly found themselves embroiled in an investigation of their own. Who in Athens was harboring a secret he or she didn't want revealed?
I REALLY enjoyed listening to this audiobook which was expertly narrated by Erin Bennett, Charlie and Diesel make a good investigative duo and I love listening to their exploits into crime solving.
The Friends of the Library board meeting turned out to be anything BUT friendly. Deciding that the gale would be a costume ball was relatively easy. The problems started when trying to decide where the gala should be held. The problems it seemed came down to what is typically a conflict�. it was 'old money', Miss An'gel and Miss Dickce Ducote from an old respected Athens family wanting to hold the gala at their family mansion�.. versus the 'new money' Mrs. Vera Cassity, who descended from a more 'common' background but had married a VERY successful man (read RICH!). Barbs and insults were exchanged between the three.. of course, in that 'sweet-as-you-please' manner that it seems that only southern women can pull off. Finally, a vote was taken among the board members and unfortunately for Charlie, his vote was the decider and the Ducote mansion was the venue for the gala. Vera, of course, stalked out of the meeting but not before hurling more insults, threats and accusations.
Charlie was appalled and shaken by Vera's uncivilized behavior but in the days that followed, he discovered that Vera was quite infamous for her uncivilized behavior. In fact, Charlie couldn't find one person in Athens who had a kind word to say about Vera Cassity.. including his own housekeeper Azalea who shocked Charlie with her admission that she despised the woman.
Finally, the night of the gala arrived and the guests began arriving at the Ducote mansion dressed in costumes representative of their favorite bookish sleuths (and I have to admit that hearing of these costumes was one of my favorite parts of the story!!) . Charlie, who decided to dress as the Belgian detective Hercule Poirot from the Agatha Christie series, wandered through the party, watchful but also hoping that things would go smoothly. The guests mingled, sipping champagne and nibbling hors d' oeuvres. Initially, Charlie felt as if he had been worried needlessly but soon enough, Charlie witnessed a number of 'dust ups' between Vera Cassity and various guests.. one altercation even turned physical. To Charlie's relief, the gala finally came to an end. Exchanging pleasantries with the Ducote sisters, Charlie was approached by Vera's husband� had Charlie seen her? She was nowhere to be found� and Charlie's housekeeper, Azalea was missing too!
It just so happened that Charlie was the person to stumble upon both Azalea AND Vera. Azalea was pounding on the locked door of the servant's staircase and at the bottom of those stairs lay a crumpled heap� a DEAD Vera Cassity! Could she have tripped on the long skirt which had been part of her costume for the evening and fallen down the stairs? It became obvious in no time that Vera had had help tumbling down the stairs. But WHO? It was clear to Charlie that the field of suspects was wide open�. a simpler question to answer would have been, who LIKED Vera Cassity? The sherif's department began an investigation into Vera's death; but Charlie and Diesel kept their ears tuned to the Athens grapevine and soon reluctantly found themselves embroiled in an investigation of their own. Who in Athens was harboring a secret he or she didn't want revealed?
I REALLY enjoyed listening to this audiobook which was expertly narrated by Erin Bennett, Charlie and Diesel make a good investigative duo and I love listening to their exploits into crime solving.
February 5, 2013
I enjoy the Cat In The Stacks mysteries from Miranda James, which feature a lovable librarian and an equally lovable Maine Coon cat named Diesel! The latest book in the series, "Out of Circulation," is, in my opinion, one of the best of this series!
I don't know which pleases me more with this series - that the main character, Charlie Harris, is not only a great librarian who loves books with all his heart as well as being a pretty good sleuth; or the fact that he loves and adores his beloved cat, Diesel! Having a part Maine Coon cat myself, I can attest to the realism that Miranda James brings to the animal characteristics of Diesel.
This installment of the adventures of Charlies and Diesel has all the twists and turns that make a good mystery a great read, and with the liberal dashes of Southern quirks and quaint way that are added makes "Out of Circulation" a fun book to enjoy! James keeps the readers on the edge of their seats, trying to figure out who, among all the likely suspects, has committed the murder of the town busy-body! There are lots of surprises and shocking revelations in this story!
I really had a great time reading this book, and highly, highly recommend it to fans of cozy mysteries and Southern-based fiction!
I don't know which pleases me more with this series - that the main character, Charlie Harris, is not only a great librarian who loves books with all his heart as well as being a pretty good sleuth; or the fact that he loves and adores his beloved cat, Diesel! Having a part Maine Coon cat myself, I can attest to the realism that Miranda James brings to the animal characteristics of Diesel.
This installment of the adventures of Charlies and Diesel has all the twists and turns that make a good mystery a great read, and with the liberal dashes of Southern quirks and quaint way that are added makes "Out of Circulation" a fun book to enjoy! James keeps the readers on the edge of their seats, trying to figure out who, among all the likely suspects, has committed the murder of the town busy-body! There are lots of surprises and shocking revelations in this story!
I really had a great time reading this book, and highly, highly recommend it to fans of cozy mysteries and Southern-based fiction!
August 16, 2018
When you are the town busybody and have antagonized so many people in your community, it’s a big job to narrow down the suspect list when you turn up murdered. This was Vera’s plight and Charlie’s quest. He is hard-pressed to find the real killer when his beloved housekeeper becomes a person of interest to the sheriff, her daughter having been taken off the case. There are some twists and turns in this cozy as well as some developments in the characters� lives. This entertaining cozy has books, a cat, a dog, the murder of a scoundrel, and it’s Christmas - what more is there!
May 23, 2016
Charlie Harris has joined the Friends of the Library board in time for their annual Christmas fundraiser. Unfortunately, he’s walked into a feud that has been going on for years between the elderly Ducote sisters and Vera Cassity, who likes to think of herself as a bigger deal in town than she is. The night of the gala, Vera takes a tumble down the stairs and breaks her neck. With the sheriff looking at Azalea, Charlie’s housekeeper, he needs to figure out what really happened.
As a fan of the Southern Ladies series, I was quite anxious to read the book that introduced the Ducote sisters. They are as much fun here as they are in their own series. We get to see a different side of a couple of series regulars as well, which I really enjoyed. The plot was strong and kept me going until the surprising yet logical conclusion.
Read my full review at .
As a fan of the Southern Ladies series, I was quite anxious to read the book that introduced the Ducote sisters. They are as much fun here as they are in their own series. We get to see a different side of a couple of series regulars as well, which I really enjoyed. The plot was strong and kept me going until the surprising yet logical conclusion.
Read my full review at .
August 1, 2015
I just adore this series! I can't get enough! It has really opened me up to the wonderful world of cozy mysteries.
May 10, 2017
You can't go wrong with these stories. A large cat that goes everywhere with his owner. Throw in a mystery to solve. Characters you will grow to love. What more could you want?
August 2, 2024
This is a 4th book in the serie and it is good book. It is well written, well plotted and I enjoyed it. Can' t wait to read next book in this nice serie.
January 16, 2016
Everyone in Athena, Mississippi, knows Charlie Harris, the librarian with a rescued Maine coon cat named Diesel. He’s returned to his hometown to immerse himself in books.
Charlie has found himself on the committee to plan this year’s library fundraiser gala. Mainly that means staying out of the way as barbs fly between Vera Cassity and Miss An’gel and Miss Dickce Ducote. It seems no one really cares for Vera, even Charlie’s housekeeper, Azalea, seems to have it out for her. At the gala Charlie starts to understand why. Apparently no one ever taught Vera that “if you have nothing nice to say, say nothing at all.� She had a verbal jab for almost everyone that night. And these bitter words happened to be her last. Yes, while Vera was not the life of the party her death turned the party upside down. She was found dead and Azalea was standing over her body. Charlie knows there is much more to the story so with a bit of help from his sidekick Diesel he sets out to catch the killer before his last chapter is finished.
Dollycas’s Thoughts
This 4th installment is the best one so far. The female characters are the shining stars this time. Miss An’gel and Miss Dickce are wonderful characters. Full of Southern charm and feisty. These are not women to mess with. We get to know Azalea better in this story too, a little blast from her past. She is another strong opinionated woman and I loved her speaking out � finally. Her daughter, Kanesha, gets her spunk from her mother. I see her taking over that police force in the near future.
James writes fun and entertaining mysteries with characters fleshed out making them real and identifiable. Writing strong women that have the relate with each other and relate to the reader can be a difficult task especially when the protagonist is a male. The author, yes also a male, has become a master with this latest story.
I will admit it. I absolutely love Diesel!! He is such a special cat that is tuned in to the humans around him. His meows, warbles, chirrups, and head bumps are priceless. No magical powers just a real cat acting like a cat. I live with one that could be Diesel’s brother who looks and acts exactly the same way.
All of these characters are part of a terrific mystery with a very important and surprising twist. Cozy readers will love this story!!
Charlie has found himself on the committee to plan this year’s library fundraiser gala. Mainly that means staying out of the way as barbs fly between Vera Cassity and Miss An’gel and Miss Dickce Ducote. It seems no one really cares for Vera, even Charlie’s housekeeper, Azalea, seems to have it out for her. At the gala Charlie starts to understand why. Apparently no one ever taught Vera that “if you have nothing nice to say, say nothing at all.� She had a verbal jab for almost everyone that night. And these bitter words happened to be her last. Yes, while Vera was not the life of the party her death turned the party upside down. She was found dead and Azalea was standing over her body. Charlie knows there is much more to the story so with a bit of help from his sidekick Diesel he sets out to catch the killer before his last chapter is finished.
Dollycas’s Thoughts
This 4th installment is the best one so far. The female characters are the shining stars this time. Miss An’gel and Miss Dickce are wonderful characters. Full of Southern charm and feisty. These are not women to mess with. We get to know Azalea better in this story too, a little blast from her past. She is another strong opinionated woman and I loved her speaking out � finally. Her daughter, Kanesha, gets her spunk from her mother. I see her taking over that police force in the near future.
James writes fun and entertaining mysteries with characters fleshed out making them real and identifiable. Writing strong women that have the relate with each other and relate to the reader can be a difficult task especially when the protagonist is a male. The author, yes also a male, has become a master with this latest story.
I will admit it. I absolutely love Diesel!! He is such a special cat that is tuned in to the humans around him. His meows, warbles, chirrups, and head bumps are priceless. No magical powers just a real cat acting like a cat. I live with one that could be Diesel’s brother who looks and acts exactly the same way.
All of these characters are part of a terrific mystery with a very important and surprising twist. Cozy readers will love this story!!
December 6, 2017
Most cozies are light and fluffy, even with the aspect of murder within its pages. The murdered is usually someone that is distasteful/bad/creepy/mean and while absolutely NO ONE EVER deserves to be murdered, you usually don't feel horrible about it and the mystery makes up for the fact that someone has died [and yes I realize how this makes me sound, but if you ask anyone who reads this genre or mysteries where death is involved, they will end up sounding like I just did].
THAT was not the case with this one. This was filled with so much pain and anger and anguish, I had a difficult time both reading it and finishing it. And then when all was revealed, I was sadder still. One of the hardest things to deal with was that the person who was murdered was seriously unliked and not one person who knew them shed one tear over their passing [even by murder], not even their spouse. <--when that revelation was made, I realized I was going to have a tough time reading this one.
It is extremely well-written. The feelings and emotions I had are, in my opinion, exactly what the author intends you to have. They WANT you to have all these feels. They want it that way, maybe as a reminder to be kind to people, even the ones you don't like.
THAT was not the case with this one. This was filled with so much pain and anger and anguish, I had a difficult time both reading it and finishing it. And then when all was revealed, I was sadder still. One of the hardest things to deal with was that the person who was murdered was seriously unliked and not one person who knew them shed one tear over their passing [even by murder], not even their spouse. <--when that revelation was made, I realized I was going to have a tough time reading this one.
It is extremely well-written. The feelings and emotions I had are, in my opinion, exactly what the author intends you to have. They WANT you to have all these feels. They want it that way, maybe as a reminder to be kind to people, even the ones you don't like.
April 12, 2021
Out of Circulation by Miranda James is the 4th book in the Cat in the Stacks Mystery series. Wealthy socialite Vera Cassity is disliked by virtually everyone in Athena and it is no surprise when she is murdered, but unfortunately Azalea, Charlie's housekeeper, is found locked in with the body. I am enjoying this series more as it progresses. I like that Charlie is clever and resourceful and shares his findings with the police and does not attempt to confront the killer. Diesel does not really contribue to the investigation, but is a comfort to those that need him. An enjoyable, nice cozy mystery.
May 3, 2019
I've finaly figured out why Miranda James has captured me as a faithful reader. She begins with the portrayal of the murder victim so we see someone who forgets that actions have consequences and people who make others suffer often get what's coming to them. It's as if we're prepared and waiting to see the hateful person killed. That's interesting because we usually are more concerned about making the guilty party pay. However, Miranda James also satisfies our need for justice. And I love Charlie Harris and his Maine coon cat, Diesel!
February 1, 2013
I love this series, and this fourth book was just as enjoyable as the first three. There's a good mystery plot, and a beautifully portrayed Southern small-town setting, but what I like most are the characters: intelligent, warmhearted librarian Charlie Harris, his family and friends, an assortment of local eccentrics, and, most of all, Diesel the lovable Maine coon cat, whose charming presence makes these books so irresistible.
November 3, 2015
Another fun romp! I do love cozy mysteries and this is one of the best cat ones available! It's a lot of fun seeing old characters in different lights, and new characters too. The writing is a little bit dry, but overall still good. I didn't pick the killer this time either. I'll definitely have to order in a few more of these books, maybe next pay day!
March 29, 2019
This series is mildly interesting, although I always feel like something is a little off in these audiobooks. Written by Miranda James, this is actually a pseudonym used by Dean James. Charlie, the main character, is narrated by a woman. Confused? Me too!
October 15, 2016
This series gets better with every book.
February 1, 2018
Book #4 in Cat in the Stacks series. Same formula as the rest of the series. Great locale. Great characters. Great plot. The star of the show is Diesel. Will continue on with series. 4 stars.
June 5, 2021
Solid mystery, though I figured out the culprit early on. It was nice to catch up with these characters. Looking forward to the next book.
August 12, 2013
In his fourth adventure Charlie and his Maine Coon sidekick, the lovable Diesel, are back to solve more murders in Athena. Charlie is helping to organize the Friends of the Library fund-raising gala and seems to be caught in between the tension from the Ducote sisters and Vera Cassidy. They can't agree on where to hold the gala, and when Charlie casts his deciding vote for the Ducote sisters' residence, Vera becomes very unhappy indeed. It's a very frosty reception the night of the gala as Vera does her best to intimidate everyone and An'gel and Dickce Ducote have a plan to put her in her place. However when Vera falls down the stairs, in what doesn't seem like a accident, it looks like someone had another plan. And so the Ducote sisters enlist Charlie to investigate, in the hopes of clearing their name. Thus giving Charlie another murder to solve!
Over the last four books this series has wormed it's way into my heart to become a favorite. It helps that I adopted a Maine Coon cat myself six years ago, so I'm absolutely smitten with Diesel and his antics. Add into it the fabulous atmosphere of Athena, the library setting and the quirky characters and well that makes me this series a home run for me.
In Out of Circulation, in the act of trying to solve the murder Charlie discovers a lot more about the history of both the Ducote family and also Vera Cassidy's family. This was really fascinating, as I tried to piece together the mystery alongside Charlie.
I really can't stress enough how wonderful this series is. The stories are well-plotted with really memorable characters - I particularly love Charlie's boarders Stewart and Justin! Not to mention the Ducote sisters.
I'm thrilled the Ducote sisters are going to have their own mystery series, which is supposed to hit the shelves in October, 2014. Until then, I will wait patiently for Charlie and Diesel's fifth book, The Silence of the Library, which is due out on January, 2014.
If you haven't discovered the Cat in the Stacks mysteries yet, pick up the first one - Murder Past Due. Well worth a read for all mystery lovers.
Over the last four books this series has wormed it's way into my heart to become a favorite. It helps that I adopted a Maine Coon cat myself six years ago, so I'm absolutely smitten with Diesel and his antics. Add into it the fabulous atmosphere of Athena, the library setting and the quirky characters and well that makes me this series a home run for me.
In Out of Circulation, in the act of trying to solve the murder Charlie discovers a lot more about the history of both the Ducote family and also Vera Cassidy's family. This was really fascinating, as I tried to piece together the mystery alongside Charlie.
I really can't stress enough how wonderful this series is. The stories are well-plotted with really memorable characters - I particularly love Charlie's boarders Stewart and Justin! Not to mention the Ducote sisters.
I'm thrilled the Ducote sisters are going to have their own mystery series, which is supposed to hit the shelves in October, 2014. Until then, I will wait patiently for Charlie and Diesel's fifth book, The Silence of the Library, which is due out on January, 2014.
If you haven't discovered the Cat in the Stacks mysteries yet, pick up the first one - Murder Past Due. Well worth a read for all mystery lovers.
September 17, 2015
Oh my! Charlie is cringing in his own living room while the Ducote sisters and Vera Cassity are verbily battling over where the upcoming Friends of the Library Gala is to held. Seeing and hearing the vitriol coming from the wealthiest ladies in Athena MS has him in a mute stupor and wishing he'd never become a Friends of the Library board member. An'gel and Dickce Ducote yet again outmaneuvered Vera and hand Charlie his engraved invitation. The Gala is always held ate their home. Vera is livid. She goes to Charlie's office and requests to see the Ducote's papers and letters. Charlie must decline because the Ducote materials are sealed, and Miz Cassity must get permission from the Ducote sisters or their lawyer. Again Vera Cassity becomes viciously bellicose and threatens Charlie, his boarder - Justin, and Diesel.
Charlie finally sees why everyone in Athena loathe the Cassity woman. Even his housekeeper, Azalea Berry, hates the woman. She tells Charlie if "that woman comes into this house again, I quit." Charlie is taken aback. He's never seen Azalea this upset and angry. But he soon will discover how angry Vera has made someone. At the Gala Vera is found dead on a stair case landing and Azalea saw her being pushed by a person in the shadows. Not only is Vera out of public charity life, she is permanently out of circulation. And Azalea is Sheriff Tidwell's prime suspect! Both the Ducote sisters and Chief Deputy Kanesha Bell ask Charlie to investigate the murder much to his surprise. Finding the killer won't be easy, everyone in Athena would have liked to seen Vera Cassity dead. And Charli and Diesel will learn a few secrets about Athena's oldest and richest families.
Again, James kept me turning the pages as quickly as I could. There are few red herrings dropped here and there. But don't be fooled about who the killer is because there is a mini-mystery within the who-dun-it story line. Another delightful read!
Charlie finally sees why everyone in Athena loathe the Cassity woman. Even his housekeeper, Azalea Berry, hates the woman. She tells Charlie if "that woman comes into this house again, I quit." Charlie is taken aback. He's never seen Azalea this upset and angry. But he soon will discover how angry Vera has made someone. At the Gala Vera is found dead on a stair case landing and Azalea saw her being pushed by a person in the shadows. Not only is Vera out of public charity life, she is permanently out of circulation. And Azalea is Sheriff Tidwell's prime suspect! Both the Ducote sisters and Chief Deputy Kanesha Bell ask Charlie to investigate the murder much to his surprise. Finding the killer won't be easy, everyone in Athena would have liked to seen Vera Cassity dead. And Charli and Diesel will learn a few secrets about Athena's oldest and richest families.
Again, James kept me turning the pages as quickly as I could. There are few red herrings dropped here and there. But don't be fooled about who the killer is because there is a mini-mystery within the who-dun-it story line. Another delightful read!
February 8, 2013
I've been a reader and a lover of libraries as long as I can remember, and am owned by several cats! So when the "Charlie and Diesel" series came out a few years ago.I just finished the 4th in the series, and, as always, I was not disappointed. Dean James, writing as Miranda James, writes with gentle wit and charm. Charlie is a research and archival librarian at a university in Athena, MI. Charlie is accompanied just about everywhere he goes by Diesel, his 36lb Maine Coon. Charlie and Diesel enjoy just about everything in their small town. However, Charlie is uncomfortable when competing socialites have an argument about the upcoming library gala. One of them, Vera Cassity, is a miserable woman despite being very wealthy. She throws her weight around along with her money. She desperately wants the library gala to take place in her home, but her rivals, two "old money" sisters, refuse to allow that to happen. The gala takes place - and Vera is murdered. Then Charlie's housekeeper, Azalea, a non nonsense woman he "inherited" along with his house, is accused of the murder. The fact that her daughter, Kenesha, is a detective in the local sheriff's department adds a twist since she and Charlie have not always seen eye to eye. This, after all, is NOT Charlie's first murder mystery! This series is always such fun. If you haven't read the first three, scoop them all up, make yourself a pot of tea and start reading!
April 3, 2017
Everyone in Athena, Mississippi, knows Charlie Harris, the librarian with a rescued Maine coon cat named Diesel. He's returned to his hometown to immerse himself in books, but when a feud erupts between the town's richest ladies, the writing on the wall spells murder.
The Ducote sisters are in a tiff with Vera Cassity over the location of this year's library fundraising gala, and Charlie would rather curl up in a corner than get into the fray. It seems everyone--even his housekeeper Azalea--has it in for Vera. And at the gala, she gives them good reason, with a public display of rancor aimed at anyone who gets in her way.
But those bitter words wind up being her last. When Charlie discovers Azalea standing over Vera's dead body, it's up to him--with a little help from Diesel--to clear Azalea's name, and catch a killer before his last chapter is finished.
I had a hard time getting into this book for some reason. It was interesting, but seemed to drag on... and on... and on... 3 stars.
The Ducote sisters are in a tiff with Vera Cassity over the location of this year's library fundraising gala, and Charlie would rather curl up in a corner than get into the fray. It seems everyone--even his housekeeper Azalea--has it in for Vera. And at the gala, she gives them good reason, with a public display of rancor aimed at anyone who gets in her way.
But those bitter words wind up being her last. When Charlie discovers Azalea standing over Vera's dead body, it's up to him--with a little help from Diesel--to clear Azalea's name, and catch a killer before his last chapter is finished.
I had a hard time getting into this book for some reason. It was interesting, but seemed to drag on... and on... and on... 3 stars.
January 27, 2024
1/27/2024--I did not remember reading this. My original review stands but I will say this time around I figured out the family but got the wrong member as the murderer. This is still a good read.
4/21/14 This time Diesel and Charlie have to find out who murdered Vera Cassity when Azalea, Charlie's housekeeper, becomes the prime suspect. I liked how Charlie becomes the one that Kanesha turns to for help when she is taken off the investigation because her mother is the chief suspect. She always has gotten mad with Charlie in the past but now she needs his skills to help keep her mother from being arrested. Once again I did not figure out the murderer. I love these characters. I also like seeing how Charlie and his children are relearning each other and living together. I loved the Ducote Sisters and their plan to negate someone who is constantly behaving badly. I look forward to the next installment.
4/21/14 This time Diesel and Charlie have to find out who murdered Vera Cassity when Azalea, Charlie's housekeeper, becomes the prime suspect. I liked how Charlie becomes the one that Kanesha turns to for help when she is taken off the investigation because her mother is the chief suspect. She always has gotten mad with Charlie in the past but now she needs his skills to help keep her mother from being arrested. Once again I did not figure out the murderer. I love these characters. I also like seeing how Charlie and his children are relearning each other and living together. I loved the Ducote Sisters and their plan to negate someone who is constantly behaving badly. I look forward to the next installment.
February 22, 2014
I really like Charlie & Diesel as a team. The mystery took a little while to get going in this one but the characters are so much fun that it's OK. I have to admit that I wanted a different person to have committed the crime but I didn't dislike the outcome, I just wanted a different one. I love that Diesel doesn't have psychic powers or anything, he's "just" a sensitive cat. Like many pets he brings moments of levity to difficult times and I love that although Charlie's circle of local friends and family have grown since the first book Diesel is still an important part of his life. I'm looking forward to more time with Charlie & Diesel.
April 29, 2015
This mystery was very enjoyable and the Ducote sisters play a major part. Vera Cassidy came up from poor beginnings and became very rich. She uses this to try and buy status. When she turns up murdered at the Friends of the Library Gala held at the Ducote's house, River Hill, there is no dearth of suspects as she had so many enemies. When Charlie's own housekeeper, Azalea becomes a suspect, it is up to him to clear her name. Charlie Harris and his Maine Coon Cat, Diesel help make this book so much fun.
February 17, 2018
I enjoyed this book. It's another entry into the Cat in the Stacks mystery. I really like this series and can't wait to continue.
This mystery was about the death of Vera Cassity and all f the people that had a motive to kill her. Of course Charlie was summoned to help figure out the mystery. We, as readers follow along with Charlie and his pet cat Diesel as they wade through all of the different suspects. The author made sure that each of the suspects had a good motive to keep you guessing until the very end.
This mystery was about the death of Vera Cassity and all f the people that had a motive to kill her. Of course Charlie was summoned to help figure out the mystery. We, as readers follow along with Charlie and his pet cat Diesel as they wade through all of the different suspects. The author made sure that each of the suspects had a good motive to keep you guessing until the very end.
March 3, 2018
Another great Cat in the Stacks story! It's fun visiting the small Mississippi town of Athena and checking in with Charlie, his family and friends, and adorable cat Diesel. This was a quick read that kept me engaged from the start. I love how Charlie's home has changed over the 4 books (so far) in this series, with more people and more love. The mystery was intriguing and kept me guessing 'til the very end. Can't wait to get my hands on the next book, and start reading Bless Her Dead Little Heart, a new Miranda James series featuring two of the characters in this book.
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