In Athena, Mississippi, librarian Charlie Harris is known for his good natureand 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. Longs husband. The mayor would like Charlie to preserve and to substantiate them as a part of the Long family legacysomething that could benefit her son, Beck, as he prepares to campaign for the state senate.
Becks biggest rival is Jasper Singletary. His Southern roots are as deep as Becks, 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. Hed like to get a look at the diaries in an attempt to expose the Long familys 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. Longs husband. The mayor would like Charlie to preserve and to substantiate them as a part of the Long family legacysomething that could benefit her son, Beck, as he prepares to campaign for the state senate.
Becks biggest rival is Jasper Singletary. His Southern roots are as deep as Becks, 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. Hed like to get a look at the diaries in an attempt to expose the Long familys 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
Nice change of pace to have a cozy written with a male lead. Charlie is interesting, if not dramatic as many other cozy female leads are. Varied and diverse cast of supporting characters that take on heavier roles in some of the books in the series than in others. The Maine Coon is portrayed in loving and gentle detail making him a favorite of everyone that he meets.
Pamela C. (pj-s-bookcorner) reviewed Arsenic and Old Books (Cat in the Stacks, Bk 6) on + 862 more book reviews
Love this series Charlie is asked to catalog and archive some Civil War diaries belonging to the mayor's husband. But the information contained within the diaries may be damaging to one of the political candidates - but enough to commit murder?
Bonnie A. (ladycholla) -
Once again enjoyed Diesel and Charlie, their adventures, companionship and the relationship with others. Cozy enjoyable read as always.
Lynda C. (Readnmachine) reviewed Arsenic and Old Books (Cat in the Stacks, Bk 6) on + 1440 more book reviews
Pretty insipid cozy dealing with Civil War era diaries that become the target of theft and mayhem as two political candidates each become convinced that the contents will destroy his opponent.
James is generous in doling out clues, and most readers will have figured things out long before the book's cast does.
The main character, college librarian Charlie Harris, is a beige character throughout. The reader never really finds out much about him, except that he is owned by Diesel, a Maine Coon cat.
This volume is part of a series "A Cat in the Stacks", but does little to tempt the reader to find additional volumes. It also includes a bonus short story, "When Charlie Met Diesel".
James is generous in doling out clues, and most readers will have figured things out long before the book's cast does.
The main character, college librarian Charlie Harris, is a beige character throughout. The reader never really finds out much about him, except that he is owned by Diesel, a Maine Coon cat.
This volume is part of a series "A Cat in the Stacks", but does little to tempt the reader to find additional volumes. It also includes a bonus short story, "When Charlie Met Diesel".
