Not my favorite of the Mrs Murphy books. Though set during the Christmas season, it really didn't have anything to do with it, though the blizzardy weather played a central part. Seemed to use this story as a religious statement and to share a pro-gay marriage stance.
GREAT FUN---as are all the Rita Mae Brown (and Sneaky Pie Brown) books!
From back cover: As feline collaboraters go, you couldn't ask for better than Sneaky Pie Brown.
As Harry well knows, there's hardly a place on earth cozier than Crozet, Virginia, at Christmastime. Snowflakes, carolers--it's all picture-perfect until Harry and her husband, Fair, find the holiday tree they've chosen grimly decorated with a corpse. The tree farm is run by the Brothers of Love, a semimonastic organization whose members live atop the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains. Now, as the season grows merrier, a murderer is growing bolder. One by one, prominent men of Crozet are being crossed off Christmas shopping lists and added to the morgue. And if Harry and her four-legged helpers aren't very good--and very careful--this Christmas will be Harry's last.
Enjoyed this book of the series, great being back with Harry, Fair and friends, 2 legged and 4 legged. This is a very comfortable group of people Rita Mae and Sneaky Pie have created.
Very cozy,quick read. I thought it light, but well written and I love the animals insight.
The Christmas season is upon Crozet Va. and Harry Harristen and her brood are excited. They are getting a beautiful tree from the Brothers of Love convent.
They arrive at the tree farm and one of the brothers is someone Harry knew in high school. The man had fallen from grace due to insider trading and became a monk to repent of his sins.
When Harry, Fair and the animals come back to pick up the tree, they fine Brother Chrisopher dead at the base.
Later his autopsy reveals he has a ancient coin stuck under his tounge.
What does it mean and why are the monks targeted??
When another Brother ends up dead, they know something has targeted them, and Harry and brood are right in the middle of it.
The animals of course lend the best part of the story.
For a couple of books, Rita Mae had gotten into heavy politics and discussions that did not lend a good vibe to the theme of the books.,
This one for the most part, stayed away from that.
I hope the furure books get back to the original theme, the animals.
The first ones, paydirt and wish you were here were the best ones...
Hope they take a turn for the better.
