What the Cat Dragged In

Charlie Harris and Diesel—Ramses too—are back and they have quite a conundrum. Charlie learns that he has inherited his paternal grandfather's farmhouse and land. He is inspecting the attic with Diesel when he hears a thud and sees a skull. Diesel has discovered a skeleton in a wardrobe with dirt clinging to it. Charlie can imagine what Kanesha Berry will say. While the deputies do their work, a storm hits the area downing trees. Deputies find Martin Hale's grandson, the man who had leased the farmhouse, dead under one of those trees. Unfortunately, the tree is not what killed the man. Charlie has his work cut out for him with this curious case. What the Cat Dragged In by Miranda James is the 14th A Cat in the Stacks Mystery. It can be read as a standalone if you are new to the series. Personally, I have loved reading this charming series from the beginning. What the Cat Dragged In is well-written with developed characters. Charlie Harris is a great character. He is friendly, smart, caring, and a good family man. He is rarely seen without his sidekick, Diesel (a Maine Coon cat). I just love Diesel who acts like a person. He has a darling personality and I love his chirps. Ramses, of course, is a busy kitten. He is getting bigger and more rambunctious. All of the other characters that we love are back as well such as Sean, Laura, Azalea, Stewart, Haskell, Miss An'gel, and, of course, Little Charlie. The mystery was complex and unique. I like that there is a cold case and a current case. There investigation into the skeleton is more interesting than the present day one. Charlie must delve into the past to unravel this one. We get to learn more about the Harris family. The modern murder I found a cinch to solve. There were some fun aspects to this case, and I just loved the reveal. I enjoy every visit with Charlie and Diesel, and this was no exception. Great characters, a fun whodunit, Southern charm, and humor in one engaging cozy mystery. I am eager to read Hiss Me Deadly next spring. What the Cat Dragged In is an engaging tale with a chirping cat, a surprising skeleton, an unanticipated inheritance, a thundering storm, a mystery murder, and historical revelations.