Rita Mae Brown: Three Mrs. Murphy Mysteries: Wish You Were Here; Rest in Pieces; Murder at Monticello

This is a great book. Well written and an easy read. I think this book would be great for all ages, teen and up, who likes a good mystery. The animals communicate with each other and with other animals throughout the stories. You definately want to read the books in order, though. One story refers to the ones before it. All in all, I'm glad I bought them and am looking forward to finishing this one and getting the next book of 3 stories in the series.

the first three mrs murphy storys all in one edition at a bargin price

In "Wish You Were Here", we meet Mary Minor Haristeen (aka Harry) and Mrs. Murphy (a tiger cat) and Tee Tucker (a Welsh corgi). Harry is recently divorced and a postmistress in Crozet, Virginia a very small town. She has grown up there, and finds it difficult adjusting to life as a divorcee' in such a small town. Half of the town is on her side, the other half on the side of her ex, Fair Haristeen, a beloved local vet. It also doesn't help that Harry is constantly seeing Boom Boom Craycroft, the other woman who broke up her marriage. But working in the town's post office with her pets each day does offer its own diversions. One such diversion is reading post cards...something Harry has always done. When 2 prominent business people are killed after receiving graveyard postcards reading "wish you were here", Harry realizes there is a pattern to the killing. And when a good friend receives one, Harry springs into action to stop the killer in his/her tracks. In "Rest In Pieces", the animals once again play a huge role in solving a murder. The main character, Mary Minor Haristeen (aka Harry), along with her two animal friends Mrs. Murphy (a gray tiger cat) and Tucker (a corgi) lead the way. When newcomer, Blair Bainbridge, rolls into town a lot of folks in Crozet, Virginia believe that trouble rolled in with him. The handsome bachelor turns many female heads, and Harry tries to convince herself that she has sworn off men since her divorce. When pieces of a dead body are found on Blair's property, tongues start to wag. And when more pieces of the body are discovered during the Harvest Ball, a tragic event from Blair's past comes back to haunt him. Has this "Yankee" brought murder to this sleepy small-town? Having just finished reading the first book in the series, I admit it was much easier for me to follow the dialogue between the animals in this second installment. At first, I had a difficult time following the discussions between the animals, as it adds to the already large cast of characters. However, I adore the way the animals speak to one another! Their antics are charming, and I find that it adds a lot to this great series. The mystery had me guessing until the end. Normally, I am able to figure out the mysteries pretty quickly (as many cozies give a lot of clues), but I was surprised at the ending. This is a great series, and I look forward to reading the extensive collection of books by this author (and Sneaky Pie, of course!). In "Murder at Monticello", a body has been discovered in the slave quarters of the home of Thomas Jefferson. Since Jefferson has been dead for 170 years, it is impossible to question him about the man found dead from a blow to the dead. And when another recently murdered body is discovered, it becomes apparent that someone wants the secrets that have been buried with the body to remain so. Coming into question is the practice of slavery, and the descendants of Thomas Jefferson. Jefferson had been rumor

This is a great introduction to the Sneaky Pie Brown series, especially if you are like me and absolutely HAVE to read a series in order. These are really fun, quick reads. The cats and dog have some serious attitude, and the citizens of Crozet, VA are people you would want for neighbors and friends, other than the odd murderer inhabiting the tiny town. To a certain extent, these stories are similar to that old show Murder, She Wrote, because you just wonder how Harry constantly becomes involved in murder investigations in an otherwise peaceful town. You would think people would start avoiding her to save their own lives. I only gave it four stars because the mysteries are too easy to figure out!

Oh gosh, I don't even know how to start. I picked up Claws and Effect, a later book in the series, at my school's library last year and within minutes of starting it I was gobbling it up! I mean, murder, southern gentry, small-town gossip, and talking animals!!!! HOW GREAT CAN LIFE GET!? AND the dog is a CORGI *I am a considerably HUGE corgi fan* Written with wit and whimsy, Rita Mae Brown is my third favorite author. I am currently finishing "Murder She Meowed" (I read them all out of order) and it is my favorite Mrs. Murphy mystery yet!!! Hilarious! A MUST READ!!!