Book Review: Pawing Through the Past

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

Pawing Through the Past     Amazon US PB Amazon US HC Amazon Canada PB Amazon Canada HC
Rita Mae Brown
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Cozy   Cats   Woman Main Character
Series: Mrs. Murphy # 8
Bantam, May 2000, $24.95, 320 pp.

In Virginia, there is a special place that some might consider magical. Crozet is a small charming hamlet where Southern gentility holds sways and everybody knows one another. However, the magic resides with the animals who are at least as intelligent as the humans, communicate between the species because they understand one another, and comprehend what the humans say even if Homo Sapiens fails to reciprocate.

A tiger cat Mrs. Murphy, a Welsh Congi Tee Tucker, and a gray tiger cat named Pewter own human Mary Minor “Harry” Hairsteen. Harry and friends are planning the high school’s twentieth reunion when a strange anonymous note arrives. Mrs. Murphy thinks that there is something weird about the note and her fears prove right when someone kills the local lothario. A second note arrives followed by a second murder. Harry begins sleuthing with her animals planning to stealthily assists her so they can keep her safe.

Talented author Rita Mae Brown beguiles her audience with a special tale that taps into the fantasy believer in all of us. PAWING THROUGH THE PAST makes readers accept animals talking with one another and understanding human speech, and caring about their “pets” so as to insure their safety. The mystery is cleverly crafted so that it captures and uses the ambiance of small town Southern living to propel the story line forward. Fans of the Mrs. Murphy series will want to immediately read this novel while newcomers will search for the previous books.

Harriet Klausner

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner

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