This book was a really strange book to read. Not only did you have to keep up with the people and what was going on for them, and the mystery of missing people and dead bodies, but you had to keep up with the animals and their conversations. Especially the cats and the dog at the beginning that one could not stop talking about the 'eyeball'! It was just weird! I like a good mystery, but this one took me longer than normal to read, because of the strangeness of it. It wasn't a bad thing per se, just not what I'm used to seeing with regard to a mystery. This was my first book by this author.

RECEIVED THIS BOOK AS A GIFT FOR A FAIR/HONEST REVIEW and REVIEWER FOR Bloggin' With M. Brennan.

Thank you for the chance to review this book, however, unfortunately, I was unable to read and review this title before it was archived.

I have read all of the Sneaky Pie mysteries and, overall, have enjoyed every one - some more than others. I still do enjoy the characters of the present day mysteries - Harry and all of her friends, family and assorted pets. Yes, I also like learning American history. However, I am not really enjoying her new formula with these last books, that of two stories alternating chapters. Honestly, I want one or the other. It's confusing and, as a reader of her stories from the very first book, those are the stories I want to read. Having said that, I will add that this mystery can be read as a stand alone and both periods are good mysteries. I just would rather she would write either contemporary or historical mysteries.

I have been a big fan of Brown's for many years, and like the two previous stories, this book goes back and forth between the 1700s and present day. Very compelling story although I am a fan of more "talking" between the animals and some of the regular characters from the past.

I've seen other authors try to employ the 'animals in mystery' but Rita Mae Brown is one of the first and the best in this genre. Always fun to read.

This is a series that I feel like I'm going to visit old friends and I love 'seeing' Harry and the other Crozet residents again.

This book followed up on the story line of the 1700's story that was started in the last book. Even though I don't usually enjoy historical fiction, I found the historical story kept my attention a bit more than the present day mystery. I love Mrs. Murphy and Tucker but was disappointed that they seemed to be minor 'characters' in the book,

There were a couple of small things that bothered me a bit: Pewter seemed more annoying than normal and the ending seemed rushed. However, those will not keep me from looking forward to the next one in the series.

Excellent mystery, interesting to read until the very end.

Rita Mae Brown gives us a gripping Mrs. Murphy mystery that jumps between the eighteenth and the twenty first century; Corpses popping up today have echoes in post revolutionary Virginia. As usual the cats and dogs and their humans are quirky and charming.. Read and enjoy.

It had been some time since I'd read a book by Rita Mae Brown. When I saw this title, it was like seeing an old friend who I had missed and was happy to spend time with. Since it has been so long, I don't know if the author had changed her methodology in more recent books, but loved that the story wove back and forth between present day and the late 18th century. It was easy to read, but kept me wondering how the two stories would finally come together. Although I tend to think of Rita Mae Brown as a mystery writer, I think we can add historical fiction to her list of genres.

There were references in the book to historical fiction. I had finished shortly before a work by Philippa Gregory! Harry says, "Some people have the knack of making history come to life. Academics are snotty about historical fiction. I think it's a great way to learn." I agree completely! For example, even though I lived in Charlottesville for over 5 years, I had never given much thought to the reason for the name of Barracks Rd. In this book I learned that during the Revolutionary War, British prisoners were held there in the Albemarle Barracks. And I believe that Rita Mae Brown is one of those people who has a "knack of making history come to life."


Her characters from the 18th c. are well developed. I feel like if I met any of them, I would know them instantly. The recurring characters are all old friends. The relationships between characters went perfectly with the personalities.

I am happy that the animals still communicate with each other and the wild animals that appear in the story line. I do wish that the cats weren't such smarty-pants, but I guess that is just the nature of cats.

<http://freshfiction.com/review.php?id=63019>

Rita Mae Brown always writes quirky, fun novels and this cozy is no different.

Always love a book from Rita Mae and Sneaky Pie Brown! This is a particularly fun read because it also offers some history along with it Harry Hairsteen, protagonist of this cozy series, is usually right in the middle of any criminal investigations, but this time she is really trying to stay out of the latest murder. However, her curiosity about the history of a piece she recently purchased takes her places she didn't intend to go.
The stories behind the object are told from the perspective of local residents in 1796.
And of course, Mrs. Murphy, Tucker and Pewter play a big part in solving the mystery.
Loved this book!

I've dipped in and out of this series over the years and I'm happy Netgalley granted me an ARC of this installment because it reminded me how much I've enjoyed the animals who investigate. Brown could make made this twee but her characters-human, canine, and feline- never fall into silly traps. This is a dual time line book; I actually enjoyed the 1700 story more than the modern one. Brown has consistently turned out well written, readable mysteries over the years = the murder is never too gruesome, the mystery never too twisty, and the characters are all fun. If you've read her before, you'll have your own opinion of where this sits in the pantheon of the series. If you haven't try it= you'll like it.

Rita Mae Brown's books are always delightful, and this one was no exception. Not only do you get to enjoy the hugely appealing heroine Harry as she hunts down a mysterious killer who proves difficult to trace, but her kitty kompanions steal the show on numerous occasions. In this particular offering, you also get to vicariously explore the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountain locales (unless you're lucky enough to live there). This is a novel that's satisfying on so many levels, and it's definitely recommended.

Another classic from Rita Mae Brown who is the quintessential mystery author. I appreciate her character development, the path of the story line and the comfort of the continuity of characters. Mrs. Murphy, Tee Tucker and of course the redoubtable Pewter make the story all the more enjoyable. As usual, this one is not to be missed by fans and those new to the series.

It is always a pleasure to open a new Mrs. Murphy mystery! A Hiss Before Dying is exciting, a charming blend of 18th and 21st century Crozet, plantations and farms, slaves and hired hands. We meet many 18th century people while enjoying the ‘regulars’ – Harry and Fair, Susan and Ned, Reverend Jones, and Mrs. Hoggendobber, and of course, Mrs. Murphy, Pewter, and Tee Tucker.

Mignon, a young slave, runs away in 1786. How will her story and resulting actions effect Harry and her friends today? Of the two plantations we visit, one family cares about their slaves and treats them well while the other allows even the head female slave to browbeat and betray those she doesn’t like. Her disappearance will affect Reverend Jones and friends in present-day Virginia. There is also a talented young horseman who will go far; he also leaves a footprint on future generations.

Murder and mayhem are afoot in Crozet, Virginia as truck driver who died mysteriously and the body of a murdered man are discovered a few days apart. Harry, best friend Susan, and other long-time friends seek solutions to local wildlife conservancy. Harry, notorious for getting involved with mysteries in the past tries hard to keep her curiosity at bay, somewhat satisfied with hearing what morsels their deputy friend, Cynthia aka Coop, can share. A robbery occurs, then Harry begins to catch bullets when she isn’t looking for them. Minding one’s business can be just as dangerous! I miss her sleuthing adventures, yet I see even more depth to her in this novel than in previous ones.

Harry, Fair, Susan, and Reverend Jones are the most well-defined in the mystery; many characters are or become three-dimensional as the novel progresses. Even some of the new people from 1786 become well-known, people who this reader appreciated and enjoyed. They would be fascinating to follow through changes in legislation and the Civil War years.

It is a delight to see sketches throughout, especially those of our furry friends. The history of Virginia and various aspects of government and wildlife management will delight those who appreciate the time line. Learning about lifestyles of those in the post-Revolutionary War era is enlightening. Even hearing the creatures communicate (or bicker) adds to the tale. One historical item this reader noted is that in the West family (1700’s) attending St. Luke’s Lutheran because of Charles’ designs for the new church, then studied about Martin Luther and his beliefs and joined the church; it is interesting as this novel is published in a special anniversary year.

There is so much to enjoy in this mystery! At times it seems like a new series as we go between the two centuries and see Virginia during the early days of our nation. It is sure to be enjoyed by those who love historical fiction, well-researched and relayed with fabulous descriptions allowing the reader to feel a part of the action in either century. Rita Mae Brown has outdone herself by keeping the series fresh and exciting with beloved characters and pets integrated with history and its mysteries. The bad guy(s)/ gals(s) are difficult to determine, one of whom was a complete surprise as Harry and Coop face the explosive denouement. The ending satisfying, and as others in the series, totally leaving me looking forward to the next. Love and highly recommend it!

From a grateful heart: I received this eBook from the publisher and NetGalley and this is my honest review.

Harry Haristeen and her husband Fair live on a farm in Virginia along with their two cats, Pewter and Mrs. Murphy, and corgi Tucker. It's coming on autumn, the days are cooler and nights shorter. While attending the annual rabbit chase on a friend's land, the pack of beagles discovers the dead body of a man. While he's unknown to anyone, Harry does recognize what's around his neck: a chit from the American Revolution with the number 5 on it. Why he would have it is a mystery until Harry informs her friend Coop, a local police officer, that it came from a group of them owned by her friend Liz Turner, who has an antique store.

But why he was found there, and what he was doing there, is a question that can't be answered right now. No one even knows who he is, until a clue comes out from left field that might just identify him, and answer all the questions swirling around in everyone's head.

Also, Liz's shop is broken into, and thousands of dollars worth of items taken, adding to the mystery of what's been going on. Even though Harry has been lightly warned to stay out of the investigation, it isn't until she finds herself in danger that the pieces start coming together, and when they do, the result is something no one could have imagined, and something that stuns everyone in their circle of friends.

First off, let me say that I absolutely love Ms. Brown's books. They not only create a delicious mystery to dig into, but a bit of history as well - another 'mini-book' within the first one, and that one dealing with times around the American Revolution; in this one the year is 1768. It deals with life revolving around the Ewing family and their circle of friends and those on neighboring farms. This time out, we have intrigue with a runaway slave, neighbors Maureen and Jeffery Holloway, how the church St. Luke's came to be built, and even a duel. It is fascinating, to say the least, and the author ties the past in with the present in a seamless manner that connects the two easily.

Back to the present story, the mystery itself is well-crafted, and we watch while Harry, without even trying, is thrown into the middle of a conspiracy by uttering only words; we see that while she might be worried, she's angry as well and refuses to play the victim. Harry, indeed, is the type of strong woman I love to see in a book, one that refuses to be intimidated and can hold her own, but isn't rash enough to run into danger headlong.

When we come to the end and the killer is revealed, it is bittersweet closure; an end that was truly not expected and may change the lives of some of those in Crozet, Virginia; and leaving us looking forward to the next book in the series where we can visit with the past and the present together. Highly recommended.

I really loved this book. As a long-time Sneaky Pie and Sister Jane fan, I've read all the books in both series, and I'm delighted that this one was a great story. Folding in history from the slave era, Harry (as usual) finds herself enmeshed in trying to figure out the identity of two mysterious bodies found in the countryside, then in trying to figure out why they got that way.

An idling truck loaded with new cars is found on a mountain highway, no driver to be found. He shows up later, burrowing under a boulder...and one eye is missing.

Another man turns up in a patch of dense brush, found by a pack of hunting beagles. It's no mystery what killed him - the two bullet holes in his body tell the tale. Who is he? Why was he there? On his watch chain, he wears an old slave check, a token used by slave owners to identify slaves who were on legitimate business off of the property, and not runaways.

A local shop that handles many Native American artifacts of high value is robbed, and everything of historical value, including more slave checks, is taken. The high-tech security system was bypassed.

The book is illustrated with drawings, which I love. You see that so seldom in fiction these days. I always love spending time with Mrs. Murphy and Pewter, the cats, and Tee Tucker, the corgi, as well as their other animal friends. This story, however, focuses more on the people and less on the pets' efforts to keep their mistress safe while steering her t the answers.

A Hiss Before Dying is another book in this series that brings two time periods together in a unique way: the present day in Crozet, Virginia and the Revolutionary War era in the same locale. While the mysterious deaths are well done and well thought out in this book, and the tie in with the by-gone era is also well done, I actually prefer the series’ books that do not jump back and forth in time. The characters in these books are why I read them, and they really do not have a role in the parts of the book that concern the Revolutionary War era. In this book, two people are murdered, with both murders seemingly unconnected until Harry finds a slave medallion clue that leads to the Revolutionary War era.

There are a lot of characters in the book, which can be confusing. Luckily, the author has included a list with a brief description of each in the beginning. However, reading this book on my Kindle made going back to this list to refresh my memory when and if I could not place the character a bit more difficult. In addition, time differences in books normally is a turn-off for me, but this one was not so bad, as the author managed to make the back and forth doable while intertwining the two mysteries. However, I do wish the author would go back to the other formats in earlier books, so I could read more about my favorite characters throughout the book, as I said. I thoroughly enjoy the antics of the animals and characters, as well as the animal wisdom as set forth in each book. Harry and her large group of friends in the town and surrounding area definitely compliment the animals, and the author has a fantastic way of bringing things together nicely. Throughout the series, I learned that animals do have a lot to tell us about all sorts of things and events. This book will appeal to the reader who enjoys this series as well as animals, though a part of a series, I think the book can easily be a stand-alone read—or an introduction to the series for the new-to-the-series reader. I received this from NetGalley to read and review.