I like this series, but some of the internal dialogue of the main character is strange and unnecessary. I feel like he's telling the reader too much of his actions and thoughts. I did enjoy the mystery and thought there was enough going on to keep it interesting.

Charlie Harris has a new assistant. Tara Martin is kind of rude and more than a little anti-social, but she's a good worker and Charlie is willing to overlook her odd behavior as long as she continues to do good work at the archives for him and at the bistro for Helen Louise. But when a catering job goes wrong and Tara is subsequently found murdered, Charlie decides to dig a little deeper into who Tara Martin really is.

This series hit a bit of a funk a few books ago but it is going strong again! I love Diesel and though I'm still not super crazy about the rascally Ramses, he is growing on me. Charlie and Helen Louise are sometimes a bit sickeningly sweet but I know a few couples who are exactly like that, it's adorable. The investigation in this book focuses mainly on the archives and I thought that was interesting. We do finally get to see the fully remodeled Harris family farmhouse but apart from that Charlie sticks close to home.

The ending was a bit disappointing at first read, but when I thought more about it I realized that it relates back to Agatha Christie, which Charlie reads in this book. So though it might have been a bit of a let down when viewed as a regular, current-day cozy, it's actually kind of perfect considering the references made in the book.

This series is a classic and a must read for cozy fans.

Thank you to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.

Another good installment in the Cat in the Stacks series written by Miranda James. Requiem for a Mouse, a cozy mystery about a seemingly timid woman hiding something, offers a light investigation and a chance to catch up with Charlie, Diesel, and some old friends. Charlie's wedding is approaching soon, but before then, his son and daughter-in-law are finished renovating their ancestor's home. At the party, the timid woman -- Tara -- claims she had a panic attack but nothing seems in line with her behavior. Then she disappears and is found during a hit-and-run. Who wanted to kill her? Books arrive at the library to be catalogued, specifically by Tara, and then Charlie begins to find more clues. Lots of run to read, and I am excited about the ending, letting us know about an upcoming trip to Ireland!

I will always shout the praises of this series! Miranda James has written a delightful mystery series called A Cat In The Stacks. If you love books, cats, a touch of humor, and good manners, these mysteries are perfect for you. They have stood the test of time. They have vibrant characters and a well-crafted mystery that keeps you engaged. This book is excellent, as all the rest are, and maybe even the best one yet! It was full of fun surprises and a fast, easy read. I have always been and will always be a huge fan of Ms. James. Many thanks to Berkley Publishing for bringing the world Author Miranda James.

Charlie and his cat Diesel are listening to his children and his housekeepers daughter, and keeping their noses out of the detection business. Instead Charlie is preparing for his upcoming wedding. He does find his new assistant a little odd though. When she disappears while helping at Charlie's sons open house, C Charlie knows something is going on on her life, and he tries to help her. A hit and run does not help. Another fun book in the series of part time librarian Charlie and his sidekick Diesel

A wonderful addition to Charlie and Diesel's adventures. A bit too sweet and cozy at times, which makes for some eye rolling; however, the mystery pulls you in and you can't help love the cast of characters. A series that feels like true comfort.

All of the familiar, beloved characters in Miranda James’ cozy series return in Requiem for a Mouse. Charlie Harris, archivist and librarian, is back with his Maine Coon Cat, Diesel, along with all the members of his household and extended family. Although Charlie isn’t as actively involved in the latest case as he would like, sooner or later all the suspects show up in Charlie’s office at Athena College.

Tara Martin is a new employee who works part-time in the archives. Charlie finds her a little odd, and his friend Melba Gilley agrees with him. Tara has no social skills, and tends to blurt out things without thinking, comments that aren’t very tactful. When Charlie checks with his fiancee, Helen Louise Brady, at her French bistro, she says the same thing. Tara works part-time for her, and usually has to work in the kitchen because she’s been known to disappear when she’s working the floor.

In fact, it’s one of Tara’s disappearing acts that worries Charlie. She’s part of the bistro’s catering team at the housewarming at the farmhouse home of Charlies’s son and daughter-in-law. She’s working when all of a sudden, seeing the party guests, she turns pale and leaves. When Charlie finally tracks her down, she insists she had a panic attack. But, Charlie thinks she looks frightened. He insists on driving her home, to a sketchy side of town. But, he’s shocked to learn she’s been the victim of a hit-and-run accident, and is not expected to live.

When Charlie digs into Tara’s story, he finds a woman with multiple addresses and a fake name. When strangers start to show up at the college, Charlie suspects Tara has a mysterious past. He hands a few clues over to Chief Deputy Kanesha Berry, but those clues only leave Charlie more befuddled. Who was the strange woman who worked in his office?

There were too many fake identities and lies involving the murder investigation, but the sheriff’s department finally arrests the villains. And, let’s face it. Fans of this cozy series read the books to see what Charlie and Diesel are up to, to follow along with Charlie’s relationship and upcoming wedding to Helen Louise, and to catch up with all the friends and family. The murder case might have been a little dragged out, but Requiem for a Mouse satisfies the need to catch up with old friends.

Requiem for a Mouse is an enjoyable cozy mystery. The characters are well defined, a great sense of place and Diesel and Ramses are fun cats. However, I felt this book was not quite as good as the others in this series. That said, I would recommend this book.

Librarian and amateur detective, Charlie is once again drawn into a murder mystery. He tries valiantly to stay out of the way and let the professional law enforcement work to find answers but his reputation encourages folks to draw him into the fray. This is an engaging and twisty whodunnit and features all the characters readers of the series have come to enjoy: Helen Louise, Melba, Stewart & Haskell and most especially, Diesel, Charlie’s perceptive Maine Coon cat. Recommended, especially for fans of the previous titles.

In Requiem for a Mouse by Miranda James, Charlie and Helen Louise are kept busy - planning for their upcoming wedding and looking into the death of someone who worked for them. Tara Martin is a socially challenged young lady who works part time as an assistant for Charlie and as wait staff at Helen Louise's restaurant. One night, Tara has a panic attack while serving at a housewarming party for Charlie's son. Tara is discovered the next day, the victim of a hit and run. Oddities about Tara surface as she has provided several fake addresses to her employers while doing her best to keep people at bay and her whereabouts/history unknown. When she dies, the search begins for her murderer. Who is Tara? Who would want her dead? Why is she in Athena? When hidden crimes are uncovered, who is the real victim here?

Charlie keeps a bit more on the periphery of the investigation, allowing Chief Deputy Kanesha Berry to work through these questions. In doing so, he builds his relationship with Kanesha and finds out that his input is indeed valued. Of course, that doesn't stop Charlie from texting questions/hints to Kanesha and to Haskell, his contacts in the sheriff's department or to search for evidence himself. Charlie can't help that a collection of quirky characters (who all have a connection to 'Tara') keep coming to his office. What's a fellow to do?

Cozy mystery fans will enjoy this latest addition to the Cat in the Stacks Mystery series.

Thanks to Berkley Publishing Group, Miranda James and NetGalley for this ARC.

While the mystery was attention grabbing and I loved seeing Diesel again. What's not to love about that cat. This series seems to me that the series itself has ran its course.

This series is the epitome of a cozy mystery, cat sidekick included. This time the central mystery is solved partly through good old fashioned library combing which was fun to read about. I’m hoping the final chapter’s mention of an international locale means Charlie and Diesel will be taking their show on the road in the next installment.