Six Cats a Slayin'

August 27, 2018
Questions abound in James’s gripping 10th Cat in the Stacks mystery (after Claws for Concern). Widowed librarian Charlie Harris isn’t looking forward to the Christmas open house his flirtatious new neighbor, Gerry Albritton, has invited him to attend. But even though she has offended half the town of Athena, Miss., everyone shows up at Gerry’s party out of curiosity. Who is this woman who claims to have grown up in Athena, but no one remembers? At least one guest knows more than he or she is letting on, for Gerry collapses and dies, poisoned at her own party. Charlie doesn’t relish getting involved in the investigation, but he can’t stay on the sidelines. As Charlie looks into Gerry’s past, he discovers a tangle of tragic family secrets that have been hidden for decades. Meanwhile, Charlie and his Maine Coon cat, Diesel, are also dealing with a box of five lively kittens that someone left on his doorstep. James has crafted a warmhearted Christmas story that combines seamlessly with a satisfying mystery. Agent: Nancy Yost, Nancy Yost Literary.

Erin Bennett's stellar narration enhances this standout mystery, set in Athena, Mississippi, where librarian Charlie Harris, and Diesel, his cat, "work" in the university library. Just days before Christmas, Charlie finds five kittens at his door with a note asking him to care for them or they'll be drowned. Then, neighbor Gerry Albritton collapses and dies at her own holiday party. Charlie uses his Southern manners and charm to investigate when he learns Albritton was murdered. With the help of his friend Melba--whom Bennett bestows with a lovely drawl--Charlie unearths some old Athena secrets. Bennett's best creations are Tommy, the owner of the cats, whose intelligence and kindness are impressive, and Azalea Berry, Charlie's witty and all-knowing housekeeper. This audiobook is ideal for the holidays. S.G.B. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award � AudioFile 2018, Portland, Maine