File M for Murder

Cat in the Stacks Mystery, Book 3

By: Miranda James

Narrated by: Erin Bennett

In this mystery in the New York Times bestselling Cat in the Stacks series, librarian Charlie Harris and his cat Diesel must clear the name of someone near and dear to their hearts-Charlie's own daughter.

Athena College's new writer in residence is a famous native son, playwright Connor Lawton, known for his sharp writing-and sharper tongue. After an unpleasant encounter, librarian Charlie Harris heads home to a nice surprise: his daughter, Laura, is visiting and will be subbing for another professor this fall semester. It's great news until he hears who got her the job: her old flame, Connor Lawton . . .

Fearing competition for Connor's affections, one of his admirers tries to drive Laura out of town. And then, before Connor finishes the play he is writing, he is murdered-and Laura is the prime suspect. Knowing she's innocent, Charlie and his faithful sidekick, Diesel, follow Connor's cluttered trail of angry lovers, bitter enemies, and intriguing library research to find the true killer before his daughter is forever cataloged under "M"-for murderer.

©2012 Dean James (P)2024 Tantor

Absolutely fantastic!

I love the Cat in the Stacks mysteries by Miranda James and File M for Murder is one of her best. It’s longest book chapter wise and is really thrilling. A play write, Conner Laughton is directing a play he wrote when he suddenly changes the entire play. He ends up being killed and Laura Harris, Charlie Harris’s daughter is considered a suspect because she found the body. She also takes a thumb drive that she knew where Conner kept it. Suddenly there are attempts on her life, including her getting attacked in her office at Athena College, someone attempts to set the Harris house on fire and someone leaves a letter bomb addressed to Laura in the mail slot, Diesel, Charlie’s Maine Coon cat lets Charlie know that something is wrong with the envelope or what’s inside. Not to give anything away, this is in my opinion the very best of the series so far. It’s intense and really kept me on the edge of my seat. Kudos to Miranda James for such a great story and a great series.
Erin Bennett who has narrated every Cat in the Stacks audiobook is my favorite narrator. She does truly magnificent job, with all the voices.

Entertaining but confusing

The main character states several times he's 50. The book was published in 2024 so without further reference one assumes it takes place in that year, yet he researches events in 1984 and states he was married was a young son. Huh? in 1984 he should have been 10 from what's been laid out in the books.
Other than that, I love Diesel, Stewart is a hoot and want more of him, Charlie's kids are fun and want to see more of them too. But Charlie is an enigma.

The books remind me of of the Lilian Jackson Braun Cat Who Mysteries so I'm going to keep going.