Out of Circulation

Cat in the Stacks, Book 4

By: Miranda James

Narrated by: Erin Bennett

Length: 8 hrs and 10 mins

Publisher's summary

The Ducote sisters are in a tiff with Vera Cassity over the location of this year's library fundraising gala, and Charlie would rather curl up in a corner than get into the fray. It seems everyone - even his housekeeper Azalea - has it in for Vera. And at the gala, she gives them good reason, with a public display of rancor aimed at anyone who gets in her way.

But those bitter words wind up being her last. When Charlie discovers Azalea standing over Vera's dead body, it's up to him - with a little help from Diesel - to clear Azalea's name, and catch a killer before his last chapter is finished.

©2013 Dean James (P)2014 Tantor

Critic reviews

"Humor and plenty of Southern charm buoy James's fifth Cat in the Stacks mystery." ( Publishers Weekly)

A delightful and spicy mystery

Charlie Harris has gotten busier since the last time we visited Athena, Mississippi where he lives with his large Maine coon cat named Diesel. As this book opens, we learn that Charlie is now on the board of the Friends of the Library organization. As a last minute favor to the ill member of the board who had promised to host this meeting, Charlie holds the board meeting at his home.

A decision on where to orchestrate the annual Christmas fund raising event must be made. Usually held at the home of An’gel and Dickce Ducote, Vera Cassity thinks her mansion would be perfect, but then so do the Ducote sisters. Vera begins a rather heated debate with sour words and comments of great rancor, when the sisters combat her with great Southern charm. As quickly as it began, the conflict is resolved for not only this event, but several into the future.

Azalea, Charlie’s housekeeper, is mortified to learn that Vera Cassity had been in “her” home and warns Charlie to never have her again or she would leave his employ. Charlie is surprised at her vehemence so when the Ducotes invite him to tea that day, he accepts. Here he starts to hear the under story to Athena local history. What he learns begins to explain the feud with Vera Cassity and why so many people shudder when her name comes up.

In order to increase funds raised at this gala event, the board members agree to make this a masquerade with characters based on literary figures. It was Charlie who inadvertently chose a finger foods buffet rather than a sit down dinner to make mingling easier. After planning and implementing his character, Charlie attends the gala sans Diesel. The Ducote sisters had promised to reveal a way to end Vera’s sour retorts for good, and their method proves ingenious.

However, finding Vera’s body on the decrepit back stairs was not part of that plan. It was Azalea who was trapped on the ancient staircase with Vera’s body dressed in voluminous skirts. Unfortunately, Azalea is then considered a prime suspect in the murder.

Since Vera had been trying to see the Ducote papers donated to the Athena library where Charlie was caretaker, he decides to look into the personal effects to find an answer to the question of who pushed Vera down the stairs. He is taken aback while reading a journal, knowing that its contents would change the Ducote family tree forever.

What a delightful and spicy way to begin the Ducote family spinoff to another mystery series written by Miranda James. The sisters don’t leave Athena and will continue in this series as well. What Southern mystery doesn’t involve a scandal? Will Charlie find the clues needed to clear Azalea? Readers would miss a stunning denouement if they do not continue reading this fabulous new piece of history.

A successful writer makes you care deeply about their characters...and I do!

I have grown to care so much for Charlie and his family. I am so please his children are living good and happy lives, and that Charlie has found Helen-Louise. And Diesel. Who could forget Diesel! I'm absolutely nutty of him. He's such a sweet, smart, and considerate member of the household. I'm reading this series in order, and growing more fond of this family and their friends with each turn of the page.

Maine coon cat

Why is a woman reading the part of man?SHE has a nice voice but not for a man's character.

Awesome

This one is the best yet! The "old southern girls" are hilarious! The story is great too! Plus I love the kitty!

Fast paced mystery

I really enjoyed the faster pace of this book. It felt like the time just flew by as I became engrossed in the story.

I had come to a slightly different ending than was in the actual story. So it left me guessing and I totally got it wrong! But it was a satisfying ending all the same.

The narration per usual was top notch!

these books, including this one of course, are so good!

I loved it all. if you are from the deep south, like me, you will know people from your part of the south, too and will get some giggles and tears of recognition. it is not history. it Isa totally entertaining cozy novel and the best character is the delightful Diesel, Maine coon cat extraordinaire. 🐈.

Just Queenly.

I am really enjoying the storyline with this series. looking forward to the next book.

A great book for people who love cats and mysteries.

Very fine book. I will recommend it to a friend with a cat who reads many books.

Love Diesel

This is my fourth book in the series. Can’t wait for #5. I want to meet Diesel. Actually looked up Maine Coon cats.

excellent story

Charlie and Diesel always make for a good tale. Plus adding in Miss Dixie and Miss Angelle is a recipe for a good time.