Charlie Harris and his Maine Coon cat, Diesel, are busy decking the halls for the holidays when an unexpected delivery and a shocking murder conspire to shake up the season in this latest installment of the New York Times bestselling series.December twenty-fifth is right around the corner, and Charlie is making his list and checking it twice. He is doing his best to show some peace and goodwill … some peace and goodwill toward his nosy neighbor Gerry Arbitron, a real estate agent who seems to have designs on his house (and maybe on him, as well), while preparing for a very important role, indeed–his first Christmas as a grandfather.
The last thing Charlie expects is to gain several new additions to his family. Charlie finds a box on his doorstep with five kittens inside and a note begging him to keep them safe. With Diesel’s help, Charlie welcomes the tiny felines into the Harris household just as Gerry decides it is time to throw a lavish holiday party.
Determined to make her mark on Athena, Gerry instead winds up dead at her very own party. Though attempts to dig into her past come up empty, Charlie and his girlfriend, Helen Louise, witness two heated exchanges involving Gerry before her death: one with a leading citizen and another with the wife of a good friend. Will one of these ladies wind up on the sheriff’s naughty list? Charlie and Diesel have to wrap up the case before the special season is ruined by a sinister scrooge.
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The ‘Cat in the Stacks’ cozy mystery series is one of my top five favorites. No matter what the tale, I find myself thoroughly excited to read a new one. Today, I’ve reached my goal of getting current by finishing Six Cats a Slayin’ by Miranda James. I am now able to read the newly published eleventh book in the series… hence why I’m a bit sad as I know once it’s finished next week, I’ll have to wait almost an entire year for the next one. Ah… let’s focus on the good stuff for now.
Charlie opens the back door to find five kittens in a box. Who left them? This is only one of the mysteries, as the bigger one involves his new neighbor, Gerry. Not only has she started flirting with him, but she’s trying to buy his house. Everyone says she looks familiar, but no one in the family recognizes her… the family name she’s claiming is hers, I mean. At her Christmas party, Gerry falls down, an obvious victim of poison. Who wanted the lovely lady dead? Perhaps it’s an old-time enemy, a family member she claims to share DNA with, or one of the eccentric neighbors who all said something negative about the woman around the holidays.
Charlie and Kanesha, an Athena deputy, are on the case. We’re also treated to fun and sad moments with Charlie’s family and two new grandchildren. The holidays make the time nostalgic, but Helen Louise keeps Charlie sane. As all the stories weave together, readers are treated to a complex tale of murder and revenge. Between missing money, real estate transactions, and unknown family connections, this book is a solid reason why I adore the series so much. I would love to meet Charlie in real life, as we’d have a lot in common. If you love strong stories with memorable characters and a light humorous touch, these will be on your favorite list each and every year.
Charlie Harris’s feline family has grown quite a bit. Someone left him a box with five kittens in it, and he’s taking care of them while trying to track down the owner so he can figure out what to do with them next. Fortunately, Charlie’s Maine Coon cat, Diesel, has taken to the kittens and is helping take care of them as only a cat can. That isn’t the only problem Charlie is facing this Christmas, however. There’s also his new neighbor Geraldine “Call Me Gerry” Albritton. Gerry is rubbing everyone the wrong way, including Charlie. Charlie isn’t prepared for murder, however, and when one happens, he begins to investigate. What will he uncover?
Fans of this series know to expect a wonderful puzzle wrapped in a cozy shell, and that’s just what we get here, with the Christmas setting only helping the cozy feeling. The mystery of the kittens occupies much of the early book while the foundations of the main mystery are being laid. Once the dead body turns up, we focus more on that with the kittens taking their place as a sub-plot. The twists of the mystery keep the pages flying, and the story takes a more serious tone. That tone provides a nice contrast to the Christmas season and the kittens, both of which keep the book from becoming too dark. I was thrilled to get to spend so much time with the series regulars; I just love Charlie’s family and extended family. This book left me with happy tears in my eyes and Christmas carols in my head. What more could you want?
Read 2.24.2019
Another great book in this series.
Love all her books.
Great book! Charlie and his Maine Coon cat, Diesel, have two mysteries to solve in this book. The first is the mystery of a child who dropped off six kittens on Charlie’s doorstep for him to rescue. Also, his mysterious new neighbor suddenly collapses and dies during her Christmad party. When it is discovered she was murdered, Charlie investigates. I love this series with all the interesting characters and Diesel the cat. This book had a lot of interesting twists to keep you hooked. Looking forward to the next book in the series!
If you are a fan of Miranda James and especially of Charlie, Diesel, and company, you will really enjoy this addition to the series. Some of the new characters, human and feline, introduced by James, add an especially cozy and heartwarming seasonal touch. As for the villains–every Christmas-themed book does need a Grinch of sorts. Of course the ones in this book won’t reform, and we like it that way–right?
Another cozy Charlie/Diesel tale by author Miranda James, Six Cats a Slayin’ takes place at Christmastime, when all is not calm and bright in the small college town of Athena, Mississippi. Charlie and Diesel must investigate the murder of their neighbor, which seems to be tied to a secret long buried, and take care of 5 abandoned kittens that were left on their doorstep. Very charming, as usual, and perfect for the holidays (or anytime!). 5 stars!
Six Cats a Slayin’ by Miranda James is the tenth novel in A Cat in the Stacks Mystery series. Charlie Harris has a new neighbor, Gerry Albritton who makes him uncomfortable with her overly flirtatious manor. Gerry is hosting a Christmas party to meet her new neighbors, and she sends over her assistant to make sure Charlie will be attending. Charlie will attend if his girlfriend, Helen Louise Brady can be on his arm (protection). Christmas is approaching, and it is Charlie’s first one as a grandfather. He is worried about his daughter-in-law, Alex who seems exhausted from work and taking care of a colicky baby. But Alex is not ready to accept help. Charlie opens the door one day to find a box of five kittens on his doorstep with a note asking him to keep them safe. Diesel decides it is his duty to keep the little frisky felines out of trouble. At Gerry’s Christmas party, the whole neighborhood has shown up. Gerry has been causing a stir with her attempts to buy up the houses on the street and her over-the-top outdoor Christmas decorations. There is quality champagne and inexpensive appetizers. Suddenly there is a loud crash and, when the crowd parts, Charlie sees Gerry collapses on the floor. Helen Louise performs CPR, but Gerry is pronounced dead by the EMTs. Gerry’s death is suspicious, and Charlie is curious which one of the party attendees is the killer (and will be getting coal in his stocking this Christmas). Charlie has two mysteries to solve and Christmas preparations to complete. Will he get is all accomplished before Santa slides down the chimney?
Six Cats a Slayin’ is a light and joyful Christmas cozy mystery. Charlie is a unique main character for cozy mysteries because he is male. Charlie Harris is a librarian at the local college in the archive room. His cat, Diesel goes with him to work (and about town) and contributes with his little chirps which are so cute (and expressive). Diesel appoints himself guardian of the kittens which exhausts him since they are so busy. Thankfully, Charlie’s renters come up with an idea to keep the curious kitties contained. Gerry Albritton has moved into the neighborhood and is wasting no time making her mark. She has flirted with every man she has encountered and is now trying to buy up her neighbor’s homes. It is no surprise when when Gerry ends up murdered. Solving Gerry’s murder was a cinch. I was surprised when it did not occur until I was almost halfway through the book. One little detail gave me the identity to Gerry’s killer (I kept hoping it I would be wrong since I would have loved a twist). I did enjoy reading on to find out more about Gerry since she was mysterious about her background. The mystery surrounding the kittens was a puzzle and who doesn’t love cute felines. Six Cats a Slayin’ contains good writing with a gentle pace. Six Cats a Slayin’ contains Christmas preparations, taking care of the kittens (in detail), speculation on Gerry’s killer, shopping for Christmas presents, food preparation and eating, playing with kittens, Charlie talking about his weight and needing exercise, attempts to catch the kittens’ owner, time spent at work, and concern about Alex. Charlie has caring friends and a loving family. They rally round to help out when there is a need. Six Cats a Slayin’ is a merry cozy mystery that will have you laughing over the rambunctious kittens’ behavior.
I think this is the best one in this series and this is my favourite series.
I loved the plot and found the kitten subplot really cute and sweet.
Highly recommended
Thank you, Miranda James, for another read. Love the regular characters and do not like the “dirty guys.” Of course, Diesel is terrific. Love Azalea’s oven and fridge treats.
Dollycas’s Thoughts
There are babies and kittens in the house and Charlie and Diesel have their hands and paws full even before new neighbor Gerry Arbitron invites Charlie to her party. Gerry a real estate agent, did not make a good first impression with Charlie, her overt flirting really rubbed him the wrong way. Then she put up the most hideous holiday display, he and the rest of the neighbors were not impressed. They wanted to stay home but most bit their tongues and went to her party. One guest did not hold her tongue and had quite the altercation with the hostess. Another guest had an argument with Gerry behind a not quite closed door that was overheard. Before the night ends the nosy neighbor crashes to the floor and was unable to be revived. First thought – heart attack – Reality – it was murder!
I love Charlie and his big Maine Coon cat, Diesel. The man doesn’t think twice when he opens his front door and finds a box full of kittens with a note asking him to keep them safe. Diesel steps in a chief kitty sitter and the rest of house falls for them as well.
This is also going to be the first Harris Christmas for the new grandchildren. Charlie’s son and his wife are struggling with their newborn and everyone tries to give good advice and help. I have seen a struggle just like this with my own eyes. The author’s take on this was excellent and heartwarming. These characters are so realistic and believable. I grab each new book in this series not only for the top-notch mystery but because I need to check in with the family and all the people they are connected with, including one big lovable feline.
Yes, the mystery is top-notch. Everyone at that party is suspect and the fact that some people left before the police arrived or that someone may have snuck in unseen makes the mystery difficult to solve. The conflicts earlier in the evening land two people high on police detective Kanesha’s list but there are more questions than answers for quite a while.
The other mystery confounding Charlie is who dropped off the kittens at his door. He knows it’s a child, maybe about 10, but whoever it is is very smart because all the things Charlie tries to do to see the person are thwarted. Reminded me of a certain grandchild of mine very much.
These two mysteries run in tandem seamlessly along with family dynamics and holiday preparations. The pace is comfortable but the murder doesn’t take place until mid-book. By this time we get to know a little bit about the victim but she has so many secrets and surprising things continue to be revealed right up until the murderer is uncovered.
Miranda James is one of my favorite cozy authors. She is a fantastic storyteller. Every time I see that big kitty on the cover, a kitty that reminds me of one of mine now gone, I get excited to see what this author has in store for the Harris family. I have never been disappointed. The characters continue to grow and evolve and the stories are fresh with unexpected twists and turns. Ten books into this series and still going strong!
Six Cats a Slayin‘ is a fun and entertaining cozy for this holiday season. All cozy lovers will enjoy!!
Charlie is looking forward to the holiday season with being a newly minted grandfather, the only downer is his new neighbor who he doesn’t much care for much. He does his best to avoid her because anytime she catches him she flirts outrageously and make shim uncomfortable. Gerry is a local real estate agent who seems to have designs on the houses in their neighborhood. When Charlie gets an invitation to a party she is holding he immediately invites Helen Louise so that she can see that he is taken. With tacky Christmas decorations, terrible food, and several angry guests Charlie is ready to head home and forget the party. It looks like Helen Louise might be ready to leave when their hostess drops dead to the floor. Did she have a heart attack or could she have been murdered? If so, how and why? Charlie wants to help figure out what happened but someone has left five kittens on his porch and they are taking up a great deal of time. He also wants to figure out who left the precious bundles and why. Can he figure out both mysteries before Christmas? Follow along and find out! This was a great read with a wonderful twist that turned the mystery on its head.
This is a truly remarkable Christmas themed cozy mystery. Only a brilliant author such as Miranda James could interweave a story of murder with such heart warming moments. The characters are realistic and extremely likable. I am completely smitten with Diesel, the Maine Coon cat. I highly recommend this book. I received this book as an Advanced Reader Copy from Penguin Random House for an honest review. The opinions are completely mine.
Charlie is doing his best to show some peace and goodwill toward his nosy neighbor Gerry Arbitron, a real estate agent who seems to have designs on his house (and maybe on him, as well), while preparing for a very important role, indeed–his first Christmas as a grandfather.
The last thing Charlie expects is to gain several new additions to his family. Charlie finds a box on his doorstep with five kittens inside and a note begging him to keep them safe. With Diesel’s help, Charlie welcomes the tiny felines into the Harris household just as Gerry decides it is time to throw a lavish holiday party.
Determined to make her mark on Athena, Gerry instead winds up dead at her very own party. Though attempts to dig into her past come up empty, Charlie and his girlfriend, Helen Louise, witness two heated exchanges involving Gerry before her death: one with a leading citizen and another with the wife of a good friend. Will one of these ladies wind up on the sheriff’s naughty list? Charlie and Diesel have to wrap up the case before the special season is ruined by a sinister scrooge.
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Series: Cat in the Stacks Mystery – Book 10
Author: Miranda James
Genre: Cozy/Pet Mystery
Publisher: Berkley
Publishing Date: October 23, 2018
Six Cats a Slayin’ is the 10th book in the “Cats in the Stacks” mystery series. Ms. James easily weaves a tale that both amuses and intrigues. Her writing style is fast-paced, smooth, with a sense of humor and intellect. This new addition to the series, like all the other books, has readers turning the page excitedly.
The character of Charlie is not your average lead in a cozy, he is after all, a he. He is also not the young hunk that so many cozies insert as a love interest. Charlie is a grandfather, and a proud one at that. He has a family he loves, friends, and coworkers that insert themselves into his life when least expected but are always welcome. His love interest, Helen Louise has a way of showing up out of the blue and helping Charlie see reason and to keep a level head.
Charlie’s cat, Diesel is a character all his own. If you didn’t know he was a cat you would assume he was a longtime friend of Charlies. Diesel knows everyone Charlie knows and even goes to work with him.
Other characters in this book/series play an important part in Charlie’s life and solving the murder. Azalea, Charlie’s housekeeper is an intricate part of his life and household. She is also an amazing cook, and more than happy to have 5 new kittens in the house, even if she doesn’t really show it on the surface. Add a daughter-in-law who is suffering from postpartum depression with unachievable mom goals, two new grandbabies and a host of other characters, and you have the makings of a story that draws you in and never let’s go.
Readers will worry along with Charlie and Helen about their loved ones, the kittens that were dumped on Charlie’s front porch, and the new mysterious neighbor who manages to get herself murdered just before the holidays. Charlie feels it is up to him to help solve the murder and the mystery of who the neighbor, Gerry was. When the identity of the victim is resolved, and the murderer unmasked the reader will thrill at the uniqueness of the motive and will understand the reason the killer felt there was no other option.
This book, Six Cats a Slayin’ is warm and inviting, even with murder at its core. It is unique with just enough old-fashioned intrigue to make it a favorite for readers of all types. If there is any issue with the book it is that the reader may need some context on who the players are and what has gone on in the past. Over all, I highly recommend this book, and suggest readers go back to book one to enjoy more of the adventures of Charlie and Diesel.