Arsenic and Old Books (Cat in the Stacks Mystery)

When Mayor Lucinda Beckwith Long gives Charlie Harris a set of Civil War era diaries, he is eager to read them not only for their history but because the contents may play a major part in the senate race between Lucinda's son Beck and Jason Singletary. It turns out the Charlie isn't the only one who wants those diaries and it looks like someone is even willing to kill if that is what it takes to get them. “Arsenic and Old Books” is the delightful sixth book in Miranda James’ (Dean James) Cat in the Stacks cozy mystery series - a series that gets better and better with each book. It took me a while to get used to reading about a male protagonist in a cozy mystery (the genre is full of female protagonists) but I like Charlie and of course his wonderful cat Diesel (there is a bonus short story about how Charlie met Diesel which it very cute to read). I also love the supporting characters - I need in Azalea in my life (my mouth was watering as I read the book)! The plot of the Civil War diaries was an interesting one - I am from New England and I am always fascinated at the south’s perspective of the Civil War. I also loved the snippets of the diary that we got to read. The mystery itself is well plotted with plenty of twists and turns - I was expecting someone else to die. There are also more than a few surprises involving the diary – this book kept me guessing from beginning to end! “Arsenic and Old Books” is another great cozy mystery by Miranda James.

Only reason I gave this otherwise interesting series a 2 star is because Deisel, the cat star of the series, is always described as a grey Maine Coon cat. BUT! the cat shown on the cover of EVERY book in this series is ALWAYS a brown domestic shorthair. A domestic shorthair looks NOTHING like a Maine Coon cat. And you can't even get the color right !!! As a cat lover I have to wonder why the author allows this to keep happening. A black mark for Miranda.

When it comes to cozy mysteries, there are basically two categories of writers: Miranda James and everyone else and, even if you haven't read any of the other Cat in the Stacks mysteries, reading this will convince you of that. The author's first book was a guide to the works of Robert B. Parker, the author of the Spenser novels. Obviously these books are totally different, but, I think, you can definitely see the influence. There's an economy of description that you don't see in a lot of books in this genre, and that helps make this more page-turning than the average traditional mystery. The dialogue is tight and you may very well find yourself reading this in one sitting. James has crafted a memorable southern town with characters you don't forget, and this book's incorporation of library science/archival technology/Civil War history is spectacularly well-done and always integral to the plot. And finally: This is a really beautiful, full-sized hardcover--feels great and totally worth the splurge. This should be the bestselling mystery of the year.

I love this series. The mysteries are very good, I love Charlie and his big (Maine Coon) cat. Charlie’s job is interesting to me as well. And unlike the silly women who always find themselves caught by the killer, these mysteries are more realistic. This book revolved around diaries from the Civil War Times and I would love to read more of those diaries, too; something like that would be fascinating.

These Miranda James books are special to me. I have a 20 lb. cat just like Diesel so I relate in a special way. In spite of that fact, the characters in these books are precious across the board. They are light-weight murder mysteries with no gore, no need for graphic profanity, and still keep you glued to the page. Every new title from this author is devoured with relish. Charlie and Diesel are a breath of fresh air in a world of violence, foul adjectives, drugs and mayhem. After doing research all day on various subjects, which contain all of the above, spending an evening with these two characters is a delight. They make me smile and feel that the world may not be so bad after all.

Again Charlie and Diesel involve you with familiar and new characters in a fun puzzle. Could politics be motivating some of these characters or is it long standing dislike and prejudice. Another draw you in story by Miranda James with directions to go and great fun to deduce who and why. Wonderful read again.

James does her usual excellent job of plotting, unexpected twists, and character development. You get your pick of who you think is going to get it and that's always nice. I'm enjoying the series and see I'm at the last one with the next book. I'll miss the characters and the town. I was a little worried there because more sex than I like was creeping in. I know it's a part of modern life; I just don't like to read or hear about it. :-) otherwise, another fun book from Miranda James. And as always, the narration is spot on and enjoyable.

I really enjoyed this whole series. There's the mystery and the who done it then how do you solve this and at the same time it's relaxing it's not something where you're sitting at the edge of your seat and I found myself laughing many times throughout all the books.

In a series of books, the first I found in a book store. Since I like books and cats I decided to see how it read. To my delight it is a good mystery, no blood and gore. A great read with amazing characters and a good marvelous cat!

I have never had a cat (very allergic to them), but I want to meet Diesel the Maine Coon cat in this series. Diesel has captivated me since he appeared on the first cover and has made me a fan of cover artist Dan Craig. However, the real star of this series is the writer who has made Charlie and his work as an archivist and amateur sleuth so interesting and enjoyable! I love it when a title is perfect for a mystery! The diaries and Diesel short story were great bonuses!

When Mayor Lucinda Beckwith Long gives Charlie Harris a set of Civil War era diaries, he is eager to read them not only for their history but because the contents may play a major part in the senate race between Lucinda's son Beck and Jason Singletary. It turns out the Charlie isn't the only one who wants those diaries and it looks like someone is even willing to kill if that is what it takes to get them. “Arsenic and Old Books” is the delightful sixth book in Miranda James’ (Dean James) Cat in the Stacks cozy mystery series - a series that gets better and better with each book. It took me a while to get used to reading about a male protagonist in a cozy mystery (the genre is full of female protagonists) but I like Charlie and of course his wonderful cat Diesel (there is a bonus short story about how Charlie met Diesel which it very cute to read). I also love the supporting characters - I need in Azalea in my life (my mouth was watering as I read the book)! The plot of the Civil War diaries was an interesting one - I am from New England and I am always fascinated at the south’s perspective of the Civil War. I also loved the snippets of the diary that we got to read. The mystery itself is well plotted with plenty of twists and turns - I was expecting someone else to die. There are also more than a few surprises involving the diary – this book kept me guessing from beginning to end! “Arsenic and Old Books” is another great cozy mystery by Miranda James.

Only reason I gave this otherwise interesting series a 2 star is because Deisel, the cat star of the series, is always described as a grey Maine Coon cat. BUT! the cat shown on the cover of EVERY book in this series is ALWAYS a brown domestic shorthair. A domestic shorthair looks NOTHING like a Maine Coon cat. And you can't even get the color right !!! As a cat lover I have to wonder why the author allows this to keep happening. A black mark for Miranda.

When it comes to cozy mysteries, there are basically two categories of writers: Miranda James and everyone else and, even if you haven't read any of the other Cat in the Stacks mysteries, reading this will convince you of that. The author's first book was a guide to the works of Robert B. Parker, the author of the Spenser novels. Obviously these books are totally different, but, I think, you can definitely see the influence. There's an economy of description that you don't see in a lot of books in this genre, and that helps make this more page-turning than the average traditional mystery. The dialogue is tight and you may very well find yourself reading this in one sitting. James has crafted a memorable southern town with characters you don't forget, and this book's incorporation of library science/archival technology/Civil War history is spectacularly well-done and always integral to the plot. And finally: This is a really beautiful, full-sized hardcover--feels great and totally worth the splurge. This should be the bestselling mystery of the year.

I love this series. The mysteries are very good, I love Charlie and his big (Maine Coon) cat. Charlie’s job is interesting to me as well. And unlike the silly women who always find themselves caught by the killer, these mysteries are more realistic. This book revolved around diaries from the Civil War Times and I would love to read more of those diaries, too; something like that would be fascinating.

These Miranda James books are special to me. I have a 20 lb. cat just like Diesel so I relate in a special way. In spite of that fact, the characters in these books are precious across the board. They are light-weight murder mysteries with no gore, no need for graphic profanity, and still keep you glued to the page. Every new title from this author is devoured with relish. Charlie and Diesel are a breath of fresh air in a world of violence, foul adjectives, drugs and mayhem. After doing research all day on various subjects, which contain all of the above, spending an evening with these two characters is a delight. They make me smile and feel that the world may not be so bad after all.

Again Charlie and Diesel involve you with familiar and new characters in a fun puzzle. Could politics be motivating some of these characters or is it long standing dislike and prejudice. Another draw you in story by Miranda James with directions to go and great fun to deduce who and why. Wonderful read again.

James does her usual excellent job of plotting, unexpected twists, and character development. You get your pick of who you think is going to get it and that's always nice. I'm enjoying the series and see I'm at the last one with the next book. I'll miss the characters and the town. I was a little worried there because more sex than I like was creeping in. I know it's a part of modern life; I just don't like to read or hear about it. :-) otherwise, another fun book from Miranda James. And as always, the narration is spot on and enjoyable.

I really enjoyed this whole series. There's the mystery and the who done it then how do you solve this and at the same time it's relaxing it's not something where you're sitting at the edge of your seat and I found myself laughing many times throughout all the books.

In a series of books, the first I found in a book store. Since I like books and cats I decided to see how it read. To my delight it is a good mystery, no blood and gore. A great read with amazing characters and a good marvelous cat!

I have never had a cat (very allergic to them), but I want to meet Diesel the Maine Coon cat in this series. Diesel has captivated me since he appeared on the first cover and has made me a fan of cover artist Dan Craig. However, the real star of this series is the writer who has made Charlie and his work as an archivist and amateur sleuth so interesting and enjoyable! I love it when a title is perfect for a mystery! The diaries and Diesel short story were great bonuses!

I never get tired of Charlie and Diesel solving the mystery! Such fun reads, a story well told coupled with the lovely side stories of the lives of Charlie's foamy, friends, co-workers and townspeople. Makes you long for your own Athena. Eagerly moving on to book #7!

Cute theme, these books are fun, unfortunately this is the last one I will be buying, the price on the next one is a lot more and my income has not increased, I waited to see if they would come back down, no luck and the newest ones are way out of my comfort range being over 11$. If you have plenty of money buy them and enjoy.

I love this series! I am impressed by Ms. James' ability to convincingly write a first person narration by a protagonist of the opposite gender. Granted, being female myself, I don't know if it's an accurate portrayal, but I never forget his masculinity. Diesel is a great feline character. He is a definitive member of the cast, without being supernatural or unbelievable. The victim and perpetrator are distinctive and quirky. The plots are somewhat farfetched, but interesting and worth suspending one's disbelief

I love Deisel! I want a cat just like him. Maine Coon cats really are sweet , gentle giants. I also like the town of Athena and it's residents - feel as if they r all old friends. Last week I was able to answer a clue on Jeopardy because of something I read in one of Miranda James' books and NONE of the contestants knew the answer. I felt brillant.

To me, this is the weakest in the series. Much of the book is spent trying to solve the mystery of the donor's ancestor's death, and it's told through a diary of very mundane things. Also, the mystery isn't very complex--if you know anything about the period, the answer is pretty obvious early on, but it's not "revealed" until the end of the book. I didn't find the modern-day mystery very compelling, either. Still, I enjoyed the book, and it didn't deter me from continuing the series.

Love these books. Love reading about Diesel and Charlie’s adventures. I can relax and enjoy myself reading these books. I have read all of them and look forward to the next one. I have only one complaint I can’t put the story down and end up staying up late. Enjoy reading.

Politics and the Civil War are the main theme of this installment of The Cat in the Stacks series. The mayor’s son is running for office and his family will help him win at any cost. But will that cost be at the expense of someone’s life or will it be something else? Is he really fit to be in office or will a little lie many many years ago take him out of the election? This is another great book in the series. I love how the clues fall together in the end and all is uncovered. The bonus to this book is there is another little one at the end. You will learn how Charlie and Diesel came together

This book is the best one so far in this series! I love her characterizations, plot lines, the twists and turns in the story. Can't wait for the next one.

I have now read several of the Miranda James books; her cat in the stacks series and Southern Ladies series tie together with life in a fictional historical deep south town. Charlie Harris , who works in the town Library and his Maine coon cat are the primary characters and we get to know many other townspeople as well. The book was another delight from the author. Having spent time in the South I found the story very real. I loved it.

I'll just wrap it all up in this one review. I absolutely LOVE ALL of the Miranda James books-!! They are soooo good-they are exactly what I love reading-!! Some books I get have horrible cursing in them and they don't warn you ahead of time so some of the books I've read, I just wasted my money on!! The Miranda James books are NOT full of curse words, thank goodness but you will LOVE them, I do believe-!! Roxie

I just love love love this series. Great read, great story and lovable characters. Could tell that alot of research went into this one concerning the diary subject matters. Don't want to give anything away, but the killer was kinda oblivious. Not enough "throw away" characters to blame other people. That said, the theft was more fun to try to solve. That detail involved almost everyone. This book also has a short story of how Charlie and Diesel came to be. I loved it. Buy this book, read and learn and enjoy it.

Love this series, love the list of characters.

I've kind of jumped around and have not read the series in sequence but I will eventually. This is just a good, easy to read series with an older lead character and a cat. This is the best of the series and shows the evolution of the characters though the ending was a bit abrupt. The relationships and the small southern town setting ring true with a bit of embellishment. Predictable but just a nice way to end the day as a break from the work stress.

Arsenic and Old Books is the 6th in the Cat in the Stacks mystery series. The mayor of Athena, Mississippi donates four diaries to the library's archives. Word gets out and a newspaper reporter and a history professor both want access to them. What is in those diaries that is so important!? This was a fast paced story with Civil War history,murder and politics all mixed together to keep me wanting to read more. Love this series.

I wanted to find a book to read just for the fun of it. I found it. A great mini-mystery and easy-going narrative with a twist of humor in the relationship between Charlie Harris, the local librarian and his "companion" Diesel, a huge Maine Coon cat, with a personality. Can you imagine a cat "who" can open doors with his big paws? I do wonder if Charlie found Diesel or if Diesel found Charlie. A light fun read.

Charlie Harris receives 4 diaries written by Rebecca Long during the Civil War. Immediately he receives 2 strange requests to view the diaries. The diaries disappear from his office. Diesel is along with him. There is Senate election and scions of 2 long time Athena residents vie for the seat. The diaries are sort by both candidates. This one of the best Cat in Stack books. I recommend it.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0425277534?redirect=true&ref_=cm_cr_ryp_prd_ttl_sol_3 Someone does get murdered. This is a mystery book. But no gory details. There are relationships, but no sex. Read something else if you want that. I liked mystery books with cat "detectives". I find them entertaining.

Great history lesson with reference to the Civil War and also the procedures used in a college archrival department and library. Interesting connections between family members, friends and associates.

I love all these books! We had A Maine Coon that acted the same way. It just makes him come alive again! Miranda knows her cats. And the mysteries keep you reading later than you might like. They are addictive

Enjoy this series

This is great series! It is very well written and holds your attention. The setting is in Mississippi and there are enjoyable references to the history of the old south, and in this book, the Civil War. Wasn't sure how to answer the violence rating question. This is a series of murder mystery books, so there is a dead guy, but there is no blood and gore. I always look forward to the next book in the series!

Meh, lame.

Great books! I love Miranda James' "Cat in the Stacks" series with Charlie and Diesel Harris. She did not let me down with this new one. I've even told a couple of people about the books. I like Diesel as I have one now, and have had two other Maine Coon cats.

Charact ers are well-presented. Plot is intriguing.

I love these books, had a Maine Coon myself, so enjoy the stories. I only wish the protagonist was presented as so old. I live in a older community and people in their eighties act younger than he does. It is enjoyable to have a male centered book. Look forward to reading the next one.

This is the sixth book in the series that I have read. The quality of the stories holds up very well. This is a good mystery. The plot and the characters and the settings are all very well done.

I liked the smalltown atmosphere and I liked the relationship between Diesel And his owner as well as other people.

Cute book, fun read

Love this series. Diesel indeed. Such a loving relationship between man and cat. Charlie the consumate gentleman and amateur sleuth love all the characters Jo's children and friends especially Helen Louise. Read these books and you will have a great time

What I liked most about this read is that it's clean. I know I can sit and read without being offended.

THIS IS THE 6TH OF THE CAT IN THE STACKS COZY MYSTERIES. THEY'RE FUN READING. THIS WAS WAS EXTRA SPECIAL BECAUSE IT INCLUDES THE STORY OF HOW DIESEL CAME TO LIVE WITH CHARLIE. I ALWAYS WONDERED.

This series is one of my favorites. These books are very well written and well edited. This story, #6 in the series, is good and moves along at a good pace as do all the books in this series. Although you could read this book as a stand-alone I highly recommend reading the books in order so you have the backstory.

This is the best one yet in this series. The mystery keeps you guessing, and the mystery of the title isn't solved until the end. And just enough about the cat to make it fun, without becoming frivolous. Good job!

I LOVE THIS SERIES. EVERY BOOK SO FAR HAS BEEN EXCELLENT! GREAT FOR US COZY MYSTERY LOVERS!

Great book. It was really exciting. I changed my mind at least 3 times. Great characters. I had a main coon kitty and Deisel reminds me so much of my Smoky. I just love the library setting too. All the characters are believable. One of my favorite books.

Good book

These books not full of graphic murder. Characters are very likable and the plots believable. They're my favorite mysteries.

Love this series,especially Diesel and Charlie. If possible Diesel would talk,well actually he does in cat sounds. Start reading this series and you will , purr like Diesel.

Charlie Harris keeps getting involved in the latest murder. This one takes him back to the Civil War. Diesel keeps him on a level plain.

An easy read, very enjoyable. Started it one evening and the next thing I knew it was four in the morning! Maranda James books are very easy to read. They just flow and you don't realize how long you've been reading. Am waiting for the next in this series.

Charlie and diesel caught my heart at once. I felt like they were part of my family. perfect match of warmth and mystery.

I really liked this book. It was the first one in this series I have read. I will now go back and read books 1 through 5 to find out what I have missed. It will be enjoyable.

I was given the first book and then found the rest on Amazon. I began reading all of them. These books warm my heart.

I love this series and have been binge reading ever since discovering them. Can't wait for the new books to be released.

Mom loved the book.

Fabulous.

I really liked this book. I love the characters and I wish the author would write this series a little more frequently. I was pleasantly surprised to see the bonus story of how Diesel and Charlie met. Ready for the next book.

Love this series and love learning more about the characters.

The book was excellent as usual for this series however it ended without continuing certain plot lines which had run throughout the whole book. This is not the way this author normally finishes his books. I would have given it 3 1/2 stars if that were possible.

This is such a fun series. The characters are engaging and believable, the plots intriguing. This story deals with Civil War diaries and the secrets they hold will change the lives of two young men in Athena, Mississippi.

I really enjoy reading about Charlie and Diesel. I'm learning about taking care of older books and papers as Charlie goes about his job.these books are well written and allow me to sit and relax at the end of the day, joining an " old friend " . I look forward to more adventures with Charlie and Diesel.

Love Charlie and Diesel. Can’t wait to see more of their adventures in the wonderful town of Athena Mississippi!! Happiness in a book

The series continues to be enjoyable and well written. It is best to read this series in order but from first book until now it is an enjoyable read

Have enjoyed this series since I first started reading it. Always interesting and entertaining and Diesel, the Maine Coon cat, has a great personality.

I just love this series. The characters are fun. The stories are thoughtful. Who can't just love Diesel the cat. Made me want a Maine Coon. Keep them coming! I recommend these to cat lovers and mystery lovers.

If only cats could talk what what Diesel would have to say. A good fast read. Too bad because I want to keep reading. Already read the first one in her next series.

I've enjoyed all the books in the series. Charlie and Diesel are a great pair.

Always a cat lover, I enjoyed this mystery in which a cat - Diesel - hangs around "warbling" and generally ruling the roost! I don't particularly like books where the cat solves the crime by pointing out answers to the secrets, but this particular fatty just does what he like best, which is begging for food and being loved! A pretty tight mystery - I didn't try to pick the perpetrator - although the clues were probably sitting in front of me. I was very interested in the parts about the Civil War because my husband and I visited Gettysburg and the battlefields in 2012 when we were in the States. A most sacred place where ghosts still linger, very oppressive in spite of it being a sunny day. No birds around which was something I did find weird although in some of the places on the hills there were squirrels rushing around in the forest areas. Enjoyable and yes, I would read more of Charlie and Diesel :)

Excellent tale by an author who never let's the reader down. I always look forward to the next adventure. I highly recommend this to lovers of cats, clever plots, and intriguing characters

I love the Cat in the Stacks series by Miranda James. The characters and plots are well developed. They're great fun to read.

Another entry in a charming and intriguing series.

An entertaining murder mystery

always fun to read

I enjoy this series. I love cats but the Maine Coon, Diesel, in this series has so much personality that I think I would like to be owned by one. Sometimes The obvious is not the truth.

gift

I was so longing for another in this series and was not disappointed. Continues to be delightly written with wonderful characters that I know and love.

Yet another great cozy from Miranda James' cat series. It is a fun read and I recommend it along with the others in this series.

Excellent and fun series. Mysteries are engaging. Good clean fun reads. Great author. Characters become like real friends. Can't wait until the next one!

I love this series and count the days for the new ones. This one kept me in my toes to the very end! And there was a cool surprise at the end of the book.

Add to my collection so I can read in series.

This is another good book in the series.

I love this series. Cannot wait for the next book in this series.

Diesel rocks. Waffles grills and unusually lid meows are definite signs Maine coins are listen ing stupid kindle and help

I am a dog person but I fell for Diesel the cat. Diesel is charming and his emotions seem like a human. I read all of the books and can not wait for the new one next month. Please keep them

I have every one of the cat in the Stacks mysteries. I enjoyed this book as much as I enjoyed the other ones. Thank you.

I have enjoyed all the Miranda James Cat Mysteries. They are very hard to put down once I start reading

Entertaining read and quick.

I enjoy how the cat interacts with the people in the story.

First person narrator is a male character. Problem is, this man thinks like a woman, and in many cases, expresses himself the way a woman would. Also, there is WAY too much clutter with trivial details that interrupt the momentum (such as it is) of the story. If you're going to have a conversation along with a ham sandwich, I don't CARE that the ham is yummy, two days old, sitting on a platter, going to be combined with bread, lettuce, mayo and a diet coke. I want to hear (read) the conversation.

Love the southern atmosphere and have always liked reading about little Diesel and his owner

So far, I have loved all of Miranda James Cat in the Stacks mysteries and this was no exception. Waiting for the next one now.

ANOTHER GEAT BOOK BY MIRANDA JAMES

This is a very nice series; not too serious, full of gentle humor, and wonderful characters. I love mysteries set in the South and Miranda James is top notch!

This is the final book! It started off a bit slow, but it picks up like towards 20 to 30 pages in. :) I'm happy!

Any book written by Miranda James is well worth the time and money invested. I give her books as gifts and recommend her to anyone who enjoys a well crafted mystery.

I always enjoy reading about Charlie Harris and Diesel's adventures. It is a quick read, easy to follow, and fun to guess the guilty party.

I love the hero of this series. the author writes well.

Bought all of the books in the series and enjoyed them all.

Always love great series with an intelligent, compassionate, always hungry cat. The humans are interesting, too.

I really enjoyed reading this book. It was wonderful and I can't say enough about it, definitely the best yet in the series. Not to mention I love diesel

Every Cat in the Stacks book is better than the last one! Can't wait until the next one comes out. This is one cozy mystery series that I pre-order. Great read!

This series of Miranda James book is every bit as good all the others. Heartwarming, and kept me coming back to read more.

Good read

I love all the Cat in the Stacks books. Can't wait for the next one. Miranda James is a great writer.

I've read many of James' books and they are all beginning to sound the same.

Great story line, love Diesel, he adds so much to it. Looking forward to the next book

I love this series. Always entertaining

This story is good but a very light read. As far as the plot line goes, it's a bit easy to figure out and I would like more of a challenge.

Thought this book had the most clever plot of all six books. Fun!

Good story as usual with this author

Vy much enjoyed.

A worthy successor to the other books in this series !

Great cozy mystery

There's many cat mysteries in the marketplace, but lovable Diesel keeps me craving more from this author. His quirky characters just add to the readers delight!

Always a good read. Love the character development.

Good both. I love the series's cant wait until the next book to come out. Miranda James is a very good writer.

will buy the next one when it is out

Absolutely love her Cat in the Stacks mysteries!!!!

I love the the writing of these books

THIS COZY SERIES JUST GETS BETTER AND BETTER. GO, DIESEL!

I love Miranda James books!!

Love these books! Great read hate to put it down until done!

A fascinating read!

I love all of the Diesel books. I can't wait for another one.

Another great book.

Awesome

I have enjoyed the other books in this series very much, but I was disappointed in this one. Very unlikable people and a plot that just doesn't hold water for me.

Love reading about Charlie & Diesel. Once again, it was a great mystery.

Great book!

Another fun mystery with the Cat in the Stacks gang!

Great story, love they are Southern stories.

Very entertaining mystery, gotta love Diesel!

love this series - nice break from reality!

Love the series and of course, the cat!

Awesome, as always! Can't wait for the next one!

really enjoy this series. great read.

Very enjoyable and some nice twists in the plot. I enjoy this series.

I love the series!

Great book.

I love mysteries where cats are involved. They are mysterious, aren't they? SW

A very enjoyable series

Great read.

Great series. Love the books

Absolutely loved it. It was suspenseful without being dragged down by being overly violent.

I love the Miranda James books. They are wonderful and I love Diesel. I own them all.

Love the series. Always want to read more.

Loved Charlie and Diesel as usual. It was great to get updated with Laura & Sean, Charlie's children. Miranda James always keeps me wanting more, looking forward to her next book!

An enjoyable addition to the Cat in the Stacks series.

Loved it as I do all of Charlie and Diesel's adventures!

Love this series

good

Wonderful book, as is the entire series.

Love this and his new series.

Another great read. Well written and informative. I have read all the previouse novels and I'm sure going to miss the characters once I'm done with final novel of this series's.

I'm reading this one now and finding it very interesting. I've read all the others in the series and like them too.

I always enjoy the books written by Miranda James and this book was no exception.

Love this series

Always like Miranda James

I always enjoy the Cat in the Stacks mysteries.

I enjoyed the book. Hated for it to end.

Fun to read trying to figure out who did it and knowing more about the characters and the connection to the main character

great read - highly recommend!

Enjoy this series.Diesel is a big attraction. The end of this one was weak--thus only 4 stars

I enjoy James's books. There is mystery and always a little twist as to "who done it" and why.

I love stories, especially mysteries with cats involved. I really love Diesel.

I enjoy every book in this series. The climax was less exciting hence the three stars, but there was an interesting surprise in the denouement.

Good

Love the series!

Although not the best in the series, this book is nonetheless an easy and satisfying read.

Can't really rate book, it was given as a gift. Can't really rate book, it was given as a gift.

Archives. Genealogy. History. Rare journals written in specific ink and on unusual paper. Of course, I'll love it. I'm talking about the 6th book, Arsenic and Old Books, in the 'Cat in the Stacks' cozy mystery series written by Miranda James. It was published in 2015 but I'm catching up on this series so that I'm ready for the 11th book, which I received via NetGalley last month. The author is a fantastic guy, and the series is always enjoyable to read; hence, it's a definite recommend for those who love southern stories, even-paced investigations by a lovable amateur sleuth, and witty dialog. Charlie works at a library in Athena, Mississippi. The mayor brings in a collection of her husband's ancestor's journals for cataloging and repair. Her son believes something in them will help showcase why he should be elected to the state senate that year. Unfortunately, as soon as the journals are left with Charlie, tons of people come out of the woodwork to steal them. What exactly did an ancestor write about that's worth all this trouble? After a few chapters, we find out who knows the potential reason, but before we actually discover it, the journals are stolen and one of the potential thieves is killed in a hit-and-run accident. Charlie and Diesel are on the case. One of the Ducote sisters makes an appearance, which made me quite ecstatic. There was a friendlier relationship between Charlie and the deputy, Kanesha Berry, whereas in the past, it was a bit cantankerous. James delivers a strong story dating back to Civil War times, a wealth of information on how people wrote journals ~15o years ago, and a lovely change in many of Charlie's relationships. I appreciate the writing style and tone, and it always makes me relax and focus on the actual story. It's an easy read but full of complexity in the mystery. In this book, the mayor looks very suspicious, and we don't get to meet her husband despite lots of conversations surrounding him and their son's hope for politics. Throw in a news reporter, some professors, an opponent in the election, and some people with grudges against the family, and you've got a lot to work with. Diesel is misbehaving in this book, but he seems to learn his lessons. I need to introduce him to my dog, Baxter, so that behavior is transferred. On to the next one...

Politics, old diaries, and ambition turn into a deadly mix when the Athens mayor donates Civil-War era family diaries to the college. Word immediately gets out and librarian Charlie Harris is soon accosted with two urgent, rather demanding requests to exam the documents. When the diaries disappear and one of the women who originally requested/demanded to review them is killed in a hit and run car accident, Charlie finds himself trying to discover what secrets they may contain that are worth killing over. I have to admit, I went into this series not expecting much. Yes, I love cats and yes, I love books. My forte, however, when it comes to cozy mysteries is female protagonists. Of course, there are male characters in the stories, but the main person solving "whodunit" is 99.9% of the time female. The Cat in the Stacks series, though, has made me realize that I may have been a bit sexist when it comes to my reading. Librarian Charlie Harris is remarkable gentleman that, truth be told, I would love to meet in real life, along with his adorable cat Diesel (ok, maybe I'd like to meet Diesel even more! LOL). The stories themselves are fun, engaging, and a pleasure to read.