Claws And Effect Part 36

"Excellent series . . . Another murder in Crozet would be most welcome."

-Winston-Salem Journal

PAWING THROUGH THE PAST.

"This is a cat-lover's dream of a mystery. . . . 'Harry' is simply irresistible. . . . [Rita Mae] Brown once again proves herself 'Queen of Cat Crimes.' . . . Don't miss out on this lively series, for it's one of the best around."

-Old Book Barn Gazette

"Apparently eight's the charm for Rita Mae Brown and her cat, Sneaky Pie, whose latest adventure just may be the best in this long-running series."

-Booklist

"Another delightful mystery . . . Once again, Rita Mae Brown proves she can capture the ambiance of life in a small southern town and, more impressively, get readers to accept thinking, mystery-solving cats and dogs."

-The Virginian-Pilot

"Cleverly crafted . . . Fans of the Mrs. Murphy series will want to immediately read this novel, while newcomers will search for the previous books."

-The Midwest Book Review

"A delightful cozy mystery, all the more so because of the active role the pets take in solving the crime . . . [The] puzzling mystery will shock and delight you."

-Romantic Times

"Rita Mae Brown's books are always well written, always entertaining, always full of interesting people becoming involved with plots, plans, and emotional entanglements. Pawing Through the Past is no exception."

-I Love a Mystery

CAT ON THE SCENT.

"Rita and Sneaky Pie know how to grab a reader. This fun-loving and delightful mystery is a must even if you're not a cat lover."

-The Pilot (Southern Pines, NC)

"These provocative mysteries just glow."

-Mystery Lovers Bookshop News

"Features all the traits of purebred fun. . . . The antics of the animals, Brown's witty observations, the history-revering Virginians, and the Blue Ridge setting make this a pleasurable read for lovers of this popular genre."

-BookPage

"Animal antics and criminal capers combine captivatingly in Cat on the Scent."

-The San Diego Union-Tribune

"A charming and keen-eyed take on human misdeeds and animal shenanigans . . . Told with s.p.u.n.k and plenty of whimsy, this is another delightful entry in a very popular series."

-Publishers Weekly

"A fine murder mystery . . . For fans of Mrs. Murphy and her pals, both two- and four-legged, Cat on the Scent smells like a winner."

-The Virginian-Pilot

"Charming." -People Don't miss the new mystery from RITA MAE BROWN.

and SNEAKY PIE BROWN.

Whisker of Evil Now available in hardcover

from Bantam Books

Please read on for a preview . . .

Whisker of Evil on sale now Barry Monteith was still breathing when Harry found him. His throat had been ripped out.

Tee Tucker, a corgi, racing ahead of Mary Minor Haristeen as well as the two cats, Mrs. Murphy and Pewter, found him first.

Barry was on his back, eyes open, gasping and gurgling, life ebbing with each spasm. He did not recognize Tucker nor Harry when they reached him.

"Barry, Barry." Harry tried to comfort him, hoping he could hear her. "It will be all right," she said, knowing perfectly well he was dying.

The tiger cat, Mrs. Murphy, watched the blood jet upward.

"Jugular," fat, gray Pewter succinctly commented.

Gently, Harry took the young man's hand and prayed, "Dear Lord, receive into thy bosom the soul of Barry Monteith, a good man." Tears welled in her eyes.

Barry jerked, then his suffering ended.

Death, often so shocking to city dwellers, was part of life here in the country. A hawk would swoop down to carry away the chick while the biddy screamed useless defiance. A bull would break his hip and need to be put down. And one day an old farmer would slowly walk to his tractor only to discover he couldn't climb into the seat. The Angel of Death placed his hand on the stooping shoulder.