Search - File M for Murder (Cat in the Stacks, Bk 3)

I loved everything about this series and #3 didn't disappoint. The new relationships are great, the characters are easy to like and they continue to grow. This is a wonderful series and for a cat lover, and owner of a Maine Coon, it is truly a nice series. The chirping and warbling is very familiar to me and my family. The mooching is also very familiar. Mine isn't as large, but is just as spunky and loves his treats.

Very good cozy. It is a nice change to have a man as a lead character in a cozy. Strong positive father image. Love the cat Diesel. Very good mystery didn't figure it out until the end.

"File M for Murder" is the 3rd installment in the Cat in the Stacks series. The series centers around the life of Charlie (the local librarian) and his Maine Coon cat Diesel.
Charlie's daughter Laura has come to teach a semester at the local college and moves into Charlie's home. In addition to Charlie & Diesel, Charlie's son Sean and 2 other boarders (Justin & Stewart) occupy the home. You will need to read the first two books of the series in order to gain background insight into Justin & Stewart and why they live with Charlie.
Shortly after Laura's arrival her ex- boyfriend is murdered and Laura becomes the prime suspect. Charlie, Diesel, and Sean are immediately wrapped up in the investigation to clear her name. Different suspects and motives will keep you guessing for quite a while until the real culprit(s) are revealed.
A good fun read, and anyone with a devoted house pet will definitely get a kick out of Diesel's constant chirping and mannerisms. Some of us do really believe that our pets understand what we are saying to them and swear that they answer us.
Love this series and am definitely looking forward to the next Charlie & Diesel adventure.

A fun read without gore. I've enjoyed this series, especially the author's depth of making the characters real. Looking forward to book 4.

I really enjoy this series although this one didn't grab me the way the others have before. Not sure if it was the daughter or not but I just didn't enjoy this one as much. I will continue reading them and hope to recapture the magic!

This series features Charlie Harris who has returned home to Athena, Mississippi to work as a librarian. He also has a sidekick that goes almost everywhere he goes, a rescued Maine coon cat named Diesel. Diesel is happy to don a harness and leash and travel around town with Charlie. Most of the people of Athena have adjusted to this huge cat and realize how friendly he is, they always have pats and treats ready for Diesel.

In File M for Murder, Charlie is surprised when his daughter, Laura, returns home from Hollywood to fill in for another professor at the local college. Charlie, Sean and Diesel are thrilled to have her home.

He then learns that her old boyfriend, Connor Lawton, a playwright, is also at the college as a writer-in-residence, working on his new play and helped her get the job. Charlie in not at all impressed with the man who is just plain rude. Connor is also followed to Athena by an old girlfriend who believes she is the only woman good enough for Connor.

Before the sharp tongued writer can finish his play he is murdered and Charlie’s daughter becomes the prime suspect. Charlie and Diesel are on the case. He soon finds many other viable suspects but can he find the real killer before any of his family or friends end up filed under M for murder.

Dollycas’s Thoughts
Yes, Diesel is one of the shining stars of this series. His meows, warbles, chirrups, and head bumps are priceless. He is so in tune to human’s feelings. If you are a cat person like me you will truly understand. But without Charlie there is no story so together they make a great team of shining stars. We also know that Charlie is not the only human who talks to their pets like they understand exactly what we are saying. I know Azalea is shaking her head at me.

This story touched my heart because of the relationship Charlie has with his daughter. I found myself missing the talks I used to have with my dad. Like Charlie, he was there for me through thick and thin until his death, although he definitely was not a cat person. Charlie was definitely Laura’s hero in this story, just like a dad should be. James creates a wonderful family dynamic that reaches out to Justin and Stewart, Charlie’s boarders. All the characters are strong, real and jump right off the page.

This mystery was complex and following the tidbits and putting them all together was very entertaining. It will change the way you look at your local librarian because contrary to what we think we can’t find everything we need to know on the internet. Sometimes we need to dig a little deeper and go through those old musty files, especially when trying to solve a murder, be it a new one or a very old one.

File M for Murder is full of Southern Charm and the residents of Athena will work their way right into your heart, especially one huge Maine coon cat! Love ya Diesel!