After several years of playing coy and nursing old resentments, Mary Minor Harristeen ("Harry") remarries her ex-husband Pharamond ("Fair), a equine vet and the love of her life (she must admit). The couple settles down on Harry's farm with Tee Tucker, the corgie, the two cats (Mrs. Murphy and Pewter), and the horses. They just planted grape vines and hope to be a part of Central Virginia's burgeoning wine industry in a few years.
Murder at the Garden Party
However, all this tranquility doesn't last long as the county is thrown into an uproar and loyalties divided when one of the area's newer, wealthy residents--Carla Paulson--is found stabbed at a fundraiser. Standing over the body is Harry's friend and local architect, Tazio Chappars. She is arrested immediately despite her claims of innocence.
No Shortage of Enemies
The more Harry and the animals learn about Mrs. Paulson, the more they learn that more than a few people disliked her--including Tazio. In that part of rural Virginia, old money keeps its bank account balances private and is equally friendly to the "haves" and the "have nots." Mrs. Paulson hadn't yet learned that tradition. She flaunted her money and demeaned the people that worked for her, such as Tazio. What that enough of a reason to kill her? Will Harry and her animals be able to find the real killer?
Talking animal books shouldn't work. In fact, the phenomenon is a standing joke among editors. Rita Mae Brown, however, has found the right mixture of fancy and fact. She stands alone in contemporary "cat fiction" writers as consistently turning out enjoyable and clever mysteries. "Purrfect Mystery" is no exception.
About Rita Mae Brown
Rita Mae Brown is the author of over 35 novels, the most famous of which are her Mrs. Murphy series and the four "Sister Jane" foxhunting mysteries. Ms. Brown is also an Emmy-nominated screenwriter, a poet, and has written a "Mrs. Murphy" cookbook. In addition to writing, Ms. Brown is an avid horsewoman and animal rights advocate. She lives in Afton, Virginia with her cats, horses, and other critters.
About Sneaky Pie Brown
Sneaky Pie Brown is a tiger cat, rescued by Rita Mae from the Albemarle County (Virginia) animal shelter. She has collaborated on all of the 16 Mrs. Murphy novels and gets more fan mail than her human.
Related Links
- Rita Mae Brown Official Web site
- Cat Fiction
- The Cat who had 60 Whiskers by Lilian Jackson Brown
- Cat Pay the Devil by Shirley Rousseau Murphy
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