Classified as Murder
A Cat in the Stacks Mystery, No 2
Miranda James

Berkley
May 2011/ ISBN 978-0-425-24157-8
Mystery/Cozy
Amazon

Reviewed by Laura Hinds

Classified as Murder is the second book in the “A Cat in the Stacks” series featuring librarian Charlie Harris and his Maine coon cat, Diesel. Author Miranda James has done a wonderful job in this follow-up, further fleshing out characters and deepening the relationships, and introducing new characters while spinning a web of deceit and murder.

The setting is Athena, Mississippi, and the book does feature a southern flair and tone. Charlie Harris is drawn into interaction with the Delacorte family when Mr. James Delacorte asks him to help him to conduct an inventory of his rare book collection. James is convinced that someone, probably a family member (in Charlie’s opinion), is stealing books. When James is found murdered, Charlie realizes that he not only has to figure out who was responsible for the missing books – especially a rare and valuable copy of an Edgar Allan Poe book – but that following this trail could lead to the killer. The killer who has struck again, and makes Charlie more than a little worried that he’s not done yet.

Cozy mystery lovers will be drawn to the book right away by the beautiful artist’s rendering of Diesel the cat on the cover and by the description of the story on the back of the book. But what is inside will prove to be even better than expected. I absolutely am in love with this series, and find the mysteries within believable, interesting, and not easy for even the most devoted mystery reader to solve before the author is ready. The characters and their relationships are true-to-life, and the introduction of Charlie’s son, Sean, is a welcome addition. Diesel the Maine coon is delightful, and he is truly a help to Charlie with his sleuthing.

I’d recommend that you read the first book, Murder Past Due, for full enjoyment, but it isn’t necessary that you do so. This is a really good novel for all mystery lovers, teens and adults, women and men. A great summer read, wonderful for a rainy day as well. I cannot wait for the next book and hope that Miranda James will write many more in this new hit series.

Reviews of other titles in this series

Classified as Murder #2
File M for Murder #3
Out of Circulation #4
The Silence of the Library #5
Arsenic and Old Books #6
No Cats Allowed #7
Twelve Angry Librarians #8
Claws for Concern #9