Review of "The Big Cat Nap: A Mrs. Murphy Mystery" by Rita Mae Brown & Sneaky Pie Brown

   

In this addition to the 'Mrs. Murphy' mysteries, amateur sleuth Harry Haristeen looks into murders connected with a car repair business. I think it's necessary to be familiar with the series to fully enjoy the book.

The 'Mrs. Murphy' cozy mystery series began over three decades ago, with the charming premise that animals could speak amongst themselves and help their owner solve crimes.

In recent years author Rita Mae Brown has used the Mrs. Murphy novels to promote her politics and to discuss issues that concern her. This bothers me, since I don't think authors should use fiction as a platform to 'teach.' That's what non-fiction is for. Still, I've been following these characters for a long time, and the stories are interesting, so I keep reading them (so far).

*****

Background: After Mary Minor graduated from Smith College, she became the postmistress in her hometown of Crozet, Virginia. Since then, Mary married large animal veterinarian Fair Haristeen, and Mary Minor Haristeen is now 'Harry' to everyone she knows. After leaving the postmistress job, Harry began farming, and she loves the work.



Harry is also the 'mom' of two cats called Mrs. Murphy and Pewter, and a pooch called Tucker.




Harry's farm also harbors an opossum, a black snake, an owl, and two horses - and ALL the animals in the story, including three church cats, can converse with one another.

Harry is a self-described gearhead who loves cars and trucks, so she takes an interest when her friends' vehicles need repairs. Miranda Hogendobber's Outback and Reverend Herbert Jones' old Chevy truck are in a repair shop called ReNu, where Safe and Sound insurance company sends all its policyholders.



Unfortunately, big trouble is brewing for ReNu. When Harry takes Reverend Jones to pick up his truck, they find mechanic Walt Richardson in the garage, with his head bashed in. Sheriff Rick Shaw and Deputy Cynthia Cooper investigate, but Harry can't help taking an interest as well.



Harry's friends - and her pets - don't want her to investigate, since a dangerous killer is on the loose. But Harry can't help herself, and goes back to the garage to snoop around.



Things escalate even further when two more ReNu mechanics are murdered, one with something sharp like an ice pick, and one with a bullet. Harry logically concludes the murders are connected with fixing damaged vehicles, and she looks into the insurance and repair industries, which go hand in hand.

That's the gist of the mystery part of the book. Besides that, the novel's characters spend a good deal of time chatting, gossiping, and joking around; and many Crozet residents are preparing for the Flag Day celebration at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church - mowing, planting flowers, having T-shirts made, getting flags, and so on. People of all ages and faiths attend, and it's a big town holiday.



The 'talking animals' in the novel comment on human activities (often noting they're smarter than people), and engage in their usual devilry. At one point, Pewter and Murphy are fighting so much Harry scolds, "If I have to stop this car to break up a fight, there are going to be two unhappy cats, do you hear me?"

Those parts of the book make an enjoyable story, but I'm put off when author Rita Mae Brown uses the characters to expound on her personal interests and concerns.

For instance, these are some of Brown's issues:

Vehicle insurers sending policyholders to the least expensive repair shops, which may not do the the best work.

Cheap, inferior aftermarket car parts that are manufactured in India, China, and other parts of Asia.

Car manufacturers exclusively offering automatic transmissions.

The history of the insurance industry, and current regulations.

Spilled milk from an overturned truck being treated as an environmental hazard because the butterfat in milk is oil.

Stores selling 'organic foods' that aren't really organic.

The burgeoning wine industry in Virginia.

And more.

As the story unspools, Harry keeps poking at the car repair industry, and she annoys some dangerous people. Finally, after Harry is almost killed, the cases are resolved. For me, the book is only so-so. I prefer the early books in the series, that have proper sleuthing and more realistic characters.

Rating: 2.75 stars