What do you think?
Rate this book
Cat in the Stacks #16
Requiem for a Mouse
Librarian Charlie Harris and his ever-intuitive feline friend Diesel must catch a killer in a deadly game of cat and mouse where no one is who they seem to be...
At last, Charlie and Helen Louise’s wedding is only a month away. They’re busy preparing for the big day, and the last thing Charlie needs is a new mystery to solve. Enter Tara Martin, a shy, peculiar woman who has recently started working part-time at Helen Louise’s bistro and helping Charlie in the archive. Tara isn’t exactly friendly and she has an angry outburst at the library that leaves Charlie baffled. And then she abruptly leaves a catered housewarming party Charlie’s son Sean is throwing to celebrate his new home in the middle of her work shift. Before ducking out of the party, Tara looked terrified and Charlie wonders if she’s deliberately trying to escape notice. Is she hiding from someone?
When Tara is viciously attacked and lands in the hospital, Charlie knows his instincts were correct: Tara was in trouble and someone was after her. With the help of his much beloved cat, Diesel, Charlie digs deeper, and discovers shocking glimpses into Tara’s past that they could never have predicted. Will they catch the villain before Charlie’s own happily ever after with Helen Louise is ruined?
At last, Charlie and Helen Louise’s wedding is only a month away. They’re busy preparing for the big day, and the last thing Charlie needs is a new mystery to solve. Enter Tara Martin, a shy, peculiar woman who has recently started working part-time at Helen Louise’s bistro and helping Charlie in the archive. Tara isn’t exactly friendly and she has an angry outburst at the library that leaves Charlie baffled. And then she abruptly leaves a catered housewarming party Charlie’s son Sean is throwing to celebrate his new home in the middle of her work shift. Before ducking out of the party, Tara looked terrified and Charlie wonders if she’s deliberately trying to escape notice. Is she hiding from someone?
When Tara is viciously attacked and lands in the hospital, Charlie knows his instincts were correct: Tara was in trouble and someone was after her. With the help of his much beloved cat, Diesel, Charlie digs deeper, and discovers shocking glimpses into Tara’s past that they could never have predicted. Will they catch the villain before Charlie’s own happily ever after with Helen Louise is ruined?
288 pages, Hardcover
First published June 25, 2024
173 people are currently reading
602 people want to read
About the author
Miranda James
23 books1,240 followersPen name of Dean James, who also writes as Honor Hartman and Jimmie Ruth Evans
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 182 reviews
April 16, 2024
Another good installment in the Cat in the Stacks series written by Miranda James. Requiem for a Mouse, a cozy mystery about a seemingly timid woman hiding something, offers a light investigation and a chance to catch up with Charlie, Diesel, and some old friends. Charlie's wedding is approaching soon, but before then, his son and daughter-in-law are finished renovating their ancestor's home. At the party, the timid woman -- Tara -- claims she had a panic attack but nothing seems in line with her behavior. Then she disappears and is found during a hit-and-run. Who wanted to kill her? Books arrive at the library to be catalogued, specifically by Tara, and then Charlie begins to find more clues. Lots of run to read, and I am excited about the ending, letting us know about an upcoming trip to Ireland!
July 27, 2024
Another great installment in the series. I enjoyed puzzling over the identities and motives as this one was a little twistier than usual.
December 19, 2024
The Athena College library’s new employee seems to be harboring a secret that the longtime librarian and his Maine Coon cat are eager to crack.
Mid-January, as dull and cold as it is, can’t keep Charlie Harris down, particularly now that he’s only a month away from his wedding to Helen Louise Brady. His work at the library has recently been lightened with the hiring of Tara Martin, who is a bit of an "odd ball". She's weirdly reclusive and prone to sudden fits of rage. Charlie and his feline co-worker, Diesel, have had long experience when it comes to dealing with all types of moods, so they’re more than capable of handling Tara, though it’s doubtful whether her hard work and challenging temperament is a good fit for her part-time job at Helen Louise’s bistro.
It’s only a matter of time before something breaks, and Charlie wonders if that’s what he’s seeing when Tara darts off in the middle of a housewarming party for his son, Sean. Charlie’s right on her heels, but still no one knows where she went until Charlie sees her shivering and obviously terrified, hiding in the root cellar. What’s terrified her so much? Charlie is determined to find out, but before he can convince her to confide about whatever’s got her so frightened, Tara goes missing...again. Expecting the worst, Charlie gets Diesel’s help. He’s determined to learn the truth as long as it doesn’t interfere with his upcoming wedding.
These books are cleverly composed of a kindhearted librarian hero, a sleepy Southern town, and a gentle giant cat that will absolutely steal your heart.
Mid-January, as dull and cold as it is, can’t keep Charlie Harris down, particularly now that he’s only a month away from his wedding to Helen Louise Brady. His work at the library has recently been lightened with the hiring of Tara Martin, who is a bit of an "odd ball". She's weirdly reclusive and prone to sudden fits of rage. Charlie and his feline co-worker, Diesel, have had long experience when it comes to dealing with all types of moods, so they’re more than capable of handling Tara, though it’s doubtful whether her hard work and challenging temperament is a good fit for her part-time job at Helen Louise’s bistro.
It’s only a matter of time before something breaks, and Charlie wonders if that’s what he’s seeing when Tara darts off in the middle of a housewarming party for his son, Sean. Charlie’s right on her heels, but still no one knows where she went until Charlie sees her shivering and obviously terrified, hiding in the root cellar. What’s terrified her so much? Charlie is determined to find out, but before he can convince her to confide about whatever’s got her so frightened, Tara goes missing...again. Expecting the worst, Charlie gets Diesel’s help. He’s determined to learn the truth as long as it doesn’t interfere with his upcoming wedding.
These books are cleverly composed of a kindhearted librarian hero, a sleepy Southern town, and a gentle giant cat that will absolutely steal your heart.
March 12, 2024
Number sixteen in the Car in the Stacks cozy mystery series brings a new assistant to Charlie in the archives. Tara is off-putting and secretive, but she's a big help to Charlie. But after some peculiar incidents, Tara is a victim of a hit and run and winds up in the hospital. And this was no accident. Now it's up to Charlie to figure out what happened to Tara and solve the case.
I'm done y'all. The two best words to describe this book are tedious and repetitive. The bones of the story are fine. But the telling of it was a chore to get through. If you took out all the unnecessary stuff (do we need to know EVERY time Melba pets the cat?) you would probably be left with about 50 pages. We get constant descriptions of what Charlie eats, every time he puts a leash on the cat, and what he wears to bed. Then there's the repetitiveness. Something happens, so we get it first hand. Then, we listen to the story of how it happened as Charlie tells Melba. And again when he tells Helen Louise. And again when he tells the roommate and his police boyfriend. Seeming plot points were dropped here too with no other explanation. At one point, Charlie yammers (to the reader) about how he's got a tux fitting and it's earlier than he remembered and he makes several reminders for it in his phone, but then he never goes and doesn't bring it up again. Then, there was the key, which was found and mused on ad nauseum, but nothing ever happens with it. So I think I'm done. Sixteen books is more than enough time to devote to this series.
Also, the cover and title have zero to do with this story!
Release Date: 6/25/2024
I'm done y'all. The two best words to describe this book are tedious and repetitive. The bones of the story are fine. But the telling of it was a chore to get through. If you took out all the unnecessary stuff (do we need to know EVERY time Melba pets the cat?) you would probably be left with about 50 pages. We get constant descriptions of what Charlie eats, every time he puts a leash on the cat, and what he wears to bed. Then there's the repetitiveness. Something happens, so we get it first hand. Then, we listen to the story of how it happened as Charlie tells Melba. And again when he tells Helen Louise. And again when he tells the roommate and his police boyfriend. Seeming plot points were dropped here too with no other explanation. At one point, Charlie yammers (to the reader) about how he's got a tux fitting and it's earlier than he remembered and he makes several reminders for it in his phone, but then he never goes and doesn't bring it up again. Then, there was the key, which was found and mused on ad nauseum, but nothing ever happens with it. So I think I'm done. Sixteen books is more than enough time to devote to this series.
Also, the cover and title have zero to do with this story!
Release Date: 6/25/2024
June 25, 2024
It was wonderful to be back in Athena with Charlie, Diesel, and the gang! This is an intriguing and mysterious story. It made me want to keep trying to solve it myself. I did figure some of it out which added to the fun for me. The surprise ending makes me excited for the next book in the series! I loved it! I definitely recommend this one!
August 10, 2024
Dollycas's Thoughts
Charlie and Helen Louise's wedding day is getting close. As they work on all the final details Charlie receives a large collection of books to catalog at the archive. He is happy to have an assistant to help him but Tara Martin is an odd duck, shy, quiet, and standoffish. She also has taken a part-time job working at Helen Louise's restaurant. Then one day Charlie sees a whole new side of the young woman when she steps out of the office to take a phone call. She yells at whoever she is talking to and throws and breaks her phone. Helen Louise's restaurant was catering Charlie's son Sean's new home and Tara was working the party, but she suddenly left looking scared of something or someone. Charlie finds her and she feigns a panic attack.
Later Tara is the victim of a hit and run or was it a deliberate attack? Charlie knows now someone was after her. Someone at Sean's party? Soon he and his handsome feline, Diesel are finding clues that make him delve deeper into Tara's past with surprising results. Working closely with the police he strives to get justice for his former assistant.
______
Some of my favorite cozy mystery characters are Charlie, Diesel, and all the folks in their world. I love catching up on what is going on with all of them and am delighted that we are getting close to Charlie and Helen Louise's wedding. After 16 stories these characters are like old friends and I get a comfortable feeling from the moment I start to read.
In Requiem for a Mouse, Charlie wants to stay out of the investigation but he keeps finding clues in his office and suspects keep stopping by. Melba Gilley, his longtime friend and co-worker does her best to run interference or alert the authorities as needed. Helen Louise also had an interesting visitor at her restaurant. Sheriff's deputy and Charlie's friend and boarder Haskell makes several trips to the archive to pick up Charlie's finds and getting statements regarding those finds. They also have some kitchen table discussions with Haskell's life partner Stewart and their housekeeper Azalea, who happens to be Sheriff Kanesha Berry's mother. I love how everyone gets in on the investigation including Diesel with his well-placed chirps and reactions to the strangers he meets. Everyone connected to the case seemed to have an alias and secrets. I always have a great time following all the clues and interactions. This time I had part of the puzzle figured out and loved the surprise ending when most of the clues fell into place.
I enjoy that the author blends normal everyday happenings in the characters' lives seamlessly with the things to move the mystery along. The story has a nice flow but there are some repetitions to get all the information to the key players.
Requiem for a Mouse is a captivating addition to this long-running series. I look forward to the big event in Book 17 and Charlie and Helen Louise's exciting adventure. They have to take Diesel with them, right? It should be a blast.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you to Berkley Mystery, and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.
Charlie and Helen Louise's wedding day is getting close. As they work on all the final details Charlie receives a large collection of books to catalog at the archive. He is happy to have an assistant to help him but Tara Martin is an odd duck, shy, quiet, and standoffish. She also has taken a part-time job working at Helen Louise's restaurant. Then one day Charlie sees a whole new side of the young woman when she steps out of the office to take a phone call. She yells at whoever she is talking to and throws and breaks her phone. Helen Louise's restaurant was catering Charlie's son Sean's new home and Tara was working the party, but she suddenly left looking scared of something or someone. Charlie finds her and she feigns a panic attack.
Later Tara is the victim of a hit and run or was it a deliberate attack? Charlie knows now someone was after her. Someone at Sean's party? Soon he and his handsome feline, Diesel are finding clues that make him delve deeper into Tara's past with surprising results. Working closely with the police he strives to get justice for his former assistant.
______
Some of my favorite cozy mystery characters are Charlie, Diesel, and all the folks in their world. I love catching up on what is going on with all of them and am delighted that we are getting close to Charlie and Helen Louise's wedding. After 16 stories these characters are like old friends and I get a comfortable feeling from the moment I start to read.
In Requiem for a Mouse, Charlie wants to stay out of the investigation but he keeps finding clues in his office and suspects keep stopping by. Melba Gilley, his longtime friend and co-worker does her best to run interference or alert the authorities as needed. Helen Louise also had an interesting visitor at her restaurant. Sheriff's deputy and Charlie's friend and boarder Haskell makes several trips to the archive to pick up Charlie's finds and getting statements regarding those finds. They also have some kitchen table discussions with Haskell's life partner Stewart and their housekeeper Azalea, who happens to be Sheriff Kanesha Berry's mother. I love how everyone gets in on the investigation including Diesel with his well-placed chirps and reactions to the strangers he meets. Everyone connected to the case seemed to have an alias and secrets. I always have a great time following all the clues and interactions. This time I had part of the puzzle figured out and loved the surprise ending when most of the clues fell into place.
I enjoy that the author blends normal everyday happenings in the characters' lives seamlessly with the things to move the mystery along. The story has a nice flow but there are some repetitions to get all the information to the key players.
Requiem for a Mouse is a captivating addition to this long-running series. I look forward to the big event in Book 17 and Charlie and Helen Louise's exciting adventure. They have to take Diesel with them, right? It should be a blast.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you to Berkley Mystery, and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.
June 11, 2024
Princess Fuzzypants here: I love Diesel and look forward to each and every book in this series. It has been fun watching Charlie and his family evolve both the family related to him and his family of friends. His wedding is coming up fast and his son, daughter in law and granddaughter have moved into the renovated farm house he inherited. Things are looking good. He even has an assistant helping him catalogue a new bequest to the library. Tara is, to put it mildly, an odd fish. Her behaviour screams of social ineptitude and she rejects any attempts at interaction but she does the job well.
She also works at the bistro who are catering the housewarming party. That is until she spies someone and beats a fast retreat out of the house. Charlie finds her cowering in the root cellar and takes her home. Or so he thinks. After she is killed in an intentional hit and run, the gang learn that nothing she told them was the truth and she is involved in some very shady dealings. As they try to learn more about Tara and the situation that got her killed, they meet new people who may or may not be involved. The problem is everyone is claiming to be someone else. It is a cat and mouse game but then that is something at which we Maine Coons excel. Trust Diesel to suss out the bad guys.
The mystery had lots of twists and turns but it is always the relationship between the characters that brings me back to this series time and again. I look forward to the next one. Five purrs and two paws up.
She also works at the bistro who are catering the housewarming party. That is until she spies someone and beats a fast retreat out of the house. Charlie finds her cowering in the root cellar and takes her home. Or so he thinks. After she is killed in an intentional hit and run, the gang learn that nothing she told them was the truth and she is involved in some very shady dealings. As they try to learn more about Tara and the situation that got her killed, they meet new people who may or may not be involved. The problem is everyone is claiming to be someone else. It is a cat and mouse game but then that is something at which we Maine Coons excel. Trust Diesel to suss out the bad guys.
The mystery had lots of twists and turns but it is always the relationship between the characters that brings me back to this series time and again. I look forward to the next one. Five purrs and two paws up.
July 23, 2024
This is my comfort series! Every time I jump back into this series it's like getting a warm hug from the best characters and cat companions. Charlie is a great amateur sleuth and has such a cozy tone to his words and thoughts. He's smart and savvy and understands people so well. And I love how he is surrounded by lovely family and friends. I was very intrigued by this mystery and shocked by the ending. I already can't wait for more!
Note: I listened to the audiobook and highly recommend it!
Note: I listened to the audiobook and highly recommend it!
June 29, 2024
Charlie Harris’ life is about to change for the better as his wedding to his longtime girlfriend Helen Louise is right around the corner. His faithful feline companion, Diesel, is right by his side. With the wedding so close, Charlie promises his family he will stay out of any mystery investigations and simply do his job as a librarian.
Of course, things don't always go as planned. Charlie’s new assistant, Tara Martin, is very strange and quiet. She even attends a party at Charlie’s son’s house, but she leaves after having a sudden panic attack. Charlie worries about his assistant and wonders if there is something going on that he should know about.
When Tara doesn’t show up for work and is the victim of a hit-and-run accident, Charlie is on the case. He and Diesel plan to get to the bottom of this and find out who would do something so awful to Tara.
This is the 16th book in the Cat in the Stacks series. I’ve been reading this series for years. There are a few I missed along the way, but I plan to catch up. As a cat lover, this is high on my list of favorite cozy mysteries. Diesel, of course, is my favorite character and as much a part of the story as any of the humans - even if he doesn’t speak. He does manage to get his point across.
The story is fast paced. The ending was a surprise to me. I could not put this book down. I was reading late into the night.
Although this is a continuing series, the mystery is solved in this book. It can be read as a standalone, but I think the true fun is starting this series from the first book and getting to know the characters. It’s a total joy for me to watch Charlie’s growth as a character and a family man. I feel as if I’m part of the family, too. It’s very much like visiting old friends with this book.
I’m looking forward to the next one. I’m hoping Charlie and Helen Louise will finally tie the knot.
FTC Disclosure: I voluntarily reviewed a free Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Of course, things don't always go as planned. Charlie’s new assistant, Tara Martin, is very strange and quiet. She even attends a party at Charlie’s son’s house, but she leaves after having a sudden panic attack. Charlie worries about his assistant and wonders if there is something going on that he should know about.
When Tara doesn’t show up for work and is the victim of a hit-and-run accident, Charlie is on the case. He and Diesel plan to get to the bottom of this and find out who would do something so awful to Tara.
This is the 16th book in the Cat in the Stacks series. I’ve been reading this series for years. There are a few I missed along the way, but I plan to catch up. As a cat lover, this is high on my list of favorite cozy mysteries. Diesel, of course, is my favorite character and as much a part of the story as any of the humans - even if he doesn’t speak. He does manage to get his point across.
The story is fast paced. The ending was a surprise to me. I could not put this book down. I was reading late into the night.
Although this is a continuing series, the mystery is solved in this book. It can be read as a standalone, but I think the true fun is starting this series from the first book and getting to know the characters. It’s a total joy for me to watch Charlie’s growth as a character and a family man. I feel as if I’m part of the family, too. It’s very much like visiting old friends with this book.
I’m looking forward to the next one. I’m hoping Charlie and Helen Louise will finally tie the knot.
FTC Disclosure: I voluntarily reviewed a free Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
July 4, 2024
Requiem For A Mouse is the sixteenth book in the A Cat In The Stacks Mystery series by Miranda James.
It’s always a joy to visit Charlie, Diesel, his Maine Coon cat, and Charlie’s friends and family.
Athena College recently acquired an extensive collection of books for Charlie to catalog. Tara Martin has been hired to help Charlie catalog the collection. Tara is a young lady who could be more talkative. In fact, at times, she can be rude. But her work is excellent, so Charlie accepts her shortcomings. Tara also works part-time at Helen’s, Charlie’s fiance, bistro.
Sean, Charlie’s son, is having a housewarming party after having the family's old farmhouse renovated. Helen’s bistro will cater the party, and Tara will work there. Things are going well until Tara gets a panicked look on her face and takes off at a run. Charlie heads outside to look for Tara, and after a while, he finds her hiding in the root cellar. Tara tells Charlie that she had a panic attack but offers no explanation as to what caused the attack. A couple of days later, she fails to report for work and is notified by the police that she was killed in a hit-and-run accident.
Charlie will ask Melba, a library employee, to help him look into Tara's death.
This book is well-written and plotted and tells an exciting story. The characters are well-developed, engaging, and believable. Once again, Diesel will play a role in helping Charlie solve the mystery.
I’m looking forward to the next book in this exciting series.
It’s always a joy to visit Charlie, Diesel, his Maine Coon cat, and Charlie’s friends and family.
Athena College recently acquired an extensive collection of books for Charlie to catalog. Tara Martin has been hired to help Charlie catalog the collection. Tara is a young lady who could be more talkative. In fact, at times, she can be rude. But her work is excellent, so Charlie accepts her shortcomings. Tara also works part-time at Helen’s, Charlie’s fiance, bistro.
Sean, Charlie’s son, is having a housewarming party after having the family's old farmhouse renovated. Helen’s bistro will cater the party, and Tara will work there. Things are going well until Tara gets a panicked look on her face and takes off at a run. Charlie heads outside to look for Tara, and after a while, he finds her hiding in the root cellar. Tara tells Charlie that she had a panic attack but offers no explanation as to what caused the attack. A couple of days later, she fails to report for work and is notified by the police that she was killed in a hit-and-run accident.
Charlie will ask Melba, a library employee, to help him look into Tara's death.
This book is well-written and plotted and tells an exciting story. The characters are well-developed, engaging, and believable. Once again, Diesel will play a role in helping Charlie solve the mystery.
I’m looking forward to the next book in this exciting series.
July 12, 2024
Fascinating mystery. I like that we’re back on track with the mystery being the main focus and not the cat. Don’t get me wrong, I love Diesel, but when most of the book is focused on who’s going to watch him, it gets a little annoying. I come back to this series because I enjoy the characters and the archive setting but the repetition of dialogue and details is starting to wear me down. Still, this kept me entertained and I will continue with the series.
November 14, 2024
Basically this mystery had some good bones but Boy! the way it was told this story also had some major big holes in its narrative.
When one considers Anton Chekhov's (a Russian playwright) dramatic principle of "Chekhov's gun" this story falls into those holes. Chekhov's gun is a narrative principle that states that every element in a story must be necessary and irrelevant elements should be removed. For example, if a writer features a gun in a story, there must be a reason for it, such as it being fired sometime later in the plot. All elements must eventually come into play at some point in the story.
For instance, in this story a lot of narrative was devoted to a key Charlie discovered taped behind Tara's desk drawer but was just dropped and never resolved.
Definitely a Chekhov no-no.
And why make a fuss out of Charlie's tux appointment without following up on that? definitely an irrelevant element that should have been dropped. Not to mention the unnamed Yellow Fever book requestor who supposedly had an undercover cop posted at the library for her return.
And please, we get it, Helen Louise is a lovely lady but for Pete's sake (and all our sakes) she is just SO BORING! Why couldn't she have a little more pizzazz like Melba? I for one am not looking forward to poor Diesel getting kicked out of bed to make room for lovely but boring Helen Louise.
And what the heck is a bump of curiosity?
Is the author trying to convey the idea that when being actively curious is not in your best interest, the quest to discover something new can be like an itch that must be scratched? If he is he needs a better description than a bump of curiosity. That Charlie definitely has a "curious streak" in his personality make up would be a better catch phrase.
However, I much prefer this definition “Curiosity is a movement of the soul towards truth, which it seeks to assimilate by knowledge. It is the first step in the direction of certainty.” – Sabine Baring-Gould, author of The Book of Ghosts.
When one considers Anton Chekhov's (a Russian playwright) dramatic principle of "Chekhov's gun" this story falls into those holes. Chekhov's gun is a narrative principle that states that every element in a story must be necessary and irrelevant elements should be removed. For example, if a writer features a gun in a story, there must be a reason for it, such as it being fired sometime later in the plot. All elements must eventually come into play at some point in the story.
For instance, in this story a lot of narrative was devoted to a key Charlie discovered taped behind Tara's desk drawer but was just dropped and never resolved.
Definitely a Chekhov no-no.
And why make a fuss out of Charlie's tux appointment without following up on that? definitely an irrelevant element that should have been dropped. Not to mention the unnamed Yellow Fever book requestor who supposedly had an undercover cop posted at the library for her return.
And please, we get it, Helen Louise is a lovely lady but for Pete's sake (and all our sakes) she is just SO BORING! Why couldn't she have a little more pizzazz like Melba? I for one am not looking forward to poor Diesel getting kicked out of bed to make room for lovely but boring Helen Louise.
And what the heck is a bump of curiosity?
Is the author trying to convey the idea that when being actively curious is not in your best interest, the quest to discover something new can be like an itch that must be scratched? If he is he needs a better description than a bump of curiosity. That Charlie definitely has a "curious streak" in his personality make up would be a better catch phrase.
However, I much prefer this definition “Curiosity is a movement of the soul towards truth, which it seeks to assimilate by knowledge. It is the first step in the direction of certainty.” – Sabine Baring-Gould, author of The Book of Ghosts.
Read
May 13, 2025if you can tell i love a cozy town mystery extra points if there is a cat involved
August 9, 2024
I enjoy these books, I really do. I particularly enjoy the recurring characters, family members, and community (I love Alex!) I’ll probably read them as long as James writes them, and I usually fly through them, but this particular one was a a slog for me.
The pacing felt off (i.e. slow and extremely repetitive) and I found myself re-evaluating elements of the series as a whole that had never previously bothered me—such as Charlie being catered to quite literally for every.goddamn.meal. and his bland relationship with Helen Louise. It’s not that I don’t like Helen Louise, I do! And I like them together, they FIT, but… their interactions mainly consist of them calling to say good night to each other from their respective households and rarely hanging out whereas he’s constantly chatting, laughing, and speculating with Melba at work, who just seems feistier and more interesting in comparison. Charlie and Melba are meant to have a brother-sister / bff dynamic, but Melba brings ENERGY to their scenes.
Helen Louise and Charlie suit each other great—she IS lovely, but there is no spark to their scenes most of the time. It’s just the same conversation over and over:
“Hi, love.”
“Hi, love.”
“It’s been a long, tiring day. I’d better hang up and go to sleep.”
“Get some rest, love.”
“You too, love.”
“Goodnight, love.”
“Goodnight, love.”
According to the jacket summary, Charlie and Helen Louise are deep into wedding plans, but literally this only consisted of him mentioning that Helen Louise is planning it and he doesn’t have really much to do! I wanted to see their wedding plans or even finally at long last the actual wedding.
The cover (the best of the series thus far, with an actual Maine Coon instead of Generic Cat depicted) clearly looked like wedding cake. Not so!
The pacing felt off (i.e. slow and extremely repetitive) and I found myself re-evaluating elements of the series as a whole that had never previously bothered me—such as Charlie being catered to quite literally for every.goddamn.meal. and his bland relationship with Helen Louise. It’s not that I don’t like Helen Louise, I do! And I like them together, they FIT, but… their interactions mainly consist of them calling to say good night to each other from their respective households and rarely hanging out whereas he’s constantly chatting, laughing, and speculating with Melba at work, who just seems feistier and more interesting in comparison. Charlie and Melba are meant to have a brother-sister / bff dynamic, but Melba brings ENERGY to their scenes.
Helen Louise and Charlie suit each other great—she IS lovely, but there is no spark to their scenes most of the time. It’s just the same conversation over and over:
“Hi, love.”
“Hi, love.”
“It’s been a long, tiring day. I’d better hang up and go to sleep.”
“Get some rest, love.”
“You too, love.”
“Goodnight, love.”
“Goodnight, love.”
According to the jacket summary, Charlie and Helen Louise are deep into wedding plans, but literally this only consisted of him mentioning that Helen Louise is planning it and he doesn’t have really much to do! I wanted to see their wedding plans or even finally at long last the actual wedding.
The cover (the best of the series thus far, with an actual Maine Coon instead of Generic Cat depicted) clearly looked like wedding cake. Not so!
July 5, 2024
This book was a letdown compared to the others in the series. Lots of words, but not much happening.
If Charlie is the sleuth he deems himself with his self-proclaimed insatiable bumps of curiosity, why, early in the story, didn’t he show the picture of Millie Hagendorf (Alberta) to Lisa Krause the librarian to see if she recognized her as the woman in the hoodie looking for the yellow fever book? And who was the hoodie woman? We never heard anything more about her. If she was Millie, how did she know Tara had put a clue in that book? If she wasn’t Mille, this would be a huge coincidence that some random person wanted a book just catalogued days prior.
We never heard anything further about the key found taped to Tara’s (Georgia’s) desk. …and the police were OK with Charlie pawing (no pun intended) through her desk instead of them forensically examining it?
Why was Melba’s phone stolen? They mention a spate of cell phone thefts, but this never ties to anything. Ryan Jones (Marsh) allegedly sold used phones, but Melba’s and the others were never tied to him.
And then Charlie and Helen’s wedding never took place! Seems this book was just fluff (seriously, no pun intended) to add another book to the series and string us along to the next one.
If Charlie is the sleuth he deems himself with his self-proclaimed insatiable bumps of curiosity, why, early in the story, didn’t he show the picture of Millie Hagendorf (Alberta) to Lisa Krause the librarian to see if she recognized her as the woman in the hoodie looking for the yellow fever book? And who was the hoodie woman? We never heard anything more about her. If she was Millie, how did she know Tara had put a clue in that book? If she wasn’t Mille, this would be a huge coincidence that some random person wanted a book just catalogued days prior.
We never heard anything further about the key found taped to Tara’s (Georgia’s) desk. …and the police were OK with Charlie pawing (no pun intended) through her desk instead of them forensically examining it?
Why was Melba’s phone stolen? They mention a spate of cell phone thefts, but this never ties to anything. Ryan Jones (Marsh) allegedly sold used phones, but Melba’s and the others were never tied to him.
And then Charlie and Helen’s wedding never took place! Seems this book was just fluff (seriously, no pun intended) to add another book to the series and string us along to the next one.
July 3, 2024
3.5
I always enjoy this series because it’s cozy and relaxing (all murders aside). It’s like a pat of butter slowly melting on a hunk of cornbread. But I don’t know, something about this one kind of fell flat with me. There’s ample descriptions of every single meal Charlie eats (and how much chicken Diesel gets), but what about the part where he was fussing over which day he had to go get his tuxedo fitted for the wedding? Never mentioned again. What about that key he found taped to the desk drawer? Did they ever determine where that went?
I hate to say that maybe this series has come close to running its course, but if the impending nuptials take place next time, then really, it might be a good time to wrap it up. I will of course miss the characters if that’s the case, but let a series go too long and it starts getting dull and repetitive. I guess I’ll wait till whenever the next book drops and see what I think then!
I always enjoy this series because it’s cozy and relaxing (all murders aside). It’s like a pat of butter slowly melting on a hunk of cornbread. But I don’t know, something about this one kind of fell flat with me. There’s ample descriptions of every single meal Charlie eats (and how much chicken Diesel gets), but what about the part where he was fussing over which day he had to go get his tuxedo fitted for the wedding? Never mentioned again. What about that key he found taped to the desk drawer? Did they ever determine where that went?
I hate to say that maybe this series has come close to running its course, but if the impending nuptials take place next time, then really, it might be a good time to wrap it up. I will of course miss the characters if that’s the case, but let a series go too long and it starts getting dull and repetitive. I guess I’ll wait till whenever the next book drops and see what I think then!
January 8, 2024
This series is the epitome of a cozy mystery, cat sidekick included. This time the central mystery is solved partly through good old fashioned library combing which was fun to read about. I’m hoping the final chapter’s mention of an international locale means Charlie and Diesel will be taking their show on the road in the next installment.
NetGalley provided me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
NetGalley provided me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 5, 2025
Requiem for a Mouse is book sixteen by Miranda James in the Cat in the Stacks series. Charlie Haris and Helen Louise are busy getting ready for their wedding when one of their staff, Tara Martin, is involved in a hit-and-run. When Charlie and Helen Louise were contacted by law enforcement, they realised what they knew about Tara was all false. Charlie Haris and Helen Louise were worried that Tara was in trouble, so they started to look deeper into her life. The readers of Requiem for a Mouse will continue to follow Charlie Harris to discover what happens.
I enjoy reading books in this series, and Requiem for a Mouse did not disappoint. Requiem for a Mouse is a fantastic, cozy mystery, and I engaged with the story and the characters on the first page. Reading this book, I realise the danger that greed and jealousy can have on families. I always laugh at the way Charlie and his cats interact with each other throughout this book.
I love Miranda James's portrayal of her characters and their interaction with each other. Requiem for a Mouse is well-written and researched by Miranda James. I like Miranda James's description of the Requiem for Mouse settings, which allowed me to imagine being part of the book's plot.
I recommend this book.
I enjoy reading books in this series, and Requiem for a Mouse did not disappoint. Requiem for a Mouse is a fantastic, cozy mystery, and I engaged with the story and the characters on the first page. Reading this book, I realise the danger that greed and jealousy can have on families. I always laugh at the way Charlie and his cats interact with each other throughout this book.
I love Miranda James's portrayal of her characters and their interaction with each other. Requiem for a Mouse is well-written and researched by Miranda James. I like Miranda James's description of the Requiem for Mouse settings, which allowed me to imagine being part of the book's plot.
I recommend this book.
June 3, 2024
Every opportunity I get to read a Cat in the Stacks novel is a real treat. I love getting back into the world of Charlie and Diesel. This installment was fun and fast-paced.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the free e-copy.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the free e-copy.
June 29, 2024
Loved it!
I'm a big fan of Charlie and Diesel and Requiem for a Mouse is a wild adventure you won't want to miss.
Charlie's assistant Tara is the victim of a hit and run, and Charlie's curious mind won't stop trying to figure out what happened.
Who is Tara, really and why was she killed are just two of the questions Charlie kept asking himself.
This is a great mystery and I know other readers will love it just as much as I did.
I love Melba and her relationship with Diesel, he really knows how to charm the humans.
I'm a big fan of Charlie and Diesel and Requiem for a Mouse is a wild adventure you won't want to miss.
Charlie's assistant Tara is the victim of a hit and run, and Charlie's curious mind won't stop trying to figure out what happened.
Who is Tara, really and why was she killed are just two of the questions Charlie kept asking himself.
This is a great mystery and I know other readers will love it just as much as I did.
I love Melba and her relationship with Diesel, he really knows how to charm the humans.
August 13, 2024
Requiem for a Mouse (Cat in the Stacks, #16) by Miranda James.
The first page begins with an early morning interaction between Charlie Harris and Ramses & diesel (his two eager to please cats). And that's just fine with me. Those are the 3 main characters that keep me coming back for the next book in this series.
This story finds an addition at the Library and not such a pleasant one. Tara Martin shares Charlie's office and is a good worker as far as that goes. And that's where it ends when it comes to any comradery between herself and Charlie. Melba finds getting to know Tara as a person is a street best not crossed. There's no welcoming smile when Tara arrives for work each morning.
Tara also works at Helen Ann's Bistro and does her job and leaves as unsociable as when she came in. That leaves Charlie, Melba and Helen Ann pondering the question as to why Tara is so aloof to the point of rudeness.
Charlie's son and daughter in law have finished redoing their new home and throw a party complete with catering a la Bistro. Tara is a necessary part of the catering staff but abruptly leaves the affair in a rush. Charlie attempts to find her but has a rough go of it until he discovers Tara in the root cellar. Now he must find out what or who threw Tara into a panic.
I return to Charlie and Diesel for the warmth of these characters and their supporting cast. This author throws down a welcoming carpet for me to enter the story each time. A cozy mystery with a touch of kindness.
The first page begins with an early morning interaction between Charlie Harris and Ramses & diesel (his two eager to please cats). And that's just fine with me. Those are the 3 main characters that keep me coming back for the next book in this series.
This story finds an addition at the Library and not such a pleasant one. Tara Martin shares Charlie's office and is a good worker as far as that goes. And that's where it ends when it comes to any comradery between herself and Charlie. Melba finds getting to know Tara as a person is a street best not crossed. There's no welcoming smile when Tara arrives for work each morning.
Tara also works at Helen Ann's Bistro and does her job and leaves as unsociable as when she came in. That leaves Charlie, Melba and Helen Ann pondering the question as to why Tara is so aloof to the point of rudeness.
Charlie's son and daughter in law have finished redoing their new home and throw a party complete with catering a la Bistro. Tara is a necessary part of the catering staff but abruptly leaves the affair in a rush. Charlie attempts to find her but has a rough go of it until he discovers Tara in the root cellar. Now he must find out what or who threw Tara into a panic.
I return to Charlie and Diesel for the warmth of these characters and their supporting cast. This author throws down a welcoming carpet for me to enter the story each time. A cozy mystery with a touch of kindness.
February 10, 2024
Charlie and his cat Diesel are listening to his children and his housekeepers daughter, and keeping their noses out of the detection business. Instead Charlie is preparing for his upcoming wedding. He does find his new assistant a little odd though. When she disappears while helping at Charlie's sons open house, C Charlie knows something is going on on her life, and he tries to help her. A hit and run does not help. Another fun book in the series of part time librarian Charlie and his sidekick Diesel
February 9, 2024
A wonderful addition to Charlie and Diesel's adventures. A bit too sweet and cozy at times, which makes for some eye rolling; however, the mystery pulls you in and you can't help love the cast of characters. A series that feels like true comfort.
June 26, 2024
Not as good as the earlier books. Too much repetitive stuff.
July 6, 2024
A series still going strong
Another enjoyable read with Charlie and Diesel.
Usually we see Charlie working alone in the library archives but in this book he has hired an assistant, Tara. What can I say about Tara…she is an odd bird. She is curt but just shy of being rude. Instantly you know something isn’t right about her. She not only works for Charlie but also Helen Louise, Charlie’s fiancé. Unfortunately during the family farmhouse remodel reveal Tara gets “sick.” This causes Charlie to question who she is once again. Sadly, Tara meets her untimely death a few days later. Can Charlie solve the murder before his big day with Helen Louise?
First, let me say I can’t wait for the wedding. I hope we get to be a part of it. I like Helen Louise and think she brings out Charlie in ways we wouldn’t normally see. She loves Diesel and that is a big plus for her.
Now on to this book. The mystery kept me guessing the entire time. I don’t want to say too much as I’m always afraid I’ll ruin something for others. There are plenty of suspects and whys. Using the archives was a great idea. I’m always fascinated with the archives as I remember my college archives. An area I never visited but looked at from afar. Imagining the original owners of the oldest books in the library.
Grab your favorite cat and plan for an adventure with Charlie and Diesel.
Another enjoyable read with Charlie and Diesel.
Usually we see Charlie working alone in the library archives but in this book he has hired an assistant, Tara. What can I say about Tara…she is an odd bird. She is curt but just shy of being rude. Instantly you know something isn’t right about her. She not only works for Charlie but also Helen Louise, Charlie’s fiancé. Unfortunately during the family farmhouse remodel reveal Tara gets “sick.” This causes Charlie to question who she is once again. Sadly, Tara meets her untimely death a few days later. Can Charlie solve the murder before his big day with Helen Louise?
First, let me say I can’t wait for the wedding. I hope we get to be a part of it. I like Helen Louise and think she brings out Charlie in ways we wouldn’t normally see. She loves Diesel and that is a big plus for her.
Now on to this book. The mystery kept me guessing the entire time. I don’t want to say too much as I’m always afraid I’ll ruin something for others. There are plenty of suspects and whys. Using the archives was a great idea. I’m always fascinated with the archives as I remember my college archives. An area I never visited but looked at from afar. Imagining the original owners of the oldest books in the library.
Grab your favorite cat and plan for an adventure with Charlie and Diesel.
November 10, 2024
The cover of this book is what drew me to read it and now that I’ve completed it I will not be picking it up again and I will refrain from recommending it to anyone.
The one and only positive note I have for this book is about the cats. I loved how Diesel and Ramses were given such strong personalities. I ended the book feeling like I bonded with the cats.
The actually story and the mystery were such a let down. There was so much unnecessary repetition. Any single event or occurrence would be told in 3-5 different variations within a chapter. Charlie would describe the moment as it occurred but then it was necessary to recite to Melba, and again to Stewart/Haskell, oh but of course he’d have to offer a play by play to Helen Louise. It was too much.
The actual mystery and suspense only last about 1/4 of the book. The key was never even talked about again after the beginning of the book.
I don’t know if I maybe was so bored and check out towards the end that the plot went over my head, but I don’t understand why the sister would go out of her way to drama Tara/Georgia? It made no sense to me. She already had the inheritance. If that truly is what happened in the book then it feels like a shabby attempt for the author to give us a “plot twist”. I don’t know, if I’m incorrect about this please let me know below I’m curious if I misinterpreted the book.
Overall, this book was a huge disappointment and I genuinely feel sad for wasting my time with it. I try to tell anyone who reads my reviews to not be discouraged by what I write and to give the book a fair chance but in this case I can confirm this is poor writing and not worthy of a chance.
The one and only positive note I have for this book is about the cats. I loved how Diesel and Ramses were given such strong personalities. I ended the book feeling like I bonded with the cats.
The actually story and the mystery were such a let down. There was so much unnecessary repetition. Any single event or occurrence would be told in 3-5 different variations within a chapter. Charlie would describe the moment as it occurred but then it was necessary to recite to Melba, and again to Stewart/Haskell, oh but of course he’d have to offer a play by play to Helen Louise. It was too much.
The actual mystery and suspense only last about 1/4 of the book. The key was never even talked about again after the beginning of the book.
I don’t know if I maybe was so bored and check out towards the end that the plot went over my head, but I don’t understand why the sister would go out of her way to drama Tara/Georgia? It made no sense to me. She already had the inheritance. If that truly is what happened in the book then it feels like a shabby attempt for the author to give us a “plot twist”. I don’t know, if I’m incorrect about this please let me know below I’m curious if I misinterpreted the book.
Overall, this book was a huge disappointment and I genuinely feel sad for wasting my time with it. I try to tell anyone who reads my reviews to not be discouraged by what I write and to give the book a fair chance but in this case I can confirm this is poor writing and not worthy of a chance.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 30, 2024
I’m so happy to read about Charlie and Diesel again. Charlie’s wedding to Helen is coming up and it’s exciting to read about. He’s been devoted to his late wife, Jackie, since she passed, so seeing him find love again is really great.
A new employee named Tara is working with Charlie at the archives but she’s very strange. Her secretive habits are causing trouble in her work and making Charlie question who she is. When Tara gets in a car accident and dies Charlie is asking questions about who Tara really is.
Turns out Tara is on the run from her sister after being framed for embezzling money. Now, it’s caught up with her.
At least Charlie’s wedding is coming up. I’m looking forward to the wedding and the honeymoon. I wonder if the next book will occur during their honeymoon or after.
A new employee named Tara is working with Charlie at the archives but she’s very strange. Her secretive habits are causing trouble in her work and making Charlie question who she is. When Tara gets in a car accident and dies Charlie is asking questions about who Tara really is.
Turns out Tara is on the run from her sister after being framed for embezzling money. Now, it’s caught up with her.
At least Charlie’s wedding is coming up. I’m looking forward to the wedding and the honeymoon. I wonder if the next book will occur during their honeymoon or after.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 28, 2024
This is the third book I have read by this author. He writes at a leisurely pace, which I actually enjoyed! I thought I was going to get bored, but this is definitely a cozy mystery.
I think every cozy mystery should have a cat or dog. I love Diesel, his Maine coon cat and we are also introduced to Ramses his other cat. Diesel though runs the whole show!
There are grandbabies, adult children and an upcoming wedding. There’s a lot of family in the story which I really loved.
The mystery I thought was intriguing and of course it’s all wrapped up at the end. One of the perks of reading cozy mysteries is you get to know what actually happened!
I enjoyed the author’s writing style. I thought it was very engaging and easy to get into. I loved the illustration on the book cover! I definitely will check out more books in this series!
I think every cozy mystery should have a cat or dog. I love Diesel, his Maine coon cat and we are also introduced to Ramses his other cat. Diesel though runs the whole show!
There are grandbabies, adult children and an upcoming wedding. There’s a lot of family in the story which I really loved.
The mystery I thought was intriguing and of course it’s all wrapped up at the end. One of the perks of reading cozy mysteries is you get to know what actually happened!
I enjoyed the author’s writing style. I thought it was very engaging and easy to get into. I loved the illustration on the book cover! I definitely will check out more books in this series!
July 3, 2024
LOVED, LOVED, LOVED IT!! THIS SERIES JUST KEEPS GETTING BETTER AND BETTER. THE ONLY PROBLEM IS I CAN READ FASTER THAN MIRANDA/DEAN JAMES CAN WRITE. I LOVE ALL OF THE CHARACTERS, ESPECIALLY DIESEL. I'M NOT GOING TO TELL YOU WHAT IT IS ABOUT, YOU WILL HAVE TO READ IT TO FIND OUT. I HATE REVIEWS THAT TELL YOU WHAT THE WHOLE BOOK IS ABOUT. I TELL YOU IF I LIKED IT OR NOT AND YOU HAVE TO READ IT TO FIND OUT WHAT IT IS ABOUT. I'M SURE EVERYONE WILL ENJOY THIS BOOK AND THE SERIES AS MUCH AS I DO.
August 6, 2024
Being an avid reader, retired, with a cat/s, I deeply enjoy this series. Whose primary character is in the same situation. They are all well written, with generous character development for all. What must be called a cozy mystery. I enjoy these in between my nonfiction or harder to plow through books. It's like visiting old friends and I have this author on pre-order.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 182 reviews