BOOK REVIEW: The Pawful Truth by Miranda James @mirandajames57 @berkleypub #cozymystery #thepawfultruth #catinthestacks

I’m back on my cozy train this week with a review of the latest Cat in the Stacks mystery, The Pawful Truth. What a great title, first of all. I know some don’t love punny titles but I definitely do! I found this book filled with charm, interesting characters, and a fascinating mystery that certainly had me spinning as I tried to figure out the who and the why behind the murders.

Librarian and researcher Charlie Harris has decided to audit a history course offered by young, attractive, and respected professor Carey Warriner. After class he stops to introduce himself and as he departs, he hears a heated exchange between another student, Dixie Belle Compton and Warriner that piques his interest—the two definitely know each other!

When Dixie winds up murdered a few days later, Charlie can’t help but wonder about the conversation he overheard. Partnering up with Melba, his main on-campus gossip connection, and Diesel, his Maine Coon cat, Charlie puts some feelers out to see if he can offer any assistance to the detective. It turns out that Warriner and his wife, another professor at Athena, have been the subject of gossip around the quad lately. Their marriage is rumored to be in trouble, and Charlie can’t help but wonder if Dixie’s death could be related to a lovers triangle.

But the more Charlie looks into the case, the more tangled the web becomes. Another potential love triangle emerges from the rumor mill involving Warriner and his wife. As rumors, lies, and deceit emerge, the suspect list continues to grow. And then another murder occurs and Charlie knows he is onto something with his research. The real question is why were these two people murdered? If Charlie can uncover the connection, he may be able to solve the case!

I loved many things about this novel! First, it is rare to have a male protagonist in cozy mysteries. Charlie was such a great character. He is a gentleman to his core, but that doesn’t make him a saint. He’s as interested in uncovering the truth behind those salacious rumors, just as we are. There were tons of great characters in this book. Charlie’s greatest advantage besides his intellect is certainly his network of friends who seem to be tapped into the main gossip. I loved that aspect to this book!

I also thought Miranda James did a fantastic job keeping the book focused on the mystery. Cozies do veer off course a bit at times, particularly later into a series because they want to build on the happenings in the character’s life and town. This book had all of the charm of those elements but it didn’t steer away from the mystery for a single scene. I loved hearing about the home cooked meals Charlie enjoyed from his housekeeper (who happens to be the mother to the detective, so that is a blast!). I also loved Diesel and his new kitten Ramsey. So cute!

Thank you to Berkley for my copy. Opinions are my own.