Rita Mae has done it again with a fabulous Mrs. Murphy mystery. Taking place during the Christmas season and involving the Order of the Brothers of Love, the mysterious murders of some brothers who are found with throats slit and Greek coins under the tongues casts a shadow over the holiday seasons. While the underlying motive for the murders is fairly transparent, the revelation of the murderer at the end does give the story a surprising twist. Santa Clawed is one of the most fun cozy mysteries I've read this holiday season. Harry and her brood of helpful animal sleuths are fabulous. I love Mrs. Murphy, Pewter and Tucker. These furrballs are some of the most well written animals in fiction.The mystery involves the murder of two monks from the Brothers Of Love and a prominent doctor. There's a lot more to the Brothers Of Love organization than just spiritual life too, and that's what brings about many of the twists and turns in the story. Most of the monks have a criminal past or something scandalous that they are repenting for. Harry discovers the first body in the Christmas tree she wants to buy at the lot run by the Brothers, but it isn't until much later when her animals find a large sum of money that she really gets drawn into the thick of it and lands her in the ER.The whodunit wasn't quite what I expected but as I think about it now, it should have been a little more obvious to me, but hey, you shouldn't be able to pick out the killer easily!This is the first book from this series that I've read, and I look forward to hunting down some of the others!
What do You think about Santa Clawed (2008)?
Another mystery series with a cat in it. I didn't enjoy this as much as The Cat Who... books.
—Carrot
Another delightful chapter in this series. A total surprise who the killer was.
—kanti
typical Brown book, very easy and enjoyable for a rainy day
—Mari324
better than last couple although she did preach again
—alisawoahh
I'm just not enjoying these books anymore. :(
—halomom
