Charlie finds out that he has inherited the old family farm and some old family history. ( )

What the Cat Dragged In is the next entry in the Cat in the Stacks books, and while Diesel doesn't really feature as predominantly in this book as in previous ones, I really liked learning a lot more about Charlie's family, and both literally and figuratively, the skeletons in his family's closet.

Charlie has always been a likeable character, and while I was a bit annoyed with him in a couple of the previous instalments, I felt like he was more himself in this one, which means he was interested in what was happening in his newly inherited house, but didn't go about interfering in an investigation. I liked how he used his personal contacts to discover information and as a librarian, was able to delve into some of the history himself and discover information that would be helpful. As someone who teaches history and has to be dragged out of archives, I love this kind of thing so I may be a bit biased.

I like the introduction of a new character in this one as well, Martin's grand-daughter, as well as all the old regulars. I enjoy Charlie and Sean's relationship and can understand Sean's exasperation when his dad wants to investigate or stick his nose into things as he's just worried about him. Charlie is a grandfather now as well, and I like how he regrets not learning more about his family history when he had the opportunity, a thing commonly heard as you think you have all the time in the world, then realize it is too late and all of that knowledge is gone with the person who died. While some of it can get kind of preachy at times, I just overlooked it and enjoyed the story for what it was. Having read this series from the beginning, I am thrilled that Charlie is surrounded by family, his family appreciates him and wants to spend time with him, and am looking forward to when he finally gets married.

The plot was quite interesting, and while it was not hard to figure out who was the guilty party, I enjoyed it because it was definitely far more interesting than the previous entries in this series, a series I was almost ready to give up on. There were some discrepancies in the historical facts, but I'm not sure everyone caught them. Having a background in history, I am used to looking for those discrepancies, so I just may be more sensitive to them than others. However, when you really look at the story, Charlie doesn't really do a lot other than look at historical research, interview a couple of historians, and, naturally, happens to be at the right place at the right time when something does go down.

Verdict
What the Cat Dragged In was interesting, and I liked the secrets within the secrets investigation that went on. I thought the relationships between the characters was nice and I am always happy to see Charlie surrounded by family, and naturally, Diesel is a particular favourite. However, when you really delve into the book, Charlie doesn't really do a lot, except historical research, even if it was really interesting, and happen to be at places at the right time. Overall, I definitely liked this book better than a couple of the previous ones so would recommend it and I look forward to continuing the series. ( )

** spoiler alert ** I enjoyed reading this. Yes, it's set at a leisurely pace and does not have much action but the writing is solid that I've come to appreciate it's pace. It doesn't drag or is needlessly stretched out with inconsequential filler. I love all the main characters and this book particularly resonated the term "cozy".

However, there is one glaring error (unless I'm mistaken) regarding the family tree. It indicates that Alan was married to Jincy and they had a son named Horace. And Horace's son is Martin. But in subsequent pages Allan was never married but had an illegitimate son, Martin with Maggie. Confusing and contradictory. ( )

Librarian Charlie Harris is surprised to discover that he has inherited his grandfather’s house – he thought his grandfather had sold it to Martin Hale years ago. Seeing the house brings back childhood memories but Charlie barely has time to savor those memories when his cat Diesel finds a skeleton in a closet in the house. The Sheriff’s Department has just started investigating that case when a much more recently deceased body turns up on the property. Charlie has complete faith in the Sheriff’s Department but since the bodies were found on his property he can’t help but do some research into the past even if his children don’t like him getting involved in murder cases.

“What the Cat Dragged In” is the very nicely done fourteenth book in Miranda James Cat in the Stacks cozy mystery series. I have read and enjoyed all the books in the series and have come to love all the characters but this is now one of my favorites as we learn more about Charlie’s family and childhood. I loved reading this as Charlie learned more about his past and discovers family he never knew he had (a nice addition to the series). I was so wrapped up in Charlie’s story that I sometimes forgot about the mystery but the mystery was well done with some nice twists and turns and a few surprises. I enjoyed the book very much and in the end, was sad to have to leave Charlie, Diesel, and friends and look forward to my next visit with them. ( )

Charlie has a few mysteries to solve in this tale. He just inherits a farm and farmhouse from his grandfather, a grandfather who died 40 years ago. It seems the man who had been living there for decades hadn’t actually bought the farm but had the right to live there until he died. His heir shows up to claim the farm that Charlie now owns. But then, something happens to him. Complicating matters, Diesel finds a skull in the house, along with more human bones. Could be an old murder, maybe, but for sure, there is a new one. And while there was a literal skeleton in the closet in Charlie’s house, there is also a figurative skeleton in his family as well. It going to take some careful thinking and sleuthing to figure it all out. It’s a great mystery, peopled with all the characters readers have come to love. Miranda James has a masterful way with cozy mysteries and always delivers an entertaining and intriguing tale. ( )