Feline Fatale (Mrs. Murphy, #32)

by Rita Mae Brown

[annieb123]

Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.

Feline Fatale is the 32nd book in the Mrs. Murphy mystery series by Rita Mae Brown (& Sneaky Pie Brown). Released 16th April 2024 by Random House on the Bantam imprint, it's 304 pages and is available in hardcover, ebook, and audio formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout.

This is another one of those anthropomorphic animal cozy mystery series which is like a visit with an old friend. It's a perennial, long running series (since 1990), and always like a beloved sweater; comfortable and warm. Happily the series quality has always been good, and unlike most decades long series, it's never felt "phoned in" or stale. There certainly is a soothing quality to the plotting and the returning characters; it's safe and escapist reading, something that is therapeutic and necessary given the current state of the world. This one sees the animal and human crew delving into politics to solve the death of a page/assistant to the state delegates.

The language is clean, the murders are bloodless, the denouement and resolution are satisfying and well done. Everything that readers could want from a cozy mystery. Yes, it's a known quantity, and that is a positive benefit.

The monochrome illustrations by Michael Gellatly give a sweetly nostalgic feel to the book. This is the same artist who illustrated earlier books in the series.

Four stars, I love Ms. Brown's work, and her ability to combine deep social commentary with humor and wit is always a joy to read. For readers who are new to the series, nearly all of them work very well as standalone reads, with the codicil that the characters develop over the series and their relationships change, so there may be spoilers if read out of order.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.