Mrs. Murphy Mysteries
28 books
Here are 28 books from the Mrs. Murphy Mysteries series by Rita Mae Brown and Sneaky Pie Brown. Start with Wish You Were Here (1990), then read the rest in the order below. Books without a series number are listed in publication order.
Books in order
Wish You Were Here
Rita Mae Brown
In the quiet town of Crozet, postmistress Harry is already navigating a messy divorce and a penchant for reading other people's mail when a chilling pattern emerges. A series of murders grips the community, each victim having received a cryptic postcard featuring a tombstone and the ominous message, "Wish you were here." With her sharp-witted tiger cat, Mrs. Murphy, and loyal Corgi, Tucker, by her side, Harry must unravel the deadly connection between the postcards and the killer before she becomes the next recipient of a fatal message. This delightful mystery blends cozy charm with suspense, as Harry races against time to solve the crime and protect herself from becoming a permanent resident on the killer's list.
Rest in Pieces
Rita Mae Brown
In the quiet town of Crozet, Virginia, newly divorced postmistress Mary Minor "Run" Harper finds her life upended by a shocking discovery: a dismembered corpse. As she and her loyal friends, including her sharp-witted companion Harry, begin to unravel the mystery, their attention turns to the charming newcomer, Blair Bainbridge, who seems too perfect to be true. With a blend of cozy charm and suspense, this novel delves into the secrets hidden beneath a seemingly peaceful surface, exploring themes of community, suspicion, and the unexpected places danger can lurk. Prepare for a thrilling investigation where every clue brings Run and her companions closer to a killer hiding in plain sight.
Murder at Monticello, or, Old Sins
Rita Mae Brown
When an old skeleton is unearthed during renovations at Monticello, the discovery quickly escalates from historical curiosity to a present-day crime. A new murder in Crozet, Virginia, eerily echoes the past, drawing amateur sleuths Mrs. Murphy and her human companions into a tangled web of long-buried secrets. As they delve deeper, they uncover a chilling connection between the ancient remains and a modern-day killer, proving that some sins truly never fade. Rita Mae Brown masterfully weaves together historical intrigue and contemporary suspense in this captivating mystery.
Murder, She Meowed
Rita Mae Brown
The prestigious Montpelier Steeplechase is the backdrop for a thrilling mystery when a jockey is found brutally murdered in the barn, a playing card left as a chilling calling card. As the elite of Crozet society gather for a post-race celebration, amateur sleuth Mary Minor "Harry" Haristeen must navigate a tangled web of secrets, rivalries, and hidden vices to unmask the killer. With the help of her feline confidante, Sneaky Pie, Harry delves into a world of drug dealing, inherited fortunes, and long-lost relatives, where danger lurks beneath the surface of polite society. The investigation takes an unexpected turn as the animal kingdom itself seems to offer clues, adding a unique and whimsical dimension to the pursuit of justice.
Pay Dirt
Rita Mae Brown
In the quiet town of Crozet, Virginia, a mysterious Hell's Angel arrives, demanding to see his girlfriend and quickly becoming the center of local gossip. When the biker is found murdered, the town is thrown into confusion, but Mrs. Murphy, a sharp-witted tiger cat, and her animal companions sense something is amiss. Using their unique feline and canine instincts, they begin to unravel the secrets hidden beneath the surface of their seemingly peaceful community. Can these clever pets uncover the truth and protect their human friends before the killer strikes again?
Murder on the Prowl
Rita Mae Brown
In this delightful mystery, a clever feline named Mrs. Murphy finds herself entangled in a dangerous investigation. When a murder rocks her quiet town, she must use her unique perspective and keen instincts to guide her human companion, Harry, toward the truth. As they delve deeper into the mystery, they uncover a perilous path leading to a deadly killer and a thrilling climax that will keep readers guessing until the very end. Rita Mae Brown masterfully blends cozy charm with suspense, offering a purr-fectly captivating read for mystery aficionados.
Cat on the Scent
Rita Mae Brown
In this charming mystery, a spirited feline with an uncanny knack for sniffing out trouble finds herself at the center of a perplexing case. When a series of unsettling events disrupts the tranquility of her human's life, this clever cat must use her keen senses and intuition to unravel a web of secrets. As the plot thickens, the story delves into themes of loyalty, intuition, and the hidden lives of our beloved pets. Rita Mae Brown masterfully blends cozy mystery elements with a unique perspective, offering a delightful read for animal lovers and mystery enthusiasts alike.
Pawing Through the Past
Rita Mae Brown
A decades-old mystery resurfaces when a submerged car is discovered in a local creek, revealing a grim secret. Postmistress Mary Minor "Harry" Haristeen, with her sharp wit and the invaluable assistance of her clever feline companion, Mrs. Murphy, must unravel the truth behind the chilling find. As they delve into the past, they uncover secrets that threaten the present, proving that some mysteries are best left buried, but justice always finds a way. This installment in the beloved Mrs. Murphy series blends cozy charm with intriguing suspense, as Harry and her four-legged friends race against time to solve a crime that has haunted the community for years.
Claws and Effect
Rita Mae Brown
In the seemingly tranquil town of Crozet, Virginia, a chilling winter is shattered by a brutal murder at the local hospital. When a doctor is executed and Harry is attacked, the community's peace is irrevocably broken. Amidst the rising fear and suspicion, a sharp-witted tiger cat named Mrs. Murphy finds herself entangled in the unfolding mystery. She must use her keen senses and feline intuition to uncover the truth and protect her human companion from a cunning and dangerous killer lurking in their midst.
Whisker of Evil
Rita Mae Brown
In the seemingly tranquil town of Crozet, Virginia, a summer of unsettling events unfolds, beginning with the return of a famous movie star and escalating with a disturbing rabies epidemic. As fear grips the community, a decades-old murder case resurfaces, its secrets threatening to unravel the town's peaceful facade. Postmistress Harry Haristeen finds herself drawn into the investigation of a local horse breeder's suspicious death, aided by her sharp-witted feline companions, Mrs. Murphy, Pewter, and Tee Tucker. Together, they must navigate a tangled web of small-town intrigue and hidden motives to uncover the truth before the darkness consumes Crozet.
The Tail of the Tip-off
Rita Mae Brown
When a decades-old car surfaces in a local creek, revealing a grim discovery within, postmistress Mary Minor "Harry" Haristeen finds herself drawn into a perplexing mystery. With the help of her sharp-witted animal companions, Harry must unravel secrets buried by time and expose a killer before they strike again. This latest installment from the beloved *Mrs. Murphy Mysteries* series blends cozy charm with a compelling whodunit, exploring themes of community, hidden pasts, and the unique bonds between humans and their pets.
Catch as Cat Can
Rita Mae Brown
In the quiet town of Runnymede, a seemingly minor crime—the theft of vintage hubcaps—takes a sinister turn with the sudden, suspicious death of a young mechanic. As the local sheriff grapples with the case, the investigation uncovers a tangled web of secrets involving rare birds, a substantial sum of money, and a community on edge. With an autopsy forbidden and suspicions mounting, the truth is as elusive as a shadow, and the only hope for justice may lie in the keen observation of a most unlikely detective.
Cat's Eyewitness
Rita Mae Brown
When a decades-old mystery surfaces with the discovery of a submerged car and its grim contents, the residents of Crozet, Virginia, find themselves entangled in a perplexing crime. It falls to Mary Minor “Harry” Haristeen, with the invaluable assistance of her sharp-witted animal companions, to unravel the secrets buried by time. As political intrigue and long-hidden truths collide, Harry and her loyal pack must rely on their unique instincts to expose a killer before the past claims more victims.
Puss 'n Cahoots
Rita Mae Brown
In this thrilling installment, the indomitable Mrs. "Puss" Edmonds finds herself entangled in a web of deceit and danger. As she navigates the complexities of her own life, including an approaching milestone birthday and a rekindled marriage, her loyal feline companions are already on the case, sniffing out clues in a world rife with skullduggery. With a cast of suspicious characters ranging from hotheaded trainers and jealous rivals to vindictive ex-spouses, the stakes are raised when a blatant murder occurs, leaving no doubt that a dangerous killer is on the loose.
The Purrfect Murder
Rita Mae Brown
In the charming town of Crozet, Virginia, autumn's arrival brings a sense of cozy preparation for winter, but beneath the surface of idyllic country life, murder lurks. When a wealthy newcomer with a penchant for ostentatious displays is found stabbed at a gala, suspicion immediately falls on a friend who was found holding the weapon. With the human authorities convinced of a swift resolution, it's up to the keen observations of the four-legged residents to uncover the truth behind the crime.
Santa Clawed
Rita Mae Brown, Sneaky Pie Brown
In this charming mystery, a cozy Christmas celebration takes a sinister turn when a beloved Santa Claus actor is found murdered. As the snow falls and the holiday spirit dwindles, a sharp-witted feline detective named Sneaky Pie must use her unique perspective to unravel the truth. With a cast of quirky characters and a festive backdrop, this tale blends holiday cheer with a puzzling whodunit, exploring themes of deception and the unexpected darkness that can lurk beneath a cheerful facade.
The Big Cat Nap
Rita Mae Brown
In the charming town of Crozet, Virginia, a decades-old mystery surfaces when a submerged car yields a grim discovery: a body in the driver's seat. "Sister" Jane Arnold, with her keen intellect and the invaluable assistance of her loyal animal companions, must unravel the secrets of the past. As the investigation deepens, she finds herself entangled in a dangerous web, facing warnings from friends and the chilling reality of a killer hiding in plain sight. This thrilling mystery combines suspense with the unique charm of a community brought together by its four-legged detectives.
Cat of the Century
Rita Mae Brown
When a decades-old car surfaces in a local creek, revealing a grim discovery, the residents of Crozet, Virginia, find themselves entangled in a chilling mystery. As the investigation unfolds, it becomes clear that long-buried secrets and simmering resentments are at play, leading to a dangerous confrontation. With the help of her loyal animal companions, Mary Minor “Harry” Haristeen must unravel the truth before the killer strikes again. This latest installment from the beloved author duo delves into the complexities of human nature, proving that sometimes, the most cunning detectives have four paws.
Hiss of Death
Rita Mae Brown
In the charming world of Runnymede, a series of unsettling events threatens the peace, centering around a mysterious hiss that seems to herald danger. When a prominent figure is found dead under peculiar circumstances, it's up to the sharp-witted residents to unravel the truth behind the ominous sounds and sinister motives. This gripping mystery delves into the secrets hidden beneath a seemingly idyllic surface, exploring themes of deception, community, and the courage it takes to confront the darkness. Rita Mae Brown masterfully weaves a tale of suspense and intrigue, keeping readers on the edge of their seats until the very last page.
The Litter of the Law
Rita Mae Brown
A decades-old mystery surfaces when a car, long submerged in a local creek, reveals a grim secret: a body in the driver's seat. As Halloween approaches, a sinister plot unfolds in rural central Virginia, threatening to expose a multimillion-dollar scheme. It falls to Mary Minor “Harry” Haristeen and her loyal animal companions to unravel the truth and bring a dangerous killer to justice before the festive season turns deadly.
Nine Lives to Die
Rita Mae Brown
In the charming town of Silver Spring, the discovery of an old skeleton buried in the snow coincides with a series of suspicious deaths targeting prominent citizens. As a chilling winter descends, Harry and her animal companions find themselves entangled in a perplexing mystery. They must race against time to uncover the truth behind the killings before the killer strikes again, leaving no stone unturned in their pursuit of justice.
Tail Gait
Rita Mae Brown
In the charming town of Crozet, Virginia, a perplexing murder disrupts the peace when Professor McConnell is found gunned down on the golf course. With no apparent motive and an unseen killer at large, the community is thrown into a state of unease. As amateur sleuths and beloved residents Mary Minor “Harry” Hairsteen and her friends delve into the mystery, they uncover secrets that reach far beyond the manicured greens. The investigation takes an unexpected turn, revealing that the truth may be hidden in plain sight, with even the town's animal inhabitants playing a curious role in the unfolding drama.
Tall Tail
Rita Mae Brown
In the seemingly tranquil town of Crozet, Virginia, a perfect summer day takes a dark turn when a car crash reveals a dead nurse. As a storm brews, local resident Mary Minor “Harry” Haristeen and her astute animal companions find themselves drawn into a perplexing mystery. Their investigation unearths a decades-old secret with roots stretching back to colonial times, proving that some truths refuse to stay buried. This tale weaves together suspense, history, and the unique insights of its furry and feathered detectives.
A Hiss Before Dying
Rita Mae Brown
In the charming, mystery-laden world of Crozet, Virginia, Sheriff Harry Haristeen faces a perplexing new case that threatens the peace of her beloved community. As the seasons change and life in the Shenandoah Valley takes on a quieter rhythm, an unexpected death casts a dark shadow, demanding Harry's sharp wit and keen intuition. With her loyal friends and the ever-watchful eyes of her feline companion, Harry must unravel a tangled web of secrets and lies before the killer strikes again. This installment in the beloved series promises the signature blend of Southern charm, engaging characters, and a satisfyingly intricate puzzle that fans have come to expect.
Probable Claws
Rita Mae Brown
When a friend is brutally murdered, postmistress Mary "Harry" Haristeen is determined to uncover the truth behind the crime. Her investigation, aided by her sharp-witted feline companions, leads her down a dangerous path into the victim's hidden past. As Harry delves deeper, she unearths a conspiracy that stretches back generations, revealing secrets someone is willing to kill to protect. With a homicidal maniac on the loose, Harry and her animal allies must race against time to expose the killer before they become the next victim.
Furmidable Foes
Rita Mae Brown
A seemingly peaceful charity auction turns deadly when a prominent member is found poisoned, sending shockwaves through the community. As suspicion falls on those closest to the victim, a clever feline detective and her human companion must unravel a web of secrets and lies. This latest installment in the beloved Mrs. Murphy Mysteries series masterfully blends cozy charm with a thrilling investigation, exploring themes of betrayal and hidden motives. Prepare for a purrfectly puzzling mystery that will keep you guessing until the very last page.
Claws for Alarm
Rita Mae Brown
In the charming county of Albemarle, Virginia, a perplexing murder disrupts the peace, and the keen senses of Mary Minor "Harry" Haristeen are called into action. When a young equine vet is found dead under suspicious circumstances, Harry and her veterinarian husband must unravel a tangled web of secrets. With the invaluable, and often witty, assistance of her feline companions, Harry navigates the complexities of the case, where the animals' unique perspectives offer crucial clues. This installment in the beloved series masterfully blends cozy mystery with the distinctive charm and sharp observations that have made Rita Mae Brown and Sneaky Pie Brown a celebrated duo in the talking animal subgenre.
Sneaky Pie for President
Rita Mae Brown
In this charming installment of the "Sneaky Pie" series, the beloved feline detective finds himself embroiled in a political scandal that threatens to shake the foundations of his cozy community. When a local election takes a suspicious turn, Sneaky Pie must use his unique investigative skills to uncover the truth behind the alleged corruption. With wit and keen observation, he navigates a world of human foibles and political intrigue, proving that sometimes the most unlikely candidates are the ones best suited to bring justice. This delightful mystery blends humor with a sharp look at the nature of power and integrity.