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wdecora's review against another edition
1.0
I didn't finish this book and let me tell you why. After two chapters I remembered why I hadn't finished the last Mrs. Murphy book either: the author's insistence of putting her opinions about government and politics and all kinds of other issues into the mouths and minds of her characters.
Here's the thing, I don't necessarily disagree with Brown's opinions on global climate change, entitlement reform, or gay rights, but this book series isn't the place to voice them. I've been reading these books for years and had read the previous seventeen to much delight (except for that one where the main characters went on vacation, that just didn't work).
Harry has always been a frugal character. [a:Rita Mae Brown|23511|Rita Mae Brown|http://photo.goodreads.com/authors/1209493600p2/23511.jpg] used to paint that characterization well by having Harry talk (either out loud or internally) about how she loves her old truck and why, despite looking longingly at a newer fancier model someone else has, that she won't spend the money because the old truck is fine. But now Harry's internal thoughts go more like "the average American household has fifteen thousand dollars of credit card debt. I guess I'm not as as average an American as I thought." Hello, heavy-handed anyone?!
This isn't limited to Harry. There are political talking point shoved inelegantly into conversations and thoughts every couple of pages and the result is jarring.
If Brown wants to voice her opinions about these issues, she would be better served to write a non-fiction book on the subjects or sound-off in a blog format. Trying to preach via a mystery series where some of the main characters are cats and dogs who talk amongst themselves to solve crimes is very misguided and a disservice to her readers.
Here's the thing, I don't necessarily disagree with Brown's opinions on global climate change, entitlement reform, or gay rights, but this book series isn't the place to voice them. I've been reading these books for years and had read the previous seventeen to much delight (except for that one where the main characters went on vacation, that just didn't work).
Harry has always been a frugal character. [a:Rita Mae Brown|23511|Rita Mae Brown|http://photo.goodreads.com/authors/1209493600p2/23511.jpg] used to paint that characterization well by having Harry talk (either out loud or internally) about how she loves her old truck and why, despite looking longingly at a newer fancier model someone else has, that she won't spend the money because the old truck is fine. But now Harry's internal thoughts go more like "the average American household has fifteen thousand dollars of credit card debt. I guess I'm not as as average an American as I thought." Hello, heavy-handed anyone?!
This isn't limited to Harry. There are political talking point shoved inelegantly into conversations and thoughts every couple of pages and the result is jarring.
If Brown wants to voice her opinions about these issues, she would be better served to write a non-fiction book on the subjects or sound-off in a blog format. Trying to preach via a mystery series where some of the main characters are cats and dogs who talk amongst themselves to solve crimes is very misguided and a disservice to her readers.
jenniferdenslow's review against another edition
3.0
I'm a little disappointed in this outing with Harry and her animal companions. I could see certain plot developments coming a mile away and the overall tone was more didactic than usual.
bibliophelia's review against another edition
1.0
I have read a lot of the Mrs. Murphy, Pewter and Tucker books but I agree with the majority out there- this was one of my most horrendous reads of the year.
I understand the necessity of addressing the cancer part of the story, and it is important, hell, my mother, sister and aunt had breast cancer and I've had at least 5 other relatives die of it.
But if you want to air your uneducated backwater views on politics, write an editorial in your local paper. No one cares, is interested or wants it in the guise of our favorite characters, especially not for 5 pages followed by an adorable pencil sketch which is supposed to distract from your egomanical ravings. Ms. Brown, really. You and your editor should be ashamed that this was printed.
There was next to no plot and it appeared in the last 4 pages that you remembered there was supposed to be a mystery going on and wrapped it up in 3 paragraphs with the most contrived unbelievable drivel I have ever read.
Please don't waste the publisher's budget on releasing this in paperback, audio or ebook. It's not worth any of it.
I understand the necessity of addressing the cancer part of the story, and it is important, hell, my mother, sister and aunt had breast cancer and I've had at least 5 other relatives die of it.
But if you want to air your uneducated backwater views on politics, write an editorial in your local paper. No one cares, is interested or wants it in the guise of our favorite characters, especially not for 5 pages followed by an adorable pencil sketch which is supposed to distract from your egomanical ravings. Ms. Brown, really. You and your editor should be ashamed that this was printed.
There was next to no plot and it appeared in the last 4 pages that you remembered there was supposed to be a mystery going on and wrapped it up in 3 paragraphs with the most contrived unbelievable drivel I have ever read.
Please don't waste the publisher's budget on releasing this in paperback, audio or ebook. It's not worth any of it.
gswain's review against another edition
3.0
Another good book in the series. It kept my
interest throughout. I would have enjoyed more scenes with characters I knew from past books and the ending was a bit too fast. Also it seemed like there was one storyline that was dropped and never picked back up.
interest throughout. I would have enjoyed more scenes with characters I knew from past books and the ending was a bit too fast. Also it seemed like there was one storyline that was dropped and never picked back up.
debjazzergal's review against another edition
3.0
Love this series. This one a little more serious as it addresses cancer.
feliciar33ds's review against another edition
2.0
Call me a crochety old lady, but I expect my animal-talkin' cozy mysteries to be light and fluffhy. I don't expect them to be a lesson on cancer treatment and the current bleak state of affairs in America and assorted other depressing topics. Seriously? I read these sorts of books to escape all that REALITY! Deeply disappointing.
quiltedquill's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fatphobia
judyward's review against another edition
2.0
Dear Sneaky Pie Brown: I have always really liked the books that you allow Rita Mae Brown to co-author with you--and by the way, why does she always insist on having her name listed first?--but I have had a little problem with the last several books. I know that this is no way your fault, but would you please ask Rita Mae to tone down on the political opinions. While I may agree with some, or even most of these opinions, I find that they distract from the flow of the narrative and can even be off-putting. Other than Rita Mae's constant editorializing, I, for the most part, enjoyed the story. I think that your input into the writing process is clear. While Rita Mae is busy dealing with the human characters, you are free to write about the most important characters in the book--the animals. I love Tee Tucker, of course, but you do your best work bringing Mrs. Murphy and Pewter to life. Keep the series going, but please leave the editorials and political opinions for another format.
kaygray78's review against another edition
3.0
The last few Sneaky Pie/Rita Mae Brown mysteries I have picked up did not hold my attention. I would get bored, flip to the end to see whodunit and then return it to the library unread.
This latest installation was much better, I didn't cheat and I finished the book in one day.
SP and RMB don't disappoint when it comes to grisly murders and the ever cutesy banter between the animals. But I found the conclusion to be confusing. I figured out who the murderer was before the end, but I might have to go back and read the confession, because I don't quite get it.
Also, I would have enjoyed the book more without the author's constant political opinions--even if I do agree with her on some of them. I found it distracting and sometimes I just want to read a lighthearted murder mystery without being preached at.
This latest installation was much better, I didn't cheat and I finished the book in one day.
SP and RMB don't disappoint when it comes to grisly murders and the ever cutesy banter between the animals. But I found the conclusion to be confusing. I figured out who the murderer was before the end, but I might have to go back and read the confession, because I don't quite get it.
Also, I would have enjoyed the book more without the author's constant political opinions--even if I do agree with her on some of them. I found it distracting and sometimes I just want to read a lighthearted murder mystery without being preached at.
auntblh's review against another edition
3.0
I liked the parts that weren't "preachy" about all the ills of the world but those were few and far between. It got to the point where it seemed to me that rants were being added to pad the length of the novel; I didn't feel they were necessary or appropriate. I love the Mrs. Murphy mysteries and will probably read the next couple, because I have them, but if they are as heavy on issues as this one, I won't be reading any more after that. It takes away from the fun (can you say that about a murder mystery?) and the characters.