by Sandra Murphy
Details at the end of this post on how to enter to win a copy of Careless Whiskers, and links to purchase it.
The last time Charlie Harris got involved in a murder investigation, he almost got himself killed. He’s under strict orders from everyone who knows and cares about him to stop investigating. He’s promised—but will he be able to keep his promise?
His daughter and son-in-law are involved in the college theater program. Laura has experience acting in Hollywood. Frank is the director of the play—both teach at the college. This year’s star attraction is Luke Lombardi. He’s not a big time actor but is certainly bigger than college level. 
Lombardi is known for excessive flirting, temper tantrums, and a huge ego. With Laura as his leading lady, Frank directing, and Charlie watching rehearsals, things could get sticky. However, Laura proves she doesn’t need any help in keeping Lombardi under control.
There’s a rumor a Broadway producer will be in the audience which is enough to get everyone’s attention. The playwright is on hand to make suggestions as well. However, two pranks, escalating in potential consequences, jolt the leading man’s confidence.
At the end of Act 1 on opening night, Lombardi drinks from a glass Laura hands him, falls, and provides an all too believable death scene. Unfortunately, it was not part of the script. His death is real and Laura is the prime suspect. Charlie feels compelled to ask a few questions, nothing serious.
As it turns out, there are other suspects—the understudy, the playwright, a second playwright, Lombardi’s lover, the lover’s ex-husband who is now the actor’s valet, and more. It’s enough to make Charlie’s head spin. Luckily, he has Diesel, his Maine Coon cat to keep him grounded.
This is book twelve in the popular series. Charlie is almost always accompanied by Diesel. Ramses, the new kitten, doesn’t have public manners, yet, but he’s learning. Charlie is learning as well—asking questions isn’t a bad thing, confronting the killer is. Azalea, Stewart, Haskell, Kanesha, Helen Louise, and Charlie’s adult kids and their spouses and kids, make each read like a visit with friends and family.
This is a series I always look forward to reading. Charlie is a sensible man, loving father, good friend. In addition to a good mystery, readers will love the surprise at the end of the book.
James also writes the spinoff Southern Ladies mysteries (4), all reviewed here.
To enter to win a copy of Careless Whiskers, simply email KRL at krlcontests@gmail[dot]com by replacing the [dot] with a period, and with the subject line “whiskers,” or comment on this article. A winner will be chosen February 29, 2020. U.S. residents only, and you must be 18 or older to enter. If you are entering via email please include you mailing address in case you win, it will be deleted after the contest. You can read our privacy statement here if you like.
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Careless Whiskers interests me greatly. Unique and special.
I’d love a chance to win! JL_Minter(at)hotmail(dot)com
I’ve been wanting to read this. Thanks so much for the chance!
Thanks for the chance to win a copy of this book.
You find such great sounds books to give away, and my TBR list is so long, I think I will have to live to be 150 to read them all – if only I quit adding to it – but I can’t.
I like the title pun. Count me in!
A great series. This latest sounds like a lot of fun.
kozo8989@hotmail.com
I’d love to read this! legallyblonde1961@yahoo.com
I love this series and sweetie-pie Diesel. Thanks for the giveaway.
Books and cats, a classic combination. Please enter my name in the draw to get started on this great looking series. crs(at)codedivasites(dot)com
Great series! Would really love to read “Careless Whiskers”. Thanks for the chance.
diannekc8(at)gmail(dot)com
I would love to win a copy of Careless Whiskers. This series is next on my read list.
Adorable cover. Thanks for the chance.
positive DOT ideas DOT 4you AT gmail DOT com
I Love this series. Would love to win! Shelley Summers 525 Brookman dr., Brookhaven,ms. 39601
I know this author writes really fun stories. Thanks for the opportunity.
I’m a big fan of the Cat in the Stacks mysteries and can’t wait to read this newest book in the series. I like cats and I enjoy the relationship between Diesel and Charlie!
Would love to read this book
I really want to read this book.
What an absolutely marvelous story 🙂
So much can happen after this.
I LOVE it. The theater ~the kitty~ the playwright
Producer. This looks to be an amazingly fun
Cozy Mystery. I can’t wait.
Thanks for a terrific review always fascinating.
Blessings for Miranda to have great success with her book 🙂
I would love to read this book. Thank you for the chance.
I would love to read this book
The cover looks awesome & I would love a chance to win this book. Thanks for your great generosity.
We have a winner!