author_d_r_oestreicher's review
informative
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
In Litter of the Law by Rita Mae Brown (#22/32 in the Mrs. Murphy series), “Harry” Haristeen, a Smith College alum, and art history major, is confronted by Joshua Hill, dressed like a scarecrow, and Hester Martin, dressed as a witch, both dead, bullet through the heart. In her effort to find the killer, she is aided by Deputy Cynthia Cooper, and three pets: Mrs. Murphy, a tiger cat, Pewter, the other cat, and Tucker, a corgi. The story revolves around organic farming and Walter Ashby Plecker, eugenicist, racist, and the head of Vital Statistics in Virginia from 1912 to 1946. The book is more of a history lesson than a mystery.
For my extended notes: https://1book42day.blogspot.com/2023/10/in-litter-of-law-by-rita-mae-brown-2232.html
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debjazzergal's review against another edition
4.0
This was a fun read, as all of them are from this series. There seemed to be some loose ends, however. Not sure why that was. If you're looking for something light and fun, this is a good choice.
cbsundance's review
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
maximum83's review
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
0.75
The plot was fun but the constant fat phobia was obnoxious and overwhelming.
quietdomino's review against another edition
2.0
Anyone reading these books at this point surely knows not to expect mysteries so much as editorial opinions interspersed with commentary on/by pet cats, dogs, horses, and farm equipment. I'm not sure I'm exactly fine with that, as a reason for making books exist in the world, and yet, I'm still reading.
stamdl99's review against another edition
2.0
This book was such an odd mix...from the talking animals (which I didn't mind once I got used to it)to the preachy tone on various social issues. On the positive side it was an easy listen while I was sewing. I'll try one more since my library has many of them on audio and see if they grow on me.
lberestecki's review against another edition
2.0
Periodically while reading this book I would forget I was reading a mystery - the author talks nonstop about the environment as well as Native American rights. Both of these are noble causes, but the tone of the writing was off-putting in its preachiness. There is little suspense because the murders seem to be an afterthought.
Received thru NetGalley
Received thru NetGalley
heatherinthenether's review against another edition
1.0
Definitely not my style
Chock full of fat jokes, stereotypes, flat characters, and oversimplified writing...I won't be checking out any more of these. I was hoping for a fun, Halloween-themed cozy mystery, but this didn't fit the bill.
Chock full of fat jokes, stereotypes, flat characters, and oversimplified writing...I won't be checking out any more of these. I was hoping for a fun, Halloween-themed cozy mystery, but this didn't fit the bill.
hawleyae's review
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.5
krystlekouture's review
3.0
Disclosure: Review is based on a free sample.
Enjoyability: 4
I really liked reading about small town life and hearing the animals chitchat. The pace was leisurely.
Re-Readability: 2
Character Development: 3
The human characters did not seem to have much depth. The animals on the other hand where much more developed! I've never read any other Rita Mae Brown books and I found it really hard to keep track of who was who. When the murderer was revealed I said:Wait who was he/she again?
Complexity: 3
The opening/murders are really unique.
Writing Style: 3
The writing style is easy to read and understand. However, I got bogged down at certain points. The murder is not mentioned for chapters at a time, and the author goes on some tangents on unrelated political issues.
Believability: 3
Since when do small towns have their own CSI department?!
Overall, this book really captured the essence of fall/halloween. If you don't mind a slower based cozy I'd recommend this one.
Enjoyability: 4
I really liked reading about small town life and hearing the animals chitchat. The pace was leisurely.
Re-Readability: 2
Character Development: 3
The human characters did not seem to have much depth. The animals on the other hand where much more developed! I've never read any other Rita Mae Brown books and I found it really hard to keep track of who was who. When the murderer was revealed I said:Wait who was he/she again?
Complexity: 3
The opening/murders are really unique.
Writing Style: 3
The writing style is easy to read and understand. However, I got bogged down at certain points. The murder is not mentioned for chapters at a time, and the author goes on some tangents on unrelated political issues.
Believability: 3
Since when do small towns have their own CSI department?!
Overall, this book really captured the essence of fall/halloween. If you don't mind a slower based cozy I'd recommend this one.