A review by bethany_t
Wish You Were Here by Rita Mae Brown
3.0
As the first in the series, it is a bit rough around the edges. The use of cursing is a bit excessive and jarring at times, and the drama surrounding Harry’s divorce is likewise excessive. However, I still enjoyed revisiting this series, once my favorite when I was a teen. I have the unpopular opinion of finding them more enjoyable than the comparable “The Cat Who...” mysteries.
I like the portrayal of the animals as intelligent and able to converse among each other. There’s a good balance between them acting in ways that seem typically canine or feline and them figuring out clues while the humans are oblivious. Though the political commentary along with “why don’t humans cull their sick young” conversation between Mrs. Murphy, Pewter, and Tucker was certainly odd in Chapter 37. But the next books markedly improve in every way, including in how the animals are characterized.
The mystery is somewhat interesting, and I did find myself led astray by early conclusions made by the characters. The use of the postcards as a clue was a good way to get Mary Minor “Harry” Haristeen involved in sleuthing.
Verdict
As I said, it is a rough start to the series but worth reading just to have that introduction to the main characters; the town of Crozet, Virginia; and other establishing information. It’s a fun, cozy mystery.
So, who would like this book?
Lovers of cozy mysteries. It’s a familiar format as are most modern cozy mysteries, but it’s made fresh by the inclusion of the animal-lead sleuthing. It’s easy to curl up with a blanket and a cup of tea and read this book in a single day.
I like the portrayal of the animals as intelligent and able to converse among each other. There’s a good balance between them acting in ways that seem typically canine or feline and them figuring out clues while the humans are oblivious. Though the political commentary along with “why don’t humans cull their sick young” conversation between Mrs. Murphy, Pewter, and Tucker was certainly odd in Chapter 37. But the next books markedly improve in every way, including in how the animals are characterized.
The mystery is somewhat interesting, and I did find myself led astray by early conclusions made by the characters. The use of the postcards as a clue was a good way to get Mary Minor “Harry” Haristeen involved in sleuthing.
Verdict
As I said, it is a rough start to the series but worth reading just to have that introduction to the main characters; the town of Crozet, Virginia; and other establishing information. It’s a fun, cozy mystery.
So, who would like this book?
Lovers of cozy mysteries. It’s a familiar format as are most modern cozy mysteries, but it’s made fresh by the inclusion of the animal-lead sleuthing. It’s easy to curl up with a blanket and a cup of tea and read this book in a single day.