The Mrs. Murphy series is one of the foundational cat cozy mystery series. The books are set in the fictional town of Crozet, Virginia, and follow postmistress Mary Minor 'Harry' Haristeen and her tiger cat Mrs. Murphy, corgi Tee Tucker, and gray cat Pewter. What makes this series unique is that chapters alternate between the human perspective and the animal perspective — the animals discuss the case among themselves and often understand things before the humans do.
Rita Mae Brown, a well-known literary novelist and social commentator, brings a level of literary craft to these books that elevates them above typical category mysteries. The Virginia setting is richly detailed, reflecting Brown's own life in rural Virginia. The series also does not shy away from community issues, local politics, and the complexities of small-town relationships.
The books are co-credited to Brown's real cat, Sneaky Pie Brown, which is a charming touch that fans adore.
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