Claws for Concern is another wonderful book by the talented Miranda James.
Charlie and Diesel are two of my favorite characters in my cozy mystery world.

Charlie and Diesel have the best adventures and while I'm always so excited to read another story, I'm sad when it ends. I read these books over and over again, they are some of my comfort zone books and they make me feel like I'm with family.

Readers will not be disappointed when they grab their own copy of Claws for Concern.

I voluntarily read an ARC of this book provided by the publisher and NetGalley.

3.25 stars

This series has been a favorite, although I wouldn't say this is a strong entry. Retired librarian Charlie and his Maine Coon cat Diesel are affable characters. Charlie's grown children and grandchildren are part of the cast and Charlie's lady friend Helen. You could read this book by itself, but it's usually rewarding to start at the beginning of a cozy series, in my experience.

Charlie, who has been involved in several murder investigations before, is contacted by a true crime author who wants to highlight some of his "cases." Charlie is reluctant but after reading one of the author's books and liking it, agrees to meet. At the same time, an unusual library patron wants to talk to Charlie about a possible family connection. These two story threads end up intertwined.

This series is beginning to feel a bit fusty to me. Charlie often acts a good 20 years older than he actually is and the author's overly detailed descriptions (instead of just calling someone, we hear how he picks up his phone, finds the contacts, selects the right one, etc. etc.) don't help. The scenes with Diesel present definitely feel repetitive. The plot in this one tended toward the unbelievable as well.

I know the author has started a spinoff series with peripheral characters so maybe these are problems of distraction. I have enjoyed Charlie and Diesel's company so I will hope things perk up in the next entry. Thanks to the publisher and Net Galley for providing me with an ARC in return for my honest review.

3.5 Charlie & Diesel are at it again. This time trouble finds Charlie in a long lost son of Charlie's uncle. The only catch is he was suspected of a gruesome murder some 20 years ago. Can Charlie find the killer in this long dead case, or will the mystery remain unsolved. Thanks to Net Galley for the prepub. All the delightful cast of characters is back including a new grandbaby for Charlie to spoil.

Charlie and Diesel find themselves involved with a cold murder case as new branches of the family tree are discovered. I have to say this was not my favorite of the series, at time it felt a little forced and that there were connections given that meant little as they were not explored.