It is hard to believe that this is the thirty-first book in the long running series. I have loved spending time with Harry ( former postmistress), Fair (vet and husband to Harry) and Susan (close friend) in Crozet, Virginia the whole time. And, of course, don’t forget those highly intelligent animals who work so hard to help their humans.

For those who are not already acquainted with the series, there is a treat in store. Brown helps readers out by including a detailed list of characters that will bring them up to speed.

As this book opens, Christmas is approaching and Harry finds that she has a lot to do. She wasn’t planning to add solving murders to her list of tasks but, of course, she must as there are a number of them and she is not a person to stand by idly. Note that the story has elements of both past and present. There are drugs and a new dog here as well.

The delight in reading a book by Rita Mae Brown is being entertained by an author who has mastered her craft. The illustrations add an extra bonus .

Recommended to those who enjoy domestic mysteries and those that feature animals.

Many thanks to Random House Publishing Group for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 28 March 2023

Hiss & Tell is the 31st (!!!) Mrs. Murphy mystery by Rita Mae Brown. Released 28th March 2023 by Penguin Random House on their Bantam book imprint, it's 304 pages and available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats.

I've long been a fan of the author, and enjoyed her cozy Mrs. Murphy series as well as her more serious writing. This anthropomorphic cozy series is a pillar of the genre (and the author a prolific and dependable source of cozy reads in several disparate series).

The dialogue and writing are pitch perfect. Typically for Ms. Brown, the writing is solidly comfortable and engaging. Reading her books is almost like visiting with an old friend you haven't seen for a while; you just pick up where you left off the last time, even if you haven't seen them for ages.

This is a series with a vast returning cast of characters. The author has provided a comprehensive dramatis personae section at the beginning of the book in case the reader needs to sort of who is who. That being said, it is the31st book in the series and would probably be best read roughly in order. The story is told in alternating flashbacks from the modern day to the 18th century. The dates are given in the chapter headings, so it's no trouble to keep the intertwined stories straight. It's a testament to the author's technical ability that she manages to write period appropriate dialogue alternated with modern times without giving the reader whiplash or managing to lose the disparate plot threads.

Readers should be aware that the author does not shy away from the admittedly accurate period depiction of slaves, racial violence, and slavery, which can be somewhat jarring for a cozy book. It's probably edifying to talk about openly, but especially in light of the recent racial upheavals, I found it especially sad that we've not managed to make much of an appreciable difference in following 230 years.

I personally love anthropomorphic mysteries, but fair warning, if talking animals bug you, this probably isn't the series for you. The book also does a superlative job of giving a glimpse into Virginia hospitality and etiquette and the 18th century culture parallel to the modern day as well as providing a glimpse of daily life in the area both in the 18th century as well as the modern period.

Four stars.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

This is the 31st book in this series and I've read them all as they were published. I miss the earlier books with the focus on a present day mystery, great characters and the animals who add their insight and help solve the crime. I do like the historical stories, too. If I had my choice these would be two separate books. Switching between two time periods (1700's and 2021) takes concentration that I sometimes lack. Having said that when I find that there is a new Mrs. Murphy mystery I'm eager to read it.
The themes of this book are heavy ones - human trafficking, illegal drugs (Fentanyl) and homelessness. Add the Covid pandemic and this is a complex mystery. I won't go into details for fear of spoilers. With the recurring cast of humans and animals and the Christmas season setting, there is a good balance. Both story lines are tied up well and I will want to read #32 when it's published.
My thanks to the publisher Bantam and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

I’ve been a fan of this series for years! In the days leading up to Christmas Harry and Susan happen upon a dead body. As the case unfolds, the unknown man is determined to had died from a deadly drug. An overdose or murder? This is an excellent read with a complex plot, engaging characters, and exceptional craftsmanship. Highly recommended! I enjoyed this book and am looking forward to the next in the series. I received a complimentary copy of this book and chose to write a voluntary, unbiased review.

I enjoyed this latest story in the Mrs. Murphy series. I do think that it is my least favorite though. The dual timeliness can get confusing at times and it is different seasons in each timeline in this story. In modern day they are investigating the deaths of three men who all died of febtanyl overdoses with no ID on them. Harry is very concerned and begins carrying Narcan in her bag. The animals are all there and talk amongst themselves but play a lesser role in this book. It is bear Chritmas so no fox hunts which I missed. Especially the dialogue with the pets and wild animals.
In the past timeline it is summer. They are preparing for the first ever Steeple Chase race in America. There is sone bloodshed in this one also.
I still look forward to the bext book.
I received an advanced copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

I received an ARC from NetGalley and Bantam books in exchange for my honest opinion.

Genre: Mystery
Format: Dual Timelines, Sentient pets with dialogue

After getting into this one a bit, I realized you must read these in order to fully understand the nuance of the characters and place. I enjoyed Harry and her outlook on life as she's working through problems.

As this was my first book in the series, I was a bit confused. I didn't quite understand the flipping between the two timelines in this book. And I really wanted it to center more on the mystery! My understanding is that usually the pets are simultaneously investigating, and that didn't come through here. This one wasn't my favorite cozy mystery—I think in part because of the secondary timeline in the past, which threw off my interest in the main plot of solving the murder(s).

With that said, I think fans of the series are going to eat it up.

Happy reading!

Hiss & Tell is a cozy mystery with two timelines—the present and 1789–both set in the same location in rural Virginia. In the present day, when a man is found shot dead in a ditch with no ID and drugs in his system, the locals worry that big city problems have come to their small farming town. A local farmer helps her friend Deputy Cooper solve the crime while their animals make somewhat sarcastic comments under their breath.

There are a whole lot of discussions over lunch or while Christmas shopping within the book and not much action. The locals also compare the predicament of modern illegal aliens with the slave culture from the historical fiction tale.

I’m in the minority here but I really disliked Hiss & Tell. If you want pages and pages of discussing how much better things were in the “old” days, you have picked up the right book. This worldview is why I avoid lunching with my older in-laws. I certainly don’t want to spend my leisure time reading it too. Lazy young people, cars with too many newfangled computers, the ease of buying illicit drugs, illegals, homelessness and rampant crime, all the usual tropes are here. Ugh! I want to read the earlier type of stories from this series, where the focus is on sentient pets solving crime. While I may reread some of the earlier books in this series, I’m done reading the latest ones.

Once again, many reviewers loved this book. You may too. But unfortunately, it was a sad 2 star read for me that I struggled to finish.

Thanks to Bantam Books and NetGalley for a digital review copy of the book.

Hiss & Tell by Rita Mae Brown
Book 31 in the Mrs. Murphy series
I have read most of the books in the series and all of them since the addition of the 18th century sections. Initially I was not sure that I liked the switching back and forth between time periods but I have grown to like the continuing story of the families in the earlier time period. I especially liked this one with Georgina, Deborah and the girls, as they call themselves.
The present day story was good although the animals do not appear much except for Pirate. Of course, the dogs come in at the end but not the cats.
As always, I love the illustrations.

It’s Christmas season and Harry is dreading the shopping and crowds. But she’s busy delivering food baskets and learning to show her Irish wolfhound. After encountering a dead man on the side of the road which seems to be just the beginning of deaths, Harry and her friends investigate a series of murders in the area. Over 300 years earlier a similar story is going on in the early days of Virginia. I’ve read this series from the beginning and love the characters particularly the animals. I’m looking forward to more.

In the latest installment of the Mrs. Murphy Mysteries by Rita Mae Brown, Hiss & Tell, the residents of Crozet, Virginia are preparing for and celebrating the holiday season while still dealing with the after-effects of the COVID Pandemic. As with the rest of this series, this book is told from several different perspectives - the human perspective is primarily that of Harry Haristeen, the animal perspective is that of Harry's dogs and cats and the historical perspective is that of the residents of the area in the post Revolutionary War period. The mystery aspect of this story has several different avenues that the author has chosen to explore which all revolve around the opioid crisis in America, specifically fentanyl, and how it affects the population.

By including the various current social issues within these stories, the author has created an excellent platform to not only entertain her readers but also to provide some much needed education and information that enables them to become proactive with the situations that are bound to come up at some point in their lives. The flashbacks to the post Revolutionary War era also gives the readers the opportunity to learn about everyday life in that time and compare with the current day. Although these books can be read as individual standalone novels, I highly recommend that readers take the time to read the backlist and get to know all the characters and their histories as the series is very timely and gives a great deal of insight into numerous social issues that have affected and shaped the nation.

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and Random House Publishing and am leaving this review voluntarily.

"Harry" Harristeen is a farmer who loves living off the land. Her husband "Fair" is a veterinarian, and they've managed to make a good life for themselves. They live in Virginia near Richmond, but far enough away that they have a quiet life. That is, at least until Harry and her best friend Susan Tucker are out driving one day and come across a dead body. Harry wonders if it's related to the earlier accident that Fair had seen on the road -- one with a white van and people running away as fast as they could. But the answers will have to wait; her friend Officer Cynthia Cooper, is working on the other case. Still, she's willing to listen to Harry's theories and see if they make sense.

When it's discovered that the man died from a deadly drug, Harry is worried. Especially when there are more deaths. Could they be connected? But Harry also has other things on her mind: finding the right gift for her husband, which could be tricky; and training her Irish Wolfhound puppy (all 150 pounds of him) Pirate. There are other friends who are training theirs as well, but Pirate is holding his own.

Meanwhile back in the eighteenth century, we revisit the neighboring estates of the Ewings and Holloways, watching as they forge a new country on their own terms. Catherine Ewing Schuyler has decided to create a steeplechase, open to all who pay the small fee, and to anyone who wishes to watch the spectacle -- for only a penny. She wants it to be a success, and hopes that it will. But not all is pleasant: in the town of Richmond there is an infamous place called the Tavern, which houses ladies of the night as well as the best food in town. We are given another look into the past, and while some are very pleasant, others show us the harshness of the time.

What those must understand is that people are a product of their times; and the past cannot be changed. Nothing you do can erase it; we must learn not to repeat the sorrows that were. Ms. Brown shows us the courage of these women, the courage of the ex-soldiers, and the courage of all to survive any way they can. It is a lesson, and fascinating reading, to boot. I am always in awe of these books, for I love a story within a story, and this one is especially intriguing.

In the present, Harry has her opinions (as always) on the drugs that are coming into our country and any attempts to stop them. She worries for people, her kind heart showing through. She worries for the future, and what drugs are doing to people who don't care. It's dark reading, but I have never been disappointed in any of her books. She knows how to weave a story skillfully, bringing the characters together through simple statements, and allowing the reader to try and find a murderer.

And of course, we have Mrs. Murphy and the ever-loveable Pewter offering their own opinions on the goings-on around them, along with the corgi Tucker and Pirate. Their antics are worth watching, and even more so in this book, as you will learn.

In this one, it was not that easy. That's a very good thing, as I am usually able to put the murderer in the picture early on. Not in this tale. Which isn't to say that there are not clues, because there are, if you look for them. The ending is surprising, which is how it should be. The book was finished far too soon as I love these so, and I not only highly recommend this, I eagerly await the next in the series.

I was given an advance copy of this book from Bantam and NetGalley but this in no way influenced my review.

This latest in the very long running series is very much for its fans because to hop in at this point might find the reader at sea sorting out the human characters, the dual time line, and the animals. Fans, however will be happy to see Harry and Susan again, and this time they are dealing with the topical issues of COVID and illegal drugs- which have suddenly arrived in Crozet and killed several people. As always, the animals are a big help in answering the question of who these people are and what happened to them. And the 18th century story continues to be interesting (although I have to admit I've forgotten some of the details of what happened earlier). Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. It's a sprightly topical and entertaining read.

A new wolfhound puppy, Pirate, has joined the household of Harry Harristeen, and the Christmas season is here. Harry and her friend Susan are delivering Christmas baskets to folks in need. The season doesn't bring joy to all, as a series of drug-related deaths, due to fentanyl occur.

Harry starts carrying a syringe of Narcan to use if she finds someone in a drugged stupor, as it is a way to reverse the effects and save the person. She doesn't want someone to die from making a mistake.

She's also shopping for the perfect Christmas gift for her husband, Fair. She already has her gift, an expensive seed drill to use on her farm.

As usual, the antics of Mrs. Murphy, Pewter, and Tucker dominate the storyline, and the beautiful drawings of them and the Virginia countryside are a pleasure.

dual-time-frames, series, cozy-mystery, animals, veterinarian, Virginia, rural, pet-cat, pet-dog, animal-narratives, politics, trafficking, homelessness, greed*****

Welcome back to the dual timelines in Crozet, Virginia (1789/2021), the people, communicating animals (the animals are also narrators), and the politics and life problems that persist. Homelessness is present, as is human trafficking to provide cheap labor, only the opioid issues are new. Violence is not. I love each book I've read in this series!
However, I much prefer the print versions as that is a better help when I need to check up on a character or two.
Great stuff for a history geek and/or a gardening geek (that's my sister, so I'll have to gift her a copy).
I requested and received a free ebook copy from Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine
Bantam via NetGalley. Thank you!

This is the 31st book in the Mrs. Murphy series - Rita Mae Brown is a very prolific author! I haven't read all the other books, but I've read quite a few. As in all the others, the animals play a prominent role in the story. I always enjoy that aspect of this series. Here's the blurb:

"When a series of mysterious deaths spoil the Christmas season in Crozet, Virginia, Mary Minor "Harry" Harristeen and her beloved cats and dogs lend the police a helping paw in this exciting holiday mystery from Rita Mae Brown and her feline co-author Sneaky Pie Brown.

Christmas is coming and Harry’s to-do list is a mile long. The days are filled with delivering holiday baskets to neighbors in need, chopping down the perfect tree with her best friend, Susan Tucker, and hunting for that elusive special gift for her beloved husband, Pharamond “Fair” Harristeen. Harry also decides to try her hand at dog showing, enrolling her handsome Irish Wolfhound puppy Pirate in classes to prepare for a future exhibition. Through it all, holiday cheer—and plenty of treats for Pirate—keep spirits high.

But the holidays aren’t cheerful for everyone. Harry’s friend on the police force, Cynthia Cooper, warns that the season can bring an uptick in crime. Her words prove tragically prescient when Harry and Susan discover the body of a man by the side of the road, dead, without any clues to his identity. One suspicious death is bad enough, but when Cooper reports that two more bodies have been found, also unidentified, Harry knows trouble is afoot. The autopsies for all three bodies reveal the presence of a deadly drug. Could their deaths have been accidental, or is a devious killer on the prowl?

With help from her feline sidekicks, Mrs. Murphy and Pewter, as well as Tee Tucker the corgi and Pirate, Harry vows to find the answers and stop the spate of deaths so that all of Crozet can have a very merry Christmas."

It always throws me that a girl is called 'Harry'. I know male names for females is common, but Harry just doesn't ever seem right for some reason (just my bias I guess). The two stories in the book have one in current time and one set in the 1700s. By the end of the book the stories have come together nicely. I liked the current day story in this one better - it was just more interesting to me. I enjoyed following the investigation surrounding the murders. This part reflects current events by integrating the opioid crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Thanks to Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine through Netgalley for an advance copy. This book will be published on March 28, 2023.

A solid addition to this enjoyable series sees Harry and her friends ( both human and animal) solve a mystery with a great twist. As usual, Rita Mae Brown adds some cleverly woven social commentary to the storyline

NetGalley ARC Educator 550974

Sadly this is my first Rita Mae Brown novel. It will not be my last. I was drawn to the dogs, descriptions of Crozet and 1789 America as well as Ms. Murphy. I so enjoyed this book and hope to read many more.

Trigger warnings: drug abuse and fentanyl deaths

Thank you to Bantam Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book. I was excited to spend more time with Harry, Fair, Mrs. Murphy, Pewter, and Tucker. It’s been quite a few years since I last read one of the series.

Hiss & Tell by Rita Mae Brown is the latest in the Harry Harristeen stories of Crozet Virginia. The juxtaposition of voices from historical figures and modern day figures add an interesting layer to the mysteries.

Harry and Susan discover a dead man in a ditch. Although nothing appeared wrong with him, an autopsy reveals the presence of fentanyl. Amidst learning about showing Irish Wolfhounds and preparing for Christmas, Harry and her friends are drawn into the problem of drugs as deaths continue. In a second storyline, residents of the area in 1789 are setting up the first steeplechase race in America.

I liked the dog breed information woven into the story. As usual with Brown, her opinions on topics are clear. While I usually enjoy learning more of the area’s history, Brown usually has a tie between the time periods’ storylines that I didn’t find as clear in this book. I was troubled by her presentation of prostitution as a positive choice for women in 1789, and the discussions set in a historical brothel were more graphic than I expected in this series. For me, this isn’t the best representative of the series. Here’s hoping the next goes back to an actual investigation with involved pets. Purchase where the previous titles have done well.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC. All opinions expressed are my own.