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This book is similar to the other books in this series in a good way. Everything that I love about the other books in this series is presented here in a comfortable reading way. I always reach for books like this as my standard after reading something that is heavy or non fiction, because it gives my mind a cozy, entertaining place to rest. Thanks to #NetGalley for the ARC of #SealedWithAHiss.

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“Sealed with a Hiss” is the thirty-third book in Rita Mae Brown’s Mrs. Murphy Mystery series. While this book can technically be read as a stand-alone book, it is best to read the series in order not only to get a complete feel for the characters but this book has a plotline that has spanned the course of several books (thankfully the flashbacks that took place over several books have disappeared). Characters have come and gone throughout the course of the series but the main ones remain – Harry, Fair, Susan, Ned, and of course the animals Mrs. Murphy, Pewter, Tucker, and newcomer Pirate. You do have to wade through some of the political discussions (Brown is not shy on sharing her political beliefs) but, unlike other books in the series, I did not find that got too much in the way in this particular book. The mystery is well done – there are actually two murders: the body of a victim murdered years ago is discovered as well as a current murder. This is not the type of mystery where readers try to figure out who the killer is from a list of suspects – although long time readers will realize that Brown has a pattern when it comes to killers and be able to figure out who the killer is – instead sit back and enjoy visiting Crozet, Virginia once again.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley.

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Harry Harristeen and her pets are busy helping around the community of Crozet. Dowager Aunt Tally, now in her high 90's, supervises the outdoor work on her beloved farm, While walking along a stream on Tally's farm, Harry sees an interesting glint in the shallow waters. It turns out to be a Union soldier's belt buckle. Something else along the bank catches her attention as well, and she comes back the next day to look more carefully.

It's an old car, buried in the dirt. Not historically old, mind you, but not new by any means. She reported it to Tally and the Sheriff's Office, who sent an investigator down there for a thorough look. The deputy finds human remains in skeletal condition, and enough information about the car and evidence inside to determine that it has been serving as the grave for a missing geologist for a number of years. Nobody had ever figured out what happened to the man, but now there was some rock solid evidence pointing out that somebody had something to do with it...murder, that is.

Harry and her friends are also working on a local historical project to restore an old school complex that was originally dedicated to black children, giving them a chance to be educated after the Civil War ended. There are museum exhibits, plus a baseball diamond that's being restored for play at the upcoming reunion. Many people in the area recalled attending that school.

Someone else is also interested in the school, plus the surrounding lands. He's a developer and promises a tasteful and beautiful development that will not encroach on the historical areas of the school and its grounds. The board overseeing the care and restoration of the school doesn't want to see a housing development come to this part of the community.

The persistent developer is found out behind the school, dying from a stab wound. It turns out he had a silent partner who was the financier for the development, and this man comes forward to find out just how much Harry has figured out. Ground penetrating radar has found two family-sized groups of skeletons, plus additional Civil War buttons and other items. This could derail the development plans. Now he is ready to kill Harry, not for the sake of the development, but for a rare mineral that is present in quantities suitable for mining.

Harry's cats and dogs always accompany her when she's out and about, and this day is no exception. I really enjoy the charming illustrations of the animals, plus a new character, a mouse who has taken up residence inside the school. This series of cozy mysteries is a pleasant reading pastime, and the animal friends are a bonus. If only Harry could talk to them...

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A wonderful read!
This novel drew me in from the very first page and kept me hooked until the end. The characters were vibrant and relatable, the writing was engaging, and the story had just the right balance of heart and humor. Highly recommend!
Many thanks to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for my ARC. All opinions are my own.

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This one did not disappoint and I hated to have to put it down.
This book is well-written and mystery is top-notch.
Sealed with a Hiss is a purr-fectly delightful read for fans of cozy mysteries and cat lovers alike. With its engaging plot, lovable characters, and charming setting, it's sure to leave readers eagerly awaiting the next installment in the series.
Well developed characters and a nice twisty plot kept the pages turning. I enjoyed this book and am looking forward to the next in the series.

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Book #33 in this always entertaining cozy mystery series. Each book can be read and enjoyed as a stand alone, but the series is one that will quickly grow on you. Harry and her supporting cast of cats and dogs are back. The renovation of the old mixed race school is completed and it's time to let the public see the results of all of their hard work. But now, someone is offering to buy the land behind the school, offering alot of money that would be very useful in maintaining the school itself. Before a decision can be made, an old car is discovered in the river with a skeleton in the driver's seat. It's a good thing Sneaky Pie is on the job.
These are some of the best cozies on any library's shelf. Treat yourself to one and you'll soon join Rita Mae's fan club.

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his series is always a solid 5 stars for me. The books are well written and the mysteries cleverly crafted. Though this time the cold case murder at the beginning of the book really didn't solidly tie into anything. I like to have all the loops closed :) I live not far from the Charlottesville area, so I also enjoy the local references in the stories. I know Ms. Brown's publisher told her that her reader base weren't fans of the historical parallel stories within the books that we were treated to in the past. However, I miss those! I hope one day we'll have a new series or a book with those characters. Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC.

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Sealed with a Hiss is book #33 in the Mrs. Murphy Mystery series by Rita Mae Brown.

I appreciate the Cast of Characters and Animals at the beginning for those of us who haven’t read this series for a while. These characters are wonderful and it was fun catching up with them. The relationships are what keep me coming back to long running series. I enjoyed the story of renovated school and the mystery of the body in the car. Now to go back and catch up on the books I missed while I wait for the next book!

Thank you to the author, Bantam, and NetGalley for the Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

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This latest in the long running series sees Harry trying to solve a mystery involving a body in a sunken car and coping with a real estate developer. Luckily, she's got her loyal pals (including her animals- all of whom have something to say) and her husband to help. This isn't as complex as some of the earlier novels but that doesn't mean it isn't a good, enjoyable read, especially for Brown's fans. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. Always like spending time in Crozet.

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The latest in Brown’s long-running series finds Harry and her friends getting ready for the grand opening of the Colored Schools they’ve been restoring. Tension is present in the town’s history vs development sides, and a body causes Harry and her animals to investigate. Highlights of the story are the animals and the wide-ranging conversations between the long-time friends. I also enjoy learning about Virginia’s history and geography. Recommend this to those who like cozies with animals and a small town feel. Purchase where pervious circulate well.

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

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The restorations are finally complete for the long-closed segregated school in Crozet. The school was actually mixed native American and Negro. But for a sleepy town, Crozet has more going on. A car turns up in the river with a long missing body in it. A realtor is trying to get the land behind the school supposedly to build a smaller subdivision with green area. Could all this be tied together?

I love this series. The continuing story of neighbors who are lifetime friends combines with a good mystery. There’s a lot of history in this area and farms that date back before the Revolution. And don’t forget the animals who have their own conversations and insight into the events. All together they blend for a great story. #NetGalley

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Not an unbiased review because I love this series on so many levels. I have not read ALL of them, but the mystery itself is always stellar, and as I really geek history that aspect wins me over every time. Be aware that there is a cast of characters with simple explanations at the beginning of each book.
This time the first murder is a skeleton in a submerged car from a number of years ago which ties into some events in the present and has real relevance to the next murder. In between and all around are the animals who know so much more than the humans, as well as the social goings on that tie the murders together. Superb read!
I requested and received a temporary uncorrected ebook file compliments of Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine, Bantam via NetGalley.
#SealedWithaHiss by Rita Mae Brown and Sneaky Pie Brown #MrsMurphyBk33 @penguinrandomhouse #Anthropomorphism #Virginiahistory #cozymystery #NetGalley #goodreads #bookbub #librarythingofficial #barnesandnoble ***** Review #booksamillion #bookshop_org #bookshop_org_uk @kobo @Waterstones #locallawenforcement #CrimeFiction

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I enjoy this series. The characters are interesting and I like the setting. The mystery kept me guessing.

Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for my eARC in exchange for an honest review.

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I haven't read previous books, but felt right at home with the characters both two legged and four. Homey little cozy story with lots of history of a segregated school in Virginia that is being restored. Interesting history lesson, but the murder doesn't happen until 3/4 of the way through, without much detecting as to what happened to him. The main focus of the book is the school and then the murder is solved in two pages and then life goes on. I was granted an early read for an honest opinion.

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Another wonderful visit with our friends in Crozet. This time we find Harry and her friends, both human and furry, preparing for the opening of the historic school they have been working on for a while. During that process, Harry stumbles upon a body from years past and then one more recent. While visiting with friends and working on their project, we are taking on a journey to discover the truth of what happened and why.

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Been a fan of this series for years! Followed Harry as she has grown older and faced life with Fair and their pets. This newest entry finds Harry and friends restoring an old school that was for non-white individuals many years ago. There has been a lot of rain in the area and a flooded creek yields a car with a man who has been dead many years. This discovery starts a string of events that bring more murder, more distress for Harry and her pets. It also threatens the stability of the Crozet community. Enjoyed this one and look forward to the next.

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I have long been a Rita Mae Brown fan and Sealed with a Hiss is a great addition to her set of fun, informative and engaging mysteries. I feel as if I’ve arrived back home when reading her books set in a beautiful area of Virginia. Her characters are so well developed through her stories that they, human and animal, feel like beloved friends.

Thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballentine for the opportunity to read this ARC.

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Rating: 3.5

I really struggled with how to rate this book because there are so many nice features, but the pacing was incredibly slow and I grew frustrated. So let’s start with the pros.

Pros:

Rita Mae Brown knows how to write engaging and likable characters. In her small town of Crozet, the main characters are caring, responsible, and kind. It’s impossible not to like them.

There is a trans character in this story - and guess what? It’s not issue. (I bumped my rating from 3.0 to 3.5 simply due to the inclusion of this character.)

And the animal characters are adorable. It’s a lot of fun to hear their opinions.

The main characters have discussions concerning morality and philosophy, which I enjoyed.

The writing itself is very good.

Cons:

While this book is considered a cozy mystery - and it certainly is cozy - the first hint of a mystery doesn’t occur until page 51. Then the actual mystery doesn’t begin until page 122. So, it’s actually only in the last one third of the book that we are trying to solve the mystery. For someone who is reading for the mystery that is too slow.

Conclusion:

This is the 33rd book in the series. I imagine the faithful readers who have followed the series since book one, are happy to check in on this small town and its earnest inhabitants. After all, the five ratings on Goodreads average 4.6.

But as a new reader, jumping in, looking for a mystery, this book was too slow for me.

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An enjoyable addition to the series with characters that feel like old friends and new characters that add the twists and turns that Rita Mae Brown is known for.

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'Harry' Harristeen and her friends have just finished renovating the old segregated school, which has stood vacant for decades, and their hard work is finally rewarded. Now they're going to open the school to visitors (and hopefully, donors) to help keep it in shape and as a historic and cultural reminder. But then a real estate agent approaches them with a tasty offer of cash if they will agree to sell the land behind the school for a residential development. He even promises to keep the school and grounds as it, and that the development will be good for both residents and the town of Crozet.

But something doesn't sit right with the offer, and Harry's instincts are telling her to turn it down. Even when done, the agent still pushes, but no one understands why. It doesn't help that Harry and her friend Lucas have found an old car at the bottom of a lake, and its owner is still inside, albeit a skeleton at this time.

But there are no clues to why the person was there -- until it's found he was murdered. Now Harry wants to find out why...if she can keep from becoming another victim...

This is the thirty-third book in the series, and I have been captivated by it for years. I'm not going to lie; I do miss the historical elements from the Colonial times which once were in every book; but I also realize not everyone is like myself and enjoys the past mingled with the present. Ah, well....

However, it doesn't change the fact that Ms. Brown (and Sneaky Pie) are very talented writers. She brings you into the story, and while she is telling it, you feel like you are part of the conversation. Perhaps eavesdropping on those she has with Susan or Cooper...but I enjoy it just the same. While Harry is voicing her thoughts, we progress along with the action, and even her husband Fair has a good part in this one as well.

Not to mention our favorite animals: Tucker, Pirate, Mrs. Murphy, and, of course, Pewter. They have their own say in the story, and their own actions which prove to be just as valuable. We understand that while they like their treats, they are extremely loyal to their people, and would do anything for Harry.

When we begin to understand that this murder is more than just about a land development, it comes almost too late for Harry; but we know that as intelligent as she is, she is also just as resourceful, and has help that we find comes from an unexpected new ally.

The reason for the murder is rather sad, and a bit paranoiac, but nonetheless it is a murder. Harry does what she needs to survive; and all ends just as it should. The mystery is firm, well-written, and kept me reading throughout the story. I highly recommend this and look forward to the next in the series.

I was given an advance copy of this book from the publisher but this in no way influenced my review.

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