While semi-retired Librarian Charlie Harris is not thrilled with the invitation from his flirtatious new neighbour, Charlie's Maine Coon cat, Diesel, is far more thrilled with the wonderful ball of discarded paper that bats so easily around in the kitchen. Charlie lives in Athena, Mississippi, a small town where most people know just about everybody. So, Charlie knows the importance of doing the neighbourly thing and takes a basket of goodies to meet Geraldine "Gerry" Albritton. A few things now bother Charlie. Charlie is bothered by how flirtatious Gerry turns out to be and he is concerned that her flirting will upset Helen Louise, his girlfriend. Additionally, Gerry claims to have grown up in Athena, but no one seems to remember her... not even Melba Gilley, Charlie's childhood friend and library co-worker, who knows everyone who has lived in their town for years. Just who is she?

As Charlie works out a strategy to attend the party that will work to his advantage, his doorbell rings and a box is left at the door. What is he to do with five little mewing kittens? Who had left them there?

SIX CATS A SLAYIN' is the 10th book in Miranda James' Cat in the Stacks mystery series. Miranda is the pseudonym for Dean James, who spends his days working in a library while his thoughts invoke new murder mysteries. Given this, his plots are realistic, involve some surprising twists, and contain solid information on the issues dealt with in SIX CATS A SLAYIN'. For example, while Charlie enjoys having a new grandchild, he is also aware of the toil on the mom as she strives to do her best, yet is overwhelmed by lack of sleep and the tiring schedule of a new baby. Poor Diesel also has similar experiences as he is the self-appointed minder for the five little kittens. He has a fun, but tough time shepherding them as they scramble for independence and exploration.

As this series is new to me, I can attest that SIX CATS A SLAYIN' reads very well as a stand-alone mystery. Given that, I am sure James' many fans of the series will delight in this latest heartwarming seasonal mystery. Charlie Harris is a wonderful character who is thoughtful and reflective about what is happening around him.

So, settle down in a comfy chair with a copy of SIX CATS A SLAYIN' and join Charlie in figuring out whodunnit and why when the host of the Open House Christmas party suddenly dies!