Librarian Charlie Harris is looking forward to his upcoming wedding, attending his son and daughter-in-law’s housewarming party, and continuing his archival work at the library. His only minor annoyance is a new part-time worker named Tara Martin, who is a little prickly and quirky. When Tara has an angry episode at the library and smashes her phone, Charlie doesn’t know what to make of the young woman in the 16th Cat in the Stacks Mystery, REQUIEM FOR A MOUSE by Miranda James.

Tara also works for Charlie’s fiancé at the local bistro. Although the young woman is a hard worker, she seems to be hiding something and acts strangely. When she has a meltdown and runs out of a housewarming party, Charlie goes to look for Tara and finds her hiding in a cellar. Did someone scare the young woman? Soon after Charlie drives her home, Tara is run down by a vehicle and lands in the hospital with life-threatening injuries. For Charlie, the mystery continues to deepen when a strange man shows up at the library trying to give Tara a new phone. Who is this man? Next, a peculiar woman comes by and insists on becoming a library volunteer. Charlie knows something is up, and someone is after something. With the help of his friends and his Maine Coon cat Diesel, Charlies sets out to uncover who hurt Tara and why.

REQUIEM FOR A MOUSE is an exceptional mystery in this NY Times bestselling series. From secret identities, stolen phones, attempted office break-ins, rare books, hidden bank account numbers, embezzlement, and murder, this mystery has it all, including a unique blend of well-crafted clues, a cozy atmosphere, and charming eclectic characters. The story starts off strong with the mysterious Tara and takes you on a ride full of secrets, intrigue, and duplicitous characters. Charlie leads the charge, and along with his feline companion, Diesel, takes a straightforward, ask-what-you-need-to-know approach to solving the crime. Charlie’s library job is also interesting, and his relationships with family and friends are warm and welcoming, creating the perfect cozy setting for readers. REQUIEM FOR A MOUSE is a thoroughly entertaining mystery that will keep readers on their toes until the very end.