Having read every book Rita Mae Brown has ever published, I have to say that this is still one of my favorites. The characters are, as always, beautifully developed in the ceaselessly witty storyline she is famous for. This is one of the few lesbian romances you can feel good about reading in public and sharing with everybody.

Well, I read "Rubyfruit Jungle" and loved it, and rated it "5 stars". Now I've read another Rita Mae Brown book, and it's even better, so I suppose it goes without saying that it's also a five star effort.

"Rubyfruit Jungle" was five stars purely on the basis of a fascinating main character; the plot was nothing to get excited about, and the supporting cast was mediocre. This book, while it does not have a character as marvellous as Molly Bolt, (sorry, Geneva) nonetheless is strongly character-driven; it has a dozen characters more interesting and memorable than the second-best character in "Rubyfruit Jungle". More, it has a significantly more interesting plot, and just as much to say about life and how to live it.

A must-read for anyone who has enjoyed anything written by Rita Mae Brown, anyone who enjoys stories about strong female characters, and anyone who enjoys historical novels set during the civil war.

This book is beautifully written, thrilling, entertaining and heart warming. Set during the Civil war, it is filled with love, honor, courage and fine horsemanship. The characters are people you want to know more about. It brings the reader into the unbelievable horrors of the Civil War as the characters find our what they are made of and what is important in life. This book is both romantic and exciting as well as filled with philosophic treasures. It is one of the few books I have read twice!

What a shocking book. The toll of the our most bloody war has never been so real. The descriptions of the battles and aftermath made me want to put the book down and yet never put it down. It made me want to read more about the war.

All of Rita Mae's characters are real, with their fears and flaws. Even though the central charater is Geneva, the depth of each character and their role in the dynamics of the politics of the time is brought forth. There is no minor character in this tale. Everyone, as in the war, has a story and a purpose. WONDERFUL.

Pawing Through the Past is the best Mrs. Murphy mystery yet. The animals are at their best. The viciousness of the murders suprised me. Rita Mae Brown very well showed the effects of the murders on the class of 1980. With them at each others' throats, Harry showed a side that I didn't know she had. It makes Harry's character even more human. All in all, this is an excellent book for the ones who read this series. This is also an excellent introduction for new readers that will make them want to read the others in the series.

Harry gets a little braver, Miranda and Mim get a little looser, and other characters become more well known. Crozet is holding a twentieth year high-school reunion (Harry's) and a fiftieth year reunion (Miranda's) at the same time, the only difference in the two being the cause for excitement. In Harry's a killer is running loose and class members are dropping like flies. In Miranda's a love interest comes. The suspense steadily mounts throughout the book as Brown creates a web of age-old secrets. The book is slightly reminiscent of "Wish You Were Here" in the way the victims are notified of their impending death. This mystery has a mind-boggling, suspense-filled ending.

The animals are a little more sensible in this book as compared to Brown's last one. They no longer do outlandish things such as drive cars, but they continue with their catty and sarcastic remarks.

The past of several town members becomes more well-known in this book and anchors them in our minds better. When I finished it, for a day or two I found myself slightly lost without these witty and wonderful characters.

All in all, this is a great mystery sure to be enjoyed. Just remember, in a small town, nothing is ever as it seems!

In Pawing Through The Past, Rita Mae Brown [and Sneaky Pie Brown] have knocked off the best Mrs. Murphy Mystery since the early books in the series. In the 8th novel in this series, the Crozet High School Classes of 1950 and 1980 are preparing for silmultaneous class reunions. Harry Haristeen, postmistress of Crozet, and her amazing companion animals are helping to set up the 1980 reunion. Strange mass mailings start appearing in the mailboxes of the classmates of 1980 and the dead bodies begin to pile up. The killings continue at the reunions and, of course, Harry is hip deep in the mysteries. As always, I found it easy to ignore the fact that animals don't really solve mysteries [Cat On The Scent was the only book that pushed too hard on my ability to suspend disbelief] and that the real town of Crozet, Virginia isn't really the world capitol of serial killers. Beyond the usual audience, I recommend this one to anyone who is going to or has just been to their high school class reunion. This also would be a good place to start with this wonderful series of mysteries. Read this light, but highly entertaining novel with your favorite cat on your lap.

My Grandma didn't like books with naughty language and excess sex. In the '80s, I started to read different mystery series that I thought she would like and the Mrs. Murphy books fit the bill. Even though Grandma's gone, I still read the Mrs. Murphy books because I'm hooked on this lightweight, but cute series by Rita Mae Brown [and Sneaky Pie Brown]. Murder On The Prowl, the sixth book featuring 'Harry' Haristeen, postmistress of Crozet, Virginia, and her very talented companion animals, is not the best book in the series, but is still an entertaining read. St. Elizabeth's, Crozet's private high school, is the focus of the multiple mysteries in this story. Film classes, false obituaries, field hockey, high tech car washes, and halloween dances are some of the things that occupy the time of our now familiar cast of characters. It has never been difficult to accept the fact that the animals can communicate with each other or that they solve the mystery before the humans do. My biggest complaint involves the poison used on the second murder victim. Malathion can't kill people in the way it supposedly did in the book. That out of the way, I recommend that you read Murder On The Prowl and the 5 previous Mrs. Murphy mysteries.

In Cozet, Virginia, the best kept secret is that all the animals fully comprehend English to the point of being able to talk to each other and read the language. Humans are unaware of this ability. When the headmaster of a local school, a film director, and a female assistant are all murdered, Mary Minor "Harry" Harristeen and her two cats (Mrs. Murphy and Pewter) and her dog (Tucker), independently investigate the killings.

Rita Mae Brown with the help from her own feline, Sneaky Pie Brown, demonstrates why she is such a popular author. She creates an exciting mystery series that deftly anthropomorphizes animals so that readers believe in the fantasy world she has devised. MURDER ON THE PROWL is a particularly well constructed mystery that is a brilliant blending of The Lady And The Tramp with Ms. Jessica Fletcher.

Harriet Klausner

When phony obituaries begin appearing in the Crozet, Virginia's local newspaper Harry knows that something strange is going on. But when dead bodies start turning up, she begins investigating. But even before she can find out what's going on her furry companions, Tee Tucker (Welsh Corgi), and Pewter and Mrs. Murphy (cats) are on the case trying to find out who will turn up murdered next, and trying to keep their owner out of danger.

Rita Mae Brown has done it again. This is one of the best Mrs. Murphy mysteries to date, and a must-read for fans of the cat-cozy genre.

I had never read anything by Rita Mae Brown prior to reading Six of One...what an introduction! Ms. Brown came highly recommended to me, as I love authors who write southern fiction, complete with quirky and eccentric characters and a laugh on every page. And Six of One offers a heapin' helpin' of the good stuff! Juts and Wheezie's revenge against each other will keep you rolling. It is sibling rivalry at it's best. Plus, I love the fact that the book spans eighty years, so we get to see what happens to most of the characters from life until death. Thank goodness there are two other books in the Hunsenmeir sisters series. Don't want to miss out on any more of their crazy antics!

This is the first Rita Mae Brown book I have read. I purchased it at a used book sale when the stall was about to close; a friend pointed it out to me. You have to read it -- you'll love it! she enthused. I paid for it before the books were packed away and sent to the Peace Corps as donations. I was so glad she'd seen it, for this book made me laugh and smile and get choked up, too. My daughter kept interrupting me to give her brief rundowns of the chapter I was reading: she saw how involved I was. She goes to a French/Arabic school and does not yet read English fast enough to enjoy this book but she was tremendously interested in the characters and I am certain that she will read it in the next few years when her English improves. I cannot say enough good about this wonderful book. She made the great women of Runnymeade come alive for me and the only thing I did not like was the fact that it ended too soon for me! Not only will I recommend it to my friends here in Africa but I also plan on reading more of her books in the future. Thanks, Rita Mae, for giving us such a memorable book.

Rita Mae Brown's hysterically funny look at family relationships and Southern small town whackiness is a true delight. Her characters are unforgettable: Celeste, Cora, Jutts and Wheezie will become dear friends if not slightly demented members of your own family. Brown's ear for dialogue is near perfect in this jewel of a book. Spanning most of the 20th century, the novel takes a hard yet compassionate view of humanity, as seen in the little Mason-Dixon line town of Runnymede. Unmissable

Rita Mae Brown has done it again! Already well loved for her charming Mrs. Murphy murder mysteries, this clever author takes her readers into a superbly crafted plot and back into time. Cig Blackwood is a modern twentieth century widow, cynical, tired, weary of the ratrace her life has become. This unexpected journey shows her another way of life, and most importantly, another pace of life. Rita Mae Brown takes us along with her endearing heroine from the fox hunting field of 1996 back to 1699 and the handsome Irishman who is waiting for her. Warm, often hilarious, very human, this is a book that refuses to be put down. Don't start this one unless you've got a long leisurely evening ahead! It's a winner.

After falling in love with the Mrs. Murphy series I found out that author Brown has a "real life" as a bonafide novelist and a darn good one at that. Brown's characters are so real that I wanted to join Cig in her out of this world adventure. Once again Brown masterfully produces an unusual plot and story line that engage the reader. She carries through the story with skill to the very end. Very enjoyable!!!

This is another fast read by Rita Mae Brown. This is a non-mystery book set in the usual Virginia foxhunting country. A widow under alot of stress somehow is transported back to the Virginia of her ancestors and a really interesting story goes on from there. The characters are quirky and real and the story really moves. Very entertaining!

This is my second reading of Rubyfruit Jungle. I read this one back in the mid-80's, right around the time I heard Rita Mae Brown speak at Gay Games II in Kezar Stadium, San Francisco. Back then the book was considered a landmark. But reading it now it is not hard to see how far the gay movement has come. I have often thought that in the 50's, 60's and 70's nearly any book written by anyone on the subject of "coming out" saw publication, and this book confirms my thinking. If Rubyfruit were published today, it would probably be dismissed as so much drivel. It feels like entire sections of the book were written in a flurry of activity, or perhaps were dictated, then transcribed later. No colors, no descriptive phrases, no style. Just a constant of "he said", "she said", "I did this", "she did that". The book is not without merit, however. The character of Molly Bolt is able to transcend the sloppy writing. She rings true, and her sense of self-worth, along with her fierce determination, are encouraging and refreshing.

Rita Mae Brown's Rubyfruit Jungle was a revelation at the time and is still a wonderful and readable lesbian coming out story. The strength of this book will always be in the strong, funny, honest, Southern lead character, Molly Bolt. She is the type of character that will anchor the future books of Rita Mae Brown. Rubyfruit Jungle does not have the richly drawn supporting characters of the even better Sudden Death and Southern Discomfort or the self assured writing that developed but in this fine first novel are all the beginnings of a dazzling writer who takes the read from silly to touching in the warm breath of a paragraph. This still should be anyone's first choice to learn as a teenager that being different is not only OK, it is preferred.

Rita Mae Brown's novel "Rubyfruit Jungle" had me laughing out loud by the time I reached page 5. The book tells the life story of Molly Bolt, a poor girl who comes from rural Pennsylvania. Molly narrates the book, which follows her to her adolescent years in Florida and to her life as a struggling film student in New York. Along the way, Molly lives her life as a sexually liberated young lesbian.

Molly is a wonderful character: a witty, intelligent combination of artist and trickster. The book is full of humor and satirical outrageousness. Molly is surrounded by a colorful cast of characters, most notably her strong-willed mother. The narrative as a whole is well-structured, and Brown brings Molly's story to a very satisfying conclusion.

As funny as "Rubyfruit" is, it also has some relevant insights on a number of issues: mother-daughter relationships, anti-gay prejudice, sexism in academia, socioeconomic barriers, etc. Molly's desire to be a filmmaker is a key theme: she is a creative individual who wants to tell relevant stories about "real people," and not just impress some pompous group of cultural elites.

Brown's prose style is excellent: muscular, sexy, lively, humane, down-to-earth, and always enjoyable. For a good companion text, try Audre Lorde's "Zami," a moving narrative of African-American lesbian life.

I simply cannot imagine that ANYONE could read this and not absolutely LOVE it!! I've read it at least 10 times, and I've loaned out too many copies; time for another one. It's funny how you can learn so much from works of fiction; there's something to love and hate about all the characters and that's what makes this book so wonderful. I can honestly say I have a new appreciation for living life to the fullest and accepting people for who they are. Although I've enjoyed Ms. Brown's mystery books, what I really want is a third book to complete the stories told in Bingo and Six Of One. If you love books that are REAL and oh so touching, this and it's prequel are must haves. I also would like to see a sequel to "Southern Discomfort."

Those crazy Hunsenmeir sisters are back, and this time, it's personal.... Julia and Louise, after 80+ years of sibling rivalry, still don't have it right. And when Ed Tutwieler Walters saunters into Friday night bingo, the fireworks are on autopilot. Vying for the attentions of the town's newest bachelor, Julia and Louise pull out all the stops. And often at hilarious consequences....

Told through the perspective of Julia's adopted daughter, Nickel, readers are treated to small town life in all its glory. Gossip, disputes, affairs, friendships and, yes, even pesky family troubles, run amok in Runnymeade, Maryland, and Rita Mae Brown uses every ounce of her literary talent to create this unforgettable story. I was very impressed by what I read, and despite all their cat-fighting, Julia and Louise are two women I'd love to have lunch with!

I read the first book in the Hunsenmeir series, Six of One, a couple years ago, and I truly enjoyed Bingo so much more. Funnier and more wisecracking, Bingo will have readers yearning for weekly bingo dates in the Catholic Church basement, socializing at the town square, and the chance to take your pets with you everywhere you go, even to the doctor's office during your annual check-up. Wonderfully endearing. Can't wait for Loose Lips.

A girlfriend of mine from work lent me the book - you've got to read it she said. As I was reading the book, people thought I was crazy because I would just "bust out" laughing constantly. I could not put the book down! I knew nothing about the author, Rita Mae Brown, at the time. A few months later I ran into another girlfriend who was a "big" Rita Mae fan. She has lent me "Six of One" and I'm about half way through it - it is just has hysterical. My suggestion: Read "Six of One" first and then read "Bingo" (Have "Bingo" on your lap when you finish "Six of One" because you will not want the story to end!)

Although I'll still give it three stars for the simple reason that Rita Mae Brown writes with enjoyable style, I can't recommend CAT ON THE SCENT as highly some others in the "Mrs. Murphy" series. Brown's mystery novels have always been more about funny characters than plot, but this particular novel pretty much throws plot completely out the window.

CAT ON THE SCENT finds Mary "Harry" Harristeen (the young postmistress of tiny Crozet, Virginia) and her friends (both human and animal) drawn into a series of mysterious deaths that may or may not have something to do with a proposed reservoir. As usual, the writing is bright and the characters (including the felines Mrs. Murphy and Pewter and canine Tee Tucker) are entertaining... but on this occasion Brown seems to be straining her concept of animal characters, the overall novel seems unfocused, and many readers will find the conclusion frustrating. Mildly enjoyable, but not greatly memorable.

Civil War reenactments, small planes, shady land investments, and boys with expensive toys, plus the usual requisite dead bodies, are the focus of Cat On The Scent, the 7th Mrs. Murphy Mystery by Rita Mae Brown [and her cat, Sneaky Pie Brown]. Harry Haristeen, postmistress of Crozet, Virginia, and her amazing companion animals Mrs. Murphy, Pewter [the cats], and Tucker [the dog] are on the case as always. The novel starts off well enough, but loses its way towards the end. Reading the Mrs. Murphy Mysteries has always meant an extra measure of suspended disbelief [the animals talk to each other and always solve the mysteries before the humans do], but in this story the animals push the need to suspend disbelief over the edge with behavior that is way beyond what had been established for the animal characters in the previous six novels. The end is muddied in a way that makes me believe that the author never firmly decided whodunit and finally just ended the book. One of the novel's B-stories, involving a relative of Harry's and a dead baby buried in the "bone yard" of a farm, is very interesting and I would have liked to see that story expanded. I did enjoy the novel, but not as much as the earlier ones. This one rates about a 3.6 stars compared to the others. If you're into the Mrs. Murphy Mysteries, you should read this one for the continuity, but if you're looking to try one of the novels in the series, I'd recommend that you pick another one to start with.

I have read all of Rita's & Sneaky Pie Brown's Mrs. Murphy tales (or is that tails(?)) "Cat on the Scent" was terrific! Unlike the others I have read, there are moments of great sadness among Harry's friends that makes them even more three-dimensional. I enjoyed this read very much. Thank you Rita and Sneaky!

I'm a huge fan of the Mrs. Murphy series; they're my favourites of all the cat/crime genre. Unfortunately, the latest volume doesn't come up to the standard set forth in the series so far. It reads like a rough draft turned in under a deadline. While the actual premise is interesting enough, it's both unoriginal and so far-fetched that it's hard for this ordinary person to care about it. The writing is wooden and stilted, more a recitation of events than a good story. The new characters are lifeless -- not even a budding romance has any real zing -- and the old characters are predictable. Nothing new is happening in the town of Crozet; let's eat some orange glazed cinnamon buns. Even the animals can't really save this one; they talk a lot but don't really contribute much. A fan of the series will want to read _Catch as Cat Can_, but get it out of the library.

Harry Haristeen, her two cats, and her dog find themselves caught in the middle of a social whirlwind in Crozet, Virginia--a whirlwind that grows increasingly serious and increasingly less social as murder marrs the festivities. Something is rotten in Crozet--but exactly what is hard to detect. Fortunately for Harry and for Virginia, the pets are on the case. And with these pets, Harry is certain to be dragged along.

A large part of reading a Mrs. Murphy mystery is the countryside and society that Harry hangs in. Although Harry is only a postal worker, she is a key part of the town--a town that consists of a fascinating bunch of husband-hunting single women, aristocratic pretention, and good-ole-boys out for a good time. CATCH AS CAT CAN delivers on this promise--and even gives Harry a new beau.

Author Rita Mae Brown delivers another light mystery. The clever pets don't try to be impossible (no driving in this one) and Harry actually does some detecting and some heroing on her own. The mystery itself was a little over the top, but this is a story about talking animals, after all. If you want serious and believable mystery, you've come to the wrong place. If you like a lighthearted with plenty of Virginia atmosphere and intelligent pets to save the day, CATCH AS CAT CAN is a winner.

I should say first that I have read and own all of the books in the Mrs. Murphy series. Secondly, I assure you that I don't compare them to the Sharon McCone series or others with more serious plots. These books are so much fun! They are quick to read, perfect for a flight, a waiting room, anywhere that you want to be quickly absorbed into a story. What more can you ask from a "cozy"? This is one of my favorites. The variety of new characters mixed into the familiar Crozet crowd during spring social events was tantalizing. I also found the illustrations to be excellent. If you are reading for fun and you can "suspend disbelief" long enough to allow for talking animals, try these. You just might like them!