Rita Mae Brown Books

“Sister” Jane Arnold, esteemed master of the Jefferson Hunt Club, has traveled to Kentucky for one of the biggest events of the season: the Mid-America Hound Show, where foxhounds, bassets, and beagles gather to strut their champion bloodline stuff. But the fun is squelched when immediately after the competition a contestant turns up dead–stripped to the waist and peppered with birdshot. Two weeks later, back in Virginia, a popular veterinarian dies from what appears to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Sister refuses to believe that her friend killed herself and vows to sniff out the truth. But before she can make real headway, a wealthy pet food manufacturer vanishes during the granddaddy of all canine exhibitions, the Virginia Hound Show. Ever reliant on her “horse sense,” Sister can’t help but connect the three incidents, and what she uncovers will make her blood run colder than the bodies that keep turning up in unexpected places.

"A mystery full of colorful characters (both two- and four-legged!), gorgeous country landscapes, timeless traditions, and the breathtaking thrill of the fox hunt, from the New York Times bestselling author of Crazy Like a Fox. Amidst the revelry of the Christmas Hunt, mystery and intrigue abound! When the fanfare is interrupted by the discovery of a body, "Sister" Jane Arnold and her company of loyal hounds find themselves faced with a pressing task--to uncover who has killed a beloved club faithful. It's no help that the meddling, loathsome Victor Harris lurks in the shadows, weaseling his way back into the life of his disinherited daughter. As always, the gang must untangle the complex web of clues laid before them, and with Sister Jane at the helm, they will not rest until the truth is laid bare. Yet again, Rita Mae Brown shines, her signature flair sure to win over readers old and new"-- Provided by publisher

Brimming over with the inspirational words and thoughts of some of our finest writers, Cries of the Spirit is a beautiful sourcebook of poetry and prose in praise of life and all that it entails. Here women's voices fill the age-old silence about matters central to their experience-from menstruation, sexual intimacy, and childbirth to caretaking, household rituals, and death. These writings represent a healing vision of the sacred that emerges from the particular consciousness of women-a vision that partakes of the world of earth and flesh.

Following up on the success of the first Rita Mae Brown omnibus, here are three more mysteries starring that canny cat sleuth, Mrs. Murphy, and her human, Mary "Harry" Haristeen, postmistress of Crozet, Virginia.Pay Dirt —Who created the computer virus that ravaged the neighborhood and then murdered the mysterious biker who roared into town?Murder, She Meowed —Who murdered a jockey in the barn during the annual steeplechase races?Murder on the Prowl —Who's dead? Who's not? Phony obituaries and real live murders; what's happening in Crozet?

In a thrilling foxhunting mystery, Jane Arnold and her hounds are on the trail of a thief after a series of valuable paintings go missing, culminating in a murder. As Jane navigates the world of art and deception, she must rely on her instincts and her loyal dogs to uncover the truth behind the crimes. The story intertwines the excitement of the hunt with a gripping investigation, showcasing both the charm and danger of the setting.

In Crozet, Virginia, a series of mysterious deaths disrupts the Christmas season, prompting Mary Minor "Harry" Harristeen and her beloved pets to assist the police in this holiday mystery. With Christmas approaching, Harry's schedule is packed with delivering holiday baskets, selecting the perfect tree with her friend Susan Tucker, and searching for a special gift for her husband, Fair. She also enrolls her Irish Wolfhound puppy, Pirate, in dog showing classes, adding to the festive spirit. However, the holiday cheer is overshadowed when Harry's police friend, Cynthia Cooper, warns of a potential increase in crime during the season. Tragically, Harry and Susan stumble upon a man's body by the roadside, and when two more unidentified bodies are discovered, Harry realizes something sinister is happening. Autopsies reveal a deadly drug present in all three victims. Determined to uncover the truth, Harry, alongside her feline companions Mrs. Murphy and Pewter, and her corgi Tee Tucker, embarks on a quest to solve the mystery and ensure a merry Christmas for the community.

Rita Mae Brown and her inseparable co-author, that fabulous feline Sneaky Pie Brown, are together again in this triple-threat collection of mystery and manners, southern-style. In fact, the first three novels in the Browns' Mrs. Murphy bestselling mystery series are reprinted here in their entirety. Whether you are already familiar with the detective work of postmistress Mary Minor "Harry" Haristeen and her tiger cat Mrs. Murphy or are new to the team, you are sure to be intrigued by their unique approach. It's murder with a touch of whimsy, all set in the cozy hamlet of Crozet, Virginia. Meet Harry's friends, neighbors...and suspects--folks like notorious society vamp Boom Boom Craycroft inRest in Pieces, or the nice Miranda Hogendobber inMurder at Monticello, and get a good taste of Brown's wickedly observant take on manners below the Mason-Dixon line. Cat lovers, mystery aficionados, and anyone who might like an armchair visit to a delightful old town down South, is sure to enjoy these witty, cleverly-plotted tales of suspense.

The crisp October winds bode well for this year's hunting season as Sister Jane drives up the Blue Ridge Mountains for a board meeting at the Museum of Hounds and Hunting. The mansion is plunged into mystery when a venerable hunting horn is stolen right out of its case. The only clue is what seems to be a "selfie" video of the horn's original owner, Wesley Carruthers--deceased since 1954. Sister makes a discovery that leads back to the Jefferson Hunt at midcentury, and soon she is no longer sure if she's pursuing a priceless artifact, a thief, Wesley's killer, or a ghost

In a thrilling foxhunting mystery, Sister Jane Arnold confronts a century-old crime that brings to light old grudges and a chilling scandal. As Sister navigates the complexities of this reawakened case, her loyal canine companions add a layer of intrigue and humor to the pursuit of justice. The story blends suspense with the charm of animal antics, making for a captivating read that keeps the stakes high in the hunt for truth.

“As feline collaborators go, you couldn’t ask for better than Sneaky Pie Brown, the canny tiger cat. . . . Solid storytelling.”—The New York Times Book Review The annual steeplechase races are the high point in the social calendar of the horse-mad Virginians of cozy Crozet. But when one of the jockeys is found murdered in the main barn, Mary Minor “Harry” Haristeen finds herself in a desperate race of her own—to trap the killer. Luckily for her, she has an experienced ally: her sage tiger cat, Mrs. Murphy. Utilizing her feline genius to plumb the depths of human depravity, Mrs. Murphy finds herself on a trail that leads to the shocking truth behind the murder. But will her human companion catch on in time to beat the killer to the gruesome finish line? “The browns [Rita Mae and Sneaky Pie] once again blend plot, character, and atmosphere with plenty of wit and charm to create a delightful entertainment.”—Publishers Weekly

A phony obituary - is it a sick joke or a sinister warning?

Pawing Through the Past: A Mrs. Murphy Mystery

Mrs. Murphy thinks the new man in town is the cat's meow.... Maybe she should think again. Small towns don't take kindly to strangers--unless the stranger happens to be a drop-dead gorgeous and seemingly unattached male. When Blair Bainbridge comes to Crozet, Virginia, the local matchmakers lose no time in declaring him perfect for their newly divorced postmistress, Marry Minor "Harry Haristeen." Even Harry's tiger cat, Ms. Murphy, and her Welsh Corgi, Tee Tucker, believe he smells A-okay. Could his one little imperfection be that he's a killer? Blair becomes the most likely suspect when the pieces of a dismembered corpse begin tuming up around Crozet. No one knows who the dead man is, but when a grisly clue makes a spectacular appearance in the middle of the fall festivities, more than an early winter snow begins chilling the blood of Crozet's very best people. That's when Ms. Murphy, her friend Tucker, and her human companion Harry begin to sort throughout the clues . . . only to find themselves a whisker away from becoming the killer's next victims.

CLAWS AND EFFECTWinter puts tiny Crozet, Virginia, in a deep freeze and everyone seems to be suffering from the winter blahs, including postmistress Mary Minor “Harry” Haristeen. So all are ripe for the juicy gossip coming out of Crozet Hospital–until the main source of that gossip turns up dead. It’s not like Harry to resist a mystery, and she soon finds the hospital a hotbed of ego, jealousy, and illicit love.But it’s tiger cat Mrs. Murphy, roaming the netherworld of Crozet Hospital, who sniffs out a secret that dates back to the Underground Railroad. Then Harry is attacked and a doctor is executed in cold blood. Soon only a quick-witted cat and her animal pals feline Pewter and corgi Tee Tucker stand between Harry and a coldly calculating killer with a prescription for murder.

an alternate cover edition can be found hereThe residents of tiny Crozet, Virginia, thrive on gossip, especially in the post office, where Mary Minor "Harry" Haristeen presides with her tiger cat, Mrs. Murphy. So when a belligerent Hell's Angel crashes Crozet, demanding to see his girlfriend, the leather-clad interloper quickly becomes the chief topic of conversation. Then the biker is found murdered, and everyone is baffled. Well, almost everyone...Mrs. Murphy and her friends, Welsh corgi Tee Tucker and overweight feline Pewter, haven't been slinking through alleys for nothing. But can they dig up the truth in time to save their humans from a ruthless killer?

Two elderly widows, Sulia and Louise Hunsenmeir, fight over Ed Tutweiler. Julia's daughter, Nickel, faces her own battles to save the local newspaper from corporate takeover and understand her own sexuality.

Winter has come to Crozet, Virginia, bringing with it a fresh blanket of snow. Harry and her husband Fair are hip deep in their usual end-of-year activities: wrapping presents, distributing food to needy residents, and shopping for outfits for the annual fundraising gala. But buried beneath the white stuff are dark secrets from Crozet's past--and Harry is determined to sniff them out.

Jane “Sister” Arnold may be in her seventies, but she shows no signs of losing her love for the Hunt. As Master of the prestigious Jefferson Hunt Club in a well-heeled Virginia Blue Ridge Mountain town, she is the most powerful and revered woman in the county. She can assess the true merits of a man or a horse with uncanny skill. In short, Sister Jane is not easily duped. When the skeleton of Nola Bancroft, still wearing an exquisite sapphire ring on her finger, is unearthed, it brings back a twenty-one year old mystery. Beautiful Nola was a girl who had more male admirers than her family had money, which was certainly quite a feat. In a world where a woman?s ability to ride was considered one of her most important social graces, Nola was queen of the stable. She had a weakness for men, and her tastes often ventured towards the inappropriate, like the sheriff?s striking son, Guy Ramy. But even Guy couldn?t keep her eyes from wandering. When Nola and Guy disappeared on the Hunt?s ceremonial first day of cubbing more than two decades ago, everyone assumed one of two things: Guy and Nola eloped to escape her family?s disapproval; or Guy killed Nola in a jealous rage and vanished. But Sister Jane had never bought either of those theories. Sister knows that all the players are probably still in place, the old feuds haven?t died, and the sparks that led to a long-ago murder could flare up at any time

an alternate cover edition can be found hereIt takes a cat to write the purr-fect mystery.Things have been pretty exciting lately in Crozet, Virginia—a little too exciting if you ask resident feline investigator Mrs. Murphy. Just as the town starts to buzz over its Civil War reenactment, a popular local man disappears. No one's seen Tommy Van Allen's single-engine plane, either—except for Mrs. Murphy, who spotted it during a foggy evening's mousing.Even Mrs. Murphy's favorite human, postmistress Mary Minor "Harry" Haristeen, can sense that something is amiss. But things really take an ugly turn when the town reenacts the battle of Oak Ridge—and a participant ends up with three very real bullets in his back. While the clever tiger cat and her friends sift through clues that just don't fit together, more than a few locals fear that the scandal will force well-hidden town secrets into the harsh light of day. And when Mrs. Murphy's relentless tracking places loved ones in danger, it takes more than a canny kitty and her team of animal sleuths to set things right again....

"When a series of inexplicable car accidents are attributed to driver error, Harry Harristeen knows that something is amiss. Together with her intrepid team of feline, canine, and equine helpers, she begins to investigate."-- Provided by publisher

The murder of Sam Lorillard and a seemingly unrelated local scandal at a neighboring hunt club cause "Sister" Jane Arnold and her huntsman, Shaker Grown, to fear for their own safety

It's a summer full of turbulence for small-town Crozet, Virginia, with a movie star's homecoming, a spreading rabies epidemic, and the clues to an old murder unearthed. But what's unsettling for Harry is that the building of a new post office may depose her as postmistress.

The unsuspicious death of fast-living Roger O'Bannon at the Wrecker's Ball turns into a murder mystery when a second body is discovered, a situation that prompts "Harry" Haristeen and her feline sleuth, Mrs. Murphy, to find a connection between the two vi

Mary Minor "Harry" Haristeen and her sleuthing pets are back for their 11th Mrs. Murphy mystery in this "New York Times" bestselling series. Accelerated Reader: Reading Level 4.6, 12 Points.

One of the most popular citizens of Virginia's Albemarle County is dead-and has been for mearly 170 years. But that hasn't stopped the good people of the county-and the picturesque village of Crozet-from talking pride in every aspect of Thomas Jefferson's life. When a new archaeological dig of the slave quarters of Jefferson's home, Monticello, turns up the skeleton of what appears to be a well-to-do man buried beneath a fireplace, it creates a mystery that some of Crozet's Very Best People would rather keep quiet. Looking deeply into a two-hundred-year-old crime turns out to be a dangerous enterprise. Beneath the patina of Southern gentility raw emotions are turning violent and a modern corpse soon joins the old bones at Monticello. But who committed the long-ago Monticello murder...and how is it tied to the new one? Mrs. Murphy thinks Crozet's human inhabitants are more than a little hypocritical, but she does have some insights into passions that get out of hand and secrets buried in unlikely places places. With the help of Harry's corgi, Tee Tucker, and Pewter, the corpulent cat from the nearby grocery, Mrs. Murphy is soon digging up the roots of old hatreds and unearthing the tragic consequences of human desire

Rita Mae Brown combines mystery and humor in a captivating narrative that explores the complexities of friendship and community. The story features a strong, relatable protagonist who navigates personal challenges while unraveling a compelling mystery. With a setting that enriches the plot, the book delves into themes of loyalty, love, and the intricacies of human relationships, all while keeping readers engaged with clever dialogue and unexpected twists.

Favorite recipes and anecdotes from the co-author of the Mrs. Murphy Mysteries.Sneaky Pie Brown, co-author of such irresistible Mrs. Murphy mysteries as Murder on the Prowl , dishes up delectable fare for cats and humans alike in this unique collection of recipes spiced with witty personal anecdotes, including glimpses of life with co-author Rita Mae Brown.What do you serve when a kitty is bored with all the old standbys? Since cookbooks are written by humans for humans, Sneaky Pie Brown has produced a cookbook with appeal for fastidious felines, including such treats as Veal Kidney and Salmon Pie.Ever the thoughtful hostess, Miss Pie has also included plenty of recipes to accommodate the visiting human or finicky dog. There's Mother's Fried Chicken, Christmas Goose, Big Dog's Delight, and, of course, Mrs. Hogendobber's Orange Buns, the very thought of which makes Mrs. Murphy fans' mouths water.Throughout there are also delightfully illustrated anecdotes for those Sneaky Pie fans eager to learn more about the dashing author. She even spills the beans about what happened to Rita Mae's brand-new pickup when a neighbor came calling with his goat.For cats and cat lovers, this book combines real and tasty recipes with the same droll humor that made one reviewer declare, "As feline collaborators go, you couldn't ask for better than Sneaky Pie Brown, the canny tiger cat" ( The New York Times Book Review ).

When the body of a murdered woman is discovered naked and bound to an equine statue, Sister Jane discovers a link between the victim and a respected member of the Jefferson Hunt Club, but her investigation is complicated when another beautiful woman turns up dead after a hunt day and her determination to catch a killer finds her suddenly fighting to save her own life. 50,000 first printing.

During an autumn scenic drive in rural Crozet, Virginia, Mary Monor "Harry" Haristeen and her husband, Fair, discover the body of a murdered accountant lying in a cornfield. Rooting out the guilty murderer in the treacherous center of a lucrative conspiracy requires Harry's farmer's wisdom--along with the quick wits and extraordinary senses of Sneaky Pie, Pewter, and Tucker

Ah, spring! The brighter days and singing birds have a way of lifting people’s spirits, as well as those of their animal companions. But the season can also bring out the first blossoms of murder. As the redbuds open in Crozet, Virginia, Mary Minor “Harry” Haristeen is especially excited—until a health crisis sends her reeling into the forbidding world of hospitals and doctors, treatments and procedures. Surviving this journey will be tough, but Harry has her animal friends—and her ever-helpful husband, Fair—to support her. Others are considerably less fortunate: A promising nurse’s lifeless body is discovered without a mark on her. Then another hospital employee, who had seemed in perfect health, is also found dead. There’s a mystery afoot—and that’s one thing Harry and her menagerie can’t keep their noses out of.

Set against the backdrop of foxhunting, this latest installment in the series features thrilling hunts and stunning landscapes, while introducing a new and intriguing scandal. Rita Mae Brown continues to captivate both critics and fans with her engaging storytelling and richly developed characters, promising an exciting adventure filled with mystery and suspense.

When a faculty member from the local prep school turns up dead, "Sister" Jane Arnold discovers that the case is complicated by a controversy over local historical artifacts in the school collection that were made by slaves

The peaceful town of Crozet, Virginia, is turned upside down by a statue of the Virgin Mary that begins to cry tears of real blood, as Mary Minor "Harry" Haristeen and her sleuthing pets search for the truth about a local unsolved mystery.

A fictionalized biography of Dolley Madison, wife of the president, one of the most influential first ladies in history. In narrative form, interspersed with imagined diary entries, the novel describes life in Washington during the War of 1812. By the author of Venus Envy.

Continuing to be one of Brown's most popular novels, Six of One is both a high-spirited romp of love in its many guises and a story of the darker side of life in Runnymede, Maryland--small town, U.S.A., right on the Mason-Dixon line. The prequel to Brown's new hardcover, Bingo.

an alternate cover edition can be found hereCuriosity just might be the death of Mrs. Murphy--and her human companion, Mary Minor "Harry" Haristeen. Small towns are like families: Everyone lives very close together. . .and everyone keeps secrets. Crozet, Virginia, is a typical small town-until its secrets explode into murder. Crozet's thirty-something postmistress, Mary Minor "Harry" Haristeen, has a tiger cat (Mrs. Murphy) and a Welsh Corgi (Tucker), a pending divorce, and a bad habit of reading postcards not addressed to her. When Crozet's citizens start turning up murdered, Harry remembers that each received a card with a tombstone on the front and the message "Wish you were here" on the back. Intent on protecting their human friend, Mrs. Murphy and Tucker begin to scent out clues. Meanwhile, Harry is conducting her own investigation, unaware her pets are one step ahead of her. If only Mrs. Murphy could alert her somehow, Harry could uncover the culprit before the murder occurs--and before Harry finds herself on the killer's mailing list.

When Rita Mae Brown writes, laughter often follows. In her memoir, she shares her life as the first openly lesbian writer to break into the mainstream, offering a hilarious and candid account of her journey. Born as the illegitimate daughter of a flighty blue blood and left in an orphanage, she was quickly adopted by relatives who feared for her survival. Her determination to live became a metaphor for her life. Raised by loving adoptive parents and a quirky extended family, she learned to be tough and outspoken, often facing challenges due to her authenticity. Brown recounts her tumultuous relationship with her adoptive mother, who humorously referred to her as "the ill" whenever she misbehaved. She also discusses her passionate advocacy for social causes, which nearly jeopardized her education, and her outspoken role in the early women's movement that led to her expulsion from NOW. The release of her groundbreaking novel catapulted her into fame, making her a prominent figure in America. Throughout her life, Brown has found strength in her bond with animals, her love for the South, and her romantic relationships, including a notable one with Martina Navratilova. With her signature humor and honesty, she reveals her flaws and the wisdom gained from her experiences, making this memoir feel like a warm visit with an old friend.

Rita Mae Brown, known for her cat mysteries, introduces dog lovers to her latest story featuring dachshund Baxter and German shepherd mix King. They must sniff out a murderer before it's too late, as Baxter's owner is a prime suspect in a murder case.

"Spring has sprung in Crozet, Virginia--a time for old friends to gather and bid farewell to the doldrums of winter. But a fresh chill arrives with the shocking murder of beloved University of Virginia history professor Greg "Ginger" McConnell--gunned down in broad daylight. With no discernible motive and no apparent suspects, Mary Minor "Harry" Haristeen begins nosing into the case with the help of her furry fellow sleuths"--Back cover

The author of Venus Envy takes you on a riotous ride back to one woman's future... In a delightful contemporary farce with a riotous twist, Rita Mae Brown welcomes you to Virginia's horse country, where a fox hunt is about to lead a 1990s woman, Cig Blackwood, into a 1690s adventure of the heart.  Infidelity, single motherhood, family betrayal, and the thrill of the hunt (in many varieties) are hilariously and poignantly played out in this captivating novel of time travel and self-discovery.

The famous Saddlebred show in Shelbyville, Kentucky, is the perfect opportunity for remarried newlyweds Harry and Fair Haristeen to finally go on their long-delayed (second) honeymoon-a chance to combine business and pleasure, as well as to drop in on some old friends. Mrs. Murphy (a tabby cat), Tucker (a Corgi), and Pewter (a fat gray kitty) are all along for the trip as well, and when their hosts are robbed the very first day they arrive, Mrs. Murphy pounces right on solving the mystery. Soon, however, they are all sidetracked by even bigger crimes: a $200,000 mare owned by a young film star is stolen in broad daylight, and worst of all, a groom is found murdered. Clearly, winning at Shelbyville is secondary; first prize is survival

In small-town Crozet, Virginia, Harry Haristeen is kindling her romance with veterinarian Fair when their bliss is threatened by the murder of Professor Vincent Forland, a world-renowned grape and fungal expert visiting local vineyards

A murder mystery among the fox hunting set in Virginia. The victim is one of two candidates for the post of master of the foxhounds. The post is being vacated by the present master, 70-year-old Jane Arnold, and it is she who nabs the killer

Mags, her dachshund Baxter, great-aunt Jeep, German shepherd King, and Officer Pete unite to assist squatters in foreclosed homes. They face challenges from banks, the power company, and a ruthless politician. When a murder occurs, they must intensify their efforts to seek justice and catch the killer.

"Returning to Virginia's post-revolutionary history and to characters introduced in Tail Gait, the story follows the Garth sisters and their husbands, neighbors to a brutal slaveholder whose murder at the hands of one of his slaves is neither unexpected nor unwarranted, especially when the impetus was an attack on that slave's wife. The sisters manage to smuggle the fugitive to safety in York, Pennsylvania, while ensuring that the circumstances underlying the entire ordeal stay long buried. Until now. Harry and her animal companions come closer to drawing a link between the past and the present. And in this centuries-spanning caper, they will discover that hiding who you really are may have mortal consequences ... As the questions surrounding."-- Provided by publisher

As Harry well knows, there’s hardly a place on earth cozier than Crozet, Virginia, at Christmastime. Snowflakes, carolers, it’s all picture-perfect until Harry and her husband, Fair, find the tree they’ve chosen grimly decorated with a corpse. The tree farm is run by the Brothers of Love, a semimonastic organization whose members live atop the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains. Now, as the season grows merrier, a murderer is growing bolder. One by one, prominent men of Crozet are being crossed off Christmas shopping lists and added to the morgue. And if Harry and her four-legged helpers aren’t very good–and very careful–this Christmas will be her last.

Rubyfruit Jungle is the first milestone novel in the extraordinary career of one of this country's most distinctive writers. Bawdy and moving, the ultimate word-of-mouth bestseller, Rubyfruit Jungle is about growing up a lesbian in America and living happily ever after. Born a bastard, Molly Bolt is adopted by a dirt-poor Southern couple who want something better for their daughter. Molly plays doctor with the boys, beats up Leroy the tub and loses her virginity to her girlfriend in sixth grade. As she grows to realize she's different, Molly decides not to apologize for that. In no time she mesmerizes the head cheerleader of Ft. Lauderdale High and captivates a gorgeous bourbon-guzzling heiress. But the world is not tolerant. Booted out of college for moral turpitude, an unrepentant, penniless Molly takes New York by storm, sending not a few female hearts aflutter with her startling beauty, crackling wit and fierce determination to become the greatest filmmaker that ever lived. Critically acclaimed when first published, Rubyfruit Jungle has only grown in reputation as it has reached new generations of readers who respond to its feisty and inspiring heroine."

Sister Jane Arnold tracks clues during an outbreak of crimes related to the world of competitive hunting and the tobacco industry

Autumn is in the air in the Blue Ridge Mountain community of Crozet, Virginia--and all the traditions of the changing seasons are under way. Mary Minor 'Harry' Haristeen cleans her cupboards, her husband, Fair, prepares the horses for the shorter days ahead, and the clamorous barking of beagles signals the annual rabbit chase through the central Virginia hills. But the last thing the local beaglers and their hounds expect to flush out is a dead body. Disturbingly, it's the second corpse to turn up, after that of a missing truck driver too disfigured to identify. The deaths seem unrelated--until Harry picks up a trail of clues dating back to the state's post-Revolutionary past. The echoes of the Shot Heard Round the World pale in comparison to the dangerous shootout Harry narrowly escapes unscathed. Next time, it may be the killer who gets lucky. But not if Harry's furry friends Mrs. Murphy, Pewter, and Tucker can help it. Lending their sharp-nosed talents to the hunt, they'll help their mistress keep more lives from being lost--and right an injustice buried since the early days of America's independence.

As winter blankets the picturesque Blue Ridge Mountain community of Crozet, Virginia, Mary Minor "Harry" Haristeen is excited to build a new work shed with the help of her friend, architect Gary Gardner. However, tranquility shatters when Gary is shot dead by a masked motorcyclist right before Harry and Deputy Cynthia Cooper. Outraged, Harry delves into Gary's past, uncovering a pattern of greed rooted in Virginia's post-Revolutionary history. Her investigation leads to incriminating evidence, but the killer strikes again, putting Harry in danger. Undeterred, she follows clues to a Richmond construction site where work has halted due to the discovery of mysterious remains. With the help of her loyal companions—crime-solving cats Mrs. Murphy and Pewter, along with Tee Tucker the Corgi—Harry seeks connections between the long-dead and the recent murder, revealing ancient secrets. As more lives hang in the balance, the killer grows increasingly desperate. The legacy of corruption unearthed cannot be ignored, and if Harry continues her pursuit of the truth, she risks digging her own grave.

Mary Minor “Harry” Haristeen’s beloved, tart-tongued neighbor Aunt Tally is about to turn the big 1-0-0, and the alumnae association of Tally’s alma mater is throwing a big fund-raising bash in her honor. The plan is to celebrate Tally’s centennial and recoup some much-needed school revenue lost in the cratered economy, but when a killer blizzard bears down and a board member goes missing, it falls to Harry and her menagerie of mystery solvers to track down the truth behind what is rapidly becoming a perfect storm of embezzlement, political corruption, and the kind of long-smoldering enmity that can explode into murder. Does the key lie in a forty-year-old unsolved death? If so, Harry and her four-legged friends better find it or—even at a hundred years old—Aunt Tally may outlive them all.

It’s autumn in cozy, idyllic Crozet, Virginia—a time for golden days, crisp nights…and murder. Mrs. Carla Paulson is one of the diamond-encrusted “come-here” set who has descended on Crozet with plenty of wealth and no feeling for country ways. She’s determined to make her new house the envy of all her well-heeled friends—and enemies —and she’s hired architect Tazio Chappers to build it. From the start, the project—and Mrs. Paulson—are a major headache for all involved. But no one could foresee that it would end with Mrs. Paulson stabbed to death at a gala fund-raiser with Harry’s friend Tazio standing over her, holding the knife. Now Harry must solve what seems to everyone else an open-and-shut case. Her four-legged partners —sleuthing cats Mrs. Murphy and Pewter and corgi Tee Tucker—see it Harry’s way. But will they have to choose between catching the purrfect killer and saving Harry?

"A blackmailer targeting wealthy members of "Sister" Jane Arnold's club has turned the hunters into the hunted in this thrilling mystery from New York Times bestselling author Rita Mae Brown. It's the start of fox hunting season and Sister is training a new generation of hounds in eager anticipation of Opening Hunt. But before they make it to that exciting day, several members of the hunt club receive ominous videos in which they appear to be doing scandalous, career-ending deeds. The videos are doctored, but does it matter? The unknown blackmailer promises to publish the clips if he or she doesn't get paid, and even the most upstanding citizen can be brought down by the court of public opinion. While Sister and her friends try to unmask the dastardly mind behind the videos, mysteries abound in their beautiful Blue Ridge Mountain town home. Two men die, apparently by suicide, shocking a community that never saw their deaths coming. And rumors abound that Old Paradise, the estate being lovingly restored by Crawford Howard, houses a secret stash of gold from its original owner. Does someone want the treasure badly enough to kill for? Sister and her fellow Jefferson Hunt Club members, including friends both two- and four-legged, are on the case-and with any luck, they'll catch the criminals before the first horn sounds on Opening Day"--

The discovery of a body in the beautiful Blue Ridge mountains dredges up mysteries that have lingered from Revolutionary Virginia through the Civil War and beyond, in a supernaturally thrilling new tale from Rita Mae Brown and her feline co-author Sneaky Pie Brown. A trial is underway in Albemarle County, where Mary Minor "Harry" Harristeen and her trusty crew of two- and four-legged friends hope to catch a killer--who may not be the person accused of the crime. Since an old friend's body was discovered by the hunting club's faithful beagles, it has been up to Harry--with her crime-solving cats Mrs. Murphy and Pewter, and Tee Tucker the corgi--to sniff out a trail of clues. Meanwhile, bloodshed dating back generations continues to haunt the current grounds of the National Beagle Club of America. Are past claims of ghost sightings still to be ignored? And what do these paranormal apparitions have to do with the very modern drama unfolding in court and the all-too-real threats confronting Harry and her companions at every turn?

In Virginia's picturesque Blue Ridge Mountains, Jane Arnold and her canine companions delve into a captivating mystery filled with intrigue and chaos. As they navigate the challenges of the region, the bond between Jane and her dogs plays a crucial role in unraveling the unfolding tale, blending adventure with the charm of the mountain landscape.

A young equine vet's murder unfolds in a small community, prompting Mary Minor "Harry" Haristeen to enlist the help of her veterinarian husband to unravel the mystery. The investigation reveals potential connections to the vet's new clinic, adding layers of intrigue. Co-authored by Rita Mae Brown and her feline companion Sneaky Pie Brown, the story blends suspense with charming characters and a cozy setting.

The discovery of a costly watch leads "Sister" Jane Arnold on a quest to uncover the link to a subsequent murder. With assistance from both her human and animal companions, she navigates the twists of this engaging mystery. New York Times bestselling author Rita Mae Brown crafts a narrative that blends intrigue with the charm of her beloved characters, promising a captivating journey for readers.

"Mary Minor 'Harry' Harristeen and her pet sleuths uncover a rotten scam to dupe consumers when they discover that substandard produce is being passed off for organic, upmarket groceries. As always, Harry's crime-solving cats Mrs. Murphy and Pewter and Tee Tucker the Corgi share her determination to sniff out the foes among friends, the spoiled among the fresh"--

"Mary Minor 'Harry' Haristeen gets a little help from her veterinarian husband to solve the murder of a young equine vet whose death may be linked to his new clinic in Claws for Alarm, a tantalizing mystery from Rita Mae Brown and her feline co-author Sneaky Pie Brown. Pharamond 'Fair' Haristeen is known throughout Crozet, Virginia, as a good horse vet and a better man. So when Benjamin Wagner, a new vet in town, is found dead in his unopened clinic, local police turn to Fair for help getting to the bottom of things. Fair quickly realizes Ben's clinic has been robbed of ketamine, used by doctors as a horse tranquilizer but also a popular recreational drug. Then Fair's own ketamine goes missing from the back of his truck. Was Ben killed for his supply? Or was he mixed up in something bigger? Meanwhile, Candida Perez, one of Crozet's oldest and most beloved citizens, is found dead at her desk. Perhaps not so alarming, given her ninety years of life. But the bickering of Candida's children, Ballard and Constance, over her will and the family's valuable collection of historical letters, threatens to drive the rest of the town to madness. Fair's wife, Harry, tries to play peacemaker, but the bad blood between the two siblings runs deep. Just how far will they take their family squabble? "--Publisher

The story centers on sisters Juts and Wheezie Hunsenmeir, along with Juts's insightful daughter, Nickel, as they navigate the challenges of a profound loss that reshapes their lives. Through their journey, the narrative explores themes of resilience, family bonds, and the impact of grief, highlighting the strength of their relationships amidst adversity.

For years a "lost" collector's item, here is the second novel from a brilliant young author testing her literary muscle, and it's bursting at the seams with Rita Mae Brown's trademark cast of characters and crackling quips. Written immediately after her classic Rubyfruit Jungle, In Her Day takes a loving swipe at the charged political atmosphere of Greenwich Village in the early seventies. Elegant art history professor Carole Hanratty insists brains transcend lust—until she crashes into Ilse, a revolutionary feminist flush with the arrogance of youth. Blazing with rhetoric, their romance is a sexual and ideological inferno. Ilse campaigns to get Carole to join The Movement, but forty-four-year-old Carole and her zany peers have twenty years of fight behind them and are wary of causes bogged down in talk. After all, says Carole's best friend, the real reason for a revolution is so the good things in life circulate. Her idea of subversion is hiring a Rolls-Royce to go to McDonald's. In Her Day , with its infectious merriment and serious underpinnings, proves that if politics is the great divider, humor is the ultimate restorative.

In this gripping political drama, Amanda Fields, a former newscaster turned delegate, faces fierce opposition due to her dramatic style. As tensions rise and enemies multiply, the statehouse is shaken by the mysterious death of a young page, unraveling secrets and threats in the political arena.

Winter blizzards bring a flurry of cases to solve in this riveting new foxhunting mystery featuring "Sister" Jane Arnold and her incorrigible hounds from New York Times -bestselling author Brown. Steeped in the deep traditions of Virginia horse country and featuring a colorful cast of characters both two and four-legged, Scarlet Fever is another spirited mystery from Brown.

At thirty-five, Mary Frazier Armstrong, called "Frazier" by friends and enemies alike, is a sophisticated woman with a thriving art gallery, a healthy bank balance, and an enviable social position. In fact, she has everything to live for, but she's lying in a hospital bed with a morphine drip in her arm and a life expectancy measured in hours. "Don't die a stranger," her assistant says on her last hospital visit. "Tell the people you love who you are." And so, as her last act on earth, Frazier writes letters to her closest family and friends, telling them exactly what she thinks of them and, since she will be dead by the time they receive the letters, the truth about herself: she's gay. The letters are sent. Then the manure hits the fan in Charlottesville, Virginia, because the funny thing is, Frazier Armstrong isn't going to die after all.

"Set against the backdrop of America emerging from World War I, Cakewalk provides an entertaining look at a small town straddling the Mason Dixon line, where the townsfolk remain split between good and bad, or love and sex, or male and female, or politics and sobriety, and the inimitable, irrepressible, distinctly free-thinking Hunsenmier sisters, Louise and Julia--otherwise known as Wheezie and Jutz--and their wide circle of equally indelible friends. An outrageous, affecting, and surprising story of passion, rivalry, and small town antics only Rita Mae Brown could create"--

Ask not what your cat can do for you—ask what you can do for your cat. Tired of politics as usual? Despair not: Rita Mae Brown’s intrepid feline co-author, Sneaky Pie, is taking time off from her busy schedule writing bestselling mysteries to run for President of the United States. It’s never too late to start! With help from her friends—the irascible gray cat Pewter, the wise Corgi Tee Tucker, and Tally, the exuberant Jack Russell—Sneaky crisscrosses her home state of Virginia hoping to go where no cat since Socks Clinton has gone: 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. After all, who better to get the economy purring again than an honest tabby with authentic political stripes? Sneaky has an animal-friendly agenda to unify all Americans—regardless of whether they walk on two or four feet or even if they fly. Human candidates have had their chance in Washington, and nowhere does it say in the Constitution that the next president cannot be a cat. Vote Sneaky! Includes a preview of Rita Mae Brown and Sneaky Pie Brown’s next Mrs. Murphy mystery, The Litter of the Law

geboren 1944 in Hanover/Pennsylvania, wuchs in Florida auf. Sie studierte in New York Anglistik und Filmwissenschaft und begründete dort die Student Homophile League. 1973 erschien ihr erstes Werk „Rubinroter Dschungel“. Rita Mae Brown lebt heute auf einer Farm in Charlottesville, Virginia.

Im kalten Crozet, Virginia, wird die winterliche Ruhe durch einen Mord erschüttert: Hank Brevard, der technische Leiter des örtlichen Krankenhauses, wird mit durchgeschnittener Kehle im Heizungskeller gefunden. Dies ist der perfekte Fall für die Hobbydetektivin Mary Haristeen, genannt Harry, und ihre besorgte Katze Mrs. Murphy. Harry kann einem Mord nicht widerstehen und beginnt, im Krankenhaus zu ermitteln, doch sie wird niedergeschlagen, was ihre Haustiere in Alarmbereitschaft versetzt. Die Katzen Mrs. Murphy und Pewter sowie die Corgi-Hündin Tee Tucker wissen, dass Harry in Gefahr ist, denn der Mörder hat kein Gewissen. Bald wird auch Larry Johnson, ein beliebter Arzt der Stadt, kaltblütig ermordet, da er zu viel wusste. Harry ist ebenfalls in Gefahr. Die Bestsellerautorin Rita Mae Brown und ihre vierbeinige Co-Autorin Sneaky Pie liefern in dieser spannenden Geschichte einen charmanten Krimi im Stil von Miss Marple. Wie in den vorherigen Mrs.-Murphy-Fällen steigert sich die Spannung, bis der Leser die letzte Seite erreicht. Tierliebhaber dürfen sich auf unterhaltsame Lesestunden freuen. Katzen würden Rita Mae Brown lesen!

geboren 1944 in Hanover/Pennsylvania, wuchs in Florida auf. Sie studierte in New York Anglistik und Filmwissenschaft und begründete dort die Student Homophile League. 1973 erschien ihr erstes Werk „Rubinroter Dschungel“. Rita Mae Brown lebt heute auf einer Farm in Charlottesville, Virginia.

Mary Minor Harry Harristeen ist happy. Endlich tummelt sie sich wieder als Caddie auf dem Golfplatz von Crozet, an ihrer Seite Katze Mrs. Murphy. Plötzlich hört Harry Schüsse. Ein Spieler wurde ermordet, Greg Ginger McConnell, ein emeritierter Professor der University of Virginia. Zuletzt schrieb er an einem Buch über den amerikanischen Unabhängigkeitskrieg und die Spuren, die er in ihrer Gegend hinterlassen hat. Besonders scheint ihn das ehemalige Kriegsgefangenenlager bei Charlottesville interessiert zu haben. Schon bald fragt sich Harry, ob McConnell vielleicht auf eine unliebsame Wahrheit gestoßen ist?

geboren 1944 in Hanover/Pennsylvania, wuchs in Florida auf. Sie studierte in New York Anglistik und Filmwissenschaft und begründete dort die Student Homophile League. 1973 erschien ihr erstes Werk „Rubinroter Dschungel“. Rita Mae Brown lebt heute auf einer Farm in Charlottesville, Virginia.

geboren 1944 in Hanover/Pennsylvania, wuchs in Florida auf. Sie studierte in New York Anglistik und Filmwissenschaft und begründete dort die Student Homophile League. 1973 erschien ihr erstes Werk „Rubinroter Dschungel“. Rita Mae Brown lebt heute auf einer Farm in Charlottesville, Virginia.

Een mislukt huwelijk, betekenisloze trouw, een minnaar op papier; telkens opnieuw hebben vrouwen schandalen veroorzaakt, omdat ze leefden en beminden zoals zij het wilden. In Echte vrouwen beminnen anders zijn de opwindendste levensgeschiedenissen verzameld van vrijgevochten vrouwen als Belle van Zuylen, Alma Mahler Werfel, Anna Blaman en Rita Mae Brown, die zich niet door conventies lieten intomen, maar deden wat hun hart hen ingaf.Echte vrouwen beminnen anders is het tweede deel in de succesvolle 'Echte vrouwen' serie, waarin verhalen van vrouwelijke topauteurs verzameld zijn rond een bepaald thema.

Die allseits geliebte Tally wird 100 Jahre. Halb Crozet macht sich auf den Weg, um mit der alten Dame an ihrer früheren Universität in Missouri zu feiern. Auch Mary „Harry“ Harristeen und die Katze Mrs. Murphy sind unter den Gästen. Doch bevor das Fest auch nur beginnt, kommt es zu einer Schlammschlacht unter den Organisatorinnen. Und schon bald gibt es eine erste Leiche. Harry und Mrs. Murphy fühlen sich berufen, Schlimmeres zu verhindern. Wird es ihnen gelingen? Ein neues vergnügliches Abenteuer mit der unerschrockenen Harry und ihren tierischen Freunden.

Rita Mae Brown ist seit ihrem Roman \"Rubinroter Dschungel\" bekannt für ihre unverblümten Schilderungen von frechen und lebenshungrigen Frauen. In \"Herzgetümmel\" zieht eine junge Frau als Soldat verkleidet in den amerikanischen Bürgerkrieg, um in der Nähe ihres geliebten Mannes zu sein. Sie wird zur Heldin und übertrumpft die Männer nicht nur im Kampf. Auch mit dieser anzüglichen Verwechslungsscharade erfüllt Rita Mae Brown die Erwartungen ihrer großen Leserschaft: ein Wirbelsturm der Gefühle, Intrigen und der lebensgefährlichen Abenteuer.

geboren 1944 in Hanover/Pennsylvania, wuchs in Florida auf. Sie studierte in New York Anglistik und Filmwissenschaft und begründete dort die Student Homophile League. 1973 erschien ihr erstes Werk „Rubinroter Dschungel“. Rita Mae Brown lebt heute auf einer Farm in Charlottesville, Virginia.