Hiss of Death: a Mrs. Murphy Mystery / Rita Mae Brown / 217 pages

Anyone who likes animals would like these cozy mysteries starring two cats (Mrs. Murphy & the cantakerous Pewter) and a Corgi dog (Tucker). All are pets of the very curious and fiscally conservative farmer, Mary Minor Hairsteen, who gets herself involved in all sorts of murder and mayhem. The pets solve the mysteries and protect their owner. Really, if only we knew what animals were saying, we'd be much better off! This title focuses a lot on breast cancer and the experience of going through treatment. All of the books take place in the horse country of Virginia, have the same small town characters, and include humor as well as the elements of mystery. The animals are constantly amazed at human nature; everything would be much simpler if we thought like animals!