Author Showcase ~ Arsenic and Old Books by Miranda James

Jan 29, 2015 | Author Showcase

Arsenic and Old Books

In Athena, Mississippi, librarian Charlie Harris is known for his good nature—and for his Maine coon cat Diesel that he walks on a leash. Charlie returned to his hometown to immerse himself in books, but taking the plunge into a recent acquisition will have him in over his head. . .

Lucinda Beckwith Long, the mayor of Athena, has donated a set of Civil War-era diaries to the archives of Athena College. The books were recently discovered among the personal effects of an ancestor of Mrs. Long’s husband. The mayor would like Charlie to preserve and to substantiate them as a part of the Long family legacy—something that could benefit her son, Beck, as he prepares to campaign for the state senate.

Beck’s biggest rival is Jasper Singletary. His Southern roots are as deep as Beck’s, and their families have been bitter enemies since the Civil War. Jasper claims the Long clan has a history of underhanded behavior at the expense of the Singletarys. He’d like to get a look at the diaries in an attempt to expose the Long family’s past sins. Meanwhile, a history professor at the college is also determined to get her hands on the books in a last-ditch bid for tenure. But their interest suddenly turns deadly. . .

Now Charlie is left with a catalog of questions. The diaries seem worth killing for, and one thing is certain: Charlie will need to be careful, because the more he reads, the closer he could be coming to his final chapter. . .

Release: January 2015
Series: Cat in the Stacks #6
Publisher: Berkley Prime Crime

GIVEAWAY: Leave a comment by 6 p.m. eastern on February 5 for the chance to win a copy of Arsenic and Old Books. The giveaway is open to U.S. residents only. Winner will be notified within 48 hours of giveaway ending.

About the author
Miranda James is the New York Times bestselling author of the “Cat in the Stacks” books featuring Charlie Harris and his Maine Coon cat, Diesel. Miranda currently resides in Mississippi with two cats and thousands of books.

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98 Comments

Beverly Guy on January 29, 2015 at 1:03 am

This looks like another awesome mystery with Charlie and Diesel. I love, love, love all the books by Miranda James. Miranda James always writes books that keep you turning the pages till late into the night with the intriguing mystery to solve. And the cover of this book is sensational! Can’t wait to read it!
- jamlambert on February 3, 2015 at 11:31 am
  
  I’m so glad to see Charlie and Diesel back again! Can’t wait to read this new installment of their wonderful story!
Melody Gonser on January 29, 2015 at 1:17 am

Love the cat, Diesel, walking on a leash. I haven’t read any of this series but I will be now.This book sounds appealing to me. Thank you for your giveaway.
Taryn Lee on January 29, 2015 at 1:20 am

Love this series. I had a black cat named Diesel and was tickled when I read the cats name in this series.
Karen Hansen on January 29, 2015 at 1:26 am

Another new series for me to try. Can’t wait.
Dacia on January 29, 2015 at 1:46 am

I love these books, my coon cat, Chloe & I cannot wait to read this next installment 🐈
mary robinson on January 29, 2015 at 2:31 am

Sounds like a fun read!
sallycootie on January 29, 2015 at 3:21 am

Love the title and the cat!
Betty on January 29, 2015 at 3:54 am

This sounds like a very entertaining book! I love the title and cover. Thank you for the review and contest!
Teresa Kander on January 29, 2015 at 3:57 am

Love this series, and the fact that Diesel is a Maine Coon, just like my Gandalf.
judy grogan on January 29, 2015 at 6:00 am

I love this series. Thanks for sharing.
Debbie Carnes on January 29, 2015 at 6:02 am

sounds like a fun read
Linda on January 29, 2015 at 6:44 am

Looks like another winner! Please enter me in the giveaway.
Deb Forbes on January 29, 2015 at 7:00 am

Can’t wait to read this one
Michelene P on January 29, 2015 at 7:07 am

Sounds like another great series…..can’t wait to start reading.
Gram on January 29, 2015 at 7:08 am

Why have I not read this series yet? Too many books, too little time?
Amy Gill on January 29, 2015 at 7:34 am

Reading this one now on Kindle. I would love, love, love to own a hard copy!!!
Lisa Brown on January 29, 2015 at 7:39 am

looks like a fun series, thank you for the chance 🙂
Lois Rotella on January 29, 2015 at 7:52 am

Looking forward to reading this new book.
sarah on January 29, 2015 at 8:07 am

I am on book 5 – would love this one! One of my fave series!
Sheila K. on January 29, 2015 at 8:55 am

I love this series—thanks for the chance to win!
Stephanie Koenig on January 29, 2015 at 9:07 am

Looks interesting! Thanks!
Anita Miles on January 29, 2015 at 9:12 am

I had a Main coon cat once and it was beautiful, she was just a lively as Diesel. I love reading about Charlie & Diesel. I can just picture that big cat on a leash in my head and I laugh just thinking about it.
Libby Dodd on January 29, 2015 at 9:25 am

Another great addition to the collection. I look forward to it.
wendynewcomb on January 29, 2015 at 9:29 am

My daughter would love this book, thank you for the chance to win a copy.

wfnren at aol dot com
Daniele K on January 29, 2015 at 9:33 am

Love Diesel!
Robin Driscoll on January 29, 2015 at 10:04 am

Love the cover – I really enjoy books that have animals in them.
Jerry Ehrsam on January 29, 2015 at 10:18 am

This is undoubtedly, the best series in the last 7 years. I’ve read every one of the cat in the stacks at least twice and will probably purchase “Arsenic and Old Books” soon. Hope the author has more Diesel and Charlie stories coming soon. Thanks Paul for an enjoyable series!
Andrea (aka rokinrev) on January 29, 2015 at 10:44 am

Oh wow, what a neat book. I have read a few cat in the stacks and this one looks like a great one
Lisa Cobb Sabatini on January 29, 2015 at 10:44 am

Ooooo, sounds like this book is “laced” with intrigue!
carlrscott on January 29, 2015 at 10:48 am

Great cover image, looks like a ready-made classic. Thanks for the chance to win.
suekey12 on January 29, 2015 at 10:51 am

Any book with Diesel is a must read for me. Thanks for the contest.
suefarrell.farrell@gmail.com
Rochelle Funderburg on January 29, 2015 at 10:52 am

I picked up earlier books in this series because I also have a Maine Coon cat. Once I read them, I was hooked, and I’m glad to see another one out.
Ann on January 29, 2015 at 11:42 am

Diesel and Miranda Forever!
Patricia Allen on January 29, 2015 at 11:57 am

This book looks great, and the series is so much fun. Thanks for the giveaway 🙂
Wendy Lee on January 29, 2015 at 12:03 pm

I NEED this so I can start another new series (from one of those who HAS to read series in order so would be required to get all the previous books first!)
Barbara Hackel on January 29, 2015 at 12:23 pm

I love the Charlie and Diesel books! I am not a cat lover, but Diesel is so regal and smart, who wouldn’t love him? I look forward to reading this new story. Thanks Dru and Miranda for the opportunity to enter this giveaway.
Jamie Rasmussen on January 29, 2015 at 12:36 pm

I have all of the other books in this series. I want to read this book too.
noraadrienne on January 29, 2015 at 12:38 pm

Please Dru, may I have one more? I’d love to win a Charlie book to add to the rest of the series, snuggled wonderfully on my bookshelves.
Debbie S on January 29, 2015 at 1:10 pm

I’ve started this series and am really enjoying it…I know, I have a lot of catching up to do. I had to look up Maine coon cat after reading about Diesel, I fell in love with him. Thanks for the chance to win.
Darlene Peterson on January 29, 2015 at 1:27 pm

I love this series and love the book title. Thanks for the giveaway opportunity.
Amy M. Reade on January 29, 2015 at 1:30 pm

Oooh-this sounds really good! Thanks for spotlighting Miranda James.
Robin Coxon on January 29, 2015 at 1:44 pm

Oh how I love Charlie and Diesel. Reading the escapades of these two make my day. Thanks for sharing this new release.
Becky Prazak on January 29, 2015 at 2:33 pm

What an interesting sounding book
Patricia Tucker on January 29, 2015 at 2:58 pm

I love this series…how could anyone not?
patucker54 on January 29, 2015 at 3:01 pm

I love this series…who could not?
Linda Langford on January 29, 2015 at 4:17 pm

I’m reading the first story, Murder Past Due!! WHY I haven’t started this series before now, I don’t know!! I’d LOVE to to win this book!! Thank you!
Anne Mikusinski on January 29, 2015 at 4:25 pm

I would love to win this. Thanks for the chance!
Dawn Frazier on January 29, 2015 at 4:29 pm

Would love to read this!
Jenne on January 29, 2015 at 4:35 pm

I love this series! I love cozies with librarian detectives and this one has a male librarian detective which makes it stand out even more. The percentage of cozies with male detectives is rather small and so when you find a good series with one, you tend to get devoted to it rather quickly. Not that the female lead is a bad thing but after while, they tend to blend in with one another.
Lin Oz on January 29, 2015 at 4:42 pm

I love this series and adore Diesel…….. 🙂 What a cat!
Maria D. on January 29, 2015 at 4:59 pm

I absolutely adore Charlie and Diesel – they are so great together and Charlie is getting much better at solving cases too. Thanks for the giveaway
Betsy Lewerenz on January 29, 2015 at 5:02 pm

Would love to win! I love the series and Diesel (and Charlie too) 😉
Jeanie Dannheim on January 29, 2015 at 5:35 pm

Love this series, and can’t wait to read Charlie and Diesel’s latest adventure! Reading through and restoring these diaries seems like an adventure in itself – wish I could help!
Laurie Garrison on January 29, 2015 at 5:37 pm

I just bought book one and can’t wait to read it.
Michelle on January 29, 2015 at 5:42 pm

I’m new to the series & I’m enjoying it very much!! Love how Diesel is part of the cast of characters!!
Janel Flynn on January 29, 2015 at 6:05 pm

Love the title. 😝
Mary Cokenour on January 29, 2015 at 6:20 pm

We have a Maine Coon named Monkey; if I win this book, I’ll read it to him. 🙂
Patti.S. on January 29, 2015 at 6:23 pm

Sounds good. Thanks for the chance to win.
Sue C on January 29, 2015 at 6:31 pm

Love this series and Diesel. Would love to win it. Maine Coon cats are my favorite.
Susan S. on January 29, 2015 at 8:33 pm

Love this series.
Vivian Shane on January 29, 2015 at 8:56 pm

I haven’t yet read this series, but would love to! Thanks for the giveaway opportunity!
ktbeeblog on January 29, 2015 at 8:56 pm

I love having the chance to get this book. Charlie’s being a librarian from MS rings true for me…in MS…in the library!
Dotty Kelley on January 29, 2015 at 9:35 pm

I love this series, looking forward to reading this one.
Barbara Tobey on January 29, 2015 at 9:48 pm

Delightful series.
Barbara Hawk on January 29, 2015 at 10:20 pm

Sounds like a great read. Love the cover!
tlwalcher on January 29, 2015 at 10:21 pm

Thank you for a chance to win a copy of Arsenic and Old Books.
Jen on January 29, 2015 at 10:54 pm

Arsenic and Old Books sounds like a great book. I am looking forward to reading it. Thank you for the giveaway. myrifraf(at)gmail(dot)com
Meg C on January 29, 2015 at 10:59 pm

Every book in this series so far has been great and I’ve got no reason to think that Arsenic and Old Books will be the exception. Looking forward to reading it as soon as I can. Thanks for the chance to win.
Victoria on January 29, 2015 at 11:14 pm

I would like to get a look at those diaries myself!
Melissa on January 30, 2015 at 12:04 am

I love any books with cat pictures on cover.
bookwoman on January 30, 2015 at 1:16 am

Love Diesel and this series. Happy to see a new one.
Kaye Killgore on January 30, 2015 at 1:32 am

I love this series, Charlie and Diesel.,
Marilyn Watson on January 30, 2015 at 5:32 am

This sounds like ti would be so much fun to read…
Marilyn Watson ewatvess@yahoo.com
Karen Hansen on January 30, 2015 at 9:44 am

I feel like being a brat and going Gimme, I want it. Oh well, good luck to all, this looks great. Thanks for the giveaway.
John Mazur on January 30, 2015 at 10:01 am

My wife, Sally, introduced me to Cozy Mysteries and I’m loving them. Thank you, for the chance to win this giveaway.
Stephanie Koenig on January 30, 2015 at 11:48 am

This book sounds really good! Love to win it!
Sandy on January 30, 2015 at 12:05 pm

This is the first CAT SERIES I read. Love Miranda’s books. Keep them coming!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ANN*H on January 30, 2015 at 4:17 pm

I love mysteries and cats both -thanks
Anita Yancey on January 30, 2015 at 6:18 pm

It sounds like a fun read. I love the cat. Thanks for the chance to win it.
Daniele Krug on January 30, 2015 at 7:56 pm

Love Diesel
Valerie Consoer on January 30, 2015 at 9:03 pm

I absolutely love this series!!
cyn209 on January 30, 2015 at 11:17 pm

I so need to start this series!!
Thank you for the giveaway!!
marylouh on January 31, 2015 at 2:50 pm

I don’t think this is a duplicate entry. Would hate to miss out on this book. Love the series. Want to keep up with it.
Kathy Meik on January 31, 2015 at 5:15 pm

I love Cozy books a with animals in them. Thanks for the chance to win.
Richard Mann on January 31, 2015 at 5:19 pm

Wow. A series with a guy as the main character. My wife read #1, but I haven’t gotten to it yet. From what I read here, I’d better get started.
Brooke on January 31, 2015 at 6:08 pm

Sounds like a wonderful read – I’ve been meaning to pick it up soon!
Margret on January 31, 2015 at 6:32 pm

Looks like an awesome book to read
Ellen Irwin on January 31, 2015 at 7:09 pm

I love this series! I would love this book in my TBR pile!
Laurie on January 31, 2015 at 10:43 pm

I’d like this one!!
Lindar on February 1, 2015 at 1:02 pm

Love this series! Love that it’s a librarian & cat solving the mystery! Thanks for the giveaway chance!
cjreynolds52 on February 1, 2015 at 5:39 pm

Love this title. Can’t help but picture Cary Grant…..
jagjhd on February 2, 2015 at 10:14 pm

Have to look into the earlier books in the series as well. This one has piqued my interest and I don’t even have a cat. But I do have a fave librarian.
Anita Miles on February 3, 2015 at 12:22 pm

I love this cat!
Cat on February 3, 2015 at 4:34 pm

I love cats and am looking forward to getting to read this book that includes an absolutely wonderful Maine Coon. Thank you for the chance to win.
Michelle Fidler on February 3, 2015 at 4:40 pm

I love cat cozies.
Karen Terry on February 4, 2015 at 12:14 pm

Sounds like a good mystery/adventure book.
Dru on February 5, 2015 at 6:09 pm

contest is closed.