Checking Out Crime

Checking Out Crime by Laurie Cass is the 9th A Bookmobile Cat Mystery. It can be read as a standalone for those new to the series. Minnie Hamilton is a librarian in Chilson, Michigan who drives around the county with assistant librarian clerk, Julia Beaton and Minnie's cat, Eddie. They deliver good cheer, treats, and cat cuddles along with books. After a long day in the bookmobile, Minnie is driving home when she rounds a corner and finds a man lying in the middle of the road. When Minnie learns the man was murdered, she begins investigating with help from a new friend. I just loved the addition of Detective Hal Inwood's wife, Tabitha. She is a delight and pairs well with Minnie. The mystery was interesting. The reason for crime was unique (at least for me). There are a couple of suspects along with misdirection. I like how Eddie helps with the investigation by steering Minnie toward clues. Investigating the crime is interspersed with library duties, dates with Rafe, time spent with family, cuddling with Eddie, and worrying about where she is going to live before the snow flurries arrive. There is also much discussion about Minnie's lack of an engagement ring. I like the cast of characters in this series. It was nice to catch up with Minnie's family, her co-workers, friends, and the rest of the townspeople (Eddie too). I love how Minnie chats with Eddie and his adorable little responses. You can tell that the author is a cat owner. I enjoyed the heartwarming ending of Checking Out Crime that left me smiling. Checking Out Crime is a sweet cozy mystery with mysterious murder, a chatty cat, cycling cramps, a loquacious assistant, a housing predicament, and a bounty of books.