by Miranda James

Requiem for a Mouse by Miranda James is the latest installment in the beloved Cat in the Stacks Mystery series, featuring librarian-turned-amateur sleuth, Charlie Harris, and his charming Maine Coon cat, Diesel. This time, the mystery revolves around the tragic hit-and-run of Tara Martin, a co-worker of Charlie’s who had been involved both in archival work and in assisting his fiancée, Helen Louise, at her bistro.

Rather than following a traditional whodunit structure, this novel leans into an investigative journey of uncovering Tara’s past. The premise is if Charlie and his friends can piece together who Tara really was, they might be able to determine why she was targeted and, ultimately, who committed the crime. Interestingly, Charlie takes a more passive role in the investigation, handing over discoveries to the police rather than inserting himself directly into the case, which is a shift from previous books in the series. (And one that I miss, if I am being honest.)

While the familiar setting and recurring characters provide a cozy and enjoyable atmosphere, this particular installment felt somewhat lackluster. The lack of connection or warmth toward Tara from other characters made the mystery feel more like an impersonal puzzle rather than an urgent case to solve. Additionally, the writing felt a bit choppy at times, and the detailed descriptions of everyday activities, like meals and leisure moments, occasionally slowed the pacing rather than enriching the narrative.

That said, Requiem for a Mouse still offers the charm of its well-loved characters and the comforting presence of Diesel, making it a worthwhile read for dedicated fans of the series. However, those looking for a more engaging mystery with higher stakes might find this one a bit underwhelming.