First published 2003
Winter grips Crozet, Virginia hard. Postmistress Mary Minor "Harry" Haristeen and her friends warm themselves with work, drinks, and cheering for the University of Virginia women's basketball team at "The Clam" stadium. After one game, contractor H. H. Donaldson collapses dead in the parking lot. The news spreads quickly that a heart attack didn't kill him. Harry can't accept that a murderer sat among the fans, maybe someone she knows. Her tiger cat Mrs. Murphy knows this restlessness will drive Harry to poke around dangerous territory. The animals watch the humans more carefully and spot the second murder first. Harry sees the deaths must connect and plans to discover how. H. H. had seduced women across town, leaving broken hearts everywhere, including his wife's. The second victim was equally unpopular in Crozet. While police investigate officially, Harry questions everyone she knows for clues. The animals sense wickedness approaching with the next snowstorm. As Harry closes in on a killer, Mrs. Murphy and her friends must protect their determined owner.
Genres: mystery, contemporary, thriller, amateur-sleuth
Vibes: cozy, suspenseful, thought-provoking
Tropes: amateur-sleuth, found-family
Setting: Crozet, Virginia, The Clam
Period: Winter
504 pages · Hardcover · Thorndike Pr