Cat on the Scent: A Mrs. Murphy Mystery #7 by Rita Mae Brown
A charming, witty, small-town mystery where a clever cat, a devoted postmistress, and a twisty murder case collide in the beloved Mrs. Murphy series.
In Cat on the Scent, bestselling author Rita Mae Brown, with her feline co-author Sneaky Pie Brown, delivers another delightful mystery set in the cozy town of Crozet, Virginia. When a local woman disappears and a body turns up near a Civil War battlefield, postmistress Mary Minor “Harry” Haristeen and her animal companions—Mrs. Murphy, Pewter, and Tucker—find themselves drawn into a dangerous investigation.
As Harry juggles small-town gossip, simmering tensions, and long-buried secrets, her sharp-eyed pets notice clues humans overlook. The animals’ humorous commentary and uncanny instincts help unravel the mystery behind the suspicious death—one that may be tied to history, jealousy, and a killer still lurking close to home.
Warm, funny, and full of Southern charm, Cat on the Scent blends cozy atmosphere with clever sleuthing, making it a standout entry in the beloved series.
💖 Why You’ll Love It
A classic cozy mystery with humor, warmth, and talking-animal charm
Features the much-loved trio: Mrs. Murphy, Pewter, and Tucker
Perfect balance of mystery, small-town life, and character depth
Ideal for fans of long-running, feel-good detective series
Light, comforting reading with a clever whodunit
🌟 Perfect For
Cozy mystery fans
Readers who love animal-assisted sleuthing
Fans of the Mrs. Murphy series
Book clubs looking for light, fun mysteries
Readers who enjoy Southern small-town stories
❤️ Fans Also Liked
Wish You Were Here — Rita Mae Brown (Book #1)
Aunt Dimity’s Death — Nancy Atherton
The Cat Who Could Read Backwards — Lilian Jackson Braun
- Title: Cat on the Scent
- Author: Rita Mae Brown (with Sneaky Pie Brown)
- Genres: Fiction / Mystery / Cozy Mystery / Women’s Fiction
- Series: Mrs. Murphy Mysteries (Book 7)
- Publication Year: 1999
- Publisher: Bantam
- ISBN-13: 9780553099713
- Format: Hardcover
- Language: English
- Condition: Very Good — Clean pages, tight binding, dust cover shows minor shelf wear.
- Edition: First Edition
- Recommended Reading Age: Adult

