Hiss of Death

A Mrs. Murphy Mystery

By: Rita Mae Brown, Sneaky Pie Brown

Narrated by: Kate Forbes

The beloved writing tandem of Rita Mae Brown and her feline collaborator, Sneaky Pie, craft another tantalizing mystery with Hiss of Death. Spring is in the air in Crozet, Virginia, and Mary Minor “Harry” Haristeen looks forward to her first season of harvesting grapes. But then Harry falls ill and finds herself in a hospital—where a nurse turns up dead. When another hospital staffer kicks the bucket soon after, it falls to Harry’s animal friends to crack the case.

Solve another case with Mrs. Murphy.©2011 American Artists, Inc. (P)2011 Recorded Books, LLC

Animals talk, we should listen!

Despite the "heavy" story lines entwining cancer and murder, this was a delightful "light read." While the humans are trying to figure our what's going on in their town, so are the animals who seems to always be a step ahead because they pay attention. Love the way Rita Mae gets the 2 species to intermingle. Gave me a fresh perspective to my own critters, 2 rescue felines. They talk and I am listening with fresh ears now. The narration seemed a bit stilted at times but did convey the the flavor of the central Virginia area, and that brought back memories, having lived in CVille for some years in the 1990s.

Brown spends too much time preaching.

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

I enjoy many of Rita Mae Brown's books, but this one has too many long lectures from the author. The story is interesting, but the long speeches make me want to fast forward.

Would you recommend Hiss of Death to your friends? Why or why not?

Not really.

Have you listened to any of Kate Forbes’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

She's a good reader.

Was Hiss of Death worth the listening time?

Fair

Hiss of Death

I have enjoyed the Sneaky Pie Brown series. The last few episodes Brown got carried away with her conservative rhetoric but the stories were enjoyable. She toned it down a bit in this book. She kept me guessing as to what was the secret item in the container and, of course, I guessed wrong. Was glad the horses got to play hero this time along with Tucker and the cats. Was pleased to see she had Harry listening to audiobooks while in the truck and exercising. This is an enjoyable short book that makes a good change of pace between so called heavier reading.

Good but not her best.

Would you listen to Hiss of Death again? Why?

I love the Mrs Murphy Mystery series but this story was not as intricately woven as others that I have enjoyed. Still, the insight into the characters' emotions was appreciated in this novel. I will continue to read (listen) to these books as they are relatively clean listening.

What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)

Had it solved about 3/4 through. Not shocked.

Which scene was your favorite?

I always love the beginning foundational scene that sets the stage for the book... finding the body in the garden shed.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I empathized with the breast cancer scare. I think we've all had a close scare, if not ourselves then a friend.

Any additional comments?

Don't judge all Brown's works by this one. It is good. Just not great.

Entertaining

I live this series and all the characters in it. This one was especially interesting since the main protagonist has a health issue. I figured out about halfway through who was the murderer but nevertheless was entertained by how the story ufolded. You just can't go wrong with Rita Mae's Crozet crowd.

I love Rita Mae Brown and Sneaky Pie Brown

What made the experience of listening to Hiss of Death the most enjoyable?

that I can listen to it at night before I fall to sleep

Who was your favorite character and why?

Pewter he just stands out

What about Kate Forbes’s performance did you like?

Always

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No I like to listen one disc at a time

Enjoyed, but...

What made the experience of listening to Hiss of Death the most enjoyable?

The reader was really good. I enjoy that the series so far has the same person reading all the books.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I tried to listen in one sitting, but the discoursing by the different characters about a variety of topics, got a bit tiring.

Any additional comments?

The topic of cancer is a serious subject, and I was glad to see it presented in a way that would bring it to more people. I am a cancer survivor, and the book does present the subject of testing, treatment options, and life style changes as it truly is. But the frequent discoursing (or ranting) on a variety of topics by different characters and the animals seem to be most of the book. In past books the animals and some humans would discourse on issues/problems, but it was much, much worse in this book. The discoursing got so bad, that I fast forwarded through sections of the book. If you are a serious Mrs Murphy, Tucker and crew fan, it is worth listening to, but steel yourself for the "discoursing". You might need to keep your finger on the fast foward button.

always love her Mrs Murphy books!

What made the experience of listening to Hiss of Death the most enjoyable?

Have to say that I really love these books that continue with characters and their pets.

disappointed

Would you try another book from Rita Mae Brown and Sneaky Pie Brown and/or Kate Forbes?

I have always been a fan of this series but there was little of Mrs Murphy and her animal friends included in the plot. Might read another book but doubt I will listen to one

What could Rita Mae Brown and Sneaky Pie Brown have done to make this a more enjoyable book for you?

Less comment re world and political situation and more story line. I found it difficult to differentiate between the characters - sounded all the same.

I enjoy this series

Good mysteries, combined with a good story. I've always enjoyed the way she's brought current events into each book. Harry is not perfect, doesn't have all the answers but solid. I always think I'd like her as a friend.