When Mayor Lucinda Beckwith Long gives Charlie Harris a set of Civil War era diaries, he is eager to read them not only for their history but because the contents may play a major part in the senate race between Lucinda's son Beck and Jason Singletary. It turns out the Charlie isn't the only one who wants those diaries and it looks like someone is even willing to kill if that is what it takes to get them.“Arsenic and Old Books” is the delightful sixth book in Miranda James’ (Dean James) Cat in the Stacks cozy mystery series - a series that gets better and better with each book. It took me a while to get used to reading about a male protagonist in a cozy mystery (the genre is full of female protagonists) but I like Charlie and of course his wonderful cat Diesel (there is a bonus short story about how Charlie met Diesel which it very cute to read). I also love the supporting characters - I need in Azalea in my life (my mouth was watering as I read the book)! The plot of the Civil War diaries was an interesting one - I am from New England and I am always fascinated at the south’s perspective of the Civil War. I also loved the snippets of the diary that we got to read. The mystery itself is well plotted with plenty of twists and turns - I was expecting someone else to die. There are also more than a few surprises involving the diary – this book kept me guessing from beginning to end!“Arsenic and Old Books” is another great cozy mystery by Miranda James.