Code Grey: A Dulcie Schwartz Feline Mystery

In Simon’s mildly charming ninth Dulcie Schwartz mystery (after 2014’s Stages of Grey), grad student Dulcie isn’t looking forward to spending spring break alone working on her dissertation, but when she learns that someone has assaulted Jeremy Mumbleigh, an eccentric former academic, on the Harvard campus, she turns her attention to whodunit. After all, there’s been an alarming series of break-ins on campus, though this case is different. Jeremy was carrying a missing rare book that may have connections to her own dissertation on The Ravages of Umbria, a Gothic novel. When the gentle Jeremy is accused of stealing the book, she’s sure he’s innocent. Luckily, Dulcie, who sometimes makes poor decisions, has the spirit of her deceased cat, Mr. Grey, to guide her. Her quirky appeal compensates in part for the lack of suspense, as do fascinating descriptions of rare books and Dulcie’s research topic. [em]Agent: Colleen Mohyde, Doe Coover Agency. (Aug.) [/em]