They Needed Killing

When James F. Crawford retired from the university he didn't expect to become a private investigator. But Provost Rufus George wanted Crawford to investigate a suspicious death—and he wouldn't take no for an answer. Turns out, Crawford has a knack for solving crimes. With his dog and cat as the perfect sounding board, he talks through the specifics of each case—posing questions to Tan and The Black and answering them himself. If you like your mysteries with a side of humor, give the Needed Killing Series a try.
Book 6: Asked to help an old lady get her family home back from greedy developers, Crawford reluctantly agrees. Mrs. McGillicuddy is thrilled. "I can't tell you how excited I was when Frank told me I'd get to meet a real detective. I just love murder mysteries." When Ms. Mac convinces Crawford to pretend to solve a mystery, he finds himself caught up in the most perplexing case of his career.