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The No.2 Feline Detective Agency #11
The Windmill Murders
Hettie and Tilly find themselves investigating past secrets of murder, in an eerie case for The No. 2 Feline Detective Agency
Hettie and Tilly are summoned to a mysterious tea party hosted by Tilly's long-lost great-aunts. The ancient windmill they live in is not what it seems, and very soon the mill begins to reveal its terrifying secrets of murder and betrayal. Tilly must face her family's demons as Hettie fights to unravel the tragedies of the past.
Who are the hippy cats camped in the field? Why do the walls of the windmill whisper at night? And who haunts the derelict priory? Will Hettie and Tilly have the wind blown out of their sails before this baffling case is brought to a grinding conclusion?
Join these fearless cats as they investigate another pastry-laden mystery for The No. 2 Feline Detective Agency.
PRAISE FOR THE NO. 2 FELINE DETECTIVE AGENCY
'I loved it. The whole concept is just so “real”!’ Barbara Erskine
‘Mandy Morton’s Feline Detective Agency instigates a new genre, both wonderful and surreal’ Maddy Prior
‘The world that Morton has created is irresistible’ Publishers Weekly
‘Witty and smart. Prepare to be besotted' M.K. Graff
‘Mandy Morton’s series is both charming and whimsical’ Barry Forshaw
‘Hettie Bagshot might be a new face at the scene of a crime, but already she could teach most fictional detectives a thing or two’ The Hunts Post
Hettie and Tilly are summoned to a mysterious tea party hosted by Tilly's long-lost great-aunts. The ancient windmill they live in is not what it seems, and very soon the mill begins to reveal its terrifying secrets of murder and betrayal. Tilly must face her family's demons as Hettie fights to unravel the tragedies of the past.
Who are the hippy cats camped in the field? Why do the walls of the windmill whisper at night? And who haunts the derelict priory? Will Hettie and Tilly have the wind blown out of their sails before this baffling case is brought to a grinding conclusion?
Join these fearless cats as they investigate another pastry-laden mystery for The No. 2 Feline Detective Agency.
PRAISE FOR THE NO. 2 FELINE DETECTIVE AGENCY
'I loved it. The whole concept is just so “real”!’ Barbara Erskine
‘Mandy Morton’s Feline Detective Agency instigates a new genre, both wonderful and surreal’ Maddy Prior
‘The world that Morton has created is irresistible’ Publishers Weekly
‘Witty and smart. Prepare to be besotted' M.K. Graff
‘Mandy Morton’s series is both charming and whimsical’ Barry Forshaw
‘Hettie Bagshot might be a new face at the scene of a crime, but already she could teach most fictional detectives a thing or two’ The Hunts Post
- GenresMysteryCozy Mystery
227 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 4, 2023
About the author
Mandy Morton
20 books120 followersMandy Morton began her professional life as a musician. Her songwriting formed the basis of six albums during the 1970s and early 1980s, when she toured extensively with her band. More recently, she has worked as a freelance arts journalist for national and local radio, specialising in making music and theatre documentary. She is the co-author of a non-fiction theatre book, In Good Company, and lives with her partner in Cambridge and Cornwall, where there is always a place for an ageing long-haired tabby cat. The No. 2 Feline Detective Agency is her first novel, and begins a series of books inspired by her first cat, Hettie.
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June 12, 2023
My thanks to Duckworth Books/Farrago Books for a review copy of this book via NetGalley.
The Windmill Murders (2023) is the latest entry (book 11, if I counted right) in the No 2 Feline Detective Agency Series by musician and author Mandy Morton. The series is set in a world very much like ours (though perhaps a few decades ago when Agatha Crispy was still writing and Columbo was running on TV while the post and telegrams were the primary means of communication), but with the difference that this is a world populated by cats. Hettie Bagshot (in whose past musical career we have a hint of the author herself) and Tilly Jenkins are two tabbies who run the No 2 Feline Detective Agency in a small village and have solved several crimes including murders (theirs is a world that has no police). They live in a small bedsit above the Butter sisters’ bakery from where their meals and many treats are also supplied. While theirs may be a world of cats where one must lick one’s paws after every meal (usually scrumptious and plentiful, but I will get to that later), Hettie and Tilly’s actual adventures and cases could as easily unfold in the human realm for the cats of this world have much the same motivations as us humans, and their evil deeds can be as brutal and appalling.
This book, the third in the series that I have read, is somewhat different from the previous ones for while it does involve a mystery element, the story itself is a much broader one to do with history and ancestry, and unlike the other entries also involves a definite element of the uncanny which can be unnerving indeed.
When the book opens, the Butter sisters head off to help a relative who is injured, leaving Hetty and Tilly in charge of the bakery. This means having to wake at 4 am and cater to a deluge of customers, with the help of their friend Bruiser, and while they manage, there are some (at least aesthetic) disasters on their hands. Alongside, we learn that Tilly has been tracing her ancestors, and has managed to track down two great aunts whom she decides to write to. As she is reading up on possible family connections, she begins to have several nightmares, all taking her back into history, and revealing things about her family that are not only alarming but which turn out to be what had really taken place (confirmed later), causing her to get very unnerved. Then she receives an invitation to tea from her great aunts, and decides to go with Hettie. Bruiser is to drive them down to Norfolk on his motorcycle Miss Scarlett (he usually ferries them around for their cases as well) and the cat he is walking out with Dolly Scollop will go with them, making a picnic of it.
The trip begins on a rainy day and after some bumps on the road when they finally make it to the address, they find grounds occupied by a group of hippy cats, and the great aunts living in a derelict windmill. By now, on account of her nightmares, Tilly doesn’t wish to proceed, but what they find when they enter the windmill (only Hettie and Tilly are allowed in) shocks them entirely. The land, windmill and priory nearby all belong to Tilly family and is passed down in the female line, and it would seem Tilly is the next heir. However, one of the hippies is staking claim based on his own ancestry. A storm forces the four to agree to stay with the hippies for the night, but the events of the night are such that they find themselves in deep trouble and not allowed to leave. With the ghosts of the past haunting Tilly and revealing some terrifying and terrible truths, plus the problems of the present, how will things resolve?
Combining history, myth and legend, Mandy Morton gives us an exciting and whimsical read which does involve a mystery but is also so much more. Like previous books in the series, I love the feline spin she gives to real world entities and events, yet just to the right degree never going overboard, so while we might have the actress Margaret Rutherfur who plays Miss Marble, the author Kenneth Grayhair has still written The Wind in the Willows, and it is Columbo that still runs TV. From history we have the great plague of the 17th century as also the cruel witch hunts (with Matthew Hopk… er I mean Katkins, no less) as also the Vikings of old, and legend too, but I’ll leave you to see which ones for yourself
But the mystery element as I mentioned involves very real human failings and motivations. The murders (yes there are those—and a number of them counting the historical ones) are not cosy by any measure, in fact both brutal and gory, and justice when it is served is no kinder. But dark though they may be, they are interesting and I rather liked the explanation that emerged behind the present-day murders (which I guessed only just before they did) and the various secrets about the past ones. The latter of course involves the element of the uncanny as it is Tilly’s dreams that reveal her family’s disturbing past.
Although much of this book takes place in Norfolk and away from home, we do also have developments in Hettie and Tilly’s village which we keep up with, and while it may be them that solve the mysteries, their friends, Brusier, Dolly and the Butter sisters among them, are always there to help and have their backs.
Once again, Mandy Morton outdoes herself when it comes to the food the book involves. The sheer amount of cakes, roasts, pies, baps, casseroles, coffee and sweets and much much more that these cats eat, in meals followed by other meals (and then some) will leave any reader feeling very hungry indeed and running to grab a snack (or two or three). Even when our characters are trapped in a certain situation, they manage to make a fairly tempting meal with what little they have.
A wonderful entry in a lovely and fun series which anyone who loves mysteries and cats will very much enjoy!
The Windmill Murders (2023) is the latest entry (book 11, if I counted right) in the No 2 Feline Detective Agency Series by musician and author Mandy Morton. The series is set in a world very much like ours (though perhaps a few decades ago when Agatha Crispy was still writing and Columbo was running on TV while the post and telegrams were the primary means of communication), but with the difference that this is a world populated by cats. Hettie Bagshot (in whose past musical career we have a hint of the author herself) and Tilly Jenkins are two tabbies who run the No 2 Feline Detective Agency in a small village and have solved several crimes including murders (theirs is a world that has no police). They live in a small bedsit above the Butter sisters’ bakery from where their meals and many treats are also supplied. While theirs may be a world of cats where one must lick one’s paws after every meal (usually scrumptious and plentiful, but I will get to that later), Hettie and Tilly’s actual adventures and cases could as easily unfold in the human realm for the cats of this world have much the same motivations as us humans, and their evil deeds can be as brutal and appalling.
This book, the third in the series that I have read, is somewhat different from the previous ones for while it does involve a mystery element, the story itself is a much broader one to do with history and ancestry, and unlike the other entries also involves a definite element of the uncanny which can be unnerving indeed.
When the book opens, the Butter sisters head off to help a relative who is injured, leaving Hetty and Tilly in charge of the bakery. This means having to wake at 4 am and cater to a deluge of customers, with the help of their friend Bruiser, and while they manage, there are some (at least aesthetic) disasters on their hands. Alongside, we learn that Tilly has been tracing her ancestors, and has managed to track down two great aunts whom she decides to write to. As she is reading up on possible family connections, she begins to have several nightmares, all taking her back into history, and revealing things about her family that are not only alarming but which turn out to be what had really taken place (confirmed later), causing her to get very unnerved. Then she receives an invitation to tea from her great aunts, and decides to go with Hettie. Bruiser is to drive them down to Norfolk on his motorcycle Miss Scarlett (he usually ferries them around for their cases as well) and the cat he is walking out with Dolly Scollop will go with them, making a picnic of it.
The trip begins on a rainy day and after some bumps on the road when they finally make it to the address, they find grounds occupied by a group of hippy cats, and the great aunts living in a derelict windmill. By now, on account of her nightmares, Tilly doesn’t wish to proceed, but what they find when they enter the windmill (only Hettie and Tilly are allowed in) shocks them entirely. The land, windmill and priory nearby all belong to Tilly family and is passed down in the female line, and it would seem Tilly is the next heir. However, one of the hippies is staking claim based on his own ancestry. A storm forces the four to agree to stay with the hippies for the night, but the events of the night are such that they find themselves in deep trouble and not allowed to leave. With the ghosts of the past haunting Tilly and revealing some terrifying and terrible truths, plus the problems of the present, how will things resolve?
Combining history, myth and legend, Mandy Morton gives us an exciting and whimsical read which does involve a mystery but is also so much more. Like previous books in the series, I love the feline spin she gives to real world entities and events, yet just to the right degree never going overboard, so while we might have the actress Margaret Rutherfur who plays Miss Marble, the author Kenneth Grayhair has still written The Wind in the Willows, and it is Columbo that still runs TV. From history we have the great plague of the 17th century as also the cruel witch hunts (with Matthew Hopk… er I mean Katkins, no less) as also the Vikings of old, and legend too, but I’ll leave you to see which ones for yourself
But the mystery element as I mentioned involves very real human failings and motivations. The murders (yes there are those—and a number of them counting the historical ones) are not cosy by any measure, in fact both brutal and gory, and justice when it is served is no kinder. But dark though they may be, they are interesting and I rather liked the explanation that emerged behind the present-day murders (which I guessed only just before they did) and the various secrets about the past ones. The latter of course involves the element of the uncanny as it is Tilly’s dreams that reveal her family’s disturbing past.
Although much of this book takes place in Norfolk and away from home, we do also have developments in Hettie and Tilly’s village which we keep up with, and while it may be them that solve the mysteries, their friends, Brusier, Dolly and the Butter sisters among them, are always there to help and have their backs.
Once again, Mandy Morton outdoes herself when it comes to the food the book involves. The sheer amount of cakes, roasts, pies, baps, casseroles, coffee and sweets and much much more that these cats eat, in meals followed by other meals (and then some) will leave any reader feeling very hungry indeed and running to grab a snack (or two or three). Even when our characters are trapped in a certain situation, they manage to make a fairly tempting meal with what little they have.
A wonderful entry in a lovely and fun series which anyone who loves mysteries and cats will very much enjoy!
October 6, 2025
Abbruch nach 50%
March 19, 2023
In “The Windhill Murders”, the 11th edition of The No. 2 Feline Detective Agency written by Mandy Morton, Hettie Bagshot and her sidekick Tilly set out on a road trip with Bruiser and Dolly to meet and have tea with two of Tilly’s great aunts. If Tilly (Matilda) proves to be descended from the Skrimshaw bloodline, she could be the next in line to inherit a sizable estate.
However, upon their arrival they’re met by a male hippie cat claiming to be the next one to inherit, saying the two twin sisters had promised him the property in exchange for their care, as they are supposedly quite elderly, and a bit mad.
The friends are appalled to see the estate is in ruins. A very brief visit with the two twin sisters who are now living in the windmill earns Tilly nothing more than a lot of hissing and the sudden swipe of a paw of sharp claws across her face.
Due to poor weather conditions, they stay overnight at the estate in a caravan park near the windmill. A series of events in the morning find the twin sisters murdered, Tilly covered in blood, and the male cat screaming that she killed them to get the inheritance. His idea of vengeance is to lock them up in the old windmill and torch it.
This cozy No. 2 Feline Detective Agency Mystery turns into a locked room mystery not unlike those written by Agatha Christie. I found it to be lighthearted with a lot of tongue in cheek dialogue. It’s not particularly fast paced action, but it does move along, and it kept me interested in the story. It also kept me hungry, as these cats talk nonstop about food!
I received a free ARC from Book Sirens and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
However, upon their arrival they’re met by a male hippie cat claiming to be the next one to inherit, saying the two twin sisters had promised him the property in exchange for their care, as they are supposedly quite elderly, and a bit mad.
The friends are appalled to see the estate is in ruins. A very brief visit with the two twin sisters who are now living in the windmill earns Tilly nothing more than a lot of hissing and the sudden swipe of a paw of sharp claws across her face.
Due to poor weather conditions, they stay overnight at the estate in a caravan park near the windmill. A series of events in the morning find the twin sisters murdered, Tilly covered in blood, and the male cat screaming that she killed them to get the inheritance. His idea of vengeance is to lock them up in the old windmill and torch it.
This cozy No. 2 Feline Detective Agency Mystery turns into a locked room mystery not unlike those written by Agatha Christie. I found it to be lighthearted with a lot of tongue in cheek dialogue. It’s not particularly fast paced action, but it does move along, and it kept me interested in the story. It also kept me hungry, as these cats talk nonstop about food!
I received a free ARC from Book Sirens and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 4, 2023
If you're looking for a book that's a bit different - this is it!
The No. 2 Feline Detective Agency is, as you may expect, staffed by cats. Tilly has been researching her family and now Hettie and Tilly are summoned to a tea party held by Tilly's great-aunts who she has never met before. When they arrive, it's not exactly what they were expecting. The aunts are living in a windmill and hardly welcoming; they seem to be part of a community which seems more like a cult to the investigating duo; Something isn't quite right and they are determined to get to the bottom of it all.
This is the eleventh book in this series, but my first foray into Mandy Morton's writing. I was entertained from beginning to end. The character names are quite wonderful - so many smiles to be had! Hettie and Tilly get themselves into a real scrape, and I wasn't quite sure if they were going to get back out of it. A fun mystery and such a good read. If you need a bit of fun in your reading, this will definitely do it. And, just to add, I'm not actually a cat person! Four stars.
The No. 2 Feline Detective Agency is, as you may expect, staffed by cats. Tilly has been researching her family and now Hettie and Tilly are summoned to a tea party held by Tilly's great-aunts who she has never met before. When they arrive, it's not exactly what they were expecting. The aunts are living in a windmill and hardly welcoming; they seem to be part of a community which seems more like a cult to the investigating duo; Something isn't quite right and they are determined to get to the bottom of it all.
This is the eleventh book in this series, but my first foray into Mandy Morton's writing. I was entertained from beginning to end. The character names are quite wonderful - so many smiles to be had! Hettie and Tilly get themselves into a real scrape, and I wasn't quite sure if they were going to get back out of it. A fun mystery and such a good read. If you need a bit of fun in your reading, this will definitely do it. And, just to add, I'm not actually a cat person! Four stars.
May 3, 2023
Many thanks to NetGalley and Farrago for this Advanced Reader Copy and the opportunity to review The Windmill Murders.” All opinions and comments are my own.
A windmill there was (and is), and murders, but Hettie Bagshot and Tilly Jenkins, the proprietors of The No. 2 Feline Detective Agency, find much more to be concerned with in The Windmill Murders, the latest entry in this “cats as detectives” mystery series by Mandy Morton. This is the eleventh book.
The windmill keeps coming up in nightmares that Tilly is having, of something that happened to her family in the 17th century. She’s become interested in genealogy, you see, and she thinks she’s found a couple of relatives. So, a connection is made, and an invitation extended, and off Tilly and Hettie go, and a long, strange trip begins. Hoo, boy.
There’s a touch of the supernatural in this one, and the “tales of the 17th century” interspersed in the narrative make interesting reading. Those who enjoy glimpses into the past will be pleased with Hettie’s experiences. Me, not so much. At the core, though, is crime, and murder, something that the resolving of Tilly and Hettie are very good at, this time not without peril to themselves and accusation of doing the evil deed themselves by some bad ‘uns. They’re saved with a little help from their village friends the Butter sisters -- an amazing assist, I assure you. And it all comes right for the land surrounding “that” windmill -- quite an interesting story line, here.
And of course, readers are treated to a steady diet of bacon baps and jam sponges. Detectives need their strength, doncha know. And mustn’t forget to mention what’s happening at home. It’s surprising what the funeral of one of the more, shall we say, unlamented inhabitants of the town brings out in people, uh, cats.
The Windmill Murders is a bit of a departure for our two female felines. If they want to cavort with Viking queens and “ghosts,” who am I to say nay. I’ll just look forward to the next one.
A windmill there was (and is), and murders, but Hettie Bagshot and Tilly Jenkins, the proprietors of The No. 2 Feline Detective Agency, find much more to be concerned with in The Windmill Murders, the latest entry in this “cats as detectives” mystery series by Mandy Morton. This is the eleventh book.
The windmill keeps coming up in nightmares that Tilly is having, of something that happened to her family in the 17th century. She’s become interested in genealogy, you see, and she thinks she’s found a couple of relatives. So, a connection is made, and an invitation extended, and off Tilly and Hettie go, and a long, strange trip begins. Hoo, boy.
There’s a touch of the supernatural in this one, and the “tales of the 17th century” interspersed in the narrative make interesting reading. Those who enjoy glimpses into the past will be pleased with Hettie’s experiences. Me, not so much. At the core, though, is crime, and murder, something that the resolving of Tilly and Hettie are very good at, this time not without peril to themselves and accusation of doing the evil deed themselves by some bad ‘uns. They’re saved with a little help from their village friends the Butter sisters -- an amazing assist, I assure you. And it all comes right for the land surrounding “that” windmill -- quite an interesting story line, here.
And of course, readers are treated to a steady diet of bacon baps and jam sponges. Detectives need their strength, doncha know. And mustn’t forget to mention what’s happening at home. It’s surprising what the funeral of one of the more, shall we say, unlamented inhabitants of the town brings out in people, uh, cats.
The Windmill Murders is a bit of a departure for our two female felines. If they want to cavort with Viking queens and “ghosts,” who am I to say nay. I’ll just look forward to the next one.
May 9, 2023
My thanks to Duckworth Books/Farrago for an eARC via NetGalley of ‘The Windmill Murders’ by Mandy Morton.
This is Book 11 in her series of cosy mysteries that feature anthropomorphic cats, Hettie Bagshot and Tilly Jenkins, who run the No 2 Feline Detective Agency. I have enjoyed a number of the books in the charming series.
In this outing Tilly and Hettie are taking a post-Christmas break from cases. Tilly has become interested in tracing her family-tree and has identified two possible great-aunts. After writing a letter of introduction, she is delighted to be invited to their home, Skrimshaw Priory, in Norfolk.
So Tilly and Hettie travel there and discover that the aunties are living in an ancient windmill. However, the land around it is occupied by a group of hippie cats that consider themselves the protectors of the aunties, who they refer to as ‘the Ancients’. Tilly and Hettie are disturbed by this arrangement as well as by the aunties’ feral behaviour.
It appears that there are secrets to be uncovered, especially for Tilly as she experiences vivid nightmares about the distant past including a possible ancestor Matilda the Shield Maiden. There are rumours of ghosts and of course dastardly deeds. No further details to avoid spoilers.
As always with the books in this series, the cats are extremely interested in their food, including delicious pastries and fry-ups. Also, Mandy Morton loves her puns, especially of names like Mathew Katkins, the Witchfinder General. There was a fair amount of history in this outing linked to cats in Saxon and Viking times.
Overall, ‘The Windmill Murders’ was a fun addition to this series of cosy feline mysteries. They always make me smile whilst reading and I am sure will please cat lovers and those who enjoy cosy mysteries that are a little different.
This is Book 11 in her series of cosy mysteries that feature anthropomorphic cats, Hettie Bagshot and Tilly Jenkins, who run the No 2 Feline Detective Agency. I have enjoyed a number of the books in the charming series.
In this outing Tilly and Hettie are taking a post-Christmas break from cases. Tilly has become interested in tracing her family-tree and has identified two possible great-aunts. After writing a letter of introduction, she is delighted to be invited to their home, Skrimshaw Priory, in Norfolk.
So Tilly and Hettie travel there and discover that the aunties are living in an ancient windmill. However, the land around it is occupied by a group of hippie cats that consider themselves the protectors of the aunties, who they refer to as ‘the Ancients’. Tilly and Hettie are disturbed by this arrangement as well as by the aunties’ feral behaviour.
It appears that there are secrets to be uncovered, especially for Tilly as she experiences vivid nightmares about the distant past including a possible ancestor Matilda the Shield Maiden. There are rumours of ghosts and of course dastardly deeds. No further details to avoid spoilers.
As always with the books in this series, the cats are extremely interested in their food, including delicious pastries and fry-ups. Also, Mandy Morton loves her puns, especially of names like Mathew Katkins, the Witchfinder General. There was a fair amount of history in this outing linked to cats in Saxon and Viking times.
Overall, ‘The Windmill Murders’ was a fun addition to this series of cosy feline mysteries. They always make me smile whilst reading and I am sure will please cat lovers and those who enjoy cosy mysteries that are a little different.
February 24, 2026
Despite the mention of cats in the synopsis, I thought this book was going to be one of those cozy mysteries where the human character has one or more cats who accompany them on their adventures. Alas, I was wrong, and the main characters themselves were the cats. At first I thought this was cute, but then it became weird. The cats were just a bit too anthropomorphized. I wish they had retained more cat-like characteristics instead of dressing like humans, driving, etc. They really were humans in all ways except for the repeated mention of their paws, so it felt like the fact that they were cats was just for the novelty of it and not because it was a truly integrated part of the plot. It was quite distracting and took me out of the story.
Furthermore, the book was very, very slow. Now I expect a cozy mystery to not have the fastest pace, but this book focused more on descriptions of food than it did the mystery, especially in the first half of the novel. The mystery was also silly at times, especially when the cats visited the windmill and spoke with the pilgrims. And I definitely could’ve done without the supernatural element. However, the writing was of good quality with few typographical errors, and it was definitely a comforting, sweet book with a happy ending.
Overall, this book was not for me, and even for a cozy mystery, I think it’s a bit too slow. *I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.*
Furthermore, the book was very, very slow. Now I expect a cozy mystery to not have the fastest pace, but this book focused more on descriptions of food than it did the mystery, especially in the first half of the novel. The mystery was also silly at times, especially when the cats visited the windmill and spoke with the pilgrims. And I definitely could’ve done without the supernatural element. However, the writing was of good quality with few typographical errors, and it was definitely a comforting, sweet book with a happy ending.
Overall, this book was not for me, and even for a cozy mystery, I think it’s a bit too slow. *I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.*
May 11, 2023
Princess Fuzzypants here: The Number 2 Feline Detective Agency is always fun to visit. Hettie and Tilly, with Bruiser and all their other friends, tell the most wonderful tales. Sometimes it seems the stories are set in the times of Agatha Christie but the kitty version and sometimes, like this one, there are pop culture references to the 1960s and 1970s. But wherever and whatever, these are charming stories full of delightful touch and characters.
Tilly has taken up genealogy and thinks she may have discovered two heretofore unknown aunts. She sends a letter and is shocked when she receives a telegram beseeching her to come to the Scrimshaw Priorty that weekend. Hettie, Tilly, Bruiser and his girlfriend Dolly climb about Miss Scarlet and drive off to Norfolk where they discover some very strange goings on. It becomes apparent that neither of the aunts could have sent the telegram so who did and why.
They get caught up in a very dangerous game and it is only through their pluck and ingenuity that they are able to escape. In doing so, they also help a big clowder of cats throw off the despotic control of two very evil cats. And in the process they make new friends. I enjoyed every bit of the book and look forward to their next exploits. Five purrs and two paws up.
Tilly has taken up genealogy and thinks she may have discovered two heretofore unknown aunts. She sends a letter and is shocked when she receives a telegram beseeching her to come to the Scrimshaw Priorty that weekend. Hettie, Tilly, Bruiser and his girlfriend Dolly climb about Miss Scarlet and drive off to Norfolk where they discover some very strange goings on. It becomes apparent that neither of the aunts could have sent the telegram so who did and why.
They get caught up in a very dangerous game and it is only through their pluck and ingenuity that they are able to escape. In doing so, they also help a big clowder of cats throw off the despotic control of two very evil cats. And in the process they make new friends. I enjoyed every bit of the book and look forward to their next exploits. Five purrs and two paws up.
April 7, 2023
The Windmill Murders by Mandy Morton: 3.5⭐
Hettie Bagshot and Tilly Jenkins make a great team and run their ‘The No. 2 Feline Detective Agency’. Their friendship provides the reader comfort and cosiness but things take a dark turn when Tilly finds out she might have traced her great-aunts and they invite her over for tea.
The Windmill Murders by Mandy Morton is a great example of the genre cosy thriller. The moment I got to know that Hettie and Tilly are cats and its setup in a world of cats, it became even more interesting. It is packed with murder, thrill, comfort, cheekiness, spookiness, friendship, love and car. The book does not move at a super fast pace but keeps you hooked with either its cuteness or thrill. All the characters are given enough space and they all contribute to the storyline perfectly. The writing style is simple and easy to read. Some cute cat-puns await you in the book. Cherry on top was the cover which drew my attention towards the book.
Overall, it's a super cute short book to read over the weekend to feel all kinds of emotions.
*Booksirens provided me with e-ARC in exchange for honest feedback!*
Hettie Bagshot and Tilly Jenkins make a great team and run their ‘The No. 2 Feline Detective Agency’. Their friendship provides the reader comfort and cosiness but things take a dark turn when Tilly finds out she might have traced her great-aunts and they invite her over for tea.
The Windmill Murders by Mandy Morton is a great example of the genre cosy thriller. The moment I got to know that Hettie and Tilly are cats and its setup in a world of cats, it became even more interesting. It is packed with murder, thrill, comfort, cheekiness, spookiness, friendship, love and car. The book does not move at a super fast pace but keeps you hooked with either its cuteness or thrill. All the characters are given enough space and they all contribute to the storyline perfectly. The writing style is simple and easy to read. Some cute cat-puns await you in the book. Cherry on top was the cover which drew my attention towards the book.
Overall, it's a super cute short book to read over the weekend to feel all kinds of emotions.
*Booksirens provided me with e-ARC in exchange for honest feedback!*
May 7, 2023
This story is about Hattie and Tilly who own a company called The #2 Feline Detective Agency . Along with their friends , these ladies and gentlemen solve crimes. The wonderful fact about this book and agency is.. .. ..ALL THE CHARACTERS ARE CATS ! I was delighted to discover this and made the story even better. Cats who really talk and no humans to steal the show. They live in England which makes for a perfect location for this story. The story is about Tilly's research into her family history and a letter from her aunts inviting her to a tea party . When they arrive there is chaos and an evil "leader" and aunts who have disappeared.
Mandy Morton did a brilliant job creating these characters who are realistic and writing a great chilling mystery.
This is my first book I have read in the seri but I am planning on reading them all!
Thank you Book Sirens for offering this book,. author Mandy Morton for writing a great mystery series and her publishers who gave me a free copy. My review is my own thoughts and I give my opinion freely and with great enthusiasm.j
Mandy Morton did a brilliant job creating these characters who are realistic and writing a great chilling mystery.
This is my first book I have read in the seri but I am planning on reading them all!
Thank you Book Sirens for offering this book,. author Mandy Morton for writing a great mystery series and her publishers who gave me a free copy. My review is my own thoughts and I give my opinion freely and with great enthusiasm.j
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 17, 2023
This was my first introduction to "The No. 2 Feline Detective Agency Books." All the characters are Tilly and Hettie live and run their detective agency from above the Butter Sisters' bakery. Tilly has been doing her family history and has found a great aunt she did not know existed. She wrote her and received an invitation to tea. Tilly &Hettie, along with friends Bruiser and Dolly, set out for an adventure. They soon realize they may have gotten more than they bargained for. Tilly & Hettie find a hippie society with secrets and her aunt is actually two aunts and they are not sane. Soon there is a locked room murder to solve along with other strange goings on.
This was a fine mystery and some fun characters. I really enjoyed it.
Thanks to NetGalley and Farrago books for the chance to read it.
This was a fine mystery and some fun characters. I really enjoyed it.
Thanks to NetGalley and Farrago books for the chance to read it.
April 18, 2023
Hettie and Tilly are back. It's just after Christmas and the town has decided to keep the decorations up for January to keep everyone happy. Tilly has taken up genealogy and has discovered that she might have some great aunts in Norfolk. She sends them a letter and is surprised to get a reply asking her for afternoon tea.
She decides to take Hettie and Bruiser with her and Dolly comes along for the rider.
When they reach their destination, they are met by a band of hippies, of whom one declares that he is the rightful heir to the land and the great aunt sisters have signed over the land to him.
This sets Hettie's whiskers trembling and after meeting the sisters who are decidedly feral, vile deeds come aplenty and it's up to the gang to sort out the good from the bad.
Of course there is cake and bacon sandwiches in the mix alongside a nice cup of milky tea!
She decides to take Hettie and Bruiser with her and Dolly comes along for the rider.
When they reach their destination, they are met by a band of hippies, of whom one declares that he is the rightful heir to the land and the great aunt sisters have signed over the land to him.
This sets Hettie's whiskers trembling and after meeting the sisters who are decidedly feral, vile deeds come aplenty and it's up to the gang to sort out the good from the bad.
Of course there is cake and bacon sandwiches in the mix alongside a nice cup of milky tea!
May 15, 2023
The Windhill Murders is the 11th book of The No. 2 Feline Detective Agency mystery series written by Mandy Morton. The No. 2 Feline Detective Agency is, as you may expect, staffed by cats. I found it to be lighthearted with a lot of tongue in cheek dialogue. It’s not particularly fast paced action, but it does move along, and it kept me interested in the story. It also kept me hungry, as these cats talk nonstop about food! This is the eleventh book in this series, but my first foray into Mandy Morton's writing. I was entertained from beginning to end. The character names are quite wonderful - so many smiles to be had! Hettie and Tilly get themselves into a real scrape, and I wasn't quite sure if they were going to get back out of it. A fun mystery and such a good read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 4, 2023
This is the 12th book in the series, which I didn't realise when I started reading. It does however work perfectly well as a standalone.
Hettie and Tilly run the No 2 Feline Detective Agency. This story sees Tilly caught up in tracing her relatives and family tree, and when she discovers she may have 2 great aunts living in Norfolk, she and Hettie, along with friends Bruiser and Dolly, travel to meet them. What they discover is a huge mystery, and the four cats work to solve the puzzle.
I really enjoyed the premise of a world full of cats, even if I did struggle at times to remember they were felines not humans! A quick, fun read, and I'll definitely be looking out for the earlier books in the series.
Hettie and Tilly run the No 2 Feline Detective Agency. This story sees Tilly caught up in tracing her relatives and family tree, and when she discovers she may have 2 great aunts living in Norfolk, she and Hettie, along with friends Bruiser and Dolly, travel to meet them. What they discover is a huge mystery, and the four cats work to solve the puzzle.
I really enjoyed the premise of a world full of cats, even if I did struggle at times to remember they were felines not humans! A quick, fun read, and I'll definitely be looking out for the earlier books in the series.
May 31, 2023
I’ve read 2 of this series now and this is actually book 11 about the No 2 Feline Detective Agency (I may have to go back and read from book 1 to find out who number 1 is!) and I really like them. They are perfect standalones so you don’t need to have read the others before this one.
The main cats, Hettie and Tilly, live behind a bakery and run a detective agency. In this book, however, they are invited to tea with two elderly aunts of Tilly’s but it doesn’t quite end up as straightforward as they thought.
The 2 aunts have actually been driven mad and are being kept in a windmill by an evil cult leader and his cronies who reckons he is the rightful heir to the land, but is he?
As usual, the book is laden with more food than you could ever want and the cats start the book in the bakery helping out. I’m not sure I’ve ever read a book with so much food described throughout (apart from the previous one I read), they’re certainly hungry cats! A fab cosy mystery food diary, I mean cat detective story 🤣 that can be read in a day with snacks (definitely needed!)
The main cats, Hettie and Tilly, live behind a bakery and run a detective agency. In this book, however, they are invited to tea with two elderly aunts of Tilly’s but it doesn’t quite end up as straightforward as they thought.
The 2 aunts have actually been driven mad and are being kept in a windmill by an evil cult leader and his cronies who reckons he is the rightful heir to the land, but is he?
As usual, the book is laden with more food than you could ever want and the cats start the book in the bakery helping out. I’m not sure I’ve ever read a book with so much food described throughout (apart from the previous one I read), they’re certainly hungry cats! A fab cosy mystery food diary, I mean cat detective story 🤣 that can be read in a day with snacks (definitely needed!)
April 20, 2025
Tilly has been tracing her family tree and found she has two great aunts. She sends a letter to introduce herself and a reply invites her to tea. Before they can go, Hetty and Tilly are left in charge of the bakery forca couple if days while Betty and Beryl go to help their sister who's had an accident. Bruiser takes the girls to the aunts where they witness a distressing incident. They find whispering walls in the windmill, a mysterious nun, a hippy settlement, a contender for the ownership of the land, an ancient murder. Can Hetty and Tilly resolve the issues at the site? Will Tilly get rid of her nightmares?
As usual, puns abound. This story is a bit darker in places than usual but the tension is maintained to the end. An easy read and very enjoyable.
As usual, puns abound. This story is a bit darker in places than usual but the tension is maintained to the end. An easy read and very enjoyable.
May 15, 2023
I flipping LOVE these books! I sped through this, as with all the others, in one sitting with a copious amount of tea and biscuits. All the characters are great, Tilly is my favourite. Although as grumpy and spiteful as Lavender Stamp is, I do confess to having had a soft spot for her from the beginning. In this adventure we join Hettie, Tilly, Bruiser and Dolly heading to Norfolk as Tilly has discovered her long lost Great Aunts. We are treated to hippies, ghosts and whispering walls. Oh and a calvery charge of a sort just in the nick of time! All the usual shenanigans and then some! Can't wait for the next adventure and am keeping fingers crossed that some cat's happiness lasts.
March 4, 2023
The Windmill Murders is Book 11 in The No 2 Feline Detective Agency by Mandy Morton. I thought that this cozy mystery was such fun. Hettie and Tilly own a detective agency and they are cats! Sometimes when I was reading, I would forget that the characters were cats because I was so engrossed in the story. I felt that the author did a good job of writing the story and giving the characters wonderful personalities. I enjoyed the book from beginning to end and hope Mandy Morton writes book 12 soon. I received an arc for free and am leaving my review voluntarily.
April 4, 2023
Another winner featuring Hattie, Tillie and the groups of cats. I fell in love with this series and had to read all the books.
This is a very good one, a bit darker than usual and with more paranormal aspects, but I was very happy to catch up with the cats and learn something new about them or the story of some side characters.
Enjoyable, compelling, and very entertaining. A solid and tightly knitted plot that kept hooked.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this arc, all opinions are mine
This is a very good one, a bit darker than usual and with more paranormal aspects, but I was very happy to catch up with the cats and learn something new about them or the story of some side characters.
Enjoyable, compelling, and very entertaining. A solid and tightly knitted plot that kept hooked.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this arc, all opinions are mine
May 4, 2023
What a fascinating world of cats living their lives somewhat as humans do, but still with several normal cat traits. They drive cars, wear clothes, own businesses and in the case of Tilly and Hettie, solve crimes, old and new. It was an enjoyable, funny, and sometimes frightening romp through their world. I would highly recommend you take that journey with them through at least one book, and then I bet you will be hooked too.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 21, 2023
The Windmill Murders is book #11 in the No. 2 Feline Detective Agency series by Mandy Morton.
This was the first book I’ve read in the series and I thoroughly enjoyed it. You’re reading along and it is like other cozy mysteries, until there is a reminder the characters are cats - one of them kept getting her paw caught in the till and there was a queue of cats outside the bakery. This was the first book I’ve read in this series and it was a lot of fun to read. I look forward to more!
I received a free copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
This was the first book I’ve read in the series and I thoroughly enjoyed it. You’re reading along and it is like other cozy mysteries, until there is a reminder the characters are cats - one of them kept getting her paw caught in the till and there was a queue of cats outside the bakery. This was the first book I’ve read in this series and it was a lot of fun to read. I look forward to more!
I received a free copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
June 4, 2023
Rating 4.
Another really enjoyable book in this series.
The main characters are all drawn so clearly now that you can easily see them in the minds eye.
The punning names are as bead ever.
The mystery this time around has less detection and more thriller elements but very good for the change of pace.
This series for me keeps getting better with each title and this is a definite recommendation.
Unusually I think that so far the individual novels are all rated between 4 & 4.5 whilst as a whole the series is a solid 5.
Another really enjoyable book in this series.
The main characters are all drawn so clearly now that you can easily see them in the minds eye.
The punning names are as bead ever.
The mystery this time around has less detection and more thriller elements but very good for the change of pace.
This series for me keeps getting better with each title and this is a definite recommendation.
Unusually I think that so far the individual novels are all rated between 4 & 4.5 whilst as a whole the series is a solid 5.
April 14, 2023
I was drawn to the colourful cover, and thought this looked and sounded like my kind of book.
I thought this was delightful. Who doesn't love a cosy mystery where the detectives are cats? Each cat had their own personality too. This book was a lot of fun, entertaining and made me smile from the beginning. I would be interested in reading some more of these.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for a free copy to review.
I thought this was delightful. Who doesn't love a cosy mystery where the detectives are cats? Each cat had their own personality too. This book was a lot of fun, entertaining and made me smile from the beginning. I would be interested in reading some more of these.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for a free copy to review.
April 24, 2023
This is the first book in the series I have read, didn't know there were others. It was quite amusing what cats can get up to. It's the first book I actually read that animals (cats) are doing the talking. The cats have a great adventure looking into one of their history of life, It was a very interesting read I would read others in the series Thank You book Sirens for offering me an advanced copy to read. I will look for the other books.
July 24, 2023
"The Windmill Murders" by Mandy Morton is full of cats. A few cats are working in the bakery. One squeezes cream in the horns. One is having a battle with the cash register. This "till" has a mind of its own. This cat cozy is so different from other cat cozies and similar in other ways.
It might take a moment to get use to talking cats, cooking cats and cats tracking their ancestors.No matter how long it takes it's a bowl full of catnip every moment.
It might take a moment to get use to talking cats, cooking cats and cats tracking their ancestors.No matter how long it takes it's a bowl full of catnip every moment.
August 27, 2023
2.5 stars.
This was fine. Even though it was only 200 pages long it still felt like it dragged. The story itself finished in chapter 21 but for some reason there were another 4 chapters after that. The last few chapters were just unnecessary. It was nice and quirkly and there were elements where it was funny. I did chuckle every time I saw "hands" being replaced with "paws" and such like, but over all it was just fine.
This was fine. Even though it was only 200 pages long it still felt like it dragged. The story itself finished in chapter 21 but for some reason there were another 4 chapters after that. The last few chapters were just unnecessary. It was nice and quirkly and there were elements where it was funny. I did chuckle every time I saw "hands" being replaced with "paws" and such like, but over all it was just fine.
April 29, 2023
I like this book, it was quite fun to read and the bit of history tangled in this story was very subtle, yet important. Even though at first, I found the cats as characters, unusual., I loved the word play and the quirky inclusion of behavior. All in ll I really enjoyed the book and read it in two sitting. Thanks you NetGalley and the publishers for the DRC
May 4, 2023
A cute cozy but substitute cats for humans and you get the picture. A bit of a locked room mystery, thrills and good characters. This is the first book in this series I've read but I would definitely like to read more.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.
May 5, 2023
Not quite as expected
I loved this book because it was a little different from others in this series. There was no murder mystery as such but a fantastic tale of history mixed with Hettie's sarcastic wit and Tilly's innocence. A must read for anyone who loves cats and mysteries!!!
I loved this book because it was a little different from others in this series. There was no murder mystery as such but a fantastic tale of history mixed with Hettie's sarcastic wit and Tilly's innocence. A must read for anyone who loves cats and mysteries!!!
May 16, 2023
This is my first book by this author & now I’m going to have to read them all! Such a great cosy read, nice bit of suspense and some wonderful characters. The fact that this is about cats makes it even more interesting! The National Crust 😊 will be recommending this series as it’s such a light easy read which is just what I needed!
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