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A Cats in Trouble Mystery #6
The Cat, the Vagabond and the Victim
Heir of the cat...
When Clyde the cat travels two hundred miles back home only to find his former owner dead, the story makes national news. While everyone seems eager to tell Clyde’s incredible tale, someone needs to step up to care for him. Because the media attention is creating chaos at the local shelter, cat quilter Jillian Hart agrees to foster the loyal orange tabby, hoping his location is kept secret.
But while the media circus around Clyde continues, Jillian learns the real story behind his owner’s death—he was murdered. Why would an eldery man already dying from a serious illness become a murder victim? As the local police search for an answer, Clyde makes another escape. Jillian is drawn into the case when she finds Clyde has returned to his home again—and he’s found another body. When the motive behind these murders is finally revealed, Jillian understands Clyde is in danger of becoming the next victim, and she must help find the killer before the claws really come out.…
When Clyde the cat travels two hundred miles back home only to find his former owner dead, the story makes national news. While everyone seems eager to tell Clyde’s incredible tale, someone needs to step up to care for him. Because the media attention is creating chaos at the local shelter, cat quilter Jillian Hart agrees to foster the loyal orange tabby, hoping his location is kept secret.
But while the media circus around Clyde continues, Jillian learns the real story behind his owner’s death—he was murdered. Why would an eldery man already dying from a serious illness become a murder victim? As the local police search for an answer, Clyde makes another escape. Jillian is drawn into the case when she finds Clyde has returned to his home again—and he’s found another body. When the motive behind these murders is finally revealed, Jillian understands Clyde is in danger of becoming the next victim, and she must help find the killer before the claws really come out.…
288 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published August 5, 2014
87 people are currently reading
1117 people want to read
About the author
Leann Sweeney
27 books524 followersLeann Sweeney was born and raised in Niagara Falls and educated at St. Joseph's Hospital and Lemoyne College in Syracuse, NY. She also has a degree from the University of Houston in behavioral science and worked for many years in psychiatry. Her short fiction won many awards and several mysteries were published in small market mystery magazines. Leann has written 13 cozy mysteries: 5 in The Yellow Rose Mystery Series and 8 in the Cats in Trouble Mysteries. #9 is being written now that Leann is recovering from a three year illness after a fall. Both series are published by Berkley and several titles made the NY Times bestseller list.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 124 reviews
July 24, 2014
"The Cat, the Vagabond, and the Victim" is a cozy mystery. It's the sixth in a series. You don't need to have read the previous novels to understand this one, and the previous whodunits aren't spoiled in this novel.
The mystery was a clue-based mystery, and I was able to get a good idea of whodunit and why from those clues. However, one aspect of whodunit was a surprise as the author very successfully managed to misdirect my attention. Well done! The cats were fun (and acted liked cats), and the characters were varied and interesting. The heroine was a nice person who was considerate of others and tried to help others. I liked her.
There was no sex. There was a very minor amount of bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this enjoyable mystery.
I received this book as a review copy from the publisher.
The mystery was a clue-based mystery, and I was able to get a good idea of whodunit and why from those clues. However, one aspect of whodunit was a surprise as the author very successfully managed to misdirect my attention. Well done! The cats were fun (and acted liked cats), and the characters were varied and interesting. The heroine was a nice person who was considerate of others and tried to help others. I liked her.
There was no sex. There was a very minor amount of bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this enjoyable mystery.
I received this book as a review copy from the publisher.
April 23, 2015
Jillian and her herd of cats...
errr...
what's the collective noun for a bunch of cats? Oh, right.
Jillian and her bunch of cats return for another cozy mystery. A cat has done that whole Incredible Journey thing...only without the two labradors and when said cat gets home he finds his master has met his maker.
Jillian investigates while the family circles to pick over the carcass.
This book. This whole series is like a Honda Civic. Yeah, it's reliable; it's safe; it's nice to drive. But it's not an Alfa Romeo!
I know, Alfa Romeos leak everywhere. I know they're just painted rust. I know that you'll spend more time with the hood up gazing vacantly at the engine than you'll ever spend driving it...but by god they're fun. Walk into a party and say, "I drive an Alfa Romeo", and you're instantly the coolest person in the room. Nobody is all that interested if you drive a Honda Civic.
So this book is reliable, it's safe, it's entertaining....it's all that good stuff. But it isn't great.
errr...
what's the collective noun for a bunch of cats? Oh, right.
Jillian and her bunch of cats return for another cozy mystery. A cat has done that whole Incredible Journey thing...only without the two labradors and when said cat gets home he finds his master has met his maker.
Jillian investigates while the family circles to pick over the carcass.
This book. This whole series is like a Honda Civic. Yeah, it's reliable; it's safe; it's nice to drive. But it's not an Alfa Romeo!
I know, Alfa Romeos leak everywhere. I know they're just painted rust. I know that you'll spend more time with the hood up gazing vacantly at the engine than you'll ever spend driving it...but by god they're fun. Walk into a party and say, "I drive an Alfa Romeo", and you're instantly the coolest person in the room. Nobody is all that interested if you drive a Honda Civic.
So this book is reliable, it's safe, it's entertaining....it's all that good stuff. But it isn't great.
February 6, 2017
I love this series, I have from the first book. That said, I DID NOT love this book. Not at all. None of the characters are likable. Not even remotely. Even Jillian, who I think is one of the better written "sleuths" in the cozy genre got on my nerves with this one. Maybe it was because its been awhile since I have read one [I am currently 2 books behind now] and I needed to try and get back into the swing of the characters. I don't know. The "supporting" cast was so annoying and outrageous and totally unlikable. It made it very difficult to finish.
I will say that the mystery part was good; it kept me guessing and I was quite surprised at who the killer was, but not that surprised at why.
I will keep reading these as I do love this series; I hope that this book was just a fluke.
December 23, 2021
Woohoo! I've discovered a new-to-me cozy mystery series I can get my claws into. :-) I discovered this book free in the audible Plus catalogue and even though it's the sixth book in the series, I had no issues jumping right in here. Clearly the romance must have evolved but other than that it was easy to pick up with life in this small town cozy. Love the cat-centricness of the story -- the author does write 'cat' well -- and the way cat vagabond Clyde is at the heart of the mystery. And I love that it's absolutely a clean read. Will definitely be backtracking and seeking out more feline mayhem and murder in my reading future!
August 29, 2019
Fantastic Story
I absolutely love this series and this book is wonderful.
Jillian Hart is a great character and her love for cats is heartwarming.
I'm this book, Jillian is involved in a nefarious deed that takes the lives of two people, while putting a loveable cat in harm's way.
Jillian's main goal is protecting Clyde, the now famous cat, known for his wandering skills. Unfortunately, Jillian is brought to the center of the investigation, and she will not stand by and have Clyde harmed, not if her life depends on it.
I absolutely love this series and this book is wonderful.
Jillian Hart is a great character and her love for cats is heartwarming.
I'm this book, Jillian is involved in a nefarious deed that takes the lives of two people, while putting a loveable cat in harm's way.
Jillian's main goal is protecting Clyde, the now famous cat, known for his wandering skills. Unfortunately, Jillian is brought to the center of the investigation, and she will not stand by and have Clyde harmed, not if her life depends on it.
September 20, 2017
Jillian takes over as shelter mom of a large, overweight cat in The Cat, the Vagabond, and the Victim by Leann Sweeney. Clyde’s human has become seriously ill with cancer, so he has had to send Clyde to stay with a friend. In short time, Clyde disappears, only to reappear two months later in Mercy, SC, 200 miles from where Clyde left, but unfortunately just too late to find Mr. Jeffery, his human, alive. But leave it to Candace, Jillian’s best friend and fan of all things forensics, to notice something suspicious about Mr. Jeffery’s death. He does not have as many of his heart pills as he should. Could he have been murdered? Committed suicide? But if so, why did he not take all the pills in the bottle?
Read the rest of this review and other fun, geeky articles at Fangirl Nation
Read the rest of this review and other fun, geeky articles at Fangirl Nation
November 27, 2018
Rating: 3.5 stars
The Cat, the Vagabond and the Victim is the sixth in Leann Sweeney's Cats in Trouble series. It's a media circus in Mercy. Clyde the cat traveled over 200 miles to get home only to discover his former owner dead. Jillian Hart agrees to foster the famous tabby in hopes of diverting some media attention and the chaos it's creating. There's something that doesn't add up about Clyde's owner's death. Why would a man who was already dying from a terminal illness be murdered?
This continues to be an enjoyable cozy mystery series. The new characters introduced as part of the new plot are all annoying and fairly unlikable. Jillian did her best to play nice with everyone which I think was unfortunate as some of these people could have used a serious talking to. The mystery plot was well done as always. I managed to guess the main motivation while still being surprised by the final reveal.
The Cat, the Vagabond and the Victim is the sixth in Leann Sweeney's Cats in Trouble series. It's a media circus in Mercy. Clyde the cat traveled over 200 miles to get home only to discover his former owner dead. Jillian Hart agrees to foster the famous tabby in hopes of diverting some media attention and the chaos it's creating. There's something that doesn't add up about Clyde's owner's death. Why would a man who was already dying from a terminal illness be murdered?
This continues to be an enjoyable cozy mystery series. The new characters introduced as part of the new plot are all annoying and fairly unlikable. Jillian did her best to play nice with everyone which I think was unfortunate as some of these people could have used a serious talking to. The mystery plot was well done as always. I managed to guess the main motivation while still being surprised by the final reveal.
July 7, 2021
This was a fun summer getaway!
August 9, 2014
I love a good cozy mystery about cats and this one didn't disappoint. A determined cat named Clyde takes a treck of two hundred miles back to his home to his owner , Norm Jeffrey to find him dead. This adventurous cat then is a becomes a overnight TV star. Clyde then finds himself in the local shelter in Mercy, South Carolina but not for long when cat quilter and lover and owner of three cats, Jillian Hart takes him into her home with her brood of felines to foster until a suitable caregiver turns up.
Clyde is becoming more famous by the day with is antics and with the media it's difficult to keep Clyde's location under wraps. Jillian finding out the real truth behind Norm Jeffrey's death, a man who's health is declining, a elderly man who was murdered. Clyde then makes another great escape back to his and Norm's home to find yet another dead body. Together with the police Jillian wants to figure out who could possibly have commited these murders. Jillian figures out the true motive of these murders and discovers that Clyde's life is also hanging in the balance. Being a lover of cat's Julian can't help but want to attain justice for all involved especially Clyde.
This was a heartwarming, tear jerking cozy centering around amazing cats. Being a cat lover and owner myself I couldn't turn down reading this book. It was like going on an adventure with this amazing cat named Clyde who through adversity comes out the hero in the end and if your a cat lover you won't be able not to love Clyde and his story. This was the first book in this series I have read but after reading this one it won't be my last, I can't wait to read and review the next in the series which is called The Cat, The Sneak and the Secret and will be out in August of 2015.
Posted by A Cozy Girl Reads at 12:00 AM
Clyde is becoming more famous by the day with is antics and with the media it's difficult to keep Clyde's location under wraps. Jillian finding out the real truth behind Norm Jeffrey's death, a man who's health is declining, a elderly man who was murdered. Clyde then makes another great escape back to his and Norm's home to find yet another dead body. Together with the police Jillian wants to figure out who could possibly have commited these murders. Jillian figures out the true motive of these murders and discovers that Clyde's life is also hanging in the balance. Being a lover of cat's Julian can't help but want to attain justice for all involved especially Clyde.
This was a heartwarming, tear jerking cozy centering around amazing cats. Being a cat lover and owner myself I couldn't turn down reading this book. It was like going on an adventure with this amazing cat named Clyde who through adversity comes out the hero in the end and if your a cat lover you won't be able not to love Clyde and his story. This was the first book in this series I have read but after reading this one it won't be my last, I can't wait to read and review the next in the series which is called The Cat, The Sneak and the Secret and will be out in August of 2015.
Posted by A Cozy Girl Reads at 12:00 AM
January 16, 2016
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Jillian, Tom, Syrah, Merlot and Chablis are back and they have been joined by the cat with a constant smile on his face, Clyde. In this tale Clyde is the star and more than the media hounds are after him.
Leann Sweeney has really taken us to a new level with this one. I have to say the new characters/suspects are way off the normal quirky character chart. They are family and they don’t even get along with each other. A certain family feud has been going on for years and now that Norm has passed away poor Clyde is right in the middle which means Jillian is right in the middle. She may have her friends on the police force and Tom consulting with them, but that doesn’t mean they can keep her butt out of trouble, literally.
What a fun read!! This whodunit was a puzzler, just when I thought I had it figured out there was a twist to prove me wrong and that happened more than once. Sweeney knows how to keep the reader on their toes.
A great mystery, interesting characters and those wonderful felines. A perfect book to escape right into!! I loved it!!
August 12, 2014
Always enjoy when a new book is released for this series. Love spending some time with the cats, Chablis, Syrah, and Merlot.
This was a wonderful follow up for the cliff hanger ending for book five. So glad Jillian made her choice and I think, she made the right one.
The mystery and the story involving Clyde was wonderful. Such a sweet character is Clyde the cat. Hope, he can come back in later books in the series. As for the mystery, I had it partially solved, but, I wasn't quite sure whom the killer or killers where, until the end. Looking forward to the next book to be leased next year.
This was a wonderful follow up for the cliff hanger ending for book five. So glad Jillian made her choice and I think, she made the right one.
The mystery and the story involving Clyde was wonderful. Such a sweet character is Clyde the cat. Hope, he can come back in later books in the series. As for the mystery, I had it partially solved, but, I wasn't quite sure whom the killer or killers where, until the end. Looking forward to the next book to be leased next year.
May 8, 2018
http://openbooksociety.com/article/th...
The Cat, the Vagabond, and the Victim
A Cats in Trouble Mystery #6
By Leann Sweeney
ISBN 0451415426 (ISBN13: 9780451415424)
leannsweeney.com
Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Jeanie
Synopsis:
When Clyde the cat travels two hundred miles back home only to find his former owner dead, the story makes national news. While everyone seems eager to tell Clyde’s incredible tale, someone needs to step up to care for him. Because the media attention is creating chaos at the local shelter, cat quilter Jillian Hart agrees to foster the loyal orange tabby, hoping his location is kept secret.
But while the media circus around Clyde continues, Jillian learns the real story behind his owner’s death—he was murdered. Why would an elderly man already dying from a serious illness become a murder victim? As the local police search for an answer, Clyde makes another escape. Jillian is drawn into the case when she finds Clyde has returned to his home again—and he’s found another body. When the motive behind these murders is finally revealed, Jillian understands Clyde is in danger of becoming the next victim, and she must help find the killer before the claws really come out.…(From Goodreads)
Review:
This cozy mystery is a blast! I so enjoyed it, and always look forward to the next new release in the series. The characters are so beautifully defined, and we learn something new about Jillian every time. The mystery is clever, hard for the reader to figure out whodunit. One thing I like is how, other than her loved ones, the cats are the most important beings to Jillian. Another is how the author applies her knowledge of cats as easily Jillian designs and makes as the quilts for cats. Speaking of her loved ones, she and Tom Stewart, a PI and security expert, have a wonderful secret to share, but need to find the perfect time. It might just be delayed, as he is hired on as a consultant to the Mercy PD when the chief has to go out of town.
Jillian helps the local animal sanctuary in many ways, one of them fostering cats awaiting placement. This time, Jillian and her three rescue cats will host Clyde, a cat who has traveled over 200 miles to return to the owner he loves. Clyde’s owner had cancer, and sent him to live with his sister Millicent. One day the beautiful orange tabby got out of the house and found his way back to Norm Jeffrey’s home in Mercy, SC, and sat outside, crying so loudly that a neighbor made calls to see what was happening. Sadly, Clyde was too late, for when the wellness check was done on the home, Norm had passed away. Shawn and Allison, owners of Mercy Animal Sanctuary, asked Jillian to take Clyde in until his new owner in the family would be determined.
At the request of Candace, a deputy and Jillian’s best friend, gives televised interviews that highlight the faithfulness of this beautiful cat. Candace and Tom have news they hope to release without fanfare beneath the Clyde’s story; Norm, his beloved owner,was murdered. Even though this gentle cat gets along well with Jillian’s, it is clear his heart is somewhere else, especially when he escapes in spite of the careful measures Jillian takes.
Candace and Tom (and Jillian!) have the most challenging case to date, especially when the second body turns up, and someone tries to kidnap Clyde. Someone is willing to go to any lengths, including bypassing the elaborate security system at Jillian’s. As they meet and talk with family members, there are sufficient decades-long grudges and secrets among family members to increase the suspect list. What a convoluted cast of criminals!
Jillian is definitely my favorite character. She calls cats her friends, and knows much about their emotional and behavioral health. Her stepdaughter, Kara, boyfriend, Tom, and his son, Finn, and best friend Candace are a masterful complement of folks who are like a family. With the exception of LouAnn Rafferty, Mr. Jeffrey’s cousin, I didn’t know who to consider safe among Norm’s family. They were as unusual as Jillian’s loved ones are close-knit.
This is an elaborate mystery with plot twists that make it a fast-paced, compelling novel. Another another body is found in Norm’s house, so his sister, nephew, and cousins, most of whom were estranged from each other, stack the list of suspects. Charm and sweetness can’t disguise the greedy heart. Most of the family knew one of Norm’s secrets – how much money he had – but were unsure of an even greater secret. This drama has many tangled strands, and I very much enjoy how the author ties them off. I highly recommend this mystery to those who love this author and series, well-written cozy mysteries, and cats.
The Cat, the Vagabond, and the Victim
A Cats in Trouble Mystery #6
By Leann Sweeney
ISBN 0451415426 (ISBN13: 9780451415424)
leannsweeney.com
Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Jeanie
Synopsis:
When Clyde the cat travels two hundred miles back home only to find his former owner dead, the story makes national news. While everyone seems eager to tell Clyde’s incredible tale, someone needs to step up to care for him. Because the media attention is creating chaos at the local shelter, cat quilter Jillian Hart agrees to foster the loyal orange tabby, hoping his location is kept secret.
But while the media circus around Clyde continues, Jillian learns the real story behind his owner’s death—he was murdered. Why would an elderly man already dying from a serious illness become a murder victim? As the local police search for an answer, Clyde makes another escape. Jillian is drawn into the case when she finds Clyde has returned to his home again—and he’s found another body. When the motive behind these murders is finally revealed, Jillian understands Clyde is in danger of becoming the next victim, and she must help find the killer before the claws really come out.…(From Goodreads)
Review:
This cozy mystery is a blast! I so enjoyed it, and always look forward to the next new release in the series. The characters are so beautifully defined, and we learn something new about Jillian every time. The mystery is clever, hard for the reader to figure out whodunit. One thing I like is how, other than her loved ones, the cats are the most important beings to Jillian. Another is how the author applies her knowledge of cats as easily Jillian designs and makes as the quilts for cats. Speaking of her loved ones, she and Tom Stewart, a PI and security expert, have a wonderful secret to share, but need to find the perfect time. It might just be delayed, as he is hired on as a consultant to the Mercy PD when the chief has to go out of town.
Jillian helps the local animal sanctuary in many ways, one of them fostering cats awaiting placement. This time, Jillian and her three rescue cats will host Clyde, a cat who has traveled over 200 miles to return to the owner he loves. Clyde’s owner had cancer, and sent him to live with his sister Millicent. One day the beautiful orange tabby got out of the house and found his way back to Norm Jeffrey’s home in Mercy, SC, and sat outside, crying so loudly that a neighbor made calls to see what was happening. Sadly, Clyde was too late, for when the wellness check was done on the home, Norm had passed away. Shawn and Allison, owners of Mercy Animal Sanctuary, asked Jillian to take Clyde in until his new owner in the family would be determined.
At the request of Candace, a deputy and Jillian’s best friend, gives televised interviews that highlight the faithfulness of this beautiful cat. Candace and Tom have news they hope to release without fanfare beneath the Clyde’s story; Norm, his beloved owner,was murdered. Even though this gentle cat gets along well with Jillian’s, it is clear his heart is somewhere else, especially when he escapes in spite of the careful measures Jillian takes.
Candace and Tom (and Jillian!) have the most challenging case to date, especially when the second body turns up, and someone tries to kidnap Clyde. Someone is willing to go to any lengths, including bypassing the elaborate security system at Jillian’s. As they meet and talk with family members, there are sufficient decades-long grudges and secrets among family members to increase the suspect list. What a convoluted cast of criminals!
Jillian is definitely my favorite character. She calls cats her friends, and knows much about their emotional and behavioral health. Her stepdaughter, Kara, boyfriend, Tom, and his son, Finn, and best friend Candace are a masterful complement of folks who are like a family. With the exception of LouAnn Rafferty, Mr. Jeffrey’s cousin, I didn’t know who to consider safe among Norm’s family. They were as unusual as Jillian’s loved ones are close-knit.
This is an elaborate mystery with plot twists that make it a fast-paced, compelling novel. Another another body is found in Norm’s house, so his sister, nephew, and cousins, most of whom were estranged from each other, stack the list of suspects. Charm and sweetness can’t disguise the greedy heart. Most of the family knew one of Norm’s secrets – how much money he had – but were unsure of an even greater secret. This drama has many tangled strands, and I very much enjoy how the author ties them off. I highly recommend this mystery to those who love this author and series, well-written cozy mysteries, and cats.
August 20, 2014
Mystery lovers and cat enthusiasts a like will fall in love with Leann Sweeney's latest Cats in Trouble book, The Cat, The Vagabond and the Victim. Bodies abound, as readers are introduced to a cat that likes to travel and a family that likes to fight. Sweeney's brand of quirky characters and felines sets this one apart and gives readers a one of a kind reading experience!
What I liked:
Leann Sweeney must own cats. There is no other way she could get the interactions between the cats in her Cats in Trouble series, and her human characters down so perfectly. I always enjoy seeing how she is going to use a cat in each of her books in the series. In The Cat, The Vagabond and the Victim, readers meet, Clyde, a lovable feline that wants nothing more than to return to his owner, Mr. Jeffers. Unfortunately, Mr. Jeffers is over 200 miles away and dead. Clyde was certainly the star of the show. He reminded of those animals you see on TV that somehow manage to find their way home despite desperate circumstances. It was a great idea and it really worked in this book. Readers can't help but love Clyde and wonder exactly how he factors into the murders.
Another of Sweeney's many writing talents, is her ability to write her human characters to be just as endearing has her feline characters. The more I learn about Jillian, the more I like her. She is quick when it comes to figuring things out and following the clues that she has been given. She has a presence about her that makes her believable. I like her process, as well. Most cozy heroines go about solving their mysteries in a similar manner in each book. Not, Jillian! She is varied and full of surprises.
While the mystery is obviously the reason most readers start reading a cozy mystery, there is a lot more going on in most of them. I was glad to see that Jillian and Tom's relationship is still going strong and that we not only get to meet new characters in this book, but we still get to keep up with the other characters from previous stories. I don't need to know their life story in each book, but a nod now and then makes the series seem more cohesive and enjoyable to read.
What I didn't like:
I didn't like it that I couldn't figure this one out! LOL... It was carefully plotted and Sweeney knew exactly what she was doing. I thought I was following all along, but the surprise at the end was completely opposite of what I thought was going to happen. "Foiled, again!"
Bottom Line:
This is a great mystery for both cozy and cat fans. Clyde is lovable and very loyal. The suspects and family of Mr. Jeffers were a lot of fun to read about and Jillian's life continues to be just as interesting as each mystery Sweeney writes about her. Engaging characters, awesome feline interaction and a well thought out mystery, make this one a must read!
What I liked:
Leann Sweeney must own cats. There is no other way she could get the interactions between the cats in her Cats in Trouble series, and her human characters down so perfectly. I always enjoy seeing how she is going to use a cat in each of her books in the series. In The Cat, The Vagabond and the Victim, readers meet, Clyde, a lovable feline that wants nothing more than to return to his owner, Mr. Jeffers. Unfortunately, Mr. Jeffers is over 200 miles away and dead. Clyde was certainly the star of the show. He reminded of those animals you see on TV that somehow manage to find their way home despite desperate circumstances. It was a great idea and it really worked in this book. Readers can't help but love Clyde and wonder exactly how he factors into the murders.
Another of Sweeney's many writing talents, is her ability to write her human characters to be just as endearing has her feline characters. The more I learn about Jillian, the more I like her. She is quick when it comes to figuring things out and following the clues that she has been given. She has a presence about her that makes her believable. I like her process, as well. Most cozy heroines go about solving their mysteries in a similar manner in each book. Not, Jillian! She is varied and full of surprises.
While the mystery is obviously the reason most readers start reading a cozy mystery, there is a lot more going on in most of them. I was glad to see that Jillian and Tom's relationship is still going strong and that we not only get to meet new characters in this book, but we still get to keep up with the other characters from previous stories. I don't need to know their life story in each book, but a nod now and then makes the series seem more cohesive and enjoyable to read.
What I didn't like:
I didn't like it that I couldn't figure this one out! LOL... It was carefully plotted and Sweeney knew exactly what she was doing. I thought I was following all along, but the surprise at the end was completely opposite of what I thought was going to happen. "Foiled, again!"
Bottom Line:
This is a great mystery for both cozy and cat fans. Clyde is lovable and very loyal. The suspects and family of Mr. Jeffers were a lot of fun to read about and Jillian's life continues to be just as interesting as each mystery Sweeney writes about her. Engaging characters, awesome feline interaction and a well thought out mystery, make this one a must read!
April 26, 2018
This novel is wonderful! It is one of those that one wants to rush to find whodunit, then mourn because the last page arrives, also. The characters are well developed, the mystery is complex, and Jillian and the cats are the very best part.
Jillian is asked to foster Clyde, a gentle cat who traveled for 200 miles to get back to the owner he loves. She and her three cats, rescues from Hurricane Katrina, very much enjoyed his being part of the family.
When Clyde arrived on his owner's doorstep, he sat outside and yowled in anticipation of his owner hearing and letting him in. Sadly, his owner, Norm Jeffrey, had passed away, initially thought due to cancer. Within a few days it was determined that he was murdered instead, and the family members who were long estranged are trying to get along well enough to get through the investigation and reading of the will. It seems poor Norm was worth a lot of money that someone couldn't wait to get.
Jillian's boyfriend Tom is hired as PI and consultant to the Mercy, South Carolina PD when the chief has to go out of town; her best friend is Candace, one of the detectives. Jillian also enjoys a wonderful relationship with her late husband's daughter. These four are my favorites (other than Clyde, of course). Jillian has a unique ability to understand cats that I wish I did! She also creates quilts for her cats, or for cats at the local shelter, as well as takes orders for custom ones.
There are plot twists that keep altering the suspect list. There is a young, ambitious, somewhat obnoxious, reporter who gets in the way of everyone she crosses paths with. Someone tries to catnap Clyde. Yet there is not one person who stands out more than the rest as the killer. I was very surprised to see the full solution to the murders and catnap attempts, and very satisfied with the ending. I highly recommend this novel, and any others in this series, especially if one loves cats in their cozy mysteries.
Jillian is asked to foster Clyde, a gentle cat who traveled for 200 miles to get back to the owner he loves. She and her three cats, rescues from Hurricane Katrina, very much enjoyed his being part of the family.
When Clyde arrived on his owner's doorstep, he sat outside and yowled in anticipation of his owner hearing and letting him in. Sadly, his owner, Norm Jeffrey, had passed away, initially thought due to cancer. Within a few days it was determined that he was murdered instead, and the family members who were long estranged are trying to get along well enough to get through the investigation and reading of the will. It seems poor Norm was worth a lot of money that someone couldn't wait to get.
Jillian's boyfriend Tom is hired as PI and consultant to the Mercy, South Carolina PD when the chief has to go out of town; her best friend is Candace, one of the detectives. Jillian also enjoys a wonderful relationship with her late husband's daughter. These four are my favorites (other than Clyde, of course). Jillian has a unique ability to understand cats that I wish I did! She also creates quilts for her cats, or for cats at the local shelter, as well as takes orders for custom ones.
There are plot twists that keep altering the suspect list. There is a young, ambitious, somewhat obnoxious, reporter who gets in the way of everyone she crosses paths with. Someone tries to catnap Clyde. Yet there is not one person who stands out more than the rest as the killer. I was very surprised to see the full solution to the murders and catnap attempts, and very satisfied with the ending. I highly recommend this novel, and any others in this series, especially if one loves cats in their cozy mysteries.
August 6, 2014
The Cat, The Vagabond And The Victim is the sixth book in the Cats In Trouble Mystery series.
Another fun look at Chablis, Syrah and Merlot and their human, Jillian.
This story centers around Clyde the cat who had been given to the owners sister, Millicent Boatman, as he was nearing the end of his life. Clyde has other ideas and returns only to find his owner, Mr. Jeffers, is dead. The local animal shelter turns Clyde over to Jillian to care for until it can be determined who should have Clyde. But Clyde escapes from Jillian's house, too, and once again heads home. Again a dead body is found, this time the caregiver for Mr. Jeffers. The police now need to rethink Mr. Jeffers death and determine whether is was suicide or murder. Jillian soon begins to take a hard look at members of the immediate family, who all seem anxious or have reason to inherit a sizable estate.
In addition to sleuthing Jillian has to deal with a TV reporter Emily Nguyen, who is currently a weather presenter, who think that a 5 minute segment will put her on the way to an Emmy. But with the help of her step-daughter, owner/editor/reporter of the Mercy Messenger Jillian is hoping that Emily will quit being her shadow and to learn enough to be a good reporter.
Things continue to run smoothly in the romance department for Jillian and Tom. And the time has come to share a secret with Kara, her step-daughter.
Definitely will be watching for the next book in the series.
Another fun look at Chablis, Syrah and Merlot and their human, Jillian.
This story centers around Clyde the cat who had been given to the owners sister, Millicent Boatman, as he was nearing the end of his life. Clyde has other ideas and returns only to find his owner, Mr. Jeffers, is dead. The local animal shelter turns Clyde over to Jillian to care for until it can be determined who should have Clyde. But Clyde escapes from Jillian's house, too, and once again heads home. Again a dead body is found, this time the caregiver for Mr. Jeffers. The police now need to rethink Mr. Jeffers death and determine whether is was suicide or murder. Jillian soon begins to take a hard look at members of the immediate family, who all seem anxious or have reason to inherit a sizable estate.
In addition to sleuthing Jillian has to deal with a TV reporter Emily Nguyen, who is currently a weather presenter, who think that a 5 minute segment will put her on the way to an Emmy. But with the help of her step-daughter, owner/editor/reporter of the Mercy Messenger Jillian is hoping that Emily will quit being her shadow and to learn enough to be a good reporter.
Things continue to run smoothly in the romance department for Jillian and Tom. And the time has come to share a secret with Kara, her step-daughter.
Definitely will be watching for the next book in the series.
August 9, 2014
Leann Sweeney has once again given us a wonderful glimpse into the life of Jillian Hart and all the wonderful personalities of Mercy. This time Jillian fosters a lovable tabby that has traveled 200 miles back home to find his owner has been murdered. Jillian, her BFF, Deputy Candace Carson and Jillian's fiance, Tom, all work together to try and solve this mystery. Throw in a very obnoxious reporter, a very dysfunctional family, some wonderful new characters and you have some twists and turns you were not expecting. Ms. Sweeney's books are well written and hold your interest until the end. Always a surprise or two keeps you on your toes. I am hooked and always eagerly look forward to the next adventure. This series keeps getting better and better!!
February 1, 2015
A fun Cozy romance of the love of a cat for it's human and how it helped find the murderer who killed his person. There were a lot of twists and turns and a very unexpected ending for me. I enjoyed the characters and the storyline. I will be reading more of this series. This is a stand alone book but easily connected to the previous books.
October 25, 2014
Pretty good cozy, lots of characters, both good and evil. Loved how big a role Clyde played, the fat orange kitty. Sweeney makes her cats almost human. And the mystery was pretty good, too.
August 16, 2016
Questa serie mi piace sempre di più! Ovviamente è incentrata sui gatti...
July 28, 2021
OH NO! There are only two more books in this series currently, and I'm starting the next-to-last one! OH NO! And that says it all.
February 6, 2017
Yet another cute story !!
February 8, 2022
I enjoyed this book. So many cozy authors name they series around the pets that they feature on the cover or in the book but not very many of them make the pets the main focus or give them such staring roles, like this author has and I just loved it. obviously the cats were the star of the show here but I also liked the characters who cared for them, the friendships and compassion came across nicely and shows the author has a good understanding of both cats and humans. The mystery was also interesting and with plenty of suspects it certainly kept me guessing. Just a nice mystery and worth a listen even if you are not a cat lover.
Clyde the cats five minutes of fame is proving to be troublesome with the reporter's following his every move. Everybody is so focused on the cats incredible two hundred mile journey to return to his sick owner, that everybody is missing the fact that the cat could have stumbled onto a crime scene. Did he kill himself? Was it an accidental one dose of something more sinister? And if it was murder why would anybody kill a man already dying from cancer? When Clyde escapes to once again return home, Jillian his foster mum while the messy business of which family member will get him is sorted out, knows where he is heading. She was right but this time it is she who stumbles on a crime scene and with this one there is no possibility of it being anything but. With two deaths in the same house it looks like there might be a killer on the lose but could the killer really be one of his family members and if it was Why are they going after the cat? Can Jillian keep her fur babies safe and find out why both men needed to die?
I liked the narrator, she used her voice and skill well to give each character there very own and unique voice.
Clyde the cats five minutes of fame is proving to be troublesome with the reporter's following his every move. Everybody is so focused on the cats incredible two hundred mile journey to return to his sick owner, that everybody is missing the fact that the cat could have stumbled onto a crime scene. Did he kill himself? Was it an accidental one dose of something more sinister? And if it was murder why would anybody kill a man already dying from cancer? When Clyde escapes to once again return home, Jillian his foster mum while the messy business of which family member will get him is sorted out, knows where he is heading. She was right but this time it is she who stumbles on a crime scene and with this one there is no possibility of it being anything but. With two deaths in the same house it looks like there might be a killer on the lose but could the killer really be one of his family members and if it was Why are they going after the cat? Can Jillian keep her fur babies safe and find out why both men needed to die?
I liked the narrator, she used her voice and skill well to give each character there very own and unique voice.
September 4, 2017
I am a cat person and I like cozy mysteries so I figured I would like this cozy mystery where the main character is a cat person. I did like it, but it took me a little time to get into it. Clyde is a cat whose owner, Norman Jefferies, gave to his sister to take care of as he is dying from cancer. The cat escaped and spent two months traveling the 100 or so miles back to his owner only to find him dead. The cat yowling at the door woke the neighbors which is how they found Norman dead in the first place. The main character is given the cat to take care of while things get sorted out and Clyde gets out on her as well and she gets really worried about him and the owner of the cat shelter that gave Clyde to her to watch also gets upset about this as well. The cat just traveled a long distance just fine, he can make it to his old house, no more than 10 miles away, just fine on his own.
Other than that I liked the story. It was farther along in the series and it takes place in a small southern town and the main character is good friends with the sheriff so there isn't the badge-waving, stay out of my investigation stuff that sometimes goes on in these types of books. I also liked the fact that the characters are quite moral (except for the murderers of course), engaged couples aren't living together or sleeping together.
Other than that I liked the story. It was farther along in the series and it takes place in a small southern town and the main character is good friends with the sheriff so there isn't the badge-waving, stay out of my investigation stuff that sometimes goes on in these types of books. I also liked the fact that the characters are quite moral (except for the murderers of course), engaged couples aren't living together or sleeping together.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 16, 2019
I have read all six of the Cats in Trouble series so far, and plan to read all subsequent volumes as well. Although I enjoyed the twists and turns involved in the plot of Vagabond, I couldn't help noticing a few errors in the Paperback version. To wit:
P. 26, People, unlike cats, have the ability to often disappoint. ("To often disappoint" is a split infinitive. Suggestion: People, unlike cats, often have the ability to disappoint. )
P. 60, okay that sounded bad / okay, that sounded bad ; p. 61, At this point I'm not / At this point, I'm not ;
P. 85, he's an ancestor to the Egyptian cats / he's A DESCENDANT OF the Egyptian cats .
(I'm constantly amazed how many people don't know the difference between "ancestor" and "descendant". Here's the dictionary definitions from www.quora.com (emphasis mine): "An ANCESTOR preceded you in a direct lineage — parents, grandparents, great-grandparents, etc. A DESCENDANT is your offspring — children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, etc. They are all related to the central person." In this particular case, the Egyptian cats lived long ago, so they would be Syrah's ancestors, and Syrah would be one of their descendants.)
P. 148, to Buford may have caused / to Buford MIGHT have caused ; p. 214, I wish I did a background check / I wish I HAD DONE a background check .
P. 26, People, unlike cats, have the ability to often disappoint. ("To often disappoint" is a split infinitive. Suggestion: People, unlike cats, often have the ability to disappoint. )
P. 60, okay that sounded bad / okay, that sounded bad ; p. 61, At this point I'm not / At this point, I'm not ;
P. 85, he's an ancestor to the Egyptian cats / he's A DESCENDANT OF the Egyptian cats .
(I'm constantly amazed how many people don't know the difference between "ancestor" and "descendant". Here's the dictionary definitions from www.quora.com (emphasis mine): "An ANCESTOR preceded you in a direct lineage — parents, grandparents, great-grandparents, etc. A DESCENDANT is your offspring — children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, etc. They are all related to the central person." In this particular case, the Egyptian cats lived long ago, so they would be Syrah's ancestors, and Syrah would be one of their descendants.)
P. 148, to Buford may have caused / to Buford MIGHT have caused ; p. 214, I wish I did a background check / I wish I HAD DONE a background check .
January 28, 2018
I’ve really been enjoying this series a lot. I really like Jillian and her friends as well as her cats. The themes introduced by the author are all unique but are centered around feline friends. In this book, we meet a cat named Clyde. Through the course of the book he’s been through quite a bit but he is one fortunate feline! Through the course of the story, we meet a lot of new people and try to figure out exactly what happened to Clydes owner. I really enjoy the way that the author tells the story and keeps us engaged with the characters as well as interested in what’s been going on. I have to admit I’ve been totally thrown by who ended up being the culprits and the motivation behind it. It was very well thought out and planned. The plot, not the murderer, although really when you think about it the murder is part of the overall book plot so kudos to the author. I’m looking forward to reading the last two books in the series soon.
March 27, 2020
When Clyde the cat travels 200 miles to get home, only to find his owner dead, it becomes a national story. He needs a foster home, so quilter Jillian Hart takes him in. While she fends off the media, Jillian finds out that the owner, who was already dying, was murdered. When another body is found, Jillian is drawn into the case. I picked this book up in a mystery bookstore while on vacation, and really enjoyed it. Since it is the middle of the series, I will have to go back and get the first few books, even though it seems that each story is independent of the others, save for Jillian's relationship with her boyfriend. She is a widow who is devoted to her cats and her stepdaughter, who runs the local newspaper, and spends her time making and selling cat quilts (when not helping her friend, the deputy sheriff, solve murder cases.)
October 18, 2025
This has been on my shelf for quite some time. I have been into reading cozy mysteries lately, so I pulled this one from the shelf. Jillian is a crazy cat lady having 3 of her own. She fosters a cat named Clyde who is the focus of a media circus. He traveled 200 miles from Hilton Head back to his hometown. He wanted to get back to his owner. The owner is now dead. Was it cancer or murder? Then Clyde finds a second corpse in his dead owner's home. Now crazy cat lady, Jillian Hart, decides she needs to help the investigation along. Throw in the oddest family ever, a journalist who follows Jillian everywhere, and burglary and it makes for a mystery with many subplots.
Cute read, but not a keeper on my shelf.
Cute read, but not a keeper on my shelf.
February 23, 2019
I am in love with Jillian's unusual cats. Clyde has traveled over 200 miles to try to be reunited with his master. Because Clyde's master Mr. Jeffery has died, the media is having a field day over Clyde's adventure. Since the media have literally taken over the town, the shelter owner sneaks Clyde into Jillian's home late one evening. Murder is soon suspected, esp. when another person is found dead in the same house as Mr. Jeffery. When an attempted cat napping of Clyde happens, Jillian is concerned over Clyde's life. But why? Slowly the story unfolds in an interesting cat filled way.
June 27, 2019
This was a cute, light mystery. I enjoyed the part the cats played. I thought it was neat how Clyde was at the center of the whole mystery. While it was pretty predictable, I hadn't figured out "who dun it", and it was a surprise. I should know that it usually isn't who you think it is. I would definitely read another in this series if one should come on sale. I listened to this book. I thought the writer did a great job and so did the narrator. I enjoyed The Cat, the Vagabond and the Victim.
November 29, 2022
The love of money…
Jillian fosters a famous cat who made an incredible journey to return to his home, only to find his owner had died just before he got back. Media people are going nuts over the story, and their antics make her nearly frantic - until she meets the relatives of the deceased, having learned his death was not of the cancer he’d been battling. Clyde the cat seems to be drawing more than media attention, but someone has evil intent - will Jillian figure out who, and why, in time?
Jillian fosters a famous cat who made an incredible journey to return to his home, only to find his owner had died just before he got back. Media people are going nuts over the story, and their antics make her nearly frantic - until she meets the relatives of the deceased, having learned his death was not of the cancer he’d been battling. Clyde the cat seems to be drawing more than media attention, but someone has evil intent - will Jillian figure out who, and why, in time?
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