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Magical Cats Mystery #5
Final Catcall
Small town librarian Kathleen Paulson gets plenty of entertainment from her extraordinary cats, Owen and Hercules. But when a theatre troupe stumbles into more tragedy than it bargained for, it’s up to Kathleen to play detective...
With her sort-of boyfriend Marcus calling it quits and her ex-boyfriend Andrew showing up out of the blue, Kathleen has more than enough drama to deal with—and that’s before a local theatre festival relocates to Mayville Heights. Now the town is buzzing with theatre folk, and many of them have their own private dramas with the director, Hugh Davis.
When Davis is found shot to death by the marina, he leaves behind evidence of blackmail and fraud, as well as an ensemble of suspects. Now Kathleen, with a little help from her feline friends Owen and Hercules, will have to catch the real killer before another victim takes a final curtain call.
With her sort-of boyfriend Marcus calling it quits and her ex-boyfriend Andrew showing up out of the blue, Kathleen has more than enough drama to deal with—and that’s before a local theatre festival relocates to Mayville Heights. Now the town is buzzing with theatre folk, and many of them have their own private dramas with the director, Hugh Davis.
When Davis is found shot to death by the marina, he leaves behind evidence of blackmail and fraud, as well as an ensemble of suspects. Now Kathleen, with a little help from her feline friends Owen and Hercules, will have to catch the real killer before another victim takes a final curtain call.
336 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 2013
94 people are currently reading
1473 people want to read
About the author
Sofie Kelly
17 books1,114 followersSofie Kelly is the pseudonym of young adult writer and mixed-media artist, Darlene Ryan. Sofie/Darlene lives on the east coast with her husband and daughter. In her spare time she practices Wu style tai chi and likes to prowl around thrift stores. And she admits to having a small crush on Matt Lauer.
She also writes as Sofie Ryan.
She also writes as Sofie Ryan.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 300 reviews
September 4, 2017
If you're anything like me, you would have been at least annoyed if not furious after reading that blurb. I avoided doing that for previous books and for some stupid reason, I read this one.
And almost skipped the damn book. I loathe this particular trope (the ex thing) in any genre. It's not a spoiler. It is right there in the book summary. I can't even begin describing how much it ruins any story for me. I can't control it so the smart thing is to either skip it or hate it.
Well, in the case of this book it is neither and I loved it. Yes, Andrew who drunkenly married someone else comes to woo Kathleen back (his words). There wasn't a single moment I found Kathleen's behaviour annoying. I loved it.
You get to meet Kath's mother (finally) and some other people. The reaction Andrew got from Owen and Hercules is also great. Overall, I'm glad I liked these characters enough to try getting over the thing with Andrew.
As usual, there's a murder mystery somewhere in there, but I was more interested in the people rather than that.
And that ending from the previous book? Devious.
And almost skipped the damn book. I loathe this particular trope (the ex thing) in any genre. It's not a spoiler. It is right there in the book summary. I can't even begin describing how much it ruins any story for me. I can't control it so the smart thing is to either skip it or hate it.
Well, in the case of this book it is neither and I loved it. Yes, Andrew who drunkenly married someone else comes to woo Kathleen back (his words). There wasn't a single moment I found Kathleen's behaviour annoying. I loved it.
You get to meet Kath's mother (finally) and some other people. The reaction Andrew got from Owen and Hercules is also great. Overall, I'm glad I liked these characters enough to try getting over the thing with Andrew.
As usual, there's a murder mystery somewhere in there, but I was more interested in the people rather than that.
And that ending from the previous book? Devious.
March 30, 2020
Finally the author stopped putting in the line, as in every previous book, about what a crush one of the characters has on Matt Lauer. Finally. Because, eww.
June 6, 2018
On the outs with Marcus, Kathleen's ex fiancee comes to town, hoping to win her back. If that's not enough drama, the theatre festival is in town. The director, though famous is actually a jerk, so of course, he soon ends up on ice. As usual one of Kathleen's friends is a suspect.
With the help of her cat, she solves the mystery.
This is a pretty entertaining series.
With the help of her cat, she solves the mystery.
This is a pretty entertaining series.
December 29, 2023
Librarian Kathleen is caught in a dilemma when things go downhill with her crush Marcus, just as her ex Andrew shows up in town to win her back. Shortly after, she literally falls over a dead body. Kathleen, Marcus, friends and family are drawn into solving the crime, as Kathleen figures out her future. Owen & Hercules, her two cats, prove helpful along the way. Such a fun series.
April 28, 2024
This is a well-constructed, charming series about librarian Kathleen and her two paranormal cats: Hercules and Owen. A little magical realism is always fun in a cozy mystery!
In this outing, Kathleen and detective Marcus have had a disagreement over her "sticking her nose" into police cases, so they are on the outs. So who shows up in town? Andrew, the guy who ran off and married a diner waitress, leaving Kathleen broken-hearted and precipitating her move to Minnesota. However, Andrew has had a change of heart, and wants a second chance. Will Kathleen give it to him?
At the same time, a Broadway-type touring ensemble shows up in town after the theater that they were supposed to perform in burns down in Red Wing.[Totally unnecessary factoid: I am tickled to read a series that is close to Red Wing, MN, as I had a college roommate from there!] The director is fussy, to say the least, and - lo and behold - Marcus' sister is one of the actors in the show! Obviously, as this is a cozy mystery, someone has to get murdered, and Kathleen has to be the one to find the body. In this case, it is indeed one of the troupe that Kathleen and Andrew find murdered, on a visit to a local park. The whodunnit begins.
The investigation is complicated b/c Marcus cannot be involved, b/c his sister is unfortunately a suspect in the murder, w/ a shaky alibi about her location at the time of the murder. The tables are turned as Kathleen has to remind HIM to stay out of the investigation, and so he can see how difficult it is to stay by the sidelines, as he has always expected Kathleen to do. So many nuances in Kathleen's relationships are thoughtfully written, and as always in a cozy, I consider it a major plus when I do not know the identity of the murderer until it is revealed, usually in a dangerous situation for the protagonist, as in this one. 5 stars, as this read checks all the boxes for me to give 5 stars to a cozy mystery.
In this outing, Kathleen and detective Marcus have had a disagreement over her "sticking her nose" into police cases, so they are on the outs. So who shows up in town? Andrew, the guy who ran off and married a diner waitress, leaving Kathleen broken-hearted and precipitating her move to Minnesota. However, Andrew has had a change of heart, and wants a second chance. Will Kathleen give it to him?
At the same time, a Broadway-type touring ensemble shows up in town after the theater that they were supposed to perform in burns down in Red Wing.[Totally unnecessary factoid: I am tickled to read a series that is close to Red Wing, MN, as I had a college roommate from there!] The director is fussy, to say the least, and - lo and behold - Marcus' sister is one of the actors in the show! Obviously, as this is a cozy mystery, someone has to get murdered, and Kathleen has to be the one to find the body. In this case, it is indeed one of the troupe that Kathleen and Andrew find murdered, on a visit to a local park. The whodunnit begins.
The investigation is complicated b/c Marcus cannot be involved, b/c his sister is unfortunately a suspect in the murder, w/ a shaky alibi about her location at the time of the murder. The tables are turned as Kathleen has to remind HIM to stay out of the investigation, and so he can see how difficult it is to stay by the sidelines, as he has always expected Kathleen to do. So many nuances in Kathleen's relationships are thoughtfully written, and as always in a cozy, I consider it a major plus when I do not know the identity of the murderer until it is revealed, usually in a dangerous situation for the protagonist, as in this one. 5 stars, as this read checks all the boxes for me to give 5 stars to a cozy mystery.
September 26, 2013
Is it really a love triangle when Kathleen has no interest in the third leg? According to her ex-fiance Andrew, it is. Roles reverse in Final Catcall when Marcus finds himself personally involved in a murder, and Kathleen becomes the voice of (legal) reason. It's a much needed situation as their relationship has sputtered to a halt, mostly due to Marcus' perception that Kathleen's past "meddling" meant she didn't trust him to be able to do his job. Sofie Kelly places just the right characters in the right positions to elicit reactions that make this cozy mystery both fun and compelling. Kathleen's mother Thea adds an interesting perspective as acting metaphors help resolve both the crime and the personal issues. I especially loved Thea's way with the cats, Owen and Hercules. Though she doesn't know about their magical abilities, she has her own inimitable way of creating relationships.
October 11, 2015
My favorite of the series so far! Loved the Andrew drama, loved that Kathleen knew it was over, loved Marcus's sister popping up and Kathleen pointing out he doesn't trust her, either.
These really are cozy and fun. GOOD STUFF.
These really are cozy and fun. GOOD STUFF.
October 12, 2016
Good read! This the second title by Sofie Kelly I've read: "Curiosity Thrilled the Cat", #1 in the Magical Cats Mystery series.
Novel's opening scene reveals Kathleen Paulson, librarian in Mayville Heights, with her left arm in a sling. She injured her shoulder while helping her sometime boyfriend, Marcus Gordon capture a suspect. Marcus Gordon is a police detective and not happy with Kathleen's 'help'. Kathleen's helping police solve crimes bears a striking resemblance to Jessica Fletcher in "Murder She Wrote. Jessica constantly involved herself in solving murders no matter where she went and she seemed to be everywhere. I often wondered how she ever managed to get her books written;)
When the Red Wing Theatre was damaged by fire, an organizing committee formed late that night so that a theatre festival could go on as planned. The festival would use the library's new gazebo. When Kathleen showed up in a sling, everyone fussed, concerned she be home resting instead. She insisted on staying, a clue to what kind of character she will be...feisty with a mind of her own.
Preparations for the festival got underway immediately and soon there were indications of as much drama offstage as onstage.
Tragedy occurred within a short time when the Director was found dead at the Marina by Kathleen and her former ex boyfriend Andrew. He had arrived in Mayville Heights to woo her back. This happened to be perfect timing as his building contractor skills helped with building additional gazebos for the festival. Andrew's arrival complicated Kathleen's life as her connection to Marcus was strong but things did not run smoothly.
Kathleen's mother, with considerable theatre skills, was recruited to take over as director. The investigation into the murder of the late director got underway. Suspects came out of the closets, connections to the late director became evident. Several had very strong motives. As was the case in other of her sometime boyfriend Marcus's investigations, Kathleen got herself involved more than she should have. Perhaps this was a factor in their difficulties? Killer was a surprise and Sofie Kelly did an awesome job with this, writes creepy well;)
Novel's opening scene reveals Kathleen Paulson, librarian in Mayville Heights, with her left arm in a sling. She injured her shoulder while helping her sometime boyfriend, Marcus Gordon capture a suspect. Marcus Gordon is a police detective and not happy with Kathleen's 'help'. Kathleen's helping police solve crimes bears a striking resemblance to Jessica Fletcher in "Murder She Wrote. Jessica constantly involved herself in solving murders no matter where she went and she seemed to be everywhere. I often wondered how she ever managed to get her books written;)
When the Red Wing Theatre was damaged by fire, an organizing committee formed late that night so that a theatre festival could go on as planned. The festival would use the library's new gazebo. When Kathleen showed up in a sling, everyone fussed, concerned she be home resting instead. She insisted on staying, a clue to what kind of character she will be...feisty with a mind of her own.
Preparations for the festival got underway immediately and soon there were indications of as much drama offstage as onstage.
Tragedy occurred within a short time when the Director was found dead at the Marina by Kathleen and her former ex boyfriend Andrew. He had arrived in Mayville Heights to woo her back. This happened to be perfect timing as his building contractor skills helped with building additional gazebos for the festival. Andrew's arrival complicated Kathleen's life as her connection to Marcus was strong but things did not run smoothly.
Kathleen's mother, with considerable theatre skills, was recruited to take over as director. The investigation into the murder of the late director got underway. Suspects came out of the closets, connections to the late director became evident. Several had very strong motives. As was the case in other of her sometime boyfriend Marcus's investigations, Kathleen got herself involved more than she should have. Perhaps this was a factor in their difficulties? Killer was a surprise and Sofie Kelly did an awesome job with this, writes creepy well;)
January 2, 2020
This series, along with a couple of other cozy mysteries, are turning me into a cat person -- and I'm allergic to cats! lol But I love Owen and Hercules and the way Sofie Kelly gives them such great personalities worthy of any feline. And love, love, love the way the romance has finally sorted itself out in this fifth book!
March 13, 2022
Why must I work tomorrow and can't I just keep reading?
Which reminds me, for a librarian, Kathleen really doesn't seem to read much. Probably all those murders that need solving get in the way, but still! Maybe more scenes where she's reading a book and fewer scenes where she's drinking coffee, is what I'm saying.
This was delightful and I enjoyed it. The Andrew situation made me nervous at first (because it's well-documented by now how much I hate even the notion of a love triangle), but it was pretty obvious early on that Kathleen wasn't going to say yes to Andrew so that eased my mind a little.
I do wish we'd gotten more scenes with her and Marcus actually talking to each other and trying to find a way to solve their issues, but maybe that'll be in the next book.
I agree with Andrée, though, the book could have used an extra scene at the end. These installments end so abruptly, which I don't like, even if I do have the luxury of moving on to the next one immediately. The ending gave me heart eyes, but I wanted another chapter!
Which reminds me, for a librarian, Kathleen really doesn't seem to read much. Probably all those murders that need solving get in the way, but still! Maybe more scenes where she's reading a book and fewer scenes where she's drinking coffee, is what I'm saying.
This was delightful and I enjoyed it. The Andrew situation made me nervous at first (because it's well-documented by now how much I hate even the notion of a love triangle), but it was pretty obvious early on that Kathleen wasn't going to say yes to Andrew so that eased my mind a little.
I do wish we'd gotten more scenes with her and Marcus actually talking to each other and trying to find a way to solve their issues, but maybe that'll be in the next book.
I agree with Andrée, though, the book could have used an extra scene at the end. These installments end so abruptly, which I don't like, even if I do have the luxury of moving on to the next one immediately. The ending gave me heart eyes, but I wanted another chapter!
September 20, 2013
Librarian Kathleen Paulson’s life is a mess. Her relationship with Detective Marcus Gordon is pretty much over and her ex-boyfriend, Andrew, shows up in town. He’s on a mission – to reconcile with Kathleen and bring her back to Boston. He’s making sure all her friends know what a great guy he is and hopes they will help him in his mission. Unfortunately, for him, Kathleen’s cats Owen and Hercules aren’t easily fooled.
The small town of Mayville Heights is busy preparing for the upcoming theatre festival. The theater’s director, Hugh Davis, is not winning many fans of his own with his nasty personality. So, it shouldn’t have come as too much of a shock when Kathleen literally trips over his dead body. However, the town can’t help being shocked when anyone is found shot to death.
Andrew uses it as another reason for Kathleen to leave Mayville Heights and return to Boston. Kathleen has her own ideas and can’t help but once again getting involved in another murder investigation. She is stunned to learn how many suspects there are in this case. With much help from Owen and Hercules, Kathleen sets out to find a killer.
I love how Kathleen sits down and talks to them and they act like they are paying attention (or is it the sardine crackers they really want?) Sofie Kelly really does an excellent job in not only writing for the human characters, but for the felines as well (no, they do not talk, but their mannerisms were perfect).
The author is brilliant in not only writing character portrayals, but in creating a mystery complete with twists and turns that will keep the reader trying to figure it all out.
This is the fifth book in the “Magical Cats Mystery” series and it’s the best one yet! I gobbled this one up in just a couple of days. I absolutely could not put it down and, yes, it helps that the two cats had a major role in the story.
I’m ready for another book in this series, now!
FTC Disclosure: The author provided me with a copy of this book to review. This did not influence my thoughts and opinions in any way. All opinions expressed are my own.
The small town of Mayville Heights is busy preparing for the upcoming theatre festival. The theater’s director, Hugh Davis, is not winning many fans of his own with his nasty personality. So, it shouldn’t have come as too much of a shock when Kathleen literally trips over his dead body. However, the town can’t help being shocked when anyone is found shot to death.
Andrew uses it as another reason for Kathleen to leave Mayville Heights and return to Boston. Kathleen has her own ideas and can’t help but once again getting involved in another murder investigation. She is stunned to learn how many suspects there are in this case. With much help from Owen and Hercules, Kathleen sets out to find a killer.
I love how Kathleen sits down and talks to them and they act like they are paying attention (or is it the sardine crackers they really want?) Sofie Kelly really does an excellent job in not only writing for the human characters, but for the felines as well (no, they do not talk, but their mannerisms were perfect).
The author is brilliant in not only writing character portrayals, but in creating a mystery complete with twists and turns that will keep the reader trying to figure it all out.
This is the fifth book in the “Magical Cats Mystery” series and it’s the best one yet! I gobbled this one up in just a couple of days. I absolutely could not put it down and, yes, it helps that the two cats had a major role in the story.
I’m ready for another book in this series, now!
FTC Disclosure: The author provided me with a copy of this book to review. This did not influence my thoughts and opinions in any way. All opinions expressed are my own.
July 17, 2023
I almost didn't read farther than a chapter or two when I met the heroine's former fiancé. I didn't like him from book one when the heroine Kathleen revealed she left her family in Boston, when after a fight her fiancé had gone away for the weekend with friends and there married a waitress from a diner. I mean who does something like that? Well, a total jerk that's who. So it bothered me that she didn't slam the door in his face. But she did not let herself be enticed. Remember: fool me once shame on you; fool me twice shame on me.
This was a really layered mystery--wheels within wheels. And do you think she gives the fiancé the boot? Read it and find out what she does.
Of course, Kathleen still has her magical cats, but they aren't the stars of the play. They are intriguing functional characters as Kathleen investigates another murder! Successfully!
This was a really layered mystery--wheels within wheels. And do you think she gives the fiancé the boot? Read it and find out what she does.
Of course, Kathleen still has her magical cats, but they aren't the stars of the play. They are intriguing functional characters as Kathleen investigates another murder! Successfully!
June 2, 2016
I have been reading this series in order and have enjoyed each one. I find that the relationship Kathleen has with her two cats, Hercules and Owen, to be both humorous and fairly realistic (except for the cats' magical qualities which, I must add, are charming.) I read these for the feline 'antics' and am reminded very much of my own 3 cats. A very enjoyable series and am looking forward to more.
April 12, 2024
Another great and gripping story, which is an awesome addition to this series and an excellent read in its own right.
June 8, 2025
GOOD STORY, I JUST WISH THE ANDREW/KATHLEEN STORYLINE HADN'T TAKEN OVER THE CATS.
SERIES PREMISE: In this series we follow Kathleen Paulson a Librarian from Mayville Heights, Minnesota, who lives with her Magical Cats Owen & Hercules.
In this book: Kathleen's ex comes to town wanting to win her back. If that's not enough the local theater festival is relocated to Maryville Heights and Kathleen stumbles upon the very much dead director. Tough for him for sure, but the perfect distraction from Andrews. So Kathleen dons her sleuthing cap once again to work out what happened.
THOUGHTS: Honestly, the whole Andrew storyline in my opinion was not needed. Not only that, but it detracted from more time that we could have spent with Owen and Hercules. That being said any time I get to hang out with those adorable cats is always a joy. The ending (post reveal) was fantastic however and I'm looking forward to book 6!
4 Stars!
xoxo.
SERIES PREMISE: In this series we follow Kathleen Paulson a Librarian from Mayville Heights, Minnesota, who lives with her Magical Cats Owen & Hercules.
In this book: Kathleen's ex comes to town wanting to win her back. If that's not enough the local theater festival is relocated to Maryville Heights and Kathleen stumbles upon the very much dead director. Tough for him for sure, but the perfect distraction from Andrews. So Kathleen dons her sleuthing cap once again to work out what happened.
THOUGHTS: Honestly, the whole Andrew storyline in my opinion was not needed. Not only that, but it detracted from more time that we could have spent with Owen and Hercules. That being said any time I get to hang out with those adorable cats is always a joy. The ending (post reveal) was fantastic however and I'm looking forward to book 6!
4 Stars!
xoxo.
October 22, 2020
I listened to this on audiobook format.
I’m enjoying this series. Definitely one of the better cat cozy mystery series out there. There’s warmth, humour, a touch of supernatural, and a puzzle to solve. The author obviously has a real love for felines and expresses it in a way that isn’t overly saccharine but sincere, nevertheless.
There’s good character progression as this series goes on, with some established characters and new ones introduced.
The theme this time around is live theatre, as a production comes to town and one of their crew is murdered.
I look forward to reading more in this series.
I’m enjoying this series. Definitely one of the better cat cozy mystery series out there. There’s warmth, humour, a touch of supernatural, and a puzzle to solve. The author obviously has a real love for felines and expresses it in a way that isn’t overly saccharine but sincere, nevertheless.
There’s good character progression as this series goes on, with some established characters and new ones introduced.
The theme this time around is live theatre, as a production comes to town and one of their crew is murdered.
I look forward to reading more in this series.
October 9, 2023
I loved how the end of book #4 of this series became the prologue for Final Catcall (book #5), but with a catch! It was great to start off the book with something totally unexpected. Unfortunately the two weeks that ex-boyfriend Andrew spent trying to woo Kathleen back was written awkwardly. It just didn’t fit well in the storyline and not much of their interaction seemed logical. In fact, Kathleen and Andrew barely saw each other during that time. Weird. On the positive side, I liked the dynamics between Kathleen and her cats, Owen & Hercules, Kathleen and her friends, and Kathleen and Marcus.
July 6, 2017
I like this series, it's a fun and relaxing read, it is much more a cozy mystery then a paranormal no matter the title of the series. If you enjoy a good cat mystery with a tiny touch of magic this would be the series for you, best to start with book 1 as there is a series plot along with the standalone mystery in each book.
October 18, 2013
Suspend all belief systems when you read anything in this series. If you like cats, mysteries and a touch of romance, then this is a fun little series. This is the 5th in a series featuring Kathleen, a young librarian who accepts a position at a small town library in Minnesota after losing both her job and her long time love. Unlike a lot of writers, the author has crammed five mysteries in a one year period. Kathleen keeps busy, that's for sure! In this book, Kathleen's one year contract is coming to an end. She has to make a decision. Will she stay in Minnesota despite the fact that her family is in Boston? (I think the answer is obvious, but....) Anyway, in the meantime there is a theater festival going on in town that was moved after a fire caused them to lose their location in a nearby town. There's some talk of a jinx because of the play they are putting on. In the meantime, the food tasting festival from the last book is winding down, and Marcus and Kathleen seem to be at an impasse. He accuses her of not trusting him. She thinks that they're just not going to work out. Then out of the blue her former fiance comes to Boston trying to convince her to come back with him. He's had his first marriage annulled, says he realizes that he made a mistake and hangs around town charming everyone - almost everyone that is. However, it's over. Kathleen knows it. She just has to convince him. Then the director for the theater festival is murdered. This was a fun little book although I think the author threw something of a curveball that involves some of the characters. I don't like characters introduced half way through a book. Anyway, no big deal. It's a fun, if predictable book with two cute cats. It's also a fast and enjoyable read.
August 10, 2020
The final scene in book 4 was of a jeans-clad person sitting on Kathleen’s back porch steps; I — and probably most readers — assumed it was Marcus. Nope, it was Andrew the Arse, Kathleen’s ex who, after an argument with Kathleen, went on a 2-week vacation, got drunk and married a waitress from a 50s-style diner. He has come to Mayville Heights to woo and win back his girl. 🙄
Mayville Heights is an artsy community and the backdrop of this book is no exception. A theatre festival has been moved here after a fire destroyed the theatre in a neighboring town. Then the director is murdered and Kathleen’s mom is asked to replace him.
Marcus Gordon’s sister is an actress and it turns out she knew the murdered man and was seen near the murder site, and is under suspicion. Marcus is removed as the investigator. Now he and Kathleen assume the other’s normal role: Marcus wants to get involved and Kathleen keeps telling him he will get into trouble.
So Kathleen is juggling a persistent, annoying man; her mom; a second persistent, not-annoying man; along with her regular jobs as head librarian and magical-cat-mom. Plus, she must soon make a decision whether to accept a permanent contract as head librarian in Mayville Heights or go back to Boston.
The series has really hit its stride. My only criticism is we don’t seem much of the Wisteria Hill cats this time. I’m always here for more cats, especially feral cats!
Mayville Heights is an artsy community and the backdrop of this book is no exception. A theatre festival has been moved here after a fire destroyed the theatre in a neighboring town. Then the director is murdered and Kathleen’s mom is asked to replace him.
Marcus Gordon’s sister is an actress and it turns out she knew the murdered man and was seen near the murder site, and is under suspicion. Marcus is removed as the investigator. Now he and Kathleen assume the other’s normal role: Marcus wants to get involved and Kathleen keeps telling him he will get into trouble.
So Kathleen is juggling a persistent, annoying man; her mom; a second persistent, not-annoying man; along with her regular jobs as head librarian and magical-cat-mom. Plus, she must soon make a decision whether to accept a permanent contract as head librarian in Mayville Heights or go back to Boston.
The series has really hit its stride. My only criticism is we don’t seem much of the Wisteria Hill cats this time. I’m always here for more cats, especially feral cats!
June 30, 2014
I wonder how many times I can say I love these books? Sofie Kelly is an awesome cozy mystery writer. Her books have the right balance of mystery, murder, romance, small town setting, lovable pets and likeable characters. Final Catcall is no exception to this.
In Final Catcall, Kathleen has to deal with the arrival of her former fiance and her fizzling romance with Detective Marcus. I thought for sure were in for a love triangle but Sofie Kelly wraps this storyline up in a neat bow. It was hard not to fall in love with both Andrew and Marcus as the story progressed. Kathleen is made of stronger stuff than me because I might have caved in and let Andrew back in.
As per usual, the mystery was complex enough to keep the reader interested but not so complex that I had to re-read the end several times.
The only thing that bothered me was that the prologue didn't match the final chapter of book 4. Since I read them back to back, the scenes were pretty fresh in my mind. I am not sure why they were that off.
All in all, a great read and I'm definitely looking forward to book 6!
In Final Catcall, Kathleen has to deal with the arrival of her former fiance and her fizzling romance with Detective Marcus. I thought for sure were in for a love triangle but Sofie Kelly wraps this storyline up in a neat bow. It was hard not to fall in love with both Andrew and Marcus as the story progressed. Kathleen is made of stronger stuff than me because I might have caved in and let Andrew back in.
As per usual, the mystery was complex enough to keep the reader interested but not so complex that I had to re-read the end several times.
The only thing that bothered me was that the prologue didn't match the final chapter of book 4. Since I read them back to back, the scenes were pretty fresh in my mind. I am not sure why they were that off.
All in all, a great read and I'm definitely looking forward to book 6!
June 17, 2017
Although this is book five and I haven't read any other book in the series, I felt at ease with the world building and the relationships among the recurring characters. There was a certain amount of magical realism in this story without it going into paranormal territory (all thanks to the cats Hercules and Owen, whose owner is the MC sleuth of the series). The cats were the best characters. The book did not need the quasi-love triangle and I had hoped the ex-fiancé was the killer (no dice there) just to be rid of him completely (apparently Andrew can not accept no for an answer to any question). The mystery was very predictable but enjoyable.
April 1, 2015
By far my favourite in this series. It's really delightful. Not only is the Andrew issue laid to rest, but readers (and the town) get to meet Kathleen's mother. Plus, Marcus' sister gets tied up in the case and roles are reversed between Kathleen and Marcus. They get to see each other's perspective and it is delightful. The balance in this one is great.
Although, much as I enjoyed the ending, I do think the book could have used another scene between the protagonists.
Still, been getting these books frim the library and now I want all of them for my own self.
Although, much as I enjoyed the ending, I do think the book could have used another scene between the protagonists.
Still, been getting these books frim the library and now I want all of them for my own self.
October 3, 2013
This was a fun, enjoyable read. I like how the tables got turned between Marcus and Kathleen when his sister is implicated a local murder. Love the cats and anytime you have a librarian that likes Barry Manilow I will smile.
April 18, 2014
I love this series and this one is a great read. I love the author's lack of tired story devices.
Full review: http://jenn.booklikes.com/post/857542...
Full review: http://jenn.booklikes.com/post/857542...
June 27, 2022
Owen and Hercules continue to cast their little catspells over my heart! I'm thrilled to no end that a new book has just come out in the series! I just can't seem to get enough of these books.
September 28, 2017
Small-town librarian Kathleen Paulson gets plenty of entertainment from her extraordinary cats, Owen and Hercules. But when a theatre troupe stumbles into more tragedy than it bargained for, it’s up to Kathleen to play detective....
With her almost boyfriend Marcus calling it quits and her ex-boyfriend Andrew showing up out of the blue, Kathleen has more than enough drama to deal with—and that’s before a local theater festival relocates to Mayville Heights. Now the town is buzzing with theater folk, and many of them have their own private dramas with the director, Hugh Davis.
When Davis is found shot to death by the marina, he leaves behind evidence of blackmail and fraud, as well as an ensemble of suspects. Now Kathleen, with a little help from her feline friends Owen and Hercules, will have to catch the real killer before another victim takes a final curtain call.
With her almost boyfriend Marcus calling it quits and her ex-boyfriend Andrew showing up out of the blue, Kathleen has more than enough drama to deal with—and that’s before a local theater festival relocates to Mayville Heights. Now the town is buzzing with theater folk, and many of them have their own private dramas with the director, Hugh Davis.
When Davis is found shot to death by the marina, he leaves behind evidence of blackmail and fraud, as well as an ensemble of suspects. Now Kathleen, with a little help from her feline friends Owen and Hercules, will have to catch the real killer before another victim takes a final curtain call.
July 2, 2018
I am enjoying this series, this is the 5th book about Kathleen, a librarian and her two special cats. Hercules can walk through walls and Owen can disappear at will. The really fun part of these books is the conversations that Kathleen has with the cats and their reactions to her.
In this book, Kathleen and her want-to-be boyfriend Marcus are still on the outs. But when his sister becomes a suspect in a murder, Kathleen and Marcus (the cop) both see things from the others point of view. Add to the fact that Kathleen's ex boyfriend has shown up in town, hoping to win her back and you have an interesting triangle going on.
Will Kathleen renew her contract and stay in town, or will she go back to Boston with Andrew?
In this book, Kathleen and her want-to-be boyfriend Marcus are still on the outs. But when his sister becomes a suspect in a murder, Kathleen and Marcus (the cop) both see things from the others point of view. Add to the fact that Kathleen's ex boyfriend has shown up in town, hoping to win her back and you have an interesting triangle going on.
Will Kathleen renew her contract and stay in town, or will she go back to Boston with Andrew?
August 30, 2021
A little unbelievable (those cats, really) but a very cute cozy mystery. There’s only one dead body and most of the story seems to be character development but I really didn’t mind that. I do love the two cats but their magical abilities are a tad unbelievable. I’d read more in this series but maybe more likely the ones after this one.
July 26, 2018
FINALLY we get a final decision on whether Kathleen is staying or not! I was also thrilled to finally see her mother! This book was a little lighter on the cat's help but heavier on the male characters. I liked it!
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