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Magical Cats Mystery #16
Furever After
Librarian Kathleen Paulson is in for a spell of trouble when she finds a dead body, and only her reliable magical cats can help her tail a killer in the newest installment of this New York Times bestselling series.
Kathleen is busy running the library and planning her upcoming wedding to detective Marcus Gordon when she suddenly stumbles across a body in the library. She is surprised to learn that the deceased was in the middle of an unlikely heist—it seems he was trying to steal one of the paintings that had been in a box in the library’s workroom. Kathleen never knew any of the library’s rotating artwork was valuable and can’t imagine what the dead man wanted with it.
But then an art history expert called in by the police identifies the almost-purloined painting as a piece that might have been part of a previous high profile art theft. Owen’s and Hercules’s whiskers are already twitching, and events soon make Kathleen realize that whoever killed the wannabe art thief has more than murder on their mind. Kathleen and her clever cats will have to work fast to prevent anyone else from getting hurt.
Kathleen is busy running the library and planning her upcoming wedding to detective Marcus Gordon when she suddenly stumbles across a body in the library. She is surprised to learn that the deceased was in the middle of an unlikely heist—it seems he was trying to steal one of the paintings that had been in a box in the library’s workroom. Kathleen never knew any of the library’s rotating artwork was valuable and can’t imagine what the dead man wanted with it.
But then an art history expert called in by the police identifies the almost-purloined painting as a piece that might have been part of a previous high profile art theft. Owen’s and Hercules’s whiskers are already twitching, and events soon make Kathleen realize that whoever killed the wannabe art thief has more than murder on their mind. Kathleen and her clever cats will have to work fast to prevent anyone else from getting hurt.
278 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 3, 2024
82 people are currently reading
360 people want to read
About the author
Sofie Kelly
17 books1,118 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 129 reviews
September 20, 2024
This was a great addition to the series. I love any of the time I spend with Kathleen, Marcus, and the rest of the residents of their cute town. The mystery seemed a little easier to figure out in this one but with the wedding going on, they didn’t have time for anything more complex and I’m good with that. I loved the resolution at the end and it almost feels like this is the last in the series (is it and I just missed it?!!!). Hoping for more but this was a good way to end it if it’s over.
May 19, 2024
Kathleen is in the middle of planning her wedding when she finds an old familiar face dead in the library. Her beloved library's safety is put at risk when they realize that the person was trying to steal a painting from the library. Obviously Kathleen has to figure out what happened while also finishing up the preparations for her upcoming nuptials.
I enjoyed this book a lot. I thought it was nice to get blasts from the past. I don't think this is a spoiler because I don't know if it is true but I thought this felt like a series closer. I hope it isn't true and that we get to see these characters again but it definitely felt like the author was wrapping loose ends. The only criticism I felt was that some of the character relationships felt rushed and not as earned as others. I was surprised at the end of the book both pleasantly but also just like "oh what?" in one part because of the character relationships. Overall I would recommend but I would also recommend starting with book one since there's a lot of payoff of the whole series in this book.
Thank you to NetGalley, Berkley Publishing Group | Berkley, and Sofie Kelly for letting me read an advance reader copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
I enjoyed this book a lot. I thought it was nice to get blasts from the past. I don't think this is a spoiler because I don't know if it is true but I thought this felt like a series closer. I hope it isn't true and that we get to see these characters again but it definitely felt like the author was wrapping loose ends. The only criticism I felt was that some of the character relationships felt rushed and not as earned as others. I was surprised at the end of the book both pleasantly but also just like "oh what?" in one part because of the character relationships. Overall I would recommend but I would also recommend starting with book one since there's a lot of payoff of the whole series in this book.
Thank you to NetGalley, Berkley Publishing Group | Berkley, and Sofie Kelly for letting me read an advance reader copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
September 11, 2024
I’ll start by saying that I did not know this was book 16 in a series when I initially requested it. Therefore, I was no familiar with or invested in the main character. In the beginning of the book, she stumbles upon someone who has been killed and uses clues to find out who is responsible with the help of her magical kitties.
I was very interested in the story at first but found it was mostly about her wedding planning and there were a lot of scenes with them eating meals. Since I wasn’t familiar with the characters, I did not find myself engaged whatsoever. I wanted so much more mystery and found that it was only mentioned a few times. I felt the same thing about the cats. Very minimal within the story with so much filler. This wasn’t for me but I believe would be for someone else which is why I’m not rating it lower as I don’t feel that would be fair.
Thank you so much to Netgalley, Sofie Kelly, and Berkley Publishing Group for providing this free ARC. This is my honest review! This published on September 3rd.
I was very interested in the story at first but found it was mostly about her wedding planning and there were a lot of scenes with them eating meals. Since I wasn’t familiar with the characters, I did not find myself engaged whatsoever. I wanted so much more mystery and found that it was only mentioned a few times. I felt the same thing about the cats. Very minimal within the story with so much filler. This wasn’t for me but I believe would be for someone else which is why I’m not rating it lower as I don’t feel that would be fair.
Thank you so much to Netgalley, Sofie Kelly, and Berkley Publishing Group for providing this free ARC. This is my honest review! This published on September 3rd.
December 19, 2024
I read my first in this series just a little over a year ago, and with this most recent one I have read everything published in this series… and enjoyed each one! I am hoping the author continues with these fun characters - human and feline!
This latest book has librarian Kathleen and detective Marcus planning their upcoming wedding. What can you imagine takes their attention? Of course, Kathleen finds a body… inside the locked library. And, it appears the library unknowingly had a valuable painting that he was trying to steal.
This book has the whole town involved it seems, as they help them prepare for their wedding, and helping with clues. And of course our magical kitty friends, Owen and Hercules won’t be left out. Will Kathleen and Marcus escape danger and be able to walk down the aisle? And will they ever decide where they will live after the wedding? Life is changing in big ways for this group, and I’m excited to read more as their lives continue.
Mystery? Yes. Likable characters? Yes. A wonderful library? Yes. Magical cats? Yes!!
This latest book has librarian Kathleen and detective Marcus planning their upcoming wedding. What can you imagine takes their attention? Of course, Kathleen finds a body… inside the locked library. And, it appears the library unknowingly had a valuable painting that he was trying to steal.
This book has the whole town involved it seems, as they help them prepare for their wedding, and helping with clues. And of course our magical kitty friends, Owen and Hercules won’t be left out. Will Kathleen and Marcus escape danger and be able to walk down the aisle? And will they ever decide where they will live after the wedding? Life is changing in big ways for this group, and I’m excited to read more as their lives continue.
Mystery? Yes. Likable characters? Yes. A wonderful library? Yes. Magical cats? Yes!!
August 28, 2024
What an amazing book. Even after 16 installments this series never misses and it hits all the cozy vibes and is one of my happy places. I love how this series is classic cozy, but also does not shy away from really tough topics. The way that Kathleen will fiercely protect her friends and family is the best; she does not scare easily and will not back down. Reading about her bridal shower and wedding and all the loving people she has surrounded herself with made me SO HAPPY and tear up. I loved the dramatic and gasp-worthy ending to the mystery (which in itself was so fascinating). And the magical cats are THE BEST. I love Hercules and Owen (and Micah) and love how they help out with the investigation.
I had tears in my eyes at the ending of this book and I desperately hope this series never ends!
Thanks to the publisher for a free copy of this novel; my thoughts and review and my own.
I had tears in my eyes at the ending of this book and I desperately hope this series never ends!
Thanks to the publisher for a free copy of this novel; my thoughts and review and my own.
September 28, 2024
Dollycas's Thoughts
It is just about time for librarian Kathleen Paulson and detective Marcus Gordon to say "I Do!" but before that very important event can take place Kathleen finds a dead body in her library. Someone Kathleen has a history with. It appears the man was trying to steal a painting off the wall. Who did the deed and why he was killed is a complete mystery.
When the police call in an art history expert Kathleen learns the painting was very valuable and may have been part of a prior art theft with a high profile. Now she, Owen, and Hercules have their mission. Catch the killer and do it before she and Marcus walk down the aisle.
_____
I have loved this series from the start. Owen and Hercules stole my heart and Kathleen is a smart, strong, and caring person, with an uncanny knack for finding dead bodies and catching killers. She has the perfect partner in Marcus and I have been looking forward to their wedding for a while. They are surrounded by a wonderful cast of characters and their pets. All continue to grow in every story and remain fresh and genuine through 16 books.
I found the mystery very entertaining. Many libraries display art and the idea that a priceless painting hung on the wall in a library in Mayville Heights and that a man Kathleen hoped to never see again is dead because of it is quite an attention grabber. The author threw in some nice twists and turns and gave readers a thrilling heart-pounding reveal, showdown, and rescue helped by a frisky feline.
After wrapping the case it was time to focus on Marcus and Kathleen's future and their ensuing conversation brought tears to my eyes but with these two I was not surprised. More tears followed during another conversation. And more after that. And then it was time for the wedding and it was such a meaningful ceremony with family and friends.
Furever After is now my favorite book in this series. Delightful characters that feel like old friends, an intriguing mystery, set in an interesting small town with some incredible happenings check all the boxes for lovers of cozy mysteries. The story also gives some truly emotional feels. It does feel like the final book in this series but I hope it's not. I am not really ready to let go of these characters but Ms. Kelly did leave them in a good place.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you to Berkley and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.
It is just about time for librarian Kathleen Paulson and detective Marcus Gordon to say "I Do!" but before that very important event can take place Kathleen finds a dead body in her library. Someone Kathleen has a history with. It appears the man was trying to steal a painting off the wall. Who did the deed and why he was killed is a complete mystery.
When the police call in an art history expert Kathleen learns the painting was very valuable and may have been part of a prior art theft with a high profile. Now she, Owen, and Hercules have their mission. Catch the killer and do it before she and Marcus walk down the aisle.
_____
I have loved this series from the start. Owen and Hercules stole my heart and Kathleen is a smart, strong, and caring person, with an uncanny knack for finding dead bodies and catching killers. She has the perfect partner in Marcus and I have been looking forward to their wedding for a while. They are surrounded by a wonderful cast of characters and their pets. All continue to grow in every story and remain fresh and genuine through 16 books.
I found the mystery very entertaining. Many libraries display art and the idea that a priceless painting hung on the wall in a library in Mayville Heights and that a man Kathleen hoped to never see again is dead because of it is quite an attention grabber. The author threw in some nice twists and turns and gave readers a thrilling heart-pounding reveal, showdown, and rescue helped by a frisky feline.
After wrapping the case it was time to focus on Marcus and Kathleen's future and their ensuing conversation brought tears to my eyes but with these two I was not surprised. More tears followed during another conversation. And more after that. And then it was time for the wedding and it was such a meaningful ceremony with family and friends.
Furever After is now my favorite book in this series. Delightful characters that feel like old friends, an intriguing mystery, set in an interesting small town with some incredible happenings check all the boxes for lovers of cozy mysteries. The story also gives some truly emotional feels. It does feel like the final book in this series but I hope it's not. I am not really ready to let go of these characters but Ms. Kelly did leave them in a good place.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you to Berkley and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.
January 10, 2025
Kathleen is busy planning her wedding, when she finds the body of a local criminal inside. It seems he was trying to steal a painting hung on the wall. The painting is worth a fortune!
For whatever reason, Kathleen is determined to get the crook justice, but there's a long list of suspects, including the billionaire who actually owned the painting.
Feels like it may be the last book in the series.
For whatever reason, Kathleen is determined to get the crook justice, but there's a long list of suspects, including the billionaire who actually owned the painting.
Feels like it may be the last book in the series.
December 26, 2025
PRETTY SURE THIS IS THE LAST BOOK IN THE SERIES GIVEN HOW IT WRAPPED UP - SO HOW DID IT TURN OUT TO BE MY FAVORITE BOOK IN THE ENTIRE SERIES?!?!?
SERIES PREMISE: In this series we follow Kathleen Paulson, a librarian in Mayville Heights, Minnesota. Along-side her adorable felines, Owen & Hercules, the three always seem to make for amazing amatuer sleuths.
In this book: Kathleen arrives at her library alone to find the dead body of Will Redfern the original contractor for the library's renovations who had been arrested for assaulting Kathleen and winding up in jail. But now he's back out again and had only just tried to reach out to Kathleen hours ago. Now, he's dead, in her library. Kathleen, with the help of her trusty side-kicks Owen and Hercules are on the case!
THOUGHTS: I admit I have struggled with giving books 12, 13, 14 & 15 anything above 3 stars (book 15 actually getting 2 stars from me). But this book bounced back in the best possible way! Sadly I think this is it for the series as the way the book concluded felt like a series ender for sure.
The mystery was paced really well in this book and didn't overshadow the other big things on the cozy side that were due to happen. The ending was so freaking adorable I nearly cried!
While this has been an up and down series for me over all, one thing that never waned for me was my love of the cats Owen & Hercules. It was such a unique premise that Sofie Kelly came up with and now that the series is over I have to admit it's one I really enjoyed!
Given how the book ended I'm sad that this is it (although Kelly could surprise us all and write book 17 but I highly doubt it) as I really think book 17 has so much potential to be amazing. But as they say in life it's best to leave on a high note and, if there are no more books in the series Sofie Kelly definitely did that!
5 Stars!
xoxo.
SERIES PREMISE: In this series we follow Kathleen Paulson, a librarian in Mayville Heights, Minnesota. Along-side her adorable felines, Owen & Hercules, the three always seem to make for amazing amatuer sleuths.
In this book: Kathleen arrives at her library alone to find the dead body of Will Redfern the original contractor for the library's renovations who had been arrested for assaulting Kathleen and winding up in jail. But now he's back out again and had only just tried to reach out to Kathleen hours ago. Now, he's dead, in her library. Kathleen, with the help of her trusty side-kicks Owen and Hercules are on the case!
THOUGHTS: I admit I have struggled with giving books 12, 13, 14 & 15 anything above 3 stars (book 15 actually getting 2 stars from me). But this book bounced back in the best possible way! Sadly I think this is it for the series as the way the book concluded felt like a series ender for sure.
The mystery was paced really well in this book and didn't overshadow the other big things on the cozy side that were due to happen. The ending was so freaking adorable I nearly cried!
While this has been an up and down series for me over all, one thing that never waned for me was my love of the cats Owen & Hercules. It was such a unique premise that Sofie Kelly came up with and now that the series is over I have to admit it's one I really enjoyed!
Given how the book ended I'm sad that this is it (although Kelly could surprise us all and write book 17 but I highly doubt it) as I really think book 17 has so much potential to be amazing. But as they say in life it's best to leave on a high note and, if there are no more books in the series Sofie Kelly definitely did that!
5 Stars!
xoxo.
June 9, 2025
This was a very fitting ending installment to this series. At least, I assume it's the final book given its title and the events in the book.
I've really enjoyed this cozy mystery series, even if it was overly dramatic at times (especially in this last one), and it's sad to have to say goodbye to all these beloved characters and my favourite felines.
I've really enjoyed this cozy mystery series, even if it was overly dramatic at times (especially in this last one), and it's sad to have to say goodbye to all these beloved characters and my favourite felines.
August 11, 2025
Yikes! Way over the top action at the climax knocked this book's rating down to a scant 3 stars. If it weren't for that part, this was a solid 4-4.5/5. Sadly, that one scene saw ridiculous levels of TSTL in more than one character and I swear I got to see my brain from all the eye rolling. While the author writes well, that was just serious cringe.
The rest of the book had a lot of bits and pieces from the earlier volumes making this book feel a lot like an end book or moving towards the end of the series. Personally I was wondering about the newly formed family and the secret of the cats. Seemed like certain things were getting glossed over or ignored for convenience.
Except for the one serious cringe, this was a decent book for long term readers / fans.
The rest of the book had a lot of bits and pieces from the earlier volumes making this book feel a lot like an end book or moving towards the end of the series. Personally I was wondering about the newly formed family and the secret of the cats. Seemed like certain things were getting glossed over or ignored for convenience.
Except for the one serious cringe, this was a decent book for long term readers / fans.
September 8, 2024
Wow
I can't remember the last time a book made me cry so much. Happy tears, of course. We get a nice mystery to follow while also getting ready for the wedding we have all been waiting for. Add in the fabulous magical cats and bam, and you can't put it down. Then the feel goods start. By the time I hit the start of the final chapter, I was crying so hard I had to put the book down before I could finish it. That final chapter makes your heart swell to larger than average size as Kathleen has all her dreams come true. I totally loved it from start to finish, so it has to get 5/5 stars.
I can't remember the last time a book made me cry so much. Happy tears, of course. We get a nice mystery to follow while also getting ready for the wedding we have all been waiting for. Add in the fabulous magical cats and bam, and you can't put it down. Then the feel goods start. By the time I hit the start of the final chapter, I was crying so hard I had to put the book down before I could finish it. That final chapter makes your heart swell to larger than average size as Kathleen has all her dreams come true. I totally loved it from start to finish, so it has to get 5/5 stars.
September 8, 2024
I loved the mystery in this book. It revolved around art and brings back a few characters from previous books which made it interesting. The reveal was very different in this book than in most cozies which was refreshing and exciting. The end was very heartwarming in many different ways. Owen and Hercules are fantastic as always!
December 10, 2024
Just loved having another book with Owen and Hercules! And of course, it was nice to have the human characters too in this newest book in a cozy mystery series featuring a librarian and her cats and her policeman fiancé Marcus trying to figure out how a valuable painting ended in her library….along with a dead man.
November 8, 2024
4.5⭐ rounded up
Love this series, and especially loved this book. Hard to imagine that sixteen books in the series is still so strong. I actually teared up once or twice. And the mystery was well-plotted and full of twists.
Love this series, and especially loved this book. Hard to imagine that sixteen books in the series is still so strong. I actually teared up once or twice. And the mystery was well-plotted and full of twists.
June 9, 2025
Kathleen and Marcus get married, create an instafamily ( which is just about the sweetest thing that could have happened and was a much needed balm to my bruised literary soul) and they solve a murder.
November 20, 2024
Always an enjoyable visit with my friend, Kathleen, and her magical felines!
February 22, 2025
Really sweet cozy mystery series. This latest book did not disappoint me. 😍
July 16, 2025
Finally Kathleen and Marcus are married. However, first they have one more murder and art theft to solve.
September 8, 2024
This book feels like a series finale in the way the murder mystery and personal storyline meshed together. I think Lonnie's situation is realistic if also heartbreaking. The murder harkens back to early books in the series.
December 1, 2024
One of my favorite cat cozies.
May 27, 2025
How convoluted is the rushed ending! This author or her editor missed lessons on punctuation. Cormac McCarthy, she isn't. So, run on sentences aren't acceptable.
September 18, 2025
Pleasant to the point my teeth ached.
October 26, 2024
Another good cozy mystery with Kathleen, Owen, Hercules and the rest of the gang. Like others have mentioned, this did feel very much like the ending of the series. If it is, I feel like it ended in a way that I am satisfied with. My only complaint was that some of the things that wrapped up in this book felt rushed and was somewhat surprising.
Overall 4/5 stars and hopefully there will be more books but a satisfactory ending if not.
Overall 4/5 stars and hopefully there will be more books but a satisfactory ending if not.
October 5, 2025
Ahh, the author has given up pretending the librarian MC doesn't actively work and solve her Detective boyfriend's - excuse me - fiancé's cases.
And its SUCH a small town, how do people keep getting murdered by someone no one suspected?
16 books, the same tedious and inaccurate 'bits'.
This one highlights even more than the previous that its a mashup of romantic small-town cozy and obnoxious intrusive murder-fan trope. Plus the STUPIDs
The author continues to mess up the details about common things.
Definitely the last for this reader. Truly missing why the author doesn't stick to rom-coms, where this writing shines. The 'mystery' level would fit that too, just remove the actual death aspect and everything fits more neatly.
Some nice bits on the wedding prep, but so brief they telegraph the author's disinterest.
Like the writing style and many of the characters and situations. Disappointed in the 'stupid' choices and the rushed, instant relationships throughout the series, with too many significant events being relegated to a one-line mention after the fact. Further let down by the insta-fixes of serious issues and the cookie-cutter matchmaking of every recurring character.
And its SUCH a small town, how do people keep getting murdered by someone no one suspected?
16 books, the same tedious and inaccurate 'bits'.
This one highlights even more than the previous that its a mashup of romantic small-town cozy and obnoxious intrusive murder-fan trope. Plus the STUPIDs
The author continues to mess up the details about common things.
Definitely the last for this reader. Truly missing why the author doesn't stick to rom-coms, where this writing shines. The 'mystery' level would fit that too, just remove the actual death aspect and everything fits more neatly.
Some nice bits on the wedding prep, but so brief they telegraph the author's disinterest.
Like the writing style and many of the characters and situations. Disappointed in the 'stupid' choices and the rushed, instant relationships throughout the series, with too many significant events being relegated to a one-line mention after the fact. Further let down by the insta-fixes of serious issues and the cookie-cutter matchmaking of every recurring character.
September 15, 2024
I truly love this series. Kathleen is definitely one of my favorite MC. She's smart, resourceful, and always kind. Kathleen and Marcus are happy, their wedding is less than two months away, and things are going smoothly. Smoothly, until Kathleen goes into to open the library and finds the body of the man who was originally hired to do the library update years ago, the man who hurt Kathleen and ended up going to jail. Why was he back in town after his release? Why was he trying to steal a piece of art off the library wall? Was this tag sale picture more than it appeared? There is a lot going on here, a great mystery, a long-awaited wedding, and the chance for more family. All our favorite people and fur babies are present for this one, I got a small feeling that this might be the wrap-up of the series. I hope I am wrong!
April 14, 2024
Magical Cats is one of those series I pre-order/buy/read without reading the blurb because I love Hercules and Owen (Owen is my love) and the solid mystery are always solid and full of surprises.
This is one the best on this series, a one-sitting read,
A art heist, someone from the past who is murdered in the library, a wedding.
There's a lot to love and enjoye.
I had a sense of closure, like this was the last in the series. I hope it's just an impressione because there's a lot I want to read and I would surely miss Kathleen, Marcus and, above all, the cats
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine
This is one the best on this series, a one-sitting read,
A art heist, someone from the past who is murdered in the library, a wedding.
There's a lot to love and enjoye.
I had a sense of closure, like this was the last in the series. I hope it's just an impressione because there's a lot I want to read and I would surely miss Kathleen, Marcus and, above all, the cats
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine
October 30, 2024
Kathleen is making the final preparations for her wedding, when she finds Will Redfern's body in her local library. It appears Will was trying to steal a painting. Figuring out who killed Will and why the painting was being stolen is something Kathleen feels she has to do. (I confess, I don't always understand what motivates Kathleen.)
In addition to solving the murder, Kathleen is trying to figure out which house she and Marcus should live in, how to help two local children cope with a bad family situation, and trying to prevent her magic cats from exposing their talents.
It's weird, it's entertaining, and it's sweet at the end.
In addition to solving the murder, Kathleen is trying to figure out which house she and Marcus should live in, how to help two local children cope with a bad family situation, and trying to prevent her magic cats from exposing their talents.
It's weird, it's entertaining, and it's sweet at the end.
January 12, 2025
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Brought to you by OBS reviewer Andra
Furever After is the 16th book in the Magical Cats Mystery series by Sofie Kelly. To my surprise, this is the first book by this author that I have read! I say “to my surprise” because I am always on the lookout for cozy mystery authors who incorporate cats and kittens into their story (well, if truth be told – I also like dogs too). And, whenever possible, I like to read and support Canadian authors. I fell down in this respect, but now that I have found this series and this author – I will rectify the situation 🙂
Furever After begins with Librarian Kathleen Paulson coming across a body:
“It was déjà vu all over again.
The body was smack in the middle of my freshly scrubbed kitchen floor. Fred the Funky Chicken, minus his head. Earlier I’d found Ferdinand the Funky Frog, Fred’s sibling by adoption, in the middle of the bedroom floor. He’d also been decapitated.
“Owen!” I said sharply.
Nothing.
“Owen, you little furball, I know you did this Where are you?”
Now this had me chuckling so loudly family members came running and asked why I was laughing so hard… Great way to start a book I must say. I just knew I would enjoy this read as I could so relate to Owen’s and Hercules’ antics that Kathleen had encountered!
As is usual with cozy mysteries, one encounters a deceased person and the amateur sleuth attempts to solve the mystery of “whodunit”. In this instance we have two cats and a cat owner as the amateur sleuths. Talk about fun, though I do wonder if the cats have a bigger sleuthing role in any of the previous books (?) as this time it just felt like they were Kathleen’s listening confidents in solving this mystery. Guess I shall find out the answer to that when I read more books in this series J.
The story revolves around a priceless piece of art that is being displayed at the Mayville Heights Free Public Library. Kind of interesting that the library has this art hung on its walls from a heist long ago. Now if only Kathleen did not have to interact with a man she had hoped to never see again. Of course, as time went on (very shortly after seeing him again) he turns up dead in the library! And now the sleuthing shall begin.
One of the interesting events that happened to me personally this summer was that I took a course at Carleton University on “Four Famous Art Heists”. While reading this book – there was a reference to a couple of art heists…of which one was talked about extensively in the course – The Montreal break-in:
“Ruby shrugged…I admit I’m fascinated by this kind of thing. The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum heist. Montreal Museum of Fine Arts break-in. Did you know that the Mona Lisa was stolen back in 1911?”
There is a love connection between the amateur sleuth and a local police officer – Detective Marcus Gordon. In fact – Kathleen and Marcus are to marry in less than two months. This is where having read the series from the beginning would add context regarding their love relationship. But in all honesty – it did not take away from my enjoyment of the story at all.
There are numerous possible suspects and as Kathleen, Owen and Hercules methodically work through the list, they eventually come to identify the correct “whodunit”.
I quite liked the cover art as well. Those adorable cats, Owen and Hercules, climbing the trellis which is covered in purple flowers. It just catches my attention.
If you are looking for an easy to read cozy mystery, cats and an interesting story line – then I would suggest picking up a copy of Furever After by Sofie Kelly, find your comfy reading spot and get to reading.
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Andra
Furever After is the 16th book in the Magical Cats Mystery series by Sofie Kelly. To my surprise, this is the first book by this author that I have read! I say “to my surprise” because I am always on the lookout for cozy mystery authors who incorporate cats and kittens into their story (well, if truth be told – I also like dogs too). And, whenever possible, I like to read and support Canadian authors. I fell down in this respect, but now that I have found this series and this author – I will rectify the situation 🙂
Furever After begins with Librarian Kathleen Paulson coming across a body:
“It was déjà vu all over again.
The body was smack in the middle of my freshly scrubbed kitchen floor. Fred the Funky Chicken, minus his head. Earlier I’d found Ferdinand the Funky Frog, Fred’s sibling by adoption, in the middle of the bedroom floor. He’d also been decapitated.
“Owen!” I said sharply.
Nothing.
“Owen, you little furball, I know you did this Where are you?”
Now this had me chuckling so loudly family members came running and asked why I was laughing so hard… Great way to start a book I must say. I just knew I would enjoy this read as I could so relate to Owen’s and Hercules’ antics that Kathleen had encountered!
As is usual with cozy mysteries, one encounters a deceased person and the amateur sleuth attempts to solve the mystery of “whodunit”. In this instance we have two cats and a cat owner as the amateur sleuths. Talk about fun, though I do wonder if the cats have a bigger sleuthing role in any of the previous books (?) as this time it just felt like they were Kathleen’s listening confidents in solving this mystery. Guess I shall find out the answer to that when I read more books in this series J.
The story revolves around a priceless piece of art that is being displayed at the Mayville Heights Free Public Library. Kind of interesting that the library has this art hung on its walls from a heist long ago. Now if only Kathleen did not have to interact with a man she had hoped to never see again. Of course, as time went on (very shortly after seeing him again) he turns up dead in the library! And now the sleuthing shall begin.
One of the interesting events that happened to me personally this summer was that I took a course at Carleton University on “Four Famous Art Heists”. While reading this book – there was a reference to a couple of art heists…of which one was talked about extensively in the course – The Montreal break-in:
“Ruby shrugged…I admit I’m fascinated by this kind of thing. The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum heist. Montreal Museum of Fine Arts break-in. Did you know that the Mona Lisa was stolen back in 1911?”
There is a love connection between the amateur sleuth and a local police officer – Detective Marcus Gordon. In fact – Kathleen and Marcus are to marry in less than two months. This is where having read the series from the beginning would add context regarding their love relationship. But in all honesty – it did not take away from my enjoyment of the story at all.
There are numerous possible suspects and as Kathleen, Owen and Hercules methodically work through the list, they eventually come to identify the correct “whodunit”.
I quite liked the cover art as well. Those adorable cats, Owen and Hercules, climbing the trellis which is covered in purple flowers. It just catches my attention.
If you are looking for an easy to read cozy mystery, cats and an interesting story line – then I would suggest picking up a copy of Furever After by Sofie Kelly, find your comfy reading spot and get to reading.
September 5, 2024
Kathleen Paulson is busy keeping everything going at the library. She’s particularly proud of their new reading program and trying to find funding for it. But as she heads to the library to get it ready for the busy day ahead, she finds a dead man on the floor.
She immediately calls the police, and her fiancé, Detective Marcus Gordon, shows up to investigate. Especially since the dead man turns out to be Will Redfern. She knew him because shortly after she’d shown up to the town to oversee the library’s renovations, Will was the contractor. They’d had an altercation, Kathleen had been hurt, and Will had gone to jail for assault. Now he’s back in town and dead on the library floor. And Kathleen couldn’t help but notice it looked like he’d been trying to steal a painting that had been on the wall. But why? And who had killed him?
As the police look into the crime (and Kathleen does her own sleuthing), they discover that the painting had been stolen from the house of a wealthy man. Several paintings had been stolen, but everything had been recovered except this one. But how did it end up hanging in the library?
Meanwhile, Kathleen is getting ready for the wedding. Her family and friends throw her a lovely shower with surprise guests, and her cats help her out by offering their advice and sometimes leaving decapitated catnip toys around the house as symbols of their love (or their love of catnip anyway).
But these are not ordinary cats. Owen can disappear at will, and Hercules can walk through walls. Which makes it difficult for Kathleen to control them sometimes, but it helps out when they want to point their humans toward the answers they’re trying to find.
The closer Kathleen and Marcus get to finding the killer and understanding why Will Redfern was killed, the more they figure out what’s most important to them. And as they get closer to their wedding, they realize the future they were heading towards looks different than they thought, but it’s filled with so much more love than they expected.
Furever After is book sixteen in Sofie Kelly’s Magical Cats Mystery series. And while these books are about solving murders, the stars of the books are the cats. Owen and Hercules are charming and clever, showing up at the perfect time to offer just the right amount of support. This book is sweet and entertaining, and while solving the crime is an important element of the story, there is also a lot of personal things going on that adds so much sweetness to balance out the darkness of the crimes.
I am a fan of Sofie Kelly, and of cats, so I love these books. But I think Furever After is my favorite so far. I liked how the murder was tied to an old art heist. I thought the was super interesting and lots of fun. But mostly I loved how the story came together for Kathleen and Marcus. Having the wedding at the end and the start of a new family was lovely, and I look forward to seeing what the future holds for them. If you love a cozy with a couple of crazy cats in it, then you should definitely check out this series.
Egalleys for Furever After were provided by Berkley through NetGalley, with many thanks.
She immediately calls the police, and her fiancé, Detective Marcus Gordon, shows up to investigate. Especially since the dead man turns out to be Will Redfern. She knew him because shortly after she’d shown up to the town to oversee the library’s renovations, Will was the contractor. They’d had an altercation, Kathleen had been hurt, and Will had gone to jail for assault. Now he’s back in town and dead on the library floor. And Kathleen couldn’t help but notice it looked like he’d been trying to steal a painting that had been on the wall. But why? And who had killed him?
As the police look into the crime (and Kathleen does her own sleuthing), they discover that the painting had been stolen from the house of a wealthy man. Several paintings had been stolen, but everything had been recovered except this one. But how did it end up hanging in the library?
Meanwhile, Kathleen is getting ready for the wedding. Her family and friends throw her a lovely shower with surprise guests, and her cats help her out by offering their advice and sometimes leaving decapitated catnip toys around the house as symbols of their love (or their love of catnip anyway).
But these are not ordinary cats. Owen can disappear at will, and Hercules can walk through walls. Which makes it difficult for Kathleen to control them sometimes, but it helps out when they want to point their humans toward the answers they’re trying to find.
The closer Kathleen and Marcus get to finding the killer and understanding why Will Redfern was killed, the more they figure out what’s most important to them. And as they get closer to their wedding, they realize the future they were heading towards looks different than they thought, but it’s filled with so much more love than they expected.
Furever After is book sixteen in Sofie Kelly’s Magical Cats Mystery series. And while these books are about solving murders, the stars of the books are the cats. Owen and Hercules are charming and clever, showing up at the perfect time to offer just the right amount of support. This book is sweet and entertaining, and while solving the crime is an important element of the story, there is also a lot of personal things going on that adds so much sweetness to balance out the darkness of the crimes.
I am a fan of Sofie Kelly, and of cats, so I love these books. But I think Furever After is my favorite so far. I liked how the murder was tied to an old art heist. I thought the was super interesting and lots of fun. But mostly I loved how the story came together for Kathleen and Marcus. Having the wedding at the end and the start of a new family was lovely, and I look forward to seeing what the future holds for them. If you love a cozy with a couple of crazy cats in it, then you should definitely check out this series.
Egalleys for Furever After were provided by Berkley through NetGalley, with many thanks.
August 12, 2024
"Furever After" is a cozy mystery. This is the 16th book in the series. There was more filler than normal, and the wedding-related ending was tied up with such a fantasy, happily-ever-after bow that it felt like the end of the series. It probably is simply because there's no realistic way to keep the cat's magical abilities secret anymore as unreliable children will be around the cats so much now.
It's a clue-based mystery, and Kathleen figured out both who originally stole the paintings and who killed the art thief. She didn't follow the obvious question--how did valuable paintings end up in her library--but tried to figure out how the thief was connected to the original theft. She researched online with the help of her cats. The explanation for why the thief died in the library made no sense, though:
I had a problem with the ending suspense sequence, too. Riley's supposed to be smart, but she just kept putting everyone in danger. She knows someone's being held by the killer, but she called in Kathleen. Not the cops. Kathleen asked her to call the cops as they needed help, but Riley refused because she wanted to help Kathleen. And she's not a help while repeatedly putting everyone else in danger. Riley also should have known that it wasn't urgent to immediately retrieve her lost phone, but she rushed back into deadly danger. Unbelievably, I hope they remove this mad dash by Riley before the final version of the story as it wasn't necessary and was so unrealistic.
There was no sex. There were only a few uses of bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this story to fans of the series.
I received an ebook advanced review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
It's a clue-based mystery, and Kathleen figured out both who originally stole the paintings and who killed the art thief. She didn't follow the obvious question--how did valuable paintings end up in her library--but tried to figure out how the thief was connected to the original theft. She researched online with the help of her cats. The explanation for why the thief died in the library made no sense, though:
I had a problem with the ending suspense sequence, too. Riley's supposed to be smart, but she just kept putting everyone in danger. She knows someone's being held by the killer, but she called in Kathleen. Not the cops. Kathleen asked her to call the cops as they needed help, but Riley refused because she wanted to help Kathleen. And she's not a help while repeatedly putting everyone else in danger. Riley also should have known that it wasn't urgent to immediately retrieve her lost phone, but she rushed back into deadly danger. Unbelievably, I hope they remove this mad dash by Riley before the final version of the story as it wasn't necessary and was so unrealistic.
There was no sex. There were only a few uses of bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this story to fans of the series.
I received an ebook advanced review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
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