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A Razzy Cat Cozy Mystery #5
The Mess at the Banquet
When Hannah Murphy was invited to an award banquet for local reporters, she never imagined that attending could mean losing her life.
Someone in Golden Hills is targeting reporters and it could be someone she knows. Her relationship with Ben will be put to the test as the suspect list grows longer.
Razzy tackles her toughest case yet as she races to help find the killer. Will Hannah be next on the killer’s list? Not if Razzy has anything to say about it!
Someone in Golden Hills is targeting reporters and it could be someone she knows. Her relationship with Ben will be put to the test as the suspect list grows longer.
Razzy tackles her toughest case yet as she races to help find the killer. Will Hannah be next on the killer’s list? Not if Razzy has anything to say about it!
166 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 13, 2021
374 people are currently reading
50 people want to read
About the author
Courtney McFarlin
88 books66 followersCourtney McFarlin currently lives in the Black Hills of South Dakota with her fiance and their two cats.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
February 22, 2022
I love this series, but
I was disappointed with this book. It rambled. The story and plot made no sense and the characters I enjoy were annoying. I hope this was a one off for this writer.
I was disappointed with this book. It rambled. The story and plot made no sense and the characters I enjoy were annoying. I hope this was a one off for this writer.
September 30, 2024
These books are keeping my mental health afloat❤️
January 19, 2025
Rating: 3.4 / 5
*winces* Yeah, despite the fact that the mystery's still pretty good in this as well, some of the other elements that I really like about this series...took a hit in this one.
Namely, Hannah and Ben's relationship.
Now, from the previous book, readers already know to expect that something like this would happen (thanks to Anastasia's prediction), but unfortunately it still felt contrived as heck. The mystery this time around is that Nick Andino, aka hot-reporter-who's-also-interested-in-Hannah, is literally found with blood on his hands and knows the victim who's been murdered, so therefore he's suspect #1.
Although Hannah doesn't believe that he's guilty, Ben, out of unreasonable jealousy, refuses to even acknowledge that possibility and just sort of distances himself from Hannah as a result. This...rankled, and for several reasons:
1) These books are kind of so-so on the writing to begin with, and as of yet haven't really reached any sort of emotional depth with anything, and therefore I don't think it's a strong suit of the author's to push onto the reader an overly-emotional plot. It just feels...hollow, because the book has neither the time nor the ability to go into everyone's emotions besides Hannah's (first person POV and whatnot), so we never know just why Ben acts the way he does and to what extent he's affected.
2) Ben distancing himself from Hannah REALLY felt like a step backward and somewhat out of character. I mean, he was calling her 'love bug' left and right in the previous book, and has been pretty open with how he feels about Hannah and how their relationship's progressing. I don't see him as the type to clam up and just refuse to talk about something, unless of course it was for Hannah's own protection. Heck, Hannah herself acknowledges that he's acting out of character in this, so....yup.
3) Given what stage Hannah and Ben are at in their relationship by now, planning to move in together and whatnot, I REALLY would have thought that they were past this type of uncertainty with regards to a love triangle, or whatever. I think this would have worked better in book 2 or even in book 3, but since they've been together for a while now and already been through quite a bit together--I mean, they have CAT FAMILY, FOR GOODNESS' SAKE!--I just never really bought into this as a genuine conflict, and therefore it felt more annoying to get through rather than strictly necesary.
*sighs* All in all, I'd therefore have to say that while the cats were charming as always and the mystery itself had a pretty interesting basis (and not to mention a mini-twist that I did NOT see coming), this element did bring this book down in my estimation, and therefore it's lowest on my list so far.
My Personal Ranking of the Razzy Cat Cozy Mystery Series
1. The Trouble at City Hall (Book 2)
2. The Crime at the Lake (Book 3)
3. The Thief in the Night (Book 4)
4. The Body in the Park (Book 1)
5. The Mess at the Banquet (Book 5)
*winces* Yeah, despite the fact that the mystery's still pretty good in this as well, some of the other elements that I really like about this series...took a hit in this one.
Namely, Hannah and Ben's relationship.
Now, from the previous book, readers already know to expect that something like this would happen (thanks to Anastasia's prediction), but unfortunately it still felt contrived as heck. The mystery this time around is that Nick Andino, aka hot-reporter-who's-also-interested-in-Hannah, is literally found with blood on his hands and knows the victim who's been murdered, so therefore he's suspect #1.
Although Hannah doesn't believe that he's guilty, Ben, out of unreasonable jealousy, refuses to even acknowledge that possibility and just sort of distances himself from Hannah as a result. This...rankled, and for several reasons:
1) These books are kind of so-so on the writing to begin with, and as of yet haven't really reached any sort of emotional depth with anything, and therefore I don't think it's a strong suit of the author's to push onto the reader an overly-emotional plot. It just feels...hollow, because the book has neither the time nor the ability to go into everyone's emotions besides Hannah's (first person POV and whatnot), so we never know just why Ben acts the way he does and to what extent he's affected.
2) Ben distancing himself from Hannah REALLY felt like a step backward and somewhat out of character. I mean, he was calling her 'love bug' left and right in the previous book, and has been pretty open with how he feels about Hannah and how their relationship's progressing. I don't see him as the type to clam up and just refuse to talk about something, unless of course it was for Hannah's own protection. Heck, Hannah herself acknowledges that he's acting out of character in this, so....yup.
3) Given what stage Hannah and Ben are at in their relationship by now, planning to move in together and whatnot, I REALLY would have thought that they were past this type of uncertainty with regards to a love triangle, or whatever. I think this would have worked better in book 2 or even in book 3, but since they've been together for a while now and already been through quite a bit together--I mean, they have CAT FAMILY, FOR GOODNESS' SAKE!--I just never really bought into this as a genuine conflict, and therefore it felt more annoying to get through rather than strictly necesary.
*sighs* All in all, I'd therefore have to say that while the cats were charming as always and the mystery itself had a pretty interesting basis (and not to mention a mini-twist that I did NOT see coming), this element did bring this book down in my estimation, and therefore it's lowest on my list so far.
My Personal Ranking of the Razzy Cat Cozy Mystery Series
1. The Trouble at City Hall (Book 2)
2. The Crime at the Lake (Book 3)
3. The Thief in the Night (Book 4)
4. The Body in the Park (Book 1)
5. The Mess at the Banquet (Book 5)
December 22, 2022
I never realize until I'm reading one of this series just how much I missed those sweet kitties since I read the last book! I just love Razzy, Gus and little Rudy who's not so little now and while he's still a kitten, I'm sure it sorta aggravates Razzy that he's bigger than she is. It's so awesome that Anastasia gave Ben that crystal so he can hear and speak with the cats now too. She had a serious warning in this book and it did take lots of love and strength for Ben and Hannah to weather out this case since they were on opposite ends of it.
The showdown was great and Razzy had her moment to shine. There was a cool twist I hadn't seen coming too. I always like how Anastasia sorta sets the tone or idea for the next book with her cryptic messages. Since I own the next book, I'm diving right into it. It takes place during the Christmas season and I can't wait to see Christmas with Hannah, Ben and the cats!
The showdown was great and Razzy had her moment to shine. There was a cool twist I hadn't seen coming too. I always like how Anastasia sorta sets the tone or idea for the next book with her cryptic messages. Since I own the next book, I'm diving right into it. It takes place during the Christmas season and I can't wait to see Christmas with Hannah, Ben and the cats!
August 23, 2022
The Mess at the Banquet (A Razzy Cat Cozy Mystery # 5) — Courtney McFarlin (18 chapters) Aug. 19, 2022
Glad I continue reading this series, and this one was a really good read. Perhaps one of the best since the first book.
A editor for a competing newspaper is murdered at a newspaper awards ceremony and it pits Hannah vs. Ben against each other as a hunk competitor of Hannah looks to be the perp… only Hannah thinks he’s innocent.
This story was tightly wound and I found myself turning the pages to get to the end.
Fun!
There was one or two unfortunately editing errors, but worth reading this story and the series.
Four stars.
Glad I continue reading this series, and this one was a really good read. Perhaps one of the best since the first book.
A editor for a competing newspaper is murdered at a newspaper awards ceremony and it pits Hannah vs. Ben against each other as a hunk competitor of Hannah looks to be the perp… only Hannah thinks he’s innocent.
This story was tightly wound and I found myself turning the pages to get to the end.
Fun!
There was one or two unfortunately editing errors, but worth reading this story and the series.
Four stars.
March 10, 2025
The mystery was well crafted in this one. I just hate it that the author has Hannah and Ben getting ready to move in together. It's too soon. He was such a jerk in this book that I kept hoping they would break up. This is the second time he's been a jerk. It's turning into a pattern. He's not ready and neither is she. I like that all the cats will be together, but do they really need Ben, other than as their chef?
As usual with this series, this book needs to be proofread. So many little words left out. They may be tiny, but the time it takes to figure out what the author meant to write takes me out of the story and reminds me I'm just reading a book!
As usual with this series, this book needs to be proofread. So many little words left out. They may be tiny, but the time it takes to figure out what the author meant to write takes me out of the story and reminds me I'm just reading a book!
January 27, 2022
Hannah and Ben's toughest case yet, the murder of a reporter. When the case changes their relationship, can they survive it? Razzy, Gus and Rudy hope so, they're sad to be apart.
A really good, easy to read, humourous in parts, cozy mystery series set in Golden Hills, Colorado with a reporter, Hannah, and a Police Detective, Ben. Will Hannah survive after unearthing corruption at the local Council? Why is Ben being so uncommunicative with her? Will Razzy save the day, again?
These books are best read in order of publication to preserve continuity of the characters and series.
A really good, easy to read, humourous in parts, cozy mystery series set in Golden Hills, Colorado with a reporter, Hannah, and a Police Detective, Ben. Will Hannah survive after unearthing corruption at the local Council? Why is Ben being so uncommunicative with her? Will Razzy save the day, again?
These books are best read in order of publication to preserve continuity of the characters and series.
February 14, 2026
The fifth book in this series and the mystery was indeed mysterious till the end.
It felt a bit over the top how the relationship between Hannah and Ben progressed in this book, it didn't feel real. But of course, all is well that ends well.
I do love this series, but with all books there are small words missing which gets me out of the flow of reading and loving the story. I wished they would have been proofread better.
Other than that, I love Razzy, Gus and Rudy and can't wait to see what happens next with them.
It felt a bit over the top how the relationship between Hannah and Ben progressed in this book, it didn't feel real. But of course, all is well that ends well.
I do love this series, but with all books there are small words missing which gets me out of the flow of reading and loving the story. I wished they would have been proofread better.
Other than that, I love Razzy, Gus and Rudy and can't wait to see what happens next with them.
November 7, 2022
I'm so addicted to this series!
Can't get enough of Razzy, Gus and Rudy!! Loved the story line, but was really on edge with the difficulty between Hannah and Ben. When that new detective popped into the picture I thought, Now what?? So glad everything is ok and it didn't take a couple of books to straighten it out. My nerves couldn't take that! Anyway, I totally love this series! Can't wait to start #6!
Can't get enough of Razzy, Gus and Rudy!! Loved the story line, but was really on edge with the difficulty between Hannah and Ben. When that new detective popped into the picture I thought, Now what?? So glad everything is ok and it didn't take a couple of books to straighten it out. My nerves couldn't take that! Anyway, I totally love this series! Can't wait to start #6!
April 28, 2024
Hannah attends an awards banquet, but when she comes out of the washroom she finds reporter Nick leaning over a dead body with blood on his hands.
Ben is jealous of Nick and stops coming over to Hannah's house. She and the cats are miserable that he is treating them like this. They have already put a deposit on a new, larger apartment so they could all live together.
Hannah investigates a santiation company that appears to have an unfair advantage over bids with city hall.
Ben is jealous of Nick and stops coming over to Hannah's house. She and the cats are miserable that he is treating them like this. They have already put a deposit on a new, larger apartment so they could all live together.
Hannah investigates a santiation company that appears to have an unfair advantage over bids with city hall.
September 14, 2021
Love these mysteries
The only problem with these is there are not more. I love Razzy and all the cats. Hannah and Ben are great at solving mysteries. I love that Hannah is good at not being a victim. She actually makes smart choices and solves the crimes.
The only problem with these is there are not more. I love Razzy and all the cats. Hannah and Ben are great at solving mysteries. I love that Hannah is good at not being a victim. She actually makes smart choices and solves the crimes.
April 13, 2022
The Mess at the Banquet
I really enjoyed reading this book in the Razzy Cat series. Courtney McFarlin is an excellent storyteller. I'm looking forward t reading the next book in this series.
I really enjoyed reading this book in the Razzy Cat series. Courtney McFarlin is an excellent storyteller. I'm looking forward t reading the next book in this series.
September 15, 2021
An excellent cozy mystery
Hannah is a great character, one that you can relate to and love. The stories are always pretty realistic even with talking cats!
Hannah is a great character, one that you can relate to and love. The stories are always pretty realistic even with talking cats!
September 18, 2021
they solved it again!
Hannah, Ben, Razzy, Gus and Rudy have some difficulty but they solve the case. Razzy even gets to have some action of her own in bringing down the bad guy.
Hannah, Ben, Razzy, Gus and Rudy have some difficulty but they solve the case. Razzy even gets to have some action of her own in bringing down the bad guy.
March 30, 2022
Another great read! Excellent characters, plot line with twists and turns!
Can’t wait for the next one!
Can’t wait for the next one!
July 3, 2022
cats
i read these stories for what the cats are up to. cute tails of their mischief. on to the next one.
i read these stories for what the cats are up to. cute tails of their mischief. on to the next one.
January 31, 2023
Great book
I just love these cats, and the rest of the characters are pretty good too. I can't wait to read the next book.
I just love these cats, and the rest of the characters are pretty good too. I can't wait to read the next book.
February 18, 2024
Yes, Hannah has found another body, its very nature will cause her and Ben problems in their relationship.
May 20, 2024
Cute cozy mystery. Crime reporter in a relationship with a homicide detective and both can talk to their 3 cats. What could go wrong?
August 5, 2024
Great story.
Well this one had me on pins and needles almost till the very end. Very well written, entertaining and suspenseful all at the same time.
Well this one had me on pins and needles almost till the very end. Very well written, entertaining and suspenseful all at the same time.
August 13, 2024
Fantastic story.
This story kept you wanting more. Great character interesting story line. Couldn't put it down. Great twists and turns. Totally enjoyable.
This story kept you wanting more. Great character interesting story line. Couldn't put it down. Great twists and turns. Totally enjoyable.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews