Tails by the Fireplace

A Razzy Cat Cozy Mystery #7

by Courtney McFarlin

A Razzy Cat Cozy Mystery Collection of Short Stories

Did you wonder what Razzy and the boys were talking about in front of the fireplace at the end of The Girl Who Disappeared?

Wonder no longer! Grab this collection of short stories and learn about Razzy’s life before she met Hannah and how Gus met Ben. Don’t worry, little Rudy has his story to tell, too.

Genres: Cozy Mystery

81 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 20, 2021

About the author

Courtney McFarlin currently lives in the Black Hills of South Dakota with her fiance and their two cats.

Reviews

[Lady Tea]

Rating: Um...*sighs* / 5

While this did admittedly have its cute moments and gave us more insights on each of the cats and their histories...*sighs* this was not a cozy mystery in any which way, and I REALLY don't think it should be counted as "Book 7" of the series. It's really a collection of short stories about each of the cats, and so to make it book 6.5 would've been more honest.

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 Girl Who Disappeared (Book 6)
6. The Mess at the Banquet (Book 5)
7. Tails by the Fireplace (Book 7)

[Connie P.]

True story.

A departure from the usual, these are the stories of Razzy, Gus and Rudy and how they ended up together. They're also the stories of so many cats and dogs who weren't as lucky as these three cats. Backyard breeders and mills, living on the streets, starving, unloved. Gus's story, especially, made me so sad. I'm so glad that our local shelter is a no kill shelter. I have donated money, beds, dog food, cat food, cleaning supplies and blankets to the shelter. I wish I could do more. I wish that there wouldn't need to be such a thing as a shelter because all people wanted their animals and were responsible for their health and safety. These stories, told from the animal's point of view, make me happy for those animals who have found their people who love them. And sad for the animals who haven't and may never.

[Nikki]

A short book in this lovely cozy mystery series, this book centres around the 3 cats in this series, Razzy, Gus and Rudy.

Its Christmas Eve and the 3 cats are sitting by the fire in their new apartment, their owners, Hannah and Ben have gone to bed. They each tell the story of how they came to be there. Razzy, her life and how she was adopted by Hannah; Gus, his life and how he was adopted by Ben and Rudy, his life and how he came to be found in the cabin by Razzy and Gus.

I admit, I had tears in my eyes reading their starts in life!

[Tari]

Oh my goodness, what an adorable Christmas story! It was sweet, cute and a little sad to hear each cat tell the stories of their past before they came into Ben and Hannah’s lives. But the happiness sure outweighed any sadness and I can truthfully say any eye leakage was when the sweeties each got their forever homes! What a great little Christmas read! I’d been meaning to read this book since March when I finished the previous one, but I think it was even better in this magical Christmas season.

[Diane Hall]

Cats' Stories

I don't review too often but after reading this book in the Razzy Cat Series, I couldn't resist. Courtney McFarlin's books make me wish I could talk to my cats. This one was wonderful as it shows the plight of homeless animals and the joy that comes when they find a true forever home. Courtney has become one of my favorite authors since I found her books on Amazon. I can't wait to continue this series and start on her others. If you like cats and mysteries, you'll love this warm and funny series.

[moxieBK]

The Tails by the Fireplace (A Razzy Cat Cozy Mystery # 7) — Courtney McFarlin (18 chapters) Aug. 21-22, 2022

This is the background stories of the kitts who speak. What their lives were like before Hannah and Ben stepped in to save their lives. The story happens directly after “The Girl Who Disappeared.”

Neat idea and loved it. Super quick read but worth the background sketch of each cat.

Four stars.

[Cheri Schaefer]

A real tug at the heart strings tale!

All the of the cat's tales had my eyes tearing up to the point I could hardly see the page. With many stops and starts and wiping my eyes I got through the book. They all 3 had a rough start to their lives, but finally found their forever humans and forever home. This story line was so heartwarming and so true for many cats now a days.
I absolutely love this series!

[Ingrid Gail]

This short novel isn't really a cozy mystery as it is about the lives of Razzy, Gus and Rudy before they met Hannah and Ben.


But I have to admit, I cried the entire time I was reading it and I do think a lot of people should read it to be more aware of how many animals are out there that need help and comfort in their lives.


I loved the way it was written and will remember this book for a long time, even though it wasn't a cozy mystery LOL

[Anne Brooker-grogan]

I Saw the Promos For This Book!

I knew about this book some time before I found it on line. It was SO worth the wait! To learn each cat’s origin story and how they came to live with Ben and Hannah was a glorious experience!

This gives “Happily Ever After” a new level of meaning! Highly recommended!

[Lady Galaxy]

Finally, a book that's all about the cats! It was heartbreaking at times to hear their stories of their lives before they found Hannah and Ben, so keep a big box of tissues close by. I just wish I could give this more than 5 stars! My only complaint was that it ended before they got to open their presents!

[Linda Kirkland]

TAILS BY THE FIREPLACE: SWEET ADDITION TO THE RAZZY CAT SERIES

TAILS BY THE FIREPLACE: SWEET ADDITION TO THE RAZZY CAT SERIES!

It's so bittersweet to hear about their backgrounds and the tough times they went though, but glad to know they became a loving family thanks yo Hannah and Ben.

A must read!

[LE Eastman]

So sweet!

I love the mysteries from this series. This background on the cats was fantastic. This gives you a great insight into what animals go through in their early years. This is heart wrenching and heart warming. The author really really captures this well.

[Cynthia J. Contreras]

Great background read

I loved to hear the back story for each cat. It brought their personality full circle. I could feel each scenario each cat painted.
Can't wait for the next. I'm sure it will deepen my enjoyment of the next story. Thank you.

[Teresa]

Love this series!

The books are just long enough to make you want to start the next one. The cats are smart & lovable, as are Ben & Hannah. And wouldn’t we all love to know what our pets are saying?

[Janet]

Sweet short stories providing the background for each of the feline characters in the series. Razzy, Gus, and Rudy all provided brief stories about how they grew up and eventually ended up with Ben and Hannah. Christmas Eve setting with future plot potentials too.

[JoAn]

A lovely story about Razzy, Gus and Rudy's history before they were adopted by Hannah and Ben. The author did a remarkable job of detailing the possibilities of each cat's history before their rescue. I'm more intrigued now into reading more of this cozy series.

[Jeff]

A very good novella about how the three cats' respective pasts. This is basically a standalone and in my opinion is a great book for anyone who loves cats. There's humorous parts but some are pretty sad with the topic of animal shelter euthanasia.

[Julie Harper]

This whole series is one of the best ive read in a long time. Some days I would read and get into a third book before I put it down. I hope the other ones hold up to these, these by far were my favorite ones.

[Honor R. Smith]

A Wonderful Short

I really enjoyed this story. Learning about Rizzy, Gus, and Rudy's origins was great. Can't wait for there next adventure.

[Clarence A Corter]

Tails by the Fireplace

A very interesting story told from the perspective of the lives of three cats. Courtney McFarlin continues to write enjoyable stories.

[Kathy]

sweetest cats

A sweet look into the lives of Razzy, Gus, and Rudy before they found Ben and Hannah.Made me tear up.

[Viki Smith]

I loved how she told the back stories of some of the important characters of this series. How everything worked to where they were there by the fireplace together.

[JANE VAN HORN]

Great book

This was a wonderful Christmas story about the lives of all three cats until they meet Hannah and Ben and lived happily ever after.

[Alicia Kuntz]

That was truly adorable

Such an emotional tale for all three wonderful cats. I'm so glad we got a chance to hear their stories.

[Terri Horn]

Yeah!

I love these cats. It was moving to read about their backgrounds. Courtney McFarlin really understands the personalities of cats.

[Joan]

The 3 cats curl up beside the fire on Christmas Eve and tell their stories.

[Debbi S.]

What a powerful story!

I wish this was in print form! I think it would be a powerful tool for educating people about helping their local shelters as well as the importance of spay and neuter events in their areas. Thank you!!

[Jonathon]

I read this while taking a bath so u have no proof I was crying.

[Melissa Walker]

Origin stories of the cats

The three cats spend Christmas Eve night each telling their story of what life was like before they met Hannah and Ben. Sweet, short Christmas book.

[Marseydoats]

This was great! The cats discuss their earlier lives before they came to live with Hannah and Ben.