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Gram’s Country Cooking School Mystery #4
If Catfish Had Nine Lives
Betts Winston has inherited more than her cooking skills from her grandmother—she can also see and talk to ghosts of people that once roamed the streets of Broken Rope, Missouri, in the days of the Old West…
With Gram’s Country Cooking School on spring break, Betts and Gram are taking part in this year’s cowboy poetry convention, offering lessons on frying catfish over an open campfire. But when a staged gunfight ends in real death and her brother Teddy becomes a prime suspect, Betts may be the one to jump from the frying pan into the fire.
After her ghostly guardian Jerome appears to watch her back and a spectral Pony Express rider gallops into town with some unfinished business, Broken Rope starts to seem more like a cowboy ghost convention. With trouble on both sides of this mortal coil, it’s up to Betts to clear her brother, put the spirits to rest, and make sure the true killer doesn’t become the one who got away.
With Gram’s Country Cooking School on spring break, Betts and Gram are taking part in this year’s cowboy poetry convention, offering lessons on frying catfish over an open campfire. But when a staged gunfight ends in real death and her brother Teddy becomes a prime suspect, Betts may be the one to jump from the frying pan into the fire.
After her ghostly guardian Jerome appears to watch her back and a spectral Pony Express rider gallops into town with some unfinished business, Broken Rope starts to seem more like a cowboy ghost convention. With trouble on both sides of this mortal coil, it’s up to Betts to clear her brother, put the spirits to rest, and make sure the true killer doesn’t become the one who got away.
304 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published August 5, 2014
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639 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
January 16, 2016
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Paige Shelton has given us another top notch cozy mystery. She blends cooking with mystery, history, and ghosts. She also adds in a spoonful of romance that may surprise you.
Betts and Gram are fantastic characters but Jerome always steals my heart. He is always there when Betts needs him and this time she really needed him to help unlock all the mysteries she was trying to solve.
Broken Rope is a very special place. It takes us back to the Wild West and I appreciate the way Jake tries to keep all the history straight. An enormous task and he continues to receive more and more information and treasures for his collection. I loved learning more about the Pony Express.
Shelton continues to amaze me with her imaginative stories. The characters are unique and engaging, the main plots and subplots mesh together perfectly. The history and the mystery draws the reader in and hangs on tight. Then she adds some killer recipes to boot!
Paige you had me with this one – hook, line and sinker! This book is quite a catch!!
November 13, 2019
I really enjoy this series. I like Betts and her ghostly visitors, especially Jerome (I'm glad he gets repeat visits). I think one of the things I like best is that it combines current day events with events from the ghosts past, I always enjoy that kind of a story line and it's done well in these books. There were definitely some surprises at the end of this book that I never would have guessed and I enjoyed the Pony Express part of the story and it makes me want to visit one of their stops.
April 17, 2019
Well, THIS book had more twists and turns than a catfish running a line! And all of them were fun! Even the ghosts had a few surprises for Betts this time, as they showed her a few new rules in the "How to be Dead" playbook. Apparently, some hauntings are more haunting than others, and this one is up there. But I'm a sucker for !
December 7, 2014
This book is another fun and fast paced read. The town of Broken Rope is hosting a Cowboy Poetry convention. Betts and her grandmother, Miz have their hands full this time with plenty of ghosts involving the Pony Express. Murder and mayhem is the theme and you will find yourself in the thick of it. Tidbits of history of the Pony Express were great and educational.
December 26, 2025
If Catfish Had Nine Lives by Paige Shelton is the fourth book of the Country Cooking School mystery series set in contemporary (fictitious) Broken Rope, Missouri. Isabelle "Betts" and her grandmother Missouri Anna "Miz" are teaching country campfire cooking for a cowboy poetry convention.
During a cowboy skit, a real murder occurs. Betts has ghosts on her mind: Jerome, on whom she has a crush, and Joe, a former Pony Express Rider. It's the first time Betts has met Joe. Miz has been helping Joe for years, to deliver the letters left in his mochila (over-the-saddle mailbag) at the time of his death. Since it's been 100 years since Joe died mysteriously, it takes research to find descendants of the intended recipients of his letters.
Besides the murder, on the same night Betts' brother Teddy was savagely beaten. He's having trouble remembering what happened, due to his head injuries.
There's something odd about Joe that Betts can't quite figure out. Why does he return (as a ghost) to deliver these letters? What will happen when he finally delivers the last letter?
Betts' police detective boyfriend Cliff senses something has come between them. It surprises me that she hasn't told him earlier in the series that she and Miz see and hear ghosts. Betts' friend Jake, the town historian with whom she spends much more time than with Cliff, of course knows about the ghosts and her efforts to solve their mysteries. He does all the research for Betts; has even seen a ghost.
The distracting, disjointed subplots no doubt were included to provide red herrings. The scene with the snake goes nowhere; apparently just 'filler'. Although a high school graduate and erstwhile law student, Betts' thoughts and emotions are stuck at high school level.
The violent confrontation at the Pony Express station should be the ending - it has a sweet purpose (skim the ensuing too-lengthy wrap up of other subplots, if you're still interested).
Includes directions for Dutch Oven Cooking and recipes: Peach Cobbler, Apple Crisp, Beef Pot Roast, Cowboy Stew, Monkey Bread. Honey Mustard Pork Chops.
During a cowboy skit, a real murder occurs. Betts has ghosts on her mind: Jerome, on whom she has a crush, and Joe, a former Pony Express Rider. It's the first time Betts has met Joe. Miz has been helping Joe for years, to deliver the letters left in his mochila (over-the-saddle mailbag) at the time of his death. Since it's been 100 years since Joe died mysteriously, it takes research to find descendants of the intended recipients of his letters.
Besides the murder, on the same night Betts' brother Teddy was savagely beaten. He's having trouble remembering what happened, due to his head injuries.
There's something odd about Joe that Betts can't quite figure out. Why does he return (as a ghost) to deliver these letters? What will happen when he finally delivers the last letter?
Betts' police detective boyfriend Cliff senses something has come between them. It surprises me that she hasn't told him earlier in the series that she and Miz see and hear ghosts. Betts' friend Jake, the town historian with whom she spends much more time than with Cliff, of course knows about the ghosts and her efforts to solve their mysteries. He does all the research for Betts; has even seen a ghost.
The distracting, disjointed subplots no doubt were included to provide red herrings. The scene with the snake goes nowhere; apparently just 'filler'. Although a high school graduate and erstwhile law student, Betts' thoughts and emotions are stuck at high school level.
The violent confrontation at the Pony Express station should be the ending - it has a sweet purpose (skim the ensuing too-lengthy wrap up of other subplots, if you're still interested).
Includes directions for Dutch Oven Cooking and recipes: Peach Cobbler, Apple Crisp, Beef Pot Roast, Cowboy Stew, Monkey Bread. Honey Mustard Pork Chops.
June 2, 2024
This is Book 4 in Paige Shelton's Gram's A Country Cooking School Mystery. It was ok, but did not hold my interest as her other books have.
September 29, 2018
OMG I love this series
August 11, 2014
Normally I don't like paranormal cozies too well, but Shelton does a great job putting ghosts into this series and yet still making it feel "normal." It's not too cutsie. And by using the ghosts, Shelton can work in a lot of really interesting history. In this particular book, it's the Pony Express.
Plenty of other reviewers have already summarized the plot, so I won't bother. Let me just point out that this book is a little different from the usual pattern in that Betts, the protagonist, is not directly investigating the murder. In fact, the murder takes a back seat to the problems presented by the several ghosts in the book and also by the fact that her brother Teddy has been badly beaten, and Betts wants to find out who did it.
This is a great tale, but I will say that I recommend new readers to start with the beginning of the series, as they might be confused just dropping in at this point.
And Jerome? Well, like most cozy protagonists, Betts is in a love triangle. But one of her guys is the cowboy ghost Jerome, and Shelton has kindly brought this sexy spirit back for this volume! (It's really a shame that Jerome is obviously not the guy Betts will choose in the end, as he's much more interesting than her cop boyfriend!)
Shelton is one of my favorite cozy writers, and this is yet another win for her!
Plenty of other reviewers have already summarized the plot, so I won't bother. Let me just point out that this book is a little different from the usual pattern in that Betts, the protagonist, is not directly investigating the murder. In fact, the murder takes a back seat to the problems presented by the several ghosts in the book and also by the fact that her brother Teddy has been badly beaten, and Betts wants to find out who did it.
This is a great tale, but I will say that I recommend new readers to start with the beginning of the series, as they might be confused just dropping in at this point.
And Jerome? Well, like most cozy protagonists, Betts is in a love triangle. But one of her guys is the cowboy ghost Jerome, and Shelton has kindly brought this sexy spirit back for this volume! (It's really a shame that Jerome is obviously not the guy Betts will choose in the end, as he's much more interesting than her cop boyfriend!)
Shelton is one of my favorite cozy writers, and this is yet another win for her!
August 19, 2014
Do you like stories with ghosts? How about stories with recipes? Maybe a handsome cowboy ghost who comes back to safe the heroine of the story? Well you will get all these things in Paige Shelton’s latest book in the Country Cooking School series. This time the little town of Broken Rope is hosting a poetic event. There are all kinds of cowboy poets attending. Miz and Betts are doing cooking in cast iron demonstrations. A new ghost makes an appearance and of course someone gets murdered. Not only does someone get murdered, but Betts brother gets beat up. Now if that isn’t excitement, I don’t know what is. Oh, how about some relationships that no one new? What to know what’s really going on in Broken Rope, you’ll have to read the book to find out.
I really enjoy Paige Shelton’s style of writing. You can feel the tension and almost smell the wood fires. Now I’m looking forward to the next in the series.
I really enjoy Paige Shelton’s style of writing. You can feel the tension and almost smell the wood fires. Now I’m looking forward to the next in the series.
December 30, 2015
I must admit that this is my favorite Paige Shelton series. I love the ghosts of Broken Rope, Missouri, as well as the engaging, quirky characters. There are several ghosts in town during the Cowboy Poetry festival. In addition to Jerome, that cowboy who has been wreaking havoc with Betts Winston's emotions, there is the ghost of a long-dead Pony Express rider, who is doomed to deliver all his mail before..."something happens." During the festivities there is a brutal murder, and Betts' brother Teddy is nearly beaten to death. Betts and her grandmother Miz must solve not only the ghost's dilemma, but the murder, also, because they are somehow inextricably linked.
Once again, I was pulled into the story and couldn't stop reading until the end.
Once again, I was pulled into the story and couldn't stop reading until the end.
December 1, 2016
I find it hard to put into words the reason I disliked this book. Normally I enjoy Paige Shelton's books but I cannot warm up to the Country Cooking School Mysteries. I do not know if it is the characters that I do not like or the book plots. I normally like books with a paranormal elements but this series does not work for me.
August 22, 2014
I love Paige Sheltons books! This one is a fun trip to the Old West. Great characters and setting, and I love the ghosts. I look forward to the next in the series.
February 13, 2015
Campfire cooking, the Pony Express, ghosts, and history keep Betts and her grandmother very busy in If Catfish Had Nine Lives. Luckily, no catfish popped-in for aide from Betts! Excellent plot!
March 1, 2019
Gram’s Country Cooking School on spring break is on spring break leaving Betts and Gram time to take part in the cowboy poetry convention. Broken Rope, Missouri is filled with visitors and the cooking school will offer lessons on frying catfish over an open campfire and dutch oven cooking.
Part of the poetry convention festivities include period skits in a variety of settings in town. One of the staged events ends in a real death with nearly ever visitor, half the town and her brother a suspect. Within minutes of hearing the gunshot Betts and Jerome the friendly ghost are on the trail of the murderer. Before long Betts will have another crime to solve involving her brother.
I enjoy this series very much and this book was a great addition to the arc. It finally seems as though Betts is over her ghost crush and looking more seriously at her relationship with Cliff. The new characters in the story were nicely developed. The pace of this book is just right. My reading time was limited this week, but it was easy to put the book down and pick it up without forgetting what was happening. I recommend this book. While it can stand alone, the entire series is worth reading.
Part of the poetry convention festivities include period skits in a variety of settings in town. One of the staged events ends in a real death with nearly ever visitor, half the town and her brother a suspect. Within minutes of hearing the gunshot Betts and Jerome the friendly ghost are on the trail of the murderer. Before long Betts will have another crime to solve involving her brother.
I enjoy this series very much and this book was a great addition to the arc. It finally seems as though Betts is over her ghost crush and looking more seriously at her relationship with Cliff. The new characters in the story were nicely developed. The pace of this book is just right. My reading time was limited this week, but it was easy to put the book down and pick it up without forgetting what was happening. I recommend this book. While it can stand alone, the entire series is worth reading.
September 15, 2024
Betts Winston has inherited more than her cooking skills from her grandmother—she can also see and talk to ghosts of people that once roamed the streets of Broken Rope, Missouri, in the days of the Old West…
With Gram’s Country Cooking School on spring break, Betts and Gram are taking part in this year’s cowboy poetry convention, offering lessons on frying catfish over an open campfire. But when a staged gunfight ends in real death and her brother Teddy becomes a prime suspect, Betts may be the one to jump from the frying pan into the fire.
After her ghostly guardian Jerome appears to watch her back and a spectral Pony Express rider gallops into town with some unfinished business, Broken Rope starts to seem more like a cowboy ghost convention. With trouble on both sides of this mortal coil, it’s up to Betts to clear her brother, put the spirits to rest, and make sure the true killer doesn’t become the one who got away. Country Cooking #4
With Gram’s Country Cooking School on spring break, Betts and Gram are taking part in this year’s cowboy poetry convention, offering lessons on frying catfish over an open campfire. But when a staged gunfight ends in real death and her brother Teddy becomes a prime suspect, Betts may be the one to jump from the frying pan into the fire.
After her ghostly guardian Jerome appears to watch her back and a spectral Pony Express rider gallops into town with some unfinished business, Broken Rope starts to seem more like a cowboy ghost convention. With trouble on both sides of this mortal coil, it’s up to Betts to clear her brother, put the spirits to rest, and make sure the true killer doesn’t become the one who got away. Country Cooking #4
February 17, 2018
Betts and Miz are able to see and talk to ghosts. Which can be a blessing or a curse because of where they live in Broken Rope, Missouri which was on the Pony Express route.
The town of Broken Rope is having a convention with plays and dutch oven cooking demonstrations during Miz's cooking school spring break. During one of the plays, an actor is shot and killed. It's up to Betts and Miz to help determine the identity of the killer.
Meanwhile, there is a mystery surrounding the Pony Express and a missing rider.
This book was slow in places and confusing at points because of all of the different characters - alive and dead. But all in all, the premise of the book was a good and interesting one.
The town of Broken Rope is having a convention with plays and dutch oven cooking demonstrations during Miz's cooking school spring break. During one of the plays, an actor is shot and killed. It's up to Betts and Miz to help determine the identity of the killer.
Meanwhile, there is a mystery surrounding the Pony Express and a missing rider.
This book was slow in places and confusing at points because of all of the different characters - alive and dead. But all in all, the premise of the book was a good and interesting one.
October 10, 2019
The story (the murder & the ghost saga) were interesting and intriguing but the pacing was soooo slow. However, it didn't annoy me as much as it usually would've when the pacing is so leisurely because it was strangely fitting given the setting for this book. It's laid back, rural, prarie-like nature kind of reminds me of what a lazy, hazy, hot summer evening feels like when you're just hanging around chatting with friends over a tall glass of lemonade & chips. I enjoyed reading this. I liked all the characters, no one was over the top annoying or obnoxious. It was alright.
March 20, 2025
OMG! I can't love this series any more than I already do....It's a blast reading it and reading about all the twists and turns the author can come up with. I really REALLY want to tell you more about the books but I don't want to give anything away. I think it's part of the mystery and you will find out about it in the first book and I love how she adds to it in each book thereafter.
Oh yeah, did I mention she also has recipes in the back of the books? I have made copies of some of them and can't wait to try them.
If you need a summer read THIS IS THE SERIES!!!!
Oh yeah, did I mention she also has recipes in the back of the books? I have made copies of some of them and can't wait to try them.
If you need a summer read THIS IS THE SERIES!!!!
May 16, 2017
This is a fun series of light mysteries, each with a ghost who returns to Broken Rope, Missouri, where Betts Winston and her grandmother run a cooking school and assist the ghost in whatever his/her mission is, usually without fail relating somehow to a murder which occurs simultaneously. The characters and story lines are entertaining, easy to read and enjoy, a very nice break from more serious books.
July 21, 2018
This book in the series features a cowboy poetry campout convention along with the usual array of ghosts - this time including a ghost horse! The ghosts from the past are from the 18 months in which the US had the Pony Express for special mail delivery. It has some info on that as well as the murder mystery to solve.
November 4, 2020
This was a fun story!! I really enjoyed learning about the Pony Express. I thought it was an early day post mail system, it wasn't. I was surprised to learn it was only active about 18 months. The mysteries both historical and current were very interesting, very twisted, and a ton of fun to unravel. I just love this series and am looking forward to read more by the amazing Paige Shelton!
June 1, 2017
What a fun series! Granted, this one started off a little slow, but it didn't take long for the action to pick up and once it did I was hooked. Wild West history, ghosts, food, and murder mysteries - what's not to love? These books are pure entertainment and so hard to down. On to the next!
February 1, 2021
I've read several books in this series, which is fun and has, so far, two main characters that can see and talk to ghosts. So, food and ghosts, kind of fun. I'll have to find the next book after I catch up on some reading that was back shelved and some other projects that I've just been dodging.
May 29, 2017
I loved the book. Fun ghosts come to visit
December 20, 2017
Great paranormal cozy mystery series
August 4, 2018
Against my better judgement, I finished this book. So many aspects of this book just didn't work for me at all.
April 4, 2019
As usual mixed plot lines makes this constantly action-filled.
October 14, 2020
I would have given this one 5 stars, but the resolution of the mystery was rushed and revealed with too much "telling" and not enough "showing.
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January 3, 2024If Catfish Had Nine Lives
July 22, 2024
Loved it! It was the perfect follow up to the last one in the series. It is such a treat to spend time in Broken Rope with all it’s interesting, lovable and quirky characters.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews