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Magical Cats Mystery #6
A Midwinter's Tail
Kathleen Paulson is snowed under running her library and caring for her extraordinary felines, Owen and Hercules. But when a holiday fund-raiser turns deadly, she’ll have to add sleuthing to her already full schedule...
Winter in Mayville Heights is busy and not just because of the holidays. Kathleen is hard at work organizing a benefit to raise money for the library’s popular Reading Buddies program. She has her hands full hosting the event. And when a guest at the gala drops dead, her magical cats, Owen and Hercules, will have their paws full helping her solve a murder.
The victim is the ex of town rascal Burtis Chapman, but she hasn’t lived in the area in years. And though everybody is denying knowledge of why she was back in town, as Kathleen and her detective boyfriend, Marcus, begin nosing around, they discover more people are connected to the deceased than claimed to be. Now Marcus, Kathleen, and her uncanny cats have to unravel this midwinter tale before the case gets cold.
Winter in Mayville Heights is busy and not just because of the holidays. Kathleen is hard at work organizing a benefit to raise money for the library’s popular Reading Buddies program. She has her hands full hosting the event. And when a guest at the gala drops dead, her magical cats, Owen and Hercules, will have their paws full helping her solve a murder.
The victim is the ex of town rascal Burtis Chapman, but she hasn’t lived in the area in years. And though everybody is denying knowledge of why she was back in town, as Kathleen and her detective boyfriend, Marcus, begin nosing around, they discover more people are connected to the deceased than claimed to be. Now Marcus, Kathleen, and her uncanny cats have to unravel this midwinter tale before the case gets cold.
336 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published October 7, 2014
153 people are currently reading
1556 people want to read
About the author
Sofie Kelly
17 books1,114 followersSofie Kelly is the pseudonym of young adult writer and mixed-media artist, Darlene Ryan. Sofie/Darlene lives on the east coast with her husband and daughter. In her spare time she practices Wu style tai chi and likes to prowl around thrift stores. And she admits to having a small crush on Matt Lauer.
She also writes as Sofie Ryan.
She also writes as Sofie Ryan.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 306 reviews
April 23, 2021
A cute, cozy little mystery, that started out a three star and ended up a four because I liked the characters more and more as the book went along. Looking forward to more.
February 27, 2018
Burtis Chapman's ex is murdered and Kathleen is at it again. The blurb sounds as if Marcus and Kathleen are working together on the case. The only part which is true there is that Marcus gave up on making her stop meddling in his cases. The rest is same old, same old: everyone is nice, polite, everyone gives his or her opinion on pretty much everything (often on page and on the same damn thing you've already heard).
I like Marcus, though. It should be enough for an okay read.
I like Marcus, though. It should be enough for an okay read.
June 28, 2018
The library is having a gala, and the whole town is buzzing. The ex-wife of the town rascal is back in town, and the whole town is buzzing about that, too. The ex suffers the fate of all unpleasant people in cozies, and friends of the sleuth are the prime suspects. So she starts poking around.
Another well constructed mystery.
Another well constructed mystery.
November 25, 2021
I read this one out of order, and it made it hard to follow what was going on, but I eventually made out where everyone was in their lives. Kathleen is apparently the Jessica Fletcher of Minnesota.
April 4, 2017
Another entertaining instalment.
March 15, 2022
I was super charmed by this one, even more so than I usually am. Probably because the main ship has finally sailed and I am happily on board.
I liked the case in this one, too, which I am usually not even paying attention to.
I liked the case in this one, too, which I am usually not even paying attention to.
October 10, 2014
My friends in Mayville Heights are back with another book in the “A Magical Cats Mystery” series. To say this is one of my favorite cozy series would be an understatement. I think this is one series that gets better with age. I was addicted to it from the start and just became more engrossed as the books continue.
It’s winter time in the small town and Kathleen Paulson is planning a huge fundraiser to raise money for the library’s Reading Buddies program. Things are going quite smoothly until the ex-wife of Burtis Chapman unexpectedly shows up after a long absence. Just as she mysteriously shows up, she mysteriously dies. Kathleen’s boyfriend, who happens to be the detective in charge, is quite suspicious and so is Kathleen. The investigation begins and they discover Chapman’s ex wasn’t a very popular or well liked woman.
With the help of her delightful magical cats Hercules and Owen, Kathleen has her work cut out for her as she tries to find a killer.
Not only do I adore the human characters, but Hercules and Owen stole my heart a long time ago. Magical or not, they still have very kitty-like attributes. This is an enchanting story and perfect for this time of year. Sofie Kelly is a brilliant storyteller and definitely on my “auto buy” list. I love each and every one of her books and this is no different. They always make me feel so good. There better be another book coming out soon, that’s all I can say!
FTC Disclosure: The publisher provided me with a copy of this book to review for this blog tour. This did not influence my thoughts and opinions in any way. All opinions expressed are my own.
It’s winter time in the small town and Kathleen Paulson is planning a huge fundraiser to raise money for the library’s Reading Buddies program. Things are going quite smoothly until the ex-wife of Burtis Chapman unexpectedly shows up after a long absence. Just as she mysteriously shows up, she mysteriously dies. Kathleen’s boyfriend, who happens to be the detective in charge, is quite suspicious and so is Kathleen. The investigation begins and they discover Chapman’s ex wasn’t a very popular or well liked woman.
With the help of her delightful magical cats Hercules and Owen, Kathleen has her work cut out for her as she tries to find a killer.
Not only do I adore the human characters, but Hercules and Owen stole my heart a long time ago. Magical or not, they still have very kitty-like attributes. This is an enchanting story and perfect for this time of year. Sofie Kelly is a brilliant storyteller and definitely on my “auto buy” list. I love each and every one of her books and this is no different. They always make me feel so good. There better be another book coming out soon, that’s all I can say!
FTC Disclosure: The publisher provided me with a copy of this book to review for this blog tour. This did not influence my thoughts and opinions in any way. All opinions expressed are my own.
October 20, 2014
My initial thoughts on the book: Definitely not as good or as tightly written as the others.
My overall thoughts: I really enjoy this series but this book fell way short of my expectations on progressing the storyline. There were some obvious editing issues and the author seemed to throw some character names out there in random places (like at the end of the story when the killer is confessing). There was something just 'off' about this book. The ending didn't fit together quite as nicely as it should have and felt disjointed.
Overall, I am giving the book 4 stars because I love Owen and Hercules and I am enjoying Kathy and Marcus' relationship.
I hope the author picks it up a bit in book 7 and gets the series back on track.
My overall thoughts: I really enjoy this series but this book fell way short of my expectations on progressing the storyline. There were some obvious editing issues and the author seemed to throw some character names out there in random places (like at the end of the story when the killer is confessing). There was something just 'off' about this book. The ending didn't fit together quite as nicely as it should have and felt disjointed.
Overall, I am giving the book 4 stars because I love Owen and Hercules and I am enjoying Kathy and Marcus' relationship.
I hope the author picks it up a bit in book 7 and gets the series back on track.
January 13, 2024
Kathleen has committed to staying in Mayville Heights, in her position as head librarian. She has wonderful friends, her relationship with Marcus is finally more settled, and her uncanny cats keep life interesting. It’s really a delightful town… except for the growing murder rate! But oh what fun when Kathleen gets pulled into solving murders.
This time she is busy with a fundraiser for the library’s Reading Buddies program. The town pulls together to make the event a success… with the exception of someone who commits a murder and a guest abruptly dies. The clues point in several directions… Marcus, Kathleen, and the cats work to find the murderer.
A completely fun cozy mystery series.
This time she is busy with a fundraiser for the library’s Reading Buddies program. The town pulls together to make the event a success… with the exception of someone who commits a murder and a guest abruptly dies. The clues point in several directions… Marcus, Kathleen, and the cats work to find the murderer.
A completely fun cozy mystery series.
August 11, 2020
Another fun adventure with all the folks of Mayville Heights. Kathleen’s backyard neighbor and first friend in MH is finally marrying the love of her life, businessman Everett Henderson. Kathleen is holding a fund raiser at the library for a program that pairs Kindergarten-age readers with older readers (8-9 year olds). Of course, someone dies at the fundraiser and Kathleen gets involved in finding whodunnit.
I think my favorite bit was when Marcus is able to catch the little ginger cat at Wisteria Hill.
I think my favorite bit was when Marcus is able to catch the little ginger cat at Wisteria Hill.
November 14, 2014
I've enjoyed every one of Sofie Kelly's Magical Cats books, and A Midwinter's Tail is just another gem in this series. Now that Kathleen and Marcus are dating, she's trying her hardest to stay out of his latest case, but everyone in town is pulling her back in, asking her to solve the case.
I love revisiting old characters, and I especially love Owen and Hercules those adorable, magical felines. :) If you love cozy mysteries, this is a series that you MUST read.
I love revisiting old characters, and I especially love Owen and Hercules those adorable, magical felines. :) If you love cozy mysteries, this is a series that you MUST read.
January 24, 2018
It is winter in Mayville Heights and librarian Kathleen Paulson is busy organizing a fund raiser for her Reading Buddies program. When an unexpected visitor to town attends the benefit and drops dead from an allergic reaction to nuts, is it an accident or murder. Kathleen needs the help of her two magical cats, Hercules and Owen, to solve this diabolical murder.
This is a fun series to read! Revolving around two rescued kittens who each have their own special abilities, Kathleen always has plenty of help in solving tricky murders. I found the characters to be very realistic. The library setting is the perfect place to look up clues. The murder plot was well thought out with lots of red herrings. This is the sixth of nine books and they can be read in any order but I would suggest starting from the first one.
This is a fun series to read! Revolving around two rescued kittens who each have their own special abilities, Kathleen always has plenty of help in solving tricky murders. I found the characters to be very realistic. The library setting is the perfect place to look up clues. The murder plot was well thought out with lots of red herrings. This is the sixth of nine books and they can be read in any order but I would suggest starting from the first one.
January 30, 2023
really good, loved the cats, made the story
October 16, 2014
Owen and Hercules are back in the sixth book in the Magical Cats series by Sofie Kelly. A Midwinter's Tail takes place during the Christmas season in Mayville Heights and readers will quickly be drawn into a murder mystery. With plenty of suspects, some burgeoning romance, a wedding and fundraiser gone awry, there is plenty going on in this addition to the series. Readers looking for a fast paced whodunit, with a touch of magic will love this one!
What I liked:
As always with the Magical Cats series, Owen and Hercules are the feline stars of the show. With their magical abilities these two kitties have become quite the cozy sleuths. Kathleen may be the heroine of the series, but she wouldn't get anywhere without her feline sidekicks. In A Midwinter's Tail, the cats seem to have acquired a couple of new skills, reading and computer savvy. Though some suspense in reality is required for this series, Owen and Hercules make up for it by making their actions seem realistic for the situation. They still behave like cats for the most part, from one having a catnip addiction to spats between them. Kelly makes it easy to believe in magic, with these two around.
One of my favorite parts of this series is the interactions between Kathleen, Owen and Hercules and the rest of the town of Mayville Heights. From Kathleen's relationship with Marcus to the her friendships with Roma and Ruby and the rest of the gang. I love all of the side plots and stories that add so much to this series. In this addition to the series, there is a lot of romance in the air, as well as, murder. A wedding, some new budding relationships, and just the ongoing details of what's going on around town, make me smile every time I read one of the Magical Cats books.
The mystery in this one centers around the return of Burdis Chapman's ex wife Dayna and her subsequent murder during a library fundraiser. Now that puts a damper on one budding romance since Burdis becomes suspect number one. I thought this was an interesting turn of events and one I didn't see coming. The mystery itself was a bit overshadowed by all of the other things going on in town, but it was still entertaining and kept me guessing to the end. There were suspects aplenty, but the burden of proof eventually landed and Kathleen with the help of Hercules an Owen was right in the middle of it as usual. Another well written whodunit by Sofie Kelly.
What I didn't like:
As I said the mystery was slightly on the back burner due to everything else going on in the book. But I think that's a natural progression for a series sometimes. You just have to have those books that tie up a lot of loose ends or start new threads and that felt like what this one was. The mystery was still just as good, there was just a lot of other stuff getting in the way a little bit.
Bottom Line:
Mayville Heights is busy, busy, busy in this addition to a great series. Kathleen along with her friends and her felines once again are on the track of a killer. Romance is blooming but murder was looming! The background stories take over a little bit but not to worry the mystery is still there and is just a riveting as usual.
What I liked:
As always with the Magical Cats series, Owen and Hercules are the feline stars of the show. With their magical abilities these two kitties have become quite the cozy sleuths. Kathleen may be the heroine of the series, but she wouldn't get anywhere without her feline sidekicks. In A Midwinter's Tail, the cats seem to have acquired a couple of new skills, reading and computer savvy. Though some suspense in reality is required for this series, Owen and Hercules make up for it by making their actions seem realistic for the situation. They still behave like cats for the most part, from one having a catnip addiction to spats between them. Kelly makes it easy to believe in magic, with these two around.
One of my favorite parts of this series is the interactions between Kathleen, Owen and Hercules and the rest of the town of Mayville Heights. From Kathleen's relationship with Marcus to the her friendships with Roma and Ruby and the rest of the gang. I love all of the side plots and stories that add so much to this series. In this addition to the series, there is a lot of romance in the air, as well as, murder. A wedding, some new budding relationships, and just the ongoing details of what's going on around town, make me smile every time I read one of the Magical Cats books.
The mystery in this one centers around the return of Burdis Chapman's ex wife Dayna and her subsequent murder during a library fundraiser. Now that puts a damper on one budding romance since Burdis becomes suspect number one. I thought this was an interesting turn of events and one I didn't see coming. The mystery itself was a bit overshadowed by all of the other things going on in town, but it was still entertaining and kept me guessing to the end. There were suspects aplenty, but the burden of proof eventually landed and Kathleen with the help of Hercules an Owen was right in the middle of it as usual. Another well written whodunit by Sofie Kelly.
What I didn't like:
As I said the mystery was slightly on the back burner due to everything else going on in the book. But I think that's a natural progression for a series sometimes. You just have to have those books that tie up a lot of loose ends or start new threads and that felt like what this one was. The mystery was still just as good, there was just a lot of other stuff getting in the way a little bit.
Bottom Line:
Mayville Heights is busy, busy, busy in this addition to a great series. Kathleen along with her friends and her felines once again are on the track of a killer. Romance is blooming but murder was looming! The background stories take over a little bit but not to worry the mystery is still there and is just a riveting as usual.
November 20, 2014
After reading the darkness that is Stuart Neville, it was time for a little fun. That's what these books are about - just plain fun. If you've never read one of these before, keep in mind that you truly have to suspend your disbelief. Since the two "magical" cats have unusual talents - one can disappear and the other can walk through walls - if you don't suspend belief, you'll just roll your eyes throughout or quite reading. Although I've given up reading most cozies, I've stuck with this series as well as a few others. The ones I've kept involve either cats or coffee! In the last book in the series, our heroine, Kathleen, a librarian in the mythical (but cozy sounding) town of Maryville, MN, had signed a contract to stay on with the library after supervising the renovations. She has also - finally! - given in to love, in this case with Marcus, a hunky detective in town. He hasn't appreciated the fact that she gets involved with murders, first getting angry at her interference, then worrying about the danger. Of course there's always a scary ending with Kathleen just making it out. I'm thinking the author really ought to stop doing that, but that's just me.
In this latest book in the series, Kathleen is getting ready for a gala that is designed to raise funds for her pet project, Reading Buddies, a program that pairs a struggling young student reader with an older student. There is a jazz trio playing, everyone is dressed to the nines, then the ex wife of one of the townspeople shows up. A few minutes later, after eating a handmade chocolate truffle, she is dead. It turns out that she is highly allergic to pistachio nuts and, somehow, pistachio oil was poured in the box. Of course, the ex husband asks Kathleen to "investigate" since he is a prime suspect. The cats definitely help in their own interesting ways. This is a cute series. If you haven't read the ones that came first, you don't necessarily have to although reading the first one will help understand the series a little better.
In this latest book in the series, Kathleen is getting ready for a gala that is designed to raise funds for her pet project, Reading Buddies, a program that pairs a struggling young student reader with an older student. There is a jazz trio playing, everyone is dressed to the nines, then the ex wife of one of the townspeople shows up. A few minutes later, after eating a handmade chocolate truffle, she is dead. It turns out that she is highly allergic to pistachio nuts and, somehow, pistachio oil was poured in the box. Of course, the ex husband asks Kathleen to "investigate" since he is a prime suspect. The cats definitely help in their own interesting ways. This is a cute series. If you haven't read the ones that came first, you don't necessarily have to although reading the first one will help understand the series a little better.
July 31, 2016
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Owen and Hercules are two of my favorite literary felines. They sure do keep Kathleen on her toes!
Winter has come to Mayville Heights (so nice to read during this heat wave) and it is a perfect time for a fundraiser for the library’s Reading Buddies Program. But when a former resident returns to town and then ends up dead in the middle of the gala, the entire program is at risk. Marcus and Kathleen are both working the case and confiding in each other as much as possible but all the clues are just not adding up. Maybe Owen and Hercules can “see” what they are missing or cause enough mischief to point the humans in the right direction.
The cats are evolving in this series which quite magical. If you are a fan of this series you already know they are extraordinary. They are also still cats, cats that at times just tolerate each other. They antics at times had me laughing out loud.
There is also a lot happening in this story, Marcus and Kathleen romance is moving forward, the friendships of the female characters continue to grow. A wedding is being planned where the groom is a bit “zilla” wanting everything perfect. Then there is the fundraiser, happenings at the library and of course the murder. With subplots galore the pages practically flew. As the final reveal started I truly was on the edge of my seat.
This is a strong series and this was a fine edition. I am so happy Kathleen has decided to stay in Mayville Heights!
Owen and Hercules are two of my favorite literary felines. They sure do keep Kathleen on her toes!
Winter has come to Mayville Heights (so nice to read during this heat wave) and it is a perfect time for a fundraiser for the library’s Reading Buddies Program. But when a former resident returns to town and then ends up dead in the middle of the gala, the entire program is at risk. Marcus and Kathleen are both working the case and confiding in each other as much as possible but all the clues are just not adding up. Maybe Owen and Hercules can “see” what they are missing or cause enough mischief to point the humans in the right direction.
The cats are evolving in this series which quite magical. If you are a fan of this series you already know they are extraordinary. They are also still cats, cats that at times just tolerate each other. They antics at times had me laughing out loud.
There is also a lot happening in this story, Marcus and Kathleen romance is moving forward, the friendships of the female characters continue to grow. A wedding is being planned where the groom is a bit “zilla” wanting everything perfect. Then there is the fundraiser, happenings at the library and of course the murder. With subplots galore the pages practically flew. As the final reveal started I truly was on the edge of my seat.
This is a strong series and this was a fine edition. I am so happy Kathleen has decided to stay in Mayville Heights!
January 16, 2016
If you're familiar with my reviews, you know I love cozies and I'm not adverse to reading stories in which I have to suspend my disbelief. A Midwinter's Tail by Sofie Kelly is one of those cozies, and I loved it. Kathleen Paulson is a small town librarian with great friends, a really great boyfriend, Marcus, who happens to be a cop, and two wonderful cats, who just happen to have some special powers (known only to Kath.) The cats with the help of their powers have helped Kath and Marcus solve some previous murders, and this volume, the sixth in the series is no exception.
During a fundraiser for Kath's Reading Buddies program, the long absent ex-wife of a local man just happens to show up unexpectedly, then drop dead of an allergy to pistachios! Turns out, the truffles she ate had no nuts, but were laced with pistachio oil. Murder! And it seems like there are more folks around who had a connection with the deceased woman than originally known.
I love Sofie Kelly's writing style. Her descriptions of people and places are vivid and enjoyable. The premise, murder by allergy, is not original, but the plotting and profusion of red herrings makes this tale a pleasure to read.
During a fundraiser for Kath's Reading Buddies program, the long absent ex-wife of a local man just happens to show up unexpectedly, then drop dead of an allergy to pistachios! Turns out, the truffles she ate had no nuts, but were laced with pistachio oil. Murder! And it seems like there are more folks around who had a connection with the deceased woman than originally known.
I love Sofie Kelly's writing style. Her descriptions of people and places are vivid and enjoyable. The premise, murder by allergy, is not original, but the plotting and profusion of red herrings makes this tale a pleasure to read.
October 15, 2014
A Midwinter's Tail is the sixth book in the A Magical Cats Mystery series.
Kathleen Paulson is hard at work putting the finishing touches for the benefit party the library is having to fund their Reading Buddies program. Just as delicious desserts are being served, Dayna Chapman has an allergic reaction to the one he has just eaten and dies. Results showed that they had a nut oil on them. Dayna had left town some ten years before, leaving a husband two boys behind. Dayna was seen earlier in a heated discussion with her ex, Burtis Chapman and he immediately becomes the prime suspect, but Kathleen doesn't feel that he is the murderer.
So, with the help of her neighbor, Rebecca, Roma, a local vet, and her friend Ruby, they set out to help the police uncover the murderer. In addition to their investigation, they are also getting Rebecca ready for her wedding to Everett.
A very enjoyable series with a wonderful group of characters.
Hercules and Owen are also around to provide some lighter moments for the reader. Very fun cats.
Looking forward to the next book.
Kathleen Paulson is hard at work putting the finishing touches for the benefit party the library is having to fund their Reading Buddies program. Just as delicious desserts are being served, Dayna Chapman has an allergic reaction to the one he has just eaten and dies. Results showed that they had a nut oil on them. Dayna had left town some ten years before, leaving a husband two boys behind. Dayna was seen earlier in a heated discussion with her ex, Burtis Chapman and he immediately becomes the prime suspect, but Kathleen doesn't feel that he is the murderer.
So, with the help of her neighbor, Rebecca, Roma, a local vet, and her friend Ruby, they set out to help the police uncover the murderer. In addition to their investigation, they are also getting Rebecca ready for her wedding to Everett.
A very enjoyable series with a wonderful group of characters.
Hercules and Owen are also around to provide some lighter moments for the reader. Very fun cats.
Looking forward to the next book.
November 2, 2014
This series gets better and better. I was happy to watch Kathleen and Detective Marcus Gordon work out their differences instead of refusing to see each other's viewpoint. That made it more enjoyable to participate in their investigation of Burtis Chapman's ex-wife's death. Poor Burtis has the bad luck to be a friend of Kathleen's, which means this series naturally had him in line to be a murder suspect. Kathleen sticks to her friends, though, so she will risk her life to save him.
In effect, Kathleen's cats create a starry halo for this book. Their behavior is completely catlike, except for the moments when they decide to be magical. The effect is charming. I'm happy to recommend A MIDWINTER'S TAIL.
In effect, Kathleen's cats create a starry halo for this book. Their behavior is completely catlike, except for the moments when they decide to be magical. The effect is charming. I'm happy to recommend A MIDWINTER'S TAIL.
January 15, 2015
Kathleen and her two feline sidekicks, Owen and Hercules are on the prowl after a murder ruins her gala for Reading Buddies, one of the library's most popular programs. Burtis Chapman's ex wife is the victim. She hasn't been in town for years after abandoning Burtis and their children. Suddenly she shows up and ends up at the gala where she meets her demise eating a chocolate with nuts after an allergic reaction. Kathleen and her boyfriend, homicide detective, Marcus soon discover there are more people involved with the deceased than just her ex. Sophie Kelly wins again with her Magical Cat Mystery series. Thumbs up on this one!
March 11, 2015
3.5 stars
I like this one, but not quite as much as some of the others, though I couldn't quite tell you why. It does continue to be charming. Burtis Chapman, the tough-looking, not-quite-law-abiding, but he has his own code of ethics, guy who has decided to be friends with Kathleen is pretty fun. And I'm pretty sure Oren the handyman can do pretty much anything, including play the piano at a wedding. I would like to issue this series with the goal of not having the protagonist in a near-death experience in the last ten pages in at least one book. It is a goal I often feel should be met. Sad that this is the last one currently published.
I like this one, but not quite as much as some of the others, though I couldn't quite tell you why. It does continue to be charming. Burtis Chapman, the tough-looking, not-quite-law-abiding, but he has his own code of ethics, guy who has decided to be friends with Kathleen is pretty fun. And I'm pretty sure Oren the handyman can do pretty much anything, including play the piano at a wedding. I would like to issue this series with the goal of not having the protagonist in a near-death experience in the last ten pages in at least one book. It is a goal I often feel should be met. Sad that this is the last one currently published.
February 8, 2021
Kathleen's gala to support her Reading Buddies program at the library is interrupted by a woman falling over dead.
Dang, don't you hate it when that happens!
These books are delightful cozies with two adorable cats to spice up the story. Owen (who can turn invisible) is having a spat with his brother Hercules (who can walk through walls) and dumps Hercules' favorite mouse toy in the water bowl. Oh, yeah - there's also a murder.
My 89-year-old mother and I read this book together and she liked it - she said she 'thought she had the murderer figured out' and she was right!
Dang, don't you hate it when that happens!
These books are delightful cozies with two adorable cats to spice up the story. Owen (who can turn invisible) is having a spat with his brother Hercules (who can walk through walls) and dumps Hercules' favorite mouse toy in the water bowl. Oh, yeah - there's also a murder.
My 89-year-old mother and I read this book together and she liked it - she said she 'thought she had the murderer figured out' and she was right!
October 24, 2015
So: sloppy sentence construction, awkward turns of phrase that were difficult to parse, and a very rushed plot. (And typos, though that's not the author's fault.) There's also a lot of everyone's happily-ever-after being stressed at the same time, which feels fake, along with Mayville Heights going from tiny hick town to hip artsy suburb swimming in grant money and generous library donors. All in all, not one of Sofie Kelly's finest efforts.
"I always drank slowly" was really sweet, though.
"I always drank slowly" was really sweet, though.
July 20, 2016
Marcus and Owen 'sing' Aerosmith while cooking in the kitchen. Owen's payback for Kathleen and Hercules frequently singing Barry Manilow around the house. I love this series!!!
August 3, 2021
A delightful read
November 27, 2018
My favorite sub-genre is cozy mysteries with cats. I read this one for my book group, Novel Conversations. We had picked books set during Christmas. Unfortunately for me, this book doesn't run over the Christmas season, but I thought it was a good story anyway.
A person who has ties to the community but has been gone for many years, returns and gets murdered. Many people are suspects because the returnee left with many bad feelings. The main suspect asks the amateur sleuth to clear him and find the person who did this dastardly deed. Well she has a job and other commitments, but, since the murder happened at a fundraiser she was hosting, she feels compelled to find the murderer.
I especially liked the cats in this series. The semi-feral pair act very catlike while seeming to behave as if they had human intelligence. Anyone who has lived with a cat for any length of time will also swear their cat is very smart and knows just what their human is saying.
The mystery itself was very interesting. The murderer was smarter than most I've run into in books. I didn't figure it out until just before the sleuth did, mostly because I couldn't believe that person would act in the way they did. Very good book.
A person who has ties to the community but has been gone for many years, returns and gets murdered. Many people are suspects because the returnee left with many bad feelings. The main suspect asks the amateur sleuth to clear him and find the person who did this dastardly deed. Well she has a job and other commitments, but, since the murder happened at a fundraiser she was hosting, she feels compelled to find the murderer.
I especially liked the cats in this series. The semi-feral pair act very catlike while seeming to behave as if they had human intelligence. Anyone who has lived with a cat for any length of time will also swear their cat is very smart and knows just what their human is saying.
The mystery itself was very interesting. The murderer was smarter than most I've run into in books. I didn't figure it out until just before the sleuth did, mostly because I couldn't believe that person would act in the way they did. Very good book.
July 7, 2025
ANY TIME SPENT WITH OWEN AND HERCULES IS A JOY. DIDN'T CARE FOR THE MYSTERY.
SERIES PREMISE: In this series we follow Kathleen Paulson, a Librarain from Mayville Heights, Minisota. Kathleen has been adopted by 2 cats Owen and Hercules, both of whom are the driving force of the series.
In this book: Winter in Mayville Heights is busy and not just because of the holidays. Kathleen is hard at work organizing a benefit to raise money for the library’s popular Reading Buddies program. She has her hands full hosting the event. And when a guest at the gala drops dead, her magical cats, Owen and Hercules, will have their paws full helping her solve a murder.
THOUGHTS: I did not care for the mystery in this one. I get how some may find it intriguing but for me it took up too much time away from the cats, especially in the first half of the book. In saying that, any time spent with Owen and Hercules is an absolute joy! Also hillarious at times. Growing to really love this series.
4 Stars!
xoxo.
SERIES PREMISE: In this series we follow Kathleen Paulson, a Librarain from Mayville Heights, Minisota. Kathleen has been adopted by 2 cats Owen and Hercules, both of whom are the driving force of the series.
In this book: Winter in Mayville Heights is busy and not just because of the holidays. Kathleen is hard at work organizing a benefit to raise money for the library’s popular Reading Buddies program. She has her hands full hosting the event. And when a guest at the gala drops dead, her magical cats, Owen and Hercules, will have their paws full helping her solve a murder.
THOUGHTS: I did not care for the mystery in this one. I get how some may find it intriguing but for me it took up too much time away from the cats, especially in the first half of the book. In saying that, any time spent with Owen and Hercules is an absolute joy! Also hillarious at times. Growing to really love this series.
4 Stars!
xoxo.
August 26, 2017
Still enjoyable, but this one is my least favorite in the series. Too much fluff, not enough mystery
didnt-finish-didnt-start
November 18, 2020Quitting at 51%. So slow going. Not holding my interest at all. Feel like I’m just reading a rerun. Have to get on to the Christmas reads now.
September 4, 2023
3.5 stars rounded up to four stars
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