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Spy Kitty in the City #1
Art Heists and Hairballs
There’s no such thing as a typical day at Helping Paws Animal Shelter, and this wasn’t the first time I’ve had a soggy box waiting for me on the doorstep with a disgruntled cat inside. However, this was the first time the cat talked to me. What did the barista put in my coffee?Persephone insists she’s been catnapped, and she’s witnessed an art heist. There’s a huge reward for the safe return of the painting, and that money could go a long way to helping all our animals find their forever homes. Now I have to convince the gallery owner and her associates—including the suspicious but adorable Henry the Hottie—that I can find the priceless painting. I don’t know a thing about art, but here I am, at an exhibit opening, wearing a dress called Lucky and co-conspiring with a talking cat. Typical days? They’re a thing of the past, especially if Persephone and I can crack the case and catch the thief.
112 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 1, 2024
About the author
Bailey Booth
10 books40 followersBailey Booth is an animal lover, travel enthusiast, and avid reader. She drinks way too many oat milk lattes and will probably laugh at your jokes. She also likes long walks on the beach and candlelit dinners...oh wait. Wrong profile.
Bailey's been writing and amateur sleuthing since she was a kid. Fun fact: Spy Kitty in the City came to her in a dream. Follow your dreams!
Bailey's been writing and amateur sleuthing since she was a kid. Fun fact: Spy Kitty in the City came to her in a dream. Follow your dreams!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
May 23, 2022
Good characters, especially the cat, but not much of a mystery.
October 19, 2021
Addie and Persephone Are on the Case !! . . .
Addie Dawson arrived at Helping Paws Animal Shelter and found a soggy wet box with a black cat inside. Instead of wondering, the cat spoke up and told her she had been catnapped and needed help! Her name was Persephone and she had witnessed an art theft at her human’s gallery. If Addie can find the thieves and track down the painting, that reward would be a wonderful help for the shelter’s animals. Can she convince the gallery owner, Margaret, that she can find the priceless painting? With Persephone’s help, she certainly wants to try.
Casey and Brooke, Addie’s awesome college assistants at the shelter, teased her about the longing looks between her and Dr. Oliver, but she insisted they could never date. If it went badly, they would lose the shelter’s doctor. The girls were going out and invited her, but she had work to do.
Addie got tuna for all of the cats while she talked to Persephone about the theft. There were two thieves, no forced entry, and they smelled like dead flowers. She chased them but they got away and, returning to the alley, she saw a box with a treat she thought Margaret left for her. She woke up in the box at the shelter. Addie contacted Margaret and they met at the gallery. Her niece, Nicole, was not very friendly and Persephone made comments to Addie about information she held back. Addie asked Margaret if she could attend the opening and work with Persephone to try to find the thief who may show up. But before the opening, she got a call from Henry Becket, a man she had accidentally run into literally as she took Persephone home. She found out from Margaret that he had a key to the gallery, and Persephone said his scent was chemicals like one of the thieves? Henry asked her to go to another gallery with him so they could talk. Did Henry have something to do with the theft? She wished she could take Persephone with her. Would she be safe meeting him? This detective work could be dangerous!
I loved reading this story. It was fun and interesting. Will Addie be safe meeting Henry? Or is he really trying to help her?
Addie Dawson arrived at Helping Paws Animal Shelter and found a soggy wet box with a black cat inside. Instead of wondering, the cat spoke up and told her she had been catnapped and needed help! Her name was Persephone and she had witnessed an art theft at her human’s gallery. If Addie can find the thieves and track down the painting, that reward would be a wonderful help for the shelter’s animals. Can she convince the gallery owner, Margaret, that she can find the priceless painting? With Persephone’s help, she certainly wants to try.
Casey and Brooke, Addie’s awesome college assistants at the shelter, teased her about the longing looks between her and Dr. Oliver, but she insisted they could never date. If it went badly, they would lose the shelter’s doctor. The girls were going out and invited her, but she had work to do.
Addie got tuna for all of the cats while she talked to Persephone about the theft. There were two thieves, no forced entry, and they smelled like dead flowers. She chased them but they got away and, returning to the alley, she saw a box with a treat she thought Margaret left for her. She woke up in the box at the shelter. Addie contacted Margaret and they met at the gallery. Her niece, Nicole, was not very friendly and Persephone made comments to Addie about information she held back. Addie asked Margaret if she could attend the opening and work with Persephone to try to find the thief who may show up. But before the opening, she got a call from Henry Becket, a man she had accidentally run into literally as she took Persephone home. She found out from Margaret that he had a key to the gallery, and Persephone said his scent was chemicals like one of the thieves? Henry asked her to go to another gallery with him so they could talk. Did Henry have something to do with the theft? She wished she could take Persephone with her. Would she be safe meeting him? This detective work could be dangerous!
I loved reading this story. It was fun and interesting. Will Addie be safe meeting Henry? Or is he really trying to help her?
October 14, 2021
I liked Persephone at the shelter talking to the other animals and giving Addie some tidbits of info. This was bittersweet when it was solved but heartwarming too. This is a cute series I'm enjoying a lot, as I've already read the other two books in the series.
September 3, 2022
Persephone a cat, insists she’s been catnapped, and she’s witnessed an art heist. There’s a huge reward for the safe return of the painting, and that money could go a long way to helping all our feline friends at the shelter. The owner of the shelter had found the kitty in a box and discovers that she can understand what the cat says and takes her to the art gallery and the cat is able to identify the thief, not only of the cat but also of the identify the painting who is one of the same and the niece who works at the gallery of the aunt who owns the gallery. What an adorable story! Very well written!
January 31, 2024
Well I did finish it. This was very short, which was good because it never really managed to build anything complex that needed more time. The mystery is trite, the cat was fun but a super minor character. The main character was...there.
It was completely inoffensive, because there was nothing there. I was left with active questions about the world and no faith that the author has any answers. You would think a talking cat would merit a little more world building and instead I can't even tell you if being able to talk to cats is rare or completely unheard of in this world. Characters allude to both options.
I got it for free during a stuff your kindle style event and it was fine for that, but if I'd paid for it I'd be upset.
It was completely inoffensive, because there was nothing there. I was left with active questions about the world and no faith that the author has any answers. You would think a talking cat would merit a little more world building and instead I can't even tell you if being able to talk to cats is rare or completely unheard of in this world. Characters allude to both options.
I got it for free during a stuff your kindle style event and it was fine for that, but if I'd paid for it I'd be upset.
September 24, 2025
Amateur sleuthing
2.5 stars
While I enjoyed the idea of a little art gallery theft mystery being solved by the gallery cat and a girl from an animal shelter that the cat can speak to, the execution left a bit to be desired. - The dialogue tended to be very repetitive, the characters felt very surface level, so you didn’t connect to any of them and the mysterious thief was pretty easy to figure out prior to it being figured out in the story. So a bit of a let down, but I liked the vibe that the author was trying to make happen.(This is a short story that can be read in less than an hour)
2.5 stars
While I enjoyed the idea of a little art gallery theft mystery being solved by the gallery cat and a girl from an animal shelter that the cat can speak to, the execution left a bit to be desired. - The dialogue tended to be very repetitive, the characters felt very surface level, so you didn’t connect to any of them and the mysterious thief was pretty easy to figure out prior to it being figured out in the story. So a bit of a let down, but I liked the vibe that the author was trying to make happen.(This is a short story that can be read in less than an hour)
January 30, 2023
Loved this!! Easy read, good for bedtime.
The head of a no-kill shelter in NH arrives at work one day, to find a box containing a black cat. Persephone. Ms Cat discovers that her rescuer and understand her. Ms. Cat was present when a valuable painting was stolen in Boston. The two join forces to save the day.
The plot held my interest, and was quick to finish. I am starting on Book 2 in the series this afternoon.
PS: this book and series would be a good choice for Young Adult or Reluctant Traders
The head of a no-kill shelter in NH arrives at work one day, to find a box containing a black cat. Persephone. Ms Cat discovers that her rescuer and understand her. Ms. Cat was present when a valuable painting was stolen in Boston. The two join forces to save the day.
The plot held my interest, and was quick to finish. I am starting on Book 2 in the series this afternoon.
PS: this book and series would be a good choice for Young Adult or Reluctant Traders
May 12, 2022
Awesome talking cat and woman solves art thief
Address is owner of a no kill shelter, finds a talking cat in a cardboard box. She is the only one who can hear the cat.
Addie attends a gallery opening, trying to solve who stole the priceless painting. This fast paced, quickly read in a few hours, was enjoyable and highly entertaining cozy mystery. I love mysteries involving a cat as one of the characters. I intend to purchase more books by this author.
bookwormsuzy
Address is owner of a no kill shelter, finds a talking cat in a cardboard box. She is the only one who can hear the cat.
Addie attends a gallery opening, trying to solve who stole the priceless painting. This fast paced, quickly read in a few hours, was enjoyable and highly entertaining cozy mystery. I love mysteries involving a cat as one of the characters. I intend to purchase more books by this author.
bookwormsuzy
May 19, 2022
The cat talks
A cat in a cardboard box on the steps of a shelter who claims to be catnapped begins our story.
Addie cannot believe that the cat can talk! But she asks questions, learns what happened, returns Persephone to her human, and solves the art theft! As well as going on her first date in forever.
The characters are, mostly, people I would like to know. The storyline makes a fun read, with my own black cat asleep beside me.
A cat in a cardboard box on the steps of a shelter who claims to be catnapped begins our story.
Addie cannot believe that the cat can talk! But she asks questions, learns what happened, returns Persephone to her human, and solves the art theft! As well as going on her first date in forever.
The characters are, mostly, people I would like to know. The storyline makes a fun read, with my own black cat asleep beside me.
July 22, 2022
Charming
This is short story more than a full novel but nonetheless it is well worth reading. The audience for this work is limited to those who enjoy interacting and loving animals or those who enjoy the world of art galleries or if you enjoy reading under a shady tree. Definitely this book would be a good addition for a library. Can't go wrong spending time on a hot day or a rainy day.
This is short story more than a full novel but nonetheless it is well worth reading. The audience for this work is limited to those who enjoy interacting and loving animals or those who enjoy the world of art galleries or if you enjoy reading under a shady tree. Definitely this book would be a good addition for a library. Can't go wrong spending time on a hot day or a rainy day.
January 21, 2023
Cute cozy mystery
Well edited and nicely written. The mystery isn't all that difficult to figure out, even for someone like me. (I love mysteries, but am seldom smart enough to figure them out.) Character development builds easily without boring information dumps. There's not much in the way of action or peril in this story, but the lack doesn't require much suspension of disbelief. Entertaining if a bit predictable.
Well edited and nicely written. The mystery isn't all that difficult to figure out, even for someone like me. (I love mysteries, but am seldom smart enough to figure them out.) Character development builds easily without boring information dumps. There's not much in the way of action or peril in this story, but the lack doesn't require much suspension of disbelief. Entertaining if a bit predictable.
November 1, 2023
I loved this book, although it is more of a short story/novella than a full book.
It is an easy read, good for finishing in one go, or taking it slow and reading a chapter at a time (so it doesn't end that fast).
As an animal lover myself I loved reading about Addie and Persephone and how they interact and talk to each other.
The mystery is not very intricate, but with limited pages that would be a difficult task.
This book is well written and utterly loveable.
It is an easy read, good for finishing in one go, or taking it slow and reading a chapter at a time (so it doesn't end that fast).
As an animal lover myself I loved reading about Addie and Persephone and how they interact and talk to each other.
The mystery is not very intricate, but with limited pages that would be a difficult task.
This book is well written and utterly loveable.
May 1, 2024
Quick Super Cozy Mystery
"Art Heists and Hairballs (Spy Kitty in the City #1)" by Bailey Booth is a quick super cozy mystery. The mystery is about who stole a painting from a Boston art gallery and took the gallery cat to Addie's animal shelter in another state. Also, surprise! The cat can talk to Addie, no one else and she can't understand any other animals either. Addie helps figure out who the art theft culprit is with the help of Persephone the cat.
"Art Heists and Hairballs (Spy Kitty in the City #1)" by Bailey Booth is a quick super cozy mystery. The mystery is about who stole a painting from a Boston art gallery and took the gallery cat to Addie's animal shelter in another state. Also, surprise! The cat can talk to Addie, no one else and she can't understand any other animals either. Addie helps figure out who the art theft culprit is with the help of Persephone the cat.
May 24, 2022
Very good mystery
I really enjoyed reading the first book in this series. I liked that Annie owns a pet rescue/animal shelter and helps place animals in new loving homes with the help of a special cat who also helps to solve the mystery in this book. I would recommend this book to any animal and mystery lover.
I really enjoyed reading the first book in this series. I liked that Annie owns a pet rescue/animal shelter and helps place animals in new loving homes with the help of a special cat who also helps to solve the mystery in this book. I would recommend this book to any animal and mystery lover.
May 28, 2022
Short and sweet
I did enjoy this story, even tho I figured out who the culprit was right away.
I like that this novella promotes animals and caring for them. That was a huge plus for me.
Everything moved along fairly quickly with no lags or unnecessary wordage.
Very cute mystery!
I did enjoy this story, even tho I figured out who the culprit was right away.
I like that this novella promotes animals and caring for them. That was a huge plus for me.
Everything moved along fairly quickly with no lags or unnecessary wordage.
Very cute mystery!
July 31, 2022
Persephone the cat, awesome.
Persephone is left in a cardboard box taped closed. She chased after the art thief, lost them and came home to find a cardboard box with catnip in it. Then wakes up and can't get out of the box. Who would leave the cat at a shelter far from home?
Lovely mystery.
Persephone is left in a cardboard box taped closed. She chased after the art thief, lost them and came home to find a cardboard box with catnip in it. Then wakes up and can't get out of the box. Who would leave the cat at a shelter far from home?
Lovely mystery.
September 29, 2022
Talking Cat?!
Who stole the painting? Addie and friends become involved in an art heist. This is due to the kitty,Persephone. Persephone tells Addie who she belongs to and the theft of a popular painting. A silly story readable in one day. If you want something very easy to read and unremarkable, this is it.
Who stole the painting? Addie and friends become involved in an art heist. This is due to the kitty,Persephone. Persephone tells Addie who she belongs to and the theft of a popular painting. A silly story readable in one day. If you want something very easy to read and unremarkable, this is it.
January 11, 2023
I like this. talking cat
Art Heists and Hairballs - No magic, just an oddball chance two creatures understand each other, a human and a cat. The cat is older and not a smart mouth but actually smart. At least the criminal was caught red-handed instead of fessing up when asked. Her dialog was actually on the dumb, childish side. 4*
Art Heists and Hairballs - No magic, just an oddball chance two creatures understand each other, a human and a cat. The cat is older and not a smart mouth but actually smart. At least the criminal was caught red-handed instead of fessing up when asked. Her dialog was actually on the dumb, childish side. 4*
October 15, 2023
If you are looking for a fun, quick read this is your book. The premise is a cat gets dropped off at a shelter and low and behold she can communicate with the owner. Together they solve a crime. The characters are likable if not lovable. The setting is Boston and that adds a fun demeanor to the story.
February 13, 2024
A cat who speaks with human words & an Art heist!
What would you do if you arrived at work, found a heavy box, brought it inside, opened it and out walked a talking cat? Additionally, who runs the animal shelter did just that and found herself embroiled in a big mystery. Read this enjoyable tale (pun intended 😜) and find out what happened. Enjoy 😉
What would you do if you arrived at work, found a heavy box, brought it inside, opened it and out walked a talking cat? Additionally, who runs the animal shelter did just that and found herself embroiled in a big mystery. Read this enjoyable tale (pun intended 😜) and find out what happened. Enjoy 😉
March 7, 2024
Art and a kitty
Fun start to a new series. Addie left her corporate job to work at an animal shelter. A kitty was left at the shelters doorstep and Addie discovers she can hear Persephone the cat talk. The car helps her to discover the mystery of the stolen art. Looking forward to reading more of the series.
Fun start to a new series. Addie left her corporate job to work at an animal shelter. A kitty was left at the shelters doorstep and Addie discovers she can hear Persephone the cat talk. The car helps her to discover the mystery of the stolen art. Looking forward to reading more of the series.
May 23, 2022
Great short read.
Believable characters and lots of surprises. Story has possibilities for development of story lines with romance and mystery. Cat could be developed as an interpreter for more tails from the abandoned pets.
Believable characters and lots of surprises. Story has possibilities for development of story lines with romance and mystery. Cat could be developed as an interpreter for more tails from the abandoned pets.
May 26, 2022
Talking Kitty!
A famous painting is missing and the owners talking cat has been Kidnapped or is that catnapped. Left at an out of state no kill animal shelter, Purry Pants TELLS shelter Owner about the robbery and helps find the thief.
A famous painting is missing and the owners talking cat has been Kidnapped or is that catnapped. Left at an out of state no kill animal shelter, Purry Pants TELLS shelter Owner about the robbery and helps find the thief.
June 3, 2022
Art Heist and Hair balls review
Cute story. A few mistakes but those are expected these days. It seems little to no editing is being done these days. All the self a publishing I suppose.
Cute story. A few mistakes but those are expected these days. It seems little to no editing is being done these days. All the self a publishing I suppose.
June 12, 2022
This was a really funny adventure. You will keep wondering what will happen next!? good clean adventure that makes you have to laugh and keep turning the pages! you get caught up in it. hard to put down, great to get away for a relaxing read. Can't wait for the next adventure.
June 13, 2022
If you need a lighthearted fun read . . .
And you like cats, this not too complicated mystery of who stole the painting is a good choice. It's a quick read that qualifies as purely cozy comfort!
And you like cats, this not too complicated mystery of who stole the painting is a good choice. It's a quick read that qualifies as purely cozy comfort!
June 18, 2022
Animal Shelter owner finds an unusual stray
A very short tale about Eddie Shelter owner who encounters a talking kitty. Kitty gets her involved in a recent art theft.
A sweet cozy with potential if the author has developed the characters more.
A very short tale about Eddie Shelter owner who encounters a talking kitty. Kitty gets her involved in a recent art theft.
A sweet cozy with potential if the author has developed the characters more.
July 9, 2022
I really enjoyed the novel due to its cast of characters & supporters, even the lady and her talking cat partner as well as the former owner who presented her to the heroine! Oh, I can hardly wait to read the next adventure-mystery!!
April 12, 2023
Adorable little mystery
This book was so cute! It's a quick read and a cute little mystery. Addie and a cat left at her shelter, that can talk only to her, work together to try to solve an art heist. I very much enjoyed this one.
This book was so cute! It's a quick read and a cute little mystery. Addie and a cat left at her shelter, that can talk only to her, work together to try to solve an art heist. I very much enjoyed this one.
July 30, 2024
Fun quickie!
This cute little tale has elements of romantic comedy and mystery. At about 100 pages, it's perfect for a quick weekend read! I loved the characters, and can't wait to continue the series.
This cute little tale has elements of romantic comedy and mystery. At about 100 pages, it's perfect for a quick weekend read! I loved the characters, and can't wait to continue the series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews