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Black Cat Mysteries #1
Black Cat's Legacy
Thumper, the resident Fern Lake black cat, knows where the bodies are buried and it’s up to Kimberlee to decode the clues.
Kimberlee’s arrival at the Fern Lake lodge triggers the Black Cat’s Legacy. With the aid of his ancestors' memories, it’s Thumper's duty to guide Kimberlee to clues that can help solve her father's cold case murder. She joins forces with a local homicide detective and an author, also researching the murder for his next thriller novel. As the investigation ensues, Kimberlee learns more than she wants to know about her father. The murder suspects multiply, some dead and some still very much alive, but someone at the lodge will stop at nothing to hide the Fern Lake mysteries.
Kimberlee’s arrival at the Fern Lake lodge triggers the Black Cat’s Legacy. With the aid of his ancestors' memories, it’s Thumper's duty to guide Kimberlee to clues that can help solve her father's cold case murder. She joins forces with a local homicide detective and an author, also researching the murder for his next thriller novel. As the investigation ensues, Kimberlee learns more than she wants to know about her father. The murder suspects multiply, some dead and some still very much alive, but someone at the lodge will stop at nothing to hide the Fern Lake mysteries.
284 pages, ebook
First published February 25, 2014
71 people are currently reading
152 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
April 11, 2019
I really enjoyed this little mystery. The cat might be my favorite character. I loved that he could channel his ancestor's memories. I also loved that the author chose to include the thoughts of both the cat and the dog. It was a nice touch and really added to the story. The mystery was not too easy to solve but definitely makes sense. I loved all the little twists and turns throughout the story.
March 22, 2015
I really liked this book, It has all the positives of a great mystery and it has a great character! I was very happy that this book helps to spread the word that not all black cats are bad. I liked that Thumper guided her human and used her ancestor's memories to do so. The dialog was fun to read and I think that Thumper has a lot more mysteries to solve. Cats are naturally moody and I love how the author brought Thumper to life. The ending was good, and I can not wait to read about Thumper's next adventure. The preview at the end of this book really looks good. I am giving this book a 4/5. I was given a copy to review, however all opinions are my own.
June 16, 2016
At Fern Lake Motel there is a black and white cat referred as the Black Cat. He has been there for a long time.
Kimberlee and her daughter Amanda are headed to Oregon when they had car trouble and stay a the motel. Among the guest is Brett Clarke who is looking at unsolved 25-year-old murder. Kimberlee's memories began to surface as she lived in the town as a child. Her father was the victim of the murder. Amanda calls the cat Thumper and she becomes attached to the Black Cat. Thumper is able to access hs ancestors' memories as the events unfold. The twists and turns the story will hold your attention. Beside the cold case, a kidnapping, spies, suicide, a derelict house and romance. This tale will appeal to mysteries and romance lovers.
Kimberlee and her daughter Amanda are headed to Oregon when they had car trouble and stay a the motel. Among the guest is Brett Clarke who is looking at unsolved 25-year-old murder. Kimberlee's memories began to surface as she lived in the town as a child. Her father was the victim of the murder. Amanda calls the cat Thumper and she becomes attached to the Black Cat. Thumper is able to access hs ancestors' memories as the events unfold. The twists and turns the story will hold your attention. Beside the cold case, a kidnapping, spies, suicide, a derelict house and romance. This tale will appeal to mysteries and romance lovers.
April 28, 2016
Different
Nice mystery but a lot of information thrown into the story. I like how the cat was a main part of the cast of characters
Nice mystery but a lot of information thrown into the story. I like how the cat was a main part of the cast of characters
January 12, 2018
A young woman, Kimberlee, and her four-year old daughter are on their way to start a new life in Oregon after Kimberlee’s divorce, when her vehicle breaks down and she stops in a small town to get the car fixed. Unbeknownst to her, it’s the same small town where she grew up and her father was murdered. She joins forces with a true crime writer, the local homicide detective, and a black and white cat to solve the mystery of her father’s death.
I had a hard time with this book. Interesting plot, especially with the cat who had a vivid imagination and helped to solve the crime. He reminded me of the animals from Rita Mae Brown’s Sneaky Pie series. The characters veered towards cardboard for me, though, and I think this was actually a “Christian” romance dressed up in mystery clothing – not my particular cup of tea. I don’t like religion in my books unless it’s germane to the plot.
Also, the author had a weird quirk of making words possessive that did not need to be. I stopped counting after the seventh time, but it still took me out of the book. Another minus - in one of the critical moments, the author had several police officers “leap[ing] from the vehicle.” I had a sudden image of clowns spilling from a tiny car. I think if a bunch of officers were converging on the scene, they would come in more than one vehicle.
But there I was, on the treadmill at the gym, and didn’t want to stop to select another book, so I kept reading. Kimberlee was a tolerable protagonist, the crime writer was annoyingly smarmy, and the actual murderer from central casting, but that cat was fun, and all the loose ends were tied up nicely at the conclusion. If I read more in this series, it will be because I want to find out what happens with the cat.
I had a hard time with this book. Interesting plot, especially with the cat who had a vivid imagination and helped to solve the crime. He reminded me of the animals from Rita Mae Brown’s Sneaky Pie series. The characters veered towards cardboard for me, though, and I think this was actually a “Christian” romance dressed up in mystery clothing – not my particular cup of tea. I don’t like religion in my books unless it’s germane to the plot.
Also, the author had a weird quirk of making words possessive that did not need to be. I stopped counting after the seventh time, but it still took me out of the book. Another minus - in one of the critical moments, the author had several police officers “leap[ing] from the vehicle.” I had a sudden image of clowns spilling from a tiny car. I think if a bunch of officers were converging on the scene, they would come in more than one vehicle.
But there I was, on the treadmill at the gym, and didn’t want to stop to select another book, so I kept reading. Kimberlee was a tolerable protagonist, the crime writer was annoyingly smarmy, and the actual murderer from central casting, but that cat was fun, and all the loose ends were tied up nicely at the conclusion. If I read more in this series, it will be because I want to find out what happens with the cat.
July 18, 2025
Thumper, the cat in this story, stole my heart! I enjoyed reading his thoughts throughout and how he sometimes casually, sometimes dramatically, led Brett to clues in the mystery. His visions of prowess made me chuckle - so catlike! I liked the story overall, but Kimberlee seemed overly emotional at times for unexplainable reasons. I plan to read the rest of this series.
October 16, 2022
Quite a tale!
An interesting premise, filled with twists and secrets and populated with engaging characters you'll love getting to know. Especially Black Cat.
I'm looking forward to new adventures.
An interesting premise, filled with twists and secrets and populated with engaging characters you'll love getting to know. Especially Black Cat.
I'm looking forward to new adventures.
February 29, 2020
Adorable black cat mystery. Cute, quick read flows good right to the end.
June 11, 2016
After her messy divorce, Kimberlee Larsen packs up her daughter, Amanda, and heads to Oregon. She’s taking her daughter on a trip to Safari Land and then they plan to start a new life. Kimberlee will need to find a job quickly since her ex-husband isn’t helping with any child support. It's all up to her.
On their way to Oregon, their car breaks down in Fern Lake. They check in to a motel that happens to be near Kimberlee’s childhood home. They decide to spend a few days where they meet up with the resident Black Cat. Amanda quickly renames him Thumper and the Fern Lake Black Cat Legacy begins.
Meanwhile, author Brett Clarke has also checked into Fern Lake’s motel. He is investigating a cold case – the murder of Mark Lassiter. Lassiter was Kimberlee’s father and she has no idea he had been murdered. A huge part of her childhood seems to be missing from her memory.
The mention of the murder begins to trigger hidden memories in both Kimberlee and Thumper. Thumper possesses his ancestor’s memories and helps to guide the investigation along. Kimberlee is plagued with headaches that may be connected to the murder.
As the investigation progresses, more and more lives are in danger. Not to mention that Kimberlee and Brett are drawn closer and closer.
This book takes tons of twists and turns. Just when I thought I figured it all out, something changes to make me re-think my guess. I did have a suspicion of how things would turn out and, for the most part, I was correct. I just didn’t have all the details worked out correctly. It truly was fun to play investigator with Kimberlee and Brett.
I loved the setting – an old childhood home, a motel run by scary people – LOL, and a seemingly peaceful lake. A great place to vacation without the murder, of course :)
Then, there’s the handsome black cat, Thumper. He is able to see past events through his ancestor’s eyes. A very unique idea. Thumper is as much a part of the story, maybe even more, than the human characters. Of course I can never have enough cats in my stories – so more Thumper please!
I truly couldn’t put this book down. I had to know what would happen next. Even when I wasn’t reading, I was trying to solve the case. That’s the sign of a good mystery. I already have the next book in the series on my Kindle.
On their way to Oregon, their car breaks down in Fern Lake. They check in to a motel that happens to be near Kimberlee’s childhood home. They decide to spend a few days where they meet up with the resident Black Cat. Amanda quickly renames him Thumper and the Fern Lake Black Cat Legacy begins.
Meanwhile, author Brett Clarke has also checked into Fern Lake’s motel. He is investigating a cold case – the murder of Mark Lassiter. Lassiter was Kimberlee’s father and she has no idea he had been murdered. A huge part of her childhood seems to be missing from her memory.
The mention of the murder begins to trigger hidden memories in both Kimberlee and Thumper. Thumper possesses his ancestor’s memories and helps to guide the investigation along. Kimberlee is plagued with headaches that may be connected to the murder.
As the investigation progresses, more and more lives are in danger. Not to mention that Kimberlee and Brett are drawn closer and closer.
This book takes tons of twists and turns. Just when I thought I figured it all out, something changes to make me re-think my guess. I did have a suspicion of how things would turn out and, for the most part, I was correct. I just didn’t have all the details worked out correctly. It truly was fun to play investigator with Kimberlee and Brett.
I loved the setting – an old childhood home, a motel run by scary people – LOL, and a seemingly peaceful lake. A great place to vacation without the murder, of course :)
Then, there’s the handsome black cat, Thumper. He is able to see past events through his ancestor’s eyes. A very unique idea. Thumper is as much a part of the story, maybe even more, than the human characters. Of course I can never have enough cats in my stories – so more Thumper please!
I truly couldn’t put this book down. I had to know what would happen next. Even when I wasn’t reading, I was trying to solve the case. That’s the sign of a good mystery. I already have the next book in the series on my Kindle.
June 7, 2016
Princess Fuzzypants here:
Thumper AKA Black Cat is a great character. He comes from a long line of black cats who are obliged to protect their humans, sometimes from themselves. He is able to zone in on his ancestors and they give him a huge job. He must help a woman, KImberlee, and her daughter find their way. Kimberlee doesn't realize how much fate has predestined her to drive into a sleepy little town when she has tire trouble on the highway. She was born here and lived her first few years.
She and her mother moved away after the murder of her father and it is only after coming back that she has any recollection of her life here. All the things she took for granted are demolished as she helps a journalist who is researching the events enters her life and changes everything.
Secrets that have remained hidden for 25 years begin to resurface and each revelation reverberates through the the lives of those involved.
Nothing and no one is as they seem.
It is a sad and somewhat sordid story with which Thumper must help them come to terms. He does his job well. And he knows when to leave well enough alone. He is a lovely kitty, wise and true. Ms Faber obviously has spent time with us felines as she writes our inner thoughts with great insight. There is something a bit magical about him while he remains a normal cat. I love his interaction with the littlest human, Amanda, Kimberlee's daughter.
I am looking forward to reading the next book and the one coming out soon. It will be interesting to see where these next editions take the characters. My paws are crossed that there is a lot of Thumper in them.
I give this five purrs and two paws up.
Thumper AKA Black Cat is a great character. He comes from a long line of black cats who are obliged to protect their humans, sometimes from themselves. He is able to zone in on his ancestors and they give him a huge job. He must help a woman, KImberlee, and her daughter find their way. Kimberlee doesn't realize how much fate has predestined her to drive into a sleepy little town when she has tire trouble on the highway. She was born here and lived her first few years.
She and her mother moved away after the murder of her father and it is only after coming back that she has any recollection of her life here. All the things she took for granted are demolished as she helps a journalist who is researching the events enters her life and changes everything.
Secrets that have remained hidden for 25 years begin to resurface and each revelation reverberates through the the lives of those involved.
Nothing and no one is as they seem.
It is a sad and somewhat sordid story with which Thumper must help them come to terms. He does his job well. And he knows when to leave well enough alone. He is a lovely kitty, wise and true. Ms Faber obviously has spent time with us felines as she writes our inner thoughts with great insight. There is something a bit magical about him while he remains a normal cat. I love his interaction with the littlest human, Amanda, Kimberlee's daughter.
I am looking forward to reading the next book and the one coming out soon. It will be interesting to see where these next editions take the characters. My paws are crossed that there is a lot of Thumper in them.
I give this five purrs and two paws up.
May 20, 2014
Kimberlee and her daughter are set for Oregon, leaving behind a failed marriage and too many secrets. A problem with a tire causes them to exit at Fern Lake in hopes of finding a mechanic. Only when she is checking into the cabin at Fern Lake does Kimberlee remember that she lived in the house next door - deserted but not sold since she and her mother left after her father died. Jack takes one look at little Amanda and sees Kimberlee when she was 3 years old - when they left Fern Lake so long ago.
On a different mission, Brett arrives in Fern Lake to see if he can solve the cold case murder of so many years ago for his next true crime book. He doesn't count on the many secrets that will be unveiled as he asks questions of the people who still live there, as well as of Kimberlee. He doesn't count on falling for Kimberlee. Thumper (Black Cat) watches it all unfold, knowing from the memories of his ancestors that this is a legacy that must be told. With its twists and turns, this was a great "by the pool" read! Looking forward to more "Black Cat Mysteries".
On a different mission, Brett arrives in Fern Lake to see if he can solve the cold case murder of so many years ago for his next true crime book. He doesn't count on the many secrets that will be unveiled as he asks questions of the people who still live there, as well as of Kimberlee. He doesn't count on falling for Kimberlee. Thumper (Black Cat) watches it all unfold, knowing from the memories of his ancestors that this is a legacy that must be told. With its twists and turns, this was a great "by the pool" read! Looking forward to more "Black Cat Mysteries".
August 13, 2014
This is a cute breakout novel by a sweet friend of mine. I'm giving it three stars, but would have given it four except that I'm an old fuddy-duddy. I don't like swearing, and this one has some sprinkled here and there. This one would be classified as edgy Christian fiction.
It almost seemed like fate, that emergency side trip into Fern Lake. Kimberlee stops there only because her little girl, Amber, has declared, as four-year-olds do when you are miles from the nearest rest stop, that she needs to use the bathroom. And then, there is that ominous clunk clunk coming from the car. No choice. Kimberlee had to stop.
What is there about the name of this village that twitches the edge of her memory?
When she gets there, she finds out Fern Lake is where her father died when she was three or four. There has always been a mystery surrounding that death. It might take Kimberlee's nightmares, a curious cat with interesting memories, and the prying of a mystery writer to solve this puzzling old crime.
It almost seemed like fate, that emergency side trip into Fern Lake. Kimberlee stops there only because her little girl, Amber, has declared, as four-year-olds do when you are miles from the nearest rest stop, that she needs to use the bathroom. And then, there is that ominous clunk clunk coming from the car. No choice. Kimberlee had to stop.
What is there about the name of this village that twitches the edge of her memory?
When she gets there, she finds out Fern Lake is where her father died when she was three or four. There has always been a mystery surrounding that death. It might take Kimberlee's nightmares, a curious cat with interesting memories, and the prying of a mystery writer to solve this puzzling old crime.
September 16, 2019
The remains of the past
A good read. Okay the characters are a bit shaky but the plot itself was a good one. However the fact that she could develop feelings for someone else so quickly after her divorce seemed a bit flakey. No one really gets over a divorce so quickly but I did like Thumper and the references to his previous lives.
Together with her young daughter, she is driving to a new life. But an unexpected stop has severe repercussions. This is the town that she and her parents had lived in for a few years. Although she has no recollection of it into is the town in which her father was murdered and which her mother had left in a hurry. Add a love struck crime author, a cat whose past lives include living with her, secret letters, affairs, attempts to kill her and her young daughter, a jealous young police officer, a mentally ill motel manager, an elderly woman who has secrets of her own and a dilapidated house. Can they piece enough together to find out at least some of the story? Will she stay in this town or will it be too much for her?
A good read. Okay the characters are a bit shaky but the plot itself was a good one. However the fact that she could develop feelings for someone else so quickly after her divorce seemed a bit flakey. No one really gets over a divorce so quickly but I did like Thumper and the references to his previous lives.
Together with her young daughter, she is driving to a new life. But an unexpected stop has severe repercussions. This is the town that she and her parents had lived in for a few years. Although she has no recollection of it into is the town in which her father was murdered and which her mother had left in a hurry. Add a love struck crime author, a cat whose past lives include living with her, secret letters, affairs, attempts to kill her and her young daughter, a jealous young police officer, a mentally ill motel manager, an elderly woman who has secrets of her own and a dilapidated house. Can they piece enough together to find out at least some of the story? Will she stay in this town or will it be too much for her?
July 25, 2016
Black Cat's Legacy by Elaine Faber
What a delightful book! I loved both the character and plot developments. There were so many twists and turns that I nearly got dizzy. Once I started reading this mystery/romance/whodunit, I had a difficult time putting it down.
Of course the star of the book is a black cat with white paws, each paw having six toes. This is a hereditary trait, as are some other traits which you will need to read the book to learn.
I think you will really enjoy Black Cat's Legacy. It deserves 5 stars.
What a delightful book! I loved both the character and plot developments. There were so many twists and turns that I nearly got dizzy. Once I started reading this mystery/romance/whodunit, I had a difficult time putting it down.
Of course the star of the book is a black cat with white paws, each paw having six toes. This is a hereditary trait, as are some other traits which you will need to read the book to learn.
I think you will really enjoy Black Cat's Legacy. It deserves 5 stars.
March 6, 2017
Good read for all ages
This was a well written book, that is good for all age groups. While most mystery genre readers will figure out the "who done it" portion, the getting there is quite enjoyable. The black cat character is especially interesting. I would recommend it to anyone who wants a good book to enjoy.
This was a well written book, that is good for all age groups. While most mystery genre readers will figure out the "who done it" portion, the getting there is quite enjoyable. The black cat character is especially interesting. I would recommend it to anyone who wants a good book to enjoy.
June 24, 2016
I fell in love with Kimberlee, her daughter and Thumper. As an owner of a cat with six toes on each paw, who does not to my knowledge does not have a connection with her past, I can understand how this could be possible. Due to a busy schedule, this book took me over a week to finish. I have the third book and ordered the seccond book in the series.
October 5, 2019
Lead By The Tail
Ms.Faber writes a vivid storey of healings, second chances, mystery,intreage and umurder keeping you in suspence from the first chapter to the last page of her storey with caracters from many different angles. A murder mystery with something for most mystery readers.So make plans so you to may enjoy " Black Cat's Legacy ".🤔😮🤔😏🤔Kat
Ms.Faber writes a vivid storey of healings, second chances, mystery,intreage and umurder keeping you in suspence from the first chapter to the last page of her storey with caracters from many different angles. A murder mystery with something for most mystery readers.So make plans so you to may enjoy " Black Cat's Legacy ".🤔😮🤔😏🤔Kat
September 4, 2016
Excellent Cozy Mystery!!
What a great mystery! Loved the setting by the lake, the famous author researching a cold case! All the intrigue of the small town and 25 years of history ...... great story!!!!
What a great mystery! Loved the setting by the lake, the famous author researching a cold case! All the intrigue of the small town and 25 years of history ...... great story!!!!
August 7, 2019
Enjoyable
A cat whose memories include several generations of his ancestors. They tell him tales of their lives. Also, some of the characters are old enough to remember to remember
the good, bad, and the ugly. Unusual cozy mystery.
A cat whose memories include several generations of his ancestors. They tell him tales of their lives. Also, some of the characters are old enough to remember to remember
the good, bad, and the ugly. Unusual cozy mystery.
Read
May 13, 2016It,s... well... it,s ok, maybe readable. It´s living like everyday combined with short seeings of a cat, but they are really short.
April 27, 2016
Very good!!
A good mystery and interesting characters. I enjoyed the book and am now reading book two in the Black Cat Mysteries series.
A good mystery and interesting characters. I enjoyed the book and am now reading book two in the Black Cat Mysteries series.
apuntados
May 14, 2017Amazon - 10/05/2017
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