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Mystic Notch #1
Ghostly Paws
Middle age can be murder ...
At least that’s how it seems to former crime journalist, Wilhelmina Chance, whose near-fatal accident has given her a strange side effect ... she sees ghosts.
After a messy divorce sends her fleeing back to her hometown of Mystic Notch, nestled in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, Willa finds herself haunted by the tenacious ghost of the town librarian who insists Willa solve her murder.
Luckily, she has lots of help, including a quirky cast of small-town characters, the cat she’s inherited from her grandmother, and her best friend, Pepper, who claims her herbal teas can work magic.
But just when Willa thinks she’s discovered who the killer is, she finds out that things are not what they seem in Mystic Notch, and the case takes a strange turn that has Willa adding even some of her long-time friends to her suspect list.
Can Willa find the real killer in time to keep the magical balance in Mystic Notch on the side of good, or will evil prevail?
At least that’s how it seems to former crime journalist, Wilhelmina Chance, whose near-fatal accident has given her a strange side effect ... she sees ghosts.
After a messy divorce sends her fleeing back to her hometown of Mystic Notch, nestled in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, Willa finds herself haunted by the tenacious ghost of the town librarian who insists Willa solve her murder.
Luckily, she has lots of help, including a quirky cast of small-town characters, the cat she’s inherited from her grandmother, and her best friend, Pepper, who claims her herbal teas can work magic.
But just when Willa thinks she’s discovered who the killer is, she finds out that things are not what they seem in Mystic Notch, and the case takes a strange turn that has Willa adding even some of her long-time friends to her suspect list.
Can Willa find the real killer in time to keep the magical balance in Mystic Notch on the side of good, or will evil prevail?
305 pages, ebook
First published March 12, 2014
5029 people are currently reading
7250 people want to read
About the author
Leighann Dobbs
137 books1,868 followersUSA Today bestselling author, Leighann Dobbs, discovered her passion for writing after a twenty year career as a software engineer. She lives in New Hampshire with her husband Bruce, their trusty Chihuahua mix Mojo and beautiful rescue cat, Kitty.
Her book "Dead Wrong" won the "Best Mystery Romance" award at the 2014 Indie Romance Convention.
Her book "Ghostly Paws" was the 2015 Chanticleer Mystery & Mayhem First Place category winner in the Animal Mystery category.
Her book "Dead Wrong" won the "Best Mystery Romance" award at the 2014 Indie Romance Convention.
Her book "Ghostly Paws" was the 2015 Chanticleer Mystery & Mayhem First Place category winner in the Animal Mystery category.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,002 reviews
August 12, 2016
I have no problem with ghosts appearing & talking to Wilhelmina Chance. I have no problem with cats directing her toward clues. (At first, I thought it was going to be dumb, but it didn't end up feeling that way.)
What I did have a problem with was the writing style. First off, Wilhelmina Chance, supposedly, had been a crime journalist for 25 years; yet, in this story, she wasn't able to keep an open mind about fact finding, didn't think to look for a weapon, drew premature, self-confident conclusions about suspects, and was just plain dumb. Totally unbelievable.
Secondly, Leighann Dobbs seemed to repeat descriptions of things way too frequently. For example, how many times did she talk about Pandora's eye color? Every time the cat was mentioned in the first nine chapters. What color are they? golden-green, greenish-gold, greenish-yellow, greenish-golden. Are you getting an image of the cat's eyes?
Another example was all the concern going on throughout the book.
"My heart warmed at the concern in her emerald green eyes."
"light blue eyes tinged with concern..."
"My heart pinched with concern..."
"...melted a little at the concern in Striker's eyes..."
"...the gentle tone of concern in his voice."
"My heart warmed at the concern in his eyes."
"Bing turned concerned eyes on me."
"...heart warmed at the genuine concern in Hattie's voice."
"Striker's concerned face came into view..."
"Striker's eyes clouded with concern..." [repeated again on the next page]
"...felt a flood of warmth at the genuine concern in ."
I might have been more forgiving of these characteristics if the book had been billed as a children's book. But, would kids relate to a 40+ year old woman who is divorced with no children, has a bum leg and is noticing her aging eyes?
In summary, the characters were not believable; the storytelling was repetitive & completely unimaginative; and Leighann didn't seem to have a target audience in mind.
What I did have a problem with was the writing style. First off, Wilhelmina Chance, supposedly, had been a crime journalist for 25 years; yet, in this story, she wasn't able to keep an open mind about fact finding, didn't think to look for a weapon, drew premature, self-confident conclusions about suspects, and was just plain dumb. Totally unbelievable.
Secondly, Leighann Dobbs seemed to repeat descriptions of things way too frequently. For example, how many times did she talk about Pandora's eye color? Every time the cat was mentioned in the first nine chapters. What color are they? golden-green, greenish-gold, greenish-yellow, greenish-golden. Are you getting an image of the cat's eyes?
Another example was all the concern going on throughout the book.
"My heart warmed at the concern in her emerald green eyes."
"light blue eyes tinged with concern..."
"My heart pinched with concern..."
"...melted a little at the concern in Striker's eyes..."
"...the gentle tone of concern in his voice."
"My heart warmed at the concern in his eyes."
"Bing turned concerned eyes on me."
"...heart warmed at the genuine concern in Hattie's voice."
"Striker's concerned face came into view..."
"Striker's eyes clouded with concern..." [repeated again on the next page]
"...felt a flood of warmth at the genuine concern in ."
I might have been more forgiving of these characteristics if the book had been billed as a children's book. But, would kids relate to a 40+ year old woman who is divorced with no children, has a bum leg and is noticing her aging eyes?
In summary, the characters were not believable; the storytelling was repetitive & completely unimaginative; and Leighann didn't seem to have a target audience in mind.
October 19, 2017
This book made me realize my cats are slackers!😼
The cats in this book are busy helping solve murders and protecting their owners, all my cats do is sleep and eat and then sleep again.... I enjoyed the touch of magic in the town of Mystic Notch.... also like the characters especially Willa and the ghosts and of course the cats.... The mystery was very well-developed and there is a beginning to a love connection, and thank goodness it is only with one person, let’s keep it that way! Thought this was a very good start to a fun cozy mystery series with a touch of the paranormal....
****Narration: well then, I am writing this quite a bit after I listened, so nothing negative or positive is coming to my mind at the moment, it was very well done, but not exceptional and that’s OK❤️
The cats in this book are busy helping solve murders and protecting their owners, all my cats do is sleep and eat and then sleep again.... I enjoyed the touch of magic in the town of Mystic Notch.... also like the characters especially Willa and the ghosts and of course the cats.... The mystery was very well-developed and there is a beginning to a love connection, and thank goodness it is only with one person, let’s keep it that way! Thought this was a very good start to a fun cozy mystery series with a touch of the paranormal....
****Narration: well then, I am writing this quite a bit after I listened, so nothing negative or positive is coming to my mind at the moment, it was very well done, but not exceptional and that’s OK❤️
January 2, 2022
It was by no means a Nobel prize winner, but it served a good purpose...a book with an animal on the cover or an animal in the story. It had both. I'm not a cozy mystery enthusiast, but a mystery with a cat, or any other animal for that matter...can't be all bad. The main drawback was that the main character is portrayed as an idiot wandering around a New Hampshire town and almost getting herself killed, only to be saved by the magical intervention of her cat which had more brains than she did...and whose "magic" she refuses to believe in. UHM...she sees ghost, hears her cat speaking to her...but doesn't believe in magic??? In spite of this...the cat was cute...the book served a useful purpose...and I liked the title...so 3 stars.
June 19, 2022
This is a fun paranormal cozy mystery. Willa’s cat, Pandora is probably my favorite character. I enjoyed the fact there are chapters written from the cats’ point of view.
The mystery is entertaining and full of red herrings. I recommend this book to fans of paranormal cozy mysteries.
All thoughts and opinions are my own, and in no way have I been influenced by anyone.
The mystery is entertaining and full of red herrings. I recommend this book to fans of paranormal cozy mysteries.
All thoughts and opinions are my own, and in no way have I been influenced by anyone.
October 28, 2018
Amazon: https://amzn.to/2D8ZTOQ
Bookstore owners, kitties with a mission, a murdered librarian. Oh. My! Ghostly Paws was a spooktacular good time.
The Gist: On her way to work Willa noticed the library doors open earlier than they should have been and went investigating aaaaaaaand found the librarian dead at the bottom of the stairs. A simple fall...probably. Maybe. But something is off. She's sure of it. Especially when the librarian's ghost comes to visit her. O.o
Willa's little older than most heroines (48) and a bookstore owner. Yay! She was easy to like and tenacious. A little quirky in that she can see ghosts.
There's the tiniest hint of a future romance with a cop who's come in to help work the case. I liked that element and the potential hero who's rather exasperated with her involvement but seems a good sort and is very caring and kind when need be.
The mystery was well done, too. The hunt for a potential killer and motive kept me guessing with numerous potential suspects.
All in all, Ghostly Paws was a nice intro to a new-to-me author and a new series. I enjoyed the characters, the mystery, the slight elements of woo-woo and how the cats were involved in the case-- the cats totally look out for their town and humans. I'll be reading more to see what happens next with Willa and her crew.
Bookstore owners, kitties with a mission, a murdered librarian. Oh. My! Ghostly Paws was a spooktacular good time.
The Gist: On her way to work Willa noticed the library doors open earlier than they should have been and went investigating aaaaaaaand found the librarian dead at the bottom of the stairs. A simple fall...probably. Maybe. But something is off. She's sure of it. Especially when the librarian's ghost comes to visit her. O.o
Willa's little older than most heroines (48) and a bookstore owner. Yay! She was easy to like and tenacious. A little quirky in that she can see ghosts.
There's the tiniest hint of a future romance with a cop who's come in to help work the case. I liked that element and the potential hero who's rather exasperated with her involvement but seems a good sort and is very caring and kind when need be.
The mystery was well done, too. The hunt for a potential killer and motive kept me guessing with numerous potential suspects.
All in all, Ghostly Paws was a nice intro to a new-to-me author and a new series. I enjoyed the characters, the mystery, the slight elements of woo-woo and how the cats were involved in the case-- the cats totally look out for their town and humans. I'll be reading more to see what happens next with Willa and her crew.
July 2, 2020
That's right, I just finished another cozy mystery by Leighann Dobbs! Ghostly Paws was another fun read in the cozy genre and I loved the fact that it involved both magic AND ghosts.
While I wouldn't call this book laugh out loud funny, it was definitely very entertaining, and it kept me smiling almost the whole time. I love that there was a tiny bit of a romance aspect to this one and Willa's character was a lot of fun as well. The only thing I would ding this book for is the fact that it does get a little repetitive, especially for descriptions, and that Willa doesn't seem like she would have been a crime journalist. I think she should have had a different former profession to make her character more realistic but that didn't take away from my enjoyment at all.
I didn't see the ending coming, which is something I really appreciate, and of course I loved the cats in this book. While there is a POV from Willa's cat Pandora, it is pretty minimal, and the book is mostly told from Willa's POV. I also liked that Ghostly Paws had its serious moments as well and there was actually one point where my eyes got a little misty! I would recommend reading this if you don't mind repetition in books and love cozies with paranormal elements.
While I wouldn't call this book laugh out loud funny, it was definitely very entertaining, and it kept me smiling almost the whole time. I love that there was a tiny bit of a romance aspect to this one and Willa's character was a lot of fun as well. The only thing I would ding this book for is the fact that it does get a little repetitive, especially for descriptions, and that Willa doesn't seem like she would have been a crime journalist. I think she should have had a different former profession to make her character more realistic but that didn't take away from my enjoyment at all.
I didn't see the ending coming, which is something I really appreciate, and of course I loved the cats in this book. While there is a POV from Willa's cat Pandora, it is pretty minimal, and the book is mostly told from Willa's POV. I also liked that Ghostly Paws had its serious moments as well and there was actually one point where my eyes got a little misty! I would recommend reading this if you don't mind repetition in books and love cozies with paranormal elements.
May 22, 2019
I enjoyed this but not as much as A Twist in the Tail
I guess I needed more cat playing detective but considering this was very early work of author, I don't have much complain about this.
Still good a good cozy murder mystery to pass your time in stress free reading...
I guess I needed more cat playing detective but considering this was very early work of author, I don't have much complain about this.
Still good a good cozy murder mystery to pass your time in stress free reading...
October 24, 2015
Willa Chance has returned to small town Mystic Notch after a career as a crime reporter 'down south' when she inherits a bookstore, home and cat. When Lavinia, the town Librarian is murdered, her Ghost demands that Willa find her killer.
I enjoy cozies with a paranormal twist. This is the first book in a series that I see the potential in. The characters are likeable and the book light and fun.
What I found frustrating though, was Willa. I liked her and yet, she drove me nuts. She would obsess on a suspect to the exclusion of the facts, started off with an antagonistic attitude to the sheriff investigating the case with no real basis and jumped in with a dramatic reveal scene where she accused the wrong person. I hope to see more development of her character as the series progresses.
I also had an issue with her friend Pepper (owner of the local tea shop and a fun character otherwise) dosing people with herbs without their knowledge or consent.
Yet, I did enjoy the other elements of the story and felt that I will like the series more as it evolves. There are elements of magic that have yet to be explored and a cast of characters which are interesting and engaging. I also want to see more of the mysterious cats and their secrets. So: not my favorite but hopefully a good launching place for more to enjoy in the future.
I enjoy cozies with a paranormal twist. This is the first book in a series that I see the potential in. The characters are likeable and the book light and fun.
What I found frustrating though, was Willa. I liked her and yet, she drove me nuts. She would obsess on a suspect to the exclusion of the facts, started off with an antagonistic attitude to the sheriff investigating the case with no real basis and jumped in with a dramatic reveal scene where she accused the wrong person. I hope to see more development of her character as the series progresses.
I also had an issue with her friend Pepper (owner of the local tea shop and a fun character otherwise) dosing people with herbs without their knowledge or consent.
Yet, I did enjoy the other elements of the story and felt that I will like the series more as it evolves. There are elements of magic that have yet to be explored and a cast of characters which are interesting and engaging. I also want to see more of the mysterious cats and their secrets. So: not my favorite but hopefully a good launching place for more to enjoy in the future.
August 20, 2021
2.5 stars
I am becoming a reluctant covert to the cozy mystery genre. It seems that an added paranormal angle makes this formula a bit more palatable for me. This book is like a cross between Vicki Delany's Sherlock Holmes Bookshop mysteries and Angie Fox's Southern Ghost Hunter series. Just like Delany's main character Gemma Doyle, Willa Chance left her small town to pursue a career, but ended up returning to Mystic Notch after her marriage foundered and she inherited a bookshop. Like Verity Long in the Southern Ghost Hunter series, seeing ghosts is a new skill that Willa isn't comfortable with yet. All three have connections to their towns' police forces, as ex-boyfriends, almost-brothers-in-law, and sisters. Each has a companion animal (dog, skunk, cat).
I did have a couple of problems with this novel, however. For a woman who used to be a crime reporter, Willa is awfully clueless about investigation techniques. She blunders about, annoying everyone until she accidentally discovers something. My other, bigger beef is the cats. Not that they are included, but that they hold meetings and discuss things. I'd be fine with cat familiars with spooky attributes, but talking cats is just a little beyond where I'm willing to go.
Dobbs' writing is serviceable, but not wonderful. The mystery portion of the story isn't too skilfully handled. Really, as a reader I didn't feel like I got enough information to be able to figure out who dunnit, which is a personal requirement for a good mystery. The scattershot clues that were provided seemed random, rather than well planned. The romance element was overly obvious, telegraphed too early, and to my mind unrealistic. The ghosts were really the best part. I am dismayed, as I had hopes about a series featuring an older woman, something that I can definitely identify with.
I spent my own cash on this book and for that I am disappointed. I sincerely doubt whether I will read anything further by this author. I hope she has a loyal following, but I won't be among them.
I am becoming a reluctant covert to the cozy mystery genre. It seems that an added paranormal angle makes this formula a bit more palatable for me. This book is like a cross between Vicki Delany's Sherlock Holmes Bookshop mysteries and Angie Fox's Southern Ghost Hunter series. Just like Delany's main character Gemma Doyle, Willa Chance left her small town to pursue a career, but ended up returning to Mystic Notch after her marriage foundered and she inherited a bookshop. Like Verity Long in the Southern Ghost Hunter series, seeing ghosts is a new skill that Willa isn't comfortable with yet. All three have connections to their towns' police forces, as ex-boyfriends, almost-brothers-in-law, and sisters. Each has a companion animal (dog, skunk, cat).
I did have a couple of problems with this novel, however. For a woman who used to be a crime reporter, Willa is awfully clueless about investigation techniques. She blunders about, annoying everyone until she accidentally discovers something. My other, bigger beef is the cats. Not that they are included, but that they hold meetings and discuss things. I'd be fine with cat familiars with spooky attributes, but talking cats is just a little beyond where I'm willing to go.
Dobbs' writing is serviceable, but not wonderful. The mystery portion of the story isn't too skilfully handled. Really, as a reader I didn't feel like I got enough information to be able to figure out who dunnit, which is a personal requirement for a good mystery. The scattershot clues that were provided seemed random, rather than well planned. The romance element was overly obvious, telegraphed too early, and to my mind unrealistic. The ghosts were really the best part. I am dismayed, as I had hopes about a series featuring an older woman, something that I can definitely identify with.
I spent my own cash on this book and for that I am disappointed. I sincerely doubt whether I will read anything further by this author. I hope she has a loyal following, but I won't be among them.
December 5, 2024
Middle age can be murder ... At least that’s how it seems to former crime journalist, Wilhelmina Chance, whose near-fatal accident has given her a strange side effect ... she sees ghosts. After a messy divorce sends her fleeing back to her hometown of Mystic Notch, nestled in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, Willa finds herself haunted by the tenacious ghost of the town librarian who insists Willa solve her murder.
A cozy mystery in the best tradition of that type.
A cozy mystery in the best tradition of that type.
July 31, 2016
I enjoyed this cozy with ghosts, cats and a hint of magic. I'll read the next one to see where it goes.
Downside......arrrggggggg.....a cop boyfriend or potential boyfriend?
Downside......arrrggggggg.....a cop boyfriend or potential boyfriend?
September 20, 2018
I wanted a light, fun read, and so I picked this one from the Kindle lending library. While it is a light read, the fun part is questionable from my perspective.
My major problems were with the main character. Wilhelmina Chance is a 48-year-old woman who'd worked as a crime journalist before moving up north. She feels immature for her age, and she definitely does not behave as an experienced investigative journalist. She jumps to conclusions, has a narrow focus, and bumbles around as you'd expect with an amateur sleuth. Clues practically slap her in the face and still she doesn't acknowledge them. She's also shallow, whiny, and difficult to like.
Then there's the way Wilhelmina accepts that ghosts are real and she's able to talk to them, but she adamantly denies the possibility of witches and magic spells, despite clear evidence of these things surrounding her all the time.
She supposedly grew up in this small New Hampshire town she returns to, and yet she shows no sign of understanding the people or the obvious weirdness of the place.
Then there are the cats. We have two chapters in which Wilhelmina's cat, along with all the town cats, have secret meetings and talk to one another. These parts read like a children's book. I'm fine with people who talk to their animals (I talk to mine all the time!), and I'm fine with cats as familiars who help witches, etc. But I just can't take that extra step to cats holding meetings about how to help the humans. Maybe in a fantasy novel, but certainly not in a mystery.
The murder mystery with the ghosts is straight forward and, in itself, would be an easy plot line to follow. But then the author adds in the magic tea, which we never explore. I assume the friend is a witch, though I don't know. We have a mysterious magic book that I assume will be important as the series goes on. And then there are the cats having meetings about good and evil and impending doom that doesn't make sense. The entire story, as far as the murder mystery, works without the weirdness of the cats and the hints of magic. All these side issues are like little teasers that are never fleshed out. Rather than build intrigue, the added stuff just feels like a messy launch for all things needed in the books to come.
The writing itself is okay, though certain issues grated on me. People's eyes and vocal tones are constantly showing "concern", and seven times we're told that the cups are Styrofoam. Details repeated incessantly become irritating.
But a lot of people have loved this book. We all have opinions, and this is just mine.
My major problems were with the main character. Wilhelmina Chance is a 48-year-old woman who'd worked as a crime journalist before moving up north. She feels immature for her age, and she definitely does not behave as an experienced investigative journalist. She jumps to conclusions, has a narrow focus, and bumbles around as you'd expect with an amateur sleuth. Clues practically slap her in the face and still she doesn't acknowledge them. She's also shallow, whiny, and difficult to like.
Then there's the way Wilhelmina accepts that ghosts are real and she's able to talk to them, but she adamantly denies the possibility of witches and magic spells, despite clear evidence of these things surrounding her all the time.
She supposedly grew up in this small New Hampshire town she returns to, and yet she shows no sign of understanding the people or the obvious weirdness of the place.
Then there are the cats. We have two chapters in which Wilhelmina's cat, along with all the town cats, have secret meetings and talk to one another. These parts read like a children's book. I'm fine with people who talk to their animals (I talk to mine all the time!), and I'm fine with cats as familiars who help witches, etc. But I just can't take that extra step to cats holding meetings about how to help the humans. Maybe in a fantasy novel, but certainly not in a mystery.
The murder mystery with the ghosts is straight forward and, in itself, would be an easy plot line to follow. But then the author adds in the magic tea, which we never explore. I assume the friend is a witch, though I don't know. We have a mysterious magic book that I assume will be important as the series goes on. And then there are the cats having meetings about good and evil and impending doom that doesn't make sense. The entire story, as far as the murder mystery, works without the weirdness of the cats and the hints of magic. All these side issues are like little teasers that are never fleshed out. Rather than build intrigue, the added stuff just feels like a messy launch for all things needed in the books to come.
The writing itself is okay, though certain issues grated on me. People's eyes and vocal tones are constantly showing "concern", and seven times we're told that the cups are Styrofoam. Details repeated incessantly become irritating.
But a lot of people have loved this book. We all have opinions, and this is just mine.
September 24, 2018
Ghostly Paws: Mystic Notch Mystery 1
I had read that this series is better than the author's Blackmoore Sisters mystery series. It was certainly different.
Our heroine is former crime journalist, Wilhelmina Chance. A near-fatal accident has left her with the ability to see ghosts. That turns out not to be much of a blessing because the ghost does not help Wilhelmina to solve who murdered her. Willa did get help from her cat Pandora, who can communicate with humans.
Willa has not learnt how to speak with her cat as yet, and I am sure that story will unfold in future books, but I won't be reading them. As much as I liked the love story between the local Sheriff and the protagonist, it's not the usual affair, they are sisters, and there was a good intergenerational blend, Willa is not my kind of sleuth.
Willa takes circumstantial evidence (which could easily be explained by alternative explanations) as satisfactory proof for an allegation of murder. And this woman was a criminal journalist in another life?
It is an easy read that will appeal to those who enjoy, light, formulaic, fluffy, throw away mysteries. It holds no challenges, beyond incredulity.
Connect with me on Twitter: www.twitter.com/imjussayin2
Book Rating
Sexual Content: U
Language: U
Violent: U
Would I read the next oneor reread ?: No
My rating system (* = star)
0* Could not finish this book (waste of time)
1* Finished the book but didn't like it.
2* Finished the book it was okay.
3* A good read worth your time.
4* An excellent read often with a novel concept or unusual plot.
5* A magnificent read. A prominent example of the genre.
I had read that this series is better than the author's Blackmoore Sisters mystery series. It was certainly different.
Our heroine is former crime journalist, Wilhelmina Chance. A near-fatal accident has left her with the ability to see ghosts. That turns out not to be much of a blessing because the ghost does not help Wilhelmina to solve who murdered her. Willa did get help from her cat Pandora, who can communicate with humans.
Willa has not learnt how to speak with her cat as yet, and I am sure that story will unfold in future books, but I won't be reading them. As much as I liked the love story between the local Sheriff and the protagonist, it's not the usual affair, they are sisters, and there was a good intergenerational blend, Willa is not my kind of sleuth.
Willa takes circumstantial evidence (which could easily be explained by alternative explanations) as satisfactory proof for an allegation of murder. And this woman was a criminal journalist in another life?
It is an easy read that will appeal to those who enjoy, light, formulaic, fluffy, throw away mysteries. It holds no challenges, beyond incredulity.
Connect with me on Twitter: www.twitter.com/imjussayin2
Book Rating
Sexual Content: U
Language: U
Violent: U
Would I read the next one
My rating system (* = star)
0* Could not finish this book (waste of time)
1* Finished the book but didn't like it.
2* Finished the book it was okay.
3* A good read worth your time.
4* An excellent read often with a novel concept or unusual plot.
5* A magnificent read. A prominent example of the genre.
December 30, 2018
Ghostly Paws by Leighann Dobbs is the first book in the Mystic Notch cozy mystery series. Wilhelmina Chance runs a bookstore in Mystic Notch that she inherited from her grandmother. An ex crime reporter she is able to see ghosts following a car accident and when she finds the body of the local librarian, the librarians ghost tells her that she had been murdered and asks her to investigate. I enjoyed this book much more than I thought I would and I liked the mysterious cats. A nice, light-hearted mystery, although Wilhelmina was not much of a sleuth despite her background as a crime reporter, but luckily had a lot of help.
April 21, 2020
I really loved this book, and I know that it's going to be a lot of fun unraveling all the mysteries of Mystic Notch in the coming books. Pandora was an awesome cat and it was so cool how a couple of the chapters were written from her viewpoint. Willa didn't know it when she first came back home, but there was a lot of magic floating around Mystic Notch. Her current issue was to help the librarian's ghost find her killer. There were tons of great red herrings, and I was never sure who it was until the reveal.
The characters were just great! It made me want to meet and be friends with Elspeth, Pepper, Gus, Striker and the bookshop regulars. I liked how Willa herself was a bit older than the usual sleuth. I just knew that she and Striker might hit it off. I'm anxious to read on in the series!
The characters were just great! It made me want to meet and be friends with Elspeth, Pepper, Gus, Striker and the bookshop regulars. I liked how Willa herself was a bit older than the usual sleuth. I just knew that she and Striker might hit it off. I'm anxious to read on in the series!
July 6, 2022
A fun little cozy mystery about a middle aged bookshop owner who’s able to see and hear ghosts and a cat! Yes please. I couldn’t put this down and I’m excited to get into the next installment. I can’t wait to see how this relationship goes with the handsome sheriff.
February 13, 2018
I enjoyed this book quite a bit; once I got used to the cadence of the narrator, I settled in for a good listen/read. Then chapter 3 hit and I was sure I knew who the killer was. I was 100% certain and thought that the author really needed to do a better job at disguising the "bad guy" better than that and resignedly settled back in to listen to 30 chapter leading up to the reveal.
I. Was. Wrong.
WHAT a red herring. Well done Ms. Dobbs, well done.
One point Leighann Dobbs, Z E R O points to Dawn.
Excellent read - this is a series that I am going to really enjoy reading.
I. Was. Wrong.
WHAT a red herring. Well done Ms. Dobbs, well done.
One point Leighann Dobbs, Z E R O points to Dawn.
Excellent read - this is a series that I am going to really enjoy reading.
March 19, 2014
I loved this book. It pretty much has everything. A murder mystery, cats, ghosts, witchcraft all tied up with likeable characters. Willa is a strong woman who goes about investigating without being accusing or obnoxious. She has a good relationship with her sister, a group of likeable characters that appear at her shop every morning, a sweet neighbor but mysterious. I eagerly await the next.
January 23, 2015
Not exactly the brightest protagonist out there. While I do not mind amateur detectives, this one accuses people without evidence and rush in without thinking.... For someone who was once an investigative reporter she must have either faced libel suits all the time or forgot how to be an investigative reporter once she become a book seller. Will definitely skip this author in the future.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 28, 2018
I mostly enjoyed this book though it wasn't exactly what I expected it to be. I was expecting a mystery story with some paranormal, given the blurb, which, again, is mostly what i got but it seem to go quite in the direction I expected.
The story flowed a little slowly at times, and I had to push a little in the middle to get it finished but by the end I was sufficiently interested to potentially read book 2. I quite liked MC Willa and I thought the romance side moved at a nice pace. However the paranormal magic part of things seemed a little weird and didn't seem to quite fit the story at first and while i am interested to see where it will go throughout the series, I am still not 100% behind it from a reader suspense of belief level.
All in all, a little disappointed as I had been looking forward to this book and really wanted a little more from the read than I got. Though that being said I did like it enough that I will most likely pick up book 2 at some stage
The story flowed a little slowly at times, and I had to push a little in the middle to get it finished but by the end I was sufficiently interested to potentially read book 2. I quite liked MC Willa and I thought the romance side moved at a nice pace. However the paranormal magic part of things seemed a little weird and didn't seem to quite fit the story at first and while i am interested to see where it will go throughout the series, I am still not 100% behind it from a reader suspense of belief level.
All in all, a little disappointed as I had been looking forward to this book and really wanted a little more from the read than I got. Though that being said I did like it enough that I will most likely pick up book 2 at some stage
September 22, 2018
Do you like cats? Do you think cats have access to secret otherworldy ideas and magic?
Then this is the book for you.
Willa has inherited her grandmother's bookstore and cat. She can also see ghosts who talk to her and ask her to do things, like find killers of people.
And then the cat Pandora has a side thing going because the cats in this cozy, little town fight the power of darkness.
It is a pretty standard set up to a cozy mystery with fantasy elements. What I enjoyed most about it, outside of the cats, was the friendship between Willa and various women. There is non of that superior feeling crap you see in so many places now.
It was a fun read.
Then this is the book for you.
Willa has inherited her grandmother's bookstore and cat. She can also see ghosts who talk to her and ask her to do things, like find killers of people.
And then the cat Pandora has a side thing going because the cats in this cozy, little town fight the power of darkness.
It is a pretty standard set up to a cozy mystery with fantasy elements. What I enjoyed most about it, outside of the cats, was the friendship between Willa and various women. There is non of that superior feeling crap you see in so many places now.
It was a fun read.
January 22, 2026
Starting a new cozy mystery series 😊🐈☕️
This book has libraries/bookstores, small town, nice people, ghosts, cats who think like humans and...murder?! It's a really cute cozy mystery. When the town librarian is found dead, Willa, who just moved back to her hometown, finds the body. Since a really bad car accident, Willa can see and talk to ghosts. When the librarian comes back and says she thinks she was murdered, Willa looks into it. There is also a group of feral cats and some domestic cats who talk about helping and protecting the humans. I really enjoyed it and am continuing with the series. Happy reading! 🐱📚
This book has libraries/bookstores, small town, nice people, ghosts, cats who think like humans and...murder?! It's a really cute cozy mystery. When the town librarian is found dead, Willa, who just moved back to her hometown, finds the body. Since a really bad car accident, Willa can see and talk to ghosts. When the librarian comes back and says she thinks she was murdered, Willa looks into it. There is also a group of feral cats and some domestic cats who talk about helping and protecting the humans. I really enjoyed it and am continuing with the series. Happy reading! 🐱📚
November 29, 2017
Ghostly presence
A Cozy reader can never go wrong with a Leighann Dobbs book! I loved this paranormal cozy! The characters are fun and quirky. There are numerous feline sleuths and ghosts who hang around the book store. Move over Cat Who books there is another series to steal your thunder!
A Cozy reader can never go wrong with a Leighann Dobbs book! I loved this paranormal cozy! The characters are fun and quirky. There are numerous feline sleuths and ghosts who hang around the book store. Move over Cat Who books there is another series to steal your thunder!
November 14, 2015
I found the book to never quite click with me. I wish that the story had more of the animals in it. In addition, the interaction amongst the ghosts seemed a little silly to me. 3 stars
December 8, 2022
This was a big surprise for me! I listened to the audiobook and really enjoyed it. I liked the MC, the paranormal additions and I found the portions of POV from the cat's perspective kind of charming. I will be continuing the series. 4 stars
January 15, 2015
“Former crime journalist Wilhemina Chance returns to her home town of Mystic Notch after a near death accident that has left her with a strange side effect - she can see ghosts. After finding the local librarian dead in the library, Willa is visited by her ghost in the bookstore she owns and asked to find her killer. There seems to be magic in the town of Mystic Notch that not all the residents are aware of, but a group of ferals and housecats can talk to each other and communicate with some humans and they of course help to solve the case.
This is a cozy and follows all the rules of one .... small town where everyone knows each other... lots of murder suspects and many twists and turns until the murderer is found.
Maybe not the best I've read but still enjoyable and worth the time.
And I of course always enjoy a talking cat or two ... :
July 28, 2020
2020 255. This is my first mystery by this author. For as well published as she is, I felt like this novel could have used a bit more editing. There were times when segues were a little bumpy and left me with a 'huh" and a need to go back and re-read to see if there was something missing or if I had just overlooked something essential. Other than those blips, I enjoyed the story, loved the cat conferences. I may pick up the 2nd book in the series. My problem was I read it as I am also re-reading Dorothy Sayers The Nine Tailors - and nothing I read along with Sayers is going to be quite right.
February 4, 2018
Willa is settling into Mystic Notch having inherited her grandmother's house and having set up a bookstore, one morning she is heading to the shop when she sees the Library lights on and the door open, as Lavinia (the Librarian) is renowned for sticking to a rigid timetable Willa is worried and she heads in, only to find Lavinia dead at the bottom of some stairs, the problem is that Lavinia's ghost has latched onto Willa and is insisting she finds out who murdered her. Add in some quirky townsfolk, a sexy sheriff and lots of magical cats and Willa is in over her head!
April 29, 2018
For an Indy book, this was very good. I loved everyone and everything about this cozy. I mean who could deny that cover?
Ill deff be reading book 2.
Ill deff be reading book 2.
June 23, 2021
Very good mystery.
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