The Unexpected Mr. Hopkins

The Cassie Black Trilogy #6

by Tammie Painter

A comic fantasy whodunit with wry humor, heroic half-trolls, and magic gone awry

The grande finale of The Cassie Black Trilogy 2.0 is coming in February 2025!

Morelli here. Cassie seems to find herself too busy eating pastries, breaking out of jail, and saving the Magic world (again) to bother with writing her own book description, so she’s fobbed the chore off on me.

Some people, am I right?

Anyway, Black refuses to let me see a single page of the manuscript, but since I was there for most of the story, I can tell you this book is going to be full of…

Eager-for-battle ghosts,Misbehaving Tower ravens,On-call dragons,Spell-crafting elves,Rat-stomping trolls,A tiny bit of necromancy,And a very heroic (if I do say so myself) half-troll who just happens to like crochet and classic TVAnd even though this tale features a big old battle against evil, there’s still plenty of Black’s wry humor, fantastical mystery, and silly situations. (Because, okay, I did manage to sneak a peek at a draft of Black’s manuscript… don’t tell her).

So, if you like contemporary fantasy filled with, well, all that stuff I just mentioned, you’ll love the twists and turns of this final installment of The Cassie Black Trilogy 2.0. Pre-order your copy today!


IMPORTANT, Somewhat Sales-y

The Unexpected Mr Hopkins is the third book in The Cassie Black Trilogy 2.0.

Now, while you might enjoy a few of Cassie's hijinks, the story will only make sense if you've read the trilogy's previous two The Unusual Mayor Marheart and The Unbearable Inspector Oberlin . Both are available at most book retailers, so be sure to grab them today and gobble them up while you're waiting for Mr Hopkins to arrive.

And, if you want to see how Cassie Black's story started (amongst a bit of walking-dead mayhem), you'll want to pick up The Undead Mr. Tenpenny , Book 1 of The Cassie Black Trilogy 1.0... available where all laugh-out-loud books are sold.



What readers have to say about the series so far...

"Wow and wow again! I absolutely loved this book! You get such a feel for the characters and the story is so fast paced you don't want to put it down."

"More, please!"

"I was unable to put this down when I started reading it. The author combines humour with a fast paced murder mystery all packed into a funeral home."

"…suffused with dark humor and witty dialogue..."

"Cassie Black, won me over in the first book of this series, and she doesn’t disappoint in this one!!!"

Genres: Mystery, Fantasy

349 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 18, 2025

About the author

THE RAMBLING BIO AND OFFER OF FREE STUFF
Many moons ago I was a scientist in a neuroscience lab where I got to play with brains and illegal drugs. Now, I take wickedly strong tea and turn it into comic fantasy whodunits full of mythical misfits and magical mishaps that I hope give you a giggle.

My tales run the gamut from the ever-expanding  Cassie Black Trilogy with its wryly humorous paranormal mysteries to the comical fantasy whodunits in The Circus of Unusual Creatures , and from light-hearted novellas celebrating my love of books to short fiction in which I really flex my myth-loving and humor-craving muscles!

When I’m not creating worlds or killing off characters, I can be found gardening, planning my next travel adventure, concocting some sort of mess in the kitchen, or working as an unpaid servant to three cats and a guinea pig.

Want to learn more and get free stuff? Then be sure to pop by TammiePainter.com to see everything I'm up to and to grab your free copy of "Mrs. Morris Meets Death," a humorous tale of mortality, time management, cruise ships, and romance novels.



THE QUICK AS YOU CAN STORY BEHIND MY BOOKS...
My fascination for myths, history, and how they interweave inspired my two historical fantasy series, The Osteria Chronicles and my second series, Domna (you can grab your free series starters for those HERE and HERE).

But all those ancient myths and angst-ridden heroes got a bit too serious for someone with a strange sense of humor and odd way of looking at the world. 

So, while sitting at my grandmother’s funeral, my brain came up with an idea for a contemporary fantasy trilogy that’s filled with magic, mystery, snarky humor, and the dead who just won’t stay dead. That idea turned into The Cassie Black Trilogy, which has turned into a fan favorite.

Then, because writer brains are weird, a simple elephant story I had in mind somehow morphed into a "hilarious" cozy fantasy series featuring a detecting dragon. So, if you like comic fantasy whodunits that mix in laughs with murderous mayhem, mythical beasts, and a staggering variety of omelets, you’ll want to check out my Circus of Unusual Creatures mysteries!


IF ALL THAT WASN"T ENOUGH, YOU CAN...
* Sign up for my monthly newsletter to get free stuff, exclusive bargains, and insights into my writing world,
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Reviews

[☕️Kimberly (Caffeinated Reviewer) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Because of the overall story arc and developments, I recommend listening to the Cassie Black Trilogy in the order of its release. The Unexpected Mr. Hopkins picks up immediately after the events of the previous book. Cassie is in jail and not handling it well. Thankfully, her friends provide pastries. LOL. Meanwhile, Tobie still hasn’t passed his exam, Magics continue to go missing, and Cassie still hasn’t closed a case and gotten the signature she needs.

This was great fun as Painter wove together all the threads and delivered a nail-biting, action pack conclusion to the Cassie Black trilogy. Yes, I know it is six audiobooks. The first three deal with Cassie coming into her magic, stopping an evil villain and finding her parents. The second three deal with Cassie opening her own detective agency and getting the required license so she can remain in the magic world.

I loved the character growth as Cassie honed her skills, befriended the community and battled the villains to save the world. The story blends magic, suspense, mystery and loads of humor to create a memorable world and series.

I loved all the magics from trolls to dragons. The author did a lovely job of closing off threads and keeping me engaged throughout the audiobooks. Samantha Desz narrates them all and brought not only Cassie to life but the others too. I cheered them all on and was envious of the community Cassie has found. Sans the villains.

If you like snark, urban fantasy with a cozy magical vibe, then I recommend diving into the Cassie Black Trilogy This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer

[Bjørn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Let’s be honest. This is book six in the trilogy. By now you know Cassie Black. If you dislike her, why are you doing it to yourself and reading all six books? I assure you that she undergoes character growth she does though hasn’t become a serious, very well organised, ADHD-free person wearing suits and avoiding breaking the fourth wall. This is a worthy ending for the series, if messy – but then, how can a book narrated by Cassie not be messy?

“I left everyone to discuss things about… well, I don’t exactly know because I wasn’t in the room and this is a first-person narrative.”

Does this put you off? Go elsewhere. You like? (I like.) Go back to book one because you need them all, or, if you’ve read the first five, grab this one. There is a somewhat open ending and the author muses about perhaps a spin-off… I’d very much like to read about Mr Wood’s adventures, personally!

(7.5/10 rounded up to 4/5 for Goodreads)

My ratings:
5* = this book changed my life
4* = very good
3* = good
2* = I should have DNFed
1* = actively hostile towards the reader*

[Ellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you haven't read this author I highly suggest you do so as soon as you can. These books are so funny and engaging. Add magic, mystery and a clumsy main character and it's gold! Absolutely love ❤️

[Wendy Rowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book ties up all the loose ends from earlier in the trilogy, with the same engaging -- or engagingly annoying, or just plain annoying -- characters we know and love from previous books. It's fun, exciting, funny, and a thoroughly satisfying end to the second trilogy.

I received an ARC and a request for my honest opinion, which this is.

[Timothy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Since this is the third book of the Cassie Black Trilogy 2.0, or the sixth book of the series to normal people, I hope you read at least books #4 and #5 so you understand the story. Reading the first trilogy is fun and it won't hurt to have the full backstory. Anyway... The previous book ended just as Inspector Oberlin arrested Cassie. This book starts as she arrives at the jail. Since Cassie is not known for her patience you can imagine her being in jail is making her cranky and crazy. Thankfully her female jailer allows her some visitors and some pastries.
Cassie is dealing with gathering various jewels for her clients at her as of yet unnamed and unlicensed detective agency. She has to complete at least one case and get that customer to sign off that she did the job properly to get the license and that time is running out. Plus, Tobie still hasn't passed his detectives academy exam even with Cassie tutoring him. And now with lots of missing Magics there looks to be a vampire uprising in the very near future. How can Cassie help with any of this while stuck in jail because Oberlin hates her?
This book has the previously mentioned Magics or magical people, it has gnomes and trolls, there are elves, ghosts, dragons, the London Tower's ravens, witch hunters, and lots and lots of pastries, tea time sandwiches, cookies, and bacon.
This is a rousing end to the second trilogy about Cassie Black. In an afterword the author says she has other projects and other characters she want to work on. But, she does leave the door open for there being a third trilogy down the road. Or, maybe a spinoff with one or more of the characters in this series. I like reading Tammie Painter stories and this may be her best book so far.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cassie is stuck in jail (thankfully with a steady supply of Spellbound pastries), but still doing her best to figure out what is going on with the missing Magics, and come up with a plan to save the world. Thankfully her friends at HQ have a plan to break her out, mainly because they need her help. Is Cassie up to the task again?

I have loved this series every step of the way. I'm a little sad to think that this could be the end, but I'm sure Tammie Painter will take us back to Magicland at some point in the future, even if it's a story based around another character than Cassie. There's just too much good stuff there to not re-visit!

This one is chock full of all the stuff I've loved from the earlier books - plenty of humour and snark, lots of sweet treats, rat stomping trolls (as well as many other magical creatures) and lots of silly situations. Topping it all off is a major battle.

The characters were all in full finery here, including Mr Wood, Cassie, Alastair, Morelli and Rafi - it's a tie between Morelli and Rafi for my favourite I think. Regardless I get a lot of joy from reading about all of them.

I think this one rounds out the second trilogy well. I do hope we will see more of Cassie in the future, but would settle for other Magicland characters if need be. In the meantime I'll be checking out some of Painter's other works.

[Kirsten Marion · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this dynamic close to the Cassie Black trilogy 2.0., baked goods addict Cassie is really up against it - from the present and the past when all the threads from Books 4 & 5 come together.

From dealing with conspiracy theorists with cognitive dissonance -
“ … let me tell you, there’s nothing more dangerous than a group of people who ignores logic, who insists they’re right, and who is willing to throw all caution to the wind to defend what they’ve convinced themselves is true regardless of all evidence to the contrary."

To a truly evil villain -
“If I thought I wasn’t ready to face Random Witch Hunters, I was really not ready to face Witch Hunter Numero Uno. And I know you’re probably expecting more from the supposed hero of the story, but such is life. Sometimes nasty surprises smack you upside the head, and your brain just refuses to behave like you want it to.”

To her ongoing feud with Inspector Oberlin -
“And I walked right into it by calling you Walrus Face?"

To moments of acute self reflection -
"Sometimes fooling yourself is the only path to success."

A satisfying end to a very enjoyable series and a few hints of possible spin-offs to come.

I received an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Penny Crosson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series! The characters are really different (in a good way!) and the storyline keeps the reader engaged, curious about what could possibly come next, and clearly routing for the good guys. Cassie Black is not your typical, run-of-the-mill witch. At first, when she discovers that she has witchy powers, she HATES it. Over time, though, she comes to accept her fate and to try to live with it. The series is a little confusing because there are two trilogies, but once the reader understands this, it only adds to the humor of the author. The author. She talks directly to the reader through Cassie, including her wacky thoughts that are often spinning in the direction of a real person who finds themselves caught in situation never before dreamed of, let alone encountered. The author expresses her wit, silliness, quick intelligence, terrific deductive skills, an amazingly sharp mind, and ability to craft a whole new believable world that I want to visit. I'd like to have a cup of tea and a cookie with her sometime. She's that kind of author. Really good! I highly recommend this series, especially if you like magic applied through intention instead of wands and spells, engaging characters, and out-of-the-box situations. You'll love it!

[Jonathan Pongratz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Merlin's beard, this book was a knockout!

Okay, given my fanboy status of this author it's not too terribly surprising, but still, proper credit must be paid.

Just when Cassie Black thinks she's on the right track with her investigations, she's put in jail. And to make matters worse, there are signs that an uprising really may be happening. Desperate for a jailbreak, Cassie and her allies must find out who is behind the coup and stop them at all costs.

I've just got to say, this book made me so hungry with all the great baked goods descriptions! Also, lots of brownie points for the pun-a-palooza. There's so many witty quips that made me chuckle I lost count.

I love the continued cast of this book, and they each grew in some way, shape, or form that made this a great ending to trilogy 2.0.

Painter has managed to stump me again with the mystery and plot twists. Not going to spoil anything, but she had me convinced of a culprit when it was just a red herring. It's hard to stump me, so I was very impressed. The climax of this book was so riveting and somehow managed to keep things whimsical and not overly dampen the lighthearted feel I've come to expect with her works.

If you need an entertaining magical mystery, you've got to get your hands on this series!

[Jack A · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finishing The Unexpected Mr. Hopkins, the third book of, Tammie Painter’s, “Cassie Black Trilogy-II” is like leaving a close friend behind. This ride through Cassie’s life has been so enjoyable. The humor, which Ms. Painter has brought too all her writing continues in this sixth edition of the Cassie Black novels. It’s a fictional tour through Portland, Oregon, magical world of Roserio and the Tower of London. The Unexpected Mr. Hopkins has Cassie being booked into the Roserio’s jail as the latest Cassie Black novel begins a humor filled read. Pablo, Cassie’s beloved cat is back, gets a luxury remodel to her cat carrier. The cantankerous landlord, Mr. Morelli gets suited up for this addition. Most of all the other players grown to love or hate also make an entertaining return. Highly entertaining with humor and a plot that drives you to the conclusion of a trip well worth taking.
Jack Allen: I receive an ARC for honest review of this novel.

[Stephen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tammie Painter brings to an end the sixth part of her Cassie Black Trilogy. She tells us in the afterword that she found this book rather difficult to write for various reasons, ironically it was the first part of this second Cassie trilogy that was the weakest and this one (Mr Hopkins) has a lot more going for it. The humour is stronger, the character work showing far more growth (though I still can't for the life of me work out why Cassie is with Alastair) and the story is tied together really well. A considerable number of pastries and other snacking food is consumed and the story moves along at good pace, with half-troll Morelli and an ex-ghost playing crucial roles and Mr Wood making a welcome reappearance.
In short, good humorous fantasy and a solid finish to the series (for now).

[Kim Watt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Look, I was always going to love a trilogy which consists of six books, has a magic system which is largely fuelled by baked goods, and features a main character who's disorganised, out of her depth, and getting by on not much more than grim determination and the aforementioned baked goods. This was a fitting end to a fun, funny, exciting romp of a series, and it was such a delight to see it all come together. I can't wait to read whatever Tammie Painter turns her hand to next, as they're unfailingly fun reads, and an automatic buy as soon as I see a new one.

I'ms till waiting to hear where I can get my human-sized Pablo cat carrier, though ...

[Eloy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The final part of the Cassie Black trilogy is a high paced pageturner with lot’s of laughs and mystery. The Unexpected Mr Hopkins has Cassie hopping from magicland to Portland and back, fighting with vampires, ghosts and bureaucracy. This magical whodunit hands Cassie even more suspects to consider before the inevitable epic fantasy battle. This book has it all. Cassie is my favorite fictional character, relatable and funny and I love the vicarious shame you feel when she stumbles through her investigation. Loved it.

[Lj · Rating 5 out of 5]

A grand and fast paced conclusion to the second trilogy with all the threads spun out over the past two books finally coming together. It is fast paced and constantly hilarious with plenty of (though Cassie might complain not quite enough) cake and baked goods. Everyone gets the ending they deserve making it highly satisfying as well as highly fun. A perfect end to Cassie's adventures (well, at least for now).

I received an ARC and leave an honest review.

[Karen Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

This thrilling conclusion of the second Cassie Black trilogy was another fun, crazy, magic, and pastry-filled ride! Just the escape I needed right now. All the puzzle pieces strewn across the proverbial floor in the first two books came together with ramped-up action, some romance, and all of the sarcasm a girl could want (plus a fun return to the Tower of London). Loved this series!

I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Tsippi Jelingold · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Cassie Black's 6th and last book. It's been a long and satisfying journey, scary and funny in equal measures. All the loose ends are tied, a happy end is assured for all the good guys, and sweet treats were had by everyone. No cliffhanger, but I think (and wish) there might be more Cassie in the future. Recommended of course.

[Abbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The grand finale of The Cassie Black trilogy is grand indeed! Cassie gets wrapped up in all sorts of mischief in typical Cassie fashion. There are no shortage of twists and fumbles, witty banter, and sweet treats! Cassie must once again save the world with all odds against her. Will she prevail? You have to read the book to find out!

I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Gill · Rating 4 out of 5]

An entertaining finale to the double trilogy. One or two annoying elements - the inaccurate grammar of a seventeenth-century character grated particularly. It's not hard to check these things! Some bits played fast and loose with history - how could Queen Anne possibly have been interested in Oregon? Enjoyable hokum, mostly.

[Karen E. · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great read! All the pieces come together bringing all the characters back in. Cassie once again shines as the hero of the story. As if she couldn't be!! Enjoyed it from start to finish and hope that maybe this won't be last we see of Cassie and friends???!!! One can hope......

[Linda Collister · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cassie is hot on the trail of clues that just might get her her license, save the magics and bring her own magic under control. There's plenty of humor, magic and mystery. You won't want to put the book down. I loved it and the series. I read this ARC straight through.

[Lorraine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cassie gets embroiled in the missing jewels and magics caper. The jewels put together make a magical weapon. Many of the denizens of Rosaria are missing and many of them don't have any magic left in them. All this while time ticks on for Cassie to get her detective license.

[Charlotte Liest-Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tammy Painter's delightful, engaging romp of a trilogy!

Witty, intelligent writing, with plenty of goofy references, insults, and plot twists kept me entertained and happily trying to guess who all had done it!

[T.M. Baumgartner · Rating 5 out of 5]

A satisfying conclusion to the second Cassie Black trilogy!

[BRT · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun finish to this "trilogy" which ties up all the loose ends after a few twists and turns.

[Merissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honestly love everything about it! Such an underrated series. Highly recommend! I hope there are more adventures in magic land in the future.

[Todd Glaeser · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is an unexpected ending to the unexpected sequel to the Cassie Black series. The plot threads are tied up and the characters are well developed. I am hoping we see them all again!

[Ken Robson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tammie had done it again!
Another LoL book from her. This one is as funny as the first book was, and I love the whole series.
This book manages to tidy up all the "loose ends" that were floating about from the previous 2 in the series and to do so in a way you will not want to put the book down.

I received an arc of this book