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The Cat Lady Chronicles #2
The Dark Hiss of Magic
There will be no pussy-footing around. Not when Kit McCafferty is involved.
When Kit rescues a wealthy witch from the treacherous, monster-filled waters of the River Tweed, she reckons she's completed her fair share of good deeds for the day. But when a second anonymous body is pulled from the same river, Kit is dragged into a mystery as murky as the water itself. The corpse has no identification, no personal possessions and no one who cares. Kit is determined to change that.
At least Thane Barrow, the copper-haired werewolf who sees the world in a similar way to Kit, is happy to also get involved. Together, they navigate Coldstream's magical streets and mysterious secrets, determined to uncover the truth about John Doe. Alas, it soon becomes clear that his death was no accident. Kit finds herself investigating a complex crime with more than one victim. She will have her claws full if she's going to get to the bottom of what's happened.
One thing is for certain—when death threatens, Kit McCafferty doesn't back down. She pounces.
Prepare for an enchanting blend of humor and fur-raising mystery, perfect for fans of urban fantasy crime with a side of sharp claws and sharper wit.
When Kit rescues a wealthy witch from the treacherous, monster-filled waters of the River Tweed, she reckons she's completed her fair share of good deeds for the day. But when a second anonymous body is pulled from the same river, Kit is dragged into a mystery as murky as the water itself. The corpse has no identification, no personal possessions and no one who cares. Kit is determined to change that.
At least Thane Barrow, the copper-haired werewolf who sees the world in a similar way to Kit, is happy to also get involved. Together, they navigate Coldstream's magical streets and mysterious secrets, determined to uncover the truth about John Doe. Alas, it soon becomes clear that his death was no accident. Kit finds herself investigating a complex crime with more than one victim. She will have her claws full if she's going to get to the bottom of what's happened.
One thing is for certain—when death threatens, Kit McCafferty doesn't back down. She pounces.
Prepare for an enchanting blend of humor and fur-raising mystery, perfect for fans of urban fantasy crime with a side of sharp claws and sharper wit.
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First published June 16, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 175 reviews
June 25, 2025
Fun, but nothing that reaches out and grabs ya.
December 17, 2025
3.5
This is shaping up to be a pretty fun little KU urban fantasy series. The writing is a step above others you might find on KU, and the cast of eclectic characters seems to be growing nicely with each installment. The cat angle remains a bit silly, but I do love cats, so it isn't too grating.
This is shaping up to be a pretty fun little KU urban fantasy series. The writing is a step above others you might find on KU, and the cast of eclectic characters seems to be growing nicely with each installment. The cat angle remains a bit silly, but I do love cats, so it isn't too grating.
Did Not Finish
June 25, 2025DNF at 24%
It's not bad but it just doesn't hold my attention.
It's not bad but it just doesn't hold my attention.
June 18, 2025
Really more of a 2.5 star read. The second book in this series lacked the creativity of the first, and was rather boring IMO. Our retired assassin who in the first book was tough and clandestine, comes across as kind of goofy in this one. All her dialogue with Thane was eye rollingly ridiculous. Disappointing.
June 20, 2025
What started as Kit (and Thane) wanted to know more about a deceased John Doe that fell into the River of Tweed, ended up as further search of a murderer who had killed two others - friends of the John Doe. I enjoyed this sophomore book of the new series by Harper.
First of all, THANE WITH TIDDLES *laugh*. Tiddles is an orange kitten that adopted Thane (yes, it is the other way around, for sure). So cute reading about this lone werewolf being attached to a kitten. Then I also liked Kit and Thane friendship - although I think it's temporary since I believe that Thane is made for Kit's love interest, with all the seeds of flirting and Kit has FEELS here and there. Lastly, the investigation in the deaths of the three victims, enjoyed that!
So I am sticking with this series for sure!!
First of all, THANE WITH TIDDLES *laugh*. Tiddles is an orange kitten that adopted Thane (yes, it is the other way around, for sure). So cute reading about this lone werewolf being attached to a kitten. Then I also liked Kit and Thane friendship - although I think it's temporary since I believe that Thane is made for Kit's love interest, with all the seeds of flirting and Kit has FEELS here and there. Lastly, the investigation in the deaths of the three victims, enjoyed that!
So I am sticking with this series for sure!!
July 28, 2025
*Source* Kindle Unlimited
*Genre* Urban Fantasy
*Rating* 3.5-4
*Thoughts*
The Dark Hiss of Magic is the Second installment in author Helen Harper's The Cat Lady Chronicles series. The story is a blend of urban fantasy, cozy mystery, and sharp-witted humor that will captivate fans of the genre. Set in the magical border town of Coldstream, the story follows Kit McCafferty, a fiercely independent protagonist who was once an assassin, with a knack for trouble and a soft spot for cats who are allegedly demon cats.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*
https://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/20...
*Genre* Urban Fantasy
*Rating* 3.5-4
*Thoughts*
The Dark Hiss of Magic is the Second installment in author Helen Harper's The Cat Lady Chronicles series. The story is a blend of urban fantasy, cozy mystery, and sharp-witted humor that will captivate fans of the genre. Set in the magical border town of Coldstream, the story follows Kit McCafferty, a fiercely independent protagonist who was once an assassin, with a knack for trouble and a soft spot for cats who are allegedly demon cats.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*
https://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/20...
June 18, 2025
I don’t want to wait
I stumbled across the first book in this series over the weekend. I immediately fell into the story and finished it the day before this book came out. I thoroughly enjoyed this second installment. I love reading a character not in the blush of youth. Kit and the side characters make a great cast. I will be anxiously awaiting the third book. In the meantime, I will go back to Helen Harper’s other series. Somehow I lost track of this author but I enjoy her writing style very much.
I stumbled across the first book in this series over the weekend. I immediately fell into the story and finished it the day before this book came out. I thoroughly enjoyed this second installment. I love reading a character not in the blush of youth. Kit and the side characters make a great cast. I will be anxiously awaiting the third book. In the meantime, I will go back to Helen Harper’s other series. Somehow I lost track of this author but I enjoy her writing style very much.
September 25, 2025
This was fun but I definitely enjoyed the first book more. 3.5 to 4✨
January 26, 2026
I jumped back into this series because the next series involves quite a few of these characters, and I wanted the back story.
HH has written a few favourites, but the last few have been missing that something that just clicks. I didn't feel a connection with Kit, and it seems like her biggest emotional issue that she's facing is... middle age. I'm definitely middle aged, but I don't focus on it - at least I'm not constantly aware of it - therefore don't stress about it.
I enjoyed the adventure parts, and I'm hoping the next series with match-making Mallory hits the sweet spot.
HH has written a few favourites, but the last few have been missing that something that just clicks. I didn't feel a connection with Kit, and it seems like her biggest emotional issue that she's facing is... middle age. I'm definitely middle aged, but I don't focus on it - at least I'm not constantly aware of it - therefore don't stress about it.
I enjoyed the adventure parts, and I'm hoping the next series with match-making Mallory hits the sweet spot.
July 1, 2025
Ok, this is how you do ‘middle aged fantasy’. An intelligent main character with confidence in herself and her abilities, not dead below the waist but also not irresistible to every creature within her sphere with non stop sex to prove she still can (I’m looking at you Magical Midlife series). The premise is good, world building really solid as always and an excellent dose of common sense in the solution of a mystery.
Really enjoyable!
Really enjoyable!
August 13, 2025
I like the premise of these books, and the author tells the story well. The little touches of humor are good too.
June 17, 2025
Beautifully executed storytelling? Check. Fantastic female main character? Check! Great world building and mystery? Check and check.
Rating: 5⭐️
The Cat Lady Chronicles returns with a fabulously funny and well written book, The Dark Hiss of Magic by Helen Harper.
I fell in love with the fascinating character of Kit McCafferty, retired assassin, now trying to remain low key as a jumper-wearing older neighborhood cat lady, albeit one hiding a very unique trait. She’s a rare cat sith.
The first mystery novel introduced her character, the paranormal town of Coldstream she lives in, and its many characters and supernatural communities that coexist within its boundaries.
But it’s Kit herself that’s so compelling and complex. Kit and her group of cats, that supply a sense of family, comfort, and advise her when mysteries come into her life. From She Without an Ear to He Who Crunches Bird Bones, to He Who Wanders Wide and the others, it’s a feline cast that’s endlessly entertaining and intriguing. Yes, they name themselves.
There’s others too. Thane, a werewolf, with a new demon kitten and neighbor Dave, who I haven’t figured out yet.
Harper keeps us guessing about mainstay characters. Their roles, true identities, and whatever they are really important to Kit in the over arc storyline. And as the various murders and mysteries occur, the investigations roll along, and everyone gets involved, the narrative continues to build into this amazing adventure.
It’s got great dialogue, wild moments, fight sequences, and loads of engaging cats and unusual personalities. And magic.
I wanted the next book immediately. And because I so thoroughly enjoyed this one, will reread it again soon.
Beautifully executed storytelling? Check. Fantastic female main character? Check! Great world building and mystery? Check and check.
Another great book and winner of a series. Check it out now.
COVER DESIGN BY COVERS BY JUAN
The Cat Lady Chronicles:
Waifs And Strays #1
The Dark Hiss of Magic #2
A Skirl of Sorcery #3 - Oct 13,2025
Rating: 5⭐️
The Cat Lady Chronicles returns with a fabulously funny and well written book, The Dark Hiss of Magic by Helen Harper.
I fell in love with the fascinating character of Kit McCafferty, retired assassin, now trying to remain low key as a jumper-wearing older neighborhood cat lady, albeit one hiding a very unique trait. She’s a rare cat sith.
The first mystery novel introduced her character, the paranormal town of Coldstream she lives in, and its many characters and supernatural communities that coexist within its boundaries.
But it’s Kit herself that’s so compelling and complex. Kit and her group of cats, that supply a sense of family, comfort, and advise her when mysteries come into her life. From She Without an Ear to He Who Crunches Bird Bones, to He Who Wanders Wide and the others, it’s a feline cast that’s endlessly entertaining and intriguing. Yes, they name themselves.
There’s others too. Thane, a werewolf, with a new demon kitten and neighbor Dave, who I haven’t figured out yet.
Harper keeps us guessing about mainstay characters. Their roles, true identities, and whatever they are really important to Kit in the over arc storyline. And as the various murders and mysteries occur, the investigations roll along, and everyone gets involved, the narrative continues to build into this amazing adventure.
It’s got great dialogue, wild moments, fight sequences, and loads of engaging cats and unusual personalities. And magic.
I wanted the next book immediately. And because I so thoroughly enjoyed this one, will reread it again soon.
Beautifully executed storytelling? Check. Fantastic female main character? Check! Great world building and mystery? Check and check.
Another great book and winner of a series. Check it out now.
COVER DESIGN BY COVERS BY JUAN
The Cat Lady Chronicles:
Waifs And Strays #1
The Dark Hiss of Magic #2
A Skirl of Sorcery #3 - Oct 13,2025
August 20, 2025
I recently discovered Helen Harper and have been happily diving into her urban fantasy worlds 🪄📚. While I still have a huge backlog of her books to get through, I always grab her new releases the moment they drop.
The Dark Hiss of Magic is book two in The Cat Lady Chronicles, and it has everything I love about her stories: a strong, capable heroine with unusual skills 💪, a love interest who’s more of a green flag than a red one (bless 🙌❤️), and tons of magical chaos. The romance takes a backseat here, but honestly, I didn’t mind—it’s heavy on the adventure and mayhem, and that’s exactly how I like my urban fantasy served.
The cats? Absolute scene-stealers 🐾😸. The mystery? Solid and fun 🔍. The town? Quirky and alive 🌆. Sure, the plot might lean a bit on the cliché side, but the characters more than make up for it. All in all, Harper turned “crazy cat lady” into something truly awesome.
Rating: 4 stars ⭐
😺 TL;DR: A fun sequel with a badass heroine, magical adventures, and cats that steal the show. Light on romance but big on charm.
The Dark Hiss of Magic is book two in The Cat Lady Chronicles, and it has everything I love about her stories: a strong, capable heroine with unusual skills 💪, a love interest who’s more of a green flag than a red one (bless 🙌❤️), and tons of magical chaos. The romance takes a backseat here, but honestly, I didn’t mind—it’s heavy on the adventure and mayhem, and that’s exactly how I like my urban fantasy served.
The cats? Absolute scene-stealers 🐾😸. The mystery? Solid and fun 🔍. The town? Quirky and alive 🌆. Sure, the plot might lean a bit on the cliché side, but the characters more than make up for it. All in all, Harper turned “crazy cat lady” into something truly awesome.
Rating: 4 stars ⭐
😺 TL;DR: A fun sequel with a badass heroine, magical adventures, and cats that steal the show. Light on romance but big on charm.
July 16, 2025
I liked this a tick less than the first one it didn't quite have the zing of the first one. But it was still fun.
This one felt like a more conventional bread crumb mystery with Kit and Thane trying to find out a) who a John Doe dead body is they fished out of a murderous river and b) why the person got dead.
So many red herrings and suspects! But there were also many amusing moments. Thane with a kitten! Also in the first book there was the whiff of a hint that Kit might have a future romance with the Alpha of the big wolf pack. This one however makes it plain that Thane is the one that Kit is attracted to a definitively puts the kibosh on the other possible romance (in a very funny scene).
Also introduced an interesting new character, an information broker, that I wouldn't mind seeing again. Realistically -- we will see her again.
Looking forward to the next one.
This one felt like a more conventional bread crumb mystery with Kit and Thane trying to find out a) who a John Doe dead body is they fished out of a murderous river and b) why the person got dead.
So many red herrings and suspects! But there were also many amusing moments. Thane with a kitten! Also in the first book there was the whiff of a hint that Kit might have a future romance with the Alpha of the big wolf pack. This one however makes it plain that Thane is the one that Kit is attracted to a definitively puts the kibosh on the other possible romance (in a very funny scene).
Also introduced an interesting new character, an information broker, that I wouldn't mind seeing again. Realistically -- we will see her again.
Looking forward to the next one.
June 8, 2025
Another absolutely fantastic read in this series. Kit McCafferty is an ex-assassin and cat sith, who is trying to finally live a peaceful life. She has the power to turn into a cat using a real cat's fur in her transformations - I just love this power and wish I could be a cat too!
When a very well-known and wealthy witch falls into the treacherous River Tweed, Kit helps to save him, but unbeknown to her at the time, another person had fallen in the river, but was not so lucky. Kit feels guilty that she couldn't have saved him too, so decides to find out more about this John Doe, so his family could be informed and he could rest in peace.
Unfortunately, Kit ended up opening a huge can of worms and when more bodies turn up, she is determined to find out how these deaths are connected, who murdered them all and why. I just loved all the twists and turns in this plot, making you think the perpetrator was one person, then revealing it wasn't, to then making out it was someone else, all the while hiding the real murderer. I loved it and could hardly put the book down as I was so desperate to know who it was!
I also loved the relationship development between Kit and Thane. There's a definite attraction there and I am hoping that this will develop even further in the next book. And of course all the kitties were a great addition - I just loved the idea of this huge werewolf cuddling up with a tiny kitten!
I received an ARC copy of this book from the author, but this review is my own, honest one! Thank you Helen for yet another fantastic read! Keep 'em coming!
When a very well-known and wealthy witch falls into the treacherous River Tweed, Kit helps to save him, but unbeknown to her at the time, another person had fallen in the river, but was not so lucky. Kit feels guilty that she couldn't have saved him too, so decides to find out more about this John Doe, so his family could be informed and he could rest in peace.
Unfortunately, Kit ended up opening a huge can of worms and when more bodies turn up, she is determined to find out how these deaths are connected, who murdered them all and why. I just loved all the twists and turns in this plot, making you think the perpetrator was one person, then revealing it wasn't, to then making out it was someone else, all the while hiding the real murderer. I loved it and could hardly put the book down as I was so desperate to know who it was!
I also loved the relationship development between Kit and Thane. There's a definite attraction there and I am hoping that this will develop even further in the next book. And of course all the kitties were a great addition - I just loved the idea of this huge werewolf cuddling up with a tiny kitten!
I received an ARC copy of this book from the author, but this review is my own, honest one! Thank you Helen for yet another fantastic read! Keep 'em coming!
March 16, 2026
Great urban fantasy
But it is definitely dark with dead bodies, sorrow, violence, and mystery. The worldbuilding is imaginative, and Kit is a splendid narrator. Humor is deftly woven into the story to offset the darkness. The slow burn romance is nice.
But it is definitely dark with dead bodies, sorrow, violence, and mystery. The worldbuilding is imaginative, and Kit is a splendid narrator. Humor is deftly woven into the story to offset the darkness. The slow burn romance is nice.
January 2, 2026
3.5 stars
Magic, characters, worldbuilding, banter? All on point. But there's just something missing from the first one
Magic, characters, worldbuilding, banter? All on point. But there's just something missing from the first one
February 12, 2026
More cats, a string of bodies and a mystery.
This book felt more fleshed out than the first book. I really liked thane and Kit working together, however its just not fully immersive.
This book felt more fleshed out than the first book. I really liked thane and Kit working together, however its just not fully immersive.
April 3, 2026
I'm enjoying this series. It's light and entertaining. And cats. And the MC has purple hair.
April 3, 2026
I'm enjoying this series. It's light and entertaining. And cats. And the MC has purple hair.
April 28, 2026
I’m on a Kindle Unlimited urban fantasy kick right now. This one was fun, easy, and full of cats. What’s not to like?
June 17, 2025
Loved the premise of this
June 23, 2025
Another great addition to the series. I do have one thing though. For a former assassin she drops the ball a lot.
June 25, 2025
This seems to be doing more of the same by doing the same but more of it.
So while the first one had a very enjoyable amount of eccentricity, this one went a bit over board with it. Opinions vary wildly about this I expect but it mostly made me cringe instead of laugh.
It's just too much to be a funny lighthearted exaggeration of people not taking themselves too seriously.
The first one felt original in a way I have a hard time putting into words. But this second one was a very rote midlife cozy mystery with none of the originality that made the first one interesting.
It follows the bog standard urban fantasy midlife murder mystery with romantic interest template just with the MC being a little older than usual (I think?).
Now, while writing it down, I am even more annoyed about how incredibly clichéd this book is and how it basically doesn't deepen any of the characters whatsoever. (There are some tiny baby-steps in the romance but that is really it and it would all fit on a single page.)
You could remove this book from the timeline and basically nothing would change. No meaningful discontinuity would be there. At least this is how it seems. There are some seeds that could grow into something significant (pun intended). But this book has very strong episodic vibes that give the impression of a throw-away filler story.
The other part I was a bit sad about was that there is no follow-up on the demon thing whatsoever.
From the ending of the first book I expected the MC to have known all along. I expected her to actually secretly manage demons which take the form of cats in this world. Maybe after she averted a demon threat in secret while being on her assassin job she decided to retire to fully commit to demon management because of her special nature. Maybe her cat shifter nature could even work as an implication that she is part demon in some sense. There are so many options here.
I realizes this is all very specific but it is just meant to show one example of the many exciting trajectories the ending of the first book could have lead to.
But instead we get nothing whatsoever about any of that. It almost seems like the author regretted the cat demon implications and tries to back out of it all entirely.
Judging from this book it really seems like all the summoning in the first book did was actually summon a cat. And thats it. Like it all was just a huge joke. If that was the intent I don't find that very funny tbh.
This all sounds very negative as is usual for me. I still enjoyed reading it. I don't regret reading it and I will read the next one as well. But I came into the second book with much higher expectations, fueled by how enjoyable the first one was, which this book just doesn't live up to.
So while the first one had a very enjoyable amount of eccentricity, this one went a bit over board with it. Opinions vary wildly about this I expect but it mostly made me cringe instead of laugh.
It's just too much to be a funny lighthearted exaggeration of people not taking themselves too seriously.
The first one felt original in a way I have a hard time putting into words. But this second one was a very rote midlife cozy mystery with none of the originality that made the first one interesting.
It follows the bog standard urban fantasy midlife murder mystery with romantic interest template just with the MC being a little older than usual (I think?).
Now, while writing it down, I am even more annoyed about how incredibly clichéd this book is and how it basically doesn't deepen any of the characters whatsoever. (There are some tiny baby-steps in the romance but that is really it and it would all fit on a single page.)
You could remove this book from the timeline and basically nothing would change. No meaningful discontinuity would be there. At least this is how it seems. There are some seeds that could grow into something significant (pun intended). But this book has very strong episodic vibes that give the impression of a throw-away filler story.
The other part I was a bit sad about was that there is no follow-up on the demon thing whatsoever.
From the ending of the first book I expected the MC to have known all along. I expected her to actually secretly manage demons which take the form of cats in this world. Maybe after she averted a demon threat in secret while being on her assassin job she decided to retire to fully commit to demon management because of her special nature. Maybe her cat shifter nature could even work as an implication that she is part demon in some sense. There are so many options here.
I realizes this is all very specific but it is just meant to show one example of the many exciting trajectories the ending of the first book could have lead to.
But instead we get nothing whatsoever about any of that. It almost seems like the author regretted the cat demon implications and tries to back out of it all entirely.
Judging from this book it really seems like all the summoning in the first book did was actually summon a cat. And thats it. Like it all was just a huge joke. If that was the intent I don't find that very funny tbh.
This all sounds very negative as is usual for me. I still enjoyed reading it. I don't regret reading it and I will read the next one as well. But I came into the second book with much higher expectations, fueled by how enjoyable the first one was, which this book just doesn't live up to.
March 4, 2026
This is becoming a really enjoyable light-read series for me. It's a fun mostly light-hearted magic detective urban fantasy series with likeable characters and plenty of cute cats (always a bonus). I had a few issues with the first book (hammy action scenes, bad dialogue), but the author seems to have improved significantly and Kit feels like a more well-rounded protagonist with believable flaws and abilities. The central mystery was engaging and wrapped up well.
I really enjoy how the cats are characters who can "talk", but don't ever use human speech and remain very much cats with their own uniquely feline attitudes and motivations. The cats help Kit and Thane when it benefits them, get moody and upset when breakfast is late, and seem to have their own agendas and machinations. The way magic works in this world is well-defined without being overly-explained and you get a sense of how things work and what characters can do without being bogged down in the details.
I also really like the way the romantic plot lines were handled and how Kit is written as a female character in general. Two characters go on a date, don't click, and quite maturely agree to just be friends afterwards. Kit is an older woman who knows she doesn't want kids and isn't willing to take any crap for being a childless cat lady or for being old.
I love to see a book with queer/NB characters who are just existing out in the world whose identities are just a facet of their character, though I think Trilby borders on functioning as a deus ex machina at times.
All-in-all, I'm excited to read more. I have the next one already loaded on my Kindle and will dive in when I have the time!
I really enjoy how the cats are characters who can "talk", but don't ever use human speech and remain very much cats with their own uniquely feline attitudes and motivations. The cats help Kit and Thane when it benefits them, get moody and upset when breakfast is late, and seem to have their own agendas and machinations. The way magic works in this world is well-defined without being overly-explained and you get a sense of how things work and what characters can do without being bogged down in the details.
I also really like the way the romantic plot lines were handled and how Kit is written as a female character in general. Two characters go on a date, don't click, and quite maturely agree to just be friends afterwards. Kit is an older woman who knows she doesn't want kids and isn't willing to take any crap for being a childless cat lady or for being old.
I love to see a book with queer/NB characters who are just existing out in the world whose identities are just a facet of their character, though I think Trilby borders on functioning as a deus ex machina at times.
All-in-all, I'm excited to read more. I have the next one already loaded on my Kindle and will dive in when I have the time!
August 18, 2025
I loves this Cat Lady
So many whimsical and smart choices make this Helen Harper series remarkable. Her delightful main character, Kit is indeed a cat lady (also a cat sith), but in addition, she is, at the ripe “old age” of 41, a retired professional assassin. In this, the second book in the series, Kit and her sometimes partner Thane, a lone werewolf, investigate a couple of accidents involving the River Tweed, which runs through the magical city in which they live. A drowning victim, a drummer of a local band, a fetch from one of the most powerful witch’s coven, a larcenous receptionist—all of these characters play into the unraveling of the mystery, and we are once again treated to several notable characters from the first novel, Trilby, a purveyor of magical goods in the market, Alexander MacTire, the powerful and attractive head of the MacTire werewolf clan, and Dave, Kit’s neighbor, among them, along with her five self-named, live-in moggies and the several strays and feral cats she cares for. The magical, feline-loaded world Helen Harper creates is intricate, complicated, and fun, and these novels are entertaining in the best way. I look forward to reading the next in the series.
So many whimsical and smart choices make this Helen Harper series remarkable. Her delightful main character, Kit is indeed a cat lady (also a cat sith), but in addition, she is, at the ripe “old age” of 41, a retired professional assassin. In this, the second book in the series, Kit and her sometimes partner Thane, a lone werewolf, investigate a couple of accidents involving the River Tweed, which runs through the magical city in which they live. A drowning victim, a drummer of a local band, a fetch from one of the most powerful witch’s coven, a larcenous receptionist—all of these characters play into the unraveling of the mystery, and we are once again treated to several notable characters from the first novel, Trilby, a purveyor of magical goods in the market, Alexander MacTire, the powerful and attractive head of the MacTire werewolf clan, and Dave, Kit’s neighbor, among them, along with her five self-named, live-in moggies and the several strays and feral cats she cares for. The magical, feline-loaded world Helen Harper creates is intricate, complicated, and fun, and these novels are entertaining in the best way. I look forward to reading the next in the series.
July 4, 2025
I decided to continue with Kit’s Cat Lady escapades because they’re a romping good time, reminiscent of the writings of Heather G Harris and Kim McDougall.
The beginning is hilarious! Thane comes to Kit to complain about his kitten. Sadly, this feline friend was bestowed the name Tiddles. 😂
Kit and Thane pull a body from a river - still alive, very much a stuck up pretentious… you know where I’m going with this. (Seriously, this character reminded me of Gilderoy Lockhart. What a pompous git.) But the other person in the river wasn’t so lucky. Kit believes that John Doe should be identified, and winds up neck deep in a dangerous investigation.
There’s a bit more banter between Kit and Thane, and a date with an alpha, MacTire. the banter between Kit and Thane was so stupid at times, but very reminiscent of how my partner and I joke around with each other, so I enjoyed it. I have a certain person I’m hoping becomes the love interest so I was disgruntled by the introduction of competition for him.
This was full of so many red herrings. Unlike the first book, I didn’t figure this out until the end.
June 16, 2025
Another great series by Harper
If you're already a reader of Helen Harper, you know what to expect: a great story that can draw you in so much that you stop noticing the actual room around you.
If you're new to Harper, this series is a great starting place--you get a relatable interesting (and magically talented) female protagonist who problem solves through smarts, good sense, good help from cool side characters, and a bit of luck, without Sherlock-esque ridiculous deductions that require omniscience.
In this one, we get the return of Kit, Thane, Trilby, MacTire, and Mallory, as well as new people and settings. Harper's skilled world building works to make the town and people of Coldstream both recognizable and intriguingly surprising.
My favorite minor character is the maitre d, who gets only a few lines of conversation with Kit, but that snippet is enough for me to hope he reappears again in the series.
I could write more but why would you keep reading this if you could be reading the book instead?
If you're already a reader of Helen Harper, you know what to expect: a great story that can draw you in so much that you stop noticing the actual room around you.
If you're new to Harper, this series is a great starting place--you get a relatable interesting (and magically talented) female protagonist who problem solves through smarts, good sense, good help from cool side characters, and a bit of luck, without Sherlock-esque ridiculous deductions that require omniscience.
In this one, we get the return of Kit, Thane, Trilby, MacTire, and Mallory, as well as new people and settings. Harper's skilled world building works to make the town and people of Coldstream both recognizable and intriguingly surprising.
My favorite minor character is the maitre d, who gets only a few lines of conversation with Kit, but that snippet is enough for me to hope he reappears again in the series.
I could write more but why would you keep reading this if you could be reading the book instead?
June 17, 2025
Love Kit!
This one was a little flat compared to the first, but I don't think anything CAN compare to book 1.
I just don't like Thane. His opening scene was awesome, but that revolved around a cat so he got a boost there. (Lots more of Dave, and he does not disappoint!)
We did not get enough of the cats. I think they need their own novella.
Trilby continues to be an enigma and a star.
The mystery is GOOD! At 82% I thought "oh wow I can't believe I didn't see that! Of course that's who did it." And I was WRONG. *gasp*. People are not what you first think, or even what you think second.
I ship Mallory and Kit, or Mallory and MacTire. (Mallory deserves love!)
My dream ship is Kit and MacTire's beta Samantha. They could go on all sorts of killing sprees.
I'm fascinated by all of the threads left hanging for us to figure out.
As always it's well worth it to read Helen Harper's books the second they come out. That leaves plenty of time to moan to your loved ones about how long you have to wait for the next installment. 😼
This one was a little flat compared to the first, but I don't think anything CAN compare to book 1.
I just don't like Thane. His opening scene was awesome, but that revolved around a cat so he got a boost there. (Lots more of Dave, and he does not disappoint!)
We did not get enough of the cats. I think they need their own novella.
Trilby continues to be an enigma and a star.
The mystery is GOOD! At 82% I thought "oh wow I can't believe I didn't see that! Of course that's who did it." And I was WRONG. *gasp*. People are not what you first think, or even what you think second.
I ship Mallory and Kit, or Mallory and MacTire. (Mallory deserves love!)
My dream ship is Kit and MacTire's beta Samantha. They could go on all sorts of killing sprees.
I'm fascinated by all of the threads left hanging for us to figure out.
As always it's well worth it to read Helen Harper's books the second they come out. That leaves plenty of time to moan to your loved ones about how long you have to wait for the next installment. 😼
May 11, 2026
This is good. There are some... issues, the second-hand embarrassment is strong with this one for those who suffer from it, like me, the plot is once again trying to be a bit grander than a cat lady ex-assassin would suggest and the romance is very secondary - terciary, really, though we do get to know the love interest well during this one.
The thing is, this book lacks all sorts of red flags some modern romance (also of paranormal nature) exhibits. Kit is a strong female lead in that really great way - she takes care of her cats, is nice to her neighbours and she is sorry when she can't just kill the bad guy instead of him going to jail. Strong, smart and secretly trying to save whoever she can.
But the writing... uf, the world feels somehow flimsy, the characters feel a bit "caricature-ish" at times and there are a few cringe moments. So while I can appreciate it missing some stuff, I can't say I am always happy with what IS here.
I am going to continue the series but I need a break before doing that.
The thing is, this book lacks all sorts of red flags some modern romance (also of paranormal nature) exhibits. Kit is a strong female lead in that really great way - she takes care of her cats, is nice to her neighbours and she is sorry when she can't just kill the bad guy instead of him going to jail. Strong, smart and secretly trying to save whoever she can.
But the writing... uf, the world feels somehow flimsy, the characters feel a bit "caricature-ish" at times and there are a few cringe moments. So while I can appreciate it missing some stuff, I can't say I am always happy with what IS here.
I am going to continue the series but I need a break before doing that.
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