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Vintage Kitchen Mystery #12
Cat Got Your Tongs
A perplexing murder on a local river leads Jaymie into uncharted waters in the new Vintage Kitchen Mystery from the author of Sieve and Let Die . . .
Despite the brutally cold winter, vintage cookware collector Jaymie Müller is happy to help out a friend by looking after a colony of cats while its caretakers are away. The location on a high bluff overlooking the St. Clair River makes for bone-chilling work, and her task takes on an air of menace when an elderly neighbor reports suspicious goings-on at the river. Jaymie’s inclined to dismiss the woman’s fears as the product of an overactive imagination, but it’s not long before she discovers a dead body there.
When it becomes clear the dead man was the victim of foul play, Jaymie turns to the older woman looking for more information. What she learns is that the river has long been used for illicit smuggling, and Jaymie suspects there was a falling out among thieves. But then mysterious clues begin turning up at the cat colony and another victim is found, and Jaymie realizes there’s something much more sinister behind the killings. And while cats may have nine lives, Jaymie has just one, and she discovers too late that she’s perilously close to losing it . . .
Includes a vintage recipe!
Praise for the Vintage Kitchen
“All the right ingredients . . . Small-town setting, kitchen antiques . . . and a bowlful of mystery. A perfect recipe.” —New York Times bestselling author Susan Wittig Albert
“[A] charming series.” —New York Times bestselling author Sheila Connolly
“I have loved this series from the first book . . . it’s like returning to a favorite nook for a cup of tea. It will delight, entice, and drive a reader to want to solve the murder.” —Goodreads on No Grater Danger
“A chilling whodunit.” —Richmond Times-Dispatch
“Well-plotted with several unexpected twists and more developed characters.” —The Mystery Reader
“Jaymie is a great character . . . She is inquisitive and full of surprises!” —Debbie’s Book Bag
About the
Victoria Hamilton is the pseudonym of nationally bestselling romance author Donna Lea Simpson. Victoria is the bestselling author of four mystery the Lady Anne Addison Mysteries, the Vintage Kitchen Mysteries, the Merry Muffin Mysteries, and A Gentlewoman’s Guide to Murder Mysteries. Visit her website at victoriahamiltonmysteries.com.
Despite the brutally cold winter, vintage cookware collector Jaymie Müller is happy to help out a friend by looking after a colony of cats while its caretakers are away. The location on a high bluff overlooking the St. Clair River makes for bone-chilling work, and her task takes on an air of menace when an elderly neighbor reports suspicious goings-on at the river. Jaymie’s inclined to dismiss the woman’s fears as the product of an overactive imagination, but it’s not long before she discovers a dead body there.
When it becomes clear the dead man was the victim of foul play, Jaymie turns to the older woman looking for more information. What she learns is that the river has long been used for illicit smuggling, and Jaymie suspects there was a falling out among thieves. But then mysterious clues begin turning up at the cat colony and another victim is found, and Jaymie realizes there’s something much more sinister behind the killings. And while cats may have nine lives, Jaymie has just one, and she discovers too late that she’s perilously close to losing it . . .
Includes a vintage recipe!
Praise for the Vintage Kitchen
“All the right ingredients . . . Small-town setting, kitchen antiques . . . and a bowlful of mystery. A perfect recipe.” —New York Times bestselling author Susan Wittig Albert
“[A] charming series.” —New York Times bestselling author Sheila Connolly
“I have loved this series from the first book . . . it’s like returning to a favorite nook for a cup of tea. It will delight, entice, and drive a reader to want to solve the murder.” —Goodreads on No Grater Danger
“A chilling whodunit.” —Richmond Times-Dispatch
“Well-plotted with several unexpected twists and more developed characters.” —The Mystery Reader
“Jaymie is a great character . . . She is inquisitive and full of surprises!” —Debbie’s Book Bag
About the
Victoria Hamilton is the pseudonym of nationally bestselling romance author Donna Lea Simpson. Victoria is the bestselling author of four mystery the Lady Anne Addison Mysteries, the Vintage Kitchen Mysteries, the Merry Muffin Mysteries, and A Gentlewoman’s Guide to Murder Mysteries. Visit her website at victoriahamiltonmysteries.com.
- GenresCozy MysteryMystery
230 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 18, 2025
29 people are currently reading
207 people want to read
About the author
Victoria Hamilton
45 books1,045 followersVictoria Hamilton is the bestselling author of several mystery series including the national bestselling Vintage Kitchen Mysteries and Merry Muffin Mysteries. She does, indeed, collect vintage kitchenware and bake muffins. She drinks tea and coffee on writing days, and wine other times. It doesn’t do to confuse days. A solitary being, she can be coaxed out of her writing cave for brownies and cat videos.
She started her writing life as Donna Lea Simpson, bestselling author of Regency Romances, paranormal historicals and historical mysteries, and still has a soft spot for the Regency period.
In fact her latest writing adventure is the new Regency-set historical mystery series - to be published by Midnight Ink - beginning in February 2019 with A Gentlewoman's Guide to Murder, featuring Miss Emmeline St. Germaine, a young lady who dares to defy society. She will fight for her right to live her own life, despite the dangers that presents. She has a dagger, and she's not afraid to use it.
If you Google ‘Victoria Hamilton’, you will find listed first a famous actress who starred as the Queen Mother in the Crown and as Charlotte Brontë in ‘In Search of the Brontës’. That’s not the Victoria who writes mysteries.
No, really, it’s not!
You can find her buried in a good book, (entombed in a good tome?) or online at:
Website: http://www.VictoriaHamiltonMysteries.com (Sign up for her annoyingly infrequent newsletter for all the latest!)
On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorVictor...
On Twitter: https://twitter.com/MysteryVictoria
She started her writing life as Donna Lea Simpson, bestselling author of Regency Romances, paranormal historicals and historical mysteries, and still has a soft spot for the Regency period.
In fact her latest writing adventure is the new Regency-set historical mystery series - to be published by Midnight Ink - beginning in February 2019 with A Gentlewoman's Guide to Murder, featuring Miss Emmeline St. Germaine, a young lady who dares to defy society. She will fight for her right to live her own life, despite the dangers that presents. She has a dagger, and she's not afraid to use it.
If you Google ‘Victoria Hamilton’, you will find listed first a famous actress who starred as the Queen Mother in the Crown and as Charlotte Brontë in ‘In Search of the Brontës’. That’s not the Victoria who writes mysteries.
No, really, it’s not!
You can find her buried in a good book, (entombed in a good tome?) or online at:
Website: http://www.VictoriaHamiltonMysteries.com (Sign up for her annoyingly infrequent newsletter for all the latest!)
On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorVictor...
On Twitter: https://twitter.com/MysteryVictoria
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
March 8, 2025
Cats! All over the place. Protecting them from a dark threat can be deadly, but Jaymie does her best and as usual, gets herself in a dangerous situation. Hamilton's created a memorable cast, and this installment expands upon the families we've gotten to know over the years in the Vintage Kitchen series. Solid mystery. Good romance. Smart friendships.
March 19, 2025
Cat Got Your Tongs is the 12th book in the Vintage Kitchen Mystery Series, but can be read as a standalone. Protagonist, Jaymie Müller, has volunteered to take care of the feral cat colony by the St. Clair River while it's normal caretakers are out of town. She gets a call one night from the elderly woman whose house overlooks the colony, that there have been lights on the river. Jaymie tells her to call the police. The next day when she goes to feed the cats, she finds a dead body. She is pretty sure he was killed and the coroner confirms it. Rumor has it that there has been smuggling of people into the US from Canada across the river. When she finds another body by the cat colony, this one someone Jaymie knows, she becomes invested in finding out why they were killed and by whom.
This was an enjoyable story and if you love cats, this one will make you smile. Jayme, her family and her friends all play a large part in her lives and this book. She and Val, are going to open a business to sell Jaymie's antique kitchen implements and her kitchen kitsch. Jaymie is also planning an elaborate Queen Victoria Tea for Victoria Day in May, she is taking care of the cats, working part time at an antique store and solving this mystery. It sounds busy, but it flows together so well. Jakob is Jaymie's husband and is so supportive of all she gets involved in. The mystery was well-developed with several suspects and twists along the way. I was pulled into this story and enjoyed every minute. I had no idea who the murderer was, but had figured out who the accomplice was earlier in the book. There were some interesting side plots as well, that really added to the story. A wonderful cozy mystery that has me wanting to go back and read the ones that I missed along the way.
This was an enjoyable story and if you love cats, this one will make you smile. Jayme, her family and her friends all play a large part in her lives and this book. She and Val, are going to open a business to sell Jaymie's antique kitchen implements and her kitchen kitsch. Jaymie is also planning an elaborate Queen Victoria Tea for Victoria Day in May, she is taking care of the cats, working part time at an antique store and solving this mystery. It sounds busy, but it flows together so well. Jakob is Jaymie's husband and is so supportive of all she gets involved in. The mystery was well-developed with several suspects and twists along the way. I was pulled into this story and enjoyed every minute. I had no idea who the murderer was, but had figured out who the accomplice was earlier in the book. There were some interesting side plots as well, that really added to the story. A wonderful cozy mystery that has me wanting to go back and read the ones that I missed along the way.
December 20, 2025
Car Got Your Tongs is the twelfth cozy mystery in the Vintage Kitchen Mystery series. When Jaymie stumbles upon another dead body she ends up in the middle of the investigation again. As she starts to unravel the secrets she ends up in the killers cross hairs. Will she be able to put the pieces together before it’s too late?
I have read most of this series and like Jaymie as a lead. She has surrounded herself with great friends and I love seeing them throughout these mysteries. This was a fun mystery and it kept me guessing until the end. If you love cats and mystery this would be a good book for you. The cats Jaymie is taking care of are a main focus in this mystery and a fun angle. I enjoyed this book from beginning to end and loved getting to see Jaymie in action again.
I have read most of this series and like Jaymie as a lead. She has surrounded herself with great friends and I love seeing them throughout these mysteries. This was a fun mystery and it kept me guessing until the end. If you love cats and mystery this would be a good book for you. The cats Jaymie is taking care of are a main focus in this mystery and a fun angle. I enjoyed this book from beginning to end and loved getting to see Jaymie in action again.
April 12, 2025
I've been a fan of this series since the beginning having read 10 out of the 12 books. Yet it's been awhile since I read the last one. Oh what a pleasure to be back with Jaymie and company in her small town close to the Canadian border. Here, smuggling people on the river into US is one of many plot threads that's sewn together by the book's end. As Jaymie finds the first body while tending to a local cat colony, she has a vested interest, along with her innate curiosity, to figure out things. Here's to the next book coming soon see how the new tearoom and Tea With The Queen fares. Thanks to netgalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
February 25, 2025
#CatGotYourTongs #NetGalley is another fantastic addition to this series.
This series has easily become my favorite and I'm always excited to read another book featuring my favorite characters.
Jaymie's love for animals shines through in this story, as she agrees to keep watch over a cat colony, so the current caretakers can have a break.
Jaymie doesn't expect to become involved in another murder investigation, but her fans know it's bound to happen.
I highly recommend the book and this entire series by author Victoria Hamilton.
Thank you for writing such a wonderful cozy mystery series.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.
This series has easily become my favorite and I'm always excited to read another book featuring my favorite characters.
Jaymie's love for animals shines through in this story, as she agrees to keep watch over a cat colony, so the current caretakers can have a break.
Jaymie doesn't expect to become involved in another murder investigation, but her fans know it's bound to happen.
I highly recommend the book and this entire series by author Victoria Hamilton.
Thank you for writing such a wonderful cozy mystery series.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.
March 18, 2025
"Cat Got Your Tongs (Vintage Kitchen Mystery #11)" by Victoria Hamilton revived my interest in this series. I was a bit put off by the book previous to this one in the series but gave this one a shot and really enjoyed it. This one is set in late winter/early spring (it's the upper Midwest they're the same season pretty much). Jaymie is helping care for a colony of cats while trying to manage all her other obligations.
Despite Jaymie's busy schedule she still manages to investigate two mysterious deaths that happen near the cat colony. There was a clear suspect before the big reveal but it really came down to how to prove it all. I can't say much more without some spoilers.
Despite Jaymie's busy schedule she still manages to investigate two mysterious deaths that happen near the cat colony. There was a clear suspect before the big reveal but it really came down to how to prove it all. I can't say much more without some spoilers.
March 10, 2025
Although I was sure I'd read some of this series, as I read I realized that I seemed to be mistaken. As it turned out, it didn't matter as it works well as a standalone. While, yes, it did take me a bit to sort out the characters, of which there seemed to be many initially, I quickly found myself caught up in vintage cookware collector Jaymie Muller's life and situation. The idea of a cat colony high on a bluff over a river was intriguing, especially as winter weather set in. We even get to know a few of the cats' quirks and personalities and a possible future solution to lessen the numbers there to be cared for. Jaymie also has a dog, a three-legged Yorkie named Hoppy and daughter Jocie's cat Lilibet. The relationship between Jayme and Jocie is adorable and nice to see. Husband Jakob is in and out of the story but plays a minor role of simply being there when support is needed this go-round. I ultimately enjoyed meeting the cast of characters, even the snoopy ones, and how they came together as a community as needed. Heck, even seemingly cranky Haskell Lockland turns out to have more dimensions than we first imagine.
As for the mystery/murder, it doesn't actually happen until you're nearly 1/3 of the way through the book but there's a growing sense of unease in the lead-up. Part of it comes from the ominous weather, yes, but we get peeks at activities that, well, let's just say seem highly unusual and surely illegal. By the time the first body is found, we're fully immersed in the happenings and, if you're at all like me, already considering whodunit. Jaymie's relationship with the local police force was a definitely plus. Nice to see the police treated with due respect and not somehow shown as being inept. Not only is Jaymie's love of animals obvious, but her sense of caring stands out as the story goes along. I mean, this woman doesn't hesitate to speak out on behalf of her town and friends, not to mention take on a major role in a major event with very little planning time remaining. She also seems to have learned from past mistakes, not always easy. Never poke a bear, indeed. Toss in some curious seniors, aging rock'n'rollers, shady business dealings, unpredictable felines, family emergencies, family ties, and, well, much more, an it makes for an intriguing mystery full of characters you'll like and humor (hope you like puns--grin), and you'll be hooked right up to the scary conclusion. Stick around, though, for the rest and a vintage recipe!
Bottom line, despite coming into this series late, I thoroughly enjoyed it. I'm a huge fan of character driven plots and this one had unique, well-fleshed out characters that I quickly came to like. While more a dog than cat person, I definitely enjoyed the story's focus on basically animal rescue/care. Reading of a potential option to help at the end made me hope to hear more of it in future books. Yes, I'll definitely be keeping up with this series from now on, not to mention checking the library for back installments. My thanks to #BeyondThePagePublishing for the advance copy that introduced me to Jaymie and her circle of friends, family, and pets. The setting was fascinating and, I might add, nicely introduced to us, and I'm looking forward to my next visit.
As for the mystery/murder, it doesn't actually happen until you're nearly 1/3 of the way through the book but there's a growing sense of unease in the lead-up. Part of it comes from the ominous weather, yes, but we get peeks at activities that, well, let's just say seem highly unusual and surely illegal. By the time the first body is found, we're fully immersed in the happenings and, if you're at all like me, already considering whodunit. Jaymie's relationship with the local police force was a definitely plus. Nice to see the police treated with due respect and not somehow shown as being inept. Not only is Jaymie's love of animals obvious, but her sense of caring stands out as the story goes along. I mean, this woman doesn't hesitate to speak out on behalf of her town and friends, not to mention take on a major role in a major event with very little planning time remaining. She also seems to have learned from past mistakes, not always easy. Never poke a bear, indeed. Toss in some curious seniors, aging rock'n'rollers, shady business dealings, unpredictable felines, family emergencies, family ties, and, well, much more, an it makes for an intriguing mystery full of characters you'll like and humor (hope you like puns--grin), and you'll be hooked right up to the scary conclusion. Stick around, though, for the rest and a vintage recipe!
Bottom line, despite coming into this series late, I thoroughly enjoyed it. I'm a huge fan of character driven plots and this one had unique, well-fleshed out characters that I quickly came to like. While more a dog than cat person, I definitely enjoyed the story's focus on basically animal rescue/care. Reading of a potential option to help at the end made me hope to hear more of it in future books. Yes, I'll definitely be keeping up with this series from now on, not to mention checking the library for back installments. My thanks to #BeyondThePagePublishing for the advance copy that introduced me to Jaymie and her circle of friends, family, and pets. The setting was fascinating and, I might add, nicely introduced to us, and I'm looking forward to my next visit.
November 13, 2025
https://openbooksociety.com/article/c...
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Andra
What could be better than a cozy mystery? A cozy mystery with cats and kittens ☺ Cat Got Your Tongs by Victoria Hamilton has cats and is a cozy mystery. So this reader was very happy!
This 12th story in the Vintage Kitchen Mystery series begins with the main human protagonist, Jaymie Muller, taking on the task of looking after a friend’s colony of cats while they are away. Picture the weather as VERY unpleasant – snow and cold. This is not good for the cats, whom mainly live outdoors, though with some protection from the elements. While looking after the cats, it seems that some nefarious goings on are happening on the nearby river. And when one…make that two bodies show up dead… Jaymie feels compelled to dig a bit and find out what is going on. But will that be at her own peril?
I found that there was sufficient backstory on Jaymie to get a feel for this character, even without reading any of the previous books in the series. And really, the same goes for the supporting characters.
Jaymie has a tremendously busy life – preparing to open a business to sell her antique kitchen tools and kitsch, spearheading the annual Queen Victoria Tea in May and working part-time as well as looking after the cats and of course solving the mystery! Wow – I wonder how she is able to do all this? Answer – from the support of her loving family and friends. When things go a bit off – I was reading with baited breath hoping that Jaymie (and the cats of course) would be okay.
I would say that the mystery part of this cozy mystery was well crafted with many potential suspects as well as many twists and turns throughout the story.
If I had one criticism it would be that I was not overly fond of this cover art. In all of the previous books in the series, the dogs or cats pictured on the cover seemed to have cute or curious expressions but for this book – the main cat does not look inviting but angry or ready for a fight. Just did not appeal to me. However, if this is the only thing I do not like about the book, I can live with it ☺.
I enjoyed this story so much that I am going to put this series on my to be read list and go back to the beginning and start from book 1! If that isn’t proof that this reader enjoyed the book, I do not know what is. I did not include many of the details of the book as I do feel that one must read the book for themselves to fully appreciate the crime and how the protagonist solved the “whodunit”.
So, if you are a fan of cozy mysteries, enjoy reading about cats, and like a challenge figuring out “whodunit”, then cozy yourself up with plenty of time and get reading…and I sincerely hope you won’t be disappointed.
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Andra
What could be better than a cozy mystery? A cozy mystery with cats and kittens ☺ Cat Got Your Tongs by Victoria Hamilton has cats and is a cozy mystery. So this reader was very happy!
This 12th story in the Vintage Kitchen Mystery series begins with the main human protagonist, Jaymie Muller, taking on the task of looking after a friend’s colony of cats while they are away. Picture the weather as VERY unpleasant – snow and cold. This is not good for the cats, whom mainly live outdoors, though with some protection from the elements. While looking after the cats, it seems that some nefarious goings on are happening on the nearby river. And when one…make that two bodies show up dead… Jaymie feels compelled to dig a bit and find out what is going on. But will that be at her own peril?
I found that there was sufficient backstory on Jaymie to get a feel for this character, even without reading any of the previous books in the series. And really, the same goes for the supporting characters.
Jaymie has a tremendously busy life – preparing to open a business to sell her antique kitchen tools and kitsch, spearheading the annual Queen Victoria Tea in May and working part-time as well as looking after the cats and of course solving the mystery! Wow – I wonder how she is able to do all this? Answer – from the support of her loving family and friends. When things go a bit off – I was reading with baited breath hoping that Jaymie (and the cats of course) would be okay.
I would say that the mystery part of this cozy mystery was well crafted with many potential suspects as well as many twists and turns throughout the story.
If I had one criticism it would be that I was not overly fond of this cover art. In all of the previous books in the series, the dogs or cats pictured on the cover seemed to have cute or curious expressions but for this book – the main cat does not look inviting but angry or ready for a fight. Just did not appeal to me. However, if this is the only thing I do not like about the book, I can live with it ☺.
I enjoyed this story so much that I am going to put this series on my to be read list and go back to the beginning and start from book 1! If that isn’t proof that this reader enjoyed the book, I do not know what is. I did not include many of the details of the book as I do feel that one must read the book for themselves to fully appreciate the crime and how the protagonist solved the “whodunit”.
So, if you are a fan of cozy mysteries, enjoy reading about cats, and like a challenge figuring out “whodunit”, then cozy yourself up with plenty of time and get reading…and I sincerely hope you won’t be disappointed.
February 28, 2025
CAT GOT YOUR TONGS is the twelfth book in the Vintage Kitchen Mysteries by Victoria Hamilton. While I haven’t had the opportunity to keep up with the series, it was a pleasure to dive in and catch up with what protagonist Jaymie Müller has been doing. This newest book can easily be read as a standalone, but the characters are definitely worth getting to know over the course of the series. One of the best ways to describe Jaymie is she’s kindhearted and despite the crime, the book leaves you with warm and cozy feelings. Jaymie is a caregiver at heart and she’s passed that trait on to her darling stepdaughter, Jocie. They are helping take care of a colony of feral and stray cats during the brutal winter cold, while the normal volunteer goes on vacation. Ms. Hamilton brings the plight of the cats to life on the pages, and each scene is detailed, allowing the reader to feel invested. I also chuckled at the puns included and all the clever and pun-y business names. It brings a lightheartedness to the story.
On one of the visits to the cat colony, Jaymie comes across a murder victim. One of her friends had been seeing strange lights on the river from her home, and together they surmise that smuggling must be going on from Canada to the U.S. and the death is connected. Is the cargo human? Drugs? Or other illicit items? And why did an aging British rock star move into the neighborhood? The author weaves a multi-faceted tale filled with suspects, secrets, and lies. The twists kept me guessing, but it wasn’t until the bone-chilling, edge-of-your-seat reveal that I figured it out alongside Jaymie. With the adrenaline pumping, it was a pleasure reading the heartwarming last chapter, which left me with a feeling of contentment and a desire to catch up on the series.
I was provided with an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
On one of the visits to the cat colony, Jaymie comes across a murder victim. One of her friends had been seeing strange lights on the river from her home, and together they surmise that smuggling must be going on from Canada to the U.S. and the death is connected. Is the cargo human? Drugs? Or other illicit items? And why did an aging British rock star move into the neighborhood? The author weaves a multi-faceted tale filled with suspects, secrets, and lies. The twists kept me guessing, but it wasn’t until the bone-chilling, edge-of-your-seat reveal that I figured it out alongside Jaymie. With the adrenaline pumping, it was a pleasure reading the heartwarming last chapter, which left me with a feeling of contentment and a desire to catch up on the series.
I was provided with an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
March 12, 2025
Cat got your Tongs
By: Victoria Hamilton
Book 12 of A Vintage Kitchen Mystery
Publish Date: March 18, 2025
Publisher: Beyond the Page Publishing
Cooking, food and wine/ Mystery and Thriller
#CatGotYourTongs#NetGalley
200 Book ReviewsProfessional Reader
I would like to thank both NetGalley and Beyond the Page Publishing for allowing me to read and review this book.
Book Review:
I gave this book 4 stars. This is the first book I have read from this author, and I enjoyed it. You are able to read these books out of order and get the idea of who is who. I would recommend reading them in order because you do miss a little of the background from some of the characters in the series. With that being said I still got the point of the book and had a great time.
This book takes place in March in Michigan by the Canada border. It is freezing and Jaymie agrees to feed the cat colony while the usual person is gone for a couple of days. One day while feeding them she hears something and goes to check it out. What does find but a frozen body. The noise was his cell phone with an incoming call. He is unknown except for maybe a first which she hears when the caller leaves a voicemail. She is curious about this person and wonders what is doing there and why does he have on the parka from someone she knows. She starts asking around but not too much. A few days later while feeding the cats she another body and she knows this guy. Why are these guys died and who is the killer or killers. People are asking her to investigate and find out what happens. She agrees because she wants to help her friend’s niece and finally figure out what is happening around the river that separates the two countries.
I love the family and friendships in this book and how they standby each other and help each other even when they really don’t want to.
By: Victoria Hamilton
Book 12 of A Vintage Kitchen Mystery
Publish Date: March 18, 2025
Publisher: Beyond the Page Publishing
Cooking, food and wine/ Mystery and Thriller
#CatGotYourTongs#NetGalley
200 Book ReviewsProfessional Reader
I would like to thank both NetGalley and Beyond the Page Publishing for allowing me to read and review this book.
Book Review:
I gave this book 4 stars. This is the first book I have read from this author, and I enjoyed it. You are able to read these books out of order and get the idea of who is who. I would recommend reading them in order because you do miss a little of the background from some of the characters in the series. With that being said I still got the point of the book and had a great time.
This book takes place in March in Michigan by the Canada border. It is freezing and Jaymie agrees to feed the cat colony while the usual person is gone for a couple of days. One day while feeding them she hears something and goes to check it out. What does find but a frozen body. The noise was his cell phone with an incoming call. He is unknown except for maybe a first which she hears when the caller leaves a voicemail. She is curious about this person and wonders what is doing there and why does he have on the parka from someone she knows. She starts asking around but not too much. A few days later while feeding the cats she another body and she knows this guy. Why are these guys died and who is the killer or killers. People are asking her to investigate and find out what happens. She agrees because she wants to help her friend’s niece and finally figure out what is happening around the river that separates the two countries.
I love the family and friendships in this book and how they standby each other and help each other even when they really don’t want to.
March 20, 2025
Cat Got Your Tongs by Victoria Hamilton has a very busy Jayme taking on another task. The local cat colony needs to be fed while their caregiver is away and Jayme cannot say no when asked to fill in. I love the descriptions of the vintage kitchen items. I grew up with surrounded by vintage and antique kitchen items (and I have similar items in my home). I am amazed at the different types of tongs (there are at least ten different types of tongs including ice tongs and pastry tongs). I found Cat Got Your Tongs to be easy to read. I like the author’s friendly writing style. The characters are likeable (well, most of them) especially Jocie, Jayme’s stepdaughter. The story moved at a steady clip. The whodunit was intriguing and fun to solve. The new police chief is unsure of Jayme (she will need to prove herself). I love the idea that Jayme’s best friend, Val came up with for dealing with their excessive amount of vintage kitchen treasures. The cat colony is something that is near and dear to me. I live in a community where people have abandoned their pets and feral cats have resulted. Trap, Neuter, Release (and vaccinate) (aka TNR) is practiced, but not everyone likes having the cats in the neighborhood (just like in the book). I enjoyed reading about people who care enough about the cats that they would go out twice a day in frigid weather to feed them, make sure they had cozy sleeping spots, and that the cats were healthy. Cat Got Your Tongs can be read as a standalone for those new to the series or if you have missed a couple of books. Cat Got Your Tongs is a catastic tale with a colony of cats, late night lights, frosty temperatures, a victim or two, a busy body with binoculars, tons of tongs, and the Kitschy Kitchen.
April 15, 2025
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Victoria Hamilton for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for Cat Got Your Tongs. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Despite the brutally cold winter, vintage cookware collector Jaymie Müller is happy to help out a friend by looking after a colony of cats while its caretakers are away. The location on a high bluff overlooking the St. Clair River makes for bone-chilling work, and her task takes on an air of menace when an elderly neighbor reports suspicious goings-on at the river. Jaymie’s inclined to dismiss the woman’s fears as the product of an overactive imagination, but it’s not long before she discovers a dead body there.
When it becomes clear the dead man was the victim of foul play, Jaymie turns to the older woman looking for more information. What she learns is that the river has long been used for illicit smuggling, and Jaymie suspects there was a falling out among thieves. But then mysterious clues begin turning up at the cat colony and another victim is found, and Jaymie realizes there’s something much more sinister behind the killings. And while cats may have nine lives, Jaymie has just one, and she discovers too late that she’s perilously close to losing it . . .
I really enjoy this author! I love her historical mysteries. I didn’t realize there were so many books in this series. I definitely need to read the other books. I thought the plot was interesting. I’m a big fan of cozy books. I would definitely check out more books by this author!
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys cozy mysteries!
Despite the brutally cold winter, vintage cookware collector Jaymie Müller is happy to help out a friend by looking after a colony of cats while its caretakers are away. The location on a high bluff overlooking the St. Clair River makes for bone-chilling work, and her task takes on an air of menace when an elderly neighbor reports suspicious goings-on at the river. Jaymie’s inclined to dismiss the woman’s fears as the product of an overactive imagination, but it’s not long before she discovers a dead body there.
When it becomes clear the dead man was the victim of foul play, Jaymie turns to the older woman looking for more information. What she learns is that the river has long been used for illicit smuggling, and Jaymie suspects there was a falling out among thieves. But then mysterious clues begin turning up at the cat colony and another victim is found, and Jaymie realizes there’s something much more sinister behind the killings. And while cats may have nine lives, Jaymie has just one, and she discovers too late that she’s perilously close to losing it . . .
I really enjoy this author! I love her historical mysteries. I didn’t realize there were so many books in this series. I definitely need to read the other books. I thought the plot was interesting. I’m a big fan of cozy books. I would definitely check out more books by this author!
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys cozy mysteries!
April 25, 2025
CAT GOT YOUR TONGS by Victoria Hamilton
The Twelfth Vintage Kitchen Mystery
Jaymie Müller is always willing to help out, even when she's busy. Then again when is she ever not busy? Her helpfulness leads her to care for a feral cat colony while its usual caretaker is vacationing in Florida. That decision reinforced by the fact that she and her family will be staying in Queensville itself instead of their remote cabin and the bad vibes she gets from the caretaker's nephew who demands that he should be the one caring for the cats. Feeding the animals leads her to freezing cold temperatures and the discovery of a body! Does this have anything to do with the strange lights Miss Perry has been seeing by the river? Or the obnoxiously loud new neighbors? Jaymie will just have to do what she does best, help people and find a killer!
Important societal issues, namely smuggling and feral cat colonies, blend seamlessly in the well plotted mystery found in CAT GOT YOUR TONGS. I enjoyed seeing Jaymie in action and love the support she receives from Jakob as she gets involved in a variety of things-and she certainly gets involved in a large variety in this twelfth Vintage Kitchen Mystery. One of the things I like best about this book is the multiple endeavors Jaymie finds herself in, almost all of which have bearing on the actual mystery.
I appreciate the fact that cat colonies are a focus of the mystery. Honest facts are shared including the difference between feral and stray cats. I was concerned when I saw they were using fabric bedding at the start and immensely pleased when it was changed to straw, along with an explanation. I hope readers will consider the hard life these animals face-caused by humans-and perhaps will help, or at least not hurt cats living in local colonies.
Ne'er do wells, interlopers, and cats converge in CAT GOT YOUR TONGS creating a delectably satisfying mystery that, despite the freezing setting, will still manage to warm your heart.
The Twelfth Vintage Kitchen Mystery
Jaymie Müller is always willing to help out, even when she's busy. Then again when is she ever not busy? Her helpfulness leads her to care for a feral cat colony while its usual caretaker is vacationing in Florida. That decision reinforced by the fact that she and her family will be staying in Queensville itself instead of their remote cabin and the bad vibes she gets from the caretaker's nephew who demands that he should be the one caring for the cats. Feeding the animals leads her to freezing cold temperatures and the discovery of a body! Does this have anything to do with the strange lights Miss Perry has been seeing by the river? Or the obnoxiously loud new neighbors? Jaymie will just have to do what she does best, help people and find a killer!
Important societal issues, namely smuggling and feral cat colonies, blend seamlessly in the well plotted mystery found in CAT GOT YOUR TONGS. I enjoyed seeing Jaymie in action and love the support she receives from Jakob as she gets involved in a variety of things-and she certainly gets involved in a large variety in this twelfth Vintage Kitchen Mystery. One of the things I like best about this book is the multiple endeavors Jaymie finds herself in, almost all of which have bearing on the actual mystery.
I appreciate the fact that cat colonies are a focus of the mystery. Honest facts are shared including the difference between feral and stray cats. I was concerned when I saw they were using fabric bedding at the start and immensely pleased when it was changed to straw, along with an explanation. I hope readers will consider the hard life these animals face-caused by humans-and perhaps will help, or at least not hurt cats living in local colonies.
Ne'er do wells, interlopers, and cats converge in CAT GOT YOUR TONGS creating a delectably satisfying mystery that, despite the freezing setting, will still manage to warm your heart.
April 21, 2025
“Cat Got Your Tongs” is the well done twelfth book in Victoria Hamilton’s Vintage Kitchen Mystery Series. In this one, vintage cookware collector Jaymie Müller is busy planning a fundraiser tea and a new business venture but agrees to help look after a colony of cats while its caretakers are away. It’s not long before she stumbles across not one but two bodies and finds herself involved in yet another murder investigation. But will her snooping but her in danger of becoming the next victim?
I found the first couple of chapters in this book to be a slow start but once I got past that I really enjoyed this book. I love the setting (the fact that Jaymie lives so close to Canada places an important part in this book), the feeding the cats plotline, and the characters (Jaymie, her husband, her stepdaughter, and her friends young and old) and the way the characters have grown throughout the course of the series. The mystery is well done – this isn’t the type of mystery where you try to figure out whodunit but just sit back and enjoy the cast of characters and the ride. The mystery is well plotted with a few surprises – without giving anything away, the motive for the murders is a very real one that readers should pay attention to. If there is one thing I didn’t like about this book is that I thought Jaymie put herself in danger a few too many times – asking intrusive questions and going places alone when she was warned not to by the police. Otherwise, I really enjoyed this book.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley.
I found the first couple of chapters in this book to be a slow start but once I got past that I really enjoyed this book. I love the setting (the fact that Jaymie lives so close to Canada places an important part in this book), the feeding the cats plotline, and the characters (Jaymie, her husband, her stepdaughter, and her friends young and old) and the way the characters have grown throughout the course of the series. The mystery is well done – this isn’t the type of mystery where you try to figure out whodunit but just sit back and enjoy the cast of characters and the ride. The mystery is well plotted with a few surprises – without giving anything away, the motive for the murders is a very real one that readers should pay attention to. If there is one thing I didn’t like about this book is that I thought Jaymie put herself in danger a few too many times – asking intrusive questions and going places alone when she was warned not to by the police. Otherwise, I really enjoyed this book.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley.
March 27, 2025
Jaymie is enlisted to help feed a cat colony in winter in Michigan. In spite of being very busy, once she sees the cats, she is determined to help out. But the cats are witnesses to some dark doings and when Jaymie discovers the second body within a day nearby, she is drawn into the investigation. Partly she is drawn in by the various locals who may be involved in these deeds but it goes well beyond their little community. Human smuggling, drugs, and all sorts of mayhem and nastiness is underneath and Jaymie is going to be drawn into the middle of it.
She has a good relationship with the local police including one of her best friends. So when she tells them what she has discovered, they listen. She is very careful how she does it until she pokes the bear once too often and things are going to get very dangerous. Good thing there are feline heroes to help out. I loved the way the various kitties in the colony are brought into the story in a very heartwarming way. I also enjoy when there are references to my home town in the book, even if one of them is the propensity for Lake Huron to deposit streamers right on top of us.
I have enjoyed this series but this is my favourite book thus far. Five purrs and two paws up.
She has a good relationship with the local police including one of her best friends. So when she tells them what she has discovered, they listen. She is very careful how she does it until she pokes the bear once too often and things are going to get very dangerous. Good thing there are feline heroes to help out. I loved the way the various kitties in the colony are brought into the story in a very heartwarming way. I also enjoy when there are references to my home town in the book, even if one of them is the propensity for Lake Huron to deposit streamers right on top of us.
I have enjoyed this series but this is my favourite book thus far. Five purrs and two paws up.
April 17, 2025
This series has gotten too far away from its roots of being about vintage kitchen items and recipes. Since her marriage to Jakob, Jayme's story has gotten so boring. I'm really not interested in every time they cuddle together on the couch. I want her to find some amazing vintage kitchen piece, like the Hoosier cabinet from one of the early books, and bring it back to life. I had no interest in the characters involved in the mystery.
I sample many cozy mysteries. I stick with ones where I'm interested in the theme and really like the people! Other than the tongs in the title, there were almost no references to other vintage items. It was mostly just Jayme running all over the place asking everybody she met "Where is __?"or "Did __ kill __?" It would make a great drinking game! It didn't make a great story. It was only the cats of the cat colony who kept me from dropping this to a 2 star review. I hope in the next book the author gets back to the original idea that sparked the series. The introduction of a new character towards the end of the book and the idea that she will finally find an outlet for all those amazing vintage kitchen items has me hopeful that this book was just an awkward but hopeful transition in the series.
I sample many cozy mysteries. I stick with ones where I'm interested in the theme and really like the people! Other than the tongs in the title, there were almost no references to other vintage items. It was mostly just Jayme running all over the place asking everybody she met "Where is __?"or "Did __ kill __?" It would make a great drinking game! It didn't make a great story. It was only the cats of the cat colony who kept me from dropping this to a 2 star review. I hope in the next book the author gets back to the original idea that sparked the series. The introduction of a new character towards the end of the book and the idea that she will finally find an outlet for all those amazing vintage kitchen items has me hopeful that this book was just an awkward but hopeful transition in the series.
March 14, 2025
Cats. Cats, cats, cats, cats!
A feral cat colony, a tea with the Queen upcoming event and oh, a couple of murders. What more could you need? This was a fun little adventure that was for the most part, a delight. I enjoyed almost all the characters, thought they showed a good range, they had their flaws, their highs and I was fully invested in all the plots and subplots.
For a short book, this certainly packed a lot of story, and following the twists and turns of a murder one moment and then plans for a cafe another was enjoyable. The crime was maybe a little obvious but then again I've read a lot of murder mysteries.
This lost a point purely for the British characters. The.... accents. The use of British 'slang'. Yes, those words are British slang but no. Nobody calls the police the 'rozzers' anymore. Or any of the other very stereotypical, cringing terms they use. And to write the words with their accent... Its a shame, because the book otherwise is a lot of fun and I really enjoyed it.
~Thank you for NetGalley for the ARC in return for an honest review of the book~
A feral cat colony, a tea with the Queen upcoming event and oh, a couple of murders. What more could you need? This was a fun little adventure that was for the most part, a delight. I enjoyed almost all the characters, thought they showed a good range, they had their flaws, their highs and I was fully invested in all the plots and subplots.
For a short book, this certainly packed a lot of story, and following the twists and turns of a murder one moment and then plans for a cafe another was enjoyable. The crime was maybe a little obvious but then again I've read a lot of murder mysteries.
This lost a point purely for the British characters. The.... accents. The use of British 'slang'. Yes, those words are British slang but no. Nobody calls the police the 'rozzers' anymore. Or any of the other very stereotypical, cringing terms they use. And to write the words with their accent... Its a shame, because the book otherwise is a lot of fun and I really enjoyed it.
~Thank you for NetGalley for the ARC in return for an honest review of the book~
March 12, 2025
Cat Got Your Tongs is the 12th exciting book in Victoria Hamilton's Vintage Kitchen Mystery.series. The characters are likable and the mystery kept me guessing although I suspected the culprit. Jaymie is married to Jakob and his daughter Jocie is a nice addition to the story. Jaymie is taking care of a group of feral cats to help a friend. It is winter. While feeding the cats, Jaymie finds a dead body but she doesn't recognize the person. Then a 2nd dead body shows up out by the cat colony but she recognizes this person. There are several suspects and some unusual activities going on. There is a new Police Chief which Jaymie is unsure of working with. Jaymie, her friend Val and Val's sister-in-law Violet are starting Kitschy Kitchen, a tea and vintage kitchen shop. Their plans add a little lightness to the story. The ending is exciting! #CatGotYourTongs #VintageKjtchenMystery #NetGalley #BeyondThePage
April 1, 2025
It's late winter (March) in Michigan and Jaymie agrees to help with feeding a cat colony while the main volunteer is away. What Jaymie doesn't know is that there are suspicious activities taking place along the river near where the cat colony is located.
I'd have to say Jaymie has the worst luck, engineered by the author, as she finds two dead during feeding times for the cats.
I like this series. It has changed much from the early days when the focus was really on the Vintage Kitchen items Jaymie would find and write about. It could be said to be richer as the stories focus more on Jaymie as a Mom and the life she is living with Jakob Muller and Jocie.
The mystery is a complex one to unravel. The ending had me tearing just a bit at the sweetness of Jaymie and Jakob's relationship.
If you like animals, relationship focused stories and tea, you are sure to enjoy Cat Got Your Tongs.
Thanks to Netgalley and Beyond the Page for the opportunity to read this book.
I'd have to say Jaymie has the worst luck, engineered by the author, as she finds two dead during feeding times for the cats.
I like this series. It has changed much from the early days when the focus was really on the Vintage Kitchen items Jaymie would find and write about. It could be said to be richer as the stories focus more on Jaymie as a Mom and the life she is living with Jakob Muller and Jocie.
The mystery is a complex one to unravel. The ending had me tearing just a bit at the sweetness of Jaymie and Jakob's relationship.
If you like animals, relationship focused stories and tea, you are sure to enjoy Cat Got Your Tongs.
Thanks to Netgalley and Beyond the Page for the opportunity to read this book.
April 6, 2025
My library stopped purchasing this series so I had not read the last few titles but it didn’t matter. This one was all about cats – my favorite thing as much as reading. The story centered around Jayme’s commitment to take care of a feral colony while the caretaker was away. Minus the vet on speed dial available at the drop of a hat…the rest was very accurate in this regard. Jayme discoveries bodies while taking care of the cats and then investigates. I love this series for it’s small town feel and love of vintage cookware (not mentioned as much in this title but with the opening of the shop we’ll see more of that). The mystery was clever and while I didn’t figure this on out….it was probably because the killer was mostly kept in the background but when revealed made purrfect sense. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a free eARC in exchange for review.
March 3, 2025
This is my first cozy book by this prolific author, so it took me a while to get to know the characters. This is book #12 in the series!
I am sure that if I had started reading this series with book #1, it would have been easier to get into ir. After I was familiar with the protagonist and all the characters, I also discovered that there are 2 intriguing plots in this book.
This book was extremely well written and very tense. I liked the author's style of writing because it kept me engaged. I did figure out whodunnit, but I wanted to find out why the crime had been committed.
It was very satisfying to find out the why, as well as the who.
I look forward to the next book in this series, but in the meantime I will start at the beginning of the series.
I am sure that if I had started reading this series with book #1, it would have been easier to get into ir. After I was familiar with the protagonist and all the characters, I also discovered that there are 2 intriguing plots in this book.
This book was extremely well written and very tense. I liked the author's style of writing because it kept me engaged. I did figure out whodunnit, but I wanted to find out why the crime had been committed.
It was very satisfying to find out the why, as well as the who.
I look forward to the next book in this series, but in the meantime I will start at the beginning of the series.
March 17, 2025
This is a charming cozy series with a savvy smart protagonist who loves animals. A perfect addition to this well loved cozy series. Jaymie has offered to feed a outdoor colony of feral cats high on a bluff overlooking the city. The weather is terrible and Jaymie wants to make sure the cats are cared for while their caretaker is away. Amid the blizzard and snow drifts a elderly neighbor voices concerns about suspicious activity in the area. When a body is found Jaymie is on the case with her investigative skills.
This series has well loved characters and a fun love of animals theme. Jaymie is a likable protagonist and has her own unique challenge with this mystery to solve. I enjoyed this next in series and read it cover to cover.
This series has well loved characters and a fun love of animals theme. Jaymie is a likable protagonist and has her own unique challenge with this mystery to solve. I enjoyed this next in series and read it cover to cover.
March 18, 2025
Cat Got Your Tongs is book #12 in the Vintage Kitchen Mystery series by Victoria Hamilton.
This was another great addition to the series. Jaymie is taking care of a colony of cats while their caretaker is away. She wasn’t expecting to find a body. Are there nefarious activities taking place? I really like the characters and that Jaymie was willing to help the feral cats even with everything else going on in her life. The mystery was well paced and kept me hooked. I appreciated the Cast of Characters at the beginning to refresh my memory.
Thank you to the author, Beyond the Page, and NetGalley for the Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
This was another great addition to the series. Jaymie is taking care of a colony of cats while their caretaker is away. She wasn’t expecting to find a body. Are there nefarious activities taking place? I really like the characters and that Jaymie was willing to help the feral cats even with everything else going on in her life. The mystery was well paced and kept me hooked. I appreciated the Cast of Characters at the beginning to refresh my memory.
Thank you to the author, Beyond the Page, and NetGalley for the Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
May 18, 2025
Jaymie Miller has agreed to helps friend look after a colony of cats while their caretaker is away for a bit. The weather is freezing and the location of the colony is high on a bluff making it even colder with all the wind. When a neighbor to the colony tells Jaymie about some odd happenings by the river she blows it off that is until she comes across a body. She can tell the man has been murdered so her next step is to investigate. She goes back to the neighbor to see if there is anything else she can tell her. She soon begins to find clues left at the cat colony and then another victim. As her investigation goes deeper she realizes there might be more going on than meets the eye. Follow along to see if she finds a killer before she lands herself in danger.
March 26, 2025
Jaymie teases on a volunteer gig to care for homeless cats while their caretakers are both out of town. While she was hoping to find homes for some of the cats, she certainly wasn’t expecting to find a dead body…or two. Is the killer now playing with her like a cat with a ball of yarn? Jaymie just have to stay out of the killer’s web.
I really adore this series. From the vintage cookware to all of the supporting characters and the protagonist, everyone makes it feel like a visit with runs. I can’t wait to see what new recipes are included and what cookware is being collected or used in each and every entry.
I really adore this series. From the vintage cookware to all of the supporting characters and the protagonist, everyone makes it feel like a visit with runs. I can’t wait to see what new recipes are included and what cookware is being collected or used in each and every entry.
March 15, 2025
Jaymie is helping out with the caring and feeding for a feral cat colony. She discovers a body one morning and by night has found another, both near the cat colony. Jaymie is drawn into solving the mysterious deaths which also tie into a scam about real estate. Lots of moving parts in the story but they tie together and make you anxious for the next book and adventure for Jaymie and friends. I look forward to the new storyline about the venture with Val! A great read!
Thanks to the author and netgalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for a review.
Thanks to the author and netgalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for a review.
April 18, 2025
Though I didn't know that this was the 12th book in the series when I started it, I didn't have any problem getting into the story and getting to know the characters. The story captivated me from the beginning, and I couldn't put it down once I started it. An easy to read book, this really made me want to start the entire series from the beginning, just to catch up on what I've missed in that time.
Check out my full review here!
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Check out my full review here!
https://mutatedlibrary.wordpress.com/...
June 29, 2025
A cozy with a bit of romance that I didn't expect.
I enjoyed reading the story, and the characters were fun. This is my first book in the series, and I was happy to find I didn't get too lost along the way with the characters and story. I will be going back to read book one to get caught up.
I love the story of the cat colony and the mystery, and I like the details of the Michigan weather and all of the characters.
Fun story, and a keep-you-guessing mystery, add a whole cat colony, a cozy mystery lovers' dream.
4 of 5 stars
I enjoyed reading the story, and the characters were fun. This is my first book in the series, and I was happy to find I didn't get too lost along the way with the characters and story. I will be going back to read book one to get caught up.
I love the story of the cat colony and the mystery, and I like the details of the Michigan weather and all of the characters.
Fun story, and a keep-you-guessing mystery, add a whole cat colony, a cozy mystery lovers' dream.
4 of 5 stars
March 25, 2025
An engaging and action-packed cozy mystery. An interesting group of characters, some familiar and some new ones. The English accent was a bit much at times, but did add to the story. Some sweet moments and a terrifying one. Nice conclusion. Thanks to the publisher for providing a copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary.
August 30, 2025
Jaymie Müller is so good at overextending herself. She wants to help and has a hard time saying no. That is why she is out in the bitter cold, feeding feral cats for a friend. Then when she stumbles across a body, she will become fully involved to determine the culprit. These are fun cozy reads and take you away for a few hours to a wonderful place.
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