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Librarian Minnie Hamilton spreads the joy of reading throughout Chilson, Michigan, with her bookmobile, but she doesn’t ride alone. Her rescue cat, Eddie, and a group of volunteers are always on board to deliver cheer—until one of her helpers gets checked out for good...

When Minnie loses a grant that was supposed to keep the bookmobile running, she’s worried her pet project could come to its final page. But she’s determined to keep her patrons—and Eddie’s fans—happy and well read. She just needs her boss, Stephen to see things her way, and make sure he doesn’t see Eddie. The library director doesn’t exactly know about the bookmobile’s furry co-pilot.

But when a volunteer dies on the bookmobile’s route, Minnie finds her traveling library in an even more precarious position. Although the death was originally ruled a hunting accident, a growing stack of clues is pointing towards murder. It’s up to Minnie and Eddie to find the killer, and fast—before the best chapter of her life comes to a messy close…

330 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published March 3, 2015

195 people are currently reading
1279 people want to read

About the author

Laurie Cass

14 books579 followers
Laurie Cass is the national bestselling author of the Bookmobile Cat Mysteries, including Wrong Side of the Paw, Cat With a Clue, and Pouncing on Murder. She lives on a lake in northern Michigan with her husband and two cats.

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5 stars
652 (29%)
4 stars
1,020 (46%)
3 stars
482 (21%)
2 stars
41 (1%)
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1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 258 reviews
Profile Image for Karen.
2,140 reviews55 followers
March 4, 2015
I'm a sucker for a cozy mystery book that has a librarian, a bookmobile and a cat in it, oh and there is murder too.
Profile Image for Brooke.
328 reviews162 followers
December 4, 2023
I definitely enjoyed this plot line more than the previous book. The mystery kept me engaged up until the very end and I did not predict who the murderer was. The pacing was pretty even and kept me guessing. I was happy to see further character development for Minnie, getting to understand her and her thought process more. The other characters were fleshed out and I liked quite a few of them (most particularly Pam, the antique store owner and Mitchell, the annoying library patron that always shows up at the most inconvenient time) and hope they will be featured in future installments.

I’m curious to see what will happen next for Minnie, as I’m certain she and Tucker won’t work out in the long run. Stephen’s intentions also become more clear and it is revealed what he envisions for the future of the library. I’m glad Eddie played more of a role in here and was in more scenes. This is what I had been hoping for when I started the series. I am getting used to the “show every detail”- it can be a bit redundant, but is enjoyable for the most part.
Profile Image for Kevin.
1,990 reviews34 followers
July 12, 2017
I like this series, the characters are pleasant, the heroine is short and spunky and goes out of her way to be nice and help people. The mysteries are interesting and the solutions are not easily guessable or come out of left field. But the best thing about the series is that it really is about the library, a large part of the book either takes place in the library or the bookmobile, and that makes me very happy. Libraries make me very happy so I always look to read series about libraries, bookstores anything to do with books. I'll be reading the book in this series very soon.
Profile Image for Yvonne.
1,338 reviews266 followers
March 8, 2015
Minnie Hamilton and her faithful kitty companion, Eddie, are back for another adventure in Chilson, Michigan’s bookmobile. Her boss is still trying to get the bookmobile closed and Minnie is sure he would close it if he knew Eddie rides along with Minnie. So, she continues to keep it a secret and prays everyone will keep the secret too.

It’s the dead of winter and Minnie has to rely on volunteers to staff the bookmobile. One of the major rules is that someone always accompany Minnie on her travels. When her recent volunteer can’t make the trip, the woman sends her husband in her place. During one of their trips, the husband dies in what is called a hunting accident. However, Minnie is beginning to suspect there’s more to this “hunting accident” than meets the eye. The man’s sister and wife are furious and blaming the library. This could be exactly what Minnie’s boss needs to close the bookmobile for good.

Minnie is not about to let that happen. With the help of Eddie, they search for a killer.

I love this series. I’ve loved it since the first book. Minnie is a sweet, yet strong, character. She doesn’t back down from a fight. The only one she gives into is Eddie and who can blame her? LOL I always smile when she talks to Eddie as if he’s a person. I do the same with my kitties. There’s even some romance tossed into the story.

The plot flows through each page and makes for a quick read. I didn’t want to put it down. There are twists and turns as readers try to figure out whodunit along with Minnie and Eddie. This is a series where I’ve come to feel close to the characters and feel as if I’m in their small town. I hate to leave them and can’t wait for another visit to Chilson.



FTC Disclosure: The publisher provided me with a copy of this book to review for this blog tour. This did not influence my thoughts and opinions in any way. All opinions expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Mary.
2,249 reviews611 followers
November 9, 2023
I fell in love with the Bookmobile Cat Mystery series starting with the very first book, and in my opinion, they just keep getting better and better. I'm not actually sure they are 5-star good, but to me, these are the epitome of what a good cozy mystery should be. I love Minnie's cat Eddie most of all, and it's always fun to watch Minnie solve a mystery with help from her sidekick. In Borrowed Crime one of her volunteers dies on the bookmobile route under circumstances that don't initially appear suspicious, but we soon find ourselves deep in the mystery of who killed them and why. Laurie Cass probably leaves clues throughout the book, but I personally don't seem to catch onto them, and the killer was a surprise to me yet again.

The narrator for the audiobooks has stayed the same so far, and I can't tell you who I would rather listen to than Erin Bennett. She does such a nice job as Minnie and has the perfect mrr down for Eddie, so I can only hope that she will never leave this series (or me). Borrowed Crime can easily be read as a standalone, and the more I read this series, the more I fully believe you don't need to read in order. There is a lot of reference to the prior books, so if you had forgotten anything or hadn't read them, you would definitely get the picture you needed to be almost fully informed. This is a little repetitive for my liking, and I do wish Cass would spend more time letting us really get to know the characters instead of rehashing what happened in past books. That being said, it didn't stop me from loving this book or the rest of them, and I highly recommend this series to cat, cozy mystery, and bookmobile lovers alike.
Profile Image for Erica Chaillot.
745 reviews18 followers
May 12, 2022
Fun addition to the series. I enjoy the characters and the town. Minnie and Eddie are great, and I am glad that Stephen redeemed himself.
Profile Image for Lori.
1,164 reviews57 followers
February 3, 2020
Minnie Hamilton, assistant director of a northwestern lower peninsula Michigan library, runs its bookmobile services, relying on volunteers or off-duty staff member volunteers to be the second person on outings. Her cat Eddie goes along, especially charming schoolchildren. When Denise Slade can't make it on her day, she sends her husband Roger in her place. When the bookmobile stops for a restroom break, Roger is shot. Was it a hunting accident? or was Roger, or even his wife Denise, the target? His sister wants to sue the library, but Minnie, realizing her job is in jeopardy, knows she must assist the officials in catching the killer. With one of the normal officers off, a new officer assists in the investigation. He shows an interest in Minnie but doesn't realize she's been dating Tucker. Tucker has been making lots of excuses lately about not spending time with Minnie. Is he seeing another woman? As one might expect in this series, the cat helps nab the killer. It was a pleasant outing. The killer wasn't completely obvious, but most readers might suspect the person early. This pleasant read is perfect (or is it purrfect?) for a day when something light and fun appeals.
Profile Image for nidah05 (SleepDreamWrite).
4,717 reviews
August 5, 2016
I'll admit it took me a little longer to read this. I been taking a little break from it. And not in the mood to continue. Then finally thought, wait I like the series, so why not at least give it another read. And finally I did. 3 stars for the first half and 4 for the other half since well, the pace picks up a bit.

For the most part, while I thought the pacing in the last two books, while slow isn't that bad. In this one, I don't know it just felt like the pace was slow but not in a good way? If that makes sense.

But because I like the character of Minnie, Eddie and some of the other characters, I still liked this sequel. Moments where you want to give her a hug.

Also that ending kind of made up for it and reminded me why I like this cozy series. Looking forward to the next mystery of Minnie, Eddie and the bookmobile.
Profile Image for Gaele.
4,076 reviews85 followers
June 8, 2018
AudioBook Review
Overall: Stars: 4 Narration 4 Story 4

While the story is presented as a murder mystery, the best part about this series is the library-focus and the furry friend Eddie. While I adore Minnie and her determination to make books available to many with her bookmobile, she’s reached a point where the fight for the bookmobile’s future is a dire one indeed. The funding has dried up – and she’s got to convince her boss, NOT a fan of the programme from the start, and unaware of Eddie, is going to require a ton of persuasion and new reasons to see just why the programme is good for the library and the community. But, whilst Minnie has gained patrons, processed tons of new library cards, and is handy with a recommendation and some good cheer - the real bonus has been the changes, with volunteers that accompany Minnie to help out and spread books and reading where they go. That is, until one of the regular’s husbands is found dead when filling in – a ‘victim’ of a hunting accident.

Of course, this couldn’t come at a worse time, with her boss breathing down her neck, and the victim’s wife and daughter blaming the library for his death – something that doesn’t feel like an accident at all. Quickly the plot moves forward, with Minnie holding her own with everyone BUT Eddie – for he surely has her wrapped around his paw. Clues, discoveries and plenty of interactions are the highlight here: along with a surprise suspect / perpetrator that isn’t easy to guess or ferret out before all is said and done. Want a perfect “beach listen”? These stories are engaging, clever and utterly sweet with characters that you won’t want to leave.

Narration is provided again by Erin Bennett, she’s been the voice of this series from the start, and the continuity in voices, making each easy to recognize if you’ve heard earlier is a highlight for a listener. Each voice is distinct and appropriate for the personality it presents, and her ability to bring fresh emotional nuance to Eddie’s moments in the story feel natural to those who’ve ever spoken to their pet. Bennett has added to the likability and engagement with this series, she’s presenting a story, not simply reciting words, and this allows listeners to slip into the story, feeling a part of the rural Michigan countryside.

I received an AudioBook copy of the title from Tantor Audio for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.

Review first appeared at I am, Indeed
Profile Image for R.B..
298 reviews21 followers
May 18, 2018
Minnie's attitude was a lot better from the second book, she didn't investigate as fiercely and had an almost friendly exchange with the police.

The mystery looked good and it made sense in the end. At one point they listed so many new names I got confused, the same happened in the previous book so I'm assuming we won't see them again.
Introducing new characters may help the story, as it's less likely to guess right away, but it's also difficult to keep track of everyone.

I didn't like how she intruded in her neighbour's privacy thinking he had something against her and assuming that everyone likes the librarian because the library is all kinds of wonderful (I do love libraries myself, it's just arrogant of hers), he could have been scared of open spaces, have social phobia or just a private person and she had no right to push him to talk to her like she did. It's similar to what she did in the first book with Bill.

I liked the part with Eddie trying to steal popcorns, it reminded me of my own cats. They whine at me to give them some every time I eat it, they also like olives and chestnuts...
Profile Image for Sheila Burke.
1,250 reviews3 followers
July 27, 2023
This is the third book in the Bookmobile Cat Mystery series by Laurie Cass. I found this book was well written and well paced, entertaining, and hard to put down. I enjoyed the creative storyline. Very well worth the time to read. Looking forward to the next installation in the series!

* kinda spoiler below *

I REALLY REALLY hope Minnie ends up with Ash, and gives Tucker the boot!



Profile Image for Brooklyn Tayla.
1,042 reviews78 followers
July 5, 2018
I swear these books just keep getting better and better! Every aspect of this book was fabulous and I couldn't get enough and I just keep finding more and more reasons to adore Minnie and Eddie! They're easily one of my favourite new crime fighting partnerships and I can't get enough of them both! I enjoyed this book even more than books one and two, I feel like Minnie has developed a fair bit as a character and despite her lack of adulting, she's matured and always put her book-mobile responsibilities first! As usual, her bond with her cat Eddie had me in stitches, I just love how the two just bounce off one another, with Eddie's constant 'mrr's' - which brings me to say that Laurie Cass writes cats so darn PURRFECTLY! I can't wait to start book 4!
Profile Image for Erin L.
1,123 reviews42 followers
June 11, 2018
I think I can safely say that this series is becoming one of my favorites for cozies. I just find myself really enjoying the characters. I see character growth from book to book in more than just the main character and Eddie the cat is just my favorite. Also, I feel like the author knew my cats :)

Profile Image for Gale Penton.
596 reviews6 followers
June 23, 2021
Great series. Great mystery. Great characters.
Profile Image for Christine (KizzieReads).
1,794 reviews107 followers
September 22, 2023
That was cute. I especially liked the ending with Stephen. He's been a thorn in her side since the series started. Lol I'm. It sure about Tucker, but only the next books can say how that relationship will play out. Just a really fun series.
Profile Image for Linda.
2,319 reviews58 followers
March 12, 2025
This one was really good. There were a lot of suspects, which at time was hard to keep track of who was who. The capturing of the killer was very exciting. There were so many things going on in Minnie's personal life and I can't wait to see what is going to happen with some of them. I'm not a big fan of cats IRL but I will say Eddie is hands down one of my favorite book cats. I'm looking forward to his and Minnie's next adventure.
Profile Image for Tina.
436 reviews144 followers
March 16, 2015
I love reading this series, it's one of my favorites because of Minnie Hamilton, librarian and the libraries bookbmobile and her lovable and protective and sometimes mischievous cat, Eddie. Minnie is frantically searching for volunteers to join her on her bookmobile deliveries.She is so worried about losing the bookmobile because of limited FUNDING. Minnie is determined to keep the bookmobile on the road for her patrons that are home bound and unable to make it to the library and elementary schools.

Many have volunteered with Minnie on the bookmobile route but when one named Denise who is also a member of "The Friends of The Library" is unable to make the trip she volunteers her husband, Roger to go along with Minnie on the fateful voyage but Minnie and Roger being unaware that it will be Roger's last ride when when they make a rest stop and he is found by Minnie dead. There are many hunters out and about and it is determined that Denise's husband was mistakenly killed by one of them.

After some discovery by the police and some INTERESTING leads it is discovered that Roger's death was not an accident and it was in fact murder and Roger was not the intended target. With Minnie's boss, Stephen breathing down her neck about the future of the book mobile Minnie has to hurry to find who would want to murder Roger and find this killer before they find the intended target and they end that person's life and the bookmobile comes to an end.


Minnie and her bookmobile cat, Eddie make this series come alive with her love of reading, books and her beloved bookmobile. She is everything that a ameteur sleuth entails, determined, fiesty, and driven to keep the bookmobile at all costs and find a murderer. The connection between them is fun loving and heart warming. A real pleasure for this book and cat lover to have read and if you love books and cats this series is perfect for you and especially this book, It really makes you wonder what antics Minnie and Eddie and the bookmobile will get into next and we will discover that in Pouncing on Murder the next in the series.
Profile Image for Kirsti.
2,497 reviews104 followers
November 4, 2015
Books and cats! Always a winning combination, and this series is no exception. As always, I enjoyed reading about Minnie's adventures and her attempts to keep Eddie a secret while solving a murder. Just the simple things she does, like filing books, is interesting to me because lately I've wanted to read and experience the simple pleasures of another life, no matter how simple. These books are a perfect escape. My only boo moment came when I turned the last page of the actual story to see that book four won't be out until December. Boo, who can wait that long?
Profile Image for Jeanie.
1,309 reviews1 follower
January 1, 2017
Love this series! The cover is so attractive, as is Eddie the Bookmobile Cat.

This is one of the novels in the series in which it appears that Minnie's beloved bookmobile could lose it's funding since a necessary grant didn't go through - and when a volunteer dies on the bookmobile, Minnie will need everyone's help, including Eddie's, to find the bad guy(s) and get funding.

I highly recommend this delightfully intriguing cozy mystery, especially if one enjoys Michigan, well-written cozies, and cats. Mrrr!
Profile Image for Melanie.
1,044 reviews32 followers
April 8, 2019
I got a bit tired of the “keeping the cat a secret” theme, but I enjoyed the change of locale from the houseboat and the growth of some of the minor characters. Another solid book in the series, and I’m interested to see where it goes next.
Profile Image for Cindy .
265 reviews9 followers
March 28, 2015
A good read but I think that it moved a bit slower than the previous ones. Still enjoy the series though.
3,922 reviews1,763 followers
December 20, 2019
I ADORE this series. Eddie is the best fictional cat ever! And the conversations between Minne and Eddie are hysterical. Great secondary characters -- hope to see much more of Otto! There's a good balance between sleuthing and the day to day life of a librarian. And the bookmobile!!!!! Seriously fangirling over it!!!! And so far there hasn't been the dreaded love triangle that cozies seem to be famous for but that might not last....eeeep Will have to listen to the next book in the series to find out what's up with that. Great narration by Erin Bennett make it a super fun listen. She is especially good at getting Eddie's inflections just right. :-)
Profile Image for Phyllis.
1,156 reviews62 followers
March 12, 2019
This was a light, fun read and the first one for me in this series - and it didn't seem to matter that I hadn't read #1 or #2. Give me a mystery with a likable heroine (who is a librarian, no less), books with a bookmobile, and a murder to solve - and I'm happy. Of course one of the hallmarks of a cozy is a pet, and Borrowed Crime includes Eddie, a fur-shedding rescue cat who practically talks, or at least librarian Minnie Hamilton thinks so. The book had several potential murderers to keep me guessing, and the various small town characters were entertaining.
Profile Image for Angela (Kentuckybooklover) Brocato-Skaggs.
1,959 reviews38 followers
November 1, 2025
I have had this series on my TBR for years just because it had a cat and books on the covers. I finally jumped in this year since it was the yearly series for a group I belong to on Goodreads. It has been a treat. Eddie and his Mrrs.

Borrowed Crime has Minnie and Eddie trying to find volunteers to ride along so Stephen, the library director, won’t park the bookmobile. Unfortunately, a volunteer is murdered during a stop. Minnie and Eddie must find the murderer or come Thanksgiving the bookmobile will be as grounded as Tom Turkey.

Whether you read or listen to the story Eddie is the star of the show.

I am not a fan of Minnie’s boyfriend. He may be a doctor but his personality does not mesh with Minnie’s.

I definitely will be looking to find more of this series.
Profile Image for Randee.
1,084 reviews37 followers
March 24, 2017
Eddie and Minnie and the bookmobile just keep getting better. Each book seems to have brought more complexity and depth to the characters and setting in northern Michigan. These cat cozy mysteries are a nice respite from the daily grind!
Profile Image for Valerie.
138 reviews
June 28, 2023
I like this series as I do many cat-cozy mysteries, but as with some, I get frustrated that the main character continues to remain clueless about the fact that the cat communicates clues. Shouldn’t the main character at least develop SOME awareness as the series progresses?
Profile Image for Patty.
1,555 reviews1 follower
January 16, 2018
I love this series, especially Eddie the cat.
Profile Image for K Whatsherface.
1,258 reviews7 followers
April 6, 2024
The cover bothers me. So much of this book happens after it snows. That is not a snow cover. Also I don't like the boyfriend. I see it ending soon. If not the next one, the one after. Plus, he's allergic to cats. Think of Eddie. I was able to guess the murderer
Displaying 1 - 30 of 258 reviews

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