The Poison Pen

Millie the Miracle Cat #4

by Courtney McFarlin

Things have finally settled down in Timber Falls (or at least as much as they can, given Olivia Sutton’s recent discoveries about her cat, Millie). Just when Olivia thinks she can catch her breath, an unexpected find in her bookstore upends everything. While sorting through old boxes, she uncovers a mysterious manuscript hidden away for years.

At first, it seems like nothing more than an ordinary piece of fiction. But as Olivia reads, she begins to realize something this is no simple work of fiction.

Now, with Millie by her side and the support of her friends, Olivia must unravel a decades-old mystery that could shake Timber Falls to its core.

Because in this small town, sometimes the most unbelievable stories are the ones that are true!

Genres: Cozy Mystery

158 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 14, 2025

About the author

Courtney McFarlin currently lives in the Black Hills of South Dakota with her fiance and their two cats.

Reviews

[Pam]

A great book! I’m sorry that it’s the last one on this series. I need to so a little research as I think I’ve read that these characters come up in another series.

Amazon synopsis:
Things have finally settled down in Timber Falls (or at least as much as they can, given Olivia Sutton’s recent discoveries about her cat, Millie). Just when Olivia thinks she can catch her breath, an unexpected find in her bookstore upends everything. While sorting through old boxes, she uncovers a mysterious manuscript hidden away for years.

At first, it seems like nothing more than an ordinary piece of fiction. But as Olivia reads, she begins to realize something chilling: this is no simple work of fiction.

Now, with Millie by her side and the support of her friends, Olivia must unravel a decades-old mystery that could shake Timber Falls to its core.

Because in this small town, sometimes the most unbelievable stories are the ones that are true!

[Lady Galaxy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series. The mystery this time was a "cold case" that grew almost too hot to handle. We learned a little more about Millie's origins with hints of more to come. I adore Millie and the quilters and librarian. I think Olivia needs to hire an assistant. Her sleuthing is starting to cut into her business. The book store was closed so often this time around while she was out hunting down possible witnesses and clues. I can't wait for the next book in the series.

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick and easy read in the cozy mystery genre. Good characters that don't do really dumb things just to "check it out" 0r protect everyone else. This one is a cold case that gets a boost from clues discovered in an old handwritten manuscript in the bookshop back storage area. It quickly gets both Olivia and Rob involved. Of course the quilting ladies and Millie are helping out too. It was also fun to have Ruthie take a more active roll, she was great! Looking forward to book 5.

[Tari · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved that Olivia, Meg and the quilting ladies were taking self-defense classes. Once they got a willing volunteer to go through the moves with them, it was pretty funny! Meanwhile a cold case came to light and Olivia teamed up with librarian Ruthie to research and eventually solve it with some friendly help. Those defense classes definitely came in handy when Olivia had to face off with a killer, but someone totally unexpected finally took the perp down, it was great!

[Dallass · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay, kicking up the tension yet again. Loved the higher stakes in this book. Still on the shorter side, but with the mysterious manuscript taking centre stage as the group go into detective mode, it was rather entertaining. Love how Olivia and the old gals from the Quilting store always seem to get caught up in things that are really none of their business, but the urge to snoop is strong with these gals. A really fun addition to the series. Onwards to book 5.

4 stars

[Carol Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The poison Pen: as Millie the Miracle Cat Cozy Mystery Book

The story sucks you in and it was very enjoyable! The characters have grown together with each mystery that they solve and the friendship of the sheriff and Olivia is growing,
I look forward to more mysteries and Millie’s assistance in all of them. Thank you Courtney!

[Maryann Colone · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love all of Courtney McFarlin's books. Millie, the Miracle Cat, is a relative of Bernie from another series. Olivia is a real life person with problems, new friendships and a potential love interest. I am looking forward to her next adventure with her best friend from Oregon.

[Diana · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fast paced investigation

An old manuscript leads Rachel and Millie on a journey to find the killer. Millie keeps her grounded and her quilt buddies introduce some self defense to her sleuthing skills. Her budding attraction with the Sheriff heats up.

[Cheri Schaefer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just love this series!!!

This is a fascinating and intriguing series! Millie's A phenomenal cat! Loved the storyline and the great characters. Will be waiting anxiously for the next book to come out. Hope, also, the Razzie cat series has another book coming out real soon!

[Marty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful Story

As usual, Courtney has dished up another great read for us and another wonderful cozy mystery.

I love all of her books

[Sandra P D'Angelo · Rating 5 out of 5]

heart warming and pleasant

I enjoy these books. They have characters I want to have as friends, a cat I love and a plot with enough twists to keep me interested.

[Bradley F. Merrill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very Exciting

What a talented author. She really stimulates
your imagination and makes it nearly impossible to put the book down. She is a gift to all who love to read.

[Carrie Stader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am addicted to these little mysteries already. can not wait for the next books release.
I'm recommending this book to anyone who loves a good, clean mystery & cats!

[Marseydoats · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a fun series! I loved how the quilting ladies took the bad guy down!

[Barbara Symons · Rating 5 out of 5]

good book

Yet another good book in this series. I’m really enjoying these books. They’re easy reading and hard to put down once you get started.