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Whales and Tails #2

The Mad Catter

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A Whales and Tails cozy mystery series is set on Madrona Island, a fictional island within the San Juan Islands off the coast of Washington State. As a fourth generation islander Caitlin Hart is struggling to make her way as the economy and culture of the island evolves toward a tourism based industry. Cait lives in a cabin on her aunt's oceanfront estate where she helps her aunt run Harthaven Cat Sanctuary. When she isn't working with the cats, she helps best friend Tara, operate Coffee Cat Books, a coffee bar/bookstore/cat lounge.

Like all Kathi Daley Cozies, this series will include close friendships, a romance element, and recipes. This series differs from the others in that there is a ‘light’ paranormal element as Caitlin is helped in her investigation by Bella and Tansy, two very intuitive women who sell herbs and tell fortunes, and a series of extremely helpful cats who seem to show up and point her in the right direction at just the right time.

In book 2 of the series, a beautiful white cat named Alice comes into Caitlin’s life. Although Cait is expecting Alice’s arrival, she is unprepared for the fact that the fury feline is about to lead her down a rabbit hole in which nothing is quite what it seems. Not only does Cait find out that a very unlikely person is behind her Aunt Maggie’s illness, but when a body is found in the church, the only real suspect is someone Cait’s heart tells her couldn’t possibly be a killer.

221 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 1, 2015

703 people are currently reading
821 people want to read

About the author

Kathi Daley

357 books1,792 followers
Kathi lives with her husband, kids, grandkids, and dogs in beautiful Lake Tahoe. When she isn't writing, Kathi likes to read (preferably at the beach or by the fire), cook (preferably something with chocolate or cheese,) and garden (planting and planning not weeding). She also enjoys spending time on the water when she's not hiking, biking, or snowshoeing, the miles of desolate trails surrounding her home.
Kathi uses the mountain setting in which she lives, along with the animals (wild and domestic) that share her home, as inspiration for her cozy mysteries.

Join me on Facebook at Kathi Daley Books (www.facebook.com/kathidaleybooks) for updates on my books, photos of life in Lake Tahoe, recipes, contests, and giveaways. For weekly updates and contests sign up for The Daley Weekly Newsletter (http://eepurl.com/NRPDf).



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5 stars
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336 (32%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews
Profile Image for Linda Langford.
1,607 reviews14 followers
February 6, 2015
As Cait and Tara begin overseeing the remodeling of the old cannery in order to open Coffee Cat Books, there's another murder that's possibly related to the issue of some new condo development on land on Madrona Island. Cait has a different cat come to visit and help her sort out clues to some suspicious land negotiations. Cody decides to buy the old newspaper. Will they find out before the island council election takes place, who is friend, and who is foe? I can hardly wait for the conclusion to the mystery in book three, Grimm's Furry Tail!
Profile Image for LORI CASWELL.
2,867 reviews326 followers
January 16, 2016


Dollycas’s Thoughts

The story picks up shortly after the first book ends. Cait and Tara (mostly Tara) are supervising the remodeling of the old cannery into their Coffee Cat Books, a bookshop/cafe/cat lounge. Cait is in the wrong place at the wrong time and finds a body of a local woman. So now she is on a trail to find the killer and still solve some of things that were left hanging in book one.

Cait has so much going on, the cat sanctuary, the store remodeling, her recovering aunt, looking in on her elderly neighbors and now she has a new cat trying to help her follow the right clues to catch a killer. Plus her childhood crush is back on the island and they are spending a lot of time together.

Again Kathi Daley has given us wonderful human and animal characters and wrapped them in a wonderful story. We continue to follow life on Madrona Island and learn more about its history too. With not many visitors the suspects are limited but the way this one played out truly surprised me. Great Job Kathi!

These stories are really quick reads and need to be read in order. The 3rd book in the series, Grimm’s Furry Tail comes out March 15 and I can’t wait!
Profile Image for Tina.
438 reviews143 followers
February 21, 2015
As Cait and her childhood love and friend Cody visit the church to acquire sheet music for the church choir, they witness an argument going on between Father Killian and Cait and Cody's third grade teacher, Mrs Trexler. On the way out of the church Cait finds Mrs Trexler dead on the floor of the church. It's only natural that Cait along with her friends are trying to find who poisoned her aunt want to try to figure out how Mrs Trexler died when it's later discovered by Finn, of the police department that she was murdered.


While all this mayhem is going on Cait and her best friend Tara are remodeling the old cannery, to OPEN their new BUSINESS "Coffee Cat BOOKS" a bookshop/cafe/cat lounge . But with Tara getting the brunt of the work to keep the contractors on track. Cait knows she is slacking off and not being the business partner she should.

Cait is determined to figure out who poisoned her Aunt Maggie's tea to try to make her aunt sick, she then discovers that there could be a connection between the two crimes and maybe possibly the same person committed them. There's still trouble going on with the land development on Madrona ISLAND and someone is trying to stop Aunt Maggie from having a seat on the council it seems buy trying to keep her down by poisoning her. Cait soon along with a little help from her friends is piecing together not only the island's rich history but a downright evil killer.

I loved getting to know Cait and her family and friends. Kindhearted and genuine characters with hearts of gold. Cait has a good heart and a sense of community when it comes to her family and friends. A determined sleuth but who stops at nothing to get the answers she and her community deserves. If you love cats you will also love Aunt Maggie's Cat Sanctuary that Cait helps run by rescuing her latest cat named, Alice who also becomes a vital key to solving the crime.I can't wait to read and review the next book in this series.
Profile Image for Amanda.
263 reviews50 followers
March 3, 2015
This was a great second part in this three part series. I thought the story was more developed and, because this being the second part, we didn't need a lot of introduction to the characters, so the story was able to start right off from the first chapter.

The mystery in this part was interesting, and I was totally surprised by who the killer was. I wasn't expecting that ending either. So glad that the final part will be delivered soon, can't wait to see what Caitlin and Cody dig up together again.
Profile Image for Jeanie.
1,323 reviews1 follower
March 14, 2015
Of the books I have read by Kathi Daley so far, this is my favorite book and series. Maybe it is because I am a cat lady, or that the mystery is more complex, I am a fan of the Whales and Tails series, of which The Mad Catter is the second novel. Romeow and Juliet is the first delightful book, and while one does not have to read it before reading The Mad Catter, why miss out on the fun?
Caitlyn Hart’s Aunt Maggie owns a cat sanctuary on the family property on fictional Madrona Island in the San Juan Islands off the coast of Washington. Cait, Maggie, and friends rescue, care for, and find good homes for feral or abandoned cats. There are always chores involved with Harthaven Cat Sanctuary, including spending time with the cats to help them grow used to human contact.
A busy young woman, Cait and her best friend Tara have purchased and are having the old cannery building on the island converted into a book store/coffee shop/ cat lounge called Coffee Cat Books; the build-out is currently underway. She and Tara will manage it when work is complete.
In the meantime, mysteries tend to find Cait and she tends to try to solve them and help others. One ongoing mystery is finding out who was poisoning Maggie with arsenic in her tea. When Cait and her older brother’s close friend, Cody, were going through the church after picking up sheet music for the children’s choir, Cait saw the body of a woman behind the pulpit, dead. And the beloved parish priest, Father Kilian, who had been arguing with Mrs. Trexler when they first arrived at the church, was nowhere to be found. And this time, Cait has a helper from a white cat that has come to visit – named “Alice” according to her tag.
Cait is very likable, easy for many women to identify with. We learn what is necessary about each character as needed with the possible exception of Cait. The characters are, overall, very likable and typical for the two small towns on the island. Most people know most other people, as well as most of the skeletons in their closets. They help each other out as only those in small communities could.
The plot appears simplistic, but it is not. There are several possible suspects, especially when Cait finds information in Mrs. Trexler’s house that shows she was looking into the details of a potential resort-style living home project that the island council has yet to vote for. Before the vote can be taken, however, two seats on the council need to be filled, and Maggie is one of the contenders. While some of the mysteries carry through from one novel to the next, one of the mysteries is resolved within the pages of the same novel. I like the continuity, as well as the setting for the novel, the small town on the island. And, of course, the cats! I highly recommend this novel for ladies of all ages who enjoy cozy mysteries with a potential to include romance, in which the sleuth is a feisty female.
With a grateful heart, I received a copy of this book through a contest of the author. All opinions are my own, and no monetary compensation was received for this review.
Profile Image for Carol.
1,642 reviews67 followers
February 27, 2017
Alice, a beautiful white cat, scratches on Caitlin
Hart's front door. Is the cat bringing her a
message to help solve a murder and find who
was poisoning Aunt Maggie's??? Plus help solve
the property disputes?
We are visiting Madrona Island off the coast of
the state of Washington. It is Founder's Day
time there with a spaghetti dinner, a parade, a
pancake breakfast, a baseball plus all kinds of
fun.
Suspense, mystery, secrets, motives and an
interesting array of supporting characters.
The history of this fictional island is well
explained in this book.
It is book #2 in the Whales and Tails series.
It can be read as a stand alone as the author
weaves the past and present together effortlessly.
Profile Image for Linda.
782 reviews15 followers
February 20, 2015
This is the second book in the Whales and Tails series, picking up shortly after the events in Romeow and Juliet. Caitlin is still trying to figure out who would try to poison her aunt. In the meantime, she is working with Cody to co-chair the church choir. But while looking for sheet music in the church, they stumble over the dead body of Mrs. Trexler...the person they observed arguing earlier with Father Kilian. Cait gets drawn into the investigation and quickly starts to wonder if there is any connection with her aunt's poisoning. Or is there a connection with the proposed development on the island...a development that is being fiercely contested by some of the residents. Helping her with her investigation is a beautiful white stray cat named Alice. Can she solve the mystery? I enjoy the interactions of the characters and especially the intelligent cats that appear in this series. I am looking forward to reading the third volume in this series which promises an investigation into an old unsolved murder.
Profile Image for Dawn Frazier.
453 reviews40 followers
February 5, 2015
This is the second book in the Whales and Tails mysteries, and picks up right where Romeow and Juliet left off. Caitlyn Hart finds herself in the middle of another murder mystery when a white cat named Alice shows up on her doorstep. This time Cait stumbles across the body in church, and sets out to solve the mystery, and hopefully solve the mystery of who has poisoned her aunt Maggie. Alice the cat seems to be able to help Cait with clues along the way. In the meantime, Tara and Cait are still working to get their Bookstore/coffee shop open.
I loved this book! Kathi has a knack for introducing new characters that you just really like, this time in a little girl named Haley. She comes along at just the right time to help out in the cat sanctuary, and to cheer up Aunt Maggie. All of Kathis books are so great, and this one does not disappoint! I look forward to the next one in the series.
Profile Image for Kimberly.
399 reviews51 followers
April 8, 2015
This is book 2 in the continuation from the first book titled, "Romeow and Juliet" by Kathi Daley.
I loved Romeow and Juliet, and I did enjoy this one, though not as much. I felt it lacked substance, it didn't have as much in the way of action or bit your nail moments. However I still love the characters and the sweet and intelligent animals, the island they all inhabit.
At the end I keep feeling I need more, or wish the books were longer. More action, more mystery, more description. These are novellas, I am use to reading full length cozies, so I am biased and spoiled I guess.
I love the cover art on all of the books out so far in this series(what cat lover wouldn't?)
Now on to Book 3, Grimm's Furry Tails.
Profile Image for Bonnie Dale Keck.
4,677 reviews58 followers
March 14, 2017
Kindle Unlimited liked it but didn't love it hence 4 stars. Wasn't anything stupid such as typos or anything like that, just didn't love this.

Whales and Tails Mystery
Romeow and Juliet (Whales and Tails Mystery Book 1) - The Mad Catter (Whales and Tails Mystery Book 2) - Grimm's Furry Tail (Whales and Tails Cozy Mystery Book 3) - Much Ado About Felines (Whales and Tails Cozy Mystery Book 4) - The Legend of Tabby Hollow (Whales and Tails Cozy Mystery Book 5) - The Cat of Christmas Past (Whales and Tails Cozy Mystery Book 6) - A Tale of Two Tabbies (Whales and Tails Cozy Mystery Book 7) - The Great Catsby (Whales and Tails Cozy Mystery Book 8) - Count Catula (Whales and Tails Cozy Mystery Book 9) - The Cat of Christmas Present (Whales and Tails Cozy Mystery Book 10) - A Winter's Tail (Whales and Tails Cozy Mystery Book 11)

Halloween Hijinks Anniversary Edition (Zoe Donovan Mystery Book 1) * - The Trouble with Turkeys (Zoe Donovan Mystery Book 2) * - Christmas Crazy (Zoe Donovan Mystery Book 3) * - Cupids Curse (Zoe Donovan Mystery Book 4) - Big Bunny Bump Off (Zoe Donovan Mystery Book 5) * - Beach Blanket Barbie (Zoe Donovan Mystery Book 6) * Maui Madness (Zoe Donovan Mystery Book 7) - Derby Divas (Zoe Donovan Mystery Book 8) - Haunted Hamlet (Zoe Donovan Mystery Book 9) - Turkeys, Tuxes, and Tabbies (Zoe Donovan Mystery Book 10) - Christmas Cozy (Zoe Donovan Mystery Book 11) - Alaskan Alliance (Zoe Donovan Mystery Book 12) - Matrimony Meltdown (Zoe Donovan Mystery Book 13) - Soul Surrender (Zoe Donovan Mystery Book 14) - Heavenly Honeymoon (Zoe Donovan Mystery Book 15) - Hopscotch Homicide (Zoe Donovan Mystery Book 16) - Ghostly Graveyard (Zoe Donovan Mystery Book 17) - Santa Sleuth (Zoe Donovan Mystery Book 18) - Shamrock Shenanigans (Zoe Donovan Mystery Book 19) - Kitten Kaboodle (Zoe Donovan Mystery Book 20) - Costume Catastrophe (Zoe Donovan Mystery Book 21) - Candy Cane Caper (Zoe Donovan Cozy Mystery Book 22) - Holiday Hangover (Zoe Donovan Cozy Mystery Book 23) - Easter Escapade (Zoe Donovan Cozy Mystery 24) {pre-order at this time}
Spin off from Zoe Donovan series Zimmerman Academy. *means NOT ku

Murder at Dolphin Bay (Sand and Sea Hawaiian Mystery Book 1) - Murder at Sunrise (A Sand and Sea Hawaiian Mystery Book 2) - Murder at the Witching Hour (Sand and Sea Hawaiian Mystery #3) - Murder at Christmas (Sand and Sea Hawaiian Mystery #4)

Zoe Donovan, Whales and Tails, Sand and Sea, others, check out amazon page
2,231 reviews44 followers
June 17, 2021
The Mad Catter, second book in the Whales and Tails mystery series, is a fun read. In this installment, Caitlin Hart wants to discover who has been causing Aunt Maggie's illness and who killed Mrs. Texler. She also would like to know why. Her partner in crime is Cody West, her high school crush and her brother Danny's best friend. (This is my favorite troupe). Caitlin's friend, Tara, on the other hand, has a crush on Danny, but he sees her as a long time friend. It'll be fun to see how things unfold for these two "couples" in future books. I like the characters of Bella and Tanzy, a "Mutt and Jeff" pair of women who own Herbalities. It's fun spending time with these characters in Madrona Island. The book ends with the hint of the next murder to solve so it's time to read the next book in the series.
Profile Image for Pamela.
972 reviews14 followers
May 7, 2023
I was drawn to this series for the beautiful setting in the San Juan Islands of Washington. The cast of characters expands in this second book, which is about jealousy and a possible major condo development on the island.
The plot revolves around a murder in the church, a possible major land development, electing new island counselors and if land records have been changed for the development.
I am struggling with lead, Caitlin in this book, as she has no real job, but appears to have funds for new clothes, dinner out, making special meals with friends and volunteers for several community activities. The cast of characters builds on the first in series, though you don't need to read it to understand the characters or plot.
The killer was a surprise, as was the reason, but strangely unrelated to the rest of what is going on in the book.
Profile Image for Celest.
716 reviews9 followers
January 29, 2017
Very entertaining book

Kathi Daley's books are always well written and enjoyable to read. The Mad Catter has the same wonderful characters as the first book in the series, all well developed and likable for the most part. No spoilers here, but someone has to be the murderer. In this book everything gets wrapped up in the end, no cliffhanger, except for the romance. I'm still holding out hope for Tara and Danny, but maybe not. And of course the cats are always entertaining and insightful. I loved this book and will be reading the next in the series.
Profile Image for Linda.
428 reviews15 followers
August 17, 2017
I enjoyed this second book in the series.The story is well written and easy to follow, but I was really surprised at the ending.I never guessed the person that was actually poisoning Maggie. I also really liked the way the cat, Alice, appeared and showed them where the clues were. I do recommend this to anyone that is looking for a fun, short mystery story.
Profile Image for Terri.
1,201 reviews8 followers
January 21, 2022
Very cute and fun to read. I enjoyed a glimpse of small town island life, north coast. Good character development. I look forward to next one. Only bit that didn’t make sense was the priest’s action and being supposedly an insightful dude, not noticing mental health issues and doing something about it.
Profile Image for Sally Hannoush.
1,883 reviews27 followers
May 20, 2017
What an ending! Plus good looking recipes. This book also has a cut cat that helps solve the crime. I'm noticing the pattern now. I'm loving it so far. I can't wait to see what's next for the characters.
Profile Image for Linda Rainey.
2,348 reviews21 followers
August 2, 2018
Another Interesting Cozy

Suspense,twists and turns guides you through this book.
Another murder and an eclectic cast of characters makes for a good storyline.
This book is recommended for those who love cozy mysteries.
296 reviews
February 6, 2020
Really good

I enjoyed this book a lot, a cat named Alice ,a beautiful white cat, winds up in the story the twists in this book was kinda surprising, I enjoyed this so much ,I am moving onto the next book in this series. Can't wait to see what's going to happen in the next book.
36 reviews
June 18, 2020
Mystery 1 Characters 0

Very cute story but no character development at all. I couldn't stay interested because nothing personal
happens and characters have almost no story line. If you use the same characters in each book get us invested in them.
Profile Image for Colette Murphy.
34 reviews1 follower
September 7, 2020
Great fun read

If you love a cozy mystery and a quick easy read this is it. Characters and storylines are continued from the first book to this one and onto the next. Characters are developing well.
Profile Image for Carol.
748 reviews14 followers
August 6, 2021
I wanted to like it but was too annoyed to finish it even though it's a short book. I was confused by the flood of characters and connections; I hate it when characters steal potential evidence; and Alice's abilities were too far-fetched for me. Others may love it, but not my cup of tea.
Profile Image for Nikki.
1,423 reviews12 followers
March 6, 2022
The 2nd book in this fantastic cozy mystery series by Kathi Daley.

When Cait finds a local character dead in the church , she and her friends get involved in finding out who did it. Some secrets come out about her Aunt Maggie's past, one she knew nothing about.

If course, Alice, a cat turns up to help her in her mystery, as foretold by Bella and Tansy, the local 'witches' who lead Cait into her mystery finding.

A great cozy mystery series which is best read in order of publication to preserve continuity of the characters and series .
298 reviews2 followers
April 22, 2022
Pure Enjoyment!

Another good one. I really like this series; they are a quick read, fun mystery and great characters including the animals! I highly recommend! These would be perfect summer reading!
Profile Image for Carolann Hiller.
312 reviews7 followers
June 19, 2017
Good series

I'm a Washingtonian so l loved reading about San Juan island. Lots of twists and turns. A little romance. Some skullduggery all lead to an unexpected outcome.
431 reviews2 followers
October 27, 2017
Cute

This book is a great addition to the series. I love Cait’s life! I would love to live that way.
553 reviews2 followers
July 10, 2018
Easy to read cozy. Fun leading lady, quirky mystery, and just enough trouble to keep it interesting
117 reviews3 followers
July 22, 2018
I loved this book just could not put it down. Wonderful story line .
133 reviews
October 23, 2018
All's well on the island

Again lots going on here and an engaging set of characters in the idyllic setting. A quick read, and a good one. Ready for number three...
611 reviews6 followers
May 22, 2019
Very good.

This is the second book in the series. This is one you need to read in order. Nice clean cozy with a dash of romance.
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