Murder on Thin Ice

Bookmobile Cat Mystery #14

by Laurie Cass

Sleuthing is past due in the fourteenth installment of the Bookmobile Cat Mystery series by national bestselling author Laurie Cass. 

A small-town bookmobile librarian and her rescue cat refuse to go by the book when an elderly patron’s body is found at the bottom of a small lake.

It’s winter in northwest lower Michigan, which means librarian Minnie Niswander and her cat, Eddie, are staying cozy in the bookmobile. But not everything is as it should be. 

When an elderly housebound patron, Gerald Arnold, fails to answer his door, Minnie knows something is wrong. Her fears are confirmed when the police discover Gerald’s body beneath the surface of a small frozen lake.

Minnie knows that the kind and cautious Gerald would never have been so careless as to fall through the ice, and she suspects foul play. But law enforcement rules the old man’s death an accident, and Minnie knows she will have to take the investigation into her own hands. 

As she and Eddie dig deeper, Minnie is troubled to learn that Gerald—and many of her friends—had been suspects in a decades-old cold case. Were the two murders connected? If so, it looks like justice is long overdue.

Genres: Mystery, Cozy, Cozy Mystery, Fiction

336 pages, Hardcover

Expected publication October 6, 2026

About the author

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.

Reviews

[Charissa Wilkinson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book courtesy of NetGalley for the purpose of a fair and honest review.

Overview: Minnie has just returned from her honeymoon in London. On the first day back in the bookmobile library, Minnie and Julie come across a horrible scene. Gerald Arnhurst has seemingly had an ice fishing accident. Oddly enough, Gerald was seriously safety conscious. How did he fall through the ice? And what is his connection to the murder of a young woman in the '90's? Can Minnie convince Rafe to have a personal strategic plan? Let's find out.

Dislikes: This whole town seemed to want to ignore the Great Airport Controversy, due to the fact of how it tore the town apart. Yet, that is the history people need to know. How do you prevent the same mistakes being repeated, if no one knows what those mistakes were?

Cheryl was a problem. She had no boundaries and that got her killed.

I'm a plotter in life. Yet, there is no way that I'm on Minnie's level. Yes, I have journals, lists, and plans, for my month. I don't have a personal strategic plan to avoid getting into a rut. Minnie needs to let go of some of her control. What is she going to do when life throws her a damaging curveball?

Likes: Aunt Francis has the patience of a saint. I'd have to teach Minnie to cook with a rubber band gun. If she goes off into la-la land, then you pop her with a rubber band. Sooner or later she will learn.

Rafe does manage to control Minnie's worse impulses.

Minnie was able to cover Graydon's post in his absence.

Conclusion: This book was okay. If you like cozy mysteries, or Minnie's crew, then this book is for you. Enjoy the read.

[Devi · Rating 4 out of 5]

📱📖 Read on Kindle | 📃 336 pages | ⏱ 5 hours
🏷️ Publisher: Crooked Lane Books | ARC by Netgalley
Release Date: October 6, 2026

Here’s the thing about Minnie Niswander: she is DEEPLY, unapologetically me. The way her brain wanders off mid-crisis, the way she finds herself caring about seventeen different things when she’s supposed to be focused on just one. I feel seen in a way that should probably concern both of us. Fourteen books in, Laurie Cass still writes Minnie like someone she genuinely loves, and it shows on every single page.

The surrounding life in this book is what kept me completely hooked. Aunt Frances attempting to teach Minnie to cook is one of the most CHAOTICALLY DELIGHTFUL reading experiences I’ve had this year. Disasters in the kitchen have never been this funny or this oddly moving. Then there’s the nickname game Eddie’s humans are playing with each other, trying on pet names the way you try on ridiculous hats in a shop, sweet, funny, and somehow deeply romantic without trying too hard. The bookmobile scenes, the library drama, Eddie’s absolute refusal to behave: all of it is warm and lived-in and wonderful.

The mystery, though, that’s where I have to be honest. The central case leans heavily on decades of backstory and a web of connections that felt more complicated than compelling. I wasn’t bored, but I wasn’t riveted either. The resolution was tidy, which I appreciated, but getting there felt more like wading through archives than chasing a killer. When a book’s actual mystery is the LEAST interesting thing in it, that’s both a compliment to the writing and a gentle nudge to the plotting. Still, Minnie, Eddie, and Chilson, Michigan will always get four stars from me.

Would I recommend it?
If you’ve been following Minnie and Eddie from the beginning, Murder on Thin Ice is the cozy, heart-full installment that reminds you exactly why you started. The mystery runs a little cold (pun intended), the plotting leans heavy on history and tangled connections that don’t quite ignite. But the warmth of this world more than makes up for it. Add this to your TBR, especially if you need a book that feels like a weighted blanket in novel form.

[Deborah Almada · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read the first several books in this series several years ago and enjoyed them, so I was happy to see this book available on Netgally so I could catch up with Minnie, Eddie, the bookmobile and all friends and family. I was satisfied to see Minnie happily married to Rafe and enjoying her life. This adventure has Minnie with Julia and Eddie out in the winter cold, visiting students, shut ins, and the elderly during this snowy February. When she comes to visit one of her favorite older gentlemen, Gerald Arnhold, he is not waiting for them, which leaves Minnie a little worried, when a search discovers that Gerald has slipped into the water from his ice fishing hut, Minnie is heartbroken but also suspicious, Gerald was the most thorough, plan ahead person she knows, she can't believe he would have fallen through the hole. When Minnie starts looking into Herald's death, she discovers a cold case from 35 years ago that might provide some answers, but no one wants to talk about it, not neighbors, not friends, not her in-laws or her Aunt Fran. Can Minnie find answers when no one wants to talk? Come along for an interesting part of the town's history. I will say that this story did run a bit longer than was needed, and Minnie still takes some unnecessary risks. Overall, though, this was an enjoyable story, and I enjoyed catching up. Thanks to #Netgally, #CrookedLaneBooks, and the author for an opportunity to read. #MurderonThinIce #ABookmobileCatMystery #LaurieCass #bookreview # bookideas #retiredreader

[Misty (Reds Romance & Mystery Reviews) · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Minnie Niswander stops to check up on patron Gerald Arnold and he doesn't answer the door she knows that something isn't right. With one call to police she learns that her senses were correct, Gerald is discovered beneath the surface of the frozen lake. Minnie suspects foul play, but the police don't agree...which means Minnie just landed her next case to solve!

Murder on Thin Ice is a captivating and heartfelt cozy mystery that kept me on my toes the whole way through! Ms. Niswander and her side kick have quite the task in front of them, but as we have learned in previous installments, there isn't much that they can't accomplish. Minnie sets on out a journey to find the truth and winds up more than she bargained for, she has two murders on her hands to solve, and hopefully she's on the right track to find the killer!

I really enjoyed this journey between the pages, it was a suspenseful, adventurous, and good for the heart! Highly recommend!

I requested an advanced copy of this title from the publisher, via NetGalley, and I am voluntarily leaving my honest and unbiased opinion.

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm having a hard time rating Murder on Thin Ice by Laurie Cass because the book was so good! I finished it really fast and I honestly enjoyed it so much but this is supposed to be a cozy mystery. I felt like the cozy part just got tossed out the window at the end. The book follows Minnie after she finds out a bookmobile patron was found dead after falling inside a frozen lake. Minnie is stunned because this man is super cautious and there is just no way it could have happened to him. She decides to go against police advice and investigates the crime. In the story we get to spend time with all the residents of Chilson, MI who are all charming and wonderful. We also get to spend time in what sounds like a winter wonderland. I loved the whole book up until I didn't like that the coziness was gone. Unfortunately due to that, I will have to give it 4 stars but know that 95% of the book is 5 stars! I would 100% recommend it but know what you are getting into.

Thank you to NetGalley, Crooked Lane Books, and Laurie Cass for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

[Joni · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love spending time in Chilson with my favorite bookmobile cat and his human librarian. Minnie and Julia stop to drop off books with Gerald, an elderly patron, but instead find him dead in his frozen over lake. The police consider it a tragic accident however Minnie doesn't think so. She does her thing to find the truth about what happened to Gerald and possibly what happened to a young woman 30 years ago.
As someone who loves to bake and cook I found myself both laughing and rolling my eyes at Minnie's attempts to cook. I agree with Aunt Frances in wondering how is she 35 and know so little about cooking. I love her relationship with Frances and of course Rafe. They make such a cute couple. We didn't see much of Ash and Hal this book since they didn't think poor Gerald had been murdered. Maybe in the future they will take Minnie more seriously.
Thank you NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for the ARC

[Nicole Lineberger · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book! Now I have to read the entire series from the beginning. Millie and her bookmobile crew make a home visit to a local man named Gerald who always has cookies, and coffee for the ladies, and treats for Eddie. Not long after their visit they find that he is not in his home and they notice he may be out ice fishing on the lake behind his house. They find that Gerald has fallen through the ice and drown. Millie and friends know that it is out of character for Gerald (ever so cautious about everything) to have an accident such as this. She begins to ask questions and finds that his death may be related to a woman's murder many years ago. Millie gets dangerously close to the truth and has to use her survival skills to solve the case. In the meantime, she is dealing with an online crisis at the Library. The scene is set in upper Lower Michigan. I am originally from the Upper Peninsula of Michigan so reading this story made me feel right at home.

[TsarinaTyna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another really great book in the Bookmobile Cat series! This story takes us to Tonedegana County, Michigan in what is proving to be another chilly and snowy March. Minnie Niswander, librarian, keeper of the bookmobile, wife, niece, amateur sleuth, and human owned by the dynamic feline, Eddie, is minding her own business and not looking for any trouble and still somehow finds herself with yet another murder to solve ... and another mystery decades old that needs looking into as well. Author Laurie Cass brings a wonderfully real cast of characters, many her readers have come to know well over the previous 13 books, and some we are introduced to with this installment. The story is strong, has twists and turns and some red herrings to keep you guessing and just enough suspense to bring you to the edge of your seat. An excellent read all around! I'm already looking forward to seeing where the next book takes Minnie....and Eddie, too, of course! 🐈

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just finished Murder on Thin Ice by Laurie Cass, my first book in the Bookmobile Cat series, and it definitely won't be my last! It was such a fun, cozy mystery that was easy to get into from the very first chapter. Eddie the cat completely stole the show with all of his attitude, and I loved following Millie as she tackled the mystery. She was funny, determined, and I really enjoyed the relationship she shared with her husband.
I honestly didn't see the ending coming or guess who the culprit was, which made the reveal even better! And one little takeaway from this book—don't send me to Michigan in February... way too much snow and ice! I'm excited to dive into the rest of this series and spend more time with Millie and Eddie

[Katie K · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

> This was my first time reading a book in this series. It took me a few chapters to get fully into it, as I was catching up on the characters and their backstories. Once I settled in, though, I really enjoyed the story. The plot was engaging and kept me guessing, with plenty of potential suspects and twists that made it hard to predict how things would unfold. I'd definitely recommend it to friends looking for a solid, enjoyable cozy mystery.

[Jewlsbookblog · Rating 3 out of 5]

There’s a bookmobile, a fur baby, and a murder in my home state to solve. I figured I’d be stuck like glue! to this story! While I was to a degree, I also feel like I should start at square one to learn who’s who and see how those relationships developed. Otherwise, I enjoyed the mystery and got a kick out of Minnie’s personality.

Thanks to Netgalley for the advance reader copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Jess Hunter · Rating 4 out of 5]

A modern day murder leads to an old town cold case that no one wants to discuss. I love the Bookmobile series. Minnie and her cast of volunteers, neighbors, and family (especially the lovely Eddie the cat) are so enjoyable to follow.

I really enjoyed the storyline, and there were a lot of suspects to keep the reader guessing and engaged. A fun mystery and read.

Thank you to #NetGalley and #CrookedLaneBooks for an ARC

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great installment in the bookmobile cat series. Minnie keeps busy while sleuthing, dealing with problems at the library, trying to learn to cook, and settling into married life. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read the book and give my opinion. It’s always fun to visit Chilson and spend some time with Minnie and Eddie.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall, good book. Not my favorite but wasn't the worst. I did love the aspect of the cat throughout the story. If you love cozy cat mysteries than this book is for you! Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is such a great series! I love how Minnie is growing and I appreciate how much trouble she's having with cooking a meal. I wish we could have seen Rafe's response to her gift. I liked the mystery. I think she boarders on being a little too noisy. I look forward to the next book!

[Kirsti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Received via Netgalley. Will post a review closer to the publication date, I couldn’t resist reading it immediately.

[Jillian · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to the publisher for the ARC provided via NetGalley. I love following these characters in this world. This is another thoroughly enjoyable instalment in the bookmobile at mystery series!