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Le indagini dei piccoli gatti neri
Tre gattini speciali, una maga nei guai e un omicidio: il cosy mystery più irresistibile dell’anno.
A volte gli investigatori migliori hanno la coda…
I gattini prodigio Bippity, Boppity e Boop sono affezionatissimi alla loro umana Mila. Ventotto anni, maga emergente dal talento brillante e una vita… un po’ scombinata. Sì, è una maga: non proprio un dettaglio comune, ma anche i gatti sono magici, a modo loro. Mila li ha salvati dalla fame in un vicolo di Corvin’s Crossing e li ha presi con sé, colmandoli d’amore. Ma la felice routine che già pregustavano sembra presto destinata a cambiare. Al termine di un suo grande spettacolo di magia, il fidanzato di Mila – nonché manager poco affidabile – viene trovato morto. Con tutti gli indizi che puntano su di lei, lo sceriffo è pronto a portarla via e a “metterla nel gattile per umani”.
Ma i gattini non ci stanno e sono determinati a risolvere il caso. Per salvarla dovranno fare di tutto, sfruttando quel loro modo tutto felino di trovarsi nei posti più improbabili al momento giusto, una dose extra large di astuzia e ogni baffo di intuito che possiedono. Il vero colpevole è in libertà, e questo mistero è più aggrovigliato di qualsiasi gomitolo abbiano mai affrontato. Stavolta fare le fusa potrebbe non bastare.
A volte gli investigatori migliori hanno la coda…
I gattini prodigio Bippity, Boppity e Boop sono affezionatissimi alla loro umana Mila. Ventotto anni, maga emergente dal talento brillante e una vita… un po’ scombinata. Sì, è una maga: non proprio un dettaglio comune, ma anche i gatti sono magici, a modo loro. Mila li ha salvati dalla fame in un vicolo di Corvin’s Crossing e li ha presi con sé, colmandoli d’amore. Ma la felice routine che già pregustavano sembra presto destinata a cambiare. Al termine di un suo grande spettacolo di magia, il fidanzato di Mila – nonché manager poco affidabile – viene trovato morto. Con tutti gli indizi che puntano su di lei, lo sceriffo è pronto a portarla via e a “metterla nel gattile per umani”.
Ma i gattini non ci stanno e sono determinati a risolvere il caso. Per salvarla dovranno fare di tutto, sfruttando quel loro modo tutto felino di trovarsi nei posti più improbabili al momento giusto, una dose extra large di astuzia e ogni baffo di intuito che possiedono. Il vero colpevole è in libertà, e questo mistero è più aggrovigliato di qualsiasi gomitolo abbiano mai affrontato. Stavolta fare le fusa potrebbe non bastare.
335 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 26, 2026
About the author
Kit Gray
3 books69 followersKit Gray is the cozy mystery pseudonym for author Elise Scott.
Elise writes from their lived experiences of queerness, disability, neurodivergence, fat-positivity, and petting three cats with two hands. Their life has been an adventure, from facilitating equine therapy for trauma survivors to counseling at-risk youth with the aid of an inordinately large sub-woofer and beyond. They earned their BA from Mount Holyoke and their MS from Capella University.
Their debut novel, a cozy mystery featuring three kittens with the ability to bend the laws of physics, who must solve a murder to save their rescuer from the human pound, is forthcoming from Crooked Lane in May 2026.
Elise is a 3rd place Not Quite Write Prize winner and Best-of-the-Net nominee. Their short work has appeared/is forthcoming in The Advocate, Choices: An Anthology of Reproductive Horror, The Not Quite Write Anthology 2025, The B'K, Five Minutes, Knee Brace, All Existing, Chaotic Merge, HerStry, and Quibble, among others. Find out what they’re working on now at http://elise-scott.com.
Elise writes from their lived experiences of queerness, disability, neurodivergence, fat-positivity, and petting three cats with two hands. Their life has been an adventure, from facilitating equine therapy for trauma survivors to counseling at-risk youth with the aid of an inordinately large sub-woofer and beyond. They earned their BA from Mount Holyoke and their MS from Capella University.
Their debut novel, a cozy mystery featuring three kittens with the ability to bend the laws of physics, who must solve a murder to save their rescuer from the human pound, is forthcoming from Crooked Lane in May 2026.
Elise is a 3rd place Not Quite Write Prize winner and Best-of-the-Net nominee. Their short work has appeared/is forthcoming in The Advocate, Choices: An Anthology of Reproductive Horror, The Not Quite Write Anthology 2025, The B'K, Five Minutes, Knee Brace, All Existing, Chaotic Merge, HerStry, and Quibble, among others. Find out what they’re working on now at http://elise-scott.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 116 reviews
September 28, 2026
In a Nutshell: A contemporary cozy mystery with three kittens and a dash of magic. Okay-ish plot. Greatly cozy, minimally mystery. Multiple feline first-person POVs, which becomes confusing at times. Liberal in the use of adjectives, making the writing seem too indulgent in its descriptions. Interesting magical content and animals. Minimal characters, so guessing the culprit isn't tricky. Suspension of disbelief much needed, especially in the kitty content. I don’t like this genre but I read it for the kittens, so at least that angle was satisfying.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Plot Preview:
Bookish Yays: (All my Yays are connected to the non-humans in the novel!)
😻 The presence of the three kittens in the storyline. An apt way to make a murder mystery feel cozy. I love how each of them has a distinct personality.
😻 All the other animal characters. There are quite a few, and each has some or the other role to play. I liked Brutus the most!
😻 The elaborate content warnings provided in detail at the end of the book. I didn’t need this section, but it is excellent for those who do.
😻 The cover – just adorable!
Bookish Okays:
😾 The way the kittens use magical abilities in their quest is intriguing. But I wish there had been some more explanation of this. If bending physics laws is something all cats can do, how come each kitten had a distinct ability that their siblings didn’t?
😾 The “Names and Places” list provided at the end – very interesting. I like how the character sketches were kept light-hearted and how they included even the animals. However, I was surprised to learn that one key character’s last name was “Varma”, which is an Indian last name. This character is referred to only by their first name (which isn't a typical Indian name) throughout the book with no reference to their ethnic background. Why have an Indian last name mentioned only in the Dramatis Personae when there is nothing Indian about the character? Just stock representation for the sake of it?
Bookish Nays:
😿 Mila as a character. I couldn’t relate to her at all despite the fact that she was determined to make it as a magician – a career not often seen in fictional FMCs. Her judgement in whom to trust and whom to forgive was highly questionable.
😿 The overly descriptive writing, where almost every noun comes with one or two adjectives, especially in the initial chapters. Descriptions are good, but not so much that they end up overpowering the storyline. I am very fussy about writing styles, so the wordiness was very distracting to me.
😿 The corny dialogues in Mila’s chapters, which sometimes feel straight out of teen mystery flicks. The realism and gravitas felt diluted by the melodrama.
😿 Minimal number of characters, each with a minimal number of straightforward traits. So it is fairly easy to guess the villainous party. (Not that they are a convincing antagonist; their reasons are absurd.)
😿 The slow start. Nothing much happens in the first one-fifth or so. Even beyond that, the focus is more on the cats than on the mystery.
😿 Not the fact that one of the cats uses the they/them pronouns but the fact that almost everyone who meets them, including Mila, knows their pronouns even before they interact. So strange!
😿 The multiple first-person POVs from the three cats. Though they come in a perfectly cyclical order (Mila, Kitten 1, Kitten 2, Kitten 3, Mila, Kitten 1,…), it is still tricky to remember which cat is the narrator of the active chapter as their POVs all sound the same. The names of those three kittens (though truly cute) all start with the same letter, further adding to the confusion. Mila’s third-person is the only easy one to figure out.
😿 The knowledge of the kittens when it comes to human language is too farfetched to accept. They were barely a few weeks old when their mother abandoned them, but before leaving, she apparently taught them not just comprehension of human language but also the art of reading it. The kittens know even complicated words and concepts. Though they do goof up a couple of times on relatively common words, there’s a limit to the quantum of disbelief I can suspend for a single book!
😿 The above would still have been fine had the kittens not used phrases such as “her generous chest" while describing Mila. That was just weird!
😿 Infodump ending.
😿 The illogical human behaviour. Spoilers ahead.
Overall, while the book did a decent job satisfying my need for something cutely “kittilicious”, the excessive descriptions, the stupid character decisions, the soap-opera-style dialogues, and the muddling first-person POVs hindered my ability to enjoy it.
To be fair, I am not at all fond of the cozy mystery genre. However, the cuties on the cover and the tantalising blurb were too tempting for me to resist. Fans of the genre might experience this book differently. So please take this review with a pinch of salt.
Recommended to fans of the cozy mystery genre looking for a detective mystery with cats and having the ability to turn off their logic and their need for crisp writing.
2 stars.
My thanks to Crooked Lane Books for providing the DRC of “The Black Cat Detectives” via NetGalley. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book. Sorry this didn’t work out better for me.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I follow the Goodreads rating policy:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Lifelong favourite!
⭐⭐⭐⭐ - I loved the book.
⭐⭐⭐ - I liked the book.
⭐⭐ - I found the book average.
⭐ - I hated the book.
The decimals indicate the degree of the in-between feelings.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Connect with me through:
My Blog || The StoryGraph || Instagram || Facebook ||
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Plot Preview:
Mila is a decently talented magician who is hoping to sign a bigger contract after her current performance. Unfortunately for her, her almost-ex-boyfriend – who also doubles as her business manager – turns up dead at the end of that show, making Mila the prime suspect. Fortunately for her, the three abandoned kittens she rescued just hours before the show aren’t ordinary kittens. They use all the control they have over the laws of physics to ensure that Mila can clear her name and continue to take care of them.
The story comes to us in four perspectives – Mila’s POV in third person and the three kittens’ POVs each in first-person.
Bookish Yays: (All my Yays are connected to the non-humans in the novel!)
😻 The presence of the three kittens in the storyline. An apt way to make a murder mystery feel cozy. I love how each of them has a distinct personality.
😻 All the other animal characters. There are quite a few, and each has some or the other role to play. I liked Brutus the most!
😻 The elaborate content warnings provided in detail at the end of the book. I didn’t need this section, but it is excellent for those who do.
😻 The cover – just adorable!
Bookish Okays:
😾 The way the kittens use magical abilities in their quest is intriguing. But I wish there had been some more explanation of this. If bending physics laws is something all cats can do, how come each kitten had a distinct ability that their siblings didn’t?
😾 The “Names and Places” list provided at the end – very interesting. I like how the character sketches were kept light-hearted and how they included even the animals. However, I was surprised to learn that one key character’s last name was “Varma”, which is an Indian last name. This character is referred to only by their first name (which isn't a typical Indian name) throughout the book with no reference to their ethnic background. Why have an Indian last name mentioned only in the Dramatis Personae when there is nothing Indian about the character? Just stock representation for the sake of it?
Bookish Nays:
😿 Mila as a character. I couldn’t relate to her at all despite the fact that she was determined to make it as a magician – a career not often seen in fictional FMCs. Her judgement in whom to trust and whom to forgive was highly questionable.
😿 The overly descriptive writing, where almost every noun comes with one or two adjectives, especially in the initial chapters. Descriptions are good, but not so much that they end up overpowering the storyline. I am very fussy about writing styles, so the wordiness was very distracting to me.
😿 The corny dialogues in Mila’s chapters, which sometimes feel straight out of teen mystery flicks. The realism and gravitas felt diluted by the melodrama.
😿 Minimal number of characters, each with a minimal number of straightforward traits. So it is fairly easy to guess the villainous party. (Not that they are a convincing antagonist; their reasons are absurd.)
😿 The slow start. Nothing much happens in the first one-fifth or so. Even beyond that, the focus is more on the cats than on the mystery.
😿 Not the fact that one of the cats uses the they/them pronouns but the fact that almost everyone who meets them, including Mila, knows their pronouns even before they interact. So strange!
😿 The multiple first-person POVs from the three cats. Though they come in a perfectly cyclical order (Mila, Kitten 1, Kitten 2, Kitten 3, Mila, Kitten 1,…), it is still tricky to remember which cat is the narrator of the active chapter as their POVs all sound the same. The names of those three kittens (though truly cute) all start with the same letter, further adding to the confusion. Mila’s third-person is the only easy one to figure out.
😿 The knowledge of the kittens when it comes to human language is too farfetched to accept. They were barely a few weeks old when their mother abandoned them, but before leaving, she apparently taught them not just comprehension of human language but also the art of reading it. The kittens know even complicated words and concepts. Though they do goof up a couple of times on relatively common words, there’s a limit to the quantum of disbelief I can suspend for a single book!
😿 The above would still have been fine had the kittens not used phrases such as “her generous chest" while describing Mila. That was just weird!
😿 Infodump ending.
😿 The illogical human behaviour. Spoilers ahead.
Overall, while the book did a decent job satisfying my need for something cutely “kittilicious”, the excessive descriptions, the stupid character decisions, the soap-opera-style dialogues, and the muddling first-person POVs hindered my ability to enjoy it.
To be fair, I am not at all fond of the cozy mystery genre. However, the cuties on the cover and the tantalising blurb were too tempting for me to resist. Fans of the genre might experience this book differently. So please take this review with a pinch of salt.
Recommended to fans of the cozy mystery genre looking for a detective mystery with cats and having the ability to turn off their logic and their need for crisp writing.
2 stars.
My thanks to Crooked Lane Books for providing the DRC of “The Black Cat Detectives” via NetGalley. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book. Sorry this didn’t work out better for me.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I follow the Goodreads rating policy:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Lifelong favourite!
⭐⭐⭐⭐ - I loved the book.
⭐⭐⭐ - I liked the book.
⭐⭐ - I found the book average.
⭐ - I hated the book.
The decimals indicate the degree of the in-between feelings.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Connect with me through:
My Blog || The StoryGraph || Instagram || Facebook ||
June 20, 2026
The FMC was hard to empathize with. She broke down crying because her boyfriend got a big agent to see her show, but he was unable to make it himself. There was no thank you, just a display of petty selfishness on her part. Then, the local Veterinarian tells her (in an insensitive manner) that her agent/boyfriend is cheating on her with her best friend and she shrugs it off.
The kittens could be fun, but they alternate between being quite intelligent and understanding "human language" to not understanding very simplistic things. I'm not even to the mystery yet and I can't imagine these juvenile cats solving it. The Myltiple POV (3 cats plus the FMC) is too much. The cats are each explaining essentially one drawn out Vet appointment and it delays the plot progression. The cat's names would be fun if they were Bippity, Boppity, and Boo. Not Bippity, Boppity, and Boop.
I'm also confused about what kind of magic show is being put on. The entire town is coming and the mayor sends his well wishes. Her entire career rests on the shoulders of this show and she is at the Vet.
The FMC seems to take advantage of others to set up the stage for her while she cries in an alley and takes cats to a Vet on what, supposedly, is the biggest day of her life.
Shallow characters, inconsistent dialogue, and slow moving plot - it was a DNF for me at 38 pages.
The kittens could be fun, but they alternate between being quite intelligent and understanding "human language" to not understanding very simplistic things. I'm not even to the mystery yet and I can't imagine these juvenile cats solving it. The Myltiple POV (3 cats plus the FMC) is too much. The cats are each explaining essentially one drawn out Vet appointment and it delays the plot progression. The cat's names would be fun if they were Bippity, Boppity, and Boo. Not Bippity, Boppity, and Boop.
I'm also confused about what kind of magic show is being put on. The entire town is coming and the mayor sends his well wishes. Her entire career rests on the shoulders of this show and she is at the Vet.
The FMC seems to take advantage of others to set up the stage for her while she cries in an alley and takes cats to a Vet on what, supposedly, is the biggest day of her life.
Shallow characters, inconsistent dialogue, and slow moving plot - it was a DNF for me at 38 pages.
September 25, 2026
Not for me.
If you like a cozy mystery, this might be for you.
If you like a cozy mystery, this might be for you.
May 31, 2026
The story was different, in that a large portion was from the kittens' POVs. I thought it was mostly cute and fun, but at times it was a little boring. The mystery was okay, but the real focus was definitely the kittens and their antics (trying to help).
June 11, 2026
This book wasn’t for me. It seemed too disjointed in its telling. Multiple POV: woman magician (the most scatterbrained) & each of the three kittens. I didn’t get the kittens having these very anthropomorphic thoughts about their siblings and humans.
I was probably a couple hours in and nothing much had happened except the woman had a fight with her agent, who was also her boyfriend (already I didn’t like the setup), then while crying she hears the cats. Quick POV change to the cats who yell at one another to cry loud so they can be heard by the human, then a drive to the vet for a check of the kittens, meaning when she returns, she has to scramble to get ready for the evening’s performance that had been left on stage with the back door open.
Maybe as a YA mystery it works. But it doesn’t even appear to have the sophistication of Nancy Drew or Enola Holmes.
DNF
I was probably a couple hours in and nothing much had happened except the woman had a fight with her agent, who was also her boyfriend (already I didn’t like the setup), then while crying she hears the cats. Quick POV change to the cats who yell at one another to cry loud so they can be heard by the human, then a drive to the vet for a check of the kittens, meaning when she returns, she has to scramble to get ready for the evening’s performance that had been left on stage with the back door open.
Maybe as a YA mystery it works. But it doesn’t even appear to have the sophistication of Nancy Drew or Enola Holmes.
DNF
April 21, 2026
"The Black Cat Detectives" by Kit Gray is a cute, multi point of view cozy mystery. It's a great cozy for nerdy, pop culture lovers but not individuals that use the term "woke" as an insult. I think it could be a traveling cozy mystery series focused on the chaos stage magician, Mila, and her three black cats, Bippity, Boppity, and Boop get into.
Mila is an up and coming stage magician who may be finally getting the exposure she needs to advance her career. She's even found herself becoming the newest recipient of the kitten distribution system. Unfortunately, her boyfriend and business manager (ted flag there) will be missing the performance that could be her big break.
Bippity, Boppity, and Boop are three orphaned, stray cats that have some unique abilities. It's not magic, it's just a better understanding of physics. Also, humans are the lesser of beings since they don't understand animal language or science to the level cats do. So, humans can't be allowed to see the kittens use physics. It's cat law, that the kittens barely avoid breaking to help Mila stay out of the human pound.
Mila is an up and coming stage magician who may be finally getting the exposure she needs to advance her career. She's even found herself becoming the newest recipient of the kitten distribution system. Unfortunately, her boyfriend and business manager (ted flag there) will be missing the performance that could be her big break.
Bippity, Boppity, and Boop are three orphaned, stray cats that have some unique abilities. It's not magic, it's just a better understanding of physics. Also, humans are the lesser of beings since they don't understand animal language or science to the level cats do. So, humans can't be allowed to see the kittens use physics. It's cat law, that the kittens barely avoid breaking to help Mila stay out of the human pound.
July 10, 2026
A fun adventure and mystery. I guessed almost every other person but the actual killer. there were subtle hints but very subtle.
August 15, 2026
I loved this book!
Yes, it might seem to be a simple mystery novel, but the three main protagonists are kittens. When a young, female magician adopts these orphans, they are up for any challenge.
They initially help Mila with her magic act before a more challenging incident occurs. They work to save her from spending the rest of her life in jail when her cheating boyfriend is murdered.
What makes this writing extra special is that the author doesn't miss a step in portraying Bippity (she), Boppity (he), and Boop (they) as new to the human world.
They, in turn, act as narrators, adding human terms to new events as they listen to these humans or when the adult cat next door clues them in.
Example: when Mila cries over her loss, her eyes are leaking water, and so forth. This makes the story more realistic while readers witness the innocent kittens bloom.
This fascinating tale makes a fun read. It is, for now, a stand-alone novel. Hopefully, it will not remain as such.
Yes, it might seem to be a simple mystery novel, but the three main protagonists are kittens. When a young, female magician adopts these orphans, they are up for any challenge.
They initially help Mila with her magic act before a more challenging incident occurs. They work to save her from spending the rest of her life in jail when her cheating boyfriend is murdered.
What makes this writing extra special is that the author doesn't miss a step in portraying Bippity (she), Boppity (he), and Boop (they) as new to the human world.
They, in turn, act as narrators, adding human terms to new events as they listen to these humans or when the adult cat next door clues them in.
Example: when Mila cries over her loss, her eyes are leaking water, and so forth. This makes the story more realistic while readers witness the innocent kittens bloom.
This fascinating tale makes a fun read. It is, for now, a stand-alone novel. Hopefully, it will not remain as such.
August 29, 2026
This is such a charming cozy mystery with a delightful twist: the 'secondary' detectives are three kittens (Bippity, Boppity, and Boop!) with magical powers.
The vast majority of this story is narrated from the kittens’ point of view - via alternating chapters. Not as a gimmick but as a fully realized, emotionally rich storytelling choice that works like a charm (see what I did there?)!
For fans of cozy mysteries or simply cat lovers, this book is your next comfort read. Guaranteed.
The vast majority of this story is narrated from the kittens’ point of view - via alternating chapters. Not as a gimmick but as a fully realized, emotionally rich storytelling choice that works like a charm (see what I did there?)!
For fans of cozy mysteries or simply cat lovers, this book is your next comfort read. Guaranteed.
September 12, 2026
Book Club Book for September 2026
This was okay, the cats were the best part in my opinion!
This was okay, the cats were the best part in my opinion!
September 14, 2026
DNF’d at Chapter 5. I found the POV of the cats to be extremely annoying. They acted like toddlers but were presented as being smart? Ridiculous and juvenile.
September 15, 2026
Review to come
August 10, 2026
This was an ADORABLE black cat murder mystery book. I recommend it to any black cat owners.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Check out this review of The Black Cat Detectives: A Mystery on Fable. https://fable.co/review/ded92d6c-3d04...
#TheBlackCatDetectives #NetGalley.
Thank you Crooked Lane Books and Netgalley for this ARC.
Got me interested because of the title and book cover. I have a black adult cat and his name is Noir and he is my reading buddy.
Murder mystery. I like Mila's character as described that she took a minute to admire the flowers and she's a magician! And that when she found Bippity, Boppity, and Boop.
*Boop is my favourite as she purrssss.. all cats do but still 😸
I like how the pov of the cats are so descriptive that sometimes i laugh on how they saw the world with their eyes and limited vocabularies.
These cats help their human by following some ways to solve the case, that is by knowing the Motive, Means, and Opportunity.
I have my list of suspects and I got it right!
Slow read for me at first but then when the murder happened and the investigation started.. that's when it got exciting. If ever this gets a film adaptation, i hope they'll animate it beautifully.
Maybe Mila was a kitten in human form. I also like to be a cat.
Love. Joy. Fun. Adventure.
#TheBlackCatDetectives #NetGalley.
Thank you Crooked Lane Books and Netgalley for this ARC.
Got me interested because of the title and book cover. I have a black adult cat and his name is Noir and he is my reading buddy.
Murder mystery. I like Mila's character as described that she took a minute to admire the flowers and she's a magician! And that when she found Bippity, Boppity, and Boop.
*Boop is my favourite as she purrssss.. all cats do but still 😸
I like how the pov of the cats are so descriptive that sometimes i laugh on how they saw the world with their eyes and limited vocabularies.
These cats help their human by following some ways to solve the case, that is by knowing the Motive, Means, and Opportunity.
I have my list of suspects and I got it right!
Slow read for me at first but then when the murder happened and the investigation started.. that's when it got exciting. If ever this gets a film adaptation, i hope they'll animate it beautifully.
Maybe Mila was a kitten in human form. I also like to be a cat.
Love. Joy. Fun. Adventure.
June 11, 2026
A non-binary cat? You have got to be kidding me. What an ignorant idea. DNF and don't recommend.
July 24, 2026
the synopsis drew me in but this book was really bad! :) it would have been the exact same book if the kittens were in it or not. majorly disappointing.
September 2, 2026
Initially I had a hard time getting "into" the story and the voices of three kittens as protagonists. I think the change in voice confused me. It was two different points of view, human and cat thrown into the start of the action that was somehow confusing to me to read in Chapter 1. It might have helped if there were delineations initially in that actual chapter with headers: "kittens" or "Mila" or something. I am not sure. Maybe it was just me.
Eventually I was drawn into the mystery, murder, and drama and the kittens started to "make sense" to me, and I could easily see when the points of view and voices shifted from cat to human etc. I really was rooting for Mila, the human protagonist who rescued the kittens and the kittens themselves finding their new "person" after losing their mother. Their sadness, confusion, and then excitement and energy and determination was very heartfelt. The magical element of the qu-bits that the cats can control to be invisible and wield objects open etc. was very clever. It was a lovely fun addition to the story and also helped the momentum of the plot in ingenious ways. The author was a genius in this regard.
The entire back story for Mila as well as her gallant, yet cad and con of a boyfriend, Brandon, was a great addition. And the cad and con role was discovered after his murder-- even better. Nice clues along the way too. The climax with Mila and her friend Becca was really great too. I loved Mila's 'magician' career and the performances described. These skills were put to use in other ingenious ways that added to the story-surprises.
This book definitely was very creative with plot, murder mystery and cats and was thus a "cozy" read. I had to know what happened, could not put it down.
I was looking for an explanation of the qu-bits a bit sooner in the book then when the book eventually explained them. Loved the explanation however, and the actual activation of them as well as the "Cat's Law" about them. Clever.
My minor quibbles with the story are as follows. 1) It was not clear to me if Mila had ever been to Brandon's luxurious condo before his murder and she inherited it. Maybe I missed it. 2) Then the large portrait on the condo wall with the long flowing white hair. Who was it? Brandon? (I initially thought the cats were describing Brandon's picture and wondered why he had white hair. An old man as a boyfriend? It was a detail that puzzled me. I only realized it was 'The Commodore" when a key secret in the book was revealed and I went back and reread that part of the story. 3) Lastly, the names of the cats drove me nuts. I could keep them straight as I read the book, much less boy or girl. I really wished the author had NOT named them names all starting with a 'B' much less such similar names: Bippidity, Boppidity and Boop. General character naming guidelines I believe often warn against doing that so readers can more easily read and differentiate the characters: Even with the appendix in the back I still struggled. I understand why she used these names as it comes from 'magician' performances, but still there had to be other ways to incorporate magic into names and make them better distinguishable to reader.
Putting the quibbles aside, I loved what the author did with the various touches with the food, the insect collective consciousness, the old Queen cat, the Cat Law, the qu-bits and the knick-names the cats gave themselves. I especially appreciated the quote: "Don't be disarmed, it's the oldest trick in the book." I loved Mila's self-doubt and her life long struggle with it and how that figured into her 'dark worries and woes' when thrown into prison. Even the tension with who might really be the murderer and their potential attempt to silence Becca was really suspenseful!
I also really liked how the cats/kittens talked to each other with distinct personalities, ideas and strengths and foibles. It was charming. And since I believe that my own 5 cats talk to each other psychically, it made a lot of sense to me.
So despite my few quibbles there was so much about the story that really worked.
I loved the touch at the end with the job offer Mila got. I would have liked the book to have also ended with a scene or denouement to the story with 1) Mila and Becca and 2) Mila and the Sheriff Pete. But if not, perhaps a sequel will provide more mystery in that regard.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves animal cozy murder mysteries. It's perfect, and a delightful romp with plenty of tension suspense, momentum and bread crumbs as well as the cutest smart kittens.
Eventually I was drawn into the mystery, murder, and drama and the kittens started to "make sense" to me, and I could easily see when the points of view and voices shifted from cat to human etc. I really was rooting for Mila, the human protagonist who rescued the kittens and the kittens themselves finding their new "person" after losing their mother. Their sadness, confusion, and then excitement and energy and determination was very heartfelt. The magical element of the qu-bits that the cats can control to be invisible and wield objects open etc. was very clever. It was a lovely fun addition to the story and also helped the momentum of the plot in ingenious ways. The author was a genius in this regard.
The entire back story for Mila as well as her gallant, yet cad and con of a boyfriend, Brandon, was a great addition. And the cad and con role was discovered after his murder-- even better. Nice clues along the way too. The climax with Mila and her friend Becca was really great too. I loved Mila's 'magician' career and the performances described. These skills were put to use in other ingenious ways that added to the story-surprises.
This book definitely was very creative with plot, murder mystery and cats and was thus a "cozy" read. I had to know what happened, could not put it down.
I was looking for an explanation of the qu-bits a bit sooner in the book then when the book eventually explained them. Loved the explanation however, and the actual activation of them as well as the "Cat's Law" about them. Clever.
My minor quibbles with the story are as follows. 1) It was not clear to me if Mila had ever been to Brandon's luxurious condo before his murder and she inherited it. Maybe I missed it. 2) Then the large portrait on the condo wall with the long flowing white hair. Who was it? Brandon? (I initially thought the cats were describing Brandon's picture and wondered why he had white hair. An old man as a boyfriend? It was a detail that puzzled me. I only realized it was 'The Commodore" when a key secret in the book was revealed and I went back and reread that part of the story. 3) Lastly, the names of the cats drove me nuts. I could keep them straight as I read the book, much less boy or girl. I really wished the author had NOT named them names all starting with a 'B' much less such similar names: Bippidity, Boppidity and Boop. General character naming guidelines I believe often warn against doing that so readers can more easily read and differentiate the characters: Even with the appendix in the back I still struggled. I understand why she used these names as it comes from 'magician' performances, but still there had to be other ways to incorporate magic into names and make them better distinguishable to reader.
Putting the quibbles aside, I loved what the author did with the various touches with the food, the insect collective consciousness, the old Queen cat, the Cat Law, the qu-bits and the knick-names the cats gave themselves. I especially appreciated the quote: "Don't be disarmed, it's the oldest trick in the book." I loved Mila's self-doubt and her life long struggle with it and how that figured into her 'dark worries and woes' when thrown into prison. Even the tension with who might really be the murderer and their potential attempt to silence Becca was really suspenseful!
I also really liked how the cats/kittens talked to each other with distinct personalities, ideas and strengths and foibles. It was charming. And since I believe that my own 5 cats talk to each other psychically, it made a lot of sense to me.
So despite my few quibbles there was so much about the story that really worked.
I loved the touch at the end with the job offer Mila got. I would have liked the book to have also ended with a scene or denouement to the story with 1) Mila and Becca and 2) Mila and the Sheriff Pete. But if not, perhaps a sequel will provide more mystery in that regard.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves animal cozy murder mysteries. It's perfect, and a delightful romp with plenty of tension suspense, momentum and bread crumbs as well as the cutest smart kittens.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Mila - an amateur magician, is arguing with her boyfriend/manager when she hears some cries. There in the alley, are three kittens who are just about clinging on to life. Once taken to the vet, checked over and fed, Mila decides to adopt them. She has to hone her act for a major opportunity and so decides to take the kitties with her. Whilst performing live everything is going great... until her boyfriend is found stabbed to death for the big finale! With Mila looking like the prime suspect, the kittens decide they better help find the real murderer, after all Mila is their human now...isn’t she?
The Pro's:
1) The kitties are so adorable. They are full of (over)confidence and sweetness but vulnerability too
2) There is a fun mystery to try and solve
3) There are small town vibes
4) There are so many cute animals and they all have fab names like, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme (horses) and Biscuit and Cookie (goats) etc
5) Dual POV with Mila and the Kitties! (all the separate Kitties have a POV)
6) Mila is a magician so her act is in the story. I love magic and illusion.
7) The cover 😍
The Con's:
1) There are some sad parts
2) There are some dark themes i.e. murder etc
3) Personally I think Mila forgives someone a little bit too easily in the story and it didn’t really ring true
The Quotes:
1) She looked at me with dark brown eyes, and I began to purr. I waved my tail invitingly and lifted my back, walking sideways to show her how much soft, lovely fur I had. She probably wanted to snuggle me. Who wouldn’t?
2) A sudden feeling blossomed in her chest, like gratitude, but much fiercer. Somehow, the other emotions battling for her attention, the anxiety and hurt and anger of the day, felt less important. Even if the rest of her life went up in flames, there would be a pile of kittens on her chest when she went to bed tonight.
3) “There’s a unique, ineffable thing that happens between humans and cats.” She settled herself again into an elegant queen pose, her gaze distant. “For all of their quirks and faults, humans change the world around them in ways we cats could never imagine. And we change the world in ways they can’t understand. When a human and a cat find a special connection, a harmony of purpose, their bond is the closest thing in this world to magic.”
The Summary:
I ADORED this book! Yes, the biggest draw was the cutie patootie kittens - they also have a POV in the book as well. My heart melted hearing their ‘voices’ plus the writer exactly got the attitude right for the kittens - over confident but vunerable too. There is also the murder mystery and the bond between the kitties and their human Mila - anyone with an animal - especially cats, understands how unique that bond is. I was a fan of the writing as well, I devoured the book in less than 24 hours, I was that invested. I am also a fan of magic and loved that aspect in the book. I am really hoping this will turn into a series and I will be first in line to buy it!
Additional note: Look how adorable this cover is! I genuinely think this is the best cover I have ever seen in my life. I need this book on my shelf and a poster of the front cover on my wall!
Pretty, pretty please 🙏 🙏 🙏
Summed up in a sentence?:
3x black adorable kitties try to help their human accused of murder
I rated the book 4.5 but happily rounded it up to 5 on Goodreads as they don't have half stars. It's well deserved.
Publish date: Expected 26 May 2026 at time of review
Thank you to the author and NetGalley for the ARC for the chance to read and review!
The Pro's:
1) The kitties are so adorable. They are full of (over)confidence and sweetness but vulnerability too
2) There is a fun mystery to try and solve
3) There are small town vibes
4) There are so many cute animals and they all have fab names like, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme (horses) and Biscuit and Cookie (goats) etc
5) Dual POV with Mila and the Kitties! (all the separate Kitties have a POV)
6) Mila is a magician so her act is in the story. I love magic and illusion.
7) The cover 😍
The Con's:
1) There are some sad parts
2) There are some dark themes i.e. murder etc
3) Personally I think Mila forgives someone a little bit too easily in the story and it didn’t really ring true
The Quotes:
1) She looked at me with dark brown eyes, and I began to purr. I waved my tail invitingly and lifted my back, walking sideways to show her how much soft, lovely fur I had. She probably wanted to snuggle me. Who wouldn’t?
2) A sudden feeling blossomed in her chest, like gratitude, but much fiercer. Somehow, the other emotions battling for her attention, the anxiety and hurt and anger of the day, felt less important. Even if the rest of her life went up in flames, there would be a pile of kittens on her chest when she went to bed tonight.
3) “There’s a unique, ineffable thing that happens between humans and cats.” She settled herself again into an elegant queen pose, her gaze distant. “For all of their quirks and faults, humans change the world around them in ways we cats could never imagine. And we change the world in ways they can’t understand. When a human and a cat find a special connection, a harmony of purpose, their bond is the closest thing in this world to magic.”
The Summary:
I ADORED this book! Yes, the biggest draw was the cutie patootie kittens - they also have a POV in the book as well. My heart melted hearing their ‘voices’ plus the writer exactly got the attitude right for the kittens - over confident but vunerable too. There is also the murder mystery and the bond between the kitties and their human Mila - anyone with an animal - especially cats, understands how unique that bond is. I was a fan of the writing as well, I devoured the book in less than 24 hours, I was that invested. I am also a fan of magic and loved that aspect in the book. I am really hoping this will turn into a series and I will be first in line to buy it!
Additional note: Look how adorable this cover is! I genuinely think this is the best cover I have ever seen in my life. I need this book on my shelf and a poster of the front cover on my wall!
Pretty, pretty please 🙏 🙏 🙏
Summed up in a sentence?:
3x black adorable kitties try to help their human accused of murder
I rated the book 4.5 but happily rounded it up to 5 on Goodreads as they don't have half stars. It's well deserved.
Publish date: Expected 26 May 2026 at time of review
Thank you to the author and NetGalley for the ARC for the chance to read and review!
May 26, 2026
Mila MacAllister is a 28-yo magician in a small town, Corvin’s Crossing, hoping to make it to the big league. On the morning of her performance, at which she expects to be scouted for a resort that is looking for performers, Mila finds three black kittens, with the mother nowhere in sight, in a box in the alley outside the club where she is to perform. She rescues them and takes them to the vet and decides to adopt them.
That evening, Mila’s successful performance comes to a sudden close when the body of her boyfriend and manager, Brandon, comes crashing through the roof to the stage, with Mila’s pocket knife protruding out of his chest.
The story is written in four PoVs, the 3rd person PoV of Mila and the 1st person PoVs of the three kittens named Bippity, Boppity and Boop. Bippity is female, Boppity is male, and Boop is non-binary. The other two kittens use they/them pronouns while referring to Boop.
WHAT I LIKED: I liked the emphasis on friendships and the family ties you build for yourself.
I am no lover of cats, yet I was quite amused and intrigued by the antics of the kittens. The characterization of the kittens is done with a gentle touch. Bippity sees herself as a leader, born to lead her siblings. Boppity fancies himself as a great warrior and is always ready for battle. Boop is always gentle, preferring naps and cuddling to anything else. The curiosity, independence and vulnerability of the cats rang true, even though I know very little about cats.
The voices of the three kittens were strong and striking.
The descriptions of the foods cooked by Ms Fi, and Q and Mrs Scarborough all popped off the page.
In terms of diversity, Asia is well represented through Ms Fi and Becca Varma, Mila’s best friend.
WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE: The focus should have been on the murder mystery. Instead, the cats took up excessive space, causing a lot of repetition, given that there are three kittens and only one Mila.
Why Becca should be a Varma, an Indian origin surname, makes no sense. We see no evidence of her background or culture, making the name tokenish. She might as well have been white.
In keeping with what has almost become the trope of the genre, Mila was both smart and dumb.
I found the conclusion rather tame. The killer wasn’t convincing enough, nor was their rationale for killing.
The Physics-based superpowers of the kittens weren’t very clear.
Mila’s back story was minimal. It was unclear why she left her parents’ home. They neglected her, and led their own lives, but her trauma suggested something far worse. Also, where and how she learnt magic was something that wasn’t explained.
WHAT DIDN’T QUITE WORK: In one place, Bopp had male pronouns used, possibly a typo that slipped past.
There is a whole chapter set at the vet’s where Mila takes the three kittens. This chapter was wholly unnecessary.
ALL SAID AND DONE: This was a cozy mystery that ultimately ended up being more cozy and less mystery, with the kittens overshadowing the resolution of the mystery.
(I received an ARC of this book for the purpose of reviewing the story. Thanks to the author and publisher. I read the ARC on NetGalley. The views expressed in the review are entirely my own.)
That evening, Mila’s successful performance comes to a sudden close when the body of her boyfriend and manager, Brandon, comes crashing through the roof to the stage, with Mila’s pocket knife protruding out of his chest.
The story is written in four PoVs, the 3rd person PoV of Mila and the 1st person PoVs of the three kittens named Bippity, Boppity and Boop. Bippity is female, Boppity is male, and Boop is non-binary. The other two kittens use they/them pronouns while referring to Boop.
WHAT I LIKED: I liked the emphasis on friendships and the family ties you build for yourself.
I am no lover of cats, yet I was quite amused and intrigued by the antics of the kittens. The characterization of the kittens is done with a gentle touch. Bippity sees herself as a leader, born to lead her siblings. Boppity fancies himself as a great warrior and is always ready for battle. Boop is always gentle, preferring naps and cuddling to anything else. The curiosity, independence and vulnerability of the cats rang true, even though I know very little about cats.
The voices of the three kittens were strong and striking.
The descriptions of the foods cooked by Ms Fi, and Q and Mrs Scarborough all popped off the page.
In terms of diversity, Asia is well represented through Ms Fi and Becca Varma, Mila’s best friend.
WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE: The focus should have been on the murder mystery. Instead, the cats took up excessive space, causing a lot of repetition, given that there are three kittens and only one Mila.
Why Becca should be a Varma, an Indian origin surname, makes no sense. We see no evidence of her background or culture, making the name tokenish. She might as well have been white.
In keeping with what has almost become the trope of the genre, Mila was both smart and dumb.
I found the conclusion rather tame. The killer wasn’t convincing enough, nor was their rationale for killing.
The Physics-based superpowers of the kittens weren’t very clear.
Mila’s back story was minimal. It was unclear why she left her parents’ home. They neglected her, and led their own lives, but her trauma suggested something far worse. Also, where and how she learnt magic was something that wasn’t explained.
WHAT DIDN’T QUITE WORK: In one place, Bopp had male pronouns used, possibly a typo that slipped past.
There is a whole chapter set at the vet’s where Mila takes the three kittens. This chapter was wholly unnecessary.
ALL SAID AND DONE: This was a cozy mystery that ultimately ended up being more cozy and less mystery, with the kittens overshadowing the resolution of the mystery.
(I received an ARC of this book for the purpose of reviewing the story. Thanks to the author and publisher. I read the ARC on NetGalley. The views expressed in the review are entirely my own.)
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
4 ⭐️ | 📱 E-book
——————————————
🪝The Hook:
The three most adorable kittens you will ever have the pleasure of reading about! Bippity, Boppity, and Boop (Yes, I’m so serious) must help their new human, a Magician named Mila, to solve the mystery of her boyfriend’s murder.
Each chapter alternates perspectives between our human MC Mila, and each of our adorable kitten characters. Bippity (the intelligent leader) Boppity (the fearless warrior) and Boop (the cuddly caretaker) must team up to save the day with a little ✨magical interference✨.
——————————————
💙What I Liked:
There is SO much to love about this book! I absolutely adored our kitten characters, they have some of the most distinct personalities I’ve read in a long time. Each of their chapters helps to move the story along at a good pace, while giving us an inside look at the thoughts of our feline detectives.
I thought this would just be a silly little cozy mystery, but I was pleasantly surprised at the depth of emotion in some of the scenes! There are a lot of moments that made me smile or pause just to reread them. Some of the main themes explored in the novel are found family, loss, and self-confidence.
The story is a fun “whodunnit” style murder mystery, with multiple suspects and some twists and turns along the way for our heroes to work out. The human characters are well written, though since they are all suspects, they each tend to fall into a standard archetype (Kind of like the characters from Clue).
The real gems in this story are Bippity, Boppity, and Boop. They make me wish I could give my cats a pen and paper so that I could know what they’re thinking. This story will make you want to cuddle your fur babies and wish you could meet our three kitten detectives in real life.
——————————————
💔What Could’ve Been Better:
I feel like it is just the nature of the cozy mystery, but this book was hella cheesy at times. The characters don’t always act realistically or respond to events in a way that feels natural. This book teeters on the edge of feeling young-adult, even though it is marketed as an adult cozy mystery. There are just certain parts that feel distinctly “young reader”, until you get to the next chapter and it starts talking about murder and characters having affairs.
I also wish we could have gotten a little more personality from the human main character, Mila. With how strong the personalities of the kittens were, her personality felt a bit flat in comparison.
——————————————
🧐Overall Thoughts:
This was one of the cutest, most enjoyable reads I have had in a while! The writing was not phenomenal, but the story, characters, and overall themes of the book make this a worthwhile read. I didn’t want this book to end, mostly because I wasn’t ready to let go of Bippity, Boppity, and Boop.
If you are a cat owner, this book is required reading. I would recommend this to most people as a fun, lighthearted read that has a good mystery element to it.
——————————————
~ Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for providing me with this ARC in exchange for an honest review! 📚~
✨If you liked this review, check out my blog! /ᐠ. .ᐟ\✨
——————————————
🪝The Hook:
The three most adorable kittens you will ever have the pleasure of reading about! Bippity, Boppity, and Boop (Yes, I’m so serious) must help their new human, a Magician named Mila, to solve the mystery of her boyfriend’s murder.
Each chapter alternates perspectives between our human MC Mila, and each of our adorable kitten characters. Bippity (the intelligent leader) Boppity (the fearless warrior) and Boop (the cuddly caretaker) must team up to save the day with a little ✨magical interference✨.
——————————————
💙What I Liked:
There is SO much to love about this book! I absolutely adored our kitten characters, they have some of the most distinct personalities I’ve read in a long time. Each of their chapters helps to move the story along at a good pace, while giving us an inside look at the thoughts of our feline detectives.
I thought this would just be a silly little cozy mystery, but I was pleasantly surprised at the depth of emotion in some of the scenes! There are a lot of moments that made me smile or pause just to reread them. Some of the main themes explored in the novel are found family, loss, and self-confidence.
The story is a fun “whodunnit” style murder mystery, with multiple suspects and some twists and turns along the way for our heroes to work out. The human characters are well written, though since they are all suspects, they each tend to fall into a standard archetype (Kind of like the characters from Clue).
The real gems in this story are Bippity, Boppity, and Boop. They make me wish I could give my cats a pen and paper so that I could know what they’re thinking. This story will make you want to cuddle your fur babies and wish you could meet our three kitten detectives in real life.
——————————————
💔What Could’ve Been Better:
I feel like it is just the nature of the cozy mystery, but this book was hella cheesy at times. The characters don’t always act realistically or respond to events in a way that feels natural. This book teeters on the edge of feeling young-adult, even though it is marketed as an adult cozy mystery. There are just certain parts that feel distinctly “young reader”, until you get to the next chapter and it starts talking about murder and characters having affairs.
I also wish we could have gotten a little more personality from the human main character, Mila. With how strong the personalities of the kittens were, her personality felt a bit flat in comparison.
——————————————
🧐Overall Thoughts:
This was one of the cutest, most enjoyable reads I have had in a while! The writing was not phenomenal, but the story, characters, and overall themes of the book make this a worthwhile read. I didn’t want this book to end, mostly because I wasn’t ready to let go of Bippity, Boppity, and Boop.
If you are a cat owner, this book is required reading. I would recommend this to most people as a fun, lighthearted read that has a good mystery element to it.
——————————————
~ Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for providing me with this ARC in exchange for an honest review! 📚~
✨If you liked this review, check out my blog! /ᐠ. .ᐟ\✨
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Black Cat Detectives has a cool premise. A female magician with three kittens solving the mystery of her dead boyfriend, billed as a cozy. Really cute cover with three black kittens.
Unfortunately I didn't get to any of the stuff that drew me in. I had to DNF at 35 pages read. The story starts out really interesting with Mila, the main character, arriving for her big magic show. Unfortunately she just cannot ever go on if her boyfriend doesn't attend and they get into a huge fight that made me dislike both of them. The attention from the cool up and coming magic show is stripped away. I really wanted to know more about her show. Then suddenly we are in the POV of a group of kittens who are in the alleyway. Mila snatches them up, names them Bippity Boppity and Boo. Bibbidi Bobbidi Boo from Cinderella but with “Comic book sound effects”? Besides the odd name choice (especially for a book that has series potential) the names all start with B and sound similar and they are all black kittens. We immediately start to switch between their POVs which becomes confusing. I cannot tell these black cats apart, at all. They don't seem to have any distinct personalities, at least as far as I read. They all speak in the same voice where everything a human does confuses them and they react with a typical kitten action. Right after the kittens are found, Mila takes them to the vet, even though her big show is going to happen, and we move even farther away from the interesting plot. I want mystery, I want magic!
Chapter 4: “The Vet” takes us through 11 pages at the vet where whichever kitten whose POV we are in is just baffled by everything. Stings at the neck (the vet gave them shots) their ribs being palpated, the vet picks up another kitten and the POV kitten fears she is attacking them, etc. This is interspersed very occasionally with extremely dry dialogue between Mila and the vet about how the whole town is going to see her show, but no actual info about the show. What kind of magic does she do? How long has she been a magician? What is motivating her? There is nothing to actually get me invested in that plot and after struggling for a few days to get through the vet chapter I decided this book really isn't for me. Big bummer because I love mysteries with cats and I have a black cat myself. I think it would need heavy editing for me to enjoy this book. The POV at the vet especially could be completely taken out in order to keep the mystery and the cats solving it the focus.
Unfortunately I didn't get to any of the stuff that drew me in. I had to DNF at 35 pages read. The story starts out really interesting with Mila, the main character, arriving for her big magic show. Unfortunately she just cannot ever go on if her boyfriend doesn't attend and they get into a huge fight that made me dislike both of them. The attention from the cool up and coming magic show is stripped away. I really wanted to know more about her show. Then suddenly we are in the POV of a group of kittens who are in the alleyway. Mila snatches them up, names them Bippity Boppity and Boo. Bibbidi Bobbidi Boo from Cinderella but with “Comic book sound effects”? Besides the odd name choice (especially for a book that has series potential) the names all start with B and sound similar and they are all black kittens. We immediately start to switch between their POVs which becomes confusing. I cannot tell these black cats apart, at all. They don't seem to have any distinct personalities, at least as far as I read. They all speak in the same voice where everything a human does confuses them and they react with a typical kitten action. Right after the kittens are found, Mila takes them to the vet, even though her big show is going to happen, and we move even farther away from the interesting plot. I want mystery, I want magic!
Chapter 4: “The Vet” takes us through 11 pages at the vet where whichever kitten whose POV we are in is just baffled by everything. Stings at the neck (the vet gave them shots) their ribs being palpated, the vet picks up another kitten and the POV kitten fears she is attacking them, etc. This is interspersed very occasionally with extremely dry dialogue between Mila and the vet about how the whole town is going to see her show, but no actual info about the show. What kind of magic does she do? How long has she been a magician? What is motivating her? There is nothing to actually get me invested in that plot and after struggling for a few days to get through the vet chapter I decided this book really isn't for me. Big bummer because I love mysteries with cats and I have a black cat myself. I think it would need heavy editing for me to enjoy this book. The POV at the vet especially could be completely taken out in order to keep the mystery and the cats solving it the focus.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
📱📖 Read on Kobo
📃 304 pages
⏱️ 4 hours
🏷️ Publisher: Crooked Lane Books
📅 Release Date: May 26, 2026
🧾 ARC provided by NetGalley
There are paranormal cozy mysteries… and then there are PARANORMAL COZY MYSTERIES. You think you’ve read cat cozies before? You haven’t met these three. Bippity, Boppity, and Boop are not just kittens. They are THE kittens. The kind that make you pause mid-chapter and think, How have I lived this long without them? I genuinely cannot believe I went through life unaware that three magical black kittens were missing from it.
What truly sent me, though, is that a huge portion of this book is narrated from the kittens’ POV. Not as a gimmick. Not as a novelty. As a fully realized, emotionally rich storytelling choice that WORKS. Their love for Mila is fierce, instinctual, and achingly pure. Every threat feels personal. Every risk feels devastating. I laughed out loud, clutched my chest, and had multiple “I would burn the world down for these kittens” moments. However, everytime Boop goes "Motherrrrrr"... Cue the ugly-cry ugly tears mixed with giggles.
The mystery keeps you guessing with two bodies, shady boyfriends, quirky side characters (Mrs. F, you icon), and a whole lot of magical mishaps that had me laughing so hard. Kit Grey’s writing sparkles with mischief. One chapter I was laughing, the next I was wiping an unexpected tear (yes, over kittens, don’t @ me). By the time I hit the twist, I didn’t care who the killer was, I just wanted these three tiny detectives to get home safe and nap in a sunbeam. Cozy mystery readers, fantasy fans, cat lovers, this book is your next comfort read.
Would I recommend it?
You need this book like you need food to live. I will not be taking questions at this time.
If you are a cat lover, this is non-negotiable. If you are a cozy mystery reader, this is required reading. And if you are both? Congratulations, this book was written directly for you. Pre-order it. Add it to your TBR. Shout about it. Nothing else I’ve read recently comes even close to delivering this level of joy.
Let’s Talk Kittens & Crimes
Okay, if your cats had magical powers, what would they be? Would they use them to solve mysteries or just to open more cans of tuna? Tell me in the comments before I go re-read the last chapter again.
📃 304 pages
⏱️ 4 hours
🏷️ Publisher: Crooked Lane Books
📅 Release Date: May 26, 2026
🧾 ARC provided by NetGalley
There are paranormal cozy mysteries… and then there are PARANORMAL COZY MYSTERIES. You think you’ve read cat cozies before? You haven’t met these three. Bippity, Boppity, and Boop are not just kittens. They are THE kittens. The kind that make you pause mid-chapter and think, How have I lived this long without them? I genuinely cannot believe I went through life unaware that three magical black kittens were missing from it.
What truly sent me, though, is that a huge portion of this book is narrated from the kittens’ POV. Not as a gimmick. Not as a novelty. As a fully realized, emotionally rich storytelling choice that WORKS. Their love for Mila is fierce, instinctual, and achingly pure. Every threat feels personal. Every risk feels devastating. I laughed out loud, clutched my chest, and had multiple “I would burn the world down for these kittens” moments. However, everytime Boop goes "Motherrrrrr"... Cue the ugly-cry ugly tears mixed with giggles.
The mystery keeps you guessing with two bodies, shady boyfriends, quirky side characters (Mrs. F, you icon), and a whole lot of magical mishaps that had me laughing so hard. Kit Grey’s writing sparkles with mischief. One chapter I was laughing, the next I was wiping an unexpected tear (yes, over kittens, don’t @ me). By the time I hit the twist, I didn’t care who the killer was, I just wanted these three tiny detectives to get home safe and nap in a sunbeam. Cozy mystery readers, fantasy fans, cat lovers, this book is your next comfort read.
Would I recommend it?
You need this book like you need food to live. I will not be taking questions at this time.
If you are a cat lover, this is non-negotiable. If you are a cozy mystery reader, this is required reading. And if you are both? Congratulations, this book was written directly for you. Pre-order it. Add it to your TBR. Shout about it. Nothing else I’ve read recently comes even close to delivering this level of joy.
Let’s Talk Kittens & Crimes
Okay, if your cats had magical powers, what would they be? Would they use them to solve mysteries or just to open more cans of tuna? Tell me in the comments before I go re-read the last chapter again.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
How could I resist reading about Black Cat Detectives?
Much as I love mysteries, I love cats even more, so the prospect of a book featuring both sounded like my kind of read. For the most part, my expectations were fulfilled.
Kittens Bippity, Boppity, and Boop narrate the book in alternating chapters, but they do allow a humancentric chapter every fourth chapter that centers on Mila, the stage magician who rescued them and gave them love and a home. The cats are fun to get to know, with differing personalities. Their depiction requires quite a bit of willing suspension of disbelief, though, and that need grows as the book proceeds and their talents are put to use applying cat physics, “what the humans call magic”. It took me a while to accept this and I still think it was a bit heavy-handed, but it was fun once I did so. The depiction of cat behavior is delightful throughout the book and gave me many smiles.
OK, the feline presence is well done; what about the overall plot? The murder victim had a lot of features that could make someone wish him dead, and as a mystery the book is well done, even though I suspect that people who REALLY are not interested in cats might get impatient ( or maybe they might decide cats have a lot to admire and might be worth adopting!).
Little writing details add to the enjoyment. My ebook has a lot of “ha ha”s in the margins. I enjoyed cute clever names like Q Tea Pie, the local “with the comfiest sofas and the flakiest pastry in all of New England”. One aspect that I did not care for, though, was the clever-but annoying gender classification of the three cats, “he”, “”she”, and “they”. I DO wish we could come up with a gender-free pronoun in English, but to me ”they” is not a good choice for Boop, especially since I am sure they will have all of the cats neutered!
Overall, this is an enjoyable book that gave me more smiles as I drafted my reviews. I hope that Bippity, Boppity, and Boop do not encounter any more crimes they need to investigate, but if they do I will enjoy hearing about them.
I received an advance review copy of this book from Edelweiss and Crooked Lane Books
Much as I love mysteries, I love cats even more, so the prospect of a book featuring both sounded like my kind of read. For the most part, my expectations were fulfilled.
Kittens Bippity, Boppity, and Boop narrate the book in alternating chapters, but they do allow a humancentric chapter every fourth chapter that centers on Mila, the stage magician who rescued them and gave them love and a home. The cats are fun to get to know, with differing personalities. Their depiction requires quite a bit of willing suspension of disbelief, though, and that need grows as the book proceeds and their talents are put to use applying cat physics, “what the humans call magic”. It took me a while to accept this and I still think it was a bit heavy-handed, but it was fun once I did so. The depiction of cat behavior is delightful throughout the book and gave me many smiles.
OK, the feline presence is well done; what about the overall plot? The murder victim had a lot of features that could make someone wish him dead, and as a mystery the book is well done, even though I suspect that people who REALLY are not interested in cats might get impatient ( or maybe they might decide cats have a lot to admire and might be worth adopting!).
Little writing details add to the enjoyment. My ebook has a lot of “ha ha”s in the margins. I enjoyed cute clever names like Q Tea Pie, the local “with the comfiest sofas and the flakiest pastry in all of New England”. One aspect that I did not care for, though, was the clever-but annoying gender classification of the three cats, “he”, “”she”, and “they”. I DO wish we could come up with a gender-free pronoun in English, but to me ”they” is not a good choice for Boop, especially since I am sure they will have all of the cats neutered!
Overall, this is an enjoyable book that gave me more smiles as I drafted my reviews. I hope that Bippity, Boppity, and Boop do not encounter any more crimes they need to investigate, but if they do I will enjoy hearing about them.
I received an advance review copy of this book from Edelweiss and Crooked Lane Books
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Black Cat Detectives was such an adorable cozy mystery and honestly one of those books that just makes you smile while reading.
The story follows Mila, a magician who is already going through a very important night in her life when everything suddenly starts going wrong. What I loved most right away was how easy it was to connect with her. She’s such a lovable and relatable character — trying her best, dealing with pressure, and just wanting things to go right for once. And then come the real stars of the book: her three mischievous little kittens.
The kittens added so much charm to the story. Not only were they cute, but they also had very distinct personalities, which made every scene with them even more fun. I especially loved that the book actually gives us their POV too. It made the story feel lighter and more unique. Instead of the mystery feeling heavy, the kittens somehow made everything feel comforting even when the plot turned darker.
The setting was also perfect for a cozy mystery — a peaceful small town where nothing bad ever seems to happen… until suddenly a murder turns everything upside down. Mila becoming the prime suspect really raised the tension, and I liked how the story kept dropping clues and different possibilities. I found myself guessing along with the characters the whole time, which made the reading experience even more fun.
What I appreciated the most is that even with the darker mystery plot, the book never lost its cozy and warm atmosphere. It balanced suspense and comfort really well. The friendships, the small‑town vibe, and of course the kittens made the whole story feel wholesome even when the stakes were higher.
I also really liked the ending. It felt satisfying, heartwarming, and perfectly matched the overall tone of the book. This was definitely one of those reads that leaves you feeling happy after finishing it. Overall, I’m really glad I picked this up. It was cute, cozy, fun, and just a very delightful mystery to read.
The story follows Mila, a magician who is already going through a very important night in her life when everything suddenly starts going wrong. What I loved most right away was how easy it was to connect with her. She’s such a lovable and relatable character — trying her best, dealing with pressure, and just wanting things to go right for once. And then come the real stars of the book: her three mischievous little kittens.
The kittens added so much charm to the story. Not only were they cute, but they also had very distinct personalities, which made every scene with them even more fun. I especially loved that the book actually gives us their POV too. It made the story feel lighter and more unique. Instead of the mystery feeling heavy, the kittens somehow made everything feel comforting even when the plot turned darker.
The setting was also perfect for a cozy mystery — a peaceful small town where nothing bad ever seems to happen… until suddenly a murder turns everything upside down. Mila becoming the prime suspect really raised the tension, and I liked how the story kept dropping clues and different possibilities. I found myself guessing along with the characters the whole time, which made the reading experience even more fun.
What I appreciated the most is that even with the darker mystery plot, the book never lost its cozy and warm atmosphere. It balanced suspense and comfort really well. The friendships, the small‑town vibe, and of course the kittens made the whole story feel wholesome even when the stakes were higher.
I also really liked the ending. It felt satisfying, heartwarming, and perfectly matched the overall tone of the book. This was definitely one of those reads that leaves you feeling happy after finishing it. Overall, I’m really glad I picked this up. It was cute, cozy, fun, and just a very delightful mystery to read.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
𝕋𝕙𝕖 𝕓𝕝𝕒𝕔𝕜 𝕔𝕒𝕥 𝕕𝕖𝕥𝕖𝕔𝕥𝕚𝕧𝕖𝕤 🐾
Welcome back, my sweet awful creatures! 🦇
I constantly try to become a better reviewer, a better writer, and a better journalist, and this time I thought, why not try a different genre? Something I usually wouldn't read. A children's book! I got the ARC for this copy of Black Cat Detectives by NetGalley and read it as soon as I could. Let's get into my review!
The Black Cat Detectives follows the story of a young woman called Mila and her kittens she found in a box on the side of the road. One would say finding a pack of kittens is the beginning of a lucky streak, but in her case it's the exact opposite. The next day, during her magical show, her ex-boyfriend appears on her stage… dead, stabbed with her stage knife. All fingers point to her, as she had recently argued with him the day before. All odds are against her, and she has no way of proving that it wasn't her. The kittens are aware that losing Mila would be the worst thing that could ever happen to them, so they agree to protect her by playing detectives and uncovering this murder case.
Ahhhh, this was so cute!! I'm a big fan of murder mysteries, and adding the cutesy detective cats made it so much better. I can totally see my younger self being obsessed with this!
The story is written in third person and is medium-paced; the murder mystery aspect is more on the mild side, considering this is a children's story, so don’t expect anything Stephen King level. It's a cute mystery story that focuses more on the relationship between Mila and the kittens than the murder itself. Even the Goosebumps books are scarier, so this book is perfect for children who don’t enjoy scary content but still want to play detective.
As an adult I give it three points out of five; as a child I would have given it a higher rating for sure. My verdict? If your child or nephew is interested in detective content, get that little Sherlock this book!
Until next time!
Mira 💗
Welcome back, my sweet awful creatures! 🦇
I constantly try to become a better reviewer, a better writer, and a better journalist, and this time I thought, why not try a different genre? Something I usually wouldn't read. A children's book! I got the ARC for this copy of Black Cat Detectives by NetGalley and read it as soon as I could. Let's get into my review!
The Black Cat Detectives follows the story of a young woman called Mila and her kittens she found in a box on the side of the road. One would say finding a pack of kittens is the beginning of a lucky streak, but in her case it's the exact opposite. The next day, during her magical show, her ex-boyfriend appears on her stage… dead, stabbed with her stage knife. All fingers point to her, as she had recently argued with him the day before. All odds are against her, and she has no way of proving that it wasn't her. The kittens are aware that losing Mila would be the worst thing that could ever happen to them, so they agree to protect her by playing detectives and uncovering this murder case.
Ahhhh, this was so cute!! I'm a big fan of murder mysteries, and adding the cutesy detective cats made it so much better. I can totally see my younger self being obsessed with this!
The story is written in third person and is medium-paced; the murder mystery aspect is more on the mild side, considering this is a children's story, so don’t expect anything Stephen King level. It's a cute mystery story that focuses more on the relationship between Mila and the kittens than the murder itself. Even the Goosebumps books are scarier, so this book is perfect for children who don’t enjoy scary content but still want to play detective.
As an adult I give it three points out of five; as a child I would have given it a higher rating for sure. My verdict? If your child or nephew is interested in detective content, get that little Sherlock this book!
Until next time!
Mira 💗
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
If you’re looking for a cozy crime mystery with very cute animal companions, it might be perfect for you.
First of all, I was a bit hesitant about the premise because I can be very very strict when it comes to my approach to cat care. Pet safety is one of the things my autism makes me really emotionally invested in, but here it was really fine! I was worried we could potentially get the three kittens being let out by themselves into the city, which would make me stressed out, but no- all of the animal owners in this book genuinely cared and were responsible. (I know it’s a very specific thing and a lot of people wouldn’t mind as this is obviously a fictional situation, but I do, so I wanted to be clear about it.)
In the story, we follow Mila, a magician (I can surely say I’ve never followed a magician in a contemporary story!) and her three rescue kittens with special powers. There are four alternating POVs and I have to admit, the voices of the kittens are quite distinctive! They all have different superpowers and different personalities, and it was fun to spot similarities with my cats. ;-) Our characters are trying to solve a murder case together, with the help of other kind people and animals.
I feel like it’s mostly a cozy, cute found family story, with a lot of food descriptions (that actually made me hungry), taking place in a small town with lots of local businesses. I’m not sure if the mystery would be satisfying enough if that would be your main draw to the story, but for me it was fine- the main thing were the kittens. ;-) I didn’t enjoy one of the side plot points, but overall, it was an incredibly pleasant read. Our MC forging her bond with the cats and getting support from her found family was truly heart warming. I will definitely check out this author’s future books.
Huge thanks to Alcove Press/ Crooked Lane Books for sending me the physical ARC!
First of all, I was a bit hesitant about the premise because I can be very very strict when it comes to my approach to cat care. Pet safety is one of the things my autism makes me really emotionally invested in, but here it was really fine! I was worried we could potentially get the three kittens being let out by themselves into the city, which would make me stressed out, but no- all of the animal owners in this book genuinely cared and were responsible. (I know it’s a very specific thing and a lot of people wouldn’t mind as this is obviously a fictional situation, but I do, so I wanted to be clear about it.)
In the story, we follow Mila, a magician (I can surely say I’ve never followed a magician in a contemporary story!) and her three rescue kittens with special powers. There are four alternating POVs and I have to admit, the voices of the kittens are quite distinctive! They all have different superpowers and different personalities, and it was fun to spot similarities with my cats. ;-) Our characters are trying to solve a murder case together, with the help of other kind people and animals.
I feel like it’s mostly a cozy, cute found family story, with a lot of food descriptions (that actually made me hungry), taking place in a small town with lots of local businesses. I’m not sure if the mystery would be satisfying enough if that would be your main draw to the story, but for me it was fine- the main thing were the kittens. ;-) I didn’t enjoy one of the side plot points, but overall, it was an incredibly pleasant read. Our MC forging her bond with the cats and getting support from her found family was truly heart warming. I will definitely check out this author’s future books.
Huge thanks to Alcove Press/ Crooked Lane Books for sending me the physical ARC!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐✨ (4.25 stars)
this was honestly such a fun and really cute read, I had the best time with it, As a cat person this was such a great Idea for a book I thought this story line idea was the cutest thing ever, I love that we get their POV's as well which I thought was really unique compared to a book that is only third person throughout for these sorts of Animal Characters, I could read about these kittens all day, it was so fun and so adorable, they each had their own distinct personalities, they are all smart witty and most of all are devoted and love their owner Mila more than anything, I enjoyed Mila's Character as well I thought she was a good fit for this book,
The idea of three kittens solving a murder to save their human I was sold immediately even with the darker mystery plot, the book never lost its cozy, warm atmosphere.
Bippity, Boppity, and Boop were definitely my favorite part
they’re chaotic, clever, and just so entertaining to follow this was such an easy read for me, something that no matter what mood you are in its something you can come back to and just enjoy the characters and the story.
I also really liked that even though it’s super cozy and light, there’s still an actual mystery going on that keeps you interested the whole time my two favorite genres crossed into one book.
It was just a really easy, enjoyable read that I flew through, I really hope to see more books with these little kittens in the future.
overall, this was such a fun, comforting mystery that will keep you smiling throughout and will have you missing these little cuties after your finished — 4.25⭐ for me
if you love:
🐈⬛ cozy mysteries
🐈⬛ animal characters
🐈⬛ light, easy reads
🐈⬛ a little bit of magic
you’ll love this
thank you to netgalley, the publisher & kit gray for the arc
this was honestly such a fun and really cute read, I had the best time with it, As a cat person this was such a great Idea for a book I thought this story line idea was the cutest thing ever, I love that we get their POV's as well which I thought was really unique compared to a book that is only third person throughout for these sorts of Animal Characters, I could read about these kittens all day, it was so fun and so adorable, they each had their own distinct personalities, they are all smart witty and most of all are devoted and love their owner Mila more than anything, I enjoyed Mila's Character as well I thought she was a good fit for this book,
The idea of three kittens solving a murder to save their human I was sold immediately even with the darker mystery plot, the book never lost its cozy, warm atmosphere.
Bippity, Boppity, and Boop were definitely my favorite part
they’re chaotic, clever, and just so entertaining to follow this was such an easy read for me, something that no matter what mood you are in its something you can come back to and just enjoy the characters and the story.
I also really liked that even though it’s super cozy and light, there’s still an actual mystery going on that keeps you interested the whole time my two favorite genres crossed into one book.
It was just a really easy, enjoyable read that I flew through, I really hope to see more books with these little kittens in the future.
overall, this was such a fun, comforting mystery that will keep you smiling throughout and will have you missing these little cuties after your finished — 4.25⭐ for me
if you love:
🐈⬛ cozy mysteries
🐈⬛ animal characters
🐈⬛ light, easy reads
🐈⬛ a little bit of magic
you’ll love this
thank you to netgalley, the publisher & kit gray for the arc
June 4, 2026
I love cozy mysteries, and nothing is more cozy than a cat- except three of them. Elise Scott, using the appropriate nom de plume Kit Gray, has written an cute kitty cozy that cat-loving mystery fans will adore. Mila is a magician waiting for her chance to make it big, but while her magic is all an act the real magic is wielded by her three new kittens. Of course, they don't call it magic- it is really Physics. Cats have a grasp of physics that no human can understand it is Cat Law that the kitties keep it that way. But when Mila's boyfriend literally drops dead ( from the catwalk) during Mila's magic act, Bippity, Boppity and Boop must use their talents to help their new person solve the murder, before she ends up in the "human pound". The story is told from four points of view. The chapters alternate between narration by each kitten and chapters told in third person from Mila's point of view.
The human protagonist was a bit gullible, but she is a loving friend and pet mom. The cats each have distinct fully realized characters. Bippity sees herself as the leader, a queen in the making, who can bend photons to make herself seem invisible to humans.. Boppity is a fierce protector, he is always fighting shadows. He can somehow connect items together using cat science so that he can move items without being being noticed. Boop is a nonbinary cuddle kitten who's superpower is their purr. Their words of encouragement keep their siblings strong.
The story takes a lot of suspension of disbelief. But the writing is lively and imaginative and I found the story a delight. If you love cozy mysteries and cats, this is the purr-fect book for you.
Read Kit Grey's author guest post : Five Self-Care Rituals to Nurture Creativity on the June 4th Storybook lady book blog. The post is part of Great Escapes Blog Tour from June 3rd to June 16th and there is a tour wide giveaway of a signed Advanced Review Copy of The Black Cat Detectives and an adorable Cuteness Care Package.
The human protagonist was a bit gullible, but she is a loving friend and pet mom. The cats each have distinct fully realized characters. Bippity sees herself as the leader, a queen in the making, who can bend photons to make herself seem invisible to humans.. Boppity is a fierce protector, he is always fighting shadows. He can somehow connect items together using cat science so that he can move items without being being noticed. Boop is a nonbinary cuddle kitten who's superpower is their purr. Their words of encouragement keep their siblings strong.
The story takes a lot of suspension of disbelief. But the writing is lively and imaginative and I found the story a delight. If you love cozy mysteries and cats, this is the purr-fect book for you.
Read Kit Grey's author guest post : Five Self-Care Rituals to Nurture Creativity on the June 4th Storybook lady book blog. The post is part of Great Escapes Blog Tour from June 3rd to June 16th and there is a tour wide giveaway of a signed Advanced Review Copy of The Black Cat Detectives and an adorable Cuteness Care Package.
June 29, 2026
THANK YOU TO NETGALLEY AND THE PUBLISHER FOR THIS ARC
This one’s a quirky, cat-centric mystery with a big heart—and a very specific vibe. The story follows Mila, a stage magician on the brink of a career breakthrough whose personal life is… less than magical. When a rough night leads her to discover three abandoned kittens behind a dumpster (enter Bippity, Boppity, and Boop—icons, all of them), the book fully commits to its premise: cats, crime, and a dash of the uncanny.
The alternating kitten POVs are easily the highlight. Each kitten has a distinct personality—Bippity the confident leader, Boppity the brave protector, and Boop the gentle soul—and their chapters add warmth and charm. The cats even stumble into Mila’s big show, becoming accidental stars just as a murder abruptly shifts the story into full mystery mode. From there, the plot introduces “Physics,” a magical system that gives cats special abilities, taught by the enigmatic neighbor Ms. Fi and her cat, Hylia.
Stylistically, this reads very much like a middle-grade mystery: simple prose, fast pacing, and a focus on fun ideas over gritty realism. If you grew up on animal-led mysteries, this will probably feel familiar—comforting, even. That said, the book occasionally left me wanting more clarity. The rules behind the cat “Physics” aren’t fully explained, and the crime timeline can feel a bit fuzzy, which made it harder to stay grounded in the mystery itself.
Overall, The Black Cat Detectives is a whimsical, offbeat read that will likely appeal most to younger readers or anyone looking for a light, cat-forward mystery with magical elements. It wasn’t quite my cup of tea, but I can absolutely see the charm—especially if you’re here for clever kittens solving crimes (or at least helping along the way).
This one’s a quirky, cat-centric mystery with a big heart—and a very specific vibe. The story follows Mila, a stage magician on the brink of a career breakthrough whose personal life is… less than magical. When a rough night leads her to discover three abandoned kittens behind a dumpster (enter Bippity, Boppity, and Boop—icons, all of them), the book fully commits to its premise: cats, crime, and a dash of the uncanny.
The alternating kitten POVs are easily the highlight. Each kitten has a distinct personality—Bippity the confident leader, Boppity the brave protector, and Boop the gentle soul—and their chapters add warmth and charm. The cats even stumble into Mila’s big show, becoming accidental stars just as a murder abruptly shifts the story into full mystery mode. From there, the plot introduces “Physics,” a magical system that gives cats special abilities, taught by the enigmatic neighbor Ms. Fi and her cat, Hylia.
Stylistically, this reads very much like a middle-grade mystery: simple prose, fast pacing, and a focus on fun ideas over gritty realism. If you grew up on animal-led mysteries, this will probably feel familiar—comforting, even. That said, the book occasionally left me wanting more clarity. The rules behind the cat “Physics” aren’t fully explained, and the crime timeline can feel a bit fuzzy, which made it harder to stay grounded in the mystery itself.
Overall, The Black Cat Detectives is a whimsical, offbeat read that will likely appeal most to younger readers or anyone looking for a light, cat-forward mystery with magical elements. It wasn’t quite my cup of tea, but I can absolutely see the charm—especially if you’re here for clever kittens solving crimes (or at least helping along the way).
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
✦⋆｡˚☽˚｡⋆ ━━━━━━━━━━━━━⋆｡˚☽˚｡⋆✦
✧｡･ﾟﾟ･☾ Review ☾･ﾟﾟ･｡✧
★★★★★
THANK YOU NETGALLEY AND KIT GRAY!
🔎🖤🐈⬛🪄🔪
Okay…FREAKING CUTE that there were pov’s from the kittens! They were cute, sassy, and added so much personality that they quickly became my favorite parts of the book. The first chapter had me unsure. Mila came off a bit dramatic and rubbed me the wrong way at first but thankfully that feeling didn’t last. Once I settled into the story it became the ultimate cozy read. This is the kind of book that just feels warm and comforting, especially if you’re reading it while cuddled up with a cat. It also worked perfectly as a palate cleanser; short, charming, and refreshingly different. The concept was unique, the execution worked, and by the end I was fully on board.
Do you like cats?
Do you like cozy mysteries?
Do you like cats solving mysteries?
Do you want a quick read with a fun concept?
If you answered yes to any of those questions then you should 100% pick this book up.
✦⋆｡˚☽˚｡⋆ ━━━━━━━━━━━━━⋆｡˚☽˚｡⋆✦
✧｡･ﾟﾟ･☾ Quotes ☾･ﾟﾟ･｡✧
ɪ ᴄᴏᴜʟᴅ ꜱᴇᴇ ʀɪɢʜᴛ ᴀᴡᴀʏ ᴛʜᴀᴛ ʜᴇʀ ʜᴇᴀʀᴛʙʀᴇᴀᴋ ᴍɪʀʀᴏʀᴇᴅ ᴍʏ ᴏᴡɴ. ꜱʜᴇ ɴᴇᴇᴅᴇᴅ ᴛᴏ ᴋɴᴏᴡ ꜱʜᴇ ᴡᴀꜱɴ'ᴛ ᴀʟᴏɴᴇ. ɪ ᴡᴏᴜʟᴅ ᴄʀʏ ᴡɪᴛʜ ʜᴇʀ.
“ᴍɪʟᴀ ʀᴇᴀʟʟʏ ᴅɪᴅ ɴᴇᴇᴅ ᴏᴜʀ ʜᴇʟᴘ. ᴛʜᴇꜱᴇ ʜᴜᴍᴀɴꜱ ᴀʟʟ ꜱᴇᴇᴍᴇᴅ ᴛᴏ ᴄᴀʀᴇ ᴀʙᴏᴜᴛ ʜᴇʀ, ʙᴜᴛ ᴇᴠᴇʀʏ ᴛɪᴍᴇ ꜱʜᴇ ᴛᴀʟᴋᴇᴅ ᴛᴏ ᴛʜᴇᴍ, ꜱʜᴇ ᴇɴᴅᴇᴅ ᴜᴘ ʜᴜʀᴛ ᴀɴᴅ ᴀʟᴏɴᴇ.”
“ʙᴇʏᴏɴᴅ ᴛʜᴀᴛ, ᴀ ʟᴇᴀᴅᴇʀ ꜱʜᴏᴜʟᴅ ᴀʟᴡᴀʏꜱ ʙᴇ ᴋɴᴏᴡʟᴇᴅɢᴇᴀʙʟᴇ, ꜱᴏ ʜᴇ ᴡᴀꜱ ᴘʀᴏʙᴀʙʟʏ ᴀɴ ᴇxᴘᴇʀᴛ ɪɴ ᴛʜᴇ ʜᴜᴍᴀɴꜱ' ᴏᴅᴅ ᴏʙꜱᴇꜱꜱɪᴏɴ ᴡɪᴛʜ ɪᴍᴀɢɪɴᴀʀʏ ʀᴇꜱᴏᴜʀᴄᴇꜱ ꜱᴜᴄʜ ᴀꜱ ᴍᴏɴᴇʏ ᴀɴᴅ ᴘʀᴏᴘᴇʀᴛʏ.”
✧｡･ﾟﾟ･☾ Review ☾･ﾟﾟ･｡✧
★★★★★
THANK YOU NETGALLEY AND KIT GRAY!
🔎🖤🐈⬛🪄🔪
Okay…FREAKING CUTE that there were pov’s from the kittens! They were cute, sassy, and added so much personality that they quickly became my favorite parts of the book. The first chapter had me unsure. Mila came off a bit dramatic and rubbed me the wrong way at first but thankfully that feeling didn’t last. Once I settled into the story it became the ultimate cozy read. This is the kind of book that just feels warm and comforting, especially if you’re reading it while cuddled up with a cat. It also worked perfectly as a palate cleanser; short, charming, and refreshingly different. The concept was unique, the execution worked, and by the end I was fully on board.
Do you like cats?
Do you like cozy mysteries?
Do you like cats solving mysteries?
Do you want a quick read with a fun concept?
If you answered yes to any of those questions then you should 100% pick this book up.
✦⋆｡˚☽˚｡⋆ ━━━━━━━━━━━━━⋆｡˚☽˚｡⋆✦
✧｡･ﾟﾟ･☾ Quotes ☾･ﾟﾟ･｡✧
ɪ ᴄᴏᴜʟᴅ ꜱᴇᴇ ʀɪɢʜᴛ ᴀᴡᴀʏ ᴛʜᴀᴛ ʜᴇʀ ʜᴇᴀʀᴛʙʀᴇᴀᴋ ᴍɪʀʀᴏʀᴇᴅ ᴍʏ ᴏᴡɴ. ꜱʜᴇ ɴᴇᴇᴅᴇᴅ ᴛᴏ ᴋɴᴏᴡ ꜱʜᴇ ᴡᴀꜱɴ'ᴛ ᴀʟᴏɴᴇ. ɪ ᴡᴏᴜʟᴅ ᴄʀʏ ᴡɪᴛʜ ʜᴇʀ.
“ᴍɪʟᴀ ʀᴇᴀʟʟʏ ᴅɪᴅ ɴᴇᴇᴅ ᴏᴜʀ ʜᴇʟᴘ. ᴛʜᴇꜱᴇ ʜᴜᴍᴀɴꜱ ᴀʟʟ ꜱᴇᴇᴍᴇᴅ ᴛᴏ ᴄᴀʀᴇ ᴀʙᴏᴜᴛ ʜᴇʀ, ʙᴜᴛ ᴇᴠᴇʀʏ ᴛɪᴍᴇ ꜱʜᴇ ᴛᴀʟᴋᴇᴅ ᴛᴏ ᴛʜᴇᴍ, ꜱʜᴇ ᴇɴᴅᴇᴅ ᴜᴘ ʜᴜʀᴛ ᴀɴᴅ ᴀʟᴏɴᴇ.”
“ʙᴇʏᴏɴᴅ ᴛʜᴀᴛ, ᴀ ʟᴇᴀᴅᴇʀ ꜱʜᴏᴜʟᴅ ᴀʟᴡᴀʏꜱ ʙᴇ ᴋɴᴏᴡʟᴇᴅɢᴇᴀʙʟᴇ, ꜱᴏ ʜᴇ ᴡᴀꜱ ᴘʀᴏʙᴀʙʟʏ ᴀɴ ᴇxᴘᴇʀᴛ ɪɴ ᴛʜᴇ ʜᴜᴍᴀɴꜱ' ᴏᴅᴅ ᴏʙꜱᴇꜱꜱɪᴏɴ ᴡɪᴛʜ ɪᴍᴀɢɪɴᴀʀʏ ʀᴇꜱᴏᴜʀᴄᴇꜱ ꜱᴜᴄʜ ᴀꜱ ᴍᴏɴᴇʏ ᴀɴᴅ ᴘʀᴏᴘᴇʀᴛʏ.”
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