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Witch's Cat Mystery #1
A Familiar Tail
Magic and meows meet in the first enchanting Witch’s Cat mystery!
Unlucky-in-love artist Annabelle Britton decides that a visit to the seaside town of Portsmouth, New Hampshire, is the perfect way to get over her problems. But when she stumbles upon a smoky gray cat named Alastair, and follows him into a charming cottage, Annabelle finds herself in a whole spellbook full of trouble.
Suddenly saddled with a witch's wand and a furry familiar, Annabelle soon meets a friendly group of women who use their spells, charms, and potions to keep the people of Portsmouth safe. But despite their gifts, the witches can’t prevent every wicked deed in town....
Soon, the mystery surrounding Alistair’s former owner, who died under unusual circumstances, grows when another local turns up dead. Armed with magic, friends, and the charmed cat who adopted her more than the other way around, Annabelle sets out to paw through the evidence and uncover a killer.
Unlucky-in-love artist Annabelle Britton decides that a visit to the seaside town of Portsmouth, New Hampshire, is the perfect way to get over her problems. But when she stumbles upon a smoky gray cat named Alastair, and follows him into a charming cottage, Annabelle finds herself in a whole spellbook full of trouble.
Suddenly saddled with a witch's wand and a furry familiar, Annabelle soon meets a friendly group of women who use their spells, charms, and potions to keep the people of Portsmouth safe. But despite their gifts, the witches can’t prevent every wicked deed in town....
Soon, the mystery surrounding Alistair’s former owner, who died under unusual circumstances, grows when another local turns up dead. Armed with magic, friends, and the charmed cat who adopted her more than the other way around, Annabelle sets out to paw through the evidence and uncover a killer.
336 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 2, 2016
115 people are currently reading
2645 people want to read
About the author
Delia James
6 books245 followersBorn in California and raised in Michigan, Delia James writes her tales of magic, cats, and mystery from her hundred-year-old bungalow home. She is the author of the Witch’s Cat mysteries, which began with A Familiar Tail. When not writing, she hikes, swims, gardens, cooks, reads, and raises her rapidly growing son.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 348 reviews
July 1, 2017
I liked this. I don't think I can truthfully say I loved it, but there were aspects that are setting up what could be a good strong series for the future.
I liked the magic aspect, particularly, that Anna didn't start out believing in magic and especially not that SHE was magic, and how she came to accept and embrace that in herself. I thought it was handled well, even though this is a cozy mystery, and not a wicca primer.
I loved the disappearing cat! Alistair is quite a character in every sense of the word, and I found him delightful.
I was a bit ambivalent about the supporting characters in this. Nobody really connected for me as someone I really liked and wanted to get to know better. That may be a factor of the circumstances surrounding the story in this book, so I am willing to withhold judgement until I read another book to see if these people settle into more likable individuals.
I was also a bit meh about Anna herself. On one hand, she was smarter than the average cozy heroine and didn't pull really dumb stuff [that always annoys me in cozies]. When push came to shove in this, she made smart choices and that got her points from me. On the other hand, she seems really unsure about who circumstances are showing her she is going to end up being, and it felt like she should have made up her mind sooner than she actually did. Again, though, that could be the newness of all this, and the other things going on around her that she needed to deal with as priorities, so I'm reserving a final decision on how I feel about her until I've read at least one more book.
So, I guess, I'm looking forward to reading the next in this series to see if it settles in. It feels like this could definitely be a good cozy series for me. Time will tell.
I liked the magic aspect, particularly, that Anna didn't start out believing in magic and especially not that SHE was magic, and how she came to accept and embrace that in herself. I thought it was handled well, even though this is a cozy mystery, and not a wicca primer.
I loved the disappearing cat! Alistair is quite a character in every sense of the word, and I found him delightful.
I was a bit ambivalent about the supporting characters in this. Nobody really connected for me as someone I really liked and wanted to get to know better. That may be a factor of the circumstances surrounding the story in this book, so I am willing to withhold judgement until I read another book to see if these people settle into more likable individuals.
I was also a bit meh about Anna herself. On one hand, she was smarter than the average cozy heroine and didn't pull really dumb stuff [that always annoys me in cozies]. When push came to shove in this, she made smart choices and that got her points from me. On the other hand, she seems really unsure about who circumstances are showing her she is going to end up being, and it felt like she should have made up her mind sooner than she actually did. Again, though, that could be the newness of all this, and the other things going on around her that she needed to deal with as priorities, so I'm reserving a final decision on how I feel about her until I've read at least one more book.
So, I guess, I'm looking forward to reading the next in this series to see if it settles in. It feels like this could definitely be a good cozy series for me. Time will tell.
February 3, 2016
A Familiar Tail is the first book in A Witch's Cat Mystery series.
A great story it was, too. I not much for “woo-woo” books. A Familiar Tail just touches upon the practice of witchcraft and one certainly doesn't need to be a believer in the practice of witchcraft to enjoy this book.
As Anna is settling in she sees a gray cat, Alistair, and he seems to want her to follow him and she does. He leads her to the house behind the B&B where she is staying. The door is open and she follows Alistair in. Anna has always been able to get “vibes” and as she is going down the basement stairs, she gets the feeling that the lady who lived there met with a violent death. Anna soon finds out that in the past there have been heated words exchanged between some of the members of the coven and she learns that her grandmother had been a member of the coven. The police have considered the death an accident and when Frank, the nephew of the deceased, asks for her help in proving it was murder she agrees. Not only does she want to find out who the murderer is, but also wants to learn more about how her grandmother is involved.
This is very interesting story with a well developed plot and enjoyable and believable characters and am looking forward to seeing future character development.
A great story it was, too. I not much for “woo-woo” books. A Familiar Tail just touches upon the practice of witchcraft and one certainly doesn't need to be a believer in the practice of witchcraft to enjoy this book.
As Anna is settling in she sees a gray cat, Alistair, and he seems to want her to follow him and she does. He leads her to the house behind the B&B where she is staying. The door is open and she follows Alistair in. Anna has always been able to get “vibes” and as she is going down the basement stairs, she gets the feeling that the lady who lived there met with a violent death. Anna soon finds out that in the past there have been heated words exchanged between some of the members of the coven and she learns that her grandmother had been a member of the coven. The police have considered the death an accident and when Frank, the nephew of the deceased, asks for her help in proving it was murder she agrees. Not only does she want to find out who the murderer is, but also wants to learn more about how her grandmother is involved.
This is very interesting story with a well developed plot and enjoyable and believable characters and am looking forward to seeing future character development.
February 19, 2016
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Annabelle Amelia Blessingsound Britton comes to Portsmouth to visit her friend Martine Devereux. Martine is the chef at the Pale Ale Inn. But a weekend trip turns into a much longer stay as she realizes her family has many more ties to the town than she knew. Of course, meeting a certain cat named Alastair had a bit to do with her sticking around too. This cat is a mystery and how his former person died is a mystery too. Another death makes Annabelle start to stick her nose in other people’s business and that can be pawsitively dangerous.
Annabelle is an artist and a free spirit. From a very early age she would get a “vibe” from her surroundings. Good “vibes”, bad “vibes”, sometimes no “vibes”. She never understood why this happened to her but the picture becomes much clearer now that she is in New Hampshire and meets a very interesting group of woman. Since the synopsis on the back of the book tells you this already, yes, they are witches. A very eclectic group of witches. Yes, we know this before even starting the book but Annabelle didn’t. I really enjoyed her making this discovery and trying to wrap her head about how her life takes a very dramatic turn. I also enjoyed getting to know the supporting cast. I feel we have barely scratched the surface of their depth.
This entire story is very well written with snappy dialogue and curly Q twists. I absolutely fell in love with Alistair as every cat lover will.
Now as for the setting and I don’t mean Portsmouth, New Hampshire. I mean that beautiful cottage shown on the cover. Glorious inside and out, gardens galore and a true home. I would pack my bags and move there in an instant, witches or no witches, I would adapt :)
Delia James has given a strong woman protagonist who is comfortable with herself and has an open mind. She is also a pretty good sleuth. The story is told in first person and I like when we read her thoughts or when she is talking to herself. It makes her more real and believable to me.
This was a fine debut and shows much promise for what I hope will be a long running series.
Annabelle Amelia Blessingsound Britton comes to Portsmouth to visit her friend Martine Devereux. Martine is the chef at the Pale Ale Inn. But a weekend trip turns into a much longer stay as she realizes her family has many more ties to the town than she knew. Of course, meeting a certain cat named Alastair had a bit to do with her sticking around too. This cat is a mystery and how his former person died is a mystery too. Another death makes Annabelle start to stick her nose in other people’s business and that can be pawsitively dangerous.
Annabelle is an artist and a free spirit. From a very early age she would get a “vibe” from her surroundings. Good “vibes”, bad “vibes”, sometimes no “vibes”. She never understood why this happened to her but the picture becomes much clearer now that she is in New Hampshire and meets a very interesting group of woman. Since the synopsis on the back of the book tells you this already, yes, they are witches. A very eclectic group of witches. Yes, we know this before even starting the book but Annabelle didn’t. I really enjoyed her making this discovery and trying to wrap her head about how her life takes a very dramatic turn. I also enjoyed getting to know the supporting cast. I feel we have barely scratched the surface of their depth.
This entire story is very well written with snappy dialogue and curly Q twists. I absolutely fell in love with Alistair as every cat lover will.
Now as for the setting and I don’t mean Portsmouth, New Hampshire. I mean that beautiful cottage shown on the cover. Glorious inside and out, gardens galore and a true home. I would pack my bags and move there in an instant, witches or no witches, I would adapt :)
Delia James has given a strong woman protagonist who is comfortable with herself and has an open mind. She is also a pretty good sleuth. The story is told in first person and I like when we read her thoughts or when she is talking to herself. It makes her more real and believable to me.
This was a fine debut and shows much promise for what I hope will be a long running series.
January 30, 2016
Something witchy this way comes in this magical first installment of the para-cozy series, the Witch’s Cat Mysteries
When I first started reading cozy mysteries, there weren’t very many “para-cozies” out there. When I did start running across them, I didn’t think they’d be my kind of reading. Having been asked to review a few, my opinion has slowly been changing about them, thanks going to talented authors such as, Delia James.
In A FAMILIAR TAIL, readers get to meet Annabelle Britton and follow her on a life changing journey of enchantment . . . and murder.
I flew through the pages of this book. A wonderful story with so many twists and turns, I was constantly surprised with each new chapter. A suspenseful reveal led to an excellent ending, promising more mystical fun to come.
If you like your mysteries with a touch of magic, and a feisty feline companion, you’re going to want to add A FAMILIAR TAIL to your to-be-read list!
When I first started reading cozy mysteries, there weren’t very many “para-cozies” out there. When I did start running across them, I didn’t think they’d be my kind of reading. Having been asked to review a few, my opinion has slowly been changing about them, thanks going to talented authors such as, Delia James.
In A FAMILIAR TAIL, readers get to meet Annabelle Britton and follow her on a life changing journey of enchantment . . . and murder.
I flew through the pages of this book. A wonderful story with so many twists and turns, I was constantly surprised with each new chapter. A suspenseful reveal led to an excellent ending, promising more mystical fun to come.
If you like your mysteries with a touch of magic, and a feisty feline companion, you’re going to want to add A FAMILIAR TAIL to your to-be-read list!
January 19, 2018
Artist, Annabelle Britton decides to visit a friend in the small town of Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Hoping to leave her bad luck in love behind she finds herself in an even bigger mess when she is adopted by Alistair, a cat whose owner was recently murdered. When he leads her into a charming cottage she begins to discover her true self. She is descended from a long line of witches, Alistair is actually her familiar and her new friends are part of the dead witches coven. As she and the coven work with Alistair to find out who murdered their friend, they run into someone who is practicing bad magic. That person must be stopped at all costs, even if it kills Annabelle and the rest of the women.
This paranormal cozy is a fun and exciting read. I like that the paranormal background is balanced out by good old detective work (snooping) by Annabelle and the ladies. It is a well done murder plot with lots of twists and turns. The characters are well defined and believable. Anyone will enjoy this book and the adventures it takes you on.
This paranormal cozy is a fun and exciting read. I like that the paranormal background is balanced out by good old detective work (snooping) by Annabelle and the ladies. It is a well done murder plot with lots of twists and turns. The characters are well defined and believable. Anyone will enjoy this book and the adventures it takes you on.
August 6, 2016
60% of the way through this novel and I find I just don't care enough about it to keep reading. The main character Annabelle is likable enough in an average sort of way. But the situation she's in I find just a little bit too far fetched to be plausible. I understand the book is a paranormal mystery but I don't understand why you'd feel compelled to solve the murder of somebody that you never even met. That just doesn't make sense to me. While the writing is relatively solid the plot is just much too shaky for my taste. I'm 60% of the way through the novel and no real investigating has even begun! I don't understand why this novel has so many high reviews on here, but I'm certainly not reading the next book.
June 24, 2019
What a fun book! I needed something light, and this gem was exactly what I needed. Of course, having devoured it in about 36 hours, I want the next book, and the next, and the next...wait a minute. WHAT??? There's only THREE books in this series? NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
Talk about a "familiar tale"...story of my life. Find a good author, fun series, only to discover that there's not much of it. Sigh.
This author also writes as Sarah Zettel, mostly Sci-Fi and some young adult books. Guess I might give one of the Sci-Fi titles a try, since I'm not really into the young adult stuff.
I highly recommend this cozy mystery. Loved it!
Talk about a "familiar tale"...story of my life. Find a good author, fun series, only to discover that there's not much of it. Sigh.
This author also writes as Sarah Zettel, mostly Sci-Fi and some young adult books. Guess I might give one of the Sci-Fi titles a try, since I'm not really into the young adult stuff.
I highly recommend this cozy mystery. Loved it!
October 31, 2020
Anna (Annabelle Amelia Blessingsound Britton- say that 5 times as fast as you can!) is an artist who is in town for a break and to visit her BFF who runs a local restaurant. While in town she comes across a gray cat who adopts her. Alistair (the cat) leads her to things/places/conclusions she would not have gone on her own. Turns out, Anna is a born witch who had no idea of her family history.
This had a bit of a slow start. Once I got into it, this was good. It had likable characters, self-discovery, and decent mystery. I was curious about Anna's history and why she had no idea about it. The explanation made sense once she was able to talk to her Grandma (she was named after her).
This had a bit of a slow start. Once I got into it, this was good. It had likable characters, self-discovery, and decent mystery. I was curious about Anna's history and why she had no idea about it. The explanation made sense once she was able to talk to her Grandma (she was named after her).
January 27, 2020
This story teetered between a 2 and 3 star review. I am giving it three just because it is the first in the series. The story was good it was just towards the end where the lead character became a little dippy and inconsistence.
I plan on reading the next one.
I plan on reading the next one.
December 18, 2016
I love the kitty Alistair! I thought I should just get that out of the way right away. He is Annabelle’s familiar and the real hero of the book. I just thought that was important to say right at the beginning.
This is an interesting take on the paranormal aspect of the cozy mystery. I have to admit, there were parts that seemed to drag, but overall, a good start to the series. I can’t say that I was all that surprised at the outcome and the culprit, but it was a fun ride to get to that point.
The cast is made up of a bunch of very interesting people. Each one is different and well-written and developed. The plot keeps readers guessing, but I did figure it all out before the end.
This is a great way to start a series and I’m interested in seeing where it goes from here.
This is an interesting take on the paranormal aspect of the cozy mystery. I have to admit, there were parts that seemed to drag, but overall, a good start to the series. I can’t say that I was all that surprised at the outcome and the culprit, but it was a fun ride to get to that point.
The cast is made up of a bunch of very interesting people. Each one is different and well-written and developed. The plot keeps readers guessing, but I did figure it all out before the end.
This is a great way to start a series and I’m interested in seeing where it goes from here.
January 1, 2017
Anna gets Vibes. What are vibes? Anna is able to identify feelings that have happened or will soon happen in a particular place.
Anna's best friend becomes a chef in Portsmouth and Anna who is a freelance artist and drifter goes to visit her friend for 2 weeks. While there she become embroiled in trying to find out what happened to a witch that she knows was murdered based on her Vibes.
There are lots of twists and turns in this one and a very enjoyable read. This one kept me guessing. I found the characters in this very likeable and the author can do more with this setting.
Would recommend this to all provided you like the witchcraft aspects of it. Could be a good start to a series.
Anna's best friend becomes a chef in Portsmouth and Anna who is a freelance artist and drifter goes to visit her friend for 2 weeks. While there she become embroiled in trying to find out what happened to a witch that she knows was murdered based on her Vibes.
There are lots of twists and turns in this one and a very enjoyable read. This one kept me guessing. I found the characters in this very likeable and the author can do more with this setting.
Would recommend this to all provided you like the witchcraft aspects of it. Could be a good start to a series.
April 16, 2017
I was excited to finally read this book, and was definitely not disappointed. The characters hooked me in quickly, especially Alastair (and I'm not even a cat person). I'm a paranormal buff, and while Anna's introduction to the witchcraft was a little quick for me (she just accepted too much too fast), it wasn't ridiculous, so I could keep going. I was glad to see that the author held to much of the rituals, lending her some credibility with me. The mystery was engrossing and I spent a lot of time sorting through what I thought, only to be proven wrong most times. I'll definitely be continuing with the series, and look forward to the next installment.
August 20, 2016
A great start to a promising new paranormal cozy series! Some very good human "witchy" characters, but Alastair, the cat, steals the book. The mystery was good, even though I pegged the bad guy immediately. Anna's enlightenment as to her family's history is interesting and I'm sure her Grandma B.B. will play a part in future stories. Many interesting coven members and lots to work with. Looking forward to the next one. RECOMMEND!
June 4, 2016
Good first in a new series
The cover of this book caught my eye and the description was interesting.
Old family secrets are revealed in this cozy mystery and the author will keep you guessing until the end.
The cover of this book caught my eye and the description was interesting.
Old family secrets are revealed in this cozy mystery and the author will keep you guessing until the end.
July 4, 2019
First time reading this author, and I have already ordered the 2nd book in this series. Annabelle comes to Portsmouth, NH to visit a friend, and finds herself embroiled in a murder mystery. She also discovers that the reason she has always had a "Vibe" about certain places is because her grandmother is a witch, and has passed certain traits along. The murder victim was also a witch, and her familiar, a cat named Alistair adopts Anna as his new owner. Anna learns alot about the craft from the group in town, and decides to stay for awhile.
August 30, 2021
This was a great start to a new to me series. The plot was well paced, and the mystery was fun. I love Alastair, the cozy companion. He had such a great personality. The author did a great job of balancing the paranormal with the mystery.
May 29, 2021
I am totally hooked! Great book! I can't wait to read more.
June 28, 2022
Well that was exactly what I needed right now…
April 12, 2025
WHAT A SPECIAL BEAUTIFUL READ!
PREMISE: In this book we follow Annabelle Briton who decides to visit Portsmouth, New Hampshire. But when she stumbles upon a smoky gray cat named Alastair, and follows him into a charming cottage, Annabelle finds herself in a whole spellbook full of trouble. Soon, the mystery surrounding Alistair’s former owner, who died under unusual circumstances, grows when another local turns up dead. Armed with magic, friends, and the charmed cat who adopted her more than the other way around, Annabelle sets out to paw through the evidence and uncover a killer.
THOUGHTS: I absolutely loved this book from page 1. Something about it just felt very special to me even early on. Meeting Annabelle, meeting Alistair, meeting the other witches, dealing with the unsolved case of Alistair's former owner, all of it was just such a captivating read for me. I planned to read this book in 3 days, I finished it in 2 because it was just that good! I can not wait to get to book no2 and other books by this author!
5 Stars!
xoxo.
PREMISE: In this book we follow Annabelle Briton who decides to visit Portsmouth, New Hampshire. But when she stumbles upon a smoky gray cat named Alastair, and follows him into a charming cottage, Annabelle finds herself in a whole spellbook full of trouble. Soon, the mystery surrounding Alistair’s former owner, who died under unusual circumstances, grows when another local turns up dead. Armed with magic, friends, and the charmed cat who adopted her more than the other way around, Annabelle sets out to paw through the evidence and uncover a killer.
THOUGHTS: I absolutely loved this book from page 1. Something about it just felt very special to me even early on. Meeting Annabelle, meeting Alistair, meeting the other witches, dealing with the unsolved case of Alistair's former owner, all of it was just such a captivating read for me. I planned to read this book in 3 days, I finished it in 2 because it was just that good! I can not wait to get to book no2 and other books by this author!
5 Stars!
xoxo.
October 8, 2016
"I want to be really clear about a few things. I don't chase after stray cats, I don't break into houses and I most definitely do not steal valuable antiques from dead people."
Annabelle Amelia Blessingsound Britton, or just Anna for short, has arrived in Portsmouth, New Hampshire to visit her very best friend, Martine. Little does she know that she will meet a cat that can disappear at will, move into a house that was once owned by a witch, join a coven, discover her grandmother was originally from this quaint town and solve a couple murders along the way.
What a fun start to a new paranormal cozy!! I was laughing and entertained after reading just the very first page. That touch of humor carried through the book as well. I really liked the main character and the cast of her new coven. The author created some really great, diverse characters amongst them. Val is the pregnant B&B owner whose husband is open to her practice and simply adores her. Kenisha is a police officer and is very serious and by the rules. Julia is the older one of the group who seems quite wise and will be able to offer lots of guidance to Anna. There were a few other characters briefly mentioned as well. It will be interesting to see each of their storylines progress. Wonderful seeing some strong female leads too. I adore Chef Martine. Her friendship is undeniable. It's great to have another cozy that includes some familiars. Alastair has all of the characteristics of a cat except he can literally dissapear in the blink of an eye. It was fun watching Anna bond with him and learn to interpret his antics. The setting was very charming. The house and gardens sound enchanting and who wouldn't want a wonderful neighbor who always delivers scrumptious sounding food. The mystery was well written and paced. I pegged the culprit fairly early on, but it was interesting to see the story fall into place as the clues were revealed. I'm interested to see the storyline develop with her grandma now. She sounds like she's quite a character too. I really hope this isn't the start of a love triangle between the journalist and the bartender. So far I liked both of their characters!! I'll definitely be reading book two, By Familiar Means.
Annabelle Amelia Blessingsound Britton, or just Anna for short, has arrived in Portsmouth, New Hampshire to visit her very best friend, Martine. Little does she know that she will meet a cat that can disappear at will, move into a house that was once owned by a witch, join a coven, discover her grandmother was originally from this quaint town and solve a couple murders along the way.
What a fun start to a new paranormal cozy!! I was laughing and entertained after reading just the very first page. That touch of humor carried through the book as well. I really liked the main character and the cast of her new coven. The author created some really great, diverse characters amongst them. Val is the pregnant B&B owner whose husband is open to her practice and simply adores her. Kenisha is a police officer and is very serious and by the rules. Julia is the older one of the group who seems quite wise and will be able to offer lots of guidance to Anna. There were a few other characters briefly mentioned as well. It will be interesting to see each of their storylines progress. Wonderful seeing some strong female leads too. I adore Chef Martine. Her friendship is undeniable. It's great to have another cozy that includes some familiars. Alastair has all of the characteristics of a cat except he can literally dissapear in the blink of an eye. It was fun watching Anna bond with him and learn to interpret his antics. The setting was very charming. The house and gardens sound enchanting and who wouldn't want a wonderful neighbor who always delivers scrumptious sounding food. The mystery was well written and paced. I pegged the culprit fairly early on, but it was interesting to see the story fall into place as the clues were revealed. I'm interested to see the storyline develop with her grandma now. She sounds like she's quite a character too. I really hope this isn't the start of a love triangle between the journalist and the bartender. So far I liked both of their characters!! I'll definitely be reading book two, By Familiar Means.
February 3, 2016
A Familiar Tail is the first book in the Witch’s Cat Mystery series from Delia James. I loved everything about this book, from the cover to the characters to Delia’s writing to the plot and ultimately the mystery reveal.
Annabelle Amelia Blessingsound Britton aka Anna is a thirty-five-year-old freelance artist and illustrator. She’s a free spirit who seems to be a little different from the rest of her large family. Ever since Anna can remember, she’s had the ability to walk into a place and get a “vibe” from her surroundings. Little does she know that her impromptu visit to see her best friend, Martine, in the town of Portsmouth, New Hampshire will reveal the source behind her “vibes”.
Told in first person, A Familiar Tail brings the past and present together to solve a murder and gives a wayward soul a place to truly call home.
There are some cozy mysteries that simply encompass the word “cozy” and give you the feeling of pure comfort and enjoyment. This is how A Familiar Tail made me feel. I can’t wait to read the next book, By Familiar Means, coming out in September.
**Received a copy from Penguin Berkley Prime Crime for an honest and unbiased opinion.**
Annabelle Amelia Blessingsound Britton aka Anna is a thirty-five-year-old freelance artist and illustrator. She’s a free spirit who seems to be a little different from the rest of her large family. Ever since Anna can remember, she’s had the ability to walk into a place and get a “vibe” from her surroundings. Little does she know that her impromptu visit to see her best friend, Martine, in the town of Portsmouth, New Hampshire will reveal the source behind her “vibes”.
Told in first person, A Familiar Tail brings the past and present together to solve a murder and gives a wayward soul a place to truly call home.
There are some cozy mysteries that simply encompass the word “cozy” and give you the feeling of pure comfort and enjoyment. This is how A Familiar Tail made me feel. I can’t wait to read the next book, By Familiar Means, coming out in September.
**Received a copy from Penguin Berkley Prime Crime for an honest and unbiased opinion.**
May 3, 2016
This was a start to a new mystery series. Artist Annabelle Britton goes to Portsmouth New Hampshire, to visit an old friend and ends up staying to solve a mystery. It wasn't all that unusual except for the witch and familiar element to the story. The author dealt with how to keep the story fair by having one of the witches unable to clear her mind enough to scrye whodunit. The characters are rather appealing, particularly the familiar, Alistair, a gorgeous grey cat with opinions about everything. The bad guys are rather stereotypical and one of the victims seems unnecessary and will leave a terrible burden on the family. This seems unusual in a mystery that would definitely fall into the cozy category for mysteries.
Since likely I'd have to buy this paperback series rather than read them at the library, I rather doubt I'll keep reading this.
Since likely I'd have to buy this paperback series rather than read them at the library, I rather doubt I'll keep reading this.
June 21, 2016
Very enjoyable
This is a great start to a series. If the author continues Anna's story with the same humor, intrigue, and finesse I will continue to read it. Alistair is wonderful, the coven is interesting and I hope at some point we meet Grandma B.B. in person, not just on the phone. All in all it was a cozy mystery that was just magical enough, just mysterious enough, and just long enough. Reading it was time well spent.
This is a great start to a series. If the author continues Anna's story with the same humor, intrigue, and finesse I will continue to read it. Alistair is wonderful, the coven is interesting and I hope at some point we meet Grandma B.B. in person, not just on the phone. All in all it was a cozy mystery that was just magical enough, just mysterious enough, and just long enough. Reading it was time well spent.
August 12, 2018
This was just a fun pickup off the library shelves last week, because it's a mystery and witches and A CAT. Alistair the magically vanishing cat did not disappoint! I also loved the descriptions, the contemporary pop culture references and Anna, the MC, playing Nancy Drew. I loved the town of Portsmouth, NH and Dot's cottage especially.
Once the action ramped up in the last two chapters/solving the mystery, my own heart started pounding. I didn't expect that haha, great sign of a good writer. This also means it wasn't quite as cozy a read as I hoped, but it was super enjoyable and I'm looking forward to getting the next book.
Once the action ramped up in the last two chapters/solving the mystery, my own heart started pounding. I didn't expect that haha, great sign of a good writer. This also means it wasn't quite as cozy a read as I hoped, but it was super enjoyable and I'm looking forward to getting the next book.
August 17, 2019
I liked the cat. The lady not so much, but she didn’t annoy me too much either. Annabelle’s coven weren’t the focus, so we didn’t get to know anyone very well but there’s potential. Unfortunately it does look like the author hasn’t continued this series, so I’m not sure if I’m going to invest my time in the next two.
March 3, 2023
Cozy witch mysteries is apparently the genre I’ve always longed for! I’m so excited at how good this first book of a series was with interesting characters, a twisty mystery, a quaint New England town, and the beginnings of a magical legacy. I’m hunting down the rest of the series, but I’m said that it only appears to be a trilogy.
August 24, 2025
This book kept me pretty stressed out. I had no idea what was gonna happen really at any point, the end of it surprised me. It ended good everything was solved and I can’t wait to listen to the next one. Not sure what it’ll be about maybe just how she makes This new house her home and joining the coven, I don’t know, but I do recommend this one. I’ll be adding it to my favorites lol
July 1, 2018
Absolutely loved this book and look forward to the next one. Fingers crossed Delia James writes many many more. If you love cozy mysteries, cats, and witches you will really enjoy, possibly, love this book. Get ready for spells, twists, and cat fun.
October 1, 2024
This started off so promising but finished eh.
Did I miss something when everything was wrapping up WAYYYY to quickly at the end to know WHY Allister want ble to get to Dorothy when she died? Was his mom helping him somehow keep the cat away?
Did I miss something when everything was wrapping up WAYYYY to quickly at the end to know WHY Allister want ble to get to Dorothy when she died? Was his mom helping him somehow keep the cat away?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 21, 2017
I really enjoyed this. The author has a great turn of phrase, the characters were entertaining, and I liked the setting.
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