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A Bad Luck Cat Mystery #2
The Black Cat Knocks on Wood
The author of Black Cat Crossing is back as mystery novelist Sabrina Tate and her cat Hitchcock find themselves roped into another dangerous murder case...
Sabrina finds it difficult to work on her latest suspense novel when her Aunt Rowe’s antics keep tying up her thoughts. This time Rowe and her fun-loving friends have decided to compete in the upcoming Texas Hill Country Senior Pro Rodeo. The problem is these women have little to no experience with lassos, bulls, or even horseback riding.
Before Sabrina can keep the stubborn seniors from mounting their steeds, she’s sidetracked by a bigger problem. An uppity local business owner is found dead in an accident—right after a black cat was seen in her office. While the townsfolk think the bad luck cat has struck again, Sabrina suspects there might be something more murderous afoot. With a twisted killer on the loose, she’ll have to round up clues quickly before she or her aunt are steered straight into the path of danger...
Sabrina finds it difficult to work on her latest suspense novel when her Aunt Rowe’s antics keep tying up her thoughts. This time Rowe and her fun-loving friends have decided to compete in the upcoming Texas Hill Country Senior Pro Rodeo. The problem is these women have little to no experience with lassos, bulls, or even horseback riding.
Before Sabrina can keep the stubborn seniors from mounting their steeds, she’s sidetracked by a bigger problem. An uppity local business owner is found dead in an accident—right after a black cat was seen in her office. While the townsfolk think the bad luck cat has struck again, Sabrina suspects there might be something more murderous afoot. With a twisted killer on the loose, she’ll have to round up clues quickly before she or her aunt are steered straight into the path of danger...
304 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published June 7, 2016
48 people are currently reading
720 people want to read
About the author
Kay Finch
8 books165 followersKay Finch is a Pennsylvania native but, as her husband likes to say, she got to Texas as fast as she could. She has worked as a legal assistant in Houston for the past seventeen years, beginning in the criminal law arena at Richard 'Racehorse' Haynes' firm before turning to a specialization in family law.
Series:
* Corie McKenna Mystery
Series:
* Corie McKenna Mystery
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
July 1, 2016
The mystery is very intelligent, puzzling, and kept me guessing all the way to the end. I love the characters in the story, especially Aunt Rowe, who is an inspiration, even if she is roping goats, a topic Sabrina and I happen to agree on.
I appreciate the focus the author puts on the stigma associated with black cats and her wry humor when addressing silly superstitions.
I believe Hitchcock and Sabrina make a wonderful detective team and can’t wait read about their next big case.
This review is the copyrighted property of Night Owl Reviews. To read the full review, click on this link: https://www.nightowlreviews.com/v5/Re...
This series is well written and thoroughly entertaining.
If you enjoy cozy mysteries, I highly recommend this series!!
January 21, 2024
Great cozy mystery! Hitchcock, the black cat is an amazingly helpful sleuth! Awesome cast of characters!
February 17, 2023
I'm officially enamoured with this new-to-me cozy mystery! Love Hitchcock (the black cat that is not bad luck!) and his human Sabrina is a savvy amateur sleuth -- once she gets past her reluctance to get involved in another investigation. But she's as curious as a cat so she just can't help becoming involved. Clever mystery with plenty of suspects and kept me guessing until very near the end. I did figure out the culprit...but it was more of a hunch then clever sleuthing on my part. :-) There's even a nice light romance which makes me extra happy. Just a wee bit of mild language that keeps me from giving this one a total five stars.
And I'm really enjoying Amy Rubinate's narration. She has Hitchcock's 'mews' down pat.
And I'm really enjoying Amy Rubinate's narration. She has Hitchcock's 'mews' down pat.
June 30, 2016
Great book! I adore Hitchcock the cat, and can't wait for the next book!
July 29, 2017
Another fun adventure in Lavender with Sabrina and Hitchcock. This series has become one of my favourites.
July 6, 2019
This is the second book in the series, and one I've been wanting to read for a while. I did enjoy it, but I felt like the ending was a bit rushed and ultimately the suspect was sketchy as the entire book so I knocked it down a star for those things. I love the settings and the characters, especially Hitchcock and Rowe. Rita might end up to be more interesting too as well, with that tidbit in the ending.
Overall this had some interesting parts and the murder itself was interesting and different for a cozy. The idea of a bad luck black cat will no doubt get explored more as the series progresses, so I look forward to it. Four stars.
Overall this had some interesting parts and the murder itself was interesting and different for a cozy. The idea of a bad luck black cat will no doubt get explored more as the series progresses, so I look forward to it. Four stars.
June 7, 2016
Sabrina is busy writing her second novel when a good friend asks her to accompany her to see an unusual movement across the street. They a find the body of a dislike real estate owner. Her friend insists that Hitchcock was there that morning and is responsible for the death. Aunt Rowe and friends plan to take part in a senior rope catching event at the local rodeo. Sabrina investigates to clear Hitchcock's who is learning to walk on a leash.
Disclosure: I received a free copy from Berkley Publishing Group through NetGalley for an honest review. I would like to thank them for this opportunity to read and review the book. The opinions are my own.
Disclosure: I received a free copy from Berkley Publishing Group through NetGalley for an honest review. I would like to thank them for this opportunity to read and review the book. The opinions are my own.
June 30, 2018
A black cat named Hitchcock is suspected by some of causing bad luck, so his owner tries to keep an eye on him. Almost every page has her looking for Hitchcock or shows him walking across a scene. The tale is set in Texas where a local rodeo is being held - in July's heat - and the good folks around town are amused by a lady author telling them she hopes it's a cruelty free rodeo. She's also trying to find adopters for cats.
One resident is found dead under a pile of fallen bricks in a crumbling building. Was it a setup? The police are soon on the scene. I enjoyed the scene descriptors, like parking under a pecan tree for shade. The cat trying to aid his owner is somewhat fanciful, but he is a lively personality who keeps hitching lifts in to town or being taken for walks on a harness, so maybe it could happen.
I read an e-ARC from Fresh Fiction. This is an unbiased review.
One resident is found dead under a pile of fallen bricks in a crumbling building. Was it a setup? The police are soon on the scene. I enjoyed the scene descriptors, like parking under a pecan tree for shade. The cat trying to aid his owner is somewhat fanciful, but he is a lively personality who keeps hitching lifts in to town or being taken for walks on a harness, so maybe it could happen.
I read an e-ARC from Fresh Fiction. This is an unbiased review.
October 3, 2016
Super, super cute cozy, second in the series (so far) of Hitchcock, the 'good' luck black cat and his human, Sabrina. I loved the first one and I loved this one even more. At first, I thought I wouldn't like this so much because I thought it would revolve around a rodeo. I think rodeos may possibly be the most boring 'entertainment' ever created but not to fear...the backdrop of the rodeo came up very little and it was full speed ahead with Sabrina and Hitchcock getting involved in solving a murder. I can hardly wait for Ms. Finch to come out with a third book in this series. The series takes place in Lavender, Texas and the cast of continuing characters are excellent. I love how Sabrina is always correcting people that black cats are not bad luck and Hitchcock proves over and over that he is her lucky charm. In fact, one of the town's people, Twila, owner of an antique/resale shop is convinced that Hitchcock is Sabrina's familiar (familiar being a witches 'companion' who does her bidding.) Sabrina thinks Twila is 'crazy' but there is just enough of a whiff to make this 'running gag' seem like somewhere down the road, it will prove true.
January 24, 2018
It is Rodeo time in Lavender, Texas and Sabrina Tate's aunt and friends are off to rope goats.
Sabrina is excited by her book being vetted by a large publishing house, but how can she concentrate upon edits when there is a murder in town and Aunt Rowe's friend, Pearl is suspect number one?
Sending texts that she didn't, and finding the body, plus the tiny thing that she was sending voice mails and yelling vile words at the victim over property Pearl felt was stolen from her...yup, a suspect indeed.
Sabrina finds out the local Realtor was not overly loved by Lavender citizens, including her family. Can Hitchcock her Black Cat bring good luck?
This was an entertaining mystery.
Sabrina is excited by her book being vetted by a large publishing house, but how can she concentrate upon edits when there is a murder in town and Aunt Rowe's friend, Pearl is suspect number one?
Sending texts that she didn't, and finding the body, plus the tiny thing that she was sending voice mails and yelling vile words at the victim over property Pearl felt was stolen from her...yup, a suspect indeed.
Sabrina finds out the local Realtor was not overly loved by Lavender citizens, including her family. Can Hitchcock her Black Cat bring good luck?
This was an entertaining mystery.
February 28, 2018
Mystery set in the hill country of Texas. The main character is Sabrina who is living at her aunt's place while she finishes her second novel. Sabrina has a black cat, Hitchcock, who seems to understand or know beforehand when things are happening. Sabrina has to investigate a murder because the main suspect is her aunt's best friend. The book was a quick easy read.
June 23, 2017
Fun series. The "senior" members of the cast are so much fun!
August 19, 2016
Sabrina and Hitchcock are back in a book full of new adventures. While she is supposed to be writing a novel, Sabrina finds herself constantly distracted. First, Aunt Rowe gathers three friends and enters Lavender's Senior Pro Rodeo. None of the women have any experience, making Sabrina extremely nervous and uncomfortable. Keeping track of the rodeo's newest group of seniors is taxing to Sabrina. Second, an unexpected guest checks into one of the cottages at Aunt Rowe's. Sabrina thought she left her former life behind when she moved into one of the vacation rental cottages to help out Aunt Rowe. She is shocked to learn that the guest ends up being her former boss, Rita.
Next, Sabrina is also planning a Love-a-Black-Cat adoption weekend at the local fairground. Her intent is to inform the residents and those in attendance that there is nothing superstitious or evil about black cats. Amid the rodeo adventure, the sudden appearance of her former boss, and pulling together the adoption event, Sabrina already has too many things going on that pull her away from her writing. The last thing she needs is another distraction. But another distraction is what she gets. A local business woman is found dead. To top it off, there is speculation that the dead woman's path was crossed by a black cat. A writer/amateur sleuth's work is never done!
The Black Cat Knocks on Wood is full of twists and turns that will keep you guessing to the very end. The book is engaging from start to finish, hooking you from the very beginning. The character development is done well. The author continues to provide a bit of backstory but it's not overwhelming. We aren't bogged down with unnecessary details or boring character biographies. We receive the right amount of detail and description for each character.
The author did a great job writing The Black Cat Knocks on Wood. The conversations flow smoothly and are realistic. They flow so well that you think you're standing nearby involved in the topic of discussion. The descriptive content makes visualizing the scenes an easy task. The novel is fast paced and quite enjoyable. All of the characters are written with realism, as well, from the gruff rodeo employees to the uppity boss that Sabrina thought she left behind for good.
There is budding romance but it is written light and unobtrusive. The author has a relationship mixed in with the murder investigation but it's not front-and-center demanding more attention that necessary. The characters don't overwhelm the rest of the book with nonsensical flirting or over-the-top romantic gestures.
Review copy courtesy of the publishing company, via NetGalley, at no cost in exchange for an honest review.
I look forward to the next book in the series.
Next, Sabrina is also planning a Love-a-Black-Cat adoption weekend at the local fairground. Her intent is to inform the residents and those in attendance that there is nothing superstitious or evil about black cats. Amid the rodeo adventure, the sudden appearance of her former boss, and pulling together the adoption event, Sabrina already has too many things going on that pull her away from her writing. The last thing she needs is another distraction. But another distraction is what she gets. A local business woman is found dead. To top it off, there is speculation that the dead woman's path was crossed by a black cat. A writer/amateur sleuth's work is never done!
The Black Cat Knocks on Wood is full of twists and turns that will keep you guessing to the very end. The book is engaging from start to finish, hooking you from the very beginning. The character development is done well. The author continues to provide a bit of backstory but it's not overwhelming. We aren't bogged down with unnecessary details or boring character biographies. We receive the right amount of detail and description for each character.
The author did a great job writing The Black Cat Knocks on Wood. The conversations flow smoothly and are realistic. They flow so well that you think you're standing nearby involved in the topic of discussion. The descriptive content makes visualizing the scenes an easy task. The novel is fast paced and quite enjoyable. All of the characters are written with realism, as well, from the gruff rodeo employees to the uppity boss that Sabrina thought she left behind for good.
There is budding romance but it is written light and unobtrusive. The author has a relationship mixed in with the murder investigation but it's not front-and-center demanding more attention that necessary. The characters don't overwhelm the rest of the book with nonsensical flirting or over-the-top romantic gestures.
Review copy courtesy of the publishing company, via NetGalley, at no cost in exchange for an honest review.
I look forward to the next book in the series.
January 4, 2017
Lots of potential. I like the quirky characters, although this particular book got a little repetitive in places.
May 31, 2016
Black cats are unlucky? Maybe for some, but certainly not for author Kay Finch or her readers!
Cat cozy fans are going to be thrilled with this second book in the Bad Luck Cat Mysteries, but you certainly don’t have to be a cat lover to enjoy this wonderful tale.
My return trip to Lavender was just as exciting as my first. With murder, seniors (as in citizens) rodeo, and paranoid fear over an innocent black cat…how could it not be?
THE BLACK CAT KNOCKS ON WOOD was a wonderful mystery. Writer Sabrina Tate and her black cat, Hitchcock, are once again at the center of a murder. With one thing after the other going wrong, I was uncertain the murderer would ever be found. But of course the baddy was found! With a great plot, superbly penned by author Finch, this story kept me guessing until the action filled reveal!
The back of this book has some yummy recipes. Make sure to check them out!
Cat cozy fans are going to be thrilled with this second book in the Bad Luck Cat Mysteries, but you certainly don’t have to be a cat lover to enjoy this wonderful tale.
My return trip to Lavender was just as exciting as my first. With murder, seniors (as in citizens) rodeo, and paranoid fear over an innocent black cat…how could it not be?
THE BLACK CAT KNOCKS ON WOOD was a wonderful mystery. Writer Sabrina Tate and her black cat, Hitchcock, are once again at the center of a murder. With one thing after the other going wrong, I was uncertain the murderer would ever be found. But of course the baddy was found! With a great plot, superbly penned by author Finch, this story kept me guessing until the action filled reveal!
The back of this book has some yummy recipes. Make sure to check them out!
June 16, 2016
Ok, lo confesso, sono parziale con i gatti neri perché ne ho avuta una... Ma quello di questa serie è davvero accattivante: non porterà sfortuna (mai! Un gatto nero non porta sfortuna!), ma dimostra di avere capacità extrasensoriali.
Mi piace anche la protagonista e la parte gialla è rimasta misteriosa fino alla fine, anche se, a forza di leggere questo tipo di libri, alla fine avevo capito chi era il colpevole, ma solo andando per esclusione.
Spero che ci saranno altri libri in futuro.
Mi piace anche la protagonista e la parte gialla è rimasta misteriosa fino alla fine, anche se, a forza di leggere questo tipo di libri, alla fine avevo capito chi era il colpevole, ma solo andando per esclusione.
Spero che ci saranno altri libri in futuro.
May 22, 2016
I'm so glad I'm in the minority with my review on "The Black Cat Knocks on Wood." As a newspaper journalist who has done several investigative-length pieces, I know the blood, sweat and tears that goes into putting words together. Also, as a journalist, I have to be honest. Here is my review that appeared in the Daily Republic:
http://www.dailyrepublic.com/news/loc...
http://www.dailyrepublic.com/news/loc...
December 31, 2021
Who doesn't like a rodeo
This is the second book in the series and is just as good as the first. Its the story of an up and coming author and the black cat who adopted her. This is a series that will have you believing in the good magic of a black cat. There are times when you will laugh out loud and times where you will be holding your breath. I can't wait for the next book in the series
This is the second book in the series and is just as good as the first. Its the story of an up and coming author and the black cat who adopted her. This is a series that will have you believing in the good magic of a black cat. There are times when you will laugh out loud and times where you will be holding your breath. I can't wait for the next book in the series
September 15, 2016
I enjoyed this book better than the first one in the series. I hope there is a 3rd book.
I have a black cat. Shelters have a hard time getting them adopted because people are so superstitious. I saw online this shelter was begging people to adopt a black cat so I had my husband drive me and they had 3 of them in a kitty playroom. This one came over and sat down next to me and let me pet him for the longest time. So naturally I took him home.
I have a black cat. Shelters have a hard time getting them adopted because people are so superstitious. I saw online this shelter was begging people to adopt a black cat so I had my husband drive me and they had 3 of them in a kitty playroom. This one came over and sat down next to me and let me pet him for the longest time. So naturally I took him home.
August 5, 2022
This second book continues to amuse and intrigue. There are hints that the cat may be more than he appears, but...we don't know. There are hints that the protagonist may be more than she appears, but...we don't know. And I haven't been able to figure out whodunnit in the first 50 pages of either book. I'm a happy camper.
OH...MORE good recipes!
OH...MORE good recipes!
July 3, 2016
Decent second book to the series. I never really related to the characters but loved Hitchcock -- especially his part at the very end.
December 25, 2017
This is the second book in the series. When I saw something about a rodeo in this one, I wasn't sure I would like it, but the book was fun after all. I kind of felt that the author was speaking to the reader from first-hand experience when our fictional author-protagonist, Sabrina, claims she is researching the rodeo for her next book, because her editor or publisher suggested she might include a rodeo, as the book is set in Texas.
The characters in this series have interesting, unique personalities and feel realistic and stand out as individuals, instead of interchangeable background characters. Aunt Rowe is a riot! There is also something mysterious about Hitchcock, the black cat that some superstitious townsfolk think is the bad-luck cat. A nutty, older character thinks Sabrina is a witch and that Hitchcock is her familiar. Sabrina thinks that's absurd and thinks Hitchcock just likes to hitch rides in unsuspecting people's vehicles, but he has a knack for seeming to understand her, for finding clues, and for getting Sabrina to follow him to find relevant information, evidence, suspects, etc. It's an additional mystery within a mystery!
The primary mystery, the murder of a real estate agent, is well-crafted, too. And, there is a budding romance between Sabrina and the forest ranger she met in the first book, adding to the character-building.
I look forward to the next book in the series!
The characters in this series have interesting, unique personalities and feel realistic and stand out as individuals, instead of interchangeable background characters. Aunt Rowe is a riot! There is also something mysterious about Hitchcock, the black cat that some superstitious townsfolk think is the bad-luck cat. A nutty, older character thinks Sabrina is a witch and that Hitchcock is her familiar. Sabrina thinks that's absurd and thinks Hitchcock just likes to hitch rides in unsuspecting people's vehicles, but he has a knack for seeming to understand her, for finding clues, and for getting Sabrina to follow him to find relevant information, evidence, suspects, etc. It's an additional mystery within a mystery!
The primary mystery, the murder of a real estate agent, is well-crafted, too. And, there is a budding romance between Sabrina and the forest ranger she met in the first book, adding to the character-building.
I look forward to the next book in the series!
November 12, 2024
This book is a perfect example of why I stopped reading the cozy mystery genre to begin with. The writer's gimmick, because all mystery books need that now is a black cat. The main character lives in a charming small town but was very unlikable. Trying to control a cat and her aunt I rolled my eyes a lot while reading. Mostly at the antics of her cat. The mystery for the most part is what kept me reading although towards the middle the book really slowed down. It wasn't until another character is almost killed that you slightly wake up, but not much. I found myself skipping paragraphs and pages towards the end. The motive was a bore and the killer was well, not ever focused on at all for the whole investigation. So, it felt like a cheap ending and also ridiculous as the main character was saved by her cat and then a herd of cats that magically appear. Also, the main character had no real stake in the investigation at all, so it was really a chore to buy a lot of what was going on. Even the romance part that was tacked in was a snore. I am sure some people would enjoy this book, but for me it was struggle.
April 30, 2020
A lot going on in this book. Sabrina is trying to write her second novel. Some of her friends want to compete in the upcoming Texas Hill Country Senior Pro Rodeo. Her new cat, Hitchcock, seems to be in places he should not be which gets him the nickname Bad Luck Cat. A local business owner is found dead. Sabrina finds herself helping solve yet another mystery on what happened to the dead business owner. The characters are little more rounded in this book and Sabrina has calmed down her approach with people but has not lost her sass and wit. I must say I did not have this one solved until it unfolded, I did have my suspicions on why it happened, which I was right, but was not sure who. Still a fun series.
June 15, 2016
http://openbooksociety.com/article/th...
The Black Cat Knocks on Wood
A Bad Luck Cat Mystery, Book #2
By Kay Finch
ISBN 9780425275252
Author’s website: http://www.kayfinch.com/
Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Jeanie
Synopsis:
The author of Black Cat Crossing is back as mystery novelist Sabrina Tate and her cat Hitchcock find themselves roped into another dangerous murder case…
Sabrina finds it difficult to work on her latest suspense novel when her Aunt Rowe’s antics keep tying up her thoughts. This time Rowe and her fun-loving friends have decided to compete in the upcoming Texas Hill Country Senior Pro Rodeo. The problem is these women have little to no experience with lassos, bulls, or even horseback riding.
Before Sabrina can keep the stubborn seniors from mounting their steeds, she’s sidetracked by a bigger problem. An uppity local business owner is found dead in an accident—right after a black cat was seen in her office. While the townsfolk think the bad luck cat has struck again, Sabrina suspects there might be something more murderous afoot. With a twisted killer on the loose, she’ll have to round up clues quickly before she or her aunt are steered straight into the path of danger.
Review:
I absolutely love The Black Cat Knocks on Wood, second in the Bad Luck Cat Mystery series! It can be read as a standalone, although I read the first in series just prior to reading this. The characters have grown just since the first novel, and of course Hitchcock is still the best-known cat in Lavender, Texas. Hitchcock was, for me, the primary attraction to the series, just long enough to be wowed by the author’s excellence in plotting and characterization, both of which make this series so much better than I had even anticipated.
Sabrina left behind her career as a paralegal in Houston to follow her dream. Her beloved Aunt Rowe had taken a nasty fall and was recovering from a broken leg when she invited Sabrina to move to Lavender stay with her for a while, live in one of the cottages she rented to tourists, and write the book she had promised herself to write for many years. The two of them were close, and the move was a win-win for both of them.
Aunt Rowe, recovered now from her injury, was exercising more than most 70+ year old ladies to get her strength back. Her plan to ride in a Senior Pro Rodeo with three of her contemporaries and rope goats was just not what Sabrina thought she should be involved in. Then she sees that Rita, the barracuda she had worked for in Houston for many years, was renting a cottage? And expected Sabrina to drop what she was doing and work for the woman while she stayed there – and was befriended by Aunt Rowe?
When one of Rowe’s friends, Pearl, asked to borrow Hitchcock to bring bad luck to a Realtor she had been cheated by, Sabrina could put her foot down…until she learned the next morning that Hitchcock had done another Houdini and mysteriously made it out of their cottage and into town. He was supposedly seen in the building Pearl had put money under contract to purchase just before…Pearl went in to find the Realtor, Crystal Devlin, dead under a pile of bricks that had fallen from where staged. Pearl, known to have a huge grudge against Crystal, was the primary suspect, and wanted Sabrina’s help to find the real culprit. *Sigh*. How could a woman get a mystery written with these crises?
Sabrina and BFF Tyanne, the local indie bookstore owners are very well described. Were there a real Lavender, including these two ladies, I might be tempted to go meet them! I could see how events from the first novel, thanks in part to Tyanne’s strong encouragement, has given Sabrina a more confident outlook. Rowe and her staff, Glenda and Thomas, are not as well defined but are clearly the next most important people in the novel. Rowe’s friends and the murder suspects are each defined as their roles required. What can I say about Hitchcock? He takes a serious role as a protector for Sabrina, even though he does tend to disappear at will and grab rides where his feline desires lead him. Love this little guy!
There are two things that impress me about the mystery in general. The first is Sabrina’s no-nonsense approach to black cats being unlucky or any other superstition. She refuses to give in to superstition. The second is how the author includes an event with Sabrina and veterinarian Magnolia Jensen called Love-a-Black-Cat adoption weekend to show the positive traits of the lovable black cats and help find good fur-ever homes for the stray black cats in the area.
The plot was intricately woven and thoroughly executed, leaving no loose ends. There are interesting twists and turns that kept this reader going in circles at times trying to determine who the bad guy / gal might be. There were moments that were so fraught with suspense that they were almost breathtaking. It was good to see how diligently Sabrina pursued finding the killer! It was not an easy choice, as there was certainly a wild assortment of suspects! And the final resolution was almost a complete, sad surprise to me, although I absolutely enjoyed Hitchcock’s helping paw! I highly recommend The Black Cat Knocks on Wood to those who love well-written cozy mysteries, cats, and reading about life in the hill country of Texas, the life of a writer and of a bookseller, and even female seniors preparing for a rodeo.
*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review as part of their ongoing blog tour*
The Black Cat Knocks on Wood
A Bad Luck Cat Mystery, Book #2
By Kay Finch
ISBN 9780425275252
Author’s website: http://www.kayfinch.com/
Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Jeanie
Synopsis:
The author of Black Cat Crossing is back as mystery novelist Sabrina Tate and her cat Hitchcock find themselves roped into another dangerous murder case…
Sabrina finds it difficult to work on her latest suspense novel when her Aunt Rowe’s antics keep tying up her thoughts. This time Rowe and her fun-loving friends have decided to compete in the upcoming Texas Hill Country Senior Pro Rodeo. The problem is these women have little to no experience with lassos, bulls, or even horseback riding.
Before Sabrina can keep the stubborn seniors from mounting their steeds, she’s sidetracked by a bigger problem. An uppity local business owner is found dead in an accident—right after a black cat was seen in her office. While the townsfolk think the bad luck cat has struck again, Sabrina suspects there might be something more murderous afoot. With a twisted killer on the loose, she’ll have to round up clues quickly before she or her aunt are steered straight into the path of danger.
Review:
I absolutely love The Black Cat Knocks on Wood, second in the Bad Luck Cat Mystery series! It can be read as a standalone, although I read the first in series just prior to reading this. The characters have grown just since the first novel, and of course Hitchcock is still the best-known cat in Lavender, Texas. Hitchcock was, for me, the primary attraction to the series, just long enough to be wowed by the author’s excellence in plotting and characterization, both of which make this series so much better than I had even anticipated.
Sabrina left behind her career as a paralegal in Houston to follow her dream. Her beloved Aunt Rowe had taken a nasty fall and was recovering from a broken leg when she invited Sabrina to move to Lavender stay with her for a while, live in one of the cottages she rented to tourists, and write the book she had promised herself to write for many years. The two of them were close, and the move was a win-win for both of them.
Aunt Rowe, recovered now from her injury, was exercising more than most 70+ year old ladies to get her strength back. Her plan to ride in a Senior Pro Rodeo with three of her contemporaries and rope goats was just not what Sabrina thought she should be involved in. Then she sees that Rita, the barracuda she had worked for in Houston for many years, was renting a cottage? And expected Sabrina to drop what she was doing and work for the woman while she stayed there – and was befriended by Aunt Rowe?
When one of Rowe’s friends, Pearl, asked to borrow Hitchcock to bring bad luck to a Realtor she had been cheated by, Sabrina could put her foot down…until she learned the next morning that Hitchcock had done another Houdini and mysteriously made it out of their cottage and into town. He was supposedly seen in the building Pearl had put money under contract to purchase just before…Pearl went in to find the Realtor, Crystal Devlin, dead under a pile of bricks that had fallen from where staged. Pearl, known to have a huge grudge against Crystal, was the primary suspect, and wanted Sabrina’s help to find the real culprit. *Sigh*. How could a woman get a mystery written with these crises?
Sabrina and BFF Tyanne, the local indie bookstore owners are very well described. Were there a real Lavender, including these two ladies, I might be tempted to go meet them! I could see how events from the first novel, thanks in part to Tyanne’s strong encouragement, has given Sabrina a more confident outlook. Rowe and her staff, Glenda and Thomas, are not as well defined but are clearly the next most important people in the novel. Rowe’s friends and the murder suspects are each defined as their roles required. What can I say about Hitchcock? He takes a serious role as a protector for Sabrina, even though he does tend to disappear at will and grab rides where his feline desires lead him. Love this little guy!
There are two things that impress me about the mystery in general. The first is Sabrina’s no-nonsense approach to black cats being unlucky or any other superstition. She refuses to give in to superstition. The second is how the author includes an event with Sabrina and veterinarian Magnolia Jensen called Love-a-Black-Cat adoption weekend to show the positive traits of the lovable black cats and help find good fur-ever homes for the stray black cats in the area.
The plot was intricately woven and thoroughly executed, leaving no loose ends. There are interesting twists and turns that kept this reader going in circles at times trying to determine who the bad guy / gal might be. There were moments that were so fraught with suspense that they were almost breathtaking. It was good to see how diligently Sabrina pursued finding the killer! It was not an easy choice, as there was certainly a wild assortment of suspects! And the final resolution was almost a complete, sad surprise to me, although I absolutely enjoyed Hitchcock’s helping paw! I highly recommend The Black Cat Knocks on Wood to those who love well-written cozy mysteries, cats, and reading about life in the hill country of Texas, the life of a writer and of a bookseller, and even female seniors preparing for a rodeo.
*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review as part of their ongoing blog tour*
July 30, 2019
The story was entertaining, the narrator of the audiobook was good, and black cats rule!
I didn't like Sabrina because she was (in no particular order):
judgmental, opinionated, confrontational, seriously gossipy, bossy, superior-acting, intrusive questioner, suspicious, and stubborn.
I love black cats and there are two in my family. However, I don't carry on conversations with them, expect them to understand most of what I say, or expect them to take action when something goes wrong with me or our home. Guess how Miss Sabrina treats Hitchcock?!? (Hitchcock is a dog name, actually the name of our former bassett hound.)
I didn't like Sabrina because she was (in no particular order):
judgmental, opinionated, confrontational, seriously gossipy, bossy, superior-acting, intrusive questioner, suspicious, and stubborn.
I love black cats and there are two in my family. However, I don't carry on conversations with them, expect them to understand most of what I say, or expect them to take action when something goes wrong with me or our home. Guess how Miss Sabrina treats Hitchcock?!? (Hitchcock is a dog name, actually the name of our former bassett hound.)
March 2, 2021
This one is tough to rate for me. Being a black cat owner myself, I'm kind of drawn to Hitchcock. That being said, Sabrina is not a character that appeals to me. I don't want to put any spoilers here but let's just say that the books starts off with her being a "Karen". She doesn't like what someone else wants to do, so she wants to talk to the owner and have the whole thing shut down. I almost gave up on the book right then and there but decided to keep reading. I will say...it does get a bit better, but I just can't connect with Sabrina at all. Not sure if I'm going to continue this series or not.
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September 21, 2021I liked the book, but the author must think her readers are stupid. A very successful businesswoman doesn't leave her phone at home when she's going to meet a client. And evidently we are suppose to think the cops are incompetent. They have a murder victim and they weren't interested in checking her phone? Anyone that's ever watched a cop show since the invention of the cell phone knows it's one of the first things they look at. Still, the plot was good and I never guessed who the killer was.
June 10, 2017
A Worthwhile Read!
This series keeps getting better & better. Hitchcock, the black cat, is very intuitive, helping Sabrina with clues & rescues. There are lots of red-herrings & plot twists to keep the reader guessing. The relationship between Sabrina & Game Warden Luke Griffin is evolving slowly, but nicely. Humor is provided by Sabrina's feisty Aunt Rowe. This is an entertaining whodunnit!
This series keeps getting better & better. Hitchcock, the black cat, is very intuitive, helping Sabrina with clues & rescues. There are lots of red-herrings & plot twists to keep the reader guessing. The relationship between Sabrina & Game Warden Luke Griffin is evolving slowly, but nicely. Humor is provided by Sabrina's feisty Aunt Rowe. This is an entertaining whodunnit!
May 29, 2018
3.5 stars. When Sabrina's aunt Rowe and her friends decide to compete in a rodeo, Sabrina is worried. Not just for the health of women. but also because she thinks rodeos constitute cruelty to animals. But the women persist. Then Pearl, who owns the local candy shop, becomes the prime suspect when a real estate agent and killed, and she is first on the scene. Naturally Sabrina becomes involved in trying to clear Pearl, despite needing to get on with the book she is writing. Enjoyable.
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