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Magical Cats Mystery #8
Paws and Effect
Resourceful librarian Kathleen Paulson needs the help of her magical cats, Owen and Hercules, to clear the name of someone close to her heart in this mystery in the New York Times bestselling series...
Kathleen is excited to meet three old pals of her beau, Detective Marcus Gordon, while they visit charming Mayville Heights on business. But the reunion is cut short when one of the friends is killed—and the evidence points toward Marcus as the murderer.
Though it seems she doesn’t know all of Marcus’s secrets, Kathleen is sure he’s no killer. With his suspect status sidelining him from investigating the case, it’s up to Kathleen and her feline partners-in-crime to find whoever is framing Marcus—and make sure the good detective hasn’t found his last clue.
Kathleen is excited to meet three old pals of her beau, Detective Marcus Gordon, while they visit charming Mayville Heights on business. But the reunion is cut short when one of the friends is killed—and the evidence points toward Marcus as the murderer.
Though it seems she doesn’t know all of Marcus’s secrets, Kathleen is sure he’s no killer. With his suspect status sidelining him from investigating the case, it’s up to Kathleen and her feline partners-in-crime to find whoever is framing Marcus—and make sure the good detective hasn’t found his last clue.
315 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published October 4, 2016
212 people are currently reading
1572 people want to read
About the author
Sofie Kelly
17 books1,114 followersSofie Kelly is the pseudonym of young adult writer and mixed-media artist, Darlene Ryan. Sofie/Darlene lives on the east coast with her husband and daughter. In her spare time she practices Wu style tai chi and likes to prowl around thrift stores. And she admits to having a small crush on Matt Lauer.
She also writes as Sofie Ryan.
She also writes as Sofie Ryan.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 252 reviews
August 3, 2025
Resourceful librarian Kathleen Paulson needs the help of her magical cats, Owen and Hercules, to clear the name of someone close to her heart.
Kathleen is the head librarian at the public library in Mayville Heights, Minnesota. Her boyfriend, Marcus, works is a police detective in the same little town.
Some old friends of Marcus's from college have come to town to fight a proposed development next to the lake. Soon, one of Marcus's friends, Dani, is found dead and Marcus becomes a suspect.
Kathleen becomes involved to help Marcus who is good friend and someone she cares about. Marcus's father comes to help his son, but tensions soon build between the two of them and Kathleen is forced to tread a careful line to not lose a friend or cause any more controversary between the father and son. Kathleen has...or is "owned by" two cats, Owen and Hercules. If you didn't know before that this is fantasy, you do now, as we learn that she actually believes that these two cats want to "help her out". A bit more fantasy, but hey, this is a "cozy mystery"...not only do the cats seem to have a knack for leading Kathleen to clues, but they have some unbelievable "superpowers", as well. We learn that Owen can disappear at will and Hercules can walk through walls. Lock up the bottles of liquor folks. The mystery has some big ramifications since Kathleen's boyfriend had become the suspect.
I have confessed before that I, in no way, like cozy mysteries, but I adore cats or any other animal with two, four or even no legs...the eight-legged ones are "toast". Cats are such "old souls". The phrase "domestic cat" is an oxymoron. However, no matter what your feelings are for them... you have to love their antics, even if they are trying their darndest to kill you and bury your body in the litterbox. There is enough humor, excitement, and mystery in this little book to satisfy any cozy mystery lover. The 4.5 stars are all for Owen and Hercules.
Kathleen is the head librarian at the public library in Mayville Heights, Minnesota. Her boyfriend, Marcus, works is a police detective in the same little town.
Some old friends of Marcus's from college have come to town to fight a proposed development next to the lake. Soon, one of Marcus's friends, Dani, is found dead and Marcus becomes a suspect.
Kathleen becomes involved to help Marcus who is good friend and someone she cares about. Marcus's father comes to help his son, but tensions soon build between the two of them and Kathleen is forced to tread a careful line to not lose a friend or cause any more controversary between the father and son. Kathleen has...or is "owned by" two cats, Owen and Hercules. If you didn't know before that this is fantasy, you do now, as we learn that she actually believes that these two cats want to "help her out". A bit more fantasy, but hey, this is a "cozy mystery"...not only do the cats seem to have a knack for leading Kathleen to clues, but they have some unbelievable "superpowers", as well. We learn that Owen can disappear at will and Hercules can walk through walls. Lock up the bottles of liquor folks. The mystery has some big ramifications since Kathleen's boyfriend had become the suspect.
I have confessed before that I, in no way, like cozy mysteries, but I adore cats or any other animal with two, four or even no legs...the eight-legged ones are "toast". Cats are such "old souls". The phrase "domestic cat" is an oxymoron. However, no matter what your feelings are for them... you have to love their antics, even if they are trying their darndest to kill you and bury your body in the litterbox. There is enough humor, excitement, and mystery in this little book to satisfy any cozy mystery lover. The 4.5 stars are all for Owen and Hercules.
March 25, 2022
3.5 stars
I still enjoyed this, but I also found it ridiculous. How does a detective not check someone's alibi thoroughly? Sorry, Hope, but you're not very good. And I realise the author does this for plot purposes, but does she really have to make a law enforcement professional look stupid? smh.
I enjoyed all the characters, as always, adored all the cats and loved Marcus and Kathleen. Though I am left wondering how they never seem to spend the night at each other's house when they've been dating for a year now? Just one of those things that's starting to bug me a little. That combined with the repetitiveness of all these books has me thinking that maybe it's time to take a little break.
Maybe.
I still enjoyed this, but I also found it ridiculous. How does a detective not check someone's alibi thoroughly? Sorry, Hope, but you're not very good. And I realise the author does this for plot purposes, but does she really have to make a law enforcement professional look stupid? smh.
I enjoyed all the characters, as always, adored all the cats and loved Marcus and Kathleen. Though I am left wondering how they never seem to spend the night at each other's house when they've been dating for a year now? Just one of those things that's starting to bug me a little. That combined with the repetitiveness of all these books has me thinking that maybe it's time to take a little break.
Maybe.
July 29, 2018
There's a development proposed for Long Lake. This brings three of Supercop Marcus's friends to town. Friends Kathleen has never met. Before too long, one of the friends is dead, and Marcus, as the prime suspect, is unable to properly investigate and clear his name. As if he's ever solved a crime in this entire series.
His underling runs the investigation, and has no luck, until Kathleen starts poking around and her magical cats help out.
Well constructed mystery.
His underling runs the investigation, and has no luck, until Kathleen starts poking around and her magical cats help out.
Well constructed mystery.
December 31, 2016
Wow, this took me forever to read. This series might have run its course with me. Or maybe I'll come back to it in a few years and catch up on the books I've missed. I like the characters (including cats!) a lot, but it's gotten pretty same-y and I'm not sure that will change. (And maybe it shouldn't! I think that's one of the appeals of the genre.)
February 21, 2024
Kathleen and boyfriend Marcus go to breakfast and run into old friends of Marcus’ who are in town to do environmental research related to a new lakefront resort in town. Soon afterwards, one of the friends is found dead,and Marcus becomes a suspect. Kathleen and friends, and even Marcus’ estranged father work to solve this murder mystery and prove his innocence. And of course her cats, Owen and Hercules, are hard at work investigating with them. Will the mystery be solved before the killer strikes again?
Another fun book in the series.
Another fun book in the series.
October 21, 2019
Hadn't read one of these in a while, decided to pick this up, because I'm in a reading slump. Neglected to notice that this is the obligatory book in a cozy mystery series where the law enforcement professional is framed for murder. I generally find that fairly tedious, mostly because, HOW EASY IS IT TO FRAME SOMEONE FOR MURDER? THIS WORRIES ME A BIT, but also, as a secondary reason, THEY'RE CLEARLY NOT GUILTY. I mean, in this one it wasn't even used for character-arc purposes with the primary relationship. I mean, on the one hand, I appreciated how mature Marcus and Kathleen were, on the other hand, if I'm going to read through a mystery where someone has so clearly been framed, I at least want some sort of character growth. Finding out that Marcus' father is a high-powered lawyer, and they have a strained relationship is not enough.
That said, I continue to enjoy the town. And Kathleen and Marcus' partner Hope teaming up was a bit fun. May read another (after checking that neither Kathleen nor Marcus look like likely suspects...)
That said, I continue to enjoy the town. And Kathleen and Marcus' partner Hope teaming up was a bit fun. May read another (after checking that neither Kathleen nor Marcus look like likely suspects...)
October 9, 2016
Check out my other reviews, discussions and link ups at Fantasy of the Silver Dragon.
I received this book for free from Berkley Prime Crime in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
I love how even though Owen and Hercules are magical cats, they still act like cats. Sometimes cats in paranormal cozies act too human, or just don't act the way you expect a cat to act. But that isn't the case for these two.
I had two guesses as to who the killer was, it turned out that my 2nd guess was right. Though I had no idea about the why. When it was finally revealed, it made sense though. I love how the books in this series don't always seem to focus on the sleuthing 100% of the time, and yet you don't feel like it's slow or have the need to skim ahead to get to a "good part." Because all if it is pretty much a "good part."
I like getting to know the secondary characters better in each book. And while Hercules, Owen, and Kathleen are my favorites, it's fun to see what the other characters are up to. They're all fleshed out enough that they feel distinct, and are easy to remember even though it's been 9 months since I read the last book.
This was a very quick read for me, mostly because I didn't want to stop reading once I had started! I do recommend that you not drink anything while reading the opening pages however. That first scene was hysterical and had me laughing out loud! If you haven't tried this series yet, you need to do so!
This review was originally posted on Fantasy of the Silver Dragon
I received this book for free from Berkley Prime Crime in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
I love how even though Owen and Hercules are magical cats, they still act like cats. Sometimes cats in paranormal cozies act too human, or just don't act the way you expect a cat to act. But that isn't the case for these two.
I had two guesses as to who the killer was, it turned out that my 2nd guess was right. Though I had no idea about the why. When it was finally revealed, it made sense though. I love how the books in this series don't always seem to focus on the sleuthing 100% of the time, and yet you don't feel like it's slow or have the need to skim ahead to get to a "good part." Because all if it is pretty much a "good part."
I like getting to know the secondary characters better in each book. And while Hercules, Owen, and Kathleen are my favorites, it's fun to see what the other characters are up to. They're all fleshed out enough that they feel distinct, and are easy to remember even though it's been 9 months since I read the last book.
This was a very quick read for me, mostly because I didn't want to stop reading once I had started! I do recommend that you not drink anything while reading the opening pages however. That first scene was hysterical and had me laughing out loud! If you haven't tried this series yet, you need to do so!
This review was originally posted on Fantasy of the Silver Dragon
August 28, 2025
DIDN'T ENJOY THE MYSTERY, BUT THE FINAL CLIMAX WAS AMAZING!!!
SERIES PREMISE: In this series we follow Kathleen Paulson, a librarian - and her two cats Owen & Hercules in Mayville Heights, Minnesota.
In this book: Kathleen is thrilled to meet Detective Marcus Gordon's old friends who are in town on business. However, when on of them is found dead and Marcus is seen as the number one suspect he is now out of comission and Kathleen knows the onus is on her to solve the case!
THOUGHTS: Honestly and up and down read for me. While I enjoyed meeting Marcus's friends - the death as well as it's follow up investigation didn't thrill me at all. In saying that the final climax was amazing. Kathleen deserves so much more credit then I normally give her in this series!
Of course I still love both Owen and Hercules and can not wait to read the next book in the series!
4 Stars!
xoxo.
SERIES PREMISE: In this series we follow Kathleen Paulson, a librarian - and her two cats Owen & Hercules in Mayville Heights, Minnesota.
In this book: Kathleen is thrilled to meet Detective Marcus Gordon's old friends who are in town on business. However, when on of them is found dead and Marcus is seen as the number one suspect he is now out of comission and Kathleen knows the onus is on her to solve the case!
THOUGHTS: Honestly and up and down read for me. While I enjoyed meeting Marcus's friends - the death as well as it's follow up investigation didn't thrill me at all. In saying that the final climax was amazing. Kathleen deserves so much more credit then I normally give her in this series!
Of course I still love both Owen and Hercules and can not wait to read the next book in the series!
4 Stars!
xoxo.
October 9, 2016
Dollycas’s Thoughts
In this 8th installment of this very popular series, Kathleen is fighting to show her boyfriend, Detective Marcus Gordon, had nothing to do with the death of his friend. Again Owen and Hercules offer their assistance along with Marcus’ partner to find the real killer.
Sofie Kelly has given us another dynamite mystery with plenty of clues for the characters and readers to follow, but the feline tenacity plays a major part in the solution. I don’t want to spoil anything but one of the cats plays a hero at the end and it is much more than magical.
The characters in this series really resonate with me. Kathleen loves living in Mayville Heights and her job at the library. Her relationship with Marcus is moving at a nice pace. She has made some great friends in her short time in town. Marcus takes his job seriously and does his best to keep Kathleen out of his investigations but realizes she has great insight. And I love the way they volunteer to take care of the feral cat population at Wisteria Hill. Since he has been taken off this case along with his partner, Kathleen tries to keep him in the dark until she needs answers to questions only he can answer.
Owen and Hercules have much more to their story. They are magical in certain physical abilities but they are intuitive as well and truly seem to understand the English language very well. Being feral brings in another element. Not just anyone can scratch them behind the ears or just reach out and pet them. They have their people who they will protect and comfort. Treats like bacon and toys like Fred the chicken give certain people just a little advantage. I love these cats and it makes me miss mine every time I read one of this stories.
The author all balances the drama with the fun “purrfectly”! Paws and Effect is a wonderful addition to this series.
I should note you can read this book without reading any of the others as the author includes plenty of background while still leaving plots of previous books a mystery.
In this 8th installment of this very popular series, Kathleen is fighting to show her boyfriend, Detective Marcus Gordon, had nothing to do with the death of his friend. Again Owen and Hercules offer their assistance along with Marcus’ partner to find the real killer.
Sofie Kelly has given us another dynamite mystery with plenty of clues for the characters and readers to follow, but the feline tenacity plays a major part in the solution. I don’t want to spoil anything but one of the cats plays a hero at the end and it is much more than magical.
The characters in this series really resonate with me. Kathleen loves living in Mayville Heights and her job at the library. Her relationship with Marcus is moving at a nice pace. She has made some great friends in her short time in town. Marcus takes his job seriously and does his best to keep Kathleen out of his investigations but realizes she has great insight. And I love the way they volunteer to take care of the feral cat population at Wisteria Hill. Since he has been taken off this case along with his partner, Kathleen tries to keep him in the dark until she needs answers to questions only he can answer.
Owen and Hercules have much more to their story. They are magical in certain physical abilities but they are intuitive as well and truly seem to understand the English language very well. Being feral brings in another element. Not just anyone can scratch them behind the ears or just reach out and pet them. They have their people who they will protect and comfort. Treats like bacon and toys like Fred the chicken give certain people just a little advantage. I love these cats and it makes me miss mine every time I read one of this stories.
The author all balances the drama with the fun “purrfectly”! Paws and Effect is a wonderful addition to this series.
I should note you can read this book without reading any of the others as the author includes plenty of background while still leaving plots of previous books a mystery.
August 13, 2020
Okay, this one is definitely my favorite of the series. I LOVED the scene where Marcus’s dad, Elliott, and Burris Chapman, who is quite a character (as we say here in the South), are drunk and singing Lynard Skynard and Bob Seger songs in the hotel bar. Kathleen goes to pick them so the hotel manager won’t call the cops on them. And Burtis’s nickname for the very successful, arrogant lawyer is “Elly May.” 😂
Oh, yeah, and some old college friends of Marcus come to Mayville Heights because of a proposed development behind Wisteria Hill. John, Danielle, Travis and Marcus have a complicated history. Dani is murdered and all the evidence is pointing at Marcus as the killer. Marcus’s partner, Hope, who has been in a couple of previous books, teams up with Kathleen to find the real killer and of course they almost get killed themselves, but Hercules walks through the rain (he absolutely hates even getting his paws damp) and leads Elliott Gordon to where Kathleen and Hope have just managed to escape from an old cistern that the killer threw them in.
And Roma finally agrees to marry Eddie! Happy ending all around.
The rest of the books in the series are scheduled to arrive tomorrow. Please, and thank you, Amazon.
Oh, yeah, and some old college friends of Marcus come to Mayville Heights because of a proposed development behind Wisteria Hill. John, Danielle, Travis and Marcus have a complicated history. Dani is murdered and all the evidence is pointing at Marcus as the killer. Marcus’s partner, Hope, who has been in a couple of previous books, teams up with Kathleen to find the real killer and of course they almost get killed themselves, but Hercules walks through the rain (he absolutely hates even getting his paws damp) and leads Elliott Gordon to where Kathleen and Hope have just managed to escape from an old cistern that the killer threw them in.
And Roma finally agrees to marry Eddie! Happy ending all around.
The rest of the books in the series are scheduled to arrive tomorrow. Please, and thank you, Amazon.
April 26, 2017
3.5 stars
I think I liked the previous book more but I did like how this book delved a little more into who Marcus is. I felt that the mystery side was a little weak but I enjoy the characters as usual and especially love the cats. "In the rain!" lol Hercules is the man(cat)!
I think I liked the previous book more but I did like how this book delved a little more into who Marcus is. I felt that the mystery side was a little weak but I enjoy the characters as usual and especially love the cats. "In the rain!" lol Hercules is the man(cat)!
May 8, 2018
These books are just so damn much fun! Another good one!
August 25, 2018
One of the best cat-themed cozy series, well written and fun to read.
September 7, 2017
This is one of my favorite books in the series so far because
I'm really looking forward to reading the latest novel in the series but I have a series novella to read first.
I'm really looking forward to reading the latest novel in the series but I have a series novella to read first.
February 26, 2017
Listen, this is book 8, so at this point you know what you're getting. The drama's a bit much, as always.
And I need to point out that it's impossible to know someone is wearing red stilettos in a black-and-white photo. WHERE IS YOUR EDITOR, PART ELEVENTY-FIFTH.
And I need to point out that it's impossible to know someone is wearing red stilettos in a black-and-white photo. WHERE IS YOUR EDITOR, PART ELEVENTY-FIFTH.
November 24, 2017
Paws and Effect had me hooked from start to finish. I want this series to go on forever because I love it so much. I love the characters (both human and feline) and I enjoy following the progression of Kathleen's relationship with Marcus. This is another fabulous book in one of my absolute favourite cozy mystery series.
October 4, 2017
In Paws and Effect, we get a little more backstory on Kathleen's beau, Marcus. When three of Marcus's friends arrive in town to investigate some land that is looking to be developed, Kathleen can't wait to meet them. When she does, there is definitely some history - and not all of if it good. Then, as the land develop proceeds, one of his friends is found dead. Evidence points to Marcus but murder isn't on his dossier. To keep him from ending up on the opposite side of a jail cell, Kathleen and her cats start doing some digging. She's determined to prove that Marcus is being framed.
Paws and Effect is another great book in Sofie Kelly's Magical Cats Mystery series. I enjoy my time spent in Mayville Heights. The pacing of the story is steady and the entire novel is easy to read and understand. Multiple suspects keep the reader guessing and keep Kathleen and Marcus on their toes. The continued world building and character development of Kathleen, her magical kitties, and Marcus, along with the secondary characters, is fresh and original with each installment.
The books in Sofie Kelly's Magical Cats Mysteries are descriptive without going overboard. I feel like I'm in every scene of the story. The books also have the right amount of suspense to keep the reader engaged all the way to the end. The romance included isn't over the top and doesn't overshadow the mystery solving. It's a nice addition to give the story and characters realism.
The Magical Cats Mystery series is one of my favorites. I enjoy the lowkey nature of cozy mysteries. They keep me entertained with their quirky main characters. I recommend the series to all cozy mystery lovers.
I purchased my own review copy from Barnes and Noble.
Paws and Effect is another great book in Sofie Kelly's Magical Cats Mystery series. I enjoy my time spent in Mayville Heights. The pacing of the story is steady and the entire novel is easy to read and understand. Multiple suspects keep the reader guessing and keep Kathleen and Marcus on their toes. The continued world building and character development of Kathleen, her magical kitties, and Marcus, along with the secondary characters, is fresh and original with each installment.
The books in Sofie Kelly's Magical Cats Mysteries are descriptive without going overboard. I feel like I'm in every scene of the story. The books also have the right amount of suspense to keep the reader engaged all the way to the end. The romance included isn't over the top and doesn't overshadow the mystery solving. It's a nice addition to give the story and characters realism.
The Magical Cats Mystery series is one of my favorites. I enjoy the lowkey nature of cozy mysteries. They keep me entertained with their quirky main characters. I recommend the series to all cozy mystery lovers.
I purchased my own review copy from Barnes and Noble.
September 21, 2016
"Paws and Effect" is a cozy mystery. This is the eighth book in the series. You don't need to read the previous books to understand this one, and this book didn't spoil the mysteries in the previous books.
I liked the heroine as she's not judgmental, cares about people, and is intelligent. She also knows how to ask questions without being pushy or accusing. The cats are pretty intelligent and have cat abilities (disappearing and getting out) taken to a magical degree. They provided some humor to the story.
This was a clue-based puzzle mystery. The heroine looked for clues (with some help from her cats and friends) and eventually found the evidence needed to arrest whodunit. Unfortunately, whodunit realized this and so we get a suspense sequence were the heroine showed her courage, optimism, and determination. Frankly, whodunit was my only suspect, but there was a reason why the characters took longer to suspect that person.
There was no sex. There was occasional use of bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this fun mystery.
I received this book as a review copy from the publisher.
I liked the heroine as she's not judgmental, cares about people, and is intelligent. She also knows how to ask questions without being pushy or accusing. The cats are pretty intelligent and have cat abilities (disappearing and getting out) taken to a magical degree. They provided some humor to the story.
This was a clue-based puzzle mystery. The heroine looked for clues (with some help from her cats and friends) and eventually found the evidence needed to arrest whodunit. Unfortunately, whodunit realized this and so we get a suspense sequence were the heroine showed her courage, optimism, and determination. Frankly, whodunit was my only suspect, but there was a reason why the characters took longer to suspect that person.
There was no sex. There was occasional use of bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this fun mystery.
I received this book as a review copy from the publisher.
February 18, 2020
Things they are a-changing (maybe) in Mayville Heights, a company has bought a tranche of land and plans to erect a hotel there, they are selling it to Mayville as bringing tourists and therefore money, into town, but the battle lines have been drawn with some people thinking this is a great opportunity and others thinking it is the thin end of the wedge to Mayville become a Clone town. When Kathleen and Marcus head off to eat at Eric's diner they run into a group of three who are here to find out if there is anyway to stop the development, and it also appears they are college friends of Marcus's, two of them (Dani and John) are all friendly, Travis has a beef with Marcus and keeps sniping, Kathleen later finds out that Travis and Dani had been a couple and supposedly Marcus had an affair with her and broke it up.
This should have been the end of it, after all Marcus and Kathleen are well and truly an item, but then Dani ends up dead, murdered!, and all signs seem to be pointing to Marcus as the killer, now he is suspended on full pay, his Detective partner Hope has been taken off the case and so it seems up to Kathleen (with help from friends and of course two magical cats!) to find out the truth so that Marcus doesn't spend the rest of his life in solitary prison!
This should have been the end of it, after all Marcus and Kathleen are well and truly an item, but then Dani ends up dead, murdered!, and all signs seem to be pointing to Marcus as the killer, now he is suspended on full pay, his Detective partner Hope has been taken off the case and so it seems up to Kathleen (with help from friends and of course two magical cats!) to find out the truth so that Marcus doesn't spend the rest of his life in solitary prison!
September 14, 2021
I generally enjoy these; there are times when predictability and formula writing are comfortable. As always, the childishness of the character's sexual responses is an oddity; I don't know any 35 year old woman -or man - who just want to kiss after months of dating. But I guess there's an audience for that. And supernatural cats...well.
This was the obligatory "detective becomes suspect" book and we know how that ends. But generally, entertaining. Try not to binge this series; it wears out faster than expected.
This was the obligatory "detective becomes suspect" book and we know how that ends. But generally, entertaining. Try not to binge this series; it wears out faster than expected.
August 7, 2018
Sometime I would like one of these books to be about something other than a murder. I mean how many murders can be in such a small town? Makes Minnesota sound like an extremely violent place.
Anyway that is probably just the realist in me and the fact that I binged too many of these books back to back.
The story itself was intriguing and fun. I was glad to see other plot lines advancing as well.
Anyway that is probably just the realist in me and the fact that I binged too many of these books back to back.
The story itself was intriguing and fun. I was glad to see other plot lines advancing as well.
April 19, 2025
When a huge tract of open space is rumored to being bought by a developer, the entire town is divided over its use. Environmentalists arrive who happen to be former college mates of Marcus, and the old feelings and jealousies surface.
September 1, 2017
Another great edition in this fun, cat-themed series.
July 15, 2019
My absolute favorite book series!
September 30, 2025
Cute book but I wanted more cats!
September 19, 2023
I love this series so much!
February 4, 2018
The mystery is OK. Didn't figure out whodunit until the reveal.
The cats remind me a bit of The Cat Who... series, since they knock clues off the bookshelf and point things out by hissing or poking. These cats are magic: one walks through solid objects - doors, walls - and the other can turn invisible. Nice gimmick, no actual relationship to the mystery.
The cats remind me a bit of The Cat Who... series, since they knock clues off the bookshelf and point things out by hissing or poking. These cats are magic: one walks through solid objects - doors, walls - and the other can turn invisible. Nice gimmick, no actual relationship to the mystery.
September 2, 2025
Sigh. This should be fun but its maudlin from early on. The worst tropes - introduce an interesting character with a solid relevant backstory and kill them quick. BLATANT setup of murder with the clumsiest of 'evidence' and stupid mistakes by trained police. Then have the accused's partner feel the ONLY one that could be trusted is the accused's romantic partner. A 'plot' about the level of middle school.
Enough with the 'don't touch him, he's feral'. Cats that follow people and take treats from their hands are NOT feral. (Does the author not have access to a dictionary?) Particular, sure, but NOT feral. Also the cat went nuts when it was grabbed to remove it from its injured, unconscious owner. That is a world away from 'don't touch it'. And a competent vet would know that and educate the client. These are librarians, so words should be easy. Say, "he can be vicious" or "let the cat come to you".
Maybe the author is TRYING to discredit the MC? She uses the word ubiquitous, found everywhere, instead of omnipresent or even characteristic. So the head librarian isn't so good with words?
Also too much of the 'facts vs instincts' pap. There isn't a successful professional on the planet who denies their 'instincts', since those 'feelings' are the subconscious brain putting together information faster than the conscious mind realizes its even getting the information.
This carries over into the story further.
SO clumsy, the series is usually better than this.
The characters are generally distinct and the social interactions appealing, but this story is weak. The victim seemed interesting, but she's gone in a minute, so the reader doesn't care about her family, her life, or the rest of the poisoned pool 'friends'. Which is frustrating, as this would have been a very cool story line if the victim wasn't the murdered person, laying the ground for a new character, another focus for the town, more complexity going forward.
This one just isn't quite there on too many levels.
The 'rescue the singing drunks' bit is fun, wish there were more fun scenes in this.
Instead, this reads like the murder was crafted to delve into the MMC's issues. Which could be okay, but either make the victim uninteresting, or stick with the 'invading' developers and drop the off-screen killing. After all, its a 'mystery' series, not necessarily murder. This makes what, 8 non-relationship murders in 2 years in a tiny town? Is no one looking at...the water? Poison in the soil?
Enough with the 'don't touch him, he's feral'. Cats that follow people and take treats from their hands are NOT feral. (Does the author not have access to a dictionary?) Particular, sure, but NOT feral. Also the cat went nuts when it was grabbed to remove it from its injured, unconscious owner. That is a world away from 'don't touch it'. And a competent vet would know that and educate the client. These are librarians, so words should be easy. Say, "he can be vicious" or "let the cat come to you".
Maybe the author is TRYING to discredit the MC? She uses the word ubiquitous, found everywhere, instead of omnipresent or even characteristic. So the head librarian isn't so good with words?
Also too much of the 'facts vs instincts' pap. There isn't a successful professional on the planet who denies their 'instincts', since those 'feelings' are the subconscious brain putting together information faster than the conscious mind realizes its even getting the information.
This carries over into the story further.
SO clumsy, the series is usually better than this.
The characters are generally distinct and the social interactions appealing, but this story is weak. The victim seemed interesting, but she's gone in a minute, so the reader doesn't care about her family, her life, or the rest of the poisoned pool 'friends'. Which is frustrating, as this would have been a very cool story line if the victim wasn't the murdered person, laying the ground for a new character, another focus for the town, more complexity going forward.
This one just isn't quite there on too many levels.
The 'rescue the singing drunks' bit is fun, wish there were more fun scenes in this.
Instead, this reads like the murder was crafted to delve into the MMC's issues. Which could be okay, but either make the victim uninteresting, or stick with the 'invading' developers and drop the off-screen killing. After all, its a 'mystery' series, not necessarily murder. This makes what, 8 non-relationship murders in 2 years in a tiny town? Is no one looking at...the water? Poison in the soil?
October 22, 2016
See this and all my reviews at Mystereity Reviews
Kathleen is out to breakfast with boyfriend Marcus when they unexpectedly meet up with Marcus's old college friends; John, Danielle and Travis. Not long after, Danielle is found dead - and the evidence seems to implicate Marcus, who doesn't have a good alibi. Kathleen knows there's something Marcus isn't telling her, but she also knows that Marcus did not murder his friend. With the help of her friends and her magical cats, Owen and Hercules, Kathleen wades through the secrets between friends to catch a killer.
This is such a cute series, and I always enjoy visiting Kathleen and the gang in Mayville Heights. I can't believe we're up to #8 of Owen and Hercules and their shenanigans! As usual, they're busy walking through walls, making themselves invisible, and biting the heads of catnip chickens while smugly pointing out clues.
This was a great plot, I liked that details about the victim were filled in as the story went along, because you don't really get to "know" her before she is killed and those details gave clues to who the killer was. I guessed who did it early on, based on what I thought was a clue and it turns out I was on the right track, but the "clue" wasn't a clue at all, or even a red herring.
This can easily be read as a standalone, as past events aren't really a part of this story and the few references don't hinder this book for new readers. But I definitely recomend reading the other books in the series because magical cats. Owen and Hercules are the real stars of this series, if only because their antics add some humor and whimsy to the series.
Overall, another great book in an enjoyable series and I don't hesitate in recommending this series to cozy mystery fans.
Kathleen is out to breakfast with boyfriend Marcus when they unexpectedly meet up with Marcus's old college friends; John, Danielle and Travis. Not long after, Danielle is found dead - and the evidence seems to implicate Marcus, who doesn't have a good alibi. Kathleen knows there's something Marcus isn't telling her, but she also knows that Marcus did not murder his friend. With the help of her friends and her magical cats, Owen and Hercules, Kathleen wades through the secrets between friends to catch a killer.
This is such a cute series, and I always enjoy visiting Kathleen and the gang in Mayville Heights. I can't believe we're up to #8 of Owen and Hercules and their shenanigans! As usual, they're busy walking through walls, making themselves invisible, and biting the heads of catnip chickens while smugly pointing out clues.
This was a great plot, I liked that details about the victim were filled in as the story went along, because you don't really get to "know" her before she is killed and those details gave clues to who the killer was. I guessed who did it early on, based on what I thought was a clue and it turns out I was on the right track, but the "clue" wasn't a clue at all, or even a red herring.
This can easily be read as a standalone, as past events aren't really a part of this story and the few references don't hinder this book for new readers. But I definitely recomend reading the other books in the series because magical cats. Owen and Hercules are the real stars of this series, if only because their antics add some humor and whimsy to the series.
Overall, another great book in an enjoyable series and I don't hesitate in recommending this series to cozy mystery fans.
January 18, 2018
The body was lying on the swing on the back deck, the wooden seat swaying slowly back and forth.
Kathleen meets three of Marcus' college friends who are environmentalists in town to investigate a new development. There is obvious tension between Marcus and Travis from a years old incident. Marcus becomes the prime suspect when his friend Dani is found murdered. Kathleen along with Hercules and Owen jump in with their special form of sleuthing to clear Marcus.
I really like that Marcus and Kathleen have a strong adult relationship now. The supposed previous events do not create jealousy with Kathleen. She believes in Marcus wholeheartedly and wants to prove his innocence.
For me, Hercules and Owen are the stars of these books. I love all of Kathleen's friends but the kitties are number one. Marcus's cat, Micah, is not showing much magic yet but I do feel that it is coming. She is a great hunter though!
The storyline had lots of twists and turns that kept me in suspense. I thought I had the murderer pegged early on but was oh so wrong. Some of the predicaments that Kathleen gets into make me cringe because I can visualize them so vividly.
This is one of my favorite series and I recommend it highly.
Kathleen meets three of Marcus' college friends who are environmentalists in town to investigate a new development. There is obvious tension between Marcus and Travis from a years old incident. Marcus becomes the prime suspect when his friend Dani is found murdered. Kathleen along with Hercules and Owen jump in with their special form of sleuthing to clear Marcus.
I really like that Marcus and Kathleen have a strong adult relationship now. The supposed previous events do not create jealousy with Kathleen. She believes in Marcus wholeheartedly and wants to prove his innocence.
For me, Hercules and Owen are the stars of these books. I love all of Kathleen's friends but the kitties are number one. Marcus's cat, Micah, is not showing much magic yet but I do feel that it is coming. She is a great hunter though!
The storyline had lots of twists and turns that kept me in suspense. I thought I had the murderer pegged early on but was oh so wrong. Some of the predicaments that Kathleen gets into make me cringe because I can visualize them so vividly.
This is one of my favorite series and I recommend it highly.
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