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Black Cat Bookshop Mystery #6
Twice Told Tail
The New York Times bestselling author of Plot Boiler takes us back to Pettistone’s Fine Books, where Hamlet the cat isn’t the only shadowy figure lurking around the Brooklyn brownstone…
As Thanksgiving approaches, Darla Pettistone is preparing for the busiest shopping season of the year. They’ve recently launched their online store, where one anonymous bidder is offering a suspiciously high price for an antique book—and Darla doesn’t need Hamlet’s special senses to know that something isn’t quite right.
However, there’s no time to think about that after Darla’s roped into helping bridezilla Connie Capello get ready for her big day. After looking at wedding dresses, Darla and Connie head to an antique store to find her “something old”—but they find someone dead instead. When Darla learns that the shop carried a copy of the book that her mysterious bidder is after, she suspects she’ll need Hamlet’s help to discover who penned the poor soul’s final chapter, before someone else is read their last rites…
As Thanksgiving approaches, Darla Pettistone is preparing for the busiest shopping season of the year. They’ve recently launched their online store, where one anonymous bidder is offering a suspiciously high price for an antique book—and Darla doesn’t need Hamlet’s special senses to know that something isn’t quite right.
However, there’s no time to think about that after Darla’s roped into helping bridezilla Connie Capello get ready for her big day. After looking at wedding dresses, Darla and Connie head to an antique store to find her “something old”—but they find someone dead instead. When Darla learns that the shop carried a copy of the book that her mysterious bidder is after, she suspects she’ll need Hamlet’s help to discover who penned the poor soul’s final chapter, before someone else is read their last rites…
290 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published November 1, 2016
47 people are currently reading
945 people want to read
About the author
Ali Brandon
6 books246 followersDIANE A.S. STUCKART who also writes as ALI BRANDON, ALEXA SMART and ANNA GERARD, is a member of that proud breed, the native Texan. She was born in the West Texas town of Lubbock, home to Buddy Holly, prairie dogs, and Texas Tech University, where her mom once taught. Most of her formative years, however, were spent in Dallas with her parents and siblings: one younger sister and three younger brothers. And then, when she was fifteen, her dad's work took them north of the Red River and into Oklahoma, settling just outside Oklahoma City.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 105 reviews
February 11, 2017
This is another great book in the series A Black Cat Bookshop Mystery. The characters are very likable and are always doing interesting things. Hamlet the cat is the best of all. If you love cozies try reading this series, it will not disappoint. I am sad that this is the last book in a set of 6 but I guess all good things must come to an end.
August 14, 2023
This series has such a cute premise. The main character, Darla Pettistone, owns a bookshop and has solved more than one real life mystery. She has help from her cat, Hamlet, who knocks specific books off the shelf to give Darla clues to solving the case. The title of this book is a play on Nathaniel Hawthorne's Twice-Told Tales, whose works play a part in this story.
This time, the case hits close to home and Darla will go to any lengths to find the real killer. I was able to guess the killer before Darla, but I still enjoyed the book. I'm sad that this is the last book in the series, especially since some things in Darla's personal life are left unanswered at the end. I know what I wanted to happen, so I will just use my imagination and assume things turn out the way I want them to.
This time, the case hits close to home and Darla will go to any lengths to find the real killer. I was able to guess the killer before Darla, but I still enjoyed the book. I'm sad that this is the last book in the series, especially since some things in Darla's personal life are left unanswered at the end. I know what I wanted to happen, so I will just use my imagination and assume things turn out the way I want them to.
March 12, 2017
Sadly this is the last book in the Black Cat Bookshop Mystery series. It also happens to be one of the best in the series! The elderly co-owner of the next door Bygone Days Antique shop is found dead in his chair near the register. Although he was over 80, it still is a shock and a sad event for the friends who live and work near that shop, not to mention his partner and sister, Mary Ann. When Darla, owner of Pettistone's Fine Books, finds out Mr. Pinski was murdered, she can't help but become involved in searching for his murderer and finding out what happened. But meanwhile she has to help her friend Reese buy taking his fiancé for a bridal gown fitting, run the shop, and figure out why an online buyer was so interested in a book but backed away when he came to buy it. Interspersed with helping/watching over Mary Ann and the bookstore, Darla begins reading a non-collector's copy of the book in question. Reoccurring characters of bookshop workers James and Robert, friend and PI Jake, and other business people help make the story interesting and plausible. Of course the main character aside from Darla is her black cat, Hamlet. The bookstore and cat were inherited from her great-aunt Dee, and Hamlet is an equal partner in solving crimes.
This book was interesting and a well concealed murder made me rush to the end to find out who "done" it. I must say that even Hamlet's clues didn't make it easy for me to solve. I enjoyed the sinister stalkers, the element of danger that Darla and Hamlet faced, and all of the characters (new and old) that rounded out the story significantly. I highly recommend this book to all cozy mystery lovers. Since it is the sixth in the series, it would be enjoyed best if you read the series in order from the beginning! You won't regret taking the time to meet Hamlet and Darla and watch as they become partners in what sounds like my dream of a bookstore! Recommended for all ages.
This book was interesting and a well concealed murder made me rush to the end to find out who "done" it. I must say that even Hamlet's clues didn't make it easy for me to solve. I enjoyed the sinister stalkers, the element of danger that Darla and Hamlet faced, and all of the characters (new and old) that rounded out the story significantly. I highly recommend this book to all cozy mystery lovers. Since it is the sixth in the series, it would be enjoyed best if you read the series in order from the beginning! You won't regret taking the time to meet Hamlet and Darla and watch as they become partners in what sounds like my dream of a bookstore! Recommended for all ages.
November 9, 2016
A light fast engaging cozy mystery featuring Hamlet, the bookstore cat. He is busy touring Pettistone Bookstore and bossing everyone. The bookstore is having an auction on an old edition which is causing problems. Hamlet begins to knock books off the shelf again. This time dealing with wills and brothers. Darla is dragged into Reese's wedding plans by fiancee, Connie. She wants something old for her wedding so Darla and Connie go to Bygones shop and find there they Mr. Plinski dead. These subplots are merged together to make an entertaining tale.
I AM SAD TO LEARN THAT THIS IS HAMLET'S LAST ADVENTURE. I WILL MISS HIM. I highly recommend the series.
I AM SAD TO LEARN THAT THIS IS HAMLET'S LAST ADVENTURE. I WILL MISS HIM. I highly recommend the series.
April 23, 2018
Its a pity this one is stated to be the last in the series - this was one of the better cat/bookshop series.
September 3, 2017
Altro bel libro di questa serie, d'altra parte adoro Hamlet (il gatto, per chi non conoscesse i protagonisti). Il finale mi ha lasciato con vari dubbi relativi a Darla e gli altri umani... Spero che la serie non sia fra quelle interrotte dalla casa editrice, visto che quest'anno non uscirà nulla.
March 11, 2019
"Oh my gawd, Darla, you gotta help me!"
Darla and Jake are helping Reese's fiancée, Connie find a new wedding dress after she burned her first one. The ladies meet Daniel and Vincent of the Davina Bridal Shop in the search. Daniel is the outgoing over the top owner whereas Vincent is more morose. Fortunately, Connie finds the perfect dress therefore relieving Darla and Jake of additional dress shopping. Following the happy occasion, Darla's next door neighbor is found dead. The death is soon revealed as a murder and Darla jumps into sleuth mode.
Of course, Hamlet is leaving clues for Darla that she can't put together. The potential sale of a first edition Hawthorne book becomes tied into the mystery of Bernard's death.
There are several storylines going on at the same time. Familiar characters are pairing up two by two leaving Darla on her own with Hamlet. Even Hamlet has the possibility of a mate when a mysterious black cat is seen around the bookstore.
I have enjoyed watching these characters grow. Robert has come so far from his first introduction. He really takes his job as barista seriously and follows up closely on Pinky when he subs for Robert. James has become one of my favorite characters. I would love to visit a bookstore with a James. His knowledge is amazing!
The killer gave himself away quite a bit before the reveal. I was still looking elsewhere at the time.
I was saddened to read that this was the final book in the series in a foreword. I knew that I was behind but I had hoped that it would continue for a few books more. It is a very good series for cat lovers and book lovers. I look forward to future series from the author
Darla and Jake are helping Reese's fiancée, Connie find a new wedding dress after she burned her first one. The ladies meet Daniel and Vincent of the Davina Bridal Shop in the search. Daniel is the outgoing over the top owner whereas Vincent is more morose. Fortunately, Connie finds the perfect dress therefore relieving Darla and Jake of additional dress shopping. Following the happy occasion, Darla's next door neighbor is found dead. The death is soon revealed as a murder and Darla jumps into sleuth mode.
Of course, Hamlet is leaving clues for Darla that she can't put together. The potential sale of a first edition Hawthorne book becomes tied into the mystery of Bernard's death.
There are several storylines going on at the same time. Familiar characters are pairing up two by two leaving Darla on her own with Hamlet. Even Hamlet has the possibility of a mate when a mysterious black cat is seen around the bookstore.
I have enjoyed watching these characters grow. Robert has come so far from his first introduction. He really takes his job as barista seriously and follows up closely on Pinky when he subs for Robert. James has become one of my favorite characters. I would love to visit a bookstore with a James. His knowledge is amazing!
The killer gave himself away quite a bit before the reveal. I was still looking elsewhere at the time.
I was saddened to read that this was the final book in the series in a foreword. I knew that I was behind but I had hoped that it would continue for a few books more. It is a very good series for cat lovers and book lovers. I look forward to future series from the author
November 5, 2016
Twice Told Tail (Black Cat Bookshop Mystery #6)
by Ali Brandon
Some SPOILERS, so read at your own risk.
I finished this book a couple of days ago, but I've waited to review it because I needed to divorce how I felt about the author's revelation that this is the last book in the series.
Truth be told, when I read in the "thank you" in the beginning of the book that this would be the series end-book, I was more than just a bit put off. First, if the author knew in time to add this three paragraph intro to the book, she knew in time to have forewarned her fans through the series' facebook page. She did not. Nor is there any type of notice on her DianeStuckart.com page. So, it was not until two days after the book's release that that she put an explanation of why the series was ending on that page. I will give her that in that explanation she indicates the decision was not hers, but her publishing company's (Berkley Prime Crime by Berkley, an imprint of Penguin Random House LLC) and that elements of her contract with that publisher prevents her from shopping the series to another publisher. That's a shame. The Facebook page also had an entry (purported to be from Hamlet, himself) that the Facebook page will stay active, and that the author had already plotted out the next two books she planned for the series, which may mean that the publishing house didn't give her enough notice of canceling the series that she could write the last novel as she might have written it had she been aware it was the last book before completing it. However, I'm still p.o.'d that she did not give her readers a heads up about the ending of the series prior to the book's publication date. Perhaps that, also, was because of contractual obligations. But it left a sour taste in my mouth before I even started reading.
It's not like it's the first time a series I followed ended unexpectedly. However, there is a world of difference between a series ending because of the death of an author (i.e. Tony Hillerman, Lillian Jackson Braun or Elizabeth Peters/Barbara Mertz) or because of a planned ending (Carol Nelson Douglas's Midnight Louie alphabet series) and a series ending such as this one. Shoot, even two of those I named didn't "end" so much as morph. Hillerman's daughter has started writing more Leaphorn/Chee books, adding another main character to the mix and Douglas says she's not through with Midnight Louie quite yet, even though he has now starred in two series (one 4-book series, and one 28-book series).
Okay -- series ending rant finished and I shall only grumble to myself hereafter. By the way, there are more SPOILERS ahead, so if you haven't read the book, you might want to stop reading now.
Darla Pettistone and the Black Cat Bookshop's resident feline, Hamlet, are back for this episode, along with Jake, James, Robert (and his Italian Greyhound, Roma), Reese, Connie, Mary Ann Plinski and her brother, Bernard, other bookshop neighborhood business owners, plus a couple of new characters, Hodge, Mary Ann's high school sweetheart, Bridal Shop owners Daniel and Vincent, and Ophelia, a stray black cat that seems to be Hamlet's twin -- just smaller and female! Reese and Connie's wedding is fast approaching and Connie has, in a fit of pique, destroyed the costly wedding gown she had made for herself, and now wants Darla to help her find another dress. Darla reluctantly agrees and suggests they check out a local bridal shop run by Danial Lawson and Vincent Modello.
In the meantime, James's online site for the bookstore has produced a buyer, and a very inflated price, for "The Marble Faun," written by Nathaniel Hawthorne. The buyer, known only by his online name, wants to come in to see the books before purchasing. When he does, he is very upset as he says the book isn't the one he wanted. He insists the bookshop must have another, but James assures him they do not, a loud argument ensues, and the buyer leaves the store in a huff. It turns out that they did have another copy, which they later discovered in a box of books James had purchased from the Plinski's at one of the estate sales their store had handled.
Probably the saddest part of this book (besides it being the last in the series) is that the murder victim in this episode is Mr. Plinski. The night before the murder, Hamlet calls Darla's attention to someone who seems to be loitering in front of the Plinski's shop. The next day, Darla and Connie find Mr. Plinski's body when they go to the vintage store to find the "something old" for Connie and Reese's wedding. They believe the older gentleman died of natural causes, but when the autopsy reveals he was murdered, the race to find the murderer is on! Was it a random killing? Was the killer Mary Ann's recently re-discovered high school love, Hodge Camden, who Bernard Plinski vehemently disliked because of some incident that took place back in high school? Or is there an unknown murderer stalking the bookstore's neighborhood -- and if so, why?
The storyline is interesting, the characters so well drawn and developed they feel like old friends, the plotting and pacing are excellent, and the final denouement satisfying. There were no editing or proofing errors that jumped out at me. There were plenty of suspects and clues for the reader to mull over. However, it was easy to figure out who the killer was, just from a simple off-hand comment made to Darla, even before other evidence began to whittle down the possibilities. So, while that made me feel very clever, it was also disappointing, as I like to be kept in suspense to the very end!
Truth be told, it was a delightful book. I struggled with why I wasn't giving it 5 stars. Was it because I was so put-off by the surprise ending of the series? Or was it because I was a little let down by how easily I figured out who the killer must be? Maybe, when I re-read the series in a couple of years, I'll be able to figure that out.
by Ali Brandon
Some SPOILERS, so read at your own risk.
I finished this book a couple of days ago, but I've waited to review it because I needed to divorce how I felt about the author's revelation that this is the last book in the series.
Truth be told, when I read in the "thank you" in the beginning of the book that this would be the series end-book, I was more than just a bit put off. First, if the author knew in time to add this three paragraph intro to the book, she knew in time to have forewarned her fans through the series' facebook page. She did not. Nor is there any type of notice on her DianeStuckart.com page. So, it was not until two days after the book's release that that she put an explanation of why the series was ending on that page. I will give her that in that explanation she indicates the decision was not hers, but her publishing company's (Berkley Prime Crime by Berkley, an imprint of Penguin Random House LLC) and that elements of her contract with that publisher prevents her from shopping the series to another publisher. That's a shame. The Facebook page also had an entry (purported to be from Hamlet, himself) that the Facebook page will stay active, and that the author had already plotted out the next two books she planned for the series, which may mean that the publishing house didn't give her enough notice of canceling the series that she could write the last novel as she might have written it had she been aware it was the last book before completing it. However, I'm still p.o.'d that she did not give her readers a heads up about the ending of the series prior to the book's publication date. Perhaps that, also, was because of contractual obligations. But it left a sour taste in my mouth before I even started reading.
It's not like it's the first time a series I followed ended unexpectedly. However, there is a world of difference between a series ending because of the death of an author (i.e. Tony Hillerman, Lillian Jackson Braun or Elizabeth Peters/Barbara Mertz) or because of a planned ending (Carol Nelson Douglas's Midnight Louie alphabet series) and a series ending such as this one. Shoot, even two of those I named didn't "end" so much as morph. Hillerman's daughter has started writing more Leaphorn/Chee books, adding another main character to the mix and Douglas says she's not through with Midnight Louie quite yet, even though he has now starred in two series (one 4-book series, and one 28-book series).
Okay -- series ending rant finished and I shall only grumble to myself hereafter. By the way, there are more SPOILERS ahead, so if you haven't read the book, you might want to stop reading now.
Darla Pettistone and the Black Cat Bookshop's resident feline, Hamlet, are back for this episode, along with Jake, James, Robert (and his Italian Greyhound, Roma), Reese, Connie, Mary Ann Plinski and her brother, Bernard, other bookshop neighborhood business owners, plus a couple of new characters, Hodge, Mary Ann's high school sweetheart, Bridal Shop owners Daniel and Vincent, and Ophelia, a stray black cat that seems to be Hamlet's twin -- just smaller and female! Reese and Connie's wedding is fast approaching and Connie has, in a fit of pique, destroyed the costly wedding gown she had made for herself, and now wants Darla to help her find another dress. Darla reluctantly agrees and suggests they check out a local bridal shop run by Danial Lawson and Vincent Modello.
In the meantime, James's online site for the bookstore has produced a buyer, and a very inflated price, for "The Marble Faun," written by Nathaniel Hawthorne. The buyer, known only by his online name, wants to come in to see the books before purchasing. When he does, he is very upset as he says the book isn't the one he wanted. He insists the bookshop must have another, but James assures him they do not, a loud argument ensues, and the buyer leaves the store in a huff. It turns out that they did have another copy, which they later discovered in a box of books James had purchased from the Plinski's at one of the estate sales their store had handled.
Probably the saddest part of this book (besides it being the last in the series) is that the murder victim in this episode is Mr. Plinski. The night before the murder, Hamlet calls Darla's attention to someone who seems to be loitering in front of the Plinski's shop. The next day, Darla and Connie find Mr. Plinski's body when they go to the vintage store to find the "something old" for Connie and Reese's wedding. They believe the older gentleman died of natural causes, but when the autopsy reveals he was murdered, the race to find the murderer is on! Was it a random killing? Was the killer Mary Ann's recently re-discovered high school love, Hodge Camden, who Bernard Plinski vehemently disliked because of some incident that took place back in high school? Or is there an unknown murderer stalking the bookstore's neighborhood -- and if so, why?
The storyline is interesting, the characters so well drawn and developed they feel like old friends, the plotting and pacing are excellent, and the final denouement satisfying. There were no editing or proofing errors that jumped out at me. There were plenty of suspects and clues for the reader to mull over. However, it was easy to figure out who the killer was, just from a simple off-hand comment made to Darla, even before other evidence began to whittle down the possibilities. So, while that made me feel very clever, it was also disappointing, as I like to be kept in suspense to the very end!
Truth be told, it was a delightful book. I struggled with why I wasn't giving it 5 stars. Was it because I was so put-off by the surprise ending of the series? Or was it because I was a little let down by how easily I figured out who the killer must be? Maybe, when I re-read the series in a couple of years, I'll be able to figure that out.
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April 24, 2021For some reason I read all five books before this one...and it sat on my shelf forever, being passed over. I don't really know why, as I liked the series. At any rate, I have now read it and declare it good. Darla's neighbor/adjoining store owner's brother has died, and come to find out it was murder. Why? What could be important enough to kill an 80 year old man for? Is it his sister's old boyfriend whom she hasn't seen for 60 years? Does it have something to do with a Nathaniel Hawthorne book a man is trying to find? Added to trying to solve the mystery with Hamlet's help, Darla also has to deal with Reese and Connie's up coming marriage.
August 1, 2017
Great, a surprise killer! Becoming a fan of this series:)
November 26, 2017
Great book and good character work. Really hate to see this series end.
November 8, 2016
Wonderful novel, the best in the series! Darla and Hamlet are a formidable pair when the senior gentleman next door is found murdered. Try as she might, Darla can't always 'get' Hammie's clues to help solve the murder or other challenges. And when the sister and her gentleman friend are primary suspects to Brother's murder, Darla needs to find out who the bad guy is quickly...especially with a cigarette-smoking stranger watching their building after dark.
The regular characters are delightful and have become a family since Darla inherited the shop (and employees) from her great aunt two years earlier. They care about each other and their neighbors. and work together frequently.
The layers of mysteries could each be separate...but could they be part of the entire big picture? The plot has had interesting twists and turns that kept pulling my eyes off of the big picture. It was hard to decide who might be the 'bad guy' as there were just so many viable suspects! Excellent writing, characters and planning! Highly recommend!
The regular characters are delightful and have become a family since Darla inherited the shop (and employees) from her great aunt two years earlier. They care about each other and their neighbors. and work together frequently.
The layers of mysteries could each be separate...but could they be part of the entire big picture? The plot has had interesting twists and turns that kept pulling my eyes off of the big picture. It was hard to decide who might be the 'bad guy' as there were just so many viable suspects! Excellent writing, characters and planning! Highly recommend!
August 17, 2024
The New York Times bestselling author of Plot Boiler takes us back to Pettistone’s Fine Books, where Hamlet the cat isn’t the only shadowy figure lurking around the Brooklyn brownstone…
As Thanksgiving approaches, Darla Pettistone is preparing for the busiest shopping season of the year. They’ve recently launched their online store, where one anonymous bidder is offering a suspiciously high price for an antique book—and Darla doesn’t need Hamlet’s special senses to know that something isn’t quite right.
However, there’s no time to think about that after Darla’s roped into helping bridezilla Connie Capello get ready for her big day. After looking at wedding dresses, Darla and Connie head to an antique store to find her “something old”—but they find someone dead instead. When Darla learns that the shop carried a copy of the book that her mysterious bidder is after, she suspects she’ll need Hamlet’s help to discover who penned the poor soul’s final chapter, before someone else is read their last rites…Black Cat Bookshop #6 and the last.
I am so disappointed that this is the last book in the series. I want to know what happened to Orphelia, I want to know what happened to Robert when he visits his father, I want to know what happened with Darla ex-husband, I want to know more about Alex and the PI, so many dangling unfinished bits that ...The write would have written more but the publisher gave up on the series.
As Thanksgiving approaches, Darla Pettistone is preparing for the busiest shopping season of the year. They’ve recently launched their online store, where one anonymous bidder is offering a suspiciously high price for an antique book—and Darla doesn’t need Hamlet’s special senses to know that something isn’t quite right.
However, there’s no time to think about that after Darla’s roped into helping bridezilla Connie Capello get ready for her big day. After looking at wedding dresses, Darla and Connie head to an antique store to find her “something old”—but they find someone dead instead. When Darla learns that the shop carried a copy of the book that her mysterious bidder is after, she suspects she’ll need Hamlet’s help to discover who penned the poor soul’s final chapter, before someone else is read their last rites…Black Cat Bookshop #6 and the last.
I am so disappointed that this is the last book in the series. I want to know what happened to Orphelia, I want to know what happened to Robert when he visits his father, I want to know what happened with Darla ex-husband, I want to know more about Alex and the PI, so many dangling unfinished bits that ...The write would have written more but the publisher gave up on the series.
July 4, 2017
From the cover: As Thanksgiving approaches, Darla Pettistone is preparing for the busiest shopping season of the year. They’ve recently launched their online store, where one anonymous bidder is offering a suspiciously high price for an antique book—and Darla doesn’t need Hamlet’s special senses to know that something isn’t quite right. However, there’s no time to think about that after Darla’s roped into helping bridezilla Connie Capello get ready for her big day. After looking at wedding dresses, Darla and Connie head to an antique store to find her “something old”—but they find someone dead instead. When Darla learns that the shop carried a copy of the book that her mysterious bidder is after, she suspects she’ll need Hamlet’s help to discover who penned the poor soul’s final chapter, before someone else is read their last rites.
This is the 6th book in this series and it’s another good book. The characters are likable and interesting. I always enjoy Hamlet the cat. I just learned that this is the last book in the series. If you enjoy cozy mysteries or books that include a cat you will like this series.
This is the 6th book in this series and it’s another good book. The characters are likable and interesting. I always enjoy Hamlet the cat. I just learned that this is the last book in the series. If you enjoy cozy mysteries or books that include a cat you will like this series.
June 12, 2022
Darla and Hamlet are caught off-guard (okay, Darla was caught off guard because, as usual, Hamlet seems to just know things) by another murder much too close to home. One of their elderly neighbors in the brownstone next door is found dead in the antique store he operates with his sister. This is complicated by helping her friend’s fiancee shop for a wedding dress and other pre-nuptial activities.
Attentive readers will figure out who the culprit is before the big reveal. It was carefully set up and presented, and you won’t even mind figuring it out that way because there are still so many questions to answer before you reach the finish. The plots are getting better and better with each new book, so it’s a pity this is the end of the series. I’ll have to see what else she’s written.
Knowing this was the last book, I honestly expected some kind of closure to the series. Instead, I got a dramatic change to the characters’ circumstances right at the end with no resolution in sight. Sure, the author might have left it wide open on purpose, but it doesn’t feel like a final book in a series.
Attentive readers will figure out who the culprit is before the big reveal. It was carefully set up and presented, and you won’t even mind figuring it out that way because there are still so many questions to answer before you reach the finish. The plots are getting better and better with each new book, so it’s a pity this is the end of the series. I’ll have to see what else she’s written.
Knowing this was the last book, I honestly expected some kind of closure to the series. Instead, I got a dramatic change to the characters’ circumstances right at the end with no resolution in sight. Sure, the author might have left it wide open on purpose, but it doesn’t feel like a final book in a series.
July 21, 2019
I actually almost read this book in one day. Which would have put me finishing two books and completely reading this book on one day. But seeing as I finished it in the early morning hours, I actually finished it the following day. For some reason I just couldn't put this book down. I knew that I couldn't right now get another book from this series until the library gets another one but I don't know when that will be.
I may have missed a lot between the books I have read but I love how that it kind of catches you up in case you didn't read the books before. So you can read them like stand alone books but in my case I could only sample from the series.
A book with too high of a price, Brother is murdered, Mary Ann has a boyfriend and Reese is getting married with Darla stepping in to help with his Bride-to-be? Oh, if Darla didn't have her hands full before she does now. Oh and Hamlet has a twin on the loose. Mysteries to untangle and not enough time to get everything done that she needs to do just for her work. Keep the pages turning with this book.
I may have missed a lot between the books I have read but I love how that it kind of catches you up in case you didn't read the books before. So you can read them like stand alone books but in my case I could only sample from the series.
A book with too high of a price, Brother is murdered, Mary Ann has a boyfriend and Reese is getting married with Darla stepping in to help with his Bride-to-be? Oh, if Darla didn't have her hands full before she does now. Oh and Hamlet has a twin on the loose. Mysteries to untangle and not enough time to get everything done that she needs to do just for her work. Keep the pages turning with this book.
December 9, 2016
http://openbooksociety.com/article/tw...
Twice Told Tale
Black Cat Bookshop Mystery, Book #6
By Ali Brandon
ISBN: 9780425261606
Author Website: alibrandon.com
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Jeanie
Synopsis:
The New York Times bestselling author of Plot Boiler takes us back to Pettistone’s Fine Books, where Hamlet the cat isn’t the only shadowy figure lurking around the Brooklyn brownstone…
As Thanksgiving approaches, Darla Pettistone is preparing for the busiest shopping season of the year. They’ve recently launched their online store, where one anonymous bidder is offering a suspiciously high price for an antique book—and Darla doesn’t need Hamlet’s special senses to know that something isn’t quite right.
However, there’s no time to think about that after Darla’s roped into helping bridezilla Connie Capello get ready for her big day. After looking at wedding dresses, Darla and Connie head to an antique store to find her “something old”—but they find someone dead instead. When Darla learns that the shop carried a copy of the book that her mysterious bidder is after, she suspects she’ll need Hamlet’s help to discover who penned the poor soul’s final chapter, before someone else is read their last rites… (Goodreads)
Review:
Each time we see Darla, Hamlet and the gang, they continue to grow the store’s business and get busier…but never too busy for that nasty business of murder. The sixth in its series, Twice Told Tale can easily be read as a standalone. I love watching the characters change with each new novel, and Hamlet…well, he would probably say that cats are already perfect! I guess that’s why they need … so many lives.
Darla’s friend, Detective “Fee” Reese has asked her to help his Jersey Girl fiance with some of the girly stuff of getting ready for their wedding. Darla, her friend “Jake” (Jacqueline) a former police officer, now PI find themselves heading to a bridal salon to help Connie pick out that perfect gown. Between the drama of Connie thinking she had found a dead body in the dressing room (the culprit being a too-tight gown on a woman and she fainted) and the nasty words spoken to Connie by one of the shop owners, it was more than enough for one day. Since Connie needed to get ‘something old’, she and Darla were going to go to the antique shop next to the bookstore. The shop is owned by an older brother (Bernard) and sister (Mary Ann), the Plinski’s, both of whom had solid relationships with people at the bookstore.
Mary Ann had found and made contact with Hodge, a man she had dated in their high school days. Hodge was a widower and, much to the chagrin of Mr. P, they began dating again. There had been bad blood between the two men when in high school and their friendship – and Hodge and Mary Ann’s dating – was lost along the way.
When Connie and Darla went into the antique store as planned, Darla called out to Mr. P but he didn’t answer. Sadly there was a reason for that, which Connie soon discovered – Mr. P. was sitting in his chair at the cash register, dead. Mary Ann took the news stoically at first, but stayed with Jake that night and proceeded to make arrangements. It was determined that Mr. P was murdered rather than passing from natural causes. Based on evidence he isn’t sharing, Reese says that Mary Ann is a suspect. Jake and Darla know she couldn’t have done it; they wonder if, given Bernard’s hostility to Hodge, he could have done him in.
In the meantime, one of the collectible books that the store has begun to put on a web site to sell has suddenly shot up in value among the competitive sellers. A black cat that looks a lot like Hamlet has been seen on the block, and even made its way into the storeroom one day. There is also a man who smokes who has been seen more than once watching the buildings on Darla’s side of the street after closing time. Curiouser and curiouser!
The central characters are very well defined, three dimensional people who could simply come to life from the printed page. Darla and Hamlet remain my favorite characters, with Jake running a close second. Darla is open to new ideas from the staff when it comes to selling collectible books; she is continues to learn about the book business and is doing fantastic work. Hamlet is such a “ham” at times! It is easy to see that he loves the woman who feeds him and they are close companions. This is a very lovable black cat who gently enters the hearts of his readers. It has been interesting to watch James T. James, an employee hired by Darla’s great aunt years earlier, and Reese develop relationships with special ladies. Robert has found his niche for the present time as barista extraordinaire at the upstairs coffee bar. All have grown together into a family in the two years since Darla inherited the bookstore from her great aunt.
The plot includes more than one mystery, yet as Darla searches for clues, she wonders if at least two intertwine with each other. All the mysteries fit together as part of the whole, and I didn’t find any one mystery to overwhelm another. Hamlet leaves an interesting collection of books on the floor, as is his way when he wants to give his human a clue about the current situations. None of the books he has left have been clear enough to impress Darla with the right person to focus on as a suspect.
It was not easy to determine who the real bad guy(s) might be! My intuition simply didn’t pick up on the the right killer, or solve any of the other situations. I think Hamlet kept us purposely in the dark enough to see if we could intuit these things as he does! The suspense builds until almost unbelievable heights before the denouement; all situations are brought to a very satisfying conclusion. This is a delightful novel that shows the reader classic literature that one might not have read that includes some wry, some laugh-out-loud situations. I highly recommend it!
Twice Told Tale
Black Cat Bookshop Mystery, Book #6
By Ali Brandon
ISBN: 9780425261606
Author Website: alibrandon.com
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Jeanie
Synopsis:
The New York Times bestselling author of Plot Boiler takes us back to Pettistone’s Fine Books, where Hamlet the cat isn’t the only shadowy figure lurking around the Brooklyn brownstone…
As Thanksgiving approaches, Darla Pettistone is preparing for the busiest shopping season of the year. They’ve recently launched their online store, where one anonymous bidder is offering a suspiciously high price for an antique book—and Darla doesn’t need Hamlet’s special senses to know that something isn’t quite right.
However, there’s no time to think about that after Darla’s roped into helping bridezilla Connie Capello get ready for her big day. After looking at wedding dresses, Darla and Connie head to an antique store to find her “something old”—but they find someone dead instead. When Darla learns that the shop carried a copy of the book that her mysterious bidder is after, she suspects she’ll need Hamlet’s help to discover who penned the poor soul’s final chapter, before someone else is read their last rites… (Goodreads)
Review:
Each time we see Darla, Hamlet and the gang, they continue to grow the store’s business and get busier…but never too busy for that nasty business of murder. The sixth in its series, Twice Told Tale can easily be read as a standalone. I love watching the characters change with each new novel, and Hamlet…well, he would probably say that cats are already perfect! I guess that’s why they need … so many lives.
Darla’s friend, Detective “Fee” Reese has asked her to help his Jersey Girl fiance with some of the girly stuff of getting ready for their wedding. Darla, her friend “Jake” (Jacqueline) a former police officer, now PI find themselves heading to a bridal salon to help Connie pick out that perfect gown. Between the drama of Connie thinking she had found a dead body in the dressing room (the culprit being a too-tight gown on a woman and she fainted) and the nasty words spoken to Connie by one of the shop owners, it was more than enough for one day. Since Connie needed to get ‘something old’, she and Darla were going to go to the antique shop next to the bookstore. The shop is owned by an older brother (Bernard) and sister (Mary Ann), the Plinski’s, both of whom had solid relationships with people at the bookstore.
Mary Ann had found and made contact with Hodge, a man she had dated in their high school days. Hodge was a widower and, much to the chagrin of Mr. P, they began dating again. There had been bad blood between the two men when in high school and their friendship – and Hodge and Mary Ann’s dating – was lost along the way.
When Connie and Darla went into the antique store as planned, Darla called out to Mr. P but he didn’t answer. Sadly there was a reason for that, which Connie soon discovered – Mr. P. was sitting in his chair at the cash register, dead. Mary Ann took the news stoically at first, but stayed with Jake that night and proceeded to make arrangements. It was determined that Mr. P was murdered rather than passing from natural causes. Based on evidence he isn’t sharing, Reese says that Mary Ann is a suspect. Jake and Darla know she couldn’t have done it; they wonder if, given Bernard’s hostility to Hodge, he could have done him in.
In the meantime, one of the collectible books that the store has begun to put on a web site to sell has suddenly shot up in value among the competitive sellers. A black cat that looks a lot like Hamlet has been seen on the block, and even made its way into the storeroom one day. There is also a man who smokes who has been seen more than once watching the buildings on Darla’s side of the street after closing time. Curiouser and curiouser!
The central characters are very well defined, three dimensional people who could simply come to life from the printed page. Darla and Hamlet remain my favorite characters, with Jake running a close second. Darla is open to new ideas from the staff when it comes to selling collectible books; she is continues to learn about the book business and is doing fantastic work. Hamlet is such a “ham” at times! It is easy to see that he loves the woman who feeds him and they are close companions. This is a very lovable black cat who gently enters the hearts of his readers. It has been interesting to watch James T. James, an employee hired by Darla’s great aunt years earlier, and Reese develop relationships with special ladies. Robert has found his niche for the present time as barista extraordinaire at the upstairs coffee bar. All have grown together into a family in the two years since Darla inherited the bookstore from her great aunt.
The plot includes more than one mystery, yet as Darla searches for clues, she wonders if at least two intertwine with each other. All the mysteries fit together as part of the whole, and I didn’t find any one mystery to overwhelm another. Hamlet leaves an interesting collection of books on the floor, as is his way when he wants to give his human a clue about the current situations. None of the books he has left have been clear enough to impress Darla with the right person to focus on as a suspect.
It was not easy to determine who the real bad guy(s) might be! My intuition simply didn’t pick up on the the right killer, or solve any of the other situations. I think Hamlet kept us purposely in the dark enough to see if we could intuit these things as he does! The suspense builds until almost unbelievable heights before the denouement; all situations are brought to a very satisfying conclusion. This is a delightful novel that shows the reader classic literature that one might not have read that includes some wry, some laugh-out-loud situations. I highly recommend it!
July 6, 2017
I am really sad to know this was the last book in this wonderful series. I am very upset with the publisher, Berkley, who has cancelled so many series that I love. The worse part is for some legal reason the author cannot take this series and keep writing it with another publisher. I am almost to the point of not purchasing anymore books published with Berkley. Sadly that would hurt some of my favorite authors so I am not going that route just yet. FYI to Berkley: You STINK as a publisher!
I like how the author left the story open for readers to decide what happens with/between Reese, Connie and Darla. Readers are able to decide who they want Reese to be with and I pick Darla. Yes Connie was nice to a point but she was just to much. She is one of those people who would very easily get on the nerves of other people.
This was over all a great series. Looking forward to reading additional books by the author in the future.
I like how the author left the story open for readers to decide what happens with/between Reese, Connie and Darla. Readers are able to decide who they want Reese to be with and I pick Darla. Yes Connie was nice to a point but she was just to much. She is one of those people who would very easily get on the nerves of other people.
This was over all a great series. Looking forward to reading additional books by the author in the future.
July 3, 2017
This was another fine book in this series. Unfortunately for some reason it is also the last one in the series. This time the murder strikes close to home as one of the cast of the series is the victim. The raison d'etre for this crime was one I have not encountered before, which is a bonus. As usual Hamlet is in fine book dropping form, indeed he begins even before we know there is a murder. Add to this some odd on-line happenings regarding books and wedding preparations and you have the makings of an intriguing read.
November 1, 2016
I read Twice Told Tail on Monday night. This fun book shop series by Ali Brandon is a fun series about a Texan named Darla, who inherits her aunts book store and black cat named Hamlet. This lovely black cat is not bad luck in fact he has a knack for helping solve local crime. With out giving too much away this mystery had so many ups and downs and was quite thought provoking. This is book six in the series and very much an cozy that will tug at your heart strings.
August 2, 2018
Extremely entertaining addition to the series!!
It seemed like forever between the last book
and this one. It was well worth the wait!! Right
from the begin it gripped me and I had to
read it in one sitting. I absolutely love the
characters and especially Hamlet, the cat. The
story line and plot were riveting and never got
dull. I hope the next installment to this series
doesn't take so long to come out!!! This is a
truly fantastic series for cat/mystery lovers!!!
It seemed like forever between the last book
and this one. It was well worth the wait!! Right
from the begin it gripped me and I had to
read it in one sitting. I absolutely love the
characters and especially Hamlet, the cat. The
story line and plot were riveting and never got
dull. I hope the next installment to this series
doesn't take so long to come out!!! This is a
truly fantastic series for cat/mystery lovers!!!
January 19, 2022
I’m so sorry that this is the final book in the Black Cat Bookshop mystery series. I’ve loved getting to know Hamlet and his insistent and peculiar traits. He is an excellent sleuth and reader of psychological tells, and is a first-class fighter as well. This book is the best in the series, but I suggest you read the series from Book One to get to know Darla and Hamlet as a team, as well as all the inhabitants of the bookshop area in Brooklyn because they are “good People”.
May 4, 2025
Fantastic last book in series
I'm sad that this is the last book in the series, however, it was well written and I enjoyed every word.
Darla and her cat Hamlet are involved in one last murder investigation, and it sure is a tough one to solve.
As usual, Darla and Hamlet put the random clues together and solve the mystery, but they definitely leave some unanswered questions for this reader.
I'm sad that this is the last book in the series, however, it was well written and I enjoyed every word.
Darla and her cat Hamlet are involved in one last murder investigation, and it sure is a tough one to solve.
As usual, Darla and Hamlet put the random clues together and solve the mystery, but they definitely leave some unanswered questions for this reader.
February 28, 2017
Halfway through the book the motive for the murder is really obvious ...But the protagonist doesn't tell the cops ( her pals!) anything. and has "no clue ", herself . and it's kind of stupid that way... it's a page turner but when something is right in your face and the protagonist is clueless , It's harder to enjoy it.
December 5, 2018
This is book 6 in the series but only the second one I have read.
Very enjoyable cozy mystery with some nice twists - although I did anticipate the main one - and fun tales of the black cat and the bookshop!
Weddings are not my favorite topic but the topic is covered fairly tastefully and with humor.
Very enjoyable cozy mystery with some nice twists - although I did anticipate the main one - and fun tales of the black cat and the bookshop!
Weddings are not my favorite topic but the topic is covered fairly tastefully and with humor.
May 16, 2022
Another dead body in the neighborhood…. This time right next door to Darla’s bookstore! Brother (we finally learn his first name) is found murdered & the mystery swirls around Maryanne & the thrift store. Darla gets roped in to helping Connie pick out a wedding dress, etc…. I am happy I read it, but sad the series is over. I have so many more questions! Why did the author stop..
Read
March 25, 2017Last book in the series - unfortunately - but I sure hope the author changes her mind. It is a great series. The problem this time is with an unknown bidder for a book where he offers way, way over the expected price. Lots of stress for them all.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 22, 2018
I really enjoyed the Black Cat Bookshop Mysteries. Every book in the six book series was wonderful. It is a shame this is the last book in the series. I want more Pettistone’s Fine Books, Hamlet, Darla, James, Robert, Jake, Reese and Mary Ann.
July 7, 2018
Reese's bride, Connie, is pushing Darla to wedding dress shopping sprees and other necessary shopping trips for the wedding. While Darla is not excited, she is being very helpful to Connie until they stumble over a dead body.
December 31, 2018
Loved the series. Wish my cats were as well behaved as Hamlet. Also wish the author would write more of the series, but I guess next I'll have to try some of her other series. Sure will miss reading about Darla and Hamlet though.
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