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Second Chance Cat Mystery #4
Telling Tails
In this novel in the New York Times bestselling Second Chance Cat Mystery series, secondhand shop owner Sarah Grayson and her rescue cat, Elvis, get caught up in a case of she said, she said...
When Sarah Grayson opened a secondhand shop in the quaint town of North Harbor, Maine, she was expecting peace and quiet. Then she was adopted by a rescue cat named Elvis and a kooky trio of senior sleuths known as Charlotte’s Angels. Now she has nine lives worth of excitement...
Sarah’s friend and employee Rose is delivering a customer’s purchase when the quick errand becomes a deadly escapade. Rose arrives just in time to see the customer murdered by his wife, but before she can call the police, she is knocked out cold. When she wakes up, no one believes her, especially after the woman claims her husband is very much alive and has left her for someone else—and has a text message and empty bank account to prove it.
Despite her convincing story, Sarah is sure something is fishy—and it’s not Elvis’s kitty treats. Sarah, Elvis, and the Angels are determined to unravel this mysterious yarn, before the feral killer pounces again...
When Sarah Grayson opened a secondhand shop in the quaint town of North Harbor, Maine, she was expecting peace and quiet. Then she was adopted by a rescue cat named Elvis and a kooky trio of senior sleuths known as Charlotte’s Angels. Now she has nine lives worth of excitement...
Sarah’s friend and employee Rose is delivering a customer’s purchase when the quick errand becomes a deadly escapade. Rose arrives just in time to see the customer murdered by his wife, but before she can call the police, she is knocked out cold. When she wakes up, no one believes her, especially after the woman claims her husband is very much alive and has left her for someone else—and has a text message and empty bank account to prove it.
Despite her convincing story, Sarah is sure something is fishy—and it’s not Elvis’s kitty treats. Sarah, Elvis, and the Angels are determined to unravel this mysterious yarn, before the feral killer pounces again...
304 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 3, 2017
About the author
Sofie Ryan
13 books574 followersPseudonym for Darlene Ryan. Also writes under Sofie Kelly.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 179 reviews
January 8, 2017
There is something very fun about a series where the supporting cast are as interesting and important as the main character. Sophie Ryan's new January 3rd release Telling Tails was a intriguing read. I was guessing until the very end and loved the wit, humor and classy banter of Sarah, Elvis and the gang of older sleuths! Some memorable one liners in this one for sure!
March 12, 2017
Telling Tales is a fun mystery about the owner of a repurpose shop, her cat named Elvis, and her honorary aunts and one aunt's boyfriend who have a detective agency. When the sale of a pair of silver candlesticks for $450 can only be completed by agreeing to deliver the candlesticks, a determined Rose (one of the honorary aunts who is well past 60) sneaks out to deliver them. What she gets for her trouble is the glimpse of a body and a knock on the head. When she wakes up down the street she is being administered first aid by a licking black lab named Casey. Thanks to him, the police get called and Rose gets taken to the hospital for treatment. From there the rest of the cast and crew get involved little by little until they are all trying to figure out what Rosie saw and who hit her over the head.
Meanwhile it is business as usual-buying, selling, fixing, and painting items for the shop. There is also a brief loan of Elvis to do a little critter control in the house of a friend's uncle. The steady flow of life, business, and mystery is woven around the people who work at the shop and close friends. It is a complex mystery with a double murder and a surprise motive that will keep you guessing to the end.
I enjoyed the characters and the realism of everyday affairs with the mystery woven in. I read practically without stopping because I couldn't figure out any possible resolution. A most satisfying mystery and book! Delightful and recommended for all cozy mystery lovers...and anyone who think cats can actually understand and communicate with you!
Meanwhile it is business as usual-buying, selling, fixing, and painting items for the shop. There is also a brief loan of Elvis to do a little critter control in the house of a friend's uncle. The steady flow of life, business, and mystery is woven around the people who work at the shop and close friends. It is a complex mystery with a double murder and a surprise motive that will keep you guessing to the end.
I enjoyed the characters and the realism of everyday affairs with the mystery woven in. I read practically without stopping because I couldn't figure out any possible resolution. A most satisfying mystery and book! Delightful and recommended for all cozy mystery lovers...and anyone who think cats can actually understand and communicate with you!
September 2, 2023
Telling Tails is book four in the Second Chance Cat Mystery series by Sofie Ryan. When Sarah Grayson's employee Rose delivered a customer's purchase to his home, she became a witness to a murder. However, no one believed Rose. Sarah Grayson started to investigate. The readers of Telling Tails will continue to follow Sarah Grayson to discover what happens.
Telling Tails is the first book I have read by Sofie Ryan, and an enjoyable cozy mystery. I was able to engage with this book's story and characters easily. I sometimes had to laugh while reading this book with some of the characters' activities. I enjoy that Telling Tails highlights that sometimes the aged community needs something to keep them occupied and engaged with life. I love Sofie Ryan's portrayal of her characters and their interaction with each other. Telling Tails is well-written and researched by Sofie Ryan. I like Sofi Ryan's description of the settings of Telling Tails, which complemented the book's plot.
The readers of Telling Tails will learn about running a small business in a small village in Maine. Also, the readers of Telling Tails will understand the consequences of greed and selfishness on a child.
I recommend this book.
Telling Tails is the first book I have read by Sofie Ryan, and an enjoyable cozy mystery. I was able to engage with this book's story and characters easily. I sometimes had to laugh while reading this book with some of the characters' activities. I enjoy that Telling Tails highlights that sometimes the aged community needs something to keep them occupied and engaged with life. I love Sofie Ryan's portrayal of her characters and their interaction with each other. Telling Tails is well-written and researched by Sofie Ryan. I like Sofi Ryan's description of the settings of Telling Tails, which complemented the book's plot.
The readers of Telling Tails will learn about running a small business in a small village in Maine. Also, the readers of Telling Tails will understand the consequences of greed and selfishness on a child.
I recommend this book.
January 5, 2017
The fourth book in the second chance mystery series. I found it a east relaxing read. Rose delivers merchandise one evening. She see a person dragging a dead body in a house. She blacks out and is awaken by a dog. The police feel that she had a minor stroke and imagine the scene in the cottage. Sarah Grayson, Elvis and the Chocolate Angels are determined to prove that Rose did see a murder and that she imagine it. The book has a number of twists and turns that will keep you guessing. I recommend this book.
February 6, 2017
I seriously love Sofie Ryan/Sofie Kelly and her two mystery series which feature very smart and lovable felines as the heroine's companion. I don't care who got murdered or who did the murdering. I read these more for the characters interaction in this type of cozy. And, of course, the often amusing antics of the cat(s.) This series features a 30 something (Sarah) proprietor of a second hand shop in Maine. I enjoy reading about the items she picks up and restores for sale in her store. I love going to antique stores and poking around so it only follows that reading about them interests me as well. Also, several of the regular cast are senior citizens who are friends of Sarah's grandmother. They are quite the sprightly group of butinkski's and have formed a little detective agency of their own. The cat in this series, Elvis, seems to have a gift for knowing when people are lying; he gets an expression on his face that tells Sarah a lie is being told. (I wish my own cats had this gift.) He also, for unknown reasons, loves watching Jeopardy on TV. I am looking forward, as always, to the next book in the series.
October 6, 2018
Una buona lettura, la parte gialla è forse un po' lenta e alla fine era ovvio chi fosse il colpevole. Il carattere migliore è... Elvis, il gatto! Chissà perché nei libri i gatti sono sempre più affettuosi della mia, in carne e ossa...
January 2, 2017
Sarah, Elvis, and Charlotte’s Angels are once again on the hunt for the truth in this fourth installment of the Second Chance Cat Mysteries.
I really enjoyed my time spent reading TELLING TAILS. Murder and mayhem, lies and, action filled mystery loaded with enough twists and turns to make you dizzy . . . everything readers loved from the first three books are found in abundance in this story
Sophie Ryan’s mindfulness to details makes reading her stories even more entertaining and satisfying. She knows what it takes to grab and hold the reader’s attention.
Check out TELLING TAILS and the entire Second Chance Cat Mystery series, and you will see, when it comes to writing a good mystery, Sofie Ryan is the cat’s meow.
I really enjoyed my time spent reading TELLING TAILS. Murder and mayhem, lies and, action filled mystery loaded with enough twists and turns to make you dizzy . . . everything readers loved from the first three books are found in abundance in this story
Sophie Ryan’s mindfulness to details makes reading her stories even more entertaining and satisfying. She knows what it takes to grab and hold the reader’s attention.
Check out TELLING TAILS and the entire Second Chance Cat Mystery series, and you will see, when it comes to writing a good mystery, Sofie Ryan is the cat’s meow.
January 10, 2018
I love this series, looking forward to the next book in the series.
November 29, 2023
Can get enough of this series.
Sarah Grayson once again finds herself tangled up in a mystery when a man buys a set of candlesticks and asks that they be hand-delivered to his wife. Sarah finds this request trouble, but Rose decides to take on the task by herself regardless. Unfortunately, when Rose arrives at the house, she witnesses a crime and gets hit on the head. The cops are questioning if Rose had a stroke as they cannot find evidence of a crime, but Rose manages to convince Sarah otherwise.
Loved the mystery, and enjoyed Sofie Ryan's writing, the cast of characters, and their closeness. All of it was just another solid read.
Sarah Grayson once again finds herself tangled up in a mystery when a man buys a set of candlesticks and asks that they be hand-delivered to his wife. Sarah finds this request trouble, but Rose decides to take on the task by herself regardless. Unfortunately, when Rose arrives at the house, she witnesses a crime and gets hit on the head. The cops are questioning if Rose had a stroke as they cannot find evidence of a crime, but Rose manages to convince Sarah otherwise.
Loved the mystery, and enjoyed Sofie Ryan's writing, the cast of characters, and their closeness. All of it was just another solid read.
January 31, 2020
I wasn't sure I'd read more of this series after the last experience, but since I had got this already I tried.
Sarah, the Angels, Elvis (and the police) all work together to solve this crime, which at the beginning wasn't even clear what kind of crime it was.
I have to say I liked it, the mystery was unusual and I missed the clues, it was also nice to read their theories. I don't personally know anyone of similar age to the Angels, so I can't tell what my opinion might have been in their place, but the characters seem pretty far from the grandparents stereotype (besides maybe when they try to have their children marry).
Sarah, the Angels, Elvis (and the police) all work together to solve this crime, which at the beginning wasn't even clear what kind of crime it was.
I have to say I liked it, the mystery was unusual and I missed the clues, it was also nice to read their theories. I don't personally know anyone of similar age to the Angels, so I can't tell what my opinion might have been in their place, but the characters seem pretty far from the grandparents stereotype (besides maybe when they try to have their children marry).
February 17, 2017
I received this book as part of a Goodreads giveaway, thanks to Goodreads and Berkeley Publishing. This was a great little cozy mystery! The resale store was a great backdrop for all the characters including the kitty, Elvis, and how they are all connected to the mystery being solved. There is also a hint of romance probably coming down the road. It makes me want to read the first three books in the series now to find out what other mysteries they solved and curious for what lies ahead for the shop owner Sarah and the "Charlotte's Angels" senior sleuths.
June 1, 2020
The action starts early in this tale when Rose is attacked making a delivery of candlesticks to a customer’s home. She says she saw a dead body just before she is knocked out, but no body is found at the scene. Roses’s friends all believe her, but the police don’t. It takes much digging into the background of all involved before Sarah and her cohorts come up with an answer. Unfortunately, it is too late for some. This well written mystery has an intricate plot and is peopled with great characters.
July 10, 2023
read this bc i’m out of books to read and i bought it for a couple dollars a while ago but it was so boring🥱🥱🥱 at least it got me closer to my reading goal though
December 23, 2023
I enjoyed this book. Until the end and it seemed like there were too many people being introduced into the story. And it was beginning to confuse me. But Sofie Ryan is definitely a talented author. And I look forward to reading more of her books.
January 7, 2017
Author Sofie Ryan once again takes us to North Harbor, Maine to re-visit Sarah Grayson and her kitty sleuth partner, Elvis. It’s not just Sarah and Elvis, though. The author gives us a whole cast of beloved secondary characters. Sarah is part of a group of senior sleuths, although not a senior herself. They are friends of her grandmother. Each one is delightful and a pure joy to catch up with. I’ve loved each one in the previous books and they just keep getting better.
The storyline is intriguing. One of the senior sleuths, Rose, is convinced she witnessed a murder right before she was knocked out. When she wakes up, there’s no body and no evidence that anything happened. Rose’s reputation and sanity are on the line. Sarah and the rest of the crew jump in to try and solve this mystery.
As I said before, these characters are delightful and lovable. The plot took a few different twists and turns along the way. It certainly kept me engrossed and guessing. I couldn't put it down. I was kind of on the right track as to who the culprit was, but I was totally off on the details of how and why. It did keep me thinking to the end.
I hope this series continues. It’s one of the best cat cozy mysteries around. As much as I loved the whole cast, Elvis remains my favorite :)
FTC Disclosure: I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
The storyline is intriguing. One of the senior sleuths, Rose, is convinced she witnessed a murder right before she was knocked out. When she wakes up, there’s no body and no evidence that anything happened. Rose’s reputation and sanity are on the line. Sarah and the rest of the crew jump in to try and solve this mystery.
As I said before, these characters are delightful and lovable. The plot took a few different twists and turns along the way. It certainly kept me engrossed and guessing. I couldn't put it down. I was kind of on the right track as to who the culprit was, but I was totally off on the details of how and why. It did keep me thinking to the end.
I hope this series continues. It’s one of the best cat cozy mysteries around. As much as I loved the whole cast, Elvis remains my favorite :)
FTC Disclosure: I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
August 12, 2017
loved this one.
July 2, 2024
I love these easy to read small business/ cat companion/ murder mysteries. They always entice me from the characters to the side of “Who Done It” murder mystery. The characters in this story are refreshing in a way, because the main characters are never the ones hunting for murder, but rather they are drawn into it by the senior citizen group of characters…or they stumble across murders. It’s always a nice read to have the main characters maintain their sense of normal, and realize that they are not the police…they are simply curious citizens. Then they happen to solve the murder and it’s a nice happy ending. I’ve read at least 3 different series that all are similar and I keep coming back for more. Cozy murder mystery in the modern age is Agatha Christie’s Ms Marple but add a very curious cat, and always have a bookshop/ second hand shop/ or some small costal town to live in!
September 21, 2018
Excellent
Once again Sophie Ryan pulls the reader into the warmth of Sarah's circle of friends while tossing us a complex mystery worthy of another Alfred. I love the fact that Ms. Ryan treats her senior characters with as much respect as Sarah and Mac do. Although humor abounds, it is never cheap; it is usually the kind of repartee that friends might toss back and forth. It is a delight to spend an afternoon with these friends. A great mystery for those who love cozy mysteries but challenging enough for anyone who enjoys an intelligently plotted murder.
Once again Sophie Ryan pulls the reader into the warmth of Sarah's circle of friends while tossing us a complex mystery worthy of another Alfred. I love the fact that Ms. Ryan treats her senior characters with as much respect as Sarah and Mac do. Although humor abounds, it is never cheap; it is usually the kind of repartee that friends might toss back and forth. It is a delight to spend an afternoon with these friends. A great mystery for those who love cozy mysteries but challenging enough for anyone who enjoys an intelligently plotted murder.
March 30, 2021
This book was ok but you could skip this book and hopefully the next one in the series will be better. Way to much running around and not getting to the point. You do get to hear more about Sam and Rose. This time it is about a couple who both end up dead near the end and not much in relation to the town at all.
December 21, 2021
In this 4th book, Rose goes along to a cottage to deliver some candlesticks a man bought at the store. No one seems to be home, so she peeks in some windows, and sees what she thinks is his body lying on the floor with a woman standing over him. The, she is knocked out. When she recovers, she is at the hospital and no one wants to believe her. So the gang sets about investigating to see what really happened.
December 7, 2017
man, that took way too long to finish, I don't know why but I couldn't really get into this book. will still read the next book but maybe I should switch genres for now
Read
June 8, 2022Poor Rose not only got hit over the head while she was looking at a dead body, when she wakes up no one believes her. Understandably angry, she demands that her friends in Charlotte’s Angels detective agency find out what happened.
February 18, 2021
It was a fun read - a little complicated with characters - I get confused so easily when there are so many.
The ending sort of seemed like a jumble of this tied into that which tied into that which left me confused. The last few chapters I just wanted to get it done.
Could be just me. Sometimes I will read something that I think is not right and then love it a second time or something else by the same author. I enjoyed reading it - just . . . ?
The ending sort of seemed like a jumble of this tied into that which tied into that which left me confused. The last few chapters I just wanted to get it done.
Could be just me. Sometimes I will read something that I think is not right and then love it a second time or something else by the same author. I enjoyed reading it - just . . . ?
January 22, 2017
Telling Tails demonstrates the author's expertise at plotting, planning, and designing characters. I continue to be impressed with this series, as each mystery gets better and better!
Usually Sarah is the one who manages to get entangled in a murder or other mystery, but this time it is sweet, grandmotherly Rose who inadvertently gets into a situation where she sees the body of one of their clients dragged through his kitchen and gets conked on the head when delivering a purchase to the buyer's wife. Charlotte's Angels, the trio of lifelong close friends of Sarah's Gram plus Rose's gentleman friend Mr P, was formed to help Sarah and the police with the situations she usually finds herself in. Mr. P now has a PI license, so the Angels will soon know no bounds.
Sarah, owner of Second Chance, a repurpose - antique - thrift shop is intelligent and well liked by the community, and also employs the Angels part-time in the store. She wants to believe Rose saw what she saw and is willing to give her the benefit of the doubt and follow up on the situation.
What happens next may keep a reader guessing for hours or days! Elvis, a glossy black, feline-lie detector cat who chose Sarah, the Angels, and Sarah have the most confusing mystery to date.
I highly recommend this fun, suspenseful, heartwarming and intriguing cozy mystery! It is one of a kind, not to be missed by those who love cats and cozy mysteries!
I was given a copy of this by the publisher and this is my honest review.
Usually Sarah is the one who manages to get entangled in a murder or other mystery, but this time it is sweet, grandmotherly Rose who inadvertently gets into a situation where she sees the body of one of their clients dragged through his kitchen and gets conked on the head when delivering a purchase to the buyer's wife. Charlotte's Angels, the trio of lifelong close friends of Sarah's Gram plus Rose's gentleman friend Mr P, was formed to help Sarah and the police with the situations she usually finds herself in. Mr. P now has a PI license, so the Angels will soon know no bounds.
Sarah, owner of Second Chance, a repurpose - antique - thrift shop is intelligent and well liked by the community, and also employs the Angels part-time in the store. She wants to believe Rose saw what she saw and is willing to give her the benefit of the doubt and follow up on the situation.
What happens next may keep a reader guessing for hours or days! Elvis, a glossy black, feline-lie detector cat who chose Sarah, the Angels, and Sarah have the most confusing mystery to date.
I highly recommend this fun, suspenseful, heartwarming and intriguing cozy mystery! It is one of a kind, not to be missed by those who love cats and cozy mysteries!
I was given a copy of this by the publisher and this is my honest review.
January 9, 2017
Author Sofie Ryan has crafted a quaint setting in which protagonist Sarah Grayson and her group of quirky friends thrive. The secondhand shop is the entrance into a tantalizing world of fun, mischief, intrigue, friendship, romance, and mystery (also the occasional murder).
This story moves at a good pace and holds your attention from the first page until the last paragraph. The mystery draws you in with the twists and turns that keep you guessing.
The characters are likable and realistic with faults readers understand. They are well-developed and their bonds of family and friendship shine.
TELLING TAILS can be read on its own, but readers who enjoy it will want to catch up with all Sarah’s antics through prior installments. This is a fascinating tale mystery lovers will enjoy and a location they’ll wish to visit, especially Sarah’s mesmerizing shop.
FTC Full Disclosure – A copy of this book was sent to me by the publisher. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review. The thoughts are completely my own and given honestly and freely.
This story moves at a good pace and holds your attention from the first page until the last paragraph. The mystery draws you in with the twists and turns that keep you guessing.
The characters are likable and realistic with faults readers understand. They are well-developed and their bonds of family and friendship shine.
TELLING TAILS can be read on its own, but readers who enjoy it will want to catch up with all Sarah’s antics through prior installments. This is a fascinating tale mystery lovers will enjoy and a location they’ll wish to visit, especially Sarah’s mesmerizing shop.
FTC Full Disclosure – A copy of this book was sent to me by the publisher. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review. The thoughts are completely my own and given honestly and freely.
February 10, 2017
DISCLAIMER: I received a copy of this book for a fair and honest review. Receiving the book did not influence my opinions in any way. All opinions expressed here are my own.
I loved this cozy because the characters were very relateable. The main character didn't seem as impulsive as many of the main characters in cozies do. I enjoyed following the storyline. Although this is the second book in the series, I had no problem following the storyline or getting to know the characters, even though I haven't read the first book in the series. I would recommend this book to all cat and cozy mystery lovers.
I loved this cozy because the characters were very relateable. The main character didn't seem as impulsive as many of the main characters in cozies do. I enjoyed following the storyline. Although this is the second book in the series, I had no problem following the storyline or getting to know the characters, even though I haven't read the first book in the series. I would recommend this book to all cat and cozy mystery lovers.
January 2, 2017
"Telling Tails" is a cozy mystery. It's the fourth book in a series. I'd recommend reading the previous books first as you'll better understand the character's actions in this book. There were also references to events that happened in previous books, though no whodunits were spoiled.
The main characters were engaging. The mystery was clue-based, and the story focused on collecting those clues. I was annoyed that the author didn't clearly state when Rose saw the apparent crime happen as the characters seemed to know. Still, whodunit could be solved using the given clues (and before the Angels figured it out). However, the explanation at the end was difficult to follow as it seemed overly complicated. The clues were all explained, yet important details about how the murders were done were glossed over.
There was no sex. There was a minor amount of bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this mystery.
I received this book as a review copy from the publisher.
The main characters were engaging. The mystery was clue-based, and the story focused on collecting those clues. I was annoyed that the author didn't clearly state when Rose saw the apparent crime happen as the characters seemed to know. Still, whodunit could be solved using the given clues (and before the Angels figured it out). However, the explanation at the end was difficult to follow as it seemed overly complicated. The clues were all explained, yet important details about how the murders were done were glossed over.
There was no sex. There was a minor amount of bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this mystery.
I received this book as a review copy from the publisher.
January 8, 2017
Since I don't normally write reviews unless I have something specific to say, here's the break down of how I rate my books...
1 star... This book was bad, so bad I may have given up and skipped to the end. I will avoid this author like the plague in the future.
2 stars... This book was not very good, and I won't be reading any more from the author.
3 stars... This book was ok, but I won't go out of my way to read more, But if I find another book by the author for under a dollar I'd pick it up.
4 stars... I really enjoyed this book and will definitely be on the look out to pick up more from the series/author.
5 stars... I loved this book! It has earned a permanent home in my collection and I'll be picking up the rest of the series and other books from the author ASAP.
January 11, 2017
Loved, loved, loved this book. I think it is the best of the series so far even though Elvis did not play as big a part as he usually does. I went back and forth as to who was the killer, and as the options were not plentiful, even though I figured it out fairly soon it did not diminish the enjoyment of the story.
February 8, 2017
This is the first book i have read from this author. This book was well developed and pretty much straight forward. The characters are excellent the scenes are well described and i am so loving the shop Sarah owned in this book. It makes me want to get into baking again. Plus i am a animal lover an i so fell in love with her cat named Elvis. A must read for any and all book lovers everywhere.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 179 reviews