The Death of Downton Tabby

The No.2 Feline Detective Agency #3

by Mandy Morton

The Town is celebrating its first literary festival, and The No. 2 Feline Detective Agency has been hired to oversee security. On the arrival of the three Bronte sisters and the famous aristocat, Sir Downton Tabby, Hettie Bagshot and her sidekick, Tilly, are plunged into crisis as a serial killer stalks the festival grounds. Will there be an author left standing? Will Meridian Hambone sell out of her 'Littertray' t-shirts? And will there be enough crime teas to go round?

Genres: Mystery, Cats, Crime, Cozy Mystery, Detective

269 pages, Paperback

First published June 23, 2016

About the author

Mandy Morton began her professional life as a musician. Her songwriting formed the basis of six albums during the 1970s and early 1980s, when she toured extensively with her band. More recently, she has worked as a freelance arts journalist for national and local radio, specialising in making music and theatre documentary. She is the co-author of a non-fiction theatre book, In Good Company, and lives with her partner in Cambridge and Cornwall, where there is always a place for an ageing long-haired tabby cat. The No. 2 Feline Detective Agency is her first novel, and begins a series of books inspired by her first cat, Hettie.

Reviews

[Leo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I borrowed the two books in this series from the library so Naturally I thought it was book 1 and 2. But this last one was book 3. But I found I think all the books on my book app so I will continue there.
I've said before something similar with that this a weird but surprisingly awesome series with a mix of Cozy and the macabre that just works. This is the "darkest" Cozy mystery which ice read and sometimes the darker moments comes as a shock as a lot of this is very Cozy. I love the names given in this book that plays on real life authors or the cats profession. It's so easy getting invested in the story and the cases and I'm very eager to go back to listen to book two before continuing with book 4.

[Linda Amos · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hetty and Tilly are asked to provide the security for the local literary festival. When one of the authors loses his head they are asked to investigate. When other authors are killed the future of the festival is in doubt, but can they catch the killer? Throw in the worst storm seen in years, the subsequent flooding and damage, a pushy literary agent, along with injuries to several volunteers, they have a huge task on their hands.
I had to laugh at some of the names - Terry Scratchett; Charlene, Emmaline and Anne Bronte from Porkshire. I suspect the different personalities is reasonably true to life in litereray circles. An easy read and great fun.

[Piper · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had an amazing time diving into the world of the Feline Detective Agency book. The blend of humour, mystery, and surprising plot twists kept me hooked from start to finish. Hettie and Tilly's friendship shone brightly, adding a touching aspect to the narrative. The witty wordplay with character names brought an extra layer of fun to the story. This book was the perfect companion for a lazy Sunday, bringing smiles and warmth. Being a feline enthusiast, the focus on cat characters made the reading experience even more enchanting. This delightful and entertaining book truly brightened my day!


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[Deepak · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good time-pass read

[Barbara Brabiner · Rating 5 out of 5]

OmG nothing cozy about this delightful feline murderfest

[Helene Harrison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review - I preferred this to the first one in the series, The No. 2 Feline Detective Agency. I think I preferred this one because it seemed to have more puns and it was wittier I thought. Perhaps the author got more into their stride as the series has gone on. I haven't read the second book in the series, but I do really want to. I loved the foil that Tilly was for Hettie; the two bounced off each other really well. I also liked how the mystery literally happened over 2 days, and you really got the chance to know the characters. If you want something light and funny then this series is for you!

Genre? - Cosy Crime

Characters? - Hettie Bagshot / Tilly Jenkins / Bruiser / Poppa / Charlene Bronte / Ann Bronte / Emmeline Bronte / Downton Tabby / Beryl Butter / Betty Butter

Setting? - Furcross (England)

Series? - No. 2 Feline Detective Agency #3

Recommend? – Yes

Rating - 16/20

[Sharon Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 The death of Downton tabby by mandy morton and thanks to @instabooktours.

I love this series this is the second book I have read and they are so easy to read. When I initially read it was about cats I was a little weary but they really are enjoyable characters and Tilly and hetty and the fabulous feline detective agency is truly like reading about a crime being committed but just remember the characters are cats.

This one is about a book festival and one of the big authors gets killed can the 2 detectives find out who has killed the author. It really is an enjoyable read and I love Tilly and hetty. It is part of a series but can easily be read as a standalone book. I will at some point go and read all the others in the series.

[Lucy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is my first Feline Detective Agency book and I found it enjoyable and fun. I really liked the puns of everyone's names as we went along and the mystery was compelling. I was wondering why I was only halfway through the book and everything seemed to be wrapped up but I didn't guess the ending twist. Hettie and Tilly were great protagonists and I loved the friendship between the two of them.

I did like this but I don't think I'm going to seek out the rest of the series. 3.5 stars!

[Merrilee Gibson · Rating 5 out of 5]

In my previous review of The No. 2 Feline Detective Agency, I ended by promising to read and review a subsequent book in this relatively new series. This review fulfills that commitment.

Ms. Morton has a particular talent for creating tantalizing tales with timely hook-ins, and, since I have been a devoted fan of the PBS series, Downton Alley, I was immediately taken in by the title The Death of Downtown Tabby.

Hettie Bagshot and her faithful assistant Tilly are now heading a successful detective agency whose services are retained to provide organization and security for the upcoming literary festival featuring prominent authors including the renowned Downton Tabby.

Hettie, Tilly, and their friends work diligently to set up a successful show, and all looks to be in splendid shape for a memorable event.

Memorable it proves to be, but not quite for the reasons originally envisioned. Due to a series of unfortunate events, the outcome is more decidedly macabre than was anticipated. The show, however, is a rousing success that one that enhances the reputation of the little feline agency.

Ms. Morton seems to have the parameters of her all-feline world well in hand. Once again, we are pleased to witness the eventual positive outcome for Hettie and Tilly although there certainly is a downside for some of the participants. This makes for a lively and quite entertaining story with a refreshing new view.

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was explaining this book to a couple of friends shortly after I read it and I cannot explain what makes me keep picking up books in this series: it is silly, the plot relies on it being a fantasy world, and the deaths are often ridiculous and more gory - although that's not quite the right word - than you expect in cosy crime. However, I like the characters and the lack of seriousness of it all.

[Tricia · Rating 3 out of 5]

The third in the series and they are starting to grow on me. In this The No 2 Feline Detective Agency assists at a literary festival where the lead speaker is author Downton Tabby. The Famous Bronte sisters are also in attendance. As usual some cats run out of their 9 lives and it is up to Hettie and Tilly to solve the case.

These are quite light and as they are felines they have a slightly different take on the macabre.

[India Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked the book up in the sale thinking it would be a nice and relaxing book to read over the holidays and I have to say, I've thoroughly enjoyed it! I love the puns used throughout and the storyline is funny and entertaining! I would definitely recommend this to anyone who loves cats, murder mysteries and generally good books!

[LE Eastman · Rating 4 out of 5]

A gripping tale of murder and mayhem finds Hettie Bagshot and the no. 2 FelineDetective agency on their latest case. The literary world is not for the weak or faint of heart as Hettie and Tilly soon learn about the darker side of writing as their town hosts a literary festival. Action packed and exciting.

[Booksnpieces · Rating 3 out of 5]

An entertaining and amusing read.

[Lara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read it in one sitting. It was so funny and really enjoyable.

[Fiona · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyable easy read

[Chelsea · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book got stranger and stranger the more I read!

[Claire · Rating 2 out of 5]

All the characters are cats which I found hard to adjust to. It was ok, but dont want to read any more.

[Janine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series so much!

[Miki Jacobs · Rating 5 out of 5]

These books are a brilliant alternative to mainstream detective stories. I love the plays on words.

[Elaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fun read with good food, a festival and murders to solve.

[Abi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Surreal, very surreal!

[Diane Sutton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this. Especially as I read it during Covid-19 lockdown. Needed something lighthearted, but it was also a pretty good crime story. Love the cats names.

[Tracy Smyth · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars - the No 2 FDA saves the day again

[Lost Vegas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic, hilarious and ghoulish. Absolute brilliance.

[Lorraine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Utterly ridiculous but totally wonderful

[Lucy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Loved the concept and overall storyline, it's a fun murder mystery but I felt the pacing was off and it just wasn't for me.

[Olivia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely literary mystery with a collection of eccentric characters. Wonderful read.

[Chloe Clark · Rating 3 out of 5]

I did find the names of the cat authors rather humorous. "JK Rolling" "Brontë Sisters" "Jane Hair".
I found the story rather morbid, a bunch of murders occur at the literary fair, and Hettie and Tilly decide to turn a profit by displaying the dead bodies!
But the drama was rather suspenceful in the middle which made reading worthwhile.
I also enjoyed the change in characters to be solely cats. It's complete madness and doesn't make sense but I enjoyed it all the same.

[Alice · Rating 4 out of 5]

3,5 stars.

It has been a cute reading, with the changing names and a few hilarious situations.
I thought the resolution came a bit too early and I was wondering "well, what is gonna happen in the second half of the novel?", but then a plot-twist happened and I didn't see it coming.

I liked Hettie, so cynical and opposite to Tilly and her fangirl moments.
They work really well with each other.

It's a bit of a crime story and a bit of a comedy - if you're searching for something light, you'll enjoy this one.