Cait and Tara are holding a book club meeting at Coffee Cat Books the week before Halloween. There are twelve participants reading Frankenstein as a storm rolls in. The storm intensifies and the lights go out thrusting the store into darkness. By the time the electricity is restored one of the book club members will be found dead.
Kathi lives with her husband, kids, grandkids, and dogs in beautiful Lake Tahoe. When she isn't writing, Kathi likes to read (preferably at the beach or by the fire), cook (preferably something with chocolate or cheese,) and garden (planting and planning not weeding). She also enjoys spending time on the water when she's not hiking, biking, or snowshoeing, the miles of desolate trails surrounding her home. Kathi uses the mountain setting in which she lives, along with the animals (wild and domestic) that share her home, as inspiration for her cozy mysteries.
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Frankencat by Kathi Daley was probably one of the most complex mysteries in this series. Ms. Daley never fails to intrigue and amaze me as she weaves these stories that completely suck me in and I can't put the book down until I've finished it. I had to grab the tissues on this one at the resolution.
Great characters all the way around. The stoyline starts with a very spooky storm when the power goes out and everyone is in the dark. Of course it's Halloween also. It's sad this time where the murder takes place.. I could not put this one done to the end.
You know that Halloween cannot be far away when Kathi Daley releases her book for the season, appropriately named Frankencat, the 13th in the Whales and Tales Cozy Mystery series. Caitlin Hart and co-owner Tara, of Coffee Cat Books are holding a discussion about Mary Shelley’s famous book, Frankenstein. Heavy clouds and an angry sea flickering lights and thunder that shakes the building send warnings the storm is going to be a bad one. During a 20-minute break a final flicker of the lights and the power went out. Cait and Tara asked all to return to the cat lounge where there was light from the fireplace to wait out the passing of the storm. Huddled together for what seem like hours the storm passed over and the wind died down. Assuring everyone was okay it was agreed it was best to call it a night. Tara and Cait banked the fire and began to gather their things to leave but when they go out to the parking lot there is one car remaining. The car belonged to Paula Wainwright, who had asked to use the phone during the break. Cait and Tara reenter the building using a flashlight app on Tara’s cell phone, they walked by each other’s side calling for Paula. They looked in the office and she wasn’t there. The bathroom door is open so they check out the store room. Due to the extreme darkness in the windowless room it seemed that Paula was not there. When Cait goes to shut the store room door a big cat enters the room. Calling for the cat to come out so they can close the store, Cait listens for its movement. She heads to the back, behind boxes, where she finds Paula’s body. A call is put into Deputy Ryan Finnegan the resident deputy of Madrona Island. Cait and Tara with assistance from family and friends join in unity, as well as the mystery cat who goes by the name of Frank, to solve the mystery of who killed Paula and why. As always Kathi’s book has me in the spirit for Halloween. I love the touch of a mystery cat who provides clues to help solve the mystery behind each plot. The plot is made even better by the development of family and friends relationships as well as the ability to assist the local deputy to solve the murder.
Frankencat is the thirteenth installment in Kathi Daley’s awesome Whales and Tails Cozy Mystery. It was hard to put this book down. The mystery is well plotted and the characters are affable and well developed. Ms. Daley’s writing style flows smoothly and this is an easy read. Ms. Daley writes clean mysteries with a perfect mix of sweet romance and intriguing mysteries that contain no gratuitous sex or graphic violence. I highly recommend this series to anyone who enjoys a well-crafted cozy mystery.
It’s the week before Halloween and Cait Hart and Tara O’Brian are hosting book club at Coffee Cat Books. In addition to Cait and Tara, there are ten women attending and discussing the book they’re reading, “Frankenstein.” A storm rolls in and the power goes out and everyone huddles together in the reading/cat room. Once the worst of the storm passes, a decision is made to dismiss the group, but when Cait and Tara exit, they notice Paula Wainwright’s car is still there and Frank, a beautiful brown cat, leads them to their storage room where they find Paula’s body with a knife in her chest. Cait and Tara work with Ryan Finnegan, Madrona Island’s deputy, to track down the killer, hoping the culprit doesn’t turn out to be one of the nine remaining members of their book club.
Cait and Tara have the Coffee Cat bookstore decorated for Halloween and get more mystery than they bargain for when they decide to host a reading for their book club just as a huge storm rolls in.
How can a cozy mystery be spooky, sad and happy all at the same time?
This book had me hooked feomnthe beginning. I love Halloween, so the rheme was perfect. Cait and Tara hosting a book club that ends in murder is so typical of them, it seems fitting. The story behind Paula's death is tragic, and it hit a little close to home, in a strange way. I read this book straight through, and can't wait for the next one.
“Frankencat” earns 5/5 Journal Entries and Suspects Galore!
A big storm! A lightening strike! The lights go out! The book club is plunged into darkness, so they decide to wait for the worse to pass. When it seems safe enough, the group decides to head home. Closing up the Coffee Cat Books, Caitlin and Tara notice Paula’s car is still in the parking lot. It wouldn’t have be usual for her to decide to get a ride from one of the other bookclub members…safety in numbers and all. But a cat races in the door sending Cait and Tara on the search to get the cat out. Instead they find Paula, in the dark, behind some storage boxes, lying in a pool of blood, stabbed. “Call Finn.” No visible signs of forced entry, one victim, twelve suspects, and one cat named…Frank. Another mystery that after everything may be ‘another’ too many.
Yeah, Kathi Daley! Another excellent adventure with a favorite series, Whales & Tails Cozy Mystery, has provided me a great afternoon of reading. This lucky thirteenth book may be a short read at 145 pages, but it is not short on excitement: Whispers of infidelity? Mental competency issues? Interesting motives, suspects with alibis, and a cat helping out? I know to newbies it might seem a bit off center to have a cat magically appear with the purpose of helping Cait solve the recent mayhem, but it works. It’s not a paranormal story no matter the unexplained feline appearance and ‘meows’ of discovery; it is just a clever literary tool to provide Cait with a unique way of discussing her discoveries and theories, and a way to explain how she winds up ‘in the right place at the right time.’ Tansy, the local witch (or that’s what people say), always provides a bit of insight, too, so Cait and the mystery cat get off on the right foot. This story has Kathi’s signature realism focusing on issues many might identify with and very engaging as we are led on a well organized journey questioning…interrogating, the ladies of the book club systematically discovering suspicious behaviors, hidden notebooks and diaries, and keeping things up in the air until near the final chapter…you inner ‘Sherlick’ is kept guessing. I love Cait, even though she is just a small business owner, she understands the limitations to her detective work and closely works with law enforcement. This again adds to the realism that Kathi brings to her work. Halloween prep, continued growth in the relationship between Tara and Sister Mary, and checking in on all the supporting characters play out in the background along with the signature delicious easy-to-follow recipes submitted by Kathi’s fans: Double Layer Pumpkin Pie, Pumpkin Cinnamon Pancakes, Marie’s Gingersnaps, and Streusel Apple Pie. All perfect additions to your next book club gathering…sans the murder, of course!
Another 5 star read from Kathi Daley. I knew it would be, as this is one of several favorite series she writes that I buy as soon as they are available. This book made me wish I could suggest more than 5 stars. Without giving too much away, it is a dark and stormy night, the book club is reading Frankenstein, apropos the season, the weather, and what is going on with several of the other characters. Being different, or feeling as if you are, feeling alienated and lonely - these themes are carried throughout the entire story.
A body is discovered in the bookstore, with a knife in her chest, yet no one heard a thing. In asking questions of the book club members, Cait and Tara realize that perhaps we don't know as much about the people around us as we should.
Besides the psychic cats, another thing I appreciate about this series is how there are deeper meanings, often with lessons, below the surface of the stories. I love the camaraderie of the group and how they pull together to overcome obstacles. There are a few red herrings, that make you question if you are drawing the proper conclusions.
A chance meeting in the grocery store made me excited about potential for new storylines, or possibly even a new series? And a huge announcement, or two, near the end made me feel excited for different reasons.
When I sat down to read I should have known I would not get up until I turned the last page.
When a book club meeting is interrupted by a storm Cait and Tara decide they should all wait it out and then call it an evening. After closing the store Cait and Tara realize that member Paula's car is still in the parking lot and go back to check to make sure they haven't locked her in. With the help of a cat named Frank, Cait ends up tripping over Paula's body in the storage room and the mystery to find the killer begins. There is no way that anyone was able to get in the store at the time of the murder so it has to be a club member, but who and why? Follow along as Cait questions the members and puts together a timeline of that fated evening. With the help of best friend Tara and a cat named Frank will she be able to find the answers they are searching for? When it comes to Kathi's mysteries things aren't always as they seem and that is what makes them fun to read and figure out. This is a great series that is filled with connections of all kinds and that's why I love it!
Loved this book. Cait and Tara are holding a book discussion on Frankenstein when a storm rolls in, lights go out and a body is discovered. Even though I actually figured it out, I enjoyed this read. There are only so many people that are there and Cait and Tara cannot believe that it is one of the women of the club, but who else could it be? This takes you on some twists as you try to piece it together. Totally enjoyable. I will continue on with this series. There is the addition of some yummy sounding recipes in the back.
4 stelle e mezza Questo finesettimana sono stata impegnata e quindi ho avuto poco tempo per leggere, in caso contrario avrei divorato questo libro in una giornata. Davvero bello e, anche se avevo capito ben presto come sarebbe andata a finire, alla fine mi è venuto il magone lo stesso. Sempre verso la fine la protagonista, Cait, incontra un personaggio che, secondo me, entrerà a far parte della "banda di detective per caso". Sebbene in questo caso siano solo Cait e Tara a fare le indagini, condividendo tutto con Finn come al solito. E Frank il gatto, ovviamente!
As Halloween is approaching, the girls are hosting a book club meeting during a storm. As lighting and rain sets for a scary meeting as lights keep flickering. Little did they would know that a member would be found afterwards.
Cait and Tara find themselves investigating the murder. Who wanted the victim dead and why? What was the victim hiding? Nice Halloween read.
Cait and Tara are holding a book club meeting at Copy Cat Books on a dark and stormy night just before Halloween when the lights go out. Before the night is over a body is found. And another cat joins the team. I found this to be a very fun book to read and I was unable to put the book down before finishing it. I shed some sad and some very happy tears at the end. I truly look forward to the next book in the series!
When you eliminate the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth. This story fits the Sherlock Holmes' quote perfectly. A dark stormy night. The book club reading Frankenstein and a death for Cait and Tara to solve since it happens in their store just before Halloween. A great and intriguing story even though I did figure it out by one clue. Can you?
Also big changes happening, I hope to the Hart family.
Didn't enjoy this as much as some of the others in the series. It had a bit too much of the main characters doing the work for the policeman (for no reason other than he's their friend), and in the ending was rather rushed. It may be that Midsomer Island (sorry, Madrona Island) is getting to the end of its cozy-setting days.
This was a story I didn't want to put down after I started to read it. There is always something exciting happening at Coffee Cat Books, or somewhere on the island. This time a power outage provides the perfect cover for a murder that takes place during the book club's meeting to discuss Frankenstein. Once again, Cait is visited by a psychic cat to help her solve the mystery, along with help from her friends and family.
As usual, the author keeps us guessing about what really happened and why. Most of the suspects have secrets they don't want to come to light. making it easy to see why any one of them could have been the killer. The final reveal is a surprising one--and there are other surprises as well!!
I am already looking forward to the next installment in this series.
Frankencat Whales and Tails, Book #13 Kathi Daley 5 Stars
Synopsis:
Cait and Tara are holding a book club meeting at Coffee Cat Books the week before Halloween. There are twelve participants reading Frankenstein as a storm rolls in. The storm intensifies and the lights go out thrusting the store into darkness. By the time the electricity is restored one of the book club members will be found dead. (Goodreads)
Review:
The characters are well developed and well rounded and are people that you would want to spend time with. Although Cody, Cait’s boyfriend, is not in this book very much, her best friend, Tara, is in it more than normal. Relationships are continuing to grow and I am enjoying watching them develop. I always enjoy visiting these characters and catching up with what is happening in their lives. And as usual,the cat, Frank, adds quite a lot to the story.
The author is very talented in her descriptive writing. She is able to create cozy small town settings that are places you would want to visit. The writing style flows smoothly and the book is an easy read. The mystery is well developed and is carried on well from the beginning of the book until the end. I really liked the premise of the killer being one of the women at the book club, it had an Agatha Christie vibe to it. There were enough clues to keep me guessing until it was revealed at the end. I will say, this ending greatly surprised me.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery. With great characters, a great setting, a great mystery and a mystical touch, this is a must read book (and series).
It's book club night at Coffee Cat Books, but the raging storm has caused the club to disband early. But after a power failure, the attendees get ready to leave for the night and Caitlin and Tara realize that one of their members is missing. Paula had previously gone to the office earlier to use their telephone, so they started the search in the office and then moved to the nearby storeroom, stumbling on her dead body. With this murder right at their doorstep, they begin investigating the suspect list which appears to be only the nine other women who regularly attended book club. As they learn about each and any apparent motive, will they be able to discover the murderer before coming into danger for themselves. As always, Caitlin is helped in her quest by the usual mysterious cat, this time a delightful brown cat named Frank. I enjoy this series and love how in addition to the mystery, the story keeps advancing the main characters and their relationships with each other. I missed having Cody helping out with the main investigation, but he made up for it with his support towards the end. I love the new developing relationship between Tara and Sister Mary, as well as maybe an increased role for Caitlin's baby sister, Cassie. I look forward to more stories in this series. Most of all, I appreciate the twist, which I did not see coming. Disclosure: I am voluntarily reviewing this book.
“At times, when faced with an impossible set of circumstances, it is necessary to question our assumptions.” Words of wisdom, applicable to everyone, from Tansy when Cait met with her to learn more about the cat named Frank who suddenly appeared to assist in solving a mystery. Frankencat the 13th book in the Whales and Tails Cozy Mystery Series by Kathi Daley is the perfect book to welcome the start of Fall activities! Imagine a dark and stormy night, a power outage, a book club meeting, and finding the body of a club member, Paula, stabbed to death in a storeroom. Ryan Finnegan, Madrona Island’s deputy, works with Cait and Tara to identify whodunit, hoping none of the nine remaining members of their book club are responsible. Paula’s tragic death has a story which many readers may find hits all too close to home. How many readers themselves or friends of theirs feel alienated, lonely, different or just don’t seem to “fit it” with others? Ms. Daley deftly integrates these feelings and the importance of friendship, support and acceptance throughout this story. Cait, Cade, friends and family all assist in solving the mysteries that seem to plague Madrona Island. The characters are well developed with a tightly woven plot filled with unanticipated twists and turns. This book is an entertaining cozy mystery that will delight adults and young adults looking for a great Halloween themed cozy mystery. Surprises abound! Learn more about them in this superbly crafted story.
I have enjoyed this series from the beginning and this book did not let me down.
Cait and Cara are hosting a book club meeting at Coffee Cat Books when the storm brewing outside intensifies and plunges the store into darkness. When there's a break in the storm the book club members leave. When Cait and Tara leave shortly afterwards, they notice that Paula's car is still there so they go back inside to look for her. Paula had asked to use the phone before the lights went off so, using the flashlight app on Tara's phone, Cait and Tara start in the office where they had told Paula to go to use the phone. Paula wasn't in the office so the girls are checking other rooms when a cat shows up just as they get to the store room and goes deep into the room. The cat's insistent about something and Cait's trying to see what's there when the lights come back on and she sees Laura's body. They call Finn and when he arrives they all check the back door which is locked from the inside meaning the book club members are all suspects in Laura's murder.
While Cait investigates, she not only learns about Laura, she learns more about the people in her life and brings someone else into her fold. I loved reading this book and it's now one of my favorites of the series. A definite can't miss.
This was for sure a read in one sitting book! Cait and Tara were hosting book club at their business - combo book store and meet and greet cat room.The storm was decorated for Halloween and the group was gathered. A wicked storm was moving onto the island. The ladies decide to take a break for the bathroom and coffee and cookies. The lights go out and Cait andTara look for Paula - one of the participants. The find her dead in the storage room. Jason, Cait's brother -in -law, the sheriff is called. He calls it an homicide since the victim has been stabbed. And if you are familiar with this series, you will not surprised to read that a cat has showed up to find the body and stays to solve the help solve the murder. Since the store will be closed for a few days, the girls decide to get right to work solving the mystery. As they interview al the ladies that were present that evening it seems that none of them make a good subject for they mystery. Read on to figure this out. A sad ending for the victim. However some great news for Cait's family and some wonderful news for......... This is book 13 in the Whales and Tales books. Read them all and get to this book before Halloween.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Spoiler Free Review: Hard to believe but this is the 13th in the Wales and Tails series. This series takes place on Madrona Island a fictional member of the real San Juan Islands off the coast of Washington. It features Cait and Cade as well as friends and family who pitch in to solve the mysteries that seem to plague this island. Always assisted by a cat who arrives specifically for the purpose of solving the current mystery. These are mild paranormals (the cats don't talk or have any powers other than pointing out clues). Basically good entertaining mysteries with the involvement of a cat. Kathi's books are well written, well edited, clean reads and while written for adults they would be suitable for young adults as well. Kathi is prolific and writes a number of series as well as having a new series about to be introduced. Her first series and she is still adding books is the Zoe Donovan Mysteries, Wales and Tales, Seacliff High, Writers Retreat and from Henery Press her TJ Jensen Series. Kathi has a loyal following and can be found in several groups on Facebook. She frequently runs specials on her older books and has grouped many into box sets which will save you some in catching up if you are new to her books.
Frankencat ( Whales and Tails Cozy Mystery Book 13 ) By: Kathi Daley Frankencat is book thirteen in Whales and Tails Cozy Mystery Series. Wow, these stories just keep better and better. Daley drew me in right at the start and I was hooked. Kathi Daley did not disappoint. She makes you think that you are right there with them. The story and characters , both were well developed. Cait and Tara was holding one of their book club meeting at The Coffee Cat Books before Halloween. A very bad storm came up, the lights all went off, a dead body was found, and a mystery cat shows up. What a night. Cait and Tara goes into action along with the police trying to find the killer. Daley had me guessing right up to the end on this one. Don’t forget to check out the recipes in the back of the book along with a list of Kathi Daley’s books.
I am just in awe of the author's ability to write so many books yet continue to come up with unique mysteries every time. I couldn't wrap my head around being able to solve this intriguing "locked door" mystery, so I just let myself go along for the ride, eagerly awaiting the author's solution to this one! And I never would have guessed it..
As always, the book was full of friends and family and a very sweet romantic moment for Cait! Although I love all of the author's series, this one holds a slight edge in the favorite column for me as I live in the Pacific Northwest and enjoy reading about it - happy to say the author does a fabulous job with her vivid descriptions which enable any reader to picture the beauty of the area in their mind's eye. .
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.
Frankencat is the thirteenth book in the Whales and Tails Cozy Mystery Book series. It is that time again, another book club meeting. This time, it's a week before Halloween, the shop is festive, and a storm is rolling in. The perfect setting for a discussion on their book, Frankenstein. Not long after they take a break, the storm gets worse and the lights go out. When the lights come back on, one of the members of the club is missing. Who is missing? Where did they go? And what happened to them? Another excellent story by this author and one not to be missed!
Why can't we give more than 5 stars!!!!! This book would get a definite 10 stars in my opinion. The twist and turns will keep you guessing as to who done it but the end result of the death will definitely make you cry. Plus it is set in my favorite time of year Halloween!!! You can't wrong there and Cait and Cody melt my heart they are a awesome couple. I'm definitely looking forward to the next in this series.
The new cat "Frank" has made himself available to the team in this great story of the Whales and Tails mystery. I love the humans and animals that help solve the story. A murder in the storeroom of the bookstore during a violent storm is difficult because only one of the 9 people attending the book club meeting could be responsible. Cait and Tara after investigating can't believe any of them could have done it.