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Trouble Under the Mistletoe
Trouble, the Sherlock of black cat detective, finds himself in Turnout, MS on Christmas Eve. Teddy Adamson, that heart breaker, has just walked back into Billie Dean Bailey’s life. But more dire happenings are going on under the mistletoe. Who ends up dead and why? Was it the maraschino cherries in the Tizzington sisters’ fruit compote? Or was it something more sinister? Find out in this short story of Trouble’s latest escapade in the Familiar Legacy Mystery Series.
59 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 24, 2017
42 people are currently reading
142 people want to read
About the author
Rebecca Barrett
16 books138 followersRebecca Barrett writes historical fiction, the Hugo August Detective series, cozy mysteries, children’s stories, and short stories of life in the South. An avid reader all her life and a product of “front porch” socializing, she became a story-teller at an early age.
She resides in the lovely artist colony of Fairhope, AL, on the shores of Mobile Bay where she draws inspiration and joy.
Visit the author's website rebeccabarrett.com to enjoy some of her short stories.
She resides in the lovely artist colony of Fairhope, AL, on the shores of Mobile Bay where she draws inspiration and joy.
Visit the author's website rebeccabarrett.com to enjoy some of her short stories.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
November 26, 2017
Trouble Under the Mistletoe: A Familiar Legacy Short Story by Rebecca Barrett is a 2017 KaliOka Press publication.
Trouble and his renowned detecting skills help solve a holiday crime while in the care of Billie Dean Bailey of Turnout, MS.
Trouble sniffs out a hint of concern for Billie and her family whose car dealership is going through a rough patch.
While Billie Dean is concerned about her father and a recent new hire, she finds herself distracted by Teddy Adamson, who is back in town to visit his mother for the holidays.
But, when a murder takes place at the Bailey’s annual Christmas party, Teddy and Billie Dean, with Trouble’s assistance, will have to unravel a clever crime ring.
This is a super short cozy/romantic suspense story, which is a part of the ‘Familiar Legacy’ series. Once again, the vibrant southern locale creates a special holiday ambience and I especially enjoyed the second chance love story between Teddy and Billie Dean. As always, Trouble’s detecting skills are second to none and his inner monologue is priceless. I hope the humans make it to the Christmas pies before Trouble does!
Despite its brevity, this is a complete crime story with a dash of holiday romance and is purrfect for a lunch break escape.
Happy holidays!
3.5 stars
Trouble and his renowned detecting skills help solve a holiday crime while in the care of Billie Dean Bailey of Turnout, MS.
Trouble sniffs out a hint of concern for Billie and her family whose car dealership is going through a rough patch.
While Billie Dean is concerned about her father and a recent new hire, she finds herself distracted by Teddy Adamson, who is back in town to visit his mother for the holidays.
But, when a murder takes place at the Bailey’s annual Christmas party, Teddy and Billie Dean, with Trouble’s assistance, will have to unravel a clever crime ring.
This is a super short cozy/romantic suspense story, which is a part of the ‘Familiar Legacy’ series. Once again, the vibrant southern locale creates a special holiday ambience and I especially enjoyed the second chance love story between Teddy and Billie Dean. As always, Trouble’s detecting skills are second to none and his inner monologue is priceless. I hope the humans make it to the Christmas pies before Trouble does!
Despite its brevity, this is a complete crime story with a dash of holiday romance and is purrfect for a lunch break escape.
Happy holidays!
3.5 stars
December 9, 2017
I haven't had the chance to read the two A Familiar Legacy stories before this holiday shorty, but after my introduction to Trouble the cat familiar's detecting skills in this one, I'm definitely going to get to it.
This was fun. The story is told from a handful of perspectives, but the main character is the cat sleuth. Trouble is left by his owner while she is on a holiday to look after her friend, Billie Dean. Billie Dean's teen crush is back in town and also something serious is going down at her dad's car dealership. Then a murder interrupts her family's holiday party. Trouble is on the prowl.
This was quick, but gave a taste of the longer stories in the series. I definitely want more Trouble tales.
This was fun. The story is told from a handful of perspectives, but the main character is the cat sleuth. Trouble is left by his owner while she is on a holiday to look after her friend, Billie Dean. Billie Dean's teen crush is back in town and also something serious is going down at her dad's car dealership. Then a murder interrupts her family's holiday party. Trouble is on the prowl.
This was quick, but gave a taste of the longer stories in the series. I definitely want more Trouble tales.
January 3, 2018
Trouble Under the Mistletoe by Rebecca Barrett is a cute novella within the Familiar Legacy Mystery series.
An easy and fun cozy starring my favorite cat sleuth, Trouble,who is staying with Billie Dean Bailey while his owner, Tammy Lynn, is on vacation. Billie Dean's high school crush, Teddy Adamson, is home from the service. Although Billie Dean is worried about her father's used car sales business, she is pleasantly distracted by the arrival of Teddy until the family's annual Christmas party. Murder, hidden relationships, and drug smuggling all come out as the couple try to get to know each other once again. I easily read this one this afternoon and look forward to more in this series.
An easy and fun cozy starring my favorite cat sleuth, Trouble,who is staying with Billie Dean Bailey while his owner, Tammy Lynn, is on vacation. Billie Dean's high school crush, Teddy Adamson, is home from the service. Although Billie Dean is worried about her father's used car sales business, she is pleasantly distracted by the arrival of Teddy until the family's annual Christmas party. Murder, hidden relationships, and drug smuggling all come out as the couple try to get to know each other once again. I easily read this one this afternoon and look forward to more in this series.
May 11, 2019
Trouble Under the Mistletoe : A Familiar Legacy Short Mystery
I received this book as an Arc from the author. This is a really cute mystery. The characters and mystery are really good! Highly recommended.
I received this book as an Arc from the author. This is a really cute mystery. The characters and mystery are really good! Highly recommended.
December 1, 2017
Good book to read...
December 1, 2017
Awesome book to read :)
December 1, 2017
Great great.. . . . . ..
December 23, 2022
Trouble Under the Mistletoe by Rebecca Barrett is a short holiday mystery. I love that we jump right in and take care of the problem all at a Christmas party.
Will Trouble find the culprits before Billie Dean is hurt?
Our black cat detective is staying in Turnout, Mississippi, with Billie Dean, Tammy's cousin, for the holiday. Tammy is traveling and thinks Trouble would enjoy being with Billie Dean more.
Trouble is as elegant as ever. He knows which people to turn the charm on and which to ignore. I love how he alerts Billie Dean and Teddy to the clues and culprits. He is such an intelligent feline.
The Mystery and Romance
Billie Dean's family car dealership is running on hard times, and things are going farther downhill. Yet, some shady things are happening at the dealership that may further affect their family lively hood. It all comes to a head when Scooter, the mechanic, is found dead on the side porch at the family Christmas party.
Billie Dean finds her second chance at love with Teddy when the theatrics at the party is completed. All of this was, of course, with the help of the black cat detective, Trouble.
Five Stars
My rating for Trouble Under the Mistletoe by Rebecca Barrett is five stars. Ms. Barrett starts us out fast, and for a holiday party, kept me on my toes with the amount that happens in such a short amount of time and pages. I have to say that I love the way everything turned out. If you are looking for something to read before your little ones are completely out. This is a good pick. I highly recommend this short story and all the Trouble Cat Mysteries.
Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of Trouble Under the Mistletoe by Rebecca Barrett.
Until the next time,
This review was originally posted on Baroness' Book Trove
Will Trouble find the culprits before Billie Dean is hurt?
Our black cat detective is staying in Turnout, Mississippi, with Billie Dean, Tammy's cousin, for the holiday. Tammy is traveling and thinks Trouble would enjoy being with Billie Dean more.
Trouble is as elegant as ever. He knows which people to turn the charm on and which to ignore. I love how he alerts Billie Dean and Teddy to the clues and culprits. He is such an intelligent feline.
The Mystery and Romance
Billie Dean's family car dealership is running on hard times, and things are going farther downhill. Yet, some shady things are happening at the dealership that may further affect their family lively hood. It all comes to a head when Scooter, the mechanic, is found dead on the side porch at the family Christmas party.
Billie Dean finds her second chance at love with Teddy when the theatrics at the party is completed. All of this was, of course, with the help of the black cat detective, Trouble.
Five Stars
My rating for Trouble Under the Mistletoe by Rebecca Barrett is five stars. Ms. Barrett starts us out fast, and for a holiday party, kept me on my toes with the amount that happens in such a short amount of time and pages. I have to say that I love the way everything turned out. If you are looking for something to read before your little ones are completely out. This is a good pick. I highly recommend this short story and all the Trouble Cat Mysteries.
Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of Trouble Under the Mistletoe by Rebecca Barrett.
Until the next time,
This review was originally posted on Baroness' Book Trove
July 3, 2019
Yes I know it's July but everyone does a Christmas in July don't they?
Trouble is staying with Billie Dean a cousin of his beloved Tammy Lynn. This time it's Christmas and of course we need a mystery for him to solve.
Billie Jean works at her father's used car lot. Trouble is waiting for her time there to be done, when a surprise visitor appears.
It's at the party where things get crazy, and I do mean crazy. With a spiked fruit salad most folks avoid, and plenty of fun. Including a murder.
I did a lot of laughing in this one, Trouble is a character for sure. There's that romance with Teddy and Billie Dean, that her father wishes was his lead salesman Evan. Yeah so not happening.
Plenty of suspects, romance and suspense. A wonderful short story.
Oh, and rumor has it there's a new book in this series coming out next week, watch for it!
Trouble is staying with Billie Dean a cousin of his beloved Tammy Lynn. This time it's Christmas and of course we need a mystery for him to solve.
Billie Jean works at her father's used car lot. Trouble is waiting for her time there to be done, when a surprise visitor appears.
It's at the party where things get crazy, and I do mean crazy. With a spiked fruit salad most folks avoid, and plenty of fun. Including a murder.
I did a lot of laughing in this one, Trouble is a character for sure. There's that romance with Teddy and Billie Dean, that her father wishes was his lead salesman Evan. Yeah so not happening.
Plenty of suspects, romance and suspense. A wonderful short story.
Oh, and rumor has it there's a new book in this series coming out next week, watch for it!
November 30, 2017
This is a really well written short story which I am sure anyone would enjoy whether you love cats or not!
Trouble is a black cat who seems to be very intelligent. This cat's natural inquisitiveness coupled with his complete understanding of situations (and people!) makes him a total asset to whoever is watching him at the moment. His owner has left him with Billie Dean for the holidays. Trouble has to decide if Teddy (an old heart throb) is "safe" and then has to ferret out a murderer.
This book would be suitable for younger readers as well as adults!!
Trouble Under the Mistletoe: A Familiar Legacy Short Mystery
Trouble is a black cat who seems to be very intelligent. This cat's natural inquisitiveness coupled with his complete understanding of situations (and people!) makes him a total asset to whoever is watching him at the moment. His owner has left him with Billie Dean for the holidays. Trouble has to decide if Teddy (an old heart throb) is "safe" and then has to ferret out a murderer.
This book would be suitable for younger readers as well as adults!!
Trouble Under the Mistletoe: A Familiar Legacy Short Mystery
June 15, 2021
Normally I wouldn't read a story set at Christmas time, figuring it would be too cutesy for me. But this story is adorable.
Trouble, the cat, is the narrator and knows, in between indulging himself at mealtimes and petting sessions, that he's got his work cut out protecting his latest human.
Billie Dean works at her father's used auto dealership. Evan is their top salesman. And Teddy shows up, in his Marine uniform on Christmas Eve. Throw in drug smuggling and a suspicious death and Trouble is on the job.
This is the first book I've read by Rebecca Barrett and I thought it was completely amazing.
Trouble, the cat, is the narrator and knows, in between indulging himself at mealtimes and petting sessions, that he's got his work cut out protecting his latest human.
Billie Dean works at her father's used auto dealership. Evan is their top salesman. And Teddy shows up, in his Marine uniform on Christmas Eve. Throw in drug smuggling and a suspicious death and Trouble is on the job.
This is the first book I've read by Rebecca Barrett and I thought it was completely amazing.
November 30, 2017
What a great book for the Christmas season. And perfect for when you want something to read but feel you're too busy. This is short but not sweet.
This is the 4th book in the Familiar Legacy series featuring Trouble the cat. Trouble is staying with Billie Dean for the holidays.
Read this and you'll love it!
This is the 4th book in the Familiar Legacy series featuring Trouble the cat. Trouble is staying with Billie Dean for the holidays.
Read this and you'll love it!
January 7, 2018
Short and cute
I like the idea of having the cat narrate part of the story, and I have to confess I have never read such a short romance/murder mystery! It all moves pretty darn quickly and there's lots of information that we don't get from a longer telling of the story with more build up. It's a good introduction to the author.
I like the idea of having the cat narrate part of the story, and I have to confess I have never read such a short romance/murder mystery! It all moves pretty darn quickly and there's lots of information that we don't get from a longer telling of the story with more build up. It's a good introduction to the author.
January 12, 2018
Charming cozy mystery
Very likable characters and an interesting story with good plot twists . Trouble, the black cat detective, will win your heart! The romance between the main characters is sweet and you’ll pull for them from the beginning. And the mystery’s outcome probably will surprise you!
Very likable characters and an interesting story with good plot twists . Trouble, the black cat detective, will win your heart! The romance between the main characters is sweet and you’ll pull for them from the beginning. And the mystery’s outcome probably will surprise you!
March 25, 2018
A REALLY enjoyable book ,
You will fall in Love with "Trouble the Cat" and want him for your very own. All in all a quick read but a delicious and delightful one. Well done Rebecca Barrett we could all use Sweet Love, a little Mystery , and the jewel of detectives "Trouble the Cat" for a really relaxing evening.
You will fall in Love with "Trouble the Cat" and want him for your very own. All in all a quick read but a delicious and delightful one. Well done Rebecca Barrett we could all use Sweet Love, a little Mystery , and the jewel of detectives "Trouble the Cat" for a really relaxing evening.
June 3, 2022
Cute cozy mystery
Didn't know the cat Trouble would be the narrator and would be solving the crime and protecting his latest human, Billie Dean who has a car dealership. A murder happens during a Christmas party and with Trouble's help Billie has to uncover a crime ring. I recommend this short story and will read more by this author.
.
Didn't know the cat Trouble would be the narrator and would be solving the crime and protecting his latest human, Billie Dean who has a car dealership. A murder happens during a Christmas party and with Trouble's help Billie has to uncover a crime ring. I recommend this short story and will read more by this author.
.
November 27, 2017
Trouble strikes again
Trouble strikes again this,time in Turnout MS. While staying with Billie Dean while Tami Lynn is in New York Trouble helps solve a murder at Billie Deans parents Christmas Party.
Trouble strikes again this,time in Turnout MS. While staying with Billie Dean while Tami Lynn is in New York Trouble helps solve a murder at Billie Deans parents Christmas Party.
December 4, 2017
This was a short story about a black cat that is a great detective. He helps find who committed the murder at the Christmas party.The characters are believable and the story is interesting. It's an ok story to read during Christmas.
February 12, 2019
Very enjoyable!!
I usually don't read the short stories, but
this was really entertaining. I'm absolutely
loving these Trouble mysteries and am
totally looking forward to the next one in
the series!
I usually don't read the short stories, but
this was really entertaining. I'm absolutely
loving these Trouble mysteries and am
totally looking forward to the next one in
the series!
September 21, 2020
I enjoyed this short story. It kept moving along without a slow down.
I liked that Trouble the cat has to check out people and investigate what is going on, it was a fun twist reading his viewpoint. The mystery was good and the characters were enjoyable . I will continue on with this series.
I liked that Trouble the cat has to check out people and investigate what is going on, it was a fun twist reading his viewpoint. The mystery was good and the characters were enjoyable . I will continue on with this series.
November 25, 2017
A great cozy with a feline helper
This was a short fun read, great characters and a good plot for such a short book. I was very impressed!
This was a short fun read, great characters and a good plot for such a short book. I was very impressed!
December 1, 2017
Awesome book to read. . . . .
December 4, 2017
Trouble is black cat who is also a detective. This was a fun holiday short mystery. Any book that has a cat, holidays and a mystery is a winner in my opinion!
My first time reading about Trouble and I look forward to more of his escapades!
My first time reading about Trouble and I look forward to more of his escapades!
December 8, 2017
Cute, short holiday story perfectly suited as accompaniment during one's lunchbreak or for reading before bed.
December 12, 2017
Just so endearing and funny! The cat did solve the crime in spite of the humans in this story.
January 3, 2018
Fun Read
Very well written for a cat! A cute story. A quick read. And a great story line. Read it for a laugh.
Very well written for a cat! A cute story. A quick read. And a great story line. Read it for a laugh.
January 9, 2018
One Smart Cat
I enjoyed this short story! It was full of intrigue, fear, and in the end true love! And who doesn't want a happy ending to a Christmas story?
I enjoyed this short story! It was full of intrigue, fear, and in the end true love! And who doesn't want a happy ending to a Christmas story?
May 21, 2018
A very good short cozy story. Interesting storyline and I loved trouble, going to buy more in the trouble series. Great read!!
January 2, 2019
A Crime-Solving Cat
I loved this novella! It was a short, sweet, and fun Christmas whodunit. I would recommend this story to cat lovers and mystery lovers alike.
I loved this novella! It was a short, sweet, and fun Christmas whodunit. I would recommend this story to cat lovers and mystery lovers alike.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews