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Witch's Cat Mystery #3

Familiar Motives

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A new witch and her feline familiar get their fifteen minutes of fame in this enchanting mystery in the national bestselling series...
After learning that she comes from a family of witches--and adopting a familiar named Alistair--artist Annabelle Britton has made beautiful Portsmouth, New Hampshire, her home. Together with her coven, this good witch is trying to put a stop to magic and murder most foul.
When Anna takes Alistair to see local veterinarian Ramona Forsythe, they meet the most famous cat in town: Ruby the Attitude Cat, spokes-feline for a pet food brand. But then Ramona turns up dead, and Ruby goes missing. It seems like the murderer used magical means, so it's up to Anna and Alistair to catch a killer and cat-napper as only a canny cat can.

Audible Audio

Published October 3, 2017

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About the author

Delia James

6 books244 followers
Born in California and raised in Michigan, Delia James writes her tales of magic, cats, and mystery from her hundred-year-old bungalow home. She is the author of the Witch’s Cat mysteries, which began with A Familiar Tail. When not writing, she hikes, swims, gardens, cooks, reads, and raises her rapidly growing son.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 108 reviews
Profile Image for Lisa Ks Book Reviews.
842 reviews139 followers
October 4, 2017
Another enchanting installment in the Witch’s Cat Mysteries.

Author Delia James takes us back to Portsmouth, New Hampshire to help witch, Anna Britton, and her cat familiar, Alistair catch a killer, and find a missing “celebrity” cat.

As with the other books in this series by Delia James, FAMILIAR MOTIVES was a well written tale packed with murder, mischief, and magic. Under the author’s spell, I became immersed in the story, and I couldn’t get through the pages of this book fast enough.

Rather you like your cozy mysteries with cats, a para-normal twist, great plots, or all of the above, FAMILIAR MOTIVES has something for everyone. Conjure up a copy of your own!
Profile Image for Betty.
2,004 reviews73 followers
November 21, 2017
An outstanding paranormal and the third book in the Witch's Cat series. Annabelle Britton takes Alistairs to a
veterinarian, Ramona Forsyth for his annual checkup and booster shots. While at the vet's office, they meet Ruby, the Attitude Cat and become aware of a custody battle over Ruby. Alistair has a crush on Ruby. Later he alerts Annabelle that something is wrong at Ramona's home. Ramona is dead and Ruby is missing. Has Ruby been catnap or did she escape? There are several suspects in the kidnapping. Annabelle and Alistair must find an answer before there are more deaths.
I highly recommend this book and series.
Profile Image for Karen.
503 reviews65 followers
October 24, 2017
In Familiar Motives, main character Annabelle Britton and her familiar Alistair find themselves investigating a murder and a kidnapping of a local cat celebrity, Ruby the Attitude cat. This mystery while it is a paranormal actually feels very plausible given the popularity of some truly posh pets in that are internet sensations. I loved the magical twists and not knowing whose story to believe in this one. I was truly surprised to learn who the murder was and the motive behind the murder mystery. This is a lovely witchy series that I hope you will enjoy.
Profile Image for Brooklyn Tayla.
1,042 reviews78 followers
March 7, 2018
This book, in my opinion; was hands down, the best in the trilogy. Not only did it feature a very intriguing yet tragic murder, one in fact that would make Anna and her Coven sisters question many things; but it also included a cat-napping that was honestly perplexing to the core! 

Like, as I progressed along; I had no idea why things were being done; my intrigue levels were constantly raised; and I love how much Anna has developed throughout the trilogy; it’s quite sad that there’s not a fourth book coming along; and I hope there is; because I could read all the books on Anna and Alistair; they are such an adorable partnership; I remember their first encounter in “A Familiar Tale” so fondly; Anna was wondering why Alistair kept popping up (literally) around her; and it just got better and better – in this book, I feel like their relationship develops all the more; you can tell how much both have come to need one another; and I feel like Alistair is written really well; what can I say, Delia James knows how to write cats! And I loved that Alistair got to interact with other cats in this book; it was fabulous! 

I feel like there’s definitley room for more books, I mean something is hinted at the end of book one; regarding who may or may not inherit powers; witch powers I mean, and also I need more of Sean and Anna! They had such great scenes together; and it would be great to see him interact with Alistair more. 

I loved the interaction between Anna and her Coven sisters; they had all come so far; and each of them had an almost emotional part they played in this book; Val and Julia, having had been connected to the suspects; yet, the one that’s life was taken is one of their own; and Kenisha’s duty as an officer subtly conflicts with her role as a coven sister; this all made for much more emotional and gripping reading.  

The writing was definitley addictive; I couldn’t help but be swept up in the mystery and intrigue of everything; and I could picture all the character interactions so vividly! 

Also, I must mention that Coven Leader Julia owns a book store. Enough said; just look at the cover.
Profile Image for Daniele.
1,076 reviews41 followers
October 12, 2017
This is a fun series, and I enjoy the protagonist Anna's voice. The mystery is solid with many motive/killer options presented that all made sense. Iwish Alistair could talk. Recommended for paranormal cozy fans.
Profile Image for Peggy.
1,012 reviews65 followers
October 22, 2017
This is the third installment in the Witch's Cat Mystery and I have really enjoyed each one. Delia James has a wonderful writing style that draws me into each new book. The characters are well written and are coming together nicely. Anna is growing both personally and professionally. She is continuing to learn her craft and what it means to be a witch. The coven sisters make for a great secondary cast of characters along with Sean (Anna's potential love interest) and Frank (the local newspaperman who knows the coven's secret). The plot has a terrific pace and keeps the reader turnings pages trying to unwind the mystery of who killed the local vet and why. There is plenty of mystery, twits, turns, jealousy and greed to make several of the suspects believable and plausible. Throw in the magically elements and the quaint New England town of Portsmouth and you will find this an entertaining read.
Profile Image for Betsy.
528 reviews89 followers
March 23, 2018
Book #3 in Witch's Cat Mystery series. I thoroughly enjoyed book #1 in this series. Book #2 was a disappointment, but I thought I would see if there was improvement in this book. Unfortunately, I am not impressed by the direction this series has taken. It has gotten too "magical" for my tastes. Alastair is still entertaining, but he alone cannot hold my attention. I will not be reading more of this series. 2 stars
Profile Image for Molly Smith.
687 reviews12 followers
October 19, 2017
Initial Thoughts: Another fun and intriguing mystery in Portsmouth! Anna and Alistair find themselves sleuthing for clues in a murder most foul. I continue to enjoy this cozy mystery series mixed with magic and a hint of romance (Sean and Anna are adorable). Of course, Alistair has quite the love-life as well and I can only guess who will catch his eye in the next caper. Though I was able to figure out the who fairly easily, the motives took time. I really enjoyed how Anna approached this case and tried hard not to alienate her friend (and police officer) Kenisha. I'm completely hooked on this series and Ms. Arsenault's narration. I eagerly look forward to the next book in this series. Please click on the link to my full review posted at That's What I'm Talking About blog: http://twimom227.com/2017/10/listen-u...
Profile Image for OpenBookSociety.com .
4,104 reviews135 followers
October 19, 2017
http://openbooksociety.com/article/fa...

Familiar Motives
Witch’s Cat Mystery, Book #3
By Delia James
ISBN#9780451476593
Author’s website: http://www.deliajamesmysteries.com/
Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Daniele

Synopsis:

After learning that she comes from a family of witches–and adopting a familiar named Alistair–artist Annabelle Britton has made beautiful Portsmouth, New Hampshire, her home. Together with her coven, this good witch is trying to put a stop to magic and murder most foul.
When Anna takes Alistair to see local veterinarian Ramona Forsythe, they meet the most famous cat in town: Ruby the Attitude Cat, spokes-feline for a pet food brand. But then Ramona turns up dead, and Ruby goes missing. It seems like the murderer used magical means, so it’s up to Anna and Alistair to catch a killer and cat-napper as only a canny cat can.

Review:

I am completely under author Delia James’ spell. Her Witch’s Cat Mystery series gets better with each book, and this third installment, Familiar Motives, is a great mix of mystery and magic.

This time around, protagonist and young witch Anna finds herself in the middle of a murder investigation when local veterinarian, and fellow witch, Ramona Forsythe falls to her death. To make things even more complicated, celebrity cat Ruby aka “Attitude Cat” has gone missing. Did she run away when Ramona was killed or has she been kidnapped? Anna and her coven are intent on helping solve their fellow practitioner’s murder, but old family conflicts, and the police, threaten to get in the way.

Familiar Motives is delightful, and I enjoy Anna’s “voice”. Her narration really draws the reader into the story, and I feel like I was solving the crime right along with Anna, her friends, and the police. Even though Anna is still new to her craft, she is mostly level headed and persistent in her investigating. Her relationship with her familiar Alistair is fun; I only wish Alistair could talk. He is such the cat Casanova. Anna and Sean’s budding romance is sweet and does not take away from the mystery’s storyline. The supporting characters add variety and interest. Anna’s friend Val’s past plays well into Ruby’s disappearance. Anna’s mentor Julia, though central to the story, does not make much of an appearance, and I missed her. Of course, the suspects are all unlikable to a degree, as is Lieutenant Blanchard.

The mystery is well executed and the pace good. There are so many ways the story could have played out, and the possibilities kept me guessing for much of the book. I admit I did suspect the perpetrator rather early on but was unsure of their motive. There is a nice balance of magic and mundane in both the crime and its solution.

I really enjoyed Familiar Motives and recommend it to fans of cat and paranormal cozies.

*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*

Profile Image for JoAn.
2,460 reviews1 follower
October 31, 2017
Familiar Motives by Delia James was another fun and twisty cozy with Anna and Alistair. I have enjoyed each one of the books in this series. This time Alistair has fallen into "kitty love" with Ruby, the Attitude Cat. Unfortunately, while Ruby is being boarded at the local vet's home, the vet is murdered and Ruby disappears. Was it a "catnapping" or something more? The vet was a witch in another coven and family but Anna's sisters want to make sure that the murderer is caught. Some laughter and even a few tears with plenty of suspects and red herrings to keep me guessing until the reveal. I can hardly wait for the next one in the series.
Profile Image for Kristen.
2,600 reviews88 followers
May 16, 2021
This was okay, but it fell a bit flat for me compared to books 1 and 2 in this series.

Anna got on my nerves in this book. There was the feel of a bit too much of the "small town busybody pokes her nose into the murder investigation" and instead of being cheeky and lovable, Anna was just irritating and getting in everyone's business in an annoying way.

I also didn't love the way the witches and their coven were presented. It felt like a "hollywood-ized" version of what witches would be if this was a reality show, and as I know about the craft, that hit me wrong and bothered me.

I think I am now done with this series, and probably won't read future books. Just not a fit for me.
1,632 reviews8 followers
November 26, 2020
Apparently this book is #3 in the series, and the last book. Which is too bad, because I was enjoying it and there are so many things that the author did not tie up in the end. Anna and her friends have to solve the mystery of a dead witch (and Vet) in this book. Was she killed because she found a company was selling inferior cat food, or did she commit suicide because her business was failing? How far should a magical investigation go without interfering with a police one? And why is Alistair hiding Ruby, the "Attitude Cat?"
356 reviews4 followers
September 18, 2018
Another murder/cozy cat mystery! I'm a little embarrassed that it took until book 3 to realize there would always be a murder involved in this series. IMO this is probably the best one - it was light on the witch stuff, but what was present was interesting (more about how much they couldn't do because of police involvement), a snarled knot of threads to untangle about how everyone's connected to solve the whodunnit and best of all, TWO cats!!
Profile Image for Melody.
1,352 reviews11 followers
November 22, 2020
When a veterinarian is murdered and the spokes cat for a national cat food line disappears all the witches of Portsmouth feel the need to find out who attacked one of their own. A good read and quite a twisty tale.
Profile Image for Paige Wallace.
24 reviews1 follower
August 12, 2025
Really enjoyed this series. Cute but not quite corny. I hope she comes out with more in the series.

This one wasn’t my favorite in the series, but she’s keeping it going decently without making it feel repetitive. Coming from
Someone who only enjoyed thrillers and horror for years- I’m enjoying reading softer mysteries that aren’t fucking with my nervous system.
Profile Image for Sarah Niebuhr Rubin.
329 reviews22 followers
March 15, 2023
Surprised me in the end, and had all the fun of the cats and a solid mystery throughout.
Profile Image for Katie.
1,095 reviews22 followers
November 11, 2017
I accomplished absolutely none of the hundred things I needed to do today, but I finished this book. It was definitely worth it!
1,363 reviews13 followers
October 9, 2017
This was absolutely the best one yet!!!

This series just keeps getting better and better! Extremely
riveting and I couldn't put it down. There was lots of
Alistair in this story and I loved it! If you love cats and
witches you will absolutely love this series! Can't wait to
see where Delia James will take us next. Hurry, hurry with
another one! PLEASE!!!!
Profile Image for Regan.
2,061 reviews97 followers
November 24, 2017
Another favorite series of mine. This one was kind of dark for a cozy but that made it a better read. I like how she presents the craft -- while a bit "Hollywoodized" it does have many of the true elements. Nice finish, solid writing and I LOVE Alistair! He develops a bit more with each book. Quite the feline sleuth even without his magikal powers.
Profile Image for Kimberly.
983 reviews107 followers
October 24, 2022
This was a great seasonal paranormal cozy. Not only does it take place in Fall, but it’s full of witches, their magic abilities and the best feline familiar.

What makes this series so enjoyable is the cast. I really like Anna and her coven of smart, strong women. In this story, I was surprised to learn an shocking fact about Val’s past and loved seeing more of Kenisha. I found it interesting to see her struggle with being a police officer and justify using magic to help solve and gather evidence. Bartender Sean is an adorable love interest too. I enjoyed their brief interactions and his wise advice.

My absolute favs is Alistair, Anna’s cat familiar. He can vanish and reappear in the most unlikely places. He has quite a personality and is very popular amongst the female cats into town. He lended some comic relief and I loved his tie in with Ruby, the famous spokeskitty of a pet line called Attitude Cat.

The mystery involving this shady pet food brand was very captivating throughout this entire book. The victim was part of Anna’s coven so it added an extra suspicion to the entire case. There were many plausible suspects and red herrings so I couldn’t quite peg this one until the final reveal.

I’ve been holding off reading this third book in the Witch’s Cat Mystery for quite a few years. I was hoping there would be more added to the series, but it looks like this is the final one. That’s definitely a let down because I loved these character and felt like they all had more stories and adventures to share together.
Profile Image for Darla Taylor.
1,851 reviews
May 31, 2018
Third in the fantastic Witch's Cat series, "Familiar Motives" is a wonderful read. Since learning she was a witch, Anna Britton has made Portsmouth, New Hampshire her home. she's been forming relationships with the her coven and the individual members but probably her most important relationship is with Alistair, a big gray cat who's Anna's familiar.

Anna takes Alistair to the vet, Ramona Forsythe, who's also a witch and knows how to handle the variety of familiars whom she sees. While there, Anna and Alistair meet the most famous cat in town, Ruby, who's the Attitude Cat spokes-cat. Alistair's in love and his really liking the treats is just the beginning! Ruby's owner was going out of town and bringing Ruby in so Ramona could watch her. Ramona's then found dead with Ruby missing and it seems that magic was involved so the coven must look into that.

Soon, however, there's too many pieces to the puzzle and it's tearing relationships apart. Most shocking to Anna is finding Ruby in her own basement! It seems that when she'd asked Alistair to find Ruby, he did so and brought her to safety. Unfortunately, now they have no idea who took Ruby or where she was when Alistair found her.

Can Anna solve this mystery before the damage is permanent? I thoroughly enjoyed "Familiar Motives" and am looking forward to the next book.
Profile Image for Imjussayin.
563 reviews11 followers
January 6, 2018
In A Nutshell Anna Britton, new found Witch 🧙‍♀️ and Alister, her familiar cat 🐱 get involved in mystery, magic and mischief in sleepy Portsmouth, New Hampshire.

A celeb cat 🐈 goes missing and her vet is murdered. Anna and Alister have to stop the wrong person being arrested and find the missing feline, who is hidden by a witch’s ward.

It’s a well written comfort book providing olde worldly charm and escapism in a modern setting.


Connect with me on Twitter and FB
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Check out my blog on imjussayin

Book Rating
Sexual Content: u
Language: u
Violent: u
Would I read the next one or reread?: Yes.

My rating system (* = star)
0* Could not finish this book (waste of time)
1* Finished the book but didn't like it.
2* Finished the book it was okay.
3* A good read worth your time.
4* An excellent read often with a novel concept or unusual plot.
5* A great read. A prominent example of the genre.
Profile Image for Ahmya.
238 reviews26 followers
October 24, 2017
This is the book in the series that I have read.

I fell in with Alistair and Miss Boots as well as the myriad different animal characters.

I was really excited and have been counting the days until I could get the book.

When local vet dies and Anna finds her body along with the local pet celebrity cat-napped. Things get dicey.

The beginning rankled me a bit since Anna seemed to coincidentally be in the wrong/right place for a key piece of the mystery. One too many times, In my opinion.

However, this did not happen for the rest of the book. Though the beginning was a bit of a jump for me the remainder of the book more than made up for it.



The Mystery of the murder taught me one thing. Some people can be nosy. Sometimes it is good. Sometimes it is bad. In this book, there were both.
Profile Image for Doris.
361 reviews5 followers
May 11, 2018
The third installment in the series and it gets better and better. Personally, I am becoming more familiar with the recurring characters and their ways and interactions with each other, however, having read the other two books is not a prerequisite as relationships and conflicts are well-established in this story for newcomers to have no problem following what is going on and why.
The main character, Annabelle Amelia Blessingsound Britton - or simply Anna Britton - has a knack of literally sticking her nose in where local law enforcement does not want it or, failing that, Alistair provides a helping paw. All in all, her reputation exceeds her and others often ask for her help which she gladly provides.
A must-read on so many levels and I guarantee, you will not want to put the book down until you finish reading the last page.
Profile Image for Patricia Romero.
1,789 reviews48 followers
November 16, 2017
Anna is still getting used to being a witch and having some skills with her Vibe. And living with Alistair, who disappears at will.

When Anna takes Alistair to the vet, not only does she meet Ruby the Attitude Cat, but she is witness to a strange and scary conversation when a third-party comes crashing into the Vet’s office claiming the cat is hers.

When the vet turns up dead and Ruby gone, Anna and her coven of characters must work to learn if this was an act of magic and a witch was involved or was this all about greed.

The characters are very real, the story runs very smoothly and Alistair steals the show!

A smart new series I’ll check into more! This one was featured when it came out last month at my library and I quickly grabbed it.

Check it out and let me know!
Profile Image for Dharia Scarab.
3,255 reviews8 followers
December 19, 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.
Profile Image for Adrianna.
778 reviews29 followers
January 31, 2018
This is the 3rd installment of the enchanting Witch's Cat Mystery series in which Alistair, Anna's cat familiar, helps her solve a murder mystery. I enjoyed this book as much as the others as Anna has helped solved a murder/mystery twice before now and is really getting her feet under her in terms of sleuthing. Ruby made me think about another famous cat, Grumpy Cat, and it was intriguing to get into Anna's head and her thinking into who killed Ramona. At last glance before the truth came out I thought it had been Wendy, Ramona's sister but it ended up being the lawyer Pam. The writing of this book was just as magical as the two previous books and I would totally color a coloring book Anna designed!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Karen-Leigh.
3,011 reviews24 followers
October 9, 2024
After learning that she comes from a family of witches--and adopting a familiar named Alistair--artist Annabelle Britton has made beautiful Portsmouth, New Hampshire, her home. Together with her coven, this good witch is trying to put a stop to magic and murder most foul. When Anna takes Alistair to see local veterinarian Ramona Forsythe, they meet the most famous cat in town: Ruby the Attitude Cat, spokes-feline for a pet food brand. But then Ramona turns up dead, and Ruby goes missing. It seems like the murderer used magical means, so it's up to Anna and Alistair to catch a killer and cat-napper as only a canny cat can.
Profile Image for Kelly (Maybedog).
3,493 reviews239 followers
October 18, 2025
This was an excellent mystery. There were so many pieces that had to come together, side mysteries, betrayals and subterfuges. The premise, plot and world-building were excellent. The characters were interesting and I really liked the MC. My only complaint is that the end game wasn’t more exciting.

I intend to read the next one soon.

I think the reader, Elise Arsenault, is quite good. She has a variety of voices. The problem was that there were so many characters and they all interacted with one another, so sometimes it was hard to know who was talking. I also don’t like her voice for the baby. It made me cringe.

Displaying 1 - 30 of 108 reviews

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