The Hollow is a magical place where the cats of Madrona Island have lived since before the island was developed. When Cait's witch friend Tansy alerts her to the fact that the cats are leaving the hollow for no apparent reason, Cait sets out to investigate. During the course of her investigation she finds a startling irregularity that is not only causing the cats to leave but is responsible for a human death as well.
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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Farewell to Felines by Kathi Daley was another well plotted cozy mystery with likable characters and a perplexing mystery that kept me turning the pages until the end. this is one of my favorite series by this author.
This book takes a twist or two or even three. While investigating the murder of the church's adult choir director, a woman not very well liked, Caitlin and helper cat Apollo discover another body. A grad student doing water studies. Are they connected with the trouble at the hollow? And will Tansy get better and the cats return? There are three mysteries going on here and only two are solved. If you pay attention you can solve the first two but the third?
As always the characters and settings feel very real. What surprised me is the new and exciting direction I think the series is headed. Not the direction I had for a few of the characters. So thrilling.
In this next book of the series Cait and her friend Tansy visit the Hollow where the feral cats of the island live. They both can tell that something is off, especially when they don't encounter any cats along their journey. It looks like the water has become tainted, but how can that be? Was it something natural that caused the water to go bad or did someone do such a dirty deed? When leaving they meet a cat named Apollo who is there to help Cait figure out just what is going on. On the trip home Apollo leads Cait to the body of Thea a local who seems to have had quite a few enemies racked up. Things get even more complicated along the way with the edition of a missing grad student who is later found dead. Is his death related to Thea's or the tainted water or is it a case unto itself? Follow along as Cait and the gang try to figure out who killed Thea and the grad student, along with the mystery of the tainted water. Immerse yourself in this ever changing whodunit and enjoy the changes that are happening to these much loved characters. I'm enjoying their growth and look forward to where the future takes them.
Great characters kept popping up. Couldn't help loving all the Intriguing new characters that were in this book that kept me interested and saying wow. The storyline was wonderful as always . This book will not disappoint you.
Farewell To Felines Whales and Tails, Book # 15 Kathi Daley 5 Stars
Synopsis:
The Hollow is a magical place where the cats of Madrona Island have lived since before the island was developed. When Cait's witch friend Tansy alerts her to the fact that the cats are leaving the hollow for no apparent reason, Cait sets out to investigate. During the course of her investigation she finds a startling irregularity that is not only causing the cats to leave but is responsible for a human death as well. (Goodreads)
Review:
The characters are well rounded and well developed. I was glad to get to spend time with with Cait and all her friends and family. I always feel like I am visiting with old friends and I enjoy getting to learn what is happening in all their lives. And the mystical cats add so much to the stories. In this case it is Apollo who comes to visit Cait and help her solve the mysteries on the island.
As is usual in this author’s books, there are a couple of mysteries to solve. There are plenty of suspects to consider and clues to sift through and add in the mystical cat and these are hard ones to solve.
The writing style flows smoothly and the book is an easy read. The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and I can always imagine the setting in my mind and it feels real to me. I almost that I was right there watching the choir practice and listening in on the gang’s crime solving sessions.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery. You cannot go wrong picking up any of this authors books, they are all really great.
Farewell to Felines is the 15th installment in Kathi Daley’s delightful Whales and Tails Cozy Mystery series. This is an ideal cozy mystery … it’s a fun, clean read. The characters are well developed, likeable, and relatable. The storyline is captivating, well written, flows smoothly, and there’s just enough intrigue to keep the reader guessing. I highly recommend all Ms. Daley’s books to anyone who enjoys a well-crafted cozy mystery.
Cait and Tansy are visiting The Hollow, the mystical place located in the center of Madrona Island where the feral cats have lived since before the island was first developed. Tansy, who has some type of mystical power, which is tied to the magic surrounding the cats, told Cait that the cats were leaving from The Hollow, and they were trying to see if they could figure out what was happening. They discover the water supply is tainted, but don’t know the source of the contamination. As they approach Cait’s car to head home, they find a large brown cat sitting on the hood. Tansy says his name is Apollo and he’s there to help. Apollo leads Cait to the home of Thea Blane, the new director of the adult choir, and Cait finds Thea’s body in her bedroom. Thea’s cause of death is determined to be blunt force trauma to the back of her head. Apollo leads Cait to a wallet that was washed up in the storm and later to the body of the wallet’s owner, Travis Long. Cait, her best friend and business partner, Tara O’Brian, her fiancé, Cody West, her brother, Danny Hart, and her older sister, Siobhan Finnegan team up with the island’s resident deputy and Siobhan’s husband, Ryan Finnegan, to try to figure out who killed Thea and Travis. Cait’s younger sister, Cassie, is torn about staying on the island or going to college even though she doesn’t know what career she’s interested in and Cait and Siobhan giving sage advice to her. Siobhan is expecting her first child; and Cait’s brothers, Danny and Aiden, and Aunt Maggie all have big news to share with the family.
“Farewell to Felines” earns 5/5 Friendly Felines…Murderously Fun!
They're gone…the cats are a special part of Madrona Island. They live in the hollow and are thought to be magical, and Caitlin is thought to be their guardian. They come to her when trouble (i.e. murder) needs her attention. Hiking through hollow Tansy, thought to be a witch, and Caitlin sense the cats are leaving and neither understand why. They do sense the balance in which they live seems broken. However, a brown cat with bright eyes and pointy ears enters. Tansy says “Apollo” is here to help Caitlin with another pressing issue…someone has died. Jealousy? Anger? Payback? The motives pile up, and the cat just might hold the key…“Meow!”
Another excellent book from Kathi Daley, engaging and entertaining. Yes, the cats that pop up seem odd, but it works well and provides a clever way to explain how the characters come upon the dead body, clues, and evidence. More realistic is the way the friends and family work together with their “murder board” showing critical thinking in action. Kathi writes even the mundane use of brainstorming as an engaging way to spread out all the suspects with motive, opportunity, and means. From there the characters engage the suspects in conversation, peruse reports and documents, and collaborate with law enforcement. All this, spiced with a unique intuition and a major storm, are various developing or evolving relationships making for a very entertaining experience.
I can always count on more recipes to add to my “virtual” cookbook for holiday dinners, book club gathering, and office potlucks. These easy-to-follow recipes for tasty treats are submitted by her fans: Cranberry Salad (fruit, fruit, and Jell-o!!) Crab Nachos (crab? Yes, please), Cherry Cream O Cheese Pie (aka “Cheater Cheesecake”), and Open-faced Apple or Plum Cake (let them eat…cake!)…Yum!
As with the other stories in this series, a stray cat, this time named Apollo, is the lead to clues for Cait in her latest quest. This time, her quest includes tainted water, a dead body, and even a missing person. Are these three things tied together? As Cait tries to follow Apollo's lead and solve one or all of these mysteries, she is also coping with changes in her own family and friends dynamics. I enjoy this series and the main characters, as they interact with each other...sometimes friendly and sometimes argumentative, but always supportive of each other. Disclosure: I am voluntarily reviewing this book.
A great cozy mystery whose main character, Cait, with the help of a special cat, solves the murder mystery. Lots of twists and turns along with great characters and story plot. This is the 15th book in an awesome series. I love following along in Cait's adventures and learning more about her and her family. I also love the animal involvement in the story. Very intriguing.
I loved this book! Farewell to Felines is another really fun story in the Whales and Tales series. Lots going on mystery-wise and in the personal lives of Cait and crew as well. You won't want to miss this one.
I love cats and cozy mysteries so this series is a perfect fit for me. This is the 15th book in this series and once again it starts with a cat and a murder. Caitlin Hart and her friend Tansy are checking out the Hollow where the town feral cats are allowed to live and they notice that the cats seem to be leaving the Hollow. Apparently the water supply has been tainted making the cats leave but before Cait can figure out why another cat named Apollo gets her attention. Usually when a special cat appears then a dead body is right behind. Apollo does end up leading her to one of the church choir members houses and she discovers her dead body. The investigation begins. Cait, Cody, Finn, Siobhan, Tara and Danny meet at Cait's cottage and discuss the murder. There are several possible suspects but before they get too far another strange occurrence happens leading Cait to the body of a young science study who might be involved with the water contamination but does his death have anything to do with the other murder? Only time will tell if Cait and the gang can solve the murders and keep the peace on Madrona Island. This is another example of the excellence of Kathi Daley 's books and writing. I love this series and love the Hart Family as well as all of the town characters.
Welcome back to Madrona Island where Caitlin Hart and her friends once again put their heads together to solve a murder or two. In this installment, not only is a cat instrumental in helping with the investigation, but the entire island cat population is at risk.
Apollo, the cat, takes on a very active role in leading Cait to clues that will help solve the crimes. There are a surprising number of possible suspects and the reader is quickly and easily drawn into following the possible leads.
I loved revisiting the residents and being updated on what is happening in their lives. Kathi Daley does an excellent job of making the characters in this (book and series) come alive for the reader. I have read a number of her Whales and Tails mysteries – not necessarily in any particular order – but always feel as if I have come back to see old friends when I pick up one of these books. Although they are written in sequential order, each does work well as a standalone, so someone new to the series could actually pick up any one of them to read.
If you enjoy a good, clean, cozy mystery, then I heartily recommend picking up a copy of this book.
Big changes are coming to Madronna Island and the Hart family, as it continues to expand. A little bit paranormal, with some visions and intuition and of course a wonderful guest cat helping with the mystery. Cait is trying to figure out what is happening in the Hollow and how it is affecting her friend Tansey's health. Her guest cat this time, Apollo, helps Cait discover the body of a fellow church member who seems to have very different personalities, between church and social. When a different person, not a long term resident, is declared missing and whose body is later discovered, Cait and crew are trying to figure out if all these events are connected. It seems too much for coincidence.
So much going on and this book kept me turning pages trying to piece the puzzle together. Are the deaths related to each other and to the cats disappearance from the Hollow? Will the beloved trees play a major role in what happens in the future? Can brothers get along if they do into business together? I want to keep reading!
This book probably would be rated higher if I understood the background of the characters. This is the first book I have read in this Series and its the 15th book in the Series. I’ve missed a lot of character development which is very important as well as the history of the island and its residents.
There are 2 murders in this one. A major clue to one of the murderers came early on in the book. (In fact when I made a noise when I saw it, my husband wanted to know what I was reacting to- I explained it was a key to the murder of victim one.)
Solving the other murder and who tainted the water in the Hallow was a bit more complicated. But with a cat with mystical powers helping to locate important clues, it does all come together.
There are major life changes for almost all the major characters in the story. I think I would appreciate everything that is happening if I had lived with the characters as they grew together.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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.
I have very much enjoyed reading of the mysterious cats that lead Caitlyn Hart to the answers she seeks. This book is, I think, one of my favorites in the series probably because of all of the changes and hints at changes that we learn about those most important to Cait. I have enjoyed seeing all of the Hart family and friends grow and change along with their cat and dog companions. I also enjoy that while I would call Daley’s books my “light reading” I always come away with a little life lesson to mull over. The final line of the book has me thinking about my life Tapestry and the resulting “picture.”
I recommend this series to all mystery and animal fans. Cannot wait for the next book!
Farewell to Felines ( Whales and Tails Cozy Mystery-Book 15 ) By: Kathi Daley Farewell to Felines is book fifteen in Whales and Tails Cozy Mystery series. The author writes another cozy mystery that grabs your right at the start and you are hooked. She does not disappoint. It is a good clean read that will have you guessing till the end. There are a few mysteries to solve in Farewell to Felines. Cait and her friend Tansy discover that the cats are leaving The Hollow that is a magical place. Why are the cats leaving? There is also some murders to solve. It seems that Cait has her hands full with these mysteries and murders. Can they find the answers to these mysteries?
Kathi Daley does a fantastic job of keeping her Whales and Tails series fresh. "Farewell to Felines" opens with Cait and Tansy walking through the Hollow to discover why the feral cats of Madrona Island who live there are leaving. What they find is that someone or something has tainted the water. When they get back to Cait's car, they find a cat waiting. His name is Apollo and he's there to help. However, there are mysteries within mysteries to solve. In addition, there are changes within Cait's family.
Kathy Daly... Always an Intriguing Mystery with a Twist
Kathy Daly "Whales and Tails" mysteries are a wonderful representation of a family working together to not only solve mysteries but to also the growth and maturity of what a family is able to achieve through cooperation, respect, and love for one another. Her stories also reflect these same qualities in the care shown for all of the cats involved, and of course Max. Farewell to Felines involves twists and turns and complications that turn out to be a page turner from the beginning.Another "good read" from Kathy Daly.
Mysteries to Solve and Family Changes to Adjust to
This was number 15 of the series and there's a lot of excitement going on. Not only are there murders to investigate, there are changes in Caitlin's family. Her brothers and sisters are moving their lives in new and exciting directions. As well as Aunt Maggie and Mom. The mysteries were intriguing and complex, but Caitlin and Finn are great at crime solving, with a lot of help from the rest of the gang. Can't wait to see what happens in the next book.
Cait goes looking for a missing friend which leads her to finding a dead body near a magical place where cats go. But the water been tainted as the cats has slowly disappeared and he witch friend Tansy has also suddenly gotten ill.
Along the way another body is found but is it connected. Once again Cait and her friends will unearth the truth as secrets will come out despite attempts to hide things.
Ok, maybe not crazy, but Cait is definitely a cat whisperer. It all starts with cat disappearing from The Hollow, and a new cat, Apollo, to help discover and solve a mystery. One mystery leads to another, and another. There's a subtle clue to the murder of the choir director, and lots of twists to keep interest throughout. Fellow cat lovers will be happy with the ending.
Farewell to Felines is the fifteenth book in the Whales and Tails Cozy Mystery series. Tainted water, a dead body, a missing grad student. The Hollow has something bad going on. Cait and Tansy try to solve the mystery behind all of the bad vibes surrounding the island and the reason behind the cats leaving the island. But can they figure it out before more bad things happen? I really enjoyed this story. This is another one by this author not to be missed.
I have enjoyed this series of Whales & Tails, this is the 15th book in series, this book has twists and turns , there's clean romance , mystery & always a new cat to help solve the mysteries , it kept me so interested that I hated to put it down until the end , I am excited to move on in this series to the next mystery. I highly recommend this author and this series.
A really good cozy mystery series by Kathi Daley, who has written several other cozy mystery series, all as good as this.
In this series, Cait is helped in each book by a cat, different each time, who is sent to her to help solve a mystery, usually a murder.
These books are easily read in a couple of hours, and are hard to put down. Best read in order of publication to preserve continuity of the characters and series.
I love all of Kathi Daley's series and this one is no exception I have loved it from book one to book fifteen and I still can't wait till the next one if you love a cozy with characters you will want to know and a story that will keep you turning the page then these are a must read
Another clever and interesting cozy mystery on the island. The family and friends are fun to follow as they live their lives and help solve the various mysteries. Cats always play a big part in helping to discover clues. Most things are neatly wrapped up, but there is a bit of a cliff hanger and an expectation of things to come in book 16.
Great mystery! I absolutely love this series! Great characters, wonderful story line and of course I really love the cats. Only wish the kitties had more to do within the story. Otherwise, these are fabulous mysteries that I'm sure cat lovers and mystery lovers alike will truly enjoy.
Another great story in this series, which is my favorite by this author. This one has the usual twists and turns, along with a special cat to help solve the mystery (this time it's Apollo). The storyline keeps you intrigued from beginning to end.
Side stories this time show how the personal lives of so many of the continuing characters are changing. This is one of the many little touches which keep the characters realistic.
Looking forward to more in this series. If you haven't read any of these books yet and are a fan of cozy mysteries and cats, then I HIGHLY recommend it.
Cozy mysteries are light mysteries one can read and not need to think about deeply. It is a short escape from daily life. This story of cats who know answers humans must follow is an escape from daily life. The characters are interesting and we'll detailed as well as likeable.