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Crazy Cat Lady #5
Cat Café
A body is discovered on the floor of the cat café, and all the black cats are missing!
Sixty-something cat shelter volunteer Lynley Cannon always finds more trouble than a cat in catnip, but this time it’s not about her. Someone is targeting very senior citizens, and when Bea Landrew, elderly owner of the Blue Cat café turns up dead, Lynley’s mom Carol could be next.
Handsome Detective Devon is looking for a link between the victims when he makes a different sort of connection— with Lynley! It’s been a long time since the cat lady had romance in her life, but while her mom is in danger, the case comes first.
It appears the cat café will go the way of its deceased owner, but Bea’s grandson, a slick Miami businessman, steps in at the last minute. Arthur is not a cat person so why would he bother? Romeo, the big Russian Blue, senses ulterior motives, but who will listen to a cat?
A black cat rescue, an antique photograph, an elaborate payback. Is this killer seeking justice or vengeance? With death as the objective, the results are the same.
Sixty-something cat shelter volunteer Lynley Cannon always finds more trouble than a cat in catnip, but this time it’s not about her. Someone is targeting very senior citizens, and when Bea Landrew, elderly owner of the Blue Cat café turns up dead, Lynley’s mom Carol could be next.
Handsome Detective Devon is looking for a link between the victims when he makes a different sort of connection— with Lynley! It’s been a long time since the cat lady had romance in her life, but while her mom is in danger, the case comes first.
It appears the cat café will go the way of its deceased owner, but Bea’s grandson, a slick Miami businessman, steps in at the last minute. Arthur is not a cat person so why would he bother? Romeo, the big Russian Blue, senses ulterior motives, but who will listen to a cat?
A black cat rescue, an antique photograph, an elaborate payback. Is this killer seeking justice or vengeance? With death as the objective, the results are the same.
Kindle Edition
Published October 29, 2018
3 people are currently reading
51 people want to read
About the author
Mollie Hunt
36 books176 followersCat Writer Mollie Hunt is the award-winning author of two cozy series: the Crazy Cat Lady Mysteries featuring a sixty-something cat shelter volunteer who finds more trouble than a cat in catnip, and the Tenth Life Paranormal Mysteries involving a ghost cat. Her Cat Seasons Sci-Fantasy Tetralogy presents extraordinary cats saving the world. She recently released a COVID memoir which she calls, "a tale of a plague and politics, of depression and inspiration, and an ode to the very real and healing presence of cats." In her spare time, she pens a bit of cat poetry.
Her cat writing has earned various honors, including CWA Muse Medallions and World’s Best Litter-ary Awards. She is the recipient of the prestigious Michael Brim Distinguished Service Award (CWA) and the Catalyst Council Connect to Care Award, celebrating a true story of the profound connection between a shelter cat and its adoptive pet parent. Her book, Cat’s Paw, was a CIBA Mystery & Mayhem Semi-finalist.
Mollie is a member of Sisters in Crime and Willamette Writers, as well as being on the board of the Oregon Writers Colony and Northwest Independent Writers Association (NIWA). She is also the librarian for the Cat Writers’ Association. Mollie lives in Portland, Oregon with her husband and a varying number of cats. Like her cat lady character, she is a grateful shelter volunteer.
Her cat writing has earned various honors, including CWA Muse Medallions and World’s Best Litter-ary Awards. She is the recipient of the prestigious Michael Brim Distinguished Service Award (CWA) and the Catalyst Council Connect to Care Award, celebrating a true story of the profound connection between a shelter cat and its adoptive pet parent. Her book, Cat’s Paw, was a CIBA Mystery & Mayhem Semi-finalist.
Mollie is a member of Sisters in Crime and Willamette Writers, as well as being on the board of the Oregon Writers Colony and Northwest Independent Writers Association (NIWA). She is also the librarian for the Cat Writers’ Association. Mollie lives in Portland, Oregon with her husband and a varying number of cats. Like her cat lady character, she is a grateful shelter volunteer.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
December 19, 2018
Cat mom, Lynley Cannon, is horrified to learn that the elderly owner, Bea Landrew, of the local Cat Cafe is dead. Originally the cops think it was suicide, but Lynley’s mother had been a close friend of Bea’s and knows she would never have taken her own life. Lynley and her mother decide to do some investigating on their own. They do make a formidale pair of amateur sleuths.
It’s not long before they discover other senior citizens have met the same fate. The handsome detective on the case warns Lynley that her mother could very well be the next target. As Lynley protects her mother, she finds herself attracted to the detective. She can’t let that get in the way of a killer, though.
This is the fifth book in the “Crazy Cat Lady” mystery series. I haven’t read any other books in the series, but I do want to. I just couldn’t resist when the opportunity arose to review this one since I’m often called a crazy cat lady. LOL I didn’t feel lost when reading this book as there was quite a bit of information sprinkled throughout the book to help keep me up to date.
This book has plenty of cats in it - the more the merrier, I always say. They do have a part in the story, but they aren’t magical or anything like that but their presence is felt.
It’s a fast-paced intriguing story. There were so many different ways it could have gone and I wasn’t sure where it was heading until almost the end. I was very surprised to find out who the killer was and why. It all fell nicely into place by the end.
I definitely intend to catch up on this series. It’s well written with interesting characters. Another page turner for me.
FTC Disclosure: I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
It’s not long before they discover other senior citizens have met the same fate. The handsome detective on the case warns Lynley that her mother could very well be the next target. As Lynley protects her mother, she finds herself attracted to the detective. She can’t let that get in the way of a killer, though.
This is the fifth book in the “Crazy Cat Lady” mystery series. I haven’t read any other books in the series, but I do want to. I just couldn’t resist when the opportunity arose to review this one since I’m often called a crazy cat lady. LOL I didn’t feel lost when reading this book as there was quite a bit of information sprinkled throughout the book to help keep me up to date.
This book has plenty of cats in it - the more the merrier, I always say. They do have a part in the story, but they aren’t magical or anything like that but their presence is felt.
It’s a fast-paced intriguing story. There were so many different ways it could have gone and I wasn’t sure where it was heading until almost the end. I was very surprised to find out who the killer was and why. It all fell nicely into place by the end.
I definitely intend to catch up on this series. It’s well written with interesting characters. Another page turner for me.
FTC Disclosure: I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
November 27, 2018
OK so this is book five, and I have to say that it does not disappoint. Lynley, the central character, seems never far from danger–this time it also encompasses her family too. Add a healthy dose of cats from a cat cafe, a secret or two and old friends and we have the perfect setting for murder, suspense and a mystery that will have you reaching for the phone to dial 911. I won't give away any more of the plot as this is the best book to date, and spoilers would ruin the fun. Mollie Hunt has really developed the characters to the point where we can think of them as friends and enjoy their interaction. Coupled with original situations, and a passion for cats and writing, this book and series make a welcome and satisfying read and would not be out of place in anyone's Christmas s
February 13, 2020
I read the first Crazy Cat Lady Cozy Mystery some while ago, and I really should read the rest. But jumping forward to Cat Café made for a very satisfying second read. The story’s set in a recognizable part of Portland Oregon. The characters could be neighbors and friends. The cats are wonderful. And the mystery makes for curious fun.
Sixty-something-year-old cat lady, Lynley Cannon, is dismayed at the death of her mother’s friend. But when it seems like her mother is also in the killer’s sights, she’s determined to protect her. Of course, Mom would rather protect herself. But luckily there’s a handsome detective willing to offer help.
Adding a touch of romance and history to the mystery, and promising the cat café will live on (we Portlanders dare thrilled that our cat café reopened) makes for an enticing blend of real life believability and mysterious surprise. The novel stands alone perfectly. The characters are fun. The cats will surely be saved. And the mystery really will keep you guessing till fairly close to the end. I really enjoyed it.
So… books 2 through 4 on this year's Christmas list?
Disclosure: I met the author and was delighted to get a copy of her latest book.
Sixty-something-year-old cat lady, Lynley Cannon, is dismayed at the death of her mother’s friend. But when it seems like her mother is also in the killer’s sights, she’s determined to protect her. Of course, Mom would rather protect herself. But luckily there’s a handsome detective willing to offer help.
Adding a touch of romance and history to the mystery, and promising the cat café will live on (we Portlanders dare thrilled that our cat café reopened) makes for an enticing blend of real life believability and mysterious surprise. The novel stands alone perfectly. The characters are fun. The cats will surely be saved. And the mystery really will keep you guessing till fairly close to the end. I really enjoyed it.
So… books 2 through 4 on this year's Christmas list?
Disclosure: I met the author and was delighted to get a copy of her latest book.
August 3, 2019
Lynley Cannon, the "crazy cat lady" of the series has, once again, been drawn into a murder mystery. Not only is Lynley curious as a cat, but this time her mother, Carol's, life is in danger. Lynley desperately needs to figure out what is going on in a mysterious chain of events. The chain begins when a dear friend of Carol's is murdered in the Blue Cat (a cat cafe where guests enjoy refreshments as well as interaction with cats provided by a shelter.) Not only is the cafe owner murdered but several of the shelter cats are missing-- all black ones.
During the memorial service for deceased cafe owner, Bea Landrew, Carol is nearly poisoned by drinking tea. Fortunately, police detective D'Arcy Devon, prevents her from taking a sip. Carol is a main character in this mystery, as she later shows signs of possible dementia by behaving strangely about a photograph that apparently holds clues to the puzzle Lynley is trying to piece together.
Along with the mystery that grows more complex, this story has other features to draw readers in. There are cats of all stripes that roam through the background, interesting facts about cats that preface each chapter, a hint of romance between Lynley and Detective Devon, the activities of neighbors and friends that populate the cozy Portland, Oregon residential area where Lynley lives.
This cozy murder mystery has all the twists and turns and a thrilling climactic chase scene to rival a Patterson crime novel. This scene involves Lynley and her mom on an elevator ride in the cat cafe at midnight. Interestingly, it is a cat who, through a very natural feline function, fells the bad guy.
A little wordiness here and there, plus a very long closing scene where the resolution of the mystery is talked to death by the main characters, do not spoil the enjoyment of following and puzzling out this cozy cat mystery. I eagerly await #6 in this series to see what combinations of happenings, characters, and themes author Mollie Hunt will next come up with. Her imagination seems limitless. And this series is on a roll!
During the memorial service for deceased cafe owner, Bea Landrew, Carol is nearly poisoned by drinking tea. Fortunately, police detective D'Arcy Devon, prevents her from taking a sip. Carol is a main character in this mystery, as she later shows signs of possible dementia by behaving strangely about a photograph that apparently holds clues to the puzzle Lynley is trying to piece together.
Along with the mystery that grows more complex, this story has other features to draw readers in. There are cats of all stripes that roam through the background, interesting facts about cats that preface each chapter, a hint of romance between Lynley and Detective Devon, the activities of neighbors and friends that populate the cozy Portland, Oregon residential area where Lynley lives.
This cozy murder mystery has all the twists and turns and a thrilling climactic chase scene to rival a Patterson crime novel. This scene involves Lynley and her mom on an elevator ride in the cat cafe at midnight. Interestingly, it is a cat who, through a very natural feline function, fells the bad guy.
A little wordiness here and there, plus a very long closing scene where the resolution of the mystery is talked to death by the main characters, do not spoil the enjoyment of following and puzzling out this cozy cat mystery. I eagerly await #6 in this series to see what combinations of happenings, characters, and themes author Mollie Hunt will next come up with. Her imagination seems limitless. And this series is on a roll!
February 26, 2020
Was the death suspicious? And where are the black kitties?
When an active elderly manager of a cat café dies suddenly, Lynley Cannon feels the death was too unexpected to be natural. Shelter personnel who come to reclaim the kitties find that all the black cats are gone, with no records of adoptions or transfers. Lynley begins to try and find those cats.
Lynley lives with cats, fosters cats, and volunteers at a cat rescue facility. Everyday moments of her life with cats, cat-inspired descriptions, and cat facts at the beginning of each chapter all help make this mystery a realistic portrayal of a community and its animals, and a pleasure to read for those of us who are feline enthusiasts.
Portland, Oregon, is a place I've never been. Hunt shows readers an appealing city of Victorian buildings, small shops with friendly staff, and fascinating inhabitants. But even against this charming backdrop, the reader's sense of unease builds throughout the story. When the autopsy confirms the murder, and as Lynley sorts through twists and turns, you know she's moving closer and closer to danger as she looks deeper into the mystery. But long-kept secrets and the identity of that dangerous perpetrator stay well hidden until the revelation near the end.
I've read and enjoyed most of Mollie Hunt's The Crazy Cat Lady Cozy Mystery Series, and I look forward to reading more!
When an active elderly manager of a cat café dies suddenly, Lynley Cannon feels the death was too unexpected to be natural. Shelter personnel who come to reclaim the kitties find that all the black cats are gone, with no records of adoptions or transfers. Lynley begins to try and find those cats.
Lynley lives with cats, fosters cats, and volunteers at a cat rescue facility. Everyday moments of her life with cats, cat-inspired descriptions, and cat facts at the beginning of each chapter all help make this mystery a realistic portrayal of a community and its animals, and a pleasure to read for those of us who are feline enthusiasts.
Portland, Oregon, is a place I've never been. Hunt shows readers an appealing city of Victorian buildings, small shops with friendly staff, and fascinating inhabitants. But even against this charming backdrop, the reader's sense of unease builds throughout the story. When the autopsy confirms the murder, and as Lynley sorts through twists and turns, you know she's moving closer and closer to danger as she looks deeper into the mystery. But long-kept secrets and the identity of that dangerous perpetrator stay well hidden until the revelation near the end.
I've read and enjoyed most of Mollie Hunt's The Crazy Cat Lady Cozy Mystery Series, and I look forward to reading more!
December 12, 2018
How have I missed this series before now? I have come across Mollie Hunt in a couple of anthologies but WOW, this is a series I have to catch up on.
We are all used to quirky characters and dysfunctional families in amateur sleuth crime stories.
The books are all the better when you add in a pet here and there.
Most of us think we are fairly decent couch detectives, don`t we?
This book will test your observational skills and deductive reasoning.
These characters have additional depth and personality.
When an elderly lady passes away, it is sad. When the detective on the case states quickly that it looks like suicide, it is alarming. When black cats are missing, it is frightening!
Toss in a few more twists and this case is outright dangerous.
I bet you won`t figure it out before the last cat meows.
We are all used to quirky characters and dysfunctional families in amateur sleuth crime stories.
The books are all the better when you add in a pet here and there.
Most of us think we are fairly decent couch detectives, don`t we?
This book will test your observational skills and deductive reasoning.
These characters have additional depth and personality.
When an elderly lady passes away, it is sad. When the detective on the case states quickly that it looks like suicide, it is alarming. When black cats are missing, it is frightening!
Toss in a few more twists and this case is outright dangerous.
I bet you won`t figure it out before the last cat meows.
January 26, 2019
The series continues with more interesting family dynamics as well as a mystery to be solved. This time, Lynley's mother gets involved as a potential victim. And Lynley decides whether or not to add another kitty and increase the number from, I believe, eight felines at home to possibly nine, unless there's another option. I always learn fascinating facts about cats at the beginning of every chapter as well as from reading about the cat characters themselves, both at home with Lynley and in the shelters. Lynley also manages to get herself embroiled in all manner of nefarious goings-on, and Cat Cafe proves to be no exception.
December 21, 2018
I am sorry I missed the first 5. Cat Cafe was a fun read. Adding those other 4 to my Santa please list!
I enjoyed the theme and the locale.
The characters are great and make this one a great read.
The plot/story line makes for a fast paced read that might keep you
guessing and turning the pages all the way to the end.
Written as a standalone but you'll probably want to read the others.
I received a complimentary copy.
My review will appear on retail sites and good reads.
I enjoyed the theme and the locale.
The characters are great and make this one a great read.
The plot/story line makes for a fast paced read that might keep you
guessing and turning the pages all the way to the end.
Written as a standalone but you'll probably want to read the others.
I received a complimentary copy.
My review will appear on retail sites and good reads.
August 13, 2020
An elderly friend of Lynley's mother is murdered in her cat cafe and her son, who is known by the police for his dubious business practices, quickly renovates and re-opens the cat cafe. It is almost as if he already had a plan in place.
Lynley goes on a date with the investigating police officer, although she is uncomfortable with his good cop/bad cop personalities.
Lynley goes on a date with the investigating police officer, although she is uncomfortable with his good cop/bad cop personalities.
February 25, 2021
An enjoyable read - living in the Portland metro area was fun to read a book near to home.
I like cats though I've never read a book where they played such a major role. Not bad book and I enjoy the little bits of information about cats at the beginning of each chapter.
I like cats though I've never read a book where they played such a major role. Not bad book and I enjoy the little bits of information about cats at the beginning of each chapter.
February 11, 2021
I'm from Portland, so I like stories set in Portland. Cat cafes are a real thing here.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews