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The Mysteries of Max #9
Purrfect Alibi
Murder, Mayhem, and a Library Reading Gone Terribly Wrong!
When Marge Poole pulls off the impossible—convincing the world’s bestselling author to do a reading at the Hampton Cove library—she expects a night of literary excitement. What she doesn’t expect? Becoming the prime suspect when the author turns up dead.
Now, it’s up to her daughter, Odelia Poole, to track down the real killer before Marge’s reputation is shredded and she becomes a small-town outcast. But with Odelia’s grandmother barging in on the investigation, things get… complicated.
Meanwhile, Odelia’s feline sleuths have their own problems. Dooley is convinced the apocalypse is near, Brutus is acting suspiciously, and Max and his crew have been drafted into the murder case—digging up clues, interrogating suspects, and uncovering secrets no one saw coming.
Can Odelia crack the case before her mom is permanently booked for murder? Or will this mystery be the final chapter for the Poole family?
🐾 A purrfectly witty and whimsical cozy mystery—filled with quirky characters, clever cats, and a dash of feline-fueled crime-solving! 🐾
When Marge Poole pulls off the impossible—convincing the world’s bestselling author to do a reading at the Hampton Cove library—she expects a night of literary excitement. What she doesn’t expect? Becoming the prime suspect when the author turns up dead.
Now, it’s up to her daughter, Odelia Poole, to track down the real killer before Marge’s reputation is shredded and she becomes a small-town outcast. But with Odelia’s grandmother barging in on the investigation, things get… complicated.
Meanwhile, Odelia’s feline sleuths have their own problems. Dooley is convinced the apocalypse is near, Brutus is acting suspiciously, and Max and his crew have been drafted into the murder case—digging up clues, interrogating suspects, and uncovering secrets no one saw coming.
Can Odelia crack the case before her mom is permanently booked for murder? Or will this mystery be the final chapter for the Poole family?
🐾 A purrfectly witty and whimsical cozy mystery—filled with quirky characters, clever cats, and a dash of feline-fueled crime-solving! 🐾
252 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 27, 2019
589 people are currently reading
276 people want to read
About the author
Nic Saint
270 books313 followersSign up for Nic's newsletter for news, releases and giveaways: nicsaint.com/newsletter
Nic has a background in political science and before being struck by the writing bug worked odd jobs around the world (including but not limited to massage therapist in Mexico, gardener in Italy, restaurant manager in India, and Berlitz teacher in Belgium).
When he’s not writing he enjoys curling up with a good (comic) book, watching British crime dramas, French comedies or Nancy Meyers movies, sampling pastry (apple cake!), pasta and chocolate (preferably the dark variety), twisting himself into a pretzel doing morning yoga, going for a run, and spoiling his big red tomcat Tommy.
He lives with his wife (and aforementioned cat) in a small village smack dab in the middle of absolutely nowhere and is probably writing his next ‘Mysteries of Max’ book right now.
www.nicsaint.com
www.facebook.com/nicsaintauthor
www.twitter.com/nicsaintauthor
Nic has a background in political science and before being struck by the writing bug worked odd jobs around the world (including but not limited to massage therapist in Mexico, gardener in Italy, restaurant manager in India, and Berlitz teacher in Belgium).
When he’s not writing he enjoys curling up with a good (comic) book, watching British crime dramas, French comedies or Nancy Meyers movies, sampling pastry (apple cake!), pasta and chocolate (preferably the dark variety), twisting himself into a pretzel doing morning yoga, going for a run, and spoiling his big red tomcat Tommy.
He lives with his wife (and aforementioned cat) in a small village smack dab in the middle of absolutely nowhere and is probably writing his next ‘Mysteries of Max’ book right now.
www.nicsaint.com
www.facebook.com/nicsaintauthor
www.twitter.com/nicsaintauthor
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
July 17, 2020
Mystery writer murdered in library. Gran assists (this is one crazy lady). I fell in love with Max's new twin Big Mac. Everyone is so gullible and weird, even Chase who cannot sing agreeing to serenade Odelia on her father's suggestion.
December 19, 2023
That was a lot of fun, but it went in a very different direction than I thought it would. Especially since the hot topics that were chosen to be satirized this time out weren’t ones I found to be naturally funny. However, I’m loving seeing all of these characters and their relationships growing and evolving. Max definitely has a new fan for life in me.
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September 30, 2024Purrfect!
And.....The gang is back in great form, with new developments and the feline army in exceptional form! The only sour note for me had been Vesta, I wish to see her go to a retirement home and stay there for good.
And.....The gang is back in great form, with new developments and the feline army in exceptional form! The only sour note for me had been Vesta, I wish to see her go to a retirement home and stay there for good.
April 16, 2019
I'm seriously thinking of dropping the series. Other than dad Tex and the sheriff uncle, the humans are pretty bland and goody-two-shoes. Except for Grandma. If she were actually in my life I'd beat her black and blue with my fists then come back with a baseball bat to finish the job.
I still kind of like the cats. I want Dooley all to myself. I love Clarice and the new guy, Big Mac.
We don't get to know the murder victim very well at all so I don't care that he's dead. At least the investigation is mostly done by the cats. I think. I've forgotten what the humans did already. They also mention some TV shows which I know were made from books, so I got interested in that series. So there's that...yeah...
Bottom line: um, what were we talking about?
I still kind of like the cats. I want Dooley all to myself. I love Clarice and the new guy, Big Mac.
We don't get to know the murder victim very well at all so I don't care that he's dead. At least the investigation is mostly done by the cats. I think. I've forgotten what the humans did already. They also mention some TV shows which I know were made from books, so I got interested in that series. So there's that...yeah...
Bottom line: um, what were we talking about?
October 5, 2020
I probably would have liked this better if I had started at the beginning of the series. It took me awhile to figure out what was going on.
April 17, 2024
Odelia's mother, Marge, has accomplished quite the coup in getting a best-selling author to come to town and do a book signing at the library. When the author is murdered, Marge finds herself on the list of suspects, despite the fact that her own brother is the chief of police. Chief Alec doesn't really believe Marge killed anyone, but he needs to follow the evidence. That's when Odelia steps in to help investigate, utilizing her secret weapon: her cats, who can question other animals in the area and listen in on human conversations to glean clues. The cats, however, have issues of their own. Max's friend, Dooley, is convinced the apocalypse is nigh, and Harriet's boyfriend, Brutus, is convinced the spots on his chest mean he's going to die. Nevertheless, the cats do their part, finding a new ally in Big Mac. In the meantime, Odelia and her boyfriend, Detective Chase Kingsley, are busy interviewing suspects. Between them and the cats, they have Hampton Cove covered, and it's only a matter of time before somebody's alibi implodes.
This particular book in the series was quite enjoyable. The plot progressed smoothly, no strange cat was causing trouble among the feline friends, and even Odelia's odious grandmother, Vesta, was...well, not behaving herself, but less annoying than usual. This was also probably the funniest installment in this series so far.
Typically I read one of these stories, roll my eyes, and wonder why I keep reading them. This one reminded me why I do. I laughed out loud more than once while reading. It's probably deserving of 4.5 stars, but you know what? I've been busting the author's chops over these books so much that I'm going to award this one a five.
This particular book in the series was quite enjoyable. The plot progressed smoothly, no strange cat was causing trouble among the feline friends, and even Odelia's odious grandmother, Vesta, was...well, not behaving herself, but less annoying than usual. This was also probably the funniest installment in this series so far.
Typically I read one of these stories, roll my eyes, and wonder why I keep reading them. This one reminded me why I do. I laughed out loud more than once while reading. It's probably deserving of 4.5 stars, but you know what? I've been busting the author's chops over these books so much that I'm going to award this one a five.
August 9, 2024
These books truly do just keep getting worse! And another one of these abominations finished. One more to go thankfully. Can't wait to finish the series, not because I'm enjoying it, but because I hate it and want to get it done. This one was ridiculous. You knew who the killer was immediately it was blaringly obvious. And in so saying, it also makes you wonder how stupid the police officers are, add in the star reporter to that idiocy. All of them are bumbling idiots. The only ones intelligent are the cats! Yet, Chase being the idiot that he is instead of a intelligent police officer is busy calling the cats stupid when the cats are the only ones solving this stuff. He is a big fake freeloading person. He lies about liking cats so he can get into odelia's pants, he he thinks he can sing when it's obvious he can't, and continues even when people are throwing things at him the man is stupid. I get that some of this is supposed to be humorous, but all it is, is stupid! it's not funny it's, not even so stupid that it's funny, it's just stupid. Yeah, I know, tell you how I really feel! Ha!
March 1, 2019
Absolutely Fabulous! Dooley is magnificent!
Awesome read. This has to be the best read in the series. A wonderful plot but the cats steal the show. Loved it! Absolutely hilarious in places!
A book reading at the library ends up with a world famous author dead and her mother in trouble. The cats however separate into the detective roles like the pros they are (well should be after the training sessions with Max, although Dooley is having some problems). A check for witness's leads them to Big Mac and an array of artist's composites of the last people to have seen the author alive. Throw in Dooley's obsession with the end of the world, a fatal illness, baptisms, talking pets ad Dooley's single mind fixation with pizza boxes. Will they find the killer? Will they all survive? Will Chase ever get up the nerve to tell her how he feels?
Awesome read. This has to be the best read in the series. A wonderful plot but the cats steal the show. Loved it! Absolutely hilarious in places!
A book reading at the library ends up with a world famous author dead and her mother in trouble. The cats however separate into the detective roles like the pros they are (well should be after the training sessions with Max, although Dooley is having some problems). A check for witness's leads them to Big Mac and an array of artist's composites of the last people to have seen the author alive. Throw in Dooley's obsession with the end of the world, a fatal illness, baptisms, talking pets ad Dooley's single mind fixation with pizza boxes. Will they find the killer? Will they all survive? Will Chase ever get up the nerve to tell her how he feels?
February 10, 2022
When a famous author is murdered before an event scheduled at the library where her mother works, Odelia gets help solving the case from her family's 4 cats along with Big Mac (a chubbier Max look-a-like) and Clarice, Queen of the Streets.
Chase serenades Odelia with an Ed Sheeran song (Perfect, which I love) as a grand gesture before asking Odelia if they can take their relationship one step further and have him move in with her. He takes a frying pan to the head, along with shoes thrown at him, for his efforts, but mission success, he gets to move in with Odelia and the cats.
Isn't it about time Odelia tells Chase that she, along with the distaff side of her family, can talk to cats? It is getting harder and harder to explain why she knows the things she does.
Chase serenades Odelia with an Ed Sheeran song (Perfect, which I love) as a grand gesture before asking Odelia if they can take their relationship one step further and have him move in with her. He takes a frying pan to the head, along with shoes thrown at him, for his efforts, but mission success, he gets to move in with Odelia and the cats.
Isn't it about time Odelia tells Chase that she, along with the distaff side of her family, can talk to cats? It is getting harder and harder to explain why she knows the things she does.
September 28, 2020
A woman and her mother speak cat as in able to communicate both ways with various cats including their own. The woman is currently dating a police officer and her father is the chief of police. Her father is aware of her and her mother's abilities. She is in love with the police officer. An author is invited to do a reading at the local library and gets killed by some unknown person. The cats and the ladies must solve the mystery with the help of the local cats and their own team of cats. A fun mystery with lots of mystery and even more humor! If you like mysteries and you like cats-- this is the book for you!
September 26, 2021
The writer dies
Max and crew are at it again. A famous writer is to read at the library and ends up with a gold fountain pen in his neck.
His wife , soon to ex, his son, the publisher, the pizza guy, another writer, a young man who claims to be his son, a crazy stalker, and a thief were seen sneaking into the library about the time he was killed. Who saw them? a cat named Big Mac.
Number nine in the series kept me guessing about the killer and laughing at the antics of people and cats to figure it out.
Max and crew are at it again. A famous writer is to read at the library and ends up with a gold fountain pen in his neck.
His wife , soon to ex, his son, the publisher, the pizza guy, another writer, a young man who claims to be his son, a crazy stalker, and a thief were seen sneaking into the library about the time he was killed. Who saw them? a cat named Big Mac.
Number nine in the series kept me guessing about the killer and laughing at the antics of people and cats to figure it out.
March 2, 2019
The cats do it again!
This is the fourth ”Purrfect “ mystery I’ve read and I love them! The idea that Hazel can understand and talk to her cats is a great premise. It makes for some very humorous antics as the clues supplied by her cats help solve the murders, especially the ones giving her Uncle, the Police Chief, trouble. I haven’t read them in order, but it doesn’t seem to matter. Very enjoyable!
This is the fourth ”Purrfect “ mystery I’ve read and I love them! The idea that Hazel can understand and talk to her cats is a great premise. It makes for some very humorous antics as the clues supplied by her cats help solve the murders, especially the ones giving her Uncle, the Police Chief, trouble. I haven’t read them in order, but it doesn’t seem to matter. Very enjoyable!
March 10, 2019
These mysteries are the cat's meow!!!
Truly am hooked on the Mysteries of Max
series. This one had so much fun in it. It
had humour, drama, a great story line and
a wonderful plot. Dooley's end of the world
drama, Brutus and his spots, the baptism
and not to forget the newest member of
the series ( at least I'm hoping he'll be in the
series continually now ) , Big Mac. This all, plus
much more, combined to make this one my
most favorite yet!! Absolutely adore this series!!!
Truly am hooked on the Mysteries of Max
series. This one had so much fun in it. It
had humour, drama, a great story line and
a wonderful plot. Dooley's end of the world
drama, Brutus and his spots, the baptism
and not to forget the newest member of
the series ( at least I'm hoping he'll be in the
series continually now ) , Big Mac. This all, plus
much more, combined to make this one my
most favorite yet!! Absolutely adore this series!!!
September 25, 2020
Perfect intro to Max and the gang!
Never having had the pleasure of reading a Max book before, I had no idea what I was in for! Talking kitties! How cool! Talking kitties who help solve crimes! Even cooler! And their humans are all pretty interesting, too. But not as interesting as as the feline population! Oh, I must tell my Neo kitty about Max; he may even want to read the book, too! Needlessly to say I'm hooked, and will look for more Max adventures.
Never having had the pleasure of reading a Max book before, I had no idea what I was in for! Talking kitties! How cool! Talking kitties who help solve crimes! Even cooler! And their humans are all pretty interesting, too. But not as interesting as as the feline population! Oh, I must tell my Neo kitty about Max; he may even want to read the book, too! Needlessly to say I'm hooked, and will look for more Max adventures.
March 12, 2025
awesome book
This book is joyous fun. I laugh out loud a lot and great storytelling with twists and turns I guess part of it but we write a little ourselves not mysteries. I love these tales. Didn’t expect you when I first started reading them now I’m addicted.
Just great storytelling by a gifted author I’ve already downloaded the next one lol it’s my gift to myself because it’s not heavy and it takes me out of work etc.
This book is joyous fun. I laugh out loud a lot and great storytelling with twists and turns I guess part of it but we write a little ourselves not mysteries. I love these tales. Didn’t expect you when I first started reading them now I’m addicted.
Just great storytelling by a gifted author I’ve already downloaded the next one lol it’s my gift to myself because it’s not heavy and it takes me out of work etc.
May 15, 2019
Best one yet
Each one of the books is really fun and has great plot twists. But number 8 and 9 are the best ones yet. To the animated characters, humor was added in a fabulous way, the cats! This is their best story yet, and even Chase and Uncle Alec are engaged. Please keep it up!
Each one of the books is really fun and has great plot twists. But number 8 and 9 are the best ones yet. To the animated characters, humor was added in a fabulous way, the cats! This is their best story yet, and even Chase and Uncle Alec are engaged. Please keep it up!
September 28, 2020
Talking Cats
A mystery solved by talking cats! This is a fun, funny book where the cats' viewpoints lead the story. I really liked the characters, although Grandma was a bit much. I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a quick, cozy mystery that's a little bit different than most.
A mystery solved by talking cats! This is a fun, funny book where the cats' viewpoints lead the story. I really liked the characters, although Grandma was a bit much. I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a quick, cozy mystery that's a little bit different than most.
October 11, 2021
Purrfect Alibi
Nic Saint is a true and and tried cozey mystery writer that keeps readers entertained and coming back for more 😀 Max the cat his feline friends and human family finding trouble and mayhem where ever they turn. Acquire " Purrfect Alibi " so you yourself can enjoy it as much as I have. 😀Kat
Nic Saint is a true and and tried cozey mystery writer that keeps readers entertained and coming back for more 😀 Max the cat his feline friends and human family finding trouble and mayhem where ever they turn. Acquire " Purrfect Alibi " so you yourself can enjoy it as much as I have. 😀Kat
June 23, 2022
Great read and hilarious
While my review of the first book in the Max series was middling at best, the last two books in this series were great (nos 8 @ 9). I laughed out loud several times! And I love the cats - my kids and I have three. We love them dearly and they do communicate if you know how to listen.
Thanks, Ms Saint. Glad I kept reading.
While my review of the first book in the Max series was middling at best, the last two books in this series were great (nos 8 @ 9). I laughed out loud several times! And I love the cats - my kids and I have three. We love them dearly and they do communicate if you know how to listen.
Thanks, Ms Saint. Glad I kept reading.
August 23, 2023
Detective Cats
Definitely unique. I think the real sleuths are the cats who each have their own creative personalities. The only thing I didn’t like was the relationship between Chase and Odelia. It was a combination “romance” and mystery. It was a disappointment when his “proposal” didn’t have a ring to it.
Definitely unique. I think the real sleuths are the cats who each have their own creative personalities. The only thing I didn’t like was the relationship between Chase and Odelia. It was a combination “romance” and mystery. It was a disappointment when his “proposal” didn’t have a ring to it.
January 17, 2025
Fun, Cute Story
After chasing criminals, fearing for the lives of the characters, and delving deep into legal quandary, i needed a break, to cleanse my reading brain. This book was perfect for cleansing. The romp through a mysterious chase and especially the romp through the sacrement made this a most delightful experience. I'm so glad I learned to speak cat.
After chasing criminals, fearing for the lives of the characters, and delving deep into legal quandary, i needed a break, to cleanse my reading brain. This book was perfect for cleansing. The romp through a mysterious chase and especially the romp through the sacrement made this a most delightful experience. I'm so glad I learned to speak cat.
March 4, 2019
Max Strikes Again
This is a wonderful series I love to read to relax and, of course, enjoy Max's catness and his sense of humor. I recommend this series to anyone who likes cats and enjoys cozy mysteries!
This is a wonderful series I love to read to relax and, of course, enjoy Max's catness and his sense of humor. I recommend this series to anyone who likes cats and enjoys cozy mysteries!
March 17, 2019
With the end of each "Mysteries of Max", I don't see how the writing team of Nic Saint can write another mystery that is as good as the one before. Yet they do and they do it well. Max, Dooley, Harriet, and Brutus, what a team! Please keep "The Mysteries of Max" coming.
April 16, 2019
Love these characters
Just cannot wait for the next book! I wish the ability to understand the cats (or other animals) was for real or at least for me. Would recommend this series to anyone who loves mysteries and animals.
Just cannot wait for the next book! I wish the ability to understand the cats (or other animals) was for real or at least for me. Would recommend this series to anyone who loves mysteries and animals.
April 18, 2019
Perfect Alibi
I love the stories of Max and the cats, I'm not much of a cat per a on, but I really need this author 's cat mysteries. Now that I have read them all, I'm sorry the author didn't continue with the series.
I love the stories of Max and the cats, I'm not much of a cat per a on, but I really need this author 's cat mysteries. Now that I have read them all, I'm sorry the author didn't continue with the series.
July 13, 2023
Dooley OH Dooley
What would Jesus do indeed. Another crazy romp through the world of Hampton Cove. Just when you think it's all about the humans, the cays take center stage again. Brilliant.
What would Jesus do indeed. Another crazy romp through the world of Hampton Cove. Just when you think it's all about the humans, the cays take center stage again. Brilliant.
July 19, 2023
This is my favorite book so far in this series. Laugh out loud funny, witty, so very entertaining. My favorite part is how the cats used Aurora Teagarden mystery methods (love Aurora) to solve the case. Highly Recommend this book and the series!!
August 15, 2023
Another good book
I love the characters. Watch out for the kick. I laughed so hard at little Dooley. Read the book to understand what I am talking about. Big Mac is special and a
ce addition. On to book 10 oink oink.
Nic Saint you are the best
I love the characters. Watch out for the kick. I laughed so hard at little Dooley. Read the book to understand what I am talking about. Big Mac is special and a
ce addition. On to book 10 oink oink.
Nic Saint you are the best
May 4, 2024
Another great addition to the series.
The characters are fantastic and quirky. The plot is twisty and interesting. The world building is great. I'm looking forward to reading the next book.
The characters are fantastic and quirky. The plot is twisty and interesting. The world building is great. I'm looking forward to reading the next book.
March 5, 2019
So good!
I love this author and this whole series....they write with such intelligence and humor...love that it's from a cat's point of view
I love this author and this whole series....they write with such intelligence and humor...love that it's from a cat's point of view
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews