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Marjorie's Cozy Kitten Cafe #1
Calico Confusion
Marjorie Hardaway is worried her Cozy Kitten Cafe might soon go out of business. A property developer is building a rival store on the section in front, blocking out the wonderful view. However, her concern is soon replaced with a more serious problem when a new calico kitten turns out to be a witness to a murder!
When the police investigation into the killing points an accusing finger at her friend, Marjorie feels compelled to help. Especially as the sergeant in charge is overlooking a chief suspect—the same rogue land developer who's the bane of her existence.
Soon she has break-ins, upset kittens, and an eligible bachelor to contend with. But with investigators looking in the wrong direction, Marjorie must rely on her wits and community knowledge to solve the murder and bring the true perpetrator to justice before they can strike again.
Marjorie's Cozy Kitten Cafe Mysteries are quick 1-2 hour reads perfect for filling in time waiting for appointments, commuting to work, or when your significant other insists on watching the show that makes you roll your eyes!
They are chock-a-block full of kittens but I promise there's no swearing, no cliffhangers, and no graphic scenes.
196 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 21, 2019
1131 people are currently reading
556 people want to read
About the author
Katherine Hayton
64 books496 followersI'm a middle-aged woman who works in insurance, doesn't have children or pets, can't drive, has lived in Christchurch my entire life, and currently reside a two-minute walk from where I was born.
For some reason, I've developed a rich fantasy life.
I like to write mysteries, some set in my hometown of Christchurch, others ninety minutes up the road in the beautiful township of Hanmer Springs, or in the quasi-fictional town of Pinetar. These mysteries range from hard-hitting psychological thrillers, through to police procedurals, or the lighter adventure of a cozy mystery.
For some reason, I've developed a rich fantasy life.
I like to write mysteries, some set in my hometown of Christchurch, others ninety minutes up the road in the beautiful township of Hanmer Springs, or in the quasi-fictional town of Pinetar. These mysteries range from hard-hitting psychological thrillers, through to police procedurals, or the lighter adventure of a cozy mystery.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 177 reviews
July 24, 2019
Kittens solve crimes and save the day! (With just a few toilet paper fatalities and some amazing feats of kitty mayhem.)
Hurray for Kittens!
January 18, 2020
Great kitty cozy!
Calico Confusion by Katherine Hayton is book one in the series. Marjorie runs a cafe with stray kittens available for adoption. She gets a new kitten from a murdered victim. From there, somehow Marjorie is involved in solving the crime. Good clean, fun, and with cute kittens, mystery! 🐱
Calico Confusion by Katherine Hayton is book one in the series. Marjorie runs a cafe with stray kittens available for adoption. She gets a new kitten from a murdered victim. From there, somehow Marjorie is involved in solving the crime. Good clean, fun, and with cute kittens, mystery! 🐱
January 2, 2021
Short, sweet, easy on the mystery. Appealing to those who enjoy cats.
July 26, 2019
A kitten cafe is the perfect setting for this entertaining cozy! I enjoyed meeting Marjorie, the owner of the cafe and amateur sleuth.
The book was a delightfully fast read and it kept me changing my mind on who committed the murder. Marjorie was an easy to relate to character who I loved. Her common sense, kind personality and her concerns about delving into a murder mystery as well as into a new friendship, with a potential love interest, made the book believable. The supporting characters and a love interest (not the main focus of the book) made me feel like I was entering into a "real" circle of friends. The ending ties up all the loose ends and was heartwarming.
I'll definitely read the next book to see what new mystery in which Marjorie becomes involved and to meet her new kitten crew!
The book was a delightfully fast read and it kept me changing my mind on who committed the murder. Marjorie was an easy to relate to character who I loved. Her common sense, kind personality and her concerns about delving into a murder mystery as well as into a new friendship, with a potential love interest, made the book believable. The supporting characters and a love interest (not the main focus of the book) made me feel like I was entering into a "real" circle of friends. The ending ties up all the loose ends and was heartwarming.
I'll definitely read the next book to see what new mystery in which Marjorie becomes involved and to meet her new kitten crew!
February 22, 2021
1st off.... Katherine Hayton's cozy mystery covers are to die for... They are some of my favorites I have ever seen! I didn't even know kitten cafe's were a real thing, I had to look it up to make sure. I've always hated cats my entire life (or so I thought)... until my kids begged for one and we ended up with two last year... and I just love them now! =D I'm really enjoying her super short stories that just take an hour or so to listen too or read. Short, simple, and too the point!
May 9, 2020
5/5 ⭐️
Cuuuute!! Makes me want to start my own Kitten Cafe!
Cuuuute!! Makes me want to start my own Kitten Cafe!
July 7, 2022
I'm glad I saw this book appear on someone else's feed, because this was such an enjoyable read! Looking at the cover of the book and then the synops I couldn't resist and started reading. Marjorie has a kitten café where you can adopt (don't shop!) a kitten, while enjoying a beverage or something to nibble. I laughed at the things the kittens did, most of all Monkey Business and Sweet Callie. Sweet Callie is where this book begins with. She's the witness of the murder of her keeper.
This is the first book in the series 'Marjories Cozy Kitten Café'. The story is a bit comparable to the series on Agatha Raisin, but Marjorie is sweet and not so nozy like Agatha and, of course, not to forget about the cutest kittens in the café.
This is the first book in the series 'Marjories Cozy Kitten Café'. The story is a bit comparable to the series on Agatha Raisin, but Marjorie is sweet and not so nozy like Agatha and, of course, not to forget about the cutest kittens in the café.
July 16, 2020
The author makes it clear this is meant to be a fun little cozy mystery to read when waiting at the doctor’s office and it certainly accomplishes what it sets out to do. There’s nothing mind blowing here but the plot of the mystery works well with clues at a reasonable pace and no pulling the solution out of nowhere. The cats are adorable and what I like about doing a cat cafe in contrast to other cat mysteries I’ve read is you get a lot of different cat personalities and the option for a rotating cast. The characters are generally light but they do what they need to, and I liked the protagonist. Plus the murderer’s motivations made sense, and while things weren’t built up enough for it to be a shocking reveal, it worked. And I liked the New Zealand setting. I’m not rating at the bit to read more of this series but I appreciate what the author is trying to do and I’ll probably check out more of her stuff when I need a nice quick and light read.
May 4, 2020
Short and to the point. No romance. Cute.
December 23, 2025
So cute! I'm looking forward to diving into the rest of this series. The characters are interesting, it's tongue in cheek funny, and it was a good cozy mystery.
The audio edition is nicely performed by Kirsty Gillmore.
The audio edition is nicely performed by Kirsty Gillmore.
February 8, 2024
I read this book a couple years ago and intended to continue with the series...but didn't at the time. So when I finally decided to read the rest I wanted to refresh myself on the first book, so picked up the audio this time - and it made the book even more enjoyable. I loved actually hearing the accents instead of just imagining them.
The story was good and I actually forgot who the culprit was! I was trying figure it out and had a couple suspicions, one was the correct one, but it took me a long time to get it right. Excited to continue with the series.
The story was good and I actually forgot who the culprit was! I was trying figure it out and had a couple suspicions, one was the correct one, but it took me a long time to get it right. Excited to continue with the series.
April 30, 2020
Short and sweet, exactly what I needed after finishing an 1100 page book. This was a great cozy, with only a hint of a romance. None of the characters are extremely stupid either, which is always nice. The killer was kind of obvious, but the book is so short you don't have to read too far knowing something the characters don't know. I also enjoyed trying to figure out what country this is set in. My guess was Australia after I saw the word "littlies". I was close! It seems the author is from New Zealand.
My one quibble has to do with the cats, of course. It seemed to me the author liked the idea of cats but didn't really know much about them. And indeed, her bio says she has no pets. I liked the inclusion of the kittens and the setting of a cat cafe where the kittens are up for adoption. However, there's a Persian kitten, a Maine Coon kitten and a Ragdoll kitten (annoyingly written as rag doll) in the cafe looking for homes. Sorry, I have to call bullshit on that. People spend over a thousand dollars to get purebred kittens, especially in those breeds. There's no way they'd be in a cafe needing homes. Also those are likely the three most popular breeds, so they're probably the only ones the author knew. In addition to the unlikely purebreds, there's a calico kitten. The owner of the cat cafe, a self-confessed "crazy cat lady," checks that kitten's gender. Again, I'm going to call bullshit. Any crazy cat lady worth her salt knows calicos are almost always female. Male calicos are extremely rare. Ms. Hayton does get credit for not having anyone give any cats milk though!
This does seem like a good cozy series, and I love these when my brain needs a break from the heavier stuff I usually read.
My one quibble has to do with the cats, of course. It seemed to me the author liked the idea of cats but didn't really know much about them. And indeed, her bio says she has no pets. I liked the inclusion of the kittens and the setting of a cat cafe where the kittens are up for adoption. However, there's a Persian kitten, a Maine Coon kitten and a Ragdoll kitten (annoyingly written as rag doll) in the cafe looking for homes. Sorry, I have to call bullshit on that. People spend over a thousand dollars to get purebred kittens, especially in those breeds. There's no way they'd be in a cafe needing homes. Also those are likely the three most popular breeds, so they're probably the only ones the author knew. In addition to the unlikely purebreds, there's a calico kitten. The owner of the cat cafe, a self-confessed "crazy cat lady," checks that kitten's gender. Again, I'm going to call bullshit. Any crazy cat lady worth her salt knows calicos are almost always female. Male calicos are extremely rare. Ms. Hayton does get credit for not having anyone give any cats milk though!
This does seem like a good cozy series, and I love these when my brain needs a break from the heavier stuff I usually read.
December 30, 2019
The Cozy Kitten Cafe is open for business now, but there is a property developer standing by to infringe on their business. Marjorie Hardaway has worked hard to make her kitten cafe a success and the last thing she needs is someone building a competitive store next to hers.
When a new calico kitten turns up on her doorstep, Marjorie is shocked to discover that the adorable little kitty is a witness in a murder. She’s even more shocked to discover one of the prime suspects is the person looking to built a competing cafe next door to hers.
Marjorie quickly becomes the victim of vandals and she’s determined to find out who is behind these horrible events. She’s convinced it’s connected to the murder the new calico kitty witnessed.
This is an adorable cozy mystery filled with all sorts of kitties and, yes, even a murder to figure out. With the help of her cats, Marjorie is on the way to finding a killer.
It’s a fast-paced, quick read. It’s a short book that will fill an afternoon with fun, mystery, kitties and even a little romance. There is no violence or sex, just a good, clean mystery. I’m already looking forward to reading the next one in the series.
When a new calico kitten turns up on her doorstep, Marjorie is shocked to discover that the adorable little kitty is a witness in a murder. She’s even more shocked to discover one of the prime suspects is the person looking to built a competing cafe next door to hers.
Marjorie quickly becomes the victim of vandals and she’s determined to find out who is behind these horrible events. She’s convinced it’s connected to the murder the new calico kitty witnessed.
This is an adorable cozy mystery filled with all sorts of kitties and, yes, even a murder to figure out. With the help of her cats, Marjorie is on the way to finding a killer.
It’s a fast-paced, quick read. It’s a short book that will fill an afternoon with fun, mystery, kitties and even a little romance. There is no violence or sex, just a good, clean mystery. I’m already looking forward to reading the next one in the series.
January 10, 2020
Marjorie runs the best business ever: a cafe full of delicious baked goods and a dozen adorable, adoptable kittens. Soon there is a murder, various suspects, a break-in at the cafe. She is set up on a blind date with a handsome night owl who goes to bed about the same time she gets up to bake for the cafe. This cozy mystery set in a small town in New Zealand has, of course, a happy ending, with three kittens finding permanent homes (oh yes, the murder gets solved, too). The kitten antics are not just cute but important to the plot. The mystery was not particularly challenging but the world’s steady supply of adoptable kittens guarantees that the next novel in this series will be just as full of shredded tissue, squeaky mice, and purrs as the first. A cut above the usual cat cozy mystery.
April 5, 2021
Do you like cats? Do you like murder mysteries? Would you like to read a combination of both cats and murder mystery that is clean and enjoyable for all ages?
One thing I find is I get older not only do I like books about older women with yester-years behind and maybe with retirement on the way, it is nice to enjoy a book that is clean and wholesome. There is just something about a book like this to clean the pallet from the steamy romances I just finished.
I have not been to a cat cafe like the one in the story, and know that they are big in Japan and other places. I also think it'd be cool to own a cat cafe like this but know that would be expensive and not everybody will enjoy.
In this book of course there is the murder mystery that stirs up trouble for the cozy life of the barista but there's also a man trying to build a shopping Utopia (essentially) that threatens the small businesses in the area.
This is a fun quick read, one I enjoy both as audio and on kindle/kobe book apps.
My one complaint is that if you buy this as a three-in-one audiobook it is not separated very nicely to know which book you are listening to. It sneaks up on you since there is so quick!
One thing I find is I get older not only do I like books about older women with yester-years behind and maybe with retirement on the way, it is nice to enjoy a book that is clean and wholesome. There is just something about a book like this to clean the pallet from the steamy romances I just finished.
I have not been to a cat cafe like the one in the story, and know that they are big in Japan and other places. I also think it'd be cool to own a cat cafe like this but know that would be expensive and not everybody will enjoy.
In this book of course there is the murder mystery that stirs up trouble for the cozy life of the barista but there's also a man trying to build a shopping Utopia (essentially) that threatens the small businesses in the area.
This is a fun quick read, one I enjoy both as audio and on kindle/kobe book apps.
My one complaint is that if you buy this as a three-in-one audiobook it is not separated very nicely to know which book you are listening to. It sneaks up on you since there is so quick!
June 13, 2022
Everything I expect from a cozy mystery: a small town setting, likeable characters, plausible involvement of the protagonist in the crime solving, all with the added bonus of a cat cafe, so baked gods aplenty as well as kittens with individual personalities! It's a win for me :)
And this might be the first one I am reading that is set in New Zealand. Also, it's really short, about 2 hours on the audiobook version.
And this might be the first one I am reading that is set in New Zealand. Also, it's really short, about 2 hours on the audiobook version.
August 30, 2020
Review based on audiobook. Narrator - Kristy Gillmorr
Comfortable, light story. Enjoyed listening to this before bedtime or while doing light chores. The Marjorie's Kitten Cafe was a pleasant place to visit and the New Zealand setting was fun. I look forward to visiting the cafe again and following the adventures of Marjorie and her police friend Regina
Comfortable, light story. Enjoyed listening to this before bedtime or while doing light chores. The Marjorie's Kitten Cafe was a pleasant place to visit and the New Zealand setting was fun. I look forward to visiting the cafe again and following the adventures of Marjorie and her police friend Regina
February 7, 2021
Short and quick read.
March 6, 2022
Very cute and very easy to read. For it being a short book, it packed a lot of punch with the details and twists! Recommend for something easy breezy and fun.
March 13, 2022
Calico Confusion is set in a cat cafe with kittens that are available for adoption. I thought the story was cute and a very easy read. The mystery was good and it was a clean read. I'd definitely consider continuing with the series.
December 4, 2020
I Liked This Book
I loved the premise and the setting of this cozy mystery! I'm a tireless cat advocate and wish a cafe like the one in this book existed in every town in th United States. Though the book is not timeless literature it reads easily and the dialogue follows well and feels "right" for the story. The characters are likable, the cat descriptions lifelike, and the cats' names bonus.
I loved the premise and the setting of this cozy mystery! I'm a tireless cat advocate and wish a cafe like the one in this book existed in every town in th United States. Though the book is not timeless literature it reads easily and the dialogue follows well and feels "right" for the story. The characters are likable, the cat descriptions lifelike, and the cats' names bonus.
January 2, 2021
Cat stories
I luv reading stories that include restive felines. This book makes me wish we had a cat cafe here.This story will keep you reading til you finish it.Enjoy! I know I did.
I luv reading stories that include restive felines. This book makes me wish we had a cat cafe here.This story will keep you reading til you finish it.Enjoy! I know I did.
October 14, 2020
Cat lovers mystery
A "crazy cat lady" runs a coffee shop and solves mysteries. Adoptions of kittens is what warm her heart. Matching kittens to owners warm her soul.
A "crazy cat lady" runs a coffee shop and solves mysteries. Adoptions of kittens is what warm her heart. Matching kittens to owners warm her soul.
November 30, 2020
A lovely cosy mystery. I really enjoyed it. It did make me want to visit the cat cafe. Though I'd probably come back with a kitten. My cats probably wouldn't like that though lol.
November 15, 2019
Kittens and a cozy!
I adore both kittens and cozy mysteries and this fit the bill for both! Super cute, and I loved Marjorie! If I weren't married I would be her!
I adore both kittens and cozy mysteries and this fit the bill for both! Super cute, and I loved Marjorie! If I weren't married I would be her!
July 22, 2019
The kitten vigilante
Wonderful. Nice characters that led credence to a great plot. A plot that involves murder, a kitten and a proposed development.
Her cafe is full of customers and kittens. But the new kitten is a troublemaker. Yes she has had her owner murdered but tearing up toilet paper, tissues and upholstery after escaping from the pen is all a bit much. Especially after an evening out and possibly a little too much wine. However the murdered woman weighs heavy on her mind and with a friend getting arrested she has to do something. But what? Plus there is the proposed new cafe that will be built alongside her own. A cafe that will surely put her out of business. Poison, break-ins, new kittens getting adopted, a secret SD card and attempted murder. Will she find out who, how and why and still survive or will she have to rely on a furry hero?
Wonderful. Nice characters that led credence to a great plot. A plot that involves murder, a kitten and a proposed development.
Her cafe is full of customers and kittens. But the new kitten is a troublemaker. Yes she has had her owner murdered but tearing up toilet paper, tissues and upholstery after escaping from the pen is all a bit much. Especially after an evening out and possibly a little too much wine. However the murdered woman weighs heavy on her mind and with a friend getting arrested she has to do something. But what? Plus there is the proposed new cafe that will be built alongside her own. A cafe that will surely put her out of business. Poison, break-ins, new kittens getting adopted, a secret SD card and attempted murder. Will she find out who, how and why and still survive or will she have to rely on a furry hero?
August 29, 2019
A decent read!
I enjoy cats so I enjoyed the kittens in this story. They made me smile. I also enjoy a good, clean, mystery with some good friends and romance thrown in. This was a quick read which is sometimes what I want. It was what I would call a cute story. It didn't reach out and grab me in a deep way, but it was okay. I have no pull to go buy the next in the series. Kind of like I don't feel hot or cold about. Lukewarm. But it was a cute story.
I enjoy cats so I enjoyed the kittens in this story. They made me smile. I also enjoy a good, clean, mystery with some good friends and romance thrown in. This was a quick read which is sometimes what I want. It was what I would call a cute story. It didn't reach out and grab me in a deep way, but it was okay. I have no pull to go buy the next in the series. Kind of like I don't feel hot or cold about. Lukewarm. But it was a cute story.
August 27, 2019
A café where you get to play with kittens that are available for adoption. A character with the name of Marjorie. And a mystery to be solved. Great, interesting and quick read. New author for me and one I will be getting more of her books in the future.
August 3, 2019
What a great fast easy cozy mystery. Wish there would be a great little cat cafe around my area. It would be delightful to cuddle the kittens while drinking a cup of coffee.
November 25, 2020
Calico Confusion
A delightful story with fascinating descriptions of the kittens antics which were a surprise. The storyline was naive but enjoyable
A delightful story with fascinating descriptions of the kittens antics which were a surprise. The storyline was naive but enjoyable
Displaying 1 - 30 of 177 reviews