The Black Cat Steps on a Crack

A Bad Luck Cat Mystery #4

by Kay Finch

Sabrina Tate and her cat, Hitchcock, must sort through the clues when a librarian is killed and justice is overdue . . .

With construction on the town’s new library nearing completion, mystery writer Sabrina Tate is thrilled that local book lovers, and her own forthcoming novel, will soon have a fresh new home. But tensions are rising at the site as the headstrong new librarian insists on telling the construction crew how to do their jobs, bringing work to a standstill. When Sabrina’s cat unearths the dead body of the librarian not long after—and a good friend’s husband is named as the main suspect—she finds herself being pulled into a murder investigation yet again.

While virtually all the workers at the site had a motive to commit the dark deed, Sabrina turns her attention to the victim’s background looking for clues, but hits a dead end when she can’t locate any of the woman’s family. As a string of planted evidence and a murky collection of malicious characters starts to surface, Sabrina knows she and Hitchcock will have to tread carefully, before the library killer decides to check them out for good . . .

Includes delicious dessert recipes!

Praise for the Bad Luck Cat Mysteries:

“I loved every page of Black Cat Crossing, and I can’t wait for a return visit to Lavender.”
—Miranda James, New York Times bestselling author

“Black Cat Crossing has everything a cozy mystery reader could want—intrigue, memorable characters, a small-town setting, and even a few mouthwatering recipes . . . A purr-fectly cozy read.”
—Ellery Adams, New York Times bestselling author

“Finch has, yet again, offered a great tale of female and feline that cozy readers will love.”
—Suspense Magazine


About the Author:

Kay Finch is the national bestselling author of the Bad Luck Cat Mysteries. Though her character, Sabrina Tate, is a mystery writer who’s left the paralegal profession behind to move to the Texas Hill Country, Kay still works as a paralegal at a Houston law firm. A country girl at heart, Kay grew up on a farm in Pennsylvania, and she loves the huge cattle-filled fields near her Texas home. She resides in a Houston suburb with her husband and rescue pets. Visit her at www.kayfinch.com.

Genres: Cozy Mystery, Mystery, Cozy, Animals, Cats, Fiction

237 pages, Paperback

Published June 14, 2019

About the author

Kay Finch is a Pennsylvania native but, as her husband likes to say, she got to Texas as fast as she could. She has worked as a legal assistant in Houston for the past seventeen years, beginning in the criminal law arena at Richard 'Racehorse' Haynes' firm before turning to a specialization in family law.

Series:
* Corie McKenna Mystery

Reviews

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Black Cat Steps on a Crack is the fourth book in this series. The town library is under renovation and there is also work being done on the outside parking lot. There is tension as the project is under a tight budget and timeframe along with pressure from the new librarian, June Alcott. She seems to come out of nowhere and is murdered just after she had promised main character Sabrina help with publicity with her new book. June's body is found on the job site, adding to the mystery.
The book had a lot of interesting plot twists and Sabrina does her own investigating into June's background. Hitchcock, Sabrina's black cat, is very much his own independent character. It was a well-paced, comfortable and enjoyable cozy read--perfect for a summer day!

Thanks to NetGalley and Beyond the Page Publishing for an ARC of this book. My review is voluntary.

[Linden · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sabrina, a mystery writer living in a small town in Texas, has a black cat named Hitchcock who accompanies her almost everywhere. In this story, Hitchcock is instrumental in helping find the murderer of newcomer Jane Alcott. I like animal mysteries, but this one had some gaping plot holes. As a librarian, I was annoyed that an assortment of random people were interviewed for the library director position, which requires a mandatory library master’s degree. And who would hire someone and not have called references and checked their resume for prior jobs? If you can get past these lapses, this cat mystery is an enjoyable read.

[Patrizia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Questa serie era stata "terminata" dalla casa editrice dopo tre libri, quindi sono stata ben felice di scoprire che l'autrice aveva poi deciso di continuarla e, soprattutto, aveva trovato un altro editore.
Detto questo, il libro conferma quello che già pensavo della serie: ben scritta, buoni personaggi, un protagonista felino semplicemente adorabile. E una soluzione del mistero quasi del tutto inaspettata. Cosa chiedere di più?

[Patty · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Black Cat Steps on a Crack by Kay Finch is the 4th book in A Bad Luck Cat Mystery, and my 2nd book in this series, I must catch up. Sabrina Tate is a mystery writer, her cat Hitchcock has a habit of finding dead bodies. Once again Hitchcock finds a body at a construction site. When Sabrina's good friend husband is the prime suspect, she is determined to find the truth. Once I started this book I could not stop reading it. It was a quick read that kept me guessing. I look forward to the next book in the series. I recommend this book for all cozy mystery book lovers, you will not be disappointed.

I reviewed an advanced galley from Netgalley and Beyond the Page Publishing. Thank you.

[Toni · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the fourth book in the A Bad Luck Cat mysteries series. Sabrina Tate is a new author who already has followers but she is not as adept in things like social media and website. Her thing is mystery. She has a black cat named Hitchcock who seems to sense trouble and pull her into it at every turn. So, needless to say, Sabrina is the bane of the police department when she uncovers a dead body of the soon to be new librarian Jane Alcott on the grounds of the new library where they are about to pour the foundation of the new gazebo.

The secondary storyline that involved Sabrina’s mother and all the bucket list women was quite a hoot. I would have enjoyed seeing them zipline or boot scoot boogey in person. But don’t overlook this part of the book. You will be sorry in the end. Pay attention to all the clues.

This book was pretty good. The mystery kept me engaged and there were a lot of pieces to put together to solve the thing. The twist at the end was great. Didn’t see that coming.

Sabrina might as well get used to the fact that her cat is bringing people bad luck. Realistically, they created their own bad luck and the cat just revealed it to everyone. People tend to hate when their dirty laundry is aired. Love the complex threads in this story. It really kept me guessing and engaged until the end.

I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.

[Sue Em · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sabrina Tate should be concentrating on writing her new book and making plans to market her first book which is being published soon. Instead she finds herself investigating the murder of a new acquaintance and running in circles keeping her aunt and her bucket list group from doing anything too dangerous. Plus she constantly must protect her cat, Hitchock, from being labeled the bad luck cat. Luckily the sheriff is sweet on her aunt and doesn't get too upset with her dropping by with clues for him. Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Cozybooklady · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hitchcock the cat is a hit

I love this series and I'm enjoying reading it from beginning to end.
Sabrina and her clever cat Hitchcock are snooping for clues when the new librarian disappears, only to have Hitchcock find her dead body.
The suspect list is long, and Sabrina is desperate to get her best friend's husband off the list.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was very happy to see this series picked up by another publisher.
Fans can rest assured that the series continues with the same great characters and an interesting whodunit.
I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.

[Joan · Rating 4 out of 5]

The usual feel-good fluff with an adorable cat who always seems to understand everything and contributes to solving crimes.

Sabrina's black cat, Hitchcock, unearths the body of the librarian hired for the new library, currently under construction.

Aunt Rowe has a group of women staying in her cottages who are determined to cross off all the items on the bucket lists. Sabrina is nervous about her aunt attempting such activities as zip lining, riding in a hot air balloon, riding a bull in a pub, and sky diving. (Aunt Rowe sits back for some of them).

Sabrina's relationship with game warden Luke is going well and they are planning a short getaway - once the murderer of the librarian is caught. She feels obligated to help because her BFF's husband is suspected.

As usual, some of the locals blame Hitchcock for everything that goes wrong, including falling and breaking bones while hiking.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

There was a murder in town and mystery writer Sabrina Tate can't resist investigating. There seems to be a lot of possible suspects but things get even more interesting when Sabrina finds out that the victim has no proof of life before the past year with no friends, no family but plenty of money.

A well written plot guides us through a maze of suspects but it is impossible to figure out the guilty person until the very end. My favorite character is Hitchcock. He is a black cat that has a talent for sniffing out trouble.

Although this is the fourth book in A Bad Luck Cat Mystery it could easily be read as a stand alone. Thanks to Beyond the Page and NetGalley for an ARC. The opinions expressed are my own.

[Nancy Haddock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Hitchcock

I've loved this series side the first book. The characters are well-drawn, the plots and pacing hold my attention, and I enjoy the setting, too. I'm pretty crazy about a lot of mystery book pets, and Hitchcock is right up there as a favorite. I do suggest reading the books in order to get in on all the fun!

[Randee · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love this series but this was my least favorite of the four so far written. I look forward to the next book.

[Betty · Rating 4 out of 5]

The four book in the Black Cat is a entertaining read as Sabrina Tate and her black cat, Hitchcock investigates the MURDER of the librarian, Jane Alcott. Sabrina learns there is no information on June and she had no relative and was buying expensive gifts for her friends. She had anger all the construction personnel as June wanted things down her way. There is a stranger who appears to be watching June's house and There break ins and the places trash. Matters become important when Tyanne's husband becomes a person of interest. Who is June Alcott? Will Sabrina and Hitchcock find an answer before another death?
I highly recommend this book and series.
Desert recipes are included.

Disclosure: Thanks to Kensington Books for a copy through NetGalley. The opinions expressed are my own own.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Count me as a very happy camper when I found out that Beyond the Page had decided to continue the Bad Luck Cat series. Not only is it a great mystery series but I have a fondness for black cats - I have shared my heart with many of them. Hitchcock is my kind of cat but maybe not so much for his sleuthing talents when it comes to murder. He has the reputation of being bad luck, no surprise when he knows how to suss out murders like some cats can find out your secret hiding place for the tuna treats. Sabrina is almost his sidekick when the investigating begins.
Sabrina has written her first mystery and now comes the really hard part - can she write a sequel or is there only one book in her? Try as she might, staying focused on writing is tough. On the day she stops by her friend's bookstore to let Hitchcock be part of the children's reading activities - the children pick one of three cats to read to - she meets Jane Alcott, the new librarian. Let's just say Jane can be a bit intense. She instantly shares her many ideas to help Sabrina promote the debut of her series. Blogs, websites, photographs, etc. etc. have Sabrina's head spinning. However, to be honest, the ideas sound promising so, when Jane asks her to meet at the library construction site that night for photographs under the full moon, Sabrina agrees. And there it all ends when Jane fails to show up. The next day, still no sign of Jane until she gets a call from the construction site that Hitchcock is snooping around. Sabrina thinks she will just retrieve her cat, not dreaming that the feline detective will start her on an other investigation by uncovering Jane's very dead body.
Sabrina knows she has other things to do, like write her book, keep an eye on her Aunt Rowe and her mysterious bucket list but, when her best friend's husband becomes a prime suspect in Jane's murder, she adds snooping to her to do list. Hitchcock approves, of course. It turns out that much is not known about Jane and what occurs after her demise is strange indeed. Who tossed her apartment? Who is the strange man who has rented one of Aunt Rowe's cabins and seems to be watching people? The wonderful duo of Hitchcock and Sabrina -along with some help of friends and family - will uncover the truth. Welcome back, Hitchcock, Sabrina and Aunt Rowe
My thanks to the publisher Beyond the Page and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Originally published on my blog: Nonstop Reader.

The Black Cat Steps on a Crack is the fourth mystery in the Bad Luck Cat series by Kay Finch. Due out 11th June 2019 from Beyond The Page publishing, it's 346 pages and will be available in ebook and paperback formats.

This is an appealing and well written cozy mystery (and series). For some reason, my reading list has been too heavily slanted toward very serious 'deep' and angry books lately. This was the perfect antidote to too much current events, philosophy, and politics.

The story finds Sabrina and Hitchcock again involved in some amateur sleuthing, this time concerning the demise of the difficult new librarian who disappears the day she meets Sabrina.

There was a lot to like here. The book is well written technically, the plotting and characterizations are fine and the dialogue is well done and not clunky or awkward. The story arc moves along at a good clip and the clues follow all the rules of engagement. Like many other 'cozy' mysteries with food and cats (and sometimes libraries), this one does actually include some recipes at the end of the book. I cannot vouch for any of the recipes, but they look good, and I actually intend to try the peanut butter crunch cake, which uses a cake mix as its base and seems manageable. I also really like that the author included a mention of library therapy animals for reading practice for patrons who are struggling with literacy. The animals provide a non-judgemental listening ear and the reader gets practice and literacy confidence building! Well done!!

The language is clean (a couple of 'damn's, nothing worse) and there's no racy content, nothing to make anyone blush. This was my daily bus commute read and it was a good one.

Four stars. I'll be sticking with Hitchcock and Sabrina for the next books in the series.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

[Book · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mystery writer Sabrina Tate now lives in Lavender, Texas, with a black cat, who is considered El Gato Diablo, the bad luck cat, by superstitious town residents. While efforts to change her cat Hitchcock’s image are slow to take hold she is determined to prevail. In the meantime, Hitchcock proves to be an invaluable assistant when it comes to solving crime.

In the Black Cat Steps on a Crack, the 4th Bad Luck Cat Mystery, Jane Alcott, the new librarian, goes missing the very day she meets Sabrina. In fact, Jane misses a meeting that evening she scheduled with Sabrina to take publicity photos of the new author with her cat. The next morning Sabrina gets a call from the construction site of the new library alerting her to the fact that Hitchcock is there nosing around. Sabrina rushes to retrieve Hitchcock only to find him digging in the dirt, uncovering clues that lead to the dead body of Jane Alcott.

As Sabrina begins sleuthing she finds that Jane is quite disliked by the construction crew because she interferes and slows them down. However, Jane is also quite generous, offering help to others when she could. Bryan, husband to Sabrina’s best friend Tyanne, is the first suspect since he works on the construction crew. Then there’s a strange fellow who is going around town trying to find out anything about Jane from folks who knew her. Sabrina finds herself split between working on her second novel and investigating Jane’s murder.

Kay Finch makes it easy to appreciate the give and take between Sabrina and Hitchcock. Ms. Finch also fabricates a well-plotted mystery with surprising twists and interesting diversions. Engaging characters and realistic dialogue, along with a good pace make this a very entertaining read.

[Ashley Price · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Black Cat Steps on a Crack continues the adventures of Sabrina Tate and her feline companion Hitchcock. New town librarian Jane Alcott misses her meeting with Sabrina Tate, where she is scheduled to take publicity photos of the budding author. Her body is later discovered, with the help of Hitchcock, among the construction site for the new library. Of course Sabrina knows she should be working on her novel however the pull of the investigation is too alluring. With her sidekick in tow, they work to uncover any information about the new librarian that will help unmask her killer. Clues are sparse at first, until Sabrina discovers that Jane was disliked by many of the members of the construction crew for her overbearing manner in regards to the construction of the library, which often resulted in delays. Among the top suspects are Bryan, who happens to be the husband of Sabrina's best friend Tyanne and also an outspoken member of the construction crew, and a stranger who has watching Jane closely.
I am pleased to see that the black cat mysteries have found a home with a new publisher and the adventures of Sabrina and Hitchcock can continue on again. As a black cat lover myself, I am pleased to see one featured so prominently in the plot. The author makes sure to educate individuals about the untruth of the unlucky myth that often surrounds them cleverly through the stories as well. There were plenty of interesting characters throughout the narrative to both drive the plot forward and also to keep the reader engaged. Although the killer did not come as a huge shock, there was a twist at the end I believe readers will enjoy. This is another delightful tale to add to your summer to read list is you are a cat loving cozy mystery reader fan.

[Susan Ferguson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sabrina Tate is about to have her first mystery published. When she takes Hitchcock (her black cat) to the bookstore for an appointment on helping children with reading by letting them read to a cat - Hitchcock and the bookstores two - there are three children and each one reads to a cat, she plans to run an errand for her aunt. But before she can leave, she is caught by the town's new librarian who has some ideas for publicity for her book, some things she can do. She wants Sabrina to meet her with Hitchcock at the construction area of the new library and she has an idea for some pictures to help dismantle Hitchcock's reputation as a bad luck cat. Sabrina's aunt is joining up with some of the vacationers who rented some cottages to make scrapbooks of their 'bucket list' activities. Sabrina is rather apprehensive about some of their ideas.
The librarian fails to join her for the photo shoot, so she goes with her boyfriend to get a drink. The next day she gets a call that her cat is at the construction site. She rushes over and Hitchcock is digging where they are trying to put the gazebo. He uncovers enough to give her a bad feeling about what is on the site and the Sheriff is called and does indeed find Jane's body. Then, there is all the guessing about who killed her and why. She seems to have to relatives or any close friends. Tyanne, Sabrina's lifelong friend, feels she looked famiiar but doesn't know why. Then Tyanne's husband, a construction worker on the site installing the electricity, is suspected because he didn't like Jane always fussing at him about better ways to do things. So Sabrina "has" to try to find out what is going on.
I like this book better than the first. I was of two minds about whether to get it, but I'm glad I did.

[Cheryl H. · Rating 4 out of 5]

The fourth installment in the Bad Luck Cat Mystery series takes us back to Sabrina Tate's life in Emerald Springs and the Around-the World Cottages owned by her aunt Rowe.

All the regular characters show up, including Glenda and Thomas who work at the cottages, Sheriff Crawford, Deputy Rosales, Tyanne (Sabrina's best friend) and others from town. And, of course, Sabrina's cat Hitchcock, the bad luck cat.

All is well until the energetic new librarian, Jane Alcott, and is found dead at the construction site for the new library, where she had been driving all the construction workers nuts.

There's also lots of action going on at the cottages. The Crop Shop Crew is staying there, a group of scrapbookers who are documenting their adventures for their bucket list themed scrapbooks.

The main mystery is interesting and had some fun twists. Hitchcock is super helpful in helping find clues for Sabrina to discover. There are a few storylines intertwined that keep the book moving along and winding its net around possible suspects for the murder and other things going on around Emerald Springs.

All in all, it was a well-plotted read with well-developed characters. I'd recommend it to any cozy readers looking for some chuckles and a delightful mystery.

I haven't had a chance to make any of the recipes in the back of the book but they sound delicious.

I received an advanced digital copy of The Black Cat Steps on a Crack by Kay Finch from NetGalley and Beyond the Page Publishing in exchange for an honest review.

[Karen Stallman · Rating 4 out of 5]

"The Black Cat Steps on a Crack" by Kay Finch the fourth book in the Bad Luck Cat Mystery series. I enjoyed this book and have purchased the previous books so I can start at the beginning and be all caught up.

Even though I haven't read the previous books in this series, it didn't cause a problem as this can be read as a stand-alone. I think this will be one of my favorite cat mystery series.

I like the Protagonist Sabrina Tate a mystery writer and her black cat Hitchcock who once again are at the center of a murder. I appreciated the focus the author put on the stigma associated with black cats as my mum was actually just telling me how in the UK they are lucky!

The characters are well developed and very likeable, such as her Aunt Rowe and who doesn't love a cat named Hitchcock. I enjoyed the small town setting of Lavender, Texas

There are plenty of twists and turns to keep me wanting to find out what will happen next. The book is engaging from start to finish, grabbing you from the very beginning. I cant wait for the fifth installment in this series, I recommend this to cozy lovers.

I requested and received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Beyond the Page and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my OWN.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Black Cat Steps on a Crack is another exciting installment in Finch's Bad Luck Cat mystery series. I always find myself looking forward to reading the next installment in this series, and this book was definitely worth the wait. Determined to focus on her own mystery that she is writing, Sabrina finds herself distracted when her cat, Hitchcock, discovers another dead body. When a friend of Sabrina's is named a top suspect, Sabrina has no choice but to try and solve this mystery herself.

Finch does a great job at setting up a compelling mystery with this one, and the book captures your attention from the beginning and never lets go. I loved seeing my favorite secondary characters back again especially Aunt Rowe who finds some new adventures to get herself into much to Sabrina's dismay. Having a close friend as a suspect really made the stakes higher for Sabrina and sets up a good conflict between Sabrina and the police department. Overall The Black Cat Steps on a Crack was an entertaining read that I would most definitely recommend. I look forward to reading Sabrina and Hitchcock's next adventure.

Received a copy of The Black Cat Steps on a Crack through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

[Lynne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a surprise! Sabrina is trying to write a mystery, but she is easily distracted, especially when there is a murder and her Aunt Rowe is thinking about trying a zip line, etc. Aunt Rowe owns a bunch of cottages that she rents out to tourists. Sabrina lives in one of them with her black cat Hitchcock. Rowe's current guests are a group of ladies who want to scrapbook and also fulfill some bucket list items. Hitchcock finds the town librarian murdered (before the library construction is even done). Sabrina is pulled into the mystery as she tries to prove the innocence of her friends husband and also to defend Hitchcock and his reputation as a bad luck cat.

The scrapbook ladies and Aunt Rowe are a hoot. I liked the characters, and even though this is the fourth book in the series, it is my first by this author. I didn't get lost and was able to figure out who was who and some of the background that was probably introduced in earlier books. The story is entertaining and the writing style is easy-to-read. I didn't catch on to the killer until the big reveal.

Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read a new author!

[Susan Johnston · Rating 5 out of 5]

Princess Fuzzypants here: Hitchcock is one cool cat. He has an undeserved rep for being bad luck. In fact, he is an extraordinary detective, not just because he is a black cat. He finds bodies, uncovers clues and saves the day on top of being handsome and charming. He is an ideal every-cat hero.
His human, Sabrina is a mystery writer with zero self discipline. She is writing a novel but is easily distracted by every little thing, like a murder where her best friend’s husband is the prime suspect. Part of her problem is she is a creative thinker with an active imagination. So instead of knuckling down to write her book, she is off trying to exonerate her friend. She. Is actually pretty good at looking at things and figuring stuff out. But she does not see, nor did I, the killer. It caught me off guard. Several of the suspects did not commit that murder but they did commit other crimes so instead of red herrings, they were more pinkish.
Needless to say, it was a fun and fast read, ideal for cottage or beach. I hope there are lots of Hitchcock capers to come. Five purrs and two paws up.

[LittleRead · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sabrina Tate is not only writing mysteries, she is living them! When the librarian for the new town library is found dead after missing a meeting with Sabrina, it looks like her BFF’s husband is the prime suspect. Being the nosey Nelly that she is, Sabrina finds herself in the middle of the mystery that seems to lead back to her own home base.

Sabrina’s sidekick, her black cat Hitchcock, is considered bad luck in the town of Lavender, Texas, but Hitchcock isn’t your average kitty, he seems to have a knack for leading Sabrina to clues and getting her out of stick situations. Together they dig deeper into finding out who killed the librarian and why. But hopefully they won’t run out of lives between the two of them before the killer is apprehended.

I’m not usually fond of how cats are portrayed in books, but I actually like Hitchcock. Could be that black cats have a special place in my heart, but it’s likely the authors writing that won me over. This is the first book I have read in the series and I will be reading more. No problem reading this as a standalone.

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Black Cat Steps on a Crack is the fourth mystery in the Bad Luck Cat series by Kay Finch.
I have read the books in the series and have enjoyed them. This is a standalone book. You will not be left in the dust if you decide to pick this up.

I liked the part about reading to pets in the library to enhance reading skills. Our library offers that program and it has been on the local news.

I liked that this is a well-plotted and written series. I can count on being entertained without a shoddy plot or out of the blue reveal. The clues are there, just look for them. The characters are engaging, the setting great, and the writing a nice escape from our current nation news.
For the adventurous recipes are included.

Looking forward to the next book.

I was given an advanced e-copy from Netgalley and Beyond The Page publishing. I am not required to leave a positive review.

[Marsha · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Black Cat Steps on a Crack by Kay Finch is book four in the Bad Luck Cat Mystery series. It can be read as a stand alone. Having read all in the series, you will want to read them all though.
Lavender, Texas is getting a new library built and already hired the head librarian who has stepped on plenty of toes. When she turns up dead, buried in the construction site, Sabrina and Hitchcock are again on the prowl to find out who did it. Sabrina also is trying to find out who the mystery man is renting the cabin from Aunt Rowe, after all, he is not with the scrap booking group.
There are twists and turns that have you guessing until the end. You also have humor, romance, family, and friendship, Other all an easy to read, clean, fun, cozy mystery that proves, black cats are not bad luck.
I was given an ARC by Netgalley and Beyond the Page publishing.

[Angie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Black Cat Steps on a Crack is a delightful addition to this realistic mystery series by Kay Finch. I was so happy to read this book with the return of Sabrina, Aunt Rowe, and Hitchcock. And it did not disappoint. We find Sabrina writing her second mystery novel while her Rowe is marking items off her bucket list with the help of a lively bunch of ladies staying at the cottages. A new library is being constructed, and the librarian is definitely a go-getter as Sabrina soon finds out. Jane Alcott has a love of books and of giving gifts, but that doesn't stop someone from murdering her. Sabrina takes the investigation on, although told by the sheriff that her help is not needed. More than a few suspicious people pop up in town and the chase is on.

A great, action packed read that kept me glued to the page.

I was given this book by the publisher for my honest review.

[Darla Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the small Texas town of Lavender, author Sabrina Tate is celebrating her first book coming out soon but when the head librarian for the new library being constructed is murdered, she and her cat, Hitchcock, must sort through all the clues to find the murderer. And because Hitchcock found the body, Sabrina is once again working to get rid of the superstition calling him the "bad luck cat". When her best friend's husband becomes the main suspect, Sabrina works even harder than usual to solve the mystery. In addition to the murder mystery is the ongoing theft of tools and supplies at construction sites around town.

I have really enjoyed this series. It pulls you right into the story with a main character who's curious about crimes both real and fictional. I truly loved this book and highly recommend it although I suggest you read the series in order.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s sad that black cats get such a bad rap. I for one love Hitchcock and would be happy to hang with him anytime. I think he’s quite intelligent myself. Seriously, how could Sabrina survive without him? I loved the story, which had some twists and turns to keep you guessing what was really happening. The characters are great. Oh, my word, the Bucket List Group/Crop Shop Crew! I think you’ll enjoy them. We have a library, a book store, and a craft store in this book. Three of my favorite places. I love the kids reading to cats. How sweet is that? I hope you enjoy reading about Sabrina, Luke, Aunt Rowe and friends as much as I did. I received this book from NetGalley, but my opinion is my own.

[Anita (Hearts and Whodunits) · Rating 4 out of 5]

While Sabrina Tate is working on her second mystery novel, construction is nearing completion on the local library. The new librarian is annoying the construction workers with her constant monitoring. When Sabrina and her cat visit the site, Sabrina is horrified when her cat finds the librarian’s dead body.
I liked this cozy mystery. The main character was sweet and fun to read about. The plot was intricate and kept me turning the pages. I also liked the touch of romance, which was a nice complement to the mystery. The only problem I had was that I felt the story was a little too long and descriptive. I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and am voluntarily reviewing it.