Mouse of Cards

Pet Psychic #4

by Erin Johnson

A cursed sleuth. A gallery of secrets. Will this cryptic case be her last?

Pet psychic Jolene is still plagued by a hex that keeps her powers on a leash. So when her detective crush asks for help solving a strange murder at the Museum of Magical Artifacts, she hopes to find clues to break her own sorcerous chains. But faced with a web of lies, Jolene’s secret shifter identity might be the very thing that sets her in the killer’s sights.

Along with her not-quite-boyfriend’s lie-sniffing German Shepherd, Jolene puts her nose to the ground to spring a trap on the culprit. But with the elusive villain apparently able to vanish into thin air, she fears her buried past could come back to bite her.

Can Jolene disenchant her own jinx before a murderer casts the fatal blow?

Mouse of Cards is the fourth book in the bewitching Magic Market paranormal cozy mystery series. If you like talking animal sidekicks, delicious riddles, and tough female leads, then you’ll love Erin Johnson’s enchanting tale.

Genres: Paranormal, Mystery, Magic, Fantasy, Cozy Mystery, Fiction, Urban Fantasy

164 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 28, 2020

About the author

A native of Tempe, Arizona, Erin spends her time crafting mysterious, magical, romance-filled stories that’ll hopefully make you laugh.

In between, she’s traveling, napping with her dogs, eating with her friends and family, and teaching Pilates (to allow her to eat more).

Reviews

[Gemma · Rating 5 out of 5]

UPDATED : I have listened to the audio of this also and it was brilliant. The naration is brilliant as always . A real joy to listen to.

This series is getting so good, I absolutely love the chemistry between Jolene and Peter, and even Daisy is a brilliant character.
I am rooting for the three of them.
I really can't wait for the next book. There are so many new sayings and magical things happening as each book goes on.

I voluntarily read and reviewed this book, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Kristina Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mouse of Cards by Erin Johnson is the fourth Magic Market Mysteries. Jolene Hartgrave is assisting Officer Peter Flint plus Daisy on a murder case at Museum of Magical Artifacts. Mouse of Cards begins about two weeks after Game of Bones ends. It can be read as a standalone for those new to the Magic Market Mysteries. Geoffrey Ibsen is found dead in his office at the Museum of Magical Artifacts. He was hired by the museum board to handle public relations and to promote the new Cursed Objects exhibit. The mystery is unusual with spooky elements. People believe that the victim died because he looked into the cursed mirror. There are other wild theories. Every employee at the museum is a suspect. The museum has a mouse problem which means there might be a witness to the crime—if Jolene can find him. This leads to some humorous situations. I enjoyed the dramatic reveal. The banter between Daisy and Jolene is snarky and amusing. Jolene gets a chance to find out more about her curse which she hopes can be reversed. I can understand Jolene wanting her magic back but being able to talk to animals is a helpful side effect. Jolene’s hygiene is improving (thank heavens) as well as her outlook on life. Jolene wants to be a better person which brings about a big decision. Jolene has yet to tell Peter that she is a shifter and she is not sure how he will take the news. Ludolf Caterwaul, the shifter mob boss, summons Jolene. He offers to look for a solution for her curse. I look forward to seeing what happens next with Jolene. Mouse of Cards is an entertaining cozy mystery with a fragmented figurine, a missing mouse, a spectral suspect, and a leery looking glass.

[Jay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some spoilers!!!!!!!!!!!!

Peter no!!! What were you thinking??? Ugh! But on the other hand, I totally love Johnsons’s flawed characters. I knew Jolene’s secret was going to come out at some point, and I’m thrilled she was at least the one to say it. I pretty much have to continue the series now to see what happens between them! On another note, the mystery was also a good one. I do wonder sometimes why Peter doesn’t just go around with Daisy and ask “did you kill ...?” It would solve the cases a heck of a lot faster, but I also get how that would kind of ruin the series. Overall, another great book in a great series. On to the next one!

[Nola Arganbright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ratting out shifter

A good series with an eclectic cast of characters. Fantasy and paranormal mixed with a little science fiction and humor.

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am really loving this series. This is book 4 of the Magical Market Mysteries and it starts with a murder at the Museum of Magical Artifacts. Jolene, a shifter who's been cursed, can talk to animals as a by-product. She helps Peter, a cop, by using her "gift" on witnesses, whether they be insects, sea creatures or other animals. The museum has a mouse problem, so Peter asks Jolene to interview the mouse witness who proves to be elusive. During the visit, Daisy, the uppity lie-sniffing dog gets spooked by the Cursed Objects on display. Even though she and Jolene have a contentious relationship (Daisy knows Jolene is keeping secrets from Peter), Jolene can't let Daisy be nervous and makes her feel better. As they try to track down the killer, Peter and Jolene seem to get closer when he asks Jolene over to his home. Sadly, he wants Jolene to translate for him and Daisy, although there seems to be some subtext, too. The killer is found but there may be trouble in paradise for Jolene and Peter. Now, I have to run off and read the next one, Pig Little Lies, to find out what happens next.

[Larisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another Good Tale

More adventures from the outcasts. Like seeing Jolene have some moments of freedom. And friendship. Good setting for a murder too

[Cary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finally!!!

[Karen (BaronessBookTrove) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy from the Author. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.Mouse of Cards by Erin Johnson was a skittering tale of information, truth, and friendship.
Will Jolene figure out what her curse really is?
Jolene Hartgrove
Jolene Hartgrove is a pet psychic that sometimes works with police as a consultant in some instances, like ones that involve animals. Joleen hasn't heard from Peter in a while, she thinks it has to due with what she shared during the last case. That is until a new investigation comes forward that might be able to help Jolene figure out what her curse is. The case this time is different and weird, all at the same time. Jolene will figure it out. 

What I like about Jolene is that she realizes that she is meant for so much more since meeting Peter. She feels freer with him and Daisy. The one thing that I disliked is that maybe she is judging Peter a bit too fast with regard to what she told him recently. 
The Mystery
The mystery is in a museum that has a new exhibit coming in that is all about cursed objects. The museum's new PR guy is deceased and two people that work at the museum think it is the cursed objects that have taken another soul. There are a lot of red herrings, and I almost entirely gave up on figuring out who it was until I narrowed it down. I figured it out before Jolene did, but only seconds before she did. 
Five Stars
Ms. Johnson has another fascinating case that keeps on giving me more questions and wanting to read another book. I have an idea about Ludlof and Jolene, but I'm not quite so sure about it. Either way, I am giving Mouse of Cards by Erin Johnson a five-star rating and recommending it to anyone that loves an excellent cozy paranormal mystery.


Other Books in the Series

You will find links to my reviews of these books near the top next to the book cover of Mouse of Cards.



Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of Mouse of Cards by Erin Johnson. 

Until the next time,



Happy Reading!

This review was originally posted on Baroness' Book Trove

[Julie Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this book. This is my favourite book in the series so far, although I might have said that about the last but each book gets better and better, so that it is hard to choose. I really love the characters and find each book adds another level to the enjoyment and intrigue that surrounds them. Jolene is a strong independent woman that doesn't need anyone but at the same time longs to be normal and this comes across really well in the story, so much so that you are rooting for it to come out well for her and her friends. I really like the friendship between her and Daisy the Lie detecting dog, one minute they are snipping at each other and then worried the other is okay, also with Peter now knowing one of her secrets it adds another sparkle to the book. The mystery was good and I certainly didn't work out who the murder was. I can't wait for the next book in either of the authors series, both is bound to be funny, entertaining and highly enjoyable and a book I would recommend.
Jolene is asked to.consult on another one of Peter's case despite there being no animals involved. He does this because he thinks the place the murder happened would be highly interesting to her. It happen in an old museum, one that is currently hosting an exhibition on cursed artefacts. Jolene ever hopeful that she can find a cure for the curse that took her magic and stopped her ability to shift into an owl, jumps at the chance to put a murder behind bars and maybe just maybe find some answers on curses. A lot of people out side the museum are unhappy with the exhibition and a lot of people inside were unhappy with the changes the dead man was making. But are they really a motive to murderer someone? Jolene, Peter and Daisy will have to work together in order to get to the bottom of the murder, as well as work with a new boss. Jolene also has the worried fear over a friends strange behaviour and avoiding the leader of the underground shifters before he can ask her to do something she might regret or damages her friendship with Peter. Of course the big secret she still hides might do that all by its self.
I really like the narrator, every book she has read has got a five star for the narrator's performance from me because she does such a good job and really works.hard to make it an enjoyable and exciting listen.

[CarolKat · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started this book laughing, Jolene's 'client' has a snail for a pet. He's worried because his poor pet has been more sluggish (yes, pun intended) than normal. Folks the snail is stoned, I'm still laughing. Okay, so after that reading, Jolene heads to Will's clinic to find Heidi was alone. Apparently Will has been doing house calls a few times a week. More on that later.

Heidi goes off to some clubs and Jolene goes off to a shopping area to find a new tape for her walkman. There are some interesting things down in that area and we learn where Jolene gets the things to operate without magic. When an alarm goes off to alert there are cops around, Jolene leaves and runs into Peter and Daisy. They were the ones the alarm was warning about.

Things between Peter and Daisy have been a bit different since she revealed she has no magic but she didn't tell him the rest, the shifter part. He's come to her with another case, this one he thinks she'll be interested in because of where it occurred, The Magical Artifacts Museum. It also seems some believe that it was caused by a curse from the exhibit they are preparing.

We meet all the suspects, with the ones having keys being at the top of the list. We also see the evidence that there's a mouse around. Jolene wants to find it and see if she can get any information on the murder, but the little creature has been elusive.

There's also the growing attraction between her and Peter, something Daisy isn't a fan of.

Jolene does interpret for Peter and that is really fun. Reality sneaks in though, reminding her she still hasn't been totally truthful with him.

I have to say, I love these two together. Of course, there's still the problem of Ludolf Caterwaul, the shifter 'king' crime boss. He's continuing to be a thorn in her side.

Lots of surprises at the end of this one. I can't wait to read the next.

[Shell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another intriguing mystery in a world of magic and shifters from the Darkmoon District.
Peter Flint the handsome Police Officer that Jolene has been crushing on as of late has asked Jolene to help out on another murder mystery where her special abilities could be needed at the Museum of Magical Artifacts where they are featuring "Cursed Objects Special Collection" and an employee turns up dead!
Both Peter, Jolene with the help of Daisy dog (Peter's Partner) interview Maverick the Security Officer, Mrs. Abernathy the cashier in the gift shop, Quinten Richards the archivist, Kalia Magaro the Curator and Dr. Oscar Pendergast the Director to get official statements for the murder investigation.
All the while a crowd of protesters is happening outside the Museum by a group calling themselves "Protesters from the Temple of Purity" they are convinced it's black magic, the work of demons.
Opening night of the Curse Collection is a elegant affair up until the opening of the curtain to reveal the Cursed Objects and much more!!
Mouse of Cards is the 4th book of the Magic Market Mysteries just as enchanting as the others and can't wait to see what Erin has in store for the next in the series!
Here's the list if you want to start reading these magical mysteries!
Book 1....Pretty Little Fliers
Book 2....Friday Night Bites
Book 3....Game of Bones

[Nina Silva · Rating 4 out of 5]

Welcome back to the Dark Moon District where shifters flourish and the mobsters have a little too much freedom. Jolene definitely wishes a certain mob boss didn’t have as much control and reach as he does, but she’ll deal with him as needed.

The mystery in book 4 centres around the death of Geoffrey, the PR person for the Magical Artifacts Museum. Theories abound from office politics to unrequited love to possible dark magic curses as potential motives. There are several suspects, therefore, as almost every museum employee is a suspect. It’s not just the humans who have to be questioned, and Jolene goes on the hunt for the mouse who may have witnessed it all. There are quite a few hilarious moments where that elusive mouse is concerned. The big reveal is pretty intense and brings a major life decision to Jolene’s doorstep.

Fun secondary characters always have a pivotal role to play in cozy mysteries. In this tale, we see Jolene and Daisy continue their, sometimes inane but, often comical banter. We also get a few scenes between Jolene and her best friends Heidi and Will. Those scenes vary from sweet to emotional to laugh out loud. There may or may not be a cult involved! You’ll have to read to find out.

In terms of character development, we see Jolene fully embracing the idea of a new way of thinking. She wants to be a better person and commits to that decision. This book also brings some cold, hard truths to light. How other characters deal with those truths added a depth of emotion to this installment.

[Aprilleigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Best of the series so far, even though the ending is a little depressing once again. At least this time there's potential for the next book to either fix some of it or move past it.

The title fits this time, sort of. There's a mouse that plays an important role, but once again the author went for a cutesy title rather than a meaningful one. The Daisy character finally feels more doglike, and the development of that character really adds a lot even though it doesn't happen until later in the book, just before things take a nosedive again. I'm betting she'll be an important part of whatever turnaround occurs in the next book. I'm just not sure I'll be reading it. The series has steadily improved, but it's still a little on the shallow side and the main character's angst is being dragged out way beyond its ability to stay interesting. Enough already. I'm only halfway through the series and I'm already sick of the same old story. The individual mysteries are interesting enough, even though they're fairly simple, but I'm starting to be more annoyed than entertained by the main characters.

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mouse of Cards is the fourth book in the Magic Market Mysteries. Jolene is helping policeman Peter Flint with a death investigation at the Museum of Magical Artifacts. Jolene has the ability to converse with all kinds of animals. She sees a mouse at the scene of the crime but can't quite get to it to question it.. Jolene has other complications in her life. She has to respond to a message from the underground shifter head honcho, Ludolf Caterwaul. It's always dangerous to be summoned by him. He's found out that she is a shifter that was cursed and cannot shift. She also doesn't have any powers. Surprisingly, Ludolf offers to try to find a cure for her. She's also looking for help from Quentin, the museum archivist, who does research about cursed objects. Jolene opened up before and told Peter a lot about her past, but not that she is a shifter. This story will show what Peter's really like. Is he really another prejudiced person or does he just need time to figure things out? I'm looking forward to the next book to see what happens to the both of them.

[Kimberly Gordon-Bercich · Rating 4 out of 5]

Curses

Bijou Mer is a magical kingdom off the coast of France. Dark moon District is the seedy part of town. That’s where Jolene lives on comes from. She a cursed shifter who lost her magic, ability to shift, her fancy pants job as a lawyer, her fancy apartment and her fiancé (ex-fiancé). She is hired to be a police consultant for the gift of talking to any species of the animal kingdom. An unintended consequence of the curse. Thing is, Peter, the officer who hired her, has a lie detecting dog, Daisy. Daisy knows Jolene is a shifter and can’t tell Peter. She is, however, happy to bark out all of Jolene’s lies and half truths. Since shifters are second rate citizens and not trusted, Jolene wants to keep her secrets. Since it didn’t work out for her the first time.

So apparently shifter code is similar to cop code. You're supposed to stick together. Jolene never played by the rules. So when confronted Jolene feels stuck between a rough place a a lions maw. Can she get away unscathed and solve two murders or will all her secrets be laid bare to everyone?

[Alison Ramsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series just keeps getting better. I thoroughly enjoyed this latest adventure. Jolene and Peter are again involved in a murder, with Jolene trying to speak with a possible mouse witness who is extremely elusive. There are various goings on in the story, with Will acting strangely, Peter being over-protective of Jolene now that he knows about her curse, Ludolf knowing of her lack of powers, the improved relationship with Daisy, and the prospect of the museum archivist knowing something about the possible curse and/or cure gives Jolene a lot of think about. Finally, after the murder is solved, telling Peter the whole truth just might have ruined everything she had with him - but we hope not. I received an ARC copy of this book and I write this review freely, having thoroughly enjoyed the story. I look forward to the next book and a hopefully improving understanding between Peter and Jolene.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book for free. I am voluntarily posting this review and any opinions expressed herein are my own.

This is the fourth book in the Magic Market Mystery Series. The main story of the mystery at the Museum is a standalone story but the ongoing mystery related to Jolene's curse, her relationship with Peter and Daisy, and her identity as a shifter may make this not a standalone book. The author does provide quick summaries of some events but, in my opinion, you should start with the first book in the series -- you won't regret it.

This is a really fun series with a wonderful narrator. It has good humor, enjoyable characters, and an entertaining mystery. I really liked how the author handled the shifter issue with Peter. Overall, I found this story and its characters to be enchanting. Recommend.

[Sabetha · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one is a tear jerker. Jolene faces hard truths, and has to come to terms with her lot in life. It was a great character growth moment for her. The BFF dynamic between her and the clinic is great.

I love that we finally get to see some shifter prejudice in action instead of just hearing that it happens. Up until now it has really felt like the shifters were being a bit over dramatic about it. (since no other character has ever really done anything negative to a shifter) Just sad that it had to be who it was.

With each book the stakes are getting higher for Jolene, but she is growing more into herself. My fingers are crossed that all of her troubles will fall into place! She deserves happiness!

[Amanda Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Museum murder

Peter returns to get Jolene's help when a body is found at the museum. It's the new marketing manager who had been working on setting up a new exhibition of cursed objects.. question is did one of the exhibits prove deadly or was there a person involved?

With only a limited number of people having access to the museum it should be easy to solve but with a difficult to catch mouse witness Jolene is finding it tricky to help. The staff appear to all have their own reasons for wanting him out of the way and all have something to hide which doesn't help crossing suspects off the list but it's not until the grand opening and a second death that Jolene realises the truth and that truth will put her at risk from Ludolf and her last remaining secret.

[Tom Intiso · Rating 5 out of 5]

Uniquely cute in a not-so cute way…

There’s very little that’s cute about this “episode,” and yet at its end, that’s the Eros I’m left with.

I’ve only read four of these, and in fact they’re the only four books I’ve read from this author. However, it does seem like each of these books has varied from the others in significant ways. They all follow the same “formula,” so to speak, but the content has shifted remarkably. The first was whimsical and amusing, the second more puzzling and more action, the third was a bit of biting nails and sitting on the edge of one’s seat and I can’t talk about this one without ruining it, other than to say it was cute in a very, not so cute way. There’s lots of not-so-cuteness this in this book. Read it and this will make sense

[April · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you , finally we have the word explained and how magic is there! So it is like a pocket world in ours but separate from it. Good that helps make sense of why everyone seems to do magic. Getting this many books into the series I am used to the main characters and they have become more likable. I still swear Jolene only solves things accidentally and mostly by telling the person who did it how she figured it out but also not knowing she is telling the real killer!

The dynamic with Daisy is a bit better in this book. Hopefully it will be less annoying now that things settled more there.

The romance or whatever is typical and runs pretty predictable. I am hoping we see more of the underground and shifter elements in future books.

[Krystyna · Rating 5 out of 5]

The breaking of the unspoken law

Awesome. Another great read to join the others.
Heidi has been allowed to go early but has a date, so she makes her way to her friend's shop to cheer herself up. A new cassette sounds like a plan. However an alarm rings out but it is just Peter and his four legged friend. They need her help with a case. A death at the museum and ironically enough in the part that's going to be used for a display of hexed items. New connections, an expert on hexes, a bit of a power struggle, mice, Will acting strange and another death. Will they catch the killer? Will she have to reveal the truth? Is there a cure for her? What is Will up too?

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like the way the series is progressing. Jolene is less in survival only mode and is starting to see a better future for herself. Unfortunately, there are others that don't want that to happen.
The local crime lord knows her secret. What will he demand from her?

Will Daisy & Jolene become less hostile towards each other? What will the detective do if he finds out the entire truth?

I figured who the Mouse was but liked the twists driving the mouse to the actions that occur.
Easy read that proved to be entertaining.

I received an advanced readers copy of this story. I am not required to leave a positive review.

[Catherine Stratman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Curses and shifters!

Peter asks for Jolene's help once again. This time the new PR person at the Museum of Magical Artifacts is found dead. Is it curse from one of the items in his new Curse Objects exhibit? And how did the hideous statue from the gift shop end up on his desk? Maybe the mouse that lives in the walls at the museum has seen something! Love all the characters and the interactions with each other. Also love how we get to see different areas of the town. Can't wait for the next installment!!


I received an ARC. This is my honest review.

[Harmony · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have to say, I'm pretty disappointed with how this book turned out. Peter's bigotry is just too much. I also don't like how this is going with Jolene's curse. It seems like the author really likes slapping this character down. She can't catch a break, no matter what. It's depressing and makes theses books not enjoyable.

One good thing, she finally took a shower.

I'm sure that's about to change because we can't have Jolene get any sort of good thing in her life. Can we? Oh no, that would go against the entire depressing tone of this series.

[Dinees Ponton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trust can be painful
Book 4 is another great book in this series. It has an interesting story with a full group of wonderful characters and some new ones. Each person is well described. Jolene is getting growing in her determination to fights for justice. She is also trying not to lie as much. Daisy and Jolene are getting along better. Will and Heidi still help when needed. It is fun and series. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes mysteries, paranormal, or pet stories. I look forward to reading book 5.

[Jodi Sweet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cursed!

Jolene is still hoping for a cure for the cursed placed on her. When Peter has her help with a murder at the museum, that just happens to have a cursed artifacts exhibit opening, she’s hoping that something there will help her.
There are some really touching moments in this book. Jolene translating Daisy’s woofs and whines for Peter being a big one. The very end being another. But telling too much about that one would give away a HUGE thing that happened. Need to read the book to find that out. ;)

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVE that Jolene seems to be getting her life back together and realizing that she's wasn't a great person before but she can be now. I liked that Peter is now in the know with the "pet psychic" thing so she can be more open about what she's doing. I did not see the twist to the murder and was pleasantly surprised with the reasoning. Can't wait to see how the conclusion starts off the next book.

[Gail Daley · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Good Read

This is a part of a series so if you didn’t read the others you might find yourself wondering what’s going on in a couple of places. Johnson does a pretty good job tying it together though. The mystery is a good one. And I have to confess she got me. The murderer wasn’t who I thought it was.
Shame the so called love interest turned out to be a douche. I really hope Johnson doesn’t weaken and reinstate him.

[sarah williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aaah, the Museum of Magical Artifacts

Jolene and detective, Peter, with his German shepherd partner, Daisy are off to the Museum of Magical Artifacts. There has been a murder, Jolene needs to speak to a mouse 🐁. She and Peter are getting closer than ever. Even Daisy seems to like Jolene. Now, that Jolene, has intrusted Peter with most of the truths of her past, except the shifter part. Read and enjoy!