With all the changes in her life, Cait is left with a feeling of dread she can't quite define. On one hand she has reason to be feeling a level of stress. The effort to reopen the bookstore has been stalled, she is still trying to adjust to her move from her cabin into Mr. Parsons home, and Finn is having little luck investigating a series of disappearances that appear to be ongoing. Still, even with all of that, Cait feels certain that none of these situations is actually at the root of the tension building in the pit of her stomach. Her feelings of dread, she feels certain, are more of a warning, that something bad is about to happen, and no matter how hard she tries, she's not going to be able to prevent this terrible thing from happening.
Kathi lives with her husband, kids, grandkids, and dogs in beautiful Lake Tahoe. When she isn't writing, Kathi likes to read (preferably at the beach or by the fire), cook (preferably something with chocolate or cheese,) and garden (planting and planning not weeding). She also enjoys spending time on the water when she's not hiking, biking, or snowshoeing, the miles of desolate trails surrounding her home. Kathi uses the mountain setting in which she lives, along with the animals (wild and domestic) that share her home, as inspiration for her cozy mysteries.
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A Mew Beginning earns 5/5 Old Newspapers...Engaging Fun!
Twentieth!—Kathi Daley’s Whales and Tails Mystery series, starts with a “bonk” and introduces the newest of Tansy’s cats...I like that! After interrupting a break-in at the newspaper office, Cait is conked on the head, loses conscientiousness, and when she awakes, finds herself tied to a chair. As is typical, however, her rescue is comes from...a cat; this time named Mystique, it’s white with a dark tail, ears, and mask. The incident might have been avoided if Cody, Cait’s husband and owner of the newspaper, had been at the office, but he was on official police business. Finn and the Seattle PD are working together on three missing person cases with similarities hard to dismiss as coincidental. It is also theorized that a key person of interest may have been on Madrona Island. Unfortunately, it becomes necessary to closer scrutinize Madrona Island News archives, and curiously they uncover a few cold cases that had sparked the interest of the previous owner of the newspaper. I think Cait’s going to need TWO cats!
Kathi Daley’s well-developed story focuses on cold cases that seem connected (according to Mystique’s meows), with fascinating details, insights, and a few twists to challenge any Miss Marple—I love it! Although I had an niggling feeling about how the story would end, it didn’t affect by enjoyment. The use of Tansy’s cats is not magical in a hocus-pocus sense; the cat’s persistent “meows” help to focus Cait on certain details, files, and places. Along with the investigation that takes the group to other islands and ending with a bit of nail-biting, life continues weaving in efforts to rebuild Cait’s business, worries about of Cait’s mother-in-law’s future visit, discussions about building an intimate cottage, and anticipation of an Easter celebration. These parts add to the realism, provide more well-rounded characters, build connections, and make visiting Madrona Island entertaining. No bonus in this cozy...just saying. There are several café, bars, and restaurants to highlight. What about Cait’s favorite fish sandwich? Breaded catch-of-the-day filet with a homemade tarter sauce?
A Mew Beginning A Whales and Tails Mystery, Book # 20 Kathi Daley 5 Stars
Synopsis:
With all the changes in her life, Cait is left with a feeling of dread she can't quite define. On one hand she has reason to be feeling a level of stress. The effort to reopen the bookstore has been stalled, she is still trying to adjust to her move from her cabin into Mr. Parsons home, and Finn is having little luck investigating a series of disappearances that appear to be ongoing. Still, even with all of that, Cait feels certain that none of these situations is actually at the root of the tension building in the pit of her stomach. Her feelings of dread, she feels certain, are more of a warning, that something bad is about to happen, and no matter how hard she tries, she's not going to be able to prevent this terrible thing from happening. (Goodreads)
Review:
The characters are well rounded and well developed. Cait and Cody are doing good with married life, Tara and Danny are back on and Siobhan and Finn have a surprise for everyone. But Cait is feeling a sense of dread and she does not know why. Is it because her and Tara have to figure out what to do about their store, since it was blown up? Or is it because the gang needs to figure out who is behind the disappearance of some women, both now and in the past? Or is it something else altogether? She will have Mystique, the magical cat, to help her figure it out.
The writing style flows smoothly and the book is an easy read. The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and these descriptions pulled me into the story from the very beginning. The two mysteries were well plotted and were not easily solved.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cosy mystery. Any book written by this author is good, and this one is no exception.
So much has changed in Caits life recently; she's a married woman now, she has moved into a new home, and her bidding business was was burnt down. With all these changes she fills a bit we adrift not quite felling like herself. The reopening of the bookstore doesn't look like it is happening anytime soon, the insurance company keeps putting them off when it comes to their claim. She has been working at the paper with her husband but he is having trouble getting information about some recent missing women. When the paper is broken into not once but twice Cait is ready to figure out why. At first it appears that nothing has been taken but they soon learn that information into past papers was gone through. It looks like the information that was gone through has some sort of connection to the case the paper was looking into about missing women. Follow along as Cait and the gang put the pieces together along with the help from Mystique a very special cat.
This is the second book I’ve read in this series and it’s Book 20 in the Series. The other book I’ve read was Book 15. I’ve read plenty of other Book Series of Kathi Daley’s but I haven’t had time to catch up on this one yet. I read this one for a Book Discussion.
Since the story is centered on a series of murders in 1996-97 and parallel murders now, it presents special challenges for Cait, Cody and Finn. A special cat named Mystique in instrumental in helping them solve the case. I admit that once they figured out who the serial killer was in the 90’s, I had a good idea who was responsible for the current murders.
There are plenty of major changes going on with most of the key characters. Knowing more about the background of these characters would have been helpful, although not necessary to appreciate the mystery.
4 stelle e mezza Solita lettura veloce e piacevole, l'unica cosa un po' "stucchevole" è che la protagonista finisce sempre per essere in pericolo, alla fine: praticamente è quasi sempre accaduto, in tutti i 20 libri della serie, e inizia a essere un po' ripetitiva, questa cosa.
A Mew Beginning is the twentieth book in Kathi Daley’s Whales and Tails Mystery series. This clean and easy read is steadily paced, has a well-plotted storyline, three-dimensional characters that are affable, and sends a message on the importance of family, friendship, and community. The mystery is intriguing and complex, with multiple suspects and lots of red herrings and twists and turns to keep the reader engaged. The reveal came as a surprise to me. I highly recommend all Ms. Daley’s books to anyone who enjoys a well-crafted cozy mystery.
Caitlin “Cait” Hart-West and her husband, Cody, are settling into married life, but Cait misses her little seaside cabin. Cait and Tara O’Brian, her business partner and best friend, are still waiting for their insurer to settle their claim after an explosion destroyed Coffee Cat Books last December. Cait, who has recently made a lot of changes in her life, is feeling unsettled but doesn’t think any of those changes, or a combination of them, are the cause. When someone knocks her out and ties her up in the newspaper’s morgue, Mystique, a beautiful cat, who was sent by Tansy, the keeper of the island’s magical cats, and appeared, as cats often do to help Cait solve mysteries, comes to her rescue. Cait’s brother-in-law, Deputy Ryan Finnegan, is investigating the disappearance of several women and trying to determine if the cases are related. As Cait and Cody try to figure out why someone would break into the newspaper, they begin to wonder if the break-in and the missing women could somehow be related.
Spending time with Cait, Cody and Finn researching a new mystery and a 20 year old mystery was time well spent. Madrona Island, the magical cats, and the characters that have become friends over the previous books made for my own "magical" experience. The mystery was complicated and intriguing and there were just enough twists to keep me guessing for quite some time. I did finally narrow down the suspect and the reveal was dramatic.
Cait has a bad feeling throughout this book, but has no idea why. It left an eerie feeling within me. She is helping Cody at his newspaper while waiting on the insurance company to settle a claim on hers and Tara’s bookstore. I loved the new cat! Things, they seem to be achanging!
Whether ths is your first, tenth or twentieth book you have read in this magical cats series, you will find it is a fresh new beginning for the recently married Caitlyn Hart West. In the previous book, a man who had a severe dislike for Santa destroyed the book store, coffee cafe and cat adoption showcase run by Cait and her best friend Tara. As this book opens they have to decide if rebuilding what they had is in their future or if it is time for a new chapter and direction in their lives. Cait has been helping her now husband track down stories and solve mysteries for the local newspaper. With her sister as Mayor, new rules are in place and there are fewer cats needing to find homes. Both Cait's mother and grandmother have gone on to new romantic relationships and he younger sister has grown up, leaving Cait without as many ffamiy members to worry about, or at least spread out the worries to a degree. Still, her gut or intuition is telling her that something dark and disturbing is on the horizon. Focusing on family and the future, there is still room for some mystery. When the discovery of several missing women seems to mirror cold cases from the past, involving their own Madrona Island and neighboring Seattle, Cait, Cody and Deputy Finn puttheir heads together to compare notes. I like the fact that this particular Tansy cat seems to be hanging around for a while.
A Mew Beginning is the 20th episode in the Whales and Tails Cozy Mystery series. Kathi Daley writes yet another magnificent installment in this mystery series, filled with all the elements of a cozy mystery including suspense, romance, humor, love, friends and family, and a sense of community.
This story takes place on Madrona Island, an island near Washington state, a week or so before Easter. Caitlin Hart, despite her busy life and recent changes, finds herself in the middle of an old cold case involving missing women and a possible serial killer, a case that has a lot in common with a current case being investigated by local law enforcement. Cait works with her friends and family, and the magical cat, Mystique, to help investigate and uncover the murderer(s).
As always, Ms. Daley’s writing flows smoothly, and her setting and relatable characters make for an extremely enjoyable read.
I always enjoy Kathi Daley, which includes her Whales and Tails Mysteries, and when I review a book , I rarely just give 3 stars. I did enjoy this one. It was a straightforward, simple read. I don't usually figure out who the culprits are quite so quickly though. Maybe it was just me, but the clues seemed fairly blatant. I also missed the usual interaction with the other regular characters; seemed like Ms. Daley had a plot in mind, decided to let Cait pretty much solve it by herself, just letting her touch base with the other characters to keep them in the story. Even the Special Cat had no real personality - just do this, and this, and that to clue Cait in.
Perhaps it was just me, but I felt like maybe Ms. Daley was tired of writing this series, couldn't get excited about the book, but needed to meet a deadline. I hope it was just me; I love this series ... the premise, the setting, the characters and their lives. I would hate to see it fade away.
My coworker frequently talked about this "Whales and Tails" series that she kept seeing on the shelves at the library so I decided to read one to see what they were all about. This was was a typical cozy mystery with the twist of having a magic cat that seemed to serve the function of filling in plot holes. There was nothing else fantastical about the book. I don't know if earlier books in the series contain the origin story of the magic cats living the forest in the center of the island, but everyone seemed to accept them as just part of life in this book.
The weirdest part was when there would be dialogue between the main character and the cat, but the cat would only say, "Meow," so every other paragraph would just be "meow."
Cait has had a lot of changes in her life over the past several months but is experiencing a sense of dread that is unexplained. She doesn't believe that the changes in her life are the cause of her anxiety and thinks it may be a sense of something to come. Can she prevent whatever is on the horizon or at least meet it head-on?
This is my favorite series by Kathi Daley and this book's a prime example of why. Well-written with well-rounded characters, this book takes you on a roller coaster ride. I was hooked from the beginning and read it in one sitting. The only problem now is waiting for the next book. LOL I highly recommend both book and series which I suggest you read in order.
A Mew Beginning ( A Whales and Tales Mystery #20 ) By Kathi Daley A Mew Beginning is book twenty in the series A Whales and Tales Mystery, and a very enjoyable story to the series. There are some bad feeling from Cait, married and moved into a new place. trying to get settled out about her and Taras bookstore. A lot of changes for Cait. Love the story and will there be a mystery cat in this one to help Cait out? There are some twist and turns that keeps you guessing . Love the story and the characters, both are well written.
There is apparently a serial killer on the loose, killing young women in the area and it may tie in to something at the newspaper Cody owns.
Cait and Cody are thinking of building a little cabin by the water, while Tara and Cait are trying to figure out how to rebuild their Cafe/Bookstore after it was bombed.
Lots of mystery, action and romance in this new installation of the Whales and Tails Mysteries.
I enjoyed it thoroughly and as always, I can;t wait for another book in this fun series.
Another awesome book on Maradona Island! Cat and Tara are still struggling with insurance to rebuild the exploded bookstore! Cat also gets some lovely news that her mother in law is coming for a short 6 week or so visit this summer and plans on staying with them! You can tell she is jumping for joy at that news! Cat ends up in the middle of another murder investigation and one of Tansy magic cats comes to help!
With all the changes in Cait’s life, she has this feeling that something isn’t quite right. All the tension means that something bad is coming and that she cannot stop it.
She will find herself being knocked out and tied up at the newspaper as a series of missing women seems to be tied in as well.
I really enjoyed "A New Beginning." This is the 20th book in the Whales and Tails Mystery series. This is a enjoyable, quick read with a great mystery. The main character, Cait, is dealing with a lot of changes, including trying to reopen the bookstore. You will find plenty of twists and turns to keep the story interesting.
Become totally immerse in the characters and their lives as you try to solve an intriguing mystery. The author certainly knows how to grasp your attention and keep you totally interested. Loved how from the first page how I became totally involved in the mystery and the direction all my favorite characters in this series are going.
Love this series with the mystical cats that show up and help solve the mystery Someone has been murdering women in the nineties and now it’s starting up again. The beautiful mystique has helped Cait when she was tied up and having her around proves to be very useful.
Finn is bought in on women disappearing after meeting a guy in a bar and that is the last time they are seen. With Coffe Cat Books down and awaiting rebuilding Cait h er lps Finn and Cody research the case. And of course, Cait doesn't wait. Suspenceful book. Well written. Love those cats.
Cait and Cody investigate several missing young women, who may be victims of a serial killer. While looking through old newspapers, they find similar disappearances from nearly 25 years ago. Does history really repeat itself? Can they and the Scooby gang solve the mysteries?
A Mew Beginning is book twenty in the Whales and Tails Mystery series. As always, I get excited when a new book by this author comes out. I'm never disappointed. This story kept me hooked throughout, and I couldn't put it down. I definitely recommend it.
Loved this addition to the series. Story line was interesting and enjoyable. Glad the kitty in this mystery had more of a role in the story line. I totally enjoyed this mystery and can't wait for the next!!
I have truly enjoyed these books. They are fun quick reads that engage from word one. I hope there are more to come soon. I already miss these delightful residents of Madrona Island!
I enjoyed the stories, well researched however it seemed once Cait married Cody he was second class to her. He was a shadow to everything she wanted and she became very selfish regarding anything he wanted. I was disappointed
Cait and Cody have their hands full with break-ins at the newspaper offices, especially when Cait is injured. They begin digging into the newspaper morgue to try to figure out what the person wanted. Ends with the entire family and friends enjoying Easter dinner.
So love this series! So much has happened in the characters life's. The storyline was well done and interest to the very end. The characters keep me pulled in with so many twists and turns.