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Mystic Notch #2
A Spirited Tail
Middle-aged bookstore owner Willa Chance is looking forward to the opportunity of appraising a valuable private library that hasn't seen the light of day for fifty years ... until she finds a dead body in the backyard and the ghost of the home's previous owner anxiously waiting for her inside.
Hampered by the persistent ghost who insists on keeping secrets from her, Willa navigates a sea of confusing clues as she struggles to uncover the connection between the recent murder and two murders fifty years ago.
Is the answer contained in the secret she found in the library? Or the unusual bequest left by the long-dead owner of the house? Or maybe it has something to do with the mysterious journal that everyone seems to be after.
Once again, Willa's cat Pandora has to help her figure out the clues, while she and the other cats of Mystic Notch try to keep vital mystical knowledge from getting into the wrong hands.
Can Willa discover the identity of the killer in time or will she end up being the fourth victim?
Hampered by the persistent ghost who insists on keeping secrets from her, Willa navigates a sea of confusing clues as she struggles to uncover the connection between the recent murder and two murders fifty years ago.
Is the answer contained in the secret she found in the library? Or the unusual bequest left by the long-dead owner of the house? Or maybe it has something to do with the mysterious journal that everyone seems to be after.
Once again, Willa's cat Pandora has to help her figure out the clues, while she and the other cats of Mystic Notch try to keep vital mystical knowledge from getting into the wrong hands.
Can Willa discover the identity of the killer in time or will she end up being the fourth victim?
348 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 31, 2014
2902 people are currently reading
2585 people want to read
About the author
Leighann Dobbs
135 books1,860 followersUSA Today bestselling author, Leighann Dobbs, discovered her passion for writing after a twenty year career as a software engineer. She lives in New Hampshire with her husband Bruce, their trusty Chihuahua mix Mojo and beautiful rescue cat, Kitty.
Her book "Dead Wrong" won the "Best Mystery Romance" award at the 2014 Indie Romance Convention.
Her book "Ghostly Paws" was the 2015 Chanticleer Mystery & Mayhem First Place category winner in the Animal Mystery category.
Her book "Dead Wrong" won the "Best Mystery Romance" award at the 2014 Indie Romance Convention.
Her book "Ghostly Paws" was the 2015 Chanticleer Mystery & Mayhem First Place category winner in the Animal Mystery category.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 420 reviews
January 30, 2025
It's a blend of cat cozy and paranormal mystery. The animal characters are not only able to communicate with each other, they play a vital role in helping Willa to solve the mystery and there is a strong spooky element. While I'm not a big fan of cozy mysteries, I am a fan of the paranormal as well as being a pushover for a cute cuddly animal.
Willa's cat, Pandora is one of the feline guardians of Mystic Notch. It is her job to ensure that evil doesn't get the upper hand. Willa has previously had a brush with death, and ever since she has been able to see and communicate with ghosts. While some merely want to be entertained, like those that have taken up residence in her bookstore, others want her help moving on. When Willa has the opportunity to appraise the contents of a library that hasn't been viewed for over 50 years, she discovers a dead body and the ghost of the previous owner, who was once a popular medium.
She is reluctant to interfere with the current investigation but agrees to help the ghost of Charles Van Dorn. Fifty years ago, Charles was framed for the murder of a young woman. Not long afterwards, he was killed in a way that looked like suicide. Willa wants to bring the killer to justice. Willa finds it difficult to avoid interfering with the current murder investigation as clues indicate that Bruce's death is linked to one of her cold cases. It's a good thing that she has the help of her human as well as her animal friends.
This author is very good at bringing to light many issues that are close to real-life animal advocates into the story...topics like spaying and neutering and the care of feral cats. The residents of Mystic Notch are all animal lovers with pets of their own. This story doesn't just end with the successful resolution of the mystery, but two animals find their "forever" homes.
The epilogue is something that really stood out for me. Inkspot, the leader of the cats, advised Scooter on how to behave now that he has a "human of his own". I believe the cat that "owned" me for 18-years must have gotten advice from Inkspot, since I was "well owned" and knew my place without question. Those that like me were, or are, "owned" by a cat or two, will understand how important this advice is.
Even though I'm really not a cozy mystery fan, I found this to be a cute little tale that is sure to delight both cat fans as well as paranormal mystery fans.
Willa's cat, Pandora is one of the feline guardians of Mystic Notch. It is her job to ensure that evil doesn't get the upper hand. Willa has previously had a brush with death, and ever since she has been able to see and communicate with ghosts. While some merely want to be entertained, like those that have taken up residence in her bookstore, others want her help moving on. When Willa has the opportunity to appraise the contents of a library that hasn't been viewed for over 50 years, she discovers a dead body and the ghost of the previous owner, who was once a popular medium.
She is reluctant to interfere with the current investigation but agrees to help the ghost of Charles Van Dorn. Fifty years ago, Charles was framed for the murder of a young woman. Not long afterwards, he was killed in a way that looked like suicide. Willa wants to bring the killer to justice. Willa finds it difficult to avoid interfering with the current murder investigation as clues indicate that Bruce's death is linked to one of her cold cases. It's a good thing that she has the help of her human as well as her animal friends.
This author is very good at bringing to light many issues that are close to real-life animal advocates into the story...topics like spaying and neutering and the care of feral cats. The residents of Mystic Notch are all animal lovers with pets of their own. This story doesn't just end with the successful resolution of the mystery, but two animals find their "forever" homes.
The epilogue is something that really stood out for me. Inkspot, the leader of the cats, advised Scooter on how to behave now that he has a "human of his own". I believe the cat that "owned" me for 18-years must have gotten advice from Inkspot, since I was "well owned" and knew my place without question. Those that like me were, or are, "owned" by a cat or two, will understand how important this advice is.
Even though I'm really not a cozy mystery fan, I found this to be a cute little tale that is sure to delight both cat fans as well as paranormal mystery fans.
August 16, 2014
Ugh. Just ugh.
Against my better judgement, I gave book 2 of the Mystic Notch series a try. Against my better judgement because the first book wasn't very good. But the characters are cute and the location is charming, so I thought I'd give it another go. It was a mistake. Both books read like a bad YA book, only the MC is a middle-aged woman who gets giddy and weak in the knees every time a good looking guy shows up. Whenever there's a crime bigger than a parking violation, a cop from a neighboring town gets called in to help the police chief of Mystic Notch. What kind of idiot town hires a police chief who can't investigate major crimes? Not that it matters, because apparently the both cops are inept and it's up to the cat to lead everyone by the hand to all the clues.
Too much inner dialogue, too many "don't investigate it's dangerous" admonishments, and too many far-fetched plot devices. Oh, the MC is told "not to leave town" but not told to keep her fat mouth shut and not blab important details to the old gossips in town? Again, what idiot town hires such an inept police chief?
I have nothing but derision for this series. Too much wrong with it. My recommendation? Just. Don't. Bother.
Against my better judgement, I gave book 2 of the Mystic Notch series a try. Against my better judgement because the first book wasn't very good. But the characters are cute and the location is charming, so I thought I'd give it another go. It was a mistake. Both books read like a bad YA book, only the MC is a middle-aged woman who gets giddy and weak in the knees every time a good looking guy shows up. Whenever there's a crime bigger than a parking violation, a cop from a neighboring town gets called in to help the police chief of Mystic Notch. What kind of idiot town hires a police chief who can't investigate major crimes? Not that it matters, because apparently the both cops are inept and it's up to the cat to lead everyone by the hand to all the clues.
Too much inner dialogue, too many "don't investigate it's dangerous" admonishments, and too many far-fetched plot devices. Oh, the MC is told "not to leave town" but not told to keep her fat mouth shut and not blab important details to the old gossips in town? Again, what idiot town hires such an inept police chief?
I have nothing but derision for this series. Too much wrong with it. My recommendation? Just. Don't. Bother.
October 7, 2019
Case of double homicide separated by 50 years and Willa and gang try to solve it. The problem is, there aren't many characters introduced in the story hence suspect list is very thin to begin with.
Little bit disappointed...but easy to read cozy murder mystery...
Little bit disappointed...but easy to read cozy murder mystery...
July 7, 2022
Have I ever said how much I love these cozy mysteries? Yes, all of the time. They are just so good. Simple, fun and have me guessing who the perpetrator is every single time. Talking animals and mediums? Yes please. This was such a fun little mystery and I adore the characters. 5 stars!
March 25, 2017
For me this was a fun book to read. Mainly because it combined things that I would love to do. Go into an abandoned mansion, legally. Get to check out all the rooms where a 50 year old murder and suicide took place. And get my hands on a room full of books. Be the first one in ages to see what is there, open them, and read them. Fun, Fun, Fun. I lead such a sad life. Oh well.
Willa Chance is asked to catalog the library in the old Van Dorn estate. But before she can even get her fist look into the library she is asked by her friend Bing if he could have any handwritten journals she finds. She is also approached by a woman named Claire who wants the same journals.
The house has been closed up for 50 years, ever since Charles Van Dorn committed suicide. The nephew of Charles Van Dorn has decided to sell everything and needs Willa to give an estimate on the value of the books. He' selling things on ebay. And to top it off Charles' ghost turns up in the library and asks Willa to find his killer so he can move on.
Did I mention the curse? Well Van Dorn was a noted Magician and Mentalist in his hay day until he was accused of killing a girl and leaving a mystical sign on her forehead.
As Willa and the real estate agent get to the house they hear a dog howling, go to the back and find the dead body of Van Dorn's old neighbor. With the same sign on his forehead. And so the story begins. What secrets will be found in those old books and journals, if any, to find the killer.
As I have said before I am not a big fan of paranormal books. This series is the exception for me. I can't get enough of them. The basic characters are always strong and the story flows without getting bogged down in useless information. And I love the way Pandora and the other cats are given their own voices but never to the point of being unbelievable.
I have to admit I found myself surprised at the killer. Not on my radar. At all. Of course I was enjoying the story so much I have to admit I think I forgot to follow the clues and just had fun reading. I hated to see the book end, but I did like the way it ended.
Willa Chance is asked to catalog the library in the old Van Dorn estate. But before she can even get her fist look into the library she is asked by her friend Bing if he could have any handwritten journals she finds. She is also approached by a woman named Claire who wants the same journals.
The house has been closed up for 50 years, ever since Charles Van Dorn committed suicide. The nephew of Charles Van Dorn has decided to sell everything and needs Willa to give an estimate on the value of the books. He' selling things on ebay. And to top it off Charles' ghost turns up in the library and asks Willa to find his killer so he can move on.
Did I mention the curse? Well Van Dorn was a noted Magician and Mentalist in his hay day until he was accused of killing a girl and leaving a mystical sign on her forehead.
As Willa and the real estate agent get to the house they hear a dog howling, go to the back and find the dead body of Van Dorn's old neighbor. With the same sign on his forehead. And so the story begins. What secrets will be found in those old books and journals, if any, to find the killer.
As I have said before I am not a big fan of paranormal books. This series is the exception for me. I can't get enough of them. The basic characters are always strong and the story flows without getting bogged down in useless information. And I love the way Pandora and the other cats are given their own voices but never to the point of being unbelievable.
I have to admit I found myself surprised at the killer. Not on my radar. At all. Of course I was enjoying the story so much I have to admit I think I forgot to follow the clues and just had fun reading. I hated to see the book end, but I did like the way it ended.
September 3, 2014
I like the animals, but the main character is pretty dim.
did-not-finish
June 30, 2021DNFed at 27%. Guys, Pandora the cat gets a POV, and her tone is... not ideal. Also, the main character is not hte most compelling, or the best investigator I've ever seen. Also, really didn't click with the writing.
February 3, 2020
2.5 stars. A Spirited Tail is book 2 in the Mystic Notch series. This is a cozy mystery book with paranormal (ghostly) elements. It looks like there is also a setup for future magical elements to the series. The main character is Willa Chance. A 48 year old fairly recently divorced woman with no children. After her divorce, two years prior, Willa moved back to her home town where she had inherited her grandmother's house, business and cat, Pandora.
This book is told primarily from Willa's POV but there are a couple chapters from Pandora's POV. It is set in New Hampshire.
In this book, Willa happens upon a newly murdered body in the backyard of an old estate that has been locked up for years. It just so happens that Willa can also see and speak to ghosts and although the ghost of the murdered man isn't there, there are other ghosts. Of course, it is up to Willa to follow the clues to solve the murder.
Willa used to have a career as an investigative journalist/crime reporter, yet she is not very good at following the clues. Actually, she is terrible at it. She gets hung up on the wrong things and can't see beyond the conclusions that she has already drawn until after she accuses the wrong people and is proven wrong when they are proven innocent.
The cats are the true sleuths and MVPs in the book. They try to guide her toward the answers that she is too dumb to see herself.
The only good things in this book are the cats and her budding romance with the cop. I'm going to give this series one more chance before I give it up entirely.
This book is told primarily from Willa's POV but there are a couple chapters from Pandora's POV. It is set in New Hampshire.
In this book, Willa happens upon a newly murdered body in the backyard of an old estate that has been locked up for years. It just so happens that Willa can also see and speak to ghosts and although the ghost of the murdered man isn't there, there are other ghosts. Of course, it is up to Willa to follow the clues to solve the murder.
Willa used to have a career as an investigative journalist/crime reporter, yet she is not very good at following the clues. Actually, she is terrible at it. She gets hung up on the wrong things and can't see beyond the conclusions that she has already drawn until after she accuses the wrong people and is proven wrong when they are proven innocent.
The cats are the true sleuths and MVPs in the book. They try to guide her toward the answers that she is too dumb to see herself.
The only good things in this book are the cats and her budding romance with the cop. I'm going to give this series one more chance before I give it up entirely.
January 11, 2015
I have really enjoyed both of the books in this series but there is one thing that bugs me. She create a possible scenario and latches on to it harder that most cozy leads. Then once her primary premise is proven wrong, she won't let go. I know that fits many newspaper reporters, but it doesn't seem to fit investigative reporting. I still enjoy the books and love the animals.
May 20, 2018
Another great mystery
A solid mystery and more development of life in Mystic Notch. Oddly enough Striker has less of a role in the books then the four regulars at the bookstore. I hope in the next books there is more on the good/bad humans conflict as the heroine learns to embrace her gift.
A solid mystery and more development of life in Mystic Notch. Oddly enough Striker has less of a role in the books then the four regulars at the bookstore. I hope in the next books there is more on the good/bad humans conflict as the heroine learns to embrace her gift.
August 22, 2018
I liked this second book in the series. Lots of twists and turns to the good mystery. The animals are great. It's really different to have some scenes from their POV, but I liked it! :D
A fun read.
A fun read.
December 16, 2018
3.5 stars, 0 heat
A Spirited Tail was a fun read.
The Gist: Willa's pretty dang tickled to be appraising an old library that's been abandoned for decades. Only problem? A dead body just a laying on the property she's just arrived at. Oy! It might be linked to a murder/suicide from back in the day, too!
I enjoy Willa. She's a bookworm. And constantly curious. Loves animals. She's good people and fun to spend time with.
The mystery was fun. Willa and crew were SO slow on the uptake but I had fun watching them figure it about. Uncovering clues, having little blunders. Seeing how the present day murder connected to the death of a popular medium decades earlier.
And, oh, the pets. Willa's cat is part of an ancient group of kitties that's goal is to deal with good and evil and help their humans when they need it. I love all the kitties and this go around the addition of a sweet heartbroken pup.
All in all, while somewhat predictable A Spirited Tail was still a delightful read and has me wanting to read more from Mystic Notch.
A Spirited Tail was a fun read.
The Gist: Willa's pretty dang tickled to be appraising an old library that's been abandoned for decades. Only problem? A dead body just a laying on the property she's just arrived at. Oy! It might be linked to a murder/suicide from back in the day, too!
I enjoy Willa. She's a bookworm. And constantly curious. Loves animals. She's good people and fun to spend time with.
The mystery was fun. Willa and crew were SO slow on the uptake but I had fun watching them figure it about. Uncovering clues, having little blunders. Seeing how the present day murder connected to the death of a popular medium decades earlier.
And, oh, the pets. Willa's cat is part of an ancient group of kitties that's goal is to deal with good and evil and help their humans when they need it. I love all the kitties and this go around the addition of a sweet heartbroken pup.
All in all, while somewhat predictable A Spirited Tail was still a delightful read and has me wanting to read more from Mystic Notch.
March 13, 2021
A cute paranormal cozy mystery. I liked this book better than the first book. That said this should be read in order. When Willa stumbles into a body naturally she has a mystery to solve. There are many pluses here; she is on the backside of forty, a bookstore owner, a pet owner, and she sees ghosts to spice things up. Her cat feels she owns her human plus she also has special abilities. A whimsical fun read.
October 5, 2025
This is the second in the series and I enjoyed it as much as the 1st. I like the main character Willa and find her to be an interesting character. Readers that enjoy a paranormal mystery with animals that communicate with each other and protect their humans will be drawn to this series. I enjoyed the cold case that connected to the present day crime .
May 31, 2019
A good second edition to the series.
Another mysterious murder in Mystic Notch and Willa is on the case to solve her next ghost's murder along with a new canine and Pandora the cat.
This was an entertaining second book in the series and I enjoyed it.
Another mysterious murder in Mystic Notch and Willa is on the case to solve her next ghost's murder along with a new canine and Pandora the cat.
This was an entertaining second book in the series and I enjoyed it.
August 11, 2021
Relatively easy to read, except for the main character. She’s really annoying. Now, maybe she’s supposed just like her friend the tea lady whose teas backfire. A "crime reporter" who can’t investigate her way out of a bag.
If she’s as forgetful as she says at 48, maybe she needs to see her doctor. She needs to be seeing someone about her nonspecific bad leg injury.
I’m waiting for Pandora to sit her down and write her a note.
If she’s as forgetful as she says at 48, maybe she needs to see her doctor. She needs to be seeing someone about her nonspecific bad leg injury.
I’m waiting for Pandora to sit her down and write her a note.
July 24, 2020
This was pretty good. Not my favorite cozy series but they are fun and I love a good cat story.
April 7, 2021
A nice easy read. Too many ‘make a mental note’ remarks!
April 20, 2023
A wonderfully magical cozy mystery with an MC that I love, communicating cats, and a quest to keep knowledge from forces of good and evil all wrapped into a cozy mystery? Definitely my cup of tea.
Willa is the MC I always want in a cozy, not annoying, not troublesome, but helpful and well-rounded.
Definitely recommend this book and the entire Mystic Notch series.
Willa is the MC I always want in a cozy, not annoying, not troublesome, but helpful and well-rounded.
Definitely recommend this book and the entire Mystic Notch series.
June 11, 2022
It’s always a good read. Willa is a good character who’s always trying to do the right thing. Even if she does get hurt or into trouble. Plus I like her playful yet romantic relationship with Striker.
April 27, 2015
If you love the Mrs Murphy mysteries by Rita Mae Brown, you will enjoy the Mystic Notch mysteries by Leighann Dobbs. The books are an enticing blend of cat cozy and paranormal mystery. Like in the Mrs Murphy novels, the animal characters are not only able to communicate with each other, they play a vital role in helping Willa to solve the mystery. Unlike the Rita Mae Brown books, there is a strong paranormal element.
Willa's cat, Pandora is one of the feline guardians of Mystic Notch. It is her job to ensure that evil doesn't get the upper hand.
Since Willa's brush with death, she has been able to see and communicate with ghosts. While some merely want entertainment, like those residing in her bookstore, others want her help in order to move on. When Willa has the opportunity to appraise the contents of a library that hasn't been viewed for over 50 years, she discovers a dead body and the ghost of the previous owner, once a popular medium.
Although reluctant to interfere with the current investigation, Willa agrees to help the ghost of Charles Van Dorn. Fifty years ago Charles was framed for the murder of a young woman. Not long afterwards, he was killed in a murder made to look like suicide. It is up to Willa to bring the killer to justice.
Willa finds it difficult to avoid interfering with the current murder investigation as clues indicate that Bruce's death is linked to her cold cases. Fortunately she has the help of her human and animal friends.
One of the things I like about the Mystic Notch mystery series is how Dobbs brings issues dear to animal advocates into the novels - topics like spaying and neutering and feral cat care. The residents of Mystic Notch are animal lovers with pets that are both loving and loyal. A Spirited Tail doesn't just end with the successful resolution of the mystery. Two animals find their forever homes. I especially liked the epilogue where Inkspot, the leader of the cats, advised Scooter on how to behave now that he has a human of his own.
A Spirited Tail is a wonderful cozy that is sure to delight both fans of cat and paranormal mysteries. The Mystic Notch mystery series is appealing and suitable for all ages of mystery lover.
--Crittermom
Willa's cat, Pandora is one of the feline guardians of Mystic Notch. It is her job to ensure that evil doesn't get the upper hand.
Since Willa's brush with death, she has been able to see and communicate with ghosts. While some merely want entertainment, like those residing in her bookstore, others want her help in order to move on. When Willa has the opportunity to appraise the contents of a library that hasn't been viewed for over 50 years, she discovers a dead body and the ghost of the previous owner, once a popular medium.
Although reluctant to interfere with the current investigation, Willa agrees to help the ghost of Charles Van Dorn. Fifty years ago Charles was framed for the murder of a young woman. Not long afterwards, he was killed in a murder made to look like suicide. It is up to Willa to bring the killer to justice.
Willa finds it difficult to avoid interfering with the current murder investigation as clues indicate that Bruce's death is linked to her cold cases. Fortunately she has the help of her human and animal friends.
One of the things I like about the Mystic Notch mystery series is how Dobbs brings issues dear to animal advocates into the novels - topics like spaying and neutering and feral cat care. The residents of Mystic Notch are animal lovers with pets that are both loving and loyal. A Spirited Tail doesn't just end with the successful resolution of the mystery. Two animals find their forever homes. I especially liked the epilogue where Inkspot, the leader of the cats, advised Scooter on how to behave now that he has a human of his own.
A Spirited Tail is a wonderful cozy that is sure to delight both fans of cat and paranormal mysteries. The Mystic Notch mystery series is appealing and suitable for all ages of mystery lover.
--Crittermom
September 10, 2024
We have new characters as well as the original ones from the first book.
Bruce Norton who is the murder victim right in the beginning of the book and owned a dog named Ranger.
Gus (Augusta) has a new deputy, Jimmy Ford.
Gertie is the M.E for their town Mystic Notch.
The first ghost Willa meets in this book is not Bruce Norton but Charles Van Dorn, who we later find out is Bruce's lover in their younger days.
We have an old kitty but with a new name, Tatters, since Ophelia adopted her, she was the one with the torn ear.
Joshua is Charles Van Horns brother and you didn't hear much about him, only that Charles and his brother did not get a long. Why Willa never suspected the brother of killing Charles is another question I have. It is like she so badly wanted it to be a love triable.
Lily Johanson was a young Hollywood type that used to hang out at the Van Dorn house when Charles had his parties. She also was murdered right before Charles was murdered.
There is the nephew selling the Van Dorn house, Steven Van Dorn, who at first seemed questionable because he did mention he had a sketchy past. Also was trying to sell all of the items in the house, which Willa did question and thought very little of him, but never knew why, which we later learn is because he too, has a cattery that he runs, like Emma. You can't always judge a book by its cover, even if it seems odd or you might disagree, because you don't always know the full situation or reasons why someone is doing something. Steve also marks Bruce's forehead because he wanted people to believe the curse was back.
Ruth must be a neighbor who lives near Charles Van Dorn, the author doesn't mention her much either.
Lester Price is the son of Sal Price, who was the writer back in the younger days with Charles Van Dorn.
Felicity Baker introduces Claire Smith-Baker as her family friend, who we later learn back in her younger days she went by her stage name Claire Voyant.
Gladys Primble who is Charles' house keeper, we learn Charles had given her a large sum of money for which it is led to believed at the end of the book, that he paid her for kindness and to protect the journals that everyone is after. Why are these journals so special? Just like the book that was special that everyone was after in Ghostly Paws. Why wouldn't Charles trust Bruce, his secret lover with the journals. Was it because he wasn't so secret after all and knew all persons interested in them would search for Bruce first? Gladys also is the caregiver for Euphoria, a Selkirk Rex, a rare breed cat.
A new feral cat is introduced named Scooter, who gets adopted by Jimmy. Scooter gets to also be mentored by Inkspots, since Pandora brought him in the group for saving Willa when she couldn't. Inkspots is teaching Scooter the ways of the world.
I believe that is all the new characters.
Why Bruce's ghost never chose to appear to Willa is beyond me, he was the one that was murdered and Charles is a murder case that happened 50 years ago.
In Chapter 7 Pandora and Ranger find the murder weapon in the woods in an area near the shallow river. It is a heavy piece of white-painted wood that looked like it came from one of Van Dorn's porch columns. And no one seemed to notice it was missing. It is possible since the house was so old that it could have gone missing, which is why maybe it was never considered.
Chapter 8 Willa learns that Lester Price got into an argument with Bruce Norton at Myrna's Café the day before Bruce was murdered. But Myrna doesn't know what the argument was about. Lester tried to make it seem like Bruce was upset what he was writing about. Pepper also mentions in this chapter since Bruce was hit in the back of the head why was he face up, because he was found face up . If Willa is the crime journalist for over twenty years, how is it she doesn't think of that but her best friend Pepper does?
At some point Willa hears a conversation over the phone in Charles' old office, where Steve had set up shop to sell off the items on eBay. Willa was done for the day cataloging the books and eaves dropped, listening to him talk to a person on the other end of the phone named Jeff? Who is Jeff and why didn't Willa look into that more?
Chapter 13
Character development is presented to the reader for Josiah. He plays poker with Vern Bosch, Frank Delaney with Mabel and Burt who own the Moonlight hotel where Lester Price is staying. I can't remember if we were introduced to any of them in the first book.
Chapter 21
Willa visits Elspeth and she is the one that informs Willa that Bruce's lover is Bruce Norton. How did she know? Willa also notices a new cat names Lewis.
Chapter 22
Willa meets Claire at a diner and learns who all was there when Lily had died. She mentions a Bill Parker, but I believe that is the only time this person is mentioned. Why didn't Willa look into this? The cook too, Mabel.
Chapter 25
Willa discovers the pen, the pen that wrote the suicide note, which was Sal Price. Les Price confirmed. Sal Price had killed Lily because he was in love with Lily but she did not return his affections. He killed her in a fit of passion. He panicked after he killed her and knew he had to frame someone. Les had killed Bruce since he too, figured it out. Striker shows up after Jimmy rescued Willa and mentions this is why you leave the sleuthing to the police. Jimmy had given Willa credit for helping him solve all three cases. Willa told Striker she wasn't helping. Willa told him she was only giving Jimmy pointers. If that were the case, why was Willa there, at the burning house?
Epilogue
The Van Dorn house is turned into a museum. Gladys Primble buries the journals in her backyard in a metal container.
This book, too, like the last one leaves me with so many questions that I hope do get answered in future books. I am thinking the book in the first arc, Ghostly Paws, and now this journal in this book will all come together. Still a good read, get it, goodread.
Bruce Norton who is the murder victim right in the beginning of the book and owned a dog named Ranger.
Gus (Augusta) has a new deputy, Jimmy Ford.
Gertie is the M.E for their town Mystic Notch.
The first ghost Willa meets in this book is not Bruce Norton but Charles Van Dorn, who we later find out is Bruce's lover in their younger days.
We have an old kitty but with a new name, Tatters, since Ophelia adopted her, she was the one with the torn ear.
Joshua is Charles Van Horns brother and you didn't hear much about him, only that Charles and his brother did not get a long. Why Willa never suspected the brother of killing Charles is another question I have. It is like she so badly wanted it to be a love triable.
Lily Johanson was a young Hollywood type that used to hang out at the Van Dorn house when Charles had his parties. She also was murdered right before Charles was murdered.
There is the nephew selling the Van Dorn house, Steven Van Dorn, who at first seemed questionable because he did mention he had a sketchy past. Also was trying to sell all of the items in the house, which Willa did question and thought very little of him, but never knew why, which we later learn is because he too, has a cattery that he runs, like Emma. You can't always judge a book by its cover, even if it seems odd or you might disagree, because you don't always know the full situation or reasons why someone is doing something. Steve also marks Bruce's forehead because he wanted people to believe the curse was back.
Ruth must be a neighbor who lives near Charles Van Dorn, the author doesn't mention her much either.
Lester Price is the son of Sal Price, who was the writer back in the younger days with Charles Van Dorn.
Felicity Baker introduces Claire Smith-Baker as her family friend, who we later learn back in her younger days she went by her stage name Claire Voyant.
Gladys Primble who is Charles' house keeper, we learn Charles had given her a large sum of money for which it is led to believed at the end of the book, that he paid her for kindness and to protect the journals that everyone is after. Why are these journals so special? Just like the book that was special that everyone was after in Ghostly Paws. Why wouldn't Charles trust Bruce, his secret lover with the journals. Was it because he wasn't so secret after all and knew all persons interested in them would search for Bruce first? Gladys also is the caregiver for Euphoria, a Selkirk Rex, a rare breed cat.
A new feral cat is introduced named Scooter, who gets adopted by Jimmy. Scooter gets to also be mentored by Inkspots, since Pandora brought him in the group for saving Willa when she couldn't. Inkspots is teaching Scooter the ways of the world.
I believe that is all the new characters.
Why Bruce's ghost never chose to appear to Willa is beyond me, he was the one that was murdered and Charles is a murder case that happened 50 years ago.
In Chapter 7 Pandora and Ranger find the murder weapon in the woods in an area near the shallow river. It is a heavy piece of white-painted wood that looked like it came from one of Van Dorn's porch columns. And no one seemed to notice it was missing. It is possible since the house was so old that it could have gone missing, which is why maybe it was never considered.
Chapter 8 Willa learns that Lester Price got into an argument with Bruce Norton at Myrna's Café the day before Bruce was murdered. But Myrna doesn't know what the argument was about. Lester tried to make it seem like Bruce was upset what he was writing about. Pepper also mentions in this chapter since Bruce was hit in the back of the head why was he face up, because he was found face up . If Willa is the crime journalist for over twenty years, how is it she doesn't think of that but her best friend Pepper does?
At some point Willa hears a conversation over the phone in Charles' old office, where Steve had set up shop to sell off the items on eBay. Willa was done for the day cataloging the books and eaves dropped, listening to him talk to a person on the other end of the phone named Jeff? Who is Jeff and why didn't Willa look into that more?
Chapter 13
Character development is presented to the reader for Josiah. He plays poker with Vern Bosch, Frank Delaney with Mabel and Burt who own the Moonlight hotel where Lester Price is staying. I can't remember if we were introduced to any of them in the first book.
Chapter 21
Willa visits Elspeth and she is the one that informs Willa that Bruce's lover is Bruce Norton. How did she know? Willa also notices a new cat names Lewis.
Chapter 22
Willa meets Claire at a diner and learns who all was there when Lily had died. She mentions a Bill Parker, but I believe that is the only time this person is mentioned. Why didn't Willa look into this? The cook too, Mabel.
Chapter 25
Willa discovers the pen, the pen that wrote the suicide note, which was Sal Price. Les Price confirmed. Sal Price had killed Lily because he was in love with Lily but she did not return his affections. He killed her in a fit of passion. He panicked after he killed her and knew he had to frame someone. Les had killed Bruce since he too, figured it out. Striker shows up after Jimmy rescued Willa and mentions this is why you leave the sleuthing to the police. Jimmy had given Willa credit for helping him solve all three cases. Willa told Striker she wasn't helping. Willa told him she was only giving Jimmy pointers. If that were the case, why was Willa there, at the burning house?
Epilogue
The Van Dorn house is turned into a museum. Gladys Primble buries the journals in her backyard in a metal container.
This book, too, like the last one leaves me with so many questions that I hope do get answered in future books. I am thinking the book in the first arc, Ghostly Paws, and now this journal in this book will all come together. Still a good read, get it, goodread.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 12, 2014
I love cozy mysteries with paranormal plots. The Mystic Notch series is exactly that. There are a lot of quirky characters both human and feline. The mysteries are well plotted and detailed. The heroine is Willa, a former investigative journalist, who has moved back to her small hometown after inheriting her grandmother's house. Willa was injured in an accident before coming home that has not yet been explained. The magical relationship among the cats in the town and several of the humans is an ongoing mystery. Since returning to Mystic Notch, Willa communicates with ghosts and gets involved solving murders. I've enjoyed the first 2 books and look forward to learning more about Willa and Pandora, her cat.
I gave it 4 stars because she needs to move the character development along.
I gave it 4 stars because she needs to move the character development along.
September 9, 2014
The idea is good, but the way the story was continued is annoying. The magical memory loss was irritating, the main character's skepticism was outlandish for someone who talked to ghosts, and the fact that a number of her "friends" appear to be in on the magical goings on yet don't fill her in is frustrating.
Not to mention that she always runs off on her own when she figures things out, instead of going to her sister the police chief.
Not to mention that she always runs off on her own when she figures things out, instead of going to her sister the police chief.
April 28, 2015
A good read, but not a favorite of mine. I wanted to like it more than I did, and I'm still not quite sure why I didn't. Maybe it was because none of the characters stood out really. Yes, there was the cute connection between the cat Pandora and a dog named Ranger, but not much else. The story went in too many different directions as to who was the murderer, and after awhile, I didn't care. Cute read, but again, not a favorite of mine, although Leighann Dobbs is one of my new favorite authors.
August 18, 2019
I'm finally getting around to this magical series. I think I'd like to have a home in Mystic Notch just to watch how life unfolds there. I'm going to read as many of the books in the series as my local libraries have on hand..
It's truly worth the time and effort because this series is THAT GOOD!
It's truly worth the time and effort because this series is THAT GOOD!
February 27, 2017
Once again, Willa and her cat, Pandora, must find out who killed someone in Mystic Notch as well as try to keep vital mystical knowledge from getting into the wrong hands.
Can Willa discover the identity of the killer in time or will she end up being another victim?
Can Willa discover the identity of the killer in time or will she end up being another victim?
November 29, 2017
I really did not care for this book. And definitely did not feel any connection with Wilhelmina. Won't be reading any other books in this series.
August 9, 2019
Another great book by Ms. Dobbs
December 30, 2025
Plot
Middle-aged bookstore owner Willa Chance is looking forward to the opportunity of appraising a valuable private library that hasn’t seen the light of day for 50 years…until she finds a dead body in the backyard and the ghost of the home’s previous owner anxiously waiting for her inside.
Hampered by the persistent ghost who insists on keeping secrets from her, Willa navigates a sea of confusing clues as she struggles to uncover the connection between the recent murder and two murders 50 years ago. Is the answer contained in the secret she found in the library? Or the unusual bequest left by the long-dead owner of the house? Or maybe it has something to do with the mysterious journal that everyone seems to be after.
Once again, Willa’s cat, Pandora, has to help her figure out the clues while she and the other cats of Mystic Notch try to keep vital mystical knowledge from getting into the wrong hands. Can Willa discover the identity of the killer in time, or will she end up being the fourth victim?
My Analysis
What a delightful book. Ghosts talking to humans. Animals talking to animals.
It’s difficult to get personalities of real people inserted into stories, especially fiction. Fortunately, the two ghost who reside in Chance’s bookstore don’t play too much of a role.
I think the author did a marvelous job of capturing the dog and cats personalities. Pandora makes herself the pesky puss keeping Chance on her toes.
The author doesn’t let the reader forget about the aspects of the case. The pens, the journal, etc.
This is a cozy, so there won’t be any gratuitous sex, gore, or bad words. Sure, there’s a murder, but you don’t see it happen and the details are basic.
I have to be biased and say the animal scenes are the best. It’s also nice to see how they get involved and help the humans.
The body shows up near the beginning and you’re on your way. The climax has tension and it could have been drawn out a bit. I think the resolution came a little too quickly.
Very nice book. This is a series, so have fun.
My rank:
Purple Belt
Middle-aged bookstore owner Willa Chance is looking forward to the opportunity of appraising a valuable private library that hasn’t seen the light of day for 50 years…until she finds a dead body in the backyard and the ghost of the home’s previous owner anxiously waiting for her inside.
Hampered by the persistent ghost who insists on keeping secrets from her, Willa navigates a sea of confusing clues as she struggles to uncover the connection between the recent murder and two murders 50 years ago. Is the answer contained in the secret she found in the library? Or the unusual bequest left by the long-dead owner of the house? Or maybe it has something to do with the mysterious journal that everyone seems to be after.
Once again, Willa’s cat, Pandora, has to help her figure out the clues while she and the other cats of Mystic Notch try to keep vital mystical knowledge from getting into the wrong hands. Can Willa discover the identity of the killer in time, or will she end up being the fourth victim?
My Analysis
What a delightful book. Ghosts talking to humans. Animals talking to animals.
It’s difficult to get personalities of real people inserted into stories, especially fiction. Fortunately, the two ghost who reside in Chance’s bookstore don’t play too much of a role.
I think the author did a marvelous job of capturing the dog and cats personalities. Pandora makes herself the pesky puss keeping Chance on her toes.
The author doesn’t let the reader forget about the aspects of the case. The pens, the journal, etc.
This is a cozy, so there won’t be any gratuitous sex, gore, or bad words. Sure, there’s a murder, but you don’t see it happen and the details are basic.
I have to be biased and say the animal scenes are the best. It’s also nice to see how they get involved and help the humans.
The body shows up near the beginning and you’re on your way. The climax has tension and it could have been drawn out a bit. I think the resolution came a little too quickly.
Very nice book. This is a series, so have fun.
My rank:
Purple Belt
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