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Magical Cats Mystery #13
Hooked on a Feline
Librarian Kathleen Paulson and her inquisitive cats find themselves in a jam when a musician turns up dead, in the newest installment of this New York Times bestselling series.
It’s summer in Mayville Heights, and Kathleen Paulson and her detective boyfriend, Marcus, are eager to attend the closing concert of the local music festival. The concert is a success, but then one of the band members is discovered dead shortly after it. At first it’s assumed the death is a robbery gone wrong, but Kathleen suspects foul play—and she’s certain that she, along with her trusty side-cats, Owen and Hercules, can help solve the murder.
Before his death, Kathleen had noticed the victim in the library researching his genealogy, and when she and Marcus take a closer look at the man's family tree, they begin to think a previous death of one of his relatives now seems suspicious. The more Kathleen thinks about it, the more this murder feels like it could be an encore performance. Kathleen and her cats will need to act fast and be very careful if they want to stay off of a killer's hit list.
It’s summer in Mayville Heights, and Kathleen Paulson and her detective boyfriend, Marcus, are eager to attend the closing concert of the local music festival. The concert is a success, but then one of the band members is discovered dead shortly after it. At first it’s assumed the death is a robbery gone wrong, but Kathleen suspects foul play—and she’s certain that she, along with her trusty side-cats, Owen and Hercules, can help solve the murder.
Before his death, Kathleen had noticed the victim in the library researching his genealogy, and when she and Marcus take a closer look at the man's family tree, they begin to think a previous death of one of his relatives now seems suspicious. The more Kathleen thinks about it, the more this murder feels like it could be an encore performance. Kathleen and her cats will need to act fast and be very careful if they want to stay off of a killer's hit list.
288 pages, Hardcover
First published September 7, 2021
91 people are currently reading
729 people want to read
About the author
Sofie Kelly
17 books1,114 followersSofie Kelly is the pseudonym of young adult writer and mixed-media artist, Darlene Ryan. Sofie/Darlene lives on the east coast with her husband and daughter. In her spare time she practices Wu style tai chi and likes to prowl around thrift stores. And she admits to having a small crush on Matt Lauer.
She also writes as Sofie Ryan.
She also writes as Sofie Ryan.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 169 reviews
July 1, 2021
Kathleen is a librarian in the friendly small town of Mayville Heights, Minnesota. She starts to wonder--was beloved town resident, Mike, murdered in his home? Was a previous death of an elderly resident really due to natural causes, or are the two deaths related? Kathleen's boyfriend, Marcus, is a police officer so he is investigating, but it is her two magical cats, Owen and Hercules, who help to crack the case. If you are looking for a fun cozy mystery with cats, likable characters, and a bit of magic, you might like this series as much as I do. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.
October 16, 2021
When the local dentist and all around nice guy is murdered, the whole town is in an uproar. Amateur Sleuth Kathleen is almost forced to investigate. With the help of her cats, she finds the killer.
In this novel, while I felt the climax was a little weak, I found a little sympathy for the murderer. Sure, he still needed to go down, but the supposed "nice guy" was playing with someone else's life, just so he could feel good about himself. Excusing dashing someone's chance to go to college by saying he'll "figure something out" is a terrible thing to do, even if you concede he had good intentions, which I'm not sure that I do.
In this novel, while I felt the climax was a little weak, I found a little sympathy for the murderer. Sure, he still needed to go down, but the supposed "nice guy" was playing with someone else's life, just so he could feel good about himself. Excusing dashing someone's chance to go to college by saying he'll "figure something out" is a terrible thing to do, even if you concede he had good intentions, which I'm not sure that I do.
October 6, 2021
In HOOKED ON A FELINE, a murder in the present likely links to a murder in the past, with both victims being family. Following along on this investigation, I really felt as though I was present in the story. I became truly invested, needing to know the answers as much as protagonist HOOKED ON A FELINE in the Magical Cats Mysteries is lucky number 13 for author Sofie Kelly. Not that this author needs luck with the way she writes! Pure talent is what led her here.
, Kathleen. The best part was letting Kathleen do all the work. ;-)
Getting deeper into the mystery, the twists and turns were enough to set off my vertigo. But I held on tight, really concentrating, paying close attention to every detail until I finally knew . . . I am no Nancy Drew or Sofie Kelly. I was blindsided with the reveal.
HOOKED ON A FELINE has everything readers look for in a cozy mystery, making it a magical story that is a must read.
, Kathleen. The best part was letting Kathleen do all the work. ;-)
Getting deeper into the mystery, the twists and turns were enough to set off my vertigo. But I held on tight, really concentrating, paying close attention to every detail until I finally knew . . . I am no Nancy Drew or Sofie Kelly. I was blindsided with the reveal.
HOOKED ON A FELINE has everything readers look for in a cozy mystery, making it a magical story that is a must read.
August 12, 2024
The town is excited to attend a concert at the end of their local music festival. Librarian Kathleen and her detective boyfriend Marcus are among the attendees, along with all of their friends. The whole town is in shock when one of the band members is later found dead.
As typical, friends encourage Kathleen to look into things. She once again has the help of her magical cats, Owen & Hercules. Things are further complicated when Marcus looks into another family member’s recent death, which now looks suspicious.
Will they all solve the crimes before the killer strikes again? These continue to be fun books!
As typical, friends encourage Kathleen to look into things. She once again has the help of her magical cats, Owen & Hercules. Things are further complicated when Marcus looks into another family member’s recent death, which now looks suspicious.
Will they all solve the crimes before the killer strikes again? These continue to be fun books!
September 11, 2023
I finally finished a book, which is no mean feat given the frame of mind I've been in. I hadn't even wanted to pick up a book these past 10 days, let alone actually read one.
My cat went missing while I was on vacation and I've been feeling really low. She has been my constant companion for almost 9 years now and I cannot get used to her not following me around the house, or not standing next to the couch meowing until I sit down so she can get comfortable on my lap.
Needless to say, I haven't been able to focus on anything. My mind keeps wandering to where she might be or what might have happened to her, etc. I haven't felt like reading at all, which has never happened to me before, so I figured I'd try and pick a low-stakes book and this seemed like an ideal choice. Yes, it's about cats and I knew it would be hard reading about a black and white cat while missing my own black and white furball, but it was also ... oddly comforting in its familiarity. I don't know.
Anyway, you know what you're getting at this point in the series so there are no surprises here. But I love this cozy mystery series and the case in this one wasn't too bad.
Now if you'll excuse me, I'll go back to cyring quietly in the corner.
My cat went missing while I was on vacation and I've been feeling really low. She has been my constant companion for almost 9 years now and I cannot get used to her not following me around the house, or not standing next to the couch meowing until I sit down so she can get comfortable on my lap.
Needless to say, I haven't been able to focus on anything. My mind keeps wandering to where she might be or what might have happened to her, etc. I haven't felt like reading at all, which has never happened to me before, so I figured I'd try and pick a low-stakes book and this seemed like an ideal choice. Yes, it's about cats and I knew it would be hard reading about a black and white cat while missing my own black and white furball, but it was also ... oddly comforting in its familiarity. I don't know.
Anyway, you know what you're getting at this point in the series so there are no surprises here. But I love this cozy mystery series and the case in this one wasn't too bad.
Now if you'll excuse me, I'll go back to cyring quietly in the corner.
February 10, 2022
4.75 rounded up to 5
This one was AAAAAAAdorable! Some people have comfort foods, some have comfort shows, I have comfort series. This is one of them and it's 60% because of Owen and Hercules and 40% everything else, I admit I'm biased.
In this one, Mayville Heights is wrapping up its summer music festival with a local band who hadn't played together in years. The act was a big hit and it was all people could talk about for days - until one of the band members, Mike Bishop (mild mannered endodontist by day and rock star at night) is found dead in his home from a head injury. Quickly ruled a homicide, Marcus begins his investigation along with reopening the death of Mike's grandmother who died several months previously in what was then deemed a medical event causing a car crash.
This wasn't an elaborate plot and after a major clue was revealed early in the investigation, I figured a lot of it out. And that didn't hamper my enjoyment in the least! I loved the plot, it was both poignant and tragic, and the many hilarious Owen and Hercules scenes kept the mood light (I want an Owen and Hercules calendar! I'm fangirling hard right now.) and I loved all the genealogy, I even learned a few things. I also loved the description of Zorro's act, I can't believe no one figured it out before then.
Overall, I enjoyed going back to Mayville Heights and seeing old friends and I look forward to catching up on the rest of the books.
This one was AAAAAAAdorable! Some people have comfort foods, some have comfort shows, I have comfort series. This is one of them and it's 60% because of Owen and Hercules and 40% everything else, I admit I'm biased.
In this one, Mayville Heights is wrapping up its summer music festival with a local band who hadn't played together in years. The act was a big hit and it was all people could talk about for days - until one of the band members, Mike Bishop (mild mannered endodontist by day and rock star at night) is found dead in his home from a head injury. Quickly ruled a homicide, Marcus begins his investigation along with reopening the death of Mike's grandmother who died several months previously in what was then deemed a medical event causing a car crash.
This wasn't an elaborate plot and after a major clue was revealed early in the investigation, I figured a lot of it out. And that didn't hamper my enjoyment in the least! I loved the plot, it was both poignant and tragic, and the many hilarious Owen and Hercules scenes kept the mood light (I want an Owen and Hercules calendar! I'm fangirling hard right now.) and I loved all the genealogy, I even learned a few things. I also loved the description of Zorro's act, I can't believe no one figured it out before then.
Overall, I enjoyed going back to Mayville Heights and seeing old friends and I look forward to catching up on the rest of the books.
November 8, 2021
A night of fun and music at a town festival turns into a morning of sorrow when one of the band members is found murdered. The band, made up of locals, had reunited after many years, and was a surprise act that everyone loved. When Mike is murdered, no one can believe that anyone could have hated the popular and beloved dentist. It must have been a home robbery gone wrong. Only it wasn’t. And while Marcus, as the lead detective, is working the case, and Kathleen, professional librarian and amateur sleuth, is helping him, it is really the magical cats, Hercules and Owen, who are the key to solving the murder. It’s a well-written and engrossing mystery, peopled with likable characters and amazing cats, and one that will keep readers guessing who the murderer is. This series never gets old, and each book is a great addition.
September 15, 2021
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Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Jeanie
It was so much fun to visit Kathleen, Owen, and Hercules in this delightful, intriguing new mystery in the Magical Cats series! Kathleen moved to Mayville Heights, Minnesota, four years ago. She loves being there and is a perfect fit with small-town values where family is about more than being related by blood. I enjoy how the author brings to life the historic setting as well as the people who live there with her rich descriptions. The mystery was intriguing and kept me guessing throughout.
Almost everyone is at the Last Bash event being held for the first time in 25 years. It may become a regular event again, celebrating food, music, and small-town life. Mayville Heights’s very own Johnny Stone is one of the musicians. A popular vocalist in his teens and twenties, he had since become a highly successful businessman. Recently he decided to return to his first love, music, and his fans from the past were thrilled to see him take the stage. The surprise for the attendees is that his former band, the Outlaws, joined him in a performance that many deemed magical. The band members were local and well-established in their chosen careers. While at least one would like to go on the road with Johnny, it would probably be a rare event. Kathleen, her boyfriend Marcus, and their close friends loved it, agreeing it was the best night ever.
Two days later, Mike, an endodontist by day and bass player by night, was found dead in his home. It was a few days before Marcus, a detective with the local police department, received confirmation that Mike had been murdered. It was heartbreaking; almost everyone in town knew and loved Mike.
Kathleen and some of her library assistants had helped Mike research his family tree. He got the idea to do so after the matriarch of the family died a few months earlier. Mike’s cousin Jonas was interested in working on the family tree now, so Kathleen put together the items she had been collecting for Mike’s research for Jonas. The police theorize that maybe Mike came home and confronted a burglar. Kathleen thought often of the day that Mike’s great-aunt died going home after attending a presentation at the library. Yes, the lady was elderly, but was in remarkable health. Could there be a connection between the two?
I really like the mix of characters in this series, especially Kathleen’s cats. Yes, they have the same traits that most other cats do, yet they are not the average felines! Owen, a gray tabby, can disappear and reappear at will. His will. Hercules, a black tuxedo cat, can walk through things such as closed doors. Could you imagine your favorite feline disappearing even as you watched it? These darling cats are as well defined as the people around them. Kathleen has even been able to find clues through their unique communication skills!
This delightful cozy mystery invited me in on the first page and kept my attention throughout. The mystery, friendships, and history of the town and library contributed to the whole. While Marcus would prefer that Kathleen stay out of the case, Mike was a friend to her and her close friends. To her credit, whenever Kathleen learned something about the case, she told Marcus rather than acting on it herself. The author kept me engaged throughout with one surprise after another. All is resolved at the end, leaving no open issues. I highly recommend this excellent Magical Cats Mystery and the series!
Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Jeanie
It was so much fun to visit Kathleen, Owen, and Hercules in this delightful, intriguing new mystery in the Magical Cats series! Kathleen moved to Mayville Heights, Minnesota, four years ago. She loves being there and is a perfect fit with small-town values where family is about more than being related by blood. I enjoy how the author brings to life the historic setting as well as the people who live there with her rich descriptions. The mystery was intriguing and kept me guessing throughout.
Almost everyone is at the Last Bash event being held for the first time in 25 years. It may become a regular event again, celebrating food, music, and small-town life. Mayville Heights’s very own Johnny Stone is one of the musicians. A popular vocalist in his teens and twenties, he had since become a highly successful businessman. Recently he decided to return to his first love, music, and his fans from the past were thrilled to see him take the stage. The surprise for the attendees is that his former band, the Outlaws, joined him in a performance that many deemed magical. The band members were local and well-established in their chosen careers. While at least one would like to go on the road with Johnny, it would probably be a rare event. Kathleen, her boyfriend Marcus, and their close friends loved it, agreeing it was the best night ever.
Two days later, Mike, an endodontist by day and bass player by night, was found dead in his home. It was a few days before Marcus, a detective with the local police department, received confirmation that Mike had been murdered. It was heartbreaking; almost everyone in town knew and loved Mike.
Kathleen and some of her library assistants had helped Mike research his family tree. He got the idea to do so after the matriarch of the family died a few months earlier. Mike’s cousin Jonas was interested in working on the family tree now, so Kathleen put together the items she had been collecting for Mike’s research for Jonas. The police theorize that maybe Mike came home and confronted a burglar. Kathleen thought often of the day that Mike’s great-aunt died going home after attending a presentation at the library. Yes, the lady was elderly, but was in remarkable health. Could there be a connection between the two?
I really like the mix of characters in this series, especially Kathleen’s cats. Yes, they have the same traits that most other cats do, yet they are not the average felines! Owen, a gray tabby, can disappear and reappear at will. His will. Hercules, a black tuxedo cat, can walk through things such as closed doors. Could you imagine your favorite feline disappearing even as you watched it? These darling cats are as well defined as the people around them. Kathleen has even been able to find clues through their unique communication skills!
This delightful cozy mystery invited me in on the first page and kept my attention throughout. The mystery, friendships, and history of the town and library contributed to the whole. While Marcus would prefer that Kathleen stay out of the case, Mike was a friend to her and her close friends. To her credit, whenever Kathleen learned something about the case, she told Marcus rather than acting on it herself. The author kept me engaged throughout with one surprise after another. All is resolved at the end, leaving no open issues. I highly recommend this excellent Magical Cats Mystery and the series!
August 20, 2022
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Mayville Heights has decided to bring back its summer festival in hopes of bringing more tourists to town. This year festival goers were surprised when a local band reunited to give a special concert. Johnny Rock and the Outlaws had kept their reunion a secret rehearsing just one night a week and even using Zoom to connect all the band members. They sounded great and everyone hoped they would stay together for more performances.
While most of the community was still talking about the reunion Monday morning Kathleen receives a call from Marcus at the library to tell her he has a new case. One of the members of the band and local endodontist has been found dead. Mike was a beloved resident of Mayville Heights. Recently he was spending time at the library researching his family tree. Kathleen and Marcus think his research may be the key to his murder. Doing a little research of their own they find an earlier death in his family may not have been from natural causes. Kathleen can’t get these deaths off her mind so she enlists the help of her magical cats, Owen and Hercule to try to solve the case.
This series just gets better and better. While Kathleen is a wonderful protagonist Hercule and Owen are the stars. The ways they help Kathleen, even when she doesn’t always want their help, is absolutely priceless. Sometimes they just save the day.
I really enjoyed the genealogy theme of this story. I have wanted to research my own history for quite a while. When I read books like this one it gives me a little push. I just need to find the time. The way the author twists family trees throughout the story was so interesting.
The victim was well-liked so it was hard to get a true list of suspects but Kathleen kept asking questions and pushing forward. I like that she reports to Marcus with any information she gets or finds. Her discovery of the truth set up a very gripping and tragic ending.
Hooked on a Feline was a very moving cozy mystery filled with fantastic kitties, wonderful humans, and an unexpected mystery that left me feeling conflicted. Make no mistake, this book kept me entertained from beginning to end it just struck me differently from other books in this series or most of the cozy mysteries I read. Some of that may be due to my own family history but most is the way the author plotted out and cleverly wrote this story.
Each book in this series can be read on its own but for maximum enjoyment start at the beginning to really get to know these characters.
Mayville Heights has decided to bring back its summer festival in hopes of bringing more tourists to town. This year festival goers were surprised when a local band reunited to give a special concert. Johnny Rock and the Outlaws had kept their reunion a secret rehearsing just one night a week and even using Zoom to connect all the band members. They sounded great and everyone hoped they would stay together for more performances.
While most of the community was still talking about the reunion Monday morning Kathleen receives a call from Marcus at the library to tell her he has a new case. One of the members of the band and local endodontist has been found dead. Mike was a beloved resident of Mayville Heights. Recently he was spending time at the library researching his family tree. Kathleen and Marcus think his research may be the key to his murder. Doing a little research of their own they find an earlier death in his family may not have been from natural causes. Kathleen can’t get these deaths off her mind so she enlists the help of her magical cats, Owen and Hercule to try to solve the case.
This series just gets better and better. While Kathleen is a wonderful protagonist Hercule and Owen are the stars. The ways they help Kathleen, even when she doesn’t always want their help, is absolutely priceless. Sometimes they just save the day.
I really enjoyed the genealogy theme of this story. I have wanted to research my own history for quite a while. When I read books like this one it gives me a little push. I just need to find the time. The way the author twists family trees throughout the story was so interesting.
The victim was well-liked so it was hard to get a true list of suspects but Kathleen kept asking questions and pushing forward. I like that she reports to Marcus with any information she gets or finds. Her discovery of the truth set up a very gripping and tragic ending.
Hooked on a Feline was a very moving cozy mystery filled with fantastic kitties, wonderful humans, and an unexpected mystery that left me feeling conflicted. Make no mistake, this book kept me entertained from beginning to end it just struck me differently from other books in this series or most of the cozy mysteries I read. Some of that may be due to my own family history but most is the way the author plotted out and cleverly wrote this story.
Each book in this series can be read on its own but for maximum enjoyment start at the beginning to really get to know these characters.
September 27, 2021
Hercules and Owen to the rescue!!! I love these cats and their subtle (or not so subtle) magical talents. I especially love the way narrator Cassandra Campbell interprets their "murrrppps!" There's a solid mystery -- though it made me feel sad since the murder victim was known and loved. (Usually cozies kill off new-to-town or curmudgeonly characters so this one threw me a bit.) There's still plenty of humour and a great Kathleen/Marcus connection and a passel of true-blue friends in the form of secondary characters to lighten the atmosphere and offer support but I'm still feeling a bit of melancholy now that it's over. But, goodness, that action, edge-of-your-seat ending was fantabulous!
October 22, 2021
This one took me a little longer than usual to get through, though I blame work (silly work) + lack of travel (stupid pandemic). It was entertaining, as usual, though I feel like the cats didn't have enough of a role. I need more Owen and Hercules. I also guessed the killer but mostly on a whim, not because I picked up on anything (if there was anything to pick up on).
June 26, 2022
Series has been slipping for last few books. Lose Marcus. He’s a big drag on the series and his romance with Kathleen isn’t believable. She doesn’t need a boyfriend.
Trickier cases with more cat interaction would be a people pleaser. Kathleen needs to let her freak flag fly.
Trickier cases with more cat interaction would be a people pleaser. Kathleen needs to let her freak flag fly.
December 15, 2025
NOT BAD, NOT AMAZING
SERIES PREMISE: SERIES PREMISE: In this series we follow Kathleen Paulson, a Librarian from Mayville Heights, Minnesota and her two master-sleuth cats Owen & Hercules.
In this book: It’s summer in Mayville Heights, and Kathleen Paulson and her detective boyfriend, Marcus, are eager to attend the closing concert of the local music festival. The concert is a success, but then one of the band members is discovered dead shortly after it. At first it’s assumed the death is a robbery gone wrong, but Kathleen suspects foul play—and she’s certain that she, along with her trusty side-cats, Owen and Hercules, can help solve the murder.
THOUGHTS: Honestly this was a very average read for me hence the average rating of 3 stars. I love the series over all and will always love Owen & Hercules, but I found the mystery in this one to be lacking and often times it did not keep my attention. My hope from the last book for this one didn't come to pass so that was a let down also. I will continue on with the series and get up to date with it, it's just a shame that this one fell short.
3 Stars
xoxo.
SERIES PREMISE: SERIES PREMISE: In this series we follow Kathleen Paulson, a Librarian from Mayville Heights, Minnesota and her two master-sleuth cats Owen & Hercules.
In this book: It’s summer in Mayville Heights, and Kathleen Paulson and her detective boyfriend, Marcus, are eager to attend the closing concert of the local music festival. The concert is a success, but then one of the band members is discovered dead shortly after it. At first it’s assumed the death is a robbery gone wrong, but Kathleen suspects foul play—and she’s certain that she, along with her trusty side-cats, Owen and Hercules, can help solve the murder.
THOUGHTS: Honestly this was a very average read for me hence the average rating of 3 stars. I love the series over all and will always love Owen & Hercules, but I found the mystery in this one to be lacking and often times it did not keep my attention. My hope from the last book for this one didn't come to pass so that was a let down also. I will continue on with the series and get up to date with it, it's just a shame that this one fell short.
3 Stars
xoxo.
September 9, 2023
Se penso che all'inizio non ero molto contenta dei due gatti magici... ora non posso fare a meno delle avventure di Owen e Hercules!
Devo dire che ho ipotizzato ben presto chi fosse il colpevole, sebbene non avessi del tutto capito il movente: fra l'altro, mi dispiaceva perché mi stava simpatico, almeno fino alla scena finale, quando, ovviamente, vuole zittire la protagonista.
Devo dire che ho ipotizzato ben presto chi fosse il colpevole, sebbene non avessi del tutto capito il movente: fra l'altro, mi dispiaceva perché mi stava simpatico, almeno fino alla scena finale, quando, ovviamente, vuole zittire la protagonista.
September 27, 2021
cat and murder ._.
January 31, 2022
Another cute book with my favorite magical kitties :)
October 22, 2024
This is my first foray into the Magical Cats Mystery series by Sofie Kelly. Starting at book #13 wasn't a problem, as Kelly quickly and easily filled in the gaps as to who our MC was, who she was dating, what her job was, the important locations and other characters in the story. Even the 'magical cat' aspect was interesting- Hercules and Owen can walk through walls and disappear at will, respectively. Main character Kathleen has no idea how they do it, but she just accepts their abilities at face value (I'm sure it took her a long time to do so, but by book 13 I would assume she's wrapped her head around it). I don't think the reader will ever get an answer about the cats, their origins or their magical powers, but that's okay.
The major issue here is Kathleen and her abysmal detective skills. The murderer was obvious from when the body was discovered, and poor Kathleen was too biased to truly attempt to solve the mystery, until the truth was shoved in her face BY HER CATS. The same thing happens when she's trying to figure out who the Masked Zorro dancer was at the burlesque show, and why he wouldn't be making another appearance on stage. I won't spoil it here, but given this is a MURDER mystery, you might be able to figure it out.
The hook is interesting, but the setting, unfortunately, is not. This story is supposed to take place in Minnesota, but it was only mentioned once, and given the author's descriptions, it really could have taken place anywhere in the northern United States. The characters in the story are bland and unmemorable. As much as I like the cats, I think I might be done with this series. It's fine, but not great.
The major issue here is Kathleen and her abysmal detective skills. The murderer was obvious from when the body was discovered, and poor Kathleen was too biased to truly attempt to solve the mystery, until the truth was shoved in her face BY HER CATS. The same thing happens when she's trying to figure out who the Masked Zorro dancer was at the burlesque show, and why he wouldn't be making another appearance on stage. I won't spoil it here, but given this is a MURDER mystery, you might be able to figure it out.
The hook is interesting, but the setting, unfortunately, is not. This story is supposed to take place in Minnesota, but it was only mentioned once, and given the author's descriptions, it really could have taken place anywhere in the northern United States. The characters in the story are bland and unmemorable. As much as I like the cats, I think I might be done with this series. It's fine, but not great.
September 25, 2021
Another really good book in a long standing series. I just love the characters, Hercules and Owen, the family and community Kathleen has made for herself. This book is on the sad side as the victim is so well known and loved but we know in the end there will be something uplifting, as much as Kathleen would like to stay away from this one and leave it to the police too many friends and people she has become deeply attached to need answers so our heroine and her furry friends will be all in!
September 10, 2021
I love this fabulous series, especially this newest tale! Some of my favorite elements of a cozy mystery are included. It is engaging with likable characters, humor, cats, a historic library, and a challenging mystery. It is written with excellence and includes just enough backstory on most characters so a reader new to the series can fully enjoy it. Small town life in Minnesota never sounded so wonderful as in Mayville Heights!
Kathleen, her boyfriend Marcus, and other close friends are at the revival of the Last Bash, where locals and tourists gather to enjoy the best music and food the town has to offer. Johnny Rock and his former band, the Outlaws, had been a home-grown hit in their younger days. They have since enjoyed successful careers and their families. Johnny recently decided to return to music, despite the band having no plans to join him. Johnny is the headliner this evening, and to the surprise and delight of the crowd, the Outlaws joined him for this concert. Kathleen, originally from Boston, also enjoyed what many who grew up hearing them called the best night ever.
Mike is an endodontist who misses their musical days. He is well-liked by everyone in town. The recent death of his great-aunt led him to research his family tree, with a focus on her ancestors. He loved playing bass with the Outlaws again at the Last Bash and hoped they would get together again and do some road gigs with Johnny. Just days later, he was found dead, murdered in his own home. Kathleen’s boyfriend Marcus is a detective, and he is doubly determined to find whodunit.
Some of her friends want Kathleen to help find whodunit as she has in the past. Mike was one of her friends, yet she has mixed feelings. Helping find bad guys almost cost her life in the past. She has two secret weapons who will be more than happy to help – her most unusual cats. Hercules can pass through things as if they weren’t there, like walls. Owen can disappear and reappear when he wants. They seem to understand what she says and find ways to point her to clues. Marcus is trying to find how it is physically possible for the cats to do what they do. He brought home an adorable kitten from the same community cat colony Kathleen’s came from; it seems she might have her own interesting trait.
I thoroughly enjoyed this mystery, especially the cats. I don’t typically read paranormal tales, but this series is one of the exceptions. It was quite a challenge to solve since Mike was so well liked by everyone. Near the end, I had an idea whodunit after narrowing it down to two people. I took no joy in it, however, as the person also seemed to be everyone’s friend and could rationalize the motive. I was still overall very pleased with this mystery and already look forward to the next one. I highly recommend it to those who love cats, libraries, and a cast of characters one would enjoy having for neighbors!
From a thankful heart: I received a complimentary copy of this novel, and this is my honest review.
Kathleen, her boyfriend Marcus, and other close friends are at the revival of the Last Bash, where locals and tourists gather to enjoy the best music and food the town has to offer. Johnny Rock and his former band, the Outlaws, had been a home-grown hit in their younger days. They have since enjoyed successful careers and their families. Johnny recently decided to return to music, despite the band having no plans to join him. Johnny is the headliner this evening, and to the surprise and delight of the crowd, the Outlaws joined him for this concert. Kathleen, originally from Boston, also enjoyed what many who grew up hearing them called the best night ever.
Mike is an endodontist who misses their musical days. He is well-liked by everyone in town. The recent death of his great-aunt led him to research his family tree, with a focus on her ancestors. He loved playing bass with the Outlaws again at the Last Bash and hoped they would get together again and do some road gigs with Johnny. Just days later, he was found dead, murdered in his own home. Kathleen’s boyfriend Marcus is a detective, and he is doubly determined to find whodunit.
Some of her friends want Kathleen to help find whodunit as she has in the past. Mike was one of her friends, yet she has mixed feelings. Helping find bad guys almost cost her life in the past. She has two secret weapons who will be more than happy to help – her most unusual cats. Hercules can pass through things as if they weren’t there, like walls. Owen can disappear and reappear when he wants. They seem to understand what she says and find ways to point her to clues. Marcus is trying to find how it is physically possible for the cats to do what they do. He brought home an adorable kitten from the same community cat colony Kathleen’s came from; it seems she might have her own interesting trait.
I thoroughly enjoyed this mystery, especially the cats. I don’t typically read paranormal tales, but this series is one of the exceptions. It was quite a challenge to solve since Mike was so well liked by everyone. Near the end, I had an idea whodunit after narrowing it down to two people. I took no joy in it, however, as the person also seemed to be everyone’s friend and could rationalize the motive. I was still overall very pleased with this mystery and already look forward to the next one. I highly recommend it to those who love cats, libraries, and a cast of characters one would enjoy having for neighbors!
From a thankful heart: I received a complimentary copy of this novel, and this is my honest review.
August 24, 2021
"Hooked on a Feline" is a cozy mystery. This is the 13th book in the series. You don't need to read the previous books to understand this one, and this book didn't spoil the mysteries in the previous books.
It's a clue-based mystery. Kathleen is intelligent and knows how to ask questions without being pushy or accusing. While one might guess whodunit before then, the critical clue to knowing which suspect was a murderer came near the end. Kathleen figured it out at that point. The cats are intelligent and have cat abilities (disappearing and getting out of places) taken to a magical degree. Their actions drew attention to clues but they also provided humor with their antics. They're also acting more and more human-level intelligent as the series goes on.
There was no sex. There were just a few uses of bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this fun mystery.
I received an ebook review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
It's a clue-based mystery. Kathleen is intelligent and knows how to ask questions without being pushy or accusing. While one might guess whodunit before then, the critical clue to knowing which suspect was a murderer came near the end. Kathleen figured it out at that point. The cats are intelligent and have cat abilities (disappearing and getting out of places) taken to a magical degree. Their actions drew attention to clues but they also provided humor with their antics. They're also acting more and more human-level intelligent as the series goes on.
There was no sex. There were just a few uses of bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this fun mystery.
I received an ebook review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
November 11, 2021
This particular books deals with Family Tree's but took it further with biological eye color.
It was a little different but still had Kathleen and Marcus mainly through this one. It starts off with a Band playing together for a festival which turns out great. Then one of the band members is killed and Kathleen works on what led up to it.
It was a little different but still had Kathleen and Marcus mainly through this one. It starts off with a Band playing together for a festival which turns out great. Then one of the band members is killed and Kathleen works on what led up to it.
September 19, 2021
Librarians,cats, and mysteries... 🐈 Matches made for enjoyment. This latest in the Magical Cats series earned it's sardine crackers for achievement and was maybe my favorite of the series so far. The audiobook was narrated by Cassandra Campbell.
March 31, 2022
I enjoy these books, although since I read them to see what antics Hercules and Owen are up to, I could wish that they were mentioned more in the book. In this book the groups enjoy the fact that an old band has reunited, and it is all anyone can talk about after the concert. Too bad that one of the members is shortly after found dead in his home. Given the fact that his aunt died in a car accident only a few months before, Marcus is sure the two deaths are somehow related and not as accidental as they may seem.
October 6, 2021
So nice to "visit" my friends again! And the mystery this time was quite satisfying!
January 1, 2022
3.5 stars. This is book 13 in a series, so if you've gotten this far, you know what you're getting. It's a fun small town cozy mystery series. I like the characters. I like the town. I like the familiarity. I had a good time with this, as I always do.
May 23, 2022
4 stars
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June 13, 2024A fun read....one of my favorite cozy mystery authors.
June 16, 2025
It only takes one bad apple to spoil the whole family. Two sad deaths that could have been avoided.
February 5, 2022
Been waiting awhile for this book to come out, The trouble with reading through a series is the waiting for the next book. I was not disappointed, Kelly started off with having all her characters at a concert then she kills off one of them. I've gotten use to losing favorite characters in books even though it does not lessen the pain.
Great story loved the plot, and the characters were just as vivid as I remember them. Still love the cats, remind me of my 2.
Great story loved the plot, and the characters were just as vivid as I remember them. Still love the cats, remind me of my 2.
April 11, 2025
Another solid installment of our favorite librarian and her two adorable kitties. This was a slow burn but not a boring read. With plenty of cameos by the other side characters to keep the fun rolling.
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