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A Sassy Cat Mystery #3
Mimi Lee Cracks the Code
When murder follows Mimi Lee to her romantic island getaway, she puts on her best sleuthing hat with her sassy cat in tow in this adventurous cozy mystery by Jennifer J. Chow.
275 pages, Paperback
First published November 30, 2021
13 people are currently reading
628 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer J. Chow
24 books607 followersJennifer J. Chow writes multicultural stories. She lives in Los Angeles, California.
Her accolades include: Agatha, Anthony, Lefty, & Lilian Jackson Braun Award nominations; SoCal Indie Bestseller; Foreword Reviews INDIEFAB finalist; and Teen Vogue coverage.
Find out more and join her monthly newsletter on her author website.
Her accolades include: Agatha, Anthony, Lefty, & Lilian Jackson Braun Award nominations; SoCal Indie Bestseller; Foreword Reviews INDIEFAB finalist; and Teen Vogue coverage.
Find out more and join her monthly newsletter on her author website.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 110 reviews
November 23, 2022
Mimi Lee has become a staple in my cozy mystery rotation. I had the pleasure of reading all three books in the series (so far) as arcs, and I've grown to love each journey with the charismatic lead character and her charming cat Marshmallow more than the previous. In this installment, the entire novel felt more complex than the previous two, which I loved! The mystery has many aspects to it, there is a bit of turbulence in Josh and Mimi's romantic relationship, and we get to see a little deeper into her and Alice's struggles with their identity within the Malaysian community. There is plenty of information included in this book where it can be read as a standalone, but I personally think you should read all three for the cozy, wonderful adventures, as well as more sassy Marshmallow!
*Many thanks to the publisher for providing my review copy.
*Many thanks to the publisher for providing my review copy.
November 20, 2021
If I’m going to check out a cozy series, it might as well have a charming talking cat named Marshmallow, right?! I read book one, Mimi Lee Gets a Clue, when it debuted in 2020, and while I’ve missed book two, I still really enjoyed Mimi Lee Cracks the Code and felt like I had enough backstory on the main character to follow this fun and quirky mystery.
Mimi’s friend, Pixie, has been accused of murdering her tenant. Of course Mimi believes her friend, that she would not have committed murder, and Mimi and Marshmallow are on the case to solve who did it.
Also included in the story are touches of Mimi’s family life, as well as a little romance. Mimi and Marshmallow are SO CUTE. This was a refreshing change of pace for me right now, and I had fun with it.
I received a gifted copy.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
Mimi’s friend, Pixie, has been accused of murdering her tenant. Of course Mimi believes her friend, that she would not have committed murder, and Mimi and Marshmallow are on the case to solve who did it.
Also included in the story are touches of Mimi’s family life, as well as a little romance. Mimi and Marshmallow are SO CUTE. This was a refreshing change of pace for me right now, and I had fun with it.
I received a gifted copy.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
December 11, 2021
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Having Pixie St. James invest in Mimi Lee’s Hollywoof Pet Grooming business comes with a really nice perk. Pixie has a vacation house on Catalina Island and she has offered it to Mimi and her boyfriend Josh for a short little vacay. Of course, Mimi’s sassy cat will be going with them. Any romantic ideas fly out the window soon after they arrive. The tenant who had booked the place for the previous week did not leave as planned. Unfortunately, he’s dead and Pixie has been determined to be the prime suspect. Well, Mimi knows that just can’t be true and she is going to prove it.
Mimi Lee is a very likable character. She is smart and truly loves her job. She is also very loyal to her sister and her friends like Pixie. Her mother is all about getting her daughters married off. In this story, she signs Mimi’s sister up for a crazy speed dating event. Mimi doesn’t let her sister go alone. She does everything she can to stay right by Alice’s side until they can both duck out of the loser event. For Pixie she goes above and beyond too, uncovering a really unsavory individual or two and finding a link to other strange events happening on the island. As far as Josh, he ticked me off a bit but If Mimi can forgive him maybe I will too.
The character that really steals the limelight again is Mimi’s wonderful telepathic sassy cat. Marshmallow really lets Mimi know exactly what he is thinking which cues up a fantastic amount of comedy. His zingers are priceless. The cool thing is that he can communicate with other animals and report their observations to Mimi. What I really love is that he does help Mimi solve the case, he is not there just for fluff and funny.
Ms. Chow has encased her great characters in a complicated and fun mystery. There are plenty of suspects and some really nice twists and turns before Mimi Lee Cracks the Code. I had a great time following along every step of the way. I was kept guessing right up until the very end.
I do enjoy the way all the subplots and mystery evolve concurrently. Mimi’s family can be a real hoot. Their family meals and game nights are events not to be missed. Our family holds some of the same but I sure can’t hold a candle to Mimi’s mom. They do have a very strong family unit that I find heartwarming even with all her antics.
All the books in this series have been entertaining. Mimi has grown over the course of the books but like almost every amateur sleuth she sometimes leaps into a situation before thinking it through. That is what makes cozy mysteries fun to read at sometimes keeps us on the edge of our seats. I am excited about the continuation of this series because I definitely need more Mimi and Marshmallow in my life.
Having Pixie St. James invest in Mimi Lee’s Hollywoof Pet Grooming business comes with a really nice perk. Pixie has a vacation house on Catalina Island and she has offered it to Mimi and her boyfriend Josh for a short little vacay. Of course, Mimi’s sassy cat will be going with them. Any romantic ideas fly out the window soon after they arrive. The tenant who had booked the place for the previous week did not leave as planned. Unfortunately, he’s dead and Pixie has been determined to be the prime suspect. Well, Mimi knows that just can’t be true and she is going to prove it.
Mimi Lee is a very likable character. She is smart and truly loves her job. She is also very loyal to her sister and her friends like Pixie. Her mother is all about getting her daughters married off. In this story, she signs Mimi’s sister up for a crazy speed dating event. Mimi doesn’t let her sister go alone. She does everything she can to stay right by Alice’s side until they can both duck out of the loser event. For Pixie she goes above and beyond too, uncovering a really unsavory individual or two and finding a link to other strange events happening on the island. As far as Josh, he ticked me off a bit but If Mimi can forgive him maybe I will too.
The character that really steals the limelight again is Mimi’s wonderful telepathic sassy cat. Marshmallow really lets Mimi know exactly what he is thinking which cues up a fantastic amount of comedy. His zingers are priceless. The cool thing is that he can communicate with other animals and report their observations to Mimi. What I really love is that he does help Mimi solve the case, he is not there just for fluff and funny.
Ms. Chow has encased her great characters in a complicated and fun mystery. There are plenty of suspects and some really nice twists and turns before Mimi Lee Cracks the Code. I had a great time following along every step of the way. I was kept guessing right up until the very end.
I do enjoy the way all the subplots and mystery evolve concurrently. Mimi’s family can be a real hoot. Their family meals and game nights are events not to be missed. Our family holds some of the same but I sure can’t hold a candle to Mimi’s mom. They do have a very strong family unit that I find heartwarming even with all her antics.
All the books in this series have been entertaining. Mimi has grown over the course of the books but like almost every amateur sleuth she sometimes leaps into a situation before thinking it through. That is what makes cozy mysteries fun to read at sometimes keeps us on the edge of our seats. I am excited about the continuation of this series because I definitely need more Mimi and Marshmallow in my life.
November 23, 2021
If there is one thing I truly enjoy is a cozy mystery. Who doesn’t love a cozy cat mystery? Well, I certainly do and Jen Chow does an amazing job with this one. I have never read any book by this author, but she clearly knows how to grasp at the reader’s interest throughout. This is one not to be missed at all. I highly recommend it
November 15, 2021
I enjoyed this cozy mystery featuring pet groomer and amateur sleuth Mimi Lee….and quite a surprise, she can communicate with her cat!
The mystery was complex enough to make it difficult to figure out whodunit. Also I like the touch of romance in this book with her boyfriend Josh. I am also wondering if there is more of a relationship with the hunky detective. I need to read the first two books in the series to figure that out.
This book is the third in the series, but it can be read as a standalone.
I highly recommend this fresh and fun cozy mystery!
I received a free eARC from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Many thanks to the publisher!
The mystery was complex enough to make it difficult to figure out whodunit. Also I like the touch of romance in this book with her boyfriend Josh. I am also wondering if there is more of a relationship with the hunky detective. I need to read the first two books in the series to figure that out.
This book is the third in the series, but it can be read as a standalone.
I highly recommend this fresh and fun cozy mystery!
I received a free eARC from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Many thanks to the publisher!
May 21, 2022
Mimi Lee Cracks The Code is the third book in the Sassy Cat Mystery series. In this one Mimi, Marshmallow, and Josh take a little trip to Catalina Island when Mimi's friend, Pixie St. James, offers her vacation home for a quick getaway. Things don't go as planned when Pixie's last renter turns up dead. Mimi and Marshmallow have to solve this mystery because Pixie is accused of the murder.
As soon as I started reading it felt like meeting up with an old friend. Mimi and Marshmallow are wonderful characters. I like Mimi's family. Marshmallow is hilarious. What I like about Mimi as a sleuth is that she doesn't assume she's right about everything. She comes up with an idea and follows up on it. Some of the things she has to do is because she doesn't get enough information out of the police.
There are several things that appear to be happening so there is a lot to figure out. I didn't guess the killer and I wasn't quite satisfied with who it was. Some things that I have grown to love about this series is Mimi's quirkiness. She's pretty bold with her investigations and sometimes gets into embarrassing situations even if she's the only one that notices. There wasn't as much of that this time around and I missed it. The story was really focused on the mystery but I also enjoy reading about Mimi at work, with her family, and everything else. I can't wait for more in this series.
As soon as I started reading it felt like meeting up with an old friend. Mimi and Marshmallow are wonderful characters. I like Mimi's family. Marshmallow is hilarious. What I like about Mimi as a sleuth is that she doesn't assume she's right about everything. She comes up with an idea and follows up on it. Some of the things she has to do is because she doesn't get enough information out of the police.
There are several things that appear to be happening so there is a lot to figure out. I didn't guess the killer and I wasn't quite satisfied with who it was. Some things that I have grown to love about this series is Mimi's quirkiness. She's pretty bold with her investigations and sometimes gets into embarrassing situations even if she's the only one that notices. There wasn't as much of that this time around and I missed it. The story was really focused on the mystery but I also enjoy reading about Mimi at work, with her family, and everything else. I can't wait for more in this series.
November 24, 2021
Watch out Sherlock and Watson, you have sleuthing competition! Mimi Lee and her telepathic cat, Marshmallow, are on the case once again.
Mimi Lee, a pet groomer in Los Angeles, is offered a little vacation on beautiful Catalina Island by one of her clients. Pixie has rental property there and offers it as a perfect romantic getaway for Mimi and her boyfriend, Josh.
The vacay doesn’t go smoothly for Mimi. In fact, Josh brings work along and sleeps on the couch. But that’s not the worst of it. Turns out Pixie’s previous renter is dead! Of course, Mimi and Marshmallow, (yes Marshmallow is on their romantic getaway), are going to do some snooping around.
In 𝐌𝐢𝐦𝐢 𝐋𝐞𝐞 𝐂𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐝𝐞, Mimi and Marshmallow make a great team. They are entertaining but not overly silly. I loved Mimi's relationship with her sister Alice, and the love trouble between Josh; it gave depth to her character. As for the mystery, Mimi is tracking several stolen items from the rental properties, things she believes are linked to the suspected murder. But someone doesn’t want her snooping around - this is definitely a fun one.
Thank you to @suzyapprovedbooktours @jenjchow and @berkleypub for an invite to the tour and a gifted copy.
Mimi Lee, a pet groomer in Los Angeles, is offered a little vacation on beautiful Catalina Island by one of her clients. Pixie has rental property there and offers it as a perfect romantic getaway for Mimi and her boyfriend, Josh.
The vacay doesn’t go smoothly for Mimi. In fact, Josh brings work along and sleeps on the couch. But that’s not the worst of it. Turns out Pixie’s previous renter is dead! Of course, Mimi and Marshmallow, (yes Marshmallow is on their romantic getaway), are going to do some snooping around.
In 𝐌𝐢𝐦𝐢 𝐋𝐞𝐞 𝐂𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐝𝐞, Mimi and Marshmallow make a great team. They are entertaining but not overly silly. I loved Mimi's relationship with her sister Alice, and the love trouble between Josh; it gave depth to her character. As for the mystery, Mimi is tracking several stolen items from the rental properties, things she believes are linked to the suspected murder. But someone doesn’t want her snooping around - this is definitely a fun one.
Thank you to @suzyapprovedbooktours @jenjchow and @berkleypub for an invite to the tour and a gifted copy.
August 1, 2022
The writing is so bad, but still a fun read.
November 30, 2021
MIMI LEE CRACKS THE CODE, the third book in the Sassy Cat Mystery series by Jennifer J. Chow, hits all the right marks for being an entertaining cozy mystery! A telepathic, sarcastic cat named Marshmallow, makes for the perfect sidekick to the owner of Hollywoof, pet groomer Mimi Lee. In my humble opinion though, Marshmallow is really the star of this series providing comic relief and one-liner zingers throughout. Mimi is a great character, but it’s Marshmallow who steals the show. Ms. Chow does an admirable job not only developing fun, colorful characters but she writes a tightly plotted whodunit that kept me turning pages. With plenty of suspects to choose from, I was kept guessing as the plot twisted and turned. I loved that the action was set on both Catalina Island and Los Angeles, giving the story a fun, touristy vibe. This series is one of my top favorites for the year and I can’t wait to see what’s coming next for Marshmallow and the gang!
I was provided with an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I was provided with an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
September 12, 2022
Mimi Lee was sorta juvenile in this one 🫤 not saying it was a bad read, just saying she seemed to regress a bit especially in terms of her relationship in this book. Mimi has the chance to spend time with her “dreamy” boyfriend Josh, but spends most of the time sleuthing, to help out her friend so she would get a murder charge, yet, get this, is MAD AT HIM for taking time to work especially on things requiring deadlines. 😑😑- girl please!!!
Between helping her sister with speed dating, running around interviewing suspects, getting mad at Josh, rather than speaking to him, and everything in between, Mimi came of as a bit selfish and immature in this book. The mystery itself was a bunch of rich people being robbed and someone was killed. 🤷🏾♀️
Between helping her sister with speed dating, running around interviewing suspects, getting mad at Josh, rather than speaking to him, and everything in between, Mimi came of as a bit selfish and immature in this book. The mystery itself was a bunch of rich people being robbed and someone was killed. 🤷🏾♀️
July 5, 2022
Summer/Los Angeles and Catalina Island
This story involves theft and murder. I liked the mystery, but I thought it should have ended differently. I liked the romance, and I like the way that ended. The cat, Marshmallow, is still my favorite character. The story lacked some of silliness and fun of the previous books, but it was still a fun read.
This story involves theft and murder. I liked the mystery, but I thought it should have ended differently. I liked the romance, and I like the way that ended. The cat, Marshmallow, is still my favorite character. The story lacked some of silliness and fun of the previous books, but it was still a fun read.
November 4, 2021
There's so much to love about this series, from the plucky Mimi to her dreamy boyfriend Josh to the titular sassy cat Marshmallow! This installment was especially fun, providing a fictional weekend getaway to Catalina Island. The mystery kept me guessing, involving theft in addition to murder, and I appreciated all the classic Hollywood tie-ins.
Read
April 25, 2022I don’t usually actually write reviews, but I thought after enduring a few chapters of this book I needed to get my thoughts out there, especially considering the circumstances. I found this book at the library and checked it out after seeing an average rating of about 4 stars on Goodreads and some promising reviews. I love cozy mysteries and cats so it seems like a win win.
I read 4 chapters and came back to Goodreads to do some investigating as to how I was so wrongfully bamboozled, only to see that almost all of the kind reviews were from people gifted the book in return for a review. And that there were less than 100 actual reviews.
I thought the telepathic cat sidekick was a joke at first. It wasn’t. I thought I could get past it until the cat had to go talk to the detective’s kitten (who just happened to be with him at an interview with a potential suspect???) to get more info. Just a painful short cut to actually adding real problem solving to the narrative.
Our protagonist Mimi was extremely immature and her dialogue was cliched. For example, while her cat is questioning the kitten, Mimi is telling the detective he’s badgering the witness. They are just having an informal conversation in Pixie’s kitchen but she just has to mention that sometimes her boyfriends legalese just slips in???? Who talks like that???? So bizarre. I tried to be forgiving as I proceeded through each chapter but the secondhand embarrassment just became too much.
I read 4 chapters and came back to Goodreads to do some investigating as to how I was so wrongfully bamboozled, only to see that almost all of the kind reviews were from people gifted the book in return for a review. And that there were less than 100 actual reviews.
I thought the telepathic cat sidekick was a joke at first. It wasn’t. I thought I could get past it until the cat had to go talk to the detective’s kitten (who just happened to be with him at an interview with a potential suspect???) to get more info. Just a painful short cut to actually adding real problem solving to the narrative.
Our protagonist Mimi was extremely immature and her dialogue was cliched. For example, while her cat is questioning the kitten, Mimi is telling the detective he’s badgering the witness. They are just having an informal conversation in Pixie’s kitchen but she just has to mention that sometimes her boyfriends legalese just slips in???? Who talks like that???? So bizarre. I tried to be forgiving as I proceeded through each chapter but the secondhand embarrassment just became too much.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 18, 2022
Originally posted on my blog: Nonstop Reader.
Mimi Lee Cracks the Code is the third Sassy Cat cozy mystery by Jennifer J. Chow. Released 30th Nov 2021 by Penguin Random House on their Berkley imprint, it's 288 pages and is available in paperback, library binding, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately.
This is such a cute and whimsical series. Mimi Lee and boyfriend Josh are taking a weekend break with Marshmallow when the latest renter of their island accommodation turns up dead. Mimi has to get to the bottom of things, as always, accompanied by her furry Greek chorus - in the form of her genetically enhanced telepathic cat. He's got a sarcastic, wisecracking, old-guy schtick going on which some readers will enjoy (and some will not). He speaks to Mimi telepathically, but she speaks to him audibly, which leads to some inevitable "who are you talking to" scenes. Since it's a series, the unfolding information about how her psychic cat (and kitten, Nimbus) came to be, provide continuity from book to book. Although it's a series, it works well enough as a standalone read. The author is adept at providing the necessary backstory without info dumping to an annoying degree.
It's a very very light cozy and as such, there are a few slightly wonky scenes where Mimi's fluttering her eyelashes and being a damsel over her law enforcement officer nemesis defining "lividity". I know the author wanted to define the term for readers and needed a way to work it into the dialogue, but it could easily have been done without making Mimi get an attack of the vapors.
Overall, it's a silly, cute, very light murder cozy with cats. This would be a superlative candidate for an undemanding beach/pool read. There are three books extant in the series, making it a good choice for a weekend binge read.
Four stars.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
Mimi Lee Cracks the Code is the third Sassy Cat cozy mystery by Jennifer J. Chow. Released 30th Nov 2021 by Penguin Random House on their Berkley imprint, it's 288 pages and is available in paperback, library binding, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately.
This is such a cute and whimsical series. Mimi Lee and boyfriend Josh are taking a weekend break with Marshmallow when the latest renter of their island accommodation turns up dead. Mimi has to get to the bottom of things, as always, accompanied by her furry Greek chorus - in the form of her genetically enhanced telepathic cat. He's got a sarcastic, wisecracking, old-guy schtick going on which some readers will enjoy (and some will not). He speaks to Mimi telepathically, but she speaks to him audibly, which leads to some inevitable "who are you talking to" scenes. Since it's a series, the unfolding information about how her psychic cat (and kitten, Nimbus) came to be, provide continuity from book to book. Although it's a series, it works well enough as a standalone read. The author is adept at providing the necessary backstory without info dumping to an annoying degree.
It's a very very light cozy and as such, there are a few slightly wonky scenes where Mimi's fluttering her eyelashes and being a damsel over her law enforcement officer nemesis defining "lividity". I know the author wanted to define the term for readers and needed a way to work it into the dialogue, but it could easily have been done without making Mimi get an attack of the vapors.
Overall, it's a silly, cute, very light murder cozy with cats. This would be a superlative candidate for an undemanding beach/pool read. There are three books extant in the series, making it a good choice for a weekend binge read.
Four stars.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
September 27, 2021
I have been on a mystery spree lately. From murder and detective Stories to cozy mysteries, I have forgotten all about romance lol. This book, after the Agatha Christi books I have been reading, was a breath of fresh air. It's a series but each book can be read on its own.
Mimi and Josh are looking forward to a holiday when they are offered to visit a friend at Catalina Island. But the atmosphere changes when Mimi Lee traverses into another criminal situation.
It's a diverse book, I loved that! The characters are very likable and quirky. Our Mimi Lee is an amazing protagonist with a telepathic cat! You can imagine how interesting that would be. Marshmallow, the cat, is a hilarious but very smart in finding out the hints and clues.
This was a funny and very enjoyable ride. I enjoyed Mimi and Marshmallow's bond immensely. Overall, definitely would recommend and read more in the series!
Mimi and Josh are looking forward to a holiday when they are offered to visit a friend at Catalina Island. But the atmosphere changes when Mimi Lee traverses into another criminal situation.
It's a diverse book, I loved that! The characters are very likable and quirky. Our Mimi Lee is an amazing protagonist with a telepathic cat! You can imagine how interesting that would be. Marshmallow, the cat, is a hilarious but very smart in finding out the hints and clues.
This was a funny and very enjoyable ride. I enjoyed Mimi and Marshmallow's bond immensely. Overall, definitely would recommend and read more in the series!
December 15, 2021
This is book three in the series. I felt that it still reads as a stand alone but I really want to read the first two now. In this next story one of mimi's investors Pixie, offers her and Josh and sassy cat Marshmallow a romantic getaway at her vacation home on Catalina Island. Ofcourse there is a mystery to be solved when the former renter is found dead. It takes Mimi and Marshmallow to follow the clues and solve what is going on. This was a lighthearted and enjoyable cozy mystery. I'm really looking forward to reading the first two books now.
Dawnny Ruby
Novels N Latte
Hudson Valley NY
Dawnny Ruby
Novels N Latte
Hudson Valley NY
July 5, 2022
Mimi Lee Cracks the Code is the third book in A Sassy Cat Mystery series but only the first that I read so Marshmallow was a pleasant surprise.
I really liked the whole premise of the book in general, the Catalina Island vacation sounded like a dream. But, the writing was a bit off putting. There was too much explanation about every single thing and frankly, this much narrative wasn't required.
The mystery itself became somewhat tedious after the 60% mark and I was ready to be done with it.
I really liked the whole premise of the book in general, the Catalina Island vacation sounded like a dream. But, the writing was a bit off putting. There was too much explanation about every single thing and frankly, this much narrative wasn't required.
The mystery itself became somewhat tedious after the 60% mark and I was ready to be done with it.
July 13, 2022
It feels like this series has grown up a little bit mainly because it didn't has as much of the silly antics Mimi used to do. I am not a huge fan of talking animals but I love Marshmallow's snarkiness so he gets a pass. The mystery was intriguing enough but I found it slowed down a little in the middle. I just don't feel the connection between Mimi and Josh; it feels forced. But I do love her meddling parents and her somewhat wishy-washy sister. This seems to be heading in the right direction as far as her silliness goes so I will continue with the series.
May 7, 2022
This was my first time reading a “cozy mystery,” which I didn’t even know was a thing. I just picked this book up from the display shelf at our local library, thinking it looked like something my teen daughter might enjoy. The story wasn’t exactly my cup of tea, but I think she will love it. I’m so thankful to find a genre that has light hearted romance and a whodunit without anything explicit or graphic, that I’m giving it 5 stars.
June 26, 2025
I hated the relationship drama in this one. I just found it annoying. I'm not even 100% sure why they were fighting and how it blew up so fast. it was little stuff that they turned into big stuff. and detective Brown has been driving me nuts since book 1. I dont hate this series and I really did enjoy it at points but I might not have read death by bubble tea had I read this series first. the LA night market is much more my speed. I do still plan to read Ill fated fortune.
November 29, 2021
Starting with book 3 probably wasn't the best idea, but this book gave just enough backstory to be able to follow along. The beginning seemed pretty immature, but once you get past that, it's pretty entertaining. I mean, a cat who can speak to its owner telepathically? That's pretty awesome! And then a cat/owner mystery solving duo? Doesn't get much better than that!
December 7, 2021
Mimi Lee Cracks the Code by Jennifer J Chow was a rollicking good time! This is the second book I've read by her and because I now know what a Cozy Mystery is my enjoyment was unbridled.
I enjoyed visits with many of the same characters from the first book. I totally missed the second book in the series but, it didn't seem to be a problem. I think you can jump in anywhere and not feel lost at all. Jennifer makes it easy. I will be reading number two as soon as I can.
Mimi Lee and her talking cat Marshmallow have solved a few murders much to the chagrin of Detective Brown. He would like her to get lost but, you have to protect your friends! Right? Marshmallow has a dry sense of humor that I appreciate. Like most kitties, he demands attention and pampering.
If you love Cozy Mysteries or just enjoy a fun book, you might enjoy this series!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I enjoyed visits with many of the same characters from the first book. I totally missed the second book in the series but, it didn't seem to be a problem. I think you can jump in anywhere and not feel lost at all. Jennifer makes it easy. I will be reading number two as soon as I can.
Mimi Lee and her talking cat Marshmallow have solved a few murders much to the chagrin of Detective Brown. He would like her to get lost but, you have to protect your friends! Right? Marshmallow has a dry sense of humor that I appreciate. Like most kitties, he demands attention and pampering.
If you love Cozy Mysteries or just enjoy a fun book, you might enjoy this series!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
August 6, 2024
These books are fun to read. Binged all three at once. Wish I had a talking cat!
November 30, 2021
I love cozy mysteries and I love animals so any book that mashes up both is a hit with me. I was instantly drawn to the Sassy Cat subtitle because as any cat owner will tell you, aren’t all cats sassy to some degree?!?
The sassy cat in this book, Marshmallow, can actually communicate telepathically with his owner Mimi Lee. How perfect is that for all us pet owners? And Marshmallow has a wonderful dry sense of humor that I only dream that my cats would have if they talked!
I love the fact that Mimi and basically all the pet owners in this book take their pets almost everywhere they go. I mean Mr. Marshmallow gets to ride in a private jet for goodness sake! I haven’t ever ridden on a private jet!!
I love Mimi’s family and think that those characters make a fun addition to the book! There is speed dating set up by Mimi’s mom and a regular family game night.
Anyway, the mystery itself is excellent. Mimi is trying to help a friend, Pixie, who is also her benefactor that helped Mimi start her pet grooming business. Pixie owns a house on Catalina Island that she rents out. Her last renter is found dead and Pixie is a suspect. There is a shady property manager, a knock off Fantastic Four gang of mischief makers, and a valuable pop culture item missing from Pixie’s home.
This is a fun read and even though it’s third in a series can be read as a stand alone. I did enjoy this one so much that I’ve already got the first book in the series ready to start on audio today!
The sassy cat in this book, Marshmallow, can actually communicate telepathically with his owner Mimi Lee. How perfect is that for all us pet owners? And Marshmallow has a wonderful dry sense of humor that I only dream that my cats would have if they talked!
I love the fact that Mimi and basically all the pet owners in this book take their pets almost everywhere they go. I mean Mr. Marshmallow gets to ride in a private jet for goodness sake! I haven’t ever ridden on a private jet!!
I love Mimi’s family and think that those characters make a fun addition to the book! There is speed dating set up by Mimi’s mom and a regular family game night.
Anyway, the mystery itself is excellent. Mimi is trying to help a friend, Pixie, who is also her benefactor that helped Mimi start her pet grooming business. Pixie owns a house on Catalina Island that she rents out. Her last renter is found dead and Pixie is a suspect. There is a shady property manager, a knock off Fantastic Four gang of mischief makers, and a valuable pop culture item missing from Pixie’s home.
This is a fun read and even though it’s third in a series can be read as a stand alone. I did enjoy this one so much that I’ve already got the first book in the series ready to start on audio today!
November 29, 2021
One of the books I finished in the last few days is Mimi Lee Cracks the Code by Jennifer J. Chow. The book comes out November 30th, and I was able to read an advance copy thanks to @this_is_edelweiss and @berkleypub.
The premise of the series is a lot of fun. Mimi is the owner of a pet salon, and she ends up with a cat named Marshmallow. Marshmallow is very special because he can understand human language and he can communicate his thoughts to Mimi!
As for this particular book, I loved seeing how the relationship between Marshmallow and Mimi has developed since the first book. I laughed at how they have become a crime-solving duo, with the cat clearly being the leader. 😹 This book had lots of great jabs about how cats are far superior to all other creatures. The plot was well-organized and flowed nicely. It was fun to see a new setting of Catalina Island too. Even if I don’t always agree with Mimi’s sleuthing decisions, I like her because she is supportive, brave, and caring.
I definitely recommend this series to my cozy mystery friends. And if you are a cozy mystery fan who is also a cat lover, it’s a must read. The unique cat and sleuth partnership makes this series a lot of fun and different from any other that I’ve read.
The premise of the series is a lot of fun. Mimi is the owner of a pet salon, and she ends up with a cat named Marshmallow. Marshmallow is very special because he can understand human language and he can communicate his thoughts to Mimi!
As for this particular book, I loved seeing how the relationship between Marshmallow and Mimi has developed since the first book. I laughed at how they have become a crime-solving duo, with the cat clearly being the leader. 😹 This book had lots of great jabs about how cats are far superior to all other creatures. The plot was well-organized and flowed nicely. It was fun to see a new setting of Catalina Island too. Even if I don’t always agree with Mimi’s sleuthing decisions, I like her because she is supportive, brave, and caring.
I definitely recommend this series to my cozy mystery friends. And if you are a cozy mystery fan who is also a cat lover, it’s a must read. The unique cat and sleuth partnership makes this series a lot of fun and different from any other that I’ve read.
November 11, 2021
I got this as an arc from @booksforwardpr via NetGalley in exchange for a review.
So I did not read the previous two books in this series when I started this one. I was a little lost but able to still get into the story thankfully. I honestly thought I wasn’t going to like this story initially as I found it a bit slow to start and kinda childish in tone. However, once the story picks up I read the story relatively quickly. The mystery part of this story was interesting enough to keep me going but not particularly memorable. The characters are likable and I found the talking cat bit pretty cool. I won’t read this book again and I’m not interested enough to go read the first two books in the series. I do recommend this if you’re looking for a quick, light read with mystery elements.
So I did not read the previous two books in this series when I started this one. I was a little lost but able to still get into the story thankfully. I honestly thought I wasn’t going to like this story initially as I found it a bit slow to start and kinda childish in tone. However, once the story picks up I read the story relatively quickly. The mystery part of this story was interesting enough to keep me going but not particularly memorable. The characters are likable and I found the talking cat bit pretty cool. I won’t read this book again and I’m not interested enough to go read the first two books in the series. I do recommend this if you’re looking for a quick, light read with mystery elements.
June 26, 2024
A sweet and cozy mystery featuring….a cat! This story was funny and cute, and although it wasn’t the first book in the series, I still was able to understand what was going on and what the various character interactions really meant.
A fast read, this book was still able to captivate me and keep me wanting to know more. I had some suspicions about what was actually going on, but the end reveal was still shocking.
A fast read, this book was still able to captivate me and keep me wanting to know more. I had some suspicions about what was actually going on, but the end reveal was still shocking.
December 2, 2021
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy from the Great Escapes Book Tours. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.Mimi Lee Cracks the Code by Jennifer J. Chow is a wonderfully cozy mystery with an adorable cat as the (co-)star!
Will Mimi find the killer before Pixie ends up in jail? And what about the stolen goods?
Mimi Lee
Mimi is our sleuth. However, her day job is that of a pet groomer. She owns Hollywoof a pet grooming shop in Los Angeles. I have to say that Mimi puts a whole new swing on the pet grooming profession. The fact that she enjoys her work so much is refreshing. I also like that she tries to be a good big sister.
Mimi has so many things going on during this investigation. These are the things that I liked the most: her relationship with her sister and her willingness to go back her up at a speed dating event that her mother signed Alice up for. I love their family game night. It is so nice to see family still getting together and enjoying each other's company. The fact that Mimi gives up her time to help out her friend, Pixie. Then there is Mimi's relationship with Josh, they have such a true-to-life relationship. My favorite part of Mimi's world is Marshmellow, her Persian cat.
Marshmellow
Don't let this name fool you. He is smart, crafty, and just as stealthy. He is Mimi's friend, confidant, companion and he helps her with her sleuthing. Marshmellow has a wicked sense of humor that keeps Mimi on her toes. The two of them make a great team, but don't tell Marshmellow they are a team as he would argue that Mimi is his supporting actress.
Oh, and I forgot to mention that Marshmellow talks to Mimi. Yes, I know isn't he awesome.
Four Stars
I enjoyed reading about Mimi and Marshmellow's exploits. The characters are solid and the storyline is filled with fun and meaningful events. If you love mysteries with cats this is a good one for you. I recommend it. I need to read the first two books myself.
The Sassy Cat Mysteries
Will Mimi find the killer before Pixie ends up in jail? And what about the stolen goods?
Mimi Lee
Mimi is our sleuth. However, her day job is that of a pet groomer. She owns Hollywoof a pet grooming shop in Los Angeles. I have to say that Mimi puts a whole new swing on the pet grooming profession. The fact that she enjoys her work so much is refreshing. I also like that she tries to be a good big sister.
Mimi has so many things going on during this investigation. These are the things that I liked the most: her relationship with her sister and her willingness to go back her up at a speed dating event that her mother signed Alice up for. I love their family game night. It is so nice to see family still getting together and enjoying each other's company. The fact that Mimi gives up her time to help out her friend, Pixie. Then there is Mimi's relationship with Josh, they have such a true-to-life relationship. My favorite part of Mimi's world is Marshmellow, her Persian cat.
Marshmellow
Don't let this name fool you. He is smart, crafty, and just as stealthy. He is Mimi's friend, confidant, companion and he helps her with her sleuthing. Marshmellow has a wicked sense of humor that keeps Mimi on her toes. The two of them make a great team, but don't tell Marshmellow they are a team as he would argue that Mimi is his supporting actress.Oh, and I forgot to mention that Marshmellow talks to Mimi. Yes, I know isn't he awesome.
Four Stars
I enjoyed reading about Mimi and Marshmellow's exploits. The characters are solid and the storyline is filled with fun and meaningful events. If you love mysteries with cats this is a good one for you. I recommend it. I need to read the first two books myself.
The Sassy Cat Mysteries
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This review was originally posted on Baroness' Book Trove
December 7, 2021
This was the first book I read in the series and it did give me enough back story that I felt it could be read as a standalone. An amateur sleuth can communicate telepathically with her cat, Marshmallow to help solve a mystery to help her friend. Cute cozy mystery and perfect for animal lovers.
September 13, 2023
Mimi's friend and benefactor, Pixie, needs Mimi's sleuthing skills. A person who rented her property on Catalina has shown up dead and there's a note signed by Pixie in the police's possession that threatened the man to leave or die. Pixie swears she didn't sign the note. Mimi heads off to Catalina to investigate and maybe have some quality time with Josh for the weekend, but he ends up distracted by a work crisis and Mimi ends up distracted by the case. Not only is there a dead man, but someone destroyed one of Pixie's rugs and stole an item from her Hollywood memorabilia case on the property. Other Catalina chalet residents are also missing items, so now Mimi is trying to solve both the thefts and the murder with the help of her trusty sidekick (and talking cat) Marshmallow.
Another tantalizing mystery for Mimi and Marshmallow to solve. The mystery kept me guessing, though I did have certain suspicions. I could have done without Mimi and Josh's misunderstanding and failure to communicate for a while, though it lends a touch of realness to their characters and eventually deepens their relationship. Marshmallow is, of course, my favorite character with his snarky comments and quality observations. It was a stroke of genius to have him co-star this series.
Notes on content: I don't remember any swearing. No sexual content beyond a kiss. One person is murdered in a non-bloody manner off page. Some alcohol consumption but not to excess.
Another tantalizing mystery for Mimi and Marshmallow to solve. The mystery kept me guessing, though I did have certain suspicions. I could have done without Mimi and Josh's misunderstanding and failure to communicate for a while, though it lends a touch of realness to their characters and eventually deepens their relationship. Marshmallow is, of course, my favorite character with his snarky comments and quality observations. It was a stroke of genius to have him co-star this series.
Notes on content: I don't remember any swearing. No sexual content beyond a kiss. One person is murdered in a non-bloody manner off page. Some alcohol consumption but not to excess.
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