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A Razzy Cat Cozy Mystery #2
The Trouble at City Hall
Hannah Murphy knew something was going on at city hall, but she never thought it would be murder! Hannah and Razzy Cat are back on the case as they race to figure out who killed the girl found in the mayor’s office. This time, they may get more than they bargained for.
162 pages, ebook
First published April 5, 2021
444 people are currently reading
69 people want to read
About the author
Courtney McFarlin
210 books60 followersCourtney McFarlin currently lives in the Black Hills of South Dakota with her fiance and their two cats.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
February 8, 2024
Cute cozy mystery with a talking cat, Razzy. The mystery is good, there’s humor, and it’s a relaxing read.
January 17, 2025
Rating: 4 / 5
Well, as my second foray into this series, I must say that I'm really liking things so far! Whereas in the first book, time's dedicated to Hannah just learning about her new ability, in this one she's all onboard with it and using it to the best of her advantage to solve a case!
Picking up from where book 1 left off, in this story Hannah heads over to city hall, following a lead that she received on the mayor and his mistress Hannah no sooner enters the mayor's office then she finds said mistress murdered on his desk, with the mayor right there crying and protesting his innocence. Well, guess Hannah and Razzy are on the case again, right?
There's definitely a lot of sleuthing on Hannah's part here, and I liked the angle where her different uses of writing as a reporter also come into play to help her. Ben and Gus also had more scenes with the girls as well, and it was great to see that Hannah and Ben seem good to go as a couple, effectively patching things up after the...er, misunderstanding from the last book.
The writing is still the same, but I think now I've really gotten into the groove of it, because I didn't notice it as much, and therefore it didn't distract me. I AM giving it only a four star rating though, for these two reasons:
1 - In this book, Hannah gets this new necklace that supposedly taps her in to some new abilities, except that I'm not exactly sure 100% how the necklace works, and in any case it's not really helpful to have Hannah herself acknowledges that it wasn't really all that useful to her in the end, so...yeah, verdict's still out on that for the usefulness / point of the necklace in the first place. (I did like Ben's reaction to it though.)
2 - For all that I didn't guess who the murderer was, I don't exactly think that the motive was the best. I mean, I'm all for being unexpected when it comes to cozy mysteries (although, this is a bit of cheating, since it would've been impossible for the reader to guess who it was, as literally NO clues point to who it is at all), but at least the motive should be goo as well, and in this case it...wasn't really.
I think this'll be one of those cozy mystery series that I read more for the feels and characters than for the mystery, but that's perfectly fine with me. More Hannah, Ben, Razzy, and Gus, please! (Ahem, especially Razzy and Gus.)
Well, as my second foray into this series, I must say that I'm really liking things so far! Whereas in the first book, time's dedicated to Hannah just learning about her new ability, in this one she's all onboard with it and using it to the best of her advantage to solve a case!
Picking up from where book 1 left off, in this story Hannah heads over to city hall, following a lead that she received on the mayor and his mistress Hannah no sooner enters the mayor's office then she finds said mistress murdered on his desk, with the mayor right there crying and protesting his innocence. Well, guess Hannah and Razzy are on the case again, right?
There's definitely a lot of sleuthing on Hannah's part here, and I liked the angle where her different uses of writing as a reporter also come into play to help her. Ben and Gus also had more scenes with the girls as well, and it was great to see that Hannah and Ben seem good to go as a couple, effectively patching things up after the...er, misunderstanding from the last book.
The writing is still the same, but I think now I've really gotten into the groove of it, because I didn't notice it as much, and therefore it didn't distract me. I AM giving it only a four star rating though, for these two reasons:
1 - In this book, Hannah gets this new necklace that supposedly taps her in to some new abilities, except that I'm not exactly sure 100% how the necklace works, and in any case it's not really helpful to have Hannah herself acknowledges that it wasn't really all that useful to her in the end, so...yeah, verdict's still out on that for the usefulness / point of the necklace in the first place. (I did like Ben's reaction to it though.)
2 - For all that I didn't guess who the murderer was, I don't exactly think that the motive was the best. I mean, I'm all for being unexpected when it comes to cozy mysteries (although, this is a bit of cheating, since it would've been impossible for the reader to guess who it was, as literally NO clues point to who it is at all), but at least the motive should be goo as well, and in this case it...wasn't really.
I think this'll be one of those cozy mystery series that I read more for the feels and characters than for the mystery, but that's perfectly fine with me. More Hannah, Ben, Razzy, and Gus, please! (Ahem, especially Razzy and Gus.)
April 7, 2024
Here's my review of the first book in this series:
I enjoyed this book, especially the talking cat! Unfortunately, the author uses the one plot device I hate - the main female character, usually enamored of the main police officer, tries to solve the murder mystery on her own while endangering the official investigation and herself. I will read the next one to see if it uses a different plot device.
So... this book has the same plot device. As much as I enjoy the characters I just can't read any more of the books - much less 13 more in the series. Dang it!
Amazon synopsis:
Hannah Murphy knew something was going on at city hall, but she never thought it would be murder! Hannah and Razzy Cat are back on the case as they race to figure out who killed the girl found in the mayor’s office. This time, they may get more than they bargained for.
I enjoyed this book, especially the talking cat! Unfortunately, the author uses the one plot device I hate - the main female character, usually enamored of the main police officer, tries to solve the murder mystery on her own while endangering the official investigation and herself. I will read the next one to see if it uses a different plot device.
So... this book has the same plot device. As much as I enjoy the characters I just can't read any more of the books - much less 13 more in the series. Dang it!
Amazon synopsis:
Hannah Murphy knew something was going on at city hall, but she never thought it would be murder! Hannah and Razzy Cat are back on the case as they race to figure out who killed the girl found in the mayor’s office. This time, they may get more than they bargained for.
August 19, 2022
The Trouble at City Hall (A Razzy Cat Cozy Mystery # 2) — Courtney McFarlin (18 chapters) Aug. 15, 2022
Second book in the series, and Hannah is lucky that Ben realizes his errors and comes back into her and Razor’s life (and well, Razzy is appreciative of Gus too!)
I love this series because it contains all the thing I love: critters that a human can speak to; a reporter; a cop. All rolled up into a cozy mystery. That you can read the complete story in one sitting is icing on the cake.
This time, the mayor is caught in the same room as his dead mistress. Hannah and Razzy race to solve the mystery before they are the next victims.
Charming story; no sex; vanilla killings; plain fun. Glad I discovered this writer and this series.
Four stars.
Second book in the series, and Hannah is lucky that Ben realizes his errors and comes back into her and Razor’s life (and well, Razzy is appreciative of Gus too!)
I love this series because it contains all the thing I love: critters that a human can speak to; a reporter; a cop. All rolled up into a cozy mystery. That you can read the complete story in one sitting is icing on the cake.
This time, the mayor is caught in the same room as his dead mistress. Hannah and Razzy race to solve the mystery before they are the next victims.
Charming story; no sex; vanilla killings; plain fun. Glad I discovered this writer and this series.
Four stars.
February 22, 2022
Not what she expected
Brynn's on her way to ask questions of the mayor about a story she's working on for the newspaper. Hoping to catch him unawares, she did not make an appointment to see him, a fact that history assistant points out is essential. Leaving her desk to check with the mayor, Bryan is waiting fairly patiently until she hears an abnormal sound from the mayor's office. Rushing in to see if she can be of assistance, her eyes land on the pale faced mayor leaning over the body of a dead young woman!
Clean and funny among the grisly details, you'll enjoy this second book in the Razzy cat series.
Brynn's on her way to ask questions of the mayor about a story she's working on for the newspaper. Hoping to catch him unawares, she did not make an appointment to see him, a fact that history assistant points out is essential. Leaving her desk to check with the mayor, Bryan is waiting fairly patiently until she hears an abnormal sound from the mayor's office. Rushing in to see if she can be of assistance, her eyes land on the pale faced mayor leaning over the body of a dead young woman!
Clean and funny among the grisly details, you'll enjoy this second book in the Razzy cat series.
August 17, 2022
Fun!
The mayor's girlfriend/mistress is murdered. The mayor claims that she was his true love and he would have given up everything to be with her. If he didn't do it, who did? The mayor's rich snooty wife? One of the victim's sorority sisters? The butler? It's up to Hannah and Razzy to unmask the killer. Again, Razzy is just the sweetest. She can act like a teenager when she's upset with Hannah, but she's ferocious in protecting her "Mama", if someone so much as threatens to harm Hannah. This is a sweet series, not meant to be a threat to War and Peace. It's fun, happy, exciting and great way to spend a couple hours. I'm going to keep reading.
The mayor's girlfriend/mistress is murdered. The mayor claims that she was his true love and he would have given up everything to be with her. If he didn't do it, who did? The mayor's rich snooty wife? One of the victim's sorority sisters? The butler? It's up to Hannah and Razzy to unmask the killer. Again, Razzy is just the sweetest. She can act like a teenager when she's upset with Hannah, but she's ferocious in protecting her "Mama", if someone so much as threatens to harm Hannah. This is a sweet series, not meant to be a threat to War and Peace. It's fun, happy, exciting and great way to spend a couple hours. I'm going to keep reading.
May 12, 2021
I'm really loving this new series, and Razzy is the most awesome talking cat! She's learned to do things most cats probably only dream about, and she's always a big help at the showdown. I was happy to see Hannah and Ben getting a little closert. It's so cute how Razzy likes getting with Ben's cat Gus--and he talks to Hannah too.
There were a lot of suspects, but the one whodunit was someone I was especially glad to see out of the picture. That was some showdown too with Razzy saving the day once more. I'm anxious to borrow the next book on KU and see what Hannah and Razzy get into next.
There were a lot of suspects, but the one whodunit was someone I was especially glad to see out of the picture. That was some showdown too with Razzy saving the day once more. I'm anxious to borrow the next book on KU and see what Hannah and Razzy get into next.
February 19, 2025
I am a sucker for books about talking cats! Sometimes I find myself more interested in the developing relationship between a woman and her talking cat and the details about how her magic is going to work than in the actual mystery. When I saw this one involves city hall, I almost skipped it, but I'm glad I didn't. The mystery here was well constructed and contained enough misdirection to make me positive I had it all figured out when I only had it a little bit figured out. The twists were unexpected but didn't come out of left field.
January 27, 2022
Cozy mystery, some romance and talking cats, what's not to like! A great series with Hannah, a reporter; Ben, a Detective; Razzy and Gus, 2 cats who Hannah can understand.
Hannah finds another body, and Ben is involved as the Detective on the case. They work together to solve the crime, but not before some information comes to light about Ben's past, can they move past that?
A really good cozy mystery series with humourous points in the story, well worth reading. Best read in order of publication to preserve continuity of the characters and series.
Hannah finds another body, and Ben is involved as the Detective on the case. They work together to solve the crime, but not before some information comes to light about Ben's past, can they move past that?
A really good cozy mystery series with humourous points in the story, well worth reading. Best read in order of publication to preserve continuity of the characters and series.
August 16, 2022
This series deserves more than 5 stars!
Absolutely loved this story line! Razzy is the best! I just fell in love with her right away. Great interaction between Razzy and Hannah. These are my favorite cat cozy series when the cats and their human parents can talk to each other. That would be a most wonderful gift to have!!!! This is a phenomenal series!!
Absolutely loved this story line! Razzy is the best! I just fell in love with her right away. Great interaction between Razzy and Hannah. These are my favorite cat cozy series when the cats and their human parents can talk to each other. That would be a most wonderful gift to have!!!! This is a phenomenal series!!
April 25, 2024
The book is cute, a true cozy mystery so far. The plot is pretty basic and very similar to the first book in the series. At least the relationship between the MC is advancing some and Hannah is seeing small changes in her "powers"? I'm not really certain what the supernatural twist is adding to the story so far.
April 25, 2024
OMG, I love this cat, Razzy, and her boyfriend Gus!
Hannah finds the mayor standing over his dead bimbo when she shows up for an appointment.
While Hannah tries to find the murderer, Razzy is kidnapped and Hannah is told to go outside, but do not call the cops. Of course, the feisty feline once more ends up saving the day.
Hannah finds the mayor standing over his dead bimbo when she shows up for an appointment.
While Hannah tries to find the murderer, Razzy is kidnapped and Hannah is told to go outside, but do not call the cops. Of course, the feisty feline once more ends up saving the day.
April 5, 2025
Enjoyable stories
I am reading my way through this author’s book series’. The interaction between the heroines and their cats seems spot on to what a cat might say.in fact, when talking to one of my cats after finishing one of Ms McFarlin’s books, I find myself waiting for my cat to answer me!
Looking forward to reading more!
I am reading my way through this author’s book series’. The interaction between the heroines and their cats seems spot on to what a cat might say.in fact, when talking to one of my cats after finishing one of Ms McFarlin’s books, I find myself waiting for my cat to answer me!
Looking forward to reading more!
April 10, 2021
Great series
Loved this series and looking forward to next one. Great plot, well thought out mystery. Add in some romance and talking cats and a little paranormal and you have an enjoyable clean story that holds your interest
Loved this series and looking forward to next one. Great plot, well thought out mystery. Add in some romance and talking cats and a little paranormal and you have an enjoyable clean story that holds your interest
April 11, 2021
Kept me on the edge
Really well written. Kept me guessing. The plots are good and the characters are likable. I enjoy the mysteries a lot. Cannot wait for Razzy and Hannah's next adventure!
Really well written. Kept me guessing. The plots are good and the characters are likable. I enjoy the mysteries a lot. Cannot wait for Razzy and Hannah's next adventure!
February 5, 2022
great fun!
I loved this book. I bought it straight after I’d finished the first book, never done that before! The characters are evolving in relationships of love, and dislike, it’s so entertaining and made me smile. Couldn’t be better.
I loved this book. I bought it straight after I’d finished the first book, never done that before! The characters are evolving in relationships of love, and dislike, it’s so entertaining and made me smile. Couldn’t be better.
November 27, 2022
An enjoyable second outing in this series about Hannah and her cat Razzi. Hannah is waiting upside the Mayor,s office to interview him, when she hears a scream. When she rushes in, the Mayor is leaning over the body of a female….with a knife in her chest.
April 11, 2021
Good Cozy
Nice cozy mystery. Good quick read. Holds your interest. Protagonist 's ability to understand cats adds to the entertainment of the book.
Nice cozy mystery. Good quick read. Holds your interest. Protagonist 's ability to understand cats adds to the entertainment of the book.
July 11, 2021
A true cozy mystery w/a cat that talks & a Mama who understands & speaks the same language!
A catchy plot. Funny! light entertainment!
A catchy plot. Funny! light entertainment!
October 3, 2021
I am loving this series, love the interact with Hannah and Razzy and that Ben likes cats to, love a mystery
February 5, 2022
Exceptional new series!
April 6, 2022
The Trouble at City Hall
I really enjoyed reading this next book in this series. I liked all the interesting characters and surprise ending. I'm looking forward to the next book.
I really enjoyed reading this next book in this series. I liked all the interesting characters and surprise ending. I'm looking forward to the next book.
January 24, 2023
Great book
This is another great book in the Razzy Cat series by Courtney McFarlin. I can't wait to read the next book.
This is another great book in the Razzy Cat series by Courtney McFarlin. I can't wait to read the next book.
February 18, 2024
Another story, another body…Investigative reporter, Hannah and Razzy, are on the story with humorous, witty repertoire, and some good plot twists.
February 13, 2025
Delightful story. Loved the characters in the plot.
Very entertaining especially the role of the cats.
Thank you for writing this wonderful book.
Bobbi 😻
Very entertaining especially the role of the cats.
Thank you for writing this wonderful book.
Bobbi 😻
May 17, 2025
I LOVE this series! I can just hear Gus, the cat, speaking with Barry White's voice!
November 19, 2025
So I obviously liked the first book well enough to read the second. Just ignore my review of the first book. The series is just different than my normal genre. Easy to read and a cute storyline.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews