Collectors, Cats & Murder

Dickens & Christie #4

by Kathy Manos Penn

A meeting of mystery lovers. A bounty of books. A corpse in a cottage. Can the well-read locals rewrite the ending or will the final chapter reveal another death?

Shouldn’t a literary festival be a tame affair? Not when Leta Parker and her sleuthing friends are involved. What begins as a book lover’s dream takes a disturbing turn when a body is discovered. Unraveling the sinister scheme will take not only the literary minds of Leta and the Little Old Ladies’ Detective Agency but also assistance from a pair of would-be scholars—not to mention Dickens & Christie, Leta’s precocious pets.

Collectors, Cats & Murder is the delightful fourth book in the Dickens & Christie cozy mystery series. If you like spunky literary women, amusing animal sidekicks, and inviting cultural backdrops, then you’ll love this engaging page-turner.

Genres: Cozy Mystery, Mystery, Dogs, Cats, Cozy, Animals

285 pages, Paperback

First published February 4, 2021

About the author

Kathy Manos Penn lives in Sandy Springs, Georgia with her husband and her four-legged office assistants. When she dreamed of retiring from corporate America, she envisioned indulging in her favorite pastimes—reading, traveling, and writing columns for her local paper. Taking her bucket list trip to England was a top priority.

A second career as an author was never part of the plan—until someone uttered the fateful words, “You should write a cozy mystery.”

Twelve books later, readers can’t get enough of the Dickens & Christie mystery series. Kathy adheres to the adage to write what you know and populates her mysteries with well-read, witty senior women, a loyal dog, and a sassy cat.

Her two four-legged office assistants inspire the personalities of Dickens & Christie. Why is Dickens a fiend for belly rubs? Because Kathy’s real-life dog is. The same goes for Christie’s finicky eating habits and penchant for lolling on top of the desk or in the file drawer. She gets it from the calico cat who rules the roost.

How does Kathy describe her life? “I’m living a dream I never knew I had.”

Book I in the series, Bells, Tails & Murder, won a 2020 Readers’ Favorite Gold Award, and Pets, Pens & Murder, Book VII, garnered a 2023 Georgia Author of the Year nomination.

Reviews

[Sarka B]

This is a fourth book in one of my favourite serie. This book deals with the mystery of book collecting and I really enjoyed reading it. It is very interesting and well written with nice and enjoyable atmosphere. Looking forward to read next book in the serie.

[Tammie]

I love the audiobooks of this creative and whimsical series.

[Emmalynn]

3.5 stars. A solid cozy mystery, mature older characters and a murder with books at the center. Dave is back and has a pretty big role in this one, which was nice.

[Monica]

Great mystery with lots of twists and plenty of suspects and a fun key treasure hunt. So many wonderful characters in perfect, charming settings (all the crimes don’t always take place in the same village). Makes you want to visit or even live there. Christie is the hero of this story and I’m sure she’s glad to have her day to shine. Dave also finally gets his time to be actively involved along with Leta and the Little Old Ladies Detective Agency and their newest member, Ellie. Love seeing how they all interact and add to the clue seeking and crime solving. A great map and Cast of Characters in the front of the book are really helpful and fun references. One of my favorite series and I look forward to the next adventure.

[Rick]

My favorite in the series so far! The author has an ease in her writing & storytelling that makes you think she knows all the characters personally. This book is a tour de force for bibliophiles with it's many literary & author references. Clearly the author is a bibliophile herself. It provides a glimpse into the world of book collectors and the potential intrigue serious hobbyists may face. The interplay between the characters is delightful and real and makes you feel as though you're in the Cotswolds and part of the team solving the mystery. The two furry sleuths, Dickens & Christie, continue to be a highlight of the series. I look forward to book five!

I received a free copy of this book in return for an honest review.

[Michele Bishop]

Aletta "Leta" Parker and her friend Dave Prentiss, along with her dog Dickens are attending a literary event at the Chipping Camden Literary Festival. It marked Dave's first speaking engagement in the UK. During the festival, they met Teddy Byrd, an elderly gentleman who was a collector of books, letters, pictures and miscellaneous memorabilia about several writers from the turn of the century. They were invited to his house the following day to view his collection. Upon their arrival, they were unable to get Teddy to answer the door. Looking in the garden, Dave and Dickens found Teddy's cat still outside and the garden door unlocked. Worried about Teddy, they went inside and finally found him dead in his bed. Lita called D.I. Gemma Taylor and reported their find. What was initially thought to be a natural death was later determined to be murder. How and why was Teddy killed and who was the killer. Good book as usual.

I received this book free from the author for my review of the same.

[Darla Taylor]

There's a library festival in a nearby village featuring speakers on a variety of authors and books. Leta and Dave are attending and meet Teddy who's a friend of a friend and a bookstore owner. Teddy is also a collector and he invites them over to check out his collection but when they arrive, they find him dead so an investigation ensues. Leta and the Little Old Ladies are once again sleuthing along with the help of a couple would-be scholars.

I received an ARC of this book from the author and this is my honest review. I love this series and this book is no exception. Full of action, this book is well-written with wonderful characters. I was hooked from beginning to end and I'm looking forward to the next book. I highly recommend both book and series which I suggest you read in order.

[Tz]

She's keen on making plans. and grits. Whether you're popping into Leta Petkas Parker's refurbished London taxi, bicycling with a dear friend before breakfast, or strolling through the countryside with furkids to nuzzle the soft muzzles of a couple carrot-loving donkeys, this cozy mystery will transport you through the quiet Cotswolds in all the best ways. Author Kathy Manos writes each of her books in such a welcoming manner you'll feel right at home in the warm company of her good friends, but don't be surprised if you can't resist raising an amused eyebrow at an occasional bit of snark between characters. While each book is a stand-alone mystery and does come to a conclusion, you will get a deeper appreciation of the characters if you do yourself the favor of enjoying them all in order. This fourth book truly expands our experience into Leta's world with more towns, more adventure, a touch of sweet romance, and of course- a curious death! Accept the invitation to pull up a comfy chair and sip a favorite beverage while you savor some delicious details. You'll be glad you joined Ms. "Nosy" Parker and her friends as they solve another jolly who-done-it. This isn't your momma's cut-and-paste cozy mystery: Word nerds, History nerds and Literary Nerds will especially enjoy the well researched details in this fun romp. I received a free copy of this book in return for an honest review.

[JACKIE K]

Retired, former Atlanta resident, Leta Parker is eagerly anticipating a visit from her States resident boyfriend, Dave, at her cottage in the English Cotswolds. Dave is scheduled to give a talk at the Chipping Camden Literary Festival. The pair have booked a hotel, where they are going to enjoy the festivities with friends, old and new. However, when they discover a new friend, bookshop owner Teddy’s body, their peaceful carefree visit is derailed. Is this a murder? Why were some of Teddy’s collectibles stolen and other treasures left intact? With no relatives, who inherits his valuables and bookshop? Leta can’t resist exercising her sleuthing abilities once again. With the assistance of her LOL (Little Old Ladies) and her observant talking pets, Dickens the dog and Christie the cat, she searches for answers. Even Dave finds himself involved. I really enjoy these smart mature characters and the many well-known, real life authors, whose lives play significant roles in the storyline. Dickens and Christie’s banter is so amusing and they provide Leta with excellent information and insights. During a stormy week, I was so happy to lose myself in this wonderful novel. I highly recommend this series for the setting, the characters, the puzzling crimes and especially Dickens and Christie.

[Christine Thompson]

I received a free copy of this book in return for an honest review.
If you enjoy the Mrs. Murphy & Sister Jane Arnold series by Rita Mae Brown or the Magical Casts series by Sofie Kelly you will thoroughly enjoy the Dickens & Christie series by Kathy Manos Penn.
Set in the Cotswold's in England it is a fun setting and an armchair travel treat!
Principal Character Leta Parker is a widow from Southern USA who relocated to the Cotswold's with her dog Dickens and cat Christie.
In book 4 a new adventure begins. At a literary festival a murder occurs-Leta's naturally inquisitive mind must investigate. What will her new boyfriend Dave think about this?
Who did the dastardly deed? What was their motive? You'll find the answers in book 4, along with hearing from Dickens and Christie and enjoying their perspectives, and having lighthearted chuckles along the way to guessing the outcome. This series is a must for Cozy Animal Mystery enthusiasts.

[Monica]

Having never stumbled upon a cozy mystery, I was delighted with my first read in the genre. Penn captured my attention immediately, even though I'd started with book 4. Rather than be lost, she answered every question I would have had regarding the characters in the first fifty pages. The series could be read as was intended or starting in the middle, as I did. I'd like to hop a plane and go find Leta, the Greek American by birth but fits right in with the Brits protaganist, in Astonbury to pick her brain on certain subjects. There are many laugh-out-loud moments throughout, which I confess doesn't occur often for me. I found the characters likeable, relatable, and the story captivating all the way until the end. The end. I wasn't ready for the end. Keep writing, Kathy! I need more Leta in my life.

[Dwayne Keller]

Leta and Dave are attending a literary festival and meet a bookshop owner and collector. He invites them to his house to see his collection. When they arrive at his house and knock there is no answer. They go around back and find the door unlocked. They enter and find the man dead in bed. Did he die in his sleep or was it more sinister. If he was killed, why? He had a vast collection and nothing seems missing. Was it a rival collector, or somebody who wanted his bookstore or something else. Follow Leta, her cat and dog, Christie and Dickens, and the little old ladies club as they investigate the mystery.

[Peggy Clayton]

The is the fourth book in the Dickens & Christie cozy mystery series and I so enjoyed this one. This was the first one that I have read as I hadn't discovered the series till the author was kind enough to send me a print book to give my honest review. Wow I was so happy she did as this is a series that I will want to continue. The storyline was so good and the characters are perfect. Including the cover which is so cute. Kathy hit a home run with this one~!

[Debbie Napier]

Entertaining as expected!

Dickens and Christie never fail to deliver. I was absorbed from the get-go! I love the characters and the story contained so many literary references, heaven! Thanks for bringing in one of my favorites, Mark Twain.

As an aside, this is the first book I haven't dropped to read the latest release from my other favorite author, JDR.

[Carol Filipow Pigg]

As the previous Kathy Manos Penn books, this read of “Collectors, Cats & Murder: A Cozy Animal Mystery #4” is a delight! Dogs, cats, donkeys and sheep are as busy as The Little Old Ladies and friends. Talk about name dropping, too. Quite pleased I only had to look up one name.
BTW, I want to visit this area.
Thanks for a fun, but mystery loving read.

[Kandi A. Hudson]

Excellent Series

I loved this mystery for a lot of reasons. This was a good, tight story line; well planned out with a good pace. I love the animals both Christie the cat, and of course Dickens, the dog. I also love the Cotswold setting. The dog and cat talk and so do other animals that Lets, the main character encounters. This is a solid murder mystery!

[Gabi Eagon]

Cozy English Animal Mystery. Collectors, Cats, and Murder

I really like animals communicating with their owners. Never thought I would but Leta’s dwarf Great Pyrenees Dickens is awesome. Her black cat Christie is sassy and demanding, typical cat. They help her suss out clues. It’s a serious mystery in The Cotswolds.

[Sara]

Another Winner!

I really like this author and this series. Well written and well drawn characters. Including animals! In my case it's personal too. One of my nephews adopted a rescue Great Pyrenees. Coincidentally, her name is Wendy! Life imitating literature.

[Mary Lou Fineman]

An Anglophile Animal Lover

The books are a lot of fun for me. Leta and her friends are people I would like to know. I had no idea who the murderer was until the very end. Can't wait for the next book.

[Rebecca]

Another terrific book in the series with just the right amount of mystery, adorable animals and delicious sounding food along with relationships striving for balance between togetherness and independence.

[Donna]

Very good read!

I enjoyed this book very much. I’ve read the previous books and couldn’t wait to follow the love story, the mystery and to gather the titles of different books to read.
The characters are a delight. I’m looking forward to reading the next book. Thank you

[Casey]

#4 of 5 and still excellent

I am about to embark on the final leg of this journey with our animal communicating and hat loving heroine.
It will be a sad thing to finish but Let's will join many a well loved character in my memories.

[hana]

What a mystery

Another murder has been committed at Cotswold, England, but not to worry Leta Parker and her two trusty pets, Dickens the dog and Christie the cat, as well as the ladies from the Little Old Ladies’ Detective Agency are on the case.

[Su]

A series for book lovers

Absolutely love this fast paced cosy series. Let's hope Kathy can create many more adventures for Leta ,Dickens and Christie.

[Phyllis S. Haynes]

Another good book with a dog, a cat, and engaging characters!

I love the characters, human and animal! The storyline was well developed too. Can't wait to get into book 5.

[Deborah Armbruster]

Entertaining

This series reminds me of Charlotte MacLeod 's Peter Shandy series. Perfect cozy too relax with as you cuddle up with your furrbabies.

[Kathleen]

Collectors, Cats & Murder earns 4.5/5 Collectibles...Engaging Entertainment!

Dave Prentice, journalist and Leta’s good friend with benefits, was well received at the Chipping Camden Literary Festival with his lecture about the local discovery of a J.M. Barrie manuscript. Teddy Byrd, owner of Chipping Camden’s Bluebird Books (personal thought: Why is it not Bluebyrd Books?), is quite a discerning collector of memorabilia connected to the Peter Pan author including a typewriter and fountain pen allegedly belonging to Barrie. Since Leta and Dave decided to stay overnight, they eagerly accepted Byrd’s invitation to drop by and peruse his collection. However, tragedy hits when Byrd doesn’t respond to their knocking. Dickens, Leta’s dog, locates Byrd’s cat who explains something’s wrong. Shhh, Leta understand her canine and off-handedly suggests Dave check inside the cottage. He returns ashen white. Teddy Byrd is dead. Natural causes? Leta hopes so because she doesn’t want another argument with Dave about her sleuthing interests. But, murder? Dave just might join in as Tommy to her Tuppence and even provide a few personal protection devices for good measure.

Kathy Manos Penn has made literature, senior detectives, and murder entertaining in her fourth book in her Dickens & Christie Mystery series. I am a newbie, worried of being at a disadvantage, however, referring to the “Cast of Characters,” listed as The Americans and The Brits, was helpful with basic background and connections. It did still take several chapters to catch up with all of the characters and their places in the drama. I am always all in when Great Britain is the setting, especially the countryside, and Penn has created with her descriptive language a wonderful village and close-knit community. It’s also nice to have the core group of characters women of “a certain age” with which I easily identify with their ideas and perspectives. Their personalities are varied and often well illustrated by the clever banter. I loved LOL, the informal Little Old Ladies’ Detective Agency. The “I can talk to animals” element was a surprise, but it is not handled in a juvenile manner. The banter back and forth with her “fur” friends is easily woven into the story, and when others hear barking and meowing, Leta hears insights, clues, and demands for food, walks, and general needs for attention!

I like the fact the death is discovered early in the story, but then she throws in a flashback, “The previous Saturday.” This may help newbies with details into Leta’s past tragedy, relationship with Dave, and connections with her new circle of friends, but for me it slowed things down, held off revealing the official determination of murder, and delayed getting into the investigation. The details were not directly related to what I knew was coming. Once the flashback catches up with real-time the clues and connections start to become very compelling with fascinating avenues of investigation incorporating the business of collectibles, memorabilia, antiques, and...criminals. All said and done, the clever tale, diverse characters, and “justice served” moments made this a favorite I look forward to reading more.

Enjoy the bonus of an easy-to-follow recipe connected to Leta’s Greek heritage, Pastitsio (puh-steet-see-ow), and an element I relish in many cozies: the inclusion of facts, tips, and historical references. Hey, Siri! J.M. Barrie? Connection between J.M. Barrie and Arthur Conan Doyle? Doyle and Bram Stoker? J.M. Barrie’s amateur cricket team, the Allahakbarries? The novel The Sherlockian by Graham Moore? It was fun going beyond Kathy Manos Penn’s story.

Disclosure: I received an ARC. My review is voluntary with honest insights and comments.

[Nancy (The Avid Reader)]

Another murder has been committed in the land of Cotswold, England but not to worry Leta Parker with the help of her two trusty pets, Dickens the dog and Christie the cat as well as the ladies from the Little Old Ladies’ Detective Agency are on the hunt for the killer.

Leta and her boyfriend met a book collector, Teddy at the literary festival. Teddy invited them back to his home to see his collection of books. When they arrived at Teddy’s place and he didn’t answer the door Leta became worried so they went in the back door and found Teddy dead in his bed.

Did Teddy die from natural causes or was there foul play? Was Teddy murdered? If so who would want to kill Teddy? What was their motive? Was it a robbery gone bad? Was it another collector who wanted a book he may have had? Motives are adding up but no suspects as of yet.

I so enjoy the Dickens & Christie mystery series as I adore Dickens & Christie. I love how Leta is able to communicate with her pets and how they help to solve the murders. Another reason I enjoyed Collectors, Cats & Murder so much was because of all the references to books which is very interesting to a book lover like myself.

Collectors, Cats & Murder was a fast, sweet read that is packed with a lot of suspense that kept me hooked from beginning to end. I enjoyed watching Leta in my head at the way she liked to step back from a crime scene and take every little detail in. I can see her standing in the doorway with pen and paper in hand in a long brown skirt, button-down blouse to match, brown boots, brown hat, and glasses perched on her nose with a touch of gray in her hair while Dickens & Christie sit at her feet, looking around the room like Leta.

I love the Dickens & Christie Mystery series and I would highly recommend it to all murder mystery fans. One-click your copy of Collectors, Cats & Murder today to begin another adventure with Dickens & Christie!

[Kathy]

Another really fun book from Kathy Manos Penn. You know how sometimes when you talk to your dog and/or cat you could swear they know what you’re saying? Well this mystery has some pretty special pets and Leta, the main character, communicates well with them.

This is a small cozy full of British humor and more importantly in my mind...full of books. You wouldn’t have to be a book connoisseur to enjoy the mystery. I love all types of cozies, but I must say you will enjoy the reference to the book titles, the puns, and the little bits of occasional sarcasm if you love books. This is a good mystery with a little more depth than a cozy. No matter your preferences, this is a fun read with some good laughs.

I love the LOL Detective Agency and I’m not going to tell you what it stands for. I’m going to be stubborn and insist you do a little detective work yourself. You’ll have to read a few more Dickens & Christie books but let me tell you, every member of the Agency is as fun as the main characters. Manos Penn gives us enough everyday life descriptions to enjoy their personalities be they quirky or not.

As I’ve said this was a fun, quick read for me. It got even better when I realized Leta was just like me...surfing FB now and then and playing WWF. We could be sisters!

Collectors, Cats & Murder is Book four of a series titled “A Dickens & Christie Mystery”. All of the titles in this series have good reviews and...I hope we’ll “hear” from Dickens & Christie again.

[Nikki]

Book 4 in this lovely mystery series set in the Cotswolds. A group of 'Little Old Ladies' have got together and 'help' the local police either their investigations into murders in their area. Their help isn't always gratefully received.

There's also plenty of animals in the book, notably Dickens and Christie, a dog and cat. Their owner, Leta, can understand all animals, this makes for some funny interludes in the book.

Each book has a list of books and authors referred to in the story, at the back; there's also a recipe, too.

In this book, a well loved bookshop owner and collector is found dead; when a few items in his collection are found missing, the Little Old Ladies Detective Agency springs into action!

It is an enjoyable read and one I recommend. Each book is a standalone mystery, but the books are best read in order of publication to preserve continuity of the characters and wider storyline.