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Kat and Mouse Mysteries #2
Murder Unexpected
When a church Deacon goes into the PI business, she uncovers the criminal secrets nestled within her charming English village in this cozy mystery series.
Deacon Katerina Rowe had a quiet life before she discovered her husband's criminal activities. Now Leon is on the run, and Kat has started a private investigation business with her good friend Beth, who goes by Mouse. It's plenty for any Deacon to handle--let alone one who's heavily pregnant.
When a widow asks Kat and Mouse for help, the sleuthing duo find themselves searching for the birth mother of the widow's husband. But when it becomes clear that the widow isn't telling the whole truth, Kat and Mouse are drawn into a deadly chase where nothing is what it seems. Meanwhile, Leon is back in Eyam and out for revenge. Can Kat solve the case and escape her dangerous husband?
Deacon Katerina Rowe had a quiet life before she discovered her husband's criminal activities. Now Leon is on the run, and Kat has started a private investigation business with her good friend Beth, who goes by Mouse. It's plenty for any Deacon to handle--let alone one who's heavily pregnant.
When a widow asks Kat and Mouse for help, the sleuthing duo find themselves searching for the birth mother of the widow's husband. But when it becomes clear that the widow isn't telling the whole truth, Kat and Mouse are drawn into a deadly chase where nothing is what it seems. Meanwhile, Leon is back in Eyam and out for revenge. Can Kat solve the case and escape her dangerous husband?
254 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 11, 2019
384 people are currently reading
236 people want to read
About the author
Anita Waller
48 books468 followersI live in Sheffield, UK. I am retired and have recently fulfilled my lifelong ambition of becoming a published author with Bloodhound Books.
I am married (almost 50 years to Dave) with three children and seven grandchildren.
I am a patchwork and quilting tutor as well as a writer.
My first book was Beautiful and my second, a sequel to Beautiful, is called Angel.
I am married (almost 50 years to Dave) with three children and seven grandchildren.
I am a patchwork and quilting tutor as well as a writer.
My first book was Beautiful and my second, a sequel to Beautiful, is called Angel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
January 25, 2019
Murder Unexpected is the second book in the Kat and Mouse murder mystery trilogy. I would recommend reading the books in order as this one pretty much follows on from where the last one ends.
I absolutely loved the first book, Murder Undeniable, and couldn’t wait to read the next book. It didn’t disappoint and has been well worth the wait. I love Kat, Mouse and Doris, as they are such down to earth and lovable characters.
Whilst part of the story is to do with Leon, the majority of it is to do with the women’s new business and their new client. Both make for riveting and at times emotional reading. It is very much a female character driven story which is so refreshing and makes a nice change in this genre.
Murder Undeniable was another riveting and highly enjoyable novel. Even though this authors books all contain crimes and murder, I find them such easy reads. It’s like an old friend or your favourite pair of jeans, as soon as I pick one of Anita Waller’s books up, I know I am guaranteed a great reading experience as she has never let me down. Kat, Mouse and Doris really are the icing on the cake when it comes to this series. It’s down to them, as well as the authors talented writing skills of course, that it is a certainty to make them a big hit with readers.
My thanks to Emma Welton and Bloodhound Books for an advanced readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
I absolutely loved the first book, Murder Undeniable, and couldn’t wait to read the next book. It didn’t disappoint and has been well worth the wait. I love Kat, Mouse and Doris, as they are such down to earth and lovable characters.
Whilst part of the story is to do with Leon, the majority of it is to do with the women’s new business and their new client. Both make for riveting and at times emotional reading. It is very much a female character driven story which is so refreshing and makes a nice change in this genre.
Murder Undeniable was another riveting and highly enjoyable novel. Even though this authors books all contain crimes and murder, I find them such easy reads. It’s like an old friend or your favourite pair of jeans, as soon as I pick one of Anita Waller’s books up, I know I am guaranteed a great reading experience as she has never let me down. Kat, Mouse and Doris really are the icing on the cake when it comes to this series. It’s down to them, as well as the authors talented writing skills of course, that it is a certainty to make them a big hit with readers.
My thanks to Emma Welton and Bloodhound Books for an advanced readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
September 7, 2024
A few months after the first, the business is settling in and Leon is lurking in the shadows.
The mystery and investigation about the search for a now dead adopted man's birth mother worth millions has more depth than the first mystery.
Cozy mystery with a twist.
The mystery and investigation about the search for a now dead adopted man's birth mother worth millions has more depth than the first mystery.
Cozy mystery with a twist.
February 23, 2019
Check out all of my reviews at: https://www.avonnalovesgenres.com
MURDER UNEXPECTED (Kat and Mouse Mysteries #2) by Anita Waller is the second contemporary cozy mystery in this intriguing and entertaining trilogy. Each book has a unique mystery to be solved, but these books are best read in order due to the continuation of the main characters’ interactions and development.
This story picks up just a few months after the end of the first book, which has Kat, Mouse and Doris all waiting anxiously for the birth of Kat’s baby while being wary as Kat’s husband is still a fugitive. The three are being careful and vigilant as they work to grow their detective agency, Connection in the village of Eyam.
When a widow gives the ladies a case to identify the birth mother of her deceased husband something just does not feel right. Judith is not telling the whole truth. While others knew of her husband’s wish to find his birth mother before his cancer diagnosis, no one believes Judith is doing this out of love. When the ladies go to return her retainer and get out of the case, they find Judith murdered.
This murder leads to many twists and turns, with the ladies sharing information with DI Tessa Marsden and Hannah once again.
This second book in the trilogy was even more intense and emotionally riveting than the first. Kat’s continued personal upheaval with her husband, Leon ended with a surprise that was realistic, but I did not expect the author to go there. The murder mystery plot in this book also was not what I was expecting. It had so many twists and turns that drained me emotionally and yet were completely satisfying by its resolution. Ms. Waller has some very clever ideas when it comes to murder.
I love Kat, Mouse (Beth) and Doris. These are strong female characters you feel you want to meet in real life. DI Marsden and Hannah are also intelligent law enforcement characters. Wonderful writing brings these characters to life and the resolutions are clever and thought provoking.
I can highly recommend this book and am anxiously awaiting book #3 of the trilogy!
Thanks very much to Bloodhound Books and Net Galley for allowing me to read this eARC.
MURDER UNEXPECTED (Kat and Mouse Mysteries #2) by Anita Waller is the second contemporary cozy mystery in this intriguing and entertaining trilogy. Each book has a unique mystery to be solved, but these books are best read in order due to the continuation of the main characters’ interactions and development.
This story picks up just a few months after the end of the first book, which has Kat, Mouse and Doris all waiting anxiously for the birth of Kat’s baby while being wary as Kat’s husband is still a fugitive. The three are being careful and vigilant as they work to grow their detective agency, Connection in the village of Eyam.
When a widow gives the ladies a case to identify the birth mother of her deceased husband something just does not feel right. Judith is not telling the whole truth. While others knew of her husband’s wish to find his birth mother before his cancer diagnosis, no one believes Judith is doing this out of love. When the ladies go to return her retainer and get out of the case, they find Judith murdered.
This murder leads to many twists and turns, with the ladies sharing information with DI Tessa Marsden and Hannah once again.
This second book in the trilogy was even more intense and emotionally riveting than the first. Kat’s continued personal upheaval with her husband, Leon ended with a surprise that was realistic, but I did not expect the author to go there. The murder mystery plot in this book also was not what I was expecting. It had so many twists and turns that drained me emotionally and yet were completely satisfying by its resolution. Ms. Waller has some very clever ideas when it comes to murder.
I love Kat, Mouse (Beth) and Doris. These are strong female characters you feel you want to meet in real life. DI Marsden and Hannah are also intelligent law enforcement characters. Wonderful writing brings these characters to life and the resolutions are clever and thought provoking.
I can highly recommend this book and am anxiously awaiting book #3 of the trilogy!
Thanks very much to Bloodhound Books and Net Galley for allowing me to read this eARC.
September 2, 2019
Kat, Mouse and Doris are back, and looking into a new case. This trio is fantastic. Their personalities compliment each other and each brings something special to their growing private investigation business.
Continuing from where book 1 ended, Leon Rowe is on the run, but keeping a watchful eye on Kat. She, Mouse and Doris become very busy when their new case gets complicated and DI Marsden re-enters their lives needing their help.
Waller has created something brilliant in this series of books. A great cast of characters in an interesting location, and a growing web of lies, cover-ups and crime.
A garden path plays an important role in this story, and Waller certainly led me down a few before reaching the end of the story! If you've not started this series yet, what are you waiting for?
Continuing from where book 1 ended, Leon Rowe is on the run, but keeping a watchful eye on Kat. She, Mouse and Doris become very busy when their new case gets complicated and DI Marsden re-enters their lives needing their help.
Waller has created something brilliant in this series of books. A great cast of characters in an interesting location, and a growing web of lies, cover-ups and crime.
A garden path plays an important role in this story, and Waller certainly led me down a few before reaching the end of the story! If you've not started this series yet, what are you waiting for?
February 19, 2019
Murder Unexpected is the second in the Kat and Mouse murder mystery series, and while it can be read as a stand-alone, some of the background to the relationships between Nan, Kat and Mouse would be clearer if you’d read the previous novel (but not much as it’s pretty clear how close they all are, a real family).
I adored the characters of Kat and Mouse and Nan is so great, just don’t swear around her !
Leon, Kat’s murderous ex-husband makes an appearance and I did think this is where the story was going, but there is so much more. The women’s PI business, Connection is thriving and their new client a recently widowed woman takes their investigation into a riveting, violent and sometimes emotional direction. There are crimes, various deaths, some violent and some very sad and moving. Murder Unexpected is an immensely enjoyable novel, with strong female characters and some real emotional twists and turns right to the very end. A credit to the very clever writing by Anita Waller. I loved it and can thoroughly recommend it.
Thank you to Bloodhound Books for a free advanced readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own, honest and unbiased.
I adored the characters of Kat and Mouse and Nan is so great, just don’t swear around her !
Leon, Kat’s murderous ex-husband makes an appearance and I did think this is where the story was going, but there is so much more. The women’s PI business, Connection is thriving and their new client a recently widowed woman takes their investigation into a riveting, violent and sometimes emotional direction. There are crimes, various deaths, some violent and some very sad and moving. Murder Unexpected is an immensely enjoyable novel, with strong female characters and some real emotional twists and turns right to the very end. A credit to the very clever writing by Anita Waller. I loved it and can thoroughly recommend it.
Thank you to Bloodhound Books for a free advanced readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own, honest and unbiased.
February 12, 2019
Murder Unexpected is the second in the Kat and Mouse murder mystery series, and while it can be read as a stand-alone, some of the background to the relationships between Nan, Kat and Mouse would be clearer if you’d read the previous novel (but not much as it’s pretty clear how close they all are, a real family).
I adored the characters of Kat and Mouse and Nan is so great, just don’t swear around her !
Leon, Kat’s murderous ex-husband makes an appearance and I did think this is where the story was going, but there is so much more. The women’s PI business, Connection, is thriving and their new client a recently widowed woman takes their investigation into a riveting, violent and sometimes emotional direction. There are crimes, various deaths, some violent and some very sad and moving. Murder Undeniable is an immensely enjoyable novel, with strong female characters and some real emotional twists and turns right to the very end. A credit to the very clever writing by Anita Waller. I loved it and can thoroughly recommend it.
Thank you to Bloodhound Books for a free advanced readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own, honest and unbiased.
I adored the characters of Kat and Mouse and Nan is so great, just don’t swear around her !
Leon, Kat’s murderous ex-husband makes an appearance and I did think this is where the story was going, but there is so much more. The women’s PI business, Connection, is thriving and their new client a recently widowed woman takes their investigation into a riveting, violent and sometimes emotional direction. There are crimes, various deaths, some violent and some very sad and moving. Murder Undeniable is an immensely enjoyable novel, with strong female characters and some real emotional twists and turns right to the very end. A credit to the very clever writing by Anita Waller. I loved it and can thoroughly recommend it.
Thank you to Bloodhound Books for a free advanced readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own, honest and unbiased.
January 26, 2019
MURDER UNEXPECTED by Anita Waller is the second in a trilogy featuring Kat and Mouse, two friends who, along with Mouse’s nan, form a detective agency. It is well written with excellent characters and a good pace throughout. There is more emphasis on the characters than on the setting, but that does not hamper the reader’s progress through the book.
My biggest objection is that this is a follow-on from the first book in the trilogy and there are loose ends that will, hopefully, be tied up in the final book. While I knew it was a series book, I was not aware the story would apparently pick up at the place where the first book ended. It was fairly easy to catch up with the details of the first book so that understanding this one was not difficult. However, the reader’s enjoyment of the books may be hampered if they attempt to read them out of sequence.
As a rule, I dislike books that have a loose thread at the end requiring you to read the next book in order to reach a resolution. This book was somewhat of an exception in that there is one murder mystery here that is solved within the confines of this novel. There is a resolution of sorts for an evil character from the first book, but it was not necessary to read the first book to get a flavor of his misdeeds. Following that same style of writing, this book wraps up the mystery, however, there are loose ends that are promised to be addressed in the third book in the trilogy.
If you don’t mind reading books that are more serial in nature, this is a good series with engaging characters and excellent writing. I would recommend anyone wanting to read the books to read them in order so that they can learn the entire story from beginning to end.
Thanks to NetGalley and Bloodhound Books for an advanced digital read copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.
My biggest objection is that this is a follow-on from the first book in the trilogy and there are loose ends that will, hopefully, be tied up in the final book. While I knew it was a series book, I was not aware the story would apparently pick up at the place where the first book ended. It was fairly easy to catch up with the details of the first book so that understanding this one was not difficult. However, the reader’s enjoyment of the books may be hampered if they attempt to read them out of sequence.
As a rule, I dislike books that have a loose thread at the end requiring you to read the next book in order to reach a resolution. This book was somewhat of an exception in that there is one murder mystery here that is solved within the confines of this novel. There is a resolution of sorts for an evil character from the first book, but it was not necessary to read the first book to get a flavor of his misdeeds. Following that same style of writing, this book wraps up the mystery, however, there are loose ends that are promised to be addressed in the third book in the trilogy.
If you don’t mind reading books that are more serial in nature, this is a good series with engaging characters and excellent writing. I would recommend anyone wanting to read the books to read them in order so that they can learn the entire story from beginning to end.
Thanks to NetGalley and Bloodhound Books for an advanced digital read copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.
December 7, 2019
Disappointing
I didn’t enjoy this book as much as the first in the series. This book was extremely repetitive,predictable and frustrating. I didn’t enjoy this book but would highly recommend book one.
I didn’t enjoy this book as much as the first in the series. This book was extremely repetitive,predictable and frustrating. I didn’t enjoy this book but would highly recommend book one.
February 11, 2019
I enjoyed Murder Undeniable, the first book in the Kat and Mouse trilogy (now, apparently, a quartet), but Murder Unexpected is my favourite so far. Kat Rowe, deacon of Eyam parish church returns with Mouse Walters and her feisty grandma, Doris. Their private investigating agency is up and running and it's going well, Kat's gangster husband is still on the loose and Kat is about to give birth.
So that's where we meet up with the characters again. Kat and Leon's situation plays a part in the story but this time we follow the energetic and determined women when they are consulted by a woman wanting to find her husband's birth mother. Of course, as is the norm here, nothing is straightforward and there's a lot more to it than at first meets the eye.
These books are more cosy crime than thriller, but there is a fair amount of violent crime nestled in there too (somebody usually gets their head blown off!) so you could say there's something for everyone.
I enjoy the warmth of the relationship between the three women. They have the kind of friendship that anyone would want and they also work well together as an investigation team. In this book I particularly enjoyed reading about the case they take on which spreads out and introduces quite a few other characters. Eyam seems to be the literary equivalent of Midsomer, with there being a crazy amount of crimes going on in a sleepy Derbyshire village, but I love it as a setting, particularly as it's fairly local to me. I like the village feel of everyone being familiar with everyone else - there's nowhere to hide!
All in all, an enjoyable read and an easy one too. I'm looking forward to finding out what the next instalment of the Kat and Mouse story has to offer. Without giving anything away, I'm hopeful for Kat's future after the way that Murder Unexpected ended.
So that's where we meet up with the characters again. Kat and Leon's situation plays a part in the story but this time we follow the energetic and determined women when they are consulted by a woman wanting to find her husband's birth mother. Of course, as is the norm here, nothing is straightforward and there's a lot more to it than at first meets the eye.
These books are more cosy crime than thriller, but there is a fair amount of violent crime nestled in there too (somebody usually gets their head blown off!) so you could say there's something for everyone.
I enjoy the warmth of the relationship between the three women. They have the kind of friendship that anyone would want and they also work well together as an investigation team. In this book I particularly enjoyed reading about the case they take on which spreads out and introduces quite a few other characters. Eyam seems to be the literary equivalent of Midsomer, with there being a crazy amount of crimes going on in a sleepy Derbyshire village, but I love it as a setting, particularly as it's fairly local to me. I like the village feel of everyone being familiar with everyone else - there's nowhere to hide!
All in all, an enjoyable read and an easy one too. I'm looking forward to finding out what the next instalment of the Kat and Mouse story has to offer. Without giving anything away, I'm hopeful for Kat's future after the way that Murder Unexpected ended.
April 8, 2023
This is absolutely charming. I accidentally started on the second book in the series but I was on chapter 4 before I figured that out. I decided to just continue on because this novel did a good job of covering the events of the previous one. The writing was amusing and the story moved along quickly. The main characters run a private investigator business in England and work alongside the police department there to solve crimes. All the characters are well written and the plot had enough twists and turns to keep you wondering what was happening.
January 3, 2023
Nicely read and easy listening, not extremely plausible storyline but it’s satisfyingly neat and tidy with good triumphing over evil. I will listen to the final part soon. I just don’t think the police would confide quite so much case information with a private investigation team, however that said if you don’t over think it’s fun and clever plot.
February 25, 2019
Oh Yes
The 2nd in the trilogy ..Really enjoyed this .the continuing adventures of Kat, Mouse and Doris . A very Good Story with a Cracking Little Twist .. Can't wait for No.3 ..But I would love There to be more
The 2nd in the trilogy ..Really enjoyed this .the continuing adventures of Kat, Mouse and Doris . A very Good Story with a Cracking Little Twist .. Can't wait for No.3 ..But I would love There to be more
May 17, 2019
Read this trilogy in order. It is really important in understanding Kat, Mouse, Doris, DI Marsden and Hannah. The newer characters in this book are well drawn and it helps to understand the outcome of the second case in this book. I just didn’t feel the tension so well developed in the first book though.
April 28, 2024
I am loving this series. And I can picture the scenes so well as set In some of my favourite places. I love the friendship between cat , mouse and nan, and now of course the introduction of Martha, 😍.
February 21, 2019
Another 5 star offering from this author. Kat and Mouse continue to delight! Gripping plotlines and great twists...may be even better than book 1 . A very definite must read!
November 15, 2022
2nd instalment of the Kat and mouse series, made more interesting as it's set in Eyam and locations around Sheffield
February 11, 2019
I loved everything about this book, the characters are amazing and a great story
February 11, 2019
I loved this book !
I loved this book. After reading the first in the series I was looking forward to the follow up and once again, the author didn’t disappoint. I slipped straight back into the lives of the characters who are fab, felt a home in their surroundings and could picture the settings so clearly. For me, this is the mark of an excellent author who paints word pictures while effortlessly spinning a tale.
The blurb on the book explains the premise of the story so all I need to tell you is this - it’s a brilliant read, with sadness, humour, tension, mystery and a rather clever twist at the end. Enjoy !
I loved this book. After reading the first in the series I was looking forward to the follow up and once again, the author didn’t disappoint. I slipped straight back into the lives of the characters who are fab, felt a home in their surroundings and could picture the settings so clearly. For me, this is the mark of an excellent author who paints word pictures while effortlessly spinning a tale.
The blurb on the book explains the premise of the story so all I need to tell you is this - it’s a brilliant read, with sadness, humour, tension, mystery and a rather clever twist at the end. Enjoy !
October 4, 2021
A good, mostly cozy, mystery with three quirky, independent women as private detectives. As they take on a client to help find a birth mother, things get complicated when someone is brutally murdered. The “unexpected” in the title might refer to that but, for me, it was more the death of a major protagonist early on. Thought sure that story arc would go longer but these books do have surprises.
October 2, 2022
The first Cat and Mouse book was enjoyable but this book really went downhill!
February 14, 2019
4 / 5 Stars
Lots of moments that I didn't see coming...
Book blurb:
Kat and Mouse are back.
Church Deacon Kat and her friend Beth, known as Mouse, have started a private investigation business in the sleepy village of Eyam. Kat, whose estranged criminal husband, Leon, is on the run, has a lot on her plate running the new
business whilst heavily pregnant.
When a widow asks the sleuths for help, Kat and Mouse find themselves searching for the birth mother of the widow’s husband. But when it becomes clear that the widow isn’t telling the whole truth, Kat and Mouse are drawn into a deadly chase where nothing is what it seems.
Meanwhile, Kat’s husband has come back to Eyam and has Kat in his sights.
Can Kat and Mouse solve the case and escape the dangerous Leon?
This time they might just be out of their depth…
My Review
Thank you to Bloodhound Books for my gifted copy of the book and for letting me join the Blog tour.
I was intrigued by the blurb of the book and to be fair I was expecting a gentle crime story, that was my first surprise. The book had several wow! I did not see that coming moments, which really changed my perception of the book.
The sleepy village of Eyam certainly gets it fair share of trouble. I really enjoyed getting to know Kat, Mouse and Doris a close group of friends who are the central characters and who run Connections, a private investigation service.
The women really look after each other, this was particularly apparent after Kat gives birth to Leon’s baby early in the book.
I liked the fact that many of the characters in the book are strong women and I particularly enjoyed the exploration of the relationships of the characters throughout the book and how they developed.
I had not read the first book in the series, but this did not stop me from being gripped by the story of Tom, whose widow Judy approaches the Connection’s Team to find out more about her dead husband’s birth mother and then how the team uncover the hidden truths about Tom.
It was easy to catch up with the previous story of Kat and Leon who are central to the first book and I will be picking up Murder Undeniable now!
A good pacy crime read with plenty of unexpected twists and turns .
About the Author:
Anita Waller was born in Sheffield, South Yorkshire in 1946. She married Dave in 1967 and they have three adult children.
She has written and taught creative writing for most of her life, and at the age of sixty nine sent a manuscript to Bloodhound Books which was immediately accepted.
In total she has written seven psychological thrillers and one supernatural novel, and uses the areas of South Yorkshire and Derbyshire as her preferred locations in her books. Sheffield features prominently.
And now Anita is working on her first series, the Kat and Mouse trilogy, set in the beautiful Derbyshire village of Eyam. The first in the series, Murder Undeniable, launched 10 December 2018, and the second in the series, Murder Unexpected, launches 11 February 2019.
The trilogy has now been promoted to a quartet following the success of the first book; she is currently working on book three, Murder Unearthed. Book four doesn’t have a title, a plot, a first sentence… but she remains convinced it will have!
She is now seventy-three years of age, happily writing most days and would dearly love to plan a novel, but has accepted that isn’t the way of her mind. Every novel starts with a sentence and she waits to see where that sentence will take her, and her characters.
In her life away from the computer in the corner of her kitchen, she is a Sheffield Wednesday supporter with blue blood in her veins! The club was particularly helpful during the writing of 34 Days, as a couple of matches feature in the novel, along with Ross Wallace. Information was needed, and they provided it.
Her genre is murder - necessary murder.
Social Media Links:
Amazon
page: https://www.amazon.co.uk/l/B014RQFCRS...
omKindleDbs=true&ref_=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_6&rfkd=1&shoppingPortalEnabled=true&sr=8-6
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/anitawaller2...
Website: www.anitamayw.wixsite.com/anitawaller
Twitter: https://twitter.com/anitamayw @anitamayw
Lots of moments that I didn't see coming...
Book blurb:
Kat and Mouse are back.
Church Deacon Kat and her friend Beth, known as Mouse, have started a private investigation business in the sleepy village of Eyam. Kat, whose estranged criminal husband, Leon, is on the run, has a lot on her plate running the new
business whilst heavily pregnant.
When a widow asks the sleuths for help, Kat and Mouse find themselves searching for the birth mother of the widow’s husband. But when it becomes clear that the widow isn’t telling the whole truth, Kat and Mouse are drawn into a deadly chase where nothing is what it seems.
Meanwhile, Kat’s husband has come back to Eyam and has Kat in his sights.
Can Kat and Mouse solve the case and escape the dangerous Leon?
This time they might just be out of their depth…
My Review
Thank you to Bloodhound Books for my gifted copy of the book and for letting me join the Blog tour.
I was intrigued by the blurb of the book and to be fair I was expecting a gentle crime story, that was my first surprise. The book had several wow! I did not see that coming moments, which really changed my perception of the book.
The sleepy village of Eyam certainly gets it fair share of trouble. I really enjoyed getting to know Kat, Mouse and Doris a close group of friends who are the central characters and who run Connections, a private investigation service.
The women really look after each other, this was particularly apparent after Kat gives birth to Leon’s baby early in the book.
I liked the fact that many of the characters in the book are strong women and I particularly enjoyed the exploration of the relationships of the characters throughout the book and how they developed.
I had not read the first book in the series, but this did not stop me from being gripped by the story of Tom, whose widow Judy approaches the Connection’s Team to find out more about her dead husband’s birth mother and then how the team uncover the hidden truths about Tom.
It was easy to catch up with the previous story of Kat and Leon who are central to the first book and I will be picking up Murder Undeniable now!
A good pacy crime read with plenty of unexpected twists and turns .
About the Author:
Anita Waller was born in Sheffield, South Yorkshire in 1946. She married Dave in 1967 and they have three adult children.
She has written and taught creative writing for most of her life, and at the age of sixty nine sent a manuscript to Bloodhound Books which was immediately accepted.
In total she has written seven psychological thrillers and one supernatural novel, and uses the areas of South Yorkshire and Derbyshire as her preferred locations in her books. Sheffield features prominently.
And now Anita is working on her first series, the Kat and Mouse trilogy, set in the beautiful Derbyshire village of Eyam. The first in the series, Murder Undeniable, launched 10 December 2018, and the second in the series, Murder Unexpected, launches 11 February 2019.
The trilogy has now been promoted to a quartet following the success of the first book; she is currently working on book three, Murder Unearthed. Book four doesn’t have a title, a plot, a first sentence… but she remains convinced it will have!
She is now seventy-three years of age, happily writing most days and would dearly love to plan a novel, but has accepted that isn’t the way of her mind. Every novel starts with a sentence and she waits to see where that sentence will take her, and her characters.
In her life away from the computer in the corner of her kitchen, she is a Sheffield Wednesday supporter with blue blood in her veins! The club was particularly helpful during the writing of 34 Days, as a couple of matches feature in the novel, along with Ross Wallace. Information was needed, and they provided it.
Her genre is murder - necessary murder.
Social Media Links:
Amazon
page: https://www.amazon.co.uk/l/B014RQFCRS...
omKindleDbs=true&ref_=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_6&rfkd=1&shoppingPortalEnabled=true&sr=8-6
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/anitawaller2...
Website: www.anitamayw.wixsite.com/anitawaller
Twitter: https://twitter.com/anitamayw @anitamayw
March 9, 2019
I would like to thank the author, publisher and blog tour organiser for the ARC in return for an honest review.
Having loved book one of the Kat and Mouse series, I was delighted to be able to read and review book two. I’m happy to say that I loved it every bit as much as the first book, in fact more so!
Why?
It brought back the crime fighting duo Kat, Mouse and Doris who are now running their own detective agency. I absolutely adore them. All three are Intelligent, caring and strong and they make the perfect leads. It is still rare enough to have a book that is both enjoyable to read, with lots of excitement, but is also not overly violent, with such endearing and loveable characters. They alone would make me pick up a book to read and I could happily spend hours and hours in their company. From book one they have all grown and developed, much more comfortable in their roles as investigators and willing to strench the boundaries to help their clients in the best way they can. I enjoyed how the author gives them the odd flaw, their often willing to hack a data base here and there, but not so flawed it becomes overwhelming. They are good people and this what makes them so wonderful to read about.
There are plenty of thrills in this book. Anita Waller is a canny writer and she rang rings around me. I changed my mind over and over again about who was responsible for the Murder Unexpected. Which for me is the sign of a great thriller. I want to be kept guessing and I was. An though it is a gentle thriller, with a strong character base, the ending was both thrilling and satisfying. I sat back and thought, that was bloody enjoyable read and I can’t wait for the next one.
It is really well written by an author that obviously enjoys her craft and the characters she creates. She has created a list of characters I always love spending time with and gives the story enough drama to leave you wanting more. Reading this series of books always leaves me happy and I’m thinking it would make the perfect material for a TV adaption.
If you’re looking for a more light hearted thriller, then this is a five star example of what is on offer to readers.
Having loved book one of the Kat and Mouse series, I was delighted to be able to read and review book two. I’m happy to say that I loved it every bit as much as the first book, in fact more so!
Why?
It brought back the crime fighting duo Kat, Mouse and Doris who are now running their own detective agency. I absolutely adore them. All three are Intelligent, caring and strong and they make the perfect leads. It is still rare enough to have a book that is both enjoyable to read, with lots of excitement, but is also not overly violent, with such endearing and loveable characters. They alone would make me pick up a book to read and I could happily spend hours and hours in their company. From book one they have all grown and developed, much more comfortable in their roles as investigators and willing to strench the boundaries to help their clients in the best way they can. I enjoyed how the author gives them the odd flaw, their often willing to hack a data base here and there, but not so flawed it becomes overwhelming. They are good people and this what makes them so wonderful to read about.
There are plenty of thrills in this book. Anita Waller is a canny writer and she rang rings around me. I changed my mind over and over again about who was responsible for the Murder Unexpected. Which for me is the sign of a great thriller. I want to be kept guessing and I was. An though it is a gentle thriller, with a strong character base, the ending was both thrilling and satisfying. I sat back and thought, that was bloody enjoyable read and I can’t wait for the next one.
It is really well written by an author that obviously enjoys her craft and the characters she creates. She has created a list of characters I always love spending time with and gives the story enough drama to leave you wanting more. Reading this series of books always leaves me happy and I’m thinking it would make the perfect material for a TV adaption.
If you’re looking for a more light hearted thriller, then this is a five star example of what is on offer to readers.
February 10, 2019
Book two in this series follows on from Murder Undeniable (you really need to read these books in order). Detective agency Connection has now been established and Church Chaplain Kat is heavily pregnant by her murdering drug dealing husband Leon who is currently on the run. The agency is approached by a lady who says she wants to honour her late husband's last wishes to trace his birth mother. Coincidentally a connection to the man makes an appearance very soon after this. The girls commence what should be a run of the mill investigation but soon everyone is having doubts about the woman's true motives. A face from the past appears with disastrous consequences, and then there is a murder, and once again the detectives find themselves spending a lot of time with DI Tessa Marsden and her team. The book is very well written with lot of great suspects and possible motives. In just two books Kat, Mouse (Beth) and Doris (Nan) have quickly become one of my most loved groups of detectives.
Kat, Mouse and Doris use their various technical and personal skills (not all of them strictly legal!) to great effect, and there is much warmth and compassion in the very caring relationship between the main characters. This is beautifully conveyed by the author, together with great interjections of humour. There were many times I was chuckling out loud!
With a brilliant plot, complex enough to keep the reader immersed in the pages and maybe a little something unexpected at the end, I highly recommend this series of books which I think everyone will enjoy.
Kat, Mouse and Doris use their various technical and personal skills (not all of them strictly legal!) to great effect, and there is much warmth and compassion in the very caring relationship between the main characters. This is beautifully conveyed by the author, together with great interjections of humour. There were many times I was chuckling out loud!
With a brilliant plot, complex enough to keep the reader immersed in the pages and maybe a little something unexpected at the end, I highly recommend this series of books which I think everyone will enjoy.
February 12, 2019
If you’re looking for a macho private detective who goes around solving murder cases with wild abandon while armed with a cache of secret weapons, you won’t find that character in Murder Unexpected, author Anita Waller’s second book in her popular Kat and Mouse Series.
Instead, her latest story once again focuses on the skills and instincts shared by three women of varying age who in Murder Undeniable – the first book in the series -- formed their own private investigation service. And that’s what makes reading the book such fun for those who were previously introduced to the quirky trio.
Open to taking on all sorts of cases, the wily women find themselves attempting to track down a vicious killer in the English countryside. Soon the dead bodies start piling up, making the situation more complex.
It would be a spoiler to give additional details about the circumstances, but readers should know the story moves quickly, aided by a skeptical English police detective and Waller’s knack for writing dialogue. The author knows how to show through the words and actions of her characters, rather than simply tell a story through narration.
For fans of whodunits, Murder Unexpected is an exceptional treat. The list of suspects continues to grow and will keep readers guessing right up to the end, which is why this book deserves FIVE STARS.
According to Waller, Murder Unexpected will be soon be followed by the third book in the series, tentatively titled Murder Unearthed.
Waller is also the author of the psychological thrillers Beautiful, Angel, 34 Days, Strategy, and Captor.
Instead, her latest story once again focuses on the skills and instincts shared by three women of varying age who in Murder Undeniable – the first book in the series -- formed their own private investigation service. And that’s what makes reading the book such fun for those who were previously introduced to the quirky trio.
Open to taking on all sorts of cases, the wily women find themselves attempting to track down a vicious killer in the English countryside. Soon the dead bodies start piling up, making the situation more complex.
It would be a spoiler to give additional details about the circumstances, but readers should know the story moves quickly, aided by a skeptical English police detective and Waller’s knack for writing dialogue. The author knows how to show through the words and actions of her characters, rather than simply tell a story through narration.
For fans of whodunits, Murder Unexpected is an exceptional treat. The list of suspects continues to grow and will keep readers guessing right up to the end, which is why this book deserves FIVE STARS.
According to Waller, Murder Unexpected will be soon be followed by the third book in the series, tentatively titled Murder Unearthed.
Waller is also the author of the psychological thrillers Beautiful, Angel, 34 Days, Strategy, and Captor.
January 26, 2019
Kat is now heavily pregnant and to be on the safe side she has moved in both Doris and Mouse, not only because of the imminent birth but because it appears that she has had an unwelcome visitor in her home, one she suspects maybe her soon to be ex husband. To find out about him, you need to read the first book in the series- Murder Undeniable (5* from me) for this to make sense. The three women have now opened a detective agency , Connections, and one of their first cases is to find the birth mother of a man who has recently died. His wife is keen to find her as this was one of his wishes. Very soon there is a murder (as you would expect!) and not to do with the case. The local DI is beginning to wonder about Kat, Mouse and Doris as bodies seem to appear around them. When they find another one things change and their case soon becomes one for the police.
Oh I love this trio. The camaraderie is wonderful and oozes through the pages. Yes there are murders, but this is a “cozy” type read. One that keeps you engaged and with a smile. Yet again I didn’t want the book to end. Anita- please please keep writing these- they are truly wonderful and so very different from anything else out there. That special “je ne sais quoi” of talent that Anita has in spades, make that bucketfuls. A really enjoyable, entertaining read.
For more reviews please see my blog http://nickibookblog.blogspot.co.uk/
or follow me on Twitter @nickijmurphy1
Amazon Top 1000 reviewer.
Oh I love this trio. The camaraderie is wonderful and oozes through the pages. Yes there are murders, but this is a “cozy” type read. One that keeps you engaged and with a smile. Yet again I didn’t want the book to end. Anita- please please keep writing these- they are truly wonderful and so very different from anything else out there. That special “je ne sais quoi” of talent that Anita has in spades, make that bucketfuls. A really enjoyable, entertaining read.
For more reviews please see my blog http://nickibookblog.blogspot.co.uk/
or follow me on Twitter @nickijmurphy1
Amazon Top 1000 reviewer.
February 11, 2019
Yet another 5 star review from me for a Anita Waller book, I just absolutely love them and this one is no different.
This is the second instalment in the Kat and Mouse trilogy and it is just as good as the first. In theory it could be read as a stand-alone but I do think you would be missing out on so much if you didn’t read the first, especially as part of the story does continue from the first.
Kat, Mouse and Doris are all set up in their new venture as Private Detectives and are now taking on clients. As well as starting the new business Kat is expecting a baby and due very soon, and her husband Leon is still on the run from the police. It seems as though Leon is back in the village but what or who is he after and will he be found before it’s too late ?
The all women trio is also investigating for a Widow who is trying to find her late husband’s Mother but is all as it seems. Kat & Mouse think there is more going on than they are being told but will they find out the truth ?
This is a fantastic book and I absolutely loved the characters, especially Kat, Mouse and Doris. A true murder mystery that will keep you hooked right from the first page. If you haven’t read and of Anita’s books before you are truely missing out and you won’t be disappointed if you start with the Kat and Mouse series.
Let’s hope it’s not too long before the next instalment of Kat, Mouse and Doris ..... I can’t wait !!
This is the second instalment in the Kat and Mouse trilogy and it is just as good as the first. In theory it could be read as a stand-alone but I do think you would be missing out on so much if you didn’t read the first, especially as part of the story does continue from the first.
Kat, Mouse and Doris are all set up in their new venture as Private Detectives and are now taking on clients. As well as starting the new business Kat is expecting a baby and due very soon, and her husband Leon is still on the run from the police. It seems as though Leon is back in the village but what or who is he after and will he be found before it’s too late ?
The all women trio is also investigating for a Widow who is trying to find her late husband’s Mother but is all as it seems. Kat & Mouse think there is more going on than they are being told but will they find out the truth ?
This is a fantastic book and I absolutely loved the characters, especially Kat, Mouse and Doris. A true murder mystery that will keep you hooked right from the first page. If you haven’t read and of Anita’s books before you are truely missing out and you won’t be disappointed if you start with the Kat and Mouse series.
Let’s hope it’s not too long before the next instalment of Kat, Mouse and Doris ..... I can’t wait !!
February 14, 2019
Kat and Mouse are back! I enjoyed Murder Undeniable, the first book in this series and so I was looking forward to reading book two, Murder Unexpected.
If you haven’t read book one then I suggest that you do, some series can be read out of order without missing out on much but I think that this one would be quite confusing if you hadn’t read book one. Luckily for you, both books are easy to read and enjoyable so you won’t regret it.
Murder Unexpected picks up a few months after the end of book one, life has calmed down since the dramas of book one and the private investigator business is up and thriving.
Of course, things aren’t calm for long and soon Kat and Mouse are looking into a case that seems quite simple but proves to be anything but. Have they got themselves in too deep?
I loved that we got to read more about the police officer that had helped Kat in book one, she seems like a good egg, and not as incompetent as book one made her look!
I love the main three characters in the book and Waller takes the reader right back into their lives as though they are friends that we are catching up with. I really do love Anita Waller’s writing, her books are easy to read, fun and full of twists to keep you guessing and desperate to read on. Bring on book three!
If you haven’t read book one then I suggest that you do, some series can be read out of order without missing out on much but I think that this one would be quite confusing if you hadn’t read book one. Luckily for you, both books are easy to read and enjoyable so you won’t regret it.
Murder Unexpected picks up a few months after the end of book one, life has calmed down since the dramas of book one and the private investigator business is up and thriving.
Of course, things aren’t calm for long and soon Kat and Mouse are looking into a case that seems quite simple but proves to be anything but. Have they got themselves in too deep?
I loved that we got to read more about the police officer that had helped Kat in book one, she seems like a good egg, and not as incompetent as book one made her look!
I love the main three characters in the book and Waller takes the reader right back into their lives as though they are friends that we are catching up with. I really do love Anita Waller’s writing, her books are easy to read, fun and full of twists to keep you guessing and desperate to read on. Bring on book three!
October 8, 2020
Anita Waller offers us a very good second entry in her Kat and Mouse murder mystery series. Murder Unexpected brings us both a new investigation for of the now-certified private investigator trio of Kat, Mouse and Doris, and it also offers new developments in the storyline of the previous book.
I thought the flow smooth right from the beginning (whereas I had a bit of an issue with the first few chapters of the first book), the pace fast, and the characters even more likeable the more you read. The author does a credible job of developing the characters and making them all contribute in their own way to the investigation.
One element I found quite interesting is that, unlike in most books of the genre and as unlikely as it may seem, this PI team is not being alienated by local law enforcement, but rather embraced by the lead DI and consulted for their abilities, knowledge and even their impressions about the case(s). You can definitely feel the rapport developing between the four characters, not only on a professional level, but on a personal one as well.
I'm diving right into the third book in the series.
I thought the flow smooth right from the beginning (whereas I had a bit of an issue with the first few chapters of the first book), the pace fast, and the characters even more likeable the more you read. The author does a credible job of developing the characters and making them all contribute in their own way to the investigation.
One element I found quite interesting is that, unlike in most books of the genre and as unlikely as it may seem, this PI team is not being alienated by local law enforcement, but rather embraced by the lead DI and consulted for their abilities, knowledge and even their impressions about the case(s). You can definitely feel the rapport developing between the four characters, not only on a professional level, but on a personal one as well.
I'm diving right into the third book in the series.
January 29, 2019
Oh! It's good to be back with Kat, Mouse and Doris.
Murder Unexpected is the second book in the series, and I would highly recommend reading the books in order.
The story picks up a few months later after book 1 and dives straight into action. The ladies are being kept busy in two aspects - Kat's criminal and on-the-run husband Leon, and their new client, a widow looking for her late husband's birth mother. What I loved about this book was that every chapter was keeping me at the edge of the seat. There's no dull moment in the book and throughout the book I was worried about Kat and her baby. I was so worried that Leon will catch up with them and even when his problem was solved, I didn't feel at ease. While with the case at hand, I am quite happy how it turned out to be, which was totally unexpected! I felt something was amiss when the ladies and their case got to its conclusion, and lo and behold, came the epilogue proving me right.
Though this book is a crime fiction, there is a sense of ease underlying. This book will make you curl up with a warm blanket and a hot drink, and not leave until you've finished the book. Murder Unexpected has left me wholly satisfied and eager to read the next book.
For more review please visit www.rubinareads.com
Murder Unexpected is the second book in the series, and I would highly recommend reading the books in order.
The story picks up a few months later after book 1 and dives straight into action. The ladies are being kept busy in two aspects - Kat's criminal and on-the-run husband Leon, and their new client, a widow looking for her late husband's birth mother. What I loved about this book was that every chapter was keeping me at the edge of the seat. There's no dull moment in the book and throughout the book I was worried about Kat and her baby. I was so worried that Leon will catch up with them and even when his problem was solved, I didn't feel at ease. While with the case at hand, I am quite happy how it turned out to be, which was totally unexpected! I felt something was amiss when the ladies and their case got to its conclusion, and lo and behold, came the epilogue proving me right.
Though this book is a crime fiction, there is a sense of ease underlying. This book will make you curl up with a warm blanket and a hot drink, and not leave until you've finished the book. Murder Unexpected has left me wholly satisfied and eager to read the next book.
For more review please visit www.rubinareads.com
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