King's Cat: Toby's Tale Book 5

Toby's Tale #5

by Virginia Ripple

A new promotion leads one partner to a false arrest--for murder.

Toby and Lorn are newly promoted King’s Elite Force agents who are tasked by Grand Master Mage Pahdrigeen Ickabode with investigating if the Interim Grand Master Mage was misusing his position. Blocked by internal politics, Toby and Lorn find they are getting nowhere when Toby is summoned to Director Leela Mori's macabre lab where she tries to enlist his aid in identifying why a fellow kingsman was murdered. Despite knowing it could cost their careers in the KEF, the duo agrees a murder is too important to ignore, especially one involving a fellow kingsman, and decide to pursue the cases separately. Suddenly Toby and Lorn discover their separate cases may be related--and too hot to handle. When planted evidence gets Toby is arrested for the kingsman’s murder, Lorn is forced to find the real killer before his partner is executed for a crime he didn’t commit.

333 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 12, 2021

Reviews

[Lana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Toby and his partner Lorn are investigating the death of a criminal which was treated as a suicide but which they thought was more of a murder. They end up getting deeper and deeper into a real mess, where even those in charge could not be trusted. Someone very powerful was pulling the strings and orchestrating the use of a hallucinogenic drug to make people do things against their will, stealing plans and artifacts designed by artificers and even killing off a Kingsman. During their search for evidence Lorn and Toby come to the attention of the criminals and Toby is accused of the murder. He is imprisoned and set for trial. Poor Toby has his magic powers cut off and can feel everyone’s hatred and fear of him, comparing him to the evil villain K’dash Shyam, the same malkin who had killed Toby’s mother, and who Toby had brought to justice. From heroes Toby and Lorn are turned into villains. Can things get any worse? Thank goodness they still have friends who believe in them and their honesty and who do all they can to help Toby in this tale full of suspense and action. The ending is quite a cliff hanger and it seems the war is just starting! I cannot wait to read the next book about poor Toby who really does not deserve all that is happening to him.

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have enjoyed all of the Malkins & Mages books from the beginning. I love the alternative world building where gifted cats and magic-endowed humans partner together to enhance their abilities and serve their communities. Of course, there are always some bad actors in the bunch but that is what makes the stories so intriguing. I also enjoy the faith-based writing that acknowledges a greater power but is not limited to one faith. King's Cat has action, adventure and intrigue as well as some lighter moments (love the dragon!). The story builds to an exciting climax, but be warned... there is a cliffhanger ending. I can't wait for the next installment!

[Susi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed the new installment of the Malkins & Mages book.
As usual Toby and Lorn a drawn into a web of deceit and conspiracies. Our heroes need some help to get out of trouble.
I love the way that cats magic works and it brings a smile to my lips reading the spells.
Over the books we have met other Malkin and human teams and I wished we get a few books about their adventures as well. So many wonderful characters.

[Jadelynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fun and magical read! I was very excited to see that she came out with the next book and quickly devoured it. The only thing I would say I didn’t like about this series is that the investigative skills of the characters are kind of lacking, but then again I’m not reading it for that. I’m reading this series for the lovable magical, talking cats and I love all the characters.
Sad to see how big of a cliff hanger I was left with, all well, just have to wait for the next one.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Toby and Lorn once again are investigating a murder. Absolutely a delight to read. Fast paced and lots of suspense.