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Magical Cats Mystery #14
Whiskers and Lies
Librarian Kathleen Paulson is always willing to help a friend, but to save one from a wrongful arrest, she’ll need magical backup from her affectionate cats in the newest installment of this New York Times bestselling series.
Baker Georgia Tepper has been hired to provide delicious and spooky cupcakes for the Reading Buddies Halloween Party at the library, and she and Kathleen are meeting to finalize the menu of festive confections. Unfortunately, once Georgia’s former mother-in-law ambushes her at the library and threatens Georgia with legal action, the afternoon of fun is soured.
When Georgia’s litigious in-law is later found dead and the friendly baker is implicated, Kathleen is eager to help prove her innocence. Luckily, Kathleen and her intrepid magical cats, Hercules and Owen, have solved their fair share of mysteries. As a result, she knows that in life as well as crime solving, it is all relative, but with hard work, she can make sure the right criminal is booked.
Baker Georgia Tepper has been hired to provide delicious and spooky cupcakes for the Reading Buddies Halloween Party at the library, and she and Kathleen are meeting to finalize the menu of festive confections. Unfortunately, once Georgia’s former mother-in-law ambushes her at the library and threatens Georgia with legal action, the afternoon of fun is soured.
When Georgia’s litigious in-law is later found dead and the friendly baker is implicated, Kathleen is eager to help prove her innocence. Luckily, Kathleen and her intrepid magical cats, Hercules and Owen, have solved their fair share of mysteries. As a result, she knows that in life as well as crime solving, it is all relative, but with hard work, she can make sure the right criminal is booked.
304 pages, Hardcover
First published September 13, 2022
115 people are currently reading
789 people want to read
About the author
Sofie Kelly
17 books1,114 followersSofie Kelly is the pseudonym of young adult writer and mixed-media artist, Darlene Ryan. Sofie/Darlene lives on the east coast with her husband and daughter. In her spare time she practices Wu style tai chi and likes to prowl around thrift stores. And she admits to having a small crush on Matt Lauer.
She also writes as Sofie Ryan.
She also writes as Sofie Ryan.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 172 reviews
October 28, 2022
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Librarian Kathleen Paulsen is finalizing plans for the Reading Buddies Halloween Party with baker Georgia Tepper who bakes the most amazing cupcakes. Their meeting is broken up when Georgia’s former mother-in-law barges in threatening legal action against Georgia. The pair have a rocky and emotional past. When Georgia’s husband Scott was killed in a car accident his parents Margery and Hugh decided Georgia was unfit to raise her daughter Emmy and tried to get full custody. They even tried to steal the child. To protect her daughter Georgia took her daughter on the run and tried to disappear. That brought them to Mayville Heights where they made good friends and lives.
But now Margery and Hugh have found them and are demanding visitation and custody of Emmy. They feel they have the money that her mother never will and are determined to take the girl away. Later that night Margery’s body is found behind the library and a key piece of evidence implicates Georgia. Kathleen immediately decides to prove her friend had nothing to do with her ex-mother-in-law’s death. She with the assistance of her magical cats Owen and Hercules are quickly on the case to be sure the right person is tagged for the murder and ends up behind bars.
I really enjoy escaping to Mayville Heights to catch up with Kathleen, Marcus, Owen. and Hercules and all the other residents of this interesting Minnesota town. They have been through a lot over the years. Ms. Kelly has created wonderful and genuine characters that continue to grow in each story. Owen and Hercules always steal my heart with their mischievous and “helpful” ways.
In this installment, we meet Georgia, Emmy, Margery, and Hugh. Two are delightful and the other two are evil. They all are excellently crafted and invoked a variety of emotions for me. When people believe they are above the law and that money can get them anything they want including a child it makes me so angry. There was a twist that gave me pause for a minute but I pushed that feeling away pretty fast.
The mystery was well-written with several twists and a plot that was sadly believable. I was happy to see that the mystery that has run over the last few books was concluded and opened a new door for a very special character and that character had a really important clue to help solve who murdered Margery. When all the clues fell into place I was taken completely by surprise by an extra unexpected step. A very special kitty also plays a key role at the reveal which always wins praise from me. “Mrrr”
Whiskers and Lies was a very captivating cozy that I found hard to put down. While the cats are magical Ms. Kelly’s imagination is magnificent. She comes up with such marvelous ideas and brings them out in her books for all of us to enjoy. I look forward to each one. The ending teases some wonderful things set to happen in the next book that I am excited about. So until next year . . .
Librarian Kathleen Paulsen is finalizing plans for the Reading Buddies Halloween Party with baker Georgia Tepper who bakes the most amazing cupcakes. Their meeting is broken up when Georgia’s former mother-in-law barges in threatening legal action against Georgia. The pair have a rocky and emotional past. When Georgia’s husband Scott was killed in a car accident his parents Margery and Hugh decided Georgia was unfit to raise her daughter Emmy and tried to get full custody. They even tried to steal the child. To protect her daughter Georgia took her daughter on the run and tried to disappear. That brought them to Mayville Heights where they made good friends and lives.
But now Margery and Hugh have found them and are demanding visitation and custody of Emmy. They feel they have the money that her mother never will and are determined to take the girl away. Later that night Margery’s body is found behind the library and a key piece of evidence implicates Georgia. Kathleen immediately decides to prove her friend had nothing to do with her ex-mother-in-law’s death. She with the assistance of her magical cats Owen and Hercules are quickly on the case to be sure the right person is tagged for the murder and ends up behind bars.
I really enjoy escaping to Mayville Heights to catch up with Kathleen, Marcus, Owen. and Hercules and all the other residents of this interesting Minnesota town. They have been through a lot over the years. Ms. Kelly has created wonderful and genuine characters that continue to grow in each story. Owen and Hercules always steal my heart with their mischievous and “helpful” ways.
In this installment, we meet Georgia, Emmy, Margery, and Hugh. Two are delightful and the other two are evil. They all are excellently crafted and invoked a variety of emotions for me. When people believe they are above the law and that money can get them anything they want including a child it makes me so angry. There was a twist that gave me pause for a minute but I pushed that feeling away pretty fast.
The mystery was well-written with several twists and a plot that was sadly believable. I was happy to see that the mystery that has run over the last few books was concluded and opened a new door for a very special character and that character had a really important clue to help solve who murdered Margery. When all the clues fell into place I was taken completely by surprise by an extra unexpected step. A very special kitty also plays a key role at the reveal which always wins praise from me. “Mrrr”
Whiskers and Lies was a very captivating cozy that I found hard to put down. While the cats are magical Ms. Kelly’s imagination is magnificent. She comes up with such marvelous ideas and brings them out in her books for all of us to enjoy. I look forward to each one. The ending teases some wonderful things set to happen in the next book that I am excited about. So until next year . . .
May 17, 2022
Kathleen, a small town librarian, has two formerly feral cats who have some unique qualities that have helped her solve mysteries. Her friend Georgia, who is baking the treats for the library Halloween party, is suspected of murdering her ex mother in law, who has been trying to get custody of Georgia's daughter. Can Kathleen, with the help of Owen and Hercules, help to clear Georgia's name? I'd recommend this enjoyable cozy mystery with likable characters and enough plot twists to keep me guessing to cat lovers and cozy mystery fans. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to review this advance copy.
October 13, 2024
A fun addition to this cozy mystery series with librarian Kathleen and her magical cats Hercules and Owen!
Kathleen is preparing for the library’s Reading Buddies Halloween Party, and meeting with local baker Georgia to discuss the cupcakes. Georgia’s dead husband’s parents walk in and let her know they are seeking visitation rights with their granddaughter. This is after they tried kidnapping her years earlier, sending Georgia on the run with her daughter. When her ex-mother-in-law is later discovered dead, Georgia is arrested for her murder.
Kathleen and boyfriend Marcus, who is police chief, have learned not to let his work come between them. But friends are desperate for clues to help Georgia and ask Kathleen to see what she can find out. Fun with cats, good food, and familiar friends surround Kathleen as she seeks to help her friend. A surprising suspect and sweet ending round out this installment.
I’ve enjoyed this series, but this one was one of my favorites. I hate that I’m nearing the end of this fun & cozy series.
Kathleen is preparing for the library’s Reading Buddies Halloween Party, and meeting with local baker Georgia to discuss the cupcakes. Georgia’s dead husband’s parents walk in and let her know they are seeking visitation rights with their granddaughter. This is after they tried kidnapping her years earlier, sending Georgia on the run with her daughter. When her ex-mother-in-law is later discovered dead, Georgia is arrested for her murder.
Kathleen and boyfriend Marcus, who is police chief, have learned not to let his work come between them. But friends are desperate for clues to help Georgia and ask Kathleen to see what she can find out. Fun with cats, good food, and familiar friends surround Kathleen as she seeks to help her friend. A surprising suspect and sweet ending round out this installment.
I’ve enjoyed this series, but this one was one of my favorites. I hate that I’m nearing the end of this fun & cozy series.
September 9, 2022
Another fun installment in this uber cozy series. I love the library as the main setting and seeing all the Halloween decor described (Especially the halloween themed cookies). This book really gives you that late October feeling. As always, Hercules and Owens are my absolute favorite and steal the show for me, though I do love Marcus , Kathleen and all their friends. This story was a bit tough with Georgia's past coming to haunt her and her desperation to protect her daughter, and I felt for her immensely. There were also some tough themes of bad (if not outright abusive) parenting that made me want to just gather up the characters and squeeze them. I love the prankster storyline and kind of hope it continues in the future. The mystery had me stumped and then very shocked in the end. The ending gave me ALL THE FEELS and now I'm dying for the next one.
Thanks to the publisher for a digital ARC.
Thanks to the publisher for a digital ARC.
October 15, 2023
There's a pumpkin on the cover, so of course I had to read this in October. And it was fine, because ultimately all of these are just comfort reads now.
I didn't like the plot or the murder at the centre at all, though, and I was quite bored throughout. What saved it and turned it into a 3 star rating was the ending, which I loved.
Though, honestly, the number of times Marcus doesn't pick up his phone when he really should be picking up his phone is getting beyond ridiculous now.
I didn't like the plot or the murder at the centre at all, though, and I was quite bored throughout. What saved it and turned it into a 3 star rating was the ending, which I loved.
Though, honestly, the number of times Marcus doesn't pick up his phone when he really should be picking up his phone is getting beyond ridiculous now.
November 24, 2022
Strong addition to a fun and captivating series with intriguing and well-developed characters with enough twists in the mystery to keep you turning the pages. Rounding up from 4 and a half stars.
September 14, 2022
I loved it! This is one of my favorite series with cats, libraries, funky chickens, and I am looking forward to many more visits with Kathleen, Owen, Hercules, and the delightful people of Mayville Heights! The author has a perfect mix of characters and felines that result in the kind of company I like to keep. Kathleen is the kind of friend and neighbor I would like to be and to have, as are her closest friends. Several are active in caring for a feral cat colony, and all are active in caring for community members in need. The mystery is a challenge, especially when there are no suspects other than the one being framed.
Imagine bringing home two adorable kittens and finding out that one can walk through solid objects while the other can simply disappear. Hercules can get into any building or vehicle without the trouble of opening the door, while Owen can disappear at will and reappear whenever he chooses. Kathleen had made peace with it long ago but didn’t tell anyone until. . . Her long-time boyfriend Marcus’s new cat, Micah, is like Owen in that she can disappear and reappear, any time, any place. He’s still studying physics books about that. . . Marcus’s father actually saved Kathleen’s life once by following a distraught Hercules through the woods to where she had been trapped by the bad guy.
This time, dear friend Georgia, an excellent baker, is being framed for murder, and doesn’t want to lose her daughter, Emmy. After her husband, Scott, died in an auto accident, his parents, Margery and Hugh, wanted custody of her daughter. They even tried to steal the little girl. Georgia and Emmy went on the run and settled in Mayville Heights a few years ago and found the very best kind of friends. Their name change should have protected them, but folks with money usually seem to find whoever they want.
Hugh and Margery arrived in town, determined to get visitation with Emmy. They still want custody of Emmy as they never did like Georgia. They think their money can buy her a better childhood than a hard-working, loving mother. Late that night, Margery is found dead, with evidence pointing toward Georgia as her killer. Her friends know she couldn’t have done it, but the police need something to refute their findings, especially with a wealthy widower who wants emergency custody of Emmy.
Kathleen has helped police solve several murders in Mayville Heights, and she doesn’t intend to get involved any more. Her boyfriend, Marcus, is a detective, and he doesn’t want Kathleen to risk her life again. While she knows she is much safer at the library where she is in charge, she doesn’t want Georgia to go to prison. She decided to simply ask a few questions from people she trusts. . . until there are no leads left and all possible suspects were eliminated. This mystery had me flipping pages as fast as possible to find out what really happened, even as I considered the highly improbably solution. The resolution was as sad as it was stunning. There are some excellent things that concluded the overall novel. I highly recommend this novel and series to those who love their cozy mysteries to include libraries, cats, a little romance, a lot of humor, and a slight paranormal twist.
Imagine bringing home two adorable kittens and finding out that one can walk through solid objects while the other can simply disappear. Hercules can get into any building or vehicle without the trouble of opening the door, while Owen can disappear at will and reappear whenever he chooses. Kathleen had made peace with it long ago but didn’t tell anyone until. . . Her long-time boyfriend Marcus’s new cat, Micah, is like Owen in that she can disappear and reappear, any time, any place. He’s still studying physics books about that. . . Marcus’s father actually saved Kathleen’s life once by following a distraught Hercules through the woods to where she had been trapped by the bad guy.
This time, dear friend Georgia, an excellent baker, is being framed for murder, and doesn’t want to lose her daughter, Emmy. After her husband, Scott, died in an auto accident, his parents, Margery and Hugh, wanted custody of her daughter. They even tried to steal the little girl. Georgia and Emmy went on the run and settled in Mayville Heights a few years ago and found the very best kind of friends. Their name change should have protected them, but folks with money usually seem to find whoever they want.
Hugh and Margery arrived in town, determined to get visitation with Emmy. They still want custody of Emmy as they never did like Georgia. They think their money can buy her a better childhood than a hard-working, loving mother. Late that night, Margery is found dead, with evidence pointing toward Georgia as her killer. Her friends know she couldn’t have done it, but the police need something to refute their findings, especially with a wealthy widower who wants emergency custody of Emmy.
Kathleen has helped police solve several murders in Mayville Heights, and she doesn’t intend to get involved any more. Her boyfriend, Marcus, is a detective, and he doesn’t want Kathleen to risk her life again. While she knows she is much safer at the library where she is in charge, she doesn’t want Georgia to go to prison. She decided to simply ask a few questions from people she trusts. . . until there are no leads left and all possible suspects were eliminated. This mystery had me flipping pages as fast as possible to find out what really happened, even as I considered the highly improbably solution. The resolution was as sad as it was stunning. There are some excellent things that concluded the overall novel. I highly recommend this novel and series to those who love their cozy mysteries to include libraries, cats, a little romance, a lot of humor, and a slight paranormal twist.
December 18, 2025
GOOD ENDING AND I STILL LOVE OWEN & HERCULES, BUT IF NOT FOR THEM I PROBABLY WOULD HAVE DNF'D BY NOW.
SERIES PREMISE: In this series we follow Kathleen Paulson, a librarian - and her two cats Owen & Hercules in Mayville Heights, Minnesota.
In this Book: Kathleen's friend Georgia is making cupcakes for a reading group and so the pair meet up at the library when an older couple walks in. Turns out Margery & Hugh Wyler Georgia's former parents-in-law. Margery convinced for some reason that Georgia's name is 'Paige' is only the beginning as both in-laws are there to threaten legal action to see their Grandaughter. But when Margery is found dead, Georgia (not "Paige") is the number on suspect.
THOUGHTS: Honestly this series as a whole is a really good one, but I just think it's now at the point where there's not much else we can do. I will finish the next 2 books to get up to date but honestly it's definately tapered off from what it once was. Owen & Hercules are still my favourite characters and the ending was a much needed suprise (not the reveal, the actual final paragraph) but I've been let down with cliffhangers in this series before so we'll see.
3 Stars
xoxo.
SERIES PREMISE: In this series we follow Kathleen Paulson, a librarian - and her two cats Owen & Hercules in Mayville Heights, Minnesota.
In this Book: Kathleen's friend Georgia is making cupcakes for a reading group and so the pair meet up at the library when an older couple walks in. Turns out Margery & Hugh Wyler Georgia's former parents-in-law. Margery convinced for some reason that Georgia's name is 'Paige' is only the beginning as both in-laws are there to threaten legal action to see their Grandaughter. But when Margery is found dead, Georgia (not "Paige") is the number on suspect.
THOUGHTS: Honestly this series as a whole is a really good one, but I just think it's now at the point where there's not much else we can do. I will finish the next 2 books to get up to date but honestly it's definately tapered off from what it once was. Owen & Hercules are still my favourite characters and the ending was a much needed suprise (not the reveal, the actual final paragraph) but I've been let down with cliffhangers in this series before so we'll see.
3 Stars
xoxo.
September 23, 2023
This was an unusual read. Light-hearted, easy, with a cast that included a cat that could walk through walls and a couple that could become invisible. The main mystery itself was unique, and there were a couple of smaller mysteries scattered in the plot. Cozy mystery, sure to warm hearts.
October 13, 2024
Di questa serie adoro i protagonisti e personaggi collaterali, ma in particolare i gatti: Hercules, Owen e ora anche Micah. Per quanto riguarda questo libro, avevo sospettato ben presto cosa ci fosse dietro l'omicidio, ma non avevo proprio capire chi fosse a fare gli scherzi davanti alla libreria (questa era una storia che andava avanti da qualche libro). Il finale del libro è perfetto, dico solo questo.
April 29, 2024
4.5 stars rounded up to 5.
November 16, 2022
The best one yet!!!!!
September 28, 2022
This book seemed a bit more subdued than the usual stories in this series. I had a hard time dealing with the subject matter. I live near the area where 8 family members were murdered execution style over a custody dispute. I've been watching the trial on Court TV. Bad timing.
I was glad to see Marcus's father make another appearance. I really like Elly Mae and Burtis together.
I was glad to see Marcus's father make another appearance. I really like Elly Mae and Burtis together.
April 7, 2023
Excellent entry in an excellent series. Even though I figured out who had to have done it fairly early, A Magical Cats book is always about more than the mystery. These are characters I like and enjoy spending time with, who have quotable quips, and and strong relationships. This isn't a book to start the series with, though, or you will have missed some wonderful character building. You don't have to start at the beginning, but I would suggest a book or two back.
(An amused aside: I think Kelly has learned her lesson about bringing in names of celebrities in her books. Some don't weather well. This is apropos of nothing in this book, but refers to others in both this series and the Second Chance Cat series. There's another book by an author I adore and I loved the book but there was a passing reference to Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie as couples goals... and just a few months later they split. What made it worse was this book was set a few years in the future. But I did notice in this book there were no references, and I don't think there have been in the past few books in either series. Anyway, mentioning contemporary celebs isn't a bad thing, but when I read a book with such references, I wonder how well these things will wear. Will someone reading the book twenty years from now get it? Or does the author even expect her books will be read then? Idle observations from an idle mind.....)
(An amused aside: I think Kelly has learned her lesson about bringing in names of celebrities in her books. Some don't weather well. This is apropos of nothing in this book, but refers to others in both this series and the Second Chance Cat series. There's another book by an author I adore and I loved the book but there was a passing reference to Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie as couples goals... and just a few months later they split. What made it worse was this book was set a few years in the future. But I did notice in this book there were no references, and I don't think there have been in the past few books in either series. Anyway, mentioning contemporary celebs isn't a bad thing, but when I read a book with such references, I wonder how well these things will wear. Will someone reading the book twenty years from now get it? Or does the author even expect her books will be read then? Idle observations from an idle mind.....)
September 18, 2022
I forget everytime I am away from Mayville Heights, how much I love the character of Kathleen Paulson. She is such a regular, though very intelligent and warm hearted, person. She has made the town her home, the library her expended family and her friends her heart. With the help of her furry sidekicks, Hercules and Owen, you know she's going to be in the middle of whatever the town has happening. Right now that is a Halloween party for all the library's Reading Buddies, unfortunately as well as all the decorations and cupcakes, there is also murder!
With a lot of twists and turns and some interesting surprises along the way, this is one of my favorite Magical Cats mysteries to date!
With a lot of twists and turns and some interesting surprises along the way, this is one of my favorite Magical Cats mysteries to date!
January 18, 2023
Kathleen has several things going on with this book. She has a secret prankster putting items in the Gazebo at night and has not been caught, Georgia who is a great baker is busy with decorating cupcakes for Halloween when some unexpected people show up at the Library and almost pounce on Georgia and they want their granddaughter (her daughter). One of them ends up dead near the library. Everyone is on Georgia's side because they know she would not do that. So Kathleen along with her cat's have several things to solve. Also, we get to meet Marcus father who is so much like him. I love the ending but do not want to give it away.
October 19, 2023
Cats are already magical! I guess didn’t need them to be literally magical.
This is only my second cozy mystery and I’m beginning to wonder… is it always the case that the leading character is the most beloved, popular person in town?
Rated 2 stars as it was readable, but I missed having a better sense of place, as I had in the first cozy mystery I read. Also because I didn’t really like any of the characters or find myself rooting for things to turn out one way or another, and the clues are so subtle that the author isn’t really letting the reader feel like they’re onto something before the leading character notices the same connection.
This is only my second cozy mystery and I’m beginning to wonder… is it always the case that the leading character is the most beloved, popular person in town?
Rated 2 stars as it was readable, but I missed having a better sense of place, as I had in the first cozy mystery I read. Also because I didn’t really like any of the characters or find myself rooting for things to turn out one way or another, and the clues are so subtle that the author isn’t really letting the reader feel like they’re onto something before the leading character notices the same connection.
September 22, 2022
Another satisfying mystery in this series. The town is so welcoming and the characters feel like friends. The mystery was interesting and, though I figured out the culprit early on, I didn't figure out the how so it was still fun to watch the solution unravel. Can't wait to see what happens next.
October 25, 2022
Baker Georgia has been running from her in laws ever since they tried to abduct the child she had with her dead husband. Now they've found her again, but she is refusing to run this time.
Shortly, the mother in law is dead, and Georgia is naturally the prime suspect. Our sleuths go to work.
Not bad, but lacks the punch of the last book of the series, a high water mark.
Shortly, the mother in law is dead, and Georgia is naturally the prime suspect. Our sleuths go to work.
Not bad, but lacks the punch of the last book of the series, a high water mark.
September 23, 2022
The only complaint I have about this series is that there aren't anymore books!
November 3, 2022
One of my favorite cozy authors, and she never disappoints.
December 15, 2022
Always good to catch up with my favorite kitties!
The book was pretty good this time, too.
The book was pretty good this time, too.
August 30, 2023
This was a really fun and cute book. I could definitely see myself checking out others in the future from this series.
July 22, 2025
All I gotta say is FINALLY! Such a sweet gesture by Elliot.
January 19, 2024
Another solid offering by Kelly.
I'm glad to see the series moving forward.
I'm glad to see the series moving forward.
January 10, 2025
Predictable but always a pleasure. A simple read with some laughs along the way. One of my favorite cozy mystery authors.
June 25, 2025
When Georgia's ex-in-laws try to make her life miserable the tables turned quickly with Kathleen's smart thinking, and a bit of help from Hercules!
September 20, 2022
https://openbooksociety.com/article/w...
Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Jeanie
This is one of my favorite series, so I always look forward to the new mysteries, and this one is even better than the prior ones. It has a rich blend of humor, loyal and loving friendships, engaging characters, some of my favorite fictional felines, and a challenging murder and ongoing mystery. Kathleen, her friends, and coworkers at the library in Mayville Heights are my kind of people. You can’t go wrong with folks who love cats and books!
Kathleen, the library director, is from the east coast, the only one in her family to not be in the performing arts. She and her boyfriend Marcus, a police detective, are planning a holiday trip to Boston to visit them.
Kathleen and her friends have been preparing a special Halloween party at the library for the children’s Reading Buddies program. Georgia, a talented baker, has brought samples of the cupcakes she is making for the event. While she is talking with her boyfriend, Larry, and Kathleen, Georgia’s former in-laws came in to see her. Hugh and Mary are the parents of Scott, her late husband. They blamed her for Scott’s death several years ago and had tried to kidnap her daughter. Georgia disappeared with her daughter and legally changed their names. She and Emmy have a good life now, one in which they have a community of friends who are like family. Scott’s parents are threatening litigation to, at minimum, get regular visitation with Emmy if not outright take her away.
After the older couple left, Larry picked up Emmy at school, then they went to see Georgia’s attorney. One of her biggest fears has been realized in that Scott’s parents found her. She must protect Emmy at all costs.
That night, Kathleen and Marcus are walking to where they were parked when they noticed that the local practical joker has struck again. The gazebo outside the library has been the staging area for elaborate, yet harmless, schemes. No damage has ever been done, except for the time and effort required to remove the materials. One past joke was a portable swimming pool filled with Jell-O. Tonight’s is perfect for Halloween, a large, headless centaur that will require a couple people to remove.
While looking to see if a culprit was nearby, Kathleen looked down the nearby riverbank and saw what looked like a body lying at the rocky shoreline. Marcus called it into the station, then climbed down behind her. It was Margery, Georgia’s former mother-in-law. The couple desperately attempted CPR until paramedics took over, but it was too late. It looked as though she had fallen, or been pushed, down the embankment and hit her head on the rocks. In her hand was a scarf that looked like one of Georgia’s.
Kathleen is a well-liked member of the community. She is also one of the staff members people go to at the library when looking for anything from a special recipe to a rare publication related to local history. As such, it is easy for her to ask questions and get answers more easily than the police in the murders she has helped solve before. Kathleen and her friends are defined very well and continue to grow throughout the series. We get to know the hobbies and hang outs of these three-dimensional characters, including those near to my heart who care for the feral cat colony.
Kathleen’s cats, Hercules and Owen, and Marcus’s cat Micah come to life through the cat-loving heart of the author. Their pets are unique due to the location where they had come from and the special traits they have. Kathleen had not told Marcus about the traits until his cat, Micah, like Owen, began to disappear and reappear at their feline whim. Hercules can walk through solid things – there is no house or vehicle that can keep him in or out.
Marcus would prefer that Kathleen not get involved in yet another murder case, as he has almost lost her more than once to a killer. She has to at least see what she can learn from others, however, when Georgia is arrested, then Hugh tries to get emergency custody of her daughter. This intriguing tale led me through unbelievable plot twists to an incredibly startling resolution. I was satisfied with the ending in every way, and I can’t wait to see what happens next! I highly recommend this novel and series!
Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Jeanie
This is one of my favorite series, so I always look forward to the new mysteries, and this one is even better than the prior ones. It has a rich blend of humor, loyal and loving friendships, engaging characters, some of my favorite fictional felines, and a challenging murder and ongoing mystery. Kathleen, her friends, and coworkers at the library in Mayville Heights are my kind of people. You can’t go wrong with folks who love cats and books!
Kathleen, the library director, is from the east coast, the only one in her family to not be in the performing arts. She and her boyfriend Marcus, a police detective, are planning a holiday trip to Boston to visit them.
Kathleen and her friends have been preparing a special Halloween party at the library for the children’s Reading Buddies program. Georgia, a talented baker, has brought samples of the cupcakes she is making for the event. While she is talking with her boyfriend, Larry, and Kathleen, Georgia’s former in-laws came in to see her. Hugh and Mary are the parents of Scott, her late husband. They blamed her for Scott’s death several years ago and had tried to kidnap her daughter. Georgia disappeared with her daughter and legally changed their names. She and Emmy have a good life now, one in which they have a community of friends who are like family. Scott’s parents are threatening litigation to, at minimum, get regular visitation with Emmy if not outright take her away.
After the older couple left, Larry picked up Emmy at school, then they went to see Georgia’s attorney. One of her biggest fears has been realized in that Scott’s parents found her. She must protect Emmy at all costs.
That night, Kathleen and Marcus are walking to where they were parked when they noticed that the local practical joker has struck again. The gazebo outside the library has been the staging area for elaborate, yet harmless, schemes. No damage has ever been done, except for the time and effort required to remove the materials. One past joke was a portable swimming pool filled with Jell-O. Tonight’s is perfect for Halloween, a large, headless centaur that will require a couple people to remove.
While looking to see if a culprit was nearby, Kathleen looked down the nearby riverbank and saw what looked like a body lying at the rocky shoreline. Marcus called it into the station, then climbed down behind her. It was Margery, Georgia’s former mother-in-law. The couple desperately attempted CPR until paramedics took over, but it was too late. It looked as though she had fallen, or been pushed, down the embankment and hit her head on the rocks. In her hand was a scarf that looked like one of Georgia’s.
Kathleen is a well-liked member of the community. She is also one of the staff members people go to at the library when looking for anything from a special recipe to a rare publication related to local history. As such, it is easy for her to ask questions and get answers more easily than the police in the murders she has helped solve before. Kathleen and her friends are defined very well and continue to grow throughout the series. We get to know the hobbies and hang outs of these three-dimensional characters, including those near to my heart who care for the feral cat colony.
Kathleen’s cats, Hercules and Owen, and Marcus’s cat Micah come to life through the cat-loving heart of the author. Their pets are unique due to the location where they had come from and the special traits they have. Kathleen had not told Marcus about the traits until his cat, Micah, like Owen, began to disappear and reappear at their feline whim. Hercules can walk through solid things – there is no house or vehicle that can keep him in or out.
Marcus would prefer that Kathleen not get involved in yet another murder case, as he has almost lost her more than once to a killer. She has to at least see what she can learn from others, however, when Georgia is arrested, then Hugh tries to get emergency custody of her daughter. This intriguing tale led me through unbelievable plot twists to an incredibly startling resolution. I was satisfied with the ending in every way, and I can’t wait to see what happens next! I highly recommend this novel and series!
September 9, 2022
This provided lovely cozy fall vibes with a touch of magic (magical cats!) and Halloween fun. I really enjoy this series and alway look forward to reading the latest instalment.
ARC Provided by NetGalley
ARC Provided by NetGalley
September 25, 2025
Good if started from the back sections; quickly deteriorates starting at the front.
WHY isn't this done better? This could be just a fun romance, with focus on all the goings on, instead of lame gratuitous one-off murders replacing real story work.
Even the 'reasonable' filter isn't met in this one.
The author writes solid characters, great situations, fun setups, but so many of the points are just bone-headed or mindless or brutally inconsistent.
Still fun, more readable than many in the series. Standing behind reading the beginning, ending, then going back and reading through: it makes the stupid filler less annoying.
WHY isn't this done better? This could be just a fun romance, with focus on all the goings on, instead of lame gratuitous one-off murders replacing real story work.
Even the 'reasonable' filter isn't met in this one.
The author writes solid characters, great situations, fun setups, but so many of the points are just bone-headed or mindless or brutally inconsistent.
Still fun, more readable than many in the series. Standing behind reading the beginning, ending, then going back and reading through: it makes the stupid filler less annoying.
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