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The No.2 Feline Detective Agency #10
The Cat and the Pendulum
When the celebrated crime writer Agatha Crispy engages Hettie and Tilly in the search for a stolen manuscript, our feline detective duo is plunged into a world of Dickensian thieves and murderers. Does the ghost of Jake the Nipper prowl the London Streets of Kitzrovia? Will Madame Two Paws’s exhibition wax or wane? And will the secrets in the crypt of the church of St Mavis and Cucumber finally be revealed? Join Hettie and Tilly as they attempt to unravel yet another darkly humorous case for The No. 2 Feline Detective Agency.
320 pages, Paperback
Published May 10, 2022
4 people are currently reading
80 people want to read
About the author
Mandy Morton
18 books112 followersMandy Morton began her professional life as a musician. Her songwriting formed the basis of six albums during the 1970s and early 1980s, when she toured extensively with her band. More recently, she has worked as a freelance arts journalist for national and local radio, specialising in making music and theatre documentary. She is the co-author of a non-fiction theatre book, In Good Company, and lives with her partner in Cambridge and Cornwall, where there is always a place for an ageing long-haired tabby cat. The No. 2 Feline Detective Agency is her first novel, and begins a series of books inspired by her first cat, Hettie.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
May 21, 2022
My thanks to Farrago Books and NetGalley for a review copy of this book.
The Cat and the Pendulum is a whimsical and delightful mystery by Mandy Morton brimming with puns, food, and fun but also a solid mystery (in fact, two … no, make that three) at its core. This is book 10 in the series centred around Miss Hettie Bagshott who runs a detective agency with her friend and sidekick Miss Tilly Jenkins. Only Hettie and Tilly just happen to be tabbies and their agency—the No 2 Feline Detective Agency (no prizes for guessing that pun). This rather innovative series is set in an alternative cat world, which is much like our human one, with the exception that there aren’t any police in the picture. This is only the second book I have read in the series, and they’re easy enough to follow as standalones.
In The Cat and the Pendulum, Hettie and Tilly return from a week-long seaside holiday to find a letter from none other than the Queen of Crime, Agatha Crispy, summoning them to London to look into a case she has for them. Both ladies are excited, and Tilly who’s been reading all about a copycat killer committing murders like Jake the Nipper in the same neighbourhood, Kitzrovia, is convinced this is the case Agatha is handing to them. But when they arrive, they find that what Miss Crispy wants them to look into is the theft of her latest manuscript which has disappeared without reaching her publishers. Being the only copy since all her work is ‘top secret’ until published, its value is immense. They begin to look into all the cats who visit Miss Crispy regularly and also those employed in her home. Meanwhile, as they are to stay in an inn run by Miss Crispy’s cook, Mrs Croop which just happens to be located in Kitzrovia, they get a chance to look into the copycat killer as well. They soon find that many of the cats that are associated with Miss Crispy have some or other connection with Kitzrovia as well, from running shops or establishments or acting at the theatre there. Kitzrovians also seem to be engaged in making the most of the Jake the Nipper legend, and exploit it for the businesses in what seems to Hettie and Tilly to be a rather morbid and disrespectful way, and many don’t take well to Hettie and Tilly’s interventions. Hettie and Tilly investigate both matters while also exploring all Kitzrovia has to offer.
What I love about these books is how Morton manages to fill them with puns and catty elements in just the right balance without going too far or over the top with them. So, in this book while we have the title of course and Agatha Crispy, Boris Katloff on television, presenting theories on the Jake the Nipper murders, Twiglet in Vanity Fur magazine modelling clothes, or the fake French Madame Two Paws running her museum, Mr Dickens, Sherlock Holmes and Stratford Upon Avon remain as they are as does Miss Crispy’s Mousetrap! I also loved the little touches that she adds like Agatha Crispy enjoying her bowl of cream every day much like her real-life counterpart who relished her Devonshire clotted cream.
And like the last book in the series, in this one too, Mandy Morton puts Enid Blyton to shame in terms of the food in it. The sheer amount of food these tabbies (and their friends) eat is jaw dropping—pies and baps, sausage rolls and pasties, custard slices and trifles, scones and tea cake, and much much much more. And having just had a meal is no impediment to having a whole other one. Just reading about them makes one hungry!
Both mystery threads in the book were interesting, and as in the other book I read, these aren’t cosy in any way—Jake the Nipper’s murders were rather gruesome, and in the present too, some of the cats are as ruthless and degenerate as humans, as are their motivations. To add to the mysteries were also the original Jake the Nipper murders which Tilly certainly also wants the answer to. The resolutions too, are fairly unexpected and come with their own bit of danger and drama.
If you love cats and if you love mysteries, you will adore this one.
4.5 stars!
The Cat and the Pendulum is a whimsical and delightful mystery by Mandy Morton brimming with puns, food, and fun but also a solid mystery (in fact, two … no, make that three) at its core. This is book 10 in the series centred around Miss Hettie Bagshott who runs a detective agency with her friend and sidekick Miss Tilly Jenkins. Only Hettie and Tilly just happen to be tabbies and their agency—the No 2 Feline Detective Agency (no prizes for guessing that pun). This rather innovative series is set in an alternative cat world, which is much like our human one, with the exception that there aren’t any police in the picture. This is only the second book I have read in the series, and they’re easy enough to follow as standalones.
In The Cat and the Pendulum, Hettie and Tilly return from a week-long seaside holiday to find a letter from none other than the Queen of Crime, Agatha Crispy, summoning them to London to look into a case she has for them. Both ladies are excited, and Tilly who’s been reading all about a copycat killer committing murders like Jake the Nipper in the same neighbourhood, Kitzrovia, is convinced this is the case Agatha is handing to them. But when they arrive, they find that what Miss Crispy wants them to look into is the theft of her latest manuscript which has disappeared without reaching her publishers. Being the only copy since all her work is ‘top secret’ until published, its value is immense. They begin to look into all the cats who visit Miss Crispy regularly and also those employed in her home. Meanwhile, as they are to stay in an inn run by Miss Crispy’s cook, Mrs Croop which just happens to be located in Kitzrovia, they get a chance to look into the copycat killer as well. They soon find that many of the cats that are associated with Miss Crispy have some or other connection with Kitzrovia as well, from running shops or establishments or acting at the theatre there. Kitzrovians also seem to be engaged in making the most of the Jake the Nipper legend, and exploit it for the businesses in what seems to Hettie and Tilly to be a rather morbid and disrespectful way, and many don’t take well to Hettie and Tilly’s interventions. Hettie and Tilly investigate both matters while also exploring all Kitzrovia has to offer.
What I love about these books is how Morton manages to fill them with puns and catty elements in just the right balance without going too far or over the top with them. So, in this book while we have the title of course and Agatha Crispy, Boris Katloff on television, presenting theories on the Jake the Nipper murders, Twiglet in Vanity Fur magazine modelling clothes, or the fake French Madame Two Paws running her museum, Mr Dickens, Sherlock Holmes and Stratford Upon Avon remain as they are as does Miss Crispy’s Mousetrap! I also loved the little touches that she adds like Agatha Crispy enjoying her bowl of cream every day much like her real-life counterpart who relished her Devonshire clotted cream.
And like the last book in the series, in this one too, Mandy Morton puts Enid Blyton to shame in terms of the food in it. The sheer amount of food these tabbies (and their friends) eat is jaw dropping—pies and baps, sausage rolls and pasties, custard slices and trifles, scones and tea cake, and much much much more. And having just had a meal is no impediment to having a whole other one. Just reading about them makes one hungry!
Both mystery threads in the book were interesting, and as in the other book I read, these aren’t cosy in any way—Jake the Nipper’s murders were rather gruesome, and in the present too, some of the cats are as ruthless and degenerate as humans, as are their motivations. To add to the mysteries were also the original Jake the Nipper murders which Tilly certainly also wants the answer to. The resolutions too, are fairly unexpected and come with their own bit of danger and drama.
If you love cats and if you love mysteries, you will adore this one.
4.5 stars!
May 17, 2022
A missing manuscript that is the work of Agatha Crispy and the long-ago murders of Jake the Nipper set the stage for murderous events in The Cat and the Pendulum, the latest in the “No. 2 Feline Detective Agency” series by Mandy Morton. Yes, you read that right, folks. The characters in these books are cats, including the two proprietors of said detective agency, Hettie Bagshot and Tilly Jenkins, who investigate crimes in an England that requires, shall we say, a real suspension of disbelief. But it’s worth it, because Hettie and Tilly are really, really, good detectives.
Our two girls have just returned from a well-earned vacation to find an invitation from the famous crime writer Agatha Crispy. She wants them to visit her at her London home, to discuss a problem. She needs their expertise. Her latest manuscript -- titled The Cat and the Pendulum -- has gone missing. Find it, she hopes they can. To do that, they must embark on a stay in Kitzrovia, which happens to be the old stomping grounds of Jake the Nipper, where he plied his trade of gruesome murders. And the denizens of Kitzrovia won’t let anyone forget it; the whole place is a veritable homage to the murders. And there’s a copy-cat on the loose; cats are being dispatched in the same places where the earlier killings took place. Nobody in Kitzrovia seems too upset about this, however. It’s good for business!
First off, mention must be made of the eating that takes place throughout the books. Our cats do like to eat. Readers are treated to a rolling commentary throughout the pages, and no, it isn’t kibble. Our detectives are feline aficionados of whatever they can get their little paws on.
Ms. Morton always makes sure there’s a wealth of suspects to reckon with. Some rather nasty characters in this one, definitely; dodgy reenactment actors, smarmy undertakers, and especially, Cheesedon Wilks, who “keeps a nice church” in Kitzgrovia, St. Mavis and Cucumber. We are told that St. Mavis was the patron saint of salads, and alas, was burnt at the stake for growing lettuce. I don’t make these things up, folks. Mandy Morton does.
Our ‘tecs, seasoned professionals that they are, do a whole lot of sleuthing, looking for the manuscript and uncovering the truth behind what is really going on in Kitzrovia. One thing you might notice; there are no police in these books. Hettie and Tilly do all the mystery solving completely on their own.
There’s a whole lot going on here, including another murder (at least the manuscript is returned), plagiarizing, and kitten labor exploitation. The Cat and the Pendulum has rather a darker theme that earlier books in the series, I thought. Hettie and Tilly are on top of their game as always, and they hatch a plan that will expose what’s going on in Kitzrovia and rid the district of its problems at the same time. They’re on a mission to return normalcy to the area, as normal as it can get, anyway. And right some very bad wrongs. They get some help, in a very unexpected, but welcome, fashion. The graveyard at St. Mavis and Cucumber hides its secrets well.
The Cut and the Pendulum is one of those books that will keep you entertained throughout. So, sit back, enjoy a bag of crisps and a Screaming Scamp or two and immerse yourself in these pages. It’s always a fascinating journey.
Our two girls have just returned from a well-earned vacation to find an invitation from the famous crime writer Agatha Crispy. She wants them to visit her at her London home, to discuss a problem. She needs their expertise. Her latest manuscript -- titled The Cat and the Pendulum -- has gone missing. Find it, she hopes they can. To do that, they must embark on a stay in Kitzrovia, which happens to be the old stomping grounds of Jake the Nipper, where he plied his trade of gruesome murders. And the denizens of Kitzrovia won’t let anyone forget it; the whole place is a veritable homage to the murders. And there’s a copy-cat on the loose; cats are being dispatched in the same places where the earlier killings took place. Nobody in Kitzrovia seems too upset about this, however. It’s good for business!
First off, mention must be made of the eating that takes place throughout the books. Our cats do like to eat. Readers are treated to a rolling commentary throughout the pages, and no, it isn’t kibble. Our detectives are feline aficionados of whatever they can get their little paws on.
Ms. Morton always makes sure there’s a wealth of suspects to reckon with. Some rather nasty characters in this one, definitely; dodgy reenactment actors, smarmy undertakers, and especially, Cheesedon Wilks, who “keeps a nice church” in Kitzgrovia, St. Mavis and Cucumber. We are told that St. Mavis was the patron saint of salads, and alas, was burnt at the stake for growing lettuce. I don’t make these things up, folks. Mandy Morton does.
Our ‘tecs, seasoned professionals that they are, do a whole lot of sleuthing, looking for the manuscript and uncovering the truth behind what is really going on in Kitzrovia. One thing you might notice; there are no police in these books. Hettie and Tilly do all the mystery solving completely on their own.
There’s a whole lot going on here, including another murder (at least the manuscript is returned), plagiarizing, and kitten labor exploitation. The Cat and the Pendulum has rather a darker theme that earlier books in the series, I thought. Hettie and Tilly are on top of their game as always, and they hatch a plan that will expose what’s going on in Kitzrovia and rid the district of its problems at the same time. They’re on a mission to return normalcy to the area, as normal as it can get, anyway. And right some very bad wrongs. They get some help, in a very unexpected, but welcome, fashion. The graveyard at St. Mavis and Cucumber hides its secrets well.
The Cut and the Pendulum is one of those books that will keep you entertained throughout. So, sit back, enjoy a bag of crisps and a Screaming Scamp or two and immerse yourself in these pages. It’s always a fascinating journey.
August 2, 2022
⭐⭐⭐ -- love the cover on this one!
I requested this one because I have never read a book where all the characters were animals. In this case cats. I was intrigued and thought it would make an interesting change of pace. I enjoyed the mystery and thought it was well written and well paced. However, the "cheese factor" was a bit too much for me with all the cat puns. it was cute and humorous at first, but got old quick. 🤷🏻♀️ That said, if you enjoy a good mystery and are a cat lover, than this book would be right up your alley!
**ARC Via NetGalley**
I requested this one because I have never read a book where all the characters were animals. In this case cats. I was intrigued and thought it would make an interesting change of pace. I enjoyed the mystery and thought it was well written and well paced. However, the "cheese factor" was a bit too much for me with all the cat puns. it was cute and humorous at first, but got old quick. 🤷🏻♀️ That said, if you enjoy a good mystery and are a cat lover, than this book would be right up your alley!
**ARC Via NetGalley**
April 17, 2025
Agatha Crispie makes a welcome return in this episode, when she hires Hetty and Tilly to find a missing manuscript. They stay with Agatha's cook, Mrs Scrope, in Kitzrovia, where Jake the Nipper stories abound for his infamous murdering ways from days of yore. Rictus and Grim, the local undertakers, seem to hold sway and keep everyone in line, especially their apprentices who are barely surviving. The vicar is under suspicion, too. Hetty and Tilly visit Ormolu Pocket, the local watch repairer and personal repairer to Agatha is found dead and the contents of his shop smashed beyond repair. Can the girls crack the case, finding both manuscript and murderer.
The puns keep coming, and all bring a smile. Listened to this one, hence any spelling errors in names are mine. The lady who reads it, Jenny Funnell, is great at the different voices, keeps the emotions and tension at the right places, and I really got into the story.
The puns keep coming, and all bring a smile. Listened to this one, hence any spelling errors in names are mine. The lady who reads it, Jenny Funnell, is great at the different voices, keeps the emotions and tension at the right places, and I really got into the story.
June 13, 2023
This was a good story but the whole cat thing didn’t really work for me. In truth there was nothing cat like about the characters and the fact they are all cats was irrelevant to the story apart from generating puns.
I have heard the author speak twice and I know she started this series to support the Blue Cross cats charity. She didn’t really intend to write more than one book. I’ve only read this one in the series and won’t read any more, which is a shame in a way as the mystery was good.
I have heard the author speak twice and I know she started this series to support the Blue Cross cats charity. She didn’t really intend to write more than one book. I’ve only read this one in the series and won’t read any more, which is a shame in a way as the mystery was good.
July 3, 2022
I was fortunate to be given a space on this blog tour by @instabooktours @farragobooks.
Despite this book being 10 in the No.2 Feline Detective Agency and me not having read any of the others, the author is very forgiving and makes it clear who the ongoing characters are, so you can read it as a standalone.
I found it difficult to get used to the cats being the narrators; I felt like it was written first as humans and then changed to add in cat details. The type and volume of food these cats eat is insane 😹
This is an easy going, "cosy crime" story but based in truth - of Jack the Ripper murders.
My favourite quote:
"Why would any cat want to grow salad defeats me, but you can't account for history."
Despite this book being 10 in the No.2 Feline Detective Agency and me not having read any of the others, the author is very forgiving and makes it clear who the ongoing characters are, so you can read it as a standalone.
I found it difficult to get used to the cats being the narrators; I felt like it was written first as humans and then changed to add in cat details. The type and volume of food these cats eat is insane 😹
This is an easy going, "cosy crime" story but based in truth - of Jack the Ripper murders.
My favourite quote:
"Why would any cat want to grow salad defeats me, but you can't account for history."
June 23, 2022
Massive, thank you to Vic from Vic from instabooktours and Fargo for my gifted copy of book and for having me on this book tour.
I have absolutely adored this cute murder mystery read in which we follow the of the story of two cat detectives who have been hired by Agatha Crispy to locate her missing manuscript, her next crime novel.
Whilst out and about in the dark gringy area of Kitzroviza famous for the murders of five innocent female cats at the hands of the deadly Jake the Nipper, there is some speculation over whether or not ear appears to be a copycat amongst them.
This quirky eccentric book contains some really colorful and out there type characters who of course are all cats. It really felt as though this could have been an episode from an Agatha Christie miss Marple TV show! It was such an easy read and I blitz through it quite quickly.
I couldn't believe that this is the 10th book in a series as this could easily have been a standalone so I will definitely get trying to get my hands on Mandy Morton's previous books. It's really good as well if you're looking for a break from reading something that can be quite heavy and serious. Or if you're in a bit of a reading slump and you're looking for something fun to get you out of it.
This is the perfect read for someone who loves good cozy British murder mystery. I love how well researched the murders committed by Jack The Ripper were and the acknowledgments at the back really paid homage to the ongoing issue around how often historical female victims are forgotten but the male perpetrators are almost celebrated in this very warped way that we like to celebrate serial killers and the media's obsession with them.
I have absolutely adored this cute murder mystery read in which we follow the of the story of two cat detectives who have been hired by Agatha Crispy to locate her missing manuscript, her next crime novel.
Whilst out and about in the dark gringy area of Kitzroviza famous for the murders of five innocent female cats at the hands of the deadly Jake the Nipper, there is some speculation over whether or not ear appears to be a copycat amongst them.
This quirky eccentric book contains some really colorful and out there type characters who of course are all cats. It really felt as though this could have been an episode from an Agatha Christie miss Marple TV show! It was such an easy read and I blitz through it quite quickly.
I couldn't believe that this is the 10th book in a series as this could easily have been a standalone so I will definitely get trying to get my hands on Mandy Morton's previous books. It's really good as well if you're looking for a break from reading something that can be quite heavy and serious. Or if you're in a bit of a reading slump and you're looking for something fun to get you out of it.
This is the perfect read for someone who loves good cozy British murder mystery. I love how well researched the murders committed by Jack The Ripper were and the acknowledgments at the back really paid homage to the ongoing issue around how often historical female victims are forgotten but the male perpetrators are almost celebrated in this very warped way that we like to celebrate serial killers and the media's obsession with them.
June 29, 2022
3.5 rounded to 4 for Goodreads. An amusing and light read with a twist of mystery - it was great returning to The No.2 Feline Detective Agency. I also really like the cover art that's on these later books.
I enjoyed all the "cat-ities" sprinkled throughout the story as it helps me picture the cast as cats rather than people. The story started to evolve and included a lot more elements than I initially expected which was a pleasant surprise.
I did find this one slower to start than previous books in the series - usually the action starts quite early on. Also, it's a catch 22 as I found there was too much recap at the start (as I already knew Hettie and Tilly), but could see that it may not be enough backstory to those reading as a standalone.
Overall, a cute and lighthearted read for those that like cosy mysteries and cats!
*I received a complimentary copy of the e-book from InstaBookTours and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
I enjoyed all the "cat-ities" sprinkled throughout the story as it helps me picture the cast as cats rather than people. The story started to evolve and included a lot more elements than I initially expected which was a pleasant surprise.
I did find this one slower to start than previous books in the series - usually the action starts quite early on. Also, it's a catch 22 as I found there was too much recap at the start (as I already knew Hettie and Tilly), but could see that it may not be enough backstory to those reading as a standalone.
Overall, a cute and lighthearted read for those that like cosy mysteries and cats!
*I received a complimentary copy of the e-book from InstaBookTours and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
May 24, 2022
My thanks to Duckworth Books/Farrago for an eARC via NetGalley of ‘The Cat and the Pendulum’ by Mandy Morton in exchange for an honest review.
This is Book 10 in her No2 Feline Detective Agency series of cosy mysteries that features Hetty Bagshot and Tilly Jenkins, two anthropomorphic cats who run the Feline Detective Agency. I have now read a few books in the series and found them all charming.
One of the occasional characters in the series is celebrated feline crime writer, Agatha Crispy. In ‘The Cat and the Pendulum’ she hires Hettie and Tilly to locate a missing manuscript. The feline detectives travel to London where they are plunged into a world of Dickensian thieves and murderers.
The streets of Kitzrovia are infamous as the hunting grounds of the 19th Century murderer, Jake the Nipper. Local residents and businesses are making the most of the interest in Nipperology with Nipper themed events.
As always Mandy Morton delights in puns and poking gentle fun at various targets while still making the important point that the sensationalism around Jack the Ripper focuses on the unknown murderer rather than his victims. She also acknowledges these women in her dedication.
As in previous books the cats really love their food. Might they be part Hobbit tucking in regularly though accompanied by plenty of milky teas rather than ale?
‘The Cat and the Pendulum’ was a great deal of escapist fun and I not only look forward to the next case for Hattie and Tilly but plan to read others in this playful series of cosy mysteries.
This is Book 10 in her No2 Feline Detective Agency series of cosy mysteries that features Hetty Bagshot and Tilly Jenkins, two anthropomorphic cats who run the Feline Detective Agency. I have now read a few books in the series and found them all charming.
One of the occasional characters in the series is celebrated feline crime writer, Agatha Crispy. In ‘The Cat and the Pendulum’ she hires Hettie and Tilly to locate a missing manuscript. The feline detectives travel to London where they are plunged into a world of Dickensian thieves and murderers.
The streets of Kitzrovia are infamous as the hunting grounds of the 19th Century murderer, Jake the Nipper. Local residents and businesses are making the most of the interest in Nipperology with Nipper themed events.
As always Mandy Morton delights in puns and poking gentle fun at various targets while still making the important point that the sensationalism around Jack the Ripper focuses on the unknown murderer rather than his victims. She also acknowledges these women in her dedication.
As in previous books the cats really love their food. Might they be part Hobbit tucking in regularly though accompanied by plenty of milky teas rather than ale?
‘The Cat and the Pendulum’ was a great deal of escapist fun and I not only look forward to the next case for Hattie and Tilly but plan to read others in this playful series of cosy mysteries.
June 7, 2022
Princess Fuzzypants here: This is a delightful series where former stage star Hettie joins former street cat Tilly to become the Number 2 Feline Detective Agency. In the books, our familiar world is now inhabited by very human cats who, whilst wearing clothing and going about a recognizable life, still remain totally cats. It reminds me a bit of Beatrix Potter. This time, they are invited to London by the queen of crime, Agatha Crispy, whom they helped out in a previous adventure. Her new manuscript has been stolen before it could be posted to her publisher. The famous author wants the two cats to investigate the various characters who have had access to her home. To this end, Agatha books them into a B & B in Kitzrovia which seems to have been time warped into the late Victorian era.
There are some decidedly shady characters, some of whom are quite happy to exploit the murders of Jack the Nipper and some of whom are quite capable of murder too. In the investigations the one crime morphs into two and then three crimes, all of which the ladies are determined to bring to justice. The mysteries and how they are solved are fascinating but I enjoy most the ambience created in this lovely feline world. It has a decidedly period feel to it in general and the world created for Kitzrovia is absolutely Dickensian.
This is number 10 in the series and I would recommend reading all the books but if you had to dip into one to start, this would be a fun one. I think it might just be my favourite so far. Five purrs and two paws up.
There are some decidedly shady characters, some of whom are quite happy to exploit the murders of Jack the Nipper and some of whom are quite capable of murder too. In the investigations the one crime morphs into two and then three crimes, all of which the ladies are determined to bring to justice. The mysteries and how they are solved are fascinating but I enjoy most the ambience created in this lovely feline world. It has a decidedly period feel to it in general and the world created for Kitzrovia is absolutely Dickensian.
This is number 10 in the series and I would recommend reading all the books but if you had to dip into one to start, this would be a fun one. I think it might just be my favourite so far. Five purrs and two paws up.
May 18, 2022
I was looking forward to reading this and I was not disappointed.
Hettie and Tilly have been summoned to London by Agatha Crispy, the mystery writer they had befriended previously. She has a job for them, her latest manuscript has been stolen and she needs it back.
She has arranged for them to stay in Kitzrovia, a place where Jake the Nipper killed 5 cats in 1888.
When they arrive there they find that the place is like a theme park and everywhere has been themed on the murders - the room they are staying in has been named after one of the victims, there are cocktails in the pub named after them, there is a nightly Jake the Nipper tour every night - to name a few things. This doesn't sit well with them and they feel that the dead are not being respected. To add to this there also appears to be a series of copycat murders happening.
They both that something is amiss and in their own inimitable way, eating their way through fish suppers and cream cakes, they throw themselves into the investigation. In the absence of Bruiser and Poppa, two American tourists, Marni and Arthur, become their co-investigators as they uncover the dark secrets of Kitzrovia and track down the manuscript.
For fans of previous books, enjoy. For new readers enjoy and then go back and read the rest in the series as they are just as well written and funny.
Hettie and Tilly have been summoned to London by Agatha Crispy, the mystery writer they had befriended previously. She has a job for them, her latest manuscript has been stolen and she needs it back.
She has arranged for them to stay in Kitzrovia, a place where Jake the Nipper killed 5 cats in 1888.
When they arrive there they find that the place is like a theme park and everywhere has been themed on the murders - the room they are staying in has been named after one of the victims, there are cocktails in the pub named after them, there is a nightly Jake the Nipper tour every night - to name a few things. This doesn't sit well with them and they feel that the dead are not being respected. To add to this there also appears to be a series of copycat murders happening.
They both that something is amiss and in their own inimitable way, eating their way through fish suppers and cream cakes, they throw themselves into the investigation. In the absence of Bruiser and Poppa, two American tourists, Marni and Arthur, become their co-investigators as they uncover the dark secrets of Kitzrovia and track down the manuscript.
For fans of previous books, enjoy. For new readers enjoy and then go back and read the rest in the series as they are just as well written and funny.
June 14, 2022
I cannot possibly say everything I want to about this book without spoilers or seeming gushing.
But this is 10/10.
I tend to read thrillers and mysteries and I was really interested in this one. What Morton does with her main characters as cats is probably the most astonishing triumph of literature I have seen. In some way the main characters being cats softens you and then packed with a punch of real social and criminal issues you end up reacting more strongly.
This book focuses on copy cat killings of “Jake the Nipper” and Morton reminds her readers of how truly ghastly the obsession and celebrity of murder has become. This was such a revelation to see written! It absolutely is shocking that we celebrate these crimes. Incredible.
Away from that, you will love Hettie and Tilly, you will because there is no other choice. People (cats) that you know exist here and it’s an absolute luxury of a read
But this is 10/10.
I tend to read thrillers and mysteries and I was really interested in this one. What Morton does with her main characters as cats is probably the most astonishing triumph of literature I have seen. In some way the main characters being cats softens you and then packed with a punch of real social and criminal issues you end up reacting more strongly.
This book focuses on copy cat killings of “Jake the Nipper” and Morton reminds her readers of how truly ghastly the obsession and celebrity of murder has become. This was such a revelation to see written! It absolutely is shocking that we celebrate these crimes. Incredible.
Away from that, you will love Hettie and Tilly, you will because there is no other choice. People (cats) that you know exist here and it’s an absolute luxury of a read
May 2, 2022
I was looking forward to read this book, I love Hettie and Tilly and their adventures are always a compelling and highly entertaining read.
This one is a bit darker and it deals with serious issues like memories, respect for the victims, and how tourism can exploit historical tragedy.
There's a lot of books about serial killer and there's a lot of books about Jack the Ripper. Most of the time there's a sort of morbit fascination with the killer and the victims are often forgotten.
That said there's a matrioska of mysteries and the plot flows as they're all solid. Hettie and Tilly are as lovely as usual and I loved Agatha Crispy.
I missed the usual cast of characters but this one features some very interesting cats.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
This one is a bit darker and it deals with serious issues like memories, respect for the victims, and how tourism can exploit historical tragedy.
There's a lot of books about serial killer and there's a lot of books about Jack the Ripper. Most of the time there's a sort of morbit fascination with the killer and the victims are often forgotten.
That said there's a matrioska of mysteries and the plot flows as they're all solid. Hettie and Tilly are as lovely as usual and I loved Agatha Crispy.
I missed the usual cast of characters but this one features some very interesting cats.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
December 8, 2022
My grandma would have grabbed this book and actually that’s one of the reasons I chose to read it. Her love of books and cats was instilled in me from a young age and as I grew older, we used to discuss Agatha Christie and murder mysteries (and watch them of course).
Unfortunately this book didn’t quite live up to my expectations. It was a cosy read, but a little indulgent in its prose.
I was also a little confused when I started, as the synopsis made it sound Dickensian but in fact it’s set in modern day. With cats. Very greedy cats who spend most of their time eating an odd (and large) assortment of food.
A lovely concept and idea, but its excessive description and overuse of cat puns made it a bit too cheesy for me.
Unfortunately this book didn’t quite live up to my expectations. It was a cosy read, but a little indulgent in its prose.
I was also a little confused when I started, as the synopsis made it sound Dickensian but in fact it’s set in modern day. With cats. Very greedy cats who spend most of their time eating an odd (and large) assortment of food.
A lovely concept and idea, but its excessive description and overuse of cat puns made it a bit too cheesy for me.
October 11, 2025
Not for me I’m afraid. It was filled with pretty awful puns, and an absolutely ridiculous amount of meals, all on top of a fairly low complexity detective story. With the exception of the constant feline puns, I don’t really know why the characters are cats at all.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 11, 2024
Like Juneau Black's cozy mystery series with animals as people, Mandy Morton’s "The Cat and the Pendulum" is set in a world populated exclusively by cats. Obviously, the cats are analogues for humans, and they occupy all strata of society. There are no police, and this is where the two main characters Hettie Bagshot and Tilly Jenkins come in. They own and run a detective agency, The No. 2 Feline Detective Agency, and have a number of successes to their names. They are good friends, and not only work together, but also live together in a cozy house.
This novel opens with them returning from vacation to a communication from their friend Agatha Crispy, a hugely successful mystery novelist, who asks them to come to London to help her with a problem.
Agatha tells them that someone has stolen her recently completed manuscript. Hetty and Tilly begin investigating immediately, heading to Kitzrovia for clues, based on a connections between Agatha's home and this tourism location. Kitzrovia is a neighbourhood devoted to all things Victorian, including Madam Two Paws waxwork exhibitions, a music hall, grimy inns, and walking tours of streets where Jack the Nipper murdered several cats years earlier.
The detecting duo find plenty of clues and suspects and a few dead bodies killed by a Nipper copycat, and of course, find the manuscript and identify the killer.
Before I began reading, I wondered whether this book would be insufferably cute, or whether it would just be an interesting way to tell a story, and it kind of lies right in the middle of those two poles. Mandy Morton injects plenty of nefarious dealings into the novel, and has her two main characters deal with their own issues (Tilly was formerly homeless, and Hetty has some trouble managing her anger) while they travel the streets of Kitzrovia.
There is also some silliness, exemplified in the amusing names and cat-related puns, and what starts as a light mystery of the theft of an unpublished manuscript, and plagiarism, exposes much darker matters: murder tourism, copy cat murders, attempted murder, and the exploitation and abuse of children.
I particularly liked that though Morton used the Jack the Ripper murders as inspiration, she did not sensationalize the murders in her novel, and ensured that each murder victim was shown to be more than just a person down on her luck or with a messy life.
I was surprisingly entertained by the activities of the Feline Detective Agency (and very hungry as I read, as Hetty and Tilly seem to always be eating!)
Thank you to Netgalley and to Farrago Books for this ARC in exchange for my review.
This novel opens with them returning from vacation to a communication from their friend Agatha Crispy, a hugely successful mystery novelist, who asks them to come to London to help her with a problem.
Agatha tells them that someone has stolen her recently completed manuscript. Hetty and Tilly begin investigating immediately, heading to Kitzrovia for clues, based on a connections between Agatha's home and this tourism location. Kitzrovia is a neighbourhood devoted to all things Victorian, including Madam Two Paws waxwork exhibitions, a music hall, grimy inns, and walking tours of streets where Jack the Nipper murdered several cats years earlier.
The detecting duo find plenty of clues and suspects and a few dead bodies killed by a Nipper copycat, and of course, find the manuscript and identify the killer.
Before I began reading, I wondered whether this book would be insufferably cute, or whether it would just be an interesting way to tell a story, and it kind of lies right in the middle of those two poles. Mandy Morton injects plenty of nefarious dealings into the novel, and has her two main characters deal with their own issues (Tilly was formerly homeless, and Hetty has some trouble managing her anger) while they travel the streets of Kitzrovia.
There is also some silliness, exemplified in the amusing names and cat-related puns, and what starts as a light mystery of the theft of an unpublished manuscript, and plagiarism, exposes much darker matters: murder tourism, copy cat murders, attempted murder, and the exploitation and abuse of children.
I particularly liked that though Morton used the Jack the Ripper murders as inspiration, she did not sensationalize the murders in her novel, and ensured that each murder victim was shown to be more than just a person down on her luck or with a messy life.
I was surprisingly entertained by the activities of the Feline Detective Agency (and very hungry as I read, as Hetty and Tilly seem to always be eating!)
Thank you to Netgalley and to Farrago Books for this ARC in exchange for my review.
June 19, 2022
This is book number 10 in the Hettie Bagshot/Feline Detective Agency series. This is the first one I have read, it does work as a standalone novel too.
I loved this fun, cosy mystery, we follow Hettie and Tilly who run the No2 Feline Detective Agency. They are hired by famous feline crime writer Agatha Crispy to find her missing manuscript in London. They stay with Agatha's cook in the town of Kitzrovia, this town is still very much in the Dickensian era. While they are solving that mystery, Copycat Jake the Nipper murders are happening, (play on the Jack the Ripper murders). The town is themed on these 1888 murders, the guesthouse has rooms named after each victim. The local bar has cocktails themed around them and of course we have Jake the Nipper tour walks to visit the places of each victims murder.
This story is a great mystery read while being a lot of fun. It starts with the two mysteries, the missing manuscript and the copycat murders. But we get so much more, twists turns and other small mysteries make this an enjoyable, unpredictable read.
There is many puns and it doesn't take itself too seriously. Mandy Morton does make serious point about profiting around murder, the theme park-esque way we can view serial killers etc. But it doesnt take away from the story, I do like that she acknowledges the victims at the end and also how her victims in her story where treated with respect.
Last but not least these cats love to eat, we get many descriptions of food and many meals. Makes me think of the hobbits with second breakfast, lunch and multiple dinners. Overall a very fun read and I will definitely be reading the back catalogue of this series.
Thanks to Farrago Books and InstaBookTours for my review copy of this book
I loved this fun, cosy mystery, we follow Hettie and Tilly who run the No2 Feline Detective Agency. They are hired by famous feline crime writer Agatha Crispy to find her missing manuscript in London. They stay with Agatha's cook in the town of Kitzrovia, this town is still very much in the Dickensian era. While they are solving that mystery, Copycat Jake the Nipper murders are happening, (play on the Jack the Ripper murders). The town is themed on these 1888 murders, the guesthouse has rooms named after each victim. The local bar has cocktails themed around them and of course we have Jake the Nipper tour walks to visit the places of each victims murder.
This story is a great mystery read while being a lot of fun. It starts with the two mysteries, the missing manuscript and the copycat murders. But we get so much more, twists turns and other small mysteries make this an enjoyable, unpredictable read.
There is many puns and it doesn't take itself too seriously. Mandy Morton does make serious point about profiting around murder, the theme park-esque way we can view serial killers etc. But it doesnt take away from the story, I do like that she acknowledges the victims at the end and also how her victims in her story where treated with respect.
Last but not least these cats love to eat, we get many descriptions of food and many meals. Makes me think of the hobbits with second breakfast, lunch and multiple dinners. Overall a very fun read and I will definitely be reading the back catalogue of this series.
Thanks to Farrago Books and InstaBookTours for my review copy of this book
June 22, 2022
Rating between 3.5 & 4
Another enjoyable entry in this series.
This one had a more darker tone than previous entries I found, except perhaps for the final quarter of Christmas Paws with its nightmarish ending.
Hettie and Tilly work their way through many meals during the story as usual, including several with Agatha Crispy herself returning for a second story.
There were a couple of times where the punning names were a bit overwhelming for my taste but it didn’t stop the enjoyment.
Going forward I hope the author doesn’t take the stories down a more serious or darker path. Lots of authors seem to start light hearted series and for whatever reason more too far away from the original feel of them, losing the reason why I read and liked them in the process. There are a lot of dark mystery crime series around, but not many with such humour and at times fantastical characters.
Definite recommendation but start with book I think and then jump around.
Another enjoyable entry in this series.
This one had a more darker tone than previous entries I found, except perhaps for the final quarter of Christmas Paws with its nightmarish ending.
Hettie and Tilly work their way through many meals during the story as usual, including several with Agatha Crispy herself returning for a second story.
There were a couple of times where the punning names were a bit overwhelming for my taste but it didn’t stop the enjoyment.
Going forward I hope the author doesn’t take the stories down a more serious or darker path. Lots of authors seem to start light hearted series and for whatever reason more too far away from the original feel of them, losing the reason why I read and liked them in the process. There are a lot of dark mystery crime series around, but not many with such humour and at times fantastical characters.
Definite recommendation but start with book I think and then jump around.
May 2, 2022
Miss Agatha Crispy, the famed author, wants the Agency to find the missing manuscript but keep it a secret. While in London they visit Madam TwoPaws wax works, watch a movie starring Boris Katloff, read the Daily Snout newspaper, and get involved in the Jake the Nipper historical mania. Of course, there's lots more going on, the mystery itself is as good as it is entertaining, complete with plot twists, suspense, and red, well, herrings. I highly recommend this book for anyone who likes cosies and fun!
I requested and received a free e-book copy from Farrago via NetGalley. Thank you!
I requested and received a free e-book copy from Farrago via NetGalley. Thank you!
May 18, 2022
This is book 10 in the Feline Detective Agency series. I have only previously read book one although I do have books 2 to 6 sat on my bookshelf waiting to be read. It can be read as a standalone but I think the reader should read the first book at least in order to understand what it's all about.
Every character in the boom is cat and it is an addictive but bonkers read. The author is extremely clever in creating this and I love how everything/everyone has a car related name e.g. madam two paws wax works, flea street.
Thanks to Farrago and netgalley for this advance read.
Every character in the boom is cat and it is an addictive but bonkers read. The author is extremely clever in creating this and I love how everything/everyone has a car related name e.g. madam two paws wax works, flea street.
Thanks to Farrago and netgalley for this advance read.
May 31, 2022
This a a cosy crime story in the style of Agatha Raisin with all the red herrings and clues you would expect but all the characters are cats! Although it felt slightly weird, I did enjoy the story and didn't guess the ending. Names such as Agatha Crispy. Jack the Nipper and Boris Katloff are amusing and cleverly thought out. This is book 10 of the series and I would like to go back and start reading from number 1..
May 23, 2022
Brilliant!
Betty and Tilly at their best! Mandy Morton has written the best book of the series in this story. The usual characters , along with new ones pull you into this fascinating world of cats. A must read series for both cat lovers and murder mystery alike.
Betty and Tilly at their best! Mandy Morton has written the best book of the series in this story. The usual characters , along with new ones pull you into this fascinating world of cats. A must read series for both cat lovers and murder mystery alike.
June 29, 2022
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me the opportunity to read and review this novel. I am rating this book based the stars due to lack of time to leave a full review. #NetGalley #TheCatandthePendulum
August 23, 2022
I really wasn't sure about this book at all at first, chosen by my 9-year-old son for me to read while I was in hospital! But I've just finished reading it and have to say it's charming, funny, tongue-in-cheek, sweet, cute and thoroughly entertaining! A real joy to read.
September 6, 2023
I enjoyed it but I couldn't get over r the fact that cats in a hot summer would wear t-shirts and slacks !!Interesting murder etc but it didn't sit well with me which is strange as I love fantasy etc...
April 2, 2023
Agatha christie but make it cats
August 31, 2023
Hettie and Tillie are at it again. Solving crimes as only they can. This story also has Agatha Crispy, the notable murder, mystery writer.
May 12, 2024
More adventures in this feline mystery series. With an appearance from Agatha Crispie 😂. Well written fun read.
June 20, 2022
What a great book this was and full on play on names! I loved it, Agatha Crispy, Jake The Nipper, and so many others encountered as Hettie and Tilly investigate the missing manuscript and the modern day copy cat (pardon the pun). The food references and meals did kind of overtake in places, it felt as if all the lead cats did for the first 15% of the book was eat!
You forget reading this book that it is set in modern times, the main characters are cats and that they are not in Victorian London! Everything is written and set so well, you can see yourself in the days of Jake The Nipper back in 1888 living in fear of who will be next. Just fabulous.
I’m looking forward to more adventures of the No 2 Feline Detective Agency, and would recommend this to everyone.
You forget reading this book that it is set in modern times, the main characters are cats and that they are not in Victorian London! Everything is written and set so well, you can see yourself in the days of Jake The Nipper back in 1888 living in fear of who will be next. Just fabulous.
I’m looking forward to more adventures of the No 2 Feline Detective Agency, and would recommend this to everyone.
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