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Discovery

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Emily gets a kitten and so much more.

Emily works in IT, writes code, and is an introvert. She is delighted when she is told to work from home. But now is the time to get that kitten she has always wanted. While Emily prays for God to help her get the right kitten, Greyson tells Jeffrey that his human is coming soon. Jeffrey is over two years old. He's never been adopted. He is a black cat; they are always the last to be adopted because of superstition. He doesn't remember a time before the Rescue Center. So he gathered his own family. Join Emily and Jeffrey on their journey together as they help their neighbors, console and celebrate the strange moments. Based in 2020, at the beginning of the Covid pandemic, life changes, and the world stops. Relive the past with more fun than you can imagine. Read Discovery, Book 1 of Emily's Cat Mysteries, where Emily and Jeffrey discover new relationships and well-lived life.

219 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 30, 2022

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About the author

Anna K. Payne

75 books47 followers
I spend my time staring into a computer screen whether working, writing, or editing. That’s why it’s so fun to hang out with my grandson, children, or walk outside. But burning easily makes it difficult to spend much time outdoors.





I come from a family of writers: my mom, my grandmother, and several other family members. When I'm not at the computer writing or editing, I'm discussing plots with any one of my children.

I do ask the advice of my cats. They have good ideas. The world holds a variety of sinister plots even if it is just someone waiting for the bus.

Check out my devotionals including Driving with Anna and Christian Cozy Mystery books including Planted Flowers series and the new Emily's Cat Mysteries.

Customer Testimony

Even with extreme pain and limited mobility, God used these books to encourage, remind, teach, give hope, and draw me closer to Him. I loved these books!

I saw parts of my life in them as well as other women, and how to deal with life problems Anna tells(teaches) in these stories. God has used Anna to spur Christians on and draw non-believers to God and our Lord Jesus Christ!

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Community Reviews

5 stars
26 (66%)
4 stars
8 (20%)
3 stars
5 (12%)
2 stars
0 (0%)
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
Profile Image for Jacqueline.
9 reviews5 followers
June 2, 2026
Our book club picked this book because someone said, "It's a mystery with a cat." That was enough to convince us.

What nobody warned us about was Jeffrey.

I have never become so emotionally invested in a fictional cat so quickly. By the middle of the book, our group chat had completely stopped discussing the mystery and was focused almost entirely on Jeffrey. One reader actually said, "If anything happens to this cat, I'm suing the author."

Emily was another pleasant surprise. She felt real from the very first chapter. Her struggles, her routines, and the loneliness she experiences never felt exaggerated. Instead, they felt familiar. I think that's why so many of us connected with her.

This isn't one of those books that relies on huge twists every few pages. It builds something much more valuable: genuine attachment. By the time I reached the last page, I felt like I had spent time with people I actually knew.

When our book club met to discuss it, we ended up talking for nearly an hour longer than planned. That's usually a sign that a book has done something right.

A cozy, heartfelt story that completely exceeded my expectations.
Profile Image for Jonathan David.
8 reviews5 followers
June 2, 2026
I went into this book expecting a light mystery and came out of it feeling strangely emotional.

The thing I loved most was how natural everything felt. Emily isn't written like a perfect heroine. She has doubts, routines, and moments of uncertainty that make her feel like an actual person rather than a character following a script.

And Jeffrey? Honestly, Jeffrey deserves his own fan club.

One of the funniest moments during our book club discussion was realizing that every single reader had a favorite Jeffrey scene. Not a favorite mystery scene. Not a favorite plot point. A favorite Jeffrey scene.

There's something incredibly comforting about the way this story unfolds. It doesn't rush. It allows the reader to settle in and become part of Emily's world.

In a reading year filled with books that try very hard to impress, this one won me over simply by being sincere.

Our book club unanimously agreed that this was one of the most comforting reads we've picked this year.
Profile Image for Korey Feek.
8 reviews5 followers
June 2, 2026

I think the biggest compliment I can give this book is that I kept thinking about it after I finished.

Not because of a shocking ending or some huge cliffhanger.

Because the characters stayed with me.

Emily's journey felt authentic in a way that's surprisingly rare. The loneliness, the adjustments, the small victories, and the unexpected companionship all felt believable.

As readers in our book club started sharing their thoughts, I noticed something interesting. Everyone connected with a different part of the story. Some loved the mystery. Some loved the emotional growth. Some were completely focused on Jeffrey.

That tells me the book is doing something special.

It's offering different readers different reasons to care.

This story reminded me that sometimes the quietest books leave the strongest impression.

Definitely a hidden gem for readers who enjoy cozy mysteries with heart.
Profile Image for Mirabel Deborah.
6 reviews5 followers
June 2, 2026
We picked this book up on a quiet weekend and expected to read a few chapters.

Instead, we spent most of the day reading.

There's something incredibly easy to fall into about this story. The pacing is comfortable, the characters are likable, and the emotional core feels genuine.

The standout for me was the relationship between Emily and Jeffrey. It develops so naturally that before you realize it, you're completely invested.

During our book club discussion, one reader admitted she started talking to her own cat differently after finishing the book. Another confessed she was looking up local shelters online.

That should tell you everything you need to know about Jeffrey's impact.

What impressed me most was the heart behind the story. It never feels manipulative or overly sentimental. It simply tells a human story about finding connection when you need it most.

Books don't always need to be loud to be memorable.

This one proves it.
Profile Image for Emily Johnson.
7 reviews4 followers
June 2, 2026
Our book club has a running joke that we can usually predict exactly how a book discussion will go.

This book ruined that prediction.

We sat down expecting to talk about clues, suspects, and mystery elements. Instead, we spent most of our meeting talking about connection, loneliness, friendship, and whether Jeffrey secretly knows he's the star of the entire series.

One reader described the book as "a warm blanket with whiskers."

Honestly, that's not a bad description.

The writing has a calm confidence that allows the story to breathe. Nothing feels forced. Nothing feels rushed. The relationships develop naturally, which made me care about them far more than I expected.

I also appreciated that Emily's growth felt earned. Every step of her journey made sense.

This was my first book by Anna K Payne, but it definitely won't be my last.
Profile Image for Pat.
1,095 reviews36 followers
March 21, 2023
I love stories with the use of cats. During especially. I love Emily and her adopting five cats. This first book, she adopts them and there is a murder mystery which happens. I can’t wait to read about her future adventures! *I was given a copy via StoryOrgin and am voluntarily giving my honest review.
Profile Image for Jithendra Jithu.
2,532 reviews141 followers
December 20, 2025
Discovery: Finding Home by Anna K. Payne

Rating 5/5

Review:

👉This book is a quietly uplifting novel that finds beauty in stillness, connection, and everyday kindness. Set during the early days of the 2020 pandemic, the story leans into comfort rather than chaos, offering readers a soothing escape rooted in companionship, faith, and gentle self-discovery. It’s the kind of book that doesn’t rush to impress, but instead invites you to slow down and breathe alongside its characters.

👉Emily, an introverted IT professional, begins the story living a largely solitary life shaped by routine and emotional distance. When circumstances push her to work from home, she finally adopts the kitten she has long dreamed of—Jeffrey, an older black cat who has spent years being overlooked at the rescue center. Their meeting feels destined rather than dramatic, and Payne writes their bond with tenderness and authenticity. Jeffrey quickly becomes more than a pet; he is a steady presence who grounds Emily during an uncertain and isolating time.

👉As the world outside grows quieter, Emily and Jeffrey’s world gently expands. Through small acts of neighborly help and quiet moments of reflection, Emily begins to reconnect—not just with others, but with herself. The story beautifully captures how relationships can form organically, without force or expectation, especially when people are stripped down to what truly matters. The pandemic setting is handled with sensitivity, acknowledging fear and loneliness while emphasizing resilience and compassion.

👉What stands out most is the novel’s tone. There are no sensational mysteries or high-stakes conflicts; instead, the narrative flows with a calm, reassuring rhythm. The writing feels sincere and thoughtful, infused with subtle faith-based themes that never overpower the story. Payne understands that healing often happens in ordinary moments—a shared conversation, a small kindness, or a cat curled up nearby during a long day.

👉In the end, Discovery: Finding Home is a heartwarming reminder that home isn’t always a place—it’s a feeling built through love, trust, and connection.

Happy reading 😁

#bookreview
537 reviews8 followers
April 8, 2026
Discovery is a gentle, heartwarming story that blends everyday life with emotional growth, companionship, and a touch of quiet inspiration. Anna K. Payne introduces readers to Emily, an introverted IT professional navigating remote work during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, whose life begins to shift when she adopts a long-overlooked black cat named Jeffrey.

One of the book’s most appealing elements is its comforting tone. The story leans into themes of connection, healing, and small moments of joy during uncertain times. The bond between Emily and Jeffrey is at the center, offering both warmth and a sense of emotional grounding.

The inclusion of Jeffrey’s perspective adds a unique charm, especially as it touches on the often-overlooked reality of black cats in shelters. This narrative choice brings a layer of empathy and lightheartedness that enhances the reading experience.

Set during a time many readers can relate to, the novel captures the stillness and introspection of the pandemic era while focusing on community, faith, and personal growth. The pacing is calm and reflective, prioritizing relationships and emotional development over fast moving plot.

While readers looking for a traditional, high-stakes mystery may find it more slice-of-life than suspense-driven, those who enjoy cozy, character-focused stories will appreciate its warmth and sincerity.

Overall, Discovery is a soothing and uplifting read about companionship, resilience, and finding meaning in life’s quieter moments.
Profile Image for LilBookMonk.
136 reviews11 followers
December 11, 2025
Sometimes life changes not with a grand event, but with a small, gentle presence—like a whiskered stranger who walks into your world and quietly teaches you how to feel again. Discovery: Finding Home is that heartwarming journey, a soft and cozy reminder that love often arrives in the most unexpected ways.

Emily, an introverted IT professional suddenly working from home, finally brings home Jeffrey—a black cat who has been overlooked far too long at the Rescue Center. What begins as a simple act of companionship slowly transforms into a beautiful partnership. As the world shuts down in 2020 and uncertainty thickens the air, Emily and Jeffrey step into their neighborhood not just as quiet observers, but as quiet helpers.

Anna K. Payne captures the loneliness, the oddness, and the resilience of that pandemic moment with touching clarity. The bond between Emily and Jeffrey feels tender and real, carrying the story with warmth and gentle humor. There are no explosive twists here—just the calm, comforting rhythm of two souls learning to navigate life together, one small act of kindness at a time.

A charming, fur-filled read for fans of cozy mysteries, heartwarming animal tales, and stories that remind us that home is something we build—with love, hope, and a purring companion by our side. Highly recommended.
6,096 reviews46 followers
September 18, 2024
This peek back to the horrors of the lockdown and pandemic is especially poignant as the many businesses and homes that benefitted from extra funding during the pandemic find themselves in bankruptcy as programs are no longer funded.

Many folks who survived the lockdown passed away afterwards due to lapses in care or treatment with the shifting of resources, movements of physicians, and strange permissions - why was my eighty plus year old mom forced to wait on a heart surgery deemed "non essential" when a friend was able to hsve knee surgeries?

As we still struggle financially and with our faith and well being during the endemic, this look back on the losses and special gifts of what will hopefully remain a singular period in history is very moving.

The special gifts of the animals in providing comfort, love and support is touching - and we were of course compelled to try to share extra cuddles with our own kitty collective - which they tolerated and endured as long as they deemed fit , before demanding additional tributes.

Enjoying the openness is facing losses, faith and work, and life together.
Profile Image for Matthias Werner.
8 reviews1 follower
June 2, 2026
I was probably the most skeptical person in our book club when this book was chosen.

A cozy mystery with a cat? I honestly thought it sounded cute but forgettable.

I was wrong.

What surprised me most was how invested I became in Emily. She's the kind of character who quietly grows on you. There wasn't one dramatic moment where I suddenly loved her. It happened little by little until I realized I genuinely cared about what happened next.

And Jeffrey? That cat has more personality than some fictional humans I've read recently.

By the time our book club discussion came around, I found myself defending Jeffrey's behavior as if he were a real pet I personally knew.

This book reminded me that stories don't have to be loud to be memorable. Sometimes a gentle story with heart is exactly what you need.
535 reviews6 followers
February 2, 2023
This was a short, cosy mystery with parts of the story told through the eyes of the cats themselves! And they may be of help to their humans that take them on.

Homelessness, murder, grief, a pandemic and rescue animals are woven through this novella along with God being mentioned.

Emily and Lucas meet through a cat. Although this story wraps up most of the loose ends, the possibility of more between these pair remains to be seen and maybe will be explored in book two?

Recommended for a quick read.

Received this as a free review copy and this is my own opinion.
74 reviews8 followers
October 11, 2023
4-1/2 stars. During the pandemic, Emily is now working from home in IT. She decides to adopt a kitten as she is no longer living with an allergic relative. The story deals with pet adoption & the many problems the pandemic brought. I enjoyed meeting the characters & look forward to learning more about them in sequels. Brought back some sad feelings, but overall a book of hope & caring. I received a free copy of this book & and am reviewing because I enjoyed it so much.
Profile Image for Samuel Peter.
8 reviews
June 3, 2026
This was my first book by Anna K Payne, and now I'm curious about the rest of the series.

The writing felt effortless. The story flowed naturally. Most importantly, the characters felt like real people.

Emily's growth throughout the story was one of my favorite aspects.

By the end, I felt like I'd been on a meaningful journey with her.

Our book club had a wonderful discussion because there was so much to talk about.
Profile Image for Reece James.
8 reviews
June 3, 2026
Every book club has that one book everyone keeps mentioning weeks later.

For us, this became one of those books.

Even after we moved on to our next selection, people were still bringing up Jeffrey and discussing favorite moments.

That's usually a sign that a story has made a lasting impression.

I went in expecting a pleasant cozy mystery.

I came away with characters I'll remember for a long time.

A wonderful start to a series.
Profile Image for Jackson Nichole.
7 reviews
June 3, 2026
Books don't often make me slow down.

This one did.

I found myself lingering over certain chapters because I enjoyed spending time with the characters.

Emily's world felt cozy and familiar, and Jeffrey brought so much life to the story.

When our book club discussion ended, nobody seemed eager to leave the conversation.

We all wanted to keep talking about the book.

That doesn't happen every month.
Profile Image for Samuel David.
6 reviews
June 3, 2026
I read this because it was our monthly book club pick.

I finished it because I couldn't stop turning the pages.

What stands out most is the sincerity. Nothing feels manufactured. Nothing feels forced.

The relationships develop naturally, the emotions ring true, and Jeffrey manages to steal every scene he's in.

Honestly, I'm not sure whether this is Emily's story or Jeffrey's story anymore.

Either way, I'm here for it
6 reviews
June 11, 2026
I wasn't expecting to laugh as much as I did.

There are so many little moments throughout this book that felt charming and genuine.

The interactions between Emily and Jeffrey often reminded me of conversations people have about their own pets.

During our book club meeting, several readers started sharing stories about their cats because of this book.

That probably says everything you need to know.

It creates connection.
312 reviews10 followers
October 25, 2023
Emily has to work from home now because of the pandemic and decides she needs a cat. Within a week, she has five cats and a housemate, no loneliness now.Her new roommate, Lucas, is questioned about a murder near his workplace. With the help of Jeffrey, the case gets solved. This is a cute, quick read. I think young kids would enjoy it too. Who doesn't like the idea of a cat who seems to talk.
Profile Image for Angel Archambeault.
8 reviews1 follower
June 3, 2026
I think what impressed me most was how balanced this book felt.

It has mystery.

It has humor.

It has heart.

Most importantly, it has characters worth caring about.

Our book club had readers ranging from mystery fans to romance readers, and everyone found something to appreciate.

That's a real achievement.
Profile Image for Raymond E..
5 reviews
June 11, 2026
As someone who reads a lot of mysteries, I sometimes find cozy mysteries predictable.

This one felt different.

The mystery kept me interested, but the emotional core kept me invested.

Our book club had readers from all kinds of genres, and almost everyone found something to connect with here.

That's harder to accomplish than it looks.

A very enjoyable read with plenty of heart.
1,874 reviews26 followers
September 26, 2022
This is a cute story and much of it is from the point of view of cats. We owe quite a debt of gratitude to our furry friends and we may never know all that they really do for us. I enjoyed this story very much.
Profile Image for D..
2,010 reviews
February 16, 2026
A great introduction to Emily and Jeffrey. This helps to set the relationship between these two and how they came together.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews