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Bookmobile Cat Mystery #11
A Troubling Tail
When the owner of a local candy store is murdered, librarian Minnie Hamilton and her rescue cat, Eddie, prepare to find the sweet spot to solve a crime.
The charming town of Chilson, Michigan is beautiful in the spring, and local librarian Minnie and her cat Eddie are delivering great reads far and wide on one of the first warm days of the year. But a chill sweeps through them when they discover that one of their favorite patrons, the local candy store owner, has been found murdered. Although Minnie can't understand who could have a motive to murder such a kind man, she determines that the sticky problem isn't hers to solve.
However, when rumors start flying around town and the police have no leads, Minnie decides to throw her investigative hat into the ring. The more Minnie investigates, the less certain she is that the victim's past is as wholesome as his reputation. But Minnie has plenty of experience unearthing inconvenient truths, and she and Eddie won't rest until they determine how the candy store owner met his bitter end.
The charming town of Chilson, Michigan is beautiful in the spring, and local librarian Minnie and her cat Eddie are delivering great reads far and wide on one of the first warm days of the year. But a chill sweeps through them when they discover that one of their favorite patrons, the local candy store owner, has been found murdered. Although Minnie can't understand who could have a motive to murder such a kind man, she determines that the sticky problem isn't hers to solve.
However, when rumors start flying around town and the police have no leads, Minnie decides to throw her investigative hat into the ring. The more Minnie investigates, the less certain she is that the victim's past is as wholesome as his reputation. But Minnie has plenty of experience unearthing inconvenient truths, and she and Eddie won't rest until they determine how the candy store owner met his bitter end.
368 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published August 1, 2023
85 people are currently reading
730 people want to read
About the author
Laurie Cass
14 books579 followersLaurie Cass is the national bestselling author of the Bookmobile Cat Mysteries, including Wrong Side of the Paw, Cat With a Clue, and Pouncing on Murder. She lives on a lake in northern Michigan with her husband and two cats.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 122 reviews
July 18, 2023
If you love books, libraries, cats, and cozy mysteries, then
A Troubling Tail
by Laurie Cass may be the book and series that will delight you. The owner of a local candy story in Chilson, Michigan, is murdered. When the police investigation focus turns to someone she doesn’t believe is a killer, Minnie Hamilton and her rescue cat, Eddie decide to get involved. Minnie is the local library’s assistant director and one of its bookmobile drivers.
The characterization has depth in this novel which made it easy to connect with the characters. Minnie is creative, a terrible liar, smart, capable, empathic, and funny. She also doesn’t like confrontation. Her betrothed, Rafe Niswander is a middle school principal and has been restoring a 100-year-old home for years. The other characters had varying degrees of depth and layers appropriate for their roles in the story. One thing that stood out to me was the sheer number of characters in the novel. This would likely be mitigated by reading the first ten books in the series as some of them are reoccurring characters.
The plot is twisty, the story is well-written, the settings were easy to visualize, and the characters were memorable. I was easily pulled into the inner world of the characters. I also enjoyed the occasional humor that was sprinkled throughout the book. I enjoyed the interactions with Eddie, the rescue cat and how Minnie talked things through with him to come up with her next steps in the investigation.
I thought including Minnie’s excitement about being involved with the library’s strategic plan added another layer of depth to the story. The ending wraps everything up well. This novel shines a light on friendship, family, romance, books, libraries, death, and much more.
Overall, this entertaining story immediately grabbed my attention and kept me engaged throughout the book. It’s filled with warmth and humor which balances the darker events that occur in the novel. The authentic characters with believable relationships and motivations made it even more enjoyable. This series is best read in order. Those who enjoy amateur sleuths and cozy mysteries will likely enjoy this novel. I am looking forward to reading more of the books in this series.
Berkley Publishing Group and Laurie Cass provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via Net Galley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently set for August 1, 2023.
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My 4.05 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon.
The characterization has depth in this novel which made it easy to connect with the characters. Minnie is creative, a terrible liar, smart, capable, empathic, and funny. She also doesn’t like confrontation. Her betrothed, Rafe Niswander is a middle school principal and has been restoring a 100-year-old home for years. The other characters had varying degrees of depth and layers appropriate for their roles in the story. One thing that stood out to me was the sheer number of characters in the novel. This would likely be mitigated by reading the first ten books in the series as some of them are reoccurring characters.
The plot is twisty, the story is well-written, the settings were easy to visualize, and the characters were memorable. I was easily pulled into the inner world of the characters. I also enjoyed the occasional humor that was sprinkled throughout the book. I enjoyed the interactions with Eddie, the rescue cat and how Minnie talked things through with him to come up with her next steps in the investigation.
I thought including Minnie’s excitement about being involved with the library’s strategic plan added another layer of depth to the story. The ending wraps everything up well. This novel shines a light on friendship, family, romance, books, libraries, death, and much more.
Overall, this entertaining story immediately grabbed my attention and kept me engaged throughout the book. It’s filled with warmth and humor which balances the darker events that occur in the novel. The authentic characters with believable relationships and motivations made it even more enjoyable. This series is best read in order. Those who enjoy amateur sleuths and cozy mysteries will likely enjoy this novel. I am looking forward to reading more of the books in this series.
Berkley Publishing Group and Laurie Cass provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via Net Galley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently set for August 1, 2023.
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My 4.05 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon.
November 12, 2023
Crying over here after finishing A Troubling Tail by Laurie Cass now that I am officially done with all the books in the Bookmobile Cat Mystery series that are currently out. We have some secrets that come to light through Minnie's investigation, and the topics covered end up making this a rather emotional story as well. As usual, the characters really shine in this cozy mystery and I love that we are deep into Minnie and Rafe's wedding planning, or lack thereof. Thank goodness for Aunt Frances and her new business, and the way this book closed out was very satisfying and sweet.
There isn't as much focus on the library in this book but don't worry, because the bookmobile still has its part, as well as the new book bike! I have listened to the audiobooks for this entire series, and I can't say enough how much I love having Erin Bennett as the narrator. A Troubling Tail is only about 9 hours on audio, and since the physical books are mass market paperbacks (not my thing), it has been my preferred method. They speed by on audio and this installment was no exception. Eddie helps save the day in more ways than one, and I loved the mystery and all of Minnie's wit as she not only figures out the whodunnit but helps others out in the process. If you enjoy cozies, I highly recommend this series as the characters are loveable, the mysteries unique, and there is more cat cuteness than you can shake a stick at. I cannot WAIT for the next one!
There isn't as much focus on the library in this book but don't worry, because the bookmobile still has its part, as well as the new book bike! I have listened to the audiobooks for this entire series, and I can't say enough how much I love having Erin Bennett as the narrator. A Troubling Tail is only about 9 hours on audio, and since the physical books are mass market paperbacks (not my thing), it has been my preferred method. They speed by on audio and this installment was no exception. Eddie helps save the day in more ways than one, and I loved the mystery and all of Minnie's wit as she not only figures out the whodunnit but helps others out in the process. If you enjoy cozies, I highly recommend this series as the characters are loveable, the mysteries unique, and there is more cat cuteness than you can shake a stick at. I cannot WAIT for the next one!
August 9, 2023
What a story! A MUST read!
Minnie and Eddie are back, stronger than ever in this newest addition to my favorite series.
It seems Minnie and Rafe are struggling to make decisions about their wedding venue. Its decided that there will be reveal party, to determine the location.
Minnie is continuing to drive the bookmobile, carrying books, movies, magazines and so much more to the local residents. Minnie is pressed into the unfortunately task of finding the perfect spot for the yellow book bike, which is its own story.
A local shop owner's death hits hard, and all the secrets and lies discovered sets off a series of events that will have you reading long into the night.
Minnie and Eddie are back, stronger than ever in this newest addition to my favorite series.
It seems Minnie and Rafe are struggling to make decisions about their wedding venue. Its decided that there will be reveal party, to determine the location.
Minnie is continuing to drive the bookmobile, carrying books, movies, magazines and so much more to the local residents. Minnie is pressed into the unfortunately task of finding the perfect spot for the yellow book bike, which is its own story.
A local shop owner's death hits hard, and all the secrets and lies discovered sets off a series of events that will have you reading long into the night.
July 31, 2023
A Troubling Tail by Laurie Cass has a kindly candy store owner murdered in Chilson, Michigan. Minnie Hamilton is keeping busy between her work as the assistant library director, her time on the bookmobile, and intervals not spent planning her wedding (or the reveal party). Minnie has moved into Rafe’s home (which is now their home), but she does miss her houseboat. Minnie has decided to rent her houseboat, but the new renters are worried. They are new to Chilson and are nervous that a murder has just occurred. Minnie delves into the mystery and learns a surprising secret. There are a couple of suspects in the crime. There are clues to help readers solve the crime before the reveal. Two details led me to the killer. The whodunit is neatly wrapped up at the end. In the story, we get to follow Minnie’s day to day life. I felt the story needed some action. It moved at an unhurried pace, and it was a wee bit too long (368 pages). I am baffled as to why Minnie and Rafe do not wish to be more involved in the planning of their wedding (I want to see some joy at the thought of their wedding). The reveal party makes no sense (just send out invites) especially since the couple do not seem interested in planning it either. I like how Minnie talks to Eddie. Anyone who owns a cat can relate. I did find the cumbersome book bike amusing. Personally, I thought it would be a good opportunity for the library to have an exhibit. They could showcase the bike and tell the history of libraries delivering books to patrons. A Troubling Tail is the eleventh A Bookmobile Cat Mystery. It can be read as a standalone for those new to the series. A Troubling Tail is a languid cozy with a busy bookmobile, a killed candy proprietor, worried renters, an interesting image, shortage of party planning, a bicycle riddle, and a fussy feline.
August 10, 2023
This was a nice addition to the series and while Minnie has grown on me as the series has continued, there were times that I actually just wanted her to stop talking so that others could tell their story. This series has also fallen victim to the cat having to be part of every scene, which is annoying. I get you’re concerned about your cat’s wellbeing but bringing the cat carrier when you’re trying to sneak up on a potentially bad situation is just ridiculous. Hoping we finally get wedding details in the next one.
October 17, 2023
Eddie, the Bookmobile Cat, and Minnie, the librarian, team up again to solve another murder. At least, Eddie eats, sleeps, purrs and snores while Minnie with her natural inquisitiveness tries to solve what happened to the candy shop owner. Life in Chilson is sweet populated every day people that you want to know. Great cozy series, especially if you are fond of cats.
November 11, 2025
This was a good entry in the series. I'm so happy Minnie decided on my idea for what to do with the book bike. She could have saved herself some stress too had she listened to me right away since I had the idea when she first started soliciting them. The mystery was interesting and I enjoyed the investigating that went on. This series is so much fun and I love seeing how all the regular characters are doing and that they keep growing.
October 22, 2023
It is so much fun to get to visit with Minnie and the crew from the bookmobile! I love these books so much. In this adventure summer is in the horizon and everything is looking up until the local owner of the candy store turns up murdered. We get to see the usual crew plus the addition of a fun new book bike! Minnie as always gets involved in the investigation and helps everyone in Chilson as she always does. I loved the book! It was just fantastic.
December 12, 2023
Always a pleasure to visit Eddie, Minnie and the bookmobile.
November 26, 2023
Assistant library director and bookmobile librarian Minnie Hamilton is happily planning her wedding when one of the library board members gives the library a book bike--a heavy, hulking thing that is hard to drive in their hilly territory--and demands Minnie finds a way to incorporate it in the outreach program. Also, the man who owns the local candy store is found murdered. When she hears the news, a bookmobile patron who's a grade school teacher faints--and finally tells Minnie that the man was her previously unknown bio-father. The director of the local hospital--also a new member of the library board--has a meeting with Minnie that could have ended with her death were it not for Minnie's quick actions. But do these two people have anything in common? And why would someone want to kill both of them?
February 19, 2024
Pretty standard entry in the series. If you liked the others, you'll like this one.
September 13, 2024
I will read this whole series one day mark my words!!! Quaint small town setting (very stars hollow) and more of our bookmobile librarian and her rescue cat Eddie solving crime. Love love love.
September 5, 2023
I loved it! This is the best cat mystery series ever! Minnie and Eddie's dialogue is so funny. Great mystery and great author.
June 13, 2023
I usually love this series, but felt this one had Minnie a little too involved with the crime. I love the characters and read to find out what is happening in their lives. I really hope we get to read about the wedding in the next book. I love their wedding location and want to hear more about it!
August 20, 2023
I devoured this series starting last year. I’m super excited for this one to come out and eagerly awaiting his arrival! It did not disappoint.
I love money, and all of her friends and the crazy cast of characters in these stories! This is a quick fun read that stays at a great pace , and keeps you wanting more.
My biggest complaint is now I have to wait far too long for the next one.
I love money, and all of her friends and the crazy cast of characters in these stories! This is a quick fun read that stays at a great pace , and keeps you wanting more.
My biggest complaint is now I have to wait far too long for the next one.
September 2, 2023
A death in the candy store, an adopted daughter and a book bike all play a big role in this story. I liked how Minnie worked to help her friend and discover who the murderer could be. A fun read, good plot and a perfect wedding venue is revealed.
October 9, 2023
Cute! Eddie is the star of the show, as always.
January 14, 2025
4 stelle e mezza
È un piacere rivedere Eddie. Sì, sto parlando del gatto, il vero eroe del libro. Minnie, la protagonista, a volte mi sembra un pochino fuori di testa e forse infantile, ma ha un cuore d'oro. Comunque sia, la serie mi piace e sono contenta di vedere che continuerà.
È un piacere rivedere Eddie. Sì, sto parlando del gatto, il vero eroe del libro. Minnie, la protagonista, a volte mi sembra un pochino fuori di testa e forse infantile, ma ha un cuore d'oro. Comunque sia, la serie mi piace e sono contenta di vedere che continuerà.
August 2, 2023
I love the characters and setting. The mystery was good and unique. How Minnie got involved in the crime was also unique. There were a lot of twists which made it hard to put the book down. Eddie is in this book a lot if any Eddie fans want to know. I enjoyed this book very much and will read the next book in the series.
June 1, 2024
So I needed to get up to date on this series so my brain would let me focus on other books. Now I have to wait for the next one to come out
March 29, 2025
I hadn’t read anything else in this series, but have figured out there is too much cat, too much talking to the cat, and not enough mystery or discussion of books for me to invest any more time in this series.
August 7, 2024
Y'all, I just cannot with this series anymore. It was really cute to start with, but I think it is time for Minnie and Eddie to retire. Minnie is so one dimensional at times. She can't, or doesn't like to cook, she can't do numbers, she can't do this, she can't do that. She talks to herself. I do, too, but, dang, someone always has to catch her. Or, she talks to Eddie and the hairs he sheds make an appearance like Melville's whale swishing past the sand on the bottom of the ocean. Apparently all she can do is read, go to work and do very little work that we are told about, skip meals or eat them on the run and make a mess of herself, take her cat into stupid situations, and bumble through solving mysteries that the local police can't because they're apparently not as smart as her.
As a former librarian, I know we are busy. I was busy from the time I got in the building until after I left. But dang. Also, she calls to ask for the afternoon off and has a freak out, a senseless freak about, about her boss writing her up. Her boss is a great guy. He's not going to write her up for asking for one afternoon off.
Also, the book bike--I'm not sure that THAT was actually solved. Maybe I just stopped caring.
And I have a cat that is a jackhole and can do some crazy things, but how the heck is Eddie always getting out of his carrier? Every freaking time. And the end was so cheesy with Eddie warning them about the dog, Rafe throwing bags at it (which I'm pretty sure held their supper), and Minnie guarding the babies, until Eddie ran it off. I was rolling my eyes so hard they almost got stuck at the back of my head.
Also, I don't know anything about the educational system in Minnesota, but around here, no principals have the summer off. Technically, teachers don't either. Just because they are not working does not mean they are getting paid, but for a principal to get three months off....I mean, I know it's fiction, but if anyone in the area where this book takes place could confirm if principals "get the summer off" I would be interested to know.
I know this is a rant, and I really liked this series at first, but when Minnie changes her whole idea about whether or not a short guy could have killed someone because he (a plumber) pulls a step stool out of his van, I just can't. Plumbers and other workers carry ladders, step stools, etc. That is not something that should make you rethink their guilt. It really needed to be something else.
Finished with Minnie, Eddie, and everyone else. I like her aunt the best, and she had like two minutes in this whole book.
As a former librarian, I know we are busy. I was busy from the time I got in the building until after I left. But dang. Also, she calls to ask for the afternoon off and has a freak out, a senseless freak about, about her boss writing her up. Her boss is a great guy. He's not going to write her up for asking for one afternoon off.
Also, the book bike--I'm not sure that THAT was actually solved. Maybe I just stopped caring.
And I have a cat that is a jackhole and can do some crazy things, but how the heck is Eddie always getting out of his carrier? Every freaking time. And the end was so cheesy with Eddie warning them about the dog, Rafe throwing bags at it (which I'm pretty sure held their supper), and Minnie guarding the babies, until Eddie ran it off. I was rolling my eyes so hard they almost got stuck at the back of my head.
Also, I don't know anything about the educational system in Minnesota, but around here, no principals have the summer off. Technically, teachers don't either. Just because they are not working does not mean they are getting paid, but for a principal to get three months off....I mean, I know it's fiction, but if anyone in the area where this book takes place could confirm if principals "get the summer off" I would be interested to know.
I know this is a rant, and I really liked this series at first, but when Minnie changes her whole idea about whether or not a short guy could have killed someone because he (a plumber) pulls a step stool out of his van, I just can't. Plumbers and other workers carry ladders, step stools, etc. That is not something that should make you rethink their guilt. It really needed to be something else.
Finished with Minnie, Eddie, and everyone else. I like her aunt the best, and she had like two minutes in this whole book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 5, 2023
It was only the last 20 percent of the book that saved it from the one star category. Minnie has changed to the extent that she is now annoying. Since the boarding house changed hands and she moved from the house, her character has changed. She now catastrophizes every interaction from chopping vegetables to loosing an arm from a knife mishap. That’s not normal even for a book character. I rolled my eyes and slapped my head so often that I got tired of the sheer stupidity of the character. Eddie is still cute and the side story of the bike was entertaining enough but maybe the author should eliminate Minnie and let the series end.
August 30, 2023
I just have to ask ... why is so much attention given to Minnie and Rafe's half-hearted wedding planning and their ridiculous plan to host a reveal party of their wedding location? Who cares? Additionally, although I've really liked Minnie throughout this series, I have recently started to get a bit annoyed by her emotional immaturity and whininess. Sometimes I wonder what made her such a good catch for Rafe, especially when it seems that she has stronger feelings for Eddie, her cat. It's become a bit laughable that Minnie takes Eddie along with her nearly everywhere she goes. Lugging around a cat carrier is not easy, particularly when facing a life-threatening situation.
August 15, 2023
https://openbooksociety.com/article/a...
Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Jeanie
I always look forward to the next episode of this series from the time I turn the last page on the prior one, and this one is even better than the last. Minnie is one of the most positive protagonists I have the pleasure to read, and her cat, Eddie, is one of the finest and most loyal felines in current cozy mystery series. The setting, in northwest lower Michigan, is gorgeous with wonderful late spring descriptions. The mystery is fresh and intriguing, and kept me guessing throughout.
Minnie and fiancé Rafe both have demanding jobs yet always carve out time for themselves and their friends. Rafe is a middle school principal, and Minnie is the assistant library director in Chilson. Since the addition of the bookmobile, she knows she has the best job in the world. The bookmobile has been very successful, and continues to expand. I am fascinated by some of the items they now loan out!
Minnie has a special project from the library board president. Trent, a retired attorney and now president of the board, retrofitted a heavy, vintage, one-speed bicycle with coaster brakes into a book bike, with boxes built to carry materials to places such as assisted living facilities. It seems too heavy for use even before any books are stocked. It was designed and painted with the best of intentions, so she must prepare a presentation for its use for the next board meeting.
Minnie and Hunter, the other bookmobile driver, have a new stop at an elementary school. The children are excited about seeing Eddie, the famous bookmobile cat. One of the boys taunted her into turning the radio on that she never used. When she finally found a station, they learned of a police situation in Chilson. Whippy, owner of the family-owned Henike’s Candy Emporium, had been found dead in the store. After the news alert, Leah, one of the teachers, fainted. Later, Leah said she simply hadn’t had breakfast that morning, but still seemed. . . off.
Most of Chilson was saddened at the loss of Whippy; he had worked in that shop since learning the ropes from his father. He was kind to everyone, generous with products, and even played Santa Claus at Christmas time. It was even more grievous when they learned Whippy had been murdered.
Minnie had helped solve several murders since moving to Chilson, but she didn’t know anyone closely associated with the Henike family. Then, a couple of Minnie’s new friends received death threats. Their notes had the same characteristics as the threat found in the candy shop office after Whippy’s murder. Almost everyone who knew Toby, the young man who was accused of the murder, knew he couldn’t do it. When someone asked for Minnie’s help finding the killer, she couldn’t say no.
The characters are brought to life through realistic conversations and actions. Minnie, Eddie, and Rafe are my favorites. Perhaps because Minnie and I share some traits, including being cat lovers, it is easy to appreciate her. Eddie is an extraordinary cat who also has the usual feline traits. The author clearly has been owned by cats, as Eddie perfectly demonstrates some of the “usual” feline behavior. He is fiercely loyal to Minnie, would do anything to protect her, and accompanied her when she sought solutions to murders. Rafe is the perfect man for Minnie in so many ways, sharing witty banter, love, and loyalty. He also understood what many guys wouldn’t – such as why the change of paint colors on the boarding house her aunt used to own was so discombobulating.
This was a challenging mystery. One of the friends receiving a death threat was certain who sent it but the police already cleared them, while another had absolutely no idea. There seemed little, if anything, connecting them. The killer was clever in covering their tracks, but they didn’t know Minnie was cleverer. I was surprised, however, at who the killer was, for reasons I can’t say without giving it away. I was very pleased with the outcome of each situation in this novel, and am already looking forward to the next mystery! I highly recommend this novel and series!
Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Jeanie
I always look forward to the next episode of this series from the time I turn the last page on the prior one, and this one is even better than the last. Minnie is one of the most positive protagonists I have the pleasure to read, and her cat, Eddie, is one of the finest and most loyal felines in current cozy mystery series. The setting, in northwest lower Michigan, is gorgeous with wonderful late spring descriptions. The mystery is fresh and intriguing, and kept me guessing throughout.
Minnie and fiancé Rafe both have demanding jobs yet always carve out time for themselves and their friends. Rafe is a middle school principal, and Minnie is the assistant library director in Chilson. Since the addition of the bookmobile, she knows she has the best job in the world. The bookmobile has been very successful, and continues to expand. I am fascinated by some of the items they now loan out!
Minnie has a special project from the library board president. Trent, a retired attorney and now president of the board, retrofitted a heavy, vintage, one-speed bicycle with coaster brakes into a book bike, with boxes built to carry materials to places such as assisted living facilities. It seems too heavy for use even before any books are stocked. It was designed and painted with the best of intentions, so she must prepare a presentation for its use for the next board meeting.
Minnie and Hunter, the other bookmobile driver, have a new stop at an elementary school. The children are excited about seeing Eddie, the famous bookmobile cat. One of the boys taunted her into turning the radio on that she never used. When she finally found a station, they learned of a police situation in Chilson. Whippy, owner of the family-owned Henike’s Candy Emporium, had been found dead in the store. After the news alert, Leah, one of the teachers, fainted. Later, Leah said she simply hadn’t had breakfast that morning, but still seemed. . . off.
Most of Chilson was saddened at the loss of Whippy; he had worked in that shop since learning the ropes from his father. He was kind to everyone, generous with products, and even played Santa Claus at Christmas time. It was even more grievous when they learned Whippy had been murdered.
Minnie had helped solve several murders since moving to Chilson, but she didn’t know anyone closely associated with the Henike family. Then, a couple of Minnie’s new friends received death threats. Their notes had the same characteristics as the threat found in the candy shop office after Whippy’s murder. Almost everyone who knew Toby, the young man who was accused of the murder, knew he couldn’t do it. When someone asked for Minnie’s help finding the killer, she couldn’t say no.
The characters are brought to life through realistic conversations and actions. Minnie, Eddie, and Rafe are my favorites. Perhaps because Minnie and I share some traits, including being cat lovers, it is easy to appreciate her. Eddie is an extraordinary cat who also has the usual feline traits. The author clearly has been owned by cats, as Eddie perfectly demonstrates some of the “usual” feline behavior. He is fiercely loyal to Minnie, would do anything to protect her, and accompanied her when she sought solutions to murders. Rafe is the perfect man for Minnie in so many ways, sharing witty banter, love, and loyalty. He also understood what many guys wouldn’t – such as why the change of paint colors on the boarding house her aunt used to own was so discombobulating.
This was a challenging mystery. One of the friends receiving a death threat was certain who sent it but the police already cleared them, while another had absolutely no idea. There seemed little, if anything, connecting them. The killer was clever in covering their tracks, but they didn’t know Minnie was cleverer. I was surprised, however, at who the killer was, for reasons I can’t say without giving it away. I was very pleased with the outcome of each situation in this novel, and am already looking forward to the next mystery! I highly recommend this novel and series!
December 15, 2023
This is one of my two top favorite cozy mystery series in which one of the main characters is a cat. Eddie adopted his owner, Minnie, several years ago, and has been the bookmobile cat ever since the Chilson Library sent it on its maiden journey. Minnie is the assistant director at the library, and her favorite workdays are the ones she gets to go out in the bookmobile.
The setting is Michigan’s lower peninsula where classes will soon be out for the summer. Minnie, along with Hunter, one of the clerks, are stopping at a school just added to the route. The children from every grade who visited it wanted to see Eddie, who stayed in his large carrier until seeing how the youngest children interact with him.
Minnie, quick and clever thinker she is, tried to put off turning on the radio she never uses for one of the students. Not to be bested by a fifth grader, she turned it on – and heard about a police emergency in Chilson. Whippy, the current owner of family business, Henike’s Candy Emporium, was found dead in his store. Murdered. It was hard to imagine anyone harming this beloved man who was part of most people’s lives through the candy he sold. One of the teachers seemed upset when hearing it, but tried to act as if nothing were amiss.
Minnie, with help from her friends and even, at times, Eddie, helped solve various crimes and murders since coming to Chilson. She didn’t usually get involved unless someone asked her, or if the victim or suspect was someone she was close to. As that wasn’t the case here, she told her fiancé, Rafe, that she didn’t plan to do anything even though she, like most of Chilson, thought the world of Whippy. Minnie changed her mind, however, after being shown threats by two unrelated people who received them that were very similar to the threat found at Whippy’s after his murder. She had never believed what the sheriff’s office thought, that his death was a robbery gone sideways.
Eddie typically is Minnie’s confidant, as she speaks as if he will help her as she considers every angle of a murder aloud. One never knows with Eddie, especially since he sometimes doesn’t seem interested, and other times simply responds with Mrr. Eddie captured my heart from the first time the author shared him. His behavior is so much like that of some of the cats I’ve owned over the years that I can see the humor. Other times, however, he refuses to let bad guys get away or harm his human.
There is an excellent balance between mystery, career, relationships, and more mystery; there is never a lack of focus. She has often been considered to overthink things, and I sympathize with that. For Minnie, helping find whodunit has serious implications for the accused or the one getting away with – well - murder. Minnie is an intelligent, independent woman in her mid-thirties who has been successful, I think, in part, due to her ability to thoroughly consider decisions in business and helping to get bad guys off the street.
I was thoroughly stumped by, and very surprised, at whodunit. I’m fairly sure that Minnie, and even Eddie, were not! Her actions proved that Minnie’s concern for a friend was more important than the risk involved. I was completely satisfied with every aspect of this novel. I highly recommend it to those who love well-written cozy mysteries with cats, libraries, good friends, and romance.
The setting is Michigan’s lower peninsula where classes will soon be out for the summer. Minnie, along with Hunter, one of the clerks, are stopping at a school just added to the route. The children from every grade who visited it wanted to see Eddie, who stayed in his large carrier until seeing how the youngest children interact with him.
Minnie, quick and clever thinker she is, tried to put off turning on the radio she never uses for one of the students. Not to be bested by a fifth grader, she turned it on – and heard about a police emergency in Chilson. Whippy, the current owner of family business, Henike’s Candy Emporium, was found dead in his store. Murdered. It was hard to imagine anyone harming this beloved man who was part of most people’s lives through the candy he sold. One of the teachers seemed upset when hearing it, but tried to act as if nothing were amiss.
Minnie, with help from her friends and even, at times, Eddie, helped solve various crimes and murders since coming to Chilson. She didn’t usually get involved unless someone asked her, or if the victim or suspect was someone she was close to. As that wasn’t the case here, she told her fiancé, Rafe, that she didn’t plan to do anything even though she, like most of Chilson, thought the world of Whippy. Minnie changed her mind, however, after being shown threats by two unrelated people who received them that were very similar to the threat found at Whippy’s after his murder. She had never believed what the sheriff’s office thought, that his death was a robbery gone sideways.
Eddie typically is Minnie’s confidant, as she speaks as if he will help her as she considers every angle of a murder aloud. One never knows with Eddie, especially since he sometimes doesn’t seem interested, and other times simply responds with Mrr. Eddie captured my heart from the first time the author shared him. His behavior is so much like that of some of the cats I’ve owned over the years that I can see the humor. Other times, however, he refuses to let bad guys get away or harm his human.
There is an excellent balance between mystery, career, relationships, and more mystery; there is never a lack of focus. She has often been considered to overthink things, and I sympathize with that. For Minnie, helping find whodunit has serious implications for the accused or the one getting away with – well - murder. Minnie is an intelligent, independent woman in her mid-thirties who has been successful, I think, in part, due to her ability to thoroughly consider decisions in business and helping to get bad guys off the street.
I was thoroughly stumped by, and very surprised, at whodunit. I’m fairly sure that Minnie, and even Eddie, were not! Her actions proved that Minnie’s concern for a friend was more important than the risk involved. I was completely satisfied with every aspect of this novel. I highly recommend it to those who love well-written cozy mysteries with cats, libraries, good friends, and romance.
August 11, 2023
The Bookmobile Cat series is an automatic buy for me and while I did enjoy A Troubling Tail I didn't love it as much as I expected. Once again, we have the beautiful setting of Chilson, Michigan, and our protagonist is plucky assistant librarian and bookmobile driver Minnie. The mystery centers around the death of candy store owner Whippy. At first, Minnie actually leaves the case to the police but when a bookmobile patron/elementary school teacher confidentially informs Minnie of her relationship to the victim, our intrepid sleuth feels bound to get involved. She is even more determined to solve the case when the police suspect that a young man arrested for a string of burglaries might have escalated to murder. Minnie is convinced--just on a gut feeling--that the young burglar is innocent of murder. She can't let an innocent man go to prison allowing the guilty to go free!
The strengths of the book are the interesting range of characters, starting with Minnie herself. I love her fiance Rafe and their relationship provides real grounding for Minnie. I appreciate that he supports her investigative efforts, whereas most partners in cozies are usually trying to get the sleuth to stop. But I'm somewhat confused why they are dithering about their upcoming wedding. Minnie is such a contradiction--so strong and focused on things for others such as her work at the library and her sleuthing, but unwilling to make decisions about her personal life--giving her aunt complete control of her wedding and letting Rafe make the decisions about their home and even about what they eat for dinner.
The plot is also very strong in this addition to the series. Minnie makes her list of suspects and then works on eliminating those with alibis or lack of motive. Her approach is usually logical and she doesn't make wild assumptions (usually). The one thing I struggled with concerning the plot is why the police seem to be doing basically no investigating. Minnie respects the Sheriff and the detectives but she has no faith that they will solve the murder. And she is correct, because there is no evidence that they were anywhere near solving the case. What were they doing? It appears, nothing.
My strongest criticism is that the book was too long. 360 pages for a cozy is a lot. And the plot wasn't that complex. There is just a TON of filler. And while I really like Minnie and enjoy spending time with her, there must be 30 pages describing Eddie the cat. I like Eddie too but that's a lot about where he was sitting and what trouble he was getting into. I thought about counting how many times he says , "MRRR," but decided to go on to my next book instead.
We also get Minnie musing on many things unrelated to the mystery. It's fun to be in her head, but do we really need a full paragraph about how Rafe scraping his whiskers made her feel both irritation and fondness and did it make her weird that she could hold two opposing ideas at once and how would she even know if that did make her weird because how could she ever ask anyone...? There were a lot of paragraphs like this. A little is good, a lot slows down the plot. I vote for editing out about 40 pages. But still a fun read.
The strengths of the book are the interesting range of characters, starting with Minnie herself. I love her fiance Rafe and their relationship provides real grounding for Minnie. I appreciate that he supports her investigative efforts, whereas most partners in cozies are usually trying to get the sleuth to stop. But I'm somewhat confused why they are dithering about their upcoming wedding. Minnie is such a contradiction--so strong and focused on things for others such as her work at the library and her sleuthing, but unwilling to make decisions about her personal life--giving her aunt complete control of her wedding and letting Rafe make the decisions about their home and even about what they eat for dinner.
The plot is also very strong in this addition to the series. Minnie makes her list of suspects and then works on eliminating those with alibis or lack of motive. Her approach is usually logical and she doesn't make wild assumptions (usually). The one thing I struggled with concerning the plot is why the police seem to be doing basically no investigating. Minnie respects the Sheriff and the detectives but she has no faith that they will solve the murder. And she is correct, because there is no evidence that they were anywhere near solving the case. What were they doing? It appears, nothing.
My strongest criticism is that the book was too long. 360 pages for a cozy is a lot. And the plot wasn't that complex. There is just a TON of filler. And while I really like Minnie and enjoy spending time with her, there must be 30 pages describing Eddie the cat. I like Eddie too but that's a lot about where he was sitting and what trouble he was getting into. I thought about counting how many times he says , "MRRR," but decided to go on to my next book instead.
We also get Minnie musing on many things unrelated to the mystery. It's fun to be in her head, but do we really need a full paragraph about how Rafe scraping his whiskers made her feel both irritation and fondness and did it make her weird that she could hold two opposing ideas at once and how would she even know if that did make her weird because how could she ever ask anyone...? There were a lot of paragraphs like this. A little is good, a lot slows down the plot. I vote for editing out about 40 pages. But still a fun read.
July 22, 2023
I've been reading this series since 2017 when I happened to see book 1 at my local library. Cute cat. Bookmobile. Colorful cover. Yep -- had to read it. So glad I did! It has become one of my favorite cozy mystery series over the years!! There are only a few series that get my Favorite Stamp of Approval. Book series that send me to my computer to pre-order new books the minute I can....wait for my copy (or request an early review copy while still ordering a physical copy)....and then disappear into my room to binge read. The Bookmobile Cat Mystery series is on that list!!
When this book showed up as available to review, I knew I couldn't wait until August to get my Minnie and Eddie fix. I requested my review copy, and scheduled a binge read day. Nothing like taking a day for myself, reading a book I enjoy, sipping on my favorite tea.....and just having a totally turned-down, self-care day.
A Troubling Tail is the 11th book in this series. This time, Minnie ends up doing some amateur sleuthing (with her sidekick Eddie of course) when a local businessman is murdered and the local police have no leads. This new book is very entertaining! There is plenty of investigation and Eddie helping, a good number of suspects and little twists, and the plot moves at a nice pace. I can't wait to listen to the audio book! I always read the story to review by publication date, and then listen to the audio once the book is published.
In honor of my long-term enjoyment of this series, (and while I'm waiting for the audio of this newest book to come out) I'm re-listening to the audio books starting with book 1. I wanted to refresh my memory and see how the characters have developed since the start of the series. I am having so much fun listening to the days where Minnie had to hide the fact Eddie was on the bookmobile! :)
I'm definitely eagerly awaiting the next book in this series!! After six years of reading, I still love every time Eddie says Mrrrr!
**I voluntarily read a review copy of this book from Berkley. All opinions expressed are entirely my own. Mrrrr!**
When this book showed up as available to review, I knew I couldn't wait until August to get my Minnie and Eddie fix. I requested my review copy, and scheduled a binge read day. Nothing like taking a day for myself, reading a book I enjoy, sipping on my favorite tea.....and just having a totally turned-down, self-care day.
A Troubling Tail is the 11th book in this series. This time, Minnie ends up doing some amateur sleuthing (with her sidekick Eddie of course) when a local businessman is murdered and the local police have no leads. This new book is very entertaining! There is plenty of investigation and Eddie helping, a good number of suspects and little twists, and the plot moves at a nice pace. I can't wait to listen to the audio book! I always read the story to review by publication date, and then listen to the audio once the book is published.
In honor of my long-term enjoyment of this series, (and while I'm waiting for the audio of this newest book to come out) I'm re-listening to the audio books starting with book 1. I wanted to refresh my memory and see how the characters have developed since the start of the series. I am having so much fun listening to the days where Minnie had to hide the fact Eddie was on the bookmobile! :)
I'm definitely eagerly awaiting the next book in this series!! After six years of reading, I still love every time Eddie says Mrrrr!
**I voluntarily read a review copy of this book from Berkley. All opinions expressed are entirely my own. Mrrrr!**
August 22, 2023
This book has four story lines. The murder. Minnie and Rafe’s upcoming wedding. Deciding how to use a “book bike”. The new paint color of the boarding house.
One: the murder. Minnie uses the thinnest of thin reasons to get involved. Again, Eddie’s clairvoyant abilities (for lack of a better description) are kept so minimal that if this was the first of the series you’d read you wouldn’t notice .
Two: there seemed as much about wedding dithering as the murder. Aunt Frances has decided to be a wedding planner for couples who don’t want the “fuss or expense” of a traditional event. An interesting niche business for a small town. Minnie has inexplicably turned over all planning to her aunt. If she’s doing this in order to give Aunt Frances something to put on her resume as a new business owner, say so. Don’t write it with her and Rafe showing neither joy or interest. Throughout the book we hear about a reveal party to say where the wedding will take place. Is that a thing?? Why?
Three: the “book bike”. A board member has transformed a bicycle into a mini-bookmobile. Minnie is tasked with figuring out how to best use this gift. A fun, original side story.
Four: Aunt Celeste, the new legal owner of Aunt Frances’ boarding house, has changed the exterior paint color. Minnie’s not particularly reasonable reaction pops up at intervals. It was a storyline that most definitely could have been omitted.
Can not pin point what it is I feel is “off” about these books. They’re enjoyable enough that I’ve read all in the series. But when I finish there’s no feeling of anticipation for the next one.
One: the murder. Minnie uses the thinnest of thin reasons to get involved. Again, Eddie’s clairvoyant abilities (for lack of a better description) are kept so minimal that if this was the first of the series you’d read you wouldn’t notice .
Two: there seemed as much about wedding dithering as the murder. Aunt Frances has decided to be a wedding planner for couples who don’t want the “fuss or expense” of a traditional event. An interesting niche business for a small town. Minnie has inexplicably turned over all planning to her aunt. If she’s doing this in order to give Aunt Frances something to put on her resume as a new business owner, say so. Don’t write it with her and Rafe showing neither joy or interest. Throughout the book we hear about a reveal party to say where the wedding will take place. Is that a thing?? Why?
Three: the “book bike”. A board member has transformed a bicycle into a mini-bookmobile. Minnie is tasked with figuring out how to best use this gift. A fun, original side story.
Four: Aunt Celeste, the new legal owner of Aunt Frances’ boarding house, has changed the exterior paint color. Minnie’s not particularly reasonable reaction pops up at intervals. It was a storyline that most definitely could have been omitted.
Can not pin point what it is I feel is “off” about these books. They’re enjoyable enough that I’ve read all in the series. But when I finish there’s no feeling of anticipation for the next one.
November 13, 2025
I struggled to follow this story. Minnie drove me a bit nuts. She is so helpless, unable to take care of herself in some of the most basic ways. Rafe is busy and can't make her dinner and she eats a bowl of cereal because she can't possibly be expected to put together a meal on her own. This might not have irritated me as much if it weren't for the fact that every meal there's a play-by-play of how is helpless Minnie going to eat? Who is going to feed her?
Every time Minnie referred to Rafe, calling him "the love of my life," my love," etc. I wanted to gag. Their relationship just seems so disingenuous, especially as they're hanging out with Ash, who she was dating weeks earlier. Also... I found it really offensive how every time Ash refuses to tell her something about the case, she taunts him and tells him he's being like Hal. Um, no. He's being a professional and she's being manipulative.
I can't figure out what the deal is with their wedding. They're having a wedding to-do on Memorial Day? But the wedding is in September? And they've "turned over" all the decision making to other people? What? I don't understand what they're doing. I also don't understand what the deal was with the book bike. Just ride it around downtown. So it's big, it's heavy, ok, you're not going to ride it long distances but there are a gazillion people right there in town.
I've enjoyed the series but it's taken some turns that I'm not crazy about. Minnie seems to be just flopping around like a teenager with no sense of direction. I hope she can get it together.
Every time Minnie referred to Rafe, calling him "the love of my life," my love," etc. I wanted to gag. Their relationship just seems so disingenuous, especially as they're hanging out with Ash, who she was dating weeks earlier. Also... I found it really offensive how every time Ash refuses to tell her something about the case, she taunts him and tells him he's being like Hal. Um, no. He's being a professional and she's being manipulative.
I can't figure out what the deal is with their wedding. They're having a wedding to-do on Memorial Day? But the wedding is in September? And they've "turned over" all the decision making to other people? What? I don't understand what they're doing. I also don't understand what the deal was with the book bike. Just ride it around downtown. So it's big, it's heavy, ok, you're not going to ride it long distances but there are a gazillion people right there in town.
I've enjoyed the series but it's taken some turns that I'm not crazy about. Minnie seems to be just flopping around like a teenager with no sense of direction. I hope she can get it together.
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