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Emily Lickenson Cozy Mystery #1
The Curious Case of Emily Lickenson
Catnip and cadavers in the care home.
Cat blogger extraordinaire Emily Lickenson falls into a mystery when the head cook at the local care home unexpectedly dies.
As curious as a cat, Emily can’t resist investigating exactly what happened. She recruits her snoopy Aunt Mattie (who herself is half-convinced she used to be a spy) to hunt for clues in the midst of more red herrings than at a fish market..
The clever duo soon discover evidence of murder and a gaggle of suspects, a ditzy sous chef, grumpy cleaner who wanted the less than friendly chef sliced and diced.
Of course, Shakespeare, the cat is along for the ride, both sweet and sassy, and with nine lives!
In this quirky whodunnit you’ll find twists and turns, red herrings served with a slice of puzzle pie, and surprises that’ll have you turning the pages to find the killer before they find Emily. Perfect for those who love cozy animal mysteries with a pinch of humor, lots of clues, and a fun small town feel.
Cat blogger extraordinaire Emily Lickenson falls into a mystery when the head cook at the local care home unexpectedly dies.
As curious as a cat, Emily can’t resist investigating exactly what happened. She recruits her snoopy Aunt Mattie (who herself is half-convinced she used to be a spy) to hunt for clues in the midst of more red herrings than at a fish market..
The clever duo soon discover evidence of murder and a gaggle of suspects, a ditzy sous chef, grumpy cleaner who wanted the less than friendly chef sliced and diced.
Of course, Shakespeare, the cat is along for the ride, both sweet and sassy, and with nine lives!
In this quirky whodunnit you’ll find twists and turns, red herrings served with a slice of puzzle pie, and surprises that’ll have you turning the pages to find the killer before they find Emily. Perfect for those who love cozy animal mysteries with a pinch of humor, lots of clues, and a fun small town feel.
212 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 5, 2023
279 people are currently reading
265 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
February 24, 2024
Emily Lickenson's elderly Aunt Mattie suffered a fall at home, and when Emily rushed to be by her side, she immediately organised the ambulance. When the doctors confirmed the broken leg and said Aunt Mattie needed to go to a nursing home until her leg was healed, she went reluctantly. Aunt Mattie was a feisty old dear, and Emily knew she had a lot to thank her for. She also knew Aunt Mattie thought of herself as an amateur sleuth, better even that the police at times. So when two suspicious deaths occurred at the nursing home, Aunt Mattie immediately instructed Emily to snoop. What would be the outcome? Would they be arrested themselves? The attending detective had them both on the top of his suspect list...
The Curious Case of Emily Lickenson is the 1st in the Emily Lickenson Cozy Mystery series by CeeCee James. Light hearted, a little silly, slightly entertaining - Shakespeare the cat was a feature. A fun read for fans of cosy mysteries and animals.
The Curious Case of Emily Lickenson is the 1st in the Emily Lickenson Cozy Mystery series by CeeCee James. Light hearted, a little silly, slightly entertaining - Shakespeare the cat was a feature. A fun read for fans of cosy mysteries and animals.
December 23, 2023
Hats off to Ms James for being such a prolific writer. And perhaps the other books in this series will come off better, but this one isn't my cup of tea.
This first book introduces Emily Lickenson and her crotchety Aunt Martha. The story is related by Emily, who acts as foil to her wannabe-detective aunt's efforts and tries to moderate Martha's aggressiveness. She loves her aunt, her substitute for missing parents--this backstory is only hinted at--and fondly bears with her belligerence; other people do not.
An injury has confined Aunt Martha to a nursing home. The nurses give up in despair at trying to make her follow rules. Her roommate cringes and hides under the covers. When two women die mysteriously, Martha figures she must solve the crimes because the official detective on the case is dim-witted and clueless. She taunts him mercilessly.
Some readers will enjoy this combination of sassy aunt & sympathetic niece but Martha was too over-the-top for me, and the crime rather thin.
This first book introduces Emily Lickenson and her crotchety Aunt Martha. The story is related by Emily, who acts as foil to her wannabe-detective aunt's efforts and tries to moderate Martha's aggressiveness. She loves her aunt, her substitute for missing parents--this backstory is only hinted at--and fondly bears with her belligerence; other people do not.
An injury has confined Aunt Martha to a nursing home. The nurses give up in despair at trying to make her follow rules. Her roommate cringes and hides under the covers. When two women die mysteriously, Martha figures she must solve the crimes because the official detective on the case is dim-witted and clueless. She taunts him mercilessly.
Some readers will enjoy this combination of sassy aunt & sympathetic niece but Martha was too over-the-top for me, and the crime rather thin.
February 28, 2023
It took me quite a while to get into this one. It felt like I had just walked into the middle of the story, somehow. There just wasn’t enough backstory to comfortably introduce the characters, in my opinion. Despite the book title and the cover picture, the cat is not actually a vital character in the story; Emily Lickenson is human, not feline. The mystery was good enough, but when I had finished reading it, I still wasn’t clear on exactly who had done what; I just felt confused. I truly enjoy most of this author’s books, but not so much this one.
March 24, 2023
Not to my liking
It was a good storyline but the aunt was too mean spirited for my liking. I only got a third through it and had to stop!
It was a good storyline but the aunt was too mean spirited for my liking. I only got a third through it and had to stop!
January 23, 2023
CeeCee James writes fun sleuth mysteries with the sweetest animal pals. This new series has Emily and Aunt Mattie solving a case at the local nursing home. Mattie keeps Emily on her toes and they may even fit the detective’s persons of interest list. Twists and turns make this another amazing first in series for CeeCee James.
Disclosure: I received an ARC copy for honest review, but had already pre-order purchased my own copy because she’s one of my favorite authors.
Disclosure: I received an ARC copy for honest review, but had already pre-order purchased my own copy because she’s one of my favorite authors.
March 27, 2023
I received this free book though Weber Books.
I agree with another reader who mentioned, it felt as though we were dropped into the middle of the story. It was a fairly quick read. Not bad but not great.
Emily is a "blogger" for a cat treat company and her aunt Mattie has taken a fall, broken her leg and needed to stay at a nursing home to recover. Two deaths happen a short time after she arrives, and she is determined to solve them.
The story would have been more enjoyable for me if the aunt were not so mean, and I don't mean cranky and set in her ways, I mean downright mean. To almost everyone. Very narcissistic.
The pacing of the story was odd to me and some of the characters were completely unnecessary to the story, or their actions made no sense and obviously would never happen in real life. No nursing home would have allowed that, or they would have been shut down.
Not a favorite and will not read the rest of the series. I've read some of her other books.
I agree with another reader who mentioned, it felt as though we were dropped into the middle of the story. It was a fairly quick read. Not bad but not great.
Emily is a "blogger" for a cat treat company and her aunt Mattie has taken a fall, broken her leg and needed to stay at a nursing home to recover. Two deaths happen a short time after she arrives, and she is determined to solve them.
The story would have been more enjoyable for me if the aunt were not so mean, and I don't mean cranky and set in her ways, I mean downright mean. To almost everyone. Very narcissistic.
The pacing of the story was odd to me and some of the characters were completely unnecessary to the story, or their actions made no sense and obviously would never happen in real life. No nursing home would have allowed that, or they would have been shut down.
Not a favorite and will not read the rest of the series. I've read some of her other books.
January 27, 2023
Emily Lickenson works as a web blogger for Whisker Treats, a cat food company. Emily gets an unexpected phone call from her Aunt Mattie demanding a new set of binoculars. She says her cat, Shakespeare, has scratched the lenses. A few days later, Emily gets a frantic call from her Aunt saying she tripped over her cat and broke her leg. After a trip to the hospital and getting a cast on her leg, Aunt Mattie is sent to Macintosh's Retreat for short-term care. While at the retreat, Mattie gets a roommate, Gloria, and she also makes friends with Agnes while playing cards.
When Agnes is found dead, Aunt Mattie insists she was murdered. Also, Aunt Mattie was determined to conduct her own investigation, regardless of what the police say. Initially, Emily tries to convince her aunt to let the police do their job and solve the murder. When the cook, Hilda Freeze, also turns up dead, Mattie and Emily are both determined to find the solution to the murders.
Who killed Agnes? Who killed Hilda? Why were they killed? Are the two deaths connected? Will Mattie and Emily be able to unravel the mystery before more people die?
CeeCee James has another great series in the works with this first mystery! She has wonderful characters and realistic situations with plenty of twists, turns and red herrings to keep the reader engaged clear to the end. Aunt Mattie is a force to be reckoned with and I hope to see Emily play a larger role in future stories.
When Agnes is found dead, Aunt Mattie insists she was murdered. Also, Aunt Mattie was determined to conduct her own investigation, regardless of what the police say. Initially, Emily tries to convince her aunt to let the police do their job and solve the murder. When the cook, Hilda Freeze, also turns up dead, Mattie and Emily are both determined to find the solution to the murders.
Who killed Agnes? Who killed Hilda? Why were they killed? Are the two deaths connected? Will Mattie and Emily be able to unravel the mystery before more people die?
CeeCee James has another great series in the works with this first mystery! She has wonderful characters and realistic situations with plenty of twists, turns and red herrings to keep the reader engaged clear to the end. Aunt Mattie is a force to be reckoned with and I hope to see Emily play a larger role in future stories.
March 23, 2023
Aunt Mattie fell in her house--Emily rushed to her side. She had to go for rehab at a nursing facility. If you have ever experienced this with an elder relative you will definitely recognize some of what Aunt Mattie is complaining about!! The food was terrible--her room mate--she wanted a private room--all par for the course-the help less then obliging. Then the cook was found dead. Emily loved figuring out mysteries--she took after her Aunt!!
Twists and turns a plenty along with some groans (from some of us who went through the rehab process with an elder relative)-and quite a few laughs as Aunt Mattie manages to make those caregivers wish she'd get better real quick and gets Emily to look for clues where maybe she should not!!
This is a clean cozy mystery you will be sure to enjoy.
Twists and turns a plenty along with some groans (from some of us who went through the rehab process with an elder relative)-and quite a few laughs as Aunt Mattie manages to make those caregivers wish she'd get better real quick and gets Emily to look for clues where maybe she should not!!
This is a clean cozy mystery you will be sure to enjoy.
July 26, 2023
A new detective team is born!
Emily and her delightful Aunt Mattie team up to solve a series of suspicious deaths in a number of nursing homes. When spunky, curmudgeonly Aunt Mattie broke her leg and ended up in a nursing home for rehab, Emily stepped up to care for Aunt Mattie's cat Shakespeare. Several deaths occur, sparking Aunt Mattie's persistent curiosity, and the two begin nosing around. They run afoul of the local police detective, and hijinks and mischief ensue. Come on along for a really interesting mystery that will keep you guessing until the very end. Not a dull moment in this new series.
Emily and her delightful Aunt Mattie team up to solve a series of suspicious deaths in a number of nursing homes. When spunky, curmudgeonly Aunt Mattie broke her leg and ended up in a nursing home for rehab, Emily stepped up to care for Aunt Mattie's cat Shakespeare. Several deaths occur, sparking Aunt Mattie's persistent curiosity, and the two begin nosing around. They run afoul of the local police detective, and hijinks and mischief ensue. Come on along for a really interesting mystery that will keep you guessing until the very end. Not a dull moment in this new series.
February 5, 2023
The Curious Case of Emily Lickenson is a fantastic start to a new series that I hope to read more of really soon. Engaging and quirky characters, a cool job as a cat blogger, not to mention a pretty awesome and lucky cat, all make for a perfect trifecta of a story.
CeeCee James has another winner on her hands and I am very excited to see where this series goes from here, because after reading this book, I absolutely love it so far.
Highly recommended for all cozy mystery lovers, and cat lovers, of course.
CeeCee James has another winner on her hands and I am very excited to see where this series goes from here, because after reading this book, I absolutely love it so far.
Highly recommended for all cozy mystery lovers, and cat lovers, of course.
February 15, 2023
I loved her Aunt Mattie. She has spirit and is enjoying being old. Emily has memories that hinder her at times. Her parents disappeared out of her life. Aunt Mattie falls and breaks her leg and has to be put in a rest (nursing) home. Two people die and the two of them are suspected of killing them. I don't like it that they left us hanging about the cat and Aunt Mattie getting out of the rest home.
May 8, 2023
I have read four out of five of CeeCee James' other series and loved them. Somehow I missed this one, but when I saw there were two books and a third one coming out later in the year, I had to immediately purchase all three books. I was so happy that I did. The Curious Case of Emily Lickenson was a wonderful beginning to another series that I know I would love. I'm looking forward to reading The Stillness in the Room.
April 30, 2025
Really good
4.5 stars
This was engaging, interesting, funny and had really great pacing. I was pretty much locked in from the get go. I was very invested especially when clues started to be explored and twist and turns were made to be know. The mystery was very easy to follow even though there were several different layers. It just kept me on my toes. This was a really enjoyable reading experience.
4.5 stars
This was engaging, interesting, funny and had really great pacing. I was pretty much locked in from the get go. I was very invested especially when clues started to be explored and twist and turns were made to be know. The mystery was very easy to follow even though there were several different layers. It just kept me on my toes. This was a really enjoyable reading experience.
February 8, 2023
I loved this first book in a new series by CeeCee James.
Emily Lickenson is a cat blogger and I love her character!
Though Auntie Mattie steals the show . When there is a murder they investigate .
I love older sleuths and cats !
The mystery was well written and I laughed so much as I followed the clues .
Can’t wait for the next book in this great new series.
Emily Lickenson is a cat blogger and I love her character!
Though Auntie Mattie steals the show . When there is a murder they investigate .
I love older sleuths and cats !
The mystery was well written and I laughed so much as I followed the clues .
Can’t wait for the next book in this great new series.
February 14, 2023
I loved this first book in a new series by one of my favorite cozy mystery authors! The characters are intriguing and Shakespeare, the cat, is fun and smart. Nicely suspenseful and unexpected plot twist. A real great beginning to this new series I hope more are available soon. I want to see if Shakespeare has found his human!
July 25, 2023
Lickenson is a Winner
I throughly enjoyed this first book of a new series by CeeCee James. If the rest are as intriguing and interesting as this one, this series will be a winner.
Aunt Maddie is quite the character and her niece Emily is learning all the tricks from Aunt Maddie.
Delightful read and I'm looking forward to getting my hands on book #2.
I throughly enjoyed this first book of a new series by CeeCee James. If the rest are as intriguing and interesting as this one, this series will be a winner.
Aunt Maddie is quite the character and her niece Emily is learning all the tricks from Aunt Maddie.
Delightful read and I'm looking forward to getting my hands on book #2.
February 6, 2023
I really enjoyed this book. It is fun and interesting. I could not put the book down. I like the quirky characters. The mystery is interesting and has many twists to keep you guessing. I can't wait for the next book in the series.
February 7, 2023
PAGE TURNER. LOVE THE CHARACTERS, INCLUDING SHAKESPEARE
The characters were so real. I could relate with them. I enjoyed Shakespeare getting into the mix. I love cats. Trying to solve the mystery using the clues provided kept me reading. Hard to put down.
The characters were so real. I could relate with them. I enjoyed Shakespeare getting into the mix. I love cats. Trying to solve the mystery using the clues provided kept me reading. Hard to put down.
March 4, 2023
The curious case of Emily Dickerson..book 1
I love her writing, but this was predictable. Also moved slow. However it is the first in the series. I look forward to reading the rest.
I love her writing, but this was predictable. Also moved slow. However it is the first in the series. I look forward to reading the rest.
March 5, 2023
A mystery filled with laughter and heart!
I was so pleasantly surprised that I could not put this book down . Aunt Mattie, Emily and Shakespeare had me wanting to read on just to find what mischief awaited on the nxt page!
I was so pleasantly surprised that I could not put this book down . Aunt Mattie, Emily and Shakespeare had me wanting to read on just to find what mischief awaited on the nxt page!
April 17, 2023
So interesting
Wow just wow,I can never finish a book. But this one I could not put down. It was so good. Absolutely love it!! The way she writes the book is easy to read and not boring. I highly recommend this book and author.
Wow just wow,I can never finish a book. But this one I could not put down. It was so good. Absolutely love it!! The way she writes the book is easy to read and not boring. I highly recommend this book and author.
June 13, 2023
murder in a nursing home
Secrets, poison, and murder in a nursing when Aunt Mattie breaks her leg and needs rehab. Poor Emily has to be Aint Mattie’s eyes, ears and legs. A fun filled mystery.
Secrets, poison, and murder in a nursing when Aunt Mattie breaks her leg and needs rehab. Poor Emily has to be Aint Mattie’s eyes, ears and legs. A fun filled mystery.
December 1, 2023
Emily, cat bogger of detective?
Emily knows somethings not right when 2 people end up dead at the care home, where her aunt is recovering from a broken leg. Her aunt persists,
Insisting she is an amateur detective, in helping solve the murders. Great new, cozy series!
Emily knows somethings not right when 2 people end up dead at the care home, where her aunt is recovering from a broken leg. Her aunt persists,
Insisting she is an amateur detective, in helping solve the murders. Great new, cozy series!
April 30, 2024
The Debut of Emily Lickenson
Cat blogger Emily Lickenson investigates the death of a cook at a nursing home where her Aunt Married is temporary staying. An enjoyable mystery though I felt not the best by Miss James but still worth reading. Recommended.
Cat blogger Emily Lickenson investigates the death of a cook at a nursing home where her Aunt Married is temporary staying. An enjoyable mystery though I felt not the best by Miss James but still worth reading. Recommended.
December 22, 2024
Snappy Writing
I really liked this book. The writing is edgy and clever at the same time. It brought the characters to life for this reader. I liked the cat, the mystery, and the flow of the story. I can't wait to read the next one in the series!
I really liked this book. The writing is edgy and clever at the same time. It brought the characters to life for this reader. I liked the cat, the mystery, and the flow of the story. I can't wait to read the next one in the series!
January 1, 2025
Fun start to new series. I love the dynamics between Emily and her aunt and I enjoyed Shakespeare's antics. Looking forward to the next book. Aunt Mattie's roommate Gloria was a fun character and wouldn't mind her showing up in future books.
May 26, 2025
Mattie is just too hateful!
Emily is way too subservient to a bitter, nasty old woman who seems to care little about her niece’s work or concerns. The detective is rather nasty as well.
Emily is way too subservient to a bitter, nasty old woman who seems to care little about her niece’s work or concerns. The detective is rather nasty as well.
February 6, 2023
Great book
This was a very good beginning of a new series by Cee Cee James. I love all of the characters so far.
This was a very good beginning of a new series by Cee Cee James. I love all of the characters so far.
February 6, 2023
I tried to make this book last. But, I read it in on sitting. Thanks for the new characters.
February 9, 2023
I usually enjoy this author's books, but this one just didn't work for me. It felt less polished and the story was less engaging than her others.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews