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Magical Cats Mystery #12
A Case of Cat and Mouse
A reality TV crew has come to town and brought librarian Kathleen Paulson and her two magical cats more than their fair share of real-life drama, in the newest installment of this New York Times bestselling series.
Spring has come to charming Mayville Heights, and with it, some Hollywood glamour. The little town is abuzz because the reboot of a popular baking TV show is filming there. Librarian Kathleen Paulson is working as an advisor on historical facts for the show, local restaurants are providing catering for the camera crews, and Kathleen's faithful felines, Hercules and Owen, are hoping there is a cat treat challenge.
But then Kathleen finds one of the judges dead. She has solved many-a-murder with help from the supernaturally gifted Herc and Owen, and with the whole town on tenterhooks, the talented trio will have to have all paws on deck to chase down this killer.
Spring has come to charming Mayville Heights, and with it, some Hollywood glamour. The little town is abuzz because the reboot of a popular baking TV show is filming there. Librarian Kathleen Paulson is working as an advisor on historical facts for the show, local restaurants are providing catering for the camera crews, and Kathleen's faithful felines, Hercules and Owen, are hoping there is a cat treat challenge.
But then Kathleen finds one of the judges dead. She has solved many-a-murder with help from the supernaturally gifted Herc and Owen, and with the whole town on tenterhooks, the talented trio will have to have all paws on deck to chase down this killer.
304 pages, Hardcover
First published September 1, 2020
117 people are currently reading
767 people want to read
About the author
Sofie Kelly
17books1,093followersSofie Kelly is the pseudonym of young adult writer and mixed-media artist, . Sofie/Darlene lives on the east coast with her husband and daughter. In her spare time she practices Wu style tai chi and likes to prowl around thrift stores. And she admits to having a small crush on Matt Lauer.
She also writes as Sofie Ryan.
She also writes as Sofie Ryan.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 183 reviews
June 17, 2020
Kathleen is a librarian in Mayville Heights, MN with 2 formerly feral cats, Owen and Hercules, who have special abilities. She is also helping as a researcher for a baking show (similar to the Great British Baking Show) where a contestant is eliminated each week.. The show hits a snag when an unpopular judge turns up dead, and Kathleen, of course, is asked to investigate. It seems like the judge, Kassie, was not well liked, so there are quite a few suspects, but with the help of her cats, Kathleen figures it all out. Can she get to the police in time before the murderer takes care of her, too? If you like cozy mysteries with cats and a touch of magic, try this fun read. Thanks to the publisher and to Netgalley for providing me with an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
July 11, 2024
The murder and mayhem continue in Mayville Heights when a reality cooking show comes to town. Librarian Kathleen Paulson is helping to advise on the show, providing historical facts. Kathleen’s neighbor is one of the contestants, which means Kathleen gets to test some of her treats! One night Kathleen goes by the studio as arranged to drop off something, and instead finds a dead body.
The suspects include some locals as well as contestants. Marcus (Kathleen’s boyfriend) and police are working the case, but as usual Kathleen’s friends ask her to help as well. And of course our favorite magical cats, Hercules and Owen help with clues and provide fun moments. By now in the series, all of Kathleen’s neighbors and friends seem like friends to the reader, and you just want to join in for some food from Eric’s or go for some pie at the diner.
This is such a nice cozy mystery series� murders to solve, great characters, our main character is a librarian, and adorable cats, some of which have magical abilities and help solve crimes 😊
The suspects include some locals as well as contestants. Marcus (Kathleen’s boyfriend) and police are working the case, but as usual Kathleen’s friends ask her to help as well. And of course our favorite magical cats, Hercules and Owen help with clues and provide fun moments. By now in the series, all of Kathleen’s neighbors and friends seem like friends to the reader, and you just want to join in for some food from Eric’s or go for some pie at the diner.
This is such a nice cozy mystery series� murders to solve, great characters, our main character is a librarian, and adorable cats, some of which have magical abilities and help solve crimes 😊
July 9, 2022
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Mayville Heights has been chosen as the location to host the reboot of a very popular baking show and Kathleen has been hired for all her librarian knowledge as an advisor for the show. She will be providing interesting facts, history, and the contestant’s biographies for the commentator to use during the show. Local restaurants are benefitting too as they will be catering meals for the cast and crew of the show.
Filming is barely underway before one of the judges is murdered. Kathleen has been down this road before. People want her to investigate and find the killer. Her magical cats want to be involved. Marcus, her detective boyfriend, wants her to leave the case to him. Can everyone get together and catch the killer before he strikes again? It’s a true case of cat and mouse . . . but remember “curiosity killed the cat�.
I am so happy to visit Mayville Heights again. Cancer put me behind on this series and I vowed to myself that I would catch up this year.
Hercules and Owen are truly magical cats that steal my heart every time I start reading a book in this series. Their person Kathleen doesn’t really understand how they do what they do but she has been doing her best to keep their talents a secret. I was so happy that she finally shared their abilities with Marcus seeing as his cat is gifted too. All their antics are absolutely delightful. Can a Funky Frog replace a Funky Chicken?
Kathleen herself is a strong protagonist using her skills to try to track down a killer. There is a vast array of suspects but she doesn’t give up. I was right there with her when all the clues started to fall into place and I was having a ball. The reveal was fantastic and again Kathleen had me cheering her on while practically biting my fingernails to the quick. Then I was laughing as she met up with someone she sees too often under the same circumstances.
I must say, Kathleen, Marcus, Maggie, Rebecca, Roma, and all the core characters in this series are so well written. They are all like the good people you would meet in any midwest town. They care about each other genuinely. We are getting to know them all so well over the course of this series that each time I get to visit Mayville Heights I am excited to catch up on everything going on in their lives. We also get in a great mystery or two, too!
A Case of Cat and Mouse was a marvelous read and a Perfect Escape! A wonderful mystery laced with humor starring some stellar characters.
I do recommend reading the series in order to get to know the cats and their history and the other characters from the start but Ms. Kelly does give some background to enable this book to be read all on its own.
Stay tuned, I hope to read and review Hooked on a Feline soon!
Mayville Heights has been chosen as the location to host the reboot of a very popular baking show and Kathleen has been hired for all her librarian knowledge as an advisor for the show. She will be providing interesting facts, history, and the contestant’s biographies for the commentator to use during the show. Local restaurants are benefitting too as they will be catering meals for the cast and crew of the show.
Filming is barely underway before one of the judges is murdered. Kathleen has been down this road before. People want her to investigate and find the killer. Her magical cats want to be involved. Marcus, her detective boyfriend, wants her to leave the case to him. Can everyone get together and catch the killer before he strikes again? It’s a true case of cat and mouse . . . but remember “curiosity killed the cat�.
I am so happy to visit Mayville Heights again. Cancer put me behind on this series and I vowed to myself that I would catch up this year.
Hercules and Owen are truly magical cats that steal my heart every time I start reading a book in this series. Their person Kathleen doesn’t really understand how they do what they do but she has been doing her best to keep their talents a secret. I was so happy that she finally shared their abilities with Marcus seeing as his cat is gifted too. All their antics are absolutely delightful. Can a Funky Frog replace a Funky Chicken?
Kathleen herself is a strong protagonist using her skills to try to track down a killer. There is a vast array of suspects but she doesn’t give up. I was right there with her when all the clues started to fall into place and I was having a ball. The reveal was fantastic and again Kathleen had me cheering her on while practically biting my fingernails to the quick. Then I was laughing as she met up with someone she sees too often under the same circumstances.
I must say, Kathleen, Marcus, Maggie, Rebecca, Roma, and all the core characters in this series are so well written. They are all like the good people you would meet in any midwest town. They care about each other genuinely. We are getting to know them all so well over the course of this series that each time I get to visit Mayville Heights I am excited to catch up on everything going on in their lives. We also get in a great mystery or two, too!
A Case of Cat and Mouse was a marvelous read and a Perfect Escape! A wonderful mystery laced with humor starring some stellar characters.
I do recommend reading the series in order to get to know the cats and their history and the other characters from the start but Ms. Kelly does give some background to enable this book to be read all on its own.
Stay tuned, I hope to read and review Hooked on a Feline soon!
September 24, 2020
When a reality TV crew comes to town, librarian Kathleen Paulson has her hands full. The crew is there for a baking TV show. Kathleen agrees to work as an advisor for the show. It’s up to her to get all the historical facts for the show, including biographies on all the contestants.
She’s shocked when one of the judges is found dead. It’s ruled a homicide and several people in town want Kathleen to investigate, which does not sit well with her detective boyfriend, Marcus. With the help of her magical kitties, Kathleen is determined to find a killer.
This is one of my favorite series. This is #12 and I feel like these are characters I know so well. The mystery is contained in this book…no cliff hangers, plus the author gives so much background information throughout the story. I don’t think anyone would feel lost if they started the series with this one. However, I do feel it’s so much more fun to start with #1.
The history of the magical cats alone is worth reading this series from beginning to the present. Hercules and Owen are as much a part of this series, even more so, than the human characters. Every time I read about these kitties I want to hug them…which wouldn’t be a good idea. LOL Sofie Kelly is so creative and talented that she has been able to give the cats their very own personalities without having them speak human words.
As for the storyline, it’s intriguing. Kelly gives us a plethora of suspects. Any one of them could have done the deed. I’m always amazed in these cozy mysteries how everyone wants the amateur sleuth to get in the middle of the investigation regardless of the danger involved to the sleuth. Nice friends. LOL
Kathleen’s a trouper and does what she does best - looks for a killer. She really is a strong character surrounded by her kitties to help and protect her along the way. Kathleen’s boyfriend is the lead detective. Their relationship appears to be getting stronger despite Kathleen’s interference in his investigations.
The story moves at a fast-pace. There were many twists and turns. I couldn't put this one down. I was really surprised to see who the killer turned out to be.
As always, this is a fun series that never seems to get old. I’m looking forward to the next entry in this series.
FTC Disclosure: I voluntarily reviewed a free Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
She’s shocked when one of the judges is found dead. It’s ruled a homicide and several people in town want Kathleen to investigate, which does not sit well with her detective boyfriend, Marcus. With the help of her magical kitties, Kathleen is determined to find a killer.
This is one of my favorite series. This is #12 and I feel like these are characters I know so well. The mystery is contained in this book…no cliff hangers, plus the author gives so much background information throughout the story. I don’t think anyone would feel lost if they started the series with this one. However, I do feel it’s so much more fun to start with #1.
The history of the magical cats alone is worth reading this series from beginning to the present. Hercules and Owen are as much a part of this series, even more so, than the human characters. Every time I read about these kitties I want to hug them…which wouldn’t be a good idea. LOL Sofie Kelly is so creative and talented that she has been able to give the cats their very own personalities without having them speak human words.
As for the storyline, it’s intriguing. Kelly gives us a plethora of suspects. Any one of them could have done the deed. I’m always amazed in these cozy mysteries how everyone wants the amateur sleuth to get in the middle of the investigation regardless of the danger involved to the sleuth. Nice friends. LOL
Kathleen’s a trouper and does what she does best - looks for a killer. She really is a strong character surrounded by her kitties to help and protect her along the way. Kathleen’s boyfriend is the lead detective. Their relationship appears to be getting stronger despite Kathleen’s interference in his investigations.
The story moves at a fast-pace. There were many twists and turns. I couldn't put this one down. I was really surprised to see who the killer turned out to be.
As always, this is a fun series that never seems to get old. I’m looking forward to the next entry in this series.
FTC Disclosure: I voluntarily reviewed a free Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
October 13, 2020
I found this book to be a slow read. With this mystery revolving around a baking show being filmed in Mayville Heights, I felt there were too many characters (as well as similar names) to keep track of.
February 8, 2023
Sono semplicemente innamorata di Owen e Hercules! Saranno anche gatti magici, ma sono assolutamente adorabili.
Per quanto riguarda questa storia, credo di aver capito chi fosse il colpevole mezzo secondo prima della protagonista. Se poi devo dire la verità, la persona assassinata era così odiosa che mi verrebbe quasi da dire che se l'è cercata...
Per quanto riguarda questa storia, credo di aver capito chi fosse il colpevole mezzo secondo prima della protagonista. Se poi devo dire la verità, la persona assassinata era così odiosa che mi verrebbe quasi da dire che se l'è cercata...
January 3, 2021
Another clever and sweet addition to this series.
May 14, 2023
I've been a little overwhelmed by life lately and haven't had a lot of reading time, so this book was exactly what I needed. No surprises here, since we're 12 books in, and it's just cozy and comforting reading.
I will say, the way Sofie Kelly just introduces certain plot lines but then doesn't actually resolve them bugs me. Sure, they might get mentioned again in future books, but by then I will probably have forgotten all about them. In this book it was the case of the disappearing items (it was obvious who the culprit would turn out to be) and then Kathleen just doesn't get the chance to mention it to Marcus because every one of these books also needs an abrupt ending, naturally.
Regardless, reading where no thinking was required was just what I needed this past week.
I will say, the way Sofie Kelly just introduces certain plot lines but then doesn't actually resolve them bugs me. Sure, they might get mentioned again in future books, but by then I will probably have forgotten all about them. In this book it was the case of the disappearing items (it was obvious who the culprit would turn out to be) and then Kathleen just doesn't get the chance to mention it to Marcus because every one of these books also needs an abrupt ending, naturally.
Regardless, reading where no thinking was required was just what I needed this past week.
November 30, 2021
Well, this was fun. I mean, it's book 12 in the series, so you pretty much know what you're getting (this time around it's essentially Great British Bakeoff meets small town Minnesota plus murder). I continue to like the characters and the world. Though it may be getting to the point where I need a quick summary of the cast of characters at the start.
Still, this is fun and a competent mystery. Kathleen was fairly well integrated into the plot. I like her relationship with Marcus. Though, hilariously, his anger at her for not telling him about the cats seems to have been ridiculously short lived after the drama in the last book. Still, a fun read, as usual.
Still, this is fun and a competent mystery. Kathleen was fairly well integrated into the plot. I like her relationship with Marcus. Though, hilariously, his anger at her for not telling him about the cats seems to have been ridiculously short lived after the drama in the last book. Still, a fun read, as usual.
September 8, 2021
I love this series, and somehow I missed this release last year. Luckily a new release prompted me to check GR and I found this to read while I wait for the next book due next week. The characters are all back and just as great as ever when the "Great British Bake Off" Great Northern Bake Off comes to town and introduces a few more quirky characters to add to the mix.
July 21, 2020
It was great meeting up with Owen and Hercules again. Love the help they give in solving the mystery. The mystery kept me guessing, especially since so many might have wanted her dead. I also enjoyed meeting up with the others in the series.
Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for my eARC in exchange for an honest opinion.
Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for my eARC in exchange for an honest opinion.
December 18, 2021
I will just say that this is book 12 and I am still enjoying the series. This time Kathleen is helping out with the research for a baking competition when someone dies with their face in a bowl of whip cream. Of course, the cats help figure out the answers, but then, they are magical!
September 24, 2020
“I found myself never really falling in love with the series like many other people. I’m not sure why, but the characters failed to hold my attention and although I have no issue with the writing style or the mystery, something about this series just never clicked fully on for me.�
~ Under the Covers
A CASE OF CAT AND MOUSSE is book twelve in the Magical Cats series by Sofie Kelly. I know that this series is loved by many, which is why I decided to give it a shot. After reading some books in the series, I was excited to jump into this new one.
However, I found myself never really falling in love with the series like many other people. I’m not sure why, but the characters failed to hold my attention and although I have no issue with the writing style or the mystery, something about this series just never clicked fully on for me. There were parts that I really liked and some parts that were just meh for me.
Ultimately, I decided that it wasn’t enough for me to stick it out. After this, I don’t think I will continue reading this author. It’s funny because in this genre, there are some well-loved authors, but I find that there are only a couple that really stand out to me. Unfortunately, this series didn’t grip me enough to want to stay with it.
Reviewed by Ann� � Don't want to miss any of our posts? by email! � �
September 20, 2020
A CASE OF CAT AND MOUSSE is book twelve in the Magical Cats series by Sofie Kelly. I know that this series is loved by many, which is why I decided to give it a shot. After reading some books in the series, I was excited to jump into this new one.
However, I found myself never really falling in love with the series like many other people. I’m not sure why, but the characters failed to hold my attention and although I have no issue with the writing style or the mystery, something about this series just never clicked fully on for me. There were parts that I really liked and some parts that were just meh for me.
Ultimately, I decided that it wasn’t enough for me to stick it out. After this, I don’t think I will continue reading this author. It’s funny because in this genre, there are some well-loved authors, but I find that there are only a couple that really stand out to me. Unfortunately, this series didn’t grip me enough to want to stay with it.
September 16, 2020
I just love this series, and a little bit sad that I’m all caught up. Hercules and Owen are adorable, Kathleen is a smart heroine (readers FTW!) and the town of Mayville Heights and its quirky residents are so charming.
In this one, a reality show is being filmed in Mayville Heights � think The Great British Bake Off. Kathleen’s backyard neighbor, Rebecca, is one of the contestants. One of the show’s judges is murdered and is replaced by “Peggy Sue� from Fern’s Diner, whose real name is Marguerite LeClerc (and I think this is the first time we’ve heard her real name?). When the executive producer, Elias Braeden, is attested for the murder, Kathleen’s friend, Ruby, asks her to find the real killer, because Elias has been a father-figure to her.
Of course, Hercules and Owen help solve the crime and Hercules helps Kathleen escape from becoming a victim herself.
In this one, a reality show is being filmed in Mayville Heights � think The Great British Bake Off. Kathleen’s backyard neighbor, Rebecca, is one of the contestants. One of the show’s judges is murdered and is replaced by “Peggy Sue� from Fern’s Diner, whose real name is Marguerite LeClerc (and I think this is the first time we’ve heard her real name?). When the executive producer, Elias Braeden, is attested for the murder, Kathleen’s friend, Ruby, asks her to find the real killer, because Elias has been a father-figure to her.
Of course, Hercules and Owen help solve the crime and Hercules helps Kathleen escape from becoming a victim herself.
September 16, 2020
I loved this mystery! It is as unique as the series has been to date, with a small town of eclectic folks in Minnesota, special cats, and a whodunit that kept me guessing throughout. Seeing Kathleen and her special cats, Hercules and Owen, Fred the Funky Chicken, and her friends again is a high point in my reading year. This is a town I could enjoy visiting for a long while.
Kathleen is a librarian at the local library and has lived in Mayville Heights for four years. As a librarian, she has had to research many, many interesting subjects for people, making her a whiz at Trivia Pursuit. It also makes her a natural to do some work for The Great Northern Baking Showdown, a new version of an old baking reality show. The executive producer lives in the area, so it was the perfect place to film the series. As the co-hosts are from out of town, Kathleen is researching information on the locale and specifics about each challenge for them to tease the future viewing audience with as the bakers do their thing. The two judges are also from out of town. Some of the contestants are local, and it is like a dream come true for them to even be on it. The grand prize certainly is worth working toward, also!
Kathleen stopped at the community center to see one of the co-hosts after leaving the library. When the woman was not in her office, Kathleen went to the kitchen. It was quiet, and it appears that the meeting that was to be held is already over. Until she sees the legs of someone at one of the counters. Legs that are attached to a person who was dead, killed by an unusual method.
Kathleen’s boyfriend Marcus is a detective; they met when he suspected her of murder a few years ago. That event showed her how much she likes solving mysteries, and the trivia she learns at work very useful. As are her special cats, Owen and Hercules! Marcus is excellent at what he does, and her information gathering from various people around town contribute to his solve rate. This time, the father figure in the life of one of Kathleen’s friend is the suspect, and Ruby, her friend, pleads with Kathleen to help find the real whodunit.
Against her better judgment, Kathleen gets involved in helping find another killer. It is a challenge, since some of the suspects are not from the area. It kept my sleuthing cap on! I was completely surprised with the real whodunit and ending! It drew in my attention from the beginning and kept me riveted throughout. I highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys well-written cozy mysteries that are challenging and include good friends, libraries and books, cats, and a touch of magic!
From a thankful heart: I received a complimentary copy of this novel, and this is my honest review.
Kathleen is a librarian at the local library and has lived in Mayville Heights for four years. As a librarian, she has had to research many, many interesting subjects for people, making her a whiz at Trivia Pursuit. It also makes her a natural to do some work for The Great Northern Baking Showdown, a new version of an old baking reality show. The executive producer lives in the area, so it was the perfect place to film the series. As the co-hosts are from out of town, Kathleen is researching information on the locale and specifics about each challenge for them to tease the future viewing audience with as the bakers do their thing. The two judges are also from out of town. Some of the contestants are local, and it is like a dream come true for them to even be on it. The grand prize certainly is worth working toward, also!
Kathleen stopped at the community center to see one of the co-hosts after leaving the library. When the woman was not in her office, Kathleen went to the kitchen. It was quiet, and it appears that the meeting that was to be held is already over. Until she sees the legs of someone at one of the counters. Legs that are attached to a person who was dead, killed by an unusual method.
Kathleen’s boyfriend Marcus is a detective; they met when he suspected her of murder a few years ago. That event showed her how much she likes solving mysteries, and the trivia she learns at work very useful. As are her special cats, Owen and Hercules! Marcus is excellent at what he does, and her information gathering from various people around town contribute to his solve rate. This time, the father figure in the life of one of Kathleen’s friend is the suspect, and Ruby, her friend, pleads with Kathleen to help find the real whodunit.
Against her better judgment, Kathleen gets involved in helping find another killer. It is a challenge, since some of the suspects are not from the area. It kept my sleuthing cap on! I was completely surprised with the real whodunit and ending! It drew in my attention from the beginning and kept me riveted throughout. I highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys well-written cozy mysteries that are challenging and include good friends, libraries and books, cats, and a touch of magic!
From a thankful heart: I received a complimentary copy of this novel, and this is my honest review.
September 4, 2020
One of my favorites cozy book series', Magical Cats continues to stay fresh, exciting, and keep me engaged and looking forward to the next book. A Case of Cat and Mouse is the 12th book in this series and I loved it so much. I'm a huge fan of the baking contest shows and love that the author incorporated the revival of the show into one of the books in this series.
As a historical fact advisor for the show, Kathleen spends a lot of time either researching the contestants or on set discussing her findings with the hosts and directors. When Kathleen finds one of the show's judges dead, she knows by the manner of the death that it was no accident. The baking show has a murderer in the cast and as Kathleen does her undercover sleuthing, she discovers there are many suspects with the means, motive, and opportunity. She also discovers many untruths have been told, making sorting through the clues even more difficult.
I really enjoyed A Case of Cat and Mouse. The pacing is steady, and the entire novel is easy to read and understand. Multiple suspects keep the reader guessing and keep Kathleen and Marcus on their toes. The continued world building and character development of Kathleen, her magical kitties, and Marcus, along with the secondary characters, is fresh and original with each installment.
The Magical Cats series keeps me entertained with the human and feline characters, plots, and mysteries. I recommend the series to all cozy mystery lovers. The books are descriptive without going overboard. I feel like I'm in every scene of the story. The books also have the right amount of suspense to keep the reader engaged all the way to the end. The romance included isn't over the top and doesn't overshadow the mystery solving. It's a nice addition to give the story and characters realism.
I was provided an ebook of A Case of Cat and Mouse to read. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
As a historical fact advisor for the show, Kathleen spends a lot of time either researching the contestants or on set discussing her findings with the hosts and directors. When Kathleen finds one of the show's judges dead, she knows by the manner of the death that it was no accident. The baking show has a murderer in the cast and as Kathleen does her undercover sleuthing, she discovers there are many suspects with the means, motive, and opportunity. She also discovers many untruths have been told, making sorting through the clues even more difficult.
I really enjoyed A Case of Cat and Mouse. The pacing is steady, and the entire novel is easy to read and understand. Multiple suspects keep the reader guessing and keep Kathleen and Marcus on their toes. The continued world building and character development of Kathleen, her magical kitties, and Marcus, along with the secondary characters, is fresh and original with each installment.
The Magical Cats series keeps me entertained with the human and feline characters, plots, and mysteries. I recommend the series to all cozy mystery lovers. The books are descriptive without going overboard. I feel like I'm in every scene of the story. The books also have the right amount of suspense to keep the reader engaged all the way to the end. The romance included isn't over the top and doesn't overshadow the mystery solving. It's a nice addition to give the story and characters realism.
I was provided an ebook of A Case of Cat and Mouse to read. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
November 21, 2020
I just found this series on the last book and this one was another fun installment. I really love Kathleen as a librarian turned amateur sleuth with a police officer boyfriend. They are sweet together and he doesn’t treat her as an ignorant meddling bystander or get exasperated with her when she wants to help. I also love all the little details about the small town. I personally don’t love the setting of a cooking competition, mostly because I feel like it’s becoming a common background for cozy mysteries, so it didn’t capture my attention as much as it might for others.
The mystery was curious and I figured it out before Kathleen and Marcus, but I really enjoyed the quite dramatic ending.
I’ll be honest, I was a little disappointed we didn’t get to see much of the cats� magical abilities. Yes they’re were definitely involved in the story, but it felt like their special abilities were more mentioned, but not really displayed.
I am looking forward to reading more in this series! Thank you Berkley for a copy; I’m happy to share my honest thoughts.
The mystery was curious and I figured it out before Kathleen and Marcus, but I really enjoyed the quite dramatic ending.
I’ll be honest, I was a little disappointed we didn’t get to see much of the cats� magical abilities. Yes they’re were definitely involved in the story, but it felt like their special abilities were more mentioned, but not really displayed.
I am looking forward to reading more in this series! Thank you Berkley for a copy; I’m happy to share my honest thoughts.
November 2, 2020
It is always good to get back to Mayville Heights and this one was a fun read, Kathleen has been asked to advise a TV crew about various things related to food and also historical facts about the State, two locals are in the show. Kathleen's good friend and neighbour Rebecca and also Ray, the man who has only just managed to get back into the good graces of the local artist co-op. Everything seems to be going fairly smoothly, although one of the judges seems to praise with faint damns, but then Kathleen finds herself well and truly in the thick of murder again, with everyone associated with the show (apart from Rebecca and Kathleen herself) keeping secrets, especially from Marcus (her boyfriend and the Detective in charge of the case), she will need the help of her magical cats Hercules and Owen to sift through everything and find a killer!
January 3, 2021
Hercules and Owen are helping Kathleen solve a case of murder again but this one feels a bit rushed. Not as much attention to detail as past stories. This is the 12th book in 10 years. My personal advice would be to slow down and provide richer scenarios. We read serial cozies because we love the characters, so please don't stint on their details!
December 29, 2021
Solid entry in the series. I read these for the characters more than the mystery and this was a happy reunion. My one big quibble is that there was an unsolved mystery left dangling, presumably to be dealt with in the next book. I have to admit I was annoyed.
May 26, 2025
Reality TV comes to Mayville Heights as a baking competition. Kathleen gets involved by providing background knowledge about the town. Her focus shifts to sleuthing when one of the show's judges is killed.
March 3, 2024
A murder mystery based on a cooking competiton show that features both local and outside contestants. The motive and murder was well thought out, but there was a lot of red herrings based on sexual interactions between contestants that was absurd and not believable (in one case, infidelity). The coffee spill scene was funny. It was nice to see Peggy (Marguerite) outside of her work at Fern's. 3.5 stars rounded up to 4.
September 30, 2024
This story is truly insane but 3 stars for the vibes
September 5, 2020
Another fun read in the Magical Cats series. We get to spend a lot of time with all our regular favorite people, some who are involved with a new cooking show being taped in Mayville Heights. Of course Hercules and Owen are along for the ride when one of the judges, someone not too popular with anyone, shows up dead and Marcus and Kathleen need to find out what happened. Lots of suspects, some that don't make us happy, but plenty of people to keep us guessing. I like that we touch base with so many characters we love, but there are several ongoing things that are left hanging in this book. Would have liked some resolution.
May 24, 2024
Ultimately this mystery ended up being a fun puzzle to solve. I figured it out well before Kathleen did. I am in a spate of listening to a ton of audiobook mysteries while I work on the Sun Gallery archive. I just don't have as much free time to read print / ebooks right now. That means I'm seeing patterns and tropes in mysteries.
September 8, 2020
A Case of Cat and Mouse, the 12th book in the Magical Cats Mysteries series is a prime example of the warmth and intelligence this outstanding series offers. Reading each book is like settling in and catching up with friends that you haven't seen for a while. If you have ever read a book by Sofie Kelly/Ryan, you won't need a review to tell you how great they are! If you are new to either series and you enjoy cozy mysteries, she is one of the best authors of high quality cozy mysteries that I have read. I am a bit late to the game so I have had the great pleasure of reading both series in the last years.
Librarian Kathleen Paulson is enjoying providing local research to the producers of a culinary competition show that is filming in her beloved Mayville Heights and includes one of her dearest friends. Although Kathleen is shocked to discover the body of one of the judges, the woman was just plain mean so the pool of suspects is wide open. With her background of helping the police find murders in the past, it is no surprise that, Ruby, a good friends asks her to investigate to prove that someone special to her is not the killer.
The book moves at a laid-back pace but is still a page turner as we spend time with her awesome friends, her special guy, and her even more special cats collecting clues and hints as we go.
I requested an ARC of A Case of Cat and Mouse from NetGalley and was thrilled to receive a copy the other day. Naturally I read the book as quickly as possible although travelling delayed me a couple of days. Delay is Torture! I adore this book and all my friends will be hearing about it! My thanks to Berkley Publishing and NetGalley!!!!
Librarian Kathleen Paulson is enjoying providing local research to the producers of a culinary competition show that is filming in her beloved Mayville Heights and includes one of her dearest friends. Although Kathleen is shocked to discover the body of one of the judges, the woman was just plain mean so the pool of suspects is wide open. With her background of helping the police find murders in the past, it is no surprise that, Ruby, a good friends asks her to investigate to prove that someone special to her is not the killer.
The book moves at a laid-back pace but is still a page turner as we spend time with her awesome friends, her special guy, and her even more special cats collecting clues and hints as we go.
I requested an ARC of A Case of Cat and Mouse from NetGalley and was thrilled to receive a copy the other day. Naturally I read the book as quickly as possible although travelling delayed me a couple of days. Delay is Torture! I adore this book and all my friends will be hearing about it! My thanks to Berkley Publishing and NetGalley!!!!
February 21, 2021
Reader thoughts: As much as I like these books, they are starting to all sound so similar. The meanie lady was killed, and there's a lot of people with motives and means. Kathleen found the body, and Marcus is on the case. Hercules and Owen are also on the case. The true murderer eventually threatens Kathleen for figuring out the mystery (this happens in most of the books). But her cats and boyfriend and quick wits come to her rescue!
I do wish Kathleen and Marcus would get engaged already. I don't like having to worry they might be sleeping together. I don't know how much longer Kelly can drag out this romance. Aren't Kathleen and Marcus in their mid to upper thirties? I wanted them in their upper twenties until (a couple of books ago) I found out the Kathleen's brother was well out of his teens, and he's 15 years younger. Bother.
Writer thoughts: The reason Kelly doesn't have Kathleen and Marcus get engaged is because it would lower some of the romantic tension. If they got engaged and married, the series would have to end. They'll get engaged (and eventually married) when Kelly is ready to stop writing about them.
I do wish Kathleen and Marcus would get engaged already. I don't like having to worry they might be sleeping together. I don't know how much longer Kelly can drag out this romance. Aren't Kathleen and Marcus in their mid to upper thirties? I wanted them in their upper twenties until (a couple of books ago) I found out the Kathleen's brother was well out of his teens, and he's 15 years younger. Bother.
Writer thoughts: The reason Kelly doesn't have Kathleen and Marcus get engaged is because it would lower some of the romantic tension. If they got engaged and married, the series would have to end. They'll get engaged (and eventually married) when Kelly is ready to stop writing about them.
September 3, 2024
A cooking competition show has come to Mayville Heights, and Kathleen is helping with research and small tidbits about the area to give a friendly touch to the episodes. When she finds one of the judges dead in a bowl of cream, a friend begs Kathleen to find evidence to clear the friend's father figure. The story goes along predictable lines, as Kathleen checks out various people's alibis and figures things out. Marcus and Kathleen are doing better about sharing information, but by now, shouldn't she know to let people know where she is at all times? Should Marcus put a tracking chip in her shoes? There're are a couple secondary mysteries - why are things disappearing from Marcus's truck? Who's pulling the stunts at the library gazebo?
There are always a lot of local characters and I sometimes struggle to remember how they're connected. In this one, there's also a lot of characters connected to the show. I gave up on keeping them all straight in my mind, (I still don't recall who Charles is).
There are always a lot of local characters and I sometimes struggle to remember how they're connected. In this one, there's also a lot of characters connected to the show. I gave up on keeping them all straight in my mind, (I still don't recall who Charles is).
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