Review: A Case of Cat and Mouse by Sofie Kelly (Blog Tour)

Genre: 

Cozy Mystery

Format: 

E-ARC

Publisher: 

Berkley

Release Date:

September 1, 2020

Synopsis from Goodreads: 

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. 

My Review 

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.

For reading challenges: 

The Purrfect Reading Challenge 2020 

What An Animal Reading Challenge 2020

Literary Escapes Reading Challenge 2020 (Minnesota)

Craving for the Cozies Reading Challenge 2020 

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.