Each entry in Sofie Kellyβs Magical Cats Mysteries invites readers for an enchanting visit with Hercules, the feline who walks through solid objects, and his brother Owen, who disappears at will. Ms. Kelly perfectly captures the catsβ captivating personalities, transforming each journey into a fascinating read.
The 14th book, WHISKERS AND LIES, begins with Georgia Tepper offering cupcake samples for the libraryβs Reading Buddies Halloween party. The tasting is interrupted by the sudden and surprising appearance of Georgiaβs in-laws threatening to sue for custody of their granddaughter Emmy. When Georgiaβs husband died in an auto accident, Georgia changed her identity and moved to Mayville Heights to escape her overbearing in-laws.
Within a few days, Kathleen and Marcus stumble across the body of Georgiaβs mother-in-law, and Georgia becomes the leading suspect in her murder. Georgia retains Brady Chapman as her lawyer when the police arrest her. Brady, in turn, brings in Elliott Gordon, Marcusβ father, a very experienced criminal lawyer, as co-counsel. By this time, Kathleen, along with her friends, are doing their own investigating, trying to figure out who might benefit from Margeryβs death. The wealth and influence Hugh Wyler, Margeryβs husband, wields complicates things. In the end, the motive for Margeryβs murder is sinister, unsettling, and an unexpected twist.
In a parallel mystery involving Hercules and a neighborβs dog, Fifi, Kathleen assumes Hercules is stealing Fifiβs toys, specifically rubber chewing bones. Hercules takes exception, and when Elliott drops by Kathleenβs, he consults with Hercules and advises him to quit responding to Kathleen regarding the bones she finds. The outcome of this puzzle is quite enlightening and somewhat endearing.
Sofie Kelly creates feline characters with sensitivity and great humor. Most dedicated readers know Wisteria Hill, the feral cat colony, is where Kathleen met Hercules and Owen. Now, Kathleenβs boyfriend Marcus adopts Micah, also from Wisteria Hill. And the three cats meet for the first time in WHISKERS AND LIES. Ms. Kelly brings the feline spirit to life in her books and easily earns the reputation as an inspired cat whisperer.
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Librarian Kathleen Paulson is always willing to help a friend, but to save one from a wrongful arrest, she’ll need magical backup from her affectionate cats in the newest installment of this New York Times bestselling series.
Baker Georgia Tepper has been hired to provide delicious and spooky cupcakes for the Reading Buddies Halloween Party at the library, and she and Kathleen are meeting to finalize the menu of festive confections. Unfortunately, once Georgia’s former mother-in-law ambushes her at the library and threatens Georgia with legal action, the afternoon of fun is soured.
When Georgia’s litigious in-law is later found dead and the friendly baker is implicated, Kathleen is eager to help prove her innocence. Luckily, Kathleen and her intrepid magical cats, Hercules and Owen, have solved their fair share of mysteries. As a result, she knows that in life as well as crime solving, it is all relative, but with hard work, she can make sure the right criminal is booked.
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