The Cats are Back in The Murdered Maven Mystery by Doris Hay

Ginger here, and I am excited beyond belief to announce that Doris and I and Butterball and KitKat and Zorro are back for more amateur sleuthing in The Murdered Maven Mystery, Book 2 of the Mystery Cats on the Case series. And There's more to come, so stay tuned.

But for now let me tell you a bit about our second book:

The Murdered Maven Mystery
Series: Mystery Cats on the Case
Book: 2
Author: Doris Hay
Publisher: Rainbow Crush
Word Count: 28,000
Ebook ISBN: 9798235775572

House-sitting should have been simple.

Instead, four cats must prove that Hetty Blaine’s death was no accident.

When Ginger, KitKat, Zorro, and Butterball accompany Doris on what should be a simple house-sitting job, they find themselves tangled up with a suspicious death in a neighbourhood full of secrets where a determined real estate agent and a developer are eager to buy up the entire block.

Everyone says Hetty Blaine’s death was a tragic accident.

The cats aren’t convinced.

Told from Ginger’s charming perspective, The Murdered Maven Mystery is a cozy whodunit full of feline investigation, buried secrets, and neighbourhood intrigue.

Buy your copy today, or ask your local library to acquire one. Or do both of those things! We are greedy for eyes on our latest mystery!

There are lots of places to find it, including:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GZ1BTK6L
Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/books/details?id=2VT9EQAAQBAJ
and this Universal Book Link will give you a whole bunch more: https://books2read.com/u/mdg5zl

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Zorro Reviews: We Solve Murders by Richard Osman

We Solve Murders. Richard Osman. New series. Book one. Big win.

Richard Osman knows what he’s doing. This thing is sharp, quick, and funny. Very funny. Not cute funny—actual laugh-out-loud funny. Jokes land. Dialogue snaps.

The pace? Fast. But not chaotic. It moves. England. Ireland. America. Dubai. It hops around. You always know where you are. You always want to see what’s next.

The story’s solid. Twists, reveals, secrets. One mystery leads to another. Never drags.

Main guy is Steve Wheeler. Ex-cop. Haunted by grief. Dry sense of humor. Keeps things close to the chest.

Then there’s Amy Wheeler. His daughter-in-law. Professional bodyguard. Tough, sharp, no-nonsense. Their dynamic works.

And Rosie. She’s the client. Big energy. Total wildcard. She makes everything more complicated—and more fun.

Side characters? Weird. Memorable. No filler. Everyone’s got a line, a look, something strange. Osman makes it all work.

The tone? Stylish. Clever. Never smug. Cool without trying too hard. It’s also got heart. Hits when it needs to.

This is the start of a new series. You want in now. Ground floor. No question.

Zorro says: read it. No hesitation.


Buy Now from Amazon

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Murder on Wheels, Serenity Bay #Mysteries #Series 7 #SmallTown #CozyMystery

Murder on Wheels
Series: Serenity Bay Mysteries
Book: 7
Author: J.J. Brass
Publisher: Rainbow Crush
Word Count: 34,000
Ebook ISBN: 9798227631930

When the sleepy town of Serenity Bay is rocked by a deadly fire at a local ebike rental shop, amateur sleuth Lucy Larkin finds herself pedaling straight into her most perplexing case yet. The blaze, initially dismissed as a tragic accident, soon reveals itself to be something far more sinister. Evidence suggests it was no mere mishap, but a carefully orchestrated murder.

With her trusty uncle Frank at her side and a cast of quirky townsfolk, Lucy dives into the mystery, navigating a tangled web of secrets. But as she uncovers hidden truths, Lucy must confront the possibility that the killer may be closer than she ever imagined.

As tensions mount and the danger escalates, Lucy must race against time to unmask the culprit before this crafty killer strikes again. Will she solve the case and restore peace to her beloved Serenity Bay, or will the murderer slip through her fingers?

Murder on Wheels delivers a perfect blend of small-town charm, suspense, and a dash of humor that will keep readers guessing until the bitter end.

Buy Now from Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DDTV6ML8?tag=dorishay-20
Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/books/details?id=M2sbEQAAQBAJ

Nook: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/murder-on-wheels-jj-brass/1146196194
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/ca/en/ebook/murder-on-wheels-10
Apple: https://books.apple.com/us/book/murder-on-wheels/id6646345355

Read with your Everand subscription: https://www.everand.com/book/760509187/Murder-on-Wheels-Serenity-Bay-Mysteries-7

AI-Narrated Audiobook available from: https://play.google.com/store/audiobooks/details?id=AQAAAEAyOwB7IM
and https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/murder-on-wheels-jj-brass/1146196194?ean=2940191091419

Paperback: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/murder-on-wheels-jj-brass/1146196194?ean=9798224252527

Find more retailers with the Universal Book Link: https://books2read.com/MurderOnWheels

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Murder in a Pickle: Serenity Bay #Mysteries Book 6 #NewRelease #SmallTown #Pickleball #Quozy #Cozy #Mystery

Murder in a Pickle
Series: Serenity Bay Mysteries
Book: 6
Author: J.J. Brass
Publisher: Rainbow Crush
Word Count: 47,000
Ebook ISBN: 9798224068296

Serenity Bay is known for its peaceful atmosphere, charming shops, and spirited pickleball games. When an injunction is issued against the pickleball club for exceeding legal noise levels, club members are irate. And when the man who initiated the injunction is found dead, the idyllic community is thrown into turmoil.

Lucy Larkin, a resourceful amateur sleuth, finds herself at the heart of the investigation as secrets begin to surface. With the help of her quirky Uncle Frank, a fife-playing florist, Lucy uncovers more than she bargained for. From a mysterious toxicology report to a stolen journal, clues lead them deep into the victim’s complicated life.

As the close-knit pickleball club rallies to clear their name, Lucy pieces together a puzzle that reveals a web of deception and hidden motives. Friendships are tested and new alliances formed.

Murder in a Pickle is a captivating cozy mystery filled with eccentric characters, heartwarming moments, and a twisty plot that will keep readers guessing until the very end. Perfect for fans of small-town mysteries and amateur sleuths with a knack for solving crimes, this delightful tale will leave you craving more adventures in Serenity Bay.

Read Murder in a Pickle by J.J. Brass today!

Get it from Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D57R7C48
Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/books/details?id=PqoKEQAAQBAJ

Nook: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/murder-in-a-pickle-j-j-brass/1145655820?ean=2940180035257
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/ca/en/ebook/murder-in-a-pickle
Apple: https://books.apple.com/us/book/murder-in-a-pickle/id6503297487

Everand: https://www.everand.com/book/736981833/Murder-in-a-Pickle-Serenity-Bay-Mysteries-6
Fable: https://fable.co/book/x-9798224068296

Find links for the paperback, hardcover, audiobook, and other retailers with the Universal Book Link: https://books2read.com/u/3RDKXx

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Serenity Bay Mysteries 1-2-3 #CozyMystery #BoxSet

Serenity Bay Mysteries 1-2-3
Author: J.J. Brass
Publisher: Rainbow Crush
Word Count: 90,000
Ebook ISBN: 9798224928781
Paperback ISBN: 9798224593286

Join amateur sleuth Lucy Larkin as she solves murders in Serenity Bay, the quaint little town she calls home. This charming box set includes the first three books in the beloved Serenity Bay Mysteries series.

In Murder Over the Rainbow, Lucy finds herself entangled in a murder investigation when local artist Marcus Briggs is found dead at the site of a proposed rainbow crosswalk. Teaming up with the surly yet endearing Detective Johnson, Lucy navigates a town filled with colorful characters, secrets, and suspects aplenty.

In Murder by the Books, Lucy and her uncle Frank stumble upon an unfinished manuscript that leads them to suspect a real-life murder. Join them as they unravel the mystery with the help of quirky characters, including new friends and an insightful librarian.

Finally, in Murder by Night, Lucy, now working as a local florist, finds her quiet life disrupted once again. Can she and Detective Johnson solve a series of muggings before deadly crimes are committed?

Filled with heaps of humor and heart, this collection is perfect for fans of cozy mysteries, small-town comforts, and eccentric characters. Get ready for a relaxing journey through Serenity Bay, where secrets abound and mysteries await.

Get the Hardcover at https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D2L8WJ7L?tag=dorishay-20

Get the Ebook at Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/books/details?id=ZcEDEQAAQBAJ Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D2JMBMTK?tag=dorishay-20

DriveThruFiction: https://www.drivethrufiction.com/product/478542/Serenity-Bay-Mysteries-123

Nook: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/serenity-bay-mysteries-1-2-3-jj-brass/1145467295

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/ca/en/ebook/serenity-bay-mysteries-1-2-3

Universal Book Link: https://books2read.com/u/38JnRd

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Ginger Reviews "The Bullet That Missed" by Richard Osman #cozy #mystery #cozymysteries

Hello, fellow book lovers! 

Ginger here, your friendly neighborhood kitten, ready to share my thoughts on "The Bullet That Missed" by the delightful Richard Osman. Let's dive right into this cozy mystery, shall we?

I must confess that I made a rookie mistake. This book is part of a series, and while it stands well on its own, I couldn't help but feel a tad lost without the context of the first two books. Lesson learned: always start at the beginning! If only I had followed that advice, I might have been better acquainted with our cast of charming characters from the get-go.

Speaking of characters, let me tell you about the delightful bunch in "The Bullet That Missed." Picture this: a club full of elderly amateur sleuths, each with their quirks and secrets. There's a former spy among them, adding a dash of intrigue to the mix. Oh, the tales they must have to tell!

At their club, these intrepid investigators delve into cold cases, and the one at the center of this installment is a real humdinger. It involves a TV investigative journalist with connections to a prominent television personality who seems to have been quite smitten with the deceased. Cue the backstage drama and onscreen antics!

Osman's narrative effortlessly weaves together the world of TV personalities and backstage intrigue with the cozy charm of a classic mystery. It's like curling up by the fire with a bowl of warm milk and a whodunit unfolding before your very eyes. Romances and attractions simmer beneath the surface, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the mix.

While the mystery itself kept me guessing until the very end, it was the characters and their relationships that truly stole the show. From budding romances to unlikely friendships, there's a warmth and camaraderie among the club members that is utterly endearing.

"The Bullet That Missed" is a delightful romp through the world of TV personalities, backstage drama, and cold case investigations. Recommended for readers who enjoy cozy mysteries with a dash of romance and a sprinkle of onscreen magic. If you're smarter than me, you might even start at the beginning of the series for the full experience. 

Find "The Bullet That Missed" at Amazon

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Death Among the Petals #Cozy #SmallTown #Gardening #Mystery

Readers of the Serenity Bay Mysteries won't want to miss this novella! Death Among the Petals is mentioned in Murder by the Books and Mind Over Murder by J.J. Brass. Now it's a real book! You can really read it! For real!

Death Among the Petals
A Violet and Sage Mystery
Publisher: Rainbow Crush
Author: Penelope Hawthorne
Word Count: 22,000

In the idyllic town of Serenity Bay, known for its vibrant gardens and close-knit community, retired neighbors Violet and Sage are amateur gardening enthusiasts with a passion for all things green and growing. Living in neighboring cottages with beautiful gardens that back onto each other, they eagerly prepare for the annual Serenity Bay Garden Show, a highlight of the town's calendar.

But when the charming Garden Show judge, Milhouse Wainwright, is discovered dead in Violet's rose bush, the tranquil atmosphere of Serenity Bay is shattered. The local sheriff dismisses Mr. Wainwright's death as an unfortunate accident, but Violet and Sage refuse to accept such a simple explanation.

With their keen gardening knowledge and sharp wit, Violet and Sage embark on a quest to uncover the truth behind Mr. Wainwright's demise. As they dig deeper into the secrets of Serenity Bay, they uncover a web of deceit, jealousy, and long-buried rivalries lurking beneath the town's picturesque facade.

Join Violet and Sage as they navigate the twists and turns of this delightful whodunit, cultivating clues and unraveling mysteries amidst the blossoming beauty of Serenity Bay's gardens.

"Death Among the Petals" is a captivating tale of friendship and community sure to delight fans of cozy mysteries everywhere.

• Amazon Kindle (US): https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CW1HBPNS
• Amazon Kindle (UK): https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0CW1HBPNS
• Amazon Kindle (CA): https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0CW1HBPNS
• Amazon Kindle (AU): https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0CW1HBPNS

For paperback links and more: https://books2read.com/u/4XYV87

Penelope Hawthorne is the flamboyant wordsmith behind the Violet and Sage Mysteries. A lifelong resident of the picturesque town of Serenity Bay, Penelope's larger-than-life personality and extravagant flair infuse every page of her debut mystery, "Death Among the Petals." With an unmatched love for the dramatic and a taste for the opulent, Penelope brings her unique brand of charm and charisma to the world of cozy mysteries.

Buy Now from Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/books/details?id=bhUMEQAAQBAJ
DriveThruFiction: https://www.drivethrufiction.com/product/483307/Death-Among-the-Petals

Nook: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/death-among-the-petals-penelope-hawthorne/1145027477?ean=2940180289780
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/ca/en/ebook/death-among-the-petals-a-violet-and-sage-mystery
Apple: https://books.apple.com/us/book/death-among-the-petals-a-violet-and-sage-mystery/id6503708240

Read it at Everand: https://www.everand.com/book/738881542/Death-Among-the-Petals-A-Violet-and-Sage-Mystery-Serenity-Bay-Mysteries-2-5

Find more retailers with the Universal Book Link: https://books2read.com/u/4XNr89

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Mind Over Murder: Serenity Bay #Mysteries Book 5 #NewRelease #SmallTown #Quozy #Cozy #Mystery

Mind Over Murder
Author: J.J. Brass
Series: Serenity Bay Mysteries
Book: 5
Publisher: Rainbow Crush
Word Count: 36,000
Ebook ISBN: 9798223325154

Visit the quaint town of Serenity Bay, where gossip travels faster than the speed of love. 

Valentine's Day takes an unexpected turn in "Mind Over Murder," the latest installment of the Serenity Bay Mysteries by J.J. Brass.

When psychic medium Gabriel Kolter descends upon the town, offering his otherworldly insights to curious residents, little does he know that this visit will lead to his own demise. After providing an open mediumship session to the townsfolk, the psychic is found murdered, leaving the town shrouded in an eerie atmosphere.

Enter Lucy Larkin, a spirited twenty-something with a penchant for amateur sleuthing. In an attempt to win the approval of the gruff yet captivating Detective Johnson, Lucy dives headfirst into the investigation, determined to unveil the truth behind the psychic's untimely demise.

With suspects aplenty and a town full of secrets, Lucy navigates the tangled relationships and enigmatic pasts of Serenity Bay's residents. Will she uncover the killer's identity before love's favorite day is forever stained with the shadows of a chilling murder?

As Valentine's Day approaches, join Lucy Larkin in this captivating cozy mystery. In "Mind Over Murder," she puts her wits to the test, attempting to solve a puzzle where love, secrets, and the supernatural converge in a spellbinding small-town tale.

Buy Now from Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CTV9WK5Z
Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/books/details?id=aYryEAAAQBAJ
DriveThruFiction: https://www.drivethrufiction.com/product/469933/Mind-Over-Murder

Nook: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/mind-over-murder-j-j-brass/1144796932?ean=2940179532866
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/ca/en/ebook/mind-over-murder-9
Apple: https://books.apple.com/us/book/mind-over-murder/id6477372524

Read it at Everand: https://www.everand.com/book/703674982/Mind-Over-Murder-Serenity-Bay-Mysteries-5

Get the Hardcover: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CTZK8L6C

Find more retailers with the Universal Book Link: https://books2read.com/u/m0aOXM

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Murder by Christmas: Serenity Bay #Mysteries Book 4 #SmallTown #Christmas #Quozy #Cozy #Mystery

Murder by Christmas
Author: J.J. Brass
Series: Serenity Bay Mysteries
Book: 4
Publisher: Rainbow Crush
Word Count: 32,000

Join amateur sleuth Lucy Larkin as she attends a festive Christmas Eve party with the cast and crew of Serenity Bay's beloved holiday musical. The partygoers make the best of it when the lights go out and a winter snowstorm traps everyone inside, but the evening takes a chilling turn when murder rocks the celebration.

As hidden secrets are revealed, Lucy finds herself entangled in a web of jealousy, love, and unexpected motives. With no way in or out, it's up to her to unravel the truth and expose the murderer among them.

Can Lucy uncover the killer's surprising identity before the snow melts and the holiday spirit is forever tainted?

Dive into a winter wonderland of mystery with "Murder by Christmas," a cozy holiday tale that will keep you guessing. Experience the magic of the season tinged with suspense as snow falls, secrets unfold, and Lucy discovers that, even in the midst of celebration, darkness can lurk where you least expect it.

Get ready for a holiday read that combines the joy of Christmas with the whimsical comedy of a charming cozy mystery!

Buy now from Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CPMLN4CZ?tag=dorishay-20
Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/books/details?id=olroEAAAQBAJ

Nook: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/murder-by-christmas-j-j-brass/1144459612
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/ca/en/ebook/murder-by-christmas-3
Apple: https://books.apple.com/us/book/murder-by-christmas/id6474047247

You can find more ebook retailers with the Universal Book Link: https://books2read.com/MurderByChristmas

 

 

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Murder by Night: Serenity Bay #Mysteries, Book 3 #NewRelease #SmallTown #Quozy #Cozy #Mystery

Murder by Night
Author: J.J. Brass
Series: Serenity Bay Mysteries
Book: 3
Publisher: Rainbow Crush
Word Count: 32,000

Welcome to the enchanting town of Serenity Bay, where secrets lurk around every corner, and mysteries await in the most unexpected places.

Follow Lucy Larkin, marketing maven turned local florist, as her quiet life takes a dramatic turn. When a routine night deposit at the bank ends in robbery, Lucy once again joins forces with the determined Detective Johnson. With a series of muggings turning deadly, can they catch the culprit before more crimes are committed?

Get ready for a charming, humorous, and heartwarming story that will keep you guessing until the very end. "Murder by Night" is the perfect cozy mystery for those who adore small-town allure, quirky characters, and a touch of comedy. Dive into this captivating tale of secrets and suspense in Serenity Bay.

J.J. Brass is a queer author living with disability who writes hilarious and heartfelt LGBT mystery stories. If you like your mysteries cozy and comedic, check out tales like Small Town Scandal, The Turkey Wore Satin, Murder at the Office, The Courtyard Clairvoyant Mysteries series, and the Serenity Bay Mysteries.

You can find this book practically everywhere!

The list includes... 

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CLKZBVY2
Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/books/details?id=t5HiEAAAQBAJ

Nook: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/book/1144343674?ean=2940179210047
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/ca/en/ebook/murder-by-night
Apple: https://books.apple.com/ca/book/murder-by-night/id6471791356

Scribd: https://www.everand.com/book/683482479/Murder-by-Night-Serenity-Bay-Mysteries-3
DriveThruFiction: https://www.drivethrufiction.com/product/459786/Murder-by-Night

Universal Book Link: https://books2read.com/u/b6l2Gy

Murder by the Books: Serenity Bay #Mysteries, Book 2 #NewRelease #SmallTown #Quozy #Cozy #Mystery

Murder by the Books
Series: Serenity Bay Mysteries
Book: 2
Author: J.J. Brass
Publisher: Rainbow Crush
Word Count: 30,000

Welcome to Serenity Bay, where books hold secrets, and mysteries lurk behind every page.

When Lucy Larkin and her uncle Frank stumble upon an unfinished manuscript hidden in a dresser at the Annual Antiques Street Fair, they uncover more than just forgotten words.

As the mystery unfolds, Lucy and Uncle Frank embark on a quest to unravel the truth. Can they convince Detective Johnson that a crime has been committed, or will they find themselves met with skepticism?

Now, with time running out, Lucy and her uncle must race against the clock to piece together clues hidden within the unfinished book. With curiosity, wit, and a touch of amateur sleuthing, can they unmask the killer and bring justice to Serenity Bay?

"Murder by the Books" is a page-turning journey into the heart of a small town where books can be deadly. Join Lucy and Uncle Frank in this charming cozy mystery.

J.J. Brass is a queer author living with disability who writes hilarious and heartfelt LGBT mystery stories. If you like your mysteries cozy and comedic, check out tales like Small Town Scandal, The Turkey Wore Satin, Murder at the Office, The Courtyard Clairvoyant Mysteries series, and the Serenity Bay Mysteries.

You can find this book practically everywhere!

The list includes... 

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CHFYYY3D
Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0CHFYYY3D
Amazon CA: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0CHFYYY3D
Amazon AU: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0CHFYYY3D

Nook: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/books/1144051882
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/ca/en/ebook/murder-by-the-books-1
Apple: https://books.apple.com/us/book/id6465686025
Scribd: https://www.scribd.com/book/670153611/Murder-by-the-Books-Serenity-Bay-Mysteries-2

If you'd rather listen to this story, you can get the AI Audio version from Google Play
https://play.google.com/store/audiobooks/details?id=AQAAAEDihELEsM

Find even more places to buy Murder by the Books with the Universal Book Link: https://books2read.com/MurderbytheBooks

Murder Over the Rainbow: Serenity Bay Mysteries Book 1 #Queer #Cozy #Quozy #SmallTown #Mystery

Murder Over the Rainbow
Series: Serenity Bay Mysteries
Book: 1
Author: J.J. Brass
Publisher: Rainbow Crush
Word Count: 25,000

When Lucy Larkin moves in with her gay uncle Frank in the small town of Serenity Bay, she doesn’t expect to get caught up in a murder investigation.

But when local artist Marcus Briggs is found dead at the site of a controversial rainbow crosswalk, Lucy can't help but get involved.

As she teams up with the surly but loveable Detective Johnson to solve the case, Lucy finds herself navigating a town full of colorful characters.

With suspects aplenty and secrets lurking around every corner, Lucy and Detective Johnson must work together to catch the killer.

Full of suspense, humor, and heart, "Murder Over the Rainbow" is a cozy mystery that will keep you guessing until the very end.

 
Now Available from Amazon! https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BZ125M6M

Find more places to buy this cute quozy with https://books2read.com/MurderOverRainbow

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The Missing Cash Mystery: A #Cozy #NewRelease Featuring The #Mystery #Cats!

It's not every day that someone writes a book about you, which is why we Mystery Cats are overjoyed that our cat-mom Doris Hay has just released The Missing Cash Mystery!

Why are we so excited?

Because the book's about us!

The Missing Cash Mystery stars ME (Ginger)! Zorro and Butterball play a role too, and KitKat gets introduced as well. It's a great book about a funny little mystery. I think you'll love it, but I could be biased.

The Missing Cash Mystery
Series: Mystery Cats on the Case
Book: 1
Author: Doris Hay
Publisher: Rainbow Crush
Available from Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07VCPBSCS?tag=dorishay-20

Ginger’s just a kitten who loves a good mystery. She’s never actually solved one before, but when a neighbour’s safe is broken into, Ginger’s on the case.

Her fellow Mystery Cats, Butterball and Zorro, don’t see any point in looking into this crime. Clearly, the neighbour’s son stole the money. He doesn’t work, mooches off his parents, and suddenly has the cash to take his girlfriend on a splashy beach vacation? Even Gemma, the neighbour-lady, feels pretty certain her son is to blame—that’s why she didn’t bother calling the police.

But Ginger smells a rat, and she won’t give up until the true culprit is brought to justice… even if the investigation puts this tiny kitten in all sorts of danger!

Don't delay! Read The Missing Cash Mystery today!
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07VCPBSCS?tag=dorishay-20


There are plenty more places to buy this book. Check them out here: https://books2read.com/u/4j2Dyk

Or look for a copy at your local library! 

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Butterball Reviews #British #Thriller Make Death Love Me by Ruth Rendell

Title: Make Death Love Me
Author: Ruth Rendell
Genre: British / Thriller
Status: Read
Presence of Cats: None

Butterball Says:

On how many occasions have I lamented living so much of my life without ever having read a Ruth Rendell mystery? I suppose one might say I'm making up for lost time by reading every one that crosses the Mystery Cats' desk.

Today I inform you of my latest read, a book perhaps more in the style of a thriller than a classic murder mystery. I say "thriller" only because we, the reader, watch the crime play out in its entirety. We are aware of the culprit, we are aware of the crime... or, at least, we think we are... until the grand finale, when everything changes.

Make Death Love Me boasts a copyright date of 1979--a mere 40 years ago, and yet we are immediately aware of all the changes that have taken place between that time and this.

Alan Groombridge works in a small bank in a small town. Every day, he removes 3,000 pounds from the safe and fantasizes about stealing it. He could easily live on that money for a year, he figures--a clue that we are gazing into the past, for what feline could live on 3,000 pounds these days?

When the bank is robbed, Groombridge sees this as his opportunity to escape with his coveted 3,000 pounds. Meanwhile, the bank robbers flee with cash and Alan's young coworker, Joyce.

We spend the majority of the book watching the situation go from bad to worse for our bank robbers and their hostage.  At the same time, Alan Groombridge reinvents himself in London, commits a slight bit of identity theft, and lives out his fantasy.

Hark! Has nobody died?  Isn't this book entitled Make Death Love Me? Indeed it is. Why so, if it is not a murder mystery? Where is this death we've been promised?

Ahh, now, that would be telling! I shan't give away the ending by revealing who dies, or how.  You will simply have to read Make Death Love Me for yourself to enjoy the intriguing narrative leading to death.

Find Make Death Love Me at Amazon

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Ginger Reviews The #Cat Who Went Bananas #Cozy #Mystery

Title: The Cat Who Went Bananas

Author: Lilian Jackson Braun
Genre: Cozy / Pets / Amateur Sleuth
Status: Abandoned
Cats?: At least three

Ginger Says:

I'm breaking my own rules, here.

I have a bit of a personal policy about not reviewing books until I've read them to completion. If I have no intention of finishing a book, I wouldn't normally review it.

Why have I broken my rule for The Cat Who Went Bananas?

Because it's bad.  It's really bad, really poorly written. Dick and Jane Solve a Murder, with a heavy helping of Grampa Simpson rambling. When you're constantly asking a book "Why are you telling me this?" that's not a good sign. Honestly, it was a struggle to get through the first three chapters. By that point, I knew I wouldn't be reading the rest of the book.

Sure cats have nine lives, but they're all too short to waste on bad writing.

The reason I wanted to review The Cat Who Went Bananas (or at least comment on it) anyway is that this book comes from a series that's been around for decades. The earlier "The Cat Who..." books are fantastic. I've reviewed one written in 1967 very positively.

When I got my paws on a copy of The Cat Who Went Bananas, I put it aside for a time when I wanted to treat myself. Sometimes you need to cozy up with a good book, and if you're lucky, you're familiar with a series that can give you just the feeling of warmth and comfort you need.

The fact that this terrible book is part of a series that was formerly fantastic is what disappoints me the most. I had high expectations based on other books in the series.  This book doesn't meet those expectations. Nowhere near.

How the mighty have fallen.

Ever since I put this book down, I've been thinking about successful series on a grander scale. Not just books, but television too.  No matter how good a series is in the beginning (or wherever its golden era is situated), at some point that series is going to be in decline. I really respect creators who know when to pull the plug, but I also understand the urge to keep on truckin, especially if the series is making big money.

As a reader, do you prefer to follow a series into the abyss because you're comfortable and familiar with the characters? Or do you stop buying those books as soon as they're past their prime? I can think of a lot of TV shows I've stopped watching even though I really liked them earlier on.

What about you? Can you think of a series (whether it be books or television) that dropped off in quality? Did you keep reading or watching?  Or did you dump it like yesterday's trash? Let us know in the comments.

If you're curious about The Cat Who Went Bananas, I invite you to form your own opinions. I won't be finishing it, but maybe you will. Maybe you'll love it!

Find The Cat Who Went Bananas at Amazon

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Hey Mystery Cats, What is the Ultimate British Mystery Series?

We're talking television today.

The Brits make the best TV mysteries, but which series is the best of the best?

Butterball Says:

There is only one possible response to such a question. The greatest British mystery series of all time is Midsomer Murders. This program has been around for decades. Why are we still watching it after more than 20 years? Because this long-running television show is consistent and reliable in providing us with the cosy settings and situations we crave.

That's why the Ultimate British Mystery Series is Midsomer Murders.

Zorro Says:

Looking for a good time? Well then Death in Paradise is the show for you. Set on the fictitious island of Saint Marie and filmed on location in Guadeloupe, Death in Paradise is funny, sunny, and comfortingly formulaic. One of the best things about all these British shows is the predictable pacing, and Death in Paradise has got that down to an art form. You always know roughly when things are going to happen, but I'm always surprised by the results. This show's got a lot going for it--including comedy legends like Ardal O'Hanlon!

That's why the Ultimate British Mystery Series is Death in Paradise!

KitKat Says:

Believe it or not, I agree with Butterball (it happens on rare occasions), but I'll pick another one--which is easy to do, because there are so many amazing British mysteries out there. I'm going with Inspector Lewis, the Morse spin-off. Why Lewis and not Morse? Because Inspector Lewis has everything going for it that I enjoyed with Morse--it's cinematic, it's got an amazing soundtrack and intriguing mysteries--but it doesn't have the one thing I was never too fond of with Morse: Morse himself. I just never liked that character, sue me! With Inspector Lewis, I really enjoy the interplay between the investigators and, on top of that, the show is visually stunning.

That's why the Ultimate British Mystery Series is Inspector Lewis.

Ginger Says:

Oh, it's so hard to choose, but I'll have to go with Rosemary and Thyme. If you've never seen it, you should go out and find yourself a copy. It's a murder mystery series about two gardeners who just happen to solve crimes. One used to be in the police and one has an academic background, so they're perfectly positioned to figure out whodunit. This is the cosy of cosies. It's the cosiest cosy that ever cosied. The characters are great and there's plenty of gardening? Who could ask for anything more.

That's why the Ultimate British Mystery Series is Rosemary and Thyme.



Feel free to weigh in. That's what comments are for! 
Which is your favourite British mystery series?

Butterball Reviews #British #Mystery A Guilty Thing Surprised by Ruth Rendell

Title: A Guilty Thing Surprised (An Inspector Wexford Mystery)
Author: Ruth Rendell
Genre: British Detectives
Status: Read
Presence of Cats: A brief appearance by a ginger named Ginger (very creative...)

Butterball Says:

As I recall, it was a mere one year ago when I lamented the fact that I had gone so very long in life without ever having read the words of one of Britain's finest mistresses of mystery.  Ruth Rendell represents quality writing and intriguing plots, the likes of which this cat has not seen since Agatha Christie.

A Guilty Thing Surprised is not the first Inspector Wexford Mystery, and though I have not read any other books in this series, I did not feel this fact hampered my enjoyment in the least.

Because the setting is a manor house in England's green and pleasant land, one is immediately transported to the time of Agatha Christie's writings.  Thus, it feels oddly anachronistic when the servants are reportedly listening to The Beatles and stacking the dishwasher.

The copyright date on this book reads 1970, which leads one to believe it is set in perhaps the late sixties: a time of change, when the older generation believes they have betters, and the younger generation believes they can one day become their betters. And perhaps they are correct.

When the lady of the house is murdered in the woods, suspicion falls upon the usual suspects: the husband, the family, the servants. Motives abound.  Whether she was murdered for love or money, there is no short supply of characters who might have wielded the weapon.

There are hints of piquancy and salacious goings-on behind the scenes, but I must say the resolution is salacious in the extreme! From the very first pages, I thought things were perhaps heading in a direction KitKat would most enjoy. Was I correct in this assumption? Ah, that would be telling!

For now, I'll only say that I thoroughly enjoyed my experience in the world of Inspector Wexford, and I hope to visit again very soon. Highly recommended for lovers of Agatha Christie's masterful works!

Find A Guilty Thing Surprised at Amazon

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Murder at MarketFresh, Book 2 in the Lasagna Lady #Mysteries #Series

Hi, hi, hi!

It's me again, your pal KitKat, with another announcement about our cat mom Doris Hay's Lasagna Lady Mysteries series.

Book Two is now available! 

Much like its predecessor Murder at Meadowlark, the new book Murder at MarketFresh is set in the Mystery Cats' hometown of Toronto.  The first book was set at a retirement residence. This murder takes place in a supermarket parking lot. It's a hit-and-run, but is it deliberate?  Is it an accident?  Luella Genova is one of only three witnesses, and she votes for deliberate act of violence.

One thing I love about the second book in any series is that you've gotten all the meeting your main characters stuff out of the way. We met Luella and Chandelle in Book One.  We already love them--despite their quirks or because of their quirks, I'm not sure which. Now we're ready to watch them take on the worlds of lasagna delivery, crime-solving, and dealing with the ghosts of the past.

You may recall that in Book One, someone broke into Luella's house. That was never fully resolved, was it?  Well, in Book Two we find out who it was--and the answer will blow you away!

We also get to see Luella trying to worm her way into Chandelle's young life. Luella's convinced Chandelle would be happier if she made some friends her own age. When she tries to get the transgender teen to join her school's LGBT Alliance, let's just say it doesn't go well. Chandelle's great at driving other people's lives, but she doesn't appreciate it when Luella interferes in hers.

There's so much going on in this book it would be a great read even without the murder mystery, but, that said, the mystery is actually central to the action.

What does it take to solve a murder in a supermarket parking lot? A mischievous husky dog, an entrepreneurial high school student, and a little lasagna lady with a whole lotta heart!

When Luella Genova witnesses a hit-and-run in the parking lot of the MarketFresh superstore, it isn’t her first brush with murder. It is, however, the first time she’s witnessed the death of a teen.

Grace Tangoco was a determined young woman working three jobs to pay for university. Her classmates and coworkers loved her, and yet nobody knew her all that well. Nobody but her secret boyfriend, who mysteriously disappeared after the hit-and-run.

Who could have killed such a kind and hard-working young girl? The police are investigating, sure, but this case can only be cracked by Luella the Lasagna Lady and her business partner Chandelle “Garlic Bread Girl” Jervais. After all, they’re the only two people who know about the teenager’s haunting last words.

If you're ready to watch Luella and Chandelle's friendship build while they solve another murder, you're ready for Murder at MarketFresh.

Murder at MarketFresh is currently enrolled in Amazon's Kindle Unlimited program. That means, if you're a KU member, you get to read the entire novel for free!

Murder at MarketFresh is the second book in the Lasagna Lady Mysteries series.

Read MURDER AT MARKETFRESH by Doris Hay today! 
It’s free with KindleUnlimited!

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079ZZNLB6?tag=dorishay-20
Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B079ZZNLB6
Amazon CANADA: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B079ZZNLB6
Amazon AUSTRALIA: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B079ZZNLB6

Murder at Meadowlark, Book 1 in the Lasagna Lady #Mysteries #culinary #cozy #mystery #series

Hello, friends!

KitKat here, with a big announcement on behalf of myself and my fellow Mystery Cats and our dear old cat mom, Doris Hay:

At long last, it is with great pleasure that we, the Mystery Cats, announce to you that our cat mom has released the first book in her Lasagna Lady Mysteries series!

Murder at Meadowlark takes place here in Toronto, where we Mystery Cats live. It's largely set at the Meadowlark Retirement Residence. Those seniors really get around! You'll be amazed! There's lots of LGBT content to keep me happy (sometimes I think Mama Doris writes these books just for me!), but I know Ginger loved the big feels she got from the characters.

There's a lot to love about Luella and Chandelle and their burgeoning friendship. A lady in her sixties and a sixteen-year-old makes for a great pairing. They're such an odd couple, but that's why they fit together so well. Luella never speaks her mind. Chandelle never stops speaking her mind. They work so well together, and I really enjoyed watching their friendship deepen throughout the book. 

This is a mystery novel with a whole lot of heart. We Mystery Cats hope you'll enjoy the twists and turns Murder at Meadowlark takes you on. Some of those twists are a little dark, especially for a culinary cozy, but ultimately this books captures the heart as much as it intrigues with its backbone of murder mystery.

Murder at Meadowlark is currently enrolled in Amazon's Kindle Unlimited program. That means, if you're a KU member, you get to read the entire novel for free! We Mystery Cats definitely recommend it. Mind you, we're somewhat biased. After all, we warm the author's feet every night, and she provides us with food and litter. So we certainly want her book to succeed.  If it does particularly well, maybe she'll even buy us treats!

Read Murder at Meadowlark today! It's the first book in the Lasagna Lady Mysteries series, and you're sure to fall in love with these quirky characters just like you've fallen in love with us Mystery Cats!

Murder at Meadowlark

Lasagna Lady Mysteries

Book 1

Author: Doris Hay

Luella Genova has never been great at speaking her mind. When community-spirited high school student Chandelle Jervais asks her to bring one of her famous lasagnas to the potluck at Meadowlark Retirement Residence, the aging widow would rather stay home and swallow a bottle of pills.

Who’d have thought lasagna could change a lady’s life?

When Luella arrives at Meadowlark, a woman has just died—not an uncommon occurrence in a home for seniors, but Luella smells a rat. Even the old woman’s family is satisfied to believe that she died of natural causes, but that only makes Luella more suspicious. The only way to prove it was murder… is to find the killer!

Book One in the Lasagna Lady Mysteries series.

Read MURDER AT MEADOWLARK by Doris Hay today! 
It’s free with KindleUnlimited!

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B078YGP2N3?tag=dorishay-20
Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B078YGP2N3
Amazon CANADA: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B078YGP2N3
Amazon AUSTRALIA: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B078YGP2N3