Book Review/Giveaway: Faux Paw by Sofie Kelly

From the publisher: Normally, the arrival of an art exhibition at the Mayville Heights library would be cause for celebration. But thanks to the overbearing curator and high-tech security system that comes with it, Kathleen’s life has been completely disrupted. Even Owen and Hercules have been affected, since their favorite human doesn’t seem to have a spare moment to make their favorite fish crackers or listen to Barry Manilow.

But when Kathleen stops by the library late one night and finds the curator sprawled on the floor—and the exhibition’s most valuable sketch missing—it’s suddenly time to canvass a crime scene. Now Kathleen, her detective boyfriend Marcus, and her clever cats have to sniff out a murderous thief, before anyone else has a brush with death…

The Magical Cats Mystery series is quite simply, pure magic. Owen and Hercules are back for their 5th adventure in Faux Paw and more adorable and clever than ever.

An art exhibit has set up shop at the library and Kathleen has been forced to deal with it's very difficult curator, Margo Walsh, and all of the added security that comes with it. The exhibit's focal point is a detailed drawing of a Dakota encampment by military artist Sam Weston, and is worth a small fortune due to the mystery surrounding it. Late one night Kathleen stops at the library to find Margo dead - hit over the dead by a brass cat statue on Kathleen's desk, and the Weston drawing is missing. In addition to a killer on the loose, the exhibit tour is cancelled because the museum is came from is undergoing renovations, so the library is forced to stay closed until it can be moved out.

Our protagonist Kathleen is a lady that I can easily see myself being friends with, and her favorite snack of hot chocolate and peanut butter toast has my mouth watering each time she shares it with her beloved feline friends! Speaking of which, Owen and Hercules seem to be quarreling yet they still manage to lead Kathleen towards important clues. And Kathleen's good friend and veterinarian Roma is facing a huge dilemma in her relationship with hockey player Eddie. The ongoing story lines among the characters make each new book like a reunion with old friends.

Rich characters, a cozy setting, and two extra special felines make this one of the best cat mystery series on the shelves today.

Giveaway: Leave a comment by noon eastern on Friday, October 9th for your chance to win a copy of Faux Paw. (US entries only, please.)