Monday, November 14, 2016

Book Review: Cat Among the Pumpkins by Mandy Morton


As All Hallows’ Eve approaches, Hettie Bagshot of The No. 2 Feline Detective Agency has more than just a ghost and warlock tart on her plate. Along with her faithful sidekick, Tilly, the tabby duo set out to investigate an old crime and a spate of new murders.

Why is Mavis Spitforce dressed as a pumpkin? Can Irene Peggledrip really talk to cats from the spirit world? Did Milky Myers murder his family on Halloween, longer ago than anyone can remember? All questions the pair must answer before the case can be solved. As the November fog closes in, where will the killer strike next - and will there be enough samosas to go around?


While it goes without saying that my favorite mysteries are cat cozies, this series goes a step beyond that with the entire cast of characters comprised solely of cats. That's right...in this little world there are no people, just cats. Book me a one way flight, please!!!

Hettie Bagshot and her sidekick Tilly have opened up the No. 2 Feline Detective Agency in order to help pay the rent on their back room apartment in a bakery. As this second book in the series starts it's Halloween night and the two ladycats have planned a spooky night in, complete with dinner, pumpkins and paper chains as decorations, and a scary movie. Talk comes around to the story of Milky Myers, a legendary cat whose rise to fame came after he allegedly murdered his entire family one cold October morning and then disappeared. The story has resurfaced since being written about in a book by the town historian, Strange But Trues. (Tilly is an avid mystery reader who always has a stack of library books on her blanket by the fire.) Now Milky Myers is rumored to be a ghost who appears on Halloween until a series of murders has everyone wondering if he's really a ghost after all!

While reading these brilliant little stories I find myself completely absorbed in Hettie and Tilly's cozy world; I only wish I could grab a mug of cocoa and join them in purrson. Each kitty has their own unique cat-like personality and the humor is delightfully irreverent (wait until you see how Hettie handles the dearly departed). These books are unlike any cat cozy you've ever read, guaranteed!

13 comments:

Summer at sparklecat.com said...

My human LOVES the cover of that book! She is dying to know who the designer was.

Momma Kat and Her Bear Cat said...

A world with all cats ... count me in!

Unknown said...

I read the first book in this series and loved it! So original and so funny! Glad to see there's a new one.

The Menagerie Mom said...

A cast entirely of kitties, starring in a Halloween mystery? Count me in! This sounds like such fun!

katsrus said...

Sounds like a great book. Love the cover.
Sue B

Anonymous said...

Thanks, Melissa (and Mudpie). I definitely need to look into these.

Katie and The Katz said...

Mudpie, you am always finding the most interesting books to Purr-view, Wondering why it's called the No2 Detective Agency vs No1? -Katie Kitty Too

Unknown said...

Wow, all cats! I will definitely have to read this one!

Unknown said...

Milky Myers sound like a sly ole fella...
https://pethangout.com

Fur Everywhere said...

This sounds like a good book. I'll put it on my "to read" list!

pilch92 said...

That sounds great and the cover is too cute.

Kitties Blue said...

Cat Scouts have a book club now, and they have been reading cat mysteries. Mauricio is going to suggest this one. Thanks for the review. XOCK, Lily Olivia, Mauricio, Misty May, Giulietta, Fiona, Astrid, Lisbeth and Calista Jo

Cathy Keisha said...

Whoa! You got an endless supply of cat books, don't you MP.