Everyone who knows me knows I love cats. And, I frequently read mysteries involving cats. But, I’m not a pushover for every book about cats, especially magical cats. I’ve always been a little skeptical about Sofie Kelly’s Magical Cats Mysteries. Yes, I can suspend disbelief. But, magical cats solving a mystery? I have to admit Kelly’s A Tale of Two Kitties is an excellent mystery with likeable characters. I’m now fully on board with this series.

Minnesota librarian Kathleen Paulson doesn’t know the story of the Janes family. Victor Janes hasn’t returned to Mayville Heights since he ran off with his brother, Leo’s wife. Once she died in a car accident, he wasn’t welcome in town. But, Leo has invited his brother back, despite the wishes of his son, Simon, and granddaughter, Mia. Leo’s hoping for a reconciliation.

All wishes for a family reconciliation are destroyed when Kathleen and Mia find Leo dead. Although Victor would seem to be the natural suspect, it’s Kathleen’s friend, Simon, who tops the list. It seems he had an argument with his father. Kathleen may have to team up with her two cats, Owen and Hercules, to find the truth.

Kelly’s latest mystery is actually a story about families, small town history, and secrets. It’s well-written. And, it actually avoids one of my biggest problems with cozy mysteries, the woman who can’t make up her mind between two men. Kathleen Paulson does have two men interested in her, but she knows how good her current relationship is, and she intends to keep it that way. I appreciate a practical, loyal amateur sleuth.

Do yourself a favor. Don’t be as stubborn as I was. Give Sofie Kelly’s Owen and Hercules a chance to prove they belong in her mystery series. Cozy mystery readers won’t regret trying A Tale of Two Kitties.


Sofie Kelly’s website is www.sofiekelly.com

A Tale of Two Kitties by Sofie Kelly. Berkley Prime Crime. 2017. ISBN 9780399584572 (hardcover), 336p.