There seem to have been an extraordinary number of weddings in mysteries this summer. No, librarian Kathleen Paulson isn’t the one getting married in Sofie Kelly’s The Cats Came Back. But, she’s part of the wedding party and planning throughout the book. It’s not a major plot line, but the characters are important to the series.

Kathleen’s two magical cats, Hercules and Owen, are essential to the main storyline. There’s a music festival going on in Mayville Heights, Minnesota, with a number of performers in town. It’s just part of the town’s ongoing promotions. Hercules and Owen are part of that, posing for Ruby, a photographer, for a fundraising calendar to promote the town. Hercules has a different focus one night at the marina, though. Ruby finally goes to see what Hercules is focused on, and finds a body. Kathleen and Ruby both assume it’s singer Emme Finley. Kathleen’s the first to realize it’s Emme’s lookalike assistant, Miranda. Which young woman was supposed to be the victim?

Kathleen’s love interest, Detective Marcus Gordon, has the case, but Kathleen’s friends turn to her for help. Even Marcus agrees people talk more freely to Kathleen. Unlike many boyfriends in cozy series, he accepts that she’ll ask questions. He knows it’s who she is, and he doesn’t want to change her. His attitude is a positive change from that of many police and boyfriends in mystery series.

While Hercules, with his ability to walk through doors and walls, puts Kathleen in a risky position or two, he’s also there to help her out when she’s in trouble. Owen uses his ability to disappear to help when situations get sticky. The cats are amusing and mischievous, necessary to Kathleen’s successful sleuthing.


The Cats Came Back is a heartwarming story with a focus on family relations and the wedding. However, readers who start with this book will probably be confused with the large cast of characters whose lives are entwined with Kathleen’s. Don’t start with The Cats Came Back. I’d suggest readers start with earlier books in the charming series.

Sofie Kelly’s website is www.sofiekelly.com

The Cats Came Back by Sofie Kelly. Berkley Prime Crime. 2018. ISBN 9780399584596 (hardcover), 304p.

*****
FTC Full Disclosure – I received the book to review for a journal.