📖 Overview
Minnesota librarian Kathleen Paulson finds herself in the midst of a holiday mystery when a newcomer to the town of Mayville Heights is found dead. The victim, Thelma Earnshaw, had been hosting a Christmas party for the neighborhood before her untimely demise.
With the aid of her two cats with supernatural abilities, Owen and Hercules, Kathleen investigates a growing list of suspects. The case becomes more complex when she discovers the victim had been making enemies through her work as an aggressive real estate agent, while simultaneously trying to organize a neighborhood Christmas party.
This cozy mystery blends small-town dynamics with magical elements and feline companions. The winter holiday setting provides a backdrop for both festive activities and crime-solving, while introducing themes of community bonds and the hidden histories of seemingly ordinary people.
👀 Reviews
Readers appreciate this cozy mystery for its holiday setting and feline characters. The cats' magical abilities and distinct personalities receive frequent mentions in reviews. Multiple reviewers note the satisfying balance between the mystery plot and the protagonist's personal life developments.
Readers highlight:
- Realistic depiction of cat behavior
- Holiday atmosphere without being overly Christmas-focused
- Integration of new characters with existing ones
- Steady pacing
Common criticisms:
- Too many characters to keep track of
- Some find the magical cat elements unrealistic
- A few readers wanted more focus on the mystery plot
Ratings:
Goodreads: 4.1/5 (2,100+ ratings)
Amazon: 4.6/5 (450+ ratings)
"The cats steal every scene they're in," notes one Amazon reviewer. A Goodreads review states, "The mystery takes a backseat to character development, but that's not necessarily bad."
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Paws and Effect by Leighann Dobbs A mystery bookshop owner and her rescue cats uncover clues to solve murders in their seaside village.
A Whisker of Trouble by Miranda James A librarian and his Maine Coon cat investigate crimes in a Mississippi town while managing rare book collections.
Cat About Town by Cate Conte A woman returns to her hometown and opens a cat cafe, leading her to investigate crimes with help from a stray black cat.
The Whole Cat and Caboodle by Sofie Ryan The owner of a second-hand shop teams up with a rescued cat to solve murders in a New England harbor town.
Paws and Effect by Leighann Dobbs A mystery bookshop owner and her rescue cats uncover clues to solve murders in their seaside village.
A Whisker of Trouble by Miranda James A librarian and his Maine Coon cat investigate crimes in a Mississippi town while managing rare book collections.
🤔 Interesting facts
🐱 "Six Cats a Slayin'" is part of the Magical Cats Mystery series, where the feline protagonists Owen and Hercules possess supernatural abilities - Owen can walk through walls, while Hercules can turn invisible.
📚 Author Sofie Kelly is actually a pen name for Darlene Ryan, who also writes under the name Sofie Ryan for her Second Chance Cat Mystery series.
🎄 The book is set during the Christmas season and features a festive storyline involving a murdered neighbor during a holiday party.
🏠 The series takes place in the fictional town of Mayville Heights, Minnesota, where protagonist Kathleen Paulson works as a librarian.
🔍 This is the tenth book in the Magical Cats Mystery series, which combines elements of cozy mysteries, paranormal fiction, and feline-focused storytelling.