Book ‘Em, Eddie
Bookmobile Cat Mystery #13
By Laurie Cass
ISBN 9780593818329
Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Jeanie
Synopsis:
When cat-astrophe strikes, Minnie and her trusty rescue cat, Eddie, will have to read between the lines to solve a murder in the newest Bookmobile Cat Mysteries.
The Chilson library bookmobile has a new stop on its route: Honey Hollow Adult Foster Care. When Minnie learns that Honey Hollow is just down the road from an enclave of gorgeous Victorian homes, she decides she has to take a look, especially after she learns about identical houses that stood side by side, and were owned by twin siblings. But when Minnie and Eddie and the bookmobile take their scenic detour, Eddie uncharacteristically escapes from the bookmobile – and finds a woman in the woods, horribly wounded with an arrow.
Though Minnie desperately calls 9-1-1, all too soon she realizes she was too late. The police seem ready to call the death a hunting accident, but Minnie can’t shake the feeling that foul play was involved, particularly given the woman’s final whispered words. With evidence lacking, Minnie and Eddie will have to claw their way through a thicket of suspects to find the truth. (From Goodreads)
Review:
It was almost like coming home, to visit newlyweds Minnie and Rafe, and Eddie, Minnie’s bookmobile cat who has stolen many readers’ hearts. This mystery checks all the boxes for a top 2025 favorite! The setting is beautiful and chilly late autumn in northern lower Michigan.
Minnie has the “best job in the whole world” as the assistant director at the Chilson Library, which includes the pleasure of driving the bookmobile to outlying areas of Tonadagana County. Eddie is well known throughout Tonadagana County as the library cat. He is so loved by the children – and adults – that he is always on the bookmobile.
Minnie and Julia, her Tony-award-winning clerk, visited a new stop on their route, Honey Hollow Adult Foster Care. Eddie was the star and loved the residents! They helped people select and borrow books. Before they left, Julia put on her storytelling cape to entertain the residents. Minnie chatted with a resident, Alice, who had once been a housekeeper for many of the wealthy of Chilson and in the elegant Victorian homes of nearby Gainsborough.
Alice told her fascinating tales and secrets of the homes in Gainsborough, including the smuggling that once took place. I immensely enjoyed those snippets of history! There were twin Victorians there, each originally owned by a brother and sister, then some of their descendants, until both homes were sold outside the family. Many homes were owned or leased by summer people, who already left with the changing seasons.
Minnie took a side trip to see the homes in Gainsborough, including the twin Victorians. She parked the bookmobile so she could walk and see the homes while Julia stayed inside with Eddie. When Minnie heard Julia yell for Eddie, she joined the chase. He escaped and was howling, an eerie, unusual sound. She found Eddie, sitting at the feet of a woman lying on the ground in a ravine. An arrow was protruding from her abdomen, and she was barely clinging to life. Minnie stayed with her until the EMT’s left with her. Before they arrived, the woman tried to tell Minnie about something “behind the books”.
Unfortunately, the lady, Dr. Paige Ferrer died, despite the extensive surgery performed. Minnie was sorrowful, regretting there was nothing she could have done to save her. Surprisingly, she chose to let the police do their job. At least, until Hal, the older detective, determined that Paige was shot accidentally, perhaps by a hunter who didn’t notice her dark clothing.
Minnie was extremely upset at their conclusion. In the days following her death, Minnie heard so many good things about Paige that she wanted justice for her. There were only rumors of a couple complaints about the late surgeon.
Minnie was determined to find the doctor’s killer, and when the Victorian was put up for sale, the realtor allowed her to go inside. Paige had used her waning strength and breath to tell her about something behind the books, and Minnie was going to find what was so important to her.
Each of the characters are defined beautifully through their lifestyles, reactions, and conversations. There are several that I enjoy, but I would love to spend a day or ten with Minnie and Eddie. As newlyweds, there were endearing moments when Minnie attempted to think of how “cute” some of Rafe’s little habits were rather than get annoyed. I admired Aunt Frances’s new business, and how close she and her husband, Otto, were.
There were so many delightful things about this novel! Aunt Frances had married Otto a while ago after many years of being a widow, and they shared a happy life together. I love Eddie; he is one of my favorite cozy mystery cats. He sometimes has a special sense, such as when finding Paige, yet other times he is all cat with a ‘tude. Rafe and Minnie are so good for each other, and his easy-going personality is the envy of many wives. As the principal of a middle school, he is appreciated by both teachers and students. I especially enjoyed the new, fun, project for the bookmobile!
Minnie did her research well, and talked with many people to learn more about Paige and about the complaints. The capture of the killer was due, in part, to one significant little tidbit shared by someone at the Adult Foster Care facility, and in part, to Nancy Drew. I highly recommend this cozy mystery and one of my favorite series!
