Faux Paw
A Magical Cats Mystery, Book #7
By Sofie Kelly
ISBN 9780451472151
Author’s website: www.sofiekelly.com
Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Jeanie
Synopsis:
Magical cats Owen and Hercules from A Midwinter’s Tail are back and ready to help librarian Kathleen Paulson pounce on a killer art thief…
Normally, the arrival of an art exhibition at the Mayville Heights library would be cause for celebration. But thanks to the overbearing curator and high-tech security system that comes with it, Kathleen’s life has been completely disrupted. Even Owen and Hercules have been affected, since their favorite human doesn’t seem to have a spare moment to make their favorite fish crackers or listen to Barry Manilow.
But when Kathleen stops by the library late one night and finds the curator sprawled on the floor—and the exhibition’s most valuable sketch missing—it’s suddenly time to canvass a crime scene. Now Kathleen, her detective boyfriend Marcus, and her clever cats have to sniff out a murderous thief, before anyone else has a brush with death…
Review:
Faux Paw is a fun and imaginative read with Kathleen and Marcus, her beau. It wouldn’t be as much fun without Hercules and Owen, Kathleen’s adorable little cats and of course, Fred the Funky Chicken. Seventh in the Magical Cat Mystery series, Faux Paw can be read as a stand alone or as part of the series. Sofie Kelly writes masterfully in so many ways and captures the personality of each person – and cat. I could almost see Kathleen’s home, the library, the unique display and additional security, and always, the joy of books.
I knew the life of a librarian was extraordinarily busy, and learned more about how it takes many hands to keep a good one operating smoothly. It was fascinating to read about the special display, especially the valuable sketch with a whole new significance. It helps bring a new understanding about how much drama can be behind what seems like a simple historic drawing, and really helped draw this even more into the midst of the novel.
The characters, developed over the course of the series, are fully endearing. The characters unique to this mystery only were brought to life to make the plot fully suspenseful. The action and conversations were exciting, so that those who are part of the series are made even more endearing. The drama that the cats had between themselves was so realistic, as those of us who have been owned by littermates can attest. One thing I’m just not sure I could handle as well as Kathleen does, however, is the special magical talent that each of the cats have.
For as much as I like Kathleen, I was uncomfortable that she seemed, at times, to disregard Marcus’ concerns that she not participate in the investigation. She thought she understood those concerns, but her actions at times belied her words. Marcus and his partner, Hope, were a great professional team; they both wanted Kathleen out of the eye of yet another criminal investigation. These concerns were realistic when considering that Kathleen and Marcus are growing a relationship, and how much danger she placed herself in during prior investigations.
The plot was wonderfully complex, with layers of deceit wrapped around the theft and murder. This reader could not have discovered who the bad guy(s)/ gal(s) were; the plot twists took a couple of blind curves to bring about a fully satisfying ending to the mystery as well as to this chapter of the young couple’s relationship. I highly recommend Faux Paw to those who have loved this series, and any other series by Sofie Kelly. Those who enjoy mysteries with cats actively involved, or appreciate libraries, unique art exhibits, or simply very well-written mysteries might especially like this novel. I have read only one other book in this series so far, but am getting more! I can absolutely affirm that this series just gets magically better!
