A baking show is coming to town. Kathleen gets to showcase her librarian skills by doing research for the show. When one of the judges is found dead, she and her cat help solve the murder. Owen and Hercules are the stars of the book. Number 12 in the Magical Cats Mystery series, but you don't need to read the previous books to enjoy the book. But you should.

A Case of Cat and Mouse by Sofie Kelly is a cozy little Mystery featuring tow cats with special powers: one of them can become invisible and the other can walk through solid barriers, like door and windows. Their special skills did not feature prominently in this unlikely tome of a murder by asphyxiation by whipped cream. Kathleen is a librarian and her boyfriend, Marcus, is a police detective. She gets into scrapes, her gets her out. Even the ambulance guys recognize the kinds of scrapes she gets into and come to her rescue with a smile. She is currently working part-time as a research for the emcees of a cooking contest that is being filmed in town. She supplies the color, so to speak. All seems to be going well, until it's not, and there's a murder.

This is the first of the series I have read so it should be no surprise that I found the characters confusing. This is the 12th in the magical cats series, which has been in publication for over 10 years. The mystery was a good one, if a little convoluted. There were a lot of things going on in the background that never revealed themselves until the investigation. Lots of subplots and unfinished minor stories. Kathleen was a good character with an interesting life and plenty of people with whom she associates. Her friends were interesting and I can see where readers are enthralled with the story. I found it a little hard to get into. I would start from the beginning. It would be much more satisfying. I recommend it.

I was invited to read a free ARC of A Case of Cat and Mouse by Netgalley. All opinions and interpretations contained herein are solely my own. #netgalley #acaseofcatandmouse

When a reality TV crew comes to town, librarian Kathleen Paulson has her hands full. The crew is there for a baking TV show. Kathleen agrees to work as an advisor for the show. It’s up to her to get all the historical facts for the show, including biographies on all the contestants.

She’s shocked when one of the judges is found dead. It’s ruled a homicide and several people in town want Kathleen to investigate, which does not sit well with her detective boyfriend, Marcus. With the help of her magical kitties, Kathleen is determined to find a killer.

This is one of my favorite series. This is #12 and I feel like these are characters I know so well. The mystery is contained in this book…no cliff hangers, plus the author gives so much background information throughout the story. I don’t think anyone would feel lost if they started the series with this one. However, I do feel it’s so much more fun to start with #1.

The history of the magical cats alone is worth reading this series from beginning to the present. Hercules and Owen are as much a part of this series, even more so, than the human characters. Every time I read about these kitties I want to hug them…which wouldn’t be a good idea. LOL Sofie Kelly is so creative and talented that she has been able to give the cats their very own personalities without having them speak human words.

As for the storyline, it’s intriguing. Kelly gives us a plethora of suspects. Any one of them could have done the deed. I’m always amazed in these cozy mysteries how everyone wants the amateur sleuth to get in the middle of the investigation regardless of the danger involved to the sleuth. Nice friends. LOL

Kathleen’s a trouper and does what she does best - looks for a killer. She really is a strong character surrounded by her kitties to help and protect her along the way. Kathleen’s boyfriend is the lead detective. Their relationship appears to be getting stronger despite Kathleen’s interference in his investigations.

The story moves at a fast-pace. There were many twists and turns. I couldn't put this one down. I was really surprised to see who the killer turned out to be.

As always, this is a fun series that never seems to get old. I’m looking forward to the next entry in this series.

Kathleen, the town’s head librarian, is working as research assistant for a reality TV show currently being filmed in town. When one of the judges is murdered and the primary suspect is a good friend, she is recruited to help find the killer. Along with the drama on the TV show’s production set, there are a series of pranks at the library that are escalating. As Kathleen investigates the murder she learns that many of the people involved have secrets - the question becomes whose secret is worth killing over.

This is a favorite series of mine, probably due a lot to Hercules and Owen who have special powers. Owen can become invisible at will while Hercules can literally walk through walls. I’ll admit that I did not see the murderer coming until just before Kathleen did. I am looking forward to more adventures with Hercules and Owen. ~~ Stephanie L Bannon

I have been a long time fan of Kathleen, Owen and Hercules and A Case of Cat and Mouse does not disappoint! I love how Sofie Kelly is able to tie in the many uses of a library beyond just checking out a book - in this case providing research and background for a reality baking show. When one of the judges is murdered, Kathleen and her boys have to solve the mystery as it seems everyone on the show had a motive, A great quick read!

Things are really hopping in Mayville Heights as the town readies itself for a reality baking show to come to town. Librarian Kathleen Paulson is busy, busy, busy as she works to help with historical research for the show. The whole town seems to be in on the event! But..... (there is always a but when it's a cozy mystery!)

One of the judges is found dead. As if death by whipped cream isn't bad enough, there is no shortage of suspects because the dead woman was a real b .... pill. (No cussing in cozy reviews ha ha)

Can Kathleen, with the help of her two awesomely magic cats Hercules and Owen, catch the killer before the festivities are completely ruined?? And....will her sleuthing end up getting her killed?

Awesome new book in the Magical Cats series! I love these books and eagerly await each new book or short story! Hercules and Owen are great -- their antics make these books fun! Kathleen is an intelligent and enjoyable main character. And I like all the background characters from Mayville Heights.

The mystery and humor are entertaining. The story kept me engaged the entire time. There were more than enough suspects in the whipped creaming incident. All in all, an enjoyable read! I can't wait for the next book!

**I voluntarily read a review copy of this book from Berkley Publishing. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**

It was a good mystery, but there were way too many characters to keep track of. I kept forgetting who was who and getting characters mixed up.

I received this ARC via Netgalley and Berkley Publishing, in return for an honest review. While the 12th book in this series, it is easily read as a standalone. This is a fun book and a delight for cozy lovers who like cats and a bit of magic in their stories. Kathleen Paulson is the librarian of Mayville Heights and the proud ‘parent’ of Hercules and Owen, cats extraordinaire. Kathleen is delighted that a local entrepreneur revived a baking competition show set in their town. With two local contestants, she’s rooting for her good friend, Rebecca. Kathleen is also providing research support to one of the celebrity hosts for the show, which allows her to see behind the scenes as things develop. When Kathleen discovers the body of one of the judges, face down in a bowl of whipped cream, she realizes that the victim’s personality left things wide open to identify her killer. Events conspire to have Kathleen do some sleuthing on the case, much to the concern of her boyfriend. Owen and Hercules have special powers and they assist Kathleen in figuring out whodunit before the killer finds her and makes her the mouse in the deadly game.
A fun read and a solid cozy. All the characters are well-written and interesting. The author has developed a group of assorted townspeople who add depth to the story. The addition of the baking competition allows newcomers to appear and provides a reasonable situation for a murder to happen and Kathleen to be involved in the situation. I look forward to the next in this series.

Sofie Kelly writes a wonderful series about a librarian and her two "magic" cats. This is a fantastic series and the books are extremely entertaining and fun to read. It's best to read them in order but you are able to "catch up" pretty well within any book. If you are looking for a light, easy to read, humorous "book to take you away" then pick up any one of the Magical Cats mystery books. Enjoy! 📚 📚

A Case of Cat and Mouse is another fun addition to the cozy mystery genre.
Hercules and Owen are such delightful characters in this series, and I love the mrrps and blurps they contribute to each book.
As a pet lover and pet mom, I can relate to the unique bond Kathleen has with them.
With the filming of a cooking show taking place in Mayville Heights, Kathleen is honored to be asked to do research for the show, especially when one of her close friends is a contestant.
Things take an odd turn when one of the judges is found face down in a bowl of whipping cream. Kathleen is the one who discovers the judge, and when she becomes part of the investigation, she also becomes a target.
I was kept in suspense until close to the end, then I finally began putting the pieces together.

This book has everything I love in a cozy mystery, good, strong characters, pets, close friendships and so much more.
I highly recommend this series to everyone who enjoys a good solid story.
I’m excited to see what happens next for these fabulous characters.
#netgalley #acaseofcatandmouse

A Case of Cat and Mouse, the 12th book in the Magical Cats Mysteries series is a prime example of the warmth and intelligence this outstanding series offers. Reading each book is like settling in and catching up with friends that you haven't seen for a while. If you have ever read a book by Sofie Kelly/Ryan, you won't need a review to tell you how great they are! If you are new to either series and you enjoy cozy mysteries, she is one of the best authors of high quality cozy mysteries that I have read. I am a bit late to the game so I have had the great pleasure of reading both series in the last years.
Librarian Kathleen Paulson is enjoying providing local research to the producers of a culinary competition show that is filming in her beloved Mayville Heights and includes one of her dearest friends. Although Kathleen is shocked to discover the body of one of the judges, the woman was just plain mean so the pool of suspects is wide open. With her background of helping the police find murders in the past, it is no surprise that, Ruby, a good friends asks her to investigate to prove that someone special to her is not the killer.
The book moves at a laid-back pace but is still a page turner as we spend time with her awesome friends, her special guy, and her even more special cats collecting clues and hints as we go.
I requested an ARC of A Case of Cat and Mouse from NetGalley and was thrilled to receive a copy the other day. Naturally I read the book as quickly as possible although travelling delayed me a couple of days. Delay is Torture! I adore this book and all my friends will be hearing about it! My thanks to Berkley Publishing and NetGalley!!!!

Kathleen is sooo happy when she is asked to be a historical advisor for a baking show filming in Mayville Heights. Then, she finds Cassie, one of the judges dead! Cozy readers know that Cassie, who we already know is not a nice person, has annoyed more than a few but who killed her? That's where Kathleen, and her cats Herc and Owen come in. She's solved murders in the past so she's perfectly poised, given that she''s been around the set, to figure out this one. The cats have powers- well, cat powers maximized (hard to explain but it's not too woo woo). It's not too twisty, the romance is light, and it's fun. I'd not read any of the earlier books and this was fine as a standalone. Thanks to netgalley for the ARC. I'm looking forward to the next one.

One of my favorites cozy book series', Magical Cats continues to stay fresh, exciting, and keep me engaged and looking forward to the next book. A Case of Cat and Mouse is the 12th book in this series and I loved it so much. I'm a huge fan of the baking contest shows and love that the author incorporated the revival of the show into one of the books in this series.

As a historical fact advisor for the show, Kathleen spends a lot of time either researching the contestants or on set discussing her findings with the hosts and directors. When Kathleen finds one of the show's judges dead, she knows by the manner of the death that it was no accident. The baking show has a murderer in the cast and as Kathleen does her undercover sleuthing, she discovers there are many suspects with the means, motive, and opportunity. She also discovers many untruths have been told, making sorting through the clues even more difficult.

I really enjoyed A Case of Cat and Mouse. The pacing is steady, and the entire novel is easy to read and understand. Multiple suspects keep the reader guessing and keep Kathleen and Marcus on their toes. The continued world building and character development of Kathleen, her magical kitties, and Marcus, along with the secondary characters, is fresh and original with each installment.

The Magical Cats series keeps me entertained with the human and feline characters, plots, and mysteries. I recommend the series to all cozy mystery lovers. The books are descriptive without going overboard. I feel like I'm in every scene of the story. The books also have the right amount of suspense to keep the reader engaged all the way to the end. The romance included isn't over the top and doesn't overshadow the mystery solving. It's a nice addition to give the story and characters realism.

I was provided an ebook of A Case of Cat and Mouse to read. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This is the 12th book in the series but it is as fresh as ever. Delightful characters that continue to entertain me, with always a well written and paced whodunit. The whodunit grabs you and keeps you guessing.
I highly recommend this series, and if you haven't read one, then grab the first one and dive right in.
I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.

Spring has come to Mayville Heights, and with it, some Hollywood glamour. The little town is excited because the reboot of a popular baking TV show is filming there. Librarian Kathleen Paulson is working as an a researcher on facts for the show, and local restaurants are providing catering for the camera crews. But then Kathleen finds one of the judges dead. She has solved many-a-murder with help from the supernaturally gifted cats, Hercules and Owen, and with the whole town on tenterhooks, the talented trio will have to chase down this killer.

This is a favorite series. Of course, as a retired librarian, I love books about libraries and librarians, and the magical kitties are a plus! Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the e-book. The author continues to mature and grow the characters with vivid descriptions and detail.

"A Case of Cat and Mouse" is a cozy mystery. This is the 12th book in the series. You don't need to read the previous books to understand this one, and this book didn't spoil the mysteries in the previous books. However, the author provided a lot of detail about events that happened in the previous books. These were not necessary to understand the story, and the first third of the book dragged a bit because of all these info dumps. The author also told all of the details of a coffee fiasco (which was comic relief) once when it happened and again when Kathleen was telling Marcus about it. It felt like the author was 45 pages short and so added a lot of filler to the front of the book. The pacing was fine after Kathleen started investigating the murder, though.

It's a clue-based mystery. The heroine is intelligent and knows how to ask questions without being pushy or accusing. She mainly helped uncover lies and sorted out alibis, which eliminated many people from the suspect list. She also spotted the critical clue, and it'd be difficult to correctly guess whodunit before that point. The cats are intelligent and have cat abilities (disappearing and getting out of places) taken to a magical degree. Their actions drew attention to clues but mostly they provided humor with their antics.

There was no sex. There was a few uses of bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this fun mystery.

It was great meeting up with Owen and Hercules again. Love the help they give in solving the mystery. The mystery kept me guessing, especially since so many might have wanted her dead. I also enjoyed meeting up with the others in the series.

Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for my eARC in exchange for an honest opinion.

Another fun installment in the Magical Cats Mystery series. Kathleen, like everyone else, is having a great time with the baking show reboot that is filming in Mayville Heights, she has even gotten a chance to work as a researcher with one of the hosts. But, as is so often the case, an unexpected murder occurs to mar the happiness and bring suspicion to someone in her circle. Once again, Kathleen and her extraordinary cats are on the case. This series is always filled with well developed characters, a great plot line, and plenty of action.

A fun addition to the Magical Cats series. All my favorite characters are there and an interesting murder case. I really enjoy these stories and this one definitely enjoyed this one!

The Magical Cats series of cozy mysteries is one of my very favorites. I love magical cats Owen and Hercules and the clowder of feral cats. I especially liked the Baking Show aspect…it included new interesting characters. I also enjoyed the “behind the scenes” of the Baking Show. Kathleen and her friends are always a treat. I’m pretty sure this one would work as a standalone book but, since I’ve read the series in order, I can’t guarantee it. If you’re looking for a fun read with likeable characters and amazing CATS this is the series/book for you.