I just love the series! I was excited for a new adventure with Hercules and Owen. This book is a perfect cozy mystery, with humor and a little murder. The story moves along nicely and you just can't help but enjoy yourself. I would recommend!

Furever After is the 16th (!!) magical cats cozy paranormal mystery by Sofie Kelly. Released 3rd Sept 2024 by Penguin Random House on their Berkley imprint, it's 304 pages and is available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. Paperback due out in 1st quarter 2025. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout.

This is an appealing, well written series with a likeable librarian protagonist as amateur sleuth along with her anthropomorphic/supernaturally gifted kitties and her fiancé who's in law enforcement. The language is very clean (only an occasional mild curse, nothing worse), there's no graphic on page violence or sexual content, and it's an appealing, satisfying read. In addition, in this installment, there's a nice art theft mystery, some murder, and a visit with the ensemble returning characters.

Although it's the 16th book in the series, the mystery is self contained in this book and it works very well as a standalone, with the understanding that the returning characters have a history, and there will be spoilers for the earlier books if read out of order.

Four stars. It would be a good choice for public library acquisition, for mystery fans, and a binge/buddy read.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

This is book 16 in the Magical Cats series and I've read them all. It's a great lighthearted cozy series with fun characters and as the series suggests some cats with the ability to talk and disappear. Kathleen finds a dead body in the library and soon to be husband, Marcus, is investigating the murder. With the help of Owen and Hercules they may solve the case so the the wedding can proceed.

Brought to you by OBS reviewer Andra

Furever After is the 16th book in the Magical Cats Mystery series by Sofie Kelly. To my surprise, this is the first book by this author that I have read! I say “to my surprise” because I am always on the lookout for cozy mystery authors who incorporate cats and kittens into their story (well, if truth be told – I also like dogs too). And, whenever possible, I like to read and support Canadian authors. I fell down in this respect, but now that I have found this series and this author – I will rectify the situation 🙂

Furever After begins with Librarian Kathleen Paulson coming across a body:

“It was déjà vu all over again.

The body was smack in the middle of my freshly scrubbed kitchen floor. Fred the Funky Chicken, minus his head. Earlier I’d found Ferdinand the Funky Frog, Fred’s sibling by adoption, in the middle of the bedroom floor. He’d also been decapitated.

“Owen!” I said sharply.

Nothing.

“Owen, you little furball, I know you did this Where are you?”

Now this had me chuckling so loudly family members came running and asked why I was laughing so hard… Great way to start a book I must say. I just knew I would enjoy this read as I could so relate to Owen’s and Hercules’ antics that Kathleen had encountered!

As is usual with cozy mysteries, one encounters a deceased person and the amateur sleuth attempts to solve the mystery of “whodunit”. In this instance we have two cats and a cat owner as the amateur sleuths. Talk about fun, though I do wonder if the cats have a bigger sleuthing role in any of the previous books (?) as this time it just felt like they were Kathleen’s listening confidents in solving this mystery. Guess I shall find out the answer to that when I read more books in this series J.

The story revolves around a priceless piece of art that is being displayed at the Mayville Heights Free Public Library. Kind of interesting that the library has this art hung on its walls from a heist long ago. Now if only Kathleen did not have to interact with a man she had hoped to never see again. Of course, as time went on (very shortly after seeing him again) he turns up dead in the library! And now the sleuthing shall begin.

One of the interesting events that happened to me personally this summer was that I took a course at Carleton University on “Four Famous Art Heists”. While reading this book – there was a reference to a couple of art heists…of which one was talked about extensively in the course – The Montreal break-in:

“Ruby shrugged…I admit I’m fascinated by this kind of thing. The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum heist. Montreal Museum of Fine Arts break-in. Did you know that the Mona Lisa was stolen back in 1911?”

There is a love connection between the amateur sleuth and a local police officer – Detective Marcus Gordon. In fact – Kathleen and Marcus are to marry in less than two months. This is where having read the series from the beginning would add context regarding their love relationship. But in all honesty – it did not take away from my enjoyment of the story at all.

There are numerous possible suspects and as Kathleen, Owen and Hercules methodically work through the list, they eventually come to identify the correct “whodunit”.

I quite liked the cover art as well. Those adorable cats, Owen and Hercules, climbing the trellis which is covered in purple flowers. It just catches my attention.

If you are looking for an easy to read cozy mystery, cats and an interesting story line – then I would suggest picking up a copy of Furever After by Sofie Kelly, find your comfy reading spot and get to reading.

On a day when the most exciting thing planned was to taste test a variety of cakes to choose one for her wedding cake, Kathleen receives a shock when she opens the library for the day. A glimmer of light catches her attention and once the main lights are on, it’s an even bigger shock to discover a dead body—and she knows who he is.

He was the contractor hired to renovate the library a few years prior, but before the job was completed, he was arrested for assaulting Kathleen and breaking her wrist. Now he’s out of jail and dead in the library. Nothing was out of place except a painting crooked on the wall.

There begins a complex mystery—why would an ex-con be interested in a painting that had been donated for the library’s fundraiser years before? There was no one else in the library when Kathleen arrived—and the alarm was still on when she came into the building. It seems the painting that sat in the library’s storage for several years might have been part of a collection stolen years before—and it’s valuable.

Although it’s a job for Marcus to find the killer, Kathleen often has insights that help. This time, in addition to that worry, she has the final details of the wedding to plan, a bridal shower to attend, and a decision to make—where will they live after the wedding? There are the cats to consider too. Owen and Hercules won’t let anyone except Kathleen touch them. Micah, who lives with Marcus, isn’t so picky—and of course, all three have magical skills.

This is book 16 in the popular series. Owen still loves his catnip toy, Fred the Funky Chicken, who is beheaded and replaced often while leaving Owen in a ‘nip stupor. Hercules is above that kind of thing and spends his time sitting outside with Fifi, the dog from next door. As for the humans, there are Big Changes in store for them all. It would be a spoiler to tell more but you’ll enjoy reading about them. I’m looking forward to more cat-filled tales.

I have read every book in this series. The stories are always entertaining and fun! Furever After is the 16th book in the Magical Cats Mystery series, and I'm going to keep reading each book until the series ends.

Kathleen Paulson is a capable and intelligent main character. Her two cats, Owen and Hercules, are furry, magical awesomeness! I like the setting, background plot and the side characters. It's just a mystery series I like coming back to again and again. I love how her two cats help her solve all sorts of mysteries!

This time, Kathleen is trying to run the library and plan her wedding when a dead body (in the library, of course) creates quite a problem. Turns out he was trying to steal something in the library that Kathleen didn't even realize was valuable! Soon she finds herself, and her two magic felines, on the case to find a killer. Who knew being a librarian could be so dangerous?!!

Love this series! And this newest book is a great addition! I enjoyed every word. Takes a lot to make me laugh out loud...but I did several times while reading this book. Plus, the cover art is always so colorful and cute!

This is one of my favorite cozy mystery series. Can't wait to find out what the magical felines and their librarian owner get up to next!!

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

Dollycas's Thoughts

It is just about time for librarian Kathleen Paulson and detective Marcus Gordon to say "I Do!" but before that very important event can take place Kathleen finds a dead body in her library. Someone Kathleen has a history with.  It appears the man was trying to steal a painting off the wall. Who did the deed and why he was killed is a complete mystery.

When the police call in an art history expert Kathleen learns the painting was very valuable and may have been part of a prior art theft with a high profile. Now she, Owen, and Hercules have their mission. Catch the killer and do it before she and Marcus walk down the aisle.

_____

I have loved this series from the start. Owen and Hercules stole my heart and Kathleen is a smart, strong, and caring person, with an uncanny knack for finding dead bodies and catching killers. She has the perfect partner in Marcus and I have been looking forward to their wedding for a while. They are surrounded by a wonderful cast of characters and their pets. All continue to grow in every story and remain fresh and genuine through 16 books.

I found the mystery very entertaining. Many libraries display art and the idea that a priceless painting hung on the wall in a library in Mayville Heights and that a man Kathleen hoped to never see again is dead because of it is quite an attention grabber. The author threw in some nice twists and turns and gave readers a thrilling heart-pounding reveal, showdown, and rescue helped by a frisky feline.

After wrapping the case it was time to focus on Marcus and Kathleen's future and their ensuing conversation brought tears to my eyes but with these two I was not surprised. More tears followed during another conversation. And more after that. And then it was time for the wedding and it was such a meaningful ceremony with family and friends.

Furever After is now my favorite book in this series. Delightful characters that feel like old friends, an intriguing mystery, set in an interesting small town with some incredible happenings check all the boxes for lovers of cozy mysteries. The story also gives some truly emotional feels. It does feel like the final book in this series but I hope it's not. I am not really ready to let go of these characters but Ms. Kelly did leave them in a good place.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the ARC
Kathleen and her cats are thrust into investigating the murder of a former nemesis, trying to solve an art theft puzzle, protecting a couple of wayward children and keeping her wedding plans with Marcus on track.
There's lots of momentum in this book as Kathleen and her friends figure out one puzzle just to have it lead to another.
Not a lot of romance for a book that ends with a wedding. If anything, the author seems to be rushing to get to the end while making sure to mention all of her large cast of characters - feels like a last book to me (which would make me sad, as I love the clever cats).

3-3.5 great for fans of cozy small town mysteries. Better if you're familiar with the 'cast'.

Furever After by Sofie Kelly is the 16th book in her Magical Cats Mystery series. I have read a few books in this series, which are always fun. Our heroine in this series is Kathleen Paulson, the librarian of Mayville Heights, as well as her adorable two cats, Hercules and Owen. It is always fun to see Hercules and Owen find ways to give Kathleen little hints to help solve crimes. Kathleen is planning her upcoming wedding to detective Marcus Gordon, and to her shock when she opens the library, she comes across a dead body.

Kathleen worries that her beloved library's safety is at risk when they realize that the person was trying to steal a painting from the library. Marcus takes over the case, but Kathleen does her own investigating; trying to figure out why the deceased was trying to steal one of the paintings. She began to do research online with the help of Owen & Hercules; to find out if one of the paintings was considered valuable. Both Marcus and Kathleen realize that who ever killed the victim, is still around to find the missing painting; working fast to prevent anyone from getting hurt.

There are so many wonderful secondary characters, and Kathleen will talk to the local people in trying to find clues. I loved Hercules and Owen, who were so much fun. I also loved Kathleen and Marcus together, as they made a great couple.
Furever After is a lighthearted, fun and comforting mystery, that was so very well written by Sofie Kelly. Again, Hercules and Owen were delightful, as they always managed to get Kathleen’s attention ‘pawing’ out the clues. The story was fast paced, and kept me glued to my kindle. If you want a fast cute fun mystery, I wholly suggest you read this series.

I’ll start by saying that I did not know this was book 16 in a series when I initially requested it. Therefore, I was no familiar with or invested in the main character. In the beginning of the book, she stumbles upon someone who has been killed and uses clues to find out who is responsible with the help of her magical kitties.

I was very interested in the story at first but found it was mostly about her wedding planning and there were a lot of scenes with them eating meals. Since I wasn’t familiar with the characters, I did not find myself engaged whatsoever. I wanted so much more mystery and found that it was only mentioned a few times. I felt the same thing about the cats. Very minimal within the story with so much filler. This wasn’t for me but I believe would be for someone else which is why I’m not rating it lower as I don’t feel that would be fair.

Thank you so much to Netgalley, Sofie Kelly, and Berkley Publishing Group for providing this free ARC. This is my honest review! This published on September 3rd.

I have posted my review on Goodreads, my Facebook book club, and will make a TikTok to post before the pub date.

An average mystery. All the different names were a little confusing i.e. neighbors, cats, dog, characters. The climax of the story was well written but the other 100 plus pages leading up to the ending were average.

Kathleen Paulson is busy keeping everything going at the library. She’s particularly proud of their new reading program and trying to find funding for it. But as she heads to the library to get it ready for the busy day ahead, she finds a dead man on the floor.

She immediately calls the police, and her fiancé, Detective Marcus Gordon, shows up to investigate. Especially since the dead man turns out to be Will Redfern. She knew him because shortly after she’d shown up to the town to oversee the library’s renovations, Will was the contractor. They’d had an altercation, Kathleen had been hurt, and Will had gone to jail for assault. Now he’s back in town and dead on the library floor. And Kathleen couldn’t help but notice it looked like he’d been trying to steal a painting that had been on the wall. But why? And who had killed him?

As the police look into the crime (and Kathleen does her own sleuthing), they discover that the painting had been stolen from the house of a wealthy man. Several paintings had been stolen, but everything had been recovered except this one. But how did it end up hanging in the library?

Meanwhile, Kathleen is getting ready for the wedding. Her family and friends throw her a lovely shower with surprise guests, and her cats help her out by offering their advice and sometimes leaving decapitated catnip toys around the house as symbols of their love (or their love of catnip anyway).

But these are not ordinary cats. Owen can disappear at will, and Hercules can walk through walls. Which makes it difficult for Kathleen to control them sometimes, but it helps out when they want to point their humans toward the answers they’re trying to find.

The closer Kathleen and Marcus get to finding the killer and understanding why Will Redfern was killed, the more they figure out what’s most important to them. And as they get closer to their wedding, they realize the future they were heading towards looks different than they thought, but it’s filled with so much more love than they expected.

Furever After is book sixteen in Sofie Kelly’s Magical Cats Mystery series. And while these books are about solving murders, the stars of the books are the cats. Owen and Hercules are charming and clever, showing up at the perfect time to offer just the right amount of support. This book is sweet and entertaining, and while solving the crime is an important element of the story, there is also a lot of personal things going on that adds so much sweetness to balance out the darkness of the crimes.

I am a fan of Sofie Kelly, and of cats, so I love these books. But I think Furever After is my favorite so far. I liked how the murder was tied to an old art heist. I thought the was super interesting and lots of fun. But mostly I loved how the story came together for Kathleen and Marcus. Having the wedding at the end and the start of a new family was lovely, and I look forward to seeing what the future holds for them. If you love a cozy with a couple of crazy cats in it, then you should definitely check out this series.

Egalleys for Furever After were provided by Berkley through NetGalley, with many thanks.

Furever After is book 16 in the Magical Cats Mystery series by Sofie Kelly.
This fast-paced mystery is very well plotted and executed, with plot twists that kept this reader guessing throughout.
This book was well-written, and the characters were well-developed. I was drawn into this enchanting tale immediately and kept hooked throughout, reading it in one sitting. The mystery will most definitely arouse your curiosity and keep you on your toes.
With her engaging characters, a compelling mystery, set in a charming small town. I am looking forward to my next visit.

I love the books this author writes under her Sofie Ryan series and have been meaning to try this series for ages. I'm so glad I finally picked this one up. This was such a fun read! Kathleen is in the middle of wedding preparations when a bit of her past comes back to haunt her. Specifically a person from her past is found dead on the library floor in front of a painting that may have a mysterious history.

This is definitely a series best read in order as there are a lot of characters that have a lot of connections. That said, even though I'm jumping in with this book I was able to appreciate the relationships and enjoy the interactions. It made me want to go back to the beginning of the series and meet Kathleen, Marcus, Roma, and all the rest of the community at the beginning. I also really loved the cats. Hercules and Owen have powers but for the most part they're powers I think anyone with cats would recognize - and wonder if their cats might have a power or two as well!

The mystery really kept me entertained and I flew through this book. I have thoroughly enjoyed every book in this author's series under Sofie Ryan and I am adding the Sofie Kelly Magical Cat series to my series list to get started on reading from the very beginning.

I love this series. The characters are great. They move forward in their lives in each book. I also like that we keep in touch with ones from past books. The town is a place I'd love to live. The mystery kept me guessing

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

What an amazing book. Even after 16 installments this series never misses and it hits all the cozy vibes and is one of my happy places. I love how this series is classic cozy, but also does not shy away from really tough topics. The way that Kathleen will fiercely protect her friends and family is the best; she does not scare easily and will not back down. Reading about her bridal shower and wedding and all the loving people she has surrounded herself with made me SO HAPPY and tear up. I loved the dramatic and gasp-worthy ending to the mystery (which in itself was so fascinating). And the magical cats are THE BEST. I love Hercules and Owen (and Micah) and love how they help out with the investigation.

I had tears in my eyes at the ending of this book and I desperately hope this series never ends!

Princess Fuzzypants here: Did you ever have a series you really liked and then for some unknown reason it drops off your radar. That is what happened with Hercules, Owen and Kathleen. Silly me. Reading this book made me realize I should go back and pick up the ones that I have missed. I enjoyed how earlier adventures provided the backdrop to the various storylines that would come together by the end. It was all done in a very neat and enjoyable mystery where murder, and art theft meet in the library.

Kathleen and Marcus are getting married. The events surrounding the big day add an extra layer to story. The way their family comes together ;provides excitement and satisfaction. I almost got the feeling the series could end very neatly there so it will be interesting to see where it goes from here. In the meantime, they are going to bring some very nasty actors to justice with the immeasurable assistance of the two magical kitties. I love the way Kathleen communicates with them and is smart enough to listen to what they have to “say”. Kudos to Kathleen. Five purrs and two paws up.

Sofie Kelly's writes intriguing mysteries featuring Owen and Hercules, her magical cat sleuths. Furever After is complex with wedding plans competing for attention when murder distracts both Kathleen and Marcus. See my complete review at www.reviewingtheevidence.com.

"Furever After" is a cozy mystery. This is the 16th book in the series. There was more filler than normal, and the wedding-related ending was tied up with such a fantasy, happily-ever-after bow that it felt like the end of the series. It probably is simply because there's no realistic way to keep the cat's magical abilities secret anymore as unreliable children will be around the cats so much now.

It's a clue-based mystery, and Kathleen figured out both who originally stole the paintings and who killed the art thief. She didn't follow the obvious question--how did valuable paintings end up in her library--but tried to figure out how the thief was connected to the original theft. She researched online with the help of her cats. The explanation for why the thief died in the library made no sense, though: if badly wounded, a person doesn't think, "Gee, this is the perfect time to break into a building and steal a painting."

I had a problem with the ending suspense sequence, too. Riley's supposed to be smart, but she just kept putting everyone in danger. She knows someone's being held by the killer, but she called in Kathleen. Not the cops. Kathleen asked her to call the cops as they needed help, but Riley refused because she wanted to help Kathleen. And she's not a help while repeatedly putting everyone else in danger. Riley also should have known that it wasn't urgent to immediately retrieve her lost phone, but she rushed back into deadly danger. Unbelievably, she somehow found her phone (and she didn't know where she dropped it) in the pitch dark in water so deep she had to swim. I hope they remove this mad dash by Riley before the final version of the story as it wasn't necessary and was so unrealistic.

There was no sex. There were only a few uses of bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this story to fans of the series.

Once again, Kathleen stumbles across a body at a very inconvenient time in the Magical Cats Mystery series. It is very close to Kathleen and Marcus' wedding, and all she wants to do is be able to concentrate on the joy of this time, not have to figure out what is going on with another murder. All hands are on deck as the cats lend a paw to bring this latest caper to a close just in time for a walk down the aisle.