Lori C. (dollycas) reviewed on 7/10/2016 + 704 more book reviews

Dollycas's Thoughts

I just love this series! I have no idea how I missed this book last year. It was the installment I had been waiting for.

Tom and Jillian are getting married! Tom's stepson, Finn, is moving in with them, when not at college, along with his rat terrier, Yoshi. Finn is also adopting a very clever kitty from the Mercy Animal Sanctuary. While the kitten is cute as can be she is also a kleptomaniac and that has earned her the name of Magpie. She is an escape artist too. Tom and Jillian are going to have their hands full when added to their felines, Syrah, Merlot and Chablis.

The story starts out with Magpie trapped in an old love seat with a mysterious stain. Magpie has one her "treasures", an old locket which Finn hopes can be returned to the owner. but a body found at a construction site takes top priority. So now Jillian and Tom have to add sleuthing to their list while trying to getting ready for the wedding. Maybe Magpie can help them find the killer.

Leann Sweeney writes stories where her characters shine, all her characters, human and animal. I fell head over heels for Magpie. A little ball of furry energy and a little thief Jillian and Tom are well suited to each other. Their relationship has continued to grow throughout the series and this wedding came to be at the perfect time.

There are 2 murders in this story. The first is a local builder, the other hits very close to home, especially for Tom. My heart was breaking for him as he stepped up to the plate to find the killer. There are plenty of suspects but connecting these deaths is difficult. Someone is definitely hiding something.

I like the way Jillian is very methodical in her investigations, she tries to help her friend and police deputy Candace and Tom as much as she can but coroner, Lydia Monk, has to make things as difficult as possible. I think with the upcoming nuptials she is finally realizing she has no chance with Tom.

Each new installment of this series becomes by favorite as the author keeps topping herself. She writes stories that completely stop the real world around me. I become involved on a very personal level. I love following the clues and the drama leading up to the reveal. The ending this time was so surprising.

Ms. Sweeney write classic cozies, quirky and realistic characters, set in a small town, a marvelous mystery, and a group of fabulous felines. I highly recommend the entire series! There is a new one coming next month, The Cat, The Collector and the Killer, I promise I won't miss this one!

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