HOOKED ON A FELINE

When a well-liked endodontist and part-time rocker is murdered, a small-town librarian relies on her magical cats and her wits to solve the case.

Sure, Kathleen Paulson’s always known that Mike Bishop played in Johnny Rock and the Outlaws, but she’s never appreciated how good he is until she and her friends see a live reunion concert. It’s unbelievable that the endodontist who perfected her smile can also wail on the guitar and truly rock out. Kathleen’s boyfriend, Marcus, and her closest friend, Roma, are equally in awe. But Mike’s not one to brag, and when Kathleen runs into him after the show, he’s more interested in discussing his recent genealogical research than in projecting a rocker persona. In her librarian role, Kathleen’s been helping Mike find resources to research his Finnamore family history, and he’s finally ready to draft his family tree. Kathleen can even recommend an artist to help Mike turn his research into something beautiful. But before the transition from notes to art can get underway, Marcus calls Kathleen with some shocking information from his role as the Mayville Heights police detective: Mike is dead, and the signs point to murder. Kathleen is shocked that someone would murder Mike, who was universally liked, and feels she must discover the truth. Unlike in many other cozies, Kathleen and Marcus share information in mutual faith that one of them will solve the case. Of course, Kathleen has the advantage of Owen and Hercules, cats with magical powers that may help guide her to answers.

Author and heroine both know what they’re doing in this cat-centric cozy.