WHISKERS AND LIES

The sudden appearance of her menacing in-laws leaves a young widow in fear for her child and herself, but the worst is yet to come.

Discussing treats for the Reading Buddies Halloween Party with her baker friend Georgia Tepper is librarian Kathleen Paulson’s idea of a good time. Who knew ghosts, ghouls, and tombstones could taste so good? The cherry on top is the company of Larry Taylor, who’s as sweet on Georgia as he is on her treats. But the mood turns suddenly grim with the unexpected arrival of Hugh and Margery Wyler, Georgia’s former in-laws. Georgia and her daughter, Emmy, have been on the run from them for the three years since the death of Georgia’s husband, Scott, though they were never close even before. Georgia knew she had to make a getaway when the Wylers tried to grab custody of Emmy. Now that they’ve found her, they make it clear that they’ll never leave her alone. When Margery dies suddenly under mysterious circumstances, Georgia thinks her problems may be over. Can she finally start to relax? But when Kathleen’s boyfriend, town detective Marcus Gordon, announces that Margery’s death could be murder, Georgia’s the only natural suspect. Kathleen knows she needs to find out who would have had means and motive to murder Margery. Luckily, she’s got the help of her two magical cats, Owen and Hercules. The three of them have to find a way to make sure Georgia stays free and with Emmy, where she belongs.

The custody battle offers a novel premise for an otherwise standard supernatural cat cozy.