Five Furry Familiars

Kitchen Witch Mystery, Book 5

By: Lynn Cahoon

Narrated by: Angie Hickman

In the latest enchanting mystery from the New York Times bestselling author, Mia Malone is working as a catering director at a ski lodge, but when her roommate's ex checks in, everything starts going downhill . . .

To keep her cooking school and catering business, Mia's Morsels, afloat, Mia's handed off oversight to her boyfriend Trent's mother while she focuses on earning a steady paycheck. Too bad her mean-spirited boss at the lodge keeps the misery flowing as steadily as the money. At least her roommate, Christina, is still dedicated to Mia's Morsels—though she's also distracted, thanks to her clingy mother's constant demands. And the distraction only grows when Christina's old flame shows up in Magic Springs, Idaho, in his Escalade, claiming out of the blue to be her fiancé.

The arrival of some homeless kittens, as well as Trent's new familiar, a cute little Maltese, brings more chaos—as well as a strange spiritual energy that seems to emanate from the animals. But before Mia can figure out what kind of paranormal pets she has on her hands, she finds herself with a murder to solve—when a dead body is found in the lodge rental of Christina's suddenly attentive ex . . .

©2024 Lynn Cahoon (P)2024 Tantor

Entertaining Read

This was an enjoyable outing with Mia and her crew, albeit not exactly what I expected. These characters are a hard working lot and quite busy with work, witchy business, and the occasional murder. It's fair to say that this book is one of endings, beginnings, and perseverance, providing what should be full closure on Mia's and Christina's former romantic relationships, along with some unexpected witchy beginnings for the good sheriff, and opportunities for Mia to speak her piece and stand her ground with Mother Adams, her very unlikeable boss, and her own grandmother (forgive the idioms). All of which I applaud. I do admit that I was a bit disappointed that the paranormal elements did not play a critical role in this book, and I am still a bit confused on the role of the kittens (3 of the 5 furry familiars). Given the title, I expected them to be significant rather than a side issue that was seemingly unrelated to any of the action in the story. Perhaps the groundwork was just laid for their significance in future books, but I found myself watching for more from them throughout. It does seem safe to assume we will see more from Trent's new puppy, not to mention Mark's baby daughter, and that is bound to be entertaining. In the meantime. this book filled in some gaps and fleshed out some information in Mia's but especially Christina's stories, gave us more to dislike about Mia's boss at the Lodge, and provided a decent mystery. While I did identify the murderer before the reveal, it did not detract from my enjoyment. I look forward to visiting with Mia and the gang again soon.

Angie Hickman does a great job voicing these characters.