Hardcovers, Homicide and Hairballs

Library Cat Magical Mysteries Series, Book 1

By: Skye Sullivan

Narrated by: Rachel Leblang

Francie Vespertine has lived all her life in a supernatural town full of powerful witches, but her own magic is lackluster at best. The only place she fits in is the Magical Archives. Head librarian (and bookworm extraordinaire) might be a boring job . . . if it wasn't for the ghosts of fictional characters haunting the shelves.

Between stopping Captain Ahab from wreaking havoc on aisle three and keeping her fussy feline familiar satisfied (he only eats wild-caught Pacific Salmon, thank you very much), Francie's established a comfortable routine-which is just how she likes it.

Until a historian is found dead in the Non-Fiction section and Francie's life goes from cozy to mystery.

Half the town saw Francie argue with the man only hours before he was murdered. The Werewolf Law Enforcement Brigade is eager to close the case, and with Francie as the prime suspect, she has to find the real killer or trade her beloved library for a jail cell.

She's got a lot on her plate.

Fortunately so does Kongressman Kittles. But maybe if Francie keeps his piled high with Lobster Thermidor, then he'll get off his silk pillow and lend a paw . . .

©2022 Skye Sullivan (P)2022 Tantor

Interesting New Paranormal Cozy

Francine is 45, manages the library archives, hasn't had a date in 5 years, and is a witch who is not good at magic. In fact, her 13 year old niece is better at spells. She has a cat familiar, a resident ghost, and lives in a magical town. Then her uncle sends her a pretty necklace that turns out to be an amulet with dark magic. What could go wrong?

I had a difficult time getting into this book, mostly because Francine is the witchy equivalent of Eyore, and I am tired of witches who can't do magic. However, the last few chapters of the book showed definite promise. I will buy the next book in hopes Francine has learned she has different but worthwhile powers, and maybe to see what happens with the hunky newspaperman and hunkier werewolf sheriff.

Unfortunate narration

For me, personally, the narration nearly ruined the book. I did not care for the cadence of the narrator, nor the match of narrator to the written character. The story was good until the ending. I felt like all of the clues and information were crammed into the last 2 chapters. I doubt this is a series that I will be continuing, but it may appeal to other readers/listeners.

Mystery Necklace

Good mystery and supernatural story. From the mystery necklace, murders, new and old witches, in a supernatural situation.

Okay

Not for me. Maybe if there were a different narrator. That might make a little difference but the main character is still kinda dumb.