28 February 2011

Review: Curiosity Thrilled the Cat by Sofie Kelly

When Kathleen Paulson moved from Boston to Mayville Heights, Minnesota, to oversee the restoration and modernization of the local library, she looked forward to settling into the peace and quiet of small-town life. Her illusions are shattered when she discovers a murder victim, and the local police take her in for fingerprinting.

Curiosity Thrilled the Cat is the first in a new cozy mystery series by Sofie Kelly. The novel has all the elements that make up a great story in this genre, including good characters and a solid plot with a few red herrings. To top it off, Kathleen has been adopted by two cats who seem have some hidden talents.

By the time we meet Kathleen Paulson, she's been in Mayville for a few months. Although she is still exploring the town, she has already made some friends and is making progress with the library renovations. She isn't all that happy with the construction firm, but a local handyman helps her out when he isn't working on the sets for the local summer music festival.

Among Kathleen's friends are local artists and musicians, a veterinarian, a yoga teacher, and her colleagues at the library. The women get together for lunch or dinner or to watch a movie on a weekend night. Their relationships are easy and supportive. Of course, Kathleen also gets to know Marcus Gordon, one of the local policemen investigating the murder. It is refreshing that their relationship is friendly but not instantly flirtatious. Naturally, we can assume that the two will get to know each other better as the series progresses.

The mystery itself is well conceived. There are enough hints that I almost figured it out, but there were also enough side plots and back story that I was never sure. The novel is solidly cozy, and Kathleen gets help from her cats, Owen and Hercules. The book cover promises "A Magical Cats Mystery," and the cats do indeed have special abilities. I have a high tolerance for magic and fantasy, so I found this element of the book to be fun. I am hoping we learn more about the history of the cats as the series progresses.

Curiosity Thrilled the Cat will appeal to cozy mystery lovers, cat lovers, and anyone looking for a fun read. To learn more about Sofie Kelly, visit her website and read her interview on the Debutante Ball Blog.


Published by Penguin Group USA / Obsidian, February 2011
ISBN-13: 9780451232496
YTD: 23
Source: Review (see review policy)
Rating: B
Copyright © cbl for Beth Fish Reads, all rights reserved (see review policy)

14 comments:

Sandy Nawrot 2/28/11, 6:50 AM  

I'm writing this one down, because I think I would love it. I don't necessarily need a complicated mystery, just one with great characters...and cats!! I can only dream that mine have special powers, when realistically they can't find their way out of a box.

Julie P. 2/28/11, 7:59 AM  

Sounds like such a fun read!

Barbara 2/28/11, 10:16 AM  

I always loved The Cat Who . . . series, so I'm sure I'll be delighted with this new series.

Zibilee 2/28/11, 11:27 AM  

I have never really read a cozy mystery, but one that involves cats sounds really good to me. I am glad that you enjoyed it!

Anonymous,  2/28/11, 11:44 AM  

I'm always on the look out for a new cozy series. I don't read many pet cozies but this one sounds good.

Louise 2/28/11, 11:47 AM  

I never got into the Cat Who...mysteries. In fact it has been a long time since I actually read a cozy mysetery (let alone a whole book!), but maybe it is a cosy mystery that'll get me back on track with the reading...?

Sofie 2/28/11, 1:13 PM  

Thank you so much for the great review, especially on a day when I'm getting buried in snow.

Dorte H 2/28/11, 2:13 PM  

I am sorely tempted despite the cat magic.

And fortunately for Sofie, I can add this one to my list though I am on a current book bying ban. E-books don´t take up real TBR space, you see.

bermudaonion 2/28/11, 4:17 PM  

There's nothing like a good cozy from time to time for a comfort read.

Unknown 2/28/11, 5:42 PM  

I'm glad to see you enjoyed this one. Maybe I'll read this one for my next cozy.

Shonda 2/28/11, 8:32 PM  

This sounds adorable. I'll have to add it to my "New Series to Read" list. Great review.

Alice 2/28/11, 11:10 PM  

I sure like a well conceived mystery. Sounds fun too!

Rebecca Rasmussen 3/1/11, 8:33 AM  

This looks like fun, even though I have never read a cozy. (Yes, I know, I need to get moving on that :))

Jennifer 3/3/11, 10:32 AM  

This book really does sound cozy. And I love a little magic in my novels. This sounds like a wonderful read. I will add it to my list and keep it in mind for when I need a cozy mystery.

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