by Kathleen Costa

Details at the end of this post on how to enter to win an ebook copy of A Whisker in Time, and a link to purchase it from Amazon.

“With a Little Help From My [Fur] Friends!”

Kathi Daley first published her Whales and Tails Cozy Mystery series in 2015 with Romeow and Juliet set among the beautiful San Juan Islands of Washington State on the fictional Madrona Island. She introduced Caitlin Hart who co-owns the popular Coffee Cat Books with her BFF Tara O’Brien and helps out at the Harthaven Cat Sanctuary. But it’s the “magical” cats that appear heralding a suspicious death and offering a few “Meows” to send Caitlin in the right direction to uncover helpful clues and evidence. So, along with close friends and family, cats often play a major role in this series. Over the sixteen books, with number seventeen due in November, events have transpired and characters have evolved, but it’s easy for newbies to join in the entertaining adventure.

A Whisker in Time earns 5/5 Karmic Bites…Murderously Exciting!

The local watering hole has been renovated and Caitlin’s brothers, Danny and Aiden, are eager for their new venture to remain the social center of this tight-knit community. Also excited to see how popular opening night is with the locals, Caitlin is helping out waitressing only to be accosted by her nemesis. Monica Caldron returned to Madrona Island two weeks ago and announced to Caitlin her intentions to seduce Caitlin’s fiancé away from her. Cody assured Caitlin it could and would never happen and suggested maybe she misunderstood his ex’s pronouncement. However, Caitlin is worried and will be keeping an eye out to be sure. Then a push, an arm pinning, and a slap! The physical altercation between Caitlin and Monica and Danny’s attempt to defuse the situation was way too public, and may be difficult to overlook by outside law enforcement and local gossipers when Monica is found dead in the bar’s storage room. Oooh, Karma can be so murderously exciting!

Kathi Daley has penned ten different series that offer clever entertaining twists to the traditional cozy formula. Sure at the center she has a strong, talented woman minding her own business finding a dead body, then launching an informal investigation partnered with friends, family, and a few “fur” friends that often puts one of them in peril, and finally revealing a very satisfying conclusion. But to her Whales and Tails Mystery series she adds a paranormal twist that has been enjoyably plausible, not juvenile hocus-pocus. Caitlin and her “magical” connection to the island’s cats has been a clever addition to an entertaining first-person narrative, and who doesn’t think our “fur friends” are capable of such insights?

I love visiting Madrona Island! Kathi Daley has always given an entertaining read and this time Karma plays a big role. Living vicariously through the events that chronicle the downfall of Caitlin’s nemesis was very cathartic…back-stabbers beware! I also enjoy the fact that Caitlin usually collaborates with, not ignores, the local sheriff which is easy to do since he has been a friend and now her brother-in-law. But, this time he has to recuse himself from the official investigation because of his close family relationship adding a delightful element of conflict when a new officer is put in charge of the investigation who himself has a connection with Caitlin’s brother that could askew his impartiality. WOW! I highly recommend this story!

BONUS! Kathi always adds a bonus for her fans to enjoy, and this book is no exception with the inclusion of a Whales and Tails Mini Mystery, “The Cat of New Orleans.” Caitlin and Cody planned a romantic weekend in the Big Easy, but instead wind up engaged in a humidity-laden scavenger hunt to help restore the magic of Madrona Island and save Tansy’s life. But a change of plans, a curious cat stalking them, voodoo doll, and a nighttime trip deep into the bayou highlighted this exciting tale! I loved it…an engaging narrative with descriptions to challenge your senses, entertaining banter, and a clever mystery to compliment the series. Two books in one! Yeah!

Be a Big Kathi Daley Fan…Like, Visit, Join, and Follow!
Facebook – Kathi Daley Books
Join the Club Kathi Daley Book Club
Join – Kathi Daley Books Recipe Exchange Group
On the Web Kathi Daley Website
Blog – Random Thoughts and Meaningless Musings

To enter to win an ebook copy of A Whisker in Time, simply email KRL at krlcontests@gmail[dot]com by replacing the [dot] with a period, and with the subject line “whisker,” or comment on this article. A winner will be chosen October 27, 2018. If entering via comment please include your email address. You can read our privacy statement here if you like.

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Kathleen Costa is a long-time resident of the Central Valley, and although born in Idaho, she considers herself a “California Girl.” Graduating from CSU-Sacramento, she is a 35+ year veteran teacher having taught in grades 1-8 in schools from Sacramento to Los Angeles to Stockton to Lodi. Currently Kathleen is enjoying her retirement revitalizing hobbies along with exploring writing, reading for pleasure, and spending 24/7 with her husband.

Disclosure: This post contains links to an affiliate program, for which we receive a few cents if you make purchases. KRL also receives free copies of most of the books that it reviews, that are provided in exchange for an honest review of the book.