Tailing a Tabby

AudioBook Review: Stars: Overall 4 Narration 4 Story 3.5 Second in the series, but easily read out of order, Eddie and his erstwhile owner Minnie are traversing the Michigan countryside when they are stopped by a frantically waving woman, desperate for help. Her husband is desperately in need of medical care, and Minnie and Eddie shift into “helpful’ mode, getting the man to the hospital. Soon Minnie discovers that the man is renowned artist, Russel McCade, and a friendship of sorts is formed from her actions. But after Cade leaves the rehab center after his stroke, he’s found slumped over a body – and is the first, primary and only suspect. Minnie knows that he’s not a murderer – and she’s determined to find the real culprit. Off she and Eddie go, conversations and Eddie’s apparent ‘nose’ for clues leads them in several different investigative directions, all highlighted with the conversations that bring Eddie to the forefront, as Minnie works out her ideas, questions and conclusions. Different from other cozies in that Minnie is obviously an amateur, but rather than the police ignoring her input, they actually glean information from her – resulting in some lovely interactions with Wolverson. Like the first, the storyline is gently implausible, but wholly engaging, although there is a touch of ‘overuse’ of descriptive that occasionally feel overworked and trying too hard. The return of secondary characters, from Minnie’s BFF Kristin, her Aunt Frances and a rather questionable ‘love interest’ in Dr. Tucker all add some depth – and the budding friendship with Barb and Cade, including their ‘letter game’ brings another level of atmosphere to the story – all overseen by Eddie – the cat with his Main Character personality and plenty of input into nearly every scene. Again the narration is provided by Erin Bennett, and she’s got Minnie and Eddie perfectly represented, full of the emotions, camaraderie and even a solid ‘voice’ for Eddie – amazingly so as he’s not said a word. Friends and acquaintances are also present and clearly distinct: from the ‘all business’ approach of the police, to the rather frantic, at first, Barb, and the quietly outrageous Aunt Frances, the characters all have a subtle, or not so, influence on the storyline and progression, as well as some quickly introduced and forgotten suspects. This is a series that returns the ‘fun’ to cozies: a candy-floss tidbit of sweetness, clever, engaging and utterly perfect to put a smile on your face. I received an AudioBook copy of the title from Tantor Audio for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.