Tailing a Tabby (A Bookmobile Cat Mystery)

This second book in the Bookmobile Cat series is every bit as good as the first one, which I thought stood out as original, engaging, and the beginning of a very promising series. The strengths of both books lie in the main character, Minnie Hamilton, who is a dedicated librarian and who is passionate about reading and wants to be of assistance to library patrons of all ages. In contrast to some other cozy mysteries that feature librarians, this one gives us a truer picture of the challenges and successes that librarians face in their work. Minnie is far from being a stereotypical librarian though, and her interest in using a bookmobile in her work is quite special. Eddie the cat is an engaging character too, and there is much fun around the way that he appears to understand his human friends, even though Minnie acknowledges that he couldn't possibly have human traits.

The main feature that for me sets this series apart from quite a few other new cozy mystery series is the originality the author displays. The plot, the characters, Eddie the cat, and the bookmobile are all unusual and handled in enough detail to be truly engaging for readers. Minnie lives on a houseboat, which also adds some elements of interest, and her boyfriend, Tucker, is a pleasant addition too. I think that the only way to be disappointed in the books in this series would be by reading them too quickly. There are so many little things that are enjoyable along the way--plays on words, plot twists, and sometimes humorous episodes involving books and patrons--that some of the originality could be lost if they are skipped over. This is a series in which the writing is clever, interesting, and certainly worth savoring.

Minnie and her cat, Eddie, are on the job, driving in the library's bookmobile when they are flagged down by a woman needing someone to help her husband. Minnie gets him to the hospital and finds out that he's a famous artist. While still a patient at the hospital, a woman is murdered and he is found with the body at the victim's house. Minnie is determined to clear him of the crime. I know that I'm in the minority, but I don't care for Minnie. I got tired of reading how she's only five feet tall and oh so smart and funny. Her long discussions with Eddie and wondering if he understands were tiring, and, it was frustrating how he's trying to give her clues but she's too dense to catch on. I'm a cat lover and I had to check to see if the author owned cats because the interaction between Minnie and Eddie was so off the wall. Another thing that I disliked was how Minnie's mind always seems to wander from the topic at hand and the descriptions go on and on. Then there are weird things like her walking by herself through town, thinking one of her offbeat thoughts, and, laughing out loud. The mystery part wasn't bad, but confusing because there were so many characters that were briefly mentioned and later talked about at length.

I have been reading several cozy mystery series and this one is fun and has a great cat. The main character is nice and believable. Her struggles with her boss and her battle to keep the bookmobile operational keep the story from being sappy. Her relationship with her cat is great, but not cloying. Life for her is not perfect, but it is comfortable and she has a mostly supportive family. Her involvement with a murder mystery is plausible and it is interesting to watch her work out who the suspects are and try to help solve the mystery, even if the police are not thrilled to have her help. :) I have read all of the books in this series and will continue to read them as they come out.

This is a lovely cozy mystery with an innovative setting (bookmobile!), warm characters, and a psycho - or is that psychic?! - kitty named Eddie. Between Minnie's cranky boss, bookmobile patrons, and Minnie's eccentric aunt, there are numerous opportunities for more murder and getting to know these characters better. I had no problem following the story even though I hadn't read the first in the series ("Lending a Paw"), but I am most certainly going to read it now!

Disclosure: BookEnds represents this author and provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

This is a very cute story, but not one for mystery buffs. This is a story for someone who likes a lot of verbiage, but very little in the way of subject matter. The best part of the book is the communication the main character has with Mr. Eddie, the cat. Readers who really enjoy well-written who-dunits, would be better served looking elsewhere for their reading matter.

This second book in the Bookmobile Cat Mysteries series retains the good points of the first, "Lending a Paw", and improves on some of the bad. Eddie, the feline main character, is still very likable and possibly brighter than his adopted human. The quirks of the secondary characters are not overdone and several of them are quite likable as well. The clues are not accented as heavy-handedly as in the first book, Minnie is more alert to them, and just when the plot seems to be going down predictable paths it suddenly takes unexpected turns.

The various subplots are woven in much more neatly and Minnie and her close friends are much more rounded than in the first book. I am looking forward to the next two books in the series.

This is a delightful read for a lazy summer afternoon. It has a cat - Eddie - and I may have to name my next cat Eddie because cats are such Eddie's, if one thinks about it. It has a strong female character working in a job that allows her to travel widely in her local area, thus meeting many people and encountering lots of opportunities for murder. There is no on-screen violence to speak of, ditto for sex (the only part that could be improved, but it's not easy to write, from what I understand, so I let it slide). Her job also means she has the skills required for the successful solving of mysteries, such as murder. The setting, both physical and interpersonal, works well. It isn't necessary to have read LENDING A PAW to enjoy this, and it is an enjoyable book in its own right.

This is the 2nd book in the Bookmobile Cat Series, and the 2nd I've read. Ms. Cass' mystery is a good puzzle, and she's developed her librarian heroine, Minnie, into a multi-faceted character. Love Eddie, the goofy cat. That stated, the story is filled with too many ancillary folks, who do nothing to move the plot along (her Aunt Frances' silly matchmaking boarding house problems), and various incidents with could be suspects that amount to a standstill in the story. Minnie's boyfriend, Dr. Tucker, is a bore. And allergic to cats! Feel that the novel, which runs close to 340 pages, could have used serious editing down to maybe 290 pages.

Otherwise, cozy and cat lovers will enjoy the further adventures of the Bookmobile Lady and the beloved Eddie.

Laurie Cass' first book started out slow, but she has picked up steam as her series expands. Since I live in Michigan and have been to the areas she describes, it is doubly fun to read about. Her understanding of cats is very good. I have lived with various cats throughout my adult life and enjoy her descriptions of her cat buddy. The mysteries are interesting and her descriptions of the Traverse/ Petoskey area make me think about renting another place up there for next summer. Looking forward to the next book.

This is the first in a series and I have already gotten the next one. For someone who reads as much as I do and readily abandons authors who do not satisfy me, that is saying a lot. The plot and the premise are solid. I would like the protagonist to show a little more maturity and judgment, but I enjoyed her spirit and heart. I especially enjoyed that the depth of the characters. Though not sombre in tone, the book developed both the light and darker sides of the characters. It added a lot. (Note to author: in writing, please don't ever write, "oh, [name of deceased]" ever again. You've used your share )