Tag: Sofie Kelly
Flashback Friday – A Midwinter’s Tail by Sofie Kelly – #Review / #Giveaway?
On Flashback Fridays I will share with you the books I missed when they were first
released that have been screaming at me from my To-Be-Read bookshelf.
I am so happy to be catching up on this series. This is why I started Flashback Fridays!

A Midwinter’s Tail:
A Magical Cats Mystery
Cozy Mystery
6th in Series
Setting – Minnesota
An Obsidian Mystery (October 7, 2014)
An Imprint of New American Library
Published by The Penguin Group
Mass Market Paperback: 336 pages
ISBN-13: 978-0451414717
E-Book ASIN: B00ISEOMAO


Kathleen Paulson is snowed under running her library and caring for her extraordinary felines, Owen and Hercules. But when a fund-raiser turns deadly, she’ll have to add sleuthing to her already full schedule….
Winter in Mayville Heights is busy and not just because of the holidays. Kathleen is hard at work organizing a benefit to raise money for the library’s popular Reading Buddies program. She has her hands full hosting the event. And when a guest at the gala drops dead, her magical cats, Owen and Hercules, will have their paws full helping her solve a murder.
The victim is the ex of town rascal Burtis Chapman, but she hasn’t lived in the area in years. And though everybody is denying knowledge of why she was back in town, as Kathleen and her detective boyfriend, Marcus, begin nosing around, they discover more people are connected to the deceased than claimed to be. Now Marcus, Kathleen, and her uncanny cats have to unravel this midwinter tale before the case gets cold.
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Owen and Hercules are two of my favorite literary felines. They sure do keep Kathleen on her toes!
Winter has come to Mayville Heights (so nice to read during this heat wave) and it is a perfect time for a fundraiser for the library’s Reading Buddies Program. But when a former resident returns to town and then ends up dead in the middle of the gala, the entire program is at risk. Marcus and Kathleen are both working the case and confiding in each other as much as possible but all the clues are just not adding up. Maybe Owen and Hercules can “see” what they are missing or cause enough mischief to point the humans in the right direction.
The cats are evolving in this series which quite magical. If you are a fan of this series you already know they are extraordinary. They are also still cats, cats that at times just tolerate each other. They antics at times had me laughing out loud.
There is also a lot happening in this story, Marcus and Kathleen romance is moving forward, the friendships of the female characters continue to grow. A wedding is being planned where the groom is a bit “zilla” wanting everything perfect. Then there is the fundraiser, happenings at the library and of course the murder. With subplots galore the pages practically flew. As the final reveal started I truly was on the edge of my seat.
This is a strong series and this was a fine edition. I am so happy Kathleen has decided to stay in Mayville Heights!

Find out more about Sofie Kelly and her books here.
Written as Sofie Ryan
Now for a funny story!
I am usually so careful with my review books. I keep them in a safe place when I put them down. I never eat around them. But with my sore back I have been eating in bed with my feet up in the evenings. Mr. Dollycas brought me a delicious dish of his lasagna bake the other night and when I went to put my copy of this book down a couple of the bottom corners of the pages caught a drop of the sauce. I was so upset, trying to clean it up but there are still stains at the book. I want to share this book with one of you but I want to be clear about what you are getting.
So if you don’t mind a little sauce with your story, please Click Here To Enter.
Maybe I can even get Mr. Dollycas to share his recipe 🙂
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Receiving a complimentary copy in no way reflected my review of this book. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Review: Cat Trick by Sofie Kelly
Cat Trick:
A Magical Cats Mystery
4th in Series
Cozy Mystery
Obsidian (February 5, 2013)
Published by New American Library
A Division of The Penguin Group
Mass Market Paperback: 336 pages
ISBN-13: 978-0451414694
E-Book File Size: 539 KB
ASIN: B008H7KGC0
Kathleen Paulson enjoys her life as a small-town librarian with two extraordinary cats, Owen and Hercules, who provide companionship during the quiet times and have a remarkable talent for sleuthing when murder disturbs the peace….
Mike Glazer comes back to his hometown of Mayville Heights as the representative of Legacy Tours, a Chicago based firm the local businesses are hoping to convince set up a vacation destination package for the town. He is not the same guy they remember, he has become a real loudmouth and it isn’t long before someone shuts him up for good.
When Kathleen or should I say Hercules finds the body on the boardwalk she just can’t help but get involved in the investigation. Her boyfriend, Detective Marcus Gordon, has begged her to leave the investigation to him but Kathleen with a little help from Hercules and Owen is determined to book the killer for an “extended stay in prison before someone else takes a permanent vacation”.
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Match two magical kitties with a extremely inquisitive librarian and a murder or two and you have all the makings of an extraordinary mystery series.
Kathleen’s contract in Mayville Heights is almost up and she will have to make a big decision whether to stay or go back to Boston where her family lives. Until then she has plenty to keep her busy both at the library and with yet another murder. This time the clues are hard to come by and the “gossip grapevine” is working overtime. It is the cats that literally dig up the clues needed to solve this puzzler. Hopefully Kathleen stepping on the good detective’s toes doesn’t stall their romance. Roma and Maggie would be devastated.
Sofie Kelly has created a very identifiable cast of characters, human and feline. You know we all talk to our cats and her “catversations” are real and true and at times hilarious. I absolutely love Owen and Hercules. It doesn’t hurt that I have their twins living with me. I have not noticed that mine have a magical powers yet but there’s still hope. Kathleen is surrounded by a wonderful group of friends and I know she will realize that no matter home homesick she is for her family Mayville Heights is now her home.
A captivating cozy! Curl up with it, your favorite kitty, and enjoy!!

Find out more about Sofie Kelly on her webpage here.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Receiving a complimentary copy in no way reflected my review of this book. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Special Edition – Cozy Wednesday with Sofie Kelly (Giveaway too!)
Welcome to a Special Thursday Edition of Cozy Wednesday!
There are so many wonderful books out this month and wonderful authors to visit with
I had to add an extra Wednesday.
Sofie writes the Magical Cats Mysteries but did you know Sofie Kelly is the pseudonym of young adult writer and mixed-media artist, Darlene Ryan. She is quite a versatile writer.Her latest book Copycat Killing hit the shelves Tuesday. I am happy she is here today with us, as are my own not magical cats Sherlock and Professor Moriarty who look just like Hercules and Owen. She answers some very interesting questions and if you are like me you are going to want more details on a couple of them, so be sure to leave a comment and maybe she will tell us a little more.
Hi Sofie!
Hi Everyone!!
A Dozen Questions for Sofie Kelly
(From the creative minds of my friends Jude and Sara.)
1. What’s the most unusual job you’ve ever had?
I was an all-night, rock & roll disk jockey.
2. Have you ever been arrested?
No, but I have had a criminal background check done on me through Interpol. I’m not a secret European cat burglar. My daughter is adopted and it was part of the paperwork.
3. What’s the scariest thing that ever happened to you?
Getting herded out of Tienanmen Square by communist soldiers was pretty scary.
4. What’s the most embarrassing thing that’s ever happened to you?
I was having some tests done at the hospital and I was in a small room changing into one of those gowns that ties in the back. After I’d put it on I turned around to discover that I had just…um…flashed the group of construction workers working outside because I’d forgotten to close the curtains. I was so embarrassed I stopped being nervous about the tests.
5. What’s one of your most annoying habits?
I apologize to inanimate objects. It drives my friends crazy. For instance, if I bump into the sofa I say, “I’m sorry.”
6. Do you have a “guilty pleasure” TV show?
Yes. I like to watch Pawn Stars on the History Channel. The things people bring in to sell fascinate me. A straitjacket worn by Houdini turned up on one episode.
7. What is your hair its natural color?
It is at the moment. (Brown.) But I’m going to dye it red again.
8. Who’s the most inspiring person you’ve ever met?
Jake Lawless. Jake works with the Rick Hansen Anniversary relay. I met him in the fall when my daughter was one of the medal bearers. Jake is in a wheelchair—he’s what’s called an incomplete quadriplegic. He’s also one of the warmest, funniest and most positive people I’ve ever met. Not a Pollyanna, just a genuinely fascinating guy.
9. What surprises people the most when they meet you in person?
That I’m not taller. Apparently I look taller in photographs. And I often hear that I’m not as serious in person. I guess that means I look like a tall person without a sense of humor in pictures.
10. What’s your favorite winter sport?
Sitting on the sofa with a cup of hot chocolate looking out the window at the snow.
11. What’s your favorite summer sport?
Swimming, followed closely by hiking.
12. Did you always want to be a writer?
No. I wanted to become a director, move to California and marry Michael Cole from the Mod Squad.
~Sofie
Tienanmen Square, really, scary, holy cow!!!
I am glad you are home safe and sound and writing stories for us to enjoy!!!
Check out http://www.sofiekelly.com/ and http://www.darleneryan.com/ to find out more about this author.
Copycat Killing: A Magical Cats Mystery
3rd in the Series
An Obsidian Mystery
Publish by New American Library
A Division of The Penguin Group
Welcome back to Mayville Heights! I hope you brought your umbrella, boots and a rain slicker. It’s been “raining cats and dogs” for days. There is flooding all over town. The local artists’ co-op has a basement full of water and our favorite librarian Kathleen is helping her friends move their work to higher ground in case the water continues to rise.
All the artwork is saved but one artist isn’t as lucky. Mask maker Jaeger Merrill is found drowned in the basement. The death doesn’t look accidental to Kathleen. Detective Marcus Gordon is on the case and Kathleen along with her fantastic felines just can’t help themselves from assisting him in any way they can. Owen and Hercules use their magic to help “unmask” the killer.
Dollycas’s Thoughts
These magical felines continue to steal the show! Hercules and Owen are truly special characters. Kathleen handles their powers much better than I would. All the characters are continuing to evolve. Heck the good detective may even get a library card in the next installment. Kathleen has definitely made herself at home in Mayville Heights. She has taken falling for a guy to a new level and finds something startling from Roma’s past. And when Kathleen and Maggie get together there is never a dull moment. (Watch out for flying rodents!)
I especially enjoyed this story because of the history featured that creates a mystery inside of a mystery. The town is getting ready to celebrate the library’s centennial with a very special showcase of the groups that have met at the library over the years. One group was doing more than most people knew and some journals from Rebecca’s mother are discovered that hold several secrets.
Well written, carefully plotted, a little romance and a bunch of humor. A purrfect cozy mystery!

Thanks to the people at Penguin
I have 2 copies to giveaway!!
U.S. and CANADIAN RESIDENTS
You do not have to be a follower to enter but I hope you will find
something you like here and become a follower.
Followers Will Receive 2 Bonus Entries For Each Way They Follow.
Plus 2 Bonus Entries For Liking My Facebook Fan Page.
Leave a comment for Sofie for 5 Bonus Entries !
If you publicize the giveaway anywhere you will receive
5 Bonus Entries For Each Link.
Contest Will End May 10, 2012 at 11:59 PM CST
Winners Will Be Chosen By Random.org
Winners Will Be Notified By Email
and Will Be Posted Here.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Receiving a complimentary copy in no way reflected my review of this book. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Curiosity Thrilled The Cat by Sofie Kelly
This post originally appeared over at Dollycas’s Thoughts on February 8, 2011
An Obsidian Mystery
An Imprint of New American Library
- ISBN-10: 0451232496
- ISBN-13: 978-0451232496
Kathleen Paulson needs to change her life NOW, her boyfriend goes away for two weeks and comes back MARRIED!!
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Your Escape With A Good Book Travel Agent |
COZY WEDNESDAY – With Author Sofie Kelly
This post originally appeared on Dollycas’s Thoughts September 14, 2011.
Obsidian
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Your Escape With A Good Book Travel Agent |
Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend books, products, or services I use personally and/or believe my readers will appreciate. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
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