Hello meautiful library guests
and
Welcome to the Mewton-Clawson Library at BBHQ
Thank mew for joining me in the stacks today.
Before I impart all the latest in the Prudence Saga, I have a bit of a gripe. Yes, I know, that's NOT like me at all. However, things need to be addressed.
I asked the P.A. to take my photo yesterday, and look at what she took! I mean, seriously, could mew get me any more out of focus and cross-eyed than that?
So, I've told the Library Mice to start interviewing Purrsonal Photographers, because at this point in my life, I need all the help I can get! MOL
Right, let me tell mew all the gossip, word for word! And if mew've missed anything so. Here's the link to last week's episode.
>^.^<
As I whipped out my phone to call Willie, the excitement of the impending party overtook me like a wave. Hissy paced back and forth, her fluffy tail twitching nervously.
“Do mew think she’ll even have time to chat?” Hissy fretted. “With everything going on, I can't imagine Willie, of all cats, would be able to handle the stress of planning a party under these circumstances.”
“Honestly, she must be feeling so overwhelmed,” I replied, glancing over my shoulder at Clawdia, who was now admiring her reflection in a nearby window. “This is a huge deal, especially with that questionable groom in the picture.”
I pressed the call button, and it rang several times. Then I caught a glimpse of Willie's face on the screen—her eyes were wide with a mix of excitement and trepidation.
“Willie! It’s Amber! How’s it going?” I chirped, trying to keep my voice upbeat despite sensing that something was amiss.
“Amber! Thank goodness mew called!” Willie’s voice came through, sounding strained. “Mew have no idea how chaotic this is. I thought throwing a simple engagement party would be fun, but now? I’m worried about Muskulls. What if he’s just after Prudence’s fortune, and then what if he refuses to sign the pre-nup?”
“Muskulls? The gym instructor?” I asked, feigning innocence. “He’s set to make quite the impression, huh?”
“Exactly! He’s charming and all, but... let’s be real, he’s got some sticky paws. My lawyer mentioned a few things while we were going through Prudence’s prenuptial agreement,” Willie continued, her voice lowering to a hushed whisper. “There are rumours he’s been linked to a high-profile cat-fight club on the weekends when he's not cruising the seven seas. I just don't trust him, I'm just getting this really hinky vibe that something awful is going to happen."
“No!” I gasped, my heart racing at the thought. “That’s a huge red flag, Willie!” Inside, I felt rather guilty, as Prudence would never have gone to Australia if it weren't for me, and she'd never be in this situation.
“I know!” Willie lamented. “Mew have to help me keep all of this under wraps until after the party. I just hope I don’t have to kick him out before the fluff hits the fan!”
“Of course! We’ll make sure the party goes smoothly.” I offered, trying to sound reassuring. “Hissy and I are at your beck and call. And look, I know Prudence and I have had our differences in recent times, but...!”
"Amber, I totally understand mew were protecting young Melvyn. I wouldn't want Prudence anywhere near him either!" Willie said with blunt honesty. "She's a total nightmare when she gets her claws set on someone."
"If mew need us to come and help with anything, just shout, and Hissy and I will be there."
“Oh, thank mew, I feel like I'm drowning in details and the party planner took one look at Prudence and ran screaming for the hills!” Willie’s tone dimmed as nervousness lingered. “Mew both have a knack for these things. Can you come over to the Grange this afternoon?”
“Of course!” I replied, filled with an extra boost of determination. I hung up, feeling the weight of the party pressing closer.
“Did she say anything juicy?” Hissy prompted eagerly, her eyes shining wider than the full moon.
“Just that Muskulls is a total wild card,” I said, lowering my voice as we leaned closer together. “Willie seems genuinely worried. She even mentioned some underhanded business involving a cat-fight club. Can mew imagine? It sounds like a setting from one of those dramatic soap operas!”
“That’s just dreadful!” Hissy exclaimed.
Clawdia flounced towards us. "So did mew get on the guest list?"
"Better than that, we're now helping Willie at the Grange this afternoon," I smiled sweetly, knowing this would fluff Clawdia off tremendously.
"Oh," she replied huffily. "Well, I'd better go and get myself booked in with Lottie at Pawfections Beauty Parlour, as my claws need a new colour to match my dress."
As Clawdia pranced away, I could see the gears turning in her head. She was always one to make every event about her. Hissy rolled her eyes and muttered something about “self-absorbed divas,” and I chuckled. We both felt the anticipation building.
“Okay, we need a plan,” I declared, inspiration hitting me like a spark. “First, we need to gather intel on Muskulls. If Willie feels that way about him, it’s for a reason.”
Hissy perked up, her kitty eyes wide. “Ooh, espionage! What’s the game plan? Can we use disguises?”
I laughed. “Not exactly. But maybe we can blend in during the party prep and watch him interact with Prudence. If he’s as shady as Willie thinks, it should be obvious, right?”
“Brilliant!” Hissy exclaimed. “And while we’re at it, we can practice our party hosting skills. After all, we can’t let anything distract from what’s supposed to be a celebration!”
We started brainstorming ideas for party games and decorations, pulling out all the stops for Willie's morale. There was something about planning something grand for a friend that made the looming worries feel lighter.
“A scavenger hunt might be cool,” I suggested. “We could include some funny cat-themed challenges—like who can balance a treat on their nose the longest!”
“And what if we have a mini talent show on the indoor beach?” Hissy added, her enthusiasm contagious. “Show off some hidden skills—the best singers, dancers, or, I don’t know, best at looking adorable?”
“Oh, definitely!” I nodded, the two of us practically bouncing as we plotted our audacious plan. And just as we settled on a few more ideas, a thought struck me sharply.
“Wait! Hissy, what if Muskulls gets wind of our little operation?” I fretted, the excitement now swirling with a tad bit of anxiety. “We can’t let him derail the party with his drama! We need to set up a distraction.”
“Leave that to me!” Hissy replied with a mischievous grin. “I have a few friends in the catnip trade who can whip up some irresistible treats. If Muskulls starts acting suspicious, we just lure him away for a ‘special’ snack!”
“Perfect! It’ll be our little distraction while we keep an eye on everything!” I said, a sense of bravery bubbling within me. “Alright, let's wrap up our plans and head to the Grange.”
The sun gleamed in the sky as we made our way to Fuskerton, casting a warm, golden light that seemed to usher in the excitement of the impending event, along with the underlying tension of what was to come.
Upon reaching the Grange, we were greeted by the sweet, fragrant aroma of the flowering lilac bushes as we entered the rear gardens. We found Willie in the marquee; she was already in preparation mode, juggling faux tropical bouquets, arranging the tables around the outer edge of the marquee, away from the pool and a playlist that needed serious final touches.
“Amber! Hissy!” Willie shrieked in delight, causing a few nearby helpers to turn and glance at us. “Thank goodness mew're here! I need all paws on deck!”
We rolled up our sleeves and jumped right in. As we arranged the faux flowers and discussed placements for the games, I caught a glimpse through the open side of the marquee of Muskulls through the library window, his posture confident and relaxed, with a huge amount of smugness. But then I spotted Prudence beside him, looking uncertain and wary. And I thought she looked, somehow diminished, which is not a good look on Prudence. This made me feel even more guilty than I had a few hours ago.
Instinctively, I felt a knot tighten in my stomach. “Hissy,” I whispered, grabbing her paw. “Let's go. We need to keep a closer eye on them.”
We slinked around the side of the house, heartbeats quickening as the kitchen door swung open, and we slipped inside Fuskerton Grange and crept towards the library...
>^.^<
And that, lovely readers, is the latest Prudence gossip, but it doesn't end there. Stay tuned for the next wild update....
Today, the P.A. is also joining in Friday Fill-ins Blog Hop with the pawesome 15 & Meowing and Four-Legged Furballs.
1. My _____________ is too ____________.
2. _______________calls me ____________________.
3. I’m most likely to take _________ to a potluck.
4. I need to ask _________ for help with _________.
The P.A.'s answers are...
1. My May To-Do List is too big. So I will prune it somewhat to make it more manageable and move some things into June!
2. My mother calls me Gertrude! LOL It's a standing joke. Apparently, when I was about 4 or 5, when out with my mother, we bumped into someone she hadn't seen for a very long time, and they asked me my name. I replied, in every serious tone, "Gertrude Lawrence!" (Maybe in a past life I was! LOL)
3. I’m most likely to take lasagna to a potluck. I love lasagna, especially homemade, with lots of garlic bread... in fact, guess what we're having for dinner tonight.
4. I need to ask Cat Dad for help with certain IT issues at BBHQ. He doesn't appreciate my 'a hammer fixes everything' outlook! LOL
Let's see what I've got to show mew this time!
Paws to Remember
Magical Cats Book 15
by
Sofie Kelly
Here's a little snippet of the book blurb:
When a water leak repair results in a body being found behind the walls of the store run by the artists’ co-op that Kathleen's friend, Maggie, is part of everyone is completely mystified as to whose body it is and who hid it there. But as the dust settles, her boyfriend, Detective Marcus Gordon, begins to suspect the body could belong to a young woman who disappeared more than thirty years ago.
Mew may remember that earlier last year, I rediscovered this pawesome series. I was on a mission to review the entire Magical Cats Mystery series before the end of 2024 - NOPE, that didn't happen! MOL I'm now going to say that by the end of the current review season in July 2025, that should give me plenty of time and I'm almost there! MOL
Here are my previous reviews:
Book 15 of the Magical Cats series, Paws to Remember, is a delightful addition to the series that blends mystery, charm, and a touch of the supernatural, all set against the backdrop of small-town intrigue. As a longtime epic fan of the Magical Cats series with the enchanting felines, Owen and Hercules, I was excited to dive into this fifteenth book, which certainly does not disappoint.
This time around, Kathleen, the clever librarian, finds herself embroiled in a perplexing cold case when a body is discovered during a water leak repair at the artists’ co-op where her friend, Maggie, works. The plot thickens as Detective Marcus Gordon, Kathleen's boyfriend, suspects that the remains may belong to a young woman who vanished over thirty years ago. The eerie discovery sets off a whirlwind of emotions and questions: Who was the victim, and why was she hidden away?
What I love most about Paws to Remember is how the plot masterfully intertwines the warmth of community with the tension of unsolved mysteries. The interactions between Kathleen and her cats—magic-infused creatures with their own knack for detecting foul play—add a whimsical layer to the narrative. The cats are not just cute companions; they are integral to the plot, guiding readers through the twists and turns of the investigation.
As Kathleen digs deeper into the secrets of Mayville Heights, mew are treated to a rich tapestry of characters and relationships that feel both genuine and relatable. Kelly skillfully navigates the emotional weight of the cold case, exploring how past actions resonate through the lives of those left behind. The stakes become increasingly high, and just when mew think mew have it all figured out, the plot twists and keeps mew guessing until the last page.
The story's pacing is well-balanced, striking a nice rhythm between moments of reflection and the urgency of the investigation. The small-town atmosphere is palpably described, making it easy for mew to imagine the quirks and charm of Mayville Heights.
Paws to Remember is a purrfect blend of mystery, heart, and a sprinkle of magic. Whether mew're a dedicated fan of the Magical Cats series or a newcomer eager for a pawesome cat cozy mystery, this book provides a satisfying escape into a world where friendship, love, and curiosity reign. And I can’t wait to see where Kathleen's adventures take her next, in the final book!
Another Totally Top Paw Read ~ I Just Adore This Series!
A truly epic addition to this wonderpurr series. That's fifteen down and one to go - I'm almost there - woooo hooooo! MOL
Paperback: 320 pages
My Ratings Scale
Rating of:
Paws to Remember
Overall Enjoyment
Other Fun Blog Hops to Join in Today
Do enjoy the book if mew decide to read it.
It's time for me to say BFN or bye-for-now as mew know the drill, so many books, so little time and I'll be back next week with another specially paw-picked book just for mew, and don't forget that all my previous reviews can be found on my Book Review page.
Until next time...
Keep calm and read more books
Amber
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