**HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY** **FELINE FICTION FIX** Book Reviews with Amber at The Mewton-Clawson Library #309 featuring **Valentine's Day Vandal: Holiday Pet Sleuth Mysteries** by Annee Jones **PLUS** Friendly Fill-Ins

Hello furbulous library guests 

and 

Welcome to the Mewton-Clawson Library at BBHQ 

Firstly...

This is about as lovey-dovey as I get! MOL

**PROXIMITY ALERT... WARNING... WARNING...**

Step back two paces, Fudge!

Luckily, young Melvyn has no issues about close proximity for the greater good of the library.

And I am not opposed to Melvyn using his uber cuteness to fundraise for the library; check him out below; what a little epically cute dude! 

Purrlease form an orderly queue. 

Most books are welcome; however, nothing smutty, thanks, as The Mewton-Clawson Library doesn't have a SMUT Section, and there are no plans for creating one either! MOL

Let's see what I got to show mew this time.

Today the P.A. is also joining in Friday Fill-ins Blog Hop with the pawesome 15 & Meowing and Four-Legged Furballs.

1. Some find ____________________ funny, but I don’t.

2. _________________ a ______________.

3. I never finished _________ because _________.

4. _________ is the last thing that made me genuinely laugh.

Here are the P.A.s answers:

1. Some find smashing someone's face into a birthday cake funny, but I don’t. I find that utterly reprehensible. It's fluffing disgusting behaviour, and to add insult to injury, a complete waste of lovely cake. Plus, it's not funny in any capacity, just plain nasty. That's my take on that.

2. A cat a day keeps the blues away! Sorry, I had no idea what to put for this one! LOL Anyhoo, my point is that cats make you happy; more cats = more happiness! Simple!

3. I never finished this year's epic Valentine's Crafting with Cats project because my craft room is so cold that my fingers go blue, so maybe we'll have the Valentine's one and Easter one together! LOL

4. A conversation with my brother yesterday is the last thing that made me genuinely laugh (hysterically). Oh, we do have some comical conversations, and I mean riotous conversations about nothing in particular at all. Crying with laughter is how I ended the call.

Mewton-Clawson Library Copy

Valentine's Day Vandal 

Holiday Pet Sleuth Mysteries

by

Annee Jones

 Here's a little snippet of the book blurb:      

Will Valentina find her locket and maybe even a love of her own this Valentine's Day? Perhaps Romeo the rescue cat can help!

Valentina De Luca’s matchmaking service is the best in town. However, despite her ability to make successful matches for even the choosiest of clients, finding love for herself is another matter. The antique heart-shaped locket she wears given to her by her grandmother reminds her of the love her grandparents shared and gives her hope of one day finding her own true love.

As it's Valentine's Day, I thought we needed a Valentinesy book to share, so after trawling through oodles of books, I decided to try this one. It's only 87 pages, so it is a nice bite-sized story to read in one or two sittings. I love it! 

Get ready for a purrfectly delightful read this Valentine’s Day! Valentine's Day Vandal, the latest in the Holiday Pet Sleuth Mysteries series by Annee Jones, combines romance, mystery, and a dash of feline charm that will have mew glued to the pages and chuckling in no time. Meet Valentina De Luca, the town’s most successful (and possibly most lovable) matchmaker, who has a serious talent for pairing up her clients but somehow can’t bring love into her own life. As Valentine’s Day approaches, she’s orchestrating a matchmaking event with Paws-N-Pastries, which doubles as a heartwarming adopt-a-thon for pets looking for homes. But just as everything seems to be falling into place, disaster strikes – her beloved, heart-shaped antique locket goes missing! Valentina’s frantic search takes us on a whimsical journey through the cozy world of a cat café, where mischief is afoot, and the stakes are higher than a cat climbing a curtain. The cast of characters, from the grumpy but handsome Caleb Barone (who appears to have been signed up for the event against his will) to the quirky senior cats, Miss Louise and One-Eyed Willie, adds a delightful flavour to the story. Then there’s Romeo, the charming rescue cat whose detective skills might just save the day. An excellent story with an engaging writing style and witty dialogue. It is not just about finding the locket; it's also about discovering love, both for oneself and for those furry companions in need. With clever plot twists, a sprinkle of humour, and endearing characters that mew can’t help but like. Valentine's Day Vandal is a sweet escape for anypawdy looking to celebrate the spirit of love—whether it’s romantic or furry! So brew a nice cup of catnip tea and get some yummy treats, snuggle up, and let yourself be swept away in this charming tale.

A Totally Top Paw Read

There are twenty-two books in the Holiday Pet Sleuth Mysteries, and they are all available within the Kindle Unlimited catalogue if mew're subscribed - at the date of this post - obviously, that could change at any time.

Paperback:  87 pages

My Rating Scale

Ratings of:

Valentine's Day Vandal

Overall Enjoyment

Other Fun Blog Hops to Join Today

          Brian's Home   Catblogosphere    Feline Friday   Nature Friday    Flashback Friday   Friendship Friday

I'm off to read next week's books, as mew know the drill, so many books, so little time! 

Don't forget, if mew are looking for great books with cats, check out the Book Review page, just click the link here or at the top of the page, as that's the place to visit to get your feline fiction fix. 

Until next time...

Keep calm and read more books

Amber 

Follow us at @BionicBasil® on Instacat

Don't furget to subscribe and never miss another review! 

 graphics created with paid licence www.canva.com  

**FELINE FICTION FIX** Book Reviews with Amber at The Mewton-Clawson Library #308 featuring **A Tale of Two Kitties ~ Magical Cats Book 9** by Sofie Kelly **PLUS** Friendly Fill-Ins

Hello furbulous library guests 

and 

Welcome to the Mewton-Clawson Library at BBHQ 

It's been a bit chilly in the library this week, and then we received another anon-y-mouse postcard from the Bahamas, which we suspect is W.D.G., aka the invisible monster who lives behind the sofa at BBHQ, also known as Were-Dee-Go. 

Anyhoo, I must admit that I was rather envious of such warm climes that today I thought I'd share a lovely summer throwback to ward off the winter chill with the purromise of warmer days just around the corner!

And yes, the blade of grass insulted me as I was walking by, so I had to exert extreme prejudice against said blade of grass so it didn't hurt anypawdy else's feelings; nopawdy calls me chubby and gets away with it!!! MOL

Well, we can't have plants thinking they can just say whatever they like to passers-by; it's rude!

Let's see what I got to show mew this time.

Today, the P.A. also joins in Friday Fill-ins Blog Hop with the pawesome 15 & Meowing and Four-Legged Furballs.

1. My February plans include ________________ and ___________________.

2. I should get rid of ______________________ because I never use them.

3. _________ is the most useful purchase I’ve made recently.

4. I would excel in the _________ category on trivia night.

Here are the P.A.s answers:

1. My February plans include moving some roses and planting some new ones. I have to move a couple of established plants because of the new deck that cat dad is planning on finishing in the Spring and I don't want to move them that late in the season. I've also been suffering from a bad knee since the middle of December so I've got to be really careful digging them up.

2. I should get rid of ______________________ because I never use them. I can't think of anything for this, as I always seem to find a use for something, repurpose or upcycle, whatever, I'm a bit like MacGuyver or The A Team in the 80's; bailer twine, duct tape and a pallet and I can make anything! LOL

3. An onion chopper is the most useful purchase I’ve made recently. Who knew preparing onions could be so easy, and tear free! LOL

4. I would excel in the crystal gemstone or the cats category on trivia night.

Mewton-Clawson Library Copy

A Tale of Two Kitties

Magical Cats Book 9

by 

Sofie Kelly

 Here's a little snippet of the book blurb:      

In this charming mystery from the bestselling author of The Cats Came Back, two magical cats have powers of detection that prove indispensable to librarian Kathleen Paulson…
 
With a well-placed paw on a keyboard or a pointed stare, Kathleen’s two cats, Hercules and Owen, have helped her to solve cases in the past—so she has learned to trust their instincts. But she will need to rely on them more than ever when a twenty-year-old scandal leads to murder…

Mew may remember earlier last year, I rediscovered this pawesome series, and 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! MOL

Here are my previous reviews:

Curiosity Thrilled The Cat ~ Book 1

Sleight of Paw ~ Book 2 

Copycat Killing ~ Book 3

Cat Trick ~ Book 4

Final Catcall ~ Book 5

A Midwinter's Tail ~ Book 6

Faux Paw ~ Book 7

Paws and Effect ~ Book 8

The Cats Came Back ~ Book 10

Welcome back to the purrfectly delightful world of Mayville Heights, where the mysteries are as enticing as the aroma of fresh catnip! In A Tale of Two Kitties, Sofie Kelly once again dazzles readers with her magical felines, Hercules and Owen, who are back to lend their detective skills to librarian Kathleen Paulson. Spoiler alert: they’re as charming and mischievous as ever! This time, the book kicks off with the intriguing arrival of the Janes brothers, stirring up old scandals that quickly transform this quaint little town into a hotbed of gossip and drama. It’s all fun and games until Kathleen stumbles upon a body (again!)—enter Leo, the unfortunate victim whose death sends shockwaves through the community and suspicion squarely aimed at Kathleen’s friend, Simon. Talk about a plot twist! What I adore about this series is not just the magical cats, who are basically the feline Sherlocks of the story, but also Kathleen’s knack for getting herself—often with the help of sardine crackers—into and out of sticky situations. Let’s face it, who wouldn’t want a couple of magical cats on their side? With reality TV-inspired drama woven into an adrenaline-pumping mystery, the pacing of this book keeps you flipping pages faster than Hercules chasing a laser pointer. The humour sprinkled throughout is delightful, and mew can’t help but chuckle at Kathleen’s antics as she navigates her way through town secrets and feline negotiations. Plus, the vivid backdrop of Mayville Heights, with its cozy library vibes and quirky townsfolk, offers the purrfect setting for this feisty mystery. If mew’ve followed the series, mew’ll love seeing how Kathleen and her two whiskered detectives evolve. And if this is your first dive into the Magical Cats adventures, don’t worry—mew’re in for a treat. The plot is highly entertaining and riveting, making losing an afternoon while reading supurr easy. This is a delightful, page-turning romp filled with humour, heart, and a sprinkling of magical mayhem. Grab some sardine crackers, find a cozy spot on the couch, and get ready to solve some cat-tastrophic mysteries! If mew have a soft spot for quirky characters, adorable cats, and a whiff of enchanting suspense, this book is the cat’s pyjamas!

Another Totally Top Paw Read ~ I Love This Series!

A truly furbulous addition to this wonderpurr series. That's ten down and six to go - I'm getting there - woooo hooooo! MOL

Paperback:  335 pages

Audio:  8 hours 29

My Ratings Scale

Ratings of:

A Tale of Two Kitties

Overall Enjoyment

Other Fun Blog Hops to Join in Today

          Brian's Home   Catblogosphere    Feline Friday   Nature Friday    Flashback Friday   Friendship Friday

I'm off to read next week's books, as mew know the drill, so many books, so little time! 

Don't forget, if mew are looking for great books with cats, check out the Book Review page, just click the link here or at the top of the page, as that's the place to visit to get your feline fiction fix. 

Until next time...

Keep calm and read more books

Amber 

Follow us at @BionicBasil® on Instacat

Don't furget to subscribe and never miss another review! 

 graphics created with paid licence www.canva.com  

**FRIDAY FICTION FIX** Book Reviews with Amber at The Mewton-Clawson Library #307 featuring **The Ballad of Smallhope and Pennyroyal** by Jodi Taylor **PLUS** Friendly Fill-Ins + Photo Fails Blog Hop

Hello gorgeous library guests 

and 

Welcome to the Mewton-Clawson Library at BBHQ 

Thank you for joining me in the stacks today. 

Mew may remember last week when the P.A. tried to ambush me with the warm, damp flannel?

Well, mew'll never believe it, but she got me!

Yep, I was cornered under my desk by a warm, damp flannel, and before I knew what was happening, it had been smooshed all over my face and then swiftly removed.

Look, it wasn't that bad, and the warm flannel, in all honesty, was quite nice, like a mini spa treatment. However, I had to keep up appearances and complain bitterly to the management about being ambushed under my desk while I was supposedly hiding! MOL

The P.A. then decided, after said complaint, that extra treats were in order to diffuse the situation, which was really a rather supurr bonus. All I could say at that point was, YUM!

Oh, and this week is my non-cat book week, and I have a furbulous book few mew! 

The P.A. is joining in Friday Fill-ins Blog Hop with the pawesome 15 & Meowing and Four-Legged Furballs.

1. _________________is a habit I want to develop.

2. I can’t seem to break my habit of ________________________.

3. I just recently _________ for the first time ever.

4. _________ is a historical period I wish I could visit.

The P.A.'s answers are...

1. Daily meditation is a habit I want (would like) to develop. Instead of my sporadic here-and-there practice!

2. I can’t seem to break my habit of procrastination and apathy. I'm much better than I was this time last year, but it's like wading through treacle uphill on sheet ice, carrying a pyramid. Who knew mid-life was so fluffing challenging??? 

3. I just recently made a bandana for a lovely K9 for the first time ever. I've never made anything for a K9, so it was a first!  It is pink with sparkles for a cute girl named Stella.

4. Ancient Egypt is a historical period I wish I could visit. Here's a little-known fact: I always wanted to be an archaeologist specializing in Ancient Egypt, and at careers day at school, when asked about my future and what I'd like to do/be. I was told most unceremoniously that there was no chance of that because girls didn't become archaeologists, there were no courses available for me, and that was that dream utterly squashed in less time than you could say; I'll have a niptini, shaken not stirred, with a sprig of catnip and cute pink umbrella on the side! 

Today, as it's the last Friday of the month, we're also joining in the furbulous...

Do stop by the marvellous Mudpie's blog at www.mochasmysteriesmeows.com to join in.

Today's fail is courtesy of Smooch's over-indulgent catnip haze at Catmas, he said, and I quote. "I'm laying off the green stuff for a while!" MOL

Yep, mew do that, Smooch.

 Oh, and wipe your mouth, dude, and don't dribble on anything! MOL

Let's see what I've got to show mew this time!

Mewton-Clawson Library Copy

The Ballad of Smallhope and Pennyroyal

by 

Jodi Taylor

       Here's a little snippet of the book blurb:      

Meet Lady Amelia Smallhope, for whom there is no problem that can't be solved by a drink and a think.

And Pennyroyal, for whom there is no problem. Ever.

Everyone's favourite time-travelling bounty hunters. Sorry - 'recovery agents'. No bad guy they can't handle. No expense account too flexible. No rule they cannot break.

As long as they're together, the world is their oyster. And they'll always have each other, right?

Fasten your seatbelts. The timeline doesn't know what's about to hit it.

If mew haven't already read any of the Chronicles of St. Mary's books, then mew are missing out on rip-roaring, time-travelling, historical adventure series that is just absolutely, fluffing brilliant!

Today's book is an off-shoot starring some of the characters from the main series.

If mew’re in the mood for a riotous romp through time and space, look no further than The Ballad of Smallhope and Pennyroyal! Jodi Taylor enchants us again with her dazzling blend of wit, charm, and chaos, introduced through the unforgettable duo of Lady Amelia Smallhope and her partner-in-crime Pennyroyal. Right from the start, we meet the furbulous Lady Amelia, whose philosophy seems to be that every problem—even the most complex—can be solved with a hearty drink and a dash of clever thinking. Then there’s Pennyroyal, the epitome of confidence, who seems to stride through life without a care in the world. For her, problem is just a four-letter word that doesn’t exist in her vocabulary. Together, they form a partnership that’s as dynamic as it is delightful. As recovery agents (let’s be honest, they’re basically time-travelling bounty hunters), Smallhope and Pennyroyal tackle a wild array of challenges that span the ages. Sharp humour and wickedly clever prose are present on every page, often leaving me chuckling out loud as our intrepid friends dance between timelines, breaking just about every rule in the book while they’re at it. Who knew history could be so hilariously malleable? The chemistry between Amelia and Pennyroyal is electric, and their zany adventures will have mew rooting for them from start to finish. Just when mew think they’ve reached their wildest escapades, the stakes are raised even higher, reminding us that when it comes to time travel, there’s always a new timeline waiting to be turned upside down. This book is a vibrant tapestry of escapades, laughter, and heartwarming camaraderie. It’s a fast-paced thrill ride that beckons mew to fasten your seatbelt—because trust me, the timeline truly doesn’t know what’s about to hit it! If mew're looking for a story that meautifully balances fun, friendship, and just the right amount of reckless abandon, this is utter purrfection and your ticket to an adventure mew won't soon forget. Grab your cup of catnip tea, settle in, and prepare to be taken on a wild journey—these two are ready to make history their playground!

An Utterly Epic Read!

And if like me, mew love a long series, St Mary's has fourteen books so far. Another off-shoot, The Time Police, has six books, plus there are lots of short stories as well. Jodi Taylor is a truly exceptional writer, so if mew haven't read any yet, do try them, and I will add that the audio versions are superb!

Paperback: 464 pages

Audio: 12 hours 14 mins

My Rating Scale

Ratings of:

The Ballad of Smallhope and Pennyroyal

 

Overall Enjoyment

   

Other Fun Blog Hops to Join Today

          Brian's Home   Catblogosphere    Feline Friday   Nature Friday    Flashback Friday   Friendship Friday      

I'm off to read next week's book, as mew know the drill, so many books, so little time! 

Don't forget, if mew are looking for great books with cats, check out the Book Review page, just click the link here or at the top of the page, as that's the place to visit to get your feline fiction fix. 

Until next time...

Keep calm and read more books

Amber 

Follow us at @BionicBasil® on Instacat

Don't furget to subscribe and never miss another review! 

 graphics created with paid licence www.canva.com