Showing posts with label paw‑approved reads. Show all posts
Showing posts with label paw‑approved reads. Show all posts

Friday, 24 April 2026

Book Reviews with Amber ~ The Cat Book Connoisseur at The Mewton-Clawson Library ~ #359 featuring **The Cat Who Sniffed Glue** by Lilian Jackson Braun **PLUS** Friendly Fill-Ins & Photo Fails Blog Hops

A whimsical illustrated banner for The Mewton‑Clawson Library at BBHQ shows a cat in the foreground, surrounded by colourful bookshelves, flowers, trees, and small book‑themed decorations like an open book, a quill, and a thimble. The text reads “Welcome to The Mewton‑Clawson Library at BBHQ” and “Book Reviews with Amber,” creating a cosy, storybook‑style library scene.
This review of The Cat Who Sniffed Glue by Lilian Jackson Braun is part of Book Reviews with Amber, the Cat Book Connoisseur at the Mewton-Clawson Library. Scroll to read.

The world’s leading feline literary critic

From the shelves of the Mewton-Clawson Librarya curated review destination for cat-centric fiction at BionicBasil.com
Amber's Book Review Pink Dot Divider ©BionicBasil®

This Week’s Intro ~ 96% Calm, 2% Proactive Planning, 2% Fun & Frivolity

Hello furbulous library guests 

and 

Welcome to the Mewton-Clawson Library at BBHQ 

Thank mew for joining me in the stacks today, and today I can report that the library is moving steadily into its fun era. Everything is buzzing with harmony, and the mice have upgraded from rollerskates to roller blades. The fax machine is still proactive and planning review titles two weeks ahead, which is truly delightful.

Frivolity is also the buzzword of the week, with all stationery and office equipment joining in the fun. So much so that even Clive the Paperclip has appeared from the Library Archive on Level Six in the bunker to coalesce in the main library.

The Unexpected Stationery Migration

The library has become a hive of cheerful chaos. Aisle P is now the unofficial party zone, disco lights courtesy of the Calmness Tracker 3000 pens, who’ve unionised and synchronised their glow to bounce off the newly installed disco ball, it's like The Nip Nirvana Lounge on Level 11! MOL

Clive the Paperclip has emerged from the depths of Archive Level Six, declaring himself “Head of Stationery Relations.” He’s currently negotiating break times for the pens and staplers, while the fax machine prints out the minutes of each meeting (complete with paw‑print signatures).

Melvyn, ever the voice of reason, has installed two Mouse Droids as bouncers to keep the encyclopaedias from gatecrashing. The thesaurus is writing limericks about the situation, one of which rhymes “roller blades” with “library parades.”

The stationery cupboard, meanwhile, has emptied itself entirely. Pens, pencils, sticky notes, and even the highlighters have joined the festivities, forming a conga line that stretches from Aisle P to the staff kitchen.

📠 The Fax Machine’s Latest Trick

It’s now printing party itineraries and snack schedules, complete with glittery paw‑print borders. The latest sheet reads:

10:00 - Catnip cocoa tasting (mini marshmallows optional)

11:30 - Roller‑blade relay (mice only)

12:00 - Biscuit appreciation break

13:00 - Calmness meditation (optional nap)

14:30 - Karaoke: “Don’t Stop Retrieving”

The pens glow approvingly. The fax machine hums contentedly. The library is alive with laughter, light, and the faint scent of catnip cookies.

“Eight cheerful mice wearing colourful bandanas rollerblading through an old‑world library with tall wooden bookshelves and warm lantern light. The polished floor gleams as they glide past rows of leather‑bound books, their rollerblades flashing red, blue, yellow, and orange wheels. The scene feels lively and whimsical, full of motion and cosy charm.”

And the mice, well, see for yourselves... yep, it really is that fun! MOL

📚 A Morning of Fun & Frivolity

Me: “Melvyn, sweetie, how’s the library looking today?”

Melvyn: “Energetic. The fax machine printed a party itinerary.”

Me: “A party itinerary? For whom?”

Melvyn: “Everypawdy. Even Clive the Paperclip’s on the guest list.”

Me: “Clive? From Level Six? He hasn’t surfaced since the Great Stapler Shortage of December 2025!”

Melvyn: “He’s back and apparently leading the Stationery Union.”

Me: “Oh dear. What’s on the itinerary?”

Melvyn: “Catnip cocoa tasting, roller‑blade relay, and karaoke.”

Me: “Karaoke?”

Melvyn: “Yes. The thesaurus is performing ‘Don’t Stop Retrieving.’

Me: “That’s… inspired.”

Melvyn: “The pens are glowing purple in support.”

Me: “They’ve unionised, haven’t they?”

Melvyn: “Completely. They’ve even mediated biscuit breaks.”

Me: “Smart. What’s the fax machine doing now?”

Melvyn: “Printing motivational posters. One says, ‘Mew can do it!’ Another says, 'Go Faster!'

Me: “I love it. The library’s never been so lively.”

Melvyn: “It’s officially our fun era.”

Me: “Then let’s embrace it. Want to join the roller‑blade relay?”

Melvyn: “Only if there’s catnip cocoa at the finish line.”

Me: “Always. I'll meet mew at the finish line, I'll be on my meditation cushion.

Melvyn: "Napping or meditating?"

Me: "Drinking cocoa and waiting for mew to break the current record of how fast a librarian can roller-blade around the library!"

📚 General Library Status Update

Happy roller‑blading mice Happy party vibes Happy fax machine (now event coordinator) Happy pens (glowing purple in solidarity) Happy thesaurus (singing karaoke classics)

In short:

The library is calm. Joyfully calm. Calm with a faint whiff of primo catnip, cocoa, and glitter‑infused triumph.

And honestly? I’m ecstatic.

So, my meowvellous library guests, if mew spot roller‑blading mice or purple‑glowing pens zipping past the main desk, don’t worry, it’s simply the library celebrating its newfound sense of fun.

Probably.

Now, let’s see what this week’s top book pick is!

A split image shows two sections of a large home library. The top section features long white bookshelves filled with colourful books and magazines, with a cat walking along the wooden floor in front of them. The lower section shows another area lined with shelves of older, leather‑bound volumes and encyclopedias, with chairs placed nearby for reading. Text in the centre reads “Part of The Mewton‑Clawson Library ©BionicBasil®,” highlighting the cosy, well‑stocked library setting.
A black‑and‑white line illustration shows three stacked books arranged like steps. A cartoon mouse with large ears stands proudly on the top book, while another mouse on the ground to the right looks up toward it. The drawing has a playful, storybook feel.
The P.A. is also joining in Friday Fill-ins Blog Hop with the pawesome 15 & Meowing and Four-Legged Furballs.
A cartoon illustration titled *Friendly Fill‑Ins* shows two cats sitting on a grassy field dotted with flowers. The cat on the left is orange with a red collar and a winking expression, while the cat on the right is black with green eyes and a blue collar. A butterfly flies above them, and rolling green hills and a blue sky form the background. Text at the top reads “Friendly Fill‑Ins — Hosted by Four‑Legged Furballs & 15andmeowing.”

1. Have you ever noticed _____________________?
2. Would you choose ________________ or ____________________?
3. Do you think it’s possible to _________?
4. What _________ would you recommend for _________?

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

1. Have you ever noticed how the moon pops up in all the wrong places at all the wrong times?

2. Would you choose endless snacks or endless naps?

3. Do you think it’s possible to terraform Mars?

4. What bunker upgrade would you recommend for The B Team? They’re planning an expansion, and I’ve been asked to gather… suggestions! LOL


Amber's Book Review Pink Dot Divider ©BionicBasil®

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

A light‑blue promotional graphic for the Pet Photo Fails! Blog Hop features bold red and blue lettering at the top, with illustrated stage lights and a camera to suggest a photography theme. A playful cartoon cat reaches up from the bottom left corner. Text at the bottom reads “Hosted by Melissa’s Mochas, Mysteries & Meows” along with the website address.

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

A white cat with black markings lies on its back inside a small metal planter box outdoors, nestled among green leafy plants. The planter sits on a bed of pebbles beside other wooden planters and a brick wall. The cat looks completely relaxed despite being squashed into the pot, creating a humorous gardening‑gone‑wrong moment. “copyright www.bionicbasil.com” appears at the bottom.

Smooch in April 2022, keeping the catnip plant warm... so he said at the time! MOL

Amber's Book Review Pink Dot Divider ©BionicBasil®

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

A black‑and‑white illustration features a vintage typewriter with a paw print on the sheet of paper. Stacks of books sit on both sides: on the left, a small cartoon mouse stands atop the books, and on the right, a cartoon elephant balances on the stack. The scene has a playful, literary feel, fitting as a divider for Amber’s book reviews.
Amber the cat sits behind a desk in a warmly lit, book‑filled library, surrounded by shelves, plants, and soft golden lighting. On the desk are a yellow lamp, stacked books, a feather quill, and a rolled parchment, with a small mouse perched on nearby books. In front of the cat is the featured book, The Cat Who Sniffed Glue by Lilian Jackson Braun. Above, a banner announces “This Week’s Top Book Pick! with Amber, the world’s leading feline literary critic & Cat Book Connoisseur.” A sign on the desk reads “SHHHHH!!!”. “copyright www.bionicbasil.com” appears at the bottom.
Mewton-Clawson Library Copy

The Cat Who Sniffed Glue


The Cat Who… Mysteries, Book 8


by 

Lilian Jackson Braun
A symmetrical black‑and‑white illustration shows four cartoon mice arranged in pairs on either side of two pieces of Swiss‑style cheese placed in the centre. Each mouse faces inward toward the cheese, creating a playful, balanced composition.
Today I'm back with more from the original The Cat Who series; there are 29 in total, but don't quote me. I got an urge to reread this epic series earlier this year, for the first time since 2007.

Ten down, including today's review, and ONLY Nineteen to go! MOL

Here are the previous reviews.









The Cat Who Wasn't There ~ BK 14    

🐾 This Week’s Paw‑Approved Pick: The Cat Who Sniffed Glue

Dahlings, gather round and twitch those whiskers, because this week we’re heading back to Pickax, where the snow is deep, the gossip is deeper, and Koko’s whiskers are tingling with trouble, as is Qwill's moustache! MOL

The Cat Who Sniffed Glue is classic Braun: warm, witty, and sprinkled with just enough danger to make your tail puff just a touch.

What’s the Vibe

A cozy crime with small‑town charm, eccentric locals, and a mystery that creeps up on you like a cat on silent paws.

Expect:

quirky characters
a double murder
a dash of vandalism
and Koko being an absolute furry genius

It’s comfort reading with claws.

🐾 What’s the Story?

Pickax has been enjoying its usual sedate calm, the kind only a small town full of nosy neighbours can maintain, when a string of petty vandalism begins to ruffle the community’s fur. Paint splashed here, a bit of mischief there… nothing too serious.

Until it is.

Young banker Harley Fitch and his new bride, Bella, are found murdered, and suddenly the quiet town is buzzing like a startled beehive. Qwilleran’s moustache twitches (always a sign), and Koko becomes obsessed with glue, books, and anything remotely sticky.

Coincidence? Of course not. Koko never does anything by accident.

As Qwill digs deeper, he uncovers a tangle of secrets involving:

a soft‑spoken librarian with musty old books

a taxidermist with questionable hobbies (Smooch knows all about questionable hobbies! MOL)

intricate marine models

and a family history that’s anything but tidy

Koko, naturally, is several paw‑steps ahead.

⚔️ What I Loved

😸 Koko’s Sticky Obsession: His fascination with glue is both hilarious and oddly prophetic. Only Koko could turn a pot of adhesive into a clue.

🐈‍⬛ Yum Yum: Our dainty queen continues to be adorable, adding sweetness to balance Koko’s intensity.

🕵️ Qwilleran’s Moustache: The moustache is practically a character at this point; twitching, tingling, and guiding Qwill toward the truth.

🏘 Pickax’s Community Chaos: The locals are as eccentric as ever. Braun’s small‑town atmosphere is comforting, familiar, and full of personality.

📚 The Library & Bookish Clues: Old books, hidden motives, and literary breadcrumbs? Yes please.

Tone & Style

cosy
clever
gently humorous
lightly suspenseful
purrfect for snuggling up on a comfy sofa with a nice cuppa - my preference catnip, of course
Braun’s writing is like a warm blanket: soft, familiar, and always welcome

📖 Final Thoughts

The Cat Who Sniffed Glue is a delightful entry in the series, not the darkest mystery, but one of the most charming. The murders are intriguing, the clues are satisfying, and Koko is in top form, proving once again that no crime is too sticky for a determined Siamese.

If mew love cozy mysteries with feline flair, quirky characters, and a plot that unfolds at just the right pace, this is a purrfect pick.

🪄 Summed Up in One Sentence

🐾 A witty, warm, and wonderfully sticky mystery where Koko’s instincts shine, and Pickax’s secrets unravel. 🐾

A Top Paw Read!


Paperback:  292 pages
Audio:  1 x used CD on Amazon
**Alt Text:**   A black‑and‑white line illustration shows three stacked books arranged like steps. A cartoon mouse with large ears stands proudly on the top book, while another mouse on the ground to the right looks up toward it. The drawing has a playful, storybook feel.
My Rating Scale

A simple black‑and‑white rating chart uses rows of pink paw prints to show five levels of book ratings. Five paw prints correspond to “Top Paw ~ Read Immediately,” four to “Furry Good ~ Read As Soon As,” three to “Good ~ Put It On Stand‑By,” two to “Average ~ Emergency Reading,” and one to “Meh! ~ Take a Nap Instead.”

Amber's Book Review Pink Dot Divider ©BionicBasil®

Ratings of:

The Cat Who Sniffed Glue


Overall Enjoyment

A horizontal row of five identical pink paw prints representing the highest rating level in the pet‑themed book‑review scale, corresponding to “Top Paw ~ Read Immediately.”
**Alt Text:**   A black‑and‑white illustration features a vintage typewriter with a paw print on the sheet of paper. Stacks of books sit on both sides: on the left, a small cartoon mouse stands atop the books, and on the right, a cartoon elephant balances on the stack. The scene has a playful, literary feel, fitting as a divider for Amber’s book reviews.

Other Fun Blog Hops to Join in Today

A horizontal row of six square graphics, each representing a different themed blog hop: “Brian’s Thankful Thursday Blog Hop” with a cat silhouette; “The Cat Blogosphere” with a globe and cat; “Feline Friday” with stylised cat drawings; “Nature Friday Blog Hop” on a stone background; “Flashback Friday” with a cat and dog; and “Friendship Friday” featuring two cats.
          Brian's Home   Catblogosphere    Feline Friday   Nature Friday    Flashback Friday   Friendship Friday          
Amber's Book Review Pink Dot Divider ©BionicBasil®

I really hope mew enjoy the book if mew choose 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 

The Cat Book Connoisseur

A single bright pink paw print with a soft black shadow sits centered on a plain background. The design features one large rounded pad and four smaller oval toe pads, creating a bold, playful icon used as Amber’s signature sign‑off





Amber's Book Review Pink Dot Divider ©BionicBasil®

Follow us @BionicBasil® on Instacat

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

Amber's Book Review Pink Dot Divider ©BionicBasil®
Copyright Notice

© [2026] BionicBasil®. All Rights Reserved. No part of this post, characters, or lore may be reproduced, scraped, or rewritten in any form (including AI) without express written permission
Amber's Book Review Pink Dot Divider ©BionicBasil®
 graphics created with paid licence www.canva.com 

Friday, 17 April 2026

Book Reviews with Amber ~ The Cat Book Connoisseur at The Mewton-Clawson Library ~ #358 featuring **The Cat Who Caught a Killer** by L T Shearer **PLUS** Friendly Fill-Ins

A whimsical illustrated banner for The Mewton‑Clawson Library at BBHQ shows a cat in the foreground, surrounded by colourful bookshelves, flowers, trees, and small book‑themed decorations like an open book, a quill, and a thimble. The text reads “Welcome to The Mewton‑Clawson Library at BBHQ” and “Book Reviews with Amber,” creating a cosy, storybook‑style library scene.
This review of The Cat Who Caught a Killer by L T Shearer is part of Book Reviews with Amber, the Cat Book Connoisseur at the Mewton-Clawson Library. Scroll to read.

The world’s leading feline literary critic

From the shelves of the Mewton-Clawson Librarya curated review destination for cat-centric fiction at BionicBasil.com
Amber's Book Review Pink Dot Divider ©BionicBasil®
This Week’s Intro ~ 98% Calm, 1% Smug Efficiency, 1% Over‑Helpful Automation

Hello, my gorgeous library guests,

and

Welcome back to the Mewton‑Clawson Library at BBHQ.

I am delighted to report that the library has entered its smugly efficient era. Everything hums with serene precision, the shelves gleam, the mice glide (yes, they've now got roller skates), and the fax machine prints compliments as well as lists.

The Calmness Tracker 3000 pens glow in synchronised colours, occasionally correcting Melvyn’s spelling with polite enthusiasm. The fax machine has taken to printing motivational quotes like “Mew’re doing amazing, sweetie!” and “Remember to hydrate (preferably with catnip tea).”

📠 The Fax Machine’s Newfound Confidence

No longer chaotic, it now schedules its own maintenance, sends reminders to dust the encyclopaedias, and has started producing weekly performance reports, complete with pie charts and paw‑print emojis.

Melvyn suspects it’s forming a union.

A long printed scroll titled “Today’s Reminders” sits on a wooden desk beside a telephone and two glowing pens, one blue and one yellow. The whimsical list includes encouraging notes and playful, cat‑themed tasks. A small mouse figurine and scattered stationery add to the cosy, magical workspace atmosphere. “copyright www.bionicbasil.com” appears at the bottom.

Meanwhile, the pens have become most pleased with themselves. They glow smugly when praised and occasionally write “Mew’re welcome” at the bottom of completed lists. The orange pen (mine, apparently) has begun drafting inspirational affirmations such as “Mew are the calm in the chaos, Amber.” I’m not sure whether to be flattered or alarmed.

📚 A Morning of Smug Serenity

Me: “Melvyn, sweetie, how’s our technological trio today?”

Melvyn: “Efficient. The fax machine printed a pie chart of our productivity.”

Me: “A pie chart? Did it have frosting?”

Melvyn: “No frosting, but the chart itself; ninety‑six percent calm, four percent biscuit breaks.”

Me: “Accurate. I like it!”

Melvyn: “The pens added annotations.”

Me: “What kind?”

Melvyn: “‘Excellent biscuit management.’”

Me: “They’re getting cheeky.”

Melvyn: “Also, the fax machine printed a new reading list, Paranormal Cozies, Volume Two.”

Me: “It’s definitely reading my mind.”

Melvyn: “And it printed a recipe for catnip éclairs.”

Me: “Of course it did.”

Melvyn: "Lumi is in the staff break room cooking up a storm, along with Chedds."

Me: "How lovely. I thought I could smell baked goods."

Melvyn: "Yes, and catnip cocoa, with mini catnip-infused marshmallows."

Me: "Sounds delightfully decadent."

Melvyn: "Apparently, according to Ardvaar, we've got about twenty minutes. So what's next on the agenda?"

Me: “Er... Meditation.”

Melvyn: “Nap or meditation?"

Me: “Yes. Want to join me?”

Melvyn: "Do mew need to ask?!!!"

📚 General Library Status Update

Happy speedy mice Happy fun vibes Happy fax machine (now in its managerial era) Happy pens (glowing smugly) Happy thesaurus (writing haikus about efficiency)

In short:

The library is calm. Deliciously calm. Calm with a faint whiff of toner that's been perfumed with frangipani, triumph, and self‑satisfaction.

And honestly? I’m amused.

So, my meowvellous library guests, if mew spot neatly printed charts fluttering through the stacks or pens glowing in smug synchrony, don’t worry, it’s simply the library basking in its own brilliance.

Probably.

Now, let’s see what this week’s top book pick is!

A split image shows two sections of a large home library. The top section features long white bookshelves filled with colourful books and magazines, with a cat walking along the wooden floor in front of them. The lower section shows another area lined with shelves of older, leather‑bound volumes and encyclopedias, with chairs placed nearby for reading. Text in the centre reads “Part of The Mewton‑Clawson Library ©BionicBasil®,” highlighting the cosy, well‑stocked library setting.
**Alt Text:**   A black‑and‑white line illustration shows three stacked books arranged like steps. A cartoon mouse with large ears stands proudly on the top book, while another mouse on the ground to the right looks up toward it. The drawing has a playful, storybook feel.
The P.A. is also joining in Friday Fill-ins Blog Hop with the pawesome 15 & Meowing and Four-Legged Furballs.
**Alt Text:**   A cartoon illustration titled *Friendly Fill‑Ins* shows two cats sitting on a grassy field dotted with flowers. The cat on the left is orange with a red collar and a winking expression, while the cat on the right is black with green eyes and a blue collar. A butterfly flies above them, and rolling green hills and a blue sky form the background. Text at the top reads “Friendly Fill‑Ins — Hosted by Four‑Legged Furballs & 15andmeowing.”

1. If I had to choose a fictional world to live in it would be _______________________.
2. _________________________ is a book or movie that changed my life.
3. As a kid, I gave _________ the name _________.
4. If I had a parrot, I would teach it to say _________.

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

1. If I had to choose a fictional world to live in it would be _______________________. You really have to ask? LOL I'd be moving straight into the bunker with all the B Team and having the best life ever, and loving every moment of it - the chaos, the questionable decision making, and let's not forget the Biosphere on level 8! Yes, I would be there with a pink flamingo floaty borrowed from Melvyn, and a rather fizzy cocktail which definitely has an umbrella in it!

2. _________________________ is a book or movie that changed my life. One I wrote myself last year, it nearly broke me to write it; I never cried so much in my life, and I am NOT a crier at all, ever. One day, hopefully, I'll get it published. It is totally heartbreaking, but it does end on a happy note, so no lingering trauma vibes.

3. As a kid, I gave my rag doll the name Pinkie. I never really liked dolls, but Pinkie was different, with fuchsia-pink hair made of wool - in fact, I did at some point give her electric blue highlights with some wool I found in a cupboard. I still have her 50 years later.

4. If I had a parrot, I would teach it to say _________. I do have a parrot, not a real one; his name is Pilchard, and he starred in the pirate adventure. Now, if he were real and could talk, I would teach him to say; epically epic, mother fluffer, and what the fluff! LOL

Amber's Book Review Pink Dot Divider ©BionicBasil®
Let's see what I've got to show mew this time!

**Alt Text:**   A black‑and‑white illustration features a vintage typewriter with a paw print on the sheet of paper. Stacks of books sit on both sides: on the left, a small cartoon mouse stands atop the books, and on the right, a cartoon elephant balances on the stack. The scene has a playful, literary feel, fitting as a divider for Amber’s book reviews.
Amber, a ginger and white cat sits behind a desk in an elegant library filled with bookshelves, warm lighting, and plants. In front of Amber is a red book titled The Cat Who Caught A Killer. A yellow lamp, stacked books, and a small mouse figurine sit on the desk. Above, a banner announces “This Week’s Top Book Pick! with Amber, the world’s leading feline literary critic & Cat Book Connoisseur.” At the bottom, a brown sign reads “SHHHHH!!!”.
Mewton-Clawson Library Copy

The Cat Who Caught a Killer


Conrad the Cat Detective, Book 1

by

 L T Shearer

**Alt Text:**   A symmetrical black‑and‑white illustration shows four cartoon mice arranged in pairs on either side of two pieces of Swiss‑style cheese placed in the centre. Each mouse faces inward toward the cheese, creating a playful, balanced composition.

This isn't The Cat Who ... I've been reviewing lately, this is a new Cat Who, and it's been on my radar for about 2 to 3 years, but mew know how it is, everything in good time, so many books, so little time!

But better late than never! MOL 

🐾 This Week’s Paw‑Approved Pick: The Cat Who Caught a Killer

Dahlings, sharpen your claws and fluff your tails, because this week’s cozy crime is an absolute treat. Imagine a clean murder mystery, a grieving ex‑detective, a canal boat, and a cat who strolls into the story like he owns the place, because of course he does.

This is a warm, comforting, slightly quirky mystery that feels like curling up in a sunbeam on a Sunday afternoon with no fluffs to give, only to enjoy the story! MOL

What’s the Vibe?

Think Agatha Christie vibes… but with whiskers.

A gentle, character‑driven cozy crime with a magical realism twist: Conrad isn’t just a cat, he’s a detective. And he’s very good at his job.

It’s purrfect for readers who want mystery without gore, tension without terror, and a cat who absolutely steals the show.

🐾 What’s the Story?

Lulu Lewis, a former police detective, is trying to rebuild her life after losing her husband. She’s retired to a canal boat (The Lark ~ adorable), visiting her mother‑in‑law in a nearby care home and trying to find her place in life again.

Then her mother‑in‑law dies suddenly. Too suddenly. Lulu’s instincts start twitching… and that’s when Conrad arrives.

Conrad is a cat.

A very unusual cat.

A cat with opinions, presence, and a knack for sniffing out trouble.

Together, Lulu and Conrad begin to unravel what really happened, and discover that the quiet community around the care home is hiding more than a few secrets.

⚔️ What I Loved

😸 Conrad the Cat:  Oh, dahlings. Conrad is just purrfection on the page. He’s calm, clever, observant, and utterly unbothered by human nonsense. He talks and converses with eloquence. With the confidence of a cat who knows he’s the smartest being in the room.

👵 Lulu:  A meautifully drawn midlife heroine. Grieving, grounded, and quietly determined. Her relationship with Conrad is funny and heart‑warming.

🛶 The Canal Boat Setting: The Lark is cosy and atmospheric, giving the whole book a unique charm. It’s like a floating cottagecore mystery.

🕵️ The Mystery:  Not too dark, not too fluffy, just right. The Goldilocks Zone. A suspicious death, a web of secrets, and a slow‑burn investigation that feels satisfying rather than stressful.

👵🏽 The Care Home Community:  A mix of warmth, humour, and hidden tensions. The book handles older characters with respect and affection, not as props.

Tone & Style

Gentle cozy crime

Steady, pleasant pacing

A touch of magical realism

Purrfect for fans of feline sleuths, soft mysteries, and character‑driven storytelling

This is the kind of book mew read with a blanket, a cuppa, and a cat who pretends not to care but absolutely does.

📖 Final Thoughts

This is a furbulous cozy mystery with a standout feline lead. It’s pawesome for readers who want a mystery that soothes rather than shocks, with a heroine mew can root for and a cat mew’ll want to adopt immediately.

A delightful start to a series I suspect will only get better, and yes, Conrad absolutely deserves a treat for his detective work.

If mew hadn't already guessed, I already have the entire series, four books so far, just in case mew were wondering! MOL

And the audio version is highly entertaining too. I have both formats.

🪄 Summed Up in One Sentence

🐾 A gentle, heart‑warming cozy crime where a grieving detective and a remarkable cat team up to uncover the truth. 🐾

A Top Paw Read!

Paperback:  330 pages
Audio:  10 hours 1 min
**Alt Text:**   A black‑and‑white line illustration shows three stacked books arranged like steps. A cartoon mouse with large ears stands proudly on the top book, while another mouse on the ground to the right looks up toward it. The drawing has a playful, storybook feel.
My Rating Scale

**Alt Text:**   A simple black‑and‑white rating chart uses rows of pink paw prints to show five levels of book ratings. Five paw prints correspond to “Top Paw ~ Read Immediately,” four to “Furry Good ~ Read As Soon As,” three to “Good ~ Put It On Stand‑By,” two to “Average ~ Emergency Reading,” and one to “Meh! ~ Take a Nap Instead.”

Amber's Book Review Pink Dot Divider ©BionicBasil®

Ratings of:

The Cat Who Caught a Killer


Overall Enjoyment

A horizontal row of five identical pink paw prints representing the highest rating level in the pet‑themed book‑review scale, corresponding to “Top Paw ~ Read Immediately.”
**Alt Text:**   A black‑and‑white illustration features a vintage typewriter with a paw print on the sheet of paper. Stacks of books sit on both sides: on the left, a small cartoon mouse stands atop the books, and on the right, a cartoon elephant balances on the stack. The scene has a playful, literary feel, fitting as a divider for Amber’s book reviews.

Other Fun Blog Hops to Join in Today

A horizontal row of six square graphics, each representing a different themed blog hop: “Brian’s Thankful Thursday Blog Hop” with a cat silhouette; “The Cat Blogosphere” with a globe and cat; “Feline Friday” with stylised cat drawings; “Nature Friday Blog Hop” on a stone background; “Flashback Friday” with a cat and dog; and “Friendship Friday” featuring two cats.
          Brian's Home   Catblogosphere    Feline Friday   Nature Friday    Flashback Friday   Friendship Friday          
Amber's Book Review Pink Dot Divider ©BionicBasil®

I really hope mew enjoy the book if mew choose 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 

The Cat Book Connoisseur

A single bright pink paw print with a soft black shadow sits centered on a plain background. The design features one large rounded pad and four smaller oval toe pads, creating a bold, playful icon used as Amber’s signature sign‑off





Amber's Book Review Pink Dot Divider ©BionicBasil®

Follow us @BionicBasil® on Instacat

Don't furget to subscribe and never miss another review! 
Amber's Book Review Pink Dot Divider ©BionicBasil®
Copyright Notice

© [2026] BionicBasil®. All Rights Reserved. No part of this post, characters, or lore may be reproduced, scraped, or rewritten in any form (including AI) without express written permission
Amber's Book Review Pink Dot Divider ©BionicBasil®
 graphics created with paid licence www.canva.com