loribonesscaswell

In this fifth installment of the Cats in Trouble series Jillian has volunteered to help relocate a clowder of feral cats from on old mill so the city can help investors revamp the space. She was quite surprised to also find a woman living in the mill. Jeannie went missing from Mercy 10 years ago shortly after her daughter disappeared.

Jeannie has no plans to evacuate the mill where she lives with her cat Boots. She tells Jillian, it is a “holy place” and she must protect it from “creepers”. When Jeanie is hurt and forced to leave the mill to go to the hospital Jillian learns there are more surprises in the old mill. Secrets that have been buried for years start to see the light of day.

Dollycas’s Thoughts
Leann’s love of felines shines brightly in her stories and each one is better than the last. This one features the Lorraine Stanley Textile Mill. Cozy loves will recognize this homage to two special ladies.

This story takes us to the “other side of the tracks” to the Mill Village. A little trip back in history but even in 2013 there is still the division of classes even as one of mighty rich have fallen on hard times. They still have the hoity-toity attitude.

We also learn about feral cats in a very entertaining way. Shawn explains the difference between the cats we love to cuddle and the cats we just can’t.

In addition to the wonderful character of Jeannie, our favorites from the past return. Jillian and Tom’s romance is evolving even with Lydia still trying her best to keep them apart. I laughed out loud as she was kept out of crime scene and she begged Tom for his help while doing her best to ignore that Jillian was even in the room.

But the characters that capture my heart have four paws, Merlot, Syrah, Chablis and now Boots add the special touch to this story. I love how much Jillian loves her kitties and even has an app on her phone to check on them. I also love the way most of the residents of Mercy are pet lovers and believe in humane treatment of all animals. In fact this book was part of Penguin’s Read Humane Campaign. All through the month of May you can purchase special copies of six different books and Penguin will donate $25000 to the Humane Society of the U.S. to fight animal cruelty.

Another “catavating” cozy from Leann Sweeney! and may I add another New York Times Bestseller!