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Magical Cats Mystery #8.5 - The Cat Burglar
Two Tall Tails
Get cozy with this purr-fect collection that includes a Magical Cats Mystery novella and a Second Chance Cat Mystery novella.
The Cat Burglar: A Magical Cats Mystery Novella
Kathleen Paulson has her hands full in Mayville Heights, Minnesota, running the public library, and taking care of her two uncanny cats, Hercules and Owen. Kathleen’s good friend Maggie says items are being stolen from the local artists’ co-op. She doesn’t want to call the police, because the main suspects are all close friends. Luckily, Kathleen and her faithful felines are there to put their paws on the truth!
No More Pussyfooting Around: A Second Chance Cat Mystery Novella
Sarah Grayson lives in charming North Harbor, Maine, where she owns the Second Chance shop and sells beautifully refurbished items, but she’s also given a second chance to black cat Elvis. Sarah and her elderly friend Edmund Harris are having some issues with the nephew of a neighbor. With the neighbor recovering from a suspicious fall in the hospital, her nephew is being openly hostile and suspiciously secretive. Is he just a pain in the neck, or actually a threat to his aunt? Sarah and Elvis are on the case.
The Cat Burglar: A Magical Cats Mystery Novella
Kathleen Paulson has her hands full in Mayville Heights, Minnesota, running the public library, and taking care of her two uncanny cats, Hercules and Owen. Kathleen’s good friend Maggie says items are being stolen from the local artists’ co-op. She doesn’t want to call the police, because the main suspects are all close friends. Luckily, Kathleen and her faithful felines are there to put their paws on the truth!
No More Pussyfooting Around: A Second Chance Cat Mystery Novella
Sarah Grayson lives in charming North Harbor, Maine, where she owns the Second Chance shop and sells beautifully refurbished items, but she’s also given a second chance to black cat Elvis. Sarah and her elderly friend Edmund Harris are having some issues with the nephew of a neighbor. With the neighbor recovering from a suspicious fall in the hospital, her nephew is being openly hostile and suspiciously secretive. Is he just a pain in the neck, or actually a threat to his aunt? Sarah and Elvis are on the case.
63 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 6, 2016
152 people are currently reading
1141 people want to read
About the author
Sofie Kelly
17 books1,115 followersSofie Kelly is the pseudonym of young adult writer and mixed-media artist, Darlene Ryan. Sofie/Darlene lives on the east coast with her husband and daughter. In her spare time she practices Wu style tai chi and likes to prowl around thrift stores. And she admits to having a small crush on Matt Lauer.
She also writes as Sofie Ryan.
She also writes as Sofie Ryan.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews
March 20, 2017
Two charming novellas for the price of one! Sofie Kelly's 'Magical Cats' series starring the felines, Hercules and Owen with their librarian companion, Kathleen, was the first cat cozy mystery I read and I was smitten. I next read Sofie Ryan's (aka Sofie Kelly) 'A Second Chance' mystery series starring the inimitable, Elvis, and his companion, Sarah. I love both; Sofie intertwines the cats in both series realistically in helping their owner's solve murders. In other words, it's not laid on so thick that it breeches the suspension of disbelief. I have to say that Two Tall Tails is a treat for fans. Hercules and Owen 'solve' the case of disappearing merchandise and Elvis helps uncover a nasty neighbor who is disrupting the neighborhood in his quest for his aunt's money. No murders but the cats are still crime solving assistants. You probably have to love cats to be completely invested and enchanted with these series but maybe I am projecting too much of my prejudice in favor of the feline.
January 4, 2019
Two entertaining shorts from two of my favourite cozy series.
March 21, 2018
these were two very cute novellas that have now made me want to read the two series they stem from.
April 12, 2025
The Cat Burglar
A Magical Cats Mystery Novella
Kathleen Paulson has her hands full in Mayville Heights, Minnesota, running the public library, and taking care of her two uncanny cats, Hercules and Owen. Kathleen’s good friend M…
Praise for the Magical Cats Mysteries:
“A charming cat duo.”—The Mystery Reader
No More Pussyfooting Around
A Second Chance Cat Mystery Novella
Sarah Grayson lives in charming North Harbor, Maine, where she owns the Second Chance shop and sells beautifully refurbished items, but she’s also given a second chance to black cat Elvis. Sarah and her elderly friend Edmund Harris are having some issues with the nephew of a neighbor. With the neighbor recovering from a suspicious fall in the hospital, her nephew is being openly hostile and suspiciously secretive. Is he just a pain in the neck, or actually a threat to his aunt? Sarah and Elvis are on the case.
Praise for the Second Chance Cat Mysteries:
“A surefire winner!”—Miranda James, New York Times bestselling author
A Magical Cats Mystery Novella
Kathleen Paulson has her hands full in Mayville Heights, Minnesota, running the public library, and taking care of her two uncanny cats, Hercules and Owen. Kathleen’s good friend M…
Praise for the Magical Cats Mysteries:
“A charming cat duo.”—The Mystery Reader
No More Pussyfooting Around
A Second Chance Cat Mystery Novella
Sarah Grayson lives in charming North Harbor, Maine, where she owns the Second Chance shop and sells beautifully refurbished items, but she’s also given a second chance to black cat Elvis. Sarah and her elderly friend Edmund Harris are having some issues with the nephew of a neighbor. With the neighbor recovering from a suspicious fall in the hospital, her nephew is being openly hostile and suspiciously secretive. Is he just a pain in the neck, or actually a threat to his aunt? Sarah and Elvis are on the case.
Praise for the Second Chance Cat Mysteries:
“A surefire winner!”—Miranda James, New York Times bestselling author
January 8, 2017
Since I don't normally write reviews unless I have something specific to say, here's the break down of how I rate my books...
1 star... This book was bad, so bad I may have given up and skipped to the end. I will avoid this author like the plague in the future.
2 stars... This book was not very good, and I won't be reading any more from the author.
3 stars... This book was ok, but I won't go out of my way to read more, But if I find another book by the author for under a dollar I'd pick it up.
4 stars... I really enjoyed this book and will definitely be on the look out to pick up more from the series/author.
5 stars... I loved this book! It has earned a permanent home in my collection and I'll be picking up the rest of the series and other books from the author ASAP.
June 5, 2017
Questo libro raccoglie due racconti, ognuno dei quali appartenenti a una delle serie scritte da questa autrice. Li ho letto a distanza di mesi uno dall'altro, ma li ho apprezzati entrambi, nonostante io normalmente non ami molto le storie corte.
September 8, 2017
Short story that is included in the ebook A Tale of Two Kitties (A Magical Cats Mystery #9), definitely worth the read as it's a cute story but unless you already read the other series don't buy it separately just buy the new book.
April 5, 2017
Three stars and 1½
October 24, 2019
Okay, to be fair, I only read the Magical Cats mystery. But I enjoyed that and found it charming. Essentially, it was what I wanted from the last magical cats book, not gonna lie.
July 30, 2020
Two short stories, one a Magical cats Mysteries and the other a Second Chance Cat Mystery. This is the 1st I've read of the Second Chance Cat series and seeing as how I've found out that both authors are the same person I will be reading more.
February 2, 2020
These are two of my favourite cozy mystery series so I was thrilled to find Hercules, Owen and Elvis sharing the pages of the same book! And that's not all they share -- I just discovered that Sofie Kelly and Sofie Ryan are the same author! What sweet, purrfection! (And explains my penchant for both series.) But don't worry if you are new to these cozies --- both novellas can be enjoyed as standalone reads. In fact they make a great introduction to the foibles and fun of these sleuthing felines.
These kitties are positively uncatty! Hercules and Owen of Magical Cats fame have very unique gifts -- like walking through walls or pulling a (literal) disappearing act which often comes in handy when Kathleen is sleuthing. And Second Chance Cat's Elvis has the ability to reveal if someone is lying which is just what Sarah needs when she's in pursuit of a villain! Nothing like a quirky cat (or two) to liven up a cozy mystery!
Pawsitively delightful!
Sidenote: I listened to the audible version and loved the narrations of both Cassandra Campbell and Marguerite Gavin. Both narrators have been consistent with each series so it feels like catching up with old friends when I start listening. So grateful that they made an audio version of Two Tall Tails since it's only been released in ebook format and I don't read ebooks. Now I can happily say I am current on both series and anxiously awaiting further adventures of Hercules and Owen and Elvis.
These kitties are positively uncatty! Hercules and Owen of Magical Cats fame have very unique gifts -- like walking through walls or pulling a (literal) disappearing act which often comes in handy when Kathleen is sleuthing. And Second Chance Cat's Elvis has the ability to reveal if someone is lying which is just what Sarah needs when she's in pursuit of a villain! Nothing like a quirky cat (or two) to liven up a cozy mystery!
Pawsitively delightful!
Sidenote: I listened to the audible version and loved the narrations of both Cassandra Campbell and Marguerite Gavin. Both narrators have been consistent with each series so it feels like catching up with old friends when I start listening. So grateful that they made an audio version of Two Tall Tails since it's only been released in ebook format and I don't read ebooks. Now I can happily say I am current on both series and anxiously awaiting further adventures of Hercules and Owen and Elvis.
October 6, 2016
Magical Cats Novella
Short but action packed stories. Enjoyed both. Highly recommended! Stories could slot in anywhere between the books in the relevant series.
Short but action packed stories. Enjoyed both. Highly recommended! Stories could slot in anywhere between the books in the relevant series.
September 13, 2025
Good stories for cat lovers. 😻🥰 I guess if you're just writing a novella, you go with theft rather than murder as the crime. I enjoyed the resolution of the 1st one. Production value: a little more pause between the 2 books please! It went so abruptly into the 2nd one I was a little startled to realize "Oh! We're done! Starting the next one! Ok." The 2nd Chance Cat series endings often leave me slightly dissatisfied tho, & this was no exception. I often feel like the endings are incomplete. In her murder mysteries, I often want her to summarize it all for me by having one character explain it to another. In this one, I wanted to hear Angie's reactions to everything her nephew had been up to. Did she replace the broken reflective ball? (Altho I hafta say, aren't those put in gardens to keep birds OUT?? So why would you put one in a bird bath??) Did she take down the fence? Did she take her nephew out of her will? How could the police not charge him with attempted murder?? If the guy was dumb enough to keep the sleeping pills, why didn't they also find the insecticide? Still, I love the cats in these, so I'll be looking for more.
Audio versions read by 2 different readers. I've never read or listened to any of the Magical Cat series before. That reader might be excellent for someone whose English is not their first language, but for some reason that's probably just a quirk of mine, I found her sultry voice & perfect enunciation irritating. I kept thinking she sounds like a graduate of a finishing school. Or maybe she just has a very sensitive microphone. I might like the series, but if she reads all the audiobooks, I'd have to read the print or e-books. The 2nd one, I've listened to all the other 2nd Chance Cat series. The reader changes about halfway through the series, & I think this is the 1st one, who I liked slightly better for her cat sounds & old-people voices, so I liked hearing her here again.
Audio versions read by 2 different readers. I've never read or listened to any of the Magical Cat series before. That reader might be excellent for someone whose English is not their first language, but for some reason that's probably just a quirk of mine, I found her sultry voice & perfect enunciation irritating. I kept thinking she sounds like a graduate of a finishing school. Or maybe she just has a very sensitive microphone. I might like the series, but if she reads all the audiobooks, I'd have to read the print or e-books. The 2nd one, I've listened to all the other 2nd Chance Cat series. The reader changes about halfway through the series, & I think this is the 1st one, who I liked slightly better for her cat sounds & old-people voices, so I liked hearing her here again.
October 9, 2022
A fun, quick, relaxing, pleasant diversion.
There are two stories in this mini-collection. The first is part of the Magical Cats series by Sofie Kelly, which takes place in Minnesota and involves Katie, a young woman who is the town librarian, and her two cats, Hercules and Owen. This story, entitled "The Cat Burglar," is an absolute delight. The mystery is a very tame one: some scarves and placemats have been stolen from a friend's store. Katie is enlisted to help figure out who took them. With Owen's help, she solves the mystery--and the surprise solution is deliciously gratifying.
The second story, "No More Pussyfooting Around," is from the Second Chance Cat series, by Sofie Ryan (another pseudonym used by the author along with Sofie Kelly). This one is set in Maine and involves Sarah, owner of the Second Chance gift shop which features repurposed arts and crafts (hence its name). Sarah's cat Elvis helps her figure out what's going on when Matilda, the corgi belonging to Sarah's neighbor Tom, gets sick while playing with her ball. Other suspicious occurrences seem to tie in with this, and Sarah--abetted by her lovable neighbor/employee Rose--steps in to see that justice prevails. This story is not quite as satisfying as the first one, with a couple of loose ends left still tangled at the end.
Nevertheless, both stories supply what Ryan/Kelly provides best: warm-hearted, lightly humorous glimpses of an idyllic and idealized small town existence, where neighbors and family members care for and look after one another, animals are beloved and prized, and old-fashioned ingenuity and kindness trump the bad guys whoever they may be.
I liked "The Cat Burglar" so much that I'm going to return to the Magical Cats series, of which I have heretofore only read the first volume. (I have faithfully read all of the Second Chance mysteries as soon as they are published!)
There are two stories in this mini-collection. The first is part of the Magical Cats series by Sofie Kelly, which takes place in Minnesota and involves Katie, a young woman who is the town librarian, and her two cats, Hercules and Owen. This story, entitled "The Cat Burglar," is an absolute delight. The mystery is a very tame one: some scarves and placemats have been stolen from a friend's store. Katie is enlisted to help figure out who took them. With Owen's help, she solves the mystery--and the surprise solution is deliciously gratifying.
The second story, "No More Pussyfooting Around," is from the Second Chance Cat series, by Sofie Ryan (another pseudonym used by the author along with Sofie Kelly). This one is set in Maine and involves Sarah, owner of the Second Chance gift shop which features repurposed arts and crafts (hence its name). Sarah's cat Elvis helps her figure out what's going on when Matilda, the corgi belonging to Sarah's neighbor Tom, gets sick while playing with her ball. Other suspicious occurrences seem to tie in with this, and Sarah--abetted by her lovable neighbor/employee Rose--steps in to see that justice prevails. This story is not quite as satisfying as the first one, with a couple of loose ends left still tangled at the end.
Nevertheless, both stories supply what Ryan/Kelly provides best: warm-hearted, lightly humorous glimpses of an idyllic and idealized small town existence, where neighbors and family members care for and look after one another, animals are beloved and prized, and old-fashioned ingenuity and kindness trump the bad guys whoever they may be.
I liked "The Cat Burglar" so much that I'm going to return to the Magical Cats series, of which I have heretofore only read the first volume. (I have faithfully read all of the Second Chance mysteries as soon as they are published!)
January 6, 2025
The book contains 2 short stories. The first is from Sofie Kelly, in the magical cats series, and it is a lovely light hearted mystery. I was guessing mice, but the eventual answer to the mystery of the missing scarfs and placemats was pretty good. The other is by Sofie Ryan, and part of second chance cat mysteries, a series I had not read before. I was not as fond of that one, as it involved a thoroughly unpleasant nephew, who is clearly out to make the neighborhood miserable, and goes about poisoning dogs. And it shows the total ineffectiveness of the police that can result from the duplicitous nature of these kind of people. The cops actually thought he was the good guy, and the old man Tom the bad guy. And the way the police eventually arrested the nephew was questionable at the least, especially if the cat Elvis was a part of actually framing the guy. Also in the kindle edition I read, location 1145 refers to someone named Amelia, a name not mentioned anywhere else in the book, and it appears to be supposed to be Angie. If this is not a mistake, I’m disappointed in not getting a better explanation as to why the use of the other name. If it is a mistake, it is a pretty glaring one that was not caught by the editor. Hence the loss of a star.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 7, 2024
Two Tall Tails is a set of novellas by Sophie Kelly/Sophie Ryan (same author writing under different names for different series).
As Sophie Kelly, she relates the tales of the Magical Cats Series, two of them living in Minnesota with librarian protagonist Kathleen. And they really ARE magic cats, Owen and Hercules, who are always nearby to assist Kathleen. In this case, they solve the case of the disappearing scarves in a co-op craft shop.
As Sophie Ryan, her Second Chance Cat (Elvis) assists Sarah Grayson on the Maine seacoast. Sarah runs a secondhand store where Elvis, her assistants, and her friends solve crimes. Here they help a well-meaning elderly man accused of a crime he did not commit.
The only thing more satisfying than these two stories is the full length mysteries they emulate.
As Sophie Kelly, she relates the tales of the Magical Cats Series, two of them living in Minnesota with librarian protagonist Kathleen. And they really ARE magic cats, Owen and Hercules, who are always nearby to assist Kathleen. In this case, they solve the case of the disappearing scarves in a co-op craft shop.
As Sophie Ryan, her Second Chance Cat (Elvis) assists Sarah Grayson on the Maine seacoast. Sarah runs a secondhand store where Elvis, her assistants, and her friends solve crimes. Here they help a well-meaning elderly man accused of a crime he did not commit.
The only thing more satisfying than these two stories is the full length mysteries they emulate.
June 18, 2017
These two novellas about some very charming and savvy cats are entertaining as well as mysterious. In the first one, some merchandise from a store has disappeared, but the main suspects are friends of the manager and not at all likely to be thieves. In the second one, a happy and quiet neighbor becomes an unpleasant and even dangerous place when a nephew of one of the residents moves in. They all know he's behind all the trouble but lack the proof to put him behind bars. Well written and entertaining, these tales will surely please both cat lovers and cozy readers.
April 9, 2019
Two short stories, from Sofie Kelly/Sofie Ryan. Cat Burglar, the Magical Cats story: pleasant enough. Continuity problem: stated that Nic Sutton moved to Mayville Heights after the death of his father; but in the book (A Midwinter's Tail #6), Nic's father was still alive (and recovering the injuries received in the pawnshop robbery). No More Pussyfooting Around, Second Chance story: pretty good, but the plot was obvious.
May 22, 2019
Fun short read. I just love reading fiction written about cats and their intelligence. Most cats I've encountered seem to always appear as if they have a smirk on their faces. Most times I get that wide-eyed innocent look when they do something sneaky and underhanded. Ms. Kelly/Ryan makes her cats intelligent, snazzy and full of mischief. Cats as detectives I can see it. Paid with sardines and sardine cookies now that's a cat worthy salary that has merit.
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May 6, 2022The first novella, about Kathleen, Hercules and Owen searching for a thief, was familiar to me, so it must have been part of one of the earlier books in the series. In the second novella Sarah and her cat Elvis join with friends to deal with the dangerous nephew of Tom's injured next door neighbor Angie. A quick read with not enough space to develop the plot, though the author does bring the main characters to life.
September 16, 2017
These were short and to the point. I liked that they were mysteries without anyone dying. I have plenty of mysteries in my life without anyone dying. Like where my favorite jewelry that I traveled with might be. That's a mystery to me! ;) Although I don't have these festive detectives to help, I'll probably just have to lose something else to find it.
October 1, 2017
Two short stories that continue their series. The author (same person for both books, different nom de plume) really did a good job catching up a new reader, though the "action" was very tame for both. Quick read, a few grammatical errors, one accidental renaming of a character in the second story, overall light fluffy stories to pass an hour or two.
July 23, 2019
Two short, but sweet, stories featuring some of my favorite cozy mystery characters! I'm always slightly disappointed in novellas like these because I end up wanting them to be LONGER, but as far as novellas go, these were fine - surprisingly, I enjoyed the Second Chance Cat Mystery one more than the Magical Cats one; normally my favorite is Magical Cats!
February 21, 2021
This quick read/listen (audio version) is definatly enough to dip your toe into these 2 series. I personally only read it because of the Magical Cats Mystery. I have yet to read the Second Chance Cat mystery. After this I will have to check them out.
Magical cats- Who's the thief?
Second Chance Cat- Was it an accident?
Magical cats- Who's the thief?
Second Chance Cat- Was it an accident?
November 3, 2021
I listened to this on audiobook format.
Two short stories from two cozy cat mystery series I enjoy. Same author with two pen names.
The first one (from the Magical Cats series) was the lighter if the two and the one I enjoyed more. It was more a series of misunderstandings than a grave mystery. The second story read more like a usual though very condensed cozy plot.
Two short stories from two cozy cat mystery series I enjoy. Same author with two pen names.
The first one (from the Magical Cats series) was the lighter if the two and the one I enjoyed more. It was more a series of misunderstandings than a grave mystery. The second story read more like a usual though very condensed cozy plot.
December 2, 2017
I've given this book 4 stars as the stories are well written and entertaining. I don't love the format of short stories as much as a good long read, so I mention that as a note to myself for the future.
April 30, 2018
Very cute and a great example of how Kathleen is a much stronger character than Sarah, however I enjoyed both stories for different reasons.
A solid cast of supporting characters - human and animal really makes these two feline cosy series a lovely way to while away the afternoon.
A solid cast of supporting characters - human and animal really makes these two feline cosy series a lovely way to while away the afternoon.
September 30, 2018
The Magical Cats story was ok, but the other story (by the same author, in a different series) wasn't very good. Both were whodunnits with twists. I don't think I liked the narrator for the 2nd book, nor the character and world.
January 6, 2020
Outstanding!
I really love both series and having two stories in one book felt like a gift from the author. I highly recommend this author to anyone who loves cozy mysteries and cats!! 🐱
I really love both series and having two stories in one book felt like a gift from the author. I highly recommend this author to anyone who loves cozy mysteries and cats!! 🐱
September 7, 2021
Two Tail Tails
Two great shot stories!! Kathleen is helping her friends find a thief with the help of her cats, Owen and Hercules! Sara is trying to find out what really happened to her neighbor with the help from her cat, Elvis!
Two great shot stories!! Kathleen is helping her friends find a thief with the help of her cats, Owen and Hercules! Sara is trying to find out what really happened to her neighbor with the help from her cat, Elvis!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews