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Tarot Cats Mystery #1
Fool's Moon
Two magical tarot cats and their tenderhearted human outwit a cruel criminal in South Florida
Most days, Ruby Sparks feels like the sign that says Tarot Card Reader Extraordinaire should say Tarot Card Reader Barely Competent. But as challenging as it is to take care of her half-sister's new age shop--and her growing menagerie of mystically inclined pets--Ruby never worries that she's bitten off more than she can chew . . . until a customer wants her to divine the truth about a murder.
When her own life is threatened with a double dose of danger, Ruby begins to wonder if she's being played for a fool. Luckily, she has Aphelia and Brandon--sibling black cats with a talent for tarot--and a feisty pitbull friend who all lend a paw in collaring the culprit before Ruby finds herself taking her final cat nap.
Most days, Ruby Sparks feels like the sign that says Tarot Card Reader Extraordinaire should say Tarot Card Reader Barely Competent. But as challenging as it is to take care of her half-sister's new age shop--and her growing menagerie of mystically inclined pets--Ruby never worries that she's bitten off more than she can chew . . . until a customer wants her to divine the truth about a murder.
When her own life is threatened with a double dose of danger, Ruby begins to wonder if she's being played for a fool. Luckily, she has Aphelia and Brandon--sibling black cats with a talent for tarot--and a feisty pitbull friend who all lend a paw in collaring the culprit before Ruby finds herself taking her final cat nap.
327 pages, Paperback
First published November 8, 2018
17 people are currently reading
270 people want to read
About the author
Diane A.S. Stuckart
16 books92 followersDIANE A.S. STUCKART is the New York Times bestselling author of the Black Cat Bookshop Mystery series (written as Ali Brandon). She’s also the author of the award-winning Leonardo da Vinci historical mysteries, as well as several historical romances and numerous short stories. Her upcoming new cozy mystery series are the Tarot Cat Mysteries from Midnight Ink (November 2018 launch) and the Georgia B&B Mysteries from Crooked Lane (May 2019 launch—writing as Anna Gerard).
Diane is a member of Mystery Writers of America and has served as the 2018 Chapter President of the MWA Florida chapter. In addition to her mystery writing affiliations, she’s a member of the Cat Writers’ Association and belongs to the Palm Beach County Beekeepers Association. She’s a native Texan with a degree in Journalism from the University of Oklahoma, but has been living in the West Palm Beach FL area for the past dozen or so years. She shares her “almost in the Everglades” home with her husband, dogs, cats, and a few beehives.
Diane is a member of Mystery Writers of America and has served as the 2018 Chapter President of the MWA Florida chapter. In addition to her mystery writing affiliations, she’s a member of the Cat Writers’ Association and belongs to the Palm Beach County Beekeepers Association. She’s a native Texan with a degree in Journalism from the University of Oklahoma, but has been living in the West Palm Beach FL area for the past dozen or so years. She shares her “almost in the Everglades” home with her husband, dogs, cats, and a few beehives.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
November 4, 2018
Fool's Moon by Diane A.S. Stuckart is the first book in the new cozy Tarot Cats Mystery series. As one might guess the series has a touch of paranormal with the use of tarot but this one is also completely out of the ordinary with the pets in the story getting the job as the narrators.
Ophelia and Brandon are two siblings kitties that have just lost their beloved owner when the owner's son tapes them into a box and dumps them. Brandon manages to escape the box but Ophelia gets stuck and luckily human Ruby Sparks comes to Ophelia's rescue.
Ruby has been working giving tarot readings in her sister's new age shop when a woman named Luciana comes in for a read. Luciana recognizes Ophelia right away as she used to be the housekeeper for her former owner. What Luciana asks to have the cards answer for her however is quite a surprise, she wants to know if her former boss was murdered.
Ok, so as a lover of over the top quirky cozy reads I couldn't have found another that was quite as unique as some crazy critters playing detective. From the two kitties, a loving pit bull and even a koi that gives out prophesies you can't get more unique than coming from their point of view. While I did enjoy this opener of the series I do think it had some slower moments for a mystery, maybe coming from the more simple pet POV but it's certainly an interesting start leaving me to rate this one at 3.5 stars.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
Ophelia and Brandon are two siblings kitties that have just lost their beloved owner when the owner's son tapes them into a box and dumps them. Brandon manages to escape the box but Ophelia gets stuck and luckily human Ruby Sparks comes to Ophelia's rescue.
Ruby has been working giving tarot readings in her sister's new age shop when a woman named Luciana comes in for a read. Luciana recognizes Ophelia right away as she used to be the housekeeper for her former owner. What Luciana asks to have the cards answer for her however is quite a surprise, she wants to know if her former boss was murdered.
Ok, so as a lover of over the top quirky cozy reads I couldn't have found another that was quite as unique as some crazy critters playing detective. From the two kitties, a loving pit bull and even a koi that gives out prophesies you can't get more unique than coming from their point of view. While I did enjoy this opener of the series I do think it had some slower moments for a mystery, maybe coming from the more simple pet POV but it's certainly an interesting start leaving me to rate this one at 3.5 stars.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
November 10, 2018
Shades of Joe Grey and Mrs. Murphy but entirely different with a
viewpoints of the 21 century, the animals can communicate with each other. The story is told from their viewpoint. The protagonist is a female back cat, Ophelia. Other animals are Brandon, a black cat and is Ophelia's brother, Zuki, a white bulldog with sweet personality, a koi, Philomena who is 50 years of age and a physic and last 3 roosters, one, two and three. It covers the different aspects of animal cruelty and recuse. One comment a cat has good scenting ability as any dog, most humans don't realized this fact.
Yes, it has humans, Ruby a budding Tarot Reader and sister to the owner of the shop. Ophelia gets curious and learn the Tarot cards. Her paws touch which
turns over another card and it connects with the reading. Luis, the owner of the pawn shop. JoJo, an attorney and best friend of Ruby. There are minor characters, the family of the Black cats' owner and the house manager.
The mystery isn't much. The animals return to cat's original home to protect the house manager and determined to know what happened to their human Mom. Don't be mistaken by all the red herring facts as the ending will surprise you. It did me. This is first book of the Tarot Cat series, a paranormal. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND it.
viewpoints of the 21 century, the animals can communicate with each other. The story is told from their viewpoint. The protagonist is a female back cat, Ophelia. Other animals are Brandon, a black cat and is Ophelia's brother, Zuki, a white bulldog with sweet personality, a koi, Philomena who is 50 years of age and a physic and last 3 roosters, one, two and three. It covers the different aspects of animal cruelty and recuse. One comment a cat has good scenting ability as any dog, most humans don't realized this fact.
Yes, it has humans, Ruby a budding Tarot Reader and sister to the owner of the shop. Ophelia gets curious and learn the Tarot cards. Her paws touch which
turns over another card and it connects with the reading. Luis, the owner of the pawn shop. JoJo, an attorney and best friend of Ruby. There are minor characters, the family of the Black cats' owner and the house manager.
The mystery isn't much. The animals return to cat's original home to protect the house manager and determined to know what happened to their human Mom. Don't be mistaken by all the red herring facts as the ending will surprise you. It did me. This is first book of the Tarot Cat series, a paranormal. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND it.
July 10, 2019
I really enjoyed this cozy mystery. I'm not into Tarot cards but it didn't change my opinion of the book. I loved how the animals communicated with each other and how the read got to see the story from their point of view along with the main human character. I think pet lovers will love this book especially cat lovers.
October 6, 2022
This is a really cute cozy mystery for the animal lovers out there. In this book we have both cats and a dog who team up, so best of both worlds. Especially loved that the dog was a pit bull which is my absolute favorite dog. This cozy mystery also incorporates tarot cards which was really fun. Murder mustery, danger, mysticism and a dash of romance (maybe?). Definitely enjoyed this and am hoping to read more cozies from this author especially hoping that we get more in this series. Also, the brother/sister cats are inspired by actual real life brother/sister cats...love that!
November 20, 2018
I'm not big on talking animals, but Ophelia, the black cat narrator of this book, sucked me in. I enjoyed listening to her voice and getting a cat's eye view of Palm Beach, Florida. The book takes place in a tarot shop, and Ophelia turns out to have a knack for turning and interpreting the cards herself. All very clever and well-written, and the promising start to what could be a very enjoyable series.
February 2, 2020
Having the main story from the perspective of the cats is both interesting and annoying, kinda cute but understandably they don't know a lot about humans, and the story often shows the same scenes in both pets' and humans' perspective.
The cats collect various informations but lack the knowledge necessary to interpret it. How they manage to travel around by car, more or less easily, isn't very believable. But it's also a book where animals all talk to each other and where cats can laugh. Some of the animals' expressions are way too human like.
The mistery may be complex enough, but dragged out, and the ending wasn't very satisfying.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley, for the chance to read an ARC of this book. This is my honest review.
The cats collect various informations but lack the knowledge necessary to interpret it. How they manage to travel around by car, more or less easily, isn't very believable. But it's also a book where animals all talk to each other and where cats can laugh. Some of the animals' expressions are way too human like.
The mistery may be complex enough, but dragged out, and the ending wasn't very satisfying.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley, for the chance to read an ARC of this book. This is my honest review.
December 19, 2018
a good start to a new series. Stuckart's prose regarding the homeless kitties was so effective it had me crying in spots.
November 24, 2021
Ruby Sparks runs her sister’s Tarot Card shop. It’s not easy for her but with the help of her canine pitbull buddy, Zuki, she’s confident that she can make this business a success. When two sibling cats turn up on her doorstep, she’s not quite sure what to think but she’s willing to give them a home.
Then, a customer stops in for a reading. She believes a murder has happened and she wants answers from Ruby’s Tarot Cards. With some feline help, Ruby suddenly finds herself in danger.
I don’t want to give too much away in this charming, mystical story. Of course I fell in love with the kitties, but I even found myself loving the pitbull. I was laughing and even shedding a few tears throughout this book. The author gave us a powerful ending (again, I don't want to give anything away.)
Although it looked like the outcome was obvious, it wasn’t. There are a couple of twists and turns before the real culprit is revealed.
The book is mainly told from kitty Ophelia’s POV. She is such a sweetie. I wanted to hug her. Each animal has strong personalities. Perhaps even stronger than their human. LOL I’m definitely a sucker for books with animals.
I don’t know if this series will continue as the publisher is no longer in business, but I hope another picks it up. I had such a good time with this one.
FTC Disclosure: I voluntarily reviewed a free Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Then, a customer stops in for a reading. She believes a murder has happened and she wants answers from Ruby’s Tarot Cards. With some feline help, Ruby suddenly finds herself in danger.
I don’t want to give too much away in this charming, mystical story. Of course I fell in love with the kitties, but I even found myself loving the pitbull. I was laughing and even shedding a few tears throughout this book. The author gave us a powerful ending (again, I don't want to give anything away.)
Although it looked like the outcome was obvious, it wasn’t. There are a couple of twists and turns before the real culprit is revealed.
The book is mainly told from kitty Ophelia’s POV. She is such a sweetie. I wanted to hug her. Each animal has strong personalities. Perhaps even stronger than their human. LOL I’m definitely a sucker for books with animals.
I don’t know if this series will continue as the publisher is no longer in business, but I hope another picks it up. I had such a good time with this one.
FTC Disclosure: I voluntarily reviewed a free Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
September 3, 2018
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the chance to read this book!
This one has been on my radar for a while, thanks to the fact it is written by one of my favorite cozy authors. I absolutely adored the Black Cat Bookshop series by Ali Brandon, and I was so disappointed to see that they were ending due to publishing difficulties. But Ali/Diane writes under different names, and when I heard this was coming out....huzzah!
It's a little different for a cozy, with the cats and dogs able to communicate with each other and solve the mystery without being able to read much or fully understand the motives of the humans around them. At times the writing in simple, as if trying to show the less complicated views of the animals, and I found myself liking this style. It was harder to pin down a motive for the murder, because the animals weren't sure and the human investigating was further removed from the situation too. All these things came together for a slightly quirky but very fun cozy.
If you're waiting for this one then you won't be disappointed. Another awesome series from a talented writer! Five stars.
This one has been on my radar for a while, thanks to the fact it is written by one of my favorite cozy authors. I absolutely adored the Black Cat Bookshop series by Ali Brandon, and I was so disappointed to see that they were ending due to publishing difficulties. But Ali/Diane writes under different names, and when I heard this was coming out....huzzah!
It's a little different for a cozy, with the cats and dogs able to communicate with each other and solve the mystery without being able to read much or fully understand the motives of the humans around them. At times the writing in simple, as if trying to show the less complicated views of the animals, and I found myself liking this style. It was harder to pin down a motive for the murder, because the animals weren't sure and the human investigating was further removed from the situation too. All these things came together for a slightly quirky but very fun cozy.
If you're waiting for this one then you won't be disappointed. Another awesome series from a talented writer! Five stars.
Want to read
October 30, 2018Fool's Moon by Diane A.S. Stuckart, ( aka Ali Brandon), is the 1st book in the Tarot Cats Mystery series, and a great start. This book is unique since it is told from the point of view of the animals. When Ophelia and Brandon's human died, her mean son put both black cats in a box and taped it shut. Next he took them out and abandoned them on the side of the road, left to die in the heat. Ruby Sparks is filling in for her half-sister at the Tarot Card Reader shop, when her dog, finds Ophelia, in the taped box. Ruby nurses the cat back to health, but Ophelia is worried about her brother Brandon, and what could have happened to him. What will happen to all these wonderful animals and their humans? There is wonderful twists and turns around every corner. I loved this book, and thought about it for days. I can not wait for the next book in the series. I strongly recommend this book for animal and cozy mystery lovers.
I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
November 17, 2018
Brother and sister, Ophelia and Brandon are a pair of black cats who are dumped by the roadside after the tragic death of their owner, a wealthy old lady. Ophelia is rescued by Ruby, a Tarot reader standing in for her sister (a Santeria priestess) at her shop. With the assistance of Ruby’s friendly pitbull Zuki, and a fish named Philomena, Ophelia and Brandon are reunited, but their adventures are only just beginning as it comes to light that their former owner may have been murdered.
Told mostly from the lights of view of Ophelia and Ruby, this is a delightful start to a new cozy mystery series called Tarot Cats. Ophelia discovers something of a talent for reading Ruby’s Tarot cards, leading her to realize a friend may be in danger and need her help.
My romance-loving soul was a little disappointed that no potential love interest appeared on the scene for Ruby until well over halfway through the book, and then further that Luis and Ruby didn't even get so much as a kiss, but I guess I'll have to read some more books in the series to find out whether or not their relationship progresses. Which will be no hardship, because I thoroughly enjoyed this one. Five stars.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book for review through NetGalley.
Told mostly from the lights of view of Ophelia and Ruby, this is a delightful start to a new cozy mystery series called Tarot Cats. Ophelia discovers something of a talent for reading Ruby’s Tarot cards, leading her to realize a friend may be in danger and need her help.
My romance-loving soul was a little disappointed that no potential love interest appeared on the scene for Ruby until well over halfway through the book, and then further that Luis and Ruby didn't even get so much as a kiss, but I guess I'll have to read some more books in the series to find out whether or not their relationship progresses. Which will be no hardship, because I thoroughly enjoyed this one. Five stars.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book for review through NetGalley.
April 3, 2021
Really enjoyed this book, especially because our family had two black cat brothers for 17 & 19 years.
April 15, 2020
Great start to a new series. Loved the premise of the animals talking to each other. Definitely will read the next book.
September 10, 2018
Fool’s Moon, Book 1 in the Tarot Cats Mysteries, is told from the unique viewpoint of a cat and her furry friends. Ophelia the feline is predominantly the sleuth and pet to a tarot card reader. She hangs out in Ruby’s shop and listens in on conversations among humans. Her haunches rise when the housekeeper to her former owner hints that the old lady had been murdered. How can Ophelia prove it? Enlisting the aid of her pet pals, including a memorable Koi fish, she sets on the trail of a killer before he finds her for a last meow. Fool’s Moon is a fun, whimsical, and lighthearted romp with a twisty plot. It kept me guessing until the end. A cute and clever mystery with cats, canines, and tarot cards. Disclosure: I received an advance reading copy from the author and freely give this honest review.
September 10, 2018
Ophelia and Brandon, two black cats who were abandoned, find a new home with Ruby, a Florida tarot card reader. With the help of Ruby’s pit bull, Azucar, aka Zuki, they help to solve the mystery of two deaths and some missing money. I know that some of the books featuring talking animals are irritating, but I really liked this one--suspend disbelief and enjoy this fun talking animal mystery.
June 27, 2020
I enjoyed this book it moved along very well. I loved that the cats had a major role in the book. Diane hit a triple with this book!
December 13, 2018
Ophelia and her brother Brandon have been dumped unceremoniously in a cardboard box far from home. The two cats lived with an old woman who loved and took care of them. Then something bad happened to the old woman and her mean son put them in a box and took them to a place they have never been to before. The cats are not used to traffic, other animals and having to find their own food. Fortunately for them, they find new owners but were lost to each other.
Ruby is now Ophelia’s human. She is a Tarot card reader, and Ophelia seems to have a knack for helping her out with her readings. When the housekeeper from the old woman’s house comes to have her fortune told, Ophelia and Ruby think that the old woman’s death may not be an accident.
Ophelia’s unlikely new canine friend Zuki is willing to help her find her Brandon and help solve the mystery of who killed the kind old woman Ophelia and Brandon loved. This decision will put all of them in danger. Especially after someone else turns up dead.
This cozy mystery is told from the point of view (POV) of the animals. This includes Ophelia, Brandon, Zuki and other assorted stray dogs, birds, chickens and fish. It is not a children’s book, but almost reads like one. The content of murder and complexity of the plot to find out who the murderer is would not be for children.
I love animals. Books featuring them are among my favorites. I loved the cozy series The Cat Who by Lillan Jackson Braun. I knew what the cats were thinking but the POV was from the human characters. For me, they work well as sidekicks, even when they save the day by biting or jumping on the bad guy I can go with it. But for me, having the point of view totally from the animal’s perspective did not work. It is different and some of you may really get into it.
Reading the Tarot cards and explaining them was interesting. Who doesn’t like a little bit of fortune telling in a novel? It is a great way to foretell disasters waiting to happen. I would have enjoyed more of that part of the story instead of animal conversations.
All in all, Fool’s Moon has a solid plot and fits the bill for a cozy mystery. Just because I wasn’t fond of the POV, it doesn’t mean you won’t love it. This is the first book in the new Tarot Cats Mystery Series by Diane A.S Stuckart, aka Ali Brandon. She is a New York Times bestselling author with her Black Cat Bookshop Series. I plan to read the first book in the Black Cat Bookshop series because I loved her style of writing, but could not get past the children’s literature nod of writing from the cat’s POV in the Tarot Cats Mystery.
DISCLOSURE OF MATERIAL CONNECTION: I have a material connection because I received a review copy that I can keep for consideration in preparing to write this content. I was not expected to return this item after my review. Copyright © 2018 Laura Hartman
Ruby is now Ophelia’s human. She is a Tarot card reader, and Ophelia seems to have a knack for helping her out with her readings. When the housekeeper from the old woman’s house comes to have her fortune told, Ophelia and Ruby think that the old woman’s death may not be an accident.
Ophelia’s unlikely new canine friend Zuki is willing to help her find her Brandon and help solve the mystery of who killed the kind old woman Ophelia and Brandon loved. This decision will put all of them in danger. Especially after someone else turns up dead.
This cozy mystery is told from the point of view (POV) of the animals. This includes Ophelia, Brandon, Zuki and other assorted stray dogs, birds, chickens and fish. It is not a children’s book, but almost reads like one. The content of murder and complexity of the plot to find out who the murderer is would not be for children.
I love animals. Books featuring them are among my favorites. I loved the cozy series The Cat Who by Lillan Jackson Braun. I knew what the cats were thinking but the POV was from the human characters. For me, they work well as sidekicks, even when they save the day by biting or jumping on the bad guy I can go with it. But for me, having the point of view totally from the animal’s perspective did not work. It is different and some of you may really get into it.
Reading the Tarot cards and explaining them was interesting. Who doesn’t like a little bit of fortune telling in a novel? It is a great way to foretell disasters waiting to happen. I would have enjoyed more of that part of the story instead of animal conversations.
All in all, Fool’s Moon has a solid plot and fits the bill for a cozy mystery. Just because I wasn’t fond of the POV, it doesn’t mean you won’t love it. This is the first book in the new Tarot Cats Mystery Series by Diane A.S Stuckart, aka Ali Brandon. She is a New York Times bestselling author with her Black Cat Bookshop Series. I plan to read the first book in the Black Cat Bookshop series because I loved her style of writing, but could not get past the children’s literature nod of writing from the cat’s POV in the Tarot Cats Mystery.
DISCLOSURE OF MATERIAL CONNECTION: I have a material connection because I received a review copy that I can keep for consideration in preparing to write this content. I was not expected to return this item after my review. Copyright © 2018 Laura Hartman
November 19, 2018
Ali Brandon aka Diane Stuckart is one of my favorite all time cozy authors who also penned the fabulous Black Cat Bookshop series that has a large following among cozy readers. I was thrilled to receive this for review from the publisher as this is a debut cozy series by this wonderful author . The author knows cats and her writing is so detailed and well crafted that you cannot help but fall in love with this new series ! This series is catnip for all cat lovers and those that enjoy the author's writing.
In "Fool's Moon" we are introduced to two black cats, who are brother and sister. They have been abandon after their elderly owners tragic death by a evil relative. They were taped inside a box and thrown out on a busy road. One cat, the male is stronger and able to get them out of the box but they are sadly separated . For those of us that love cats this is heartbreaking to read but very realistically written and has a happy ending for both cats. Ophelia is rescued by Ruby, a Tarot reader . Ruby’s friendly pit bull Zuki, and a fish named Philomena then help Ophelia to be reunited with her brother Brandon. Its endearing how the author writes each animals part with such detail and mannerisms to perfection. Thrilled to be together and safe the cats settle into their new life and new owners life.
The story is told mainly from their point of view. Its the "purrfect" start to this delightful new series. Ophelia discovers something of a talent for reading Ruby’s Tarot cards, leading her to solve mysteries and perhaps solve the mystery of her first owners death. The plot involves many clues and twist and turns. This reader was thrilled not to figure out the ending and be surprised at the whodunit. This is a five star read that I enjoyed cover to cover and finished in one sitting.
This is a charming delightful series that I hope will become a long standing cozy series ! (Hint to publisher!)
The writing is well crafted, the details of each animal is written to perfection and the plot and introduction to the series charcters is entertaining and enjoyable to read . I loved Ruby the Tarot reader and the paranormal aspect as she stumbles a bit through life but is devoted to her pets and is a good person. This series has much potential for the future and I cannot wait to read the next in series. Cross posted. on Good Reads and Amazon. Very well done to the author. Thank you for the ARC which does not influence my review.
In "Fool's Moon" we are introduced to two black cats, who are brother and sister. They have been abandon after their elderly owners tragic death by a evil relative. They were taped inside a box and thrown out on a busy road. One cat, the male is stronger and able to get them out of the box but they are sadly separated . For those of us that love cats this is heartbreaking to read but very realistically written and has a happy ending for both cats. Ophelia is rescued by Ruby, a Tarot reader . Ruby’s friendly pit bull Zuki, and a fish named Philomena then help Ophelia to be reunited with her brother Brandon. Its endearing how the author writes each animals part with such detail and mannerisms to perfection. Thrilled to be together and safe the cats settle into their new life and new owners life.
The story is told mainly from their point of view. Its the "purrfect" start to this delightful new series. Ophelia discovers something of a talent for reading Ruby’s Tarot cards, leading her to solve mysteries and perhaps solve the mystery of her first owners death. The plot involves many clues and twist and turns. This reader was thrilled not to figure out the ending and be surprised at the whodunit. This is a five star read that I enjoyed cover to cover and finished in one sitting.
This is a charming delightful series that I hope will become a long standing cozy series ! (Hint to publisher!)
The writing is well crafted, the details of each animal is written to perfection and the plot and introduction to the series charcters is entertaining and enjoyable to read . I loved Ruby the Tarot reader and the paranormal aspect as she stumbles a bit through life but is devoted to her pets and is a good person. This series has much potential for the future and I cannot wait to read the next in series. Cross posted. on Good Reads and Amazon. Very well done to the author. Thank you for the ARC which does not influence my review.
November 2, 2018
I've read a lot of cozy mysteries where the amateur sleuth had a pet, but this is the first one I've read for a while where the pet, or in this case pets, were the detectives and carried most of the narrative.
Black cats Ophelia and Brandon were the beloved pets of Mrs. Hazel Givens, an elderly Palm Beach socialite, until she was found floating in her swimming pool. Mrs. Givens' son is allergic to cats and gets rid of them by stuffing them in a banana box and dropping them off in a distant part of town. Brandon manages to make his escape by Ophelia almost dies before being rescued by Ruby and her pit bull Zuki. Ruby adopts Ophelia and takes her to live with her in the occult shop she is managing for her older sister.
Ophelia joins Zuki, three roosters that were destined to be animal sacrifices but rescued by Ruby, and a giant psychic koi named Philomena. She is determined to find her missing brother but isn't quite sure how to manage it.
Coincidentally, Luciana who was Mrs. Givens' housekeeper drops in for a psychic reading because she is suspicious about Mrs. Givens' death. Ruby does the reading which doesn't confirm Luciana's suspicions but still raises questions. After Luciana leaves, Ophelia turns over a couple more cards that show Luciana is in danger.
Meanwhile, after a prophecy from Philomena and a dangerous excursion in the neighborhood, Brandon is located in a nearby pawn shop. The owner has taken him in. All three pets find their way to Ruby's. Then Luciana dies and her nephew Luis, who happens to own the pawn shop, comes to see Ruby to find out why a message to her was the last thing on his aunt's phone. Then he spots Brandon and wants his cat back.
Ophelia, Brandon, and Zuki hitch a ride in the back of Luis's truck when he goes to the same area where Mrs. Givens lived so that they can investigate. They are pretty sure that the son is somehow responsible for both death since he was mean to them.
I liked the story but felt that the mystery wasn't resolved as completely as most cozy mysteries I've read. I liked the cats and the dog as main characters. I thought that the author did a good job keeping them realistic in what they cared about and noticed.
The ending leaves it open for Ophelia, Brandon and Zuki to have more adventures.
Black cats Ophelia and Brandon were the beloved pets of Mrs. Hazel Givens, an elderly Palm Beach socialite, until she was found floating in her swimming pool. Mrs. Givens' son is allergic to cats and gets rid of them by stuffing them in a banana box and dropping them off in a distant part of town. Brandon manages to make his escape by Ophelia almost dies before being rescued by Ruby and her pit bull Zuki. Ruby adopts Ophelia and takes her to live with her in the occult shop she is managing for her older sister.
Ophelia joins Zuki, three roosters that were destined to be animal sacrifices but rescued by Ruby, and a giant psychic koi named Philomena. She is determined to find her missing brother but isn't quite sure how to manage it.
Coincidentally, Luciana who was Mrs. Givens' housekeeper drops in for a psychic reading because she is suspicious about Mrs. Givens' death. Ruby does the reading which doesn't confirm Luciana's suspicions but still raises questions. After Luciana leaves, Ophelia turns over a couple more cards that show Luciana is in danger.
Meanwhile, after a prophecy from Philomena and a dangerous excursion in the neighborhood, Brandon is located in a nearby pawn shop. The owner has taken him in. All three pets find their way to Ruby's. Then Luciana dies and her nephew Luis, who happens to own the pawn shop, comes to see Ruby to find out why a message to her was the last thing on his aunt's phone. Then he spots Brandon and wants his cat back.
Ophelia, Brandon, and Zuki hitch a ride in the back of Luis's truck when he goes to the same area where Mrs. Givens lived so that they can investigate. They are pretty sure that the son is somehow responsible for both death since he was mean to them.
I liked the story but felt that the mystery wasn't resolved as completely as most cozy mysteries I've read. I liked the cats and the dog as main characters. I thought that the author did a good job keeping them realistic in what they cared about and noticed.
The ending leaves it open for Ophelia, Brandon and Zuki to have more adventures.
January 8, 2019
“Fool’s Moon” is the first in the new Tarot Cats mysteries by Diane A.S. Stuckart. It tells the “tail” of two black sibling cats named Brandon and Ophelia, who find themselves without a home after their beloved human, Hilda, dies. Hilda’s son, who disliked the cats, dumps them on a street after sealing them in a banana box. Brandon escapes, and while he goes to find help, Ophelia is discovered by kind-hearted Ruby, a Tarot card reader, and her pit bull, Zuki. With the help of Zuki and a wise koi fish named Philomena, Ophelia is reunited with Brandon and the two cats take up residence with Ruby. After Hilda’s housekeeper visits Ruby for a Tarot reading and expresses her suspicions that Hilda’s death was not an accident, Brandon, Ophelia, and Zuki find themselves in the middle of a murder investigation.
I found this story to be absolutely delightful. It is told mainly from the point of view of the cats, so the information is revealed in a somewhat different way than usual. The two cats and the dog, who become fast friends, talk to each other. Since I am an avid cat lover and have always imagined that my cats talk to each other, I have no problem with this story telling device. I liked the fact that in the beginning, even though Brandon seemed to be the more knowledgeable of the two cats, after they were separated, Ophelia had to think on her own, and she turned out to be a brave, smart cat. I also like Philomena, the mystic koi fish who answers questions in rhymes.
As for the humans in the story, they are pretty swell too. Ruby is a very kind person, and she has some learning to do and some self-confidence to gain. Her best friend JoJo is appealing as well. The mystery is well developed and I was surprised at who the killer was, as there were enough red herrings to be distracting.
I highly recommend this book and can’t wait to read Brandon and Ophelia’s next adventure!
Full disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the author and voluntarily reviewed it. All opinions are my own.
I found this story to be absolutely delightful. It is told mainly from the point of view of the cats, so the information is revealed in a somewhat different way than usual. The two cats and the dog, who become fast friends, talk to each other. Since I am an avid cat lover and have always imagined that my cats talk to each other, I have no problem with this story telling device. I liked the fact that in the beginning, even though Brandon seemed to be the more knowledgeable of the two cats, after they were separated, Ophelia had to think on her own, and she turned out to be a brave, smart cat. I also like Philomena, the mystic koi fish who answers questions in rhymes.
As for the humans in the story, they are pretty swell too. Ruby is a very kind person, and she has some learning to do and some self-confidence to gain. Her best friend JoJo is appealing as well. The mystery is well developed and I was surprised at who the killer was, as there were enough red herrings to be distracting.
I highly recommend this book and can’t wait to read Brandon and Ophelia’s next adventure!
Full disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the author and voluntarily reviewed it. All opinions are my own.
October 12, 2018
Delightfully different describes Diane Stuckart’s new mystery, Fool’s Moon, in which four unusual characters join forces with Ruby Sparks to investigate murder.
Ruby is minding her half-sister’s New Age shop, Botanica Santa Rosa, and taking care of Zuki, a sweet-tempered pit bull who understands the ways of the world and the neighborhood, and Philomena, a 50-year-old psychic koi living in the courtyard pond out back. In a complicated sequence of events, Ruby adds Ophelia and Brandon, sibling black cats, to her family which completes the four very special characters.
As this story progresses, Ophelia and Brandon try to help Lucinda, the housekeeper from their first home who suspects her mistress was murdered for her money. Lucinda’s nephew, Luis, who runs a pawn shop close to Botanica gets involved when his aunt is killed under suspicious circumstances.
So now, Ophelia, Brandon and Zuki, having found a way to escape Botanica at night, are investigating based on clues offered by Philomena the psychic. And, yes, these are well developed characters with engaging personalities and a great sense of adventure. In parallel efforts, Ruby and Luis begin looking into how his aunt died.
Ms. Stuckart’s creativity is amazing. Imagine a koi who offers psychic readings in verse. A black cat learning to read Tarot cards to help Ruby. A friendly female pit bull helping two black cats learn the ropes in their new home.
This is a complex mystery weaving together the efforts of animals and humans to uncover what happened. The story is told with humor, insight and great skill. Suspend disbelief and enjoy a captivating tale in which animals are convincing primary characters. Let’s hope Ms. Stuckart is finishing the next Tarot Cats Mystery soon.
Ruby is minding her half-sister’s New Age shop, Botanica Santa Rosa, and taking care of Zuki, a sweet-tempered pit bull who understands the ways of the world and the neighborhood, and Philomena, a 50-year-old psychic koi living in the courtyard pond out back. In a complicated sequence of events, Ruby adds Ophelia and Brandon, sibling black cats, to her family which completes the four very special characters.
As this story progresses, Ophelia and Brandon try to help Lucinda, the housekeeper from their first home who suspects her mistress was murdered for her money. Lucinda’s nephew, Luis, who runs a pawn shop close to Botanica gets involved when his aunt is killed under suspicious circumstances.
So now, Ophelia, Brandon and Zuki, having found a way to escape Botanica at night, are investigating based on clues offered by Philomena the psychic. And, yes, these are well developed characters with engaging personalities and a great sense of adventure. In parallel efforts, Ruby and Luis begin looking into how his aunt died.
Ms. Stuckart’s creativity is amazing. Imagine a koi who offers psychic readings in verse. A black cat learning to read Tarot cards to help Ruby. A friendly female pit bull helping two black cats learn the ropes in their new home.
This is a complex mystery weaving together the efforts of animals and humans to uncover what happened. The story is told with humor, insight and great skill. Suspend disbelief and enjoy a captivating tale in which animals are convincing primary characters. Let’s hope Ms. Stuckart is finishing the next Tarot Cats Mystery soon.
January 20, 2019
First in a new series, and with a couple of themes I love in my cosies: cats and a bit of 'paranormal', so to speak, in the form of Tarot cards.
The POV from the cats' perspective was unexpected and initially, I questioned whether I could follow through, but while I didn't love it, it wasn't nearly as bad as I expected once I got used to it. The story was good, the mystery solid and the characters great. Each animal has a very distinct personality and voice, and I think it's a unique way to tell a story. Because who really knows what our pets are trying to tell us? :)
Brandon and Ophelia, cats left in a box and abandoned at the side of a road in an unfamiliar part of Palm Beach by the son of their deceased owner, find a new home with Ruby, who is taking care of her half-sister's botanica in West Palm Beach. Ruby reads Tarot cards to her customers, something which she doesn't feel entirely qualified to do, but Ophelia appears to have a knack for it and helps her out on occasion.
Luciana lived with the cats' former owner and comes to Ruby with suspicions that her former employer was murdered. Ophelia and Luciana recognise each other, and Ruby is drawn into the mystery when Luciana's death follows quickly and her nephew Luis visits the botanica wanting to know what scam Ruby was holding over his aunt.
This is a new series that holds a lot of promise - great characters, a unique theme and POV (although not for everyone), excellent writing and a solid mystery. I will definitely be looking for future installments of this series.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for the ARC for review. All opinions are strictly my own.
The POV from the cats' perspective was unexpected and initially, I questioned whether I could follow through, but while I didn't love it, it wasn't nearly as bad as I expected once I got used to it. The story was good, the mystery solid and the characters great. Each animal has a very distinct personality and voice, and I think it's a unique way to tell a story. Because who really knows what our pets are trying to tell us? :)
Brandon and Ophelia, cats left in a box and abandoned at the side of a road in an unfamiliar part of Palm Beach by the son of their deceased owner, find a new home with Ruby, who is taking care of her half-sister's botanica in West Palm Beach. Ruby reads Tarot cards to her customers, something which she doesn't feel entirely qualified to do, but Ophelia appears to have a knack for it and helps her out on occasion.
Luciana lived with the cats' former owner and comes to Ruby with suspicions that her former employer was murdered. Ophelia and Luciana recognise each other, and Ruby is drawn into the mystery when Luciana's death follows quickly and her nephew Luis visits the botanica wanting to know what scam Ruby was holding over his aunt.
This is a new series that holds a lot of promise - great characters, a unique theme and POV (although not for everyone), excellent writing and a solid mystery. I will definitely be looking for future installments of this series.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for the ARC for review. All opinions are strictly my own.
November 9, 2018
I was so sad when Ali Brandon's previous series, The Black Cat Bookshop mysteries, was dropped. When I saw that she was starting a new series with not one but two black cats, I couldn't wait to read it. Boy, not what I was expecting as her black cat bookshop cat, Hamlet, was the silent and clever sort of cat. Now we have a pair of lovely black cats, brother and sister named Brandon and Ophelia who communicate with other animals and are the detectives. Ruby, their new human has her part in the investigating but it's the animals who get the job done. Add a dog and a Koi fish and it's quite a group of animals.
Ruby is alerted to Ophelia trapped in a box and not long for this world. Her brother, Brandon, had been able to escape and they luckily are reunited. Ruby wants to know who would be so horrible to dump a cat by the side of the road to die? It's a match made in Heaven when Ophelia turns out to have a knack with Tarot cards. Ruby is doing Tarot readings as a favor to her half sister while she is on vacation. One thing leads to another and they start investigating the death of Brandon and Ophelia's previous owner, found dead in her pool. Accident or murder?
If you like cozies and can accept talking animals who can do the detecting and you love black cats (I sure do) then give this mystery a try. It's clever and different and I had no trouble giving it five stars.
My thanks to the publisher Midnight Ink and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
Ruby is alerted to Ophelia trapped in a box and not long for this world. Her brother, Brandon, had been able to escape and they luckily are reunited. Ruby wants to know who would be so horrible to dump a cat by the side of the road to die? It's a match made in Heaven when Ophelia turns out to have a knack with Tarot cards. Ruby is doing Tarot readings as a favor to her half sister while she is on vacation. One thing leads to another and they start investigating the death of Brandon and Ophelia's previous owner, found dead in her pool. Accident or murder?
If you like cozies and can accept talking animals who can do the detecting and you love black cats (I sure do) then give this mystery a try. It's clever and different and I had no trouble giving it five stars.
My thanks to the publisher Midnight Ink and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
November 15, 2018
Fool's Moon, Tarol Cats Mystery #1
by Diane A.S. Stuckart
This book was an enjoyable read featuring feisty cats and dogs, as well a fully fleshed out human characters. I was a big fan of Stuckart's "Black Cat Bookshop" series, written under the pen name of Ali Brandon, so I'm sure I approached this novel with overly optimistic expectations that it couldn't satisfy. Yes, I very much miss Hamlet!
In any event, this book had no real editing or proofing errors -- although the cover art showed a one-story house which was described in the actual novel as having stories. There was no cliffhanger ending. The dialogue was well done, the interaction of pets with people interesting, the plotting and pacing well done, and the action and suspense was excellent. I enjoyed the fact that Stuckart owns IRL cats named Ophelia and Brandon Bobtail, and that she used the first name of one of them (Brandon) as the surname of her pen name (Ali Brandon -- Black Cat Bookshop). Still, I just didn't get the "I'm hooked!" feeling from this first in the series that I got from the Black Cat Bookshop series. And, the Kindle edition, after taxes, was over $11.00, which I thought was a bit expensive for a first in the series novel. I follow very few series on Kindle that cost over $10 and I didn't enjoy the book enough to warrant paying that high a price for a digital reproduction.
So, for those of you looking for a series with anthropomorphized animals, this one may be what you are looking for.
by Diane A.S. Stuckart
This book was an enjoyable read featuring feisty cats and dogs, as well a fully fleshed out human characters. I was a big fan of Stuckart's "Black Cat Bookshop" series, written under the pen name of Ali Brandon, so I'm sure I approached this novel with overly optimistic expectations that it couldn't satisfy. Yes, I very much miss Hamlet!
In any event, this book had no real editing or proofing errors -- although the cover art showed a one-story house which was described in the actual novel as having stories. There was no cliffhanger ending. The dialogue was well done, the interaction of pets with people interesting, the plotting and pacing well done, and the action and suspense was excellent. I enjoyed the fact that Stuckart owns IRL cats named Ophelia and Brandon Bobtail, and that she used the first name of one of them (Brandon) as the surname of her pen name (Ali Brandon -- Black Cat Bookshop). Still, I just didn't get the "I'm hooked!" feeling from this first in the series that I got from the Black Cat Bookshop series. And, the Kindle edition, after taxes, was over $11.00, which I thought was a bit expensive for a first in the series novel. I follow very few series on Kindle that cost over $10 and I didn't enjoy the book enough to warrant paying that high a price for a digital reproduction.
So, for those of you looking for a series with anthropomorphized animals, this one may be what you are looking for.
November 16, 2018
I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley and Midnight Ink for free in exchange for an honest review.
Fool's Moon is the first book in the Tarot Cats Mysteries series. It is an excellent start to a series which I will continue reading. Diane A.S. Stuckart has very successfully pulled off a difficult trick: she has written sentient animal characters that are engaging and personable and interact well with the human characters.
Fool's Moon introduces us to Ophelia and Brandon Bobtail, mischievous black cat siblings, who are adopted by Ruby after the death of their original owner. Ophelia and Brandon join Azucar the pitbull, a mystical koi, and three roosters in Ruby's household.
Ruby reads tarot cards, manages her sister's mystical supply store, and is working on her master's degree in literature. When the housekeeper from the cat's former home comes in for a reading, Ruby and the animals are drawn into investigating the housekeeper's suspicions about her boss's death.
Fool's Moon is a strong start to the series - the characters and storyline are excellent and the mystery was well written.
Fool's Moon is the first book in the Tarot Cats Mysteries series. It is an excellent start to a series which I will continue reading. Diane A.S. Stuckart has very successfully pulled off a difficult trick: she has written sentient animal characters that are engaging and personable and interact well with the human characters.
Fool's Moon introduces us to Ophelia and Brandon Bobtail, mischievous black cat siblings, who are adopted by Ruby after the death of their original owner. Ophelia and Brandon join Azucar the pitbull, a mystical koi, and three roosters in Ruby's household.
Ruby reads tarot cards, manages her sister's mystical supply store, and is working on her master's degree in literature. When the housekeeper from the cat's former home comes in for a reading, Ruby and the animals are drawn into investigating the housekeeper's suspicions about her boss's death.
Fool's Moon is a strong start to the series - the characters and storyline are excellent and the mystery was well written.
December 5, 2021
What a fun read! The Purrrrfect start to a cozy read. Of course any book that features cats is a pretty sure winner with me. Ophelia and Brandon are a pair of the best.
Of course to write a book with believable cats you need an author who "gets" them and their quirks and catitude. Stuckart totally does get them. She takes her readers into the minds of the cats as they go about their business solving the mystery. Their actions and ability to "speak" to each other is totally credible.
It's a good book for introducing younger readers to cozy mysteries -- I'd say as young as 8 or 9. Yeah, there's a murder, but it's not bloody and gory -- you just know it happened. The cats' quips and actions are fun and done credibly. There are parts where you almost cry and parts where you have a good laugh in the midst of Ophelia and Brandon solving the crimes.
This one came out in 2018 and so far there's not another one showing up but I hope the series continues.
Of course to write a book with believable cats you need an author who "gets" them and their quirks and catitude. Stuckart totally does get them. She takes her readers into the minds of the cats as they go about their business solving the mystery. Their actions and ability to "speak" to each other is totally credible.
It's a good book for introducing younger readers to cozy mysteries -- I'd say as young as 8 or 9. Yeah, there's a murder, but it's not bloody and gory -- you just know it happened. The cats' quips and actions are fun and done credibly. There are parts where you almost cry and parts where you have a good laugh in the midst of Ophelia and Brandon solving the crimes.
This one came out in 2018 and so far there's not another one showing up but I hope the series continues.
October 6, 2018
A Great First Installment in a New Cozy Series
Ophelia and Brandon are two black cats that were living the life of luxury until their human mother died and they were dumped on the roadside. But they find a new human Mother who is a tarot card reader and Ophelia finds that she has a knack for the cards as well.
When their past life crosses with their new life, the cats and their new family find that their first human Mom might not have died accidentally. Chao ensues and the kitties are on the case!
This is an adorable new series that reminds of of the movie Homeward Bound, as it is told from the perspective of the animals. An enjoyable read and a wonderful cozy that does not follow the standard cozy cookie cutter model of female main character and a law enforcement love interest. A refreshing change!
Ophelia and Brandon are two black cats that were living the life of luxury until their human mother died and they were dumped on the roadside. But they find a new human Mother who is a tarot card reader and Ophelia finds that she has a knack for the cards as well.
When their past life crosses with their new life, the cats and their new family find that their first human Mom might not have died accidentally. Chao ensues and the kitties are on the case!
This is an adorable new series that reminds of of the movie Homeward Bound, as it is told from the perspective of the animals. An enjoyable read and a wonderful cozy that does not follow the standard cozy cookie cutter model of female main character and a law enforcement love interest. A refreshing change!
November 14, 2018
I love mysteries that have just a touch of magic or a bit of a paranormal flavor. I also love mysteries that have pets as characters. I'm used to the pets being pets, but author Diane A. S. Stuckert chose to anthropomorphize her animal characters and show us the world from their point of view. This is not my favorite thing but Stuckert did a great job with it. Told mainly in alternating points of view between Ruby, the human main character and Ophelia, the cat main character, this is a cute and humorous mystery filled with great characters. It is the gentlest of cozy mysteries, where the victim is unknown to the reader and has already passed away before the start of the story. The villain is easy to hate and pretty much everyone else is fun and interesting.It's a lighthearted confection of a story that's perfect for an afternoon or evening's relaxation.
October 29, 2018
This is a very different sort of cozy as it features animals who are both psychic and capable of interspecies communication. Ruby, the human protagonist you would expect to be the amateur detective, is less interesting than the black cats Ophelia and Brandon, Zuki the pit bull, and Philomena the koi but she along with Luis investigate the murder of Luis's aunt Lucinda and her former employer, the owner of the cats. Phew. That's a lot for a first installment in a series but oddly it all makes sense. There are some twists, some turns, and you need to suspend logic for bits of it (especially that koi fish can tell cats and dogs how to find a killer). Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. A good read.
November 11, 2018
This is a different sort of cozy mystery and the sleuths are two sibling black cats! Ophelia and Brandon team up with their adopted owner Ruby and her pitbull Zuki to solve the mysterious death of their former owner.
At first I was put off by talking cats that could read tarot and plot adventures to try and solve human crimes. Yet, the more I read the more I found myself falling for the little guys and for Ruby their tarot reading new owner. I thought the plot reveal was a little sloppy, having to include the cats made for a lot of logistical explaining and I felt the mystery suffered.
I was still invested enough to keep reading and I would pick up book 2 in the series.
I don't know if this format would appeal to everyone, but I gave it 3.5 stars!
At first I was put off by talking cats that could read tarot and plot adventures to try and solve human crimes. Yet, the more I read the more I found myself falling for the little guys and for Ruby their tarot reading new owner. I thought the plot reveal was a little sloppy, having to include the cats made for a lot of logistical explaining and I felt the mystery suffered.
I was still invested enough to keep reading and I would pick up book 2 in the series.
I don't know if this format would appeal to everyone, but I gave it 3.5 stars!
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