Trouble in Dixie

Trouble Cat Mysteries #2

by Rebecca Barrett

OLD MONEY AND FRESH MURDER -- Trouble, a savvy black cat with a penchant for sleuthing, has landed in the cream of Savannah society. So has a murderer and art thief. Julia Hampton comes from old family, old money, and old society, but her job as an art insurance investigator puts her at odds with her background--and with the killer. Julia is determined to stop him. U. S. Deputy Marshal Mitch Lawson knows more than he's willing to let on. One thing is clear: Julia is in danger--because of secrets he won't share.

But have no fear, Trouble the black cat detective is on the job and while Julia and Mitch are distracted by their attraction to each other, he is about to get his man.

Genres: Mystery, Cats, Cozy Mystery, Fiction

250 pages, Paperback

First published August 2, 2017

About the author

Rebecca Barrett writes historical fiction, the Hugo August Detective series, cozy mysteries, children’s stories, and short stories of life in the South. An avid reader all her life and a product of “front porch” socializing, she became a story-teller at an early age.

She resides in the lovely artist colony of Fairhope, AL, on the shores of Mobile Bay where she draws inspiration and joy.

Visit the author's website rebeccabarrett.com to enjoy some of her short stories.

Reviews

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Trouble in Dixie by Rebecca Barrett is a 2017 KaliOka Press publication.

Trouble is back for more adventures- or maybe I should say misadventures!

Trouble is staying with Julia Hampton in Savannah, Georgia for a spell, and soon finds a purrfect opportunity to exercise his detective skills.


Julia may be a bona fide Southern belle, accustomed to all the trappings of wealth, but she’s a smart and dedicated art insurance investigator. However, when her office is trashed, she soon finds herself embroiled in a whole lot of intrigue over some missing Russian art.

Enter US Deputy, Mitch Lawson. Mitch and Julia soon find themselves teaming up as detectives, each bringing their own expertise to help one another, even though Julia has to get a little creative in order to stay involved.

Little do they know they have a silent partner…. A certain black cat aptly named ‘Trouble.’

‘I appreciate the Lawman’s sentiment. He has been charged with keeping Julia safe, but he has failed to take into consideration that I am on the job.”

I always love southern locations, but I thought the contrast between the Savannah locale and Russian art was a unique one. It may not seem like the two go together, but interestingly enough, they do.

I also enjoy anything to do with the Romanov period, including the art and priceless artifacts, so this was a fun topic for me to read about.

I thought the chemistry between Mitch and Julia was perfect and enjoyed their sweet romance, as well as the strong secondary characters, especially, Julia’s Aunt Ethel.

The mystery is fast-paced and adventurous with plenty of intrigue and of course ‘Trouble’ has the most hilarious and tender monologues! Is it wrong that I often look forward to hearing what ‘Trouble’ has to say more than anything else? LOL!

Overall, this is another fun and romantic installment in the ‘Fear Legacy’ series.

4 stars

[debbicat *made of stardust* · Rating 2 out of 5]

Starting to as part of my book swap in Retro Reads with Jenn.

So this is book 2 in the Trouble series which I started bc I like Carolyn Haines' writing and this cute black cat, Trouble. I liked the first book better. This was just fair for me so I think at rating of 2 is a good one. I am going with 2.5 bc I enjoyed some parts of it. But, I kinda just wanted to get to the end for a big chunk of it.

Love the character of Trouble! I will try book 3.

[JoAn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Trouble in Dixie by Rebecca Barret is the second book in this new series based on Carolyn Haines popular cat detective, Familiar.
It was an enjoyable cozy read with some interesting twists, red herrings and clues that kept me guessing. A strong mystery plot that was fast paced, suspects from high society to the Russian mafia, and just a little romantic distraction for Julia and Mitch. Trouble was again a hero as he continued to use his "superior" detection skills to guide Julia throughout this case of art theft and murder. I have to confess that my favorite character in this book is Julia's Aunt Ethyl. She was wonderful as only a "woman of a certain age" can be in her honesty about herself and others. She often made me laugh with her observations. She also made a great team with Trouble as they raced at the end to help solve the case.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book. All of the above opinions are my own.

[Marlys · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given a copy of this book for a review. This is the second book in the Familiar Legacy that I read. This is a good book. I enjoyed it.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trouble in Dixie by Rebecca Barrett is the second book in this new series based on the cat detective Familiar written by Carolyn Haines.
An interesting cozy with twists and turns which had me guessing till the end.
Julia comes from wealth and gets involved in an insurance investigation that is loaded with secrets.
Trouble is never far from the action and out to solve the case.
Love the setting of Savannah and Julia's Aunt Ethel had quite a personality.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.

[Kristina Anderson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Trouble in Dixie by Rebecca Barret is the second book in the Familiar Legacy series. Julia Hampton is cat sitting, Trouble for her friend, Tammy Lynn. Julia lives in Savannah, Georgia and is a PI for her firm, The Hampton Detective Agency. Julia’s degree in Russian Art History comes in handy when she is asked to investigate an art theft for The Weatherby Insurance Agency. Julia is asleep when Trouble hears noises in the office below. Julia, with Trouble’s assistance, scares off the thieves. Nothing was taken from her office, but the intruders seemed particularly interested in her files (which are now scattered around the office). The next day Julia heads to her meeting with Peter Ryder at The Weatherby Insurance Agency after retrieving her briefcase (she left it at her parents’ home the previous night with the files Ryder gave her). Peter has not shown up for work and is not answering his phone. He had asked Julia to look into the theft of a Nicolai Fechin portrait along some missing Russian jewelry. Is Peter’s disappearance related to the thefts? Julia with some unexpected assistance (along with Trouble) sets out to get answers and recover the missing items.

Trouble in Dixie is a light cozy mystery novel. While the second book in the series, it can be read alone (easily). I found the story easy to read and to have a good flow. I also appreciated the beautiful old Southern setting of Savannah, Georgia. However, I found the story to be lackluster (lacked dimension). The focus is on romance (what is happening to cozy mysteries). The mystery portion (what there is of it) is easily solved. Most of the mystery plays out, but the bad guy can easily be picked out. I wanted more solid content and less thinking about handsome Mitch Lawson. Less repetition about Julia’s background would also have been appreciated (from old money, good family, etc.). I am rating Trouble in Dixie 3 out of 5 stars. I was entertained by Trouble’s chapters. I liked Trouble more in Trouble in Dixie than I did in Familiar Trouble. He was light-hearted and humorous. Aunt Ethel was a hoot. I wish she had been the main character (an eccentric older woman). Trouble in Dixie is a cute story, but I am just not the right audience. I like more mystery in my cozy mysteries. If I wanted that much romance (where it dominates the book), I would pick up a romance novel.

[Karen (BaronessBookTrove) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy from the Publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Trouble is on the case in Dixie
Trouble in Dixie by Rebecca Barrett is such a superb mystery. Trouble is staying with one of Tammy Lynn’s friend in Savannah while she is going to some estate sales. And boy, does the name Trouble fit this cat perfectly as trouble seems to find him.
Julia Hampton
Our female lead is Julia Hampton. She is cat sitting for her friend Tammy Lynn. Julia has an investigation firm and works with insurance companies. She mostly deals with Russian art. Julia is from a southern banking family, their only child and she has all that privilege buys. However, she doesn’t really like being Julia Hampton; she wants to be her own person.

Things that I like about Julia:  she is intelligent, has excellent intuition, excellent manners, lovely grace and she doesn’t throw her name or money around. She tries to be the best person that she can be. I also like the way she deals with her family even when they are overreacting.

The thing I didn’t like about Julia lack of confidence and underlying fear. I do understand the reason for them both, so I just dismissed these things. You will need to read the book to understand why.
Mitch Lawson
Our male lead is Mitch Lawson, U.S. Marshal. Mitch is in Savannah working with a witness in protective custody. The witness is or likes to think that he is a ladies man. Mitch seems to have his hands full just watching over the witness. Then add in a missing insurance investigator and some art and jewelry thefts, and his whole team is beyond busy.

What I liked about Mitch: his thoughtfulness, his deductive reasoning skills, and his emotional strength. But I loved the way she treats Trouble, with respect and friendship even though Mitch is a “dog person.” The only thing I didn’t like was that I thought he was a bit overprotective, but compared to Julia’s father that shouldn’t be an issue.
Mystery
The mystery is top-notched. It had me going back and forth over who did what, right up until the end. There were lots of red herrings.

Russian art in Savannah, Georgia, who would have thought. And the culprit was hiding in plain sight.
5 Stars for Trouble in Dixie by Rebecca Barrett
My rating for Trouble in Dixie by Rebecca Barrett is five stars. The mystery, characters, and Trouble were all spectacular.  If you haven’t read this series, you should give it a shot. Seriously, mysteries, a touch of love, and a fabulous black cat detective. I highly recommend it.

I can’t wait to read the next installment Trouble in Tallahassee by Claire Matturro.



Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of Trouble in Dixie by Rebecca Barrett.

Anyways, until next time, enjoy this review brought to you by,

Happy Reading!

This review was originally posted on Baroness' Book Trove

[Claire Matturro · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rebecca Barrett’s Trouble in Dixie is a sheer delight. Though the idea of a black cat who is an actual crime-solving detective takes a leap of faith on the readers' part, Barrett writes Trouble with such warmth and realism, he comes forth as a thoroughly complex and personable hero. Trouble flattens his ear when called “Kitty,” indulges in gourmet tastes while rejecting store-bought cat food, emotes with a variety of vocal sounds, sniffs out clues, instinctively knows the good guys from the bad, and repeatedly protects Julia, the main female character. In fact, one could say Trouble does a better job of protecting Julia than Mitch, the U. S. Marshall on the case.

Julia comes from a wealthy family, has a giant walk-in closet full of expensive shoes and designer clothes and gowns, and lives in one of the most splendid of Southern cities, Savannah. And she looks like Grace Kelly. In short, Julia is the kind of woman most of us could easily hate while we’re also busy wishing we were like her. But Barrett infuses Julia’s character with enough sincere compassion, wit, intelligence, honesty, foibles, and drive that Julia is as intriguing and lovable as Trouble, the cat. Also, there is a family tragedy as a back story that tempers any envy readers might have for her wealth. In short, Julia is no princess. She works, and works hard, and strives constantly for her own independence.

Barrett’s secondary characters, especially Aunt Ethel and Chappie, a kind of Truman Capote eccentric, are as well drawn as the primary characters. Chappie, Aunt Ethel, and Trouble need to have their own adventures in a sequel if you ask me. Of course Julia and Mitch should join them too.

In the beginning, two handsome and mysterious men have a fancy for Julia—or at least one of them genuinely does. Julia is attracted to both. But Trouble knows one for a snake and tries to warn her. Of course, Julia will figure this out, but not before she ends up in a bit of trouble, and a friend is killed.

There’s plenty of action, starting with the first chapter in which Trouble thwarts a break-in at Julia’s detective agency. Underlying it all is a mystery about lost-in-transit Russian heirloom clothing, stolen jewels, and missing, presumed stolen Russian artwork and a missing, presumed death insurance agent.

The plot is fast paced and complex, and the true romance is sweet and slow-building. The entire book is a delight, though Trouble often steals the best scenes.

I also need to confess that Rebecca Barrett, Carolyn Haines, Susan Y. Tanner, and I, as well as others, are involved in writing other Trouble, black cat detective books in this series. But if I didn't honestly enjoy the sheer cleverness and talent that Carolyn Haines and Rebecca Barrett display in their books, I wouldn't be writing my own in the series. But still, you should know I'm one of the authors in the series.

[Anne Leazar · Rating 4 out of 5]

What is going on in the Land of Dixie? Trouble is in Savannah, Georgia with Julia Hampton with a new cast of characters in this second book of the Familiar Legacy Book Series. The feisty feline is in the thick of a murder and an expensive Russian art theft. Julia is investigating several art theft claims along with U.S. Deputy Marshall, Mitch Lawson. Julia and Trouble are hot on the trail of the murderer and the art thief to solve these baffling crimes. Mitch enters the scene along with Julia and Trouble to follow the clues amid danger with secrets of his own!

This book has the mystery, romance, and plenty of intrigue regarding the valuable Russian art that is stolen right in Savannah. Trouble, the son of the famous feline detective, Familiar, is once again on the case before his bipeds get into serious trouble, pun intended!

The author does a great job of introducing the subject of Russian art to readers. She does give information about the artist so the reader can do further research. Julia and Mitch are very interesting characters that I would love to get know them better in future adventures. These books can be read as stand alone books because each book has its own fully developed plot line. This fact alone makes this series so much fun to read!

The two drawbacks of this story is the slow pacing of the characters throughout the book. I had re-read a couple of pages to make sure that I did not miss any clues and conversation, which I did not. Another drawback is that Trouble was not featured enough in this mystery. I love Trouble's detection skills and his Sherlockian viewpoints about the crimes. I had forgotten our famous feline friend was in the story in the latter half of the story.

Overall, this book is a good afternoon light read. I cannot wait to see what adventures that Trouble will find. I was given an ARC for a honest review.

[Donna Townsend · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this second episode in the Familiar Legacy series, Trouble, son of famous cat/detective Familiar, is visiting with Julia Hampton in Savannah, Georgia. Julia runs the Hampton Detective Agency and is in the midst of investigating the disappearances of some art work and historical garments. Obviously, this is right up Trouble’s alley.

Trouble has gained confidence after his first case with owner Tammy Lynn and is up to the challenge of navigating a new city and pushing Julia and Deputy Marshall Mitch Lawson in the right direction as they work the case. I especially like the humans’ conversations as they muse on how the cat seems so often to be manipulating them. As of course, he is.

I also liked the peek into the culture of the Savannah social set. I was intrigued by Mitch Lawson’s role as a Marshall; this is an interesting, and helpful twist to the unraveling of the mystery. Naturally we have a bit of a love story, exceptional in that it develops without the usual bumps in the road which can be so predictable and frustrating to the reader!

I’m really enjoying this series. The stories are not your garden variety cozies: they are more intricate and far less formulaic. I’m hooked!

[CarolKat · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this detective cat! In this one Tammy Lynn is off canvasing libraries and Trouble is in Savannah, Georgia with a Private Investigator friend Julia.

We jump right into suspense with Julia's office being broken into. Her parents having a fit and being coerced into attending a formal affair to appease her father.

Followed by not being able to reach her contact at the Insurance Agency she is contracted to, but meeting an intriguing fellow, Doug Heinz, who has been pranked by two of his co-workers. Then meeting a US Marshall Mitch Lawson.

Fast-paced, lots of fun and danger. Twists and turns abound in this tale.

Julia's family is a hoot and Mitch is delightful. Trouble is in fact always in the middle of things and I adore this cat.

I can't wait to read the next book in this series.

[Liz Caldwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

How absolutely delightful! Rebecca Barrett has taken Trouble's story and run with it.
Old money, a beautiful heiress, stolen artwork, a U.S. Marshal, and a cat who has some major skills all come together to weave a wonderful journey through Savannah. Barrett has created a wonderful family that fits perfectly into the streets, architecture, clubs and museums of that Southern city.
Julia Hampton, much to her father's dismay, has become an investigator. Her office is broken into, and then her contact at the insurance company disappears. And it all gets more complicated from there. Through it all, Trouble manages to make his opinions clear.
As in the previous Trouble book, by Carolyn Haines, the story is told from three points of view - Trouble's, Julia's, and the Marshal, Mitch's. Each perspective is unique and entertaining.
My review is based on an ARC of the ebook. I usually prefer paper, but this tale kept me smiling so much I barely noticed I was reading on screen rather than hard copy.
And I can't wait to see what Trouble finds next.

[Donna Van Braswell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have visited the enchanting city of Savannah, Georgia many times. Ms. Barrett captures the quaint and the quirky of the architecture and the people! She wraps a mystery around the city and weaves the plot through the cobbled streets and into the rooms of carriage houses and mansions. Her main character is both softly approachable- in romance, and determined- in following the leads in the art underworld. I must say, the resident cat, sophisticated and sleuthy, has the most enjoyable "voice." His story brought me to tears. Amazing. I was so happy to receive an ARC copy of this wonderful book.

[Janet Armentani · Rating 5 out of 5]

While Tammy's away, Trouble will....well, get into trouble! A good friend Julia is cat sitting while Tammy is away, but Trouble is always around. Because of a missing insurance agent, missing Russian art, and a suave lawman Julia has got her hands full. Let's not forget Trouble, he's always got his paws into things. If you enjoyed Familiar Trouble, you'll love this installment as well.

[Shannon Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am ARC reader. I was completely charmed, once again, by this daring, debonair cat. He has hard time with his current human, who will not do as he tells her. It is a great read, and you won't want to put it down, and will be sad when it ends!

[Sharleen Wells · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Trouble. I am really enjoying this series. Love the characters and the story kept be very interested from beginning to end. Well done

[Jamie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC for an honest review.

I enjoyed reading this book. The mystery was interesting. Aunt Ethel is my favorite character in this book. The Familiar Legacy series is one of my favorite series.

[Teri · Rating 5 out of 5]

First book I have read in this series. It was really good. I love the characters and of course the cat. I sure hope Julia and Mitch end up together. Can't wait for the next one and need to catch up with the first book.

[Candice · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun feline cozy mystery. I loved all the chapters in Trouble's POV--his resourcefulness in getting passed the well-meaning bipeds as well as figuring out the whodunit. Just the right amount of romance woven through the plot.
Enjoyable read.

This is an interesting series as it centers around the cat detective, and is written by various authors, taking place in different locations around the South. I'm eager to read more to see how the styles and voice changes. Intriguing concept.

[Krystyna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trouble super sleuth, James Bond of the feline world

What a great read. Fabulous plot that reads like an Ian Fleming work but told from the general human perspective and just person in the feline. A great escapade involving art theft and murder. Great characters from the 007 feline who takes looking after his human very seriously (even if she is only catsitting whilst his owner is away) to the heroine, a true Nancy Drew type that never takes no for an answer. They enhance and enthrall.
Starting up her PI company was going against her parents. As part of the old money set they feared what might happen to their only offspring. However when she gets embroiled in the three cases of missing valuables she lands herself into the path of a US Marshall. Their adventures as they try to piece together what happened with the valuables lead them not only into the path of two murders but also danger. It is Trouble, the cat she is looking after, that has to save the day and point out which way they should go next. Will they retrieve the valuables? Will they get the killer? Will she get her man? Will Trouble get his oysters?

[Roxx Tarantini · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful characters . . .

. . . I particularly love Aunt Ethel! And trouble is everything you'd expect from a stage feeling, complete with a British accent.

Not having read Book One, I've just finished Book Two, and have Book Six waiting in my TBR. I know there's no method to this reading mayhem, but here we are and enthralled I am, regardless.

I am loving the high spirited Julia and the interaction between her and Mitch, the US Marshall.  I hope to see more of him in the other books of this series, I will definitely be catching up with them all. Meantime, Trouble in Dixie is an entertaining blend of engaging characters and delicious devilment. Murders compete with jewelry heists and art thefts for resolution; our feisty lady detective with her dreamy deputy are up to the challenge.

[Glenna Kachtik · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gotta love Trouble. He has as much a penchant for match-making as he does for sleuthing & he really seems to like to pair his "babes" up with lawmen.

Tammy has left Trouble with Julia who also likes sleuthing - especially when it comes to art & history. She has a keen mind & the ability to look at a problem until she sees the solution. She is rich, powerful & beautiful.

Add one US Marshall, one bad guy & several other wild & crazy characters - couple that with a murder or 2 & stir in immediate attraction & you have Trouble in Dixie. Loved the characters of Aunt Ethyl & Chappie....

Trouble hits another home run - solves the mystery & pairs up Julia & Mitchell.

Good solid characters that you can become vested in.

[Kristen Lewendon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book left me howling with laughter. Maybe it’s something to do with the sweet southern charm that allows a belle to say “why bless her heart” and you know perfectly well that she’s being anything but poilite. Or maybe it’s the feisty little old ladies that spout off exactly what you’re thinking but would never have the courage to say out loud. Whatever it was, this book was a ton of fun. It felt a little more romance than mystery to me, but that was okay. I quite liked the pairing of the lady and the lawman. Mitch and Julia seem to balance out each other. Though, Trouble and Aunt Ethel completely steal the show.
I received a complimentary copy of this book.

[Pat Rathmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

HIGHLY ENTERTAINING MYSTERY

First time reading this author. She created great colorful characters, full of mystic and complimenting each other to add depth to this mystery. This story is lively and full of ongoing action. There isn't a dull moment from start to finish. The relationship between the U. S. Marshall and an independent Art Investigator develops throughout story. The addition of Trouble, unbelievable and lovable feline with unique powers, adds to the
Mystic of the book. All the makings for an ongoing great series.

[Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good read about Trouble. This is book 2 Trouble in Dixie. It's amazing how different authors can carry on a storyline with the same critter. Different main characters but the piece de resistance is the same. I like how they differentiate the tail (no pun intended) by using different fonts. I like that Trouble has a voice. Great to read a book from a familiar's perspective.
Must be one fabulous confab when everyone gets together.
Looking forward to the next one. These books are great for nice light easy reading with enough excitement to keep one coming back for more.
Cheers
Lynn🇨🇦

[J Young · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good plot!

Julia Hampton wants to build her place in the world separate from her family’s wealth and social standing. Her job as an art insurance investigator places her in the middle of a case of art theft and murder. Trouble, the black cat detective, is on the job to protect her, solve the case, and deliver some well-placed encouragement for Julia and the good-looking detective.

The plot has a good mystery, a little romance, and enough twists and drama to keep me interested from beginning to end. I like how this series is developing.

[Mary Goodwill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Trouble in Dixie is the 2nd book of this series starring Trouble the amazing mystery solving black cat! Troubles British airs and sleuthing skills make for a fun, fast paced read. In this episode he is staying with one of Tammy Lynn's friends, Julia Hampton, in Savannah. Julia who comes from an aristocratic family and who is a PI much to the chagrin of her banker father. She is also educated in Russian art and lands smack dab in the middle of a ring of art thieves. Fun, easy read

[Charlotte · Rating 5 out of 5]

A purr fect blend of mystery and charm
I absolutely loved this! Trouble the black cat is such a clever and unique sleuth he adds wit and warmth without ever feeling gimmicky. The Savannah high society backdrop is lush and atmospheric, and the mix of art theft, murder, and romance kept me turning pages late into the night. Julia is a smart, capable heroine, and the chemistry with Mitch added just the right spark.

[Pamela J Buckles · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love Little Trouble

I enjoyed reading about Trouble in Savannah. The story is cute and fun. I had to look up Fechin Art to see if it was just a play on words. I was kind of surprised to find out it's legitimate. I thought all the history on the art was boring, but I did enjoy the story and the characters.

[Cheri Schaefer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very entertaining and enjoyable!

Another great addition to the Familiar series. Love the
interaction between Trouble and the rest of the
characters. Great mystery with some good turns and
twists. I'm all into these cat detective mystery series
and this is a fantastic one to keep following. You can
be assured that I will. Recommended highly!