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Norwegian Forest Café #2
Meow Means Murder
A gorgeous Norwegian Forest Cat, a cat café, a food critic, and … murder! The small town of Gold Leaf Valley is aflutter with a food critic’s arrival. His online column has made him famous in this part of Northern California, but not everyone is pleased he’s in town. When café owners Lauren Crenshaw and Annie, her silver-gray tabby, stumble across his body, what should they do? Investigate the crime themselves? Or … leave it to the police? Is Lauren under suspicion for delivering pastries to the dead man’s motel room? Or did his intern bump him off in order to gain a promotion? Lauren’s cousin Zoe is keen to help investigate the crime. But are there too many red herrings in this case to uncover the truth? Zoe is also busy turning knitting club into knitting/crochet club and teasing Lauren about her budding romance with attractive Detective Mitch Denman. Can the trio uncover the truth about the food critic’s death – before the killer strikes again? This is a fun, clean, cat cafe cozy mystery with female amateur sleuths – and a beautiful Norwegian Forest Cat!
248 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 24, 2019
554 people are currently reading
349 people want to read
About the author
Jinty James
52 books181 followersJinty James grew up reading Enid Blyton's Famous Five and Secret Seven mysteries, as well as all the Nancy Drew and Trixie Belden books. Later on, she graduated to mysteries written by Agatha Christie, Elizabeth Peters, and many other authors. It was her dream to one day write her own cozy mystery, and now she has, with plans for many more.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews
June 4, 2019
Annie, the silver-gray tabbyNorwegian Forest
Cat seats people in the Cat Café run by the
Crenshaw cousins, Laurenand Zoe.
The small town of Gold Leaf Valley is a flutter
with the arrival of a famous food critic from the
city of Sacramento.
When he and his protégé arrive at the cafe, the
café’s baker is not there plus all his bake goods
have sold out. They said they would return the
next morning.
When they do not show up the next day, Lauren
decides to take some pastries to the hotel. She
and Anne walk over to where the food critic is
staying. They find him dead!!!
Well fleshed out characters that are colorful,
interesting, some quirky and very entertaining.
A very well plotted adventure with descriptions
that make the reader part of the story.
I volunteered to read Meow Means Murder. Thanks
to the author for the opportunity. My opinion is my
own.
Cat seats people in the Cat Café run by the
Crenshaw cousins, Laurenand Zoe.
The small town of Gold Leaf Valley is a flutter
with the arrival of a famous food critic from the
city of Sacramento.
When he and his protégé arrive at the cafe, the
café’s baker is not there plus all his bake goods
have sold out. They said they would return the
next morning.
When they do not show up the next day, Lauren
decides to take some pastries to the hotel. She
and Anne walk over to where the food critic is
staying. They find him dead!!!
Well fleshed out characters that are colorful,
interesting, some quirky and very entertaining.
A very well plotted adventure with descriptions
that make the reader part of the story.
I volunteered to read Meow Means Murder. Thanks
to the author for the opportunity. My opinion is my
own.
February 3, 2020
I liked this 2nd book of the Norwegian Forest Cafe Series even better than the first. I found it whimsical and charming. I really love the Norwegian Forest Cat, Annie, who acts as hostess for the cafe. Her interactions with the toddler, Molly, are my favorite parts of this book.
Lauren and Zoe were both great in this one, and I enjoyed having them investigate another murder. I liked that the detective, Mitch, showed up several times. The mystery storyline was good and kept my interest.
In this book, a restaurant critic is murdered. Lauren and Zoe are determined to find out who killed him.
Lauren and Zoe were both great in this one, and I enjoyed having them investigate another murder. I liked that the detective, Mitch, showed up several times. The mystery storyline was good and kept my interest.
In this book, a restaurant critic is murdered. Lauren and Zoe are determined to find out who killed him.
December 3, 2020
This is the second book of the Norwegian Forest Cafe Series and it continues to be one I enjoy. I really love the Norwegian Forest Cat, Annie, who acts as hostess for the cafe. I found it whimsical and charming.
When a food critic comes to Gold Leaf Valley, the local restaurants and eateries are wondering how they will be rated They know his review can either make or break their business. He plans to go to the cafe to try one of Ed's famous pastries, but when he's a no-show, Lauren and Annie stop by his hotel to deliver. Of course, they discover his dead body.
Lauren and her cousin Zoe, try to find out why he was killed, and they learn that the critic was disliked by lots of people who may have wanted him dead. Mitch is leading the investigation so his relationship with Laura builds as he often stops by the cafe.
The plot and characters are well developed and unless you are heartless, you will love Annie. It's a cute, fast and fun cozy mystery with a unique charm.
When a food critic comes to Gold Leaf Valley, the local restaurants and eateries are wondering how they will be rated They know his review can either make or break their business. He plans to go to the cafe to try one of Ed's famous pastries, but when he's a no-show, Lauren and Annie stop by his hotel to deliver. Of course, they discover his dead body.
Lauren and her cousin Zoe, try to find out why he was killed, and they learn that the critic was disliked by lots of people who may have wanted him dead. Mitch is leading the investigation so his relationship with Laura builds as he often stops by the cafe.
The plot and characters are well developed and unless you are heartless, you will love Annie. It's a cute, fast and fun cozy mystery with a unique charm.
June 25, 2019
This book made me happy!
James’s books always feel like home to me. Warm, inviting, friendly, and full of purrs. Well written and with a good mystery. But to me, likeablility of characters (Lauren, Zoe, cat Annie) is even more important. The feeling that I could really be friends with them! But of course the fact that I never guessed whodunit contributed to the overall good feel. I’m happy to have found this series!
James’s books always feel like home to me. Warm, inviting, friendly, and full of purrs. Well written and with a good mystery. But to me, likeablility of characters (Lauren, Zoe, cat Annie) is even more important. The feeling that I could really be friends with them! But of course the fact that I never guessed whodunit contributed to the overall good feel. I’m happy to have found this series!
March 26, 2019
When a food critic comes to Gold Leaf Valley; outside of Sacramento, to do reviews, he gets more than he bargained for. As he prepared the review of the Crenshaw cousins; Lauren and Zoe, cat café which is named after their Norwegian cat Annie, he checks out permanently.
The local detective; Mitch Denman, now has to find out who did the dirty deed.
I have read other things by the author and am ALWAYS pleased with the style and direction of the book. I would only make a small suggestion. Since most people don’t start from the beginning of a series; maybe have not heard of it or the author before, you might start each book with an explanation of the main characters by full names. This one didn’t refer to their last names; had to revert back to the first book.
The local detective; Mitch Denman, now has to find out who did the dirty deed.
I have read other things by the author and am ALWAYS pleased with the style and direction of the book. I would only make a small suggestion. Since most people don’t start from the beginning of a series; maybe have not heard of it or the author before, you might start each book with an explanation of the main characters by full names. This one didn’t refer to their last names; had to revert back to the first book.
November 3, 2024
Another awesome one! I am glad there are a lot of books in this series!
November 25, 2020
Cute cozy murder mystery.
March 25, 2019
Meow Means Murder by Jinty James is the second book in the Norwegian Forest Cat Cozy Mystery series. Annie is the special cat who is the "hostess" in the cafe owed by Lauren and Zoe. Annie actually seats patrons of the cafe and sometimes she spends time with each of the customers! This story is about a food critic who has been reviewing different establishments in the small town of Gold Leaf Valley. Oddly enough for a cozy mystery (LOL) the food critic is murdered and Lauren, along with Annie, is the person who discovers the body.
This story will keep you turning pages and guessing who murdered the critic until the very end. The plot and characters are well developed and you will love Annie! I received this book as an advance reader copy and I always review every book that I read. I highly recommend this story.
This story will keep you turning pages and guessing who murdered the critic until the very end. The plot and characters are well developed and you will love Annie! I received this book as an advance reader copy and I always review every book that I read. I highly recommend this story.
September 19, 2020
Cute cozy. Short and the mystery is painfully obvious, but the cat is cute and the characters are likeable.
July 23, 2021
Cute story, mostly because of the cat, but I found the two women to be mostly clueless. I've read the first two books but probably won't read any more.
March 2, 2024
It didn't take too long for Annie, the titular Norwegian Forest cat, to steal the show in this book. From showing customers to their seats, finding lost teddy bears, and even sniffing - or meowing - out murder, Annie is a cat of many talents.
And while she's busy being adored and fawned upon by customers and her owners alike, Lauren and Zoe, the aforementioned owners, are puzzling out the mystery of the murdered food critic.
And honestly, the guy got what was coming to him. But I digress.
This book was fast paced in that it was fairly easy reading. Annie kept the flow going, tending to customers in the café in her own way, while Lauren puzzled out the mystery - while definitely not getting involved, and not crushing on the handsome detective in town.
But one thing that bothers me about this book is the relationship between Lauren and Zoe. They're cousins, but Lauren tends to scold Zoe like a mother would a child. They're both grown adults, but Lauren tends to scold Zoe for being herself - outspoken and straightforward. And that doesn't quite sit right with me.
Despite that, I still find myself hooked on this series. I enjoy the twists and turns, and I definitely enjoy Annie's contributions to the story!
With this mystery all wrapped up (and while I still say the murder victim was a scumbag), it's onto the next one for our clever feline and her humans.
And while she's busy being adored and fawned upon by customers and her owners alike, Lauren and Zoe, the aforementioned owners, are puzzling out the mystery of the murdered food critic.
And honestly, the guy got what was coming to him. But I digress.
This book was fast paced in that it was fairly easy reading. Annie kept the flow going, tending to customers in the café in her own way, while Lauren puzzled out the mystery - while definitely not getting involved, and not crushing on the handsome detective in town.
But one thing that bothers me about this book is the relationship between Lauren and Zoe. They're cousins, but Lauren tends to scold Zoe like a mother would a child. They're both grown adults, but Lauren tends to scold Zoe for being herself - outspoken and straightforward. And that doesn't quite sit right with me.
Despite that, I still find myself hooked on this series. I enjoy the twists and turns, and I definitely enjoy Annie's contributions to the story!
With this mystery all wrapped up (and while I still say the murder victim was a scumbag), it's onto the next one for our clever feline and her humans.
June 22, 2025
This was an e-book. I did not read the first book of the series so it can be read as a stand alone, though the first book may have provided some insight into some of the characters.
Annie is a Norweigan Forest Cat who seats customers at the Cat Cafe and also hangs out with some of them. She usually trills but occasionally meows. Lauren and Zoe are the owners of the Cat Cafe which features cupcakes by Lauren and pastries by Ed.
A food critic comes to town to review the Cat Cafe, Gary's burger place, and Wayne's steakhouse (the steakhouse for a second time), but he's murdered before the reviews come out . I guessed what was going on at the steakhouse before it was revealed though I didn't guess all of the plot. There was a clue (in hindsight) but I didn't connect that up with what Wayne later revealed.
As with most modern cozy mysteries, I'm not sure we, as readers, are provided enough clues to try to solve the mystery on our own--in this case, it seems like Zoe and Lauren sort of stumble onto the culprit (who thinks they know more than they know).
Annie is a Norweigan Forest Cat who seats customers at the Cat Cafe and also hangs out with some of them. She usually trills but occasionally meows. Lauren and Zoe are the owners of the Cat Cafe which features cupcakes by Lauren and pastries by Ed.
A food critic comes to town to review the Cat Cafe, Gary's burger place, and Wayne's steakhouse (the steakhouse for a second time), but he's murdered before the reviews come out . I guessed what was going on at the steakhouse before it was revealed though I didn't guess all of the plot. There was a clue (in hindsight) but I didn't connect that up with what Wayne later revealed.
As with most modern cozy mysteries, I'm not sure we, as readers, are provided enough clues to try to solve the mystery on our own--in this case, it seems like Zoe and Lauren sort of stumble onto the culprit (who thinks they know more than they know).
May 2, 2019
There's a food critic in Gold Leaf Valley and all the restaurants are hoping for a good review. When the food critic comes to Lauren's cat café it seems he's happy with everything but disappointed he missed one of Ed's famous pastries so he plans to return the next morning. When he doesn't show, Lauren and her Norwegian Forest cat, Annie, walk to the motel to deliver a couple pastries. When Lauren finds his body it's a shock to see that he was murdered. But as she and Zoe are pulled into the investigation, they learn that the critic was not always on the up-and-up so there are several people who may have wanted him dead. With Mitch investigating again, he comes around the café more often and the attraction between he and Lauren builds.
I loved this book. It's well written and the characters are well-rounded. I'm really looking forward to the next book. I highly recommend this to both cat and mystery lovers.
I loved this book. It's well written and the characters are well-rounded. I'm really looking forward to the next book. I highly recommend this to both cat and mystery lovers.
March 26, 2022
OK, so this is actually getting kind of cute.
If you’re slightly dumb (like me), this series might be perfect for you. Nothing against this series, but the murderer is always exactly who anyone would expect the murderer would be. There aren’t really any red herrings in this series and the ones that are presented are really transparent. This is not a bad thing. Some readers don’t liked to be stumped at the conclusion of every book they read and having a book that is pretty connect-the-dots is sometimes refreshing.
The romance in this series still seems really Little House to me, but that’s fine. Just don’t start drinking anything sweet while reading this book, otherwise you might succumb to a sugar coma.
I was going to stop at this one but my library has two more so I think I might continue.
I think I’d miss Annie.
If you’re slightly dumb (like me), this series might be perfect for you. Nothing against this series, but the murderer is always exactly who anyone would expect the murderer would be. There aren’t really any red herrings in this series and the ones that are presented are really transparent. This is not a bad thing. Some readers don’t liked to be stumped at the conclusion of every book they read and having a book that is pretty connect-the-dots is sometimes refreshing.
The romance in this series still seems really Little House to me, but that’s fine. Just don’t start drinking anything sweet while reading this book, otherwise you might succumb to a sugar coma.
I was going to stop at this one but my library has two more so I think I might continue.
I think I’d miss Annie.
February 1, 2024
This book helped me get through a rough week--I was emptying out my late mother's house, and I listened to it while driving back and forth between the house and the storage unit. It was perfect--nothing too deep, while I was a bundle of emotions myself, and Annie the cat once again at center stage. I mean, I am fond of the sisters who run the cafe, but Annie is the reason I returned to this series. It was particularly timely, because my mother was a true cat person. Anyway, I want to go to a cafe for a cupcake and a latte and be seated by a lovely Norwegian Forest cat! Since that's no likely to happen, I've just put the rest of the series on my to-read list.
October 11, 2024
Meow Means Murder(Norwegian Forest Cat Café #2) — Jinty James (12 chapters + Epilogue) May 4, 2024
In this second story from this series, the Crenshaw girls are excited about a food critic who is coming around to try their café out. The reviewer gave another restaurant in town rave reviews the year before. However, after several issues with some of the restaurants he reviews in town, he winds up dead. More than one person had a motive to do him in… but who was it?
Meanwhile, there is a definite chemistry between Lauren and Mitch that is brewing up. After another lousy relationship date, Zoe focuses on knitting to preoccupy her mind.
Five stars.
In this second story from this series, the Crenshaw girls are excited about a food critic who is coming around to try their café out. The reviewer gave another restaurant in town rave reviews the year before. However, after several issues with some of the restaurants he reviews in town, he winds up dead. More than one person had a motive to do him in… but who was it?
Meanwhile, there is a definite chemistry between Lauren and Mitch that is brewing up. After another lousy relationship date, Zoe focuses on knitting to preoccupy her mind.
Five stars.
March 27, 2019
Lauren, Zoe and Annie are once again caught in the middle of a murder investigation. This time a food critic is the victim and there are several people who seemed to want him dead. Molly was too cute with her fairy pats for Annie. Zoe seems to have a very short attention span when it comes to hobbies, but at least she picks them up pretty quickly. I thought it was absolutely sweet what Mitch did for Lauren and the sweet payment she gave him as a thank you no one would turn down.
'I received an ARC of this book and voluntarily reviewed it.'
'I received an ARC of this book and voluntarily reviewed it.'
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December 31, 2023I was hoping this series would be similar to The Cat Who series by Lilian Jackson Braun, but it isn't. This second installment is at least a little better than the first since the villain's reaction to discovery is less cartoonish and more realistic, but otherwise it has the same flaws as the first. The idea is cute, the execution is lacking. The dialog and thoughts were very flat and unrealistic; they were more akin to young children than grown, clever adults. The narrator, unfortunately, only has two sounds for the cat; an upwards trill and a downwards trill.
April 20, 2024
3.5
Cute and whimsical -- love the cat cafe so much! Wish it actually existed and I could visit and have Annie (the Norwegian Forest Cat) escort me to my seat. The cozy aspects of this story are fantastic. The cafe, the cat, the town, but I felt like the mystery took second place. Lauren and her cousin didn't investigate at all -- more like wonder about who the murderer could be now and then. I'd say maybe 70% cozy and 30% mystery. It's quite a short novel, so not enough time to really develop suspects etc. Still a fun way to spend the afternoon.
Cute and whimsical -- love the cat cafe so much! Wish it actually existed and I could visit and have Annie (the Norwegian Forest Cat) escort me to my seat. The cozy aspects of this story are fantastic. The cafe, the cat, the town, but I felt like the mystery took second place. Lauren and her cousin didn't investigate at all -- more like wonder about who the murderer could be now and then. I'd say maybe 70% cozy and 30% mystery. It's quite a short novel, so not enough time to really develop suspects etc. Still a fun way to spend the afternoon.
March 21, 2025
Lauren, Zoe and Annie are excited to have a reporter come from Sacramento to review their cafe. But when the critic is found murdered, the man's appalling behaviour has created so many suspects that sorting through them all will be challenging.
While I enjoyed the introductory book, I found this second story even more delightful. The main characters retain their original voices but have become well-rounded and the action kept me tense.
While it's not necessary to adore cats, this series is definitely written for those of us who love the furry nutcases.
While I enjoyed the introductory book, I found this second story even more delightful. The main characters retain their original voices but have become well-rounded and the action kept me tense.
While it's not necessary to adore cats, this series is definitely written for those of us who love the furry nutcases.
May 15, 2024
This book was so much fun to read. The characters were designed with such powerful, colorful, and quite intriguing backgrounds. The storyline, itself, made everyone a possible suspect. I love 💕💞 Annie, our lovable Norwegian cat. She is quite personal and extremely intelligent.
I'm so excited to read the next book in this series. I happily and very excitingly highly recommend this book, to everyone, who enjoys reading a fun short story.
I'm so excited to read the next book in this series. I happily and very excitingly highly recommend this book, to everyone, who enjoys reading a fun short story.
March 16, 2025
Love story I could get into
Love the characters especially the cat They are so real I can imagine my sister Barb as Zoe and even though I never met my Mitch Zin another universe maybe I do . HE IS SO
MASCULINE SWEET THOUGHFUL AND
DEICATED TO BEING A POLICEMAN
BUT ANNIE IS SO LIKE MY GRAYGRAY ANDHAS MY kitkat's intellectual and my wonderful Baby my tuxedo cat lovely personality. All cats are special But I was happy to meet Annie
Love the characters especially the cat They are so real I can imagine my sister Barb as Zoe and even though I never met my Mitch Zin another universe maybe I do . HE IS SO
MASCULINE SWEET THOUGHFUL AND
DEICATED TO BEING A POLICEMAN
BUT ANNIE IS SO LIKE MY GRAYGRAY ANDHAS MY kitkat's intellectual and my wonderful Baby my tuxedo cat lovely personality. All cats are special But I was happy to meet Annie
April 4, 2025
The first was a bit above average, this one isn't. Not even a lobotomized person would leave her busy job to go to a hotel room of a guy she knew sexually predated another woman. However, Lauren does that stupidity and I couldn't get over it. Then it's even shorter than the first, a true novella that is very simple, almost to the point of mindless. I'll try one more.
It's getting three stars here because it's a 2.5 but really doesn't deserve a 2.
It's getting three stars here because it's a 2.5 but really doesn't deserve a 2.
March 20, 2020
I learned from this book that Norwegian Forest Cats have a considerable vocabulary and can learn to seat people in restaurants. I also learned there is a hugely costly beef called wagyu, information I will have no use for. This has an ingenious plot and is enjoyable if you like cats. I won't say any more, because it is a mystery, and I don't want to spoil it for anybody who plans to read it.
May 2, 2020
Light, fun, quick mystery read with cute characters.
Light, fun, quick mystery read with cute characters. Great for those times when you want something interesting and engaging, but do not want to make a big time investment in a book. This author knows how to write for busy people who still want to read a good book!
Light, fun, quick mystery read with cute characters. Great for those times when you want something interesting and engaging, but do not want to make a big time investment in a book. This author knows how to write for busy people who still want to read a good book!
March 24, 2022
This is the second mystery I’ve read in this series. It cute, love the cat but I do find it a bit silly. If the murderers keep being from the small city where they live, everyone will end up being in jail. I will say that in these troubling times, it’s a comforting and stress free read and I, along with every other reader, will follow the romance progress of Lauren and Mitch.
July 24, 2024
Such a sweet cozy mystery. Each one I read, I enjoy the setting and characters even more. Lauren and Zoe run the Norwegian Forest Cat Cafe with the help of Lauren's cat Annie. She helps the guests get settled and is very interested in what's happening around her.
It has all the cozy feels and is a easy, fun read.
It has all the cozy feels and is a easy, fun read.
March 21, 2025
One smart cat
Cat in the bakery. I'm not sure the health department would agree. Annie was definitely some tuning special. Zoe and Lauren's grandmother would have been proud of them. Excellent murder mystery with a touch of fondness for the town. Lauren and Mitch - hmm! Can't wait to read book 3.
Cat in the bakery. I'm not sure the health department would agree. Annie was definitely some tuning special. Zoe and Lauren's grandmother would have been proud of them. Excellent murder mystery with a touch of fondness for the town. Lauren and Mitch - hmm! Can't wait to read book 3.
March 23, 2025
It was an okay read, a possible romance, very slow, and a well-developed story. I haven't read this author before, and I guess the main negative to me is what others may find endearing. The number of Brrts (or whatever the cat says) was annoying. Too many too close together. I thought the author could have found different ways to say what the cat was thinking. Otherwise, it was a fun read.
March 24, 2025
I have a Norwegian Forest Cat, so Annie was my favorite part of the book. This story was okay, but I thought it was fairly easy to figure out what was going on. I also like spicy romance, so this was too slow moving in that regard. The characters, cafe, and cat are all lovely, but just not my cup of tea. But I would recommend it to those who enjoy clean, comfy mysteries.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews