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Witch Cats of Cambridge #2
An Incantation of Cats
The new novel in Clea Simon’s spellbinding Witch Cats of Cambridge series! When two new clients seek Becca’s professional services, the fledgling witch detective is overjoyed. Finally, she can use her skills to help her magical community. But as the young witch finds the new cases intertwining, things grow more complicated. Becca’s three cats – the ones with the real power – can smell something is wrong with these clients. But not even Clara, the calico, knows what to do when a man ends up dead and a powerful and poisonous root appears – and disappears – in the case. To make matters worse, Clara and her littermates are feuding – and she can’t tell them about an unsettling interaction she’s had with one of the client’s sisters. Is it possible that some humans may have the same powers as the magical felines? What does that mean for Clara’s beloved Becca – and for the potent poison that has already taken one person’s life? In this second Witch Cats of Cambridge mystery, Clara and her sisters must learn to work together if they are to save the person they all love.
264 pages, Hardcover
First published January 14, 2020
22 people are currently reading
1575 people want to read
About the author
Clea Simon
57 books405 followersBoston Globe-bestselling author Clea Simon is the author of
The Butterfly Trap,
a sinister slow-build "he said/she said" that will definitely surprise you.
This follows Bad Boy Beat a fast-paced amateur sleuth mystery featuring a novice crime reporter with a nose for news who is convinced a series of street-level killings are connected.
In a different mood, Clea's most recent cozy is The Cat's Eye Charm, the fifth in her "Witch Cats of Cambridge" series.
She is also the author of the psychological suspense novels, Hold Me Down and World Enough, both named "Must Reads" by the Massachusetts Book Awards, as well as the dystopian Blackie and Care black cat series (The Ninth Life), the Dulcie Schwartz feline/academic mysteries (Shades of Grey), the Pru Marlowe pet noir mysteries (Dogs Don't Lie), and the Theda Krakow cats & crime & rock & roll mysteries (Mew is for Murder), as well as three nonfiction books: Mad House: Growing Up in the Shadow of Mentally Ill Siblings; Fatherless Women: How We Change After We Lose Our Dads; and The Feline Mystique: On the Mysterious Connection Between Women and Cats.
The recipient of multiple honors, including the Cat Writers Associations Presidents Award, she lives in Somerville, Massachusetts, with her husband, Jon Garelick, and their cat, Thisbe. Find her at Clea Simon.com
This follows Bad Boy Beat a fast-paced amateur sleuth mystery featuring a novice crime reporter with a nose for news who is convinced a series of street-level killings are connected.
In a different mood, Clea's most recent cozy is The Cat's Eye Charm, the fifth in her "Witch Cats of Cambridge" series.
She is also the author of the psychological suspense novels, Hold Me Down and World Enough, both named "Must Reads" by the Massachusetts Book Awards, as well as the dystopian Blackie and Care black cat series (The Ninth Life), the Dulcie Schwartz feline/academic mysteries (Shades of Grey), the Pru Marlowe pet noir mysteries (Dogs Don't Lie), and the Theda Krakow cats & crime & rock & roll mysteries (Mew is for Murder), as well as three nonfiction books: Mad House: Growing Up in the Shadow of Mentally Ill Siblings; Fatherless Women: How We Change After We Lose Our Dads; and The Feline Mystique: On the Mysterious Connection Between Women and Cats.
The recipient of multiple honors, including the Cat Writers Associations Presidents Award, she lives in Somerville, Massachusetts, with her husband, Jon Garelick, and their cat, Thisbe. Find her at Clea Simon.com
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November 21, 2021
An Incantation of Cats
(Witch Cats of Cambridge #2)
by Clea Simon
This is about magical cats and a witch detective. I found it interesting but I don't know if I want to continue the series. I struggled at times to continue and other times it was very good.
(Witch Cats of Cambridge #2)
by Clea Simon
This is about magical cats and a witch detective. I found it interesting but I don't know if I want to continue the series. I struggled at times to continue and other times it was very good.
March 23, 2020
The book has things I enjoy, cats and a delightful cozy mystery.
The story line was pretty good and held my attention .
The banter between the kitties was clever. The kitties and their human solve mysteries.
I liked the concept and enjoyed the cats more than the main character, she fell flat for me.
Published January 14th 2020 by Polis Books.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you
All opinions expressed are my own.
The story line was pretty good and held my attention .
The banter between the kitties was clever. The kitties and their human solve mysteries.
I liked the concept and enjoyed the cats more than the main character, she fell flat for me.
Published January 14th 2020 by Polis Books.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you
All opinions expressed are my own.
May 11, 2020
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the chance to read this book!
I think I'm sadly going to give the next in this series a miss; although this book is from one of my favorite authors, and the genre is so up my alley it isn't funny, both books out so far haven't held my interest long. There are the three cats, the main character and her friend, as well as the characters involved in the murder. They all have traditional, older names, and even the author/editor in this early edition uses the WRONG name on multiple occasions. I had to go back and see when a cat had entered the room, only to realize the wrong name was used instead. I honestly think this story would work better if the main character only had the one cat, and the sisters were owned by other neighbours/friends. There is too much pull towards them and inconsequential dialogue and situations that ultimately pull the story down.
This is a case of personal opinion I suppose, because I have to give some reasoning as to why I kept putting it down no matter how much I wanted to get it out of the way. It was the same with the first book. Ultimately, life is too short for bad books, but I did finish this one and was glad to. Three stars, for potential and a great idea that just doesn'y translate to the page.
I think I'm sadly going to give the next in this series a miss; although this book is from one of my favorite authors, and the genre is so up my alley it isn't funny, both books out so far haven't held my interest long. There are the three cats, the main character and her friend, as well as the characters involved in the murder. They all have traditional, older names, and even the author/editor in this early edition uses the WRONG name on multiple occasions. I had to go back and see when a cat had entered the room, only to realize the wrong name was used instead. I honestly think this story would work better if the main character only had the one cat, and the sisters were owned by other neighbours/friends. There is too much pull towards them and inconsequential dialogue and situations that ultimately pull the story down.
This is a case of personal opinion I suppose, because I have to give some reasoning as to why I kept putting it down no matter how much I wanted to get it out of the way. It was the same with the first book. Ultimately, life is too short for bad books, but I did finish this one and was glad to. Three stars, for potential and a great idea that just doesn'y translate to the page.
August 25, 2020
Clara and her sisters are fast becoming part of my favorite cozy mystery cats.
And also this series is becoming one of my favorites.
I like how the book is told by the cat POV and how sweet and naif but also sharp Becca is.
This was an excellent story that kept me hooked till the end, the cast of characters is likable and well thought, the mystery is solid and the solution came as a surprise.
I can't wait to read the next instalment in this series.
A gripping and entertaining read, highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
And also this series is becoming one of my favorites.
I like how the book is told by the cat POV and how sweet and naif but also sharp Becca is.
This was an excellent story that kept me hooked till the end, the cast of characters is likable and well thought, the mystery is solid and the solution came as a surprise.
I can't wait to read the next instalment in this series.
A gripping and entertaining read, highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
April 13, 2020
Baca is a young woman who has set out to be a witch detective. She's soon approached by two people who want to hire her. As the cases become entwined, things begin to take a dark turn. Meanwhile, Becca's three cats who are the ones with the real power are fighting amongst themselves. Can they set aside their differences and work together before it's too late?
I really enjoyed the first book in this new series and was eagerly waiting for the second. It was well worth the wait, even the waiting I had to do in order to get it from my library. This book was fabulous! I loved going along with Becca as she grew and matured in her Path. While it did start out a bit slow, I was soon grabbed and ensconced in the twists and turns of the mystery. I am eager for the next book. I recommend both book and series which I suggest you read in order.
I really enjoyed the first book in this new series and was eagerly waiting for the second. It was well worth the wait, even the waiting I had to do in order to get it from my library. This book was fabulous! I loved going along with Becca as she grew and matured in her Path. While it did start out a bit slow, I was soon grabbed and ensconced in the twists and turns of the mystery. I am eager for the next book. I recommend both book and series which I suggest you read in order.
December 11, 2019
An Incantation of Cats” is the 2nd book in the “A Witch Cats of Cambridge Mystery” by Clea Simon. It can be read as a stand-alone but I found myself wondering what happened in the first book. I have now purchased it and hope to be all caught up.
When two new clients seek Becca’s professional services, the fledgling witch detective is overjoyed. Finally, she can use her skills to help her magical community. But as the young witch finds the new cases intertwining, things grow more complicated. Becca’s three cats – the ones with the real power – can smell something is wrong with these clients. But not even Clara, the calico, knows what to do when a man ends up dead and a powerful and poisonous root appears – and disappears – in the case. To make matters worse, Clara and her littermates are feuding – and she can’t tell them about an unsettling interaction she’s had with one of the client’s sisters. Is it possible that some humans may have the same powers as the magical felines? What does that mean for Clara’s beloved Becca – and for the potent poison that has already taken one person’s life? In this second Witch Cats of Cambridge mystery, Clara and her sisters must learn to work together if they are to save the person they all love.
I enjoyed the setting of Cambridge , along with Becca’s BFF Maddy who tried to keep her out of trouble. The story is told from the cats perspective and I enjoyed that. I found the secondary story was to do with true friendship and how no matter what they stick by you. In the case of the cats it was siblings who learn that no matter what squabbles they have they will always have your back. Clara the chubby calico was the center of the story as she discovered her true abilities as well as trying to protect her person and I always love when a furbaby is center stage in a book. I had a huge smile on my face by the time I finished this book!
The mystery was well written with plenty of twists and turns and had a steady pace, even had a few surprises. I suspected but didn’t fully figure out whodunit until it was revealed at the end.
I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys paranormal mysteries and cats.
I requested and received an Advanced Reader Copy from Polis Books and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
When two new clients seek Becca’s professional services, the fledgling witch detective is overjoyed. Finally, she can use her skills to help her magical community. But as the young witch finds the new cases intertwining, things grow more complicated. Becca’s three cats – the ones with the real power – can smell something is wrong with these clients. But not even Clara, the calico, knows what to do when a man ends up dead and a powerful and poisonous root appears – and disappears – in the case. To make matters worse, Clara and her littermates are feuding – and she can’t tell them about an unsettling interaction she’s had with one of the client’s sisters. Is it possible that some humans may have the same powers as the magical felines? What does that mean for Clara’s beloved Becca – and for the potent poison that has already taken one person’s life? In this second Witch Cats of Cambridge mystery, Clara and her sisters must learn to work together if they are to save the person they all love.
I enjoyed the setting of Cambridge , along with Becca’s BFF Maddy who tried to keep her out of trouble. The story is told from the cats perspective and I enjoyed that. I found the secondary story was to do with true friendship and how no matter what they stick by you. In the case of the cats it was siblings who learn that no matter what squabbles they have they will always have your back. Clara the chubby calico was the center of the story as she discovered her true abilities as well as trying to protect her person and I always love when a furbaby is center stage in a book. I had a huge smile on my face by the time I finished this book!
The mystery was well written with plenty of twists and turns and had a steady pace, even had a few surprises. I suspected but didn’t fully figure out whodunit until it was revealed at the end.
I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys paranormal mysteries and cats.
I requested and received an Advanced Reader Copy from Polis Books and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
April 22, 2020
This is the second book in the "Witch Cats Of Cambridge" mystery series by popular cozy author., Clea Simon. Her books are catnip to her readers with her vivid understanding of cats and her wonderful ways of writing them into mysteries. I was thrilled to receive this for review. Thank you to the publisher and to Net Galley for the opportunity.
In this second in series we return to Becca and her intuitive cats that can read minds. Becca is using her new witch detective skills to help her town . Clara, the calico, knows what to do when a man ends up dead and a powerful poisonous root in the case mysteriously disappears. . Clara and her littermates are feuding – and she cannot put her paw on certain clues . It is entirely possible that some humans may have the same powers as the magical felines do now?
This was such a fun read with enchanting feline antics and likable humans. I always enjoy returning to this series . The author knows cats and she brings them to life and pairs them perfectly here with Becca the new witch working with her very smart cats to solve crimes. I love reading the book from the cats point of view. Very well done to the author.
In this second in series we return to Becca and her intuitive cats that can read minds. Becca is using her new witch detective skills to help her town . Clara, the calico, knows what to do when a man ends up dead and a powerful poisonous root in the case mysteriously disappears. . Clara and her littermates are feuding – and she cannot put her paw on certain clues . It is entirely possible that some humans may have the same powers as the magical felines do now?
This was such a fun read with enchanting feline antics and likable humans. I always enjoy returning to this series . The author knows cats and she brings them to life and pairs them perfectly here with Becca the new witch working with her very smart cats to solve crimes. I love reading the book from the cats point of view. Very well done to the author.
March 30, 2020
Another enjoyable read. Told mostly from the view of the little calico cat, Clara, this magical mystery is a treat. Clara's human Becca is trying her hand at being a witch detective. The three sister cats don't care for some of her clients. Soon Becca finds herself knee deep in a tangled web of mystery. I like the balance of Becca's adventures and the interactions of the cats. It's a fun read, but I recommend reading the first book in the series before diving into this second book. I also found it a tad confusing at times, so I recommend reading it only while really awake, not right before bed, or you may find you need to go back and re-read sections. It's a good choice for someone who wants a little bit of a paranormal copy without the ghosts.
November 22, 2019
The second in the Witch Cats of Cambridge takes the characters to the next level. Becca, the aspiring witch, takes on a case involving a young woman who thinks she is being threatened. Clara, one of her three cats, is concerned that Becca might be getting in over her head and decides to help-- you see, the cats are the ones who DO have powers. The personalities of the cats really shine in this book. While the mystery is a solid one and there are some good twists and turns, I was most enchanted by the cats. I was ready to cheer at the end and am anxious to see what happens next. If you liked the first one, I think you'll love the second.
December 10, 2019
This is a cute cozy mystery that includes two of my favorite things, cats and witches. I’ve always been drawn to anything dealing with witchcraft, i love the magic of it.
In this book, Clara the cat is busy trying to help her owner, but things don’t always work out.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a light, page turning cozy.
In this book, Clara the cat is busy trying to help her owner, but things don’t always work out.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a light, page turning cozy.
January 22, 2020
Set in Cambridge, Massachusetts, the narration of this novel is shared by a witch detective's litter of beautiful cats--who are actually witches themselves! The plot winds delightfully around the cats' assisting their owner in solving a mystery. The writing is delicious!
January 4, 2020
1/4/2020 3.5 stars. Builds delightfully off the first book. Full review tk at CriminalElement.com.
September 11, 2021
Becca Colwin and her three cats are back in the second book in the Witch Cats of Cambridge series. This time she is starting her own witch detective business and she already has two new clients. Unfortunately, both women work for the same shop and are accusing each other of crimes. Becca has to tell one of them that it’s a conflict of interest to represent her in this case.
When a man dies under suspicious circumstances, both women are the prime suspects. Becca is determined to find out what is going on, even though everyone around her tells her it’s safer to keep her distance. She’s not going to let that stop her.
Becca’s three cats - who have special powers that Becca knows nothing about - are snooping around too. The youngest cat, Clara, sticks close to Becca’s side without her every suspecting a thing. The cats anxiously try to protect their human, but things take a nasty turn and it could be quite dangerous for all of them.
Just like with the first book, the three cats were my favorite part of the book. Well, actually my favorite is the youngest, Clara. Her older sisters can be too nasty with her. LOL Becca is still a bit naive, but I like her. She’s trying to establish herself and, with the help of her cats, she’s getting there.
The storyline moved at a steady pace. There were a couple of slow spots, but then the book took off. There were several different twists and turns. I did have my suspicions about who the culprit was, but I didn’t put it together until the end.
This series is filled with charm, suspense, likeable characters and cats! I’ll be reading the third book soon.
When a man dies under suspicious circumstances, both women are the prime suspects. Becca is determined to find out what is going on, even though everyone around her tells her it’s safer to keep her distance. She’s not going to let that stop her.
Becca’s three cats - who have special powers that Becca knows nothing about - are snooping around too. The youngest cat, Clara, sticks close to Becca’s side without her every suspecting a thing. The cats anxiously try to protect their human, but things take a nasty turn and it could be quite dangerous for all of them.
Just like with the first book, the three cats were my favorite part of the book. Well, actually my favorite is the youngest, Clara. Her older sisters can be too nasty with her. LOL Becca is still a bit naive, but I like her. She’s trying to establish herself and, with the help of her cats, she’s getting there.
The storyline moved at a steady pace. There were a couple of slow spots, but then the book took off. There were several different twists and turns. I did have my suspicions about who the culprit was, but I didn’t put it together until the end.
This series is filled with charm, suspense, likeable characters and cats! I’ll be reading the third book soon.
July 10, 2020
‘#An Incantation of Cats by Author #Clea Simon is #2 in her series of Witch cats of Cambridge. Being really a serious reader this was a nice break for me.The book is a magical tale with a dose of mystery.
The talking cats and Becca the witch with all the mayhem is perfect.
Thank you,
#Netgalley,#Clea Simon and #Polis Books
The talking cats and Becca the witch with all the mayhem is perfect.
Thank you,
#Netgalley,#Clea Simon and #Polis Books
February 16, 2020
This was definitely better than the first book and I liked the development of the cats and preview of what might be to come for them.
I feel like Becca is actually really not good at solving mysteries so she can be kinda annoying. The culprit in this book is suspicious to everyone but her it seems. It’s entertaining enough for someone who wants a light cozy mystery with some cat magic.
Also the name of her ex-boyfriend changed in this book. In the first book he is named Jeff and in this book he is referred to as Matt. I don’t know what happened there but this seems like a major oversight.
I feel like Becca is actually really not good at solving mysteries so she can be kinda annoying. The culprit in this book is suspicious to everyone but her it seems. It’s entertaining enough for someone who wants a light cozy mystery with some cat magic.
Also the name of her ex-boyfriend changed in this book. In the first book he is named Jeff and in this book he is referred to as Matt. I don’t know what happened there but this seems like a major oversight.
January 26, 2020
An Incantation of Cats by Clea Simon
Book #2: Witch Cats of Cambridge Series
Source: NetGalley and Polis Books
Rating: 2/5 stars
I would like to make it clear from the very beginning, I went into this book with a good attitude and true hope for a solid book that had worked out all the kinks found in in the first book. Alas, my hopes were once again dashed.
I had really hoped from book one to two, Becca would have figured out she is, in no way whatsoever, magically inclined. Becca is one of those very sweet, very kind souls who ultimately find herself earning a Darwin award – that’s funny if you know what the Darwin’s are 😊 Not only has Becca not realized she has no magical abilities but she has also decided to turn down a real job in favor of advertising herself as a Witch Detective. Inexplicably, not only is Becca hired, but she is approached by two clients on the same day.
In truth, it is Becca’s three cats who have the magical abilities though they are forbidden to reveal them to their people. The youngest of Becca’s cats, Clara is the most devoted to Becca and the one most interested in helping her human succeed. Clara often finds herself out in the real world chasing after Becca and learning all she can in order to help Becca work out the solution to her problems. Though Clara is young, she is crafty and clever – far more so than her human – and finds ways to nudge Becca in the right direction. More often than not, Clara has to enlist the help of her older and far more awful sisters as they have abilities different from Clara’s and necessary for helping Becca.
Against the advice of literally everyone she knows, Becca continues to investigate multiple crimes that are all, ultimately linked to one another. From the beginning, everyone involved is lying and/or hiding something, everyone is terrified of being caught, and no one actually wants to involve the people who can actually help them, the police. Each new clue Becca uncovers leads her closer to the truth, but, as is her wont, it also leads her right into real danger. Thankfully, Becca’s cats are far smarter than she is and willing to go to extraordinary lengths to save Becca from herself.
The Bottom Line: I just don’t even know where to begin. I sincerely wanted this book to be better than the first but that just didn’t happen. So many of the complaints I had from the first book crop up again in this installment. Topping my list is Becca’s naivete and reckless behavior; she is utterly convinced she has magical powers because of a pillow which has, in turn, led her to start a business as a witch detective. Though her research skills are strong, Becca has no experience or business working as a detective and that is made abundantly clear in this book! I was also very much hoping the cats would even out and become more likeable in this book but that didn’t happen either. Once again, the two older cats are wretched and treat Clara with contempt most of the time. I say this as a cat lover ☹ Finally, I found myself skipping over large passages because of the repetition – there’s only so many times you can read about how much a cat loves her person – and the predictability of the plot. I always like to try and find something positive to say about a book, but alas, I just can’t come up with anything this time around.
Book #2: Witch Cats of Cambridge Series
Source: NetGalley and Polis Books
Rating: 2/5 stars
I would like to make it clear from the very beginning, I went into this book with a good attitude and true hope for a solid book that had worked out all the kinks found in in the first book. Alas, my hopes were once again dashed.
I had really hoped from book one to two, Becca would have figured out she is, in no way whatsoever, magically inclined. Becca is one of those very sweet, very kind souls who ultimately find herself earning a Darwin award – that’s funny if you know what the Darwin’s are 😊 Not only has Becca not realized she has no magical abilities but she has also decided to turn down a real job in favor of advertising herself as a Witch Detective. Inexplicably, not only is Becca hired, but she is approached by two clients on the same day.
In truth, it is Becca’s three cats who have the magical abilities though they are forbidden to reveal them to their people. The youngest of Becca’s cats, Clara is the most devoted to Becca and the one most interested in helping her human succeed. Clara often finds herself out in the real world chasing after Becca and learning all she can in order to help Becca work out the solution to her problems. Though Clara is young, she is crafty and clever – far more so than her human – and finds ways to nudge Becca in the right direction. More often than not, Clara has to enlist the help of her older and far more awful sisters as they have abilities different from Clara’s and necessary for helping Becca.
Against the advice of literally everyone she knows, Becca continues to investigate multiple crimes that are all, ultimately linked to one another. From the beginning, everyone involved is lying and/or hiding something, everyone is terrified of being caught, and no one actually wants to involve the people who can actually help them, the police. Each new clue Becca uncovers leads her closer to the truth, but, as is her wont, it also leads her right into real danger. Thankfully, Becca’s cats are far smarter than she is and willing to go to extraordinary lengths to save Becca from herself.
The Bottom Line: I just don’t even know where to begin. I sincerely wanted this book to be better than the first but that just didn’t happen. So many of the complaints I had from the first book crop up again in this installment. Topping my list is Becca’s naivete and reckless behavior; she is utterly convinced she has magical powers because of a pillow which has, in turn, led her to start a business as a witch detective. Though her research skills are strong, Becca has no experience or business working as a detective and that is made abundantly clear in this book! I was also very much hoping the cats would even out and become more likeable in this book but that didn’t happen either. Once again, the two older cats are wretched and treat Clara with contempt most of the time. I say this as a cat lover ☹ Finally, I found myself skipping over large passages because of the repetition – there’s only so many times you can read about how much a cat loves her person – and the predictability of the plot. I always like to try and find something positive to say about a book, but alas, I just can’t come up with anything this time around.
December 3, 2019
There are three Siamese cats who are witches and actually are the Maine characters of this story. According to cat witch code they are not allowed to give this information to their caregiver. These three are litter mates with their lineage extending back some distance into the past.
Their caregiver is a witch detective who yearns for witch powers. At present she has just got two potential clients come to her on the same day asking for her services. One, a young girl, feels she is going to be killed by someone in the craft. This girl wants the detective to find out who wants to kill her.
The other an older woman, running a small business, knows her clerk is stealing money from the till amounting in total over three weeks to $500. No evidence exists but knowing the stock, what is missing and what is replaced makes tallying easy. The amounts began at $20 per time but now have risen to $50. This woman wants the detective to get the evidence so she can have the girl arrested. The store owner gives the name of the store; would you believe that it is the same store her other client works at?
After her latest client leaves Miss Detective realizes a conflict of interest exists. When she calls the store owner her calls go unanswered and when she goes to the store the owner is not there. The d drive finds her at her home.
Now things begin escalating, the owners husband is missing, not answering phone calls, jewelry and other small, portable items are missing from their apartment. The store owner is certain it is the young girl working her charms on the husband and coveting the jewelry.
There is a too helpful bike messenger, a dead body, a hit and run accident, aconite, and several suspects. What does a detective do but get involved, not heeding advice from her coven or cats.
Who will find out the truth? What part do the cats play in everything? Are any of the suspects the real murderer? Where is the husband? Is there really embezzling going on at the store? Who has the stollen jewelry?
All of these questions will be answered while reading this very light hearted mystery. I love the cats and how they work work together to help their caregiver detective. Their combined “powers” are wondrous, interesting and they really work.
I thank the author for this entertaining cozy mystery. The “powers” given each cat are both interesting and believable. That they can combine them is also helpful. I look forward to the next book; will the hopeful detective display any signs of magic?
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Polis Books through NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
Their caregiver is a witch detective who yearns for witch powers. At present she has just got two potential clients come to her on the same day asking for her services. One, a young girl, feels she is going to be killed by someone in the craft. This girl wants the detective to find out who wants to kill her.
The other an older woman, running a small business, knows her clerk is stealing money from the till amounting in total over three weeks to $500. No evidence exists but knowing the stock, what is missing and what is replaced makes tallying easy. The amounts began at $20 per time but now have risen to $50. This woman wants the detective to get the evidence so she can have the girl arrested. The store owner gives the name of the store; would you believe that it is the same store her other client works at?
After her latest client leaves Miss Detective realizes a conflict of interest exists. When she calls the store owner her calls go unanswered and when she goes to the store the owner is not there. The d drive finds her at her home.
Now things begin escalating, the owners husband is missing, not answering phone calls, jewelry and other small, portable items are missing from their apartment. The store owner is certain it is the young girl working her charms on the husband and coveting the jewelry.
There is a too helpful bike messenger, a dead body, a hit and run accident, aconite, and several suspects. What does a detective do but get involved, not heeding advice from her coven or cats.
Who will find out the truth? What part do the cats play in everything? Are any of the suspects the real murderer? Where is the husband? Is there really embezzling going on at the store? Who has the stollen jewelry?
All of these questions will be answered while reading this very light hearted mystery. I love the cats and how they work work together to help their caregiver detective. Their combined “powers” are wondrous, interesting and they really work.
I thank the author for this entertaining cozy mystery. The “powers” given each cat are both interesting and believable. That they can combine them is also helpful. I look forward to the next book; will the hopeful detective display any signs of magic?
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Polis Books through NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
January 13, 2020
There is no denying that this is simply a fun book. It isn’t great literature, but reading this story is a great way to relax. It certainly kept me turning the pages.
Our heroine, Becca Colwin, has lost her job and decided that she would become a detective who helps members of the local witchcraft community. Two clients show up at her door on the same day. Becca ultimately decides that she can work for only the first one as they are both connected to the same event. Unbeknownst to her, Becca’s three cats have special powers and do their best to try and steer her in the right direction.
There are many creative twists both in the human and feline sides of the story. Some of the things Becca does defy common sense, but the cats see to it that everything works out. As a reader, I found it hard to guess just how the story will end. However, I was pleased with how things worked out. This book has a touch of potential romance, moments that made me laugh as the cats fight as if they were human siblings, and just enough tension to keep me wondering about how things will ultimately be resolved.
This is a new to me author and my advance copy was provided through NetGalley. Any opinion provided is strictly my own.
Our heroine, Becca Colwin, has lost her job and decided that she would become a detective who helps members of the local witchcraft community. Two clients show up at her door on the same day. Becca ultimately decides that she can work for only the first one as they are both connected to the same event. Unbeknownst to her, Becca’s three cats have special powers and do their best to try and steer her in the right direction.
There are many creative twists both in the human and feline sides of the story. Some of the things Becca does defy common sense, but the cats see to it that everything works out. As a reader, I found it hard to guess just how the story will end. However, I was pleased with how things worked out. This book has a touch of potential romance, moments that made me laugh as the cats fight as if they were human siblings, and just enough tension to keep me wondering about how things will ultimately be resolved.
This is a new to me author and my advance copy was provided through NetGalley. Any opinion provided is strictly my own.
January 17, 2021
All of the characters are so flat and unlikeable and the author tries so hard to be clever with the mystery but fails miserably. The twist ending just wasn't a twist. You could see it coming from literally the beginning. The only reason this story wasn't 30 pages long is because the main character is just so stupid. She is supposed to be a detective but she's an idiot. I wanted to like this story. It's a very cute idea, but it was so poorly executed. The writing is elementary and needs another round of editing. I liked that the story was from the cat's perspective, but again this was so poorly written.
December 6, 2019
This book was fabulous. The characters were original and real. The story was well written and very entertaining
Becca and her kitties solve crimes. I loved the clever little banter between the kitties and the love and concern they have for their human. The mystery itself was rather brilliant and I could not lift my eyes from the pages. All in all, I found this story delightful.
Becca and her kitties solve crimes. I loved the clever little banter between the kitties and the love and concern they have for their human. The mystery itself was rather brilliant and I could not lift my eyes from the pages. All in all, I found this story delightful.
November 27, 2019
I didn't like this book. I didn't like the cats and their attitudes, i thought that the main character Becca was making major assumptions in her investigation, which really didn't feel like an investigation. She just kept going back and forth to the same shop. #AnIncantationOfCats #NetGalley
October 18, 2019
Excellent book!!!
April 8, 2022
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“An Incantation of Cats” is a lovely continuation to the “Witch Cats of Cambridge” series that was better than its predecessor in some ways.
The highlight for me in his book was Becca and Clara. I thought the author matured both of them so well from the first book. I saw Becca as solid and confident in the tale, where she takes charge of the case and doesn’t give up. She also comforts Maddy in some scenes when it was the other way around earlier. Similarly, I loved the relationship between Clara, Laurel, and Harriet. The three of them look for each other, and I enjoyed how the author added more layers and emotions to the two, not making Clara the spotlight. Maddy is excellent, and I adored how she got herself involved in the investigations. Similarly, Gaia and Elizabeth were two characters who I found fascinating. The author did a fantastic job with the character’s emotions, and I thought I was more connected to them.
However, I felt some aspects were missing in the story. For one thing, I wanted to see characters like Nathan from the first book, which surprisingly did not happen. Moreover, I wanted more background on the ancestry plot that the author builds up in the first book, but there was not much progress as I would have liked. Also, since there were only a small set of characters, the suspect turned out to be someone I expected, so it was not as surprising as in the first book.
Nevertheless, ” An Incantation of Cats” is an entertaining continuation of the series, and I cannot wait to read the next book!
May 11, 2020
Simon began her publishing career in 1997 with the harrowing memoir Mad House. Since then she has published 2 other non fiction works. In 2005 she turned her talent to writing mysteries that featured amateur sleuths, cats, and New England settings. In addition she is a well regarded book reviewer for the Boston Globe.
Simon is a disciplined writer. From 2005 to today, she has created 5 cozy mystery series in addition to one stand alone suspense novel. An incantation of Cats is book 2 in the Witch Cats of Cambridge series. The hook for the series is the humans do not have paranormal abilities. The cats are the holders of magic. They adopt their human. In essence, the human is the familiar.
The human in question is Becca. Devoted to the craft, she believes in her nascent powers. She recently decided to become a 'Witch Detective' supplementing her trained research skills with
her Wiccan Beliefs. She is delighted to have two new clients; sadly the clients are two sides of the same coin and she must decide who to serve. When a possible poisoning, followed by a probably murder happen, Becca feels the pressure.
The real pressure belongs to Clara. She is the one who 'dogs' (forgive me couldn't resist) Becca's feet. She is the one who feels mistreated by her sisters. She is the one who suspects humans might have magic. Are feuding cats like feuding humans?
There is a lot to like in this new series. The puzzle was well plotted and not easily solved. Becca is an endearing character. The cats are likeable. Yet, this reader found some quibbles . It seemed the book needed a good editing. Adjectives used to describe the characteristics were over used. One cat continually yowls, another is always hungry, and so on. The writing felt pedestrian. I enjoy Simon's take on cats and the paranormal world. This series is bound to improve.
Full disclosure: I received a copy of this book from netgalley and Polis books in exchange for an unbiased review. Thank you for this opportunity.
Simon is a disciplined writer. From 2005 to today, she has created 5 cozy mystery series in addition to one stand alone suspense novel. An incantation of Cats is book 2 in the Witch Cats of Cambridge series. The hook for the series is the humans do not have paranormal abilities. The cats are the holders of magic. They adopt their human. In essence, the human is the familiar.
The human in question is Becca. Devoted to the craft, she believes in her nascent powers. She recently decided to become a 'Witch Detective' supplementing her trained research skills with
her Wiccan Beliefs. She is delighted to have two new clients; sadly the clients are two sides of the same coin and she must decide who to serve. When a possible poisoning, followed by a probably murder happen, Becca feels the pressure.
The real pressure belongs to Clara. She is the one who 'dogs' (forgive me couldn't resist) Becca's feet. She is the one who feels mistreated by her sisters. She is the one who suspects humans might have magic. Are feuding cats like feuding humans?
There is a lot to like in this new series. The puzzle was well plotted and not easily solved. Becca is an endearing character. The cats are likeable. Yet, this reader found some quibbles . It seemed the book needed a good editing. Adjectives used to describe the characteristics were over used. One cat continually yowls, another is always hungry, and so on. The writing felt pedestrian. I enjoy Simon's take on cats and the paranormal world. This series is bound to improve.
Full disclosure: I received a copy of this book from netgalley and Polis books in exchange for an unbiased review. Thank you for this opportunity.
February 15, 2021
Story of a woman who thinks she is a witch and her 3 cats who know they are the ones with the power. Our heroine Becca gets involved in a mystery when the clerk from a magic shop comes for help, followed by her boss/store owner who also wants help. The artist who did the cover missed that the calico cat had a two-colored nose which is mentioned in the story-and I had a calico cat with a nose that has half pink and half brown so I know what it looks like! Also, genetics wouldn't allow the mixture of cats from the same litter being so different. This kind of spoiled the book somewhat for me, also how mean the "older" two cats were to the youngest, since I'm also the youngest of three (but not from the same litter!). I pretty much figured out what was going on before Becca did.
April 24, 2021
This is book 2 in the Witch Cats of Cambridge and it can be read as a stand alone. Becca is a witch detective and is happy to have 2 new cases. When the two cases start to intertwine and a man is found poisoned, Becca and her three cats need to solve the cases quickly before they are dead too. Clara and her sister cats are lovable and talk to each other to discuss the case and their beloved Becca. But the 3 of them are feuding about which one will be Becca's familiar. Any animal and magic cozy lover will enjoy this series. I received a copy of this ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.
December 22, 2021
I listened to this in audiobook.
First off the author renamed Becca’s ex boyfriend who wanted her back and dated one of the members of her Coven Matt, when his name was Jeff in the first book.
Second: The cats are still more passive in the book. If you stick is that cats have magic and they are helping their human, it would seem that they would be doing more than watching passively as their human got herself into dangerous situations.
I downloaded all three books in this series, but if there isn’t an improvement in the third, I doubt I’ll read/listen to anymore.
I really wanted to like this series, because I’m a cat lover, but it’s hard.
First off the author renamed Becca’s ex boyfriend who wanted her back and dated one of the members of her Coven Matt, when his name was Jeff in the first book.
Second: The cats are still more passive in the book. If you stick is that cats have magic and they are helping their human, it would seem that they would be doing more than watching passively as their human got herself into dangerous situations.
I downloaded all three books in this series, but if there isn’t an improvement in the third, I doubt I’ll read/listen to anymore.
I really wanted to like this series, because I’m a cat lover, but it’s hard.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 21, 2022
This time the cats; Clara, Harriet, and Laurel are watching their person solve a mystery of her new clients. Becca is working on becoming a witch private dectative. She gets two new clients in one day, but she can only take on one because it is a boss and employee. Becca is later the last person to see one of their husbands alive. I still love this series. I didn't love the plot of this book as much as the first one. It was very obvious who the murderer was, where in the first she hide the killer much better. I love the perspective of the cats, they tell such an interesting story. I can't wait to finish this series.
August 9, 2021
Becca continues to search for her path, both as witch and as "witch investigator." With her unemployment running out, Becca is trying to earn her living as a magical investigator. Of course, it would help if she realized that it was her three cats, not she, herself, who had power! And so she stumbles along from crisis to crisis, with her faithful Clara (a pretty, plump calico) and Clara's sisters, Harriet and Laurel moving heaven and earth to keep her safe. AND unaware of where the power in their home really lies!
September 5, 2020
This novel was not what I expected. I've read books with cats as familiars, but the plot in this novel really focused on the 3 cats more than their person.
Another problem with this mystery story is that it did not lay out the clues the way most authors do. The most important clue was buried by the constant presence of the cats, especially Clara.
The human, Becca, was not the brightest lightbulb either.
Won't return to this series.
Another problem with this mystery story is that it did not lay out the clues the way most authors do. The most important clue was buried by the constant presence of the cats, especially Clara.
The human, Becca, was not the brightest lightbulb either.
Won't return to this series.
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