Body in the Book Drop

Cat Latimer Mystery #0.5

by Lynn Cahoon

In this Cat Latimer mystery prequel - Cat's just starting her graduate degree program that will set her up as a Covington professor. Her mom is working at the local public library, but if a board member has his cost cutting way, not for long. When he's found dead at the library, Cat's mom is the primary suspect since her banana bread knife is the murder weapon. Cat has to prove that her mom isn't a killer - before the real culprit decides that curiosity really does kill the Cat.

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Cozy, Novella, Fiction

132 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 28, 2021

About the author

NYT and USA Today bestselling author, Lynn Cahoon, writes the Tourist Trap, Cat Latimer, Farm-to-Fork, Kitchen Witch, Survivors' Book Club, the Haunted Life, and the Bainbridge Island cozy mystery series. No matter where the mystery is set, readers can expect a fun ride Sign up for her newsletter at www.lynncahoon.com

Reviews

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

Body in the Book Drop is a great prequel for the Cat Latimer series written by Lynn Cahoon. I've read all the books in the series to date, as well as three or four of the author's other series. Later this year, the next full length novel will be released in this series, and it's a Christmas mystery. Very exciting! In this prequel, we meet Cat after she and Seth broke up but before she began dating (and later marrying) Michael.

Cat's parents are around in this installment, and her mom is lightly suspected of murdering someone after she's fired from her job at the library. Dad's away but makes a few calls. Cat was always curious, and we knew she had some interesting moments as a TA back when she was getting her MFA at Covington. This time, we learn how she began writing her popular fantasy series, why Seth ended their relationship, how she met Michael, and who her friends were at the college. She knows her mother didn't murder someone, and when the money seems to have disappeared at the library, it's clear more is going on that anyone realized.

I love a good 'beginning' story. And this is very strong. As a novella, less than a hundred pages, we don't have too many characters, and it's clear the guilty party is 1 of 3 supporting cast, but depending on the route it goes, it could connect to her relationship with Michael or it could cement a friendship with someone we don't know much about in future books (but occasionally hear from). I liked how quickly this one proceeds, especially when we see a younger version of Cat's uncle, a detective who appears in all the later books. It's funny to learn how much she doesn't cook, and it explains how her plans come together years later.

No need to read this one first. Dive into the series, get to know the initial few books when Cat's life with Michael and Seth is covered, then go back to this one. It's got me excited for the Christmas book in 6 months!

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cat Latimer was working on her graduate degree while her mother worked at the public library. When Cat's mum told Cat she'd been put off at the library because of budget cuts, she was understandably upset. But when the person who had fired Cat's mum was found dead in the library, everything pointed to her being the killer. Cat had to find the evidence to prove her mum wasn't a murderer - but could she?

Body in the Book Drop is #0.5 in the Cat Latimer Mystery series by Lynn Cahoon, a novella and prequel, and I enjoyed it very much. Fun characters, with plenty of quirky twists, I'll be looking at more in this series. Recommended.

[Stephanie Fox · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great quick read! First let me start by saying I absolutely love the Cat Latimer series. This "prequel" was a fun quick book to read. Seeing as I read the series first, it was really exciting to be able to "look back" and see what Cat's life was like prior to the first book. It gives you more of a look of how the characters were before they grew into the people they are. HAVE NO FEAR.... If you haven't read the series yet this is definitely a good place to start. It will give you a fun preview. I always enjoy one of Lynn's novellas, they are fun, able to be read in just over 2 hours, and have a murder/mystery to solve. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. Enjoy

[Linda Langford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting prequel to the Cat Latimer Mystery series. The insights into the main characters lives will help readers understand the novels that follow this short story.

[Kevin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun prequel novella just what I needed to hold me over until the next book in the series comes out next week.

[Jean Winton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent and fun read! If you are a Cat Latimer fan, this novella gives you a view into her past that explains some of the roads she has taken. If you are new to Cat Latimer mysteries, this introduces you to a delightful, intelligent and adventurous young woman. Old or new to Cat, Body in the Book Drop draws you in quickly and leaves you wanting more of this “cozy” character and her mysteries!

[Sandee · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely beginning to this series. I have read several books from this series and enjoyed them very much. This short book is how it all began. It is a good introduction to the characters and the writing style.

[Meg · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoy the Cat Latimer series by Lynn Cahoon and wondered about the background, all though, the series does explain some of it. This prequel novella was just right in helping clear up questions I had. Body in The Book Drop, takes us back to Cat’s early days at Covington College. This small college had students from back east, and Cat was always told not to date anyone from Covington. Later in the series we discover why. Especially since her mother is against her dating one of the professors!

I enjoyed meeting some of the characters that had a great impact on Cat’s life. Many who are now main characters in the current series. This novella explains how Cat became involved in solving mysteries, when her mother, the campus librarian, becomes a suspect in the death of a colleague. I appreciated the detail Ms. Cahoon went into regarding the town, and background characters. The description of the small town, and lovely old homes made me want to visit. With several plot twists and many clues throughout, I had to keep changing who I thought the killer would be. What a great ending! The recipe at the end of the book is one I am definitely going to prepare! I highly recommend the Cat Latimer series, and this is a great starting point.

[Yvonne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a prequel of Lynn Cahoon’s Cat Latimer mystery series. Lynn Cahoon is one of my favorite cozy mystery authors, but I haven’t read any of the books in this series. I’m mainly a huge fan of her Tourist Trap mystery series. When I received this one through the author’s newsletter, I figured a prequel is a good way to get a taste of the series. I was right. Although it’s a short prequel, I fell in love with it and I’m determined to read the rest of the series.

The prequel introduces us to Cat, her mother and her uncle. All three characters pulled me right into the story. Cat’s mother is a victim of her library’s budget cuts and she finds herself without a job. When the man who fired her is found dead, all eyes turn towards Cat’s mother as the killer. Cat knows her mother is no killer and she’s determined to prove it.

I adored the setting (Colorado) and the closeness of Cat’s family. It’s fast-paced and the shortness in length makes it an excellent afternoon read. I’m looking forward to learning more about this series and to begin reading the first book soon.

[Mary Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the college setting and learning more about the relationships in Cat's life. It's a great addition to the series!

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really like the characters in this novella. I thought the pacing was great and but the character development could have used some work especially with Michael. Overall it was a fun quick read!

[PugMom · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for fans of the Cat Latimer series!

[John Presler · Rating 5 out of 5]

While attending classes at Covington College, Cat is also working as a Teacher's Assistant. Her father is out-of-town on business and her mom is working at the local library. When Cat's mother is laid off from the library due to budget cuts, Cat decides to go see Alfred Hines to ask him to reconsider. When Hines is found dead in the library, Cat's mom is a prime suspect.

Who killed Hines? Why was he killed? Can Cat figure out the mystery or will she become the next target?

Lynn Cahoon does a fantastic job with this background story for the Cat Latimer series. The characters are wonderful and full of life, while the mystery keeps you guessing all the way through.

[Tracy Condie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I do love a good origin story and this one has me hooked. I am familiar with Ms. Cahoon's other series but had not "met" Cat Latimer as of yet. I must say that as a character there is nothing catty about her , 100 percent genuine and completely relateable. I am not sure if I like the mystery part or the romantic part of this story more. Micheal Latimer obviously realizes that she is quite the catch. The story offered much in the way of clues, suspects, and red herrings. It built up the story quite nicely and introduced and developed characters whom I can only hope will be in the series as some of them were very interesting. Most unusaul of all is the mystery surrounding the school where Cat is teacher assisting while finishing her degree. Why are both her Mother and her Uncle so against her having anything to do with people from Covington? Hmmmm, I do believe I will need to start the series so I can find out.

[Nichole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Body In The Book Drop is a fun quick cozy mystery read. This is a great introduction to the Cat Latimer series and I enjoyed learning about Cat and her mom and how she met Mr. Latimer. There is also a great recipe to try at the end of the book! If you are a fan of cozies then give this one a try!

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Cat Latimer series is one of my favorites. The series features writers and wanna-be writers as well as strong friendships and fun to solve mysteries.
This book takes us back to where it began, before Cat and Michael are in a relationship.
We meet her Uncle Pete, who I appreciate in the continuing series.
There are hints about the mysterious nature of the students attending Covington College.

While a quick read, this book still has all the tension, conflict and excitement you are looking for.
Whether you have read the other books in this series or are staring here, you will find yourself wanting to read them all.

[Kristina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Body in the Book Drop

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

“ In this Cat Latimer mystery prequel - Cat's just starting her graduate degree program that will set her up as a Covington professor. Her mom is working at the local public library, but if a board member has his cost cutting way, not for long. When he's found dead at the library, Cat's mom is the primary suspect since her banana bread knife is the murder weapon. Cat has to prove that her mom isn't a killer - before the real culprit decides that curiosity really does kill the Cat.”

This was a good novella in the series. I loved the prequel to see how Cat kind of got to where she is, after reading a couple of books in the series. The mystery in this one was not as easy as I thought it would be to figure out, a few red herrings, which is awesome. So far I would recommend this series and can’t wait to read more.

[Kathleen Chrisman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novella is a prequel to the Cat Latimer series. I very much enjoyed seeing Cat as a young woman and a daughter following her instincts to protect her mother and discover the killer. Up until now, we have only seen Cat as a grown woman with a life of her own and a complicated past. In this book we get a glimpse of how she became the person we have been reading about throughout this series. I liked seeing this side of her as she was finding herself. We are also given a glimpse of how her romantic relationships changed her life. As a fan from the beginning of this series, I was excited to learn about how Cat evolved into the character I have come to know and enjoy reading about.

[Toni · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

This is the first novella/prequel in the Cat Latimer mystery series by Lynn Cahoon.

I thought this book was good but I definitely think the topic needed a much longer book. This was a fun read and it gave us more insight on where Cat was before she found herself in book one. Her relationship with her mom is a bit daunting and it is good to see them getting along at some points and i like how she comes to her mom’s defense and tries to find the killer to exonerate her.

Definitely a fun but short read that i totally recommend. This series is awesome.

Read this book for free via my Kindle Unlimited subscription.

[Sinda Conrad · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a prequel novella for the Cat Latimer series. Since I have not read any of the series yet I thought this would be a wonderful place to start. The characters are interesting and having read this now I am looking forward to reading more in the series. A great book to learn about the series characters from and how they interact. I received an ARC e-book from Lynn Cahoon in exchange for an honest review.

[Barbara Sousa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Body in the Book Drop is a fun prequel novella in Lynn Cahoon’s Cat Latimer series. It takes a look back to when Cat first met Michael Latimer at Covington College and gives us insight not only in to that relationship, but also Cat’s penchant for mysteries. Cat can’t help but get caught up in investigating when a body turns up at the library and her Mom becomes a suspect. Even within this short novella, there are twists and turns, and numerous clues and red herrings, that make this short mystery fun and exciting.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been a fan of the Cat Latimer Cozy Mystery series from the very first book, so I was super excited to read this new novella. Where the other books were about Cat after she's become a successful author and runs a writer's retreat, this one is about a young Cat. She's still in college, isn't yet a published author, and is just meeting Michael.

I enjoyed this book so much. It was fun to "meet" a younger Cat, and to get to know her and Michael. *fingers crossed* we get more books in this series.

I received a copy of this book from the author via Bookfunnel. My thoughts and opinions are my own and without bias or favor.

[Jeanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Body in the Book Drop is a prequel to the Cat Latimer Mystery series by Lynn Cahoon.

This is a new series to me so it was a good place to start. Cat Gibson is a grad student and her mom is working at a library where she finds a dead man. We also meet Cat’s Uncle Pete.

I’m interested in seeing why there is concern about her getting involved with Covington men.

I received an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Imagine living in a small college town, you’re a TA, your mom is the librarian, your uncle is a police officer, there’s something apparently hinky (yup hinky) at the college you’re working at while working on your degree, your dad is away, your mom gets fired due to “budget issues”…

Seriously, even in a shorter length story, Lynn Cahoon gets a lot of details, and nope, I don’t even have half of what’s going on listed. Now, yes I’m a visual reader, so by the time I was done with this story I felt ready for soup and coffee, read it, you’ll understand.

And also, now I kind of want to go smack Cat’s ex, find out the deal with the possibilities and find out what is really going on.

[Valeri Sullivan (vsulvn29) · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful introduction to Cat’s world! I hope we get more snippets of her early life even as I caught myself urging her to take her mother’s advice and call Seth despite the fact that we all know how that turns out! An Absolute must read for any current or potential Cat fans!

[Carissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good prequel to series. I may have liked it better if I had read it before the actual series. I wasn't fond of college and grad school Cat.

[SM · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a new series for me and this quick read is a wonderful introduction to the Cat Latimer series. Newcomers to the series will have the advantage of reading the backstory first. Strong family relationships, strong friendships and a little will they, won’t they romance make this a fun read. Vague warnings from Cat’s family about the people at Covington have me intrigued, I can’t wait to read the series to find out more. A great mystery with twists and turns and a satisfying conclusion. I highly recommend this novella.

I received an advance copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.

[April · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novella is a prequel to the Cat Latimer Mystery series. We are introduced to Cat Gibson when she is a graduate student at Covington College in the town where she grew up. We meet Cat’s mom, Loraine, a librarian. I’m so glad we get to meet Cat’s mom. They are only in the background in the series.
I enjoy reading the Cat Latimer mysteries so I was intrigued to learn more about Cat’s background. This is a good introduction to the past that we learn pieces of in the series.
The mystery is short and quickly resolved. I would recommend this book to those who are already interested the Cat Latimer series. It fills in some background and has an interesting mystery.
I obtained a pre-release copy from the author for review. I really like the series otherwise I wouldn’t have requested the opportunity to review this book.

[Shannon Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love all of Lynn Cahoon’s cozy mystery series! They are such an easy read. I love that this book goes Bach to the beginning when Cat was in college and tells us how things started. I love getting to know Cat better and her background. There is a lot of mystery around the Covington College group that carries through to the other books in this series. This book is a good place to start if you are wanting to read this series!

[Miss W Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoy the Cat Latimer series by Lynn Cahoon.
Body in the Book Drop is a prequel novella where the story unfolds of how it all began.
It was fun to "meet" characters and how they came to be like Uncle Pete.
Covington College is a great backdrop for this series about aspiring authors.

The characters and dynamic friendship's are well written and fun to read.

The mystery will keep you guessing. This is a great introduction to the series.

Be sure to check out all the books in the Cat Latimer Cozy Mystery Series. I loved each and every one.