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Dickens & Christie #5
Castles, Catnip & Murder
It was supposed to be a relaxing vacation. Now this legendary location could be hiding a killer in its battlements.
Leta Parker’s retirement in the Cotswolds’ rolling hills has been a balm for her soul. And heading off with her friends and talking four-legged companions to a cat yoga retreat on the cliffs of Cornwall’s Arthurian coastline seems like the perfect mix of relaxation and exploration. But when a fellow yogi’s corpse pose nearly becomes permanent, Leta believes it’s no stretch to suspect foul play.
Seeking the cause of the death-like pose, the Little Old Ladies’ Detective Agency springs into action to hunt down the culprit. But with the poor woman’s recent tragic history, the resort’s grieving owners, and a doubtful local DI all conspiring to muddy the picture, this case could end up in ruins.
Will the crack team of senior sleuths unearth the evidence to throw a would-be murderer in the dungeon?
Castles, Catnip & Murder is the intriguing fifth book in the Dickens & Christie cozy mystery series. If you like tenacious retirees, witty banter, and fascinating myths and legends, then you’ll love Kathy Manos Penn’s trip to the Round Table.
Leta Parker’s retirement in the Cotswolds’ rolling hills has been a balm for her soul. And heading off with her friends and talking four-legged companions to a cat yoga retreat on the cliffs of Cornwall’s Arthurian coastline seems like the perfect mix of relaxation and exploration. But when a fellow yogi’s corpse pose nearly becomes permanent, Leta believes it’s no stretch to suspect foul play.
Seeking the cause of the death-like pose, the Little Old Ladies’ Detective Agency springs into action to hunt down the culprit. But with the poor woman’s recent tragic history, the resort’s grieving owners, and a doubtful local DI all conspiring to muddy the picture, this case could end up in ruins.
Will the crack team of senior sleuths unearth the evidence to throw a would-be murderer in the dungeon?
Castles, Catnip & Murder is the intriguing fifth book in the Dickens & Christie cozy mystery series. If you like tenacious retirees, witty banter, and fascinating myths and legends, then you’ll love Kathy Manos Penn’s trip to the Round Table.
291 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 2021
145 people are currently reading
48 people want to read
About the author
Kathy Manos Penn
24 books177 followersKathy Manos Penn lives in Sandy Springs, Georgia with her husband and her four-legged office assistants. When she dreamed of retiring from corporate America, she envisioned indulging in her favorite pastimes—reading, traveling, and writing columns for her local paper. Taking her bucket list trip to England was a top priority.
A second career as an author was never part of the plan—until someone uttered the fateful words, “You should write a cozy mystery.”
Ten books later, readers can’t get enough of the Dickens & Christie mystery series. Kathy adheres to the adage to write what you know and populates her mysteries with well-read, witty senior women, a loyal dog, and a sassy cat.
Her two four-legged office assistants inspire the personalities of Dickens & Christie. Why is Dickens a fiend for belly rubs? Because Kathy’s real-life dog is. The same goes for Christie’s finicky eating habits and penchant for lolling on top of the desk or in the file drawer. She gets it from the calico cat who rules the roost.
How does Kathy describe her life? “I’m living a dream I never knew I had.”
Book I in the series, Bells, Tails & Murder, won a 2020 Readers’ Favorite Gold Award, and Pets, Pens & Murder, Book VII, garnered a 2023 Georgia Author of the Year nomination.
A second career as an author was never part of the plan—until someone uttered the fateful words, “You should write a cozy mystery.”
Ten books later, readers can’t get enough of the Dickens & Christie mystery series. Kathy adheres to the adage to write what you know and populates her mysteries with well-read, witty senior women, a loyal dog, and a sassy cat.
Her two four-legged office assistants inspire the personalities of Dickens & Christie. Why is Dickens a fiend for belly rubs? Because Kathy’s real-life dog is. The same goes for Christie’s finicky eating habits and penchant for lolling on top of the desk or in the file drawer. She gets it from the calico cat who rules the roost.
How does Kathy describe her life? “I’m living a dream I never knew I had.”
Book I in the series, Bells, Tails & Murder, won a 2020 Readers’ Favorite Gold Award, and Pets, Pens & Murder, Book VII, garnered a 2023 Georgia Author of the Year nomination.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
September 11, 2021
Leta is off to a yoga retreat and finds a murder. The Little Old Ladies team immediately start investigating. Of course, the story wouldn't be complete without Dickens and Christie. Dickens and Christie will keep you entertained, as you follow the LOL team investigating the case. You will enjoy this fifth story in the Dickens and Christie series.
December 25, 2024
This is the 5th book in the serie. Leta Parker and her friends go for a yoga retreat in Cornwall. And there they investigate another mystery.
I like the atmosphere of the book and how it is written. I like Leta and the idea of Little Old Ladies' Detective Agency is nice. Looking forward to the next book in this nice serie.
I like the atmosphere of the book and how it is written. I like Leta and the idea of Little Old Ladies' Detective Agency is nice. Looking forward to the next book in this nice serie.
September 8, 2021
This series always has an interesting mystery (with emphasis on “why” instead of just shock value) and those adorable animals who speak exactly as I would imagine and true-to-life developing relationships, both romantic and friendships. I love that the friendships are not just a bonus but the real heart of the books and I love that the books are clean without vulgar language or graphic sex/violence. While you could read this as a stand-alone, please do allow yourself the pleasure of reading the entire series.
Although it was my pleasure to receive this ARC from the author, it was completely my choice to share my honest review.
Although it was my pleasure to receive this ARC from the author, it was completely my choice to share my honest review.
September 2, 2021
Book Review – Castles, Catnip and Murder – Kathy Manos Penn
No matter where I roam, Atlanta will always be home. This is my personal mantra, and Ms. Penn’s knowledge of Atlanta, combined with her fondness for our city, shine as she links the protagonist, Leta, back to Atlanta. Although Leta has taken up residence in the hills of the Cotswold’s in the United Kingdom, there is no doubt that her heart belongs to Atlanta. This caught my attention from the start of the novel, and it encouraged me to keep reading about the intrepid Leta and her adventures.
Leta and her friends set out for a relaxing yoga retreat weekend, but they are quickly caught up in the circumstances surrounding the mysterious illness of one of the guests at the retreat. When it comes to ferreting out clues, the Little Old Ladies’ Detective Club is undeterred in their mission. Using a combination of cunning, cleverness and ladylike gentility, these ladies dig to find the truth and connect the dots of this conundrum. Their friendships and love for each other are believable and genuine.
While the yoga retreat creates the perfect setting for the unfolding mystery, if one is not familiar with yoga, some of the references and discussion about the practice can be a bit of a distraction to the central plot. However, in most cases, the yoga piece is woven into the novel naturally. It even made me want to learn a little more about yoga someday!
The stars of the novel are undoubtedly Christie and Dickens, Leta’s precious cat and dog. They add charm and humor, and Leta’s relationship with them seems normal to any pet owner. Although we may not be able to talk to our pets as Leta does, it often seems that they know our thoughts, and we know theirs. Animal lovers will enjoy the bond between these precocious pets and their owner.
Castles, Catnip and Murder combines heartwarming relationships among people and animals with enough intrigue and plot twists to keep one turning the pages late into the evening. Although it was my pleasure to receive this ARC from the author, it was completely my choice to share my honest review.
No matter where I roam, Atlanta will always be home. This is my personal mantra, and Ms. Penn’s knowledge of Atlanta, combined with her fondness for our city, shine as she links the protagonist, Leta, back to Atlanta. Although Leta has taken up residence in the hills of the Cotswold’s in the United Kingdom, there is no doubt that her heart belongs to Atlanta. This caught my attention from the start of the novel, and it encouraged me to keep reading about the intrepid Leta and her adventures.
Leta and her friends set out for a relaxing yoga retreat weekend, but they are quickly caught up in the circumstances surrounding the mysterious illness of one of the guests at the retreat. When it comes to ferreting out clues, the Little Old Ladies’ Detective Club is undeterred in their mission. Using a combination of cunning, cleverness and ladylike gentility, these ladies dig to find the truth and connect the dots of this conundrum. Their friendships and love for each other are believable and genuine.
While the yoga retreat creates the perfect setting for the unfolding mystery, if one is not familiar with yoga, some of the references and discussion about the practice can be a bit of a distraction to the central plot. However, in most cases, the yoga piece is woven into the novel naturally. It even made me want to learn a little more about yoga someday!
The stars of the novel are undoubtedly Christie and Dickens, Leta’s precious cat and dog. They add charm and humor, and Leta’s relationship with them seems normal to any pet owner. Although we may not be able to talk to our pets as Leta does, it often seems that they know our thoughts, and we know theirs. Animal lovers will enjoy the bond between these precocious pets and their owner.
Castles, Catnip and Murder combines heartwarming relationships among people and animals with enough intrigue and plot twists to keep one turning the pages late into the evening. Although it was my pleasure to receive this ARC from the author, it was completely my choice to share my honest review.
September 12, 2021
Except for murder, this title has many of my favorite interests.
Who am I kidding? I love a good murder, at least a fictional one. And when we get to castles, whose castle comes first to mind? King Arthur, naturally, but in this case, Arthur is a Knight.
I also am partial to senior sleuths, being of a more mature age myself. I frequently refer to myself as a Little Old Lady. So when a group of friends joins together to research and investigate mysteries and crimes and becomes known as the Little Old Ladies Detective Agency, what could be more perfect?
How about the ability of at least one LOL who can understand what her cat and dog are saying?
Dickens and Christie add so much to this book and series, I am sure based on what her own four legged companions add to the author's real life. I know they add to my enjoyment, whether chasing rabbits or providing much needed comfort during a yoga retreat.
The difference in this book is that the DI in charge seems to accept and encourage the involvement of the amateur sleuths! So often the lead investigator on a case spends his (or her) time warning off the interference and intrusion of well-meaning helpful amateurs. Why is this time so different?
Be prepared for red herrings and misdirection as the ladies dig deep to solve more than one crime, and fit in a vacation.
Who am I kidding? I love a good murder, at least a fictional one. And when we get to castles, whose castle comes first to mind? King Arthur, naturally, but in this case, Arthur is a Knight.
I also am partial to senior sleuths, being of a more mature age myself. I frequently refer to myself as a Little Old Lady. So when a group of friends joins together to research and investigate mysteries and crimes and becomes known as the Little Old Ladies Detective Agency, what could be more perfect?
How about the ability of at least one LOL who can understand what her cat and dog are saying?
Dickens and Christie add so much to this book and series, I am sure based on what her own four legged companions add to the author's real life. I know they add to my enjoyment, whether chasing rabbits or providing much needed comfort during a yoga retreat.
The difference in this book is that the DI in charge seems to accept and encourage the involvement of the amateur sleuths! So often the lead investigator on a case spends his (or her) time warning off the interference and intrusion of well-meaning helpful amateurs. Why is this time so different?
Be prepared for red herrings and misdirection as the ladies dig deep to solve more than one crime, and fit in a vacation.
Read
September 6, 2021This adventure takes our characters to a yoga retreat. It is late summer and the ladies decide to take a relaxing holiday in the cliffs of Cornwall. I won’t spoil the plot but of course when Leta and Rhionna find the collapsed body of one of the other guest, the Little Old Ladies’ Detective Agency jumps on board to solve the mystery of what lead to the other guest’s collapse. It leads to a lively adventure in a resort location.
If you enjoy a cozy mystery then this author provides what you’re seeking. This is book five in a series. Some series you need to read in a specific order to keep the characters straight. This isn’t one of those series.
Our author has well rounded characters. They are very kind and caring. They are the type of people anyone would want to be around. They are not pushed into the background. They are each an integral part of the book series.
The series has a lightness about it. All of the books have been a very pleasant relaxing read. I highly recommend this series if you enjoy books with friendships and our four legged friends as part of the mix. This series is light and refreshing.
The author also has included a dog named Dickens and a cat named Christie to the mix. Our main character is Leta Parker. A few years after her husband dies, Leta relocates to Astonbury (which is a village in Cotswolds England) with Dickens and Christie. Leta makes friends in short order with a group of ladies who help to introduce her to living in the beautiful village.
If you enjoy a cozy mystery then this author provides what you’re seeking. This is book five in a series. Some series you need to read in a specific order to keep the characters straight. This isn’t one of those series.
Our author has well rounded characters. They are very kind and caring. They are the type of people anyone would want to be around. They are not pushed into the background. They are each an integral part of the book series.
The series has a lightness about it. All of the books have been a very pleasant relaxing read. I highly recommend this series if you enjoy books with friendships and our four legged friends as part of the mix. This series is light and refreshing.
The author also has included a dog named Dickens and a cat named Christie to the mix. Our main character is Leta Parker. A few years after her husband dies, Leta relocates to Astonbury (which is a village in Cotswolds England) with Dickens and Christie. Leta makes friends in short order with a group of ladies who help to introduce her to living in the beautiful village.
February 5, 2023
I actually read the paperback edition but for some reason GReads wouldn’t let me pick that option.
There was a major red herring which misdirected everyone, including this reader. The ending was very complex. I do have one complaint regarding a search done by the main character and her partner. I would expect a good defense lawyer to raise legitimate questions about potential tampering of evidence. Still, a very satisfying reading experience.
This was a nice little cosy where the animals add a lot to the story and setting without detracting from the human detectives.
There was a major red herring which misdirected everyone, including this reader. The ending was very complex. I do have one complaint regarding a search done by the main character and her partner. I would expect a good defense lawyer to raise legitimate questions about potential tampering of evidence. Still, a very satisfying reading experience.
This was a nice little cosy where the animals add a lot to the story and setting without detracting from the human detectives.
September 7, 2021
Leta Parker and her friends are going on a yoga retreat in Tintagel. All four members of the Little Old Ladies (LOLs) detective club are there and are surprised to find a case when a fellow guest becomes extremely ill. It soon seems that it may be connected to a prior case.
I have really enjoyed this series and this book's one of my favorites. I was hooked from the beginning and read it in one sitting. The story will pull you in from the beginning and keep you guessing. It's well-written with wonderful characters you'll love getting to know. I love the various relationships, especially Dickens and Christie and how they talk with Leta. Their conversations sound just like you would imagine if you could talk to your animals. I'm really looking forward to the next book. I highly recommend both book and series which I suggest you read in order for the most enjoyment and benefit.
I have really enjoyed this series and this book's one of my favorites. I was hooked from the beginning and read it in one sitting. The story will pull you in from the beginning and keep you guessing. It's well-written with wonderful characters you'll love getting to know. I love the various relationships, especially Dickens and Christie and how they talk with Leta. Their conversations sound just like you would imagine if you could talk to your animals. I'm really looking forward to the next book. I highly recommend both book and series which I suggest you read in order for the most enjoyment and benefit.
September 13, 2021
Come along for a journey to the English countryside with the Little Old Ladies detective agency. They are hoping for a relaxed, peaceful yoga retreat. No such luck with the LOL. The author takes us on another adventure with these ladies along with Dickens (dog) and Christie (cat). Leta and her Dr. Doolittle ability to talk with the animals keeps the plot moving along through twists and turns.
I'm looking forward to the next chapter in the LOL story.
I'm looking forward to the next chapter in the LOL story.
September 9, 2021
At what is supposed to be a relaxing Yoga retreat, Leta and her friends find themselves embroiled in another murder mystery. In between yoga sessions and sleuthing, Leta and her friends unravel the mystery. She just can't help getting involved!
This book may be read as a standalone. This was my first introduction to this series, and I was captivated by the camaraderie between the characters. As a former English teacher, I enjoyed the literary references as well. This will not be my only foray into the writings of Kathy Manos Penn.
This book may be read as a standalone. This was my first introduction to this series, and I was captivated by the camaraderie between the characters. As a former English teacher, I enjoyed the literary references as well. This will not be my only foray into the writings of Kathy Manos Penn.
October 8, 2021
The ladies of Ashtonbury travel to Tintagel and trouble joins them. A poisoning at a yoga retreat has Leta and the Little Old Ladies looking at a closed case of a death of a local man. The police thought it was suicide or accidental but the LOL are not totally convinced it’s not all related. Wonderful addition to the series of the very charming DI Jake Nancarrow, both in Gemma’s personal and professional life. He interacts really well with the LOL. Great reading his interactions with them. Christie and Dickens have fun at the retreat, as well as keeping us entertained. The mystery of the poisoning and also Arthur’s death provide for plenty of suspects and there’s some great twists along the way. I love the friendships between all the Astonbury ladies and how they all work so well together. This is one of my favorite series and I can’t wait to visit with them again.
September 26, 2021
Fun reading
I think anyone who enjoys a nice cozy mystery will definitely like all of the books in this series. I'm a sucker for cats, mysteries and fun reading anytime. I also fit the age group for the Little Old Ladies Mystery group, I look forward to reading the next book.
I think anyone who enjoys a nice cozy mystery will definitely like all of the books in this series. I'm a sucker for cats, mysteries and fun reading anytime. I also fit the age group for the Little Old Ladies Mystery group, I look forward to reading the next book.
September 21, 2021
One of my favorite things about this series and this book is the relationships and interactions of this group of friends. Christie and Dickens are such clever sleuths. Learning more about the Arthur legend was fun. Twists abounded to keep me glued to the page. I definitely recommend this book and the series. I received an ARC and this is my honest opinion.
October 23, 2021
The Dickens & Christie Mystery series by Kathy Manos Penn is so fun to read !! If you read one book in this series, you will be an immediate fan and want to read the additional books. In this series the main thing that readers will love is that the main character can talk to and understand animals. Leta Parker is the main character and she has moved from the States across the pond as they say and lives in Astonbury in the Cotswolds with her cat, Christie and her dog, Dickens, and they communicate all the time !! And those aren't the only animals Leta can understand.
Leta has made life in Astonbury quite enjoyable...she has a close knit group of friends, has some hobbies to get her through getting use to early retirement as well as getting over her late husband Henry.....and one of her hobbies is attending yoga classes as often as she can.
In Castles, Catnip & Murder Leta and some of her closest friends are going on a yoga retreat to Knights' Rest and Christie along with the cat living at Knights' Rest will be participating in the yoga classes and Christie cannot wait !!
Unfortunately while at the retreat they meet Caryn Darby who recently lost her fiance Arthur. His death was ruled accidental but she believes otherwise and when she gets very ill, Leta and her friends, who are also known as the LOL's, the Little Old Ladies' Detective Agency, decide to do some investigating. But before they can figure out the who and why of Caryn's illness, they discover that they are only seeing the tip of the iceberg !!
Another great thing about the Dickens & Christie Mystery series is that Penn provides a list of characters at the beginning of all her books so that readers can look back at any point while reading the story to make sure they know who is who. However, even though she provides this list, you will have a hard time trying to crack the case. I highly recommend that you sit back with a snack and a drink and settle in and let Leta and her friends tell the story and uncover the details and the killer......
Leta has made life in Astonbury quite enjoyable...she has a close knit group of friends, has some hobbies to get her through getting use to early retirement as well as getting over her late husband Henry.....and one of her hobbies is attending yoga classes as often as she can.
In Castles, Catnip & Murder Leta and some of her closest friends are going on a yoga retreat to Knights' Rest and Christie along with the cat living at Knights' Rest will be participating in the yoga classes and Christie cannot wait !!
Unfortunately while at the retreat they meet Caryn Darby who recently lost her fiance Arthur. His death was ruled accidental but she believes otherwise and when she gets very ill, Leta and her friends, who are also known as the LOL's, the Little Old Ladies' Detective Agency, decide to do some investigating. But before they can figure out the who and why of Caryn's illness, they discover that they are only seeing the tip of the iceberg !!
Another great thing about the Dickens & Christie Mystery series is that Penn provides a list of characters at the beginning of all her books so that readers can look back at any point while reading the story to make sure they know who is who. However, even though she provides this list, you will have a hard time trying to crack the case. I highly recommend that you sit back with a snack and a drink and settle in and let Leta and her friends tell the story and uncover the details and the killer......
September 14, 2021
In the latest Dickens and Christie mystery, The Little Old Ladies Detective Agency (LOL) embark on a scheduled yoga retreat to Tintagel, legendary castle of King Arthur and his knights. They plan to combine the benefits of a yoga retreat with the excitement of visiting the sites of Arthurian lore, but soon find themselves immersed in a more modern puzzle involving a supposedly accidental death and a poisoning. Leta and the gang are determined to find answers, but DI Gemma Taylor (the local detective inspector near their village of Astonbury), who surprisingly has joined the trip, is characteristically unhappy with their meddling in police business. Jake Nancarrow, her local counterpart, appears much more supportive of their efforts, at least on the surface. Suspects abound and the relationships of the characters are complex and often not as they seem. I always enjoy the author’s settings and historical references. Her helpful character and book lists add to the enjoyment of the story and the references to the legend of King Arthur remind me of my long love of these tales. Leta’s ability to converse with Dickens and Christie adds an extra source of information and some amusing moments when she must do some fast talking to hide this talent. Kathy Manos Penn is a wonderful author and I eagerly anticipate every new release, each one becoming a new favorite. I would highly recommend all the mysteries in the series. Whether you’re a mystery lover, a history lover or an animal lover, you will undoubtedly enjoy these stories. I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
November 4, 2022
Interesting mystery and lots of Arthurian history mentions
While I'm not familiar enough with yoga to have appreciated all the references to it in the story, I have seen comments here and there about cat yoga, so that wasn't a stretch, pun intended, to me. Although I was wary of the idea of talking animals when I first encountered this series, it's nicely done and while Christie, the cat, and Dickens, the dog, may talk to main character Leta, they retain their animal characteristics and don't come off as magical in any way.
That aside, while they play a role in solving the crime, it's Leta and her friends who are at the center of the story. Leta's "across the pond" boyfriend even gets into the act via regular calls while Leta and the LOL (you'll have to read the book to discover what this stands for here) investigate and, yes, put themselves in danger's way. You'll like them, even while occasionally wanting to shake them and urge caution. This is a great series and, as noted above, I found myself learning more about the legend of Arthur and the continuing research into it as I read. Oh, my dog says, "Four paws and a tail wag", which I translated to mean five stars. Well, either that or "feed me".
While I'm not familiar enough with yoga to have appreciated all the references to it in the story, I have seen comments here and there about cat yoga, so that wasn't a stretch, pun intended, to me. Although I was wary of the idea of talking animals when I first encountered this series, it's nicely done and while Christie, the cat, and Dickens, the dog, may talk to main character Leta, they retain their animal characteristics and don't come off as magical in any way.
That aside, while they play a role in solving the crime, it's Leta and her friends who are at the center of the story. Leta's "across the pond" boyfriend even gets into the act via regular calls while Leta and the LOL (you'll have to read the book to discover what this stands for here) investigate and, yes, put themselves in danger's way. You'll like them, even while occasionally wanting to shake them and urge caution. This is a great series and, as noted above, I found myself learning more about the legend of Arthur and the continuing research into it as I read. Oh, my dog says, "Four paws and a tail wag", which I translated to mean five stars. Well, either that or "feed me".
March 22, 2025
I found the yoga retreat kind of distracting, but the mystery was good. The retreat served mostly as a way to introduce the characters who aren't already regulars and add a new setting. The new behavior of Gemma, their local police officer who went on the retreat with them, is very annoying and I really hope that doesn't continue. The blowing hot then cold bit is irritating enough, and I can only assume this is meant to add conflict. There are better ways than resorting to increasingly erratic behavior from someone who presumably is a professional.
As usual, the reader learns a few things they may not have known and is led down the garden path once or twice before making the discovery that leads to the killer. I'm not a fan of one of the events in the book as I prefer the LOLs keep their hands cleaner than that. That event was flimsily justified and should have been replaced with something less questionable.
One nice thing about these books is the regularity with which Leta and her furry companions make new friends. Nearly every character, both two- and four-legged, is interesting and many of the ones that don't turn out to be villains would make excellent new permanent characters. Sadly, most of the time they only show up in the one book. C'est la vie!
As usual, the reader learns a few things they may not have known and is led down the garden path once or twice before making the discovery that leads to the killer. I'm not a fan of one of the events in the book as I prefer the LOLs keep their hands cleaner than that. That event was flimsily justified and should have been replaced with something less questionable.
One nice thing about these books is the regularity with which Leta and her furry companions make new friends. Nearly every character, both two- and four-legged, is interesting and many of the ones that don't turn out to be villains would make excellent new permanent characters. Sadly, most of the time they only show up in the one book. C'est la vie!
September 14, 2021
This is the 5th book in the series although the first I’ve read. I can see I need to start at the beginning so I can see how it began and how relationships were formed. The story involves one of the characters at a Yoga Retreat being sent to the hospital in a coma. I thought it was clever how they figured out what caused this. This character’s fiancé had died and she didn’t believe it was an accident so there is a suspicious death to solve. It kept me guessing until the end.
I really enjoyed meeting Leta, an American from the south who has come to love in a small village in England, and the rest of the “Little Old Ladies Detective Agency”. I appreciate older sleuths and what they can bring to the table. I also loved hearing what Leta’s furry friends had to say since she can communicate with them. I enjoyed them as characters. I had never heard of a yoga cat, but I’m sure she made the yoga more fun.
I also loved the Arthurian Legend theme of the story as well as the references to classic books.
I really enjoyed meeting Leta, an American from the south who has come to love in a small village in England, and the rest of the “Little Old Ladies Detective Agency”. I appreciate older sleuths and what they can bring to the table. I also loved hearing what Leta’s furry friends had to say since she can communicate with them. I enjoyed them as characters. I had never heard of a yoga cat, but I’m sure she made the yoga more fun.
I also loved the Arthurian Legend theme of the story as well as the references to classic books.
October 29, 2023
Book 5 in this lovely cosy mystery series set in the Cotswolds, with Leta who owns Dickens and Christie, a dog and cat whom she can understand.
Leta and the LOL Detective Agency, the Little Old Ladies Detective Agency, are off on a yoga retreat to Cornwall. They are so named as they have a habit of getting involved in solving murders in their area , and they are all mature in age. Dickens and Christie are also going on the retreat, which makes for some great dialogue!
Gemma, the local Detective Inspector to them is slso on the yoga retreat, but it turns into a bus man's holiday for her, and indeed the LOL's as they get involved in finding out what happened to the brother of the retreat owner, who was also the fiancee of one of the retreat attendees.
I really enjoy these books; they're easy to read and are all standalone stories. The books are best read in order of publication to preserve continuity of the characters and series.
Leta and the LOL Detective Agency, the Little Old Ladies Detective Agency, are off on a yoga retreat to Cornwall. They are so named as they have a habit of getting involved in solving murders in their area , and they are all mature in age. Dickens and Christie are also going on the retreat, which makes for some great dialogue!
Gemma, the local Detective Inspector to them is slso on the yoga retreat, but it turns into a bus man's holiday for her, and indeed the LOL's as they get involved in finding out what happened to the brother of the retreat owner, who was also the fiancee of one of the retreat attendees.
I really enjoy these books; they're easy to read and are all standalone stories. The books are best read in order of publication to preserve continuity of the characters and series.
November 23, 2022
Always nostalgic! Ms Penn does it again! I love lavender and couldn’t wait to read this, especially as I’ve enjoyed every other account of Leta Parker’s exploits! This one takes us to Cornwall and an Arthurian world in my home country, “to England where my heart lies” (to quote an appropriate line from “Kathy’s Song” by Simon and Garfunkel, and evidently where Ms Manos Penn’s heart lies 😊). Everything expertly written in Ms. Penn’s cosy mysteries is clever, accurate and amusing to say the least. The books stand on their own, but you will want to read all to keep up with the next mystery and the exploits of Leta, her detective friends and her very clever pets. Highly recommended, especially while curling up in front of the fire with a nice glass of red wine.
October 8, 2025
This is such a brilliant series! The highlight for me is Leta's relationship with her characterful cat and dog. The way she writes Christie and Dickens is so true to every feline and canine I've ever met and often hilarious! Love the Cornwall setting, the cat yoga getaway (!) that comes complete with murder! And it isn't long before 'the little old ladies detective agency' is back at work! Excellent mystery, infused with some Arthurian legends and enough danger to keep things hair-raising.
I listened to the audible edition narrated by Alex Picard. She's excellent portraying all the characters but I especially love her Christie and Dickens interpretations! So. Much. Fun!
I listened to the audible edition narrated by Alex Picard. She's excellent portraying all the characters but I especially love her Christie and Dickens interpretations! So. Much. Fun!
September 27, 2021
A joy, as always!
Kathy has once again given us a story to lose ourselves in. The Little Old Ladies come through, showing they are made of sterner stuff. The description of Tintagel renewed my longing to visit! Though I too am glad for the new bridge!
Kathy captures the four-footed ones thoughts and actions so well, you'd almost think she can hear them. Her human cast is just as wonderful, Ellie and Belle are my favorites, they remind me of my grandmother.
Kathy, write faster, please.
Kathy has once again given us a story to lose ourselves in. The Little Old Ladies come through, showing they are made of sterner stuff. The description of Tintagel renewed my longing to visit! Though I too am glad for the new bridge!
Kathy captures the four-footed ones thoughts and actions so well, you'd almost think she can hear them. Her human cast is just as wonderful, Ellie and Belle are my favorites, they remind me of my grandmother.
Kathy, write faster, please.
October 5, 2021
Another Entertaining Tale
I really like this series. The flow of dialog from the animals just seems so natural. Christie the cat had a larger part to play this time around and the reader can just picture this cat in the yoga studio! The plot for the murder was well done. The characters are all well developed. There is good action throughout the story. Gemma has a love interest and a bit about her painful past is revealed. Leta has her own love life troubles, and Dickens has a new friend. I can't wait to read the next book.
I really like this series. The flow of dialog from the animals just seems so natural. Christie the cat had a larger part to play this time around and the reader can just picture this cat in the yoga studio! The plot for the murder was well done. The characters are all well developed. There is good action throughout the story. Gemma has a love interest and a bit about her painful past is revealed. Leta has her own love life troubles, and Dickens has a new friend. I can't wait to read the next book.
January 31, 2023
Knight's Rest
Leta, Wendy, Belle, Ellie and Gemma all go on a yoga retreat to Knight's Rest for the retreat and lavender fields , Christie and Dickens get to go also. All of the cabins are named for the women in the King Arthur books. Everyone in the family has a name that relates to King Arthur also. The son of the own died recently and the inspector in charge put it down to an accident. The girls don't think it was an accident so they start looking into it. Another case for thGe LOL. Good story, situations and characters.
Leta, Wendy, Belle, Ellie and Gemma all go on a yoga retreat to Knight's Rest for the retreat and lavender fields , Christie and Dickens get to go also. All of the cabins are named for the women in the King Arthur books. Everyone in the family has a name that relates to King Arthur also. The son of the own died recently and the inspector in charge put it down to an accident. The girls don't think it was an accident so they start looking into it. Another case for thGe LOL. Good story, situations and characters.
Read
September 16, 2021This story starts off out the gate with some great commentary between the characters. Their lovely idea of a yoga retreat in a lavendar field has me itching to do the same. The sleuthing they do ends up being tons of fun and witty. The references to events in previous books intrigued me so much, I got a few of the others to see all about their other adventures. I love Leta. This story needs to be added to the top of your "to read" pile!
January 9, 2022
Better and better every time
Our author, Kathy Manos Penn has outdone herself again. Every book she writes is great but each one is even better than the last. This book kept me in suspense to the very end! I’m a puzzle solver so love to figure out who the culprit is. Kathy, you did a great job of not giving away the ending until the last page. Keep those Cozy mysteries coming.
Our author, Kathy Manos Penn has outdone herself again. Every book she writes is great but each one is even better than the last. This book kept me in suspense to the very end! I’m a puzzle solver so love to figure out who the culprit is. Kathy, you did a great job of not giving away the ending until the last page. Keep those Cozy mysteries coming.
September 15, 2021
Such a welcome return for me to Cornwall. I was picturing Merlin’s Cave (although we couldn’t get close to it when we were there because they were working on repairs.) A clever plot which held my interest and I didn’t work out ‘whodunnit’ until Lita did lovely to catch up with old friends and their canine and feline companions. No spoilers. Read it. You will enjoy it.
May 23, 2022
Does each actually get even better?
I'm enthralled by Leta and her crew of perceptive, witty and persistent ladies.
Our author has an incredible depth of literary knowledge that is expressed extensively.
And, last but by far not least, the ability to hear and communicate fully with fur babies is something out of a beautiful dream
I'm enthralled by Leta and her crew of perceptive, witty and persistent ladies.
Our author has an incredible depth of literary knowledge that is expressed extensively.
And, last but by far not least, the ability to hear and communicate fully with fur babies is something out of a beautiful dream
June 20, 2024
Another 4.75! Interesting change of scene, but the major characters still there. A gaggle of new character names and how they played into the mystery occasionally had me flipping back pages to make sure I knew who did what to whom, but a good story and the yoga retreat idea was a fun change of location!
October 7, 2025
They just keep getting better
Another great read and a lesson in history. It seems Miss Penn gets better and better with each book.
I won’t do a story recap I’d prefer you read it yourselves, but for once I actually managed to figure out who the killer was, I just didn’t have the real reason for the murder.
Another great read and a lesson in history. It seems Miss Penn gets better and better with each book.
I won’t do a story recap I’d prefer you read it yourselves, but for once I actually managed to figure out who the killer was, I just didn’t have the real reason for the murder.
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