Step into the cozy, mysterious world of the Cat in the Attic series, where small-town charm meets gripping whodunits! Penned by bestselling author Kathi Daley, this delightful cozy mystery series follows Calliope 'Callie' Rose Collins as she returns to Foxtail Lake, Colorado, rebuilding her life while unraveling crimes with a touch of romance and heartwarming community spirit.
Nestled in the Colorado Rockies, the series blends suspense, personal growth, and a dash of feline charm, thanks to Alastair, the longhaired black cat who steals scenes and hearts. Perfect for fans of clean, engaging mysteries, Cat in the Attic keeps readers hooked with its relatable characters and intricate plots.
How Cat in the Attic Began
Kathi Daley, a USA Today bestselling author known for her Zoe Donovan and Whales and Tails series, launched Cat in the Attic in 2019 with The Curse of Hollister House. Inspired by her mountain home in Lake Tahoe, Daley crafted a series that reflects the beauty and intimacy of small-town life. Her love for weaving mystery with romance and personal triumphs shines through, creating a world where readers feel right at home.
Daley’s knack for storytelling stems from her surroundings—wildlife, alpine vistas, and cozy moments by the fire. She designed Callie’s journey to resonate with readers facing their own crossroads, making Cat in the Attic both a thrilling escape and a heartfelt exploration of resilience.
The Heart of Cat in the Attic
The series kicks off with The Curse of Hollister House (2019), where Callie, a former concert pianist sidelined by a career-ending accident, returns to Foxtail Lake. Living with her Great Aunt Gracie, she stumbles into a murder mystery echoing a cold case from her childhood. The Mystery Before Christmas (2019) follows Callie as she writes for the local newspaper, uncovering a Secret Santa’s identity while her friend Cass, a deputy, tackles a double murder.
The Case of the Cupid Caper (2020) sees Callie juggling Valentine’s Day reporting and a matchmaking mystery, only to face two murders that test her sleuthing skills. The Secret of Logan Pond (2020) dives into a 25-year-old cold case about a boy’s disappearance, blending Callie’s journalism with Cass’s police work. Themes of healing, community, and second chances weave through each book, set against Foxtail Lake’s picturesque backdrop.
Daley’s style is clean and fast-paced, with well-plotted mysteries full of twists and red herrings. The series balances suspense with light romance, particularly Callie’s evolving bond with Cass, and emphasizes small-town camaraderie, making every story feel warm and inviting.
Why Cat in the Attic Resonates
Cat in the Attic has carved a niche in the cozy mystery genre, earning praise for its heartfelt characters and engaging plots. With a 4.46 average rating on Goodreads from nearly 4,000 reviews, fans love the series’ blend of suspense, humor, and emotional depth. Callie’s journey from loss to rediscovery mirrors universal themes of resilience, making her a relatable heroine.
The series’ focus on community and compassion, paired with Daley’s knack for crafting mysteries that avoid graphic violence, appeals to readers seeking fun, clean reads. Its lasting appeal lies in its ability to transport readers to Foxtail Lake, where every mystery feels like a visit with old friends.
- Publication Years: 2019–2020
- Number of Books: 5
- Setting: Foxtail Lake, Colorado
- Genre: Cozy Mystery
Grab The Curse of Hollister House and dive into Cat in the Attic’s charming world of mysteries, romance, and small-town magic!