Step into the cozy yet thrilling world of the Cat Latimer Mystery series, where a charming Colorado town, a Victorian bed-and-breakfast, and a knack for solving murders create an irresistible blend of warmth and suspense! Penned by bestselling author Lynn Cahoon, this cozy mystery series follows former English professor Cat Latimer as she hosts writers’ retreats while unraveling crimes that threaten her new life. Perfect for fans of small-town intrigue and literary vibes, it’s a delightful escape into a world where books and mysteries collide.
With its unique premise of a writers’ retreat as a backdrop, the series hooks readers with Cat’s relatable charm, a cast of quirky characters, and just the right amount of romantic tension. Whether you’re a cozy mystery veteran or new to the genre, Cat Latimer’s adventures promise page-turning fun.
How Cat Latimer Mystery Began
Lynn Cahoon, a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, launched the Cat Latimer Mystery series in 2016 with A Story to Kill. Inspired by her love for small-town settings and her own experiences as a writer, Cahoon crafted a series that celebrates the creative process while weaving gripping mysteries. A breast cancer survivor, she infuses her stories with resilience and heart, drawing from her life in a historic Mississippi River town to shape the fictional Aspen Hills, Colorado. The series’ inception came from Cahoon’s desire to blend her passion for writing communities with the cozy mystery genre’s signature charm.
The Heart of Cat Latimer Mystery
The series kicks off with A Story to Kill (2016), where Cat opens her inherited Victorian home as a writers’ retreat, only to find a bestselling author murdered among her guests. In Fatality by Firelight (2017), a retreat guest’s shady past leads to another death, pulling Cat deeper into sleuthing. Sconed to Death (2019) sees Cat tackling a bakery murder tied to her best friend Shauna, while Formal Fatality (2024), the latest installment, involves a party with neighbor Dante and a college fund embezzlement scheme gone deadly.
At its core, the series thrives on themes of community, creativity, and second chances. Aspen Hills, with its snowy streets and tight-knit vibe, feels like a character itself, grounding the stories in cozy familiarity. Cahoon’s style balances light romance—especially Cat’s tangled feelings for high school sweetheart Seth and enigmatic Dante—with intricate mysteries that keep readers guessing. The writers’ retreat setting adds a fresh twist, introducing diverse guest authors each book, from romance novelists to paranormal scribes, enriching the narrative with literary flair.
Cat’s journey as a former professor turned innkeeper and author resonates with readers who love strong, curious heroines. Her knack for solving crimes, often alongside Shauna, Seth, and her police chief uncle Pete, blends amateur sleuthing with personal growth, making each book a satisfying mix of heart and suspense.
Why Cat Latimer Mystery Resonates
The Cat Latimer Mystery series has carved a niche in the cozy mystery genre, earning praise for its engaging characters and unique premise. Fans on Goodreads and Amazon rave about the “homey” feel of Aspen Hills and the way Cahoon brings the writers’ retreat to life, making readers feel like they’re part of the group. With ten books and a prequel novella, the series has built a loyal following, with reviewers noting its ability to blend small-town charm with edge-of-your-seat intrigue.
Its impact lies in its celebration of writers and the creative process, appealing to aspiring authors and book lovers alike. Cahoon’s knack for crafting relatable characters and twisty plots ensures the series remains a fan favorite, with each new release—like the 2024 Christmas-themed Formal Fatality—sparking excitement for more.
- First Book Published: 2016 (A Story to Kill)
- Total Books: 10, plus 1 prequel novella
- Setting: Aspen Hills, Colorado
- Author: Lynn Cahoon, NYT and USA Today bestseller
Grab A Story to Kill and dive into the Cat Latimer Mystery series’ cozy, captivating world of writers, secrets, and small-town sleuthing!