Step into the enchanting world of the Magical Cats Mysteries, where a small-town librarian and her extraordinary feline friends unravel crimes with a sprinkle of magic! Penned by Sofie Kelly, this cozy mystery series blends heartwarming charm, clever whodunits, and a touch of the paranormal, set in the picturesque Mayville Heights, Minnesota. Follow Kathleen Paulson and her magical cats, Hercules and Owen, as they sniff out clues and solve murders with purr-fect precision.
With 17 books and counting, this New York Times bestselling series has captivated readers who crave cozy mysteries with a supernatural twist. Whether you’re a cat lover or a mystery enthusiast, the Magical Cats Mysteries promise a delightful escape into a world where feline intuition is the key to cracking cases.
How Magical Cats Mysteries Began
Sofie Kelly, the pseudonym of Canadian author and mixed-media artist Darlene Ryan, launched the Magical Cats Mysteries in 2011 with Curiosity Thrilled the Cat. Inspired by her love for cats and cozy mysteries, Kelly crafted a series that combines her knack for storytelling with her keen observation of feline behavior. Living on the East Coast with her family, Kelly’s creative spark and Wu-style Tai Chi practice infuse her writing with warmth and wit, making her stories resonate with readers worldwide.
The series was born from Kelly’s desire to create a unique sleuthing trio: a relatable librarian and two cats with magical powers. Owen’s ability to turn invisible and Hercules’s knack for walking through walls add a playful paranormal element, setting the series apart in the cozy mystery genre.
The Heart of Magical Cats Mysteries
The series kicks off with Curiosity Thrilled the Cat (2011), where Kathleen, newly arrived in Mayville Heights, discovers a body during the town’s music festival and becomes a suspect. With Owen and Hercules’s magical assistance, she clears her name. In Sleight of Paw (2011), the trio investigates the murder of a local do-gooder, uncovering dark secrets. A Tale of Two Kitties (2017) sees them digging into a decades-old scandal when a man is found dead, while Furever After (2024), the latest installment, has Kathleen planning her wedding amid a library heist gone wrong.
Themes of friendship, loyalty, and community shine through, with Kathleen’s bond with her cats at the heart of each story. The magical elements—Owen’s invisibility and Hercules’s wall-walking—add whimsy without overshadowing the grounded, small-town setting. Mayville Heights, with its music festivals and quirky residents, feels like a cozy haven, while Kelly’s sharp dialogue and accurate depiction of cat behavior delight readers, especially pet lovers.
The series’ style is light yet gripping, balancing murder mysteries with humor and heart. Fans praise its “small-town charm and charming cat duo” (The Mystery Reader), making it a standout in the cozy mystery genre for its blend of paranormal flair and relatable characters.
Why Magical Cats Mysteries Resonates
The Magical Cats Mysteries have carved a niche in the cozy mystery world, enchanting readers with their blend of feline magic and clever sleuthing. With over 31,000 ratings averaging 4.21/5 on review platforms, the series has built a loyal fanbase that eagerly awaits each new release. Its appeal lies in its ability to offer comfort and excitement, appealing to those who love cats, mysteries, or both.
The series’ lasting impact comes from its celebration of unlikely heroes—two stray cats and a librarian—who prove that courage and curiosity can solve even the trickiest cases. By weaving paranormal elements into a cozy framework, Kelly has inspired other authors to experiment with magical twists in the genre, cementing her influence.
- First Book: Curiosity Thrilled the Cat (2011)
- Latest Book: Furever After (2024)
- Total Books: 17
- Genre: Cozy Mystery, Paranormal
- Setting: Mayville Heights, Minnesota
Grab Curiosity Thrilled the Cat and dive into the Magical Cats Mysteries’ cozy, magical world! Join Kathleen, Owen, and Hercules for a purr-fectly thrilling adventure that’ll keep you guessing—and smiling—until the last page.