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Magical Cats Mysteries Books in Order

17 Books
2011 – 2024 Published
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Reading order

The Recommended Reading Order for Magical Cats Mysteries

If you are planning to dive into the cozy, spellbinding world of the Magical Cats Mysteries by Sofie Kelly (a pen name for Darlene Ryan), the best way to experience the series is in publication order. Because the characters age, build relationships, and undergo major life milestones over the course of the series, reading the books in order ensures you do not spoil key character arcs—especially Kathleen's evolving romance and the growth of her library community.

Below is the complete list of the Magical Cats Mystery books in their recommended reading order. This order aligns with the chronological storyline, meaning you can follow Kathleen, Owen, and Hercules from their very first meeting to their most recent adventures.

Magical Cats Mystery Books in Order

  1. Curiosity Thrilled the Cat (2011) – The book that starts it all. Kathleen Paulson moves to Mayville Heights, Minnesota, to supervise the library renovation. She soon meets two stray cats, Owen and Hercules, who possess magical abilities, and has to clear her own name when she becomes a suspect in a local murder.
  2. Sleight of Paw (2011) – Kathleen and her feline sleuths investigate the suspicious death of a local philanthropist, discovering that many townspeople had secrets they would kill to keep hidden.
  3. Copycat Killing (2012) – When a local businessman is found dead, a friend of Kathleen's is accused. Kathleen, Owen, and Hercules must work together to find the real culprit.
  4. Cat Trick (2013) – Mayville Heights is hosting a staging of a Shakespeare play, but when the director turns up dead, the curtain rises on a real-life murder mystery.
  5. Final Catcall (2013) – A music festival brings tourists and trouble to town. When a performer is murdered, Kathleen is drawn into a case with roots in the past.
  6. A Midwinter's Tail (2014) – A cozy holiday-themed mystery. Kathleen is busy preparing for the library's winter fundraising event when a body is discovered in the snow.
  7. Faux Paw (2015) – Kathleen takes a trip to a rustic cabin with her cats, but peace is short-lived when a local resident is killed, leaving Kathleen to navigate remote woods and small-town lies.
  8. The Cat Burglar (2016) – Originally published as a standalone e-novella and later included in the Two Tall Tails compilation, this story follows Kathleen and the cats as they investigate thefts at the local artists' co-op.
  9. Paws and Effect (2016) – Construction at the local library uncovers old secrets and leads to a murder that Kathleen and her cats must unravel.
  10. A Tale of Two Kitties (2017) – A decades-old mystery resurfaces when a man is found dead in a historic home, forcing Kathleen to dig into the town's history.
  11. The Cats Came Back (2018) – When an unpopular local developer is murdered, Kathleen and her felines have a long list of suspects to sort through.
  12. A Night's Tail (2019) – A spring storm brings chaos and a dead body to the library basement. Kathleen has to work fast to solve the crime before the evidence washes away.
  13. A Case of Cat and Mouse (2020) – Kathleen is helping organize a charity event, but the death of a prominent local resident threatens to derail the festivities.
  14. Hooked on a Feline (2021) – Owen and Hercules help Kathleen investigate a murder linked to a local craft brewery and a hidden family secret.
  15. Whiskers and Lies (2022) – The death of a local artist puts Kathleen on the trail of a clever killer who has gone to great lengths to hide the truth.
  16. Paws to Remember (2023) – Kathleen investigates a murder with connections to a historical preservation project in Mayville Heights.
  17. Furever After (2024) – Kathleen plans her wedding while dealing with a library heist and a murder investigation that hits close to home.

Understanding the Numbering Discrepancy: The Cat Burglar

When searching for the books online, you might notice a slight numbering discrepancy on retail sites and fan forums. This confusion centers around the novella The Cat Burglar (2016).

In many official publisher listings and library databases, The Cat Burglar is counted as Book 8, which pushes Paws and Effect to Book 9, bringing the total count of the main series to 17. However, on platforms like Goodreads, The Cat Burglar is treated as a companion novella (Book 8.5), while Paws and Effect is labeled as Book 8. Whichever numbering convention you prefer, the chronological reading sequence remains exactly the same: read The Cat Burglar after Faux Paw and before Paws and Effect to maintain perfect continuity.

The Sister Series: Second Chance Cat Mysteries

Readers who love the magical elements and cozy atmosphere of Mayville Heights will also enjoy the Second Chance Cat Mystery series, which Sofie Kelly writes under her other pseudonym, Sofie Ryan. This sister series is set in the seaside town of North Harbor, Maine, and follows Sarah Grayson and her rescue cat, Elvis, who helps Sarah and a group of seniors solve local mysteries.

While the two series are set in different parts of the country, they share a delightful connection. In 2016, the author published a special print anthology titled Two Tall Tails. This volume contains two novellas: The Cat Burglar (featuring Kathleen, Owen, and Hercules) and No More Pussyfooting Around (featuring Sarah and Elvis). This crossover is a treat for fans of both series and offers a wonderful transition point if you want to branch out into the author's other works.

What to Know Before You Start

Before you dive in, here are a few key details to keep in mind about the series:

  • The Feline Magic: The paranormal elements in these books are light and whimsical. Owen has the ability to turn invisible, while Hercules can walk through solid walls. They do not talk to Kathleen or speak human language; instead, they communicate through typical cat behaviors—nuzzling, scratching, and pointing—to guide Kathleen toward crucial clues.
  • Small-Town Appeal: The fictional town of Mayville Heights, Minnesota, acts as a character of its own. Complete with seasonal festivals, a close-knit library staff, and quirky local business owners, the setting is warm, welcoming, and comforting.
  • Wedding Milestone: The 17th book, Furever After (2024), culminates in a major life milestone for Kathleen. While the publisher has not officially announced the end of the series, many readers have noted that the conclusion of this book wraps up major character arcs in a satisfying way that could serve as a series finale.

Frequently Asked

QWhat is the correct order to read the Magical Cats Mysteries?

The best way to read the series is in publication order, starting with Curiosity Thrilled the Cat (2011) and ending with Furever After (2024). This allows you to follow the natural progression of Kathleen's life and relationship milestones.

QDo the cats speak to the main character in the series?

No, Owen and Hercules do not speak or communicate telepathically. Instead, they use their magical abilities—like invisibility and walking through walls—along with natural feline behaviors to nudge Kathleen toward clues.

QWhat is the connection between Magical Cats Mysteries and Second Chance Cat Mysteries?

Both series are written by the same author (using the pen names Sofie Kelly and Sofie Ryan). They crossed over in the 2016 anthology Two Tall Tails, which features one novella from each series.

QIs Furever After the final book in the series?

While there has been no official announcement that the series is over, Furever After (2024) resolves several long-term storylines and character relationships, leading many fans to treat it as a satisfying conclusion.

QWhere are the Magical Cats Mysteries set?

The series is set in the fictional, picturesque small town of Mayville Heights, Minnesota, centered around the local public library where Kathleen Paulson works.