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A Magical Cats Mystery — by Sofie Kelly
Magical Cats Series in Order: 16 books
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Curiosity Thrilled the Cat
Book - 1
SMALL-TOWN LIBRARIAN KATHLEEN PAULSON FEELS GOOD ABOUT LETTING TWO ADORABLE CATS HELP THEMSELVES TO HER HOME. BUT AS SHE'S ABOUT TO FIND OUT, IT'S THEIR HELP SHE NEEDS.... When Kathleen Paulson leaves her life in Boston and moves to Mayville Heigh...
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Sleight of Paw
Book - 2
LOOK WHAT THE CATS DRAGGED IN... Small-town librarian Kathleen Paulson is the owner of two very special cats, Owen and Hercules, who possess some unusual gifts in addition to skills for sleuthing... Kathleen never wanted to be the crazy cat lad...
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Copycat Killing
Book - 3
Everyone thinks their cats are special -- but Owen and Hercules have powers that go far beyond an adorable look or an irresistible purr. Along with their owner, librarian Kathleen Paulson, they have an uncanny instinct for solving crimes... It's b...
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Final Catcall
Book - 5
Small-town librarian Kathleen Paulson gets plenty of entertainment from her extraordinary cats, Owen and Hercules. But when a theatre troupe stumbles into more tragedy than it bargained for, it's up to Kathleen to play detective.... With her sort-...
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A Midwinter's Tail
Book - 6
Kathleen Paulson is snowed under running her library and caring for her extraordinary felines, Owen and Hercules. But when a fund-raiser turns deadly, she'll have to add sleuthing to her already full schedule.... Winter in Mayville Heights is busy...
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Paws and Effect
Book - 8
Magical cats Owen and Hercules and resourceful librarian Kathleen Paulson are back in the latest from the New York Times bestselling author of Faux Paw... Kathleen is excited to meet three old pals of her beau, Detective Marcus Gordon, while they...
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A Tale of Two Kitties
Book - 9
In this charming mystery from the bestselling author of Paws and Effect, two magical cats have powers of detection that prove indispensable to librarian Kathleen Paulson... With a well-placed paw on a keyboard or a pointed stare, Kathleen's two c...
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The Cats Came Back
Book - 10
Small-town librarian Kathleen Paulson often seems to gets mixed up in murder, but luckily, her very special cats always find a way to help her close a case... The charming Minnesota town of Mayville Heights is hosting a music festival, and the who...
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A Night's Tail
Book - 11
In the charming town of Mayville Heights, librarian Kathleen Paulson and her two cats pounce on clues to catch a killer, in the eleventh installment of this New York Times bestselling series. Spring is coming to Mayville Heights, and Kathleen's br...
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A Case of Cat and Mouse
Book - 12
A reality TV crew has come to town and brought librarian Kathleen Paulson and her two magical cats more than their fair share of real-life drama, in the newest installment of this New York Times bestselling series. Spring has come to charming Mayv...
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Hooked on a Feline
Book - 13
Librarian Kathleen Paulson and her inquisitive cats find themselves in a jam when a musician turns up dead, in the newest installment of this New York Times bestselling series. It's summer in Mayville Heights, and Kathleen Paulson and ...
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Whiskers and Lies
Book - 14
Librarian Kathleen Paulson is always willing to help a friend, but to save one from a wrongful arrest, she'll need magical backup from her affectionate cats in the newest installment of this New York Times bestselling series. Baker Georgia Tepper has...
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Paws to Remember
Book - 15
Librarian Kathleen Paulson and her enchanted felines get involved in a cold case that is putting people in very hot water in the newest installment of this New York Times bestselling series.When a water leak repair results in a body being found behin...
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Furever After
Book - 16
Librarian Kathleen Paulson is in for a spell of trouble when she finds a dead body, and only her reliable magical cats can help her tail a killer in the newest installment of this New York Times bestselling series.Kathleen is busy running the library...
Series Premise
The series centers on Kathleen Paulson, a talented librarian who relocates from Boston to the fictional small town of Mayville Heights, Minnesota, to head the local public library's modernization project. After a personal heartbreak (a broken engagement), she adopts two stray cats—Owen (a gray tabby) and Hercules (a black-and-white tuxedo)—who turn out to possess extraordinary, unexplained abilities: Owen can become invisible, and Hercules can walk through walls. These "magical" powers (never fully explained, adding whimsical mystery) allow the cats to investigate crime scenes, uncover clues, or assist Kathleen in subtle ways without being overt supernatural spectacles. Each book features a standalone murder investigation in Mayville Heights, where Kathleen—despite no formal detective training—inevitably gets involved through library connections, community events, or her cats' discoveries. Victims range from visiting artists and musicians to local residents, with motives tied to jealousy, inheritance, old grudges, or small-town secrets. The cats play active roles: pawing at evidence, knocking over items to reveal clues, or distracting suspects. Kathleen's sleuthing involves library research, community gossip, and clever deduction, often while juggling library duties, friendships, and a budding romance. Overarching threads include Kathleen's growing acceptance of her new home, her deepening bond with the cats, and subtle hints about their origins, but the focus remains on cozy, puzzle-driven mysteries resolved with warmth and justice.
Magical Cats Series Characters
Kathleen Paulson is the relatable protagonist: a smart, kind-hearted librarian in her 30s with a passion for books, organization, and helping others. Originally from Boston with a nomadic theater-family background, she finds stability in Mayville Heights. Practical yet open-minded, she's drawn into mysteries through curiosity and compassion, often teaming up with her cats. Her growth involves embracing community, romance, and the wonder of her feline companions.
Owen and Hercules are the breakout stars: magical stray cats adopted early on. Owen (gray tabby) is food-obsessed, playful, and invisible at will; Hercules (tuxedo) is more dignified, able to phase through walls. They communicate subtly with Kathleen (through behavior, not speech), assist investigations, and provide comic relief with antics like knocking things over or demanding treats. Their loyalty and cleverness make them beloved "sidekicks."
Marcus Gordon, the local police detective (and Kathleen's love interest), is handsome, competent, and initially skeptical of her meddling—but grows respectful and affectionate. Their slow-burn romance adds sweet tension.
Supporting characters enrich the ensemble:
- Lila, Rebecca, and other library staff/friends offer advice and support.
- Maggie, an artist best friend, brings creativity and loyalty.
- Roma, a vet, and various townsfolk provide community flavor.
- Recurring figures like library patrons, festival organizers, or suspects add variety.
The cats often steal scenes, with Kathleen treating them as partners in crime-solving.
Setting of the Magical Cats Series
The setting is the picturesque, fictional town of Mayville Heights, Minnesota, a cozy Midwestern community on the shores of a lake, evoking small-town charm with a touch of rural beauty. The public library serves as the central hub—a historic building Kathleen helps modernize—filled with books, community programs, reading nooks, and events like summer music festivals, theater productions, or holiday celebrations.
The town features classic cozy staples: friendly diners, local shops, a theater troupe, parks, and seasonal weather (blustery winters for holiday mysteries, sunny summers for outdoor festivals). Surrounding areas include farms, wooded trails, and the lake, providing scenic backdrops for discoveries or chases. Mayville Heights feels lived-in and welcoming—neighbors know each other, gossip spreads gently, and community ties run deep—creating an ideal stage for amateur sleuthing where outsiders (visitors or newcomers) often stir trouble, but locals band together. The Minnesota setting adds authenticity: friendly "Minnesota nice," lake-effect weather, and a sense of seasonal rhythm that mirrors the series' comforting pace.
Tone & Themes of the Magical Cats Series
The tone is warm, gentle, and delightfully cozy, with a light paranormal touch that never veers into dark fantasy or horror. Stories emphasize comfort: friendly small-town vibes, humorous cat antics, and satisfying resolutions where good triumphs without graphic violence or heavy angst. Murders occur off-page or with minimal gore, focusing instead on the emotional impact and community response. Humor shines through Kathleen's witty narration, the cats' mischievous personalities (Owen's love of sardines, Hercules's curiosity), and playful puns in titles and dialogue. The supernatural elements feel whimsical and endearing rather than frightening—think helpful familiars rather than ominous powers—adding charm without overshadowing the human drama. Romance develops sweetly and slowly, with tender moments balanced by independence. Overall, the series offers uplifting escapism: feel-good mysteries where friendship, loyalty (especially to pets), and cleverness solve problems, leaving readers with a sense of contentment and a smile.
Sofie Kelly's A Magical Cats Mystery series delivers pure cozy joy: 15+ enchanting novels where a dedicated librarian and her extraordinary cats solve murders in a welcoming Minnesota town. With its blend of gentle paranormal whimsy, clever puzzles, warm friendships, and feline charm, the books offer reliable comfort reading—perfect for curling up with a cup of tea and a purring companion. Kathleen's journey from newcomer to beloved local, guided by Owen and Hercules, celebrates community, curiosity, and the special bond between humans and pets. For cozy mystery lovers seeking light-hearted intrigue with magical whiskers, this series remains a delightful, enduring favorite that keeps readers coming back for more tail-wagging adventures.
Books in this series fall into the following genres
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