Rating: 5⭐️
The Cat Lady Chronicles returns with a fabulously funny and well written book, The Dark Hiss of Magic by Helen Harper.
I fell in love with the fascinating character of Kit McCafferty, retired assassin, now trying to remain low key as a jumper-wearing older neighborhood cat lady, albeit one hiding a very unique trait. She’s a rare cat sith.
The first mystery novel introduced her character, the paranormal town of Coldstream she lives in, and its many characters and supernatural communities that coexist within its boundaries.
But it’s Kit herself that’s so compelling and complex. Kit and her group of cats, that supply a sense of family, comfort, and advise her when mysteries come into her life. From She Without an Ear to He Who Crunches Bird Bones, to He Who Wanders Wide and the others, it’s a feline cast that’s endlessly entertaining and intriguing. Yes, they name themselves.
There’s others too. Thane, a werewolf, with a new demon kitten and neighbor Dave, who I haven’t figured out yet.
Harper keeps us guessing about mainstay characters. Their roles, true identities, and whatever they are really important to Kit in the over arc storyline. And as the various murders and mysteries occur, the investigations roll along, and everyone gets involved, the narrative continues to build into this amazing adventure.
It’s got great dialogue, wild moments, fight sequences, and loads of engaging cats and unusual personalities. And magic.
I wanted the next book immediately. And because I so thoroughly enjoyed this one, will reread it again soon.
Beautifully executed storytelling? Check. Fantastic female main character? Check! Great world building and mystery? Check and check.
Another great book and winner of a series. Check it out now.
COVER DESIGN BY COVERS BY JUAN
The Cat Lady Chronicles:
Waifs And Strays #1
The Dark Hiss of Magic #2
A Skirl of Sorcery #3 – Oct 13,2025
Buy link
The Dark Hiss of Magic (The Cat Lady Chronicles Book 2)
Blurb
There will be no pussy-footing around. Not when Kit McCafferty is involved.
When Kit rescues a wealthy witch from the treacherous, monster-filled waters of the River Tweed, she reckons she’s completed her fair share of good deeds for the day. But when a second anonymous body is pulled from the same river, Kit is dragged into a mystery as murky as the water itself. The corpse has no identification, no personal possessions and no one who cares.
Kit is determined to change that.
At least Thane Barrow, the copper-haired werewolf who sees the world in a similar way to Kit, is happy to also get involved. Together, they navigate Coldstream’s magical streets and mysterious secrets, determined to uncover the truth about John Doe.
Alas, it soon becomes clear that his death was no accident. Kit finds herself investigating a complex crime with more than one victim. She will have her claws full if she’s going to get to the bottom of what’s happened.
One thing is for certain – when death threatens, Kit McCafferty doesn’t back down. She pounces.
- Publication date: June 16, 2025
- Language: English
- Print length: 286 pages
- Book 2 of 3: The Cat Lady Chronicles
Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words 