Cozy & Mysterious (With A Magic Cat!)

4 out of 5 stars

I had the pleasure of listening to Crystals, Belladonna, and Murder by Leanne Leeds, and I must say, it was an enjoyable experience. This was my first book by Leeds, and I was impressed with the pacing, little bits of humor, and overall “feel” of the story.

Although this was one of my first cozy mysteries, I found the book charming and mysterious (which I think is the whole point of cozy mysteries). The story kept throwing curveballs at me, and just when I thought I knew what was going on, I was way off. I enjoyed the way Leeds kept me guessing throughout the entire book.

The plot itself, while at times felt a bit overdramatic, I found it to be just right for this style of book. As I mentioned above, Leeds kept me guessing, and paranormal/magic elements were welcome and added quite a bit to this story.

The narration by Meghan Kelly was excellent, and she added the right level of sass/snark to certain scenes while keeping the story moving along. Her pacing was perfect, and I found myself fully immersed in the story.

Overall, Crystals, Belladonna, and Murder was a great listen, and I recommend it to anyone looking for a charming and mysterious cozy mystery.

Book Description:

Crystals, Belladonna, and Murder
Silver Circle Cat Rescue Mysteries #1
Leanne Leeds
Narrated byMeghan KellyLength6 hrs and 31 minsPublished bySelf Published · February 10th 2023
Cozy MysteryMystery
Brian's rating★★★★☆
Publisher description

Kindle Edition currently available with Kindle Unlimited (subject to change)

A cantankerous former mayor

A dead man with a secret.

A midlife magic gift with a murder mystery that keeps you guessing.

When 49-year-old Eleanor Rockwell was laid off from her soul-crushing corporate job, she moved a few miles north of Austin with her daughter, Evie, and opened Silver Circle Cat Rescue in the small town of Tablerock, Texas.

Five years later, SCCR is Wildebridge County's largest shelter for lost kitties, so it's no surprise when Deputy Markham brings Belladonna—former mayor Fiona Blackwell's cat—to the shelter after she's arrested for murdering her husband, Beau. But why, Eleanor wonders, did the Deputy bring a silver drink tray with the sullen cat—and why is Belladonna talking when she walks on it?

Something strange is going on in Tablerock, and Eleanor is determined to get to the bottom of it. Can she unravel the mystery before it's too late, or will she fall victim to the town's sinister spell?

Join Ellie, Evie, and all the cats at Silver Circle Cat Rescue in this new cozy paranormal midlife mystery series!

Also narrated by Meghan Kelly