After being left at the altar, Ivy Amanda McTeague Preston uproots herself and her cat, an Egyptian Mau named
Memnet, from her boring and lonely life to start over at the urging of Mayor Conklin, a fellow pedigreed Mau owner.
Truesdale Thompson is ready to move in a fresh direction with his life. A private man whose physical wounds are the
only outward sign of a tragic accident in his past, True and his cat, Isis, open a branch of his trendy little bookstore and
coffee shop in Apple Grove.
When Ivy takes a mysterious message while the mayor is away on business, only Ivy’s criminology professor mom and
True believe there’s something rotten in Apple Grove. Can Ivy carry on her romance with True while saving the town
from further Mayhem?
“What exactly did you say to them?”
My lip protruded again. “That I wanted to report a…a kidnapping.” My voice had dropped to a too-low whisper on the
last word. I sounded perfectly ridiculous and I knew it.
“Based on a message you couldn’t understand? And after the police officer stopped laughing?”
“He didn’t laugh at all! He sent a lady cop to check on me.”
“And?”
“She said she’d report it.”
True uncrossed his arms and got up from the table. He gently removed the mug from my hands and raised me to my
feet. I liked the feel of those hands. I liked the confidence he exuded even more. “Ivy, I can tell you’re concerned about
this. Why don’t you let me go talk to Margaret tomorrow, see what I think. Okay? I’m not dismissing you, but I have to
think about this.”
I nodded. “I know it sounds wild, True. I need to do something, but I’m not sure what.”
True walked me to the door and down the steps. The moccasins he wore silenced his path across the floor of the
shop. “You drove. You want me to take you home?”
I appreciated his thoughtfulness. “I’m all right.” I caught my reflection in the window of the door. Shoulder-length
corkscrew hair in all directions, eyes wide—I looked like a nutcase. No wonder he had been concerned I couldn’t drive.
I stopped and turned. The top of my head came to his shoulder, giving me a good view of his throat. His turtleneck
shirt hid most of the scar that I knew snaked around his neck and across his right shoulder. I never asked about it and
I was too shy around him yet to pry, but I hoped that would change in the near future. “Thank you, True, for listening. I
hope it’s just some kind of mental lapse on my part.”
“We both care about Donald. I’ll talk to you tomorrow.” He flashed a grin and closed the door behind me, staying at the
window to watch until I sat safely in my car.
I did not expect to sleep much, so after checking my client list and the current work orders in my office, I settled on the
couch with my pet Memnet nearby and popped a movie into my player.
Mau owners give their friends names popular in ancient Egypt for obvious reasons. Mem was a beautiful black-spotted
registered silver male running past middle age. We garnered tons of compliments for his personality and out-standing
looks, and he was as devoted to me as I was to him. He had been a staunch friend when Stanley decided he did not
want to marry me—after we’d ordered the invitations and my dress and rented the hall.
Memnet’s scratching woke me sometime later. Cold and stiff, I came to my senses abruptly when I heard a loud crack
and tinkling sound from the kitchen. Mem was not as cautious as me and streaked toward the sound, a silver shadow
in the blue glow of the television screen. His screech was primeval.
My hand shook as I dialed the number of the police department with a legitimate complaint this time. After being
assured they would send someone immediately, I peered into the kitchen to see the broken window panel of the door
and the swinging chain. Mem sat guard, his tail twitching and ears forward, his paw resting on top of a stone with
something tied to it.
“What have you got, Mem?” I crouched, wary of glass. With a low growl pulsing from his furry throat, he reluctantly let
me examine the rock. I supposed it was evidence, but it was in my house. And Ripple had laughed at me earlier, after
all. With one eye watching for the police car, I hurriedly untied the string and read the attached note.
“Busy-body’s don’t belong in our town.”
I hated misused apostrophes.
Comment/review
Amazon review by: Susan M. Baganz
Rating: 4 stars: Purrrrfectly Cozy Mystery
I'm allergic to cats and didn't sneeze once during this book. It was an enjoyable read and "cozy," although towards the
end I did start dreaming and wondering what was next when I would go to bed! Always the sign of a good book when it
keeps you thinking about it even when you are sleeping. Thanks Lisa for this light, cozy mystery and for not making it
too easy to solve. You tied it up nicely and even had room for a little bit of surprise at the end. Well done!
Comment/review
Amazon review by: Shelley Wilburn
Rating: 4 stars: Really Enjoyed This Book!
There are many twists and turns in the story which I liked, because I like a good murder/mystery to keep me guessing,
even if I do know who did it. I like to try to figure out why and how. All in all, Meow Mayhem is a good read. I would
recommend reading it.
Comment/review
Amazon review by: Anita Klumpers
Rating: 5 stars: The whole can of worms
Lisa Lickel's protagonists are charmingly believable, and she makes this dog lover almost want a cat. Or at least an
Egyptian Mau. And I wish Apple Grove was a real place...or do I?
Comment/review
Amazon review by: susan Karsten
Rating: 4 stars: Deftly crafted, Deeply satisfying
With never an obvious clue, the author crafts a story that definitely keeps you guessing. A page-turner, this cozy read
with adorable characters "littered" about, provides a satisfying read for the mystery lover. A bonus is learning bits of info
about Egyptian cats. By the time the book ends, the reader wants more of these charming, real-life characters.
Comment/review
Amazon review by: NanceeMarchinowski
Rating: 4 stars
Lisa J. Lickel has penned a cozy mystery/romance novel about cat fanciers of exotic types, and the activities that lead
them on a chase to find a killer. Lisa writes with a unique and witty form, producing a very enjoyable story for readers of
all types, not only those of us who are crazy cat humans. Lisa creates colorful characters of every shape and size, and
there's a new adventure at the turn of nearly every page. I really enjoyed this cozy mystery, unique in style and
unpredictability. I'll be watching for more of Lisa's quirky, cozy mysteries! Pick up a copy for a uniquely enjoyable
evening by the fire!
Comment/review
-Carlene
The reason I liked this book so much is because of the way it is told. Ivy, the heroine, laces the whole first person
narrative with her self-deprecating humor and sardonic throw-away lines. As you might suspect, Meow Mayhem is a
mystery, although it wasn't scary. But wait, it is also a romance--though never goo-goo gooey. I chuckled at the
circumstances and quirky characters surrounding Ivy, found the story line entertaining, and finished up the last chapter
with a smile on my face. This is the first book I've read by Lisa Lickel, but I'll be looking for more.
Comment/review
-Shelley Wilburn
There are many twists and turns in the story which I liked, because I like a good murder/mystery to keep me guessing,
even if I do know who did it. I like to try to figure out why and how. All in all, Meow Mayhem is a good read. I would
recommend reading it.
Fiction- Romance/Mystery
Whimsical Publications,
LLC/paperback, 256 pages
Jan 2013
$12.95
ISBN-13: 978-1-936167-84-5
Meow Mayhem Lisa J. Lickel
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