The Cat of Amontillado

Author: SM Rein

5 out of 5 Stars

The Haven is a retirement community for magical and immortal beings. Two of its residents are Izzy, a zombie, and Suzy, an angel, who one day rescue a group of kittens from under their porch. They end up keeping one who they name Mr. Poe. While home alone when Suzy and Izzy have left for a few days, Mr. Poe gets into a room full of magical artifacts and swallows the Ring of Bau, which turns him into a human boy. Suzy and Izzy’s friend Gwyn finds him. Mr. Poe then follows her for the next few days and is with her when a body is discovered in town. Gwyn, as the town sheriff, has to investigate. Will Gwyn and Mr. Poe be able to solve the murder and turn Mr. Poe back into a kitten?

Overall, I enjoyed this book. Except for a few very small editing mistakes, this book was very well written with a good flow. There was a humorous element throughout, mostly from Mr. Poe’s kitten instincts that transferred to his human form, like pouncing on things and licking his hands.

There’s a slice-of-life feeling that comes through in the world-building, which is mainly done through introducing new characters as Mr. Poe follows Gwyn as she goes about her day, like going to the farmer’s market. I enjoyed the way Mr. Poe and Gwyn’s relationship evolved into her becoming Aunt Gwyn.

The story does focus more on Mr. Poe’s change versus the murder mystery. I was thoroughly entertained and don’t see it as a negative, but you might depending on what type of story you’re looking for. Otherwise, this book had no real negatives, so I’m rating it 5 out of 5 stars.

Price through Amazon Kindle: $0

Link to buy: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07Q3VY9NL

(I do not benefit from the use of this link.)