A Troubling Tail

A Troubling Tail by Laurie Cass has a kindly candy store owner murdered in Chilson, Michigan. Minnie Hamilton is keeping busy between her work as the assistant library director, her time on the bookmobile, and intervals not spent planning her wedding (or the reveal party). Minnie has moved into Rafe's home (which is now their home), but she does miss her houseboat. Minnie has decided to rent her houseboat, but the new renters are worried. They are new to Chilson and are nervous that a murder has just occurred. Minnie delves into the mystery and learns a surprising secret. There are a couple of suspects in the crime. There are clues to help readers solve the crime before the reveal. Two details led me to the killer. The whodunit is neatly wrapped up at the end. In the story, we get to follow Minnie's day to day life. I felt the story needed some action. It moved at an unhurried pace, and it was a wee bit too long (368 pages). I am baffled as to why Minnie and Rafe do not wish to be more involved in the planning of their wedding (I want to see some joy at the thought of their wedding). The reveal party makes no sense (just send out invites) especially since the couple do not seem interested in planning it either. I like how Minnie talks to Eddie. Anyone who owns a cat can relate. I did find the cumbersome book bike amusing. Personally, I thought it would be a good opportunity for the library to have an exhibit. They could showcase the bike and tell the history of libraries delivering books to patrons. A Troubling Tail is the eleventh A Bookmobile Cat Mystery. It can be read as a standalone for those new to the series. A Troubling Tail is a languid cozy with a busy bookmobile, a killed candy proprietor, worried renters, an interesting image, shortage of party planning, a bicycle riddle, and a fussy feline.