Series: The Cat Lady Chronicles # 2
Format: Kindle, 286 pages
Release Date: June 16, 2025
Publisher: Helen Harper
Source: Kindle Unlimited
Genre: Contemporary Fantasy
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.
The Dark Hiss of Magic is the Second installment in author Helen Harper's The Cat Lady Chronicles series. The story is a blend of urban fantasy, cozy mystery, and sharp-witted humor that will captivate fans of the genre. Set in the magical border town of Coldstream, the story follows Kit McCafferty, a fiercely independent protagonist who was once an assassin, with a knack for trouble and a soft spot for cats who are allegedly demon cats.
When a very well-known and wealthy witch (Quentin Hightower) falls into the treacherous River Tweed filled with monsters, Kit helps to save him, but unbeknownst to her at the time, another person had fallen in the river and was not so lucky. Kit feels guilty that she couldn't have saved him, too, so she decides to find out more about this John Doe, so his family can be informed and he can rest in peace. Unfortunately, Kit ends up opening a huge can of worms, and when more bodies turn up, she is determined to find out how these deaths are connected, who murdered them all, and why.
Kit, a relatable and magically talented heroine, tackles the investigation with smarts, grit, and a touch of luck, avoiding the trope of implausible deductions. Her partnership with Thane Barrow, a copper-haired werewolf with a similar worldview, adds depth and a subtle spark of chemistry that enriches the narrative without overpowering it. The return of familiar characters, such as Trilby, MacTire, and Mallory, alongside new faces like Captain Montgomery and Quentin Hightower, enhances the vibrant ensemble.
Harper’s knack for balancing humor—often delivered through clever feline perspectives—with darker themes of murder and betrayal creates a compelling tone. The intelligent cat characters, a hallmark of the series, add charm and wit, appealing especially to feline enthusiasts.
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