Janet Cantrell

This is such a delightful series. Author Janet Cantrell has created a wonderful setting, with such likable characters, and some hilarious situations. She has truly embraced the cozy mystery genre, and I for one can’t get enough!

It was great to be back at The Bar None with Charity “Charlie”, Anna, and of course, that fat cat tabby himself, Quincy. Getting to read the thoughts going on in Quincy’s head is so fun! I’ve often wondered what my own pets are thinking.

For as much as I show more loved book one, FAT CAT AT LARGE, I have to say that this second installment, FAT CAT SPREADS OUT, was even better! The plot was perfection. The mystery was well thought out and had me scratching my head trying to figure out “whodunit” and why. I laughed out loud so often I lost count. And the thought of all those yummy treats had my tum growling through most of the book.

FAT CAT SPREADS OUT, indeed, the Fat Cat series itself, has everything a cozy mystery fan is looking for and more. Ms. Cantrell has penned one of the must read mysteries of the year!

And check out the back of the book for two great recipes. One for humans and one for cats! show less

From the book jacket: When she’s not dreaming up irresistible dessert bars for her Minneapolis treatery, Bar None Charity “Chase” Oliver is running after her cat, Quincy – a tubby tabby with a gift for sniffing out edibles. But what happens when this cat burglar leads Chase to the scene of a real crime?

My Reactions:
Great premise, set in a city I love, with a lovely cat. But this amateur sleuth is just too stupid to live. My stars but Chase got on my nerves. She is whiny and a show more terrible businesswoman. The supporting cast is anything but. Her business partner is keeping secrets from her and even suspects her of stealing. Her employees are at each other’s throats (literally having a “cat fight” in the front of the store before storming out), and the “hot” vet seems a little creepy to me.

Oh, well, it was a fast read and it satisfied a challenge, but I’m in no hurry to continue to series. show less

I don't care much for cozies or books that are filled with recipes but this series has some promise and I may try for another go at it. There was a bit too much animosity among the two store owners. They didn't put much effort into trying to work things out or come to any compromise. But hey...I read it for the cat...Quincy...who was a real charmer. He even was allowed a point of view, which often was...as is the case with all cats...more interesting that that of the human's. Cute story and show more if anyone wants to bake any of those recipes...I'll email you my address:) show less

Fat Cat Takes the Cake by Janet Cantrell is the third book in the Fat Cat Mystery series. It is three weeks until Christmas and Anna Larson’s wedding. Anna and Chase Oliver are partners in Bar None (a dessert bar shop) in Minneapolis, MN. They are in the kitchen of the shop when Anna receives an invitation to participate in the Minny Batter Battle. Anna had not received an invitation since its inception. Anna immediately starts thinking about what she will create (and how to beat Grace show more Pilsen, owner of The Pilsener—a bakery). Chase gets notice that her graduating class from Hammond High School will having a fourteen-year reunion this month (fourteen years and in December). It turns out that Richard (Dickie) Byrd is going to run for mayor and the reunion will be the kickoff to his campaign (and it will not cost him a dime). Chase attends the reunion with her friend, Julie Larson. Unfortunately, Ron North also attends. Ron “stalked” Julie in high school (he is also creepy). Ron has not changed in fourteen years. The next day Chase is out walking Quincy, her butterscotch tabby cat (for exercise since he has been putting on the pounds) when Quincy finds Ron’s body in some bushes (Quincy seems to have a knack for finding bodies). It seems Ron was strangled with the scarf he took from Julie. When Julie ends up accused of the murder, Chase sets out to prove her innocence. Of course, Chase is also a little distracted by Eddie Heath. They dated in high school until Eddie ended up hurting Chase (it was embarrassing). They have reconnected and Chase cannot seem to stay away from him (even though she is dating someone else and they do not have anything in common). Chase had better focus if she wants to clear Julie in time for Anna’s wedding (and Christmas).

The Fat Cat Takes the Cake is told in the first person from Chase’s point-of-view. I enjoyed the tidbits told from Quincy’s view (they were funny). Fat Cat Takes the Cake is an easy to read novel with fun (engaging) characters. The mystery was entertaining, but I thought that the killer was extremely obvious (at least to me). I give The Fat Cat Takes the Cake 4 out of 5 stars. The book can be read alone if you have not enjoyed the previous books in the Fat Cat Mystery series (like me). The ending is just so sweet. There are also some leash training tips for cats at the end of the book as well as a recipe. I look forward to reading the other (and future) books in the Fat Cat Mystery series.

I received a complimentary copy of Fat Cat Takes the Cake from NetGalley (and the kind publisher) in exchange for an honest review. show less