The Cat, the Wife and the Weapon

The Cat, the Wife and the Weapon is the fourth in Leann Sweeney's Cat's in Trouble series. These cozy mysteries continue to charm me. I love all the characters, human and furry! This time around we get to learn more about Tom's past, one that he's been hesitant to share until now.

Jillian has just returned home from a week long arts and crafts show when she discovers her friend Tom missing. He's not answering his phone, his car is gone and there's a stranger claiming to be his brother staying in his house! Jillian doesn't trust the guy, especially since he allowed Tom's diabetic cat to escape. It's not long before Tom shows up on Jillian's doorstep looking like he came out second best in a fight. Just as he's trying to explain what show more happened to him, Mercy PD finds Tom's car wrecked and with a dead passenger inside. Who is this stranger, why was he in Tom's car and who killed him? Jillian must find out what kind of trouble Tom's gotten himself into and get to the bottom of it quickly.

Turns out it's quite a tangled mess Tom has, one that will take some sleuthing to unravel. The story is fast paced and the reveals keep coming. The mystery was more complex than in previous installments. Sweeney used enough misdirection that I guessed wrong on who the killer was. The new characters introduced are interesting. Tom's family is a group of unpleasant individuals, his stepson excluded. I have a feeling we'll be seeing more of his stepson in the future. There is also a bit more romance in this one as Jillian finally admits she cares deeply for Tom and they begin to show it. It was another satisfying read. show less

This latest installment in this intriguing series is the best one yet. In this tale, we get to know Tom better as his mysterious past comes to light. His half brother, ex-wife, ex-partner from his days as a cop, and his stepson all show up in Mercy, along with a menacing stranger. It takes a heap of patience and understanding on Jillian’s part to help Tom come to terms with his tangled relationships, especially as the dead bodies start turning up and people go missing. The continuing characters add much to the charm of this series, but the intricate plot lines are the backbone. Even if you are not a cat lover, you are bound to enjoy these cozies.

The Cat, the Wife and the Weapon is the fourth installment in the Cats in Trouble Mystery Series. Jillian once again finds dead bodies, but, unlike in the other books, she is not a suspect. Instead, the main suspect is her boyfriend Tom's 18 year old son -- a person Jillian didn't even knew existed. Jillian discovers much about Tom and his interesting family as the mystery is solved.

This is a well-done cozy mystery -- the plot moves along nicely, the writing is clear, and the characters are interesting, even the unlikable ones. Unlike the earlier books in this series, I did guess who the murder was about half-way through the book, but thanks to some well-place misdirection, I had talked myself out of my conclusion.

My only complaint is show more that at least one mystery was not tied up at the end. Could this be the tie-in for the next installment?

One note on the cats: Jillian's three cats have larger roles than in the previous book. Tom's cat Dashiell plays a pivotal role in the story -- well, as much a pivotal role as a non-talking cat can. But a word of warning for ailurophiles, there is a dog with a major part!

Overall, this was a very enjoyable read and a great installment in the series. show less

Jillian returns home from a craft show and finds that her good friend Tom is missing. In this book we learn more about Tom. In fact Jillian learns more about Tom! He has brothers, an ex-wife and a stepson.
Tom is found and has been beaten up by his old partner who is now married to Toms exwife Hillary. Two murders later we find out who and why these men are killed.
While I liked this book, I wasn't thrilled with the last fifth of the book. The scene between Hillary and Tom's mother was weak and a tad off. Also,I almost had to have a flowchart to keep up with all of the characters, but that is probably more my fault than Leann. Will definitely keep reading the series. Really enjoy reading about the cats!