Monday, January 30, 2017

By Familiar Means Book Review

By Familiar Means book coverI've been looking forward to reading By Familiar Means since I finished the first book, A Familiar Tail, in A Witch's Cat Mystery series by Delia James.  I can tell you that By Familiar Means did not disappoint!

After discovering her special abilities, Annabelle Britton decides to make Portsmouth, New Hampshire her new home.  Anna's grandmother is coming to visit - she hasn't been to Portsmouth or seen her coven in 30 years.

Anna worries about how she's going to pay the rent on her cottage.  So when an opportunity comes up for painting murals for the new coffee shop, it's like her wish has come true.  However, spooky noises has one of the coffee shop owners convinced the building is haunted, and he wants Anna and her coven to get rid of the spirit before the shop opens.

Annabelle doesn't believe in spirits, but she agrees to check out the shop anyway.  Her Vibe leads her to finding smugglers' tunnels and a dead body.  Now Annabelle, Alastair, and her coven must figure out who the killer is.

My Thoughts: By Familiar Means didn't focus as much on the development of Anna's magical talents as did A Familiar Tail.  I would have liked to see more time spent focused on this area.

Despite that, though, this book was an excellent read!  I loved Alastair's antics, of course.  His behavior will make any cat lover laugh and adore him.

I enjoyed learning about Anna's grandmother and her role in Anna's life and magical journey.  It seems that Anna's grandmother will be sticking around for future books in the series, and I look forward to getting to know her personality better.

I really loved this book, and I highly recommend it to all cat and cozy mystery lovers!

FTC Disclosure: I received a copy of, "By Familiar Means: A Witch's Cat Mystery," by Delia James for a fair and honest review.  Receiving the book did not influence my opinions in any way.  All opinions expressed on Fur Everywhere are my own.  
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12 comments:

  1. Brian's Home BlogJanuary 30, 2017 at 9:24 AM

    That sounds like a rally good book and I think we need to read both of them!

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  2. meowmeowmansJanuary 30, 2017 at 9:47 AM

    Thanks for sharing your review! We hadn't heard of these books before, but would now like to, based on what you've written. :)

    Purrs to you, Carmine and Lita!

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  3. Three Chatty CatsJanuary 30, 2017 at 9:55 AM

    Sounds like a good book. I'll have to add this series to my to-read list!

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  4. Eastside CatsJanuary 30, 2017 at 10:01 AM

    I'm with meowmeowmans & Three Chatty Cats...looks like I've got a new series to read! Thank you for the review!

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  5. Melissa, Mudpie and Angel Truffles (Mochas, Mysteries and Meows)January 30, 2017 at 5:15 PM

    We love this series too :)

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  6. AnonymousJanuary 31, 2017 at 11:15 AM

    That sonds like a fun series!

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  7. RobinJanuary 31, 2017 at 1:37 PM

    This sounds like it was a really fun read! I love mysteries - especially if they involve a kitty. :)

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  8. UnknownJanuary 31, 2017 at 6:41 PM

    I'm going to look for this one at the library!

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  9. pilch92January 31, 2017 at 7:47 PM

    Great review. I am glad the cat has a part in it, sometimes they are on the cover and hardly get mentioned :)

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  10. Meezer's Mews & Terrieristical WoofsFebruary 1, 2017 at 5:35 PM

    Interesting!

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  11. Basil and The B Team ~ BionicBasil ®February 2, 2017 at 1:25 PM

    Thanks fur sharing this title, Amber has a book by this author on the bedside table, it's next on the list to read!

    Bestest purrs

    Basil & Co xox

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  12. Timmy TomcatFebruary 6, 2017 at 3:45 PM

    Sounds like one we will ask Dad to add to our reading list
    Purrs
    Timmy

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