4 out of 5 stars

The Windmill Murders is a fun cozy mystery. This was my first foray into "The No 2 Feline Detective Agency" and I thoroughly enjoyed it. A quick and easy read that is also fun. I love Hettie and Tilly’s friendship. The plot was well though out and the characters have real depth. Mandy Morton does and excellent job of weaving fiction and history together with a little bit of gore thrown in.

Thank you NetGalley for approving me to read this book! A highly enjoyable read that is nice started I couldn’t put down.

This was a quirky and unique read and I thoroughly enjoyed it. i have not read the entire series but plan to start with the 1st. Very well written.
Many thanks to Farrago and to Netgalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

My thanks to Duckworth Books/Farrago Books for a review copy of this book via NetGalley.

The Windmill Murders (2023) is the latest entry (book 11, if I counted right) in the No 2 Feline Detective Agency Series by musician and author Mandy Morton. The series is set in a world very much like ours (though perhaps a few decades ago when Agatha Crispy was still writing and Columbo was running on TV while the post and telegrams were the primary means of communication), but with the difference that this is a world populated by cats. Hettie Bagshot (in whose past musical career we have a hint of the author herself) and Tilly Jenkins are two tabbies who run the No 2 Feline Detective Agency in a small village and have solved several crimes including murders (theirs is a world that has no police). They live in a small bedsit above the Butter sisters’ bakery from where their meals and many treats are also supplied. While theirs may be a world of cats where one must lick one’s paws after every meal (usually scrumptious and plentiful, but I will get to that later), Hettie and Tilly’s actual adventures and cases could as easily unfold in the human realm for the cats of this world have much the same motivations as us humans, and their evil deeds can be as brutal and appalling.

This book, the third in the series that I have read, is somewhat different from the previous ones for while it does involve a mystery element, the story itself is a much broader one to do with history and ancestry, and unlike the other entries also involves a definite element of the uncanny which can be unnerving indeed.

When the book opens, the Butter sisters head off to help a relative who is injured, leaving Hetty and Tilly in charge of the bakery. This means having to wake at 4 am and cater to a deluge of customers, with the help of their friend Bruiser, and while they manage, there are some (at least aesthetic) disasters on their hands. Alongside, we learn that Tilly has been tracing her ancestors, and has managed to track down two great aunts whom she decides to write to. As she is reading up on possible family connections, she begins to have several nightmares, all taking her back into history, and revealing things about her family that are not only alarming but which turn out to be what had really taken place (confirmed later), causing her to get very unnerved. Then she receives an invitation to tea from her great aunts, and decides to go with Hettie. Bruiser is to drive them down to Norfolk on his motorcycle Miss Scarlett (he usually ferries them around for their cases as well) and the cat he is walking out with Dolly Scollop will go with them, making a picnic of it.

The trip begins on a rainy day and after some bumps on the road when they finally make it to the address, they find grounds occupied by a group of hippy cats, and the great aunts living in a derelict windmill. By now, on account of her nightmares, Tilly doesn’t wish to proceed, but what they find when they enter the windmill (only Hettie and Tilly are allowed in) shocks them entirely. The land, windmill and priory nearby all belong to Tilly family and is passed down in the female line, and it would seem Tilly is the next heir. However, one of the hippies is staking claim based on his own ancestry. A storm forces the four to agree to stay with the hippies for the night, but the events of the night are such that they find themselves in deep trouble and not allowed to leave. With the ghosts of the past haunting Tilly and revealing some terrifying and terrible truths, plus the problems of the present, how will things resolve?

Combining history, myth and legend, Mandy Morton gives us an exciting and whimsical read which does involve a mystery but is also so much more. Like previous books in the series, I love the feline spin she gives to real world entities and events, yet just to the right degree never going overboard, so while we might have the actress Margaret Rutherfur who plays Miss Marble, the author Kenneth Grayhair has still written The Wind in the Willows, and it is Columbo that still runs TV. From history we have the great plague of the 17th century as also the cruel witch hunts (with Matthew Hopk… er I mean Katkins, no less) as also the Vikings of old, and legend too, but I’ll leave you to see which ones for yourself

But the mystery element as I mentioned involves very real human failings and motivations. The murders (yes there are those—and a number of them counting the historical ones) are not cosy by any measure, in fact both brutal and gory, and justice when it is served is no kinder. But dark though they may be, they are interesting and I rather liked the explanation that emerged behind the present-day murders (which I guessed only just before they did) and the various secrets about the past ones. The latter of course involves the element of the uncanny as it is Tilly’s dreams that reveal her family’s disturbing past.

Although much of this book takes place in Norfolk and away from home, we do also have developments in Hettie and Tilly’s village which we keep up with, and while it may be them that solve the mysteries, their friends, Brusier, Dolly and the Butter sisters among them, are always there to help and have their backs.

Once again, Mandy Morton outdoes herself when it comes to the food the book involves. The sheer amount of cakes, roasts, pies, baps, casseroles, coffee and sweets and much much more that these cats eat, in meals followed by other meals (and then some) will leave any reader feeling very hungry indeed and running to grab a snack (or two or three). Even when our characters are trapped in a certain situation, they manage to make a fairly tempting meal with what little they have.

A wonderful entry in a lovely and fun series which anyone who loves mysteries and cats will very much enjoy!

Princess Fuzzypants here: The Number 2 Feline Detective Agency is always fun to visit. Hettie and Tilly, with Bruiser and all their other friends, tell the most wonderful tales. Sometimes it seems the stories are set in the times of Agatha Christie but the kitty version and sometimes, like this one, there are pop culture references to the 1960s and 1970s. But wherever and whatever, these are charming stories full of delightful touch and characters.

Tilly has taken up genealogy and thinks she may have discovered two heretofore unknown aunts. She sends a letter and is shocked when she receives a telegram beseeching her to come to the Scrimshaw Priorty that weekend. Hettie, Tilly, Bruiser and his girlfriend Dolly climb about Miss Scarlet and drive off to Norfolk where they discover some very strange goings on. It becomes apparent that neither of the aunts could have sent the telegram so who did and why.

They get caught up in a very dangerous game and it is only through their pluck and ingenuity that they are able to escape. In doing so, they also help a big clowder of cats throw off the despotic control of two very evil cats. And in the process they make new friends. I enjoyed every bit of the book and look forward to their next exploits. Five purrs and two paws up.

My thanks to Duckworth Books/Farrago for an eARC via NetGalley of ‘The Windmill Murders’ by Mandy Morton.

This is Book 11 in her series of cosy mysteries that feature anthropomorphic cats, Hettie Bagshot and Tilly Jenkins, who run the No 2 Feline Detective Agency. I have enjoyed a number of the books in the charming series.

In this outing Tilly and Hettie are taking a post-Christmas break from cases. Tilly has become interested in tracing her family-tree and has identified two possible great-aunts. After writing a letter of introduction, she is delighted to be invited to their home, Skrimshaw Priory, in Norfolk.

So Tilly and Hettie travel there and discover that the aunties are living in an ancient windmill. However, the land around it is occupied by a group of hippie cats that consider themselves the protectors of the aunties, who they refer to as ‘the Ancients’. Tilly and Hettie are disturbed by this arrangement as well as by the aunties’ feral behaviour.

It appears that there are secrets to be uncovered, especially for Tilly as she experiences vivid nightmares about the distant past including a possible ancestor Matilda the Shield Maiden. There are rumours of ghosts and of course dastardly deeds. No further details to avoid spoilers.

As always with the books in this series, the cats are extremely interested in their food, including delicious pastries and fry-ups. Also, Mandy Morton loves her puns, especially of names like Mathew Katkins, the Witchfinder General. There was a fair amount of history in this outing linked to cats in Saxon and Viking times.

Overall, ‘The Windmill Murders’ was a fun addition to this series of cosy feline mysteries. They always make me smile whilst reading and I am sure will please cat lovers and those who enjoy cosy mysteries that are a little different.

A cute cozy but substitute cats for humans and you get the picture. A bit of a locked room mystery, thrills and good characters. This is the first book in this series I've read but I would definitely like to read more.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.

If you're looking for a book that's a bit different - this is it!

The No. 2 Feline Detective Agency is, as you may expect, staffed by cats. Tilly has been researching her family and now Hettie and Tilly are summoned to a tea party held by Tilly's great-aunts who she has never met before. When they arrive, it's not exactly what they were expecting. The aunts are living in a windmill and hardly welcoming; they seem to be part of a community which seems more like a cult to the investigating duo; Something isn't quite right and they are determined to get to the bottom of it all.

This is the eleventh book in this series, but my first foray into Mandy Morton's writing. I was entertained from beginning to end. The character names are quite wonderful - so many smiles to be had! Hettie and Tilly get themselves into a real scrape, and I wasn't quite sure if they were going to get back out of it. A fun mystery and such a good read. If you need a bit of fun in your reading, this will definitely do it. And, just to add, I'm not actually a cat person! Four stars.

My thanks to the publisher for my copy via NetGalley' this is - as always - my honest, original and unbiased review.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Farrago for this Advanced Reader Copy and the opportunity to review “The Windmill Murders.” All opinions and comments are my own.

A windmill there was (and is), and murders, but Hettie Bagshot and Tilly Jenkins, the proprietors of The No. 2 Feline Detective Agency, find much more to be concerned with in “The Windmill Murders,” the latest entry in this “cats as detectives” mystery series by Mandy Morton. This is the eleventh book.

The windmill keeps coming up in nightmares that Tilly is having, of something that happened to her family in the 17th century. She’s become interested in genealogy, you see, and she thinks she’s found a couple of relatives. So, a connection is made, and an invitation extended, and off Tilly and Hettie go, and a long, strange trip begins. Hoo, boy.

There’s a touch of the supernatural in this one, and the “tales of the 17th century” interspersed in the narrative make interesting reading. Those who enjoy glimpses into the past will be pleased with Hettie’s experiences. Me, not so much. At the core, though, is crime, and murder, something that the resolving of Tilly and Hettie are very good at, this time not without peril to themselves and accusation of doing the evil deed themselves by some bad ‘uns. They’re saved with a little help from their village friends the Butter sisters -- an amazing assist, I assure you. And it all comes right for the land surrounding “that” windmill -- quite an interesting story line, here.

And of course, readers are treated to a steady diet of bacon baps and jam sponges. Detectives need their strength, doncha know. And mustn’t forget to mention what’s happening at home. It’s surprising what the funeral of one of the more, shall we say, unlamented inhabitants of the town brings out in people, uh, cats.

“The Windmill Murders” is a bit of a departure for our two female felines. If they want to cavort with Viking queens and “ghosts,” who am I to say nay. I’ll just look forward to the next one.

Another fantastic addition to my favorite mystery. Paws up! I loved every bit of this book meow-much. It was interesting to learn about Tilly's ancestors - she's related to the Skrimshaws of Skrimshaws Priory. A letter from Tilly's great-aunts inviting her for tea takes Hettie, Tilly, Bruiser, and Dolly to a place from which their return is doubtful.
There's a murder on the premises and a group of hippie cats led by a rival of the Skrimshaws believes that Hettie, Tilly, Dolly, and Bruiser were responsible for the crime. Oh, meow! That's not good news. The four are locked in (with the dead bodies) and will be burned to death in a couple of days.

As the story proceeds, we see Hettie and Tilly not only solve the case, but with the help of Bruiser and Dolly, find a way out of the problem they are currently facing.

There's a bit of history and horror, lots of baked goodies, cats, and super fun. I enjoyed reading The Windmill Murders. Highly recommended!

How FUN!! Although this is the 11th installment of the "No 2 Feline Detective Agency", it was my first time with this delightful cozy mystery series, but I think it was fine as a stand-alone! Here's the deal - the two detectives, Tilly & Hettie, are CATS! But sometimes I forgot that as I fell into their mystery world of cuteness & quirk. It's a lovely story & now I'm going to have to go through the back-list, LOL! My sincere thanks to Net Galley & the publisher for the complimentary DRC, and I am leaving this voluntary review for them.

Hettie and Tilly are back. It's just after Christmas and the town has decided to keep the decorations up for January to keep everyone happy. Tilly has taken up genealogy and has discovered that she might have some great aunts in Norfolk. She sends them a letter and is surprised to get a reply asking her for afternoon tea.
She decides to take Hettie and Bruiser with her and Dolly comes along for the rider.
When they reach their destination, they are met by a band of hippies, of whom one declares that he is the rightful heir to the land and the great aunt sisters have signed over the land to him.
This sets Hettie's whiskers trembling and after meeting the sisters who are decidedly feral, vile deeds come aplenty and it's up to the gang to sort out the good from the bad.
Of course there is cake and bacon sandwiches in the mix alongside a nice cup of milky tea!

This was my first introduction to "The No. 2 Feline Detective Agency Books." All the characters are Tilly and Hettie live and run their detective agency from above the Butter Sisters' bakery. Tilly has been doing her family history and has found a great aunt she did not know existed. She wrote her and received an invitation to tea. Tilly &Hettie, along with friends Bruiser and Dolly, set out for an adventure. They soon realize they may have gotten more than they bargained for. Tilly & Hettie find a hippie society with secrets and her aunt is actually two aunts and they are not sane. Soon there is a locked room murder to solve along with other strange goings on.

This was a fine mystery and some fun characters. I really enjoyed it.

Thanks to NetGalley and Farrago books for the chance to read it.

I was drawn to the colourful cover, and thought this looked and sounded like my kind of book.

I thought this was delightful. Who doesn't love a cosy mystery where the detectives are cats? Each cat had their own personality too. This book was a lot of fun, entertaining and made me smile from the beginning. I would be interested in reading some more of these.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for a free copy to review.

Another winner featuring Hattie, Tillie and the groups of cats. I fell in love with this series and had to read all the books.
This is a very good one, a bit darker than usual and with more paranormal aspects, but I was very happy to catch up with the cats and learn something new about them or the story of some side characters.
Enjoyable, compelling, and very entertaining. A solid and tightly knitted plot that kept hooked.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this arc, all opinions are mine

This is the 12th book in the series, which I didn't realise when I started reading. It does however work perfectly well as a standalone.

Hettie and Tilly run the No 2 Feline Detective Agency. This story sees Tilly caught up in tracing her relatives and family tree, and when she discovers she may have 2 great aunts living in Norfolk, she and Hettie, along with friends Bruiser and Dolly, travel to meet them. What they discover is a huge mystery, and the four cats work to solve the puzzle.

I really enjoyed the premise of a world full of cats, even if I did struggle at times to remember they were felines not humans! A quick, fun read, and I'll definitely be looking out for the earlier books in the series.

A quick, easy and engaging read. Absolutely loved this mystery and couldn't put it down. A really enjoyable read.

The No. 2 Feline Detective Agency
How did this excellent series slip by me? Hattie and Fully are awesome characters. A tea party with delicious pastries, an old windmill, murder and betrayal are all included in this cozy. I got to find more from this author! Great story plot with lots of suspects and suspense! Thanks#netgalley and#Farragobooks for the eARC in exchange for a honest review. All opinions are mine.

I like this book, it was quite fun to read and the bit of history tangled in this story was very subtle, yet important. Even though at first, I found the cats as characters, unusual., I loved the word play and the quirky inclusion of behavior. All in ll I really enjoyed the book and read it in two sitting. Thanks you NetGalley and the publishers for the DRC

I love #2 FDA series. The author has created a delightful world of anthropomorphized cats. The Windmill Murders is very impressive case., Mandy Morton can write a great mystery. What started out as a Sunday tea with Tilly’s great aunts turns out to be quite a terrifying adventure. Hettie and Tilly use their detective skills to solve murders and save themselves, Dolly and Bruiser. A great cast of characters.

An interesting read that I recommend to lovers of cats and cozy mysteries. Thanks for the pleasure of allowing me to read this ARC.