The series revolves around Sarah Grayson, who owns and runs “Second Chance, the Repurpose Shop” in a small coastal town in Maine called North Harbor. Second Chance isn’t exactly a thrift shop. As Sarah describes it:
Second Chance was a cross between an antique store and a thrift shop. We sold furniture and housewares—many things repurposed from their original use, like the tub chair that in its previous life had actually been a tub. As for the name, the business was sort of a second chance—for the cat and for me. We’d been open only a few months and I was amazed at how busy we already were.
In fact, at the beginning of the story, Sarah had only been in town for a few months. She had returned to a place she dearly loved from childhood visits — where her grandmother lived after her late-night syndicated radio show had been canceled. After only a few months, Sarah’s new store was already a success. And, Sarah had already acquired Elvis, a big black cat that, as a stray in the town, had acquired a large scar across his nose. Before long, one of Sarah’s grandmother’s friends is found sitting beside a dead man, and the friend, Maddie, is accused of murder.
In a refreshing change, Sarah is not eager to begin her detecting career. Maddie’s friends, who are mostly elderly ladies, are though. Sarah is, however, very interested in trying to keep Maddie’s and Sarah’s grandmother’s friends out of trouble. And, after failing to persuade them to let the police do their job, Sarah reluctantly begins to participate in the sleuthing to try to keep them safe.
Of course, as you could guess from the title of the series and the title of the book, Elvis, the cat, plays a pretty big role. Sarah is convinced that Elvis can understand everything that people say, although she also believes that sometimes Elvis just isn’t interested enough to be listening. Be that as it may, although Elvis is not overtly magical, he sure is smart and plays a part in almost every scene in the book.
Finally, there are several eligible men in town who will probably provide plenty of romantic interests in this series of books, although not much in that direction happens in this first book.
Sofie Ryan, aka Sofie Kelly, has a way of making me feel as though I too spent my summers in North Harbor, Maine. At least after having visited there in this book, I sort of wish I had! If you like your Cozy Mysteries with a lot of cat, a bit of second hand store, and a strong dash of New England charm, The Whole Cat and Caboodle should be high on your to be read (TBR) list!
P.S. As always, if you are interested in reading some of the other entries about highly recommended Cozy Mystery series, you can find them at the Most Popular & Recommended Cozy Mystery Series page on the site.
Parker Brown-Nesbit says
This is one of my favourite series! The relationships are just great and of course, I love Elvis. Highly recommended!
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Parker, it’s definitely a great series!
Cheryl M. Palmour says
I really enjoy reading the Second Chance series. It’s funny and interesting. Well worth the time to read.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Cheryl, I certainly agree!
Terry A. Adams says
Yes! I love both Ms. Kelly/Ryan’s series. She has a new book out in the Magical Cat series, and I’m really looking forward to reading it.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Terry, I hope it’s as good as the rest of the books in either series!
Susy S says
I love this series! Elvis is a kick and the senior sleuths are amazing. They are such a variety of personalities that I just want to hang out with them.
I am really looking forward to the next book in the series, which I think is scheduled for January.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Susy, that does seem to be the plan!
Marsha Bly says
I stumbled on these quite accidentally ( not especially a cat person) but found I love them. Sophie writes the cats personalities really well! I also recommend them!
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Marsha, it’s always fun to have a pet involved, even if you aren’t a “cat person”! (Actually, I’m more of a dog person myself…)
ElaineReads says
I love both series by this author. I was first drawn to the Magical Cats because I am a cat lover and a retired librarian. Yes, I know that is a cliche! I was delighted to find Elvis’ books and I enjoy them just as much.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Elaine, well, some cliches are certainly true – I know a lot of book lovers who are also cat lovers, librarians included!
Parker Brown-Nesbit says
Book lover, cat lover, non-practising librarian. I check all those boxes.
robin in oregon says
I love both of these series and eagerly wait for each new one. I might give a slight edge to the second chance series with Elvis. But it’s a tough call! Other cat series, some “magical”, some not, are the Laurie Cass Bookmobile with Eddie, Kay Finch with Hitchcock, LeAnn Sweeny, T.C. Lo Tempio, Delia James and Carol Perry with O’Ryan. All among my favorite series and keepers.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Robin, those are all great cat series worth checking out!
Pat Richardson says
Read your comments about this author so had to check her out. Read the first one and then of course I had to keep reading. Am up to the fifth one and know I will want to read her other series when I am done with this one. Thank you for a great recommendation.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Pat, I’m glad to hear that you’re enjoying this recommendation!