Book 41, 2021

Familiar Trouble by Carolyn Haines

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



Two nights ago, I finished reading Familiar Trouble by Carolyn Haines. It's the first book in the "Familiar Legacy" series, which is a spin-off of the author's "Fear Familiar" series. The legacy series features a black cat named Trouble, who is the son of the famous feline detective, Familiar.

Trouble leads a peaceful life with his human, Tammy Lynn, in the small town of Wetumpka, AL. The peace and quiet is shattered, however, when a notorious serial killer begins murdering young women in town. Trouble aims to track down the killer, utilizing the skills he learned from his father and from his hero, Sherlock Holmes. Trouble isn't the only one on the trail of the Silk Stocking Killer; Aiden Waters, former FBI agent, has tracked his quarry to Wetumpka. He is determined to capture the SSK and end the reign of terror once and for all. What Aiden hadn't counted on was encountering the lovely bookstore owner, Tammy, and falling in love. He also hadn't reckoned on how headstrong and independent Tammy can be--a trait that puts her firmly in the sights of a serial killer.

Story was told in alternating points of view. Trouble's pov was in first purrson, while Tammy and Aiden's povs were told in third person. Characterizations were done well, and the plot was engrossing. However, many things were left hanging at the end:

( Spoilers )

Favorite lines:
♦ "I seriously spend way too much time talking with cats and fictional characters."
♦ "A new Potter book is always a good day for the store."
♦ Good books and the love of a good story were far from dead.
♦ "And you think knowing that I grew up in Galena, Illinois will help you figure me out?"
Galena?! That's too close to home! :D

Overall, I really enjoyed the story; therefore, I'm giving it four stars. It might have earned five if not for the loose threads that didn't get tied up.