Meow Matrimony

Author: Lisa Lickel
Genre: Mystery/Suspense/Romance

Ivy Preston has waited a long time to get married. This time she plans to do more than make it to the altar. But when Ivy tries to do a good deed and stumbles over a body, she and her former fiancé, Stanley, are accused of the crime. Ivy hopes she’s not the only one who believes in their innocence.

Worse than being framed for murder, when one of her beloved kittens falls ill, Ivy must face her greatest fears. How will she ever parent a child if she can’t even take care of a cat. . .and for that matter, how will she be the type of wife her devoted fiancé needs? 

Through the love and support of her mom, fiancé, and friends, Ivy is determined to clear Stanley's good name, and her own. With nuptials looming, Ivy hopes not only to find a killer, but to make it to her own wedding.

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Reviewer: Cortney Donelson

Author Lisa Lickle has penned her second quirky mystery in Meow Matrimony.  The story's main character is a likable, albeit somewhat distracted gal, Ivy Preston, whose fiancé happens to be the mayor of the town in which they live–Apple Grove. Ivy is an inquisitive individual who finds herself in the middle of another death mystery. In fact, she's not only caught in the middle, she becomes a prime suspect. The story is a true "who dun it" that marries charming characters with a plethora of cats in an adorable small town setting.

The overall plot is interesting, but the story is–at times–difficult to follow with sudden stops and changes in thoughts and scenes. The author made an effort to keep readers guessing as to whom the perpetrator is with a mix of endearing characters and others who are not so likable. The final big scene, when the murderer is named, is somewhat chaotic but also satisfying. As a whole, Meow Matrimony takes readers on an entertaining and fun ride.
 
I have difficulty rating Meow Matrimony as a Christian novel. Readers are not made aware of any character's faith as an integral part of the plot. There was one quote of scripture at the end. In a few instances, there may have been covert references to Christian beliefs or values, but I would not consider it a Christian-themed book.

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