The Cat, the Mill and the Murder by Leann Sweeney is the fifth book in the “Cats in Trouble” mystery series. Publisher: Obsidian, May 2013

When cat lover and quilter Jillian Hart volunteers to help a local animal shelter relocate a colony of feral cats living in an abandoned textile mill, she never expects to find a woman living there, too. Jeannie went missing from Mercy, South Carolina, a decade ago, after her own daughter’s disappearance.

Jeannie refuses to leave the mill or abandon Boots, her cat who died years ago. After all, she and Boots feel the need to protect the premises from “creepers” who come in the night. After Jeannie is hurt in an accident and is taken away, those who’ve come to town to help repurpose the mill uncover a terrible discovery. As the wheels start turning in Jillian’s mind, a mysterious new feline friend aids in her quest to unearth a long-kept and dark secret.

Whenever I read a book by Leann, I know that I’m going to be taken on a delightful journey. In the latest book in the “Cats In Trouble” series, Leann has outdid all the others in delivering a well-written and character driven whodunit that captured my attention from beginning to end. Jillian finds herself, once again, involved in a caper when a woman is found in a closed-down mill and when she is later attacked, Jillian resolves to help her get closure by looking for the truth and exposing a murderer. This is a good mystery that had plenty of suspects and I enjoyed watching it all come together. Boasting a lovable cast of characters, a warm and friendly atmosphere and great dialogue, this is the best one yet in this charmingly pleasant series.