Marmalade is a smart and talented white and orange cat who adds intriguing clues to this cozy mystery for the reader. Her human was named Bisque by her potter mother, but her grammar school buddies quickly changed the name to Biscuit and the name stuck. So small town librarian Biscuit McKee finds the body in the library with a knife stuck in it somewhat later than does her smart cat Marmalade. The story is developed through three time lines, which take a little attention to chapter titles to keep straight but is more than worth the effort. Delightfully told and cleverly plotted, the story is enriched with gardening tips, three dimensional characters that you want to know more about, and the cozy and delightful setting of a small Georgia town. Characters are further embellished by Marmalade who has her own name for everyone. Biscuit, for example, is Widelap to Marmalade. So some foretelling goes on with Marmalade’s name for characters. In addition, both Marmalade and Biscuit share their gratitude lists, the five things for which they are most grateful each day. It is a joyful reminder to any reader that happiness is a choice. A wonderful first book in this imaginative series that leaves the reader breathlessly waiting for the sequel.