The Almshouse Cat
A ruthless developer. A suspicious death. And a cat caf owner with every reason to be a suspect.
For five hundred years, the Almshouse of St Giles has sheltered Cadminster's most vulnerable residents. Today, its ancient buildings are home to six elderly tenants and the much-loved Crooked Cat Caf , where Eden Metcalfe serves homemade scones, pours endless cups of tea, and finds loving homes for rescued cats.
But their peaceful existence is about to be shattered.
The Almshouse Trust has appointed a new chairman, and Gerald Hythe has ambitious plans. He intends to sell the historic building to a developer, evict the residents, and close the caf for good.
Eden knows exactly what kind of man Gerald is.
Years ago, during her time as a hospital chaplain, she witnessed him quietly bury a scandal. And she has never forgotten.
Then, the morning after the annual Harvest Supper, Eden finds Gerald dead beside the old gas fire in the Trust's office.
At first, it looks like a tragic accident.
But Eden had the motive, the keys, and a history with the dead man. Suddenly, she's the police's prime suspect.
Even her friend and ally, Detective Inspector Toni Cresswell, cannot ignore the evidence.
To make matters worse, a mysterious wicker basket has appeared on the caf doorstep. Inside is a stray grey cat with soot between its toes-a small but troubling detail that may hold the key to Gerald's final hours.
With the caf closed, her reputation in tatters, and six elderly residents facing eviction, Eden must find the truth before she loses everything she has worked to protect.
But the deeper she investigates, the more she uncovers about Gerald's past, the Trust's plans, and people whose grief seems strangely unconvincing.
Someone wanted Gerald Hythe out of the way. And someone is perfectly happy to let Eden take the blame.
With help from her loyal friends, the almshouse residents, and a collection of inquisitive rescue cats, Eden must unravel a web of old promises and hidden wrongdoing before it's too late.
The Almshouse Secret is a clean British cat cozy mystery featuring a resourceful former hospital chaplain, lovable rescue cats, eccentric cathedral-town characters, and an ingenious, fairly clued murder puzzle.
Perfect for readers who enjoy traditional British whodunits, intelligent female amateur sleuths, charming English settings, gentle humour, and mysteries with heart. No graphic violence or profanity.
Eden has spent years giving others a place to belong. Now she must discover who is determined to take hers away.
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