After visiting her mother-in-law, she is informed the next day that Emily has died suddenly, and this is put down to her advanced dementia and not questioned. The precocious feline invites himself aboard the lark and a rather endearing friendship develops between the duo. Overall, this was a poorly written excuse for a 300-page rant of bigotry with a plot that criminally squanders its own gimmick, providing no explanation or reason at all, written by someone who clearly was happier in Thatcher’s paradise (haha) and who now hates the “woke” 21st century. Following the death of her mother-in-law, retired police superintendent Lulu and her newly acquired friend Conrad the talking calico cat suspect that all is not what it seems and investigate further.

It is something of a relief to know that this man has been locked up and that his hideous crimes will be punished. Long lengthy passages describing places in such detail with little facts attached that really bring you out of the story, not to mention the constant little political digs. Having recently suffered a bereavement, I know that this is a sentiment that is often expressed, especially about older people who have died, but it still read a bit repetitively in the book.and the, what feel like, lectures on canal life and how not to poison your cat with chocolate, mint, or lilies are a bit annoying. Lulu also contacts one of her former colleagues, DI Philip Jackson, who is still on the job and can offer advise along with covert support and resources. Mynott said he was still gutted by the loss of his beloved pet and although the killing was not one of the nine dead cats named in the trial, he is convinced Bowser died at the hands of Bouquet, along with many more for whom there was not enough evidence to prosecute. There feels like there is a lot of scene setting and building a relationship between Lulu and Conrad.

The dialogue between the two does improve once the plot gets going, although Conard can be an unnecessary encyclopaedia at times. Lulu is a retired DI with the Met and has many friends who can help her delve deeper into the people who might have had something to do with her demise. I also liked that he took an active role in solving the case, which means I wasn't completely let down by the title - he didn't just happen to be there, which is better then expected. One morning as Lulu is out on her small patch of land by the towpath where she grows a few herbs, into her life walks a rather unique tomcat for he is a calico, and most calicos are female!To be honest the cat doesn’t do much detective work, he follows Lulu around and talks to her while she investigates.

While this was easy to read, it was a real struggle for me to get through and unfortunately I DNF'd it at about 75%.

The author is definitely older and can’t help inserting their gripes with how sensitive and bad everyone is now and how much better things were in the Good Old Days when young people didn’t have piercings or hurt feelings on social media, or when police officers could be racist as a little jokey joke with no consequences (these examples are lifted straight from the book) - for a cosy mystery, there’s a lot of politicising on the author’s part. The fantasy element is restricted to Conrad being able to actually talk to Lulu (and share his instincts and thoughts) but for the rest they must work within the usual parameters. This had a good premise and was simple and straight forward to read but it didn’t quite hit the mark for me.

However, he doesn’t put forward any theories which Lulu has not already thought of, and it is she who solves the case, predominantly through her old contacts in the police force.Whilst that wouldn't be a reason not to read a book in itself as I am more than willing to read books with views different than my own, I would rather not be in the midst of a 'cosy mystery' only to find myself mired in a soliloquy on the sweet nature of that lovely Margaret Thatcher, nor do I enjoy the main character's visit to another character's home being used as an excuse to criticise Labour councils, or being sideswiped by unrequired comments about people with piercings.