Agnes Aubert’s Mystical Cat Shelter

The mundane challenges and rewards of running a cat shelter intersect with illicit magic in this charming 1920s-set cozy fantasy from bestseller Fawcett (Emily Wilde’s Encyclopaedia of Faeries). When Agnes Aubert’s Montreal cat shelter is forced to move to a new location, the space she finds seems too good to be true. The reason for the building’s affordability soon becomes clear: there is a covert magic shop in the basement, run by none other than Havelock Renard, the notorious dark magician who nearly ended the world three years ago. Sensible Agnes wants nothing to do with magic, but when an old enemy of Havelock’s shows up and threatens the cat shelter, she can’t help but be drawn into Havelock’s chaotic world. Agnes is serious and steady, focused entirely on her cats, so her attraction to Havelock catches her completely off guard. Fawcett has a talent for infusing ordinary tasks, including the operation of both the shelter and the magic shop, with wonder and amusement via supernatural flourishes that keep things lively between visits from Havelock’s nemesis and the suspicious local police detective. A handful of unanswered questions may frustrate readers, but the enchanting atmosphere, cute romance, and frisky feline supporting cast delight. Cat lovers will be especially pleased. Agent: Brianne Johnson, HG Literary. (Feb.)