This was so much fun. This series is quickly becoming a favorite of mine. The mystery kept me guessing and I love the pets. Perfect cozy mystery and perfect for anyone getting into the cozy genre.

I just adored the Mimi Lee series! In fact, I wish there were more books! I loved Mimi and Marshmallow and all the cast of characters that kept making appearances throughout the series. The relationship between Mimi and Josh was so cute and the family dynamic with Mimi's family was hilarious! I read through this series in one weekend because I loved it so much!

Disclaimer: I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you to Netgalley, Berkley, and Jennifer J. Chow for this free copy. All quotes in this review are taken from the Advanced Reader Copy and may change in final publication.

This was the third book in the Sassy Cat Mystery series, featuring our main character Mimi Lee and her super vocal and sarcastic chunky kitty named Marshmallow. Mimi finds herself trying to solve another murder where someone she knows is considered the prime suspect, and has to figure out who the true killer is before getting herself in danger as well. I do love the fact that Mimi and Marshmallow can communicate though, and how smart Marshmallow is - and how SNARKY that fluffball is - so it gives it a little magical aspect without it being about magic. Science, let's call it. 3.75 stars here.

Love this cozy mystery series and characters, especially Marshmallow the talking cat. It's a quirky and fun premise for a series without feeling too cheesy.

Mimi Lee Cracks the Code is the third Sassy Cat cozy mystery by Jennifer J. Chow. Released 30th Nov 2021 by Penguin Random House on their Berkley imprint, it's 288 pages and is available in paperback, library binding, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately.

This is such a cute and whimsical series. Mimi Lee and boyfriend Josh are taking a weekend break with Marshmallow when the previous renter of their island accommodation turns up dead. Mimi has to get to the bottom of things, as always, accompanied by her furry Greek chorus - in the form of her genetically enhanced telepathic cat. He's got a sarcastic, wisecracking, old-guy schtick going on which some readers will enjoy (and some will not). He speaks to Mimi telepathically, but she speaks to him audibly, which leads to some inevitable "who are you talking to" scenes. Since it's a series, the unfolding information about how her psychic cat (and kitten, Nimbus) came to be, provide continuity from book to book. Although it's a series, it works well enough as a standalone read. The author is adept at providing the necessary backstory without info dumping to an annoying degree.

It's a very very light cozy and as such, there are a few slightly wonky scenes where Mimi's fluttering her eyelashes and being a damsel over her law enforcement officer nemesis defining "lividity". I know the author wanted to define the term for readers and needed a way to work it into the dialogue, but it could easily have been done without making Mimi get an attack of the vapors.

Overall, it's a silly, cute, very light murder cozy with cats. This would be a superlative candidate for an undemanding beach/pool read. There are three books extant in the series, making it a good choice for a weekend binge read.

Four stars.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

I did enjoy the book and the premise, it was a light read, and the writing style flowed nicely, which made it enjoyable. I enjoyed each of the characters and wished I could reread it because of how interesting they were in the story.

This was a cute read, I enjoyed it for what it was - a fluffy detective read. The rapport between Mimi and her cat Marshmallow was very endearing, and seeing as I hadn't read any previous books in this series, it was a relatively easy read to get into. Some parts that did confuse me was the boyfriend, Josh - I didn't really understand the situation at the island the first time around, which kind of made it hard for me to believe in the romance aspect. Overall, this was an enjoyable detective beach read, and would recommend if you're looking for something similar.

This is a delightful and enjoyable cozy mystery. Mimi Lee is very relatable working to make her pet grooming business a success while dealing with her overbearing mother. Fortunately, since she has a boyfriend her mother isn't constantly trying to set her up. No, that has now fallen upon her poor sister, who relies on Mimi to run interferance. Sister provides comic relief dealing with their mother. Catalina is described well and brought my one trip there as a teenager back to me. My one significant complaint is Mimi's interactions with Detective Brown are over-the-top (i.e. flouncing into his office and telling him who he needs to investigate more because of some little tidbit she uncovered.) But that is only a couple of scenes and the rest is a fun read. The reader is getting the clues as Mimi uncovers them and the killer reveal had some good tense moments like I enjoy.

This is book # 3 in the Sassy Cat Mystery series. I have not read the two previous books in the series, but I think this one could be read as a stand alone.

It was a super easy, quick, fun read for me. I really enjoyed the characters (Marshmellow is super cute!) I enjoyed getting to know the lead character and her and Josh's romantic relationship.

Mimi's friend has been accused of murder, but Mimi knows that her friend is not capable of murder,. Mimi is determined to find out who the real suspect is, along with her partner in crime-Marshmellow, who also happens to be a cute cat!

I enjoyed this lighter change of pace from my normal thriller reads, it was definitely a fun adventure to follow this fun duo as they solved the mystery.

Really enjoyable and fluffy cozy mystery. This book knows what it is, a cozy mystery with low stakes of danger and with a cat who helps solve crimes. I will definitely be reading more of Chow's books.

This was such a nice twist to a cozy mystery. I enjoyed the diversity among the characters and the surprises along the way. It is the third in the series, but can be read as a stand alone (as it seems like with many cozies) . I liked how we also got a look at Mimi’s family and heritage. I need to read the others in the series now because this was just so fun!

When Mimi’s friend Pixie offers for her to stay at her vacation home on Catalina Island Mimi jumps at the opportunity. She could use a vacation with her boyfriend, Josh, and of course her cat Marshmallow! Unfortunately the trip doesn’t go as planned when Mimi finds out that Pixie’s last renter turns up dead. Now Mimi is invested in finding out what happened to this renter and won’t stop until she solves it!

This is the third book in this series but the first book I’m reading. There is enough information throughout that I didn’t feel lost or confused about what was going on. This was a fun, enjoyable read with a good mystery!

And who wouldn’t want a talking cat? I loved that aspect of the story, especially when Mimi couldn’t quite figure something out Marshmallow was there to help!

Thank you to Books Forward and the author for sending me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Mimi Lee has become a staple in my cozy mystery rotation. I had the pleasure of reading all three books in the series (so far) as arcs, and I've grown to love each journey with the charismatic lead character and her charming cat Marshmallow more than the previous. In this installment, the entire novel felt more complex than the previous two, which I loved! The mystery has many aspects to it, there is a bit of turbulence in Josh and Mimi's romantic relationship, and we get to see a little deeper into her and Alice's struggles with their identity within the Malaysian community. There is plenty of information included in this book where it can be read as a standalone, but I personally think you should read all three for the cozy, wonderful adventures, as well as more sassy Marshmallow!

Dollycas’s Thoughts

Having Pixie St. James invest in Mimi Lee’s Hollywoof Pet Grooming business comes with a really nice perk. Pixie has a vacation house on Catalina Island and she has offered it to Mimi and her boyfriend Josh for a short little vacay. Of course, Mimi’s sassy cat will be going with them. Any romantic ideas fly out the window soon after they arrive. The tenant who had booked the place for the previous week did not leave as planned. Unfortunately, he’s dead and Pixie has been determined to be the prime suspect. Well, Mimi knows that just can’t be true and she is going to prove it.

Mimi Lee is a very likable character. She is smart and truly loves her job. She is also very loyal to her sister and her friends like Pixie. Her mother is all about getting her daughters married off. In this story, she signs Mimi’s sister up for a crazy speed dating event. Mimi doesn’t let her sister go alone. She does everything she can to stay right by Alice’s side until they can both duck out of the loser event. For Pixie she goes above and beyond too, uncovering a really unsavory individual or two and finding a link to other strange events happening on the island. As far as Josh, he ticked me off a bit but If Mimi can forgive him maybe I will too.

The character that really steals the limelight again is Mimi’s wonderful telepathic sassy cat. Marshmallow really lets Mimi know exactly what he is thinking which cues up a fantastic amount of comedy. His zingers are priceless. The cool thing is that he can communicate with other animals and report their observations to Mimi. What I really love is that he does help Mimi solve the case, he is not there just for fluff and funny.

Ms. Chow has encased her great characters in a complicated and fun mystery. There are plenty of suspects and some really nice twists and turns before Mimi Lee Cracks the Code. I had a great time following along every step of the way. I was kept guessing right up until the very end.

I do enjoy the way all the subplots and mystery evolve concurrently. Mimi’s family can be a real hoot. Their family meals and game nights are events not to be missed. Our family holds some of the same but I sure can’t hold a candle to Mimi’s mom. They do have a very strong family unit that I find heartwarming even with all her antics.

All the books in this series have been entertaining. Mimi has grown over the course of the books but like almost every amateur sleuth she sometimes leaps into a situation before thinking it through. That is what makes cozy mysteries fun to read at sometimes keeps us on the edge of our seats. I am excited about the continuation of this series because I definitely need more Mimi and Marshmallow in my life.

Mimi Lee Cracks the Code
By Jennifer J. Chow
Berkley
December 2021

Review by Cynthia Chow

The rescue of a shih tzu out of the waters off of Catalina Island is rewarding Mimi Lee in many unexpected ways. Not only did the pup’s owner invest in Mimi’s new pet grooming business, the still grateful Pixie St. James offers an all-expense-paid stay at her vacation home as an early Hollywoof first year anniversary. Mimi is looking forward to a getaway with her workaholic attorney boyfriend Josh Akana, but before they even get on a plane – another gift from the tech company CEO – Pixie receives a troubling call from the rental cleaning company with concerns about damage and the previous tenant. The news only gets worse when Pixie is visited by a Los Angeles County detective wanting to know about her now-missing tenant and the threats Pixie made against him.

Unable to believe that Pixie had anything to do in the matter, Mimi uses the trip to Catalina Island to investigate the disappearance and the rather inattentive property manager. While Josh seems more focused on his cell phone and his new paralegal who seems a bit too helpful, Mimi’s Persian cat companion Marshmallow is more than up for another case. Ever since Mimi discovered her telepathic communication bond with the extremely opinionated and assertive feline, Marshmallow has proved instrumental with his spying skills and ability to pass information from furry resources. When not following up on a string of thefts involving Marilyn Monroe memorabilia, Mimi is wingman and frequent excuse on her sister’s forced dates. Their mother is insistent that Alice find a husband immediately, but the cultural barrier leads to the sisters being trapped in a superhero-themed Superpowered Speed Dating event. Their protective father definitely has opinions on Mimi’s unchaperoned overnight vacation, but their mother would prefer to see her daughters traditionally married. The Lee daughters delicately walk the line between respecting their parents’ wishes and following a more American what-they-don’t-know-won’t-hurt-them lifestyle.

What I love about this third in the series is how vividly and naturally Mimi’s Malaysian heritage is woven into her daily life. Food plays a huge role in this, and the Lee family dinners are a Gourmet Magazine-level depiction of mouth-watering spicy dishes and flavor blends. Even more fascinating is how Mimi’s generation has embraced a multitude of Asian cuisines, not to mention how her and Josh’s first date was at a just-as-delicious In-N-Out restaurant. Cozy reader fans will of course be entranced by Marshmallow’s acerbic comments and very feline viewpoints, which are sprinkled throughout this very fun novel. Especially entertaining are Hollywoof’s clients, whose wishes to have their companions laboriously groomed by hand (literally) are never too much or outrageous for the devoted groomer. Every appearance by Mimi’s sister is a welcome delight, as following their mother’s wishes leads to further humiliation for the obedient Alice. The tone always remains good-natured and optimistic though, even when Mimi and Josh’s relationship hits a very blond speedbump (unfortunately, not a literal one though). A compelling mystery involving thefts among the Catalina Island elite ensures that this is another wonderful novel populated by charismatic and very likable characters.

This is such a fun series. I really like how Marshmallow provides comic relief. This was light and just the read I needed to get me out of a slump.

This was the first book I read in the series and it did give me enough back story that I felt it could be read as a standalone. An amateur sleuth can communicate telepathically with her cat, Marshmallow to help solve a mystery to help her friend. Cute cozy mystery and perfect for animal lovers. Add a sprinkle of romance and this made for a perfectly timing #cozymystery to read.
4 ⭐️s

Mimi Lee Cracks the Code by Jennifer J Chow was a rollicking good time! This is the second book I've read by her and because I now know what a Cozy Mystery is my enjoyment was unbridled.

I enjoyed visits with many of the same characters from the first book. I totally missed the second book in the series but, it didn't seem to be a problem. I think you can jump in anywhere and not feel lost at all. Jennifer makes it easy. I will be reading number two as soon as I can.

Mimi Lee and her talking cat Marshmallow have solved a few murders much to the chagrin of Detective Brown. He would like her to get lost but, you have to protect your friends! Right? Marshmallow has a dry sense of humor that I appreciate. Like most kitties, he demands attention and pampering.

If you love Cozy Mysteries or just enjoy a fun book, you might enjoy this series!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Mimi Lee Cracks the Code by Jennifer J. Chow is a wonderfully cozy mystery with an adorable cat as the (co-)star!

Will Mimi find the killer before Pixie ends up in jail? And what about the stolen goods?

Mimi Lee
Mimi is our sleuth. However, her day job is that of a pet groomer. She owns Hollywoof a pet grooming shop in Los Angeles. I have to say that Mimi puts a whole new swing on the pet grooming profession. The fact that she enjoys her work so much is refreshing. I also like that she tries to be a good big sister.

Mimi has so many things going on during this investigation. These are the things that I liked the most: her relationship with her sister and her willingness to go back her up at a speed dating event that her mother signed Alice up for. I love their family game night. It is so nice to see family still getting together and enjoying each other's company. The fact that Mimi gives up her time to help out her friend, Pixie. Then there is Mimi's relationship with Josh, they have such a true-to-life relationship. My favorite part of Mimi's world is Marshmellow, her Persian cat.

Marshmellow
Don't let this name fool you. He is smart, crafty, and just as stealthy. He is Mimi's friend, confidant, companion and he helps her with her sleuthing. Marshmellow has a wicked sense of humor that keeps Mimi on her toes. The two of them make a great team, but don't tell Marshmellow they are a team as he would argue that Mimi is his supporting actress.

Oh, and I forgot to mention that Marshmellow talks to Mimi. Yes, I know isn't he awesome.

Four Stars
I enjoyed reading about Mimi and Marshmellow's exploits. The characters are solid and the storyline is filled with fun and meaningful events. If you love mysteries with cats this is a good one for you. I recommend it. I need to read the first two books myself.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy from the Great Escapes Book Tours. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of Mimi Lee Cracks the Code by Jennifer J. Chow.

Until the next time,
~Jen

If you would like to see other reviews like this one, check out BaronessBookTrove.com.

MIMI LEE CRACKS THE CODE, the third book in the Sassy Cat Mystery series by Jennifer J. Chow, hits all the right marks for being an entertaining cozy mystery! A telepathic, sarcastic cat named Marshmallow, makes for the perfect sidekick to the owner of Hollywoof, pet groomer Mimi Lee. In my humble opinion though, Marshmallow is really the star of this series providing comic relief and one-liner zingers throughout. Mimi is a great character, but it’s Marshmallow who steals the show. Ms. Chow does an admirable job not only developing fun, colorful characters but she writes a tightly plotted whodunit that kept me turning pages. With plenty of suspects to choose from, I was kept guessing as the plot twisted and turned. I loved that the action was set on both Catalina Island and Los Angeles, giving the story a fun, touristy vibe. This series is one of my top favorites for the year and I can’t wait to see what’s coming next for Marshmallow and the gang!