Rate: 3.5/5 Stars
Mimi Lee Cracks the Code is a cozy mystery that follows Mimi and her cat, Marhsmallow, as they solve the mystery surrounding a murder case and how its related to the missing items in the Catalina Chalets.

This is the third book in the series. Yes, I started reading at book 3 and ideally, I shouldn't've but the book had enough information for me to follow along.

The story did not solely focus on solving the case; other plot points focused on romance, Hollywoof (Mimi's pet grooming business), and family (sisterly love, groeinh up Asian-American). Plus, I love the bond between Mimi and Marshmallow and the fact they can communicate with each other! Sabrina who?! 🙀🤣

Also, it somewhat gave me a slice of life vibe, it's a lightread, and I can totally see it as a Lifetime movie. At times the story felt slow but the pacing fits its concept of being a cozy mystery. No gruesome details, just mostly wholesome. Also, I find the characters cute and quirky. Overall, I liked the book and it was entertaining.

#MimiLeeCracksTheCode:

“See, humans do have leashes,” he said. “The digital kind.”

Okay, you gave me it all. Y’all know I love a remote island locked room type mystery. Well, how about an island getaway down the road that just so happens to have the previous renter dead inside? Got your attention? Thought so.

In true Mimi fashion, her relationship is a closer one with suspect number 1, and she’s going to prove their innocence. This was a fun one because we did get another layer of Mimi and a deeper dive on some of the previous relationships we hadn’t explored yet. I loved Marshmallow as always, and he really reminds me of Salem (Sabrina) and Wishbone because he’s smart as a whip.


The mystery part was interesting and kept me on my toes. I didn’t know what or who to believe, or really what was truth and what was a lie. Apparently, neither could Detective Brown. He definitely grew on me in book 3.

Overall, another wonderful cozy. When I say to snuggle up to a good book, I mean this. This book. Now. Thank you again @jen and @booksforward for the gifted copy. Mimi Lee Cracks the Code is out today ❤️

Mimi Lee Cracks the Code is the third book in the Sassy Cat Mystery series. Mimi is back at crime-solving with her cat Marshmallow, to who she is psychically linked. When Mimi goes on a trip to Catalina Island with her boyfriend Josh, they find out that the last person to stay in the rental they're in wound up dead. Their romantic getaway quickly turns into looking for clues when Mimi's friend, Pixie, is suspected of committing the murder. Mimi is set on clearing her friend's name,

This might be my new favorite of the series. Mimi is an interesting character but there were times that I couldn't help but want to shake her at times. I was surprised to see less help from Marshmallow in this one since he played a larger role in the first two. I love Mimi's family, her mom cracks me up with her matchmaking antics and I love the sister-relationship Mimi has with Alice. The tension between Mimi and Josh added intrigue and had me reading to figure out what would happen between them. This was a very cozy mystery that will keep you guessing.

The perfect cozy mystery. I absolutely loved the writing style. I also thought that the character development was excellent. I would definitely recommend to others.

What does Mimi Lee do when her good friend is robbed and then accused of murder? Solve the case of course.

In this quick and delightful read, we follow Mimi and her cat, Marshmellow, as they work to solve the murder of her friends tenant. With a few twists and turns along the way, you’re brought on a fun adventure that keeps you guessing until the end.

One thing I really enjoyed about the book was that it wasn’t all about the mystery. We also got development of Mimi and her personal life. During the book, you get to watch her navigate a rocky part of her relationship, as well as help her sister keep their mom off her back about dating.

If you enjoy a cozy mystery with humor, a little bit of romance, and a talking cat, this is definitely a book for you!

Watch out Sherlock and Watson; you have sleuthing competition! Mimi Lee and her telepathic cat, Marshmallow, are on the case once again.

Mimi Lee, a pet groomer in Los Angeles, is offered a little vacation on beautiful Catalina Island by one of her clients. Pixie has rental property there and offers it as a perfect romantic getaway for Mimi and her boyfriend, Josh.

The vacay doesn’t go smoothly for Mimi. In fact, Josh brings work along and sleeps on the couch. But that’s not the worst of it. Turns out Pixie’s previous renter is dead! Of course, Mimi and Marshmallow, (yes Marshmallow is on their romantic getaway), are going to do some snooping around.

In 𝐌𝐢𝐦𝐢 𝐋𝐞𝐞 𝐂𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐝𝐞, Mimi and Marshmallow make a great team. They are entertaining but not overly silly. I loved Mimi's relationship with her sister Alice, and the love trouble between Josh too; it gave depth to her character. As for the mystery, Mimi is tracking several stolen items for the rental properties, things she believes are linked to the suspected murder. But someone doesn’t want her snooping around - this is definitely a fun one.


Thank you to @suzyapprovedbooktours @jenjchow and @berkleypub for an invite to the tour and a gifted copy.

Mimi just cannot catch a break in the newest Sassy Cat book- the gifted trip of a weekend on Catalina goes awry due to, of course, a murder. Mimi (and Marshmallow) do what they do (second) best- investigate to clear the name of Mimi's business investor. I loved getting to visit Catalina, as well as some interesting areas of LA (I had to share the references to Palos Verdes with my husband who grew up there), but honestly some of my favorite parts of the book are reading when Mimi is working as there is no wild request from pet owners that she seems incapable of finding a solution to that fulfills the request while taking care of the pet. Genuinely, all parts of this story were a delight, and this series is one I would happily recommend as a place to start for those interested in cozies.

This was a great cozy mystery! I haven’t read the 1st two books but definitely plan to now that I’ve met these quirky, inviting characters. When you get down to the mystery at hand Mimi Lee is surround by so many different suspects. As the story and investigating continues a culprit is eventually revealed, after a few twists and second guesses of course. What I really enjoyed was the California setting, laid back vibes, classic Hollywood references, a little romance and 1 very snarky cat. Can you imagine understanding everything your pet said?

If there is one thing I truly enjoy is a cozy mystery. Who doesn’t love a cozy cat mystery? Well, I certainly do and Jen Chow does an amazing job with this one. I have never read any book by this author, but she clearly knows how to grasp at the reader’s interest throughout. This is one not to be missed at all. I highly recommend it

Mimi Lee Cracks the Code is the third book in the Sassy Cat Mystery Series by Jennifer J. Chow.
I absolutely LOVE this series. This book can also been read as a stand alone mystery.

I love the romance between Mimi and Josh and Mimi's snarky cat Marshmallow.

This book finds Mimi going on a getaway to Catalina. I love the setting and the multiple mysteries that Mimi gets involved in that kept me guessing until the very end.

The characters are well written, complex , fleshed out, and FUN!

This is such a great mystery with fantastic surprises. If your looking for a great cozy mystery, look no further!!!!

I enjoyed this cozy mystery featuring pet groomer and amateur sleuth Mimi Lee….and quite a surprise, she can communicate with her cat!

The mystery was complex enough to make it difficult to figure out whodunit. Also I like the touch of romance in this book with her boyfriend Josh. I am also wondering if there is more of a relationship with the hunky detective. I need to read the first two books in the series to figure that out.

This book is the third in the series, but it can be read as a standalone.

I highly recommend this fresh and fun cozy mystery!

In the third installment of the Sassy Cat Mystery series, Mimi is back and ready to solve a new crime along with Marshmallow and her boyfriend, Josh. When the couple go on a romantic getaway to Catalina Island, they are shocked to find out that the last renter turns up dead after trashing the rental. Mimi's friend and financial backer, Pixie is suspected of the murder, when a threatening letter is discovered. But the case heats up when missing valuables are reported missing all over Catalina Island.

This book is definitely my favorite of the series. I love Mimi's quirky character and enjoyed getting to know her friends and family throughout the three books. The added tension of relationship troubles between Josh and Mimi added another layer of drama that really drew me into the book. I really enjoyed this cozy mystery!

I got this as an arc from @booksforwardpr via NetGalley in exchange for a review.

So I did not read the previous two books in this series when I started this one. I was a little lost but able to still get into the story thankfully. I honestly thought I wasn’t going to like this story initially as I found it a bit slow to start and kinda childish in tone. However, once the story picks up I read the story relatively quickly. The mystery part of this story was interesting enough to keep me going but not particularly memorable. The characters are likable and I found the talking cat bit pretty cool. I won’t read this book again and I’m not interested enough to go read the first two books in the series. I do recommend this if you’re looking for a quick, light read with mystery elements.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for my copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

There's so much to love about this series, from the plucky Mimi to her dreamy boyfriend Josh to the titular sassy cat Marshmallow! This installment was especially fun, providing a fictional weekend getaway to Catalina Island. The mystery kept me guessing, involving theft in addition to murder, and I appreciated all the classic Hollywood tie-ins.

Thank you @booksforwardpr for my NetGalley advanced copy of Mimi Lee Cracks the Code.

I love this series - if you haven’t read the previous two books, check my reviews but look for the books. They’re cute, mysteries with a talking cat and a hint of romance. In book three, Mimi’s friend and benefactor, Pixie has been accused of murdering her tenant. She and other homeowners on Catalina rented to him and had items stolen. Mimi and Marshmallow (her cat) work together to solve who the actual murderer is and find the stolen goods. There’s also a subplot of trouble in her relationship with Josh.

What I liked: There are always a host of characters and suspects for Mimi to talk to. I like that Marshmallow is an active participant and helps Mimi throughout the story.

Each story features a little of Mimi’s family and heritage.

What didn’t work for me: Some of the shop scenes don’t really add much to the storyline and could be tightened.

For me, this was the hardest one to follow for motive. It could be me, I did tend to read at night and maybe I was tired.

Who should read it: Bookstagram got me hooked on the cozy mysteries and I really recommend them for anyone who doesn’t like the typical blood and gore of thrillers/mystery.

For those wishing to read more about Mimi Lee, this is a fine installment. The dog grooming business does well, the mystery is a bit of a surprise, and the secondary plot about her relationship with her boyfriend will unfold.

Such a cute mystery book! Mix a very special cat, the intuition of a pet groomer, and a friend in trouble. Next throw in some romance and a small plot twist and you have this book. Great read!

I have been on a mystery spree lately. From murder and detective Stories to cozy mysteries, I have forgotten all about romance lol. This book, after the Agatha Christi books I have been reading, was a breath of fresh air. It's a series but each book can be read on its own.

Mimi and Josh are looking forward to a holiday when they are offered to visit a friend at Catalina Island. But the atmosphere changes when Mimi Lee traverses into another criminal situation.

It's a diverse book, I loved that! The characters are very likable and quirky. Our Mimi Lee is an amazing protagonist with a telepathic cat! You can imagine how interesting that would be. Marshmallow, the cat, is a hilarious but very smart in finding out the hints and clues.

This was a funny and very enjoyable ride. I enjoyed Mimi and Marshmallow's bond immensely. Overall, definitely would recommend and read more in the series!

Thanks to Books Forward Friends, the author, and NetGalley for a free ARC of this book in exchange for a review.

This is the third in the Mimi Lee/Sassy Cat mystery series. Like the first two books, the focus is on grooming salon owner Mimi Lee and her wisecracking cat Marshmallow. When Mimi and lawyer boyfriend Josh are offered a stay at a friend's vacation home on Catalina Island, they're looking forward to a romantic getaway, but instead Mimi gets involved with yet another (possibly murderous) criminal situation.

While I thought the mysteries uncovered in the first two books were a little stronger and more interesting, this new book is still funny and appealing and Mimi, Marshmallow, and Mimi's endearing family members are quickly becoming some of my favorite cozy mystery characters.