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Kat Out of the Bag
When celebrated international purse designer, Katherine Watson, hosts a gala for her Purse-onality Museum, she never expected the next day's headline to read: 'Murder at the Gala Premiere.' But after a dead body is found during the event, that's exactly what happened. Working to solve the murder, Katherine matches wits with local cop Jason Holmes and his K-9 partner, Hobbs. Although Holmes and Watson disagree often, they discover an undeniable attraction building between them. But they'll have to put their feelings on hold and focus on solving the murder, before Katherine becomes the killer's next knock off.
- GenresMystery
344 pages, Paperback
First published April 13, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
October 10, 2020
Super-fun purse lore and twisty small-town mystery
A stylish line-up of the most fabulous purses old and new + taut, tangled village mystery + friendship mixed with budding love + comeuppances = best fashion-forward small-town cozy I’ve ever read! I loved googling all the purses and seeing what they look like; I laughed at all the bons mots; I got teary over some of the blossoming relationships, and I find that I’m impatient for the next In Purse-Suit Mystery!
A stylish line-up of the most fabulous purses old and new + taut, tangled village mystery + friendship mixed with budding love + comeuppances = best fashion-forward small-town cozy I’ve ever read! I loved googling all the purses and seeing what they look like; I laughed at all the bons mots; I got teary over some of the blossoming relationships, and I find that I’m impatient for the next In Purse-Suit Mystery!
July 12, 2023
Kat out of the Bag starts with a jolt. During a glamorous gala, Kat Watson finds herself at the center of a grizzly murder. It’s opening night for Kat's highly-anticipated Purse-onality museum, which is dedicated to noteworthy accessories throughout the ages. During the festivities, a woman is slain. Her body is left dangling in plain view of all the guests.
Although attendees are understandably hysterical, Kat’s response is different. This senseless act is personal to Kat because the victim is her close friend, Brenda. Unwilling to wait for the police to conduct a thorough—and painfully slow— investigation, Kat takes matters into her own hands. With help from a few family members, Kat begins searching for the monster who killed her friend.
This book was a massive adrenaline rush from start to finish. While many mysteries take time to build momentum, Kat out of the Bag maintained an elevated pace consistently. I read the book on a cross-country flight, engrossed in this tale of a celebrity designer searching for truth and justice. Each character was unique and compelling. I was especially drawn to Kat’s free-spirited mother, Moonjava. MJ's eccentric personality made me laugh a few times.
I appreciated the purse-themed adages sprinkled throughout the book. These familiar sayings took on new meaning when used by Kat, a lifelong handbag enthusiast and passionate designer. Kat views the world through an original lens, with accessories taking center stage. Even her feline, Purrada, is named after one of Kat’s favorite fashion brands.
To Kat, handbags are more than fabric and stitching. Each stitch contains its own story. Purses are often laced with history, emotion, and intrigue, and Kat pays them due respect for this. In fact, one special bag might be the key to catching Brenda’s murderer! There’s a long list of suspects, so Kat gladly welcomes all clues that come her way. Including the ones located inside an unassuming vintage handbag.
As a lifelong animal rescuer and advocate for all sorts of creatures, my one suggestion would be that Kat’s innovative purses could be used to promote compassion. Kat has created chic bags that are immune to water damage, which is no small feat. They also contain a small pocket specifically intended for library cards. I loved that clever addition.
However, I’d recommend that in future books, perhaps Kat could utilize sustainable/cruelty-free methods to design awesome avant-garde bags. For instance, she could find plant-based materials with the same appearance and versatility. Alternately, she could incorporate recycled products into each bag. This would align with Kat’s heart for animals. She's definitely an animal-lover, as evidenced by her own rescue kitty and the fact that she quickly befriends an Army dog named Hobbs. I believe this small tweak would showcase Kat’s caring, empathetic spirit.
Overall, I enjoyed this captivating mystery. I was impressed by Kat’s relentless search for her friend’s killer, plus the twists and turns kept me guessing. I look forward to future books by this talented author.
Although attendees are understandably hysterical, Kat’s response is different. This senseless act is personal to Kat because the victim is her close friend, Brenda. Unwilling to wait for the police to conduct a thorough—and painfully slow— investigation, Kat takes matters into her own hands. With help from a few family members, Kat begins searching for the monster who killed her friend.
This book was a massive adrenaline rush from start to finish. While many mysteries take time to build momentum, Kat out of the Bag maintained an elevated pace consistently. I read the book on a cross-country flight, engrossed in this tale of a celebrity designer searching for truth and justice. Each character was unique and compelling. I was especially drawn to Kat’s free-spirited mother, Moonjava. MJ's eccentric personality made me laugh a few times.
I appreciated the purse-themed adages sprinkled throughout the book. These familiar sayings took on new meaning when used by Kat, a lifelong handbag enthusiast and passionate designer. Kat views the world through an original lens, with accessories taking center stage. Even her feline, Purrada, is named after one of Kat’s favorite fashion brands.
To Kat, handbags are more than fabric and stitching. Each stitch contains its own story. Purses are often laced with history, emotion, and intrigue, and Kat pays them due respect for this. In fact, one special bag might be the key to catching Brenda’s murderer! There’s a long list of suspects, so Kat gladly welcomes all clues that come her way. Including the ones located inside an unassuming vintage handbag.
As a lifelong animal rescuer and advocate for all sorts of creatures, my one suggestion would be that Kat’s innovative purses could be used to promote compassion. Kat has created chic bags that are immune to water damage, which is no small feat. They also contain a small pocket specifically intended for library cards. I loved that clever addition.
However, I’d recommend that in future books, perhaps Kat could utilize sustainable/cruelty-free methods to design awesome avant-garde bags. For instance, she could find plant-based materials with the same appearance and versatility. Alternately, she could incorporate recycled products into each bag. This would align with Kat’s heart for animals. She's definitely an animal-lover, as evidenced by her own rescue kitty and the fact that she quickly befriends an Army dog named Hobbs. I believe this small tweak would showcase Kat’s caring, empathetic spirit.
Overall, I enjoyed this captivating mystery. I was impressed by Kat’s relentless search for her friend’s killer, plus the twists and turns kept me guessing. I look forward to future books by this talented author.
September 24, 2020
I enjoy a good cozy mystery, and I highly recommend this book.
“Kat Out of the Bag” will take you away to the charming town of Bayside, Washington, where you’re going to meet your new favorite amateur sleuth, the famous purse designer, Katherine Watson.
Katherine has come home from Los Angeles to support her family, and being the active and entrepreneurial woman that she is, she opens a museum dedicated to women’s history, told through the stories of their purses. At the gala opening, her best friend and Bayside’s mayor is brutally murdered.
Katherine, while she’s devastated to lose her friend, also feels guilty that it happened at her event, and she wonders if she could have stopped it. Then when the wrong person is investigated, Katherine immediately sets out to find the real killer before they strike again. But can she solve this mystery before she becomes the next victim?
Kendall weaves a complex and interesting puzzle with her twisting plot, picturesque town, and eccentric characters. In addition to our strong and intrepid heroine, Katherine, I particularly love MoonJava, or MJ, Katherine’s hippie mother, whose daily mantra always seems to move the plot forward. There’s also the spice of potential romance with Officer Jason Holmes to keep things interesting as Katherine sleuths out the killer. Holmes’s partner, K-9 Officer Hobbs, and Katherine’s own sleek cat, Purrada, gave me my animal fix, something I can’t resist as an addition to any story.
I love the descriptions of the purses that Kendall includes. It’s fun how Katherine can always tell something pertinent about the person carrying them. And as an added plot enhancement, purses offer some mystery all of their own in this charming tale. Wendy is a purse aficionado who knows her subject. So once you’ve read the mystery and you’re eagerly awaiting the next book in the series, be sure to enjoy visiting her blog “A Passion for Purses” where the characters come alive and interview women about their lives and their purses.
If you still can’t get enough of Kendall’s work, check out her “Recommended Reads” blog, her “A Novel Talk” podcast on YouTube, and her syndicated “Recommended Reads” and “Kids are Bookin’ It” columns with the Edmonds News.
Whatever you do, be sure to treat yourself this spring with this charming, fast-paced, convoluted cozy mystery that will make you forget all about those tedious hours of quarantine.
“Kat Out of the Bag” will take you away to the charming town of Bayside, Washington, where you’re going to meet your new favorite amateur sleuth, the famous purse designer, Katherine Watson.
Katherine has come home from Los Angeles to support her family, and being the active and entrepreneurial woman that she is, she opens a museum dedicated to women’s history, told through the stories of their purses. At the gala opening, her best friend and Bayside’s mayor is brutally murdered.
Katherine, while she’s devastated to lose her friend, also feels guilty that it happened at her event, and she wonders if she could have stopped it. Then when the wrong person is investigated, Katherine immediately sets out to find the real killer before they strike again. But can she solve this mystery before she becomes the next victim?
Kendall weaves a complex and interesting puzzle with her twisting plot, picturesque town, and eccentric characters. In addition to our strong and intrepid heroine, Katherine, I particularly love MoonJava, or MJ, Katherine’s hippie mother, whose daily mantra always seems to move the plot forward. There’s also the spice of potential romance with Officer Jason Holmes to keep things interesting as Katherine sleuths out the killer. Holmes’s partner, K-9 Officer Hobbs, and Katherine’s own sleek cat, Purrada, gave me my animal fix, something I can’t resist as an addition to any story.
I love the descriptions of the purses that Kendall includes. It’s fun how Katherine can always tell something pertinent about the person carrying them. And as an added plot enhancement, purses offer some mystery all of their own in this charming tale. Wendy is a purse aficionado who knows her subject. So once you’ve read the mystery and you’re eagerly awaiting the next book in the series, be sure to enjoy visiting her blog “A Passion for Purses” where the characters come alive and interview women about their lives and their purses.
If you still can’t get enough of Kendall’s work, check out her “Recommended Reads” blog, her “A Novel Talk” podcast on YouTube, and her syndicated “Recommended Reads” and “Kids are Bookin’ It” columns with the Edmonds News.
Whatever you do, be sure to treat yourself this spring with this charming, fast-paced, convoluted cozy mystery that will make you forget all about those tedious hours of quarantine.
April 27, 2020
This mystery is a sophisticated page-turner in the tradition of Laura Child's novels and exudes the small-town charm of Louise Penney mysteries. As a huge fan of gutsy female protagonists, this is one of my favorites of the year. Meet auburn-haired Katherine "Kat" Watson, celebrated international purse designer with a handbag for every occasion. Kat reluctantly returns to her hometown of Bayside to host a gala for her Purse-onality Museum. The dignitaries of the town attend along with many former high school friends, including her best friend, Brenda Dirling, the mayor of Bayside.
The celebration should be an uplifting, major event for the town. Instead, Brenda Dirling ends up dead, the Chanel-style chain of her purse wrapped around her throat and caught at the top of the building's waterwheel. Kat is not only devastated but full of guilt. Before the gala, she received a death threat and showed it to the mayor, who told her to report it to the police after the event. Kat decides to hunt down the person who murdered her friend. Everyone at the gala is suspect.
Police detective Jason Holmes, a former Afghan war veteran, and his K-9 Hobbes work the case while Kat follows her own leads. They are often at odds. They fight. Yet a tense, romantic relationship builds. When Kat finds an old love letter hiding in one of the museum's vintage bags, she tracks its history and discovers who the killer is. But bringing this person to justice won't be easy. Will Kat become the next victim? Will Watson and Holmes bag the criminal together?
Wendy Kendall has not only fashioned an expertly crafted plot, but also a protagonist for our age—and for history buffs. Before reading Kat Out of the Bag, I never thought about purses being so indelibly woven into the fabric of women and men's history. Now I watch for any mention of them, how they've influenced history and how sought after they are by collectors. So you think guns are fascinating? Wait until you read about our favorite carryall. I can't wait for the next in this series!
The celebration should be an uplifting, major event for the town. Instead, Brenda Dirling ends up dead, the Chanel-style chain of her purse wrapped around her throat and caught at the top of the building's waterwheel. Kat is not only devastated but full of guilt. Before the gala, she received a death threat and showed it to the mayor, who told her to report it to the police after the event. Kat decides to hunt down the person who murdered her friend. Everyone at the gala is suspect.
Police detective Jason Holmes, a former Afghan war veteran, and his K-9 Hobbes work the case while Kat follows her own leads. They are often at odds. They fight. Yet a tense, romantic relationship builds. When Kat finds an old love letter hiding in one of the museum's vintage bags, she tracks its history and discovers who the killer is. But bringing this person to justice won't be easy. Will Kat become the next victim? Will Watson and Holmes bag the criminal together?
Wendy Kendall has not only fashioned an expertly crafted plot, but also a protagonist for our age—and for history buffs. Before reading Kat Out of the Bag, I never thought about purses being so indelibly woven into the fabric of women and men's history. Now I watch for any mention of them, how they've influenced history and how sought after they are by collectors. So you think guns are fascinating? Wait until you read about our favorite carryall. I can't wait for the next in this series!
April 18, 2021
This story is a well-written whodunit mystery that also includes some fascinating history about purses. When Katherine, a world-famous purse designer, comes back to her hometown of Bayside to establish a purse museum in their old victorian family home, things could not go more awry. Her best friend, the mayor of the small town, is murdered at the museum's opening gala. The list of suspects is long and Katherine doesn't trust the police to find the real murderer. So, she begins her own investigation which leads her into danger more than once. Policeman, Jason and his K-9 Hobbs become an integral part of the story along with many other characters. I loved Katherine's eccentric mother, Moonjava. She embodied the sixties hippy image and although she came across as being flighty, when it counted the most, she stepped up to the plate. Katherine's grandmother was another unforgettable character. So who murdered Brenda? Her husband, Russ? A pushy reporter? Someone on the City Council? A crime novelist? The list grows as Katherine digs deeper into discovering the identity of the killer. If you love a cozy mystery with bits of humor thrown in, you will enjoy this story. The author did a great job of keeping the identity of the murderer hidden until the end of the book.
August 21, 2020
Kat Out of the Bag is a delightful introduction to this fun cozy mystery series. I can't wait to read the next one. The author, Wendy Kendall, creates a great balance of fun information about purses with insight into their relevance in women's history.
Like Louise Penney, Bayside is a place I want to get to know, and Kendall's characters are people I hope will continue in the series. For those of us who live in the Pacific Northwest, Bayside, feels like home. For those who don't live in this part of the world, Kendall has created a town that illustrates why we live here.
Bayside's characters are well-drawn and I appreciated Kendall's respect for them. For example, MJ, an aging hippie, could have been a cartoon character if written by a heavy hand. She came across as quirky and delightful (I hope she will reappear in subsequent books). Another example of a well-drawn character is Jason. He is a man living in a small town walking the tightrope of police officer and civilian, the on-duty Jason versus the off-duty Jason.
This is definitely a cozy to spend time with.
https://www.amazon.com/Kat-Out-Bag-Pu...
Like Louise Penney, Bayside is a place I want to get to know, and Kendall's characters are people I hope will continue in the series. For those of us who live in the Pacific Northwest, Bayside, feels like home. For those who don't live in this part of the world, Kendall has created a town that illustrates why we live here.
Bayside's characters are well-drawn and I appreciated Kendall's respect for them. For example, MJ, an aging hippie, could have been a cartoon character if written by a heavy hand. She came across as quirky and delightful (I hope she will reappear in subsequent books). Another example of a well-drawn character is Jason. He is a man living in a small town walking the tightrope of police officer and civilian, the on-duty Jason versus the off-duty Jason.
This is definitely a cozy to spend time with.
https://www.amazon.com/Kat-Out-Bag-Pu...
June 27, 2020
Wendy Kendall layers plot upon plot to create a sumptuous cake of a cozy mystery. I was particularly captivated by how the author introduced a historical mystery and then blended it back into the present-day murder mystery. I kept finding myself disappointed when the two stories switched because I was engaged in what I was reading, but quickly became immersed in the story before me.
With a fun romance (two actually), memorable characters, and set in the charming well-developed fictional town of Bayside, "Kat out of the Bag" is a fun romp of a cozy. Bonus: If you are a fan of purses or fashion, this story brings yet another layer of entertainment. I had never considered looking at history from the standpoint of women's handbags, but the unique way the author describes each era's purse, and the reasons why it was designed were fascinating and enlightening.
I look forward to the next installment of Kat's adventures and the hijinks of the quirky Bayside citizens.
With a fun romance (two actually), memorable characters, and set in the charming well-developed fictional town of Bayside, "Kat out of the Bag" is a fun romp of a cozy. Bonus: If you are a fan of purses or fashion, this story brings yet another layer of entertainment. I had never considered looking at history from the standpoint of women's handbags, but the unique way the author describes each era's purse, and the reasons why it was designed were fascinating and enlightening.
I look forward to the next installment of Kat's adventures and the hijinks of the quirky Bayside citizens.
October 22, 2020
This cozy mystery juxtaposes high fashion with small town charm and is populated with lots of zany characters. Early on, Kat’s new-age mom declares, “The only normal people are the ones that you don’t know very well.” Ain’t that the truth! When we dig further, everyone has their oddities. And who wouldn’t love three generations of women—amateur sleuths all—working together to solve the murder of a dear friend.
One of my favorite scenes is when Kat is at the library and performs a covert parlor trick: a clever way to analyze others by the bags (baggage) they carry. I could go on, but if I wrote anything more, I’d spoil the mystery.
Suffice it to say, I look forward to more stories by this author.
One of my favorite scenes is when Kat is at the library and performs a covert parlor trick: a clever way to analyze others by the bags (baggage) they carry. I could go on, but if I wrote anything more, I’d spoil the mystery.
Suffice it to say, I look forward to more stories by this author.
April 21, 2020
An excellent cozy mystery by a new to me author.
I liked the well thought cast of characters, the well crafted plot and the setting.
The mystery is solid and kept me guessing.
I want to read other books by this author.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
I liked the well thought cast of characters, the well crafted plot and the setting.
The mystery is solid and kept me guessing.
I want to read other books by this author.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
March 15, 2021
Such a great, fun mystery! I love the way the author intertwined fashion in the story. And she kept me guessing about the killer until the very end. The romance was a nice touch too. Great characters and a wonderful read overall.
May 30, 2020
Seaside town, purse lore, and engaging characters--all the right elements for a lovely cozy mystery
The story is set in Bayside, a seaside town near Seattle, and starts off with a museum gala that soon turns deadly. Katherine Watson is a famous purse designer who returns to a seaside town where she spent many summers as a child so it holds fond memories for her. Too bad the memories are soon shattered when her best friend is murdered at her Purse-sonality Museum opening night. Katherine is shattered yet determined to uncover the killer. The story has a charming cast of supporting characters, quirky family members and friends, and a short list of suspects. The name of the museum, Katherine's cat, and a few other named things are cleverly created around "purse", which I won't mention, because they're lovely surprises. Katherine's amateur sleuthing skills kick into high gear despite law enforcement warning her off, including Jason Holmes, a very handsome K-9 officer. Jason is set up early on as an antagonist, but he reluctantly agrees to help her with the case. He and Katherine eventually warm to one another as friends first. As a reader, I just wanted to see their sweet romance build into something more. The author doesn't disappoint in that department and the book has a purrfectly satisfying conclusion. It is clear from the outset that the author has a passion and deep knowledge about purses, mysteries, history, and seaside towns, and her love for all of them come through without a heavy hand; rather, a yearning to learn more. This book is the first in a series and I really look forward to reconnecting with Katherine, Jason, and other Bayside residents in future books.
The story is set in Bayside, a seaside town near Seattle, and starts off with a museum gala that soon turns deadly. Katherine Watson is a famous purse designer who returns to a seaside town where she spent many summers as a child so it holds fond memories for her. Too bad the memories are soon shattered when her best friend is murdered at her Purse-sonality Museum opening night. Katherine is shattered yet determined to uncover the killer. The story has a charming cast of supporting characters, quirky family members and friends, and a short list of suspects. The name of the museum, Katherine's cat, and a few other named things are cleverly created around "purse", which I won't mention, because they're lovely surprises. Katherine's amateur sleuthing skills kick into high gear despite law enforcement warning her off, including Jason Holmes, a very handsome K-9 officer. Jason is set up early on as an antagonist, but he reluctantly agrees to help her with the case. He and Katherine eventually warm to one another as friends first. As a reader, I just wanted to see their sweet romance build into something more. The author doesn't disappoint in that department and the book has a purrfectly satisfying conclusion. It is clear from the outset that the author has a passion and deep knowledge about purses, mysteries, history, and seaside towns, and her love for all of them come through without a heavy hand; rather, a yearning to learn more. This book is the first in a series and I really look forward to reconnecting with Katherine, Jason, and other Bayside residents in future books.
August 7, 2021
Fashion meets foul-play in this smartly written, well-paced cozy mystery. World-renown purse designer Katherine Watson has returned to her roots in Bayside, Washington, and converts a historic family home into a purse museum. Katherine’s life-long friend, Bayside Mayor Brenda Dirling is brutally murdered during the gala. Potential suspects abound, but when an innocent man is arrested for the crime, Katherine dons her sleuthing hat and investigates on her own to identify the true murderer. Her snooping gets the amateur sleuth on the radar of the killer and Katherine nearly becomes the next victim.
Purse aficionado author Wendy Kendall keeps readers turning the pages with quirky characters like Moon Java, Katherine’s hippie mother. The hint of a romance between Katherine and Police Officer Jason Holmes spices up a plot that takes place in a charming town. With enough twists and turns to keep readers guessing whodunit to the very end, Kat Out of the Bag is an enjoyable read with an engaging mix of fashion history and crime.
Purse aficionado author Wendy Kendall keeps readers turning the pages with quirky characters like Moon Java, Katherine’s hippie mother. The hint of a romance between Katherine and Police Officer Jason Holmes spices up a plot that takes place in a charming town. With enough twists and turns to keep readers guessing whodunit to the very end, Kat Out of the Bag is an enjoyable read with an engaging mix of fashion history and crime.
August 10, 2022
A cozy read, that is, if you don't mind a little murder along the way. I loved the mixture of fashion with the mystery, weaving a bit of history into the story. Katherine's high profile Hollywood reputation is an interesting contrast to her amateur sleuthing in her small home town. The characters were interesting and the addition of the cat, Purrada, and the working dog, Hobbs, were welcome additions to the story.
March 15, 2023
This is a wonderful read. It's fun, entertaining and filled with just enough twists and misdirection to keep you turning pages. Wendy Kendall builds great characters and leaves enough clues to have you thinking the whole town did it right up until the end. She also gives you a glimpse behind the scenes into the wonderful world of handbag design. A great book for a rainy afternoon and I hear she has another In Purse-Suit Mystery in the works. And who doesn't like a mystery series?
March 17, 2023
A well-written and researched mystery. Wonderful facts on purses made me want to upgrade my ratty carryall. I had to reach the end to find out the killer of a rather shocking murder. The characters were unique and especially lovable was MJ who had a mantra for living everyday that was always on point. Purrada the cat practically crept off the page and of course Hobbs the police dog stole my heart.
June 26, 2021
I enjoy a nice cozy murder mystery - finding more of them now I realise such a genre exists. This was a really pleasant read for a rainy 'summer' day. Given that it had many twists and turns, fully recommend.
I was given an advance copy by the author and voracious readers but the review is entirely my own.
I was given an advance copy by the author and voracious readers but the review is entirely my own.
April 25, 2020
Purses are one of my overindulgences, so this book had immediate appeal. A clever murder mystery. A surprising culprit. Lots of heart-warming thoughts. A dog and a cat add to the charm. Thanks to the publisher for providing a copy via NetGalley.
February 16, 2023
Loved this stylish, engaging, page turner where you never knew what clues you'd find in the next bag. Weaving a mystery thorough the history of pocketbooks and purses - so original, entertaining, and informative. Wendy Kendall delivers! Can't wait for her next cozy mystery!
March 15, 2023
I recently came to the conclusion that there is good news and bad news about the world of books in which I live, work and read. The bad news is that there are thousands of authors whose books might be appealing to me. The good news is that there are thousands of authors whose books might be appealing to me.
A few years ago, I was a reading judge for a writing contest for unpublished books conducted by my local writers association. The genre was mystery and the authors submitted about 27 pages of their unpublished work. To the contest judges, the writers are anonymous. KAT OUT OF THE BAG received one of the highest scores I have ever given and I thought I would like to read the whole book. I promptly forgot all about it until the fall of 2022 when I saw the finished book at our annual writers’ conference. How did I know it was the same book since I did not know the author’s name (WENDY KENDALL)? The title, of course, since it is rather unforgettable, and the spelling of Kat.
Kat is short for the protagonist, Katherine Watson, chief designer and owner of a women’s handbag company based in Beverly Hills (Rodeo Drive) in California. This is book one of the series called In Purse-suit Mysteries. As the story opens, Kat has returned to her hometown on Puget Sound, near Seattle, in the northwest corner of the mainland United States. Kat is preparing for the grand opening of her new venture, Purse-onality Museum, dedicated to preserving a history of women’s handbags and their role in society.
At the Gala Party the night before the opening, Brenda Dirling, the controversial mayor of Bayside, is murdered. She had been Kat’s friend since childhood in Bayside. All of the town’s elite are present. Who had a motive for eliminating Brenda?
Her husband Russ was possibly having an affair with Brenda’s assistant. Jim, a member of the City Council, had public disagreements with the victim over real estate. Anthony Marconi is a new arrival to Bayside. His latest bestselling mystery replicates events in Bayside. Tom Corey is a local land developer whose plans to build high-rise buildings in the downtown area were thwarted by Mayor Brenda. Another suspect is Judith Sanders who wanted to open a business in one of Corey’s buildings but the Mayor scuttled those plans. Michael Clark is a “newcomer” who is employed by the town’s historical museum and may have uncovered some “interesting” history about the founding father of the town. Ida Hansen runs the museum. She is the current descendant of the town founder Theodore Hansen. There is some unexplained “dark” history in her family that would be embarrassing if exposed. A library volunteer, Leslie, lost a financial grant to Brenda’s scuba park development.
Family members helping Kat are her “hippie” mother Moonjava (aka “MJ”) and her grandmother Pam. From Bayside Police is Jason Holmes (Watson and Holmes!) and his K-9 partner, Hobbes. Rob is a reporter from the local paper who is looking for a Pulitzer Prize winning news story. One person from real history is Mayor Bertha Landes who was Seattle’s first woman mayor in the 1920s.
The book is described as a cozy mystery. This is a genre that I recently discovered and have come to love. One caveat. There is a lot of material about handbags. Do not let that stop you from reading this fun mystery. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
GO! BUY! READ!
A few years ago, I was a reading judge for a writing contest for unpublished books conducted by my local writers association. The genre was mystery and the authors submitted about 27 pages of their unpublished work. To the contest judges, the writers are anonymous. KAT OUT OF THE BAG received one of the highest scores I have ever given and I thought I would like to read the whole book. I promptly forgot all about it until the fall of 2022 when I saw the finished book at our annual writers’ conference. How did I know it was the same book since I did not know the author’s name (WENDY KENDALL)? The title, of course, since it is rather unforgettable, and the spelling of Kat.
Kat is short for the protagonist, Katherine Watson, chief designer and owner of a women’s handbag company based in Beverly Hills (Rodeo Drive) in California. This is book one of the series called In Purse-suit Mysteries. As the story opens, Kat has returned to her hometown on Puget Sound, near Seattle, in the northwest corner of the mainland United States. Kat is preparing for the grand opening of her new venture, Purse-onality Museum, dedicated to preserving a history of women’s handbags and their role in society.
At the Gala Party the night before the opening, Brenda Dirling, the controversial mayor of Bayside, is murdered. She had been Kat’s friend since childhood in Bayside. All of the town’s elite are present. Who had a motive for eliminating Brenda?
Her husband Russ was possibly having an affair with Brenda’s assistant. Jim, a member of the City Council, had public disagreements with the victim over real estate. Anthony Marconi is a new arrival to Bayside. His latest bestselling mystery replicates events in Bayside. Tom Corey is a local land developer whose plans to build high-rise buildings in the downtown area were thwarted by Mayor Brenda. Another suspect is Judith Sanders who wanted to open a business in one of Corey’s buildings but the Mayor scuttled those plans. Michael Clark is a “newcomer” who is employed by the town’s historical museum and may have uncovered some “interesting” history about the founding father of the town. Ida Hansen runs the museum. She is the current descendant of the town founder Theodore Hansen. There is some unexplained “dark” history in her family that would be embarrassing if exposed. A library volunteer, Leslie, lost a financial grant to Brenda’s scuba park development.
Family members helping Kat are her “hippie” mother Moonjava (aka “MJ”) and her grandmother Pam. From Bayside Police is Jason Holmes (Watson and Holmes!) and his K-9 partner, Hobbes. Rob is a reporter from the local paper who is looking for a Pulitzer Prize winning news story. One person from real history is Mayor Bertha Landes who was Seattle’s first woman mayor in the 1920s.
The book is described as a cozy mystery. This is a genre that I recently discovered and have come to love. One caveat. There is a lot of material about handbags. Do not let that stop you from reading this fun mystery. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
GO! BUY! READ!
July 3, 2023
Thoughts: Wow, talk about high fashion when it comes to purses. I had no idea there was so much to know about purses and their history. In this story, Katherine (Kat) Watson has opened a purse museum in the small town of Bayside, Washington. She usually splits her time between LA and NY, running her high fashion purse company. At the gala to celebrate the opening of the museum, her friend (who is the mayor of the town) is murdered. Katherine is pulled into the investigation—and a possible romantic interest with the K-9 officer, Jason Holmes.
The characters in the story are fascinating. Not only Katherine and Jason, but Jason’s partner Hobbs (who only responds to German commands when working), and Katherine’s sleek cat Purrada. There is also MJ (MoonJava), Katherine’s mother who harkens back to a 60s hippie vibe. And a cast of other interesting characters back them up.
But it is the descriptions of purses and the reasons for carrying particular ones that was fascinating. I am in no way a fashionista. My idea of a good purse is usually a cheap tote bag of some sort that will hold all my “stuff.” I learned a lot about the history of them in this story. And not in a bad way. The descriptions were interesting and added a lot to the story.
Recommendation: This is a decent cozy mystery with a satisfying ending and a fascinating study in purses. Recommended.
Disclaimer: Disclosure of Material: I received a final and/or advanced reader copy of this book with the hope that I will leave my unbiased opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that… My Opinions. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
The characters in the story are fascinating. Not only Katherine and Jason, but Jason’s partner Hobbs (who only responds to German commands when working), and Katherine’s sleek cat Purrada. There is also MJ (MoonJava), Katherine’s mother who harkens back to a 60s hippie vibe. And a cast of other interesting characters back them up.
But it is the descriptions of purses and the reasons for carrying particular ones that was fascinating. I am in no way a fashionista. My idea of a good purse is usually a cheap tote bag of some sort that will hold all my “stuff.” I learned a lot about the history of them in this story. And not in a bad way. The descriptions were interesting and added a lot to the story.
Recommendation: This is a decent cozy mystery with a satisfying ending and a fascinating study in purses. Recommended.
Disclaimer: Disclosure of Material: I received a final and/or advanced reader copy of this book with the hope that I will leave my unbiased opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that… My Opinions. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
July 14, 2023
Who’d think of creating a murder mystery around designer handbags? Author Wendy Kendall, that’s who. And, she did a masterful piece of writing.
When Kat Watson’s best friend, Brenda is murdered following the Gala Premiere, Kat can’t rest until the killer is found. While detective Jason Holmes and his canine partner, Hobbs, are on the case, they aren’t working fast enough for the enterprising international purse designer.
As potential perpetrators line up, however, Kat finds that danger is following her with every clue she uncovers. Will the mystery be solved before she becomes the next victim?
Fascinating characters move in and out of this tightly-written novel. From Kat’s eccentric mother, Moonjava, to Brenda’s husband, Russ, to a couple of suspicious city council members wishing to push through a city height ordinance that Brenda vehemently opposes, the storyline moves at satisfying speed. Oh, and can’t forget Purrada, Kat’s feline companion, with the purrrfectly fitting name.
Cat Out of the Bag (In Purse-Suit Mystery) by Wendy Kendall comes highly recommended by this reader.
When Kat Watson’s best friend, Brenda is murdered following the Gala Premiere, Kat can’t rest until the killer is found. While detective Jason Holmes and his canine partner, Hobbs, are on the case, they aren’t working fast enough for the enterprising international purse designer.
As potential perpetrators line up, however, Kat finds that danger is following her with every clue she uncovers. Will the mystery be solved before she becomes the next victim?
Fascinating characters move in and out of this tightly-written novel. From Kat’s eccentric mother, Moonjava, to Brenda’s husband, Russ, to a couple of suspicious city council members wishing to push through a city height ordinance that Brenda vehemently opposes, the storyline moves at satisfying speed. Oh, and can’t forget Purrada, Kat’s feline companion, with the purrrfectly fitting name.
Cat Out of the Bag (In Purse-Suit Mystery) by Wendy Kendall comes highly recommended by this reader.
June 21, 2023
Kat’s best friend, the mayor, has just been murdered, and Kat is determined to find the killer. Kat owns a purse museum—and, boy, does this lady know purses!
This delightful cozy mystery hits the ground running. The early pages offer a spark of romance that gradually gets fanned into something bigger. I appreciated the fact that the romance isn’t rushed. The characters are nicely fleshed out; my favorites are Moonjava and Purrada the cat. (Yes, the cat is a character in her own right—and she has feline attitude to spare!) Moonjava is wise and spiritual, and some of her mantras resonated with me so much that I jotted them down. A subplot about a mystery from the distant past adds depth and poignancy to the story.
As with most cozy mysteries, suspects and motives abound. I didn’t guess the killer—but that’s a good thing. I’d rather be surprised. The author did a skillful job of dropping clues without giving too much away.
From the clever title to the well-paced plot, this novel is a treasure—and it taught me a lot about purse lore!
This delightful cozy mystery hits the ground running. The early pages offer a spark of romance that gradually gets fanned into something bigger. I appreciated the fact that the romance isn’t rushed. The characters are nicely fleshed out; my favorites are Moonjava and Purrada the cat. (Yes, the cat is a character in her own right—and she has feline attitude to spare!) Moonjava is wise and spiritual, and some of her mantras resonated with me so much that I jotted them down. A subplot about a mystery from the distant past adds depth and poignancy to the story.
As with most cozy mysteries, suspects and motives abound. I didn’t guess the killer—but that’s a good thing. I’d rather be surprised. The author did a skillful job of dropping clues without giving too much away.
From the clever title to the well-paced plot, this novel is a treasure—and it taught me a lot about purse lore!
July 10, 2023
Kat out of the Bag by Wendy Kendall is the first book in the Purse-Suit Mystery Series. Katherine Watson has returned to her childhood home in Bayside near Seattle, temporarily leaving behind her life as a top purse and accessory designer on Rodeo Drive in LA. She’s come home to assemble and open a museum dedicated to the history of purses and the amazing women who carried them, a passion project for her and her grandmother. Disaster strikes when a murder occurs on the property during a pre-opening event.
A devoted fan of mysteries, and determined to lift the stigma attached to her passion project, Katherine decides she is best equipped to find the killer. After all, she knows everyone involved better than the police do. As with most amateur sleuths, Katherine quickly finds herself butting heads with a handsome police officer and his K9 cop, not to mention riling most of the locals she now suspects.
Anyone with a passion for purses, history, and amateur sleuths will enjoy this mystery and have a grand time trying to figure out whodunnit.
A devoted fan of mysteries, and determined to lift the stigma attached to her passion project, Katherine decides she is best equipped to find the killer. After all, she knows everyone involved better than the police do. As with most amateur sleuths, Katherine quickly finds herself butting heads with a handsome police officer and his K9 cop, not to mention riling most of the locals she now suspects.
Anyone with a passion for purses, history, and amateur sleuths will enjoy this mystery and have a grand time trying to figure out whodunnit.
July 23, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed this mystery. The story opens with a fantastic scene. A glittering gala is interrupted by murder. I was hooked from the start. Katherine, the main character, is instantly plunged into the case, and nothing is going to stop her from discovering who killed her best friend. Along with a splendid mix of characters - quirky ones, young ones, old ones, challenging suspects, and an intriguing love interest who happens to be a cop - we follow Katherine as she investigates without fear. Add in the intricacies of Katherine's very successful profession - a designer of stylish purses - and there is a lot to juggle. The author does an amazing job of using purses to move the story along, and the descriptions are hands-down fantastic. (Not to mention secret letters found within them that help the case!) This was truly a creative, engrossing mystery that I couldn't put down! Loved it!
October 6, 2023
If you like cozy mysteries with a generous sprinkle of fashionista, you will love Wendy Kendall’s “Kat Out of the Bag.” Purse designer Katherine (Kat) Watson seamlessly slips from a wristlet to a crossbody bag in her efforts to solve the murder of her dear friend Brenda at the opening of Kat’s new Purse-onality Museum. She is aided by her mother, Moonjava, (her name tells you all you need to know) and young assistant, Amber, as she seeks out clues and confronts potential killers. All to the vexation of hunky police officer, Jason Holmes and his K-9 partner Hobbs. Grab your purse and hurry out to get this book. Read it tonight and join me to then anxiously await the arrival of book two in the Kat series.
Bethmarie Fahey - author of the upcoming Rapunzel's Escape
Bethmarie Fahey - author of the upcoming Rapunzel's Escape
February 13, 2023
A plucky, purse-designing amateur sleuth is too rich to resist! When Katherine Watson’s best friend, the mayor, is murdered at the gala opening of Kat’s new purse museum, she’s propelled to find the killer. A handsome policeman and his canine sidekick, plus interesting family and side characters make for a fun, fashionable read as Kat digs in to solve the Bayside mystery. Purse lovers will especially enjoy the lush descriptions of the specialty bags, both new and vintage.
June 28, 2021
Fairly light and frivolous with an attempt to make it more serious than it is. Or perhaps I’m just not THAT into Hannah’s and purses. I got a little confused with all the characters who could have been fleshed out a little more. I got a bit lost on the reveal. It’s a cozy mystery that I’m sure plenty will enjoy if they’re looking for something that isn’t that deep. Hobbs is awesome though.
October 15, 2021
Good cozy mystery but the descriptions of her purses got to be too much & distracted me.
August 26, 2022
A cozy mystery mixed with high fashion and a cat—how can it miss? Curl up with this goody by Wendy Kendall.
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February 1, 2024Mystery & Detective
Miniseries
An In Purse-Suit Mystery
Miniseries
An In Purse-Suit Mystery
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