3 Stars

Denali and her talented talking cat, Da Vinci, have a crime to solve. When they find the dead body of the local realtor, Dan Cumberland, they wonder if Sheriff Eagan will suspect Denali for the crime. However, they manage to solve it soon. 

The story comes in Denali’s first-person POV. 

This is a super short story that introduces the main characters and their setting, Cornith, a small Southern town on the edge of a forest (the Deadwoods). 

The case, as such, takes no time to solve and is straightforward. In fact, it ends before it fully begins. However, I like the orange tabby, Da Vinci, and his special talents, so I’m okay with it. 

There isn’t much to say without giving away the spoilers. The characters do stand out despite the lack of information or depth (both are impossible given the length). I’m not sure about Denali’s stay in the town (the details don’t match up), either. 

It would work better if expanded a little more to add some clues or intrigue. Or, it could be merged with book #2 and used as the first two chapters in that one. (I’d pick option 2). 

To summarize, The Secret of the Deadwoods is a quick intro to the series. You can finish it in 10 mins.