I received this book for free from the Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Agnes Aubert's Mystical Cat Shelter by Heather Fawcett Published by Del Rey on February 17 2026
Genres: Adult, Fantasy
Pages: 368
Format: ARC
Source: Publisher
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The nitty-gritty: Magic, mayhem and a bunch of shelter cats make up Heather Fawcett’s latest, an enchanting tale, perfect for fans of Emily Wilde.
After loving Heather Fawcett’s Emily Wilde series, I could not wait to read her next book! And I’m happy to say that Agnes Aubert’s Mystical Cat Shelter was just as delightful, full of magic, humor, lovable characters, and best of all, lots of adorable cats.
The story takes place in Montréal and follows Agnes and her sister Élise, who run a cat shelter called “Les Amis des Chats – Refuge Animalier” (Cat Friends – Animal Shelter). Unfortunately, they have been forced to find a new location, due to the fact that a couple of magicians destroyed the building while dueling. Yes, in this world magic exists, although magicians aren’t highly thought of, and most keep their magical activities from the public eye. Plus, trading in Artefacts, the items that house magic spells, is illegal.
Agnes is drawn to an area in the city called Rue des Hirondelles, where she’s heard rumors of a shop for rent. The shop in question seems to be perfect for her cat shelter, but after moving in, Agnes discovers something shocking: the building is owned by none other than Havelock Renard, a notorious magician who was responsible for almost ending the world. Not only that, but Havelock seems to be conducting illicit Artefact trading in the basement of Agnes’s shop!
And then, a threat appears in the form of Havelock’s sister Valérie, who is convinced that her brother has a specific magical Artefact—a book that will allow someone to travel back and forth through time. She’s desperate to get it, and Agnes soon realizes she’ll have to team up with Havelock—and manage to get along with him—if they are to stop Valérie from her scheme.
For a story with “cat” in the title and an abundance of cats on the cover, I was worried at first that cats would only be used as props. Luckily that’s not the case. A handful of Agnes’s shelter cats are given distinct personalities, and I ended up with a few favorites, like Banshee, who seems to love everyone but can’t really “meow.” Then there’s His Majesty, who used to be Agnes’s late husband Robin’s cat, and although he’s sort of mean to all the other cats, Agnes keeps him around as a fond memory of her husband. Agnes and Élise (and their assistant Mina) are passionate about helping all the stray cats in the city, and there is a lot of time spent on the logistics of capturing them and bringing them back to the shelter, not to mention the excitement when a cat is adopted. There’s also a very cool thing that happens to the cats later in the story, relating to the “mystical” in the title, but rather than spoil that surprise, I’ll leave you to discover it for yourself.
Heather Fawcett’s world building is just as creative as it was in the Emily Wilde books. I loved the Montréal setting, which I haven’t run across before. The time period isn’t mentioned, but it feels like the early 20th century, since the characters talk about writing letters and sending telegrams. In addition to the magic system that uses Artefacts, there are some other magical layers to the story. For example, magicians can go through a portal to another realm called Rivenwood (a fae world perhaps?) where, for a price, they can obtain stronger magic. Havelock goes there on several occasions, but he’s never quite the same when he returns. We also get some backstory on a famous magician named Alice Vortigern, who is responsible for the book that Valerie is looking for, and even though she isn’t in the story (she’s dead, unfortunately!), her presence affects many of the characters.
And I won’t spoil another delightful world building element, but I will say that Agnes’s new cat shelter has the most fantastic stove! I know that sounds funny, but you’ll understand what I mean when you read the book:-)
And I can’t finish this review without talking about the characters. I loved Agnes, mostly because she loves cats. She is truly dedicated to getting every single stray off the streets and into a good home. She’s also extremely organized and loves making lists. Havelock is the perfect foil for her, since he’s the complete opposite: he hates cats and is allergic to them, and his Artefact room in the basement is messy and unorganized. He’s also misunderstood, and although Agnes calls him a “dark wizard,” he really isn’t. The two have a very slow burn romance, which isn’t the main focus of the story. All the side characters are strong as well, and each adds something extra to the story.
Agnes Aubert’s Mystical Cat Shelter isn’t listed as the start to a series, BUT it could certainly turn into one if the author wanted it to. There are some wonderful elements that, in my opinion, need more exploration: Rivenwood, Alice Vortigern, and one particular scene at the very end involving the attic of the shelter, which aside from the oven, is one of my favorite scenes in the book. I’d also love to see where Agnes and Havelock end up romantically. This was so much fun, don’t miss it!
Big thanks to the publisher for providing a review copy.
I started this one and reaaaaally need to get back to it. I’m enjoying it a lot, and feel like there’s a certain Howl’s Moving Castle vibe to it which I like, but aaaaahhhh my attention span at the moment. Sounds like it comes together well, so this makes me more excited to get back to it!
I think once you dive in again you’ll become invested. There is a bit more action later on!
This sounds amazing! I’ll probably read it on audio but buy a copy just to have that beautiful cover on a shelf.
I think audio would be fantastic, especially since the characters are so good.
This is probably my next book to read (or possibly #2 in line) — so glad to see how much you liked it!!
I can’t wait to hear your thoughts!
I keep seeing this book and the positive reviews for it! It took me a while to recognize the author’s name (I still need to read her recent completed trilogy). If my fellow bookbloggers are saying this book is worth the time to read, then I need to make sure I read the book very soon.
Heather Fawcett is such a good writer, I think you would love both this book and the Emily Wilde series:-)
I loved her Emily Wilde series. And this one sounds equally delightful. And a happy surprise, too, because I didn’t know she’d started a new series. So yay! I’m excited to check it out. 😀
I’m not sure if it’s going to be a series, but I hope so!
I am 100% behind that review! Everything you said is true and I am so glad you loved it too!
It was a great follow up to Emily Wilde!
This is such a beautiful review! I am really curious about this one and I hope to get to it soon! I was planning to read it in the next week but my reading plans were sidetracked (I was approved for the Hopeless Necromantic ARC and I had to start that right away ). Anyway, after reading your review I am even more curious! And I am really happy because of what you wrote about the cats! I need to meet them!
Thank you Susy! I hope you enjoy it when you’re able to get to it.
Great review! This sounds so much like my sister who has become a definitely cat lady in her neighborhood feeding all the cats that come around her house, and now she’s even taken two more in to live with her and her two cats she already had. I wonder how her partner and her stepson feel about it, lol. I’ve shared this review with her. Thank you for sharing it! It does have a great cover too.
https://lisalovesliterature.bookblog.io/2026/01/30/read-along-review-two-witches-and-a-whiskey-the-guild-codex-spellbound-3-by-annette-marie/
I love people that help stray animals. I wish I had more time to do that myself.
I love your review. I’m currently reading this and already almost 20% in so it’s obviously got its claws in!
Plus very encouraging rating.
Lynn 😀
Looking forward to your thoughts!
Yay, a cat book where the cats have distinct personalities! I’m excited to read this one, when I can get my hands on a library copy.
The cats are great! And I loved that there was lots of time spent on the rescue aspect.
I’m so happy this one didn’t disappoint! It’s one of my most anticipated reads for this year. Amazing review!
I think you’ll enjoy it too!
Love to see that rating! I can’t wait to start it!
I hope you love it!
The pups have given me permission to read this one Loved your review and now I’m really looking forward to reading it.
I was planning to avoid reviews of this one until I’d read the book but I changed my mind lol. Lovely review, it sounds like another delightful book by Heather Fawcett. I’m glad the cats arent just used as a background prop but take centre stage at times. It sounds like there’s some wonderful elements and I’m curious about the stove now. Plus I have a feeling Alice is going to fascinate me too. I love when books reference individuals from the past and you come away craving more about them. Fingers crossed this gets turned into a series.
Lovely review, Tammy:)) I haven’t managed to get to this one, yet. But I’m very much looking forward to it.
If everyone enjoys this as much as you did then I’ve no doubt it will make that transition from standalone to series. 🙂