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The Sierra Files #1
Pounced
Sierra is used to fighting for the lives of innocent creatures. But when a killer puts the lives of her own cats on the line, her crusade becomes personal.Animal rights activist Sierra Nakamura never expected to stumble upon the dead body of a coworker while out filming a project. She definitely never expected to get involved in the investigation. But when someone threatens to kill her cats unless she hands over the “information,” she becomes more bristly than an angry feline.Sierra knows that curiosity killed the cat, but she’s determined that her snooping will ultimately save the lives of her furry friends. Making matters worse is the fact that her cats—and the investigation—are driving a wedge between her and her boyfriend Chad.With every answer she uncovers, old hurts rise to the surface and test her beliefs. She also knows that if she lies down with dogs, she’ll get up with fleas. Saving her cats just might mean ruining everything else in her life. In the fight for survival, one thing is It’s either pounce or be pounced.*For fans of the Squeaky Clean Mystery series, this book takes place simultaneous to Dirty Deeds.*Clean and wholesome mystery fiction with a touch of humor and romance!Other Books in The Sierra Files
187 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 10, 2013
219 people are currently reading
238 people want to read
About the author
Christy Barritt
338 books1,670 followersChristy Barritt is an author, freelance writer and speaker who lives in Virginia. She’s married to her Prince Charming, a man who thinks she’s hilarious—but only when she’s not trying to be. Christy’s a self-proclaimed klutz, an avid music lover who’s known for spontaneously bursting into song, and a road trip aficionado. She’s only won one contest in her life—and her prize was kissing a pig (okay, okay… actually she did win the Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Suspense and Mystery also). Her current claim to fame is showing off her mother, who looks just like former First Lady Barbara Bush
When she’s not working or spending time with her family, she enjoys singing, playing the guitar, and exploring small, unsuspecting towns where people have no idea how accident prone she is.
When she’s not working or spending time with her family, she enjoys singing, playing the guitar, and exploring small, unsuspecting towns where people have no idea how accident prone she is.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
April 6, 2018
I’m not connecting with the main character. All this talk about save the animals and her cats being in danger is not doing it for me.
August 7, 2016
Sierra Nakamura is beyond shocked to discover the dead body of one of her co-workers. She didn’t know the girl very well, so she’s even more shocked when threats are made against her own precious cats in connection with the murder. Someone thinks she knows more than she actually does.
Sierra’s devotion to her cats and animals, in general, is admirable. I’m a cat and animal lover myself, so I can identify with that. However, her lack of understanding or even trying to understand her boyfriend, Chad, was getting on my nerves. She kept accusing him of trying to control her, but she was the one trying to do the controlling, as far as I can tell. Apparently Sierra’s problems go back to her childhood and dealing with domineering parents who she was never able to please.
None of this prevented me from continuing and finishing the book, though. It is a good, solid mystery. I didn’t figure it out until the end. That’s a very good thing when reading mysteries. It’s a clean mystery – no violence, sex or foul language. It’s a quick read as well. Even with my problems with the main character, I still couldn’t put it down. I had to know what was going to happen next and how it all wrapped up.
Some of the characters, including Sierra, appeared in the author’s other mystery series the “Squeaky Clean Mystery Series”. I haven’t read this series yet. I didn’t even know they were connected when I started reading Pounced, which is the first in the Sierra mystery series. I’m interested in reading the other series and to learn more about the characters, but it’s not necessary to read before reading this one. I didn’t feel lost or that I was coming in during the middle of the story. It is a complete story in itself, I’m just curious about the other characters :)
Overall, a decent start to a new series. Sierra started to come around a bit more towards the end. I could see character growth beginning already. You do have to admire someone who stands up for their beliefs against all odds.
This series has some great possibilities. For an animal lover like me, I've already added the rest of the books to my wishlist.
Sierra’s devotion to her cats and animals, in general, is admirable. I’m a cat and animal lover myself, so I can identify with that. However, her lack of understanding or even trying to understand her boyfriend, Chad, was getting on my nerves. She kept accusing him of trying to control her, but she was the one trying to do the controlling, as far as I can tell. Apparently Sierra’s problems go back to her childhood and dealing with domineering parents who she was never able to please.
None of this prevented me from continuing and finishing the book, though. It is a good, solid mystery. I didn’t figure it out until the end. That’s a very good thing when reading mysteries. It’s a clean mystery – no violence, sex or foul language. It’s a quick read as well. Even with my problems with the main character, I still couldn’t put it down. I had to know what was going to happen next and how it all wrapped up.
Some of the characters, including Sierra, appeared in the author’s other mystery series the “Squeaky Clean Mystery Series”. I haven’t read this series yet. I didn’t even know they were connected when I started reading Pounced, which is the first in the Sierra mystery series. I’m interested in reading the other series and to learn more about the characters, but it’s not necessary to read before reading this one. I didn’t feel lost or that I was coming in during the middle of the story. It is a complete story in itself, I’m just curious about the other characters :)
Overall, a decent start to a new series. Sierra started to come around a bit more towards the end. I could see character growth beginning already. You do have to admire someone who stands up for their beliefs against all odds.
This series has some great possibilities. For an animal lover like me, I've already added the rest of the books to my wishlist.
January 23, 2025
A cute mystery, happy-ever-after clean story where the protagonist, Sierra, while working with the pet shop Paws and Fur Balls gets involved in trying to solve the murder of one of her co-workers, Sage, and the 'secret case' which Sage had been working on. If you love cats, much of the story revolves around these furry pets. I read this story from a box-set of the first four mysteries in various series by Christy Barritt. At the end of Pounced, I read 3-4 chapters of 'Hounded' which left me rather confused, as I hadn't realized that I had started another story wich wouldn't be complete as it was just a 'sneak peek'. I am not a fan of 'being gifted' two or three chapters of a book at the end of a story I bought, as it causes confusion, and if I don't have the next one on my Kindle....it's rather a bummer.
I have read a number of stories by Christy Barritt, and they are always clean, easy, light reads, well perhaps with a murder or two. :)
I have read a number of stories by Christy Barritt, and they are always clean, easy, light reads, well perhaps with a murder or two. :)
February 16, 2019
I first got acquainted with Sierra by reading about Gabby in the Squeaky Clean mysteries. Sierra is Gabby crazy cat lady friend. So far this series is not quite as suspenseful as the Gabby series but still suspenseful. I was completely surprised at who the murderer was. I look forward to reading the rest of the series.
March 11, 2021
Good suspense and development
Don’t start reading this unless you have some free time! I couldn’t put it down at times and each time I picked it back up I was thrilled to dive back in. I found the main character’s very matter-of-fact speech a little stilted at times but overall it was a really enjoyable read and I’m looking forward to reading the next one!
Don’t start reading this unless you have some free time! I couldn’t put it down at times and each time I picked it back up I was thrilled to dive back in. I found the main character’s very matter-of-fact speech a little stilted at times but overall it was a really enjoyable read and I’m looking forward to reading the next one!
February 11, 2023
If you love The Squeaky Clean Mysteries series, you’ll also enjoy this spin-off series! Sierra is just as fun a character as Gabby. I love that she has her own series and I can’t wait to read more! Pounced is another great book to to add to the Christy Barritt stack on your TBR!
January 3, 2024
I love cat stories and this story centers around cats. The love between the two main characters, Sierra and Chad, is intertwined throughout this book. There is great drama and a surprised twist at the ending. Love, cats, and a murder to solve. It doesn’t get better than this.
December 10, 2025
Good Read
Though I've read all of Gabby's Squeaky clean series and I've read some of Sierra stories in them. It took some time for me to get into the
Story. I purchased the full series so I'm looking forward to the rest of it! Christy Barritt has never let me down.
Though I've read all of Gabby's Squeaky clean series and I've read some of Sierra stories in them. It took some time for me to get into the
Story. I purchased the full series so I'm looking forward to the rest of it! Christy Barritt has never let me down.
July 21, 2019
Interesting
I must say once again Christy has caught my attention. The twist and turns are wonderful. Now on to the next book.
I must say once again Christy has caught my attention. The twist and turns are wonderful. Now on to the next book.
September 28, 2019
I enjoyed this book.
I enjoyed this book. Christy Barritt is one great writer. I have read several of her books, and intend on reading all of them.
I enjoyed this book. Christy Barritt is one great writer. I have read several of her books, and intend on reading all of them.
August 23, 2020
Pounced was okay. The story was interesting, but I had a hard time liking the heroine. Other than that, I did like it.
November 18, 2020
Mr. Mouser and Freckles
Awesome and fun mystery! I never suspected this ending though. So very clever. I am looking forward to more of these fur baby mysteries!
Awesome and fun mystery! I never suspected this ending though. So very clever. I am looking forward to more of these fur baby mysteries!
June 19, 2024
3.5⭐️
July 23, 2016
POUNCED is the first book in Ms. Barritt's The Sierra Files series. I've read all these books out of order, so even though they are about the same characters they are separate mysteries and do stand alone.
I have enjoyed some of The Sierra Files books and not others, and unfortunately, this was one of the didn't enjoy ones. Sierra is mean and hateful to Chad, thinking he's all about controlling her when he makes it plain that he loves her and wants to keep her safe. Sierra is jumping off the deep end because someone threatened the life of her cats! A dead person is involved, but that is secondary to the life of her cats and she's willing to sacrifice relationships and everything.
I did guess who might be behind the "catnapping" and murder somewhat easily. The "helper" came as a bit of a surprise, as did the real identity of Sage, the person who was killed.
Still it was a good read, Ms. Barritt is a very good mystery writer, and knows how to keep the reader engaged. I recommend this book to anyone who loves cozy mysteries and figuring out "whodunit." If you are an animal activist all the better, because that is what Sierra is all about.
There is a good faith message, though Sierra herself is not a Christian. The book is clean with no sexual tension, and suitable for all ages.
I have enjoyed some of The Sierra Files books and not others, and unfortunately, this was one of the didn't enjoy ones. Sierra is mean and hateful to Chad, thinking he's all about controlling her when he makes it plain that he loves her and wants to keep her safe. Sierra is jumping off the deep end because someone threatened the life of her cats! A dead person is involved, but that is secondary to the life of her cats and she's willing to sacrifice relationships and everything.
I did guess who might be behind the "catnapping" and murder somewhat easily. The "helper" came as a bit of a surprise, as did the real identity of Sage, the person who was killed.
Still it was a good read, Ms. Barritt is a very good mystery writer, and knows how to keep the reader engaged. I recommend this book to anyone who loves cozy mysteries and figuring out "whodunit." If you are an animal activist all the better, because that is what Sierra is all about.
There is a good faith message, though Sierra herself is not a Christian. The book is clean with no sexual tension, and suitable for all ages.
August 10, 2016
The cover caught my eye. It is very clever. A new author for me. I found a well written and the mystery was unusual. I found the characters one sided. I had questions about the biological science and the police procedures. More research is needed.
Sierra is an unlovable character. It seemed she felt that everything should be how she wanted it. Her treatment of Chad was uncaring as she was not listening. Her attitude about her cats I can understand as I feel furbabies are part of the family. I almost didn't finished it, but continue reading and I was caught with the mystery. The lack of sex and violence was refreshing. I will read the next book to see how Sierra character changes.
Sierra is an unlovable character. It seemed she felt that everything should be how she wanted it. Her treatment of Chad was uncaring as she was not listening. Her attitude about her cats I can understand as I feel furbabies are part of the family. I almost didn't finished it, but continue reading and I was caught with the mystery. The lack of sex and violence was refreshing. I will read the next book to see how Sierra character changes.
October 24, 2015
This was a nice easy read. It was good to get to know Chad and Sierra (from the Squeaky Clean series) a bit more. I didn't like how Sierra wouldn't hear Chad out. I do understand that she felt like he was trying to control her, but if she would have just heard him out she would have known she wasn't trying to. I liked how Pastor Randy involved Chad in the plan, it showed Sierra that Chad was there for her. I enjoyed the ending. I found the mystery itself pretty easy to solve.
April 6, 2016
Sage
Sierra was an animal activist. However, while making a video about butterflies, she found her coworkers dead. She was threatened to either find the information that her coworkers "Sage" had been working on or her cats would die. Since Sierra didn't know her coworker very well,she had to do whatever she could to save her cars lives. She embarks on a crusade to save her cats and find out what the women was up to.
Sierra was an animal activist. However, while making a video about butterflies, she found her coworkers dead. She was threatened to either find the information that her coworkers "Sage" had been working on or her cats would die. Since Sierra didn't know her coworker very well,she had to do whatever she could to save her cars lives. She embarks on a crusade to save her cats and find out what the women was up to.
August 23, 2019
I am so glad that Christy Barritt decided to allow us to get to know Sierra better. Another welcome strong, quirky female lead who investigates and deals with romantic challenges. Another character I can relate to and sometimes want to be. I love her dedication to her animals and her fighting spirit. The book was well written as always and I couldn't put it down. I can't wait for the next installment in the series!
March 18, 2014
I love the Squeaky Clean series and really enjoyed this opportunity to get to know Sierra better. She is an interesting character. I had a bit of an issue with her putting herself in danger to protect her cats, but as I learned more about her background, it made a little more sense. I look forward to reading more of her adventures.
April 17, 2016
Which does she love more--her cats or her boyfriend? At first, the boyfriend is convinced it is her cats, but slowly, he comes to see that she loves him more--but she still has enough love for it to encompass the cats. The murderer came as a bit of a surprise, though I must admit that I did wonder if it was him at an earlier point in the book than I normally am able to guess correctly who it is.
August 5, 2016
Sierra is an animal rights activist and a vegan. She finds the body of her co-worker and the mystery begins. Someone threatens her cats unless she turns over "information" though she does not know what they are talking about. She has to protect her cats even if it means she breaks up with her boyfriend, Chad.
February 11, 2014
I really enjoyed this book, as I do all of Christy Barritt's books! I did want to shake Sierra a few times. She's a unique one, lol. But we understand why she acts the way she does and she is funny with a compassionate heart :)
April 10, 2016
Meh
Not much to write about. It wasn't a bad book, but there wasn't any real mystery to it. It was easy to figure out "who dunnit" However it was a good clean book. Something you could recommend to anyone.
Not much to write about. It wasn't a bad book, but there wasn't any real mystery to it. It was easy to figure out "who dunnit" However it was a good clean book. Something you could recommend to anyone.
February 4, 2015
Christy Barritt did it again. Sierra is one of those characters that you remember. I am so glad she has her own stories so you can get to know her better.
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March 19, 2017Good read
Great read as all Christy's books are. It was fun reading about Sierra written in first person POV after reading about her in other books by Christy Barrett.
Great read as all Christy's books are. It was fun reading about Sierra written in first person POV after reading about her in other books by Christy Barrett.
January 2, 2017
I really enjoyed reading this book, and the rest of the series is fantastic!!! Grab this one and the other books in the series and enjoy!!!
July 25, 2016
Good , Easy Read
This is a easy to read story that keeps you guessing. The characters are real and face tough problems as they learn to communicate honestly with each other.
This is a easy to read story that keeps you guessing. The characters are real and face tough problems as they learn to communicate honestly with each other.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews