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Paws and Claws Mystery #5
Not a Creature Was Purring
Santa Claws is coming to town and checking his list for a murderer--as the New York Times bestselling Paws & Claws Mysteries continue...
Inn owner Holly Miller finds it ruff staying cheerful over the holidays when the dead body of a beloved businessman turns up in the pet-friendly town of Wagtail, Virginia.
Inspired by her German heritage, Holly's grandmother has arranged for Wagtail to have a Christkindl Market packed with goodies and decorations for the howliday tourists. But Holly's mood takes an unseasonable turn when she learns that her old flame and childhood friend Holmes Richardson has brought his fiancee home--and she'll be staying at the Sugar Maple Inn...
A love triangle becomes the last thing on Holly's mind when her Jack Russell Trixie's nose for trouble leads her to the corpse of a pet clothing tycoon. Now Holly and her dedicated detectives--Trixie and Twinkletoes the cat--must sniff out the killer to keep Christmas from going to the dogs...
Delicious recipes for owners and pets included!
Inn owner Holly Miller finds it ruff staying cheerful over the holidays when the dead body of a beloved businessman turns up in the pet-friendly town of Wagtail, Virginia.
Inspired by her German heritage, Holly's grandmother has arranged for Wagtail to have a Christkindl Market packed with goodies and decorations for the howliday tourists. But Holly's mood takes an unseasonable turn when she learns that her old flame and childhood friend Holmes Richardson has brought his fiancee home--and she'll be staying at the Sugar Maple Inn...
A love triangle becomes the last thing on Holly's mind when her Jack Russell Trixie's nose for trouble leads her to the corpse of a pet clothing tycoon. Now Holly and her dedicated detectives--Trixie and Twinkletoes the cat--must sniff out the killer to keep Christmas from going to the dogs...
Delicious recipes for owners and pets included!
289 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published November 7, 2017
About the author
Krista Davis
36 books2,168 followersKrista Davis lives in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia where she writes three mystery series. She lived in Northern Virginia for many years and resided for a time in Old Town Alexandria where her Domestic Diva Mysteries take place.
Krista also writes the Paws and Claws Mysteries, which debuted with MURDER, SHE BARKED. They are set in a resort town that caters to people who want to vacation with their dogs and cats. Alas, charming Wagtail Mountain, Virginia, where dogs and cats are welcome everywhere is fictional.
Her newest series, the Pen & Ink Mysteries, features covers that can be colored! Read the book and have fun coloring the cover.
She likes to cook and bake (okay, what she really likes is eating) so it was only natural for her to include recipes in her mysteries.
Her dogs and cats have inspired the animal characters in her books.
Krista also writes the Paws and Claws Mysteries, which debuted with MURDER, SHE BARKED. They are set in a resort town that caters to people who want to vacation with their dogs and cats. Alas, charming Wagtail Mountain, Virginia, where dogs and cats are welcome everywhere is fictional.
Her newest series, the Pen & Ink Mysteries, features covers that can be colored! Read the book and have fun coloring the cover.
She likes to cook and bake (okay, what she really likes is eating) so it was only natural for her to include recipes in her mysteries.
Her dogs and cats have inspired the animal characters in her books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 231 reviews
December 31, 2017
Sugar Maple Inn in Wagtail, Virginia is all booked up for the Christmas holidays. When Dale Thackleberry’s body is discovered inside of an inflatable Grinch by the corpse-sniffing Jack Russell terrier, Trixie; Holly Miller and her grandma Oma (the inn owners) wonder if someone in the pet clothes manufacturer’s quarrelsome family decided Dale was a Grinch and made sure he’d never see another Christmas morning. Holly’s precious pets, Twinkletoes and Trixie act as mommy’s guards and help thwart the bad guys.
Author Krista Davis strings a chain of clues like twinkling lights around a tree lighting the way to answers as to whodunnit. The sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and feel of the holiday spirit are skillfully portrayed throughout the story. Delicious recipes at the end for your cooking pleasure.
Author Krista Davis strings a chain of clues like twinkling lights around a tree lighting the way to answers as to whodunnit. The sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and feel of the holiday spirit are skillfully portrayed throughout the story. Delicious recipes at the end for your cooking pleasure.
November 30, 2017
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Welcome to Wagtail, Virginia! The perfect escape for dogs, cats, and their persons! That is until one of the Sugar Maple Inn’s guests ends up dead.
The town is celebrating the holidays with a Christkindl Market. Food and gifts can be found in several kiosks around the green. The homes are all decorated too. Some with the usual holiday fare but there is one who has taken the decorations to new heights, including some holiday music.
Christmas has also brought a pet clothing business owner to the inn with his whole family. This also brings Holmes Richardson to town with his fiancée. Holly still has feelings for Holmes but she knows she has to remember the woman is a guest at the inn, so she tries to put a smile on her face and attend to the woman’s needs, no matter how outlandish they are.
To say that the Thackleberry family tree is full of crazy may be putting it mildly. They are a couple of good souls in the bunch but most feel quite entitled due to the family’s wealth. Holmes’ bride to be is by far the worse. When their patriarch is killed it is easy to put them all high on the suspect list.
All my favorite characters have returned including Gingersnap, Twinkletoes, and Trixie. Krista Davis does such a great job of character development, pet or person. They come alive in these pages. The series characters continue to evolve and the guest characters fit into the mix so well. They are all lifelike and easy to like or dislike as the case may be.
Visiting Wagtail at Christmas would be spectacular. They do know how to throw a holiday, even with a dead body. The town tries to not let a murder investigation slow them down. The author has described every setting in such detail that is very easy to imagine you are there.
The plot weaves together a fantastic mystery and an interesting romantic triangle. There are plenty of suspects with a motive that singling out one is very difficult. It was fun chasing down the clues in a little winter wonderland. Holly treads lightly into Holmes relationship with Norma Jean. As his friend, she wants him to be happy, as a woman falling in love with him she wants him to be with her.
If I had a tail it would be wagging. This is an excellent mystery and perfect to curl up with on those wintery, blustery days ahead.
If you are new to the series, start at the beginning and enjoy. The book/series would also make a great gift for the pet-loving reader on your list.
Welcome to Wagtail, Virginia! The perfect escape for dogs, cats, and their persons! That is until one of the Sugar Maple Inn’s guests ends up dead.
The town is celebrating the holidays with a Christkindl Market. Food and gifts can be found in several kiosks around the green. The homes are all decorated too. Some with the usual holiday fare but there is one who has taken the decorations to new heights, including some holiday music.
Christmas has also brought a pet clothing business owner to the inn with his whole family. This also brings Holmes Richardson to town with his fiancée. Holly still has feelings for Holmes but she knows she has to remember the woman is a guest at the inn, so she tries to put a smile on her face and attend to the woman’s needs, no matter how outlandish they are.
To say that the Thackleberry family tree is full of crazy may be putting it mildly. They are a couple of good souls in the bunch but most feel quite entitled due to the family’s wealth. Holmes’ bride to be is by far the worse. When their patriarch is killed it is easy to put them all high on the suspect list.
All my favorite characters have returned including Gingersnap, Twinkletoes, and Trixie. Krista Davis does such a great job of character development, pet or person. They come alive in these pages. The series characters continue to evolve and the guest characters fit into the mix so well. They are all lifelike and easy to like or dislike as the case may be.
Visiting Wagtail at Christmas would be spectacular. They do know how to throw a holiday, even with a dead body. The town tries to not let a murder investigation slow them down. The author has described every setting in such detail that is very easy to imagine you are there.
The plot weaves together a fantastic mystery and an interesting romantic triangle. There are plenty of suspects with a motive that singling out one is very difficult. It was fun chasing down the clues in a little winter wonderland. Holly treads lightly into Holmes relationship with Norma Jean. As his friend, she wants him to be happy, as a woman falling in love with him she wants him to be with her.
If I had a tail it would be wagging. This is an excellent mystery and perfect to curl up with on those wintery, blustery days ahead.
If you are new to the series, start at the beginning and enjoy. The book/series would also make a great gift for the pet-loving reader on your list.
November 7, 2017
Author Krista Davis doesn’t disappoint with her new Paws &
Claws Mystery.
NOT A CREATURE WAS PURRING was such a fun holiday mystery. Krista Davis packed a lot into this 289 page book. This story had some many things going on. Including recipes for people and pets!
Author Davis introduced a new tradition to me, Christkindl Market/Christkindlmarkt or Christmas Market, which started in Germany. They originated with the celebration of Christmas during the four weeks of Advent. It’s a Market with all sorts of decorations and wonderful items for Christmas shopping. This is something I’ve never heard of but truly enjoyed reading about, and another reason I love cozies so much, learning new things.
And of course there’s a mystery. A brilliantly plotted one. NOT A CREATURE WAS PURRING had me so involved I lost all track of time. Searching for a killer with Holly and her pet detectives, while she’s also dealing with the return of her childhood friend/flame, and his fiancée, was quite a ride! I was breathless by the time I reached the conclusion.
Give the gift of NOT A CREATURE WAS PURRING to yourself, and all your reader friends!
Claws Mystery.
NOT A CREATURE WAS PURRING was such a fun holiday mystery. Krista Davis packed a lot into this 289 page book. This story had some many things going on. Including recipes for people and pets!
Author Davis introduced a new tradition to me, Christkindl Market/Christkindlmarkt or Christmas Market, which started in Germany. They originated with the celebration of Christmas during the four weeks of Advent. It’s a Market with all sorts of decorations and wonderful items for Christmas shopping. This is something I’ve never heard of but truly enjoyed reading about, and another reason I love cozies so much, learning new things.
And of course there’s a mystery. A brilliantly plotted one. NOT A CREATURE WAS PURRING had me so involved I lost all track of time. Searching for a killer with Holly and her pet detectives, while she’s also dealing with the return of her childhood friend/flame, and his fiancée, was quite a ride! I was breathless by the time I reached the conclusion.
Give the gift of NOT A CREATURE WAS PURRING to yourself, and all your reader friends!
November 2, 2020
Better than average cozy mystery with Christmas themes and cute animals.
December 9, 2017
A charming Christmas cozy! The author paints a vivid and detailed picture of Wagtail, West Virginia--a resort town where Holly and her family run an inn specially designed for dogs and cats. I felt like I was seeing all the decorations, eating the sumptuous foods, and personally meeting all of the guests. The book also marks Holmes' return home to announce his engagement to Norma Jeane, of the wealthy Thackleberry family where both of their families decide to spend Christmas vacation together at Wagtail. Holmes is also Holly's childhood love, which sets up a well-plotted romantic triangle. Unfortunately, one or more of the family members may have murdered Dale Thackleberry, the head of the pet clothing company. While Holly and her family do their best to comfort them, she is trying to find out who would want to kill him because the prime suspect is one of her relatives. But Dale has his own secrets and when revealed, unleashes multiple suspects who all have their own motives to want him dead.
This is the fifth book in the series but can be read as a stand-alone. This was my first read in the series and I didn't feel lost. The book moved slowly in the beginning and I was overwhelmed by the number of characters. After Dale's murder, I enjoyed the pace much more. The identity of the killer(s)?? kept me guessing until the very end of the book. There was no sex, graphic violence, or profanity. Ms. Davis also included delicious recipes, for both people and pets at the end of the book.
***Thanks to the author for a complimentary copy of the book. My review is voluntary and contains my honest thoughts and opinions.
This is the fifth book in the series but can be read as a stand-alone. This was my first read in the series and I didn't feel lost. The book moved slowly in the beginning and I was overwhelmed by the number of characters. After Dale's murder, I enjoyed the pace much more. The identity of the killer(s)?? kept me guessing until the very end of the book. There was no sex, graphic violence, or profanity. Ms. Davis also included delicious recipes, for both people and pets at the end of the book.
***Thanks to the author for a complimentary copy of the book. My review is voluntary and contains my honest thoughts and opinions.
November 14, 2017
I normally don't read books with a Christmas theme, however, this is one of the series, I like. It was true to form. Wagtail village was decked out in Christmas decorations and Santa's elves were getting all their Christmas wishes. The Thackleberry are gathering to celebrate Christmas at the Sugar Maple Inn. The family is honoring Norma Jean and her Fiance, Holmes before the spring wedding. Trixi found the Dale Thackleberry dead in the collapse caricature, Grinch. He has been stabbed several times. Aunt Birdie has been having an affair with the victim and becomes a person of interest. There are a few mishaps to affect the mood of the season. Later Trixie found the body of Vivienne, Dale's wife. Will Holmes break his engagement with Norma Jean? Who killed Dale and Vivienne? Recipes for deserts and let's are included. I recommend this book and series.
August 14, 2020
I adore this series and Krista Davis has done it again with writing a delicious book. She had me at "Christmas..." :)
November 5, 2017
Not A Creature Was Purring is the fifth book in the A Paws And Claws Mystery series.
I wish my Westie and I lived in Wagtail, Va. It’s a beautiful little community with friendly residents, a nice assortment of shops and eateries and best of all, pets are welcomed everywhere.
Christmas is just around the corner and Holly Miller is looking for to her first Christmas since returning to Wagtail. But, on the downside for Holly, her old boyfriend is also returning for Christmas and will be bringing his fiancee.
Dale Thackleberry and his extended family, a wife, ex-wife, daughter, grandchildren, and step-grandchildren have descended on Sugar Maple Inn to celebrate their family Christmas. But from the beginning, it is anything but a holly jolly time. Brother and sister grandchildren are bickering with each other, Dale’s second wife doesn’t understand why there has to be a “family” Christmas. Most of the family is more interested in what presents they might be getting, rather than putting aside personal feeling and make the best of a trying situation. To add to this situation, Holly learns that Holmes, her former boyfriend, fiancee is one of Thackelberry’s grandchildren.
Holly, dressed as one of Santa’s helpers, is out delivering presents to needy families in Wagtail when Trixie, her Jack Russel Terrier, shoots off towards the huge inflatable Grinch that Rupert Grimpley has in his yard. As Holly goes to get Trixie out of the bottom, she notices a body inside. It is soon learned that it is Dale Thackelberry.
Holly’s first thought is that one of the family may have gotten tired of waiting for their share of the family fortune. Even Doris, Dale’s mother, has suspicions that it might be a family member and asks Holly to do a little investigation. Once again, Trixie and Twinkletoes are up for another challenge and are on board to help Holly investigate this tragic event.
Recipes for humans and pets are also included with this book
I will be looking forward to seeing what adventures Holly, Trixie and Twinkletoes will be involved in.
I wish my Westie and I lived in Wagtail, Va. It’s a beautiful little community with friendly residents, a nice assortment of shops and eateries and best of all, pets are welcomed everywhere.
Christmas is just around the corner and Holly Miller is looking for to her first Christmas since returning to Wagtail. But, on the downside for Holly, her old boyfriend is also returning for Christmas and will be bringing his fiancee.
Dale Thackleberry and his extended family, a wife, ex-wife, daughter, grandchildren, and step-grandchildren have descended on Sugar Maple Inn to celebrate their family Christmas. But from the beginning, it is anything but a holly jolly time. Brother and sister grandchildren are bickering with each other, Dale’s second wife doesn’t understand why there has to be a “family” Christmas. Most of the family is more interested in what presents they might be getting, rather than putting aside personal feeling and make the best of a trying situation. To add to this situation, Holly learns that Holmes, her former boyfriend, fiancee is one of Thackelberry’s grandchildren.
Holly, dressed as one of Santa’s helpers, is out delivering presents to needy families in Wagtail when Trixie, her Jack Russel Terrier, shoots off towards the huge inflatable Grinch that Rupert Grimpley has in his yard. As Holly goes to get Trixie out of the bottom, she notices a body inside. It is soon learned that it is Dale Thackelberry.
Holly’s first thought is that one of the family may have gotten tired of waiting for their share of the family fortune. Even Doris, Dale’s mother, has suspicions that it might be a family member and asks Holly to do a little investigation. Once again, Trixie and Twinkletoes are up for another challenge and are on board to help Holly investigate this tragic event.
Recipes for humans and pets are also included with this book
I will be looking forward to seeing what adventures Holly, Trixie and Twinkletoes will be involved in.
November 15, 2017
Another fun mystery in the Paws and Claws series! The only disappointment is that Wagtail is not a real place! I would definitely want to live there!!
December 23, 2022
Although my usual reading diet is Horror and Science Fiction and Speculative Fiction, sometimes I need to clear my reading palate (and take a break from scaring myself) so I read mysteries and Cozy mysteries. I don't mind an occasional pleasant ending [though I couldn't tolerate a steady diet] and NOT A CREATURE WAS PURRING brought exactly what I needed: a fun, intriguing, mystery with well-delineated characters, a community suffused with dogs, cats, and Pet lovers, some really worthwhile folks and some we'd wish to avoid, and a clever canine sleuth and stalwart protective feline. There's even a sturdy twist in the denouement which verges toward a more edgy type of Villain than I expected. It's a warm-hearted feel-good suspenseful mystery with a snowy Christmas setting. Just what I needed at the moment.
December 17, 2017
I received this book in the mail today from Amazon and started reading it as soon as I opened it. Five hours later and I finished it. I loved it! Such a great series and this latest book did not disappoint at all!
January 5, 2018
It’s Christmas in Wagtail and Holly is thrilled to be one of the elves helping the less fortunate townspeople. One Grinch threatens to ruin Christmas for everyone and Holly’s Aunt Bridie is at the center of it. She’s also busy hosting the Thackleberry family, owners of a dog clothing manufacturing company. While Trixie enjoys being an ambassador of the brand and patriarch Dale Thackleberry is happy to play Santa Claus, unfortunately, one of the party happens to be the fiancé of Holly’s old friend (and crush) Holmes. Norma Jeanne Blume, Dale’s granddaughter is high-maintenance and high drama. No one likes her, not even her cousin Tiffany. Dale’s third wife Vivi is also a drama queen who begrudges every penny spent. The in staff can’t wait to be rid of them but Holly is determined to be nice for the sake of her friend. When Trixie sniffs out yet another dead body, the Thackleberries start pointing fingers-at each other and at Aunt Bridie. Holly knows Aunt Bridie may be crotchety at times but she’s not a murderer. Officer Dave isn’t so sure. Holly is determined to save her aunt and maybe she’ll save Holmes in the process.
I just loved this book! The series gets better and better as it goes along. As you know, I LOVE Wagtail and want to move there right now. Wagtail at Christmas is even more charming with the cozy inn, good food, a Christkindl market, secret elves, and Santa Paws! It is magical! The whole thing may be a bit too twee for some people, but if you don’t like the coziness and/or pet themed mysteries, don’t read this series.
Not only was the setting charming but the mystery was great. I was really shocked and upset by the identity of the victim. Who would do such a thing? It seemed really obvious but of course it can’t be TOO obvious. I had two suspects, then changed to another, finally to a third and I was wrong about all of them. The clues aren’t there to be put together and solved.
I really loved Holly in this book. She remains mature and respectful of Norma Jeanne, despite everyone telling her not to be. I admired her for being that way.
Norma Jeanne and the Thackleberries are largely an unappealing family. I loved Dale! He’s the greatest grandpa and only one of the grandkids appreciates him and only because they know the family secrets. Vivi, his third wife, does have some sympathetic points, but by and large, she’s unpleasant. Dale’s daughter, EmmyLou, is his only biological child. She’s kind and sweet. I liked how she acknowledged her daughter’s faults but loves her daughter anyway. I especially liked Maggie, her German Shepherd and the love EmmyLou and Barry have for Maggie. How did they get a daughter like Norma Jeanne? I also liked Linda, Dale’s step-son’s wife and her love of Christmas. Her daughter Tiffany is the most likable of her family. She’s intelligent, practical, friendly and I felt sorry for her when her mother constantly put her down. Her brother, Blake, is completely horrid. He’s shallow and seriously got on my nerves. I don’t have any respect for him. The character development at the end is a bit too sudden and unrealistic but it’s a Christmas story so it’s fine. That’s really my only negative about the book. I could have done without Holmes and his relationship drama. I was hoping Norma Jeanne would be nice and not stereotypical but Holmes handled it well and wasn’t too idiotic.
As always the animals are the star. It’s implausible for a terrier to sniff out dead bodies but I love Trixie so much. She’s still a lot of fun and very cute with her antics. Clever Twinkletoes is the star of the story here. I’m not much of a cat person but I like Twinkletoes. I love how the animals help solve the mystery and are incorporated in every aspect of the story. This element makes the series stand out.
My only other question about the book is how Holly has the money to buy such expensive gifts for people? Helping the boy buy a sweater for his foster grandmother is one thing and I can even see buying the boy the one thing he wants for Christmas but her gift for Holmes was a bit much for their relationship.
The recipes sound great! I had to wake up today and make those gingerbread pancakes. One batch makes enough for an inn- a half batch makes enough for a private party.
I just loved this book! The series gets better and better as it goes along. As you know, I LOVE Wagtail and want to move there right now. Wagtail at Christmas is even more charming with the cozy inn, good food, a Christkindl market, secret elves, and Santa Paws! It is magical! The whole thing may be a bit too twee for some people, but if you don’t like the coziness and/or pet themed mysteries, don’t read this series.
Not only was the setting charming but the mystery was great. I was really shocked and upset by the identity of the victim. Who would do such a thing? It seemed really obvious but of course it can’t be TOO obvious. I had two suspects, then changed to another, finally to a third and I was wrong about all of them. The clues aren’t there to be put together and solved.
I really loved Holly in this book. She remains mature and respectful of Norma Jeanne, despite everyone telling her not to be. I admired her for being that way.
Norma Jeanne and the Thackleberries are largely an unappealing family. I loved Dale! He’s the greatest grandpa and only one of the grandkids appreciates him and only because they know the family secrets. Vivi, his third wife, does have some sympathetic points, but by and large, she’s unpleasant. Dale’s daughter, EmmyLou, is his only biological child. She’s kind and sweet. I liked how she acknowledged her daughter’s faults but loves her daughter anyway. I especially liked Maggie, her German Shepherd and the love EmmyLou and Barry have for Maggie. How did they get a daughter like Norma Jeanne? I also liked Linda, Dale’s step-son’s wife and her love of Christmas. Her daughter Tiffany is the most likable of her family. She’s intelligent, practical, friendly and I felt sorry for her when her mother constantly put her down. Her brother, Blake, is completely horrid. He’s shallow and seriously got on my nerves. I don’t have any respect for him. The character development at the end is a bit too sudden and unrealistic but it’s a Christmas story so it’s fine. That’s really my only negative about the book. I could have done without Holmes and his relationship drama. I was hoping Norma Jeanne would be nice and not stereotypical but Holmes handled it well and wasn’t too idiotic.
As always the animals are the star. It’s implausible for a terrier to sniff out dead bodies but I love Trixie so much. She’s still a lot of fun and very cute with her antics. Clever Twinkletoes is the star of the story here. I’m not much of a cat person but I like Twinkletoes. I love how the animals help solve the mystery and are incorporated in every aspect of the story. This element makes the series stand out.
My only other question about the book is how Holly has the money to buy such expensive gifts for people? Helping the boy buy a sweater for his foster grandmother is one thing and I can even see buying the boy the one thing he wants for Christmas but her gift for Holmes was a bit much for their relationship.
The recipes sound great! I had to wake up today and make those gingerbread pancakes. One batch makes enough for an inn- a half batch makes enough for a private party.
December 15, 2021
I picked this one up for the Inn the Spirit of Christmas square on the Holiday Theme Read and really, I can't think of any other series that would've been so Merry Christmas-y cozy than Wagtail with Twinkletoes and Trixie in their Christmas sweaters and elf hats. That cover is adorable beyond words and I loved the cover's tie-in with the story. In this one, Holly is gearing up for Wagtail's Christmas celebrations when the Thackleberry family checks in and OOP! Surprise! The Thackleberry family are Holly's secret crush Holmes's soon-to-be in-laws, as he is engaged to Norma Jeanne. Determined to be the bigger person, Holly pastes on a stiff upper lip and busies herself with all the Christmas activities but can't help becoming involved when patriarch Dale is found dead, stabbed to death inside a 40 foot inflatable Grinch. As Holly helps Officer Dave investigate, Dale's irascible and sharp-tongued wife, Vivi, is also found dead.
There was a lot going on in this one, which kept the plot humming along and it made for a quick, easy and enjoyable read. It just oozed Merry Christmas from every word, from the secret elves working to make Christmas a happy one for needy families to the pet friendly Christkindl Market to the sledding competition, it was holly jolly from start to finish. The murders, not so jolly. Well, the first murder was not so jolly, the second one...well...you have to be there. I admit I didn't figure out the culprit before the end, so that alone made for a great ending but Holmes's fiancée getting her comeuppance was the icing on the Christmas cake (song plays in the background...you know which one. Read this book and it'll be playing in your head too!) I also have to add, there was one dropped clue and I'm scratching my head over if it was dropped purposely or just got lost in the details.
Overall, a great Christmas read that would put even the Grinch in the holiday spirit.
There was a lot going on in this one, which kept the plot humming along and it made for a quick, easy and enjoyable read. It just oozed Merry Christmas from every word, from the secret elves working to make Christmas a happy one for needy families to the pet friendly Christkindl Market to the sledding competition, it was holly jolly from start to finish. The murders, not so jolly. Well, the first murder was not so jolly, the second one...well...you have to be there. I admit I didn't figure out the culprit before the end, so that alone made for a great ending but Holmes's fiancée getting her comeuppance was the icing on the Christmas cake (song plays in the background...you know which one. Read this book and it'll be playing in your head too!) I also have to add, there was one dropped clue and I'm scratching my head over if it was dropped purposely or just got lost in the details.
Overall, a great Christmas read that would put even the Grinch in the holiday spirit.
December 28, 2017
What a fun holiday mystery. This book made me so happy and really helped with my Christmas spirit. This is the first book I've read in this series, but it won't be the last. Krista Davis is quickly becoming one of my must read authors.
Holly Miller owns a special Inn in a special town. Wagtown is the most pet-friendly place you will ever see. The Inn caters to guests who want to travel with their furry friends and even serve cat and dog specialties on their menu. Christmastime in this special town is even more festive with the German-style Christkindl Market. When a dramatic family comes to stay at the Inn for Christmas, all chaos breaks loose. Holly quickly finds herself embroiled in the drama and also trying to solve a murder.
I love the characters in this story. Holly and her lovable companions Trixie and Twinkletoes are too cute and make the story even more enjoyable. I love how they both play their part in help Holly try and solve the mystery. I also enjoyed the other characters such as Holmes, Oma, and even Aunt Birdie. I absolutely loved the descriptions of everything from the Inn, to the holiday celebrations, to the various pets that make this series special. This is a town I would love to visit myself.
As for the story, I really appreciated the connection between the "family of interest" and Holly. It made more sense for her to be snooping since she has a (somewhat tenuous) tie to the suspects. Though she didn't do a ton of snooping around town, she was privy to many intimate conversations and was able to gather most of her information that way. I was thrown off the trail many times and was completely surprised by the culprit. I also liked leanring more about Holly's personal story.
I definitely recommend this cozy mystery, whether it is the holiday time or not. I cannot wait to return and read the rest of these novels.
Holly Miller owns a special Inn in a special town. Wagtown is the most pet-friendly place you will ever see. The Inn caters to guests who want to travel with their furry friends and even serve cat and dog specialties on their menu. Christmastime in this special town is even more festive with the German-style Christkindl Market. When a dramatic family comes to stay at the Inn for Christmas, all chaos breaks loose. Holly quickly finds herself embroiled in the drama and also trying to solve a murder.
I love the characters in this story. Holly and her lovable companions Trixie and Twinkletoes are too cute and make the story even more enjoyable. I love how they both play their part in help Holly try and solve the mystery. I also enjoyed the other characters such as Holmes, Oma, and even Aunt Birdie. I absolutely loved the descriptions of everything from the Inn, to the holiday celebrations, to the various pets that make this series special. This is a town I would love to visit myself.
As for the story, I really appreciated the connection between the "family of interest" and Holly. It made more sense for her to be snooping since she has a (somewhat tenuous) tie to the suspects. Though she didn't do a ton of snooping around town, she was privy to many intimate conversations and was able to gather most of her information that way. I was thrown off the trail many times and was completely surprised by the culprit. I also liked leanring more about Holly's personal story.
I definitely recommend this cozy mystery, whether it is the holiday time or not. I cannot wait to return and read the rest of these novels.
December 8, 2019
This was kind of fun and very soap opera-ish. I would love to have a print copy to add to my cookbook shelf because the recipes at the end sound amazing!
December 21, 2017
That's it for me, folks. Paws and Claws #4 was awful, but I just couldn't resist giving Krista Davis one more shot because, well, it's nearly Christmas and I wanted to read a Christmas-themed cozy. It might get better, I told myself. At least it can't get any worse.
Not a Creature Was Purring was, I guess, a relative improvement, but that's not saying much. The characters all behave as though they're suffering mightily from brain tumor-induced personality swings. One character finds out that is the murderer and, within HOURS, she's posting cute cat pictures on Instagram.
Davis' grasp of how 20-to-30-somethings speak and interact with one another remains tenuous at best. Holly's description of her "trousers" made me roll my eyes. The whole Blake angle felt a lot like someone told Davis about social media influencers and she thought to herself "that's just the topical frosting for this glorified recipe pamphle...er, book!" Also let's all be honest...she desperately just wants to write about food, right? So much time is devoted to describing just which variation of the daily special Holly, Trixie, Twinkletoes, Oma, Holmes, Dave--fucking EVERYONE--is enjoying at any given moment at the Wagtail Inn. It took 80 fucking pages to get to the murder, but God forbid we skip over a single serving of Feline Feast or weird German pastry.
Because I'm a miserable glutton for adorable cover art, I PROBABLY would have still overlooked the many egregious sins and bought the next installment, if not for what is arguably the second-lamest ending I've ever read (hats off to you, American Pastoral, I hate you more than anything still). After some nigh-intolerably manufactured will-they-won't-they between Holly and Holmes (who, five books in, still fails to have a discernible personality at all. In my mind's eye, he's just a walking, talking Ken doll--no genitals, no soul.), Davis ends things thus:
Not a Creature Was Purring was, I guess, a relative improvement, but that's not saying much. The characters all behave as though they're suffering mightily from brain tumor-induced personality swings. One character finds out that is the murderer and, within HOURS, she's posting cute cat pictures on Instagram.
Davis' grasp of how 20-to-30-somethings speak and interact with one another remains tenuous at best. Holly's description of her "trousers" made me roll my eyes. The whole Blake angle felt a lot like someone told Davis about social media influencers and she thought to herself "that's just the topical frosting for this glorified recipe pamphle...er, book!" Also let's all be honest...she desperately just wants to write about food, right? So much time is devoted to describing just which variation of the daily special Holly, Trixie, Twinkletoes, Oma, Holmes, Dave--fucking EVERYONE--is enjoying at any given moment at the Wagtail Inn. It took 80 fucking pages to get to the murder, but God forbid we skip over a single serving of Feline Feast or weird German pastry.
Because I'm a miserable glutton for adorable cover art, I PROBABLY would have still overlooked the many egregious sins and bought the next installment, if not for what is arguably the second-lamest ending I've ever read (hats off to you, American Pastoral, I hate you more than anything still). After some nigh-intolerably manufactured will-they-won't-they between Holly and Holmes (who, five books in, still fails to have a discernible personality at all. In my mind's eye, he's just a walking, talking Ken doll--no genitals, no soul.), Davis ends things thus:
October 25, 2018
With the season upon us, I thought I'd jump in and read some holiday books, and spending Christmas in Wagtail, Virginia was such a great place to start. ... So much fun!! This fifth book in the Paws & Claws series is my favorite so far. From the gorgeous cover art (that includes our favorite duo, Trixie and Twinkletoes)... to the mystery reveal at the end, the pages just seemed to turn themselves!
As if Wagtail wasn't charming enough already, adding all the magic of Christmas to the Sugar Maple Inn and the small mountain town set such a beautiful scene for holiday cheer. I loved all the festive events around town- the Christkindl Market on the green, "Santa Paws" meeting the kids and pets, elves delivering gifts to those in need. Everything in Wagtail is decked out, lit up and happy..... until the Thackleberry clan comes to town! Holly must cater to this wealthy, eccentric, snobby family and in return gets much more than she bargained for. When she and Trixie find a dead body, the celebrations take a turn, and Aunt Birdie becomes the prime suspect. ...(oddly enough, I've always loved cantankerous Aunt Birdie, envisioning Disney's Cruella Deville with her black and white hair, Lol!). But this time we do get to see another side to her, and that was nice.
Animal lovers will especially love the scenes with all the pets and their "people". Twinkletoes stole the spotlight from big sis, Trixie, this go round. She was truly the star here! Holly still loves Holmes, and the two grandmas are up to their usual matchmaking. Fans of the series will love this new edition, and it leaves a few threads hanging, making me hopeful for more novels to come. I'm ready for the next one!
PS. ..... did someone say Fluffy Cake !?
As if Wagtail wasn't charming enough already, adding all the magic of Christmas to the Sugar Maple Inn and the small mountain town set such a beautiful scene for holiday cheer. I loved all the festive events around town- the Christkindl Market on the green, "Santa Paws" meeting the kids and pets, elves delivering gifts to those in need. Everything in Wagtail is decked out, lit up and happy..... until the Thackleberry clan comes to town! Holly must cater to this wealthy, eccentric, snobby family and in return gets much more than she bargained for. When she and Trixie find a dead body, the celebrations take a turn, and Aunt Birdie becomes the prime suspect. ...(oddly enough, I've always loved cantankerous Aunt Birdie, envisioning Disney's Cruella Deville with her black and white hair, Lol!). But this time we do get to see another side to her, and that was nice.
Animal lovers will especially love the scenes with all the pets and their "people". Twinkletoes stole the spotlight from big sis, Trixie, this go round. She was truly the star here! Holly still loves Holmes, and the two grandmas are up to their usual matchmaking. Fans of the series will love this new edition, and it leaves a few threads hanging, making me hopeful for more novels to come. I'm ready for the next one!
PS. ..... did someone say Fluffy Cake !?
January 4, 2018
Santa Claws has delivered up a mystery that is certain to delight animal lovers and mystery lovers alike. The newest mystery in Krista Davis’s bestselling Paws & Claws series is a wonderful holiday themed treat that serves up pets and corpses aplenty. Wagtail, Virginia is a pet lover’s dream - a town devoted to pampering humans and their beloved pets, where there is no such thing as “no pets allowed”. In this installment, Christmas is on the horizon and Holmes has brought his fiancee and her family to Wagtail. Seeing Holmes with his glamorous, self indulgent and snobbish bride-to-be is difficult to handle but things get worse when Trixie finds a corpse - that of Holmes’s fiancee’s grandfather, a successful businessman beloved in Wagtail for his generosity and kindness. Unfortunately the rest of the family doesn’t follow his example, ranging from the vicious and cheap Vivi to the self-indulgent wastrel Blake. When Holly’s aunt falls under suspicion, it becomes all the more important for Holly and Trixie to find the real murderer.
Not a Creature was Purring is a great cozy that will definitely appeal to fans of the series and newcomers alike. Krista Davis is a fantastic storyteller who has a wonderful way of characterizing pets and their beloved owners. If you enjoy pet cozies, you should not miss this series.
5 / 5
I received a copy of Not a Creature was Purring from the publisher and Netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review.
--Crittermom
Not a Creature was Purring is a great cozy that will definitely appeal to fans of the series and newcomers alike. Krista Davis is a fantastic storyteller who has a wonderful way of characterizing pets and their beloved owners. If you enjoy pet cozies, you should not miss this series.
5 / 5
I received a copy of Not a Creature was Purring from the publisher and Netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review.
--Crittermom
November 22, 2017
I loved Not a Creature Was Purring, this was a great holiday read from a much loved and treasured series I read by Krista Davis. This mystery had all the things you love about the holidays and everything you love and hate about family gatherings. It was warm, felt genuine and still over the top enough to keep you engaged and entertained. I would love to spend time in Wagtail year round, but Christmas time seems just that much more special, and cozy even with the recent mysterious deaths. From the author descriptions of the Sugar Maple in, to the decorated golf carts, Christkindl Market in the square and holiday pet clothes, it is easy to fall in love with and feel like you belong in Wagtail. I love this series and I loved this book. If ever Hallmark should make a cozy mystery into a holiday special it is this book and this series! I read it in one sitting not wanting it to end. A Great Read and a Great series to gift someone this holiday season.
January 13, 2018
I couldn't wait until the holidays to read this one, and I'm kind of bummed that I didn't because it was full of Christmas cheer! Sometimes a book is set at the holidays, but it isn't really all that holiday oriented... not the case with this one! It adds so much ambiance, to have the season brought into it so completely. I think potentially my favorite thing about it was imagining all the pups and kitties in their holiday finery.
The mystery was good, although not my favorite from this series. Still, I was shocked by the resolution, as usual. And though the very end had nothing to do with the mystery itself, it was QUITE satisfying!
All in all, this one was another joyous read in the Paws and Claws series. Not my favorite, but a ton of fun and well worth a read.
*4.5 Stars rounded up to 5
The mystery was good, although not my favorite from this series. Still, I was shocked by the resolution, as usual. And though the very end had nothing to do with the mystery itself, it was QUITE satisfying!
All in all, this one was another joyous read in the Paws and Claws series. Not my favorite, but a ton of fun and well worth a read.
*4.5 Stars rounded up to 5
November 21, 2017
As if Wagtail wasn't charming enough, this fifth book in the series is set around Christmas, adding all the magic of the holidays to the pet-friendly Sugar Maple Inn and its small mountain town. Holly, co-owner of the inn with her grandmother, is tasked with catering to the family of her friend Holmes' fiance, a wealthy, eclectic, demanding brood. With her strong feelings for Holmes and some crimes around town, and Holly isn't having the most relaxing holiday. This is a fast-paced, fun mystery with plenty of twists and turns. I loved all the festive events around town: the marketplace on the green, Santa Paws meeting with all the kids and pets for photos and treats, elves delivering gifts to children and those in need. This has quickly become one of my favorite series, and Not a Creature Was Purring definitely added to my Christmas spirit. I can't recommend this book and the Paws & Claws mysteries enough!
December 31, 2018
A good Christmas cozy, this story takes place in a small town in Virginia, dedicated to having a good holiday for everyone, including a family with some members how are not very nice. However, that family is shaken up when the patriarch is found murdered - inside a giant-sized Grinch. Holly's grandmother, who is mayor of the town and who runs the popular in where the family is staying, encourages Holly to help find the murderer, and also along the way, win back the boyfriend who is about to marry someone else.
December 22, 2017
NOT A CREATURE WAS PURRING is an adorable book. With a likable heroine, a slew of unique characters, and several entertaining pets, the story is one that kept me entertained from beginning to end. Cozy mystery fans looking for a light, holiday read will find this book fits the bill.
Disclosure: I won a free copy of this book in a giveaway.
Disclosure: I won a free copy of this book in a giveaway.
June 9, 2022
Buona lettura. Fino alla fine non sono riuscita a capire chi fosse il colpevole, che è risultato essere una sorpresa. C'è una serie di personaggi abbastanza odiosi e sono contenta che si tratti di ospiti, quindi non dovrebbero tornare in libri successivi.
December 23, 2020
I always forget how cute this series is.
November 25, 2017
Best of the bunch so far! Loved the mystery and also the interaction between Holly, Holmes and Norma Jeanne, Holmes' fiancée. Fingers crossed there are more to come.
October 6, 2018
Holly Miller is spending her first Christmas in Wagtail and it's everything she remembered and more. Her grandma has even set up a German-inspired Christkindl market for vendors to sell their goodies and Christmas decorations. But Holly's happy mood takes a sharp downturn when she finds out that her childhood pal and long-time wannabe boyfriend, Holmes Richardson, is bringing his fiancee, Norma Jeanne, home--and they'll be staying at Sugar Maple Inn to celebrate their upcoming wedding with her family.
The whole Thackleberry clan, who is Norma Jeanne's family (with the exception of generous-hearted Dale (who makes an awesome Santa Claus) seems like a bunch of poster children for the dysfunctional family. Or they would make a great nighttime soap opera like the ones we saw back in the 80s. Dale Thackleberry owns a dog clothes manufacturing company and likes to give to the less fortunate but most of his family, especially his tightwad current wife, seems to be thinking of only themselves...and money or how to get more wealth and possessions.
When murder strikes the festive season and Aunt Birdie is a prime suspect, Holly of course is going to do whatever it takes to get Officer Dave to find the real killer.
I've read 2 other books in this series and absolutely loved them. I think this one is my favorite so far because it takes place during Christmas time. If Wagtail was a place that could be visited, I would definitely want to visit during the Christmas season!
The mystery was another good one that had lots of great suspects and different possibilities so I didn't guess who it was at all. The characters in the Thackleberry family were a real mixed bag but most of them had one thing in common that they only cared about money and material wealth. Finally at point, they were forced to actually come together as a family and figure out how to work out some company issues.
I thought the part about some of the locals participating in being secret elves was really fun. Holly was one of them and since Holmes was there for Christmas, he insisted on being an elf as well. It was so cool to hear the little kids talking about elf sitings.
One of the side stories involved a couple of children being fostered in town (some of the elf gift recipients) and a local man named Rupert who everyone thought was like a Grinch mainly because he had a giant inflatable Grinch in his yard, but as it turned out, he had a house full of Christmas decorations and at the end, children of his own and was acting like someone who really understood the true giving behind the whole Christmas season. It was heart-warming!
I can't wait to see what Krista Davis has in mind for the next book!
The whole Thackleberry clan, who is Norma Jeanne's family (with the exception of generous-hearted Dale (who makes an awesome Santa Claus) seems like a bunch of poster children for the dysfunctional family. Or they would make a great nighttime soap opera like the ones we saw back in the 80s. Dale Thackleberry owns a dog clothes manufacturing company and likes to give to the less fortunate but most of his family, especially his tightwad current wife, seems to be thinking of only themselves...and money or how to get more wealth and possessions.
When murder strikes the festive season and Aunt Birdie is a prime suspect, Holly of course is going to do whatever it takes to get Officer Dave to find the real killer.
I've read 2 other books in this series and absolutely loved them. I think this one is my favorite so far because it takes place during Christmas time. If Wagtail was a place that could be visited, I would definitely want to visit during the Christmas season!
The mystery was another good one that had lots of great suspects and different possibilities so I didn't guess who it was at all. The characters in the Thackleberry family were a real mixed bag but most of them had one thing in common that they only cared about money and material wealth. Finally at point, they were forced to actually come together as a family and figure out how to work out some company issues.
I thought the part about some of the locals participating in being secret elves was really fun. Holly was one of them and since Holmes was there for Christmas, he insisted on being an elf as well. It was so cool to hear the little kids talking about elf sitings.
One of the side stories involved a couple of children being fostered in town (some of the elf gift recipients) and a local man named Rupert who everyone thought was like a Grinch mainly because he had a giant inflatable Grinch in his yard, but as it turned out, he had a house full of Christmas decorations and at the end, children of his own and was acting like someone who really understood the true giving behind the whole Christmas season. It was heart-warming!
I can't wait to see what Krista Davis has in mind for the next book!
December 18, 2017
"Not a Creature Was Purring" by Krista Davis is an excellent addition to the Paws & Claws Mystery series! As always, the characters are well-drawn and believable; this is especially evident in this book due to the number of new characters/guests at the inn. Had they not all been incredibly distinctive, it could have been tricky keeping everyone straight. The reader is treated to a more in-depth characterization of Aunt Birdie; I'd love to see a future storyline include a side-plot involving Holly helping her aunt write her autobiography. It would be fascinating to learn more of Birdie's back story.
The murder itself was well-plotted and well-placed, with plenty of red herrings to keep the reader guessing. Once the culprit was revealed, everything made perfect sense based on what the reader (and chief sleuth Holly) had learned throughout the book.
Although I very much enjoyed the mystery storyline, I would have loved this book even without it. As other reviewers have mentioned, I wish Wagtail was a real place. I'd love to visit, stay at the inn, meet all the regular characters, and enjoy everything the town has to offer. "Not a Creature Was Purring" made this feeling even stronger as it details all the wonderful local holiday traditions. I would have been perfectly happy just visiting this delightful pet-friendly place again and spending time with old friends.
Five out of five chunks of Gruyere!
The murder itself was well-plotted and well-placed, with plenty of red herrings to keep the reader guessing. Once the culprit was revealed, everything made perfect sense based on what the reader (and chief sleuth Holly) had learned throughout the book.
Although I very much enjoyed the mystery storyline, I would have loved this book even without it. As other reviewers have mentioned, I wish Wagtail was a real place. I'd love to visit, stay at the inn, meet all the regular characters, and enjoy everything the town has to offer. "Not a Creature Was Purring" made this feeling even stronger as it details all the wonderful local holiday traditions. I would have been perfectly happy just visiting this delightful pet-friendly place again and spending time with old friends.
Five out of five chunks of Gruyere!
December 13, 2018
Read in one sitting, ❤️ the Paws and Claws series.
The characters are starting to feel like old friends and the new characters that were guests were quite like the people I met on holidays, crazy, and demanding but without the murders . Having had a Calico and Samoyed as a child, it reminds me of them and I love the antics that Trixie and Twinkletoes get up to in the guests rooms, and around the hotel. You know that Krista must have furbabies to draw from and indeed she does. I never know who committed the murders until the end, the food always makes me hungry - would love to vacation in a place where you and your dog are welcome everywhere. Wagtail is definitely somewhere I would love to live or visit.
The characters are starting to feel like old friends and the new characters that were guests were quite like the people I met on holidays, crazy, and demanding but without the murders . Having had a Calico and Samoyed as a child, it reminds me of them and I love the antics that Trixie and Twinkletoes get up to in the guests rooms, and around the hotel. You know that Krista must have furbabies to draw from and indeed she does. I never know who committed the murders until the end, the food always makes me hungry - would love to vacation in a place where you and your dog are welcome everywhere. Wagtail is definitely somewhere I would love to live or visit.
December 19, 2020
Holly Miller runs an inn in Wagtail. Her ex is back in town with his new fiancé, along with her family for the holiday. But reconnecting with Holmes is the farthest thing from Hollys mind when her dog Trixie finds a dead body and the police suspect Hollys aunt birdie. Along with granting Christmas wishes, Holly must solve a murder.
I really love this series. Hollys animals are always so fun. I usually don't like love triangles but i kinda liked it in this book. It was overly done. Holmes seems like a good character and i hope we see mire of him in future books. Definitely recommended.
I really love this series. Hollys animals are always so fun. I usually don't like love triangles but i kinda liked it in this book. It was overly done. Holmes seems like a good character and i hope we see mire of him in future books. Definitely recommended.
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