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Not a Creature Was Purring

(Paws and Claws Mystery #5)

Krista Davis (Goodreads Author)

4.27 · Rating details · 1,358 ratings · 197 reviews

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 arran ...more

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Mass Market Paperback, 289 pages

Published November 7th 2017 by Berkley Books

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· 1,358 ratings · 197 reviews

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Oct 30, 2017 Chatting About rated it it was amazing

Shelves: 2017-cozy-mysteries, home-family-hearth, cookbook, pet-lovers-will-enjoy, contemporary, cozy-mystery, cozy-series, mystery, pet-cozy

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 ...more

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Nov 29, 2017 LORI (Dollycas) CASWELL rated it it was amazing

Shelves: read-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 busine 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. ...more

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Nov 07, 2017 Lisa Ks Book Reviews rated it it was amazing

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 al ...more

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Nov 02, 2020 Katie rated it liked it

Better than average cozy mystery with Christmas themes and cute animals.

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Nov 29, 2017 Amy rated it really liked it

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 ...more

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Nov 10, 2017 Betty rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: own, cats, dogs, cozy, e-books

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 tim ...more

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Nov 03, 2017 Fred rated it really liked it

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 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. ...more

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Aug 14, 2020 Daryl Gerber rated it it was amazing

I adore this series and Krista Davis has done it again with writing a delicious book. She had me at "Christmas..." :) ...more

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Nov 15, 2017 PugMom rated it it was amazing

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!!

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Dec 16, 2017 April Schilling rated it it was amazing

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!

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Jan 04, 2018 QNPoohBear rated it it was amazing

Shelves: christmas, cozy-mystery

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 frien 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. ...more

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Dec 13, 2017 Rebecca rated it it was amazing

Shelves: ebooks, cozy-mysteries

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 tow ...more

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Dec 07, 2019 Amy "the book-bat" rated it really liked it

Shelves: christmas, audiobooks, suspense, tower-teams-7, read-in-2019, mystery

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!

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Nov 07, 2017 Sam rated it did not like it

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 (vi 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 (view spoiler) 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: (view spoiler) ...more

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Dec 07, 2017 Leslye ♥ rated it really liked it

Shelves: cozy-mysteries, christmas

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 I ...more

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Nov 22, 2017 Karen rated it it was amazing

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 th ...more

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Jan 04, 2018 Crittermom rated it it was amazing

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 ...more

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Nov 20, 2017 Amanda rated it it was amazing

Shelves: all-ages, cozy, mystery, holiday

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 w ...more

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Jan 13, 2018 Cat Tutt rated it it was amazing

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. S ...more

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Dec 28, 2018 Nancy H rated it liked it

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 marr ...more

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Dec 22, 2017 Marla Bradeen rated it really liked it

Shelves: mystery

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.

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Dec 23, 2020 Trish rated it really liked it

Shelves: src-2020-4-winter, cozy-animals

I always forget how cute this series is.

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Nov 25, 2017 Toni (T.C.) LoTempio rated it it was amazing

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. ...more

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Oct 06, 2017 Tari rated it it was amazing

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 f 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! ...more

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Oct 06, 2017 Kimmie rated it it was amazing

Shelves: my-reviews, 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 Holl ...more

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Nov 13, 2017 Christine rated it it was amazing

Shelves: cozies

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 li ...more

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Dec 03, 2017 Kristina rated it it was amazing

Not a Creature was Purring by Krista Davis is the fifth book in the A Paws and Claws Mystery series. Holly Miller is looking forward to Christmas in Wagtail, Virginia with her Oma and large circle of friends. Then Holly discovers that Holmes Richardson has brought his fiancé, Norma Jeanne Blume along with her extended family home for the holiday. Holly was hoping Holmes would realize Norma Jeanne was not the right woman for him and see that the perfect partner for him is right under his nose. Da Not a Creature was Purring by Krista Davis is the fifth book in the A Paws and Claws Mystery series. Holly Miller is looking forward to Christmas in Wagtail, Virginia with her Oma and large circle of friends. Then Holly discovers that Holmes Richardson has brought his fiancé, Norma Jeanne Blume along with her extended family home for the holiday. Holly was hoping Holmes would realize Norma Jeanne was not the right woman for him and see that the perfect partner for him is right under his nose. Dale Thackleberry, Norma Jeanne’s grandfather and CEO of a pet apparel company, is in the Christmas spirit and distributes gifts to local children (despite his families grumpy and haughty demeaner). Rupert Grimpley, though, disturbs the entire town with his giant blow up Grinch (with lights and music). Birdie Dupuy, Holly’s aunt, is particularly disgruntled over this new edition. Holly is out walking Trixie when she takes off towards Rupert’s Grinch. Inside, Holly finds the body of Dale Thackleberry. Holly is asked to put her sleuthing skills to work and track down the killer. Can Holly uncover the culprit before Christmas? Is there a chance for Holly and Holmes? There is if Holmes’ grandmother, Rose and Holly’s grandmother, Oma have anything to say about it.

Not a Creature was Purring was just delightful. It has lovely, well-developed characters and a gorgeous setting. Who would not want to live in Wagtail? A place that welcomes people and fur babies. Ms. Davis brings her characters and town to life with her descriptions. I found the story to be well written and have a nice, steady pace. My attention was grabbed right away, and it was held until the very last page (something I rarely say about a book). It has two mysteries, Christmas spirit, secret Santa elves, a Christkindl Market, adorable dogs and cats, a couple of quirky characters, plenty of drama, a dash of humor and a touch of romance. I found the murder mystery to be complex with a unique murder weapon. There is misdirection, a couple of twists and several possible suspects (including Aunt Birdie). I believe many readers will be surprised by the killer’s identity. I am giving Not a Creature was Purring 5 out of 5 stars (I loved it). While Not a Creature was Purring is the fifth book in the series, it can be read alone. There are human and pet recipes at the end of the book. Personally, I find A Paws and Claws Mystery series delightful and have yet to miss each new installment. Not a Creature was Purring is an entertaining cozy mystery that will put you in the Christmas spirit.
...more

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Jan 18, 2018 Doward Wilson rated it it was amazing

Shelves: cozy-contest

The business owners and residents of Wagtail, Virginia are gearing up for a wonderful Christmas season. Inspired by her German ancestry, Holly's grandmother is planning on featuring a Christkindl Market on the grounds of the Sugar Maple Inn, which they co-own and run. The inn is booked and business is booming for all the merchants who are happily participating in the market and festivities. Staying at the inn is the Thackleberry family, who have a family owned business specializing in accessorie ...more

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Nov 07, 2017 K.A. Davis rated it it was amazing

NOT A CREATURE WAS PURRING, book 5 in the Paws and Claws Mystery series by Krista Davis, has to be my favorite book so far! Set in adorable Wagtail, Virginia during the Christmas holiday, the setting sets the scene for getting the reader in the mood for holiday cheer. Even though I read an advance copy in autumn, I was ready to trim my tree and deck my halls. Holly Miller is an engaging protagonist. I love how she jumps in to tend to both human and pet guests’ needs at the family Sugar Maple Inn NOT A CREATURE WAS PURRING, book 5 in the Paws and Claws Mystery series by Krista Davis, has to be my favorite book so far! Set in adorable Wagtail, Virginia during the Christmas holiday, the setting sets the scene for getting the reader in the mood for holiday cheer. Even though I read an advance copy in autumn, I was ready to trim my tree and deck my halls. Holly Miller is an engaging protagonist. I love how she jumps in to tend to both human and pet guests’ needs at the family Sugar Maple Inn, even when there’s good reason to not like some of the human guests. Holly’s darling sidekicks, Trixie and Twinkletoes, get themselves right in the action and prove themselves to be worthy crime stoppers. Holly and her friends also show great generosity towards those in their community who are struggling, and the author provides plenty of heartwarming moments to add to this holiday cheer book.

The subplots are woven effortlessly throughout the main murder mystery plot with plenty of suspects to keep you guessing. Early on in the book I thought I knew who the victim would be and who the suspects could be… boy was I wrong! The author provides lots of twists and turns, keeping the reader engaged and turning pages. With an exciting, suspense conclusion I can barely wait for the next in this darling series!

Holly’s grandmother is German and there’s plenty of mouthwatering delectable dishes mentioned. The author has included several recipes at the back of the book, both for human and furry friends’ consumption. I was drawn to her recipe for Krista’s Modern Christmas Stollen for several reasons. First, I’ve heard of the traditional German bread numerous times but while I’ve been intrigued, I have never tried it. One of the things that stopped me is the use of Christmas candied fruit, which I have never developed a taste for. Ms. Davis, fortunately, substitutes dried cherries and apricots which I find much more palatable and definitely adds to the appeal of this yummy yeast bread. I found the directions easy to follow and the result Stollen was delicious!

I was provided an advance copy with the hopes I would review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. ...more

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Dec 18, 2017 Carole Jarvis rated it really liked it

Shelves: mystery-cozy

Reviewed at The Power of Words: http://bit.ly/2BwfN27

Not a Creature Was Purring is every bit as precious as the cover indicates. From smooth writing, to appealing series characters (including pets), to the town of Wagtail itself, this story is all that a cozy mystery should be and Krista Davis is fast becoming a go-to author for me.

Christmas is simply magical in Wagtail, Virginia – just like in a Hallmark movie – and the setting is beautifully conveyed. Christmas lights, the Christkindl Market, ...more

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About Krista Davis

Krista Davis

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Krista 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 wit ...more