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Cat Lady Mysteries #3
Claws for Celebration
Fur flies between contestants during a holiday bake-off leading to a not-so-festive fatality in this charming mystery from the author of Claws of Death.
Feline deadly this Christmas . . .
Whisker Jog, New Hampshire, celebrates all things Christmas, and few things are more beloved than the town’s annual holiday cookie competition. Lara Caphart, who runs the High Cliff Shelter for Cats with her Aunt Fran, is waiting for the green light for a brand-new category: pet-friendly cookies. But when the woman filling in as a last-minute judge dies after sampling someone’s Santa-themed treat, Lara’s recipe for healthy cat snacks will have to be put on the back burner.
The victim, Gladys Plouffe, was the town’s roundly despised former home economics teacher. The chief suspect is the mother of Lara’s best friend, who was hellbent on walking away with the bake-off’s cash prize. Cryptic clues from beyond the grave only deepen the mystery, pointing to a cat with striking blue eyes—a cat who bears an uncanny resemblance to Lara’s mysterious Ragdoll. As Lara begins a dangerous game of cat and mouse, not even her significant other may be able to stop a perfectly clawful killer from getting away with the purr-fect crime . . .
Feline deadly this Christmas . . .
Whisker Jog, New Hampshire, celebrates all things Christmas, and few things are more beloved than the town’s annual holiday cookie competition. Lara Caphart, who runs the High Cliff Shelter for Cats with her Aunt Fran, is waiting for the green light for a brand-new category: pet-friendly cookies. But when the woman filling in as a last-minute judge dies after sampling someone’s Santa-themed treat, Lara’s recipe for healthy cat snacks will have to be put on the back burner.
The victim, Gladys Plouffe, was the town’s roundly despised former home economics teacher. The chief suspect is the mother of Lara’s best friend, who was hellbent on walking away with the bake-off’s cash prize. Cryptic clues from beyond the grave only deepen the mystery, pointing to a cat with striking blue eyes—a cat who bears an uncanny resemblance to Lara’s mysterious Ragdoll. As Lara begins a dangerous game of cat and mouse, not even her significant other may be able to stop a perfectly clawful killer from getting away with the purr-fect crime . . .
224 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 4, 2018
129 people are currently reading
723 people want to read
About the author
Linda Reilly
14 books800 followersLinda Reilly is a mystery writer living with her two feline assistants in southern New Hampshire. She is a member of Sisters in Crime, Mystery Writers of America, and Cat Writers' Association.
Her Grilled Cheese Mystery series featuring grilled cheese lover Carly Hale debuted in January 2022, published by Poisoned Pen Press.
Her first cozy mystery, Some Enchanted Murder, was a finalist for the 2014 Silver Falchion Award in the category "Best First Novel: Cozy, Traditional and Historical."
Linda is also the author of the Cat Lady Mysteries published by Kensington Lyrical and of the Deep Fried mysteries published by Berkley Prime Crime.
ESCAPE CLAWS, her first Cat Lady Mystery, was selected by Modern Cat Magazine, Connie's Book Club, as a "must read" in the Spring/Summer 2018 issue.
CLAWS OF ACTION, her fourth Cat Lady Mystery, was awarded a Certificate of Excellence by the Cat Writers' Association in its 2019 Communications Contest.
Her Grilled Cheese Mystery series featuring grilled cheese lover Carly Hale debuted in January 2022, published by Poisoned Pen Press.
Her first cozy mystery, Some Enchanted Murder, was a finalist for the 2014 Silver Falchion Award in the category "Best First Novel: Cozy, Traditional and Historical."
Linda is also the author of the Cat Lady Mysteries published by Kensington Lyrical and of the Deep Fried mysteries published by Berkley Prime Crime.
ESCAPE CLAWS, her first Cat Lady Mystery, was selected by Modern Cat Magazine, Connie's Book Club, as a "must read" in the Spring/Summer 2018 issue.
CLAWS OF ACTION, her fourth Cat Lady Mystery, was awarded a Certificate of Excellence by the Cat Writers' Association in its 2019 Communications Contest.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 76 reviews
December 19, 2019
Questa serie si conferma una piacevole lettura e, se non sapessi che ci sono almeno altri due libri dopo questo, avrei temuto che fosse finita, visto alcuni sviluppi che ci sono nella vita della protagonista. Meno male!
November 14, 2018
I was drawn to this series from the very first book and continue to return to Whisker Jog New Hampshire because Linda Reilly has created a wonderful fictional setting, filling it with very likable characters (human and feline) and engaging mysteries. I love the relationship between Aunt Fran and Lara. They are come across the page as warm, loving and genuine. They are loyal friends and even though I'm not a cat person, I can't resist their passion for saving cats. I enjoyed the mysteries in this installment. I thought Ms. Reilly did a fantastic job of presenting the reader with a current murder mystery and a thirty year old mystery. The way she wove clues through out the story along with some twists and turns that I didn't see coming kept me turning pages. She did a particularly wonderful job of connecting the two mysteries and resolving them each in a very satisfactory and believable way.
This is a series this is entertaining and easy to read. I'm looking for many more stories about Lara, Aunt Fran and the cat shelter.
I won this ARC as part of the Goodreads giveaways.
This is a series this is entertaining and easy to read. I'm looking for many more stories about Lara, Aunt Fran and the cat shelter.
I won this ARC as part of the Goodreads giveaways.
September 30, 2018
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the chance to read this book!
Linda Reilly is defintely one of my favorite cozy mystery authors. Everything she writes is gold, and this book was no exception. Finally, we get an explanation on Blue, and I had been waiting to find that out, so I was happy. Blue has been an enigma the entire series!
Of course there is plenty of time with the cats, as this is the focus point of both Linda's series, and we get to see a happy ending for some of them. My favorite cozy mysteries always contain cats as the 'theme' it seems!
A great third book, now the only problem is that I want more. Five stars!
Linda Reilly is defintely one of my favorite cozy mystery authors. Everything she writes is gold, and this book was no exception. Finally, we get an explanation on Blue, and I had been waiting to find that out, so I was happy. Blue has been an enigma the entire series!
Of course there is plenty of time with the cats, as this is the focus point of both Linda's series, and we get to see a happy ending for some of them. My favorite cozy mysteries always contain cats as the 'theme' it seems!
A great third book, now the only problem is that I want more. Five stars!
September 27, 2018
This is quickly becoming one of my favorite series.
Lara Caphart is the type of protagonist that appeals to me. The story line of having transformed their home into a cat sanctuary is wonderful.
Lara and her aunt work well together and it is a fun, fast paced series.
In Claws for Celebration, which is the 3rd in the Cat Lady series, takes place during the Christmas season and when a close friend is suspected of murder, Lara, with the help of her spirit cat Blue, sets off to dig up secrets, find the answers and put the murder investigation to rest.
I can't wait to read the next book in this fabulous series.
I definitely give this book 5 paws up.
I volunteered to read and review an ARC of this book provided by the publisher and NetGalley.
Lara Caphart is the type of protagonist that appeals to me. The story line of having transformed their home into a cat sanctuary is wonderful.
Lara and her aunt work well together and it is a fun, fast paced series.
In Claws for Celebration, which is the 3rd in the Cat Lady series, takes place during the Christmas season and when a close friend is suspected of murder, Lara, with the help of her spirit cat Blue, sets off to dig up secrets, find the answers and put the murder investigation to rest.
I can't wait to read the next book in this fabulous series.
I definitely give this book 5 paws up.
I volunteered to read and review an ARC of this book provided by the publisher and NetGalley.
December 5, 2018
I love this series and wish I were in a position to have a cat rescue house. I would love that! Lara and her Aunt Fran are wonderful people. Have you had that one teacher that was awful? I’m sure many can relate. Do you have a favorite cookie recipe? Ever won any awards for it? This book has two stories going, but it was easy to follow along on both. The characters in this series are great and I really enjoy them. I think you will too. Course then you have a new character or two thrown in that you might not like quite so much. But that just makes for good reading, right? I hope you’ll give this book and series a try. I won this book from Goodreads, but my opinion is my own.
November 8, 2018
Claws for Celebration is the third installment in the Cat Lady Mysteries series set in Whisker Jog, NH and featuring High Cliff Shelter for Cats co-owner, Lara Caphart. Lara and her Aunt Fran have several cats looking for their furever home but excitement is running high for the town's annual Christmas holiday cookie competition. This years competition is being sponsored by local flour company The Baker's Thryce and Lara has high hopes that the company will allow a new category for her organic pet treats.
Rivalry for the top baker spot is running high between Lara's best friend Sherry Bowker's mom, Daisy and Sherry's boyfriend David's mom, Loretta. Unfortunately, the festivities come to an abrupt halt when the judge keels over dead after sampling one of Daisy's cookies. The victim is Gladys Plouffe, retired home ec teacher and one of the towns most despised people. The teacher had a reputation for bullying her students and Sherry had been on the receiving end more than once spurring Daisy to have more than one public confrontation with Gladys. It's not long before Daisy becomes the prime suspect and Lara sets out to clear her friend's name.
With the help of her boyfriend Gideon and her mysterious Ragdoll cat, Blue Lara quickly finds herself embroiled in a mystery decades in the making. A mysterious letter found in an old cookbook offers up clues not only to the murderers motive but to why Lara is the only one who can see her beloved pet.
A page turner from the start, filled with delightful characters and cats. In addition to a well written mystery the author weaves in the importance of pet shelters and the emotional healing that pets can bring to our lives. This series is not one to be missed and I strongly encourage cozy readers to welcome Linda Reilly into their homes.
I received an advanced copy of Claws for Celebration from NetGalley via Lyrical Underground, a division of Kensington Publishing. While not required to write a review I am more than happy to offer my honest opinion.
Rivalry for the top baker spot is running high between Lara's best friend Sherry Bowker's mom, Daisy and Sherry's boyfriend David's mom, Loretta. Unfortunately, the festivities come to an abrupt halt when the judge keels over dead after sampling one of Daisy's cookies. The victim is Gladys Plouffe, retired home ec teacher and one of the towns most despised people. The teacher had a reputation for bullying her students and Sherry had been on the receiving end more than once spurring Daisy to have more than one public confrontation with Gladys. It's not long before Daisy becomes the prime suspect and Lara sets out to clear her friend's name.
With the help of her boyfriend Gideon and her mysterious Ragdoll cat, Blue Lara quickly finds herself embroiled in a mystery decades in the making. A mysterious letter found in an old cookbook offers up clues not only to the murderers motive but to why Lara is the only one who can see her beloved pet.
A page turner from the start, filled with delightful characters and cats. In addition to a well written mystery the author weaves in the importance of pet shelters and the emotional healing that pets can bring to our lives. This series is not one to be missed and I strongly encourage cozy readers to welcome Linda Reilly into their homes.
I received an advanced copy of Claws for Celebration from NetGalley via Lyrical Underground, a division of Kensington Publishing. While not required to write a review I am more than happy to offer my honest opinion.
December 30, 2018
Claws For Celebration
Cat Lady Mysteries, Book #3
Linda Reilly
5 Stars
Synopsis:
Feline deadly this Christmas . . .
Whisker Jog, New Hampshire, celebrates all things Christmas, and few things are more beloved than the town’s annual holiday cookie competition. Lara Caphart, who runs the High Cliff Shelter for Cats with her Aunt Fran, is waiting for the green light for a brand-new category: pet-friendly cookies. But when the woman filling in as a last-minute judge dies after sampling someone’s Santa-themed treat, Lara’s recipe for healthy cat snacks will have to be put on the back burner.
The victim, Gladys Plouffe, was the town’s roundly despised former home economics teacher. The chief suspect is the mother of Lara’s best friend, who was hellbent on walking away with the bake-off’s cash prize. Cryptic clues from beyond the grave only deepen the mystery, pointing to a cat with striking blue eyes—a cat who bears an uncanny resemblance to Lara’s mysterious Ragdoll. As Lara begins a dangerous game of cat and mouse, not even her significant other may be able to stop a perfectly clawful killer from getting away with the purr-fect crime . . .
Praise for Linda Reilly’s Mysteries
“I was kept guessing until the final chapter. . . . A perfect cozy mystery.”
—Susan Furlong, author of the Georgia Peach Mysteries, on Escape Claws
“I thoroughly enjoyed this puzzler of a mystery. Reilly cooks up a perfect recipe of murder and mayhem in this charming cozy.”
—Jenn McKinlay, New York Times bestselling author of the Hat Shop Mysteries, on
Fillet of Murder
“Smart, sassy, and a little bit scary. Everything a good cozy should be!” —Laura Childs, New York Times bestselling author of the Tea Shop Mysteries, on Fillet of Murder (Goodreads)
Review:
The characters are well developed and well rounded. Lara is a hardworking smart woman who is not afraid of very much. She loves her Aunt Fran and I enjoy reading about the relationship between them. They make a great team and they are doing good things, and even though they do not always see eye to eye on everything, they never stop loving each other. All of the cats have distinct personalities and I love reading about all of their antics.
The writing style flows smoothly and it defined the characters very clearly through their actions and words. The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and I was pulled right into the story because of this. I enjoyed the fact that there were a couple of mysteries to solve in this book, and both were well plotted and well paced.
I would highly recommend this book, and series, to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy. Each book just keeps getting better and I am already looking forward to the next one.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher, Kensington Books, and NetGalley, which I greatly appreciate.
Cat Lady Mysteries, Book #3
Linda Reilly
5 Stars
Synopsis:
Feline deadly this Christmas . . .
Whisker Jog, New Hampshire, celebrates all things Christmas, and few things are more beloved than the town’s annual holiday cookie competition. Lara Caphart, who runs the High Cliff Shelter for Cats with her Aunt Fran, is waiting for the green light for a brand-new category: pet-friendly cookies. But when the woman filling in as a last-minute judge dies after sampling someone’s Santa-themed treat, Lara’s recipe for healthy cat snacks will have to be put on the back burner.
The victim, Gladys Plouffe, was the town’s roundly despised former home economics teacher. The chief suspect is the mother of Lara’s best friend, who was hellbent on walking away with the bake-off’s cash prize. Cryptic clues from beyond the grave only deepen the mystery, pointing to a cat with striking blue eyes—a cat who bears an uncanny resemblance to Lara’s mysterious Ragdoll. As Lara begins a dangerous game of cat and mouse, not even her significant other may be able to stop a perfectly clawful killer from getting away with the purr-fect crime . . .
Praise for Linda Reilly’s Mysteries
“I was kept guessing until the final chapter. . . . A perfect cozy mystery.”
—Susan Furlong, author of the Georgia Peach Mysteries, on Escape Claws
“I thoroughly enjoyed this puzzler of a mystery. Reilly cooks up a perfect recipe of murder and mayhem in this charming cozy.”
—Jenn McKinlay, New York Times bestselling author of the Hat Shop Mysteries, on
Fillet of Murder
“Smart, sassy, and a little bit scary. Everything a good cozy should be!” —Laura Childs, New York Times bestselling author of the Tea Shop Mysteries, on Fillet of Murder (Goodreads)
Review:
The characters are well developed and well rounded. Lara is a hardworking smart woman who is not afraid of very much. She loves her Aunt Fran and I enjoy reading about the relationship between them. They make a great team and they are doing good things, and even though they do not always see eye to eye on everything, they never stop loving each other. All of the cats have distinct personalities and I love reading about all of their antics.
The writing style flows smoothly and it defined the characters very clearly through their actions and words. The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and I was pulled right into the story because of this. I enjoyed the fact that there were a couple of mysteries to solve in this book, and both were well plotted and well paced.
I would highly recommend this book, and series, to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy. Each book just keeps getting better and I am already looking forward to the next one.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher, Kensington Books, and NetGalley, which I greatly appreciate.
December 4, 2018
Lara Caphart runs the High Cliff Shelter for Cats with her Aunt Fran in Whisker Jog, New Hampshire. They have turned their home into a cat shelter. This installment has us looking for forever homes for a few of the shelter residents, a mysterious old letter, and the annual Pumpkin Cookie Contest.
What I enjoyed about this book in particular was:
We learned more of Blue’s background.
There are subplots intertwined. Could they be related? - An old letter telling of a murder by a witness and the death of the judge/home economics teacher. I have read a lot of cozies recently that the means of death has been poison. I believe this is one of the less messy but not painless ways to die. In this story I was convinced if it was murder, it would be by poison. You’ll just have to read the book to see if this was the case.
Cleverly orchestrated clues and red herrings are sprinkled liberally throughout the plot.
A wonderful relationship between Aunt Fran and Lara. If only everyone could have at least one in their life.
I volunteered to read and review an ARC of this book provided by Lyrical Underground and NetGalley.
What I enjoyed about this book in particular was:
We learned more of Blue’s background.
There are subplots intertwined. Could they be related? - An old letter telling of a murder by a witness and the death of the judge/home economics teacher. I have read a lot of cozies recently that the means of death has been poison. I believe this is one of the less messy but not painless ways to die. In this story I was convinced if it was murder, it would be by poison. You’ll just have to read the book to see if this was the case.
Cleverly orchestrated clues and red herrings are sprinkled liberally throughout the plot.
A wonderful relationship between Aunt Fran and Lara. If only everyone could have at least one in their life.
I volunteered to read and review an ARC of this book provided by Lyrical Underground and NetGalley.
November 13, 2018
There are many excellent cat stories to read and I have read many of them. The 3rd book of The Cat Ladies series is one of the best I have recently read. There are two main themes in the tale one covers the history of the Ghost Cat, Blue and the second one is about the Pumpkin Cookie Contest. These two themes are skillfully brought together.
The High Cliff Cat Shelter is working how the way, Lara Caphart and her Aunt Fran imagine it. Lara accepts a position as a judge for the cookie contest. At the gym the morning of the contest, Gladys Plouffe, a former home economics teacher who no one like dies eating a cookie from the contest. Lara is looking for reasons why someone would poison the cookies. There are many suspects and the ending will astonish you, it did me. I highly recommend this book and series.
Disclosure: Many thanks to NetGalley and Lyrical Underground for a review copy. The opinions expressed are my own.
The High Cliff Cat Shelter is working how the way, Lara Caphart and her Aunt Fran imagine it. Lara accepts a position as a judge for the cookie contest. At the gym the morning of the contest, Gladys Plouffe, a former home economics teacher who no one like dies eating a cookie from the contest. Lara is looking for reasons why someone would poison the cookies. There are many suspects and the ending will astonish you, it did me. I highly recommend this book and series.
Disclosure: Many thanks to NetGalley and Lyrical Underground for a review copy. The opinions expressed are my own.
September 26, 2018
This is the perfect cozy for cat lovers and a perfect Christmas book.
It's moving, fun to read and enjoyable.
I loved the different stories, the main plot and the subplot, and I kept on guessing till the end.
It's lovely to meet again the cast of characters, both human and feline, and to read how their life are evolving.
A well written, heart warming and very good story.
Highly recommended!
Many thanks to Kensington Books and Netgalley for this ARC
It's moving, fun to read and enjoyable.
I loved the different stories, the main plot and the subplot, and I kept on guessing till the end.
It's lovely to meet again the cast of characters, both human and feline, and to read how their life are evolving.
A well written, heart warming and very good story.
Highly recommended!
Many thanks to Kensington Books and Netgalley for this ARC
October 30, 2018
Such a delightful story, chock full of mysteries! Some books will give you one solid mystery to solve, but Claws for Celebration is a well-written puzzle with quite a few pieces that gradually get connect to show you the big picture. Being a cat lover, I'm a big fan of the Cat Lady Mysteries and all the charming, furry creatures at the High Cliff Shelter for Cats, run by Lara and her Aunt Fran. It was nice to go back to Whisker Jog, New Hampshire and see what all the Shelter residents and their human companions were up to, but this book easily works as a stand-alone if this is the first book you read in the series. I didn't solve any of the mysteries, but had fun watching each piece come together, right to the very end. I really like the combination of mystery and regular-day life in this series, as it provides a great flow from one book to the next and helps me get to know the main characters more and more. I definitely recommend this book - and this series - to any mystery lover... especially those who have a soft spot for felines!
I received an advance copy of this book. This review contains my honest thoughts and opinions.
I received an advance copy of this book. This review contains my honest thoughts and opinions.
December 11, 2018
Welcome back to Whisker Jog, New Hampshire and the High Cliff Shelter for Cats! Third in the Cat Lady Mysteries, this continues to be one of my favorite “new” cat mystery series. The characters are likable and drawn with care, the cats are adorable, and the mystery is complex. It is fun to see how this little town celebrates Christmas, from decorations to the annual Cookie Challenge.
Lara Caphart and her Aunt Fran began the High Cliff Shelter for Cats, which gave their cat-loving hearts a new purpose. It is housed on the first floor of Aunt Fran’s Folk Victorian home, and they live on the second floor. People regularly brought abandoned cats to Fran; now she can give them good homes. Lara is also a watercolor artist and Fran will return to teaching next term.
Sherry Bowker is Lara’s best friend. She and her mother, Daisy, own Bowker’s Coffee Stop, where they serve Daisy’s baked goods. Daisy has been trying to make the best cookie for the annual Cookie Challenge. She placed second in the past and is determined to win the challenge and the $1,000 prize money. Daisy’s main competition is Loretta Gregson, the mother of Sherry’s boyfriend David. Loretta has begun to wear her makeup, hair, even hair coloring, to match Daisy’s.
Much to their horror, Gladys Plouffe is a judge in the Challenge this year. She was the Home Ec teacher until her recent retirement. Gladys didn’t like anyone who didn’t excel in sewing, including Sherry. Lara had contacted the sponsor to see if they would consider adding a division for cat (treat) cookies but was turned down. Lara got a library book about making healthy cat treats and would try baking and selling some in the high school with others selling cookies. Hidden inside the book, however, is a handwritten letter dated a week after Lara was born, and with the writer claiming to have seen someone murdered exactly one week before, on the day Lara was born.
The morning of the Cookie Challenge arrived. Daisy’s ornately-decorated cookies are the most beautiful on display. Just as the last bag of cat cookies sells, someone ran from the room where the judging was underway, yelling for someone to call 911. Gladys couldn’t breathe, had one of Daisy’s cookies in her hand, and CPR was not working. When the dust settled, it is determined that the cause of death was something Gladys was severely allergic to.
Lara, Sherry, Fran, and Daisy are my favorites, due to their long-term friendships, loyalty to the town, and courage and ability to work their dreams. Lara is the most 3-dimensional, then Fran; others are defined as suiting their roles.
This is a fabulous mystery, one that confounded me. Plot twists kept me on my toes. There were a couple stunning surprises waiting at the end! There is more than meets the eye in this mystery, especially when considering how the murder of 28 years ago ties in to a murder in the present. Just when I thought I had solved the mystery, there was another turn that changed my perception. I love how the author describes the cats and their antics, and I especially enjoyed Lara’s secret ‘helper’ and her struggles of how to reveal how she gets some of her answers. I highly recommend this cozy mystery, whether during the Christmas season or the heat of summer, when the thought of snow is a pure delight!
From a grateful heart: I received an e-Arc of this book from the publisher through NetGalley, and this is my honest review.
Lara Caphart and her Aunt Fran began the High Cliff Shelter for Cats, which gave their cat-loving hearts a new purpose. It is housed on the first floor of Aunt Fran’s Folk Victorian home, and they live on the second floor. People regularly brought abandoned cats to Fran; now she can give them good homes. Lara is also a watercolor artist and Fran will return to teaching next term.
Sherry Bowker is Lara’s best friend. She and her mother, Daisy, own Bowker’s Coffee Stop, where they serve Daisy’s baked goods. Daisy has been trying to make the best cookie for the annual Cookie Challenge. She placed second in the past and is determined to win the challenge and the $1,000 prize money. Daisy’s main competition is Loretta Gregson, the mother of Sherry’s boyfriend David. Loretta has begun to wear her makeup, hair, even hair coloring, to match Daisy’s.
Much to their horror, Gladys Plouffe is a judge in the Challenge this year. She was the Home Ec teacher until her recent retirement. Gladys didn’t like anyone who didn’t excel in sewing, including Sherry. Lara had contacted the sponsor to see if they would consider adding a division for cat (treat) cookies but was turned down. Lara got a library book about making healthy cat treats and would try baking and selling some in the high school with others selling cookies. Hidden inside the book, however, is a handwritten letter dated a week after Lara was born, and with the writer claiming to have seen someone murdered exactly one week before, on the day Lara was born.
The morning of the Cookie Challenge arrived. Daisy’s ornately-decorated cookies are the most beautiful on display. Just as the last bag of cat cookies sells, someone ran from the room where the judging was underway, yelling for someone to call 911. Gladys couldn’t breathe, had one of Daisy’s cookies in her hand, and CPR was not working. When the dust settled, it is determined that the cause of death was something Gladys was severely allergic to.
Lara, Sherry, Fran, and Daisy are my favorites, due to their long-term friendships, loyalty to the town, and courage and ability to work their dreams. Lara is the most 3-dimensional, then Fran; others are defined as suiting their roles.
This is a fabulous mystery, one that confounded me. Plot twists kept me on my toes. There were a couple stunning surprises waiting at the end! There is more than meets the eye in this mystery, especially when considering how the murder of 28 years ago ties in to a murder in the present. Just when I thought I had solved the mystery, there was another turn that changed my perception. I love how the author describes the cats and their antics, and I especially enjoyed Lara’s secret ‘helper’ and her struggles of how to reveal how she gets some of her answers. I highly recommend this cozy mystery, whether during the Christmas season or the heat of summer, when the thought of snow is a pure delight!
From a grateful heart: I received an e-Arc of this book from the publisher through NetGalley, and this is my honest review.
December 4, 2018
Claws for Celebration is the third book in Linda Reilly’s Cat Lady Mystery series. This is a light cozy with a well-plotted storyline and a great cast of well-developed characters, both human and feline. The story flows at a steady pace, with an intriguing mystery, and a hint of the paranormal. In this book, Ms. Reilly presents the reader with a current murder mystery and a possible thirty-year-old murder. There are lots of twists and turns and plenty of viable suspects to keep the reader engaged and guessing. I’m looking forward to reading the next installment in this series.
Lara Caphart is a talented watercolor artist who moved back to Whisker Jog, New Hampshire to help her aunt, Fran Clarkson, who recently had her second knee surgery. Blue, the stunning Ragdoll cat who only Lara can see, has a penchant for pointing out clues to mysteries both past and present. High Cliff Shelter for Cats, the unique animal shelter Lara and Fran operate in their home, has been successful in placing cats in forever homes. Lara enjoys spending time with her old friend, Sherry Bowker, who owns and operates Bowker’s Coffee Shop with her mom. The relationship between Lara and Gideon Halley, a lawyer, is progressing nicely, but she has a nagging feeling that something might be wrong. Fran and Police Chief Jerry Whitley are still spending time together, but she’s had to accept the fact that he’ll never love cats. Sherry and David Gregson, a salesperson for a regional tractor company, have been dating for about five months and he’s already proposing. Lara wanted to enter the contest with cookies made for cats, but the sponsor nixed the idea, and she decides to sell them at the event. Lara discovers a letter in a pet cookbook she borrowed from the library that says the writer observed and didn’t report a murder nearly thirty years ago, on the day she was born, and Kayla Ramirez, the shelter’s part-time assistant, helps her do some research and to try to figure out what happened. Sherry’s mom, Daisy, and David's mom, Loretta, are among the thirty finalists in the Whisker Jog Annual Cookie Challenge sponsored by The Bakers Thryce Flour Company. Laura finds herself in the middle of another murder when Gladys Plouffe, one of the two judges, has a fatal reaction to one of the cookies, and the authorities think she died from an allergic reaction, some form of shellfish on one of Daisy’s cookies.
I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it.
Lara Caphart is a talented watercolor artist who moved back to Whisker Jog, New Hampshire to help her aunt, Fran Clarkson, who recently had her second knee surgery. Blue, the stunning Ragdoll cat who only Lara can see, has a penchant for pointing out clues to mysteries both past and present. High Cliff Shelter for Cats, the unique animal shelter Lara and Fran operate in their home, has been successful in placing cats in forever homes. Lara enjoys spending time with her old friend, Sherry Bowker, who owns and operates Bowker’s Coffee Shop with her mom. The relationship between Lara and Gideon Halley, a lawyer, is progressing nicely, but she has a nagging feeling that something might be wrong. Fran and Police Chief Jerry Whitley are still spending time together, but she’s had to accept the fact that he’ll never love cats. Sherry and David Gregson, a salesperson for a regional tractor company, have been dating for about five months and he’s already proposing. Lara wanted to enter the contest with cookies made for cats, but the sponsor nixed the idea, and she decides to sell them at the event. Lara discovers a letter in a pet cookbook she borrowed from the library that says the writer observed and didn’t report a murder nearly thirty years ago, on the day she was born, and Kayla Ramirez, the shelter’s part-time assistant, helps her do some research and to try to figure out what happened. Sherry’s mom, Daisy, and David's mom, Loretta, are among the thirty finalists in the Whisker Jog Annual Cookie Challenge sponsored by The Bakers Thryce Flour Company. Laura finds herself in the middle of another murder when Gladys Plouffe, one of the two judges, has a fatal reaction to one of the cookies, and the authorities think she died from an allergic reaction, some form of shellfish on one of Daisy’s cookies.
I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it.
November 12, 2018
CLAWS FOR CELEBRATION is the third book in the Cat Lady Mystery series by Linda Reilly. This is one of the most heartwarming cozy series out there! I love the holiday theme woven into the story, which provides great settings and good cheer. With the town of Whisker Jog getting ready for their annual holiday cookie competition, protagonist Lara Caphart has her hands full running High Cliff Shelter for cats and baking cat treats for the bake sale. The list of feline characters provided at the beginning of the book is an adorable touch and I appreciate the care Ms. Reilly takes in giving each cat a unique personality throughout the story. The addition of the mystical Ragdoll cat, Blue, gives a fun twist to the mystery and I was ecstatic to find Blue more prominently featured in this installment… and find out his story.
When Lara finds a mysterious thirty-year-old letter in an old library book confessing to witnessing a murder, she can’t help but do some research and find out what happened. And when one of the cookie competition judges dies while tasting Lara’s best friend’s mother’s cookies, another mystery lands in her lap to solve. Could it be the past and present crimes are connected? Ms. Reilly expertly plants her clues, drawing the reader in and keeps them guessing. The well-plotted conclusion had me on the edge of my seat with some twists and turns I didn’t expect. I look forward to reading more in this delightful series!
I was provided an advance copy with the hopes I would review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
When Lara finds a mysterious thirty-year-old letter in an old library book confessing to witnessing a murder, she can’t help but do some research and find out what happened. And when one of the cookie competition judges dies while tasting Lara’s best friend’s mother’s cookies, another mystery lands in her lap to solve. Could it be the past and present crimes are connected? Ms. Reilly expertly plants her clues, drawing the reader in and keeps them guessing. The well-plotted conclusion had me on the edge of my seat with some twists and turns I didn’t expect. I look forward to reading more in this delightful series!
I was provided an advance copy with the hopes I would review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
December 13, 2018
This was a delightful cozy mystery that contained not one but two murder mysteries for the main character, Lara Caphart, to solve. The first was the ill-fated judge in an annual holiday cookie contest, with the mother of Lara's best friend the leading suspect. The second was a mysterious murder from over 20 years ago, that may have a connection to Lara's mysterious ghost cat, Blue. While I have not read any of the previous two novels in this series, it was easy to get into the characters and their relationship with each. I adored the various cats that were housed in Lara's house, officially the High Cliff Shelter for Cats. The cats with their different personalities were the highlight of this story, especially in the case of Blue (the ghost cat) and I really like the idea of adopting cats through a housing environment instead of the normal sterile cage shelters. This is definitely a series that I want to continue to follow. Disclosure: I am voluntarily reviewing this book, with all opinions my own.
January 16, 2019
Another fun book from Linda Reilly! I love the small town charm and the characters and cats in this series. Being a cat lover, I always wish I could have all the cats in this series! In this latest book, Lara’s friend, Sherry’s, mother has entered a cookie competition. When one of the judges, a former home ec teacher, dies after eating one of Daisy’s cookies, Daisy becomes a suspect in the woman’s murder. Lara does her best to help find out the truth. Also, there is a mystery within the main mystery after Lara finds a letter in a library book that someone has written stating they witnessed a murder. We also get to see Lara’s mother in this book. I can’t wait to read more and see more of the relationships with each couple in this series as well as more of the fun cats, including Blue, Lara’s spirit cat!
November 26, 2018
A good put your brain to work cozy mystery
December 4, 2018
In this next book of the series Whisker Jog has an upcoming cookie contest that it is quite the holiday tradition. Lara was hoping the company that sponsors the event would have a category for pet cookies but they denied her request. She looks on the bright side thought, not only does she make her own pet cookies she rents a booth at the competition to sell them. All is going well until one of the judges drops dead after sampling one of the competition cookies. It looks like she had an allergic reaction to something on the cookie. She was a much despised woman so the suspect list is quite long but What pushed the killer over the edge and why? The cookie that killed her happened to be the entry of Lara's best friends mom and the police are looking at her as the killer. Meanwhile when Lara was researching recipes for pet cookies she came across a letter in a book she checked out from the library. The letter was a confession to being a witness to a murder, one committed thirty years ago. It is real or is it just a prank by someone. Lara knows she must figure out the truth. Follow along as she looks into both murders hoping to find the truth in both cases. Will she be able to or will she find herself to busy to do the work needed to find answers. This is such a great series filled with a plethora of unique cats waiting to be adopted, a mystery that begs to be solved, and a setting that brings a small town to life. I look forward to seeing what cats show up next and how Lara handles the next mystery.
December 6, 2018
Claws for Celebration by Linda Reilly is a charming seasonal read.
This is the third book in Cat Lady Mystery series but can be read as a standalone. References about past happenings are clearly explained and don't affect the story at all.
This time it's almost Christmas in the little New Hampshire town, and seasonal cookie competition has gathered many participants. However, one of the judges, a little liked high school teacher is found dead. It turns out she has been poisoned. The problem is Lara's best friend's mother is a chief suspect.
Lara also finds a mysterious letter dated a week after her birth claiming that there has been a murder. One of the witnesses to this might be Lara's special cat Blue.
Books in this series are always a treat but now there are two mysteries to solve.
I enjoyed steady pace of the book, as well as the fact that cat play a major part in it. Setting always adds to the charm as well.
Lovable set of characters becomes more dear and appreciated with each new installment.
Most of the main characters are romantically involved and with each new book we can follow development of their relationships.
Nicely presented and clever plot never fails to catch my attention and I always look forward to new stories from this author.
I received an advanced copy from NetGalley and the publisher for an honest review.
This is the third book in Cat Lady Mystery series but can be read as a standalone. References about past happenings are clearly explained and don't affect the story at all.
This time it's almost Christmas in the little New Hampshire town, and seasonal cookie competition has gathered many participants. However, one of the judges, a little liked high school teacher is found dead. It turns out she has been poisoned. The problem is Lara's best friend's mother is a chief suspect.
Lara also finds a mysterious letter dated a week after her birth claiming that there has been a murder. One of the witnesses to this might be Lara's special cat Blue.
Books in this series are always a treat but now there are two mysteries to solve.
I enjoyed steady pace of the book, as well as the fact that cat play a major part in it. Setting always adds to the charm as well.
Lovable set of characters becomes more dear and appreciated with each new installment.
Most of the main characters are romantically involved and with each new book we can follow development of their relationships.
Nicely presented and clever plot never fails to catch my attention and I always look forward to new stories from this author.
I received an advanced copy from NetGalley and the publisher for an honest review.
January 9, 2019
Claws for Celebration was a fun, quick read. This was well written and finished in a way that makes you want book 4 right away - big things are going to happen, at least it appears that way - a new addition to the shelter, a possible engagement (or 2), who knows? I can't wait to find out.
In this story murder hits Lara close to home with her best friend's mom as the accused. Nobody liked Ms. Plouffe, why should Daisy be accused of the murder? Because her cookies were the culprit. Lara also checks out a book at the library and a letter falls out talking about a murder that happened on the day of her birth, almost 30 years ago. Are they related?
A lot happens in this story, other than murder - Lara's mom shows up unexpectedly and they are forced to deal with some harsh truths, Blue, the Ragdoll ghost cat is still lurking around and Lara is desperate to share her vision with those closest to her, and the cat shelter is thriving with cats being placed in loving homes all the time. Lara solves both murders and is able to enjoy Christmas with her nearest and dearest. 4.8 stars
I voluntarilly reviewed this book on Netgalley. #clawsforcelebration #netgalley #lindareilly
In this story murder hits Lara close to home with her best friend's mom as the accused. Nobody liked Ms. Plouffe, why should Daisy be accused of the murder? Because her cookies were the culprit. Lara also checks out a book at the library and a letter falls out talking about a murder that happened on the day of her birth, almost 30 years ago. Are they related?
A lot happens in this story, other than murder - Lara's mom shows up unexpectedly and they are forced to deal with some harsh truths, Blue, the Ragdoll ghost cat is still lurking around and Lara is desperate to share her vision with those closest to her, and the cat shelter is thriving with cats being placed in loving homes all the time. Lara solves both murders and is able to enjoy Christmas with her nearest and dearest. 4.8 stars
I voluntarilly reviewed this book on Netgalley. #clawsforcelebration #netgalley #lindareilly
October 10, 2018
It's a joy to go back to the town of Whisker Jog to visit with Lara Caphart and her aunt (and an invisible feline). The annual cookie contest is about to get underway, and one of the judges is a cranky, retired Home-Ec teacher who was almost wholly disliked. That doesn’t stop most from being at least a little saddened by her sudden death, even more so when Lara’s best friend’s mother is suspected of the crime. On top of that, Lara finds clues to a decades past death that may or may not have been murder.
I enjoy the Cat Lady mystery series (possibly because I am one in my own right!) so it was nice to visit with Lara and Fran again (and a cat named Blue!). This was two mysteries for the price of one, but they didn’t detract or distract from each other. I also liked that Lara had the courage to come to peace with her visions of Blue in this book. I look forward to the fourth installment.
I enjoy the Cat Lady mystery series (possibly because I am one in my own right!) so it was nice to visit with Lara and Fran again (and a cat named Blue!). This was two mysteries for the price of one, but they didn’t detract or distract from each other. I also liked that Lara had the courage to come to peace with her visions of Blue in this book. I look forward to the fourth installment.
December 31, 2018
Linda Reilly has done it again, she draws you into the story and you just can't stop reading! In this Cat Lady Mystery we have the local flour mill who sponsor a Christmas baking contest, with a rather nice cash prize as the icing on the cookie, this year Lara hopes they will accept her idea to have a catagory for cookies for animals, sadly it isn't to be and so she (and Fran) decide to just sell the Feline cookies to raise extra money for the shelter. This year the current owner/CEO of the mill has come to see what is happening (he was brought up by his grandparents, the previous owners), but things start to go wrong, Lara is warned off talking to the owner by his PA come significant other, there is a death, people want cute kittens for Christmas presents and Lara's BFF's mother is accused of murder!Now Lara needs to untangle the clues in the hope that everyone can have a Merry Christmas.
February 3, 2019
Really one of my newest, favourite series - plenty of cats, wonderful characters and an engaging storyline and mystery.
There are two mysteries in this installation - a modern-day one, and one that goes back almost thirty years. Lara gets drawn into both, uncovering family secrets and long-held grudges. And in between finding clues, she helps her Aunt Fran run their new cat rescue, High Cliff Shelter for Cats. In this edition, we also discover the origins of Blue, Lara's guardian Ragdoll cat, and how all these seemingly random things are connected.
It's a terrific series and I already can't wait for the next book!
Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for the ARC to read and review. All opinions are strictly my own.
There are two mysteries in this installation - a modern-day one, and one that goes back almost thirty years. Lara gets drawn into both, uncovering family secrets and long-held grudges. And in between finding clues, she helps her Aunt Fran run their new cat rescue, High Cliff Shelter for Cats. In this edition, we also discover the origins of Blue, Lara's guardian Ragdoll cat, and how all these seemingly random things are connected.
It's a terrific series and I already can't wait for the next book!
Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for the ARC to read and review. All opinions are strictly my own.
January 9, 2019
Third visit with Lara and her Aunt Fran and their cat shelter and every one is better than the last. The mysteries get tighter and the characters more engaging. In this book, it's almost Christmas. A murder at a cookie contest combined with a mysterious letter confessing knowledge of a 30-year old murder keep Lara busy asking questions as Blue, a gorgeous Ragdoll cat that only Lara can see, tries to keep her pointed in the right direction. Don't miss this series if you are a fan of cozies, especially ones with a focus on felines, it's one of the best ones.
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
December 5, 2018
This third book in the Cat Lady Mysteries is a perfect book for cat lovers but is also enjoyable for anyone who likes a good mystery. The High Cliff Shelter for Cats is an entertaining setting and the characters both human and feline add fun and mystery to the story line. This is a good cozy to snuggle up with on a cold winters evening and it will keep you second guessing who did it until the end.
February 10, 2019
I really like this series, Cat Lady Mysteries. This is book 3 and it transitions smoothly from the previous books while still being a stand alone read. This is a Christmas story with small town Whisky Jog, New Hampshire having their annual cookie bakeoff. Lara and her Aunt Fran are hoping for the pet friendly competition to help fund their cat shelter. When one of the judges is murdered the cookies are the last thing Lara is worried about. With just a hint of a magical cat, pet lovers will love this cozy series. I received a copy of this ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.
November 11, 2018
A heartwarming holiday story with lots of secrets, revelations and of course, many wonderful cats. Super enjoyable.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. I was not paid for this review.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. I was not paid for this review.
December 6, 2018
This is a delightful series. Interesting family dynamics. A smidgeon of romance. Lots of cats. A murder to solve, actually two of them. I look forward to reading the next one. Thanks to the publisher for providing a copy via NetGalley.
March 4, 2019
I've read the first in the series, and now this third. I need to find the second! Not to mention, hope there will be more.
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