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Claw & Order #1

Paws and Probable Cause

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My name is Moss O’Malley, and I’ve just been sentenced to three years in the Magical Corrections System. Thanks to my thieving ways—or rather, the fact I got caught—I have to live the next three years as a cat, unable to shift back to my human form or use magic of any kind.

Just when I think I’m about to lose my mind for good, an agent breaks me free on one condition. I have to help her with a case. So now I must serve and protect, using my criminal wiles to catch others doing the same kinds of things that got me locked up in the first place.

It beats languishing at the cat rescue—sure—but will I be able to catch the super-powered bad guys without having any powers of my own to call on?

238 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 18, 2022

147 people are currently reading
163 people want to read

About the author

Molly Fitz

67 books2,045 followers
Molly Fitz is the quirky, cozy mystery pen name of USA Today bestselling author, Melissa Storm. And while she can't technically talk to animals, she and her doggie best friend, Sky Princess, have deep and very animated conversations as they navigate their days. Add to that, five more dogs, a snarky feline, comedian husband, and diva daughter, and you can pretty much imagine how life looks in the Casa de Fitz.

Molly lives in a house on a high hill in the Michigan woods and occasionally ventures out for good food, great coffee, or to meet new animal friends.

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5 stars
167 (55%)
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99 (32%)
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29 (9%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews
Profile Image for Yvonne.
1,306 reviews262 followers
June 8, 2023
Things are pretty awful for Moss O’Malley. He didn’t expect to be caught stealing. Now, he’s been arrested for being a thief and sentenced to three years in the Magical Corrections System. To make it worse, the shifter has to stay a cat for those three years and cannot use his magic or go back to his human shape.

Living as a cat isn’t very easy and definitely not something Moss thinks he can survive. When an agent makes him an offer he can’t refuse, things start looking up. He has to put his thieving knowledge to good use and catch other criminals. He hates to be a snitch, but he also hates using a litter box and eating mush.

This book oozes charm. Such a sweet, enchanting book with unique, clever characters. I was completely engrossed in this book. I couldn’t put it down. I’m so looking forward to reading the next magical entry into this series. What a delightful ride! Pure fun!
Profile Image for Jane Bigelow.
Author 9 books7 followers
December 14, 2021
This was so much fun to read! I propose a new category of mysteries: the fluffy mystery, in which an animal, or a human in animal form, is one of the protagonists.

Moss O'Malley is a shapeshifter, and a convicted criminal. He's also a curmudgeon. He's a bright curmudgeon, though; given a choice between sitting in a notorious prison--or worse yet, a cat re-homing center that seems to be very badly run--in cat form, and helping a detective solve a case involving a con-man, he quickly decides to help.

It's a cool idea, and well done. I enjoyed watching the developing relationship between the detective Kay Godwin and Moss, and I definitely plan to read more of the series.
Profile Image for Louisa.
593 reviews71 followers
November 14, 2021
A shifter mystery with a difference

Molly Fitz does it again with another fun original read. Moss is a shifter with the ability to turn into a cat but when he's caught braking the law his punishment is to be stuck as a cat permanently for 3 years. When Kaye a agent gives him th option to work off his sentence by helping her rather than be stuck in an adoption centre, Moss doesn't take long to crack. Can this unlikely pair solve the case before its too late
Profile Image for Nadine.
1,896 reviews2 followers
July 25, 2021
Very original!

What a great concept, such a cool idea, and so well executed! Moss has to live as a cat for the next three years, as a punishment. But there is an out, and that is help solve a case. The story was such fun! Well-written, easy-to-read, fun!
2,000 reviews27 followers
July 28, 2021
A shape-shifter thief is sentenced to a three year sentence, trapped in his cat form, unless he agrees to work with a detective witch to bring down a con man in this cute first in series by Molly Fitz.
A funny, thoroughly enjoyable light read.
Profile Image for Katrien En Mollie.
100 reviews1 follower
January 17, 2022
Ik twijfel tussen 3 en 4 sterren... 3.5 dus maar (Het is alleen omdat een shape shifter mij iets minder boeit dan bv een spook, dat ik het 3,5 sterren geef.)
Dit boek vond ik ontspannend en soms grappig, perfect leesvoer voor 's avonds voor het slapengaan.
12.5k reviews186 followers
July 22, 2021
What an enjoyable story. Having to be a cat as a punishment with no magic is quite different. Definitely shouldn’t be missed by anyone. Will make your day brighter.
Profile Image for Julie Howard.
Author 2 books28 followers
July 21, 2021
Wow, I have read a lot of paranormal cozy mysteries and some have even had shifters in them but I can honestly say I haven't read anything like this before and I just loved it. I have enjoyed the authors other mysteries but I think this book has firmly put this series at the top of my favourite list. I loved the perspective of the cat as the main character is held in jail or in something even more scary, a cat re homing centre. A lot of laughs ensure as he tries to come to terms with living with like a cat and then the mystery investigation starts. The mystery it's self was interesting and with some good characters. A great start to a new series and one I hope doesn't lose its magic.
Moss O'Malley is a shifter that can perform glamour spells, so what happens anemone of his crew rats him out to the police to save his own neck? He gets sentenced to prison for three years but it is no ordinary sentence, he must stay in his cat form for the three years unable to speak to anyone. He can tough it out right? it's only for three years, no need to turn snitch and help out an old has been agent with a case. Just a few hours of being locked in with a room full of cats waiting to be adopted has him changing his mind. Moss joins forces with the agent and together they must track down a shifter using his powers to con non magical humans out of there money but it isn't quite that easy, other agents have tried and promptly disappeared. Will Moss unable to call on any magic of his own be able to track down the devious criminal and maybe just maybe in the process get his own sentence reduced?
I was given this free review copy book at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
Profile Image for Kathy.
686 reviews30 followers
January 20, 2023
Moss O’Malley uses his magical glamour and cat shifting abilities to make a living as a thief. He’s living the high life until he’s given up by a member of his crew in a plea deal. The Magical Correction System sentences him to 3 years as a cat in the most notorious shifter prison (the CosmoPawlitan Cat Rescue and Sanctuary). Witch, Kaye Godwin, offers him a way out as her partner in a case involving con artists and shifters. Moss is no narc, but a couple days in cat jail might change his mind.

This is a spin-off series from Molly Fitz’s Cat Whisperer PI, although it works as a standalone. The story is quick paced and well written with plenty of humor. Moss is rather self-centered and immature, refusing to take responsibility for his actions. But being trapped as a cat is quickly teaching him humility. The longer he stays shifted, the more of his humanity he’ll lose. Much of the humor comes from Moss getting caught up in his cat instincts against his will.

Kaye is delightful as the MCS agent who sees potential in Moss. She is genuinely kind and caring, and tries her best to be a good agent.

The mystery was well plotted and the capture of the rogue magician was satisfying. The book ties up with Kaye and Moss getting a new assignment.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Laura Moylan.
1,341 reviews
January 27, 2023
25 yr old professional thief, grifter and rag doll cat shifter, Moss O’Malley is caught by the MCS. (Magical Corrections System). He was in charge of a crime ring that stole only from people and places that had insurance, so it was a ‘Victimless crime’. One of his circle was caught by Angie and Octopus-cat (another series), and narc’ed. MCS took away his magic, including his glamour, and turned him into his cat form for three years his sentence to be a cat for those years in Georgia, in the cat shifter prison, CosmoPawlitan Cat Rescue. He was chipped and can’t be adopted.

MCS Agent Kaye Godwin requested that Moss work with her. Since her home town in nearby, she takes Moss to his new home. This book is hysterical. Since they use magic, a collar around Moss’ neck and he can speak human to Agent Kaye. Just like in any shifter book, the longer the shifter is in animal form, the more the animal instincts take over. I laughed so hard so many times in this book. I recommend this book to anyone who thinks they know what cats think. It’s a terrific and fun read. It was fun to watch Moss begin to understand things differently than when the book began. Also, that even shifter cats have a problem resisting cardboard boxes! Lol.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Kelly.
225 reviews
July 25, 2021
A clever and entertaining book, written from the point of view of a shape-shifter who is trapped in the body of his "cat" form for 3 years after being found guilty of stealing from humans (and getting caught - after being turned in by one of his crime circle). He is offered the chance to help out the Magical Correction System catch a dangerous criminal who has caused 3 other MCS agents to disappear. After spending a week or so in a cat shelter located in a mall, Moss O'Malley decides that life as a cat, in the midst of all the other cats with disgusting habits and awful food and shared litter boxes, just isn't something that he can handle for 3 whole years. He gives in and helps Kaye, the agent, go after the bad guys, hoping to decrease the time of his sentence.

I loved how the author seems to be able to present herself as if she really were a cat - all of their idiosyncrasies and such are just like I'd imagine a cat to be saying and/or doing. The book is a paranormal cozy mystery written by an author that I've read before and enjoyed this book as much or more than the other ones of hers that I've read. The book came together a bit differently than I was expected, which was a nice surprise.

I received a free ARC copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Mary Lou Hoffman.
1,954 reviews33 followers
September 1, 2021
PAWS AND PROBABLE CAUSE is the first book in the Claw and Order series. These will need to be read in the order of release.

I love Ocot-Cat and Angie (Pet Whisperer, PI Series), but what happens to those criminal kitties, puppies, and other animals? The Claw and Order series will be following Moss O’Malley, an adorable Ragdoll cat-shifter sentenced to stay in his shifted form.

There are a lot of paranormal cozy mysteries out there, but this is different. Moss O’Malley has been sentenced to three years as a cat in a rescue center with a “do not home” order. His only chance at parole is to work as with Kaye, an agent with the corrections system to hunt down a magical scam artist.

This is humorous and fun, unique, and well-written with great dialogue. The characters are a delight and kept me smiling from beginning to end.

Note: While I received this book as a gifted ARC, my opinions are my own and are given freely.


Title: PAWS AND PROBABLE CAUSE
Series: Claw and Order #1
Category /Genre: Paranormal Cozy Mystery
Recommended for: 14+
Grammar/editing: book received as an unedited ARC / errors excused .
Received from: Melissa Storm
Profile Image for Robin.
154 reviews1 follower
April 5, 2022
Let's start with the good points: writing was good, characters and storylines were interesting and unique--among all of the paranormal mysteries in the market, finding a unique take is definitely a plus. So, overall a good read with one glaring exception:

In this 'universe' the punishment for shifters who commit crimes is to be stripped of their humanity and their animal side taking over. It doesn't matter what crime they committed, whether they caused harm to another person or just committed theft--they're stripped of their humanity and their animal side allowed to consume them.

This is supposed to be funny? Seriously? I started the second book in the series hoping that this was just a set up for cute bits about cat behavior but halfway through the second book it just got too stupid. I can't enjoy a storyline if I can't stand the setting of the story. Maybe this premise gets muted or changed somehow in future books, but I'm not interested in looking.

I'll be fair and give it three stars only because the writing is good and the characters are interesting.
Profile Image for Darla Taylor.
1,814 reviews
July 20, 2021
Moss O'Malley, a cat shapeshifter, is a thief who has been sentenced to three years in the Magical Correction System, and he must spend his entire sentence as a cat! Being unable to shift or use any kind of magic is quickly driving Moss crazy, then he gets a proposition. An agent will pull him out but he must help her with a case in return so he finally agrees. Moss is glad to be out of the cat rescue and hopes he can help catch the bad guys.

I received an ARC of this book from the author and this is my honest, unbiased review. I really enjoyed this quick, fun read which is first in a new series. This paranormal cozy is full of humor and the mystery will keep you on your toes. The book's well-written with wonderful characters and I was drawn into the story from the beginning. I'm looking forward to the next book and highly recommend this one.
Profile Image for Andrea Stoeckel.
3,069 reviews129 followers
July 21, 2021
"King of the Box, long may he reign!"

Moss O'Malley 25, professional crook and shape shifter, sentenced to remain in his shifter form and sent to the magical correction system where he , as a Ragdoll cat spends some time trying to simply survive. And then along comes his ticket out of there named Kate Godwin, agent for the magical corrections system. If Moss will help her catch a couple of scam artists at least he won't have to go back to CosmoPAWlitan Cat Rescue.

Will Miss and Kate find the scammers? Can Moss get the information that could wrap up the case? Can anyone hear him talk but Kaye? Will being a cat change things for Moss?

This was a fun read. I have yet to find a bad one connected with Author Molly Fitz . Highly Recommended 5/5

[Disclaimer: I received this book from the author and voluntarily read and reviewed it]
1,196 reviews11 followers
July 21, 2021
I really enjoy Molly’s Octo-Cat series and thought I’d give this new series a try. Moss O’Malley is a cat-shifter, caught using his glamour magic to rob local businesses. The Magical Corrections System (MCS) sentenced him to Cat-shifter prison, locked in his Ragdoll cat form without the ability to use magic. Being a human most of his life, having to live as a cat (eat cat food, use the kitty litter box and not being able to speak except for Meows) was intolerable for Moss and he quickly accepted a position to help Kaye Godwin, MCS Agent, catch a powerful Wizard misusing his powers. The story is quirky and fun to follow as Moss and Kaye learn to work together to catch the criminal! I look forward to reading more in this series! I received a free copy of this book and write this review entirely voluntarily.
1,906 reviews
Read
December 2, 2024
This was an odd book written from a cat's POV - who isn't a cat but a glamoured human. Different but not for me.


Amazon synopsis:
My name is Moss O’Malley, and I’ve just been sentenced to three years in the Magical Corrections System. Thanks to my thieving ways—or rather, the fact I got caught—I have to live the next three years as a cat, unable to shift back to my human form or use magic of any kind.

Just when I think I’m about to lose my mind for good, an agent breaks me free on one condition. I have to help her with a case. So now I must serve and protect, using my criminal wiles to catch others doing the same kinds of things that got me locked up in the first place.

It beats languishing at the cat rescue—sure—but will I be able to catch the super-powered bad guys without having any powers of my own to call on?
Profile Image for Nancy Garbe.
466 reviews6 followers
August 2, 2021
Molly Fitz knows cats and her characterization of Moss O’Malley, a shape-shifting thief who is sentenced to remain a Ragdoll cat for his three-year jail term, is perfect. Moss is eventually enlisted to track down a criminal with Kaye Godwin, an agent for the Magical Corrections System. Throughout the story Moss is an amusing mix of human and feline, refusing to use a litter box or eat cat food, but getting distracted undercover by a cardboard box.

I received a free copy of this book from the author for my voluntary review. I enjoyed this book, though the introductory part of the story took much too long. Once the action picked up the interactions between Moss and Kaye were delightful and the mystery took off. I’m looking forward to the next book in this series.
Profile Image for Karen-Leigh.
2,975 reviews21 followers
October 9, 2024
My name is Moss O’Malley, and I’ve just been sentenced to three years in the Magical Corrections System. Thanks to my thieving ways—or rather, the fact I got caught—I have to live the next three years as a cat, unable to shift back to my human form or use magic of any kind.

Just when I think I’m about to lose my mind for good, an agent breaks me free on one condition. I have to help her with a case. So now I must serve and protect, using my criminal wiles to catch others doing the same kinds of things that got me locked up in the first place.

It beats languishing at the cat rescue—sure—but will I be able to catch the super-powered bad guys without having any powers of my own to call on?
56 reviews
July 20, 2021
Moss O'Malley has a problem. He's a cat-shifter and convicted thief, and has been sentenced to 3 years as a cat with no magic and no way to communicate with anyone. His only way out is to help the magic police find and arrest other illegal magic users. The alternative? All that time in a shelter with other cats who don't understand that he's really human and doesn't lick himself and all that other kitty baggage. This is a great new series that takes a seriously sideways look at the typical shifter/magic tropes that are so common in para-cozies. I can't wait to see where this goes from here!
Profile Image for Dotty.
734 reviews
July 21, 2021
If you like Octo Cat series you will like this one. It is well written.
We first met Moss O'Malley in the Octo Cat series. He was a thief. He was caught and arrested. Sentenced to three years in (magical) jail. To keep from going there he has to agree to partner up with Kaye but he will be powerless. Can he do this will they make a great team? Grab the book to find out
I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255
Profile Image for Jeanne.
1,781 reviews4 followers
February 5, 2023
Paws & Probable Cause is book #1 in the Claw & Order Cozy Mysteries series by Molly Fitz.

Moss O’Malley is a shifter and a there. He is caught and his sentence is to stay in his cat form. He is sentenced and to three years in the Magical Corrections System. He is offered a chance to help on a case, but he isn’t a snitch. Or is he?

This was a entertaining book. What Moss went through at the shelter was funny. I can picture my cats doing the same thing. The magical mystery was interesting and I had to laugh at what tripped Moss up. This was an enjoyable, quick read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Profile Image for Lyn Moffett.
62 reviews
July 21, 2021
Cosy little story that I absolutely loved. Moss is a cat shifter and he has been sentenced to 3 years without his magical ability or less if he behaves. He vows to help solve crimes that he himself was caught doing. At first he is not sure what to make of the agent who rescued him from the chattery, but as time goes on they grow to understand, maybe even like , each other. Fun quirky little story which is my type of reading. Snarky cats with a touch of magic. I wish I could give more than 5 stars as this book certainly deserves it.
Profile Image for Donna.
Author 7 books33 followers
July 21, 2021
An entertaining story. Moss and Kaye make a good team. Even if Moss doesn't have any magical abilities, he has street smarts to make up for it. Kaye has been a member of the Magical Corrections Systems for a long time and has a few surprises in store for Moss. Amy will make a good addition to the team. They bring different skill sets so they should complement each other nicely as the series continues. I didn't like the fact there was no pleasing the boss--no matter that they did a good job and accomplished what other agents hadn't been able to do. I look forward to the next book.
570 reviews7 followers
July 30, 2021
Moss has been caught for thievery and sentenced by the Magical Corrections System to spend the next 3 years in her shifted form, a big fluffy Ragdoll cat, unable to change back and with no powers. As difficult as it is to accept living as a cat and all that goes with it, Moss is approached by Kaye asking for her help with a case she is working on in exchange for a reduced sentence. Be prepared for lots of laughter in this charming first in the series story told from the viewpoint of Moss. Fantastic story for a lazy afternoon!
Profile Image for Kristen Lewendon.
8,429 reviews59 followers
July 31, 2021
What a fun way to start a series. Force shifted into his cat form to serve his sentence for his magical crimes, Moss is suddenly subject to his feline instincts and desires. To make matters even more complicated, he mostly can’t communicate with anyone. There is so much about this book that is what I believe to be what cats are really thinking. I spent a most of this story laughing and I always consider that to be a successful read. I’m looking forward to seeing what’s in store for Moss next.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher.
Profile Image for Lady Galaxy.
823 reviews
January 6, 2022
It took me awhile to get into this one. I liked it, but not as much as I thought I would. I had trouble liking the characters. The cat side of the shifter was OK, but I really didn't like the human side at all. I guess we aren't supposed to. His handler was never fully fleshed out so she seemed more like a stereotype. I felt like I knew the third member of the team better even though that member appeared late in the book. I'll try the next book to see if the author helps us get to know the main characters better.
191 reviews4 followers
October 20, 2023
Super Cat

That is one Super Cat. Needs a cape...Moss just doesn't realize it yet!

Clean read. Clever plotting. Fun twists. Classic good guys vs bad guys tale...pun intended. World building meshed in very nicely as story progresses, and it is an interesting world. And the people! Even the side characters have unique personalities.

I will be returning to Kaye & Moss' world as soon as I can. *sigh* Only downside: I now wish I could be a shifter twice as much as before.

Happy reading!

Profile Image for Annette.
3,165 reviews9 followers
July 19, 2021
I think this is great jumpstart to this new magical paranormal series. Kaye is a novice with spirit and determination. Moss is clever curious and comical. This offering allows them to settle into their new adventurous relationship. Very impressed with this new series having the ability to uniquely stand alone from Angie's shenanigans. Kudos to author on a job well done, read this one non stop. I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to read and leave a review.
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