In Trouble with the Claw

A Whiskers and Words Mystery #4

by Eryn Scott

Could Lou be falling right into the killer’s trap?

Louisa’s first fall in Button is everything she hoped it would be: corn mazes, pumpkin patches, quirky town traditions, and beautiful foliage. The only unexpected thing: a dead body found in a pile of fall leaves.

When Lou starts getting clues about the murder, she’s wary, to say the least. Are the clues from the murderer, baiting her into a trap? Or are they from someone who truly wants to help? Keeping the clues a secret from the police may be the only way to ensure she continues to receive them, but it could also get Lou in deep trouble with the law, if not worse: dead.


Dear reader, if you love rescue cats, goats who wear pajamas, and a cozy bookstore, you’re going to love this new series by Eryn Scott. Hold on to your hats. The town of Button is as cute as they come, but that doesn’t mean it’s free of murder. These books are clean with no foul language or gore. Each book and mystery stands alone. Curl up under a cozy blanket, cuddle with a cat (or two), and come join Lou as she solves mysteries in the town of Button.

Genres: Cozy Mystery, Mystery, Contemporary, Cozy, Fiction, Animals

193 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 30, 2022

About the author

Eryn Scott is the author of heartwarming cozy mysteries. Her novels feature close friendships and strong families because those are the most important things in her life -- a little humor doesn't hurt either.

She calls the Pacific Northwest home and doesn't plan on changing that anytime soon. Eryn loves to hike, horseback ride, knit, ski, and read. She believes musicals are the greatest thing since lattes, even though she's not particularly good at singing or dancing -- hey, a girl can dream, right?

Her first cozy mystery series, Pepper Brooks, is based on some of the greats in classic literature. Each book features a different author from Shakespeare to Austen. Eryn's newest series is set in a little town called Stoneybrook. The Stoneybrook Mysteries follow local jam-maker Hadley James as she solves mysteries in her town's year-round farmers market. From deceased knitters to sabotaged florists, these crafty citizens keep Hadley and her twin brother, a deputy sheriff, on their toes. Pebble Cove Teahouse Mysteries are great for readers who love a hint of paranormal with their mysteries. These books feature a tiny town tucked between craggy coastline and rocky shores with quirky characters of both the living and non-living variety. Look for new releases from all three of these series in 2022 as well as Eryn Scott's new cozy series.

You can visit her website, erynscott.com, for more information about her books and new releases.

Reviews

[Debbie Borthwick · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love getting an email saying I have a new ARC from Eryn Scott! I read this book in one day and I loved it. I want to live Lou's life, a bookstore full of cats...sounds like heaven to me. I can do without all the dead bodies she finds, though. And I had no idea whodunnit until the very end, which is how I like mysteries. Ms. Scott's series are all wonderful and as much as I don't like it when one ends, she doesn't disappoint with the next series. I totally recommend this book. I was gifted an ARC and I'm voluntarily sharing my honest opinion. You will love it, too :)

[Julie Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

You won't get in trouble with the claw reading this book but you will enjoy it. In fact I loved it. I am so glad I discovered this series, each book is a standalone and can be read in any order but just make sure you read it. I really like the characters who are the type of people who you want as a friend. I actually spent most of the book hoping different characters didn't turn out to be the killer because I either liked them or felt sorry for them. The author certainly made you care about what happened to them. The cats living in the book shop are a fun humours element to the story with the antics they get up to. I loved the mystery and was no where near guessing who the killer was or even the mystery caller. I also liked the way the story was balanced out with the investigation and the starting up of a new business for her best friend. It was just a fun cozy mystery and one I would add to my audio book collection when it comes out, to enjoy again.
Louisa is surprised when a customer is scratched by her deaf cat in her book shop Words and purs. The woman threatens to sue and as a peace offering Louisa visits her house with a gift basket. Only to find the woman dead buried under a pile of leaves. With Easton busy on a murder case of a judge a new detective is assigned the case and Louisa immediately becomes the number one suspect. Someone doesn't believe she is the killer and with a text message encourages her to talk to her neighbours. Is she talking to a witness or the killer? Louisa's friends want her to stay out of it but with the lazy detective unwilling to investigate anybody else and the mystery texter prodding her she has no choice but to ask questions. Can she find a killer, as well as find a new forever home for a escape artist cat?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lou has settled in nicely in the small town of Button. Made friends, started a successful business, even became a rescue cat sanctuary. Her mostly peaceful world takes a hit when a new customer makes a big to do about a small cat scratch. After an argument Lou decides to be the better person and apologize unfortunately she finds Nina dead. Even worse instead of Detective Easton West investigating Lou gets a cold and dismissive Detective Roy Anderson who believes this makes her suspect number 1. Though she tries to stay away from this case when her situation turns dire she must work to clear her name before Anderson puts her away. On a positive note Willow is following her dream of opening a nursery and Lou is helping her with the start up as much as possible.
Spooky just in time for Halloween season and chock full of fantastic fall scenes. Murder, corn mazes, overly litigious busybodies, new businesses, new friends and so much more included within. A lovely series and this story is an exciting addition to it!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[JJ Cope · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 4 in this enjoyable series gives readers the opportunity to know Louisa Henry, Lou, owner of Whiskers and Words Bookstore/Cat Rescue a little better. The author has already revealed Lou's knack for business, finding good homes for cats, and solving murders, but In Trouble with the Claw readers see Lou's soft, compassionate side. Did yet another murder occur? Yes. Does Lou find herself drawn into the case? Yes, but this time the cantankerous detective in charge has her at the top of the list of suspects despite the support of the residents who are regulars at Whiskers and Words. While following clues sent in anonymous texts Lou takes the time to offer support to a widow whose husband shared the name of Lou's deceased husband, Ben. And when clues point to a once troubled youth in town, Lou sees through the suspicious warnings and accepts his help.
This book was a fun read throughout. As is her style, Eryn Scott throws the plot punch in the very first chapter and keeps the reader engaged until the big reveal at the end, wrapping everything up in a cozy bow. I highly recommend this book to readers who enjoy the lighter side of a cozy genre while not losing the thrill of a murder mystery.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Julie Houser · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Trouble with the Claw by Eryn Scott is book 4 in the Whiskers & Words mystery series. Lou’s bookstore, that her and her late husband always wanted to buy, is going great, along with the rescue cat sanctuary she has in the store. This is so perfect for her and her customers, until one gets scratched by her deaf cat. Nina threatens to file a report on Lou and have the cat euthanized. She ends up dead a few days later and Lou is the prime suspect. Her and her best friend Willow try to clear her name. When Lou starts receiving text messages giving her clues to the murder, her and Willow are led to the dead womans neighborhood to investigate all the neighbors. I love all the characters in this series. Especially the cats! The friendships are endearing and heartwarming. The love for animals is amazing. Feel good books like this always make me happy! I want to read more of Eryn Scott’s writing. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who Killed Nina ? . . .

Louisa is enjoying her first Fall season in Button when she discovers the dead body of Nina Upton under the leaves. Soon after that, cryptic text messages concerning the murder begin to arrive. Not sure whether these are from the killer or from someone who wants to help, Louisa is slow to respond. Then Detective Anderson starts looking at her as a suspect and she can no longer ignore the investigation. Will she be able to track down the real murderer? Will the texter come forward and clear Louisa’s name, or is she on her own to do that?

I think the cozies with animals are some of my favorites. This was a good mystery that draws the reader in to find out who did the deed. Will Detective Anderson change his mind about Louisa when he sees her in action on the case? Or will he just get grouchier about it?

[Bernice · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book in the Whiskers and Words mystery series takes place in a small, charming town. The main character, Louisa, discovers a body buried under leaves and starts receiving cryptic text messages. She just can’t help herself trying to figure out what happened and who the mysterious messages are coming from. Not only does Lou run the local bookstore, but she also fosters cats for adoption, which always provides for amusing scenarios.
The story held my interest, and I found the characters very likeable. I most definitely recommend this book. Although part of a series, this book can easily be read as a standalone.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Melenareads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eryn Scott takes readers back to the small town of Button with In Trouble with the Claw. I was looking forward to seeing what kind of mystery Lou would find herself wrapped up in next.

As this is a cozy mystery it had all the elements of a whodunnit without the gore and it kept me guessing who the murderer was until the very end of the book. In addition to her amateur sleuthing it was nice to see her best friend Willow starting a business. She and Lou are such great friends it is nice to see them support one another.

Eryn is one of my favorite authors. She has written so many wonderful mystery series and each book feels fresh and engaging. I cannot wait to see what happens to Lou and the town of Button next.

Thank you to the author for providing an ARC for an honest review.

[Deanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Trouble With The Claw is the fourth book in Eryn Scott’s Whiskers and Words mystery series. It’s Lou’s first fall in town and she’s enjoying all the fall festivities, at least until a body is found. When she starts receiving text messages from someone claiming they want to help, Lou isn’t sure if it’s real or the killer messing with her. But when she becomes a suspect in the murder, Lou realizes she’s gonna have to find the truth.

In Trouble With The Claw is a great addition to the Whiskers and Words series. I really enjoyed it and look forward to the next one.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jennifer]

What an adorable new series, with cats, a bookstore and a juicy mystery. Who would of thought Falls in a town called Button would be filled with so much fun activities. What activity should we chose, a corn maze, a patch full of multiple size pumpkins to chose just the right one or a pile of colorful leaves with a dead body.
Decision decision... which should I do first...
Solving a juicy mystery with the help of all these mysterious texts. Who is the sender of all these texts. Is this person the killer, or someone who knows the killer.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

I aways enjoy a good cozey mystery with murder and I truly enjoyed this one the mane characters are vibrant, colorful, charming and quirky while the mystery was intriguing and exciting tantalizing my little grey cells. The plot carries you throughout from beginning to end with the drama and friendships in this small town mystery. Acquire " In Trouble with the Claw " so you yourself can enjoy it as much as I have. Kat.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fun and exciting visit to Button, where Lou's bookshop sells books and doubles up as a cat shelter but where somehow murder seems to follow her, no matter how hard she tries to keep out of it. But the list of suspects is long for the victim appears to enjoy causing trouble for the townsfolk.

Good read, with some very heart-warming moments. Looking forward to more in the series.

[DayDreamer8912 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another case with Lou and friends to be solved. Lou was being suspected that she is the one that kill Nina because of the argument that they had before that so the detective feels that it is a reason for her to kill Nina. But thank God that Noah came to her rescue and then she, Noah, Willow and Detective Easton work together to solve this case. A mysterious number send her a message telling her some clues to help her investigate. Is it a trap? Could the person who messaged her is the murderer?

Going around the neighbourhood to get some information and even managed to get along with a widow who had lost her husband for 5 years and was grieving but Lou managed to befriend her and she also understand her pain because she just lost her husband too and know how lonely and painful it is. And she even encourage her to adopt a cat from her store and she knows just the perfect one who would love to be around widow's place because the cat loves outdoors.

Can't spoil much of the case but it is fun to try to figure out who is the culprit and also get to enjoy the cuteness of the cats in her bookshop.

You can purchased this book on Amazon and it is available in KU.

[Rachel Boyd · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am really loving this series. Lou owns a bookstore that has cats up for adoption. When Lou's cat scratches a customer, who then threatens legal action, before winding up dead, Lou finds herself a suspect. With Easton working another case, Lou finds herself dealing with a grump of a detective that thinks she is guilty. Text messages from an unknown person. Could Lou have a stalker? With all her friends, she tries to clear her own name. I loved the descriptions of fall in the PNW and the fun fall events. With fall coming up soon, it had me longing for pumpkin patches and Halloween. Willow is starting to work on her dream of owning a nursery and encounters a grieving widow in her search for land. I was teary eyed with the talk of grief but I also loved the message of friendship and grieving in your own way. My only complaint was there seems to be a continuity issue as the one year anniversary of Lou's husband was prominent in the last book, yet this one she said it had been 10 months. I still loved the book. There is so much friendship, support, and love in this book. The characters feel like friends and Button feels like a home away from home.

[Sirah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lou would do anything for her beloved cats, but she'd stop short of murder. That's not what detective Roy Andersen believes, though, when he finds her at the crime scene. It doesn't help that the victim is a woman who threatened to sue Lou over a cat scratch, giving plausible cause. Once again, it's up to Lou to solve the mystery, but this time, she's not just at risk of getting in the murderer's way: if she can't find out who really killed Nina, Lou might go to jail for it herself.

Although there were a few more typos in this one than I'm used to, the plot was solid and the mystery compelling. I really love the subplots of Willow trying to establish a plant nursery and yet another cat finding a good home. This series makes me smile.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I first started this book, I could tell that Eryn Scott knows cats and cat people, small-town interactions, and crafting humor. I was giggling throughout the book at her wonderful descriptions using all the senses. It's a rare author who does that, and she's a master.

This is the only book I've read in this series so far, but it was easy for me to jump into this small town and relate immediately to everyone. The way the book ends, it resolves most of the side-plot lines but also leaves the reader guessing what will be next.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Andie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic Read

Eryn never disappoints!!

It’s Lou’s first Fall in Button but it wouldn’t be Lou if she didn’t stumble over a dead body. Having had a row with the deceased the previous day she’s a suspect and with a new Detective on the case she’s going to have to prove she had nothing to do with this murder herself.

She begins to get cryptic text msgs seemingly from someone who wants to help. But is it the killer luring her into a trap or a friend?

Never a dull moment in the town of Button. It’s perfect for this time of year and really gets you into the Halloween 🎃 spirit.

Can be read alone but I enjoy reading in order.

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable escapism and lovely read.
Took awhile to get into it, but then began to warm a little to the characters. Writer obviously an animal lover as lovely descriptions and character to the animals that are nice sideline to the story. All the random people and events come together in the end.
Reminds me of a nice sit down read with a cuppa and very much in line with Murder She Wrote of nice adventure with murder!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Bev · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lou owns the bookstore and cat rescue. Nina Upton was scratched by Sapphire, a deaf cat that belongs to Lou. Nina makes a big scene about the cat tells Lou she would see to it that Sapphire is euthanized for her scratching. Lou went to apologize again and finds Nina's body under a pile of leaves in her front yard. After hearing about what took place at the bookstore, the detective thinks Lou killed Nina to save her cat. But someone knows the truth and is texting Lou. But can she prove she isn't the killer? I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

[Monica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another wonderful story by Eryn Scott. First, I really love the map at the beginning of the book. The minute I looked at it, all of the characters and settings came back to me even though it's been a bit since I read the previous book in this series. Second, it's like visiting old friends. Such wonderful characters and I love the new fur babies that get added in each book. The growing relationships are fun to watch and I enjoyed watching Willow develop her new business. Great mystery kept me guessing. Can't wait for the next book.

[Molly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lou is having a Halloween season that is suddenly not all costumes, fun and candies.

A favorite kitty might be in jeopardy.

Is Lou getting texts from a killer?

Corn mazes can be disturbing and freaky, or maybe just a whole lot of fun- guess who has a freaky time!?!

Whodunnit meets not so nice neighbors meets small town convoluted connections and a bit if romance and pet companion craziness.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Marti · Rating 3 out of 5]

In this one, a disagreeable woman didn't bother to read the sign alerting patrons to the correct way to approach the beautiful and deaf cat Saphire. As a result, the cat was startled and afraid and scratched the patron who made a big deal about the incident and threatened to sue Lou and her book store. Instead of Easton, a different and very arrogant detective was assigned to the case after Lou stumbled upon the body of the disagreeable woman. That detective decided Lou was the murderer and refused to look any further.

[Rubi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Twists all around!

Another mystery that kept me guessing. Ms Nina sure made a lot of enemies, so it made it harder to pin down the killer, even for Lou.
This one was a bit more serious than some of the others. My biggest issue with the story was with Detective Anderson. He really didn't seem to do his job but he was annoyingly fixated on Lou as his primary suspect. He was ridiculous and didn't even apologize when he knew he was wrong.
But yay! Lou sure showed him! The Button police department really should start paying her 😂

[Heather W · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Trouble with the Claw is the fourth book in the Whiskers and Words Mystery series. I am loving this series! The book is fun to read and has likable characters, twists and turns, mystery, furry felines, and other animals to love.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kat M · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was Another great entry in the Whiskers and Words Mystery series. It did what I enjoyed from the first three entries. The characters worked well together and I was invested in what was happening to them. I look forward to reading more in this series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nikki · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoy reading books by this author, cozy mystery with cats and books, what's not to like!

I raff this book in a few hours, I couldn't put it down.

Although each book is a standalone mystery the books are best read in order of publication to preserve continuity of the characters and series.

[Nadine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series and I love this new episode!

This new story in this excellent series was twisty and turny! Well written in that pageturnery way. You can read this as a standalone if you want to. The mystery stands on its own. Although I do recommend starting with book 1 for the personal developments and overarching plotline. Very enjoyable, highly recommend!

[Jackie Linkous · Rating 4 out of 5]

Despite this book having one of my least favorite tropes (false accusation against the main protagonist), I enjoyed the ride with Lou, Noah, Willow, Easton, and the rest of the gang from Button. Any of Eryn Scott's cozy mystery series are comfort reads for me so this was perfect to read as my second book of the year after a more intense thriller.

[Jennifer Laird-Lord · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lou is involved in another murder mystery along with getting a new kitten to take care of. Fun characters and good story. I would recommend this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rebecca Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another wonderful book in this awesome series by author Eryn Scott. Louisa is a wonderful character. Loved reading and highly recommend...

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.