Purramid Scheme

A Whiskers and Words Mystery #7

by Eryn Scott

This victim left the town of Button in tiers.

Button residents are normally as wary of pyramid schemes as the next town. But when Vicki Younger comes to town promising a miracle serum, locals jump at the chance to invest in her business. When everyone loses their money and Vicki shows up dead, the town is in hot water—especially one of Lou’s regulars, Silas, who was seen angrily following Vicki mere minutes before she died.

While Silas doesn’t deny his anger, or how he’d been shadowing Vicki, he swears he wasn’t the one to end her life. Sure her friend is telling the truth, Lou asks him to recount Vicki’s activities during her last hours. What Silas describes is odd to say the least, even inexplicable at times, which definitely doesn’t help his plea of innocence. Can Lou untangle the clues and lead them to the true killer before Silas is put away for the rest of his days?

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

211 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 16, 2023

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

[Julie Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. This is such a fun series I have no idea why it hasn't made it to the Hallmark channel at least. The small town is just cute as a button and would be the ideal place to live, well except for the murders of course. Good job they have Louisa Henry living there, she is Button's answer like Jessica Fletcher is the answer for Cabot Cove, just a lot younger one and with a lot more cats. I have enjoyed every book so far and this book is no exception, it can be read as a standalone but I think it works better the more you know the characters. I really like the characters and spent the book crossing my fingers that a local wasn't involved. The mystery was interesting with two different problems happening at once, giving you plenty of suspects to suspect. Its a good job the book shop is fictional because otherwise I think like Silas I would be a regular, then again I guess you could say I already am as, has I have read all the books in the series and can't wait for the next.
The residents of Button are realing first secrets that are being told in confidence are being posted on the town's blog and everybody is a target. But by far the worst is many of it residents have invested in a pyramid scheme and lost there savings. One of the worst hit is regular customer at the book shop, Silas and when he sees a blog post that the schemer Vicki has returned to town he rushed off to try and get his money back. When she turns up dead, Silas is the prime suspect and with Detective Easton out of town with his girlfriend Willow, Lou steps up to find the killer and the blogger. With a strange mix of clues and lots of suspects, including lots of tourists for the annual quilting festival, Lou will have her work cut out for her.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even small towns aren’t free from predators nowadays, Button is no exception. The town has been taken in by a con artist running a Pyramid Scheme. Not everyone’s been robbed by Vicki the trickster but one of Lou’s regulars crotchety old Silas has been. When Vicki unexpectedly is seen back in town he’s determined to find her and make her give him back his money. Shortly after that Lou is out running and she finds Vicki dead in her car. When Silas is the chief suspect she’s determined to help the man get out of the mess his temper got him into. With Willow and Easton out of town on holiday Lou must work with Detective Roy Anderson (who’s mellowed out a bit). Things get a little odd as Silas tells his tale and as much as he’s mellowed Roy is still your skeptic cop. Lou has her hands full trying to sort out not one but two murders, a mysterious town blogger who seems to know everything and her feelings for a certain veterinarian. With some help from friends old and new and a couple of reclusive very rich persons Lou is sure to untangle this mystery and everything else too.
If you’re a fan of this series some very happy things we’ve all been waiting on happen. And there’s a great mystery too. Lots of fun, crazy small town shenanigans and a daredevil cat that you didn’t know you needed until he was there! Absolutely loved this book!!.

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

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Purramid Scheme is the 7th book in the Whiskers & Words series. Lou Henry runs a bookstore/cat rescue in the small town of Button. While out on a run, she comes across the body of Vicki, who had recently scammed money from the residents in an investment scheme. Lou’s regular customer Silas, is brought in for questioning due to threats he made against her and evidence at the scene. Lou is determined to clear his name. When Vicki’s accomplice is also found murdered, the sponsors of the quilt festival decide to quit.

Meanwhile, the local blog, Behind the Scenes in Button, is publishing confidential information. Friends start accusing each other of being the blogger until listening devices are found in the cafe. Will Lou be able to unmask the blogger, save the quilt festival, and escape the killer or has she used up all of her nine lives?

With a smart and spunky lead and delightful supporting characters, the Whiskers & Words series is a fun cozy. Well written with lots of action and humor, and a touch of romance with plenty of surprises, you’re sure to enjoy your visits to Button.

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

[Alison Starnes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lou runs the local bookstore doubling as cat rescue in the cute town of Button.

When Vicki Younger turns up in the town promising a miracle serum, several locals invest in her pyramid scheme but end up losing their money. Vicki is then murdered and the initial clues point to Silas, one of Lou's bookstore regulars.

Convinced that Silas is not a murderer, Lou decides to investigate. Unravelling the bizarre chain of events Silas describes is not easy and Lou also has to deal with her increasing attraction towards local vet Noah.

There is a secondary plot involving a mystery blogger, who bugs several locations in Button in order to collect local gossip.

This was a thoroughly enjoyable story, especially with the cat connection. Lou's cats have clever names (such as Catticus Finch) and are almost characters in their own right.

The storyline is plausible and the main characters well-drawn. I particularly liked the way Eryn Scott handled the relationship between Lou and Noah and the way they finally admit their feelings for each other.

You don't need to have read the previous books in this series in order to follow the story, but you will want to read them anyway and I intend to do that.

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

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who Killed the Scammer ? . . .

Normally more cautious, a large number of Button’s residents had been taken in by a scam in a pyramid investment scheme when Vicki Younger arrived in town promising a facial serum smelling like jasmine and promising smoother, younger-looking skin in only a few weeks. Unfortunately, they all lost their money when she disappeared, and bookstore regular Silas was not hiding his irritation about it.

So when Silas finds out that Vicki has come back to town, they argue as he tries to get his money back. Later she is murdered and Silas -- who had been following her around and had argued with her -- was the primary suspect. Lou Henry and friends will work with Detective Roy Anderson to find the real killer and clear Silas of the crime. Will they be successful?

There were plenty of other surprises in this story. And there is definitely no honor among thieves! So grab your copy and get all of the details to help you solve the case.

[Tara Kat (MagnoliaPigeonBookBlurbs) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cats, pyramid schemes and a gossip blog - oh my!

The Whiskers and Words gang is back with more adorable rescue cats, amateur sleuthing, shenanigans and of course - murder!!

The small town of Button has been infiltrated by a scam artist and no one is happy about it! And to top it all off? There is a anonymous gossip blog posting the townspeople’s every move! Things really boil over when a body turns up and one of the Whiskers and Words regulars is the prime suspect! It’s once again up to Lou to put on her sleuthing cap, solve the crime and catch the killer before someone close to her ends up unjustly behind bars!

Full of lovable quirky characters, small town charm, friendship, rescue cats, romance, mystery, twists and turns - Purramid Scheme is another great installment of a fantastic series!.

Thank you to Eryn Scott for the advanced copy!

[Debbie Orazi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a Words & Whiskers cozy mystery.

This was a wonderfully intriguing story. How the author ties in the most bizarre clues into a cohesive plot line is fantastic. Highly recommend!

Vicki Younger came to the small town of Buttons to run a con game, a pyramid investment scheme promising a miracle facial serum, and was looking for local investors for her business. Vicki apparently skipped town and everyone lost their money. Louisa Henry, the owner of Words & Whiskers bookstore and cat rescue, found Vicki's body in her car during a run in the local woods. After calling Detective Roy Anderson and searching the murder scene, they find clues that point to one of her regulars, Silas Owens. Silas gives his statement which details several bizarre observations. Lou and her friend George begin an earnest investigation to try to find the real killer and clear Silas. Meanwhile Lou is having a personal crisis when she realizes she feels more than friendship for Noah the local veterinarian. As she processes clues and follows leads everything comes to a head in the investigation and her personal life.

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

[Deanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Many of Button’s residents fall prey to a pyramid scheme and lose their savings, including frequent bookstore patron Silas. After Silas finds out Vicki has returned to town and confronts her, she mysteriously turns up murdered. It’s up to Louisa and her friends to uncover the truth and clear Silas’ name before he takes the fall for a crime he didn’t commit.

I absolutely love this series by Eryn Scott. While all of her series are incredible, this is definitely my all-time favorite. These characters, especially the cats, have burrowed their way into my heart and found a forever home.

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

[Delphia Von Heeder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Purramid Scheme is Book 7 in A Whiskers and Words Mystery by Eryn Scott. I found so much action in this fabulous cozy mystery. I especially love how the author has a core group of characters that are in all 7 books while she keeps each story fresh by adding new characters and each mystery is different. I liked the beginning of a romance and Eryn Scott kept me guessing until the end. I couldn't put the book down, it is wonderful reading. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am leaving my review voluntarily.

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

[Louise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 7, it helps to read the previous books to grasp the characters' interactions. Nonetheless, the story itself is a standalone. The story follows Lou, who oversees the small town, who has a visitor. She is killed by supposedly someone who was cheated out of their savings so now Lou and Roy investigate the case to prove Silas's innocence.


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

[Melenareads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved diving into the newest mystery in the Whiskers and Words series from Eryn Scott! She is my favorite cozy mystery author and her series are so much fun.

Lou has a new case to solve when a resident who scammed a number of townfolk turns up dead. Silas, one of her customers, is the prime suspect and she's determined to figure out whodunnit and clear his name.

The book is on the shorter side, but is nicely paced and the mystery was well plotted. I liked, too, that there was progress in Lou's personal life as well. This is an engaging, fun, and entertaining story and I can't recommend it and this series enough!

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

[Pers · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a lot of fun!

[Nikki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh I absolutely adore this series, a cozy mystery series set in a bookshop which doubles as a rescue centre for the cats who reside there. Lou runs it, a widow at a young age, she moved to Button to be near her childhood friend Willow a couple of years before.

Lou has developed a friendship with local vet Noah, a divorcee with a young daughter, who is on good terms with his ex. Having lost her husband only a few years before, Lou doesn't know if it's too soon for any sort of relationship, but will they realise their feelings for each other.

When Silas, a regular visitor to the bookshop, is accused of murder, after the person he invested some money with in a pyramid type scheme, is found dead; Lou gets involved in finding out who really is the murderer. During her enquiries, she meets a at loving reclusive resident of Button, who could provide ongoing help to the town in the process. Noah, as well as being the local vet, is also involved in his parents quilting shop business, and that week they are putting on the annual town quilt festival, which brings in much needed revenue to all the town's businesses.

A really good series which is such a great read, it's hard to put the books down once you've started them. The books are all standalone mysteries but they are best read in order of publication to preserve continuity of the characters and series.

If you like this series, try the Pebble Cove series by the same author, it's a very good read.

[DayDreamer8912 · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5/5
This time her regular customer who won Catnip's heart became the suspect of the murder of a woman who scammed the whole village in investing beauty products. He so happened to have a heated agruement with her because he lost a lot of money because of her and the worst is his fingerprints and stuff is all over in the crime scene. To prove that he is innocent, Lou, Detective Roy and also Noah work together to investigate the case together to find the people who is involve with the pyramid scheme with the help of Willow's ex fiance, Francis and also a wealthy man who also did invest in the pyramid scheme, Sebastian to find out who else who is involve to question them.

And love meeting Noah's aunt who is not exactly his aunt because she is his mother's best friend. She is a sweet and down to earth woman and uses fabric to tell their characteristics. I wonder what my fabric is hehe... and she also encourage Lou to tell Noah how she felt. Okay, can't spoil the details of the story it is an investigation after all. But be prepare for fluff and sweetness between Lou and Noah. And might have a love triangle (wink wink). You will have to read to find out.

Can't wait to read the next book of this series.

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

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am really enjoying this series. Since Lou has told Noah, the vet, how she feels the next book should be interesting.

Amazon synopsis:
Button residents are normally as wary of pyramid schemes as the next town. But when Vicki Younger comes to town, promising a miracle serum, locals jump at the chance to invest in her business. When everyone loses their money, and Vicki shows up dead, the town is in hot water—especially one of Lou’s regulars, Silas, who was seen angrily following Vicki mere minutes before she died.

While Silas doesn’t deny his anger, or how he’d been shadowing Vicki, he swears he wasn’t the one to end her life. Sure her friend is telling the truth, Lou asks him to recount Vicki’s activities during her last hours. What Silas describes is odd, to say the least, even inexplicable at times, which definitely doesn’t help his plea of innocence. Can Lou untangle the clues and lead them to the true killer before Silas is put away for the rest of his days?

[Andie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Had me guessing till the end.

So this time a pyramid schemer have invaded the town. Some bought into it others, wisely as it turns out did not.
Silas was one of the ones who bought in and when the Women at the head of the scheme disappeared along with everyone’s funds then he set out to find her. He borderline stalked her, and basically when she turned up dead made for an easy perp.

But Lou gets involved and with the help of Det.Roy they begin to unravel things.

This is the first book in this series where I’ve felt sorry sir the killer. I couldn’t understand how they ended up in the situation. I don’t agree with them killing but I can see it from their perspective.

Plus there’s an exciting development between Lou and Noah. All I’ll say is FINALLY!!

Till next time 🐈 🐈‍⬛

[Sirah · Rating 4 out of 5]

A month after taking investment money and then leaving town, Vicky returns, only to turn up dead a few hours later. When one of Lou's favorite clients, Silas, is implicated, the bookshop owner turned sleuth sets out to try to aid the police investigation. Meanwhile, her feelings for Noah might finally be bubbling over the surface, but she isn't sure how to tell him how she feels or if the time will ever be right.

I love this series. The setting is charming, the cats are adorable, the characters are delightful. I'm disappointed that I couldn't have figured out this mystery myself, but I still had a good time reading, and I'm looking forward to seeing what will happen to Lou and Noah in the next book.

[Shelly Joyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Purramid Scheme is the seventh installment of A Whiskers and Words Mystery series written by Erin Scott. I have enjoyed every book so far and this book is no exception, it can be read as a standalone but I think it works better the more you know the characters. I really like the characters and as I read hoped that a local wasn't involved. The mystery was interesting with two different problems happening at once, giving you plenty of suspects to ponder guilt. It is a good thing I have read all the books so far in the series and can't wait for the next.

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

[Big Fat Hairy Man · Rating 5 out of 5]

With Willow and Detective Easton away, Lou must solve the mounting murders, find the purloined investments, save the quilting convention, and traverse the bumpy trail to love all with the help of new and old friends. This is the next installment of the Whiskers and Words Mysteries. It was a very entertaining cozy mystery with lots of twists and turns and a touch of romance sprinkled into the mix. Just when you think you've figured it out, another suspect steps into the spotlight. I enjoyed the book and recommend it.

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

[Rachel Boyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series just gets better! This might be my favorite book in the series, thus far. Lou is helping investigate a con while Easton and Willow are away. I missed Willow and Easton, but the other characters are so good that I really enjoyed getting to 'see' them more in this book. George and Noah are stellar characters. I really enjoyed the newest addition to the books, Sebastian. The case was interesting and is never as straightforward as most cozy mysteries are. And the moment I've been waiting for, finally happened. *swoon* If you're looking for a cozy with great characters and a great story, this is it.

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

"This victim left the town of Button in tiers.
Button residents are normally as wary of pyramid schemes as the next town. But when Vicki Younger comes to town promising a miracle serum, locals jump at the chance to invest in her business. When everyone loses their money and Vicki shows up dead, the town is in hot water—especially one of Lou’s regulars, Silas, who was seen angrily following Vicki mere minutes before she died."
This is a good mystery. I borrowed this book from Kindle Unlimited. This in no way affects my opinion of this book.

[Rubi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great cozy mystery!

The entire town of Button has been conned! 😱
But, of course, grumpy Silas was the most vocal about his anger and so when the con artist is found dead, he is suspect #1.
As a regular in Lou's bookshop she doesn't believe he did it and once again begins investigating.
Along the way we meet new characters, fun/cute cat moments, romance developments, and Roy is finally warming up to Lou!
It was hard to guess the culprit, but the journey was a lot of fun and I'm excited for the next book 😍

[Nadine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful cute cozy

Can I first say how much I adore the covers of the books in this series? Love! A good cover sure makes a difference. Then the content of the book. So so so good! I adore the overall tone and appreciate how well-written and well-plotted it is. Lou (Louisa) is a wonderful main character, who carries this series with ease. I didn’t guess whodunit and I love being surprised like that!

[Ciara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 7th book in this series, all of which I’ve finished in the last 3 days! Lou is living my literal dream, a bookshop/cat rescue is literally what I’ve wanted to do my whole life. Even though I’m not there yet, I’ve loved reading about Lou’s adventures and was extra happy about a particular moment in this book & immediately hugged my partner & shared the news! I would massively recommend this series to anyone looking for comfort books! Loved it! ❤️

[Bobbi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Crooks, murders, hot summer days, the story will keep you glued to the end. Lou is finally settling into Button and her bookstore/cat rescue shop is a gathering place for the town. Is Lou beginning to overcome her grief and start looking forward to her future? Pick up this book today and enjoy the wonderful town of Button.

[Rhonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intriguing who done it with lots of twists and turns that keep you guessing until the end. Entertaining characters to follow along in this mystery. Lots of interesting interactions and banter among the characters as they try to figure out what happened. Good read.

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

[Heather W · Rating 5 out of 5]

Purramid Scheme is the seventh book in the Whiskers & Words series and is a great addition to this series. I am really enjoying this small-town cozy mystery series. The characters are likable and the mystery had twists and turns.

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

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

Another good mystery has Lou and Noah running in many directions. Good story and wonderful characters. I would recommend this book.

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

[Annalisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is such a fun read. The characters are adorable and the plot is twisted. This story kept me entertained all afternoon.

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

[Therese · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun Read

Lou is at it again, working hard to clear her friend and find the killer. At the same time she's dealing with her growing feelings for Noah.
I like the new characters introduced and the ending was great.
I look forward to the next book in this series.