Bunnies may go bad but Clea Simon's books are fantastic
When Bunnies Go Bad
by Clea Simon
Poisoned Pen Press
Mystery & Thrillers
Pub Date: March 1, 2016
Review
Clea Simon’s books are truly exemplary mysteries that skillfully capture the intricate relationship shared by humans and animals. Pru Marlowe has an easier time relating to animals than to her fellow humans. Her cat Wallis is more of a confidante than her lover Detective Creighton. Past experience has made her wary of becoming too close to others, and she fears what would happen if people discover her ability to communicate with animals. Like her cat Wallis, she is prickly and somewhat secretive, but she has a broad streak of curiosity and an immense compassion for animals.
After her discovery of the body of a rich but obnoxious tourist, Pru’s one concern is for the dog she heard barking. As the police didn’t find the dog, Pru searches the nearby forest. It is through Pudgy (Stewie) that she is drawn in to investigating the murder. The main suspect is his ski bunny girlfriend Cheryl. Pru gets her information from those no-one else can, but the information isn’t clear. The murder is tied to the theft of an extremely valuable painting, and both the feds and the mob are looking to collect. With the feds taking over, Creighton is sidelined for the duration. Furthermore a charming but extremely dangerous man has returned to Beauville and has his own interest in the situation. There is a fine line between predator and prey and Pru fears what may come.
The Pru Marlowe novels only get better with time and When Bunnies Go Bad is a terrific addition to the series. Each time I’m faced with one of Clea Simon’s books I take the time to savor it. Wallis, Growler, Frank, and the other animals are fascinating to observe. If you love animals but are looking for something one step beyond the common pet cozy, pick up one of Clea Simon’s books. You will be glad you did.
5/5
I received a copy of When Bunnies Go Bad from the publisher and netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review.
—Crittermom
Description
Winter is hard in Beauville, where the melting snow can reveal much more than last season’s dead leaves. So when a wealthy, obnoxious tourist and his ski bunny girlfriend surface in Pru Marlowe’s little Berkshire town, she knows she should stay out of their way. The bad-girl animal psychic has to focus on more immediate concerns, including a wild rabbit named Henry, supposedly tamed and illegally living with an eighty-four-year-old lady in her home. Henry, who seems to be acting out and hiding, avoids responding to Pru. Yet when Pru discovers the tourist murdered and his girlfriend’s high-maintenance spaniel falls to her care, she gets dragged into a complicated case of crime and punishment that involves some new friends, an old nemesis, and her own shadowed past. A recent museum art heist draws the feds into the investigation along with a courtly gentleman radiating menace, who represents secretive business interests in New York and shows a surprising awareness of Pru. Her on-again, off-again romance with police Detective Creighton doesn’t stop him from warning her to steer clear of the inquiry. The spaniel, however, lures her in. Pru lives in a world where only her crotchety tabby Wallis knows the whole truth about her past, her flight from Manhattan, and her unique gift that surfaced abruptly one day. Fearing the worst, Pru now comes dangerously close to being exposed. With everything in motion, Pru, Wallis, and everyone they hold dear will be lucky to escape…by a hare.
