Claws of Death
Claws of Death by Linda Reilly Kensington Books Lyrical Underground Mystery & Thrillers Pub Date 26 Jun 2018
Review
I admit it - I love cats, so it shouldn’t be a surprise that Linda Reilly’s newest mystery, Claws of Death, attracted my attention. The novel features an assortment of felines - including a ghostly ragdoll eager to help her former companion. But that only piqued my interest, it is the mystery at the heart of Claws of Death that impressed me most. That and the willingness to address domestic violence and its long term effects. The novel is well plotted, and Lara’s reasons for becoming involved in the investigation is a plausible one. Claws of Death may not be an exceptional mystery, but it is definitely solid, well written, and entertaining.
Lara Caphart’s High Cliff Shelter for Cats is developing nicely. They’ve been getting plenty of visitors, but none as notable as the actress Deanna Daltry, who plans to adopt two kittens. But not everyone in Whisker Jog is charmed by the glamorous retired actress, and a series of mean pranks is followed by her being framed for the murder of a local teacher- a man who dated Deanna in high school. Someone has waited a long time for vengeance and they don’t plan to let anyone get in their way.
With its interesting plot, limited violence and likable characters (and of course cats), Claws of Death is a cozy purrfectly suited for a relaxing afternoon escape.
4 / 5
I received a copy of Claws of Death from the publisher and Netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review.
— Crittermom
Description The meow of death . . . Whisker Jog, New Hampshire, is a long way from Hollywood, but it’s the place legendary actress Deanna Daltry wants to call home. Taking up residence in a stone mansion off Cemetery Hill, the retired, yet still glamorous, septuagenarian has adopted two kittens from Lara Caphart’s High Cliff Shelter for Cats. With help from her Aunt Fran, Lara makes sure the kitties settle in safely with their new celebrity mom. But not everyone in town is a fan of the fading star. Deanna was in Whisker Jog when she was younger, earning a reputation for pussyfooting around, and someone is using that knowledge against her. After being frightened by some nasty pranks, Deanna finds herself the prime murder suspect when the body of a local teacher is found on her property. Now, it’s up to Lara, Aunt Fran, and the blue-eyed Ragdoll mystery cat Lara recently encountered to collar a killer before another victim is pounced upon . . .
