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What’s better than a K-9 cop? A feline detective. Detective Whiskers is out to prove himself, and keep his human from being framed for murder, or worse.

***No animals were harmed in the writing of this series***

“Chris Abernathy has a winner! I laughed all the way through at the crazy characters and how Detective Whiskers tries so hard to be like a human but is still very much a cat.”

Who is really catching killers in Paradise Cove? It’s not the local police. The Paradise Cove Murder Society is getting the job done, with more help than they realize from a furry detective named Whiskers.

Sheila and her cat Whiskers are starting a new life in the perfect little Florida beach town that managed to avoid the big crowds, condos and chain stores. But as soon as they arrive the town has its first ever murder. Good thing Whiskers is a trained detective! Fred, Sheila’s husband of forty years, was a police detective who recently passed away, right before they were supposed to retire to the beach. After forty years of devoting herself entirely to being a good wife and mother she’s now left to put her life back together, but what kind of life will it be? In a fresh setting, and with some quirky new friends, she slowly begins to remember all of the dreams she had as a young woman. She has a second chance to chase those dreams, if she can stay alive and out of prison. When her next door neighbor is killed and the evidence points to Sheila, it’s time for Whiskers to step up.

Whiskers was Fred’s loyal assistant and he’ll need to remember everything he learned from his mentor to keep Sheila safe as she rediscovers herself. With the help of some unexpected new friends of his own Detective Whiskers sets out to prove to the world, and himself, that he is worthy of the shiny badge on his collar. If you love humorous cozy mysteries where pets take the lead and eccentric friends come together to solve crimes with just the right amount of suspense then the Detective Whiskers Cozy Mystery Series is exactly what you’re looking for. Paw and Order now and find out why the only thing better than a K-9 cop is a feline detective!

This book does not contain profanity or graphic descriptions of violence and bedroom scenes.

206 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 23, 2023

1046 people are currently reading
598 people want to read

About the author

Chris Abernathy

172 books63 followers

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 123 reviews
Profile Image for LORI CASWELL.
2,863 reviews327 followers
September 20, 2023
Dollycas’s Thoughts

Feline Detective Whiskers is on the case!

New to Paradise Cove Detective Whiskers and his new person Sheila Mason are starting their new lives without their special person, but before they even get settled their next-door neighbor is killed and all the evidence points directly at Sheila. Sheila’s husband, Fred, was a police detective who died just as they were set to retire to the beach. Maybe she shouldn’t have made the move on her own but it’s too late now. What she doesn’t realize is that her cat Whiskers had a very special connection to Fred and helped him solve several cases. He even has the badge to prove it. Now with a little help from their new friends, he has to find the real killer and prove Sheila is innocent. He promised Fred he would look out for Sheila and he is not going to let Fred down.

This story was just delightful. It is told from Detective Whiskers’ point of view but let me be clear, he has no magical powers and doesn’t talk although he and Fred had worked out a signal. A signal Sheila doesn’t understand, although the belly rubs sure are nice. But the furry detective can communicate with other animals which makes the story even more fun. He is such a cool cat filled with curiosity and a real sense of purpose. He learned a lot from Fred and he is going to use all of it to save Sheila.

Sheila quickly finds herself a great group of interesting friends of her own. They all have their faults but they all pull together to save their new friend.

Mr. Abernathy’s animal characters just leap out of the pages and into your heart. They are clever, unique, and totally captivating. His descriptions capture their personalities so well and their habits so clearly. He does the same with the human characters and his descriptions of Paradise Cove including the city dump. His words pull you right into the story.

The author puts forth a well-written mystery with plenty of twists and turns. I had an inkling about who the guilty party could be all the clues had to fall in place for their motive to be clear. Mr. Abernathy also blends in some truly touching moments as both Sheila and Whiskers try to move forward without Fred. I am not sure I could take the steps they did. The book sets a very comfortable pace with wonderful human and animal interactions that include plenty of humorous moments.

Paw and Order was a lighthearted, heartwarming, and entertaining read. While murder is never cute, Detective Whiskers and his K-9 friend Kojak sure are. The unique viewpoint really sets this story apart. If you have ever wondered what your cat is thinking, this book is for you. You may be caught laughing out loud. A Purr-fect Escape!

This is just the first book in this series. I have added all the rest to my wish list and hope to read them soon.
Profile Image for Linda Langford.
1,597 reviews14 followers
May 9, 2024
I really enjoyed this cozy with a talking cat, Detective Whiskers! Great cast of characters! The cat helps his owner solve crimes by talking to other animals (not humans) about clues. Cute!
Profile Image for Ferne (Enthusiastic Reader).
1,474 reviews47 followers
February 12, 2025
4.5 Stars

Detective Whiskers, a handsome tuxedo cat, and his partner's widow, Sheila Mason, are relocating from Colorado to Paradise Cove, Florida. Fred had purchased a beachfront cottage as a surprise for Sheila so the three of them could enjoy their retirement years together. However, now it will just be Sheila and Whiskers. Fortunately, Detective Whiskers still has his badge attached to his collar. He must rely on his detective training and the experience he gained while helping Fred solve cases to clear Sheila's name, as before she has even fully unpacked in their new home, Sheila has become a suspect in the investigation of a neighbor's death.

Detective Whiskers is unique with title and badge, an expert in his own right, adept in skills and spontaneity. He not only follows the evidence to crack cases but also continues to protect his human, Sheila.

What a fur-tastic, cozy mystery! Detective Whiskers, with his paw-some skills, is not just a source of endless entertainment, but also someone to admire and respect. His interactions or negotiations with new fur or feathered friends are humorous because of his engaging personality, but they also reveal his intelligence and determination. This furry detective stole my heart, and I can’t wait to read more of the series.

Delectable recipes of Sheila’s Pineapple Salsa, Tarrie Ann’s Mango Margarita, Julia’s Brownie Mocha Trifle, Becky's Key Lime Pie, and Pineapple Mango Tango Ice Cream are included at the end of the cozy mystery.

A meaningful feature in the book's end matter states,
"All of the books in this series will be dedicated to real-life cats who have gone above and beyond the call of duty to protect their humans and uphold law and order."
In "Paw and Order," a brief description of the feline being honored is provided. Additional information about the heroic actions of each cat receiving a dedication in the series can be found on the author's website.

***********************************************
"The Jimmy Kennel Show Live in Paradise Cove" by Chris Abernathy.
The Detective Whiskers Cozy Mystery, Bonus Scene after "Paw & Order"
5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Author’s Description:
"A famous late night host comes to Paradise Cove to celebrate Detective Whiskers. This bonus material features (almost) exclusively animal characters.

This is a short scene written as bonus content for subscribers to Chris Abernathy's newsletter. It is intended to be read by fans of the Detective Whiskers cozy mystery series who have finished reading at least the first book."


The bonus content, particularly the descriptive writing, was a real standout. It didn't just describe the sights and sounds of the celebratory event for Detective Whiskers, it also managed to convey the emotions-the joy, the excitement, and the sense of togetherness. From the band to the emcee, host of the evening Jimmy Kennel, to the special guests and the honoree himself, Detective Whiskers, everyone's feelings were unmistakable throughout the event. You won’t want to miss this!
Profile Image for ✨ tweety ✨.
471 reviews70 followers
January 5, 2025
A detective cat who helps his human and her friends solve murders. Cute because it was told from the pov of the kitty
Profile Image for C.A. Phipps.
Author 50 books887 followers
July 26, 2025
Enjoyable cat cozy mystery!

Really enjoyed Detective Whiskers character. He’s taking his vow to look after Sheila seriously, but hadn’t counted on a murder!
Profile Image for Yvonne.
1,335 reviews266 followers
July 27, 2023
Sheila Mason’s life is turned upside down when her police detective husband, Fred, suddenly dies. They recently bought a retirement home in the quiet town of Paradise Cove in Florida. Now, Sheila starts her retirement life with the Mason’s cat, Whiskers. Whiskers is also known as Detective Whiskers as he often helped Fred with his cases.

Paradise Cove is not the quiet sanctuary they expect. On their arrival, there’s a murder and newcomer Sheila is the primary suspect. Whiskers vows to find the real killer and keep his human out of jail. After all, Fred didn’t give Whiskers a detective badge for nothing. Detective Whiskers is on the case.

This book is just too cute. It’s narrated by Whiskers and we experience everything through the cat’s point of view. On a side note, the cat does not speak to humans and has no magical powers. The cat does communicate with other animals and tries to get his human to understand, but it’s not easy.

Paw and Order is filled with charm, quirky characters and a unique interaction between the cat and the animals he comes in contact with. All of them willing to give the kitty some help in finding a killer.

The human characters are fun, too. They are a motley group and Sheila fits right in.

This is more than just a murder mystery. It’s about emotions from both the human and feline perspectives. They both lost someone special and now it’s time to move on and create a new life for themselves. It’s sweet and touching.

The mystery is interesting to figure out as well. There are a few possible culprits and fitting all the pieces into the puzzle is enjoyable.

Of course for this cat lover, I was totally captivated with this book. I can’t wait to read the second book in the series. It looks to be just as much fun.







FTC Disclosure: I voluntarily reviewed a free Advance Reader Copy of this book from the author and the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
493 reviews1 follower
August 25, 2024
8/24. I've always wondered if animals really talk to one another. Detective Whiskers, a cat, was always an integral part of his co-owner's lives, particularly helping Fred, his pet parent who was a real detective, solve crimes. But now Fred has passed away and Sheila, his surviving pet parent have moved to Florida where Sheila, on her first day in residence, is suspected of murder. Can Detective Whiskers help prove that someone else committed the crime? Fluffy, slightly odd, but fun.
Profile Image for Liz Kuhns.
26 reviews5 followers
June 15, 2023
"Paw and Order: A Detective Whiskers Cat Cozy Mystery" by Chris Abernathy is a delightful and charming addition to the cozy mystery genre. With its clever feline detective, engaging storyline, and a touch of whimsy, this book will captivate cat lovers and mystery enthusiasts alike.

The story revolves around Detective Whiskers, a remarkably astute and perceptive feline with a knack for solving crimes. When a mysterious case of missing catnip arises in the quaint town of Whiskerville, Detective Whiskers sets out on a mission to unravel the truth. With the help of his trusty sidekick, a lovable canine named Buddy, and an endearing cast of animal friends, Detective Whiskers follows a trail of clues that leads to a surprising and satisfying conclusion.

Abernathy's writing style is warm and engaging, drawing readers into the world of Whiskerville with ease. The author skillfully captures the personalities and mannerisms of the animal characters, adding a touch of whimsy and humor to the narrative. The descriptions of the town and its inhabitants create a vivid and inviting setting that feels cozy and welcoming.

One of the book's strengths lies in the character of Detective Whiskers himself. Abernathy has crafted a truly endearing and memorable protagonist in this clever cat detective. Detective Whiskers's intelligence, curiosity, and unwavering determination make him a captivating and relatable character. His interactions with the other animals in Whiskerville are filled with warmth and charm, bringing a sense of camaraderie and community to the story.

The mystery aspect of the book is well-paced and engaging. Abernathy expertly weaves together clues and red herrings, keeping readers guessing until the final reveal. The plot flows smoothly, with a good balance of investigative moments and lighthearted interactions between the animal characters. The mystery itself may not be overly complex, but it is satisfying and well-executed within the cozy mystery framework.

Additionally, "Paw and Order" delivers a heartwarming message about friendship, loyalty, and the importance of community. The bonds formed between the animal characters and their shared desire to help and protect one another create a heartwarming and uplifting aspect to the story.

While "Paw and Order" offers an enjoyable reading experience, it may not appeal to readers looking for intricate plot twists or intense suspense. The focus of the book is more on the charm and whimsy of the animal characters and the cozy atmosphere of Whiskerville. If you're seeking a light-hearted and feel-good mystery, this book will certainly satisfy.

In conclusion, "Paw and Order: A Detective Whiskers Cat Cozy Mystery" is a delightful and heartwarming read that will leave you with a smile on your face. Chris Abernathy's skillful storytelling, lovable characters, and engaging mystery make for an entertaining and enjoyable cozy mystery experience. Cat lovers and cozy mystery enthusiasts will find themselves thoroughly charmed by this whimsical tale of Detective Whiskers and his furry companions in Whiskerville.
487 reviews4 followers
July 30, 2024
Paw and Order
The Detective Whiskers Cozy Mystery Series, Book 1

By: Chris Abernathy
Narrated by: Amy McFadden, Tanya Eby, Erin DeWard, Meghan Kelly, Phil Thron, David Allen Vargo, Pearl Hewitt, Shannon Nicole Locke, Suzanne Wynn, Scott Chambers, Alaina Moeller, Justin Brown, Brian Temple, Chris Abernathy

Margaritas, Mayhem, Murder. Pure Unbridled Delight!

Overall: 5 of 5 stars Performance: 5 of 5 stars Story: 5 of 5 stars
Reviewed: 07-30-24

Margaritas … Mayhem … Murder …. When some nefarious Paradise Cove ne’er do well’s conspire to frame Sheila for doing away with a belligerent, and confrontational resident, it falls to her new friends, and her devoted cat Detective Whiskers, to keep her out of the pokey in “Paw and Order, The Detective Whiskers Cozy Mystery Series, Book 1”. Oh if you could see my grin! I absolutely loved this story. These characters, the narration and everything that went into this delightful production! Detective Whiskers, his league of animal co-conspirators and the ladies that befriend and defend Sheila truly redefine “acting in concert” when they unknowingly combine their talents to solve the murder, and protect their peaceful way of living in Paradise Cove. I love the premise of this story! Detective Whiskers is fabulous! When he “speaks” other animals understand him, they know EXACTLY what he is trying to convey, very much like what I see with animals in life; they communicate perfectly with each other without words! With humans … ahhh and here’s the rub, human they THINK they know what is being conveyed, but alas no, and Whiskers has to find other … sometimes hilariously inventive … ways to get his point across! I am going to stop right there! As you listen, you will see exactly what I mean! Not only is Detective Whiskers fabulous, ALL of the characters, animal AND human are fully defined, fully developed and I truly enjoyed every single one … even the nasties! I rejoiced when they triumphed, and YES I cheered as they got what was coming to them with a fist pumping “take that”! I was completely immersed in every aspect of this truly delightful story! What was mind blowing was the narration! Full cast with every character individually narrated, uniquely, beautifully in a realistically conversational manner! This truly delightful cozy mystery was absolutely stunning, five stars stunning across all categories and I can’t wait for more. I loved it !
Profile Image for Frieda Thompson.
389 reviews6 followers
June 26, 2025
Paw & Order

What a cute, wonderful, little cozy! I read it all today, while doing a doctor's visit too! Doesn't sound like much, but for me a 15 minute appointment takes the whole day! Anyway, when I say "little cozy" I'm not belittling it in anyway! It was just "what the doctor ordered" for my day! A purrfect escape from reality "fur" a few hours!! Actually "Auto-IN-Correct did that, but I think I'll leave it! I Iove these murder mysteries that have animals as the main characters! This is my first by Mr. Abernathy, & I believe he will be joining my favorite cozy authors! I love the location. I have my own Favorite Sugar Sand Beach in the Florida Gulf! I love the animals, of course. While I don't love murder, we can't have a murder mystery without one! About the only thing I didn't Iike was that we missed meeting Fred! I lied! I don't care for the habitual use of alcohol, but there are hardly any books to be read these days without drinking involved. I'm NOT a TeeTotaller, but it's just not a daily, or even yearly, part of my life, PLUS I've seen what alcohol can do to people I love. Glasses of ice cold Sweet Tea, or CocaCola would have sufficed as well. 'Nuff said 'bout that! I really like that the story is otherwise "clean"! No graphic sex, violence, nor profanity! I love that Sheila found friends right away in her new home. Oh dear! I just remembered one more negative! I despise HOA's!! I would NEVER buy into one! No-one has a right to tell someone what they can & can't do in, & with, their own home! As long as it's not illegal, immoral, or unethical, of course! However, the neighborhood seems peaceful enough so far. If you ignore the big ol' corpse in the dump! I love the thought of retiring to the beach. I like how the different species of animals can communicate, & I believe Sheila will catch on quickly! IDK about the rest of the "Girls"! But I will sure enjoy finding out! Beach, Mystery, Friendship, & Animals! What more could a quick escape need?
Profile Image for Katreader.
950 reviews49 followers
July 18, 2023
PAW & ORDER by Chris Abernathy
The First Detective Whiskers Cat Cozy Mystery

Moving to a cottage by the water in Florida was the retirement dream of Detective Fred Mason and his wife, Sheila. Sheila and Detective Whiskers, their cat, grieving the unexpected death of Fred decide to make the move to their dream home in Paradise Cove without their beloved Fred. Vowing to protect Sheila, Detective Whiskers has his work cut out for him when a neighbor is killed and Sheila becomes a suspect. With new friends to help, Detective Whiskers will have to quickly get the lay of the land and find the real killer or lose his home for good!

Detective Whiskers is a fresh voice in crime fiction. I love the fact that the protagonist of the new Detective Whiskers Cat Cozy Mystery series is a cat instead of a human. While he may have his flaws, like enjoying a belly rub so much his mission is forgotten, Whiskers is smart and with police training is well prepared to clear his human's name. I like the other animal characters as well, though it was odd that Zappa was a male, as almost all calico cats are female. No matter, he's a cool laid back dude. I like that Sheila quickly found a new group of friends willing to not only welcome her to the community, but support her and do all they can to help her. It's hard to start over, especially when you're older, and even more so after the loss of a partner. Sheila, though she takes a back seat to Detective Whiskers, is still a courageous woman who won't back down or give up when things get bad, though she may take a nap.

I really enjoyed this deftly written mystery. It's heartwarming, especially in regards to how Sheila and Whiskers grieve for Fred, and funny with several laugh out loud moments. I like how both Detective Whiskers and Sheila work to clear her name. While they use slightly different methods, each calls on new found friends to help. While I was pretty sure I knew who the killer was, I wasn't sure why. I like how the pieces fell into place, proving me right.

PAW & ORDER is a cute mystery about starting over. Grab a margarita and a slice of key lime pie and dig in to this unique new mystery series.
16 reviews
May 18, 2023
I will admit, it took me a couple of pages to get my mind straight with the narrator who uniquely is a black and white cat named Detective Whiskers. Detective Whiskers earned his detecting stripes while working alongside his main human, Detective Fred. Detective Fred has passed, leaving Detective Whiskers with Fred's wife Shelia and they have settled down in Florida.

Once I was clear on who was speaking, I was lost in the mystery and the characters. And not just the human ones. The characters are both human and animals of many types. The animals all speak to one another which lends very neatly to the plot points of them helping to solve the crime.

If you love cats and all the idiosyncrasies that go with them, you will be highly amused at the thoughts Detective Whiskers has during the story. I found myself nodding and laughing at the fact that I truly believe that my cats completely feel the way he does (especially about belly rubs, Karen Carpenter, and other dogs). If you're a fan of small beach towns and HOAs, you'll be agreeing with what goes on in them as well.

Also uniquely, you actually find out the culprit before the last chapter or two, but that isn't the problem. When only the animals (that can't "talk" to humans) know who did it... How do they prove it? Read and find out! Looking forward to the next one.

I was given an Advanced Reader Copy for an honest review.
Profile Image for Lisa.
600 reviews60 followers
July 28, 2023
Sheila is grieving the death of her husband Fred. She honors his memory by moving to Whiskerville, to the home where they’d planned to live out their golden years. Unbeknownst to Sheila, her cat Whiskers is mourning the loss of his crime-solving partner. Fred was a detective, and he and Whiskers had worked out a code so that Whiskers could help solve cases. And his crime-solving skills are put to the test not long after they move to Whiskerville. There’s a murder in the town (the first ever), and Sheila is the prime suspect.

This is a charming read! I’m not quite Sheila’s age, but I’m old enough that I can understand how hard it might be for her to start over after decades married to her husband. She’s a relatable and very likable main character, and I wanted to see her build a happy life in Whiskerville, even if Fred wasn’t there with her.

And Detective Whiskers! I’m a cat person, and he has utterly won my heart. He’s smart and persistent and willing to do whatever it takes to clear Sheila’s name. People can’t understand him (even Sheila doesn’t know the code that Fred and Whiskers shared), but he can communicate with other animals in the neighborhood. Having the story unfold through the animals’ eyes makes for an engaging read.

If you love a good cozy mystery and cats, you’ll want to read Paw and Order. Five paws up from me!
1,769 reviews23 followers
July 3, 2024
What a wonderful cozy mystery with a point to murder. An array of colorful senior characters that catch your attention but of course this wouldn't be a mystery without a deadly schemer hidden in plain sight within the crowd of fifty-five and over senior beach bungalow crowd along with the newest member a new widow with her own private cat detective graced with an honorary badge given by a chief of police back in their old home city. Now it's time to prove his worth after his fallen partners widow is accused of murder in their new community. Although the characters may draw you in at first it's a twisted plot with secrets, lies and plenty of manipulation from the two legged characters , conjoined efforts of the four legged companions and a little mayhem that will have you nodding your head, rolling your eyes and chuckling here and there as you turn one intriguing page after another with anticipation of what's to happen next. This is one of those cozy mystery murders you just won't be able to put down until you've reached its unexpected and climatic conclusion.Acquire " Paw and Order "the first book in a new delightful series ( Detective Whiskers ) waiting to be discovered to give you hours of intriguing and enjoyable entertainment. Kat
Profile Image for Jenny.
2,306 reviews73 followers
October 7, 2025
Paw and Order is book one in the Detective Whiskers Cozy Mystery by Chris Abernathy. Sheila had just moved into her new home when she became the prime suspect in the murder of her neighbour. However, her beautiful cat, Whiskers, decided to investigate to clear her name. Will Detective Whiskers be able to save Sheila, allowing them to start a new life in Paradise Cove? Readers of Paw and Order will continue to follow Detective Whiskers as they discover what happens next.

Paw and Order is the first book I have read by Chris Abernathy, and I laughed all the way through this book. The way Chris Abernathy portrays his characters and their interaction with each other was so funny and special, especially the main character, Detective Whiskers, who happens to be a cat. I engage with the story and the characters of this book from the first page and continue to the end.

Paw and Order was well written and researched by Chris Abernathy. I like Chris Abernathy's description of the settings in Paw and Order, which makes me feel like I was part of the book's plot. Enjoyable book to read on a wet Sunday afternoon with a cup of tea and your favourite biscuit. I recommend this book.
17 reviews
May 16, 2023
Paw and Order (Detective Whiskers #1) by Chris Abernathy is a new cozy mystery series that tells the story from the cat’s point of view. First of all, I followed the author’s suggestion to read the book with my cat on my lap, which ensured I finished the book in one afternoon and added my enjoyment of the story.

Sheila Mason and her husband Fred dreamed of retiring to the beach in Florida. After Fred dies suddenly, Sheila decides to start her life over in the new home Fred bought in Paradise Cove. Of course, Fred’s faithful cat partner, Detective Whiskers is right by her side! Sheila’s neighbor is murdered right after she moves in and the police are zeroing in on Sheila as their main suspect. Sheila’s new friends, Det. Whiskers and Kojack, a police dog, have to find the real killer. Whiskers has the answers and tries to tell her, but Sheila just thinks he wants another belly rub, or maybe a snack.

Great fun story, well written characters - human and animal - and some delicious recipes! Can’t wait for the next book in the series.
2 reviews1 follower
May 27, 2023
Great book!

I just finished reading “Paw and Order” by Chris Abernathy. I loved it!

It is a delightful and easy-to-read book that combines the charm of a detective story with the endearing world of Whisker the Cat.

At the center of the story is Whiskers, a clever and cunning feline detective with an insatiable curiosity for solving crimes. Whiskers' charm and wit are simply irresistible as he uses his keen sense of smell and sharp instincts to solve the first murder ever in his new neighborhood.

The supporting cast of characters is equally captivating. There is Buster the dog, a hippie cat and a Special K-9 Agent along with Whiskers beloved owner and an array of quirky neighbors and suspicious figures. Each character adds depth to the story. Their interactions with Whiskers create an interesting and entertaining atmosphere, making it a joy to follow their adventures.

Chris’ writing style is concise, captivating and easy to read. Paw and Order is an excellent book choice for a quick summer read, especially for lovers of cats and cozy mysteries!
Profile Image for Lisa.
536 reviews
January 8, 2025
Paw and Order: A Cat Detective Cozy Mystery Chris Abernathy is a cute cozy mystery, somewhat heartwarming.

Introduced in Rescued: A Story of Cats, Dogs, Crooks and Cops, Detective Whiskers and his former human partner's widow, Sheila, move to Paradise Cove in Florida. Before Sheila is even settled in their new home (her deceased husband's final gift to Sheila), a stream of people start parading through Sheila's new home. Sheila and Tarrie Ann, Julie, and Becky all become "instant best friends." Then Sheila's new next door neighbor is murdered and Detective Whiskers see the neighbor's body get dumped from the trash can into the garbage truck at the same time fingers and evidence start pointing towards his partner's widow.

Paw and Order is a cute story told from Detective Whiskers' POV. Unfortunately, as soon as one person opens their mouth, I knew not only who the murderer was and the reason for the murder. Yes, it's a cozy mystery, but the murderer doesn't have to be so obvious. That said, I really like Detective Whiskers, so I'll read more of this Cat Cozy Mystery Series.
2,219 reviews44 followers
July 16, 2024
The cute eye-catching book cover of Paw and Order really got my attention! I really liked that the main characters in the book are retired and enjoying life in Florida. Shelia Mason became a widow before she and her husband could move to a beach community together. Her detective husband, Fred, died on the way to his retirement party! Being an empty-nester, Shelia and her cat, Whiskers, end up leaving Colorado for a new home in Paradise Cove. Two things happen upon their arrival. They make new friends, both two legged and four legged, and someone is murdered. Whiskers starts looking for clues just like he used to do as Fred's Detective helper. This is a fun start to the Detective Whiskers series. Having animals that can communicate with each other but not with humans makes this cozy different from most other series that I've read. But it added humor to the story. I look forward to reading future books in this series.
Profile Image for Lorraine O'Connor.
157 reviews
December 1, 2025
Retirement community, a bait and switch with a dog, newly caught fish & a murder

Well told story with an entertaining plot. Sheila and Detective Whiskers, the cat, move from Colorado to a beautiful, single home retirement community after her husband dies on his way to his retirement party. His car was hit by a truck. Her husband bought the house, furniture included and surprised her with it. The movers hadn't even left yet and the neighbors came, one at a time to welcome her. Each brought some kind of food or groceries. They even arranged for a welcome party at the community center at 7pm. The dog next door gets loose, steals a freshly caught fish and runs into Sheila's house with it. In all the commotion, her knife goes missing. The next day a murder is discovered. This has never happened in this community and the police blunder through it. It's funny and entertaining. Enjoy!
414 reviews8 followers
May 8, 2023
What a fun story, a murder mystery solved by the cat and his helpful companions a Police Canine Dog and a small little mouse. This was an interesting read it captivated my attention and I was up reading all night. Sheila and her Cat Whiskers have just moved to Sunny Florida her husband Fred surprised her when he bought a cottage on the Beach but before he could retire he was killed. Sheila has to make the move by her self and she has to make new friends. There is drama going on with the neighbors, two are realtors competing to sell property in the area and after a dog gets loose, Whiskers ends up in a tree. Then her neighbor who caused an argument about her cat is murdered and Sheila is a suspect. What fun when the girls get together to drink and gossip about the murder. You will have to read to find out what happens next.
594 reviews7 followers
May 24, 2023
The plans were for Fred and Sheila to move to Paradise Cove when Fred retired. He had already bought the house and planned to surprise Sheila at his retirement party. The only problem was that he was killed in a car accident on his way to the party. After everything was taken care of, Sheila and their cat, Detective Whiskers, moved to Paradise Cove. Beautiful little town with some very welcoming people. Unfortunately, right after she moved in, her next-door-neighbor is killed. Detective Whiskers, who worked with Fred as a detective, is determined to figure out who really was the killer. The only problem is he can’t communicate with anyone, but that’s not stopping him! Very unique story with a bunch of quirky characters that will keep you laughing at their antics. Fantastic start to a new series!
Profile Image for Lise.
1,066 reviews
April 16, 2025
It was to be their next adventure, a beautiful cottage by the ocean in Florida, but Sheila Mason's husband, Fred, died just before the move. Convinced by her family to follow the original plan, Sheila moves with Detective Whiskers, Fred's cat, to the unspoilt beach town of Paradise Cove. The unpacking had barely begun when the nasty next-door neighbour started an argument with Sheila. When the man turned up dead the following morning, Sheila was in the frame for his murder. It's up to Detective Whiskers to sort out this mess, for once and for all.

It took me a little bit of time to buy into the premise of an animal as the main character, but once I did, the story flowed. Sheila is a sweet character, and her supporting crew is a fun bunch. Naturally, Whisker has become my favourite character now, and I'm looking forward to more adventures with him.
318 reviews
November 6, 2024
A cat book

I know that this comment might cause a tsunami but I an not really a lover of cats but I have to make an exception, I certainly loved Detective Whiskers. At long last a cat with a pleasant and likeable personality. He/she totally took over the book and his/her interactions with both humans and animals captured my attention throughout the story. The human characters were also interesting but nowhere near as captivating as the animal ones. The usually readiness for the police to jumped to conclusions was there, blatantly overlooking one glaring fact, the matter of the disposal of the body. How did Sheila manage to accomplish this feat when Nancy could not?

Nice, light hearted read.
573 reviews
March 9, 2025
Sheila Mason
Detective Whiskers The Cat

Sheila and Whiskers have just moved to Paradise Cove, Fl from Colorado. This was to be the retirement home for Sheila and her husband Fred, but on his retirement day he passed away suddenly. Whiskers has a Detective badge on his collar from his work with Fred. Sheila has no more got to Paradise Cove when her neighbor is murdered and she is the main suspect. Sheila has the support of her new friends Tarrie Ann, Becky and Julia as they try to figure out who is the real killer. This is a fun mystery, with animals communicating with each other to help with the case and the ladies and their margaritas. This is a new author for me and I would read more books by her and in this series.
1 review
May 29, 2023
Chris Abernathy has a winner with his comedic feline mystery! His cast of idiosyncratic characters can't help but bring both chuckles and belly laughs.

As Detective Whiskers, the endearing furry hero, lives for his commitment to protect his human, Sheila, while skillfully discerning the motives behind the eccentric characters surrounding her, you will be captivated by the twists and turns in Paradise Cove!

Don't forget to check out the recipes at the end of the book. I highly recommend pouring yourself a Mango Margarita while you dip your toes in the water and enjoy this great summer read!
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1,534 reviews13 followers
June 17, 2023
Paw and Order is the first installment of the A Detective Whiskers Cat Cozy Mystery series written by Chris Abernathy. This book is a delightful and charming addition to the cozy mystery genre. With its clever feline detective, intriguing plot, and a touch of humor, this book will captivate cat lovers and mystery enthusiasts alike. I love that it tells the story from the cat’s point of view. It is a delightful and easy-to-read book that combines the charm of a detective story with the endearing world of Whisker the Cat. I received an advanced reader copy from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Jocelyn.
286 reviews
June 3, 2025
I’m actually pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this book. It was simple and lighthearted and had me so invested the entire time. Definitely a welcome relief from some of the other things I’ve been reading lately!

Paw & Order was a bit silly at times, and I thought I noticed a typo or two, but that could’ve just been me. One of my favorite parts about this book is the list of recipes at the end. It just makes the story that much more realistic. And with all that talk of margaritas, I really want to try some now. (The mocktail version, of course.)

I’ve really come to realize how bad I am at solving mysteries—I always suspect the wrong person.
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