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Witch Cats of Cambridge #4
To Conjure a Killer: A Witch Cats of Cambridge Mystery
It’s kitten season in Cambridge, and the results can be murder. Becca Colwin is coming home from her job at Charm and Cherish when she sees a tortoiseshell kitten run down an alley - leading to a dead body. As a connection between Becca and that corpse is confirmed, Becca comes under suspicion — and is dragged into a cyberware scandal, thanks to her cheating ex, Jeff. The unfaithful computer geek and his high-power investor were working on stealth software designed to record and transmit personal data – a new form of spyware that would be of interest to everyone from the police and security agencies to cybercriminals. And when Jeff’s former friends and colleagues approach her, Becca finds the police aren’t the only ones watching her. Meanwhile, Becca is sheltering the little tortie, who seems to have some powers of her own, much to the dismay of her three resident cats. These powers may help Becca discern friend from foe, solve the murder, and clear her name - with the help of her mystical feline friends.
- GenresMysteryCozy MysteryCats
320 pages, Hardcover
Published November 21, 2023
4 people are currently reading
55 people want to read
About the author
Clea Simon
57 books403 followersBoston Globe-bestselling author Clea Simon is the author most recently of
The Butterfly Trap,
a sinister slow-build "he said/she said" that will definitely surprise you.
This follows Bad Boy Beat a fast-paced amateur sleuth mystery featuring a novice crime reporter with a nose for news who is convinced a series of street-level killings are connected.
In a different mood, Clea's most recent cozy is To Conjure a Killer, the fourth in her "Witch Cats of Cambridge" series.
She is also the author of the psychological suspense novels, Hold Me Down and World Enough, both named "Must Reads" by the Massachusetts Book Awards, as well as the dystopian Blackie and Care black cat series (The Ninth Life), the Dulcie Schwartz feline/academic mysteries (Shades of Grey), the Pru Marlowe pet noir mysteries (Dogs Don't Lie), and the Theda Krakow cats & crime & rock & roll mysteries (Mew is for Murder), as well as three nonfiction books: Mad House: Growing Up in the Shadow of Mentally Ill Siblings; Fatherless Women: How We Change After We Lose Our Dads; and The Feline Mystique: On the Mysterious Connection Between Women and Cats.
The recipient of multiple honors, including the Cat Writers Associations Presidents Award, she lives in Somerville, Massachusetts, with her husband, Jon Garelick, and their cat, Thisbe. Find her at Clea Simon.com
This follows Bad Boy Beat a fast-paced amateur sleuth mystery featuring a novice crime reporter with a nose for news who is convinced a series of street-level killings are connected.
In a different mood, Clea's most recent cozy is To Conjure a Killer, the fourth in her "Witch Cats of Cambridge" series.
She is also the author of the psychological suspense novels, Hold Me Down and World Enough, both named "Must Reads" by the Massachusetts Book Awards, as well as the dystopian Blackie and Care black cat series (The Ninth Life), the Dulcie Schwartz feline/academic mysteries (Shades of Grey), the Pru Marlowe pet noir mysteries (Dogs Don't Lie), and the Theda Krakow cats & crime & rock & roll mysteries (Mew is for Murder), as well as three nonfiction books: Mad House: Growing Up in the Shadow of Mentally Ill Siblings; Fatherless Women: How We Change After We Lose Our Dads; and The Feline Mystique: On the Mysterious Connection Between Women and Cats.
The recipient of multiple honors, including the Cat Writers Associations Presidents Award, she lives in Somerville, Massachusetts, with her husband, Jon Garelick, and their cat, Thisbe. Find her at Clea Simon.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
February 7, 2024
This is the 4th anticipated release in this endearing charming cozy series "Witch Cats Of Cambridge". I highly recommend this series for all who love cats. The author has written a series to capture cat lovers hearts and perfectly describes their mannerisms, habits and charm. Thank you to the publisher and to Net Galley for the opportunity. My review opinions are my own.
In this next in series Becca is trying to catch a loose tortie kitten when the kitten leads her to a body. The kitten has unusual powers she finds out much to the chagrin of her three cats at home. Her cats have magical talents that are a feature of this wonderful series and so endearing to the reader. As the investigation proceeds she is under suspicion and finds her ex is involved. Does the kitten have a connection and why did the kitten lead her to the body is for Becca to find out as she works to clear her name.
The sleuth was intriquing from start to finish. The characters all perfectly matched to the series. I love the cats and their input to Becca and how they help her find clues. This is so charming and a fun addition to this wonderful series. Well done to the author. I look forward to the next in series.
In this next in series Becca is trying to catch a loose tortie kitten when the kitten leads her to a body. The kitten has unusual powers she finds out much to the chagrin of her three cats at home. Her cats have magical talents that are a feature of this wonderful series and so endearing to the reader. As the investigation proceeds she is under suspicion and finds her ex is involved. Does the kitten have a connection and why did the kitten lead her to the body is for Becca to find out as she works to clear her name.
The sleuth was intriquing from start to finish. The characters all perfectly matched to the series. I love the cats and their input to Becca and how they help her find clues. This is so charming and a fun addition to this wonderful series. Well done to the author. I look forward to the next in series.
January 3, 2024
An absolutely awesome Witch Cats mystery!
Clearly Simon is an amazing author! I love this series and I managed to get the whole Mr. Gray series, which is amazing, also! I love the cats in this series with their magical talents, but for me they kinda remind me of Cinderella and her wicked step sisters the way Harriet and Laurel pick on Clara. Now we have a new kitten in the family. Wonder what its name will be? I do love this series. It's delightful!!
Clearly Simon is an amazing author! I love this series and I managed to get the whole Mr. Gray series, which is amazing, also! I love the cats in this series with their magical talents, but for me they kinda remind me of Cinderella and her wicked step sisters the way Harriet and Laurel pick on Clara. Now we have a new kitten in the family. Wonder what its name will be? I do love this series. It's delightful!!
January 19, 2024
Becca Colwin is coming home from her job at Charm and Cherish when she sees a tortoiseshell kitten run down an alley - leading to a dead body.
The culprit is an unknown person.. Will they figure out who it is?
I received this book from the publisher and NetGalley. This in no way affects my opinion of this book.
The culprit is an unknown person.. Will they figure out who it is?
I received this book from the publisher and NetGalley. This in no way affects my opinion of this book.
January 31, 2024
Princess Fuzzypants here: If I ever get into trouble I want these three feline sisters as my back up. The two older sisters have great talent but it is little sister Clara who seems to have both abilities and compassion for her human, Becca. And Becca needs all the help she can get.
She rushes out into traffic to try and save a little kitten and when she follows the kitten into an alleyway, she stumbles upon a body…who just happens to be her cheating ex…just as the police arrive. Naive or just not too bright, Becca stumbles along trying to convince the police that she had nothing to do with his murder and then barrels into the investigation to try to find out why Jeff was murdered. She has an inflated opinion of her own skill set and if she did not have little Clara sticking close to her whilst not visible, she might get into far worse trouble.
The kitties, including the new kitten, who has been accepted into the clowder, help eliminate one suspect and help bring the real villain to task. I really love the conversation that the cats have amongst themselves. They are great characters. I just wish I liked Becca more. Four purrs and two paws up.
She rushes out into traffic to try and save a little kitten and when she follows the kitten into an alleyway, she stumbles upon a body…who just happens to be her cheating ex…just as the police arrive. Naive or just not too bright, Becca stumbles along trying to convince the police that she had nothing to do with his murder and then barrels into the investigation to try to find out why Jeff was murdered. She has an inflated opinion of her own skill set and if she did not have little Clara sticking close to her whilst not visible, she might get into far worse trouble.
The kitties, including the new kitten, who has been accepted into the clowder, help eliminate one suspect and help bring the real villain to task. I really love the conversation that the cats have amongst themselves. They are great characters. I just wish I liked Becca more. Four purrs and two paws up.
December 10, 2023
Author Clea Simon pens another delightful witch cats of Cambridge mystery. When Becca is caught up in the murder of her ex, her wonderful magical cats have to come to the rescue again. Simon writes cats like no one else.
December 11, 2023
I'm loving this latest series from Clea Simon -- author of four previous series and some excellent stand-alone myseries. Like Clea's other "cozy" series, this one is fast and funny, with sharply drawn feline and human characters.
February 9, 2024
A charming tortoiseshell kitten less Becca to a dead body in an alley. When the police discover Becca's connection to the victim, she becomes suspect number 1. Spyware, cybercriminals, and intrigue lead the reader on a guessing game of who done the person in. Great characters. A solid mystery. Really enjoyed the kitten. We who have torties know they DO have magical powers! Thanks #Netgalley and #Polisbooks for the eARC in exchange for a honest review. All opinions are mine.
December 31, 2023
'To Conjure A Killer' by Clea Simon.
I mainly picked this book because of the cover, I love cats and when it involves a good ol murder mystery that is even better.
As Becca leaves work she comes across a kitten in need of help, the kitten leads her to a dead body. At first Becca does not realise that the body is of her cheating ex, so when the police find her with blood on her hands near the body...it does not look good.
I thought I had the killer nailed from quite early on but as I got near the end I was completely wrong. I loved the cats, they all had there own little personalities. Particularly loved Clara.
The book is a joy to read, if you're a fan of cats and murder mysteries I would give this book a read. I would definitely read more by the author.
Thanks to NetGallery UK, the publishers and the author for letting me read a copy in return for an honest review.
I mainly picked this book because of the cover, I love cats and when it involves a good ol murder mystery that is even better.
As Becca leaves work she comes across a kitten in need of help, the kitten leads her to a dead body. At first Becca does not realise that the body is of her cheating ex, so when the police find her with blood on her hands near the body...it does not look good.
I thought I had the killer nailed from quite early on but as I got near the end I was completely wrong. I loved the cats, they all had there own little personalities. Particularly loved Clara.
The book is a joy to read, if you're a fan of cats and murder mysteries I would give this book a read. I would definitely read more by the author.
Thanks to NetGallery UK, the publishers and the author for letting me read a copy in return for an honest review.
January 13, 2024
Thanks for the ARC via Netgalley!
Honestly, Im enjoying reading this mystery & fantasy reads! In this book, the author creates two POVs, the POV from Becca's pet cat and the POV from Becca herself.
Becca works in a shop that sells magic items such as germs stones, tarot cards for the future, healing stones and others. One day, when Becca wanted to save a kitten that was about to be run over, she was plunged into a murder mystery.
Becca is accused of murdering a man named Jeff who is her ex-boyfriend. Becca hasn't seen Jeff for a long time since they broke up, but his death brings Becca as one of the accused. Among the reasons Becca was accused of; they conclude that Becca is jealous that Jeff is in a relationship with Renee (previously Jeff cheated and this reinforces the evidence that Jeff was killed and Becca happened to be at the scene where Becca wanted to save the cat)
🌬️“The killer could be someone he was doing business with—especially if big money is at stake.”
🌬️“The cops told you that there were reports of a man and a woman yelling at each other, right? We’ve been saying that a business partner would make a good suspect.”
🌬️And also, her pet suspected, that she could find out the truth of what had happened to her late ex-boyfriend.- POV from a cat.
🌬️“Doesn’t that make you wonder? Everyone’s looking at you because they think you were the jealous girlfriend. But she was the one who was about to get dumped. I’d say spreading rumors about threats is just so much smoke. If I were the police, I’d be looking at Renee Wendig right about now.”
Honestly, Im enjoying reading this mystery & fantasy reads! In this book, the author creates two POVs, the POV from Becca's pet cat and the POV from Becca herself.
Becca works in a shop that sells magic items such as germs stones, tarot cards for the future, healing stones and others. One day, when Becca wanted to save a kitten that was about to be run over, she was plunged into a murder mystery.
Becca is accused of murdering a man named Jeff who is her ex-boyfriend. Becca hasn't seen Jeff for a long time since they broke up, but his death brings Becca as one of the accused. Among the reasons Becca was accused of; they conclude that Becca is jealous that Jeff is in a relationship with Renee (previously Jeff cheated and this reinforces the evidence that Jeff was killed and Becca happened to be at the scene where Becca wanted to save the cat)
🌬️“The killer could be someone he was doing business with—especially if big money is at stake.”
🌬️“The cops told you that there were reports of a man and a woman yelling at each other, right? We’ve been saying that a business partner would make a good suspect.”
🌬️And also, her pet suspected, that she could find out the truth of what had happened to her late ex-boyfriend.- POV from a cat.
🌬️“Doesn’t that make you wonder? Everyone’s looking at you because they think you were the jealous girlfriend. But she was the one who was about to get dumped. I’d say spreading rumors about threats is just so much smoke. If I were the police, I’d be looking at Renee Wendig right about now.”
January 3, 2024
Becca Colwin is heading home after her day at a New Age shop, Charm and Cherish, when she spies a tortoiseshell kitten skittering through foot traffic and enter an alley. Becca follows the tortie to make sure she is alright. What she finds is a body. The body of her ex-boyfriend, Jeff. She quickly scoops up the kitten and hides her in her bag just as the police come down the alleyway.
Meanwhile, back at Becca's apartment, three anxious cats are awaiting her return. Harriet, Laurel, and Clara. It's dinner time and tummies are starting to rumble. Harriet is most offended by Becca's tardiness. Trying to calm her sisters down Clara uses her ability to pass through solid objects to find out about the situation. She hears Becca on the phone talking to her friend Maddie as she comes up the stairs. Clara reassures her cat sisters that she is coming. Harriet gives one of her harrumphs in reply muttering under he breath that it is dinner time.
So begins a trying time for the Witch Cats of Cambridge anf their human. Clara takes the lead this time because she can unobtrusively follow Becca whenever she leaves the apartment. She brings news home to Harriet and Laurel, and subsequently the tortie kitten.
Jeff was about to unveil some stealth software that records and transfers data; a new kind of spyware. He has a wealthy investor backing him. A big announcement is supposed to happen within days of his murder. Becca is now part of the cyberspace scandal by association.
Becca has been trying to drum up business as a witch detective. She is in a coven in order to help her summon the powers to solve crimes. She has posted a sign up at Charm and Cherish advertising her talent. It is not much of a business right now which is why she is still working at Charm and Cherish. No problem there because she loves working there.
Eventually a connection is made between Becca and Jeff. She is now a person of interest. Becca may get her first case now since Jeff's friends and co-workers keep asking her questions about what Jeff was working on. Becca has no idea. With the help of the three cats, especially Clara, she plunges into this mystery to solve the murder and prove her own innocence. The cats are very protective of their human.
Untangling the web of mystery takes Becca (and Clara) to Jeff's former work place, his apartment, and many trips to the police station. Her sleuthing yields the answers others haven't found. It is fun working the case with her and the cats.
The descriptions of each cat is spot on! Each other them has a distinct personality and as only cats can be they are right on top of every move Becca makes. I have fallen in love with these cozy tales. The cats make me laugh because I can see mine in them. And, don't worry the tortie gets a name in the end.
Meanwhile, back at Becca's apartment, three anxious cats are awaiting her return. Harriet, Laurel, and Clara. It's dinner time and tummies are starting to rumble. Harriet is most offended by Becca's tardiness. Trying to calm her sisters down Clara uses her ability to pass through solid objects to find out about the situation. She hears Becca on the phone talking to her friend Maddie as she comes up the stairs. Clara reassures her cat sisters that she is coming. Harriet gives one of her harrumphs in reply muttering under he breath that it is dinner time.
So begins a trying time for the Witch Cats of Cambridge anf their human. Clara takes the lead this time because she can unobtrusively follow Becca whenever she leaves the apartment. She brings news home to Harriet and Laurel, and subsequently the tortie kitten.
Jeff was about to unveil some stealth software that records and transfers data; a new kind of spyware. He has a wealthy investor backing him. A big announcement is supposed to happen within days of his murder. Becca is now part of the cyberspace scandal by association.
Becca has been trying to drum up business as a witch detective. She is in a coven in order to help her summon the powers to solve crimes. She has posted a sign up at Charm and Cherish advertising her talent. It is not much of a business right now which is why she is still working at Charm and Cherish. No problem there because she loves working there.
Eventually a connection is made between Becca and Jeff. She is now a person of interest. Becca may get her first case now since Jeff's friends and co-workers keep asking her questions about what Jeff was working on. Becca has no idea. With the help of the three cats, especially Clara, she plunges into this mystery to solve the murder and prove her own innocence. The cats are very protective of their human.
Untangling the web of mystery takes Becca (and Clara) to Jeff's former work place, his apartment, and many trips to the police station. Her sleuthing yields the answers others haven't found. It is fun working the case with her and the cats.
The descriptions of each cat is spot on! Each other them has a distinct personality and as only cats can be they are right on top of every move Becca makes. I have fallen in love with these cozy tales. The cats make me laugh because I can see mine in them. And, don't worry the tortie gets a name in the end.
November 28, 2023
I really enjoyed this book! This was my first read in the series, but it was easy to get up-to-speed on the human characters and the magical capabilities of the three cat characters. The author was masterful in maintaining the POV of the central cat, who was always invisibly following her person and "helping" her solve the central mystery. Loved the local color of Central Square Cambridge. The juxtaposition of the Wiccan coven characters and the software development characters was fun and unexpected.
February 21, 2024
Love Becca, Clara and the band of cats that are in these stories. I fell in love with the first stories and followed them till this one.
There's a lot going on, a new cat and a solid mystery.
The cover is gorgeous and I hope there will a lot more stories featuring these characters
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine
There's a lot going on, a new cat and a solid mystery.
The cover is gorgeous and I hope there will a lot more stories featuring these characters
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine
January 6, 2024
*Thank you to NetGalley and Polis Books for providing this book, with my honest review below*
This was a cute read that will appeal to mystery and cat lovers alike! I’m more of a dog person, but I could definitely get behind this series and loved the little kitten that joined the group. There were enough twists to keep me engaged, but I did wish some parts of the book went a little faster in the action. I had not previously read this series but will be going back to it to see if it’ll add some more context for the read as well!
Thank you again for the ARC, Polis Books. It is much appreciated and I enjoyed the read and the opportunity to share my feedback.
This was a cute read that will appeal to mystery and cat lovers alike! I’m more of a dog person, but I could definitely get behind this series and loved the little kitten that joined the group. There were enough twists to keep me engaged, but I did wish some parts of the book went a little faster in the action. I had not previously read this series but will be going back to it to see if it’ll add some more context for the read as well!
Thank you again for the ARC, Polis Books. It is much appreciated and I enjoyed the read and the opportunity to share my feedback.
December 23, 2023
Yeah, I really don’t like this series. I find the focus shifting from the cats to the human investigating the murder to be distracting. I did like the kitten though. I thought I knew who the killer was but I was wrong, she’s just a stalker. #ToConjureaKiller #NetGalley
October 14, 2024
To Conjure a Killer by Clea Simmon is a fantastic murder mystery with a uniquly magical take.
Becca, the protagonist, considers herself a witch detective and finds peace in the Wiccan lore and it's practices. Having mistakenly succeeded in a spell, she now believed in her powers, which are, in fact, her cats' powers. However what is murder to a witch? Nothing. But to a witch detective? It's a chance to try those powers again, to expand her career. And in Becca's specific case, clear her name of her ex's murder.
For a sleuthing protagonists, Becca sleuthing skills, her ability to connect, get information and join the right dots are above average on a cozy mystery scale but it is actually her cats who steal the show. Becca has three cats and rescues a fourth whose home is undetermined. While Becca rushes to solve the murder mystery her magical cats, unknown to her, try to keep their human safe while trying to interrogate and groom the fourth kitten found at the murder scene.
Does that sound sweet? Nah. The cats are anything but that. The oldest, Harriet, is a territorial proud and slightly mean creature, even if she means well, while the second, Laurel, is far too concerned with Becca's love life, has a sharp wit and tongue, though she too has her heart in the right place. The third, Clara, is the second lead in this book of the Cambridge Mystery series and shadows her human through her entire day, to protect her, comfort her and to report back to her seniors. She is kinder of the trio and more perspective than her sisters. She also steals the show.
I absolutely adored the little creature, her powers, her ability to read her human's mood and most of all, her powers. Simon's ability to keep the focus on the protagonist and her Wiccan side while balancing the tech part of the plot and the cats' involvement in the murder mystery makes her a top choice for cozy mystery readers who love a small amount of magical seasoning.
Becca, the protagonist, considers herself a witch detective and finds peace in the Wiccan lore and it's practices. Having mistakenly succeeded in a spell, she now believed in her powers, which are, in fact, her cats' powers. However what is murder to a witch? Nothing. But to a witch detective? It's a chance to try those powers again, to expand her career. And in Becca's specific case, clear her name of her ex's murder.
For a sleuthing protagonists, Becca sleuthing skills, her ability to connect, get information and join the right dots are above average on a cozy mystery scale but it is actually her cats who steal the show. Becca has three cats and rescues a fourth whose home is undetermined. While Becca rushes to solve the murder mystery her magical cats, unknown to her, try to keep their human safe while trying to interrogate and groom the fourth kitten found at the murder scene.
Does that sound sweet? Nah. The cats are anything but that. The oldest, Harriet, is a territorial proud and slightly mean creature, even if she means well, while the second, Laurel, is far too concerned with Becca's love life, has a sharp wit and tongue, though she too has her heart in the right place. The third, Clara, is the second lead in this book of the Cambridge Mystery series and shadows her human through her entire day, to protect her, comfort her and to report back to her seniors. She is kinder of the trio and more perspective than her sisters. She also steals the show.
I absolutely adored the little creature, her powers, her ability to read her human's mood and most of all, her powers. Simon's ability to keep the focus on the protagonist and her Wiccan side while balancing the tech part of the plot and the cats' involvement in the murder mystery makes her a top choice for cozy mystery readers who love a small amount of magical seasoning.
August 9, 2024
Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.
To Conjure a Killer is the 4th Witch Cats cozy mystery by Clea Simon. Released 21st Nov 2023 by Polis Books, it's 320 pages and is available in hardcover and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents.
This is a simply written, moderately engaging paranormal cozy full of intelligent witchy cats, an appealing young(ish) female protagonist, and a largely unlamented ex-boyfriend who is -really- permanently an ex, after being stabbed in an alleyway. The cats set about finding the solution to the murder when police suspicion turns toward MC Becca since she's the victim's ex.
This is a very simple and whimsical book. Readers should bring a prodigious suspension of disbelief to the read. The prose is rough in places, it's written in 3rd person PoV and the cats refer to Becca as their "person" or their "human" about 20 times per page. The book is indie published and would've likely benefited from a thorough editing process.
It is lighthearted and quite readable and enjoyable. The "witchy" aspects and informational tidbits about wicca and nature magic are handled respectfully.
Three and a half stars. It works well as a standalone; there are references to things which happened in earlier books in the series, but they don't affect the plot of this book.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
To Conjure a Killer is the 4th Witch Cats cozy mystery by Clea Simon. Released 21st Nov 2023 by Polis Books, it's 320 pages and is available in hardcover and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents.
This is a simply written, moderately engaging paranormal cozy full of intelligent witchy cats, an appealing young(ish) female protagonist, and a largely unlamented ex-boyfriend who is -really- permanently an ex, after being stabbed in an alleyway. The cats set about finding the solution to the murder when police suspicion turns toward MC Becca since she's the victim's ex.
This is a very simple and whimsical book. Readers should bring a prodigious suspension of disbelief to the read. The prose is rough in places, it's written in 3rd person PoV and the cats refer to Becca as their "person" or their "human" about 20 times per page. The book is indie published and would've likely benefited from a thorough editing process.
It is lighthearted and quite readable and enjoyable. The "witchy" aspects and informational tidbits about wicca and nature magic are handled respectfully.
Three and a half stars. It works well as a standalone; there are references to things which happened in earlier books in the series, but they don't affect the plot of this book.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
January 2, 2024
“To Conjure a Killer” the 4th book in the “A Witch Cats of Cambridge Mystery” by Clea Simon. It can be read as a stand-alone but I recommend reading in order. I really enjoy this series
It’s kitten season in Cambridge, and the results can be murder.
Clara the calico was the center of the story as she stays with Becca whenever she left the flat to protect her and I always love when a furbaby is center stage in a book. I had a huge smile on my face by the time I finished this book! And we can’t forget the tortoiseshell kitten …
The mystery was well written with plenty of twists and turns and had a steady pace, even had a few surprises. I suspected but didn’t fully figure out whodunit until it was revealed at the end.
I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys paranormal mysteries and cats.
I requested and received an advance reader copy of this book from Polis Books and Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
It’s kitten season in Cambridge, and the results can be murder.
Clara the calico was the center of the story as she stays with Becca whenever she left the flat to protect her and I always love when a furbaby is center stage in a book. I had a huge smile on my face by the time I finished this book! And we can’t forget the tortoiseshell kitten …
The mystery was well written with plenty of twists and turns and had a steady pace, even had a few surprises. I suspected but didn’t fully figure out whodunit until it was revealed at the end.
I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys paranormal mysteries and cats.
I requested and received an advance reader copy of this book from Polis Books and Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
February 4, 2024
This is the best entry in the series yet. The mystery is solid, and the characters are appealing. The witch cats steal the show this time, and I am most intrigued by the new addition. I like that while there is a mystery front and center which is solved in the course of the book, there are also character mysteries yet to be resolved-- Elizabeth, for example, seems to know quite a lot but isn't telling. The new kitten is a bit of a cipher but I feel she can help tip the balance of power between the cat sisters.
If you haven't read earlier entries, I don't think you will have trouble following this one. Simon does a good job of keeping readers up to speed in an unobtrusive manner.
If you haven't read earlier entries, I don't think you will have trouble following this one. Simon does a good job of keeping readers up to speed in an unobtrusive manner.
March 12, 2024
This is a Witch Cats of Cambridge mystery. It's the fourth book in a series, and in hindsight, I wish I had been able to read the previous books, as there were references to prior events. Aside from that, I enjoyed this.
It was a cosy mystery with a little touch of magic. I was able to identify with the protagonist, Becca, and from the delightful cover design, it was obvious that cats had some part to play in the story. Super intelligent talking cats are always a plus!
This is the type of book that would get my attention, even if I only read it once, and I would recommend it if you are a cat lover.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for a free copy to review.
It was a cosy mystery with a little touch of magic. I was able to identify with the protagonist, Becca, and from the delightful cover design, it was obvious that cats had some part to play in the story. Super intelligent talking cats are always a plus!
This is the type of book that would get my attention, even if I only read it once, and I would recommend it if you are a cat lover.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for a free copy to review.
August 12, 2024
This was a cute, cozy little mystery read. Most of the characters were well-fleshed out, and a couple were a bit annoying in the fact that I wanted to shake them! I also discovered that this is the fourth in a series, so having met and read about them earlier may have made a difference. However, you don't need to have read the first three to enjoy the story. I did find Becca too timid and gullible at times, but I'm sure that's just her personality. The cats were neat additions to the story, but I really didn't like the others calling Clara clown. I also feel that there were some unanswered questions left over about the kitten. Overall, the story was a nice little read, and I would tell others about it. Thanks Netgalley!
December 18, 2024
I've received a copy from Netgalley
Becca chases a stray kitten who is weaving between cars on her way home from work, and when she can capture the elusive feline she is stopped by the police. She incidentally stumbled upon a crime scene without her knowing it.
This all has a magical element to it which I absolutely adored and my 4 star rating goes to 5 simply because I am favored by a tortoiseshell cat at the family house where there are 10+ cats and that cat only likes me has the loudest purr and absolutely adorable.
The book itself is well paced and I will be sure to pick up the rest of the series. Books like this are the reason I love reading.
Becca chases a stray kitten who is weaving between cars on her way home from work, and when she can capture the elusive feline she is stopped by the police. She incidentally stumbled upon a crime scene without her knowing it.
This all has a magical element to it which I absolutely adored and my 4 star rating goes to 5 simply because I am favored by a tortoiseshell cat at the family house where there are 10+ cats and that cat only likes me has the loudest purr and absolutely adorable.
The book itself is well paced and I will be sure to pick up the rest of the series. Books like this are the reason I love reading.
December 26, 2023
#ToConjureaKiller #NetGalley is another addition to this unique series.
Becca is really trying to understand her powers and learn about Wicca, but there's always someone ready to spoil the fun.
Becca finds her cheating ex, Jeff, lying on the ground, the victim of murder, and Becca needs to figure out how to prove her innocence.
The book does have Becca's cats as part of the story, which is cute, and the addition of the new kitten is fun.
I found the story to drag at times, but I still enjoyed it.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of the book.
Becca is really trying to understand her powers and learn about Wicca, but there's always someone ready to spoil the fun.
Becca finds her cheating ex, Jeff, lying on the ground, the victim of murder, and Becca needs to figure out how to prove her innocence.
The book does have Becca's cats as part of the story, which is cute, and the addition of the new kitten is fun.
I found the story to drag at times, but I still enjoyed it.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of the book.
January 21, 2024
While feline cozies are not my typical type of book, I enjoyed this immensely. My job is demanding and I looked forward to unwinding with Clea Simon's To Conjure a Killer. I decided to read the first book in the series.
January 29, 2024
I always love a mystery containing a witchy ambiance, cats, and all that jazz. The idea was promising, but the uneven pace really hindered the reading experience. I really wanted to be wowed, but this one didn't cut it. Maybe if I had started with book one, things would have been different.
June 21, 2024
It was cute. Took a little while to get used to the POV but the author did a great job of keeping you guessing on who the "bad guy" would be. Harriet was hilarious and reminded me a lot of my own hefty orange kitty.
December 10, 2023
Now I get it - a mystery that involves clever pets and the people who love them is double the fun - I look at cats now and wonder - what do they know that I wish I did?
March 11, 2024
Really good cozy read. Received a free copy from Netgalley for my honest review. Liked the characters and will look for more in this series if there is any. Anything with cats is a plus for me.
August 17, 2024
What a delightful read!
April 7, 2024
A big thank you to NetGalley and Polis Books for the eARC. I am voluntarily reviewing this book. This is #4 in a series, and I have not read any of the others in the series. In fact this is my first book by this author. I am sure that this reads better in order as you have a better sense of what is going on with the cats. I found it a little slow in places but I enjoyed the idea. For me, some questions were not answered. 3 stars
August 2, 2024
Becca and her feline companions return for another spellbinding mystery when she discovers a tortoiseshell cat next to her ex's lifeless body in a shadowy alleyway. Drawn into the investigation to clear her name, Becca faces twists and turns at every corner. While this installment didn't quite capture the same level of engagement as the previous novel, the enchanting presence of magical cats remains a delightful highlight. Despite the slight dip in intrigue, the charm of the series endures, leaving me eager for the next book
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