The Fear and Meow

A Whiskers and Words Mystery #8

by Eryn Scott

He went too fur . The town of Button, Washington is already as “cute as a button” with its sewing themed streets, quaint buildings, and colorful pastel window trimmings. But Godfrey Crane thinks the town can be even better. That’s why he founds the Button Beatification Society. From its inception, the organization receives vocal opposition from locals, especially one of Louisa’s bookshop regulars, Cricket. Cricket doesn’t hold back when it comes to Godfrey and his organization, so when Lou finds the man murdered, all eyes turn to Cricket. Even though she has an alibi, Lou's friend isn't out of trouble yet. Convinced that the killer came from within his own organization, Cricket hatches a plan to infiltrate the Beautification Society and use the murder to take it down once and for all. She enlists Lou and her friends to help. And while Lou tags along mostly to keep Cricket safe, she quickly feels like she’s in too deep and worries if any of them will get out alive. Dear reader, if you love rescue cats, goats who wear pajamas, and a cozy bookstore, you’re going to love this series by Eryn Scott. Hold on to your hats. The town of Button is as cute as they come, but that doesn’t mean it’s free of murder. These books are clean with no foul language or gore. Each book and mystery stands alone. Curl up under a cozy blanket, cuddle with a cat (or two), and come join Lou as she solves mysteries in the town of Button.

Genres: Cozy Mystery, Mystery

204 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 27, 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

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who Killed Godfrey Crane ? . . .

Godfrey Crane started the Button Beautification Society which has been nothing but trouble! People don’t want to be told what to name their businesses, how to paint their buildings and homes, and create annoying laws for everything they do just to make the town “beautiful” in Godfrey’s eyes! Individuals and groups have been fighting against the idea. The biggest and loudest complainer is one of Lou’s bookshop regulars, Cricket.

So when Lou and her “secret” boyfriend Noah Ramero are taking a late evening walk together and discover Godfrey Crane’s dead body, everyone at first assumes Cricket did it. But she was at the quilt shop, taught an embroidery class, then worked at the cutting counter to help Rosa until she closed up at five. So her alibi was valid. Suspicion turned next on Noah as the killer, because in keeping his relationship with Lou a secret, Noah claimed he had found the body and did not mention Lou was with him at the time. Fred has no hesitation in strongly accusing Noah of being the likely suspect! So it’s up to Lou and her friends to get to the truth quickly. There will be many suspects since lots of people were irritated with Godfrey and may have wanted him dead. Will Lou and Noah uncover the actual murderer before Noah is locked away or his reputation ruined? Could the murderer have been someone in Godfrey’s Beautification group who wanted him dead?

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

An unusual new mystery in the Town of Button. While Lou and Noah are still trying to keep things on the dl they go for a walk in the woods. As they pass one of the bordering houses they see a man dead. He’s been a thorn in the side of many as he tries to get the town to pass an ordinance that is highly unpopular. Unfortunately for him it leads to his death. When Noah falls under some suspicion he and Lou are on the case.
Loved this story! I loved the development in Lou and Noah’s relationship. The wonderful world of books and cats, the friends who band together to help each other no matter what and the thorny puzzle the author sets out for us to try and unravel. Great read!!.

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

[Melenareads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved returning to the town of Button to read more of bookstore owner Lou's crime solving adventures. Especially now that she and Noah are together!

Godfrey Crane is not well liked around town. When he turns up dead, one of Lou's bookstore regulars, Cricket, is a suspect. The mystery of whodunnit was interesting and kept me guessing. In a quirky town like Button there are so many interesting characters I couldn't wait to find out who the killer was.

I love all of Eryn's books. She does a great job writing relatable main characters and towns you wish you could visit, and she does a nice job injecting sweet and swoony romance into her cozy mysteries. The Fear and Meow is a great addition to the Whiskers and Words series!

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

[Debbie Orazi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this cozy mystery! The ending was completely unexpected and unpredictable. Yeah Lou and Noah are officially out!

Godfrey Crane founded the Button Beautification Society. The proposal the society is bringing to the town council has been divisive in the small town of Button. While on a clandestine walk in the forest Lou and Noah find Godfrey on his back porch unalive. When Noah becomes a suspect Lou decides to investigate the crime. Meanwhile they are still hiding their relationship from everyone until they can talk to Cassidy and Goldie. Lou inadvertently steps in the path of the murderer and it almost costs her her life before Easton can attest the bad guy.

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

[Molly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoy the cat rescue elements of this cozy mystery- whodunnit- small town lives and romance series

the challenges of working through dating with grown up baggage like ex spouses and children from other marriages is sensitively handled, and is often hilarious

the latest adventures deal with the small town challenges of trying to keep local businesses and avoid chains, yet trying to avoid conformist hoa association style rules for the whole town

as owners of an aging home in a district in transition, we know all too well the challenges of the changing rules and costs and loss of the unique characters of many of the older homes

befuddling and a bit scary and sad, quite a series of town and personal adventures and mysteries

[Delphia Von Heeder · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Fear and Meow is book 8 in A Whiskers and Words Mystery by Eryn Scott. I have read the entire series and I think each book is unique and I love the core characters. Eryn Scott writes her books with interesting mysteries/murders and she is able to grab my interest from page 1 until "the end". In book 8, one of the adoptable cats plays an important role in solving the murder. Lou and Noah are getting closer and I enjoy seeing their romance bloom. I believe that this series is fantastic. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

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

The Fear and Meow is a fabulous addition to a fantastic series! Full of quirky beloved characters, adorable cats, head scratching mystery, literary references and rescue advocacy - Eryn Scott has created another fantastic read!

🐾 Purrfect Rescue Cats
🔍 Mystery
❤️ Romance
🫶 Found Family
📚 Bookshop

Thank you Eryn Scott for the ARC!

[Julie Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another simply charming murder investigation for one of my favourite amateur sleuths, Louisa Henry. I love the town of Button, it's delightful shops and quirky characters. If there wasn't so many murders it would be the perrfect place to live, then again it wouldn't be so entertaining if Lou and friends didn't have something to investigate. The mystery was good and I had no clue who the killer was until they revealed themselves. They was plenty of suspects and things going on that I just couldn't put the book down. Whether it was finding out if the adorable cat found a new home, if Lou and Noah could keep there relationship a secret until he told his daughter or finding a killer, the book kept me up well last my bed time. The fun with cat names and book connections is still going strong and bringing a smile to my face. Although it is a standalone I would highly recommend reading or listening to the whole series and I can't wait for the next book.
Lou and Noah are trying to keep there relationship a secret until they can tell the important people in there lives first, which explains why they are walking in the woods late at night but not why they stumble over a body. Unable to explain why they are together, Noah tells everybody he discovered Godfrey body and with no good explanation of why he was in the woods town's people point at Noah as the killer. Godfrey was stirring things up in the town, trying to get new laws passed and there is no shortage of people who wanted him stopped. Can Lou find the real killer before she has to reveal her secret?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Deanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the latest mystery in the charming town of Button, Lou and boyfriend Noah are enjoying a late night walk when they stumble over Godfrey’s lifeless body. Unfortunately, the townspeople get the wrong idea and think Noah is the killer, so it’s up to Lou and her friends to get to the truth. Godfrey was in the process of trying to get all kinds of laws enacted that were against what the citizens of Button wanted, so Lou finds there are no shortage of people who potentially wanted Godfrey dead. Can Lou ferret out the truth and find the real murderer in time to save Noah? Eryn has written another winner with the latest Whiskers and Words mystery and I absolutely adored reading The Fear and Meow. Looking forward to the next in the series.

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

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unseen Killer
Godfrey Crane thinks the town can be even better. That’s why he founds the Button Beatification Society. From its inception, the organization receives vocal opposition from locals, especially one of Louisa’s bookshop regulars, Cricket. Cricket doesn’t hold back when it comes to Godfrey and his organization, so when Lou finds the man murdered, all eyes turn to Cricket. Even though she has an alibi, Lou's friend isn't out of trouble yet. Convinced that the killer came from within his own organization, Cricket hatches a plan to infiltrate the Beautification Society and use the murder to take it down once and for all. She enlists Lou and her friends to help.
This killer waa not seen because she put the blame on others. I borrowed this book from KindleUnlimited. This in no way affects my opinion of this book.

[CelticMoonGoddess · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely combination of Cozy Murder Mystery adventure with a side order of cats!
The series continues in Button with Lou and her romantic squeeze Noah and the lovely gathering of local residences of Button. Eryn has a lovely way of weaving humour, intrigue, interesting whodunnit storyline and great characters. Even the cats are a great addition to the story and characters of their own to make a great feel good and enjoyable read.
A lovely series especially at this time of year to curl up on the couch, light the fire, watch the leaves changing colour and falling outside, sit with your favourite hot beverage and just relax into a lovely, romantic, cozy and exciting murder mystery.

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

[Christy Dvoret · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Fear and Meow was another sweet cozy mystery about Lou and her lovable friends (fur and human!). Another murder happened in the darling town of Button, and once again Lou finds herself trying to find out who did the deed, and why... Eryn Scott keeps us guessing, and you'll be surprised at whodunnit!

I look forward to every new book written by Eryn Scott and am glad the kitty tales keep coming.

[Lizz Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 8 in the series but can be read as a stand alone. It has the twists and turns the author is great at creating. There are lots of suspects and cute cats. I loved the killer reveal in this book. I am looking forward to reading more in this series.

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

[Rhonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intriguing who done it that keeps you guessing until the end. Interesting and quirky characters that you wonder which one did it. Like the cat aspect of the story. An animal character always adds a little twist to each story. Good read.

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

[Roberta (Always Behind) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lou is continuing to build customers for her Whiskers and Words bookshop. Many come in to find the newly released books. Many also come in to see the different cats that Lou has rescued and keeps in the store. All the cats have literary type names. One day a woman named Robin comes in with a cat carrier asking for Lou to take a cat. Robin says that the cat is too mean, but also swears Lou to secrecy because she wants to protect her reputation. Lou asks Noah who is a vet to come check the cat out.
In recent times Lou and Noah have become more than friends. They are keeping their relationship a secret for the time being. After they find a dead body while taking a walk through the woods, it might be hard to keep that secret while having to call 911. Lou decides to go home and then wander back pretending all the sirens brought her out.
Godfrey is the name of the victim. Not only has he been shot, but there is a cloth with a message on it and the gun is in his hand. The shooter could be one of many people. Godfrey was not popular with a fair number of residents of the town of Button. He wanted to have a themed town to draw in more visitors and new residents. He wanted homes to have only certain colors and businesses to be re-named and painted to reflect a sewing theme. That may have been fine for other wealthy residents, but many businesses and homeowners didn't have that sort of money. Some people had formed a group to push for the changes and it was due for a vote soon. Lou has to find a way to get on the committee and find out more as well as try and undercover a murderer.
It is impressive how author Eryn Scott builds on the characters and town with each novel in this series. I feel as though I'm reconnecting with friends and getting to know them on a deeper level. The slowly growing romance between Lou and Noah is lovely and heartwarming.
As a cat lover, the various cats with their individual personalities add so much to the plot. A new cat named Hermeowone Granger was one that lifted my spirits with her special story.
I look forward to more adventures at the Whiskers and Words bookshop. This is a fabulous series that you will want to read in order. Readers should also try other series by Eryn Scott that are sure to entertain.

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

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an excellent book. Further development of many of the regular characters and an excellent murder mystery. Lou and Noah have kept their growing relationship under the radar but various events force them into making it official, after telling Noah's daughter. I recommend this series - it's delightful!

Amazon synopsis:
The town of Button, Washington is already as “cute as a button” with its sewing-themed streets, quaint buildings, and colorful pastel window trimmings. But Godfrey Crane thinks the town can be even better. That’s why he founded the Button Beautification Society. From its inception, the organization receives vocal opposition from locals, especially one of Louisa’s bookshop regulars, Cricket.

Cricket doesn’t hold back when it comes to Godfrey and his organization, so when Lou finds the man murdered, all eyes turn to Cricket. Even though she has an alibi, the people Lou cares about aren’t out of trouble yet. With Cricket out of the spotlight, Noah’s the next on the town’s list—much to Lou’s dismay. In order to clear his name, Lou hatches a plan to infiltrate the Beautification Society and find out more about the man who everyone in town seemed to hate. But the further she digs into the clues, Lou realizes that Godfrey’s very own group might’ve had the best motive around.

[DayDreamer8912 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Awww.. Noah and Lou sneaking around because Noah wants to let his ex-wife and daughter know about their relationship before telling others because it's easily spread when you live in the small town. However, they found a dead body while they were dating. To not let people know their relationship, Noah told the police that he found the dead body, however people in the town feel that he is responsible for the murder.

The people in the town of Button is not happy with the Button Beautification Society's way and they want to have a vote again. Aunt Cricket and the rest of the town in Button tried to get as many votes as possible while Lou was asked to pretend to join the Button Beautification Society to find out who is culprit of this case.

The relationship of Noah and Lou are just so sweet and cute. And of course the cats are so cuteee too and there is a new edition to the cats and as usual the cat warm up to her. George helped her with her store and also she stayed in her place for awhile while she is fixing her place. And also George is having mixed feelings with a guy that she met online which is also Sebastian's assistant. Awww...want to know whether these two will get together soon. hehehe... Can't spoil too much. You will have to read to find out.

You can purchase this book on Amazon and it's available in KU.

Can't wait to read the next story.

[Tanya · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed another instalment in the Louisa Henry mystery series set in the charming town of Button. The combination of delightful shops, quirky characters, and intriguing murder investigations makes for an entertaining and engaging read. Louisa and her friends certainly keep me on your toes with their detective work and personal dilemmas.

The fact that I couldn't guess the killer until the big reveal is a testament to the skill in crafting a compelling mystery. It's always satisfying when a mystery keeps me engaged and guessing until the very end.

I am only now starting to read Eryn's work and IMHO, it would be better to start a series from the beginning to fully immerse myself in the world and get to know the characters and their development. It allows me to appreciate the nuances and details that build upon each other as the series progresses. That said, this particular book can still be enjoyed as a standalone but I would like to read more from Eryn to fill in some gaps for my own enjoyment.

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

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun Bookstore Cozy with Cats and Lots of Heart!
This book was a highly enjoyable cozy mystery read with cats, books, friends, and light romance. I loved how there were characters of all ages and stages of life featured in the book, and how the characters cared about other people in their lives and in their town. Of course there has to be some drama, it's a small town after all, and this book definitely provided it. There is trouble brewing between the beautification society and others in town who don't appreciate being told what to name their businesses, how to paint their buildings and homes and just want to preserve their individuality. I loved all the twists and turns (there were plenty of suspects and red herrings), and the perpetrator was not obvious until the reveal. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a clean cozy mystery, especially if you enjoy cats, small towns, and a bookstore setting. I received a free copy through BookSprout and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Miss W Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Fear and Meow is the 8th book in the Whiskers and Words series by Eryn Scott.
This is such a great series, and this book was no exception.

I love revisiting the town of Button. Louanne (Lou) and Noah are going for a walk and find a dead man. He is someone that a lot of people in town do not like. When it looks like Noah might be suspected because they are still keeping their relationship secret, Lou and Noah investigate. I do love their relationship so much!

There is no shortage of suspects as the dead man was trying to pass an unpopular ordinance in town and it seemed to have gotten him killed.

The town is so fun with all the shops and cats! The characters are well written and make me laugh and smile so much while I am reading.

The mystery was fantastic, I didn't have a clue who the killer was.

Highly recommend this wonderful cozy mystery.

[Rachel Boyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best book of the series so far! I love how the culprit is always someone unexpected. And I'm loving the new relationship! *squeeee* It feels like it's taken so long but I also like that it has had this slow build and Lou has taken time to grieve. There are moments that I find so touching with the guilt Lou feels about moving on but also still being true to herself and knowing Ben would want her to move on. Why is someone always cutting onions when I'm reading these parts? Haha they do make me a little teary eyed sometimes. It's such a common feeling after losing someone and I love that it's explored a little bit.
The world building in this series is so good! It even comes with a map so you can see where everything is in the town. The characters are wonderful. The relationships are so wholesome and genuinely loving. It's like a Hallmark movie in a book, but less cheesy :)

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eryn Scott is a renowned cozey mystery murder writer for a reason she brings the characters off the pages in her mysterys such as this one and you become so entranced as though you yourself are part of the story. Each character is vibrant and colorful in one sense or another whether two legged or four pulling you in and the intrigue and adventure of the plot entices you further continuly turning page after page keeping you in the town of Boston and the Whiskers and Words book shop. Even with a murderer on the loose the town still seems charming and friendly. Acquire " The Fear and Meow " so you yourself can enjoy it as much as I have. Kat.

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

[Sirah · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fierce debate rages through the town of Button: should all the businesses convert to sewing-themed names, or should shop owners keep their autonomy and preferred paint colors? The fight reaches a peak when one of the leading proponents of the new paint winds up dead and Lou's secret boyfriend is blamed. While no one seriously thinks Noah could kill a man in cold blood, the clock is ticking on how long Lou can keep their relationship a secret.

I honestly wasn't as stoked about the romance as this book wanted me to be. The murder mystery was heart-stopping, and the characters and cozy scenes were charming. I'm pleased that another cat finds a loving home, and I hope to enjoy the next book in this series at least as much as this one.

[Bernice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Welcome to Button, a small, charming town where everybody knows almost everyone else in town. The main character, Louisa, owns and operates the local bookstore where her foster cats are allowed to roam and choose their new human to adopt. In addition to the amusing scenarios resulting from her feline friends, Lou and her best friend, Willow, always seem to run into trouble. This book is no exception. I was surprised how the murder was solved – I did not see that coming!

The story and mystery held my interest from start to finish, and I found the characters captivating. I most definitely recommend this book. Although part of a series, this book can easily be read as a standalone.

[Rubi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short but fun

Loved the mystery! I was totally wrong on who the murderer was and Idk why but I LOVE that 😂
Kept me guessing and was surprised by the truth and how it was all accomplished. For a second there I wasn't sure Lou would make it this time 🙊 lol
Noah got on my nerves a bit with the whole "keeping our relationship a secret" for his ex no less, but luckily for him Lou is much more understanding and he learned his lesson after all the secrecy came back to bite bis butt lol
Also, LOVED that Lou took in an unwanted kitty and made sure she was cared for lovingly 🥰
Good fun mystery, lots of cats, some romance, and a tense climax....good read. Love this series 😍

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a Whiskers and Words cosy mystery, and I thought it was adorable. It incorporated two of my favourite things - a bookshop, and cats. I formed a picture in my mind of the cosy bookshop setting, and warmed easily to the characters. It definitely felt like a comfort read, something that I would choose to cheer myself up. I haven't read any of this series before, but I would definitely read another one.

Thank you to Booksprout and the author for a free copy to review.

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

[Andie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Satisfying Read

I tried my hardest but couldn’t guess who had committed the crime;something Eryn is magnificent at writing about.

With plot twists and red herrings I wish you luck trying your hand at catching the culprit.

But be prepared for some romance, fast paced storytelling and an ending that may fit just have you feeling bad for the killer.

I find it best to read these books in order but you could read it on its own. You’ll just miss out on the little details and nuances that you would otherwise understand.

Go! Get it now!

[Big Fat Hairy Man · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Godfrey, leader of the Button Beautification Society, is killed, fingers start pointing towards his loudest detractor, Cricket. However, she has a solid alibi so they then target Lou's boyfriend, Noah, since he's the one who had discovered the body. Thus, it's up to Lou to find out the truth. This is an interesting cozy mystery in a unique setting but I'm not really sure why they felt to hide their dating relationship.

I'm a member of the ARC team and have left my honest review voluntarily.

[Shelly Joyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Fear and Meow is Book 8 of A Whiskers and Words Mystery series written by Eryn Scott. I really quite loved this story! I really loved the actual development in Lou and Noah’s relationship. In this wonderful world of books and cats, the good and close friends who band together to help each other no matter what and the tricky puzzle that the author has set out for us to try and unravel. I really thought it was a great read!.

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

[Mary Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another cute quick trip to the town of Button. While Lou and Noah are trying to keep things hush hush another mystery unfolds. All your favorite cats and characters are back in this charming entry in the Whiskers and words series. I enjoy Erin Scott’s series and this one is at the top of my favorites list