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A Dixie Hemingway Mystery #8
The Cat Sitter's Cradle
Blaize Clement won fans all over the world with the charm and wit of her pet-sitting mysteries. Now, with the help of her son, author John Clement, Blaize's beloved heroine Dixie Hemingway is back for yet another thrilling adventure in this critically-acclaimed series.
Dixie has built a nice, quiet life for herself in the sleepy town of Siesta Key, a sandy resort island off the coast of Florida. In fact, her pet-sitting business is going so well she's even taken on part-time Kenny, a handsome young surfer who lives alone in a rickety old houseboat. But things get a little messy when, on an early morning walk in the park with a client's schnauzer, Dixie makes a shocking discovery. Hidden among the leafy brambles is a homeless girl, alone and afraid, cradling a newborn baby in her arms.
Dixie takes the young girl under her wing, even though she's just been hired by Roy Harwick, the snarky executive of a multi-national oil company, to care for his equally snarky Siamese cat, Charlotte, along with his wife's priceless collection of rare, tropical fish. It's not long before Dixie stumbles upon a dead body in the unlikeliest of places, and soon she's set adrift in a murky and dangerous world in which no one is who they appear to be.
Smart, fast-paced and entertaining, The Cat Sitter's Cradle is a perfect illustration of why
Dixie's loyal fans have come to know and love her and eagerly await the next installment of her adventures.
Dixie has built a nice, quiet life for herself in the sleepy town of Siesta Key, a sandy resort island off the coast of Florida. In fact, her pet-sitting business is going so well she's even taken on part-time Kenny, a handsome young surfer who lives alone in a rickety old houseboat. But things get a little messy when, on an early morning walk in the park with a client's schnauzer, Dixie makes a shocking discovery. Hidden among the leafy brambles is a homeless girl, alone and afraid, cradling a newborn baby in her arms.
Dixie takes the young girl under her wing, even though she's just been hired by Roy Harwick, the snarky executive of a multi-national oil company, to care for his equally snarky Siamese cat, Charlotte, along with his wife's priceless collection of rare, tropical fish. It's not long before Dixie stumbles upon a dead body in the unlikeliest of places, and soon she's set adrift in a murky and dangerous world in which no one is who they appear to be.
Smart, fast-paced and entertaining, The Cat Sitter's Cradle is a perfect illustration of why
Dixie's loyal fans have come to know and love her and eagerly await the next installment of her adventures.
320 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published July 9, 2013
25 people are currently reading
970 people want to read
About the author
Blaize Clement
35 books257 followersMy passion is people. I think people are absolutely magnificent. Not the power-hungry heads of governments or churches or corporations who justify all kinds of horror if it suits their goals, but the rest of us. In spite of the awful things some human beings do in order to control other human beings, most people are peacefully going about their own business, and I applaud that. Families are the backbone of any civilization, and parenting is the most important job in the world.
That same passion and respect for people makes me a strong supporter of the right of any two adults who wish to combine their lives and property to do so without anybody judging them or erecting laws to make their lives more difficult. It seems to me that people who go around condemning how or who somebody else loves would better mind their own business and spend that time showing love to their own spouses or lovers.
As a polio survivor, I’m zealous about ADA laws being implemented and intelligently observed. I try to keep a sense of humor about architectural barriers, but curb cuts and gentle ramps aren’t so difficult to install, and they make life a lot easier for many people. And does anybody know the purpose of those metal bars attached to the walls in handicap-accessible bathrooms? I used to think they might be there in case somebody in a wheelchair decided to rinse out her panty hose, but that can’t be it.
My favorite story of all time is Rudyard Kipling’s The Elephant’s Child. When my two sons were little, I would beg them to let me read that story to them, and sometimes they would indulge me. When my five grandchildren were small, I made a tape of myself reading it so they could listen to it when I wasn’t there. They indulged me too. I still get a little bubble of delight at the 'satiable Elephant's Child saying to all his dear families, “I am going to the great grey-green, greasy Limpopo River, all set about with fever-trees, to find out what the Crocodile has for dinner.”
My favorite scene in all literature is from another Rudyard Kipling story, The Jungle Book, where the wolf pack has met to look over the new cubs so they would know their own from an enemy, and Father Wolf pushes Mowgli into the center.
Come to think of it, I suppose those beloved stories about the intelligence and nobility of animals, coupled with my passion for families and children has inevitably led to writing the Dixie Hemingway Mystery series. The relationship between people and pets is one of the highest examples of unconditional love, and Dixie Hemingway is a professional pet sitter who values her family and the pets she takes care of above all else.
Okay, we’re almost finished with this pseudo-bio.
I think the best writing being done today gets the least amount of respect. Good writing isn’t determined by the subject matter, but by how well the writer keeps the reader fascinated and anxious. With few exceptions, that means good mysteries, horror, and sci-fi. I’m proud to be a member of Mystery Writers of America, International Thriller Writers, and Sisters in Crime.
My favorite quote is from the 14th century Sufi poet, Hafiz: “Sweetheart, O Sweetheart, you are God in drag!”
Okay, that’s my bio. Now you know the “real me.” I hope we meet someday and that you’ll tell me about the real you.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/blaize...
That same passion and respect for people makes me a strong supporter of the right of any two adults who wish to combine their lives and property to do so without anybody judging them or erecting laws to make their lives more difficult. It seems to me that people who go around condemning how or who somebody else loves would better mind their own business and spend that time showing love to their own spouses or lovers.
As a polio survivor, I’m zealous about ADA laws being implemented and intelligently observed. I try to keep a sense of humor about architectural barriers, but curb cuts and gentle ramps aren’t so difficult to install, and they make life a lot easier for many people. And does anybody know the purpose of those metal bars attached to the walls in handicap-accessible bathrooms? I used to think they might be there in case somebody in a wheelchair decided to rinse out her panty hose, but that can’t be it.
My favorite story of all time is Rudyard Kipling’s The Elephant’s Child. When my two sons were little, I would beg them to let me read that story to them, and sometimes they would indulge me. When my five grandchildren were small, I made a tape of myself reading it so they could listen to it when I wasn’t there. They indulged me too. I still get a little bubble of delight at the 'satiable Elephant's Child saying to all his dear families, “I am going to the great grey-green, greasy Limpopo River, all set about with fever-trees, to find out what the Crocodile has for dinner.”
My favorite scene in all literature is from another Rudyard Kipling story, The Jungle Book, where the wolf pack has met to look over the new cubs so they would know their own from an enemy, and Father Wolf pushes Mowgli into the center.
Come to think of it, I suppose those beloved stories about the intelligence and nobility of animals, coupled with my passion for families and children has inevitably led to writing the Dixie Hemingway Mystery series. The relationship between people and pets is one of the highest examples of unconditional love, and Dixie Hemingway is a professional pet sitter who values her family and the pets she takes care of above all else.
Okay, we’re almost finished with this pseudo-bio.
I think the best writing being done today gets the least amount of respect. Good writing isn’t determined by the subject matter, but by how well the writer keeps the reader fascinated and anxious. With few exceptions, that means good mysteries, horror, and sci-fi. I’m proud to be a member of Mystery Writers of America, International Thriller Writers, and Sisters in Crime.
My favorite quote is from the 14th century Sufi poet, Hafiz: “Sweetheart, O Sweetheart, you are God in drag!”
Okay, that’s my bio. Now you know the “real me.” I hope we meet someday and that you’ll tell me about the real you.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/blaize...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 143 reviews
July 3, 2013
Wonderful cozy mystery, and Book 8 in the Dixie Hemingway Series.
Dixie begins another adventure after she finds an exotic bird near a young woman who has just given birth and refuses to go to the hospital. A friend lets the mystery woman stay with her while Dixie manages her pet sitting business. When Dixie finds the dead body of one of her millionaire clients in his own pool; she becomes entangled in the lives of several people who could have had the motive to kill him. As always, the question is....whodunit?
Blaize & John Clement's writing is vivid and entertaining. Siesta Key, Florida is a beautiful story setting. THE CAT SITTER's CRADLE was very enjoyable, and a fast-paced read.
I received this book for free in a Goodreads Giveaway in return for an honest review. Thanks!!
Dixie begins another adventure after she finds an exotic bird near a young woman who has just given birth and refuses to go to the hospital. A friend lets the mystery woman stay with her while Dixie manages her pet sitting business. When Dixie finds the dead body of one of her millionaire clients in his own pool; she becomes entangled in the lives of several people who could have had the motive to kill him. As always, the question is....whodunit?
Blaize & John Clement's writing is vivid and entertaining. Siesta Key, Florida is a beautiful story setting. THE CAT SITTER's CRADLE was very enjoyable, and a fast-paced read.
I received this book for free in a Goodreads Giveaway in return for an honest review. Thanks!!
January 6, 2015
Overall, John Clement did a good job picking up where his mother left off, although there are some moments here and there where it's pretty obvious a man is writing a female protagonist. But the mystery was very well done and the characters and setting are true to the original.
Full review: http://jenn.booklikes.com/post/107900...
Full review: http://jenn.booklikes.com/post/107900...
April 15, 2015
After reading this book I found out that the author had passed away & was able to put the pieces together as to why this book was so different. I just did not feel Dixie in this book but I did enjoy it. I thought the book was filled with lots of dialogue & that did not feel like Dixie. I hope that if the son continues her work that he can get her back or somehow change the format so more continuity of characters remains. It all makes sense now what was so different in this book. The author was very talented but she had worked out the kinks & the son may need time to do so but I hope readers remain. No wonder this book was so late coming out!!! Good read...
4/9/15: I decided that I am going to read the series again because Blaize died during the series & her son picked it up. I have heard mixed comments about the books that Dixie has changed and other issues so I will read them all, make notes like Faye and see if the changes make a difference. I will keep you posted!
4/11/15: new review, I took the time to really read this book as I said above to see if my review was fair and what differences if any occured. Blaize always mentioned those shutters & they seemed magical but its not important if they are gone. She was always very descriptive of her surroundings and I found the same with John. All the major characters are in this book but I agree that Blaize always seemed to expand on the characters with each book and when I reread the next book I will see what he does with them. The cursing was horrible and not Dixie at all and I am a woman and know lots of woman and cursing is not sexy. Lots of men find it unattractive in women as well. Some of Dixies expressions in this book lacked maturity and seemed almost surfer girl like usually the word "totally" yikes! I still give it the same rating overall and think that kinks need to be worked out but I will continue on my quest to read all of the books before I read the new one to be fair in my reviews of a wonderful series that Blaize started and John is now trying to keep alive.
4/14/15: I am now reading Cat Sitter on a Hot Tin Roof in my quest to reread the entire series to be fair& just in my reviews since Blaize died & John took over. I have to correct this review again b/c the cursing, well Blaize did her fair share in the book so John is NOT the one who started this BUT it was not a lot coming out of Dixies mouth & it seemed to fit with the story or the characters. I stand by my words that it is not sexy, not mature and leave it at that.
4/9/15: I decided that I am going to read the series again because Blaize died during the series & her son picked it up. I have heard mixed comments about the books that Dixie has changed and other issues so I will read them all, make notes like Faye and see if the changes make a difference. I will keep you posted!
4/11/15: new review, I took the time to really read this book as I said above to see if my review was fair and what differences if any occured. Blaize always mentioned those shutters & they seemed magical but its not important if they are gone. She was always very descriptive of her surroundings and I found the same with John. All the major characters are in this book but I agree that Blaize always seemed to expand on the characters with each book and when I reread the next book I will see what he does with them. The cursing was horrible and not Dixie at all and I am a woman and know lots of woman and cursing is not sexy. Lots of men find it unattractive in women as well. Some of Dixies expressions in this book lacked maturity and seemed almost surfer girl like usually the word "totally" yikes! I still give it the same rating overall and think that kinks need to be worked out but I will continue on my quest to read all of the books before I read the new one to be fair in my reviews of a wonderful series that Blaize started and John is now trying to keep alive.
4/14/15: I am now reading Cat Sitter on a Hot Tin Roof in my quest to reread the entire series to be fair& just in my reviews since Blaize died & John took over. I have to correct this review again b/c the cursing, well Blaize did her fair share in the book so John is NOT the one who started this BUT it was not a lot coming out of Dixies mouth & it seemed to fit with the story or the characters. I stand by my words that it is not sexy, not mature and leave it at that.
August 13, 2014
I didn't know the author of this series, Blaize Clement had padded away. Her son has taken up the series and done an excellent job on this installment, so much so that I didn't realized she hadn't written it until I got to the end of the book. I really enjoy the pet sitting heroine in this series. She is smart, funny, lonely and gets caught up in situations whilst taking care of her pet clients. Now she is getting some well deserved romance as well as staying busy ferreting out criminals. I look forward to the next book.
September 2, 2025
"As he strode down the aisle toward me, an estrogen-induced hush descended on the room and the dopamine level of every female in the diner bumped up a bit"
Other than that line and another one that I literally refuse to write here, I actually enjoyed this book lol. Genuinely a solid read, especially as a little free library find
Other than that line and another one that I literally refuse to write here, I actually enjoyed this book lol. Genuinely a solid read, especially as a little free library find
June 15, 2025
cute enough for a cozy
June 4, 2017
The Cat Sitter's Cradle" by Blaize & John Clement.
While walking a schnauzer, Rufus, and her friend Joyce's Dachshund, Henry the VIII, Dixie hears a small sound in the bushes. Her curiosity gets the best of her and she walks into the bushes to find a young woman with a new born baby. As if that isn't enough to boggle the mind there's an injured exotic bird nearby.
Dixie calls Joyce to come ASAP. The two of them try to find out who this woman is and where she came from. The woman tells them in halting English that her name is Corina and as far as where she came from...they're guessing she's an illegal alien. Dixie wastes no time in calling for an ambulance.
Dixie and Joyce are trying to assist Corina and her baby in anyway they can. Joyce opens her home to the two of them and Dixie goes out shopping for the baby's needs.
Dixie has to keep up her pet sitting tasks and is called by one of the wealthiest women in Siesta Key. Mrs Harwick needs Dixie to take care of their cat and their extravagant aquarium while they are away. This is no ordinary aquarium. It takes up one wall of the master bathroom and has a life-size mermaid in it sitting on a treasure chest.
The Harwick's leave and Dixie returns to their home as agreed. That's when things begin to change and not in a good way.
This series does not quit. Another excellent addition to the Dixie Hemingway series.
While walking a schnauzer, Rufus, and her friend Joyce's Dachshund, Henry the VIII, Dixie hears a small sound in the bushes. Her curiosity gets the best of her and she walks into the bushes to find a young woman with a new born baby. As if that isn't enough to boggle the mind there's an injured exotic bird nearby.
Dixie calls Joyce to come ASAP. The two of them try to find out who this woman is and where she came from. The woman tells them in halting English that her name is Corina and as far as where she came from...they're guessing she's an illegal alien. Dixie wastes no time in calling for an ambulance.
Dixie and Joyce are trying to assist Corina and her baby in anyway they can. Joyce opens her home to the two of them and Dixie goes out shopping for the baby's needs.
Dixie has to keep up her pet sitting tasks and is called by one of the wealthiest women in Siesta Key. Mrs Harwick needs Dixie to take care of their cat and their extravagant aquarium while they are away. This is no ordinary aquarium. It takes up one wall of the master bathroom and has a life-size mermaid in it sitting on a treasure chest.
The Harwick's leave and Dixie returns to their home as agreed. That's when things begin to change and not in a good way.
This series does not quit. Another excellent addition to the Dixie Hemingway series.
June 13, 2013
The Cat Sitter’s Cradle: A Dixie Hemingway Mystery
This is the eighth book in the Dixie Hemingway Cat Sitter series. I have not read any of the early books but that did not spoil my enjoyment of this one. In fact, I enjoyed it so much I now want to read the first seven books.
The book had me hooked from the first couple of pages with the discovery of both an exotic bird and a young woman who had just given birth on a walking path near Dixie’s home. Dixie is a former cop turned pet sitter. Her job brings her in contact with many interesting people in the town of Siesta Key, Florida in the Florida Keys. In this book a new client ends up dead, the young woman and her baby disappear, and a young man leaves a mysterious message on Dixie's answering machine. Dixie investigates while taking care of her animal clients and trying to decide what do about her love life. The plot twists and turns kept me up reading late because I had to find out what happened.
This is a perfect book for people who love animals and mysteries. It is well written with likeable characters. It is a great book to escape into. Disclosure: I received this book as part of a Goodreads giveaway on the premise that I would review it.
This is the eighth book in the Dixie Hemingway Cat Sitter series. I have not read any of the early books but that did not spoil my enjoyment of this one. In fact, I enjoyed it so much I now want to read the first seven books.
The book had me hooked from the first couple of pages with the discovery of both an exotic bird and a young woman who had just given birth on a walking path near Dixie’s home. Dixie is a former cop turned pet sitter. Her job brings her in contact with many interesting people in the town of Siesta Key, Florida in the Florida Keys. In this book a new client ends up dead, the young woman and her baby disappear, and a young man leaves a mysterious message on Dixie's answering machine. Dixie investigates while taking care of her animal clients and trying to decide what do about her love life. The plot twists and turns kept me up reading late because I had to find out what happened.
This is a perfect book for people who love animals and mysteries. It is well written with likeable characters. It is a great book to escape into. Disclosure: I received this book as part of a Goodreads giveaway on the premise that I would review it.
August 2, 2013
I was sorry to hear that the author of this book passed away in 2011. Her son has finished this book for her and got it published. For the Dixie Hemingway fans we are most grateful. I am not sure if there will be anymore Dixie Hemingway books, but I am hopeful that her son, John, will continue the series. I could see John's influence in the book and still see the same rhythm that Blaize had established for Dixie and her storyline.These stories aren't deep murder mystery novels of epic proportions, but are murder mysteries of a fast entertaining read. Dixie Hemingway is a pet sitter and she always manages to get caught up in at least one dead body a book. Her day to day life is to take care of other people's pets who have to leave town for one reason or other. She likes her simple job and its place in her safe secure world on Siesta Key, FL. So when she discovers a body it really upsets her world and instead of stepping aside to let the authorities find out who did what, she manages to stumble on certain aspects of the case and continues to be a part of the situation.
July 28, 2013
I was ready for a fun weekend read, and this one fit the bill nicely. Anyone who has read the previous books in the series, knows that Blaize Clements died in 2011. Apparently though, her son John Clements either has the writing style down pat, or he was actually a co-author with her all along. Regardless, this was enjoyable.
As Dixie is walking with a friend, they come across a young woman who has apparently just given birth in the woods. They also come across a dead exotic bird that turns out to be from Guatemala.
One of Dixie's latest job as a pet sitter is to take care of a pampered cat named Charlotte and a very expensive fish tank for a wealthy couple who are going away for a business conference.
The two of these come together in a story that actually comes together in a tale of greed and treachery. It's a nice, fast-paced story that is both entertaining and even a little educational - especially if you have pets!
As Dixie is walking with a friend, they come across a young woman who has apparently just given birth in the woods. They also come across a dead exotic bird that turns out to be from Guatemala.
One of Dixie's latest job as a pet sitter is to take care of a pampered cat named Charlotte and a very expensive fish tank for a wealthy couple who are going away for a business conference.
The two of these come together in a story that actually comes together in a tale of greed and treachery. It's a nice, fast-paced story that is both entertaining and even a little educational - especially if you have pets!
August 9, 2014
Much thanks to John for the huge task of continuing his mom's series! Reading some of the reviews about inconsistencies bothers me a wee bit. It's impossible to write the same way as another author, even if it is your mother. You can't expect the exact same Dixie, but I recognized her well enough, in this book, to embrace her again.
I'm so glad she's back, more open, coming to a place of peace with her past losses, and moving forward. People change and tragedy and grief most certainly change a person. Or maybe she's finding her old self that was lost before her world got shattered.
The mystery was good, as always. I didn't guess who it was, until they were revealed. I'm always ready to go back to Siesta Key and visit. I like the direction Dixie is going. Well done, John!
I'm so glad she's back, more open, coming to a place of peace with her past losses, and moving forward. People change and tragedy and grief most certainly change a person. Or maybe she's finding her old self that was lost before her world got shattered.
The mystery was good, as always. I didn't guess who it was, until they were revealed. I'm always ready to go back to Siesta Key and visit. I like the direction Dixie is going. Well done, John!
July 13, 2014
I've been following Dixie and her adventures since book one, I love this series. I could tell this book, was written by someone other than the original author, (which made me so sad to find out she passed away) Her son, has continued with this series, and for us fans, we are grateful. That being said. The Dixie I got to know in the other books I read would never have called anyone, "stupid bitch," it's just not in her character,( the books contains quite a few other cuss words) and while I don't mind swear words, (I use them myself) it is hard to introduce them into a series that has already published 7 other books, without the need for them. Regardless, I liked the book well enough, and hope to see more in the future.
May 4, 2024
While walking a dog, Dixie stumbles across a woman who has just given birth and decides to help her.
This cozy mystery series continues to be delightful. Dixie has to take care of a giant aquarium and a grumpy cat and - of course - finds another dead body. John Clement has done a good job continuing this series that was started by his mother.
This was a joint read with my 89-year-old mom who said it was 'very good' and wants to read the next book.
This cozy mystery series continues to be delightful. Dixie has to take care of a giant aquarium and a grumpy cat and - of course - finds another dead body. John Clement has done a good job continuing this series that was started by his mother.
This was a joint read with my 89-year-old mom who said it was 'very good' and wants to read the next book.
August 6, 2013
I love these books and was devastated to hear of her dying !!! About 10 of my favorite authors have died in recent years ........this book was good , a bit different when it came to her relationship with men ....
July 23, 2021
This was a book that I picked up at the library's book sale. I am not sure if I've read this series before. I don't think so, but sometimes I am surprised when I am on another site and see the author's name or series name come up in a tag. One of the reasons I don't think I have read this series before is that I see other reviewers saying that the author Blaize Clement passed away and that her son John assisted with this book.
The main character, Dixie Hemingway, is a former police officer who left the force after her husband and child died. Her second career is as a pet sitter. In addition to her regular clients, she takes on cat and fish sitting for the Harwick family when the parents go to Tampa.
I enjoyed getting to know some of Dixie's regular clients and learning a bit about animal behavior.
WARNING: SPOILERS MAY FOLLOW--READ ON AT YOUR OWN DISCRETION:
*****
We never find out what happens to Charlotte. We know she's currently at the boarding kennel and that Mrs. Harwick asks/tells Dixie to find a new home for Charlotte--but Charlotte's fate is left unresolved.
We don't find out if Becca really was pregnant or just thought she was because her period was late. Either that or Kenny did tell Dixie but in a way that wasn't clear to me when I read it. I am glad that Kenny decided to stay in the area though. I was wondering what Dixie would do without him to call on as an overnight pet sitter--though I guess she does have a retiree she can call for day to day stuff.
We don't really learn if Corina was the person informing on August's smuggling ring or the fate of Corina and/or Dixie Joyce. Dixie was going to ask Paco about it, but again, that didn't happen before the book ended.
This is a series I might read another book from if I came across it, but not a series that I plan to seek out previous books or look to see if John Clement has continued the series.
Notes (for when you're deciding if this is a book you want to read):
*There is a same sex couple among the supporting characters.
*Mr. Harwick is not the ideal dad or step-dad. He calls his step-children "worthless". He walked out on his biological child. He stole the Harwick identity.
The main character, Dixie Hemingway, is a former police officer who left the force after her husband and child died. Her second career is as a pet sitter. In addition to her regular clients, she takes on cat and fish sitting for the Harwick family when the parents go to Tampa.
I enjoyed getting to know some of Dixie's regular clients and learning a bit about animal behavior.
WARNING: SPOILERS MAY FOLLOW--READ ON AT YOUR OWN DISCRETION:
*****
We never find out what happens to Charlotte. We know she's currently at the boarding kennel and that Mrs. Harwick asks/tells Dixie to find a new home for Charlotte--but Charlotte's fate is left unresolved.
We don't find out if Becca really was pregnant or just thought she was because her period was late. Either that or Kenny did tell Dixie but in a way that wasn't clear to me when I read it. I am glad that Kenny decided to stay in the area though. I was wondering what Dixie would do without him to call on as an overnight pet sitter--though I guess she does have a retiree she can call for day to day stuff.
We don't really learn if Corina was the person informing on August's smuggling ring or the fate of Corina and/or Dixie Joyce. Dixie was going to ask Paco about it, but again, that didn't happen before the book ended.
This is a series I might read another book from if I came across it, but not a series that I plan to seek out previous books or look to see if John Clement has continued the series.
Notes (for when you're deciding if this is a book you want to read):
*There is a same sex couple among the supporting characters.
*Mr. Harwick is not the ideal dad or step-dad. He calls his step-children "worthless". He walked out on his biological child. He stole the Harwick identity.
May 3, 2019
Life on a small resort island can be very profitable in surprising ways. Dixie Hemingway has built her pet-sitting business into popular demand. She’s respected by most of the residents of Siesta Key when it comes to taking care of pets whether they be cat, dog or whatever. Dixie will do the job to the best of her ability and beyond.
This tiny little island off the west coast of Florida is peopled with all sorts of folks from just about every where. Things get really interesting for Dixie when she’s taking a client’s dog out for its early morning walk and stumbles upon a homeless girl who has just given birth. Add to this little discovery is a very rare bird that compounds the mystery. The homeless girl and the bird are just the first elements in Dixie’s drama when she later finds a dead body at the bottom of a client’s swimming pool. From there, things really get entangled.
I found this book in a thrift shop book section. What I read on the inside flap of the cover intrigued me. The book was cheap, so I bought it. Once I started reading, it was a page turner. This was my first ever read of a Dixie Hemingway Mystery. I will definitely have to go back and start with the first book. I’m a fan now!
This tiny little island off the west coast of Florida is peopled with all sorts of folks from just about every where. Things get really interesting for Dixie when she’s taking a client’s dog out for its early morning walk and stumbles upon a homeless girl who has just given birth. Add to this little discovery is a very rare bird that compounds the mystery. The homeless girl and the bird are just the first elements in Dixie’s drama when she later finds a dead body at the bottom of a client’s swimming pool. From there, things really get entangled.
I found this book in a thrift shop book section. What I read on the inside flap of the cover intrigued me. The book was cheap, so I bought it. Once I started reading, it was a page turner. This was my first ever read of a Dixie Hemingway Mystery. I will definitely have to go back and start with the first book. I’m a fan now!
July 12, 2017
Really like this series. However, the passing of Blaize Clement and the assumption by her son John in writing the books, starting with this book (I understand John and Blaize did work together on the story line before her death), meant some changes in how the main characters were presented in this book. Dixie is a bit less introspective, less fun; Michael and Paco are peripheral characters (which is a shame because they both have such potential to be more visible in these books); and Dixie's at-last boyfriend, Ethan Crane, has developed a potty mouth which seems totally out of character (and frankly, each time he swore, he came across as not very likeable).
Some changes in the series are inevitable, and I wish John Clement the best in continuing this series. It's so enjoyable, and there is so much potential for even more stories. Looking forward to reading the books already published since his mother's passing, and I hope John continues to develop the story line.
Some changes in the series are inevitable, and I wish John Clement the best in continuing this series. It's so enjoyable, and there is so much potential for even more stories. Looking forward to reading the books already published since his mother's passing, and I hope John continues to develop the story line.
February 16, 2019
Dixie is out walking Rufus, a schnauzer, one morning when they encounter a friend also walking her dog. Then Dixie and Joyce discover an exotic dead bird lying on the ground. Joyce plans to take the bird home and call someone who might know something about this species. However, before she can do that Dixie and Joyce hear a noise in the bushes and discover a young woman who literally has just given birth to a baby girl. It is evident that the girl is in the country illegally and she refuses to go to the hospital. Joyce takes her and the baby home with her. Dixie goes to get them some supplies. By the time, Dixie gets to Joyce's home the bird has recovered and is singing a song.
Dixie is taking care of a Siamese cat, named Charlotte, and a tank of very expensive fish for Roy Harwick and his wife. They are out of town because he has to give a speech. Unfortunately, Dixie discovers Roy's body in the bottom of his swimming pool.
Dixie is taking care of a Siamese cat, named Charlotte, and a tank of very expensive fish for Roy Harwick and his wife. They are out of town because he has to give a speech. Unfortunately, Dixie discovers Roy's body in the bottom of his swimming pool.
April 25, 2025
I often struggle to find the perfect blend of cozy mystery without being too vanilla.
This book scratched that itch. FINALLY, a cozy mystery that drops the “f” bomb. A gay couple. A little alcohol. A little bit of spice without being gory.
This is my first adventure with Dixie Hemingway’s character. Therefore, I can’t compare John Clement’s handling of the character with his late mother’s portrayal. But, as a stand alone, I liked this book.
Dixie is a fun character. I would love to read more of her pet sitting tales and will keep an eye out for others in this series.
I did take one star away for the taxi ticket… I’m sorry. I couldn’t let that go. Why the fuck would someone keep a receipt copy that clearly implicated them in a crime? That seemed so ridiculous. Maybe I’m missing something.
This book scratched that itch. FINALLY, a cozy mystery that drops the “f” bomb. A gay couple. A little alcohol. A little bit of spice without being gory.
This is my first adventure with Dixie Hemingway’s character. Therefore, I can’t compare John Clement’s handling of the character with his late mother’s portrayal. But, as a stand alone, I liked this book.
Dixie is a fun character. I would love to read more of her pet sitting tales and will keep an eye out for others in this series.
I did take one star away for the taxi ticket… I’m sorry. I couldn’t let that go. Why the fuck would someone keep a receipt copy that clearly implicated them in a crime? That seemed so ridiculous. Maybe I’m missing something.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 10, 2021
Blaize's son wrote this book from his mother's notes after she died...and did a fine job. Another great mystery featuring Dixie, plus we get to see how Jazz is doing from an earlier book and, of course, visit Dixie's friend who makes the best chocolate bread--still hoping for a recipe for that. Dixie and Ethan's friendship take another step forward.
November 18, 2021
I’m definitely hooked on the Dixie Hemingway Mysteries and sad that I only have 3 more to read. They are a relaxing read to take your mind off your troubles with just enough suspense to make you keep reading. This one was about a man who was into crooked stuff, a step son who was just as bad, a step daughter that was just lost and a wife who is just money hungry.
September 15, 2017
Good little cozy mystery. Just how I like them...lighthearted, not gory, interesting and likeable characters. This is the 2nd Cat Sitter book I've read after reading the first in the series a few years back. This one is much later in the series but don't feel like I missed anything jumping around.
April 3, 2019
Not as good as previous, although John did a decent job of continuing the story. But... Ethan and Dixie swearing? The timing of Michael’s shifts? The timing of Dixie going to Tom Hale’s? Little things that disrupted the continuity of the characters.
December 15, 2021
I love this series about a cat sitter in Florida. As a former cat sitter who now lives in Florida, I can relate, and I love the descriptions of the job and setting. This book was one of the best ones in the series, I really enjoyed it.
April 2, 2022
Excellent cozy mystery. I love the fact that Blaize Clement’s son helped write and finish this book before his mother died. I cannot tell the difference in his style or his mothers.
This time Dixie pet sits for a family with exotic fish and a mean timbered Siamese cat.
This time Dixie pet sits for a family with exotic fish and a mean timbered Siamese cat.
March 5, 2023
A really good read, Dixie is great and I'm glad she's getting her life together. There were a couple of proofreading issues, but the only serious one was when she silenced the ringer on her cell phone after the detective called then answered the ringing phone when Ethan called a few minutes later.
May 10, 2017
another great book in the series
December 1, 2017
A Sure Fire Hit
Book eight of the Dixie Hemingway was a breezy fun read with a murder tossed in to keep the story going.
Book eight of the Dixie Hemingway was a breezy fun read with a murder tossed in to keep the story going.
March 21, 2018
Excellent. I just found this series last month and have really been enjoying it. I had no idea that Blaize Clement had passed away. I am glad that her son John will continue the series.
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