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Mint Chocolate Chip Mysteries #1

Claws of Justice: A Cozy Cat Mystery with Humor and a Murderous Twist

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I’m Sunny Shaw, and regardless of what my name might suggest, my world has become rather dim as of late.

With a bankrupt business to save, homeless kittens that need rescuing, and a new business partner distracting me with every glance, there seems to be a disaster waiting at every turn.

Just when I thought it couldn’t get any worse, a murder literally lands on my doorstep—or at least the corpse does. Now I’m struggling to figure out which problem to solve first!

My business partner seems to want to share more than our lease, but I have to take that step very slowly. Of course, I can’t in good conscience leave the kittens to wander the streets. Then again no business means no money.

Decisions. Decisions.

260 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 24, 2020

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504 people want to read

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Emmie Lyn

41 books140 followers

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5 stars
488 (49%)
4 stars
297 (29%)
3 stars
161 (16%)
2 stars
34 (3%)
1 star
15 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews
Profile Image for Kristina Anderson.
4,050 reviews83 followers
May 12, 2020
Claws of Justice by Emmie Lyn is the debut of Mint Chocolate Chip Mysteries. I like that this series relates back to the Little Dog Diner series. That is where we originally met Sunny Shaw. I thought Claws of Justice contained good writing with a sassy heroine and some quirky characters (aka Tilly). I enjoy the antics of the pets especially Sunny’s dog, Jasper. The mystery was fun. I enjoyed following Sunny and her friends as they worked to unravel the whodunit. Sunny does need to be more careful. She was a little reckless and could have ended up making Jasper an orphan. It was obvious that the local police were not up to the task of solving this crime. I love the small-town setting. The author really brought it to life for me with her word imagery. Claws of Justice is a fun cozy mystery with cute kittens, auction antics, ex-beau woes, a charming canine, and a bankrupt business.
Profile Image for Shawna Shaheen.
332 reviews23 followers
March 31, 2021
This series is about Sunny ( is from book 6 of Little Do Diner series that Emmie Lynn writes. With Danni and Luke and the cafe in this new series) and Hitch. He came back from New York and proposition Sunny for both of them going on business to renovate Nine Pine Nursery that was in Sunny family. But now both Hitch and want to work together on having it as a plant nursery a for Hitch and Shakes in cakes and a kitty adoption in they're business. They are at an auction and outbid a guy and he told Sunny I wanted the property Nine Pine Nursery. Come to find out his name was Harry. And Hitch knew him from New York being a body guard for him trying to guard a bonsai tree. This book is pretty good. It has a cute dog Jasper a Newfoundland and some cute kitties that Hitch love ( cute the way he plays with them in book) Tilly is funny. The plot might kind of seem the best. But I have hoped for this series. I love Emmie Lynn Little Dog Diner sereies. So I will give the 2nd a try.
Profile Image for Lisa Cornelius Ashby.
126 reviews7 followers
May 25, 2020
I’m sorry, but this book did not work for me. The setting, the town, was completely missing from the story. There was no real introduction to the characters, the protagonist, or the murder victim. The murder happened immediately at the onset of the story with no real lead in. The story had no flow or direction. It was very lackluster. I will not be continuing this series.
Profile Image for Kristen Lewendon.
8,429 reviews63 followers
April 23, 2020
Having previously met Sunny through the Little Dog Diner, I thought I had an idea of what I was in for. Turns out I really kind of didn’t. There are lots of the same things I love best about that other series in this one: a sassy heroine who’s still trying to get all her sh*t together, a quirky – sometimes zany – cast of accomplices, adorable pet antics, and a mystery that kept me guessing. Mind you, Sunny hits on several of my pet peeves too. She plays fast and loose with her own safety and it seems that sometimes she and the truth only have a nodding acquaintance. She also regularly interferes with local law enforcement. Though, in her case, I’m less bothered by that last one because Sunny seems to be dealing with Pineville’s version of Rosco P. Coltrane. (And yes. I totally realize how badly I’m dating myself with that reference.) No matter. This was a fun book and I’m looking forward to seeing what other mischief Sunny, Jasper, and the kittens get into next.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher.
Profile Image for Rebecca Cecil.
412 reviews75 followers
October 16, 2022
I love this book. Never read the author. Finding lots of new to me authors. But what an experience. A murder, A bonsai tree, Sunny is on the case with her new orchard/ Kitty Cafe to come with an old knew partner. Tilly is quite a delight and a handful and a half. You never know what she will say or do. She drives Sunny crazy but Sonny loves her like family. And Tilly does lean a little on the trouble side but she also often saves the day by her off the wall energetic behavior. Just a fun loving mystery. Oh and do not let me forget Jasper she a a girl dog and very good dog to Sunny.
Profile Image for Margret Melissa (ladybug).
297 reviews4 followers
January 7, 2023
It was a fast read once I was able to sit down and read it and I never saw that coming. The person who was the murderer. The twists and turns and the was it this person? was it that person? no, it's this person. No it's that one... and on and on. Was an enjoyable read.
Profile Image for Ferne (Enthusiastic Reader).
1,473 reviews47 followers
January 29, 2021
I saw the cover of this cozy on a recent FB post and the series title instantly resonated with me as I love Mint Chocolate Chip ice cream and with simultaneously viewing the adorable kitten's expression on the cover I quickly added it to my to-read list. The cozy is as fun as the series name, as cute as the kitten on the cover, as clever as the title, and a charming addition to delight all cozy mystery readers.

The setting is Pineville in Blueberry Bay on the coast of Maine and Sunny Shaw has attended an auction for the property of Nine Pine Nursery (once owned by her grandparents) and suddenly finds herself part-owner with a former beau. The auction is the beginning of an adventure and a mystery filled with unexpected twists and turns. Part of the adventure becomes the planning of an incredible new business in Pineville as Shakes and Cakes Shop that will encompass shakes, sweet treats, kittens, orchids and herbs. At first it sounded like a crazy combination but as I heard snippets of the planning I'm as enthused as the new business partners. However, before the shop can open there's a murder to solve and it seems a bonsai tree is at the root of the mystery. With an excellent reminder at just the right timing in the cozy,
"It was ridiculous, but sometimes laughing is absolutely the best medicine when a situation hits rock bottom. Or, in this case, bonsai bottom."
I really enjoyed this cozy particularly as a series opener as it is clear that adorable, frisky, cute, spirited, and squeaky kittens will be featured throughout the series as well as Sunny's neighbor the always ready for adventure Tilly Morris (picture a combination of Stephanie Plum's Grandma Mazur as created by Janet Evanovich and Samantha Washington’s Nana Jo aka Josephine Thomas as created by V.M. Burns). Add a touch of romantic sparks by Ty Hitchner and there's no telling what's to come but I don't want to miss a single minute of it.
Profile Image for Nancy Garbe.
468 reviews6 followers
June 28, 2020
Claws of Justice is the first book in a new Blueberry Bay series. It offers interesting characters like Sunny Shaw, from a Little Dog Diner episode; Hitch, a potential love interest and Sunny’s unexpected new business partner; Tilly, an outlandish neighbor lady who is unpredictable and unstoppable; and Jasper, Sunny’s huge Newfoundland mix who has an affinity for taking care of kittens. All of these folks and more are drawn into a murder mystery and they stumble about trying to prove their innocence and solve the crime.

I received a free advanced copy of this book and am voluntarily providing my honest review. I enjoyed this book very much. It was funny, entertaining and well written, as the murderer remained a mystery until the final few chapters. This is a great start to a fun new series.
53 reviews1 follower
June 23, 2020
Cats and trees!

Really enjoyed Sunny , Tilley and Hitch, Jasper and all.
Great mystery, Great story good writing.
Can't wait for the next one.
Profile Image for Lise.
1,065 reviews
October 24, 2024
Ty "Hitch" Hitchner broke Sunny Shaw's heart when he abruptly moved to New York to work as a security guard. But now, he's back and just outbid everyone at the auction for Sunny's grandparents' old plant nursery. This turn of events comes as a surprise for Sunny. Before Sunny can come to grips with her new business and new business partner, the second highest bidder is found dead and Hitch is in the frame for his murder. With the help of elderly Tilly, the budding detectives attempt to track down a killer before the killer tracks them down!

There was too much of a good thing in terms of the characters in this story. Individually I loved each but together they were overkill. The relationship between Sunny and Hitch felt forced and when Tilly was added to the mix, I wanted to strangle everyone. This surplus of personalities nearly caused me to drop my rating to three stars - nearly.

On the other hand, there was a healthy dollop of mystery and motives to work through. This kept me engaged in the plot as I tried to narrow down the murderer's identity. I didn't guess correctly, but the conclusion felt valid and I was quite happy to have been outplayed. This kept my rating at four stars!

I can't wait to see how this all shakes out in the next book. I'm hoping that there'll be a toning of the idiosyncracies and more of the twisty goodness that the mystery contained.
Profile Image for Andrea Stoeckel.
3,137 reviews132 followers
April 25, 2020
" When someone covets something belonging to someone else *nothing* would surprise me"

In this first of a new series by Emmie Lyn who writes other books set in Blueberry Bay, Sunny Shaw and her dog Jasper, her eccentric friend Tilly and her former boyfriend Ty Hitchner are part of a group at an auction for Sunny's old family business, the now seriously run down Nine Pine Nursery. While she is in the crowd, an unknown (to her) man starts talking her up and moments later, is found dead. It's the beginning of a rather convoluted mystery that has both Ty and Sunny under scrutiny by the local cop who is also not so secretly "crushing" on Sunny.

It becomes "who's got it" when a valuable plant gord missing as first one suspect has it, then another. This plant has a mystery around it all its own. Who does it belong to? Who has it now? Is it really valuable enough to murder someone? And, most importantly, where are the kittens now?

Emmi Lyn brings small towns and their secrets to life. Keep this series in your crosshairs and she what's popping up next. Highly recommended 5/5

[disclaimer: I received this book from the author and chose to read and review it]
Profile Image for Tari.
3,628 reviews102 followers
May 13, 2021
I really love the various series I've read so far that take place in the fictional Blueberry Bay area of Maine, and this one was no exception. Sunny was a great main character, and I loved that her neighbor was like a grandma to her. Picturing her in that bug green VW, Tilly sure sounded like a hoot! I was glad to see that Sunny and Hitch got along well as business partners. It seemed like he'd do anything for her. And when she went to bat for him when the police suspected Hitch of murder, I guess you could say she'd do anything for him as well.

The crossover with Little Dog Diner (another one of this author's series) was fun. Sue Ellen cracks me up no matter where she appears lol. I kept one person in the back of my brain as the whodunit the whole time, and even though I went along with other theories, I was glad I picked them since I turned out being right. The showdown was really good and ended up with the police literally catching the perp. I'm anxious to keep reading in this series!
2,217 reviews44 followers
November 11, 2025
The action in Claws of Justice starts from the very beginning of the book. Sunny Shaw just got fired. She is watching the auction of Nine Pines Nursery (formerly owned by her grandparents) when two things happen. First Ty Hitchner "Hitch" buys the business and second one of the bidders, Harry Jenson, is knifed to death. Hitch has returned from New York where he'd been a security guard. He wants to go into business with Sunny turning the old nursery into a Shakes and Cakes Shop while Sunny wants to add a Kitty Castle. Before they can start remodeling, they need to solve Harry's murder and they have three possible suspects. Along for the twists and turns is Sunny's neighbor, senior citizen, Tilly Morris. She adds her wackiness to the story. I liked the main characters and the animals in this book. It's nice to see fellow animal lovers! It will be interesting to see how the partnership between Sunny and Hitch progresses.
1,995 reviews
February 11, 2024
This was a very good book and an excellent mystery. I enjoyed the characters. I will read the next one in the series.


Amazon synopsis:
I’m Sunny Shaw, and regardless of what my name might suggest, my world has become rather dim as of late.

With a bankrupt business to save, homeless kittens that need rescuing, and a new business partner distracting me with every glance, there seems to be a disaster waiting at every turn.

Just when I thought it couldn’t get any worse, a murder literally lands on my doorstep—or at least the corpse does. Now I’m struggling to figure out which problem to solve first!

My business partner seems to want to share more than our lease, but I have to take that step very slowly. Of course, I can’t in good conscience leave the kittens to wander the streets. Then again no business means no money.

Decisions. Decisions.
Profile Image for Darla Taylor.
1,848 reviews
April 12, 2020
Sunny Shaw just found herself with a bankrupt business and a new business partner along with a homeless mama cat and kittens. When a man is found murdered, can she and her friends get to the bottom of things before anything else happens?

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review and I honestly loved it. Having read Emmie Lyn's Little Dog Diner series, I was intrigued by this new series. I do believe that I enjoyed it even more. It's well-written with well-rounded characters, some of whom you know and others who are new. This intriguing story has some twists and turns as well as a few surprises. I'm very eager for the continuation of the series. I highly recommend this book.
271 reviews1 follower
October 20, 2025
Pineville, Maine;
Sunny Shaw at auction for grandparents former greenhouse/nursery, Nine Pine Nursery, for the orchids, Shakes & Cakes & cat sanctuary;
Ty Hitchner buys the property in Sunny's name;
Jasper - Newfoundland, Princess Muffin, gray tabby;
Tilly Morris, Neighbor/Friend;
Maxine Salter -wealthy, orchids, will take care of Charlotte;
Harry Jenson - millionaire from NYC, MURDERED, by his daughter GINA, cleans houses, stole his bonsai tree;
Police Chief Bullock, Officer Mick Walker;
Sue Ellen Baer, Misty Harbor, brings Conrad Coleman, a contractor to bid on the Greenhouse, work;
Dani Mackenzie - Sunny's friend who owns a diner, Little Dog Diner, with her husband, Luke;
Harry was Conrad's father from his first marriage, Charlotte is Gina's grandmother;
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Isha Coleman.
8,919 reviews172 followers
April 24, 2020
Claws of Justice (Mint Chocolate Chip Mysteries # 1) by: Emmie Lyn  
 
 
If suspense has a sense of humor, Lyn will be sure to find it. Claws of Justice dares to be unique. Cute and cuddly finds a way to be an intriguing puzzle. Sunny Shaw doesn't look for trouble it finds her. From adorable kittens to a surprise mystery and an unwanted admirer, life is idling at complicated for her? It couldn't possibly get any worse. Or have I spoke too soon? Lyn uses two of my love of all things furry and a thirst for a good mystery,, to play mind games with my heart. Claws of Justice proves that danger can masquerade as a cuddly addiction.
Profile Image for Susan Shearer.
403 reviews2 followers
April 25, 2020
Emmie Lyn brings us a new series with everything you would expect from her in the Mint Chocolate Chip Mysteries series with Claws of Justice.
Sunny just unknowingly bought the Nine Pine Nursery in an auction and certainly didn’t expect her ex-boyfriend, Ty (Hitch) to end up as her partner. To add to the excitement, there was a murder of one of the attendees. With the murder, ex-boyfriend, many odd and unusual suspects, and sparks, can these two unlikely detectives solve the crime before there is another? Oh Yeah, add an adorable dog and batch of kittens and you have a book you won’t want to miss.
Profile Image for Roy Murry.
Author 11 books112 followers
July 10, 2025
CLAWS OF JUSTICE
EMMIE LYN

The title 'Claws of Justice' is a misnomer. 'The Bonsai Killer' might be more appropriate.

Harry is killed over a Bonsai Tree worth $180,000 - 300,000. He did not like cats or dogs, nor did his killer. However, the backstory is more about cats and Jasper the dog, rather than sleuthing.

Sunny Shaw is the main character, with Hitch, her ex-lover, as her co-detective. But the person who shines is Tilly, a whack-a-doodle, making this story worthwhile.

The plot moves quickly and is a well-written story; you will know the killer before the sleuths do. If you are a cat lover and like a whack-a-doodle, it's a read for you.
Profile Image for Whitney .
987 reviews31 followers
April 23, 2020
I have been provided with a copy of Claws of Justice by Sweet Promise Press for an impartial review. This is the first book in the brand-new Mint Chocolate Chip Mysteries series and it was just a great way to start off a new series. I just had so much fun entering this new world with its new characters. I just loved getting to meet Sunny Shaw and her many crazy friends. It was just such a fun read and so easy to get lost in. I just didn’t want it to end. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.
1,279 reviews19 followers
April 27, 2020
Claws of Justice is an awesome book! I really enjoyed it. The book is well written with detailed characters. The characters are fantastic and interesting. The plot is fast paced and action packed. Claws of Justice is full of humour, suspense, mystery and cute animal characters. The mystery was so many twists and red hearings that you are kept guessing until the very end. I did not want to put the book down. I highly recommend this book. I can't wait to read the next book in the series.
Profile Image for Nadine.
1,905 reviews2 followers
April 30, 2020
Outstanding!

Oh my kittens, this was such a good read. So cute! It was fun, and different. I mean different in a good way, because often you have the same general theme in cozies, but this is a storyline that really stands out. One-of-a-kind. I think this is Ms Lyn’s best book to date. I loved it. I loved how well it flowed, I loved the characters, and I loved the kittens. If you love your cozies with humor and cuteness, with suspenseful moments and surprises, then you can’t go wrong with this one.
175 reviews1 follower
April 8, 2020
In this new series we meet Sunny,Jasper & Hitch as they try to start their new businesses. They buy an old nursery which will house a place for Hitch's orchids & plants, the Cake & Shake Shoppe and the Kitten Castle. With help from Jasper, Sunny's Newfoundland, and their friend Tilly they first must solve a murder and get to the bottom of plant thievery. Lots of twists & turns. A great start to the series, looking forward to more.
Profile Image for Ann.
2,635 reviews3 followers
April 24, 2020
This is a wonderful start to a new series. Once you start reading this book you can't put it down. Tilly will make you laugh out loud at the stunts she pulls. This book has a wonderful cast of characters and kittens, cats and a big lovable dog. I can't wait to read the next book in this delightful series. I received an ARC copy of this book and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Tamra Delasalle Padgett.
377 reviews4 followers
May 4, 2020
Who doesnt love a story including kittens? A past boyfriend returns, trying to save a bankrupt business then finding a dead body on my door. What do I handle first and of course I will now be taking care of new kittens. This was such a cute read for a story and I really enjoyed the characters and story. I'm excited to read the next book in the series of these. Grab your copy today and enjoy your reading time.
Profile Image for Sandra Noonan.
141 reviews1 follower
October 9, 2021
Mysteries and kittens

I enjoyed this book and am looking forward to reading the next one. Sunny and her friend Hitch are preparing to get a business going when a murder complicates everything. Add some kittens and a sassy grandma and you have a fast, fun read. I hadn't read any of the previous books, so the characters were new to me, but I liked them immediately. For me, I can't enjoy a story unless I like the characters, and I liked them all, even the bad ones.
Profile Image for Linda.
1,371 reviews
May 3, 2025
Adore the animals

I always like stories with pets, as they sprinkle sweet moments throughout. A kitty adoption in a greenhouse with an attached Cafe should be a hit. When Sunny's ex buys an auctioned nursery, they have big plans to realize their dreams. No one expected a murder to put a crimp in those plans. Now Sunny and Hitch will need to solve the mystery before they can get started with renovations, as both were seen with the deceased before his untimely death.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews

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