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Crow River Justice
William Hawkins, a crusty criminal lawyer, refuses to let go of his humanity and learn to “cat” after his murder and reincarnation as a feral kitten. His human body is missing, and he becomes the prime suspect in his own murder.
As a feral kitten, he must connect three murders to fast cars, an open pit mine, meth dealers, coyotes, and the death of a large feral clowder.
Can humans and animals really work together to clean up Crow River and bring down the kingpin that controls the local crime and drug scene?
As a feral kitten, he must connect three murders to fast cars, an open pit mine, meth dealers, coyotes, and the death of a large feral clowder.
Can humans and animals really work together to clean up Crow River and bring down the kingpin that controls the local crime and drug scene?
- GenresMystery
318 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 23, 2024
5 people are currently reading
2428 people want to read
About the author
Colleen Stewart
1 book17 followersWhat drives me? Wishing I could be reincarnated as my own cat. Beyond that are my cats, wild animals, and lifelong dream of writing fiction.
I worked briefly in criminal law and then opened a litigation firm specializing in a different area. My thirty-three-year career as a lawyer reflects the reality of my own struggle to achieve fairness, working within the confines of justice and mercy while standing against the abuse of power. I had fun recovering from some sloppy trial strategies, but I was quick at the draw with my objections and sought real value in mediation.
Thank goodness I retired. I finally got to write for fun, following the adage: write what you know.
Now, I am writing mysteries that draw from the personalities of my two Siberian cats, Buddy and Floosy. You will meet my feral friends, the crusty Karl, the singing Socks, and the beautiful Queen Charlotte. The foxes (one with mange), the deer sisters, the bear (Walter), the porcupine, the evil Daryl the feral, the mice, and in book 2, Sergeant Mercy, the retired Military pup. The animal characters participate in some form or another to solve crimes, sometimes committed by animals and humans.
All of the crime-fighting animals I write about live on and around my retirement home - a log home in rural Eastern Ontario. I like fishing.
I worked briefly in criminal law and then opened a litigation firm specializing in a different area. My thirty-three-year career as a lawyer reflects the reality of my own struggle to achieve fairness, working within the confines of justice and mercy while standing against the abuse of power. I had fun recovering from some sloppy trial strategies, but I was quick at the draw with my objections and sought real value in mediation.
Thank goodness I retired. I finally got to write for fun, following the adage: write what you know.
Now, I am writing mysteries that draw from the personalities of my two Siberian cats, Buddy and Floosy. You will meet my feral friends, the crusty Karl, the singing Socks, and the beautiful Queen Charlotte. The foxes (one with mange), the deer sisters, the bear (Walter), the porcupine, the evil Daryl the feral, the mice, and in book 2, Sergeant Mercy, the retired Military pup. The animal characters participate in some form or another to solve crimes, sometimes committed by animals and humans.
All of the crime-fighting animals I write about live on and around my retirement home - a log home in rural Eastern Ontario. I like fishing.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
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November 13, 2024Shortly into this novel events take a quirky turn. Dare I say - fantasy meets Perry Mason. Once I settled into the new perspective, I came to enjoy the characters and their relationships. In addition to characters that are vividly portrayed, this novel follows a tight plot rising to a rousing courtroom scene. All is wrapped up in the end leaving the reader to question the true meaning of justice and from whose perspective that meaning drawn. Well written dialogue and some amusing word choices make this novel a light read with well placed chuckles. Looking forward to reading the next novel in this series.
July 24, 2025
Fun read - new take on mysteries!
Can animals talk to each other? Can they work together? In this story they can and do. Reincarnation, murder, a traveling meth lab and a lawyer are part of the book. This is a different take on the traditional murder mystery, one that makes you use your imagination. I enjoyed reading Crow River Justice, and I recommend it. I received a copy of this book from a Goodreads giveaway.
Can animals talk to each other? Can they work together? In this story they can and do. Reincarnation, murder, a traveling meth lab and a lawyer are part of the book. This is a different take on the traditional murder mystery, one that makes you use your imagination. I enjoyed reading Crow River Justice, and I recommend it. I received a copy of this book from a Goodreads giveaway.
July 6, 2025
Thank you to the author and StoryGraph for the giveaway.
This was an enjoyable read and definitely a new twist on detective work. A nice escape from the reality of human detectives.
This was an enjoyable read and definitely a new twist on detective work. A nice escape from the reality of human detectives.
April 23, 2026
Crow River Justice is a murder mystery with an urban fantasy twist. I appreciate the unique content for a book that combines animals, criminal law and the spiritual element of reincarnation.
The beginning had a bit of a rocky start where the balance of plot, description and dialogue wasn’t as smooth as it could have been; however, once the story gained traction that issue was remedied fairly quickly. As a reader, I was sucked into this beautiful world.
The characters were well thought out and had a variety of personalities for both main and side characters. Some behaviours were a bit too predictable in their natures, but overall their conversations, actions, and logical reasoning held my interest.
The story itself was intriguing and I found I didn’t want to put it down as I got closer to the end. The book at the end left me wanting the next of the series.
Overall the book was edited well and the cover has beautiful art that matched the atmosphere of the book. I feel like there could be a bit more written context on the cover such as “a reincarnation murder mystery novel” or other subtitles written to highlight the content of the book to attract readers. From an initial glance, I personally would have deemed this book to be non-fiction or a true crime novel, rather than a work of fiction. For example, the cover could have been advertised better with text to show it has elements of fantasy and fiction mystery. The title of “Crow River Justice” would be better as a series name with a more specific book title for an individual story plot.
In summary, I would rate this book 3.5/5 stars (or 3/4 stars). It was a very solid debut novel for the author and I hope there are more to come. Stars gained for an interesting plot, thoughtful character interactions, a well-planned storyline and for the unique blend of fantasy/mystery/fiction. Minus one star for the uneven story flow at the beginning and minus a half star for some missing information on the cover. I definitely recommend this book.
The beginning had a bit of a rocky start where the balance of plot, description and dialogue wasn’t as smooth as it could have been; however, once the story gained traction that issue was remedied fairly quickly. As a reader, I was sucked into this beautiful world.
The characters were well thought out and had a variety of personalities for both main and side characters. Some behaviours were a bit too predictable in their natures, but overall their conversations, actions, and logical reasoning held my interest.
The story itself was intriguing and I found I didn’t want to put it down as I got closer to the end. The book at the end left me wanting the next of the series.
Overall the book was edited well and the cover has beautiful art that matched the atmosphere of the book. I feel like there could be a bit more written context on the cover such as “a reincarnation murder mystery novel” or other subtitles written to highlight the content of the book to attract readers. From an initial glance, I personally would have deemed this book to be non-fiction or a true crime novel, rather than a work of fiction. For example, the cover could have been advertised better with text to show it has elements of fantasy and fiction mystery. The title of “Crow River Justice” would be better as a series name with a more specific book title for an individual story plot.
In summary, I would rate this book 3.5/5 stars (or 3/4 stars). It was a very solid debut novel for the author and I hope there are more to come. Stars gained for an interesting plot, thoughtful character interactions, a well-planned storyline and for the unique blend of fantasy/mystery/fiction. Minus one star for the uneven story flow at the beginning and minus a half star for some missing information on the cover. I definitely recommend this book.
August 7, 2025
This isn't the kind (genre) of book I would usually read and I started reading it out of curiosity after meeting the author by chance. I was so pleasantly surprised! I found myself chuckling, laughing out loud and even got a little teary towards the end. I thoroughly enjoyed it and now find myself looking to reading this author's next book. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for something light hearted and humorous with a little mystery. ❤️
December 24, 2025
An excellent read. Intrigued to the last page. Very compelling the perspectives of how humans and animals see each other. Absolutely loved it. Great murder mystery 👌
I've just started book 2 in the Crow River series : Crow River Mercy. It is not disappointing at all even better. Hard to put down but with a busy life I need my sleep 😉
I've just started book 2 in the Crow River series : Crow River Mercy. It is not disappointing at all even better. Hard to put down but with a busy life I need my sleep 😉
October 7, 2025
A book that will truly satisfy and entertain your need for whimsy with intrigue...This book will keep you entranced. Humans , Pets , and wildlife appreciated in class struggles and rules for both intertwining.
November 25, 2024
A very enjoyable read!!
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews