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A Whiskers and Words Mystery #11
Scratched Off
This killer is playing a game of cat and mouse.
The Cat Scratch Killer has local criminals on edge in the quaint town of Button. Taking out men who walk without doing time, the killer leaves her calling card—a single scratch along the cheek of her victims. To no one’s surprise, Lou is the unlucky person who discovers the killer’s third victim.
Detective West believes the killer is an insider in the local police department, someone tired of bureaucracy getting in the way of justice. The police captain has asked the detective to keep his investigation under wraps, so he enlists Lou’s help to suss out the person responsible.
Will Lou and Easton be able to catch the serial murderer before they scratch another victim off their list?
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.
The Cat Scratch Killer has local criminals on edge in the quaint town of Button. Taking out men who walk without doing time, the killer leaves her calling card—a single scratch along the cheek of her victims. To no one’s surprise, Lou is the unlucky person who discovers the killer’s third victim.
Detective West believes the killer is an insider in the local police department, someone tired of bureaucracy getting in the way of justice. The police captain has asked the detective to keep his investigation under wraps, so he enlists Lou’s help to suss out the person responsible.
Will Lou and Easton be able to catch the serial murderer before they scratch another victim off their list?
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.
205 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 28, 2025
39 people are currently reading
84 people want to read
About the author
Eryn Scott
74 books484 followersEryn 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
April 3, 2025
Scratched off
There’s a crime wave in Button and Lou is helping Easton on the side as the suspects involve police personnel. While the murders are connected the cops are stymied by the killer. Meanwhile Lou and Noah have a double surprise as both Marigold and Mia are staying with them. The search continues, there’s crafts aplenty and cats for everyone!
Love the series and this book! The town of Button is as cute as one and the people there are full of quirky surprises. Love the regulars at the bookshop who minister to all the furry residents. I thought the salmon themed fundraiser was hilarious. This book is like a hug from a friend. It’s a warm, happy place with plenty of laughs, shenanigans and cats!
There’s a crime wave in Button and Lou is helping Easton on the side as the suspects involve police personnel. While the murders are connected the cops are stymied by the killer. Meanwhile Lou and Noah have a double surprise as both Marigold and Mia are staying with them. The search continues, there’s crafts aplenty and cats for everyone!
Love the series and this book! The town of Button is as cute as one and the people there are full of quirky surprises. Love the regulars at the bookshop who minister to all the furry residents. I thought the salmon themed fundraiser was hilarious. This book is like a hug from a friend. It’s a warm, happy place with plenty of laughs, shenanigans and cats!
March 23, 2025
I loved this book. I wish I lived near Lou's bookshop, I don't think I would ever leave and the town of Button is the purrrfect place to live too. Well apart from all the murders that keep happening but luckily for us we get to spend time without the threat of being murdered, by reading this great series. The author has certainly caught this readers imagination with her cleverly crafted and tight plots. I had no clue who the killer was, I had my suspicions (or worries) but was proved wrong. Although looking back the clues were there. No matter how good the mystery is, I think it is the characters and friendships that has me returning time and time again. The story is very character driven with a lot of regular characters involved, so I would recommend you sit back with your cat, a cup of tea and read the whole series while waiting for the next book, I don't think you will be disappointed.
There is a serial killer working in Button. With three dead men and very few clues, the detective in charge is having to think outside the box, especially as his only suspects all work for The police department. Dubbed the Cat Scratch Killer because of the scratch left on the cheek of each victim and the cat ear beanie worn in the only video catching a glimpse of the killer. Detective Easton sets up in the apartment above Lou's cat and book shop to keep his investigation into his colleagues quiet. At the same time Lou's niece plays an expected visit and sets out to help the detective and her aunt find the killer before she strikes again.
I was given this free review copy book at my request and have voluntarily left this review,
There is a serial killer working in Button. With three dead men and very few clues, the detective in charge is having to think outside the box, especially as his only suspects all work for The police department. Dubbed the Cat Scratch Killer because of the scratch left on the cheek of each victim and the cat ear beanie worn in the only video catching a glimpse of the killer. Detective Easton sets up in the apartment above Lou's cat and book shop to keep his investigation into his colleagues quiet. At the same time Lou's niece plays an expected visit and sets out to help the detective and her aunt find the killer before she strikes again.
I was given this free review copy book at my request and have voluntarily left this review,
March 29, 2025
Tracking Down a Murderer . . .
Whiskers and Words wasn’t just a local bookstore. It served as a cat rescue sanctuary where customers could interact with adoptable cats and take them home if the match was good. But now, a man watched in the dark as one final customer was still browsing. Would the bookstore close in 5 minutes, or would the woman fill out paperwork to adopt a cat? He didn’t have time to waste. She left and he moved into the alley behind the bookstore and entered through the unlocked door. Louisa Henry (“Lou”), the owner, was just preparing to feed the cats and startled at seeing Easton West, a detective, standing there. He was living in the apartment upstairs as he worked on a case to capture the Cat Scratch Killer who had already murdered two men, leaving a scratch on the victim’s cheek. In addition, Easton was working a related case in secret since Captain Lofall believed the killer was an insider at the police department seeking her own “justice” for men who get to walk away without punishment, so Easton was asked to investigate that theory.
When Lou left, she discovered a stray cat in the cage she used to trap loose animals which she then took to the vet, her boyfriend Noah, because the cat may not survive the freezing cold. Noah saw the cat was chipped and they got an address to return him to the owner, Jacob Reed. No one answered the door, but Lou saw a side door with a cat flap. The stray went right inside, but Lou had seen a man’s hand as if someone was on the floor inside with a large amount of blood surrounding the body. So they called Easton. One of the crime scene techs was Julie Donovan, on Easton’s suspect list for the Cat Scratch Killer. The victim’s throat had been cut and his cheek scratched. But the victim is Liam Bennett who took over the lease 3 years ago when Jacob was arrested and sent to prison. Liam likewise had two assault charges on women against his name in the past five years with neither resulting in a conviction, so the killer has access to the records at the station. Will Lou and Easton narrow down the list of 5 women to find which one may be the serial killer they are hunting? Will Lou's niece Mia help them as well? Or are they following the wrong path?
Whiskers and Words wasn’t just a local bookstore. It served as a cat rescue sanctuary where customers could interact with adoptable cats and take them home if the match was good. But now, a man watched in the dark as one final customer was still browsing. Would the bookstore close in 5 minutes, or would the woman fill out paperwork to adopt a cat? He didn’t have time to waste. She left and he moved into the alley behind the bookstore and entered through the unlocked door. Louisa Henry (“Lou”), the owner, was just preparing to feed the cats and startled at seeing Easton West, a detective, standing there. He was living in the apartment upstairs as he worked on a case to capture the Cat Scratch Killer who had already murdered two men, leaving a scratch on the victim’s cheek. In addition, Easton was working a related case in secret since Captain Lofall believed the killer was an insider at the police department seeking her own “justice” for men who get to walk away without punishment, so Easton was asked to investigate that theory.
When Lou left, she discovered a stray cat in the cage she used to trap loose animals which she then took to the vet, her boyfriend Noah, because the cat may not survive the freezing cold. Noah saw the cat was chipped and they got an address to return him to the owner, Jacob Reed. No one answered the door, but Lou saw a side door with a cat flap. The stray went right inside, but Lou had seen a man’s hand as if someone was on the floor inside with a large amount of blood surrounding the body. So they called Easton. One of the crime scene techs was Julie Donovan, on Easton’s suspect list for the Cat Scratch Killer. The victim’s throat had been cut and his cheek scratched. But the victim is Liam Bennett who took over the lease 3 years ago when Jacob was arrested and sent to prison. Liam likewise had two assault charges on women against his name in the past five years with neither resulting in a conviction, so the killer has access to the records at the station. Will Lou and Easton narrow down the list of 5 women to find which one may be the serial killer they are hunting? Will Lou's niece Mia help them as well? Or are they following the wrong path?
April 26, 2025
This series is just the definition of a cozy mystery. The family, the love, the setting, the characters, the cats, the bookstore, I could go on and on. All wrapped up with a murder and some snow. I am so glad this series continues to be amazing and I will be reading them until they end.
March 31, 2025
Still manages to surprise me
I thought I'd managed to work out the mystery pretty early on only for Eryn to still manage to surprise me I love the little town of button and I'm so sad there's only one more book after this
I thought I'd managed to work out the mystery pretty early on only for Eryn to still manage to surprise me I love the little town of button and I'm so sad there's only one more book after this
March 22, 2025
Another great book in this series!!
As with all of Eryn Scott's books I've read, this one is a well written, easy to read, enjoyable story with a great plot, an interesting mystery (or more!), and wonderful & relatable characters. They don't have a ton of "catch phrases" or overly flowery explanations and descriptions. It's more like someone sitting down and talking to you about events and people. I always hate when I have to put the book down to do something else, because I just want to keep reading! And when it's over, I'm wanting to read the next book.
In this book, there's a serial killer on the loose in the adorable town of Button. Easton thinks it's someone inside the police department, so he's keeping his investigation quiet. Lou finds the third victim and starts to help Easton investigate. Lou's niece Mia arrives to stay with Lou & Noah for a bit, and she also gets involved in the investigation.
There are a bunch of suspects and twists and turns along the way. The outcome was not what I was expecting.
Such a wonderful book. While I think it holds up as a stand-alone book, I guarantee you'll want to go back to the earlier ones (which will also give you more background on all the characters.
Can't wait for the next book in the series!
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 15, 2025
The latest release from the small Washington town of Button and Lou's bookshop, Whiskers and Words. It is a lovely cosy mystery series about how Lou gets involved in solving the crimes and murders that occur in her new hometown.
Lou and Noah are now living together, and they share custody of Marigold ( Noah's daughter) with her mum, Cassidy. It's a very happy arrangement all round, yet Marigold seems to have a small issue that worries Lou.
This book is about the Cat Scratch Killer. Bodies have been found at different times with a 'cat scratch' on a cheek. What could the connection be between the men and who could be doing it? Easton asks Lou for her help.
Each book in this delightful series is a standalone mystery. However, the books are best read in order of publication to preserve continuity of the characters and wider storyline.
Each book takes a few hours to read and doesn't end on a cliffhanger.
I can't wait for the next book to be released!
Lou and Noah are now living together, and they share custody of Marigold ( Noah's daughter) with her mum, Cassidy. It's a very happy arrangement all round, yet Marigold seems to have a small issue that worries Lou.
This book is about the Cat Scratch Killer. Bodies have been found at different times with a 'cat scratch' on a cheek. What could the connection be between the men and who could be doing it? Easton asks Lou for her help.
Each book in this delightful series is a standalone mystery. However, the books are best read in order of publication to preserve continuity of the characters and wider storyline.
Each book takes a few hours to read and doesn't end on a cliffhanger.
I can't wait for the next book to be released!
January 24, 2026
What an interesting book with so many twists and turns. I never get tired of reading this series and I love that the mystery is never straightforward with knowing who the culprit is.
Seeing Mia again was great, and as someone with a high school senior at home, the advice given really hit me in the feels. But it also something I immediately wanted to share with my daughter. It was worded so well. And it's not coming directly from me (haha). But this is why I love these books; they are full of support, some bits of wisdom, kindness, and relatable scenarios. Who hasn't been terrified of their future and making the right choices?
Anyway, I loved the extra time with Marigold and Mia. I love the characters and watching them grow. Its such a heartwarming community.
Seeing Mia again was great, and as someone with a high school senior at home, the advice given really hit me in the feels. But it also something I immediately wanted to share with my daughter. It was worded so well. And it's not coming directly from me (haha). But this is why I love these books; they are full of support, some bits of wisdom, kindness, and relatable scenarios. Who hasn't been terrified of their future and making the right choices?
Anyway, I loved the extra time with Marigold and Mia. I love the characters and watching them grow. Its such a heartwarming community.
April 11, 2025
Same old Button.
Button is a nice place to live, full of good people. But, sometimes murder is committed by not so good people, and that's when Lou and friends can't help themselves. They have to investigate. That's what they do here. Men are being murdered. Men who have a history of assaulting women. The killer is leaving a scratch on their faces that look like they were made by a cat. Lou, Easton, and Lou's niece, Mia, are tracking down a multitude of leads to find the Cat Scratch Killer. There's a bit of fluff that's not all cat hair, but there's no bad language, no sexual situations, and no real violence. It's a nice, easy-going, relaxing, and enjoyable read.
Button is a nice place to live, full of good people. But, sometimes murder is committed by not so good people, and that's when Lou and friends can't help themselves. They have to investigate. That's what they do here. Men are being murdered. Men who have a history of assaulting women. The killer is leaving a scratch on their faces that look like they were made by a cat. Lou, Easton, and Lou's niece, Mia, are tracking down a multitude of leads to find the Cat Scratch Killer. There's a bit of fluff that's not all cat hair, but there's no bad language, no sexual situations, and no real violence. It's a nice, easy-going, relaxing, and enjoyable read.
December 10, 2025
A serial killer has come to Button. That's right, the population of this cozy little town is big enough to support four deaths by the same murderer. Lou is right there, rescuing cats and offering her keen observational skills, but in the meantime, some unexpected family drama has popped up when her niece arrives for a surprise and secret visit and Lou's immediate family can't seem to decide what it's called.
Cozy and exciting in equal measure, as always. I loved seeing the clues sprinkled throughout this book, and it was great to see even more love to the cats, as always. I hope book 12 comes out soon.
Cozy and exciting in equal measure, as always. I loved seeing the clues sprinkled throughout this book, and it was great to see even more love to the cats, as always. I hope book 12 comes out soon.
March 25, 2025
Wow, this cozy was full of twists & turns! Just when you think it's solved, another suspect turns up. I love the relationships with Lou, Noah, Goldie, Mia, and all the regulars. It feels like home. I'm looking forward to the next one in the series, hopefully there is another.
I was gifted an ARC and I'm voluntarily sharing my honest opinion. I recommend this book, but even better, start with the first one!
I was gifted an ARC and I'm voluntarily sharing my honest opinion. I recommend this book, but even better, start with the first one!
April 4, 2025
Scratched Off is book #11 in the Whiskers and Words Mystery series by Eryn Scott.
I enjoy visiting Button again. The characters are likable which is key to me. Someone is killing people and leaving a scratch on their face. Is the killer on the police force? This was an interesting case and I suspected the wrong party.
I received a free copy of the book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
I enjoy visiting Button again. The characters are likable which is key to me. Someone is killing people and leaving a scratch on their face. Is the killer on the police force? This was an interesting case and I suspected the wrong party.
I received a free copy of the book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
April 28, 2025
Each book in the series works fine as a stand alone story, but it has been nice to read all of them and see the progression of the main characters. Some elements are predictable but not annoyingly so.
The characters are enjoyable, and enjoy the learning more about the community and residents with each book.
The characters are enjoyable, and enjoy the learning more about the community and residents with each book.
July 27, 2025
Another great visit with Lou and the cats. A nice surprise visit by Lou's niece, Mia, and Lou and Noah also have Marigold for a couple of weeks so they have a full house. Just in time for some crime solving. Lots of suspects and twists to the murders. A very enjoyable read and can't wait for the next book.
May 20, 2025
A Whiskers & Words Mystery Book 11
Drum Scott surely has a gift for writing mysteries. This book held my attention through the entire book. Anyone who enjoys mysteries and cats would love this series.
Drum Scott surely has a gift for writing mysteries. This book held my attention through the entire book. Anyone who enjoys mysteries and cats would love this series.
September 16, 2025
Addictive read
I quite literally couldn’t put this down until I’d consumed the entire book.
Fast paced with multiple twists and turns it keeps you guessing right up to the end and then sets us up nicely with a new character for the next book which I’m really excited to read.
I quite literally couldn’t put this down until I’d consumed the entire book.
Fast paced with multiple twists and turns it keeps you guessing right up to the end and then sets us up nicely with a new character for the next book which I’m really excited to read.
March 30, 2025
I really liked this one, but the ending was a bit rushed and left me wondering about a few dangling threads. I look forward to the next book!
April 2, 2025
Returning to this series always brings my heart joy ❤️
April 6, 2025
Easton is using the bookshop has a hideout to think while he’s trying to solve a series of murders. The Cat Scratch killer… but it isn’t until Mia and Lou get involved that the case opens up fully
April 7, 2025
A delight, as always!
April 8, 2025
Ok, it seemed like Noah became a side character which I didn’t like, and the end was a bit confusing
April 9, 2025
Very Good!
This series is such an interesting read and each one so good. I highly recommend to all. I love the characters and there is always a fun clean mystery to be solved.
This series is such an interesting read and each one so good. I highly recommend to all. I love the characters and there is always a fun clean mystery to be solved.
May 21, 2025
Another wonderful cozy
Just when you think all is calm in Button, it isn’t. Lou and her friends are so much fun to be around. I throughly an enjoying this series.
Just when you think all is calm in Button, it isn’t. Lou and her friends are so much fun to be around. I throughly an enjoying this series.
August 2, 2025
Love this series. I’m a real cat person and love the names.
September 8, 2025
Great Read
I just can’t get enough of these books! I can read something else but usually come back to this series happily! Such an easy read and wonderful characters.
I just can’t get enough of these books! I can read something else but usually come back to this series happily! Such an easy read and wonderful characters.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews