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A Dixie Hemingway Mystery #10
The Cat Sitter's Whiskers
Pet sitter Dixie Hemingway is on the prowl again in the newest installment of Blaize Clement's classic and beloved series of cozy mysteries, now written by her son, John Clement, using Blaize's notes and ideas for future adventures.
Set in the sleepy beach-side town of Siesta Key, Florida, THE CAT SITTER'S WHISKERS catches up with Dixie as she heads off for work one morning in the dimly lit hours before sunrise.
Her very first client of the morning is Barney Feldman, a Maine coon cat with a reputation for mischief who's guarding his vacationing owner's valuable collection of decidedly creepy antique masks. But someone's hiding in the house when she arrives, and they sneak up and knock her out cold. When the cops arrive at the house, there's just one problem: no one has broken in and nothing is missing.
Searching for answers, Dixie soon finds herself hopelessly trapped in a murky world of black market antiques, dark-hearted secrets, and murderous revenge… a mystery only she can solve.
Set in the sleepy beach-side town of Siesta Key, Florida, THE CAT SITTER'S WHISKERS catches up with Dixie as she heads off for work one morning in the dimly lit hours before sunrise.
Her very first client of the morning is Barney Feldman, a Maine coon cat with a reputation for mischief who's guarding his vacationing owner's valuable collection of decidedly creepy antique masks. But someone's hiding in the house when she arrives, and they sneak up and knock her out cold. When the cops arrive at the house, there's just one problem: no one has broken in and nothing is missing.
Searching for answers, Dixie soon finds herself hopelessly trapped in a murky world of black market antiques, dark-hearted secrets, and murderous revenge… a mystery only she can solve.
304 pages, Hardcover
First published March 31, 2015
36 people are currently reading
485 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 109 reviews
June 4, 2017
The Cat Sitter's Whiskers by Blaize & John Clement.
O-U-T-S-T-A-N-D-I-N-G
Dixie Hemingway is on her usual morning excursion of cat sitting on Siesta Key. She rises before sunrise and makes sure to put on a clean pair of Keds before leaving for the first client's home. the first client turns out to be a Maine Coon cat by the name of Barney Feldman. The owners are out of town and need Dixie to keep an eye on things as well as tend to Barney. Dixie knows that keeping an eye on things is in regards to Mrs. Keller's lavish antique mask collection.
Dixie gets knocked unconscious and when she comes to she remembers a set of circumstances that just don't add up...or do they?
This story was, in my opinion, the best Dixie Hemingway ever. There's just so many wonderful things about this series that keeps me coming back for more.
O-U-T-S-T-A-N-D-I-N-G
Dixie Hemingway is on her usual morning excursion of cat sitting on Siesta Key. She rises before sunrise and makes sure to put on a clean pair of Keds before leaving for the first client's home. the first client turns out to be a Maine Coon cat by the name of Barney Feldman. The owners are out of town and need Dixie to keep an eye on things as well as tend to Barney. Dixie knows that keeping an eye on things is in regards to Mrs. Keller's lavish antique mask collection.
Dixie gets knocked unconscious and when she comes to she remembers a set of circumstances that just don't add up...or do they?
This story was, in my opinion, the best Dixie Hemingway ever. There's just so many wonderful things about this series that keeps me coming back for more.
March 3, 2015
**I received a free digital copy of this book from NetGalley in return for an honest review.**
This was my first step into this series. I did not realize when I read it that Blaize Clement had passed away and her son had taken up the torch to keep writing the series. So I will be writing this based on his interpretation of her notes on the series. I can't speak to whether or not the writing is better or worse than it used to be.
I really liked this book. In fact so much so I have gone and picked up the first in the series. It is fun and easy. A light quick read. I enjoyed getting to read about Dixie and her life. I want to know more of her back story. I think I also want the job she has. I know nothing about antiques or masks or anything like that so I had to try to muddle that all out. But I had no idea who the killer was until the book told me. And let me just say that if some one had locked me in a fridge I think I would just die! (well in reality that's probably what would eventually happen) but I mean die of terror and likely go into some weird manic catatonic state. She handles herself very well.
I am looking forward to more of Dixie's stories.
This was my first step into this series. I did not realize when I read it that Blaize Clement had passed away and her son had taken up the torch to keep writing the series. So I will be writing this based on his interpretation of her notes on the series. I can't speak to whether or not the writing is better or worse than it used to be.
I really liked this book. In fact so much so I have gone and picked up the first in the series. It is fun and easy. A light quick read. I enjoyed getting to read about Dixie and her life. I want to know more of her back story. I think I also want the job she has. I know nothing about antiques or masks or anything like that so I had to try to muddle that all out. But I had no idea who the killer was until the book told me. And let me just say that if some one had locked me in a fridge I think I would just die! (well in reality that's probably what would eventually happen) but I mean die of terror and likely go into some weird manic catatonic state. She handles herself very well.
I am looking forward to more of Dixie's stories.
March 29, 2015
The Cat Sitter's Whiskers is a delightful installment to the Dixie Hemingway series! Once I started reading this story, it was hard to put the book down (In this case, close my laptop).
Dixie is a no nonsense protagonist. She's strong and sassy, and certainly someone that doesn't let much stop her once she's put her mind to something. And when her mind (well, skull) gets whacked while cat sitting, she is determined to discover who did it and why.
Congratulations John on book 10! Here's to more Dixie Hemingway and more John Clement!
Dixie is a no nonsense protagonist. She's strong and sassy, and certainly someone that doesn't let much stop her once she's put her mind to something. And when her mind (well, skull) gets whacked while cat sitting, she is determined to discover who did it and why.
Congratulations John on book 10! Here's to more Dixie Hemingway and more John Clement!
April 29, 2015
Dixie Hemingway, ex-police officer turned pet sitter, is beginning her morning rounds when she notices the car of a school friend parked in front of her house. Not really alarmed, she knows that Levi now delivers the morning papers, and doesn't give it another thought. And when she arrives at her first destination, the Kellers' she soon locates their cat, Barney Feldman, and proceeds to feed him. All seems well - at first. When she returns from taking the cat food can to the trash, she is confronted by someone wearing one of Mrs. Keller's prized masks - and then everything goes dark, as she is struck on the head. Waking once, and not believing what she sees - lit candles and the patio doors open - she passes out again, and when awakened for a second time, calls the police and reports it, only to have her story met with skepticism.
When she decides, on a hunch, to go to Levi's and see if he was indeed following her, she is met with an antagonistic woman named Mona, who who threatens her. And when she opens Levi's door, she finds him dead, lying in a pool of his own blood. The woman passes out, Dixie calls the police again, and our story begins.
What we have is indeed a tangled tale of greed and murder. And nothing is quite exactly as it seems. While Dixie is trying to figure out if she indeed saw at the Kellers' what she imagined she did, she's also trying to figure out exactly what kind of woman Mona is, and who would want to kill Levi, and why. We soon discover that there is something that was in Mrs. Keller's possession that has been causing all the trouble, something Dixie herself took possession of and delivered, but it didn't end there.
She is also living in her own past - still struggling with the five-year-old death of her husband Todd and daughter Christy in a car accident; and not quite able to reconcile that with her present - her new love Ethan, with whom she has feelings for, but is not willing to explore the relationship any more than they have, and be anywhere else than where they are now. Two factions warring within themselves, neither of which is winning, and we see only glimpses of what Dixie had or what she envisions for her future.
When the truth about Levi, Mona, and what Dixie delivered is finally rolled out, it makes for an interesting story indeed, and one that is as intriguing to read as it is enjoyable. Highly recommended.
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review but this in no way influenced my decision.
When she decides, on a hunch, to go to Levi's and see if he was indeed following her, she is met with an antagonistic woman named Mona, who who threatens her. And when she opens Levi's door, she finds him dead, lying in a pool of his own blood. The woman passes out, Dixie calls the police again, and our story begins.
What we have is indeed a tangled tale of greed and murder. And nothing is quite exactly as it seems. While Dixie is trying to figure out if she indeed saw at the Kellers' what she imagined she did, she's also trying to figure out exactly what kind of woman Mona is, and who would want to kill Levi, and why. We soon discover that there is something that was in Mrs. Keller's possession that has been causing all the trouble, something Dixie herself took possession of and delivered, but it didn't end there.
She is also living in her own past - still struggling with the five-year-old death of her husband Todd and daughter Christy in a car accident; and not quite able to reconcile that with her present - her new love Ethan, with whom she has feelings for, but is not willing to explore the relationship any more than they have, and be anywhere else than where they are now. Two factions warring within themselves, neither of which is winning, and we see only glimpses of what Dixie had or what she envisions for her future.
When the truth about Levi, Mona, and what Dixie delivered is finally rolled out, it makes for an interesting story indeed, and one that is as intriguing to read as it is enjoyable. Highly recommended.
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review but this in no way influenced my decision.
July 11, 2015
Dixie Hemmingway is a pet sitter in Siesta Keys, Florida. While she is at her first stop of the day to visit a Maine coon cat named Barney Feldman, she is attacked and knocked unconscious. When she is found by the police there is no evidence that the house was ever broken into. This is a mystery and Dixie has never met a mystery she did not want to solve. So she sets out to do just that but she has many obstacles to overcome along the way.
The writing style flows smoothly and the book is an easy read. I think the author is very talented in using the written word to give vivid descriptions and details. At times I felt like I was right there with Dixie trying to figure things out. I really enjoy when I am pulled into a story like that. The mystery was carried on throughout the entire book. There were enough twists and turns to keep me guessing and turning pages to see what would happen next. I did not completely figure out the mystery until it was revealed at the end, and I like when that happens.
I think the characters are well developed and well rounded. I enjoyed meeting Dixie and I plan on reading more books in the series so I can get to know her better. I love her occupation and wish I knew a pet sitter in real life, that seems like it would be such a fun job. She seems like a take charge type of person who does not shy away from a challenge and I enjoyed reading about her.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery. This is the tenth book in the series, and although it is the first one that I have read it will not be the last one.
The author has a new fan.
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I would like to thank NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the opportunity to read and review this book.
The writing style flows smoothly and the book is an easy read. I think the author is very talented in using the written word to give vivid descriptions and details. At times I felt like I was right there with Dixie trying to figure things out. I really enjoy when I am pulled into a story like that. The mystery was carried on throughout the entire book. There were enough twists and turns to keep me guessing and turning pages to see what would happen next. I did not completely figure out the mystery until it was revealed at the end, and I like when that happens.
I think the characters are well developed and well rounded. I enjoyed meeting Dixie and I plan on reading more books in the series so I can get to know her better. I love her occupation and wish I knew a pet sitter in real life, that seems like it would be such a fun job. She seems like a take charge type of person who does not shy away from a challenge and I enjoyed reading about her.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery. This is the tenth book in the series, and although it is the first one that I have read it will not be the last one.
The author has a new fan.
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I would like to thank NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the opportunity to read and review this book.
March 23, 2015
Dixie Hemingway is a former sheriff's deputy-turned pet sitter. She lives in sunny Siesta Key, Florida, where she adeptly, and lovingly cares for cats, dogs, and the miscellaneous 'other' pet for out-of-town owners. This mystery begins when Dixie's at a pet owner's house and is attacked, but the experience is so surreal she convinces herself she imagined everything except the knot on her head. This triggers the beginning of a series of events--finding a dead body; tangling with an odd, hostile woman; and delivering a mysterious package for a cat's owner--that result in Dixie being swept into the middle of a ring of desperate thieves. A new Dixie Hemingway story always assures a treat while re-visiting familiar characters like Dixie, her brother Michael, and his partner, Paco, Dixie's romantic interest, Ethan, and a couple of her regular pet clients. There's more than one mystery in The Cat Sitter's Whiskers, so relax and enjoy your time in Siesta Key!!
Net Galley and St. Martin's Press provided me with a complimentary ebook. My review is my own personal opinion and not influenced by anyone else.
Net Galley and St. Martin's Press provided me with a complimentary ebook. My review is my own personal opinion and not influenced by anyone else.
March 30, 2015
Excellent -- certainly the best in the series. The writing is beautiful, with lots of evocative descriptions of Siesta Key. I really felt I was there. The pacing is also excellent -- lots of twists and turns to the plot that kept me reading.
February 10, 2018
I would rate this a 2.5-3 as I enjoyed reading this book but it was only OK.
I have enjoyed this series and it's set of characters since the series began, even through the uneven author transition from mother to son. John Clements seems to have stabilized his concept of Dixie Hemingway's character, albeit with a sort of silly, feminine twist that I somehow doubt his mother would have ever used. But while occasionally jarring, the bits of character fluff haven't deterred me from continuing the series.
However, this particular volume was one of the weakest mysteries of the ten series novels, with all the excitement of a cup of lukewarm tea. It felt like Dixie was wondering around in a fog for much of the novel, and then suddenly, it all comes clear in a rush only a few pages before the novel ends. There were just too many fuzzy connections, loose ends, unsubstantiated events. And one particular detail near the end that really strained credibility -- how did Levi's murderer have the strength to stab the man to death?
And Dixie's emotional health seemed at risk or perhaps just evolving. Even that was a bit fuzzy. I'm not giving up on the series. Just a bit underwhelmed by this volume.
I have enjoyed this series and it's set of characters since the series began, even through the uneven author transition from mother to son. John Clements seems to have stabilized his concept of Dixie Hemingway's character, albeit with a sort of silly, feminine twist that I somehow doubt his mother would have ever used. But while occasionally jarring, the bits of character fluff haven't deterred me from continuing the series.
However, this particular volume was one of the weakest mysteries of the ten series novels, with all the excitement of a cup of lukewarm tea. It felt like Dixie was wondering around in a fog for much of the novel, and then suddenly, it all comes clear in a rush only a few pages before the novel ends. There were just too many fuzzy connections, loose ends, unsubstantiated events. And one particular detail near the end that really strained credibility -- how did Levi's murderer have the strength to stab the man to death?
And Dixie's emotional health seemed at risk or perhaps just evolving. Even that was a bit fuzzy. I'm not giving up on the series. Just a bit underwhelmed by this volume.
May 14, 2015
I loved the other books in this series so I was surprised that I didn't love this one as well. I liked it but only 3 stars. I found that Dixie was mourning her husband and child's loss a lot more in this book that in others and that her thought process was less focused than she usually is. I don't know if it is because her love interest is getting more series and she is having trouble handling it or that she is pulling back into a more dark place. Other than this, the book was well paced and had a great story line.
June 1, 2015
Though I enjoyed reading this book, there was a roughness to it. One example, was the conversation between Dixie and Cora about not getting any chocolate bread, because Dixie hadn't brought her any goodies. Never remember Dixie having to do this for Cora to pleasantly offer her the bread. Even so, I await John's next book.
September 28, 2019
I'm so glad that John Clement has taken over this series after the death of his mother Blaize. I love Dixie's storys, and would really miss my dose of the Florida Keys. I've never visited, but the descriptions are so vivid that I feel like I can smell the ocean.
This installment finds Dixie trying to figure out who tried to crush her skull when she was tending a client's cat. It's especially mystifying when nothing appears to be missing from the house. Maybe all the people who are telling her she imagined the attack are right???
I'm captivated not only by our heroine Dixie, but also by all the wonderful supporting characters.
This tenth book is better than the 9th, I think, and John is holding true to his mother's style of writing but not immersing us in sex, etc. Instead, we have a great mystery, and for once I didn't figure out who-dun-it at all! I love when that happens!
This installment finds Dixie trying to figure out who tried to crush her skull when she was tending a client's cat. It's especially mystifying when nothing appears to be missing from the house. Maybe all the people who are telling her she imagined the attack are right???
I'm captivated not only by our heroine Dixie, but also by all the wonderful supporting characters.
This tenth book is better than the 9th, I think, and John is holding true to his mother's style of writing but not immersing us in sex, etc. Instead, we have a great mystery, and for once I didn't figure out who-dun-it at all! I love when that happens!
May 20, 2017
This was an acceptable "who dunnit?" The characters are well drawn and the authors show a good sense of humor in their writing style. It's the first of the series that I've read, and I was able to enjoy it without knowing the back story on characters or situations.
My only complaint (& it's minor) is that the title didn't seem relevant throughout the book. I kept waiting to see how the whiskers would appear. They did eventually, but it was pretty minor & not worth titling the book after.
My only complaint (& it's minor) is that the title didn't seem relevant throughout the book. I kept waiting to see how the whiskers would appear. They did eventually, but it was pretty minor & not worth titling the book after.
August 4, 2022
Blaize Clement's son is doing a great job of continuing the series after his mother's death. Dixie copes with another mystery, but more importantly, she is dealing with her feelings for Ethan and what the future may bring, e.g. are marriage and children something she is willing to risk? As always, the pets she cares for are stars and their individual quirks are amusing. And, I still want that recipe for chocolate bread!
January 7, 2018
Blaize Clement started the awesome Dixie Hemingway petsitter series. Her son John took over writing Dixie's story upon Blaize's unfortunate passing. This 2nd effort of John's The Cat Sitter's Whiskers was a vast improvement over his 1st. It was an exciting, humorous, but bittersweet mystery in beautiful Siesta Key FL; w cats!
November 14, 2018
While I'm still enjoying this series and love the characters, this one had some continuity issues (which bothered me). In earlier books, the cat, Ella, was put on a leash, which she hated, because she got out and Paco didn't know where she was. In this book, Ella was allowed to walk along the beach and go up to Dixie's apartment on her own.
December 27, 2018
Still formulaic, still a “cozy” but with a little edginess, still overall cheesy plots...but also still an easy light read especially well-suited to beach and/or travel days, still lots of Siesta Key references and vibe, and still fun, especially since I haven’t read one in a year. Thinking I’ll finish off the series with the next one right away to close out the year...
February 5, 2019
First I have read in this series, though not the first of the series. John Clement is continuing with the characters his mother Blaize Clement created. I liked this story about Dixie and her unusual occupation. There is enough of the backstory that you don't have to read the books in order. Likeable characters; interesting mystery.
January 30, 2022
I’m so sad this is the last Dixie Hemingway I have. There is one more but it is a little hard to find. In this one Dixie either gets hit over the head or she passes out. She believes one thing and everyone else thinks something else. Then the sexy attorney she is seeing mentions their kids. Dixie doesn’t know how she feels about that.
November 4, 2024
I realize the author's son wrote this from her notes after her passing so maybe I should try one of the earlier books before I decide to DNF the series but this was just a meh read for me. I didn't really like the MFC and the ending was very rushed and the murderer unrealistic.
July 17, 2017
Dixie has changed. Still a good mystery but the main character is just so different.
August 10, 2017
love her books! one more in the series then I gotta wait.
December 9, 2017
I have one more book this series was very good I enjoyed all the books
March 18, 2018
Very good book, well written!
June 19, 2018
This was great! A fast, fun read. The cover is delightful!
The only thing I would complain about was that there wasn't enough Billy Elliott in this book.
The only thing I would complain about was that there wasn't enough Billy Elliott in this book.
August 14, 2018
Thoroughly enjoy these books for something not as involved and technical to read.
Read
July 12, 2019not as good as the original books written just by Ms Clement
September 27, 2019
Dixie is indestructible?
February 4, 2020
I loved this book. This is a great series.
February 27, 2020
Very funny !
August 30, 2020
My first book in the series, so I can’t compare to others in the series written by Blaize. Well done.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 109 reviews