Cat Red Handed

A Whiskers and Words Mystery #12

by Eryn Scott

The evidence is irre-fur-table.



Whiskers and Words’ newest lost soul isn’t a cat, but a quiet woman named Raven who’s been renting out the apartment above the bookshop. After a handful of months with her new tenant, Lou couldn’t be happier. Not only is Raven beginning to come out of her shell, but she’s also proven herself to be a huge help around the bookshop. Which is why Lou is shocked and devastated when Easton calls to let her know he’s just arrested Raven for murder.



Lou pushes back, assuring Easton that her new friend would never do such a thing. But the detective caught her red-handed, literally. She was standing over the body, holding the murder weapon, her hands covered in the victim’s blood. When it comes to light that Raven had a sordid history with the dead person, it seems like yet another strike against her … to everyone except for Lou.



On a mission to clear her friend’s name, Lou dives into the secretive woman’s past. Will she change her mind about Raven’s innocence once she learns the truth behind why she’s been hiding out in Button?



Dear reader, if you love rescue cats, goats who wear pajamas, and a cozy bookstore, you’re going to love this new 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. 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.

Genres: Cozy Mystery

203 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 26, 2026

About the author

Eryn 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.

Reviews

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cat Red Handed

Back in Button. Another day another murder or two. This time it seems obvious who the killer is as they’re caught red handed but Lou just can’t believe the employee that she’s come to know is a cold blooded killer. So she’s investigating again. Easton even has her tag along for a couple of interviews. Things get dicey when a second body drops and all the evidence no longer makes sense. Back at square one can they unmask the killer before an innocent is wrongly convicted?
Great story and the twist at the end was one I did not see coming. Although being someone who’s very sensitive to smells like Lou I appreciate that a scent helped point them in the right direction. Idk why but when Lou met the horse named Beverly I snort laughed, what an awesome and absurd name for a horse. I love it! I always enjoy the trips to Button for cats with punny names, small town shenanigans and a bookstore owner who’s cleverly outsmarting killers. Light, fun, funny and like a huge from an old friend. Don’t miss Lou and the rest of the Button crew’s latest adventure!

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Returning to the bookstore after dinner with friends, Lou and police officer Easton, discover her employee standing over a dead man with a knife in her hands. Despite how it looks, Lou is convinced that Raven is innocent. Raven’s reticence about her past and refusal to talk to the police makes for a difficult situation, especially as she had a history with the victim. With Raven in custody, Lou and Easton continue to search for other suspects. The police are also occupied with a potential stalking case and a second murder. Is it possible that it’s all connected?

Eryn Scott’s charming Whiskers and Words series continues in Caught Red Handed. Bookstore owner, Lou, is the kind of friend you want in your corner. Her support of both Raven and new comer Elaine make for positive changes in both their lives. Button is always a lovely place to return to with each new story, and the cat rescue/bookstore is the heart of it all. I loved the theme that echoed throughout about finding the place you fit in, with both people and animals finding a second chance after being misunderstood elsewhere. The mystery is self contained and no prior knowledge of the series is needed to enjoy it. However, long term readers get a beautiful payoff for one of the main relationships. The solid connections between these characters make returning to the series feel like catching up with old friends. Plus, there’s always a new cat with a literary pun name to meet.

Thank you Eryn for the advanced review copy. This is my completely voluntary and honest review.

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

Button feels like a second hometown, a place anyone would want to revisit time and time again... if only a dead body didn't pop up every time we return! This time Lou has a dead man in her bookstore with bloody cat paw prints all over the place, and her new assistant, Raven, who lives in the upstairs apartment is immediately arrested. Even worse, Raven does not want to talk to Lou. Not only does she need to solve this case but also regain the trust and respect of her employee.

As always Eryn Scott provides multiple story lines to keep the reader interested in the people and the town, as well as the murder. How is Lou adjusting to co-parenting Marigold with Noah? Will Easton ever take delivery of his "engaging" book order (wink wink)? Can Willow purchase Easton a horse from the number one murder suspect? Will Lou's new shop neighbor and her upscale thrift store fit into Button? Can the new town parking attendant do his job without making everyone in town mad?

Most importantly, how is it possible that ALL of these people and situations are related to the dead man in Lou's store? Return to Button for intrigue, mystery, romance, and maybe some happy tears.

[Marseydoats · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my favorite of the writers series, and I absolutely loved this book! Actually sad that I've "caught up" with the author.
Someone dumps a sweet cat in the back of the bookstore and he immediately integrates into the clowder of rescue cats. The town has a problem with people abusing the parking spaces, and Willow and Lou push for a full time parking enforcement officer, and then they have to hire one.
Willow is looking for a horse for Easton, and Easton has a surprise for her as well. Lou is very involved in both.
Lou and Easton find Lou's employee Raven standing over a dead body in the bookstore, and of course Lou has to help investigate.
I'm glad that there is another book in the series planned, but it's a long time until January!

[Melenareads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cats, books, and a new mystery add up to a great read! I love the town of Button and the cast of characters Eryn has created.

Lou has rented the apartment above her shop to Raven and the newcomer is becoming a friend. She's also the suspect in the newest case as she's found standing over a body, weapon in hand. This case also strikes much closer to home as it happened in Lou's shop.

This was a well done mystery that kept me guessing with its twists. It was fun, too, to spend more time with Lou and the rest of the Button crew. This series is cozy mystery perfection!

Thank you to the author for providing an ARC for an honest review.

[Emma ♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fantastic read 🫶🏻 Eryn has created the cosiest, feel-good, slice of life mystery series and whenever I get to spend some more time in the town of Button with Lou and the gang (and the army of cats!) my peace is unmatched 👌🏼
This latest addition to the series has Lou putting her crime-solving abilities to the test in order to clear her new friend from a crime she didn’t commit. I loved to see how Easton now really trusts Lou’s judgement and getting to see them work as a team in this one. As usual the characters and friendships is what really makes this series shine. I love it, I’ve probably said this before but this truly is such a comfort series for me!

Thank you to the author for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[M Margaret Tanaka · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful series

I'm ashamed it took me this long to write a review. While I gave each book 5 stars, I'm not comfortable writing reviews. This series is the definition of cozy mystery. It makes me wish I lived in Button, Washington and was among the circle of Lou's family and friends. It's such a nice balance between serene, joyful, and intense episodes. I always put the next book in my calendar so I can download it the moment it's available. I hope this series never ends. Thank you so much, MS Scott.

[Kori Arkfeld · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another *chefs kiss* perfect cozy mystery by Miss Eryn. The world of Button is one I want to dive into and never leave. The mysteries are always fresh and the cats (old and new) never fail to capture my heart. I hope we see more of Trevor and Elaine. AND A WEDDING!!!! Can’t wait to see where this story goes next.

Thank you to Eryn Scott and team for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Miss W Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cat Red Handed is Book 12 in the Whiskers and Word Mystery series by Eryn Scott.

I love this cozy mystery series!!!

When Lou and Easton get to the store and find Rave standing over a body holding the murder weapon. She is arrested and Lou works to prove her innocence.

There are no shortage of suspects.

The characters and story are so wonderful.

Highly recommend this cozy mystery series.

[Martha Ellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book.

Recommend the Whiskers and Words mysteries, the Stoneybrook Mysteries, and the Pebble Cove mysteries. Thoroughly enjoy Eryn’s writings. Eryn keeps the story interesting.

[Pers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Delightful.

[Alisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another winner!!

A wonderful addition to this series from one of my favorite authors.

In this book, Lou and Easton arrive at her store to find the door open, and her employee, Raven, standing over a dead body, with the murder weapon in her hand. Lou doesn't believe she's guilty, but since she's been arrested, Lou does her best (with help from her friends) to clear Raven's name.

There are a few other story arcs wrapped up in this, too, and numerous suspects we meet along the way.

I adore Lou and Noah, as well as his daughter, and Lou & Noah's friends/neighbors, Willow and Easton. Such amazing, loving people...all of them. It is just a joy to read the books in this series, and this is no exception. I had a big smile on my face along the way, and at the end. The town of Button is so cute, too, as is Lou's store and all the kitties who are there.

A delightful story, well-told as always, easy to read, that leaves you wanting more!!

You can read this as a stand alone, but I recommend starting from the beginning if you can so you get the best background on the characters.

Next, please!!

[Sue Ellen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this one, but I wish the author had taken just a few sentences to remind long time readers and inform folks new to the series just who the secondary characters are and how they relate to the main character. I read a lot of cozy mysteries about book shops and cats. It took me awhile to remember who some of them were. I'd forgotten whose child Marigold was! Part of the lengthy interviews for traffic control officer could have been left out to make room for those important details if word count was a problem. Because of that lack of detail, I wouldn't recommend this as the first book to read in the series, but I highly recommend the series itself. It's one of my favorites.

I loved Billy Shakespeare. I was surprised Noah didn't test for contagious feline diseases like FeLV and FIV before declaring it safe to let him join the clowder. I wonder why most of the other cats have never found forever homes.

[Nikki · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series about a bookshop owner, Lou who moved to a small town named Button after her husband suddenly passed away.

She's not only a bookshop owner, but a rescue centre for cats too, each having a name relating to an author with a 'feline' spin on it.

Now in a relationship with a the local vet, she's finally found her calling. She has,also been involved in solving some of the crimes which happen in the town. Her best friend's partner is one of the local Detectives.

When her recent employee is found, in the bookshop standing over a dead man holding the knife which kilked him, she is immediately arrested. Lou knows she didn't commit this crime so she works to clear her name.

Each book is a standalone story, but the books in this series are best read in order of publication to preserve continuity of the characters and wider storyline.

I cannot wait until the next book is released in 2027.

[Julie Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always stop what ever book I am reading whenever this author brings out a new book, in any of her series, just so I can jump right in and let the fun and smiles begin. This book didn't disappoint and I loved it. I still want to live in the town of Button, despite the number of murders that take place there.

I would say a killer would never get me because I would never leave Whiskers and Words, a cat friendly book shop what more could you want? but as the murder took place there, I might be in big trouble.
I like the characters and as this is book 12 and I have been here right from the start I have come to know them so well, it's like meeting up with old friends. However they are such a nice group of characters that even if this is your first time they still make you feel welcome and it does work as a standalone.

The mystery is so well woven into the lives of the characters that it hard to decide which is the main focus of the story. It's a light hearted cozy mystery that will have you smiling the whole way through. Perfect for the Hallmark channel and ideal for curling up with a good cat and enjoying.

Lou has found the happiness she thought she lost when her husband died. Her dream of owning a book shop and rescuing cats is a success, she has a great employee that she trusts, she is dating the perfect guy and even his daughter is a delight. She might even be able to run a marathon in her dead husbands honour, life is perrrfect. That is until after celebrating her friends birthday she returns to her shop to find her secretive employee Raven standing over a dead man and holding a knife. Things don't look good for Raven, especially when she refuses to talk to the police or even Lou. Training for a marathon is not the best time to be down an employee, especially one she believes is innocent but Lou is prepared to do what it takes to across the line by finding the killer and that means by getting to know her friend.
I was given this free review copy book at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

[Jackie Linkous · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been a fan of Eryn's books for many years now. I think I have finally put my finger on one of the biggest reasons. She introduces you to the main characters at the beginning of each series. And as the series continues, she slowly adds in more characters, letting you get to know them all as they become part of the tapestry of the town.

This book is no exception. I was rooting for Raven and curious about her backstory. And why? Because I trust Lou and her read on people so I knew there was more to the story that what it originally appeared. I thought the story arc was brought together in a logical, but still twisty way. All in all, I enjoyed this book so much!

If you're new to her books, definitely check out her other series. All of them have endearing characters and quirky small towns that I love so much!

[Rachel Boyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adore this series (and every series from this author). When Lou's employee is arrested for murder, Lou is left to clear Raven's name. And what an adventure that is. With plenty of suspects, Lou is trying to navigate a case while taking on a new foster and training for a marathon.

The characters feel like friends and Button feels like a familiar vacation spot at this point. I love Lou and Willow's friendship; it's close, supportive, and the kind of friendship everyone needs in their life. I love that this book continued to highlight that strong friendship. I always enjoy the new characters that come into Button.

As usual, this case was clever and had many suspects and some red herrings. I like that I have to think through each case trying to solve it alongside Lou. The ending was strong and left me yearning for the next book.

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great book. I enjoyed the characters and the interesting mystery.
Amazon synopsis:
The Cat Scratch Killer has local criminals on edge in the quaint town of Button. Murdering men who walk free without doing the time they deserve, 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 next 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 quiet around the station, 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?

[Katy Cannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing!!

Is this the best one yet?! I can't even tell you! I have flown threw the last three in two days! The newest one is my favorite! I adore the relationships that Lou makes and how she strives to pay it forward to each and every person she meets. This ome was extra incredible to see as she took in Raven and gave her her soft spot to land. You see so much love and joy in every interaction Lou has. The mystery in this one was so good! It was harder to puzzle out as I kept getting distracted by every moment of life happening around Lou. The moments in Cat Red Handed are the most special by far.

[Sirah · Rating 4 out of 5]

When she walks into the bookshop to find new employee and tenant holding a bloody knife over a dead body, Lou is devastated. But something doesn't add up, and with the help of her friends, she decides to find the truth. While also training for a marathon, trying to solve the parking problem in Button, and helping her best friends get each other the perfect pre-wedding gifts.

I had a very good time reading this book. I worried at times that it was a little too cluttered with side quests (the marathon training felt really shoe-horned in my opinion), but I found the sleuthing satisfying and the cozy moments pleasant. I'll be looking forward to Eryn Scott's next book!

[Angela Cartledge · Rating 5 out of 5]

What I love the most about Eryn’s writing is that I can insert myself into the story and watch it play out. I imagine the characters and the scenes by her descriptions - she leaves plenty for us to fill in. That’s especially true with the Whiskers and Words series. She just has a way to endearing even the most despicable characters to be the tiniest bit likeable … and Button is the purest of locations. I love Louisa and her bookshop as if I’ve visited 100 times. This story had me guessing all of the way through - I never saw the ending that played out. Love this series!

[Lisa Fowler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love cats? Look books? Love crime solving book loving, cat loving characters? Then this is the series for you. Absolutely loved this latest addition to the Whiskers and Words series. Storytelling is so good that I can see in my head exactly what the different characters look like (probably different to the authors). But each and every one of them brings the book to life. I absolutely love the rescue cats who have a name related to literacy and books. I’m tempted to steal some of them the next time I get more cats! Another fabulous cozy mystery.

[Monica · Rating 5 out of 5]

New neighbors and new friends bring some chaos and mystery to Lou's life. While training for a marathon, Lou must take time to help Easton clear her friend/tenant/employee from a murder charge. Always fun to visit Button with the wonderful characters and all the furry friends. Lots of surprises and changes in store for some. Good mystery with some twists and turns. Looking forward to the next story.

[Debbie Borthwick · Rating 5 out of 5]

The latest book in the Whiskers and Words series was wonderful! I was stumped till close to the end, the best for a mystery book. Lou & Noah are a perfect couple and I love Willow & Easton, love how their surprises came together. I know it's going to be a while, but I can't wait for book #13. I was gifted an ARC and I'm voluntarily sharing my honest opinion. If you haven't read any of this series, you definitely must start at the beginning to learn all about the town Button and the folks that live there. Not to mention a lot of fabulous cozy mystery stories.

[Sherri Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Lou! Such a warm and caring person! I enjoyed the way she found clues without putting herself in a lot of danger. Love the creative cat names! Wonderful character development and a puzzling mystery combine to make this story a fun and relaxing reading experience that I highly recommend. These are my opinions after enjoying an advance copy of the book.

[Lizz Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lou takes in lost souls...feline and human. When her tenant is arrested, Lou knows there has to be more to the story and investigates. During the investigation she befriends a new shop owner and shows the true heart of the community. There are a number of twists and turns and some secrets come to light. Another enjoyable story in the series that can be enjoyed as a standalone.

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book!

New characters (including a new cat & horse), a new business & a surprise engagement! Love the way the main characters are so close & always willing to help a newcomer out. As always, I can’t wait for the next book!! Praying for a long series!!

[Mariah Chadwick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cat in the cover means I am SAT. Love a good mystery and this had all the things I wanted. Including said cat.