Whiskers and Words

by J.C. Ward

214 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication June 1, 2026

Reviews

[Jennifer Bendel · Rating 5 out of 5]

The way I devoured this book!!! Usually I’m a dark thriller girly but when I saw JC Ward was writing a cozy murder mystery, I had to try it. I loved Edith and Peanut. They are the perfect mystery solving duo. This was a fun, follow the clues mystery. I highly recommend it. Thank you JC Ward for this arc!

[Aimee Nerdy Auntie · Rating 4 out of 5]

If a cozy mystery has a bookstore owner as the main character, I’m already halfway sold before I even crack the book open. Thank you to the author for this ARC. All opinions are mine. Whiskers and Words ended up being such a fun, slow-burn cozy mystery with a unique twist because this was my first time reading a mystery where one of the standout characters was a guinea pig — and honestly? Peanut stole scenes every chance he got. I loved following Edith as she tried to piece everything together, and the mystery itself kept me engaged the whole way through. The author did a really good job dropping clues because I started putting pieces together just before the reveal and definitely had a little “I KNEW IT!” moment. But I didn’t know the different twist. The pacing felt cozy without being boring, which is exactly what I want from this kind of read. This is the perfect curl up with a blanket and hot drink kind of mystery for fellow bookstore and cozy mystery lovers.

[Bob Fendt · Rating 5 out of 5]

"ARC" Book Review
Release date 1st June

Whiskers and Words
by JC Ward

What an incredible cosy murder mystery from JC Ward, an intriguing thriller that enticed me in from the very first page.
I loved this novel, I was fully engrossed in it, a beautifully written book that I had no choice, but to keep reading, it had the mysteries, the hint of romance, the murder, and the fear of threat.

Edith, having been forced out of the job she lived as a teacher, happened upon an empty shop in her ocean town. Having a love of reading, she opened a bookshop and started a weekly book club.
Edith with her beloved companion, her guinea-pig Peanut thought she had built the perfect and quiet comfortable life, until it was shattered when there was raised voices and cross words between book club members and one of was found dead, and the group members at odds with each other become suspects.
Edith, using her teaching skills, was determined to gather up clues to find out the truth. She had the feeling both her and her business were being threatened as cryptic messages were found.
Was Edith being targeted, too?

I found Whiskers and Words to be an exciting and enthralling story, with wonderful and believable characters, especially Peanut, the unlikely sleuth.
I found this novel a brilliant and enjoyable read. Definitely recommended.

[Thomasina Bloom · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you love cozy murder mysteries where a pet helps solve the crime, you will LOVE this book. It was giving "The Cat Who..." vibes which, for me, is top-tier praise.
This story follows the story of Edith, a retired school teacher whose second act involves opening a bookstore in a bucolic coastal Maine town. The book is rich with cozy town details, including Edith's bookstore. So right away I was getting exactly what I hope to from a cozy murder mystery. I loved how her bookstore offers coffee to her patrons. It made me feel like I was right there myself, having a steaming cup of coffee and picking out a book to buy.
There was also a book club, which I LOVED!
And of course the piece de resistance is Edith's beloved guinea pig Peanut. He is adorable, crazy for treats, and smarter than he looks! Don't unalive someone on his watch, because he'll getcha!
But I could also tell as I read this that JC Ward is a thriller writer at heart. The murder was chilling, and the unraveling of the mystery offered a tension that only a thriller writer can achieve.
The plot twist at the end was totally unexpected. At the end of the book, I found myself wondering if this might be the beginning of a new series of Edith-Peanut mysteries. If so, I will definitely be reading the next one!

[Ashleigh Threatt · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m so grateful to the author for giving me the chance to read this as an ARC! This was my first experience reading a cozy mystery, and while I’ve determined it isn’t my favorite genre, I thought this book was adorable, and I had a good time reading it! The cozy vibe and setting was so fun, and I loved Edith and Peanut! It felt so cozy that I actually forgot I was reading a murder mystery until I got the murder part of it and had a literal jaw-drop moment because I wasn’t expecting it! I didn’t know what to expect going into this, so the ending fell a little flat for me because I was waiting for the “shock factor,” like a thriller. When I initially got to the end, I felt it was very predictable and unrealistic, but I’ve since learned that is the norm for the cozy mystery genre! If you like cozy murder mysteries, you should definitely give this one a try!

[Stephanie Meder · Rating 4 out of 5]

Edith and Peanut the guinea pig are enjoying a quiet life, spending their days at Edith's bookstore called "Whiskers and Words". It's a safe haven until someone decides to use it as a crime scene - braaam...

The story is a good mix of some suspense and slow, comfy moments. I can practically feel the flannel pyjama and Peanut's fur. 🥰

I had a very strong suspicion from early on and even though I was very, very sure, there were small moments that made me reconsider what I knew. It was fun to play detective alongside the droll duo and to get the occasional lone goosebump or two while resting assured that nothing too horrible (next to murder, I guess 🙈😅) was going to happen.

I'm curious to see if Edith and Peanut will solve more crimes in the future. 🕵🏼

[Debby · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading the cozy mystery Whiskers and Words by JC Ward.
It’s a story that once you start reading it, you won’t want to put it down.
It’s a very engaging mystery that has lots of plot twists and turns and some things that you don’t even see coming.
Edith and her little guinea pig Peanut, solve the mystery of who murdered someone from the book club.
There are many suspects, and Edith and Peanut face some dangerous situations.
When the mystery is solved, be prepared to feel sorry for the culprit.
I would definitely recommend reading this mystery, and wouldn’t mind reading more stories that have Edith and Peanut back in action solving more crimes.

[travel_thru_books · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t usually pick up cozy mysteries, but if JC Ward writes it, I’m already sold — and Whiskers and Words reminded me exactly why I love her work. She brings that thriller‑author sharpness into a lighter world, and it somehow makes the cozy vibe even better. The writing is clever, warm, and effortlessly engaging, with those perfectly placed clues and subtle tension only Ward can pull off.

And Peanut… oh, Peanut. Knowing this book honors him makes every little moment with his character feel extra special. He adds so much heart, and you can feel the love behind every scene he’s in.

It’s charming, and witty with jusy enough clues sprinkled in to keep you guessing along with Edith! A total treat for cozy fans — and a flex from an author proving she can write both heartwarming and hair‑raising.

[Tali · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cozy mystery with a book lover who owns her own bookstore, sign me up!!! I have not read a cozy mystery in a minute, and this book was exactly what i needed. Edith and Peanut are such a power duo- and yes i am very aware he is a guinea pig, give him some credit- and took me through a really fun investigation. The twists along the way were made with such care that you can feel the "I knew it moment" while also realizing it was totally unexpected. It was funny, enjoyable, lighthearted and still with enough drama and mystery to have you wanting for the next chapter!

[Jaqueline Doldersum · Rating 4 out of 5]

Edith is forced into retirement from teaching. Now she is the owner of a bookstore, in a small seaside town.
She lives with her guinea pig Peaunut. Who means everything to her.
After a murder happend in her bookstore. She wants to find out. What happend and who did it.

From beginning until the end. The book has a cozy vibe. With every page I read. I felt a little bit of a detective. Also wanting to figure out what happend. I loved, how Peaunut also played a great role in this book. Trying to help Edith, but also comforting her.

[Country · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet, suspenseful cozy mystery that will have you following along Edith the entire book! I loved following alongside Edith piecing together the clues to who the culprit was! I had a suspicion of who it was but the ending was still surprising! I loved Peanuts character and could truly feel the love for him through the entire book! A great cozy mystery read and I can't wait to see what more mysteries Edith and Peanut embark on!

[Lauren E. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a cute cozy mystery. Was the mystery a little predictable? Yeah. But honestly I still had a really fun time reading it. The bookstore setting was cozy, the pacing was easy to fly through, and Peanut the guinea pig completely stole the show for me. If you like lighthearted mysteries with small town/bookish vibes and adorable animal sidekicks, this is a fun one to pick up.