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Reigning Cats & Dogs Mystery #9
Crossing the Lion
CAN A SMALL-TOWN PET DETECTIVE HUNT DOWN A BEAST OF A KILLER IN ITS OWN LAIR?
Veterinarian Jessica Popper is still basking in newly wedded bliss when neighbors Betty and Winston beg her to investigate the suspicious death of Linus Merrywood, king of the corporate jungle. On stormy Solitude Island, the Merrywoods have enjoyed the lion's share of wealth for generations. But from the suspects to the surroundings, Jess feels as if she's walked straight into an old-fashioned game of Clue-except here the stakes are life and death.
There's the butler named Jives, a sexy assistant named Scarlett, teatime in the conservatory, and a house with secret passageways, moving walls, and a wailing aunt locked in the attic. With a storm raging around the island and Jess's least favorite police detective assigned to the case, things are looking dire until Jess's lionhearted husband, Nick, braves his way to Solitude to rescue her. Now it's the two of them against a family steeped in secrets-and a killer on the prowl who's ferociously determined to protect the biggest family secret of all.
Veterinarian Jessica Popper is still basking in newly wedded bliss when neighbors Betty and Winston beg her to investigate the suspicious death of Linus Merrywood, king of the corporate jungle. On stormy Solitude Island, the Merrywoods have enjoyed the lion's share of wealth for generations. But from the suspects to the surroundings, Jess feels as if she's walked straight into an old-fashioned game of Clue-except here the stakes are life and death.
There's the butler named Jives, a sexy assistant named Scarlett, teatime in the conservatory, and a house with secret passageways, moving walls, and a wailing aunt locked in the attic. With a storm raging around the island and Jess's least favorite police detective assigned to the case, things are looking dire until Jess's lionhearted husband, Nick, braves his way to Solitude to rescue her. Now it's the two of them against a family steeped in secrets-and a killer on the prowl who's ferociously determined to protect the biggest family secret of all.
359 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2010
7 people are currently reading
223 people want to read
About the author
Cynthia Baxter
22 books217 followers(from author's website)
Dear Reader,
Thanks for taking the time to check out my web site! I love the fact that the Internet makes it so easy to "talk" to readers (and to hear from them, too - my email address is below).
My favorite thing to do is read - and my second favorite is to write. Since 2003, I've been writing The Reigning Cats & Dogs Mystery Series, which features veterinarian Jessica Popper. The books also include the antics of Jessie's menagerie: her rambunctious Westie, Max; his shy sidekick, Lou the Dalmatian; aging pussycat Catherine the Great; newcomer Tinkerbell, a tiger kitten with the personality of a diva; mouthy Prometheus, a Blue and Gold Macaw with attitude; and last but not least, the silent yet seemingly wise chameleon Leilani. The newest book in the series is CROSSING THE LION.
I also launched a second mystery series, The Murder Packs a Suitcase Mystery Series, which will run concurrently with Reigning Cats & Dogs. The first book, also titled MURDER PACKS A SUITCASE, introduces Mallory Marlowe. Recently widowed at the age of 45, Mallory is still struggling to find her old self when she falls into a new job as a travel writer. In addition to researching exciting destinations, she happens upon the occasional murder - and she can't help getting involved in finding out whodunnit. The first book is set in Orlando, where she goes to discover whether or not the "old Florida," with alligator farms and pink plastic flamingoes and seashell jewelry, still exists despite the proliferation of glitzy theme parks. The second book in the series, TOO RICH AND TOO DEAD, is set in glamorous Aspen, where Mallory is trying to find out if even a non-skier can have a fun vacation.
Working on two different mystery series has been an interesting challenge. I've tried to make the two series different - but at the same time to include the same elements in the new series that readers of the original series seemed to enjoy. That means a likeable heroine, a compelling mystery with some quirky suspects and a few surprises, a touch of romance, and lots of humor. I'm really looking forward to seeing how readers respond to my new character and her adventures!
I always enjoy hearing from readers, so please don't hesitate to write and say hello. In the meantime, I hope you continue to enjoy my books!
Best wishes, Cynthia Baxter
Contact Cynthia: Cynthiab1@optonline.net
Dear Reader,
Thanks for taking the time to check out my web site! I love the fact that the Internet makes it so easy to "talk" to readers (and to hear from them, too - my email address is below).
My favorite thing to do is read - and my second favorite is to write. Since 2003, I've been writing The Reigning Cats & Dogs Mystery Series, which features veterinarian Jessica Popper. The books also include the antics of Jessie's menagerie: her rambunctious Westie, Max; his shy sidekick, Lou the Dalmatian; aging pussycat Catherine the Great; newcomer Tinkerbell, a tiger kitten with the personality of a diva; mouthy Prometheus, a Blue and Gold Macaw with attitude; and last but not least, the silent yet seemingly wise chameleon Leilani. The newest book in the series is CROSSING THE LION.
I also launched a second mystery series, The Murder Packs a Suitcase Mystery Series, which will run concurrently with Reigning Cats & Dogs. The first book, also titled MURDER PACKS A SUITCASE, introduces Mallory Marlowe. Recently widowed at the age of 45, Mallory is still struggling to find her old self when she falls into a new job as a travel writer. In addition to researching exciting destinations, she happens upon the occasional murder - and she can't help getting involved in finding out whodunnit. The first book is set in Orlando, where she goes to discover whether or not the "old Florida," with alligator farms and pink plastic flamingoes and seashell jewelry, still exists despite the proliferation of glitzy theme parks. The second book in the series, TOO RICH AND TOO DEAD, is set in glamorous Aspen, where Mallory is trying to find out if even a non-skier can have a fun vacation.
Working on two different mystery series has been an interesting challenge. I've tried to make the two series different - but at the same time to include the same elements in the new series that readers of the original series seemed to enjoy. That means a likeable heroine, a compelling mystery with some quirky suspects and a few surprises, a touch of romance, and lots of humor. I'm really looking forward to seeing how readers respond to my new character and her adventures!
I always enjoy hearing from readers, so please don't hesitate to write and say hello. In the meantime, I hope you continue to enjoy my books!
Best wishes, Cynthia Baxter
Contact Cynthia: Cynthiab1@optonline.net
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
April 12, 2022
Just for fun mystery. Our protagonist is Jessica, veterinarian and owner of a mobile clinic. The setting is a huge spooky mansion on an island.
The man whose death is suspicious is a rich prominent businessman and there are plenty of suspects.
The man whose death is suspicious is a rich prominent businessman and there are plenty of suspects.
July 4, 2020
I really enjoyed this book. The way the main character describes her surroundings is very fun. This is the first book I've read in this series, and it will not be the last. This was a fun, light read about a murder in a large imposing house with a host of colorful characters involved.
I also found the end to be satisfying. Little tidbits that stuck out to me during the investigation made sense as the investigation came to a close. This made the ending feel natural to the rest of the events in the book.
I also found the end to be satisfying. Little tidbits that stuck out to me during the investigation made sense as the investigation came to a close. This made the ending feel natural to the rest of the events in the book.
August 11, 2019
Picked this up because my library flagged it as a local author, and in reading the description I realized the action took place on an island based on the real Gardiner's Island.
Easy light read, kind of farcical, good for a summer afternoon when you don't want to think. Characters ok, not especially engaging. This was the 9th book in the series, may try the first. Definitely not the book to read if you want a deep and twisted mystery.
Easy light read, kind of farcical, good for a summer afternoon when you don't want to think. Characters ok, not especially engaging. This was the 9th book in the series, may try the first. Definitely not the book to read if you want a deep and twisted mystery.
June 3, 2018
I really like this book. It's my first from this series, so I didn't know what to expect and I don't know how other novels are yet - but I loved the setting, the scarry big house, spooky servants, a lot of suspects, characters are realistic and well-described.
May 13, 2020
An easy, entertaining read. Wanted to give it a 3 1/2, but that’s not an option. For me, this was a good bedtime read with enough mystery to keep me interested.
August 23, 2022
Easy to read cozy mystery based on the game of clue, with a (female) veterinarian as the sleuth, and an ending I didn't see coming.
May 29, 2023
Last and best
Like a plot from a movie, the characters and setting seem over the top but the answer is so very real and down to earth that Jessica realizes the truth can be painful
Like a plot from a movie, the characters and setting seem over the top but the answer is so very real and down to earth that Jessica realizes the truth can be painful
May 17, 2025
great series!
September 29, 2010
In this series, Jessie Popper, DVM got married in the last book. In this one, they've been married about 5 months or so. A series can change for the better or worse sometimes with major character progressions but this one is still an excellent entry in the series, imho. A lot of humor, some angst and some good Nancy Drew type msytery. Very enjoyable! Long may Cynthia Baxter keep writing this series!
September 18, 2010
I really enjoyed this book- vet Jessica Popper heads off to a mysterious private island when her landlords ask her to investigate the death of their wealthy friend. Together they set off for the man's creepy, secluded old mansion during a stormy weekend, and everyone is a suspect, from the man's money hungry children to the servants. I really liked the setting of this book and I loved how, even though Jessica was away from home, her dogs were able to join her. Can't wait for the next book!
November 18, 2011
Jessica accompanies her friends Margaret and Winston to Solitude Island owned by their millionarie friend Linus Merrywood, who has just died. The Merrywood clan gather at the mansion over the weekend before Thanksgiving. It's discovered that Linus was murdered, and Jessica sets out to find the murderer. The house is like an old castle with secret passageways, and the characters are all hiding something. It's really entertaining.
September 12, 2011
I'd probably give this a 3.5 if I could. This was the first I read in this long series, and I did like the main character. I felt like there were a few too many cliches though and the story dragged on a bit too long. It could have been shortened.
July 27, 2012
Another fun story with Jessica and Nick.
March 13, 2013
The ending was disappointing but I liked the quirky Aunt in the attic.
September 19, 2012
Good mystery. a vet turned sleuth is a great read for mystery and animal lovers.
February 20, 2013
Found the conclusion to be unsatisfying.
September 22, 2013
Total reader feeder at a junior high reading level. About half of this book is repeating itself. Easy read, good for when you don't want to use your brain.
August 23, 2013
Got this in a batch of used books - $5 for grocery bag full. Okay book - easy read but no depth of characters. Best part is her relationship with her pets!
June 25, 2014
Haunted house, weird butler, hidden staircases and even a batty aunt in the attic. This was my first in the series but it won't be my last. Great light read.
December 27, 2022
3 1/2 - Very Good
July 24, 2016
Hands down, thumbs up, BEST in the series! Great read with fun, yet moving twists...
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews