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Diet Is murder When former actress and lifestyle guru Donna Bruce is found murdered in her sauna cabin, stung to death by bees, Odelia and Chase are on the case. Meanwhile Odelia’s tabby Max has his own issues to deal with. The vet has decided the flabby tabby is too flabby and has put Max on a strict diet. Feeling weak and out of sorts, the blorange cat has a hard time coming up with original ideas to solve the crime his human is grappling with. And then there’s the fact that Odelia has decided that this time Harriet, her mother’s white Persian, is in charge of the case, leading the feline sleuths even further astray. Harriet’s idea of investigating a crime is surfing the web and sifting through Internet gossip, and since Odelia doesn’t seem to be making any headway in the case it’s up to Max and Dooley to save the day and find that telling clue that will lead them to Donna’s killer. Will Max be able to stick to his diet? Will Gran be able to control her online shopping habits? And will Odelia and Chase finally go on their first date? Find out in Purrfect Crime, the fifth installment in the funny cozy cat mystery series The Mysteries of Max.

232 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 15, 2017

654 people are currently reading
275 people want to read

About the author

Nic Saint

270 books313 followers
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Nic has a background in political science and before being struck by the writing bug worked odd jobs around the world (including but not limited to massage therapist in Mexico, gardener in Italy, restaurant manager in India, and Berlitz teacher in Belgium).

When he’s not writing he enjoys curling up with a good (comic) book, watching British crime dramas, French comedies or Nancy Meyers movies, sampling pastry (apple cake!), pasta and chocolate (preferably the dark variety), twisting himself into a pretzel doing morning yoga, going for a run, and spoiling his big red tomcat Tommy.

He lives with his wife (and aforementioned cat) in a small village smack dab in the middle of absolutely nowhere and is probably writing his next ‘Mysteries of Max’ book right now.

www.nicsaint.com
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5 stars
630 (58%)
4 stars
304 (28%)
3 stars
102 (9%)
2 stars
27 (2%)
1 star
5 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
Profile Image for Tulay.
1,202 reviews2 followers
November 20, 2017
Have so much fun reading this series.

These are the best books to read when you'll need to laugh out loud. Newspaper report Odelia and her cats, with the help of handsome sheriff always solves the mystery. Makes me wish I could talk to my cats too. Not only cats, Odelia's grandmother mother makes me laugh out loud too. Can't wait to read and find out more about developing relationships Odelia and her grandmother. Also their sex toys.
Profile Image for Jae.
885 reviews1 follower
May 24, 2023
Donna Bruce, famous actress and lifestyle influencer, has been murdered in her own sauna. The weapon? A swarm of bees. Odelia is soon on the case with Detective Chase Kingsley, and she's relying on her cats to snoop around and see what they can learn. Max, however, is having trouble keeping up. A trip to the vet indicates that he's gone from tubby to obese, and Odelia has to put him on a diet. Weakened with hunger and unable to think of anything but food, Max isn't much help. This leads Odelia to putting Harriet in charge of the cats' investigation. Harriet's idea of investigating, however, is surfing celebrity gossip sites on the internet. Max is going to have to pull himself together if he and Odelia are going to crack this case.

Okay. So, I thought this series had reached a turning point with the last book, but this one swirled down the toilet again. Brutus is back to being a class A jerk, the author (for reasons unknown) decided to add sex toys to the mix, which would have been funny in passing, but he chose to make a huge deal of them. I'm no prude, but when I'm reading a cozy mystery, I don't expect to be metaphorically smacked upside the head with a dildo. It was sort of like if you'd gone to the movies to see a rom-com and it involved some terrifying chase scenes à la a horror flick. What was the point? I'm back to thinking the author knows precious little about cats, or women either, for that matter. He certainly doesn't seem to hold the females in the story in high regard, especially Harriet. It's like the author is projecting all of his aggravation with women onto her, since Harriet comes across as prissy, incompetent, focused on celebrity gossip, and disgustingly ga-ga for any domineering, alpha male/bad boy. It was revolting. As for cat behavior, they don't kiss, they don't punch one another, and they don't have pecs. Yes, I know they don't talk, either, but I can enjoy a talking cat in fiction, so long as it still acts like a cat. Sue me. Finally, the clue that broke the case wide open wasn't something that was discovered via hard work or sleuthing, but rather was served up on a platter in the most ridiculously unbelievable situation. Lazy and sloppy.

Back to square one with this series. Dismal score of two stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
1,068 reviews2 followers
September 14, 2021
Murder mystery

The start of the stories was cute, the characters interesting but now I just find them annoying. Odelia who can talk to her cats never actually listens. Gran and Marge supposedly can also but it's never part of the story. No human noticed Diego missing. Harriet is an unlikable character. Clarice was supposed to be adopted but doesn't seem to have been. Maybe it's reading one book right after the other
725 reviews8 followers
November 19, 2017
Another excellent cat mystery

I generally like Nic Saint characters, but by far my favorites are Max and the other cats of this series. The take of the cat sleuths on human sex toys in this book had me in stitches. Needless to say, this book whose murder victim sold said toys is R rated for that reason. Max is delightful as are all his sidekicks, especially innocent little Dooley. The humans in the book are fun too, though I'd like to see the romance develop a little further soon.

The mystery isn't all that complicated but I like the fact that the clues are there if you pay attention. I do wish Odelia would not just stumble into the answer, but you can't have it all. This is a particularly fun book in a fun series, so get started reading. And if you love talking cats, you will love this one.
Profile Image for Krystyna.
5,134 reviews55 followers
June 12, 2018
The murder or the diet - which will win in gaining Max's full attention?

Terrific as always. The cats all have such diverse personalities and display such innocence when thrust into certain human situations. A murder of a woman in a sauna with bee's as the murder weapon has them all chasing their tail. Especially as Max has been put on a diet and can only think about food. (We've all been there). Can his human and her new man find out what and who. Wonderful mic of suspects and motives making it hard to pick the right culprit. The writing as always is delightful with great dialogues and situations. Plus the human characters are the dysfunctional ones we expect in any family. Great read that will have you chuckling in places.
Profile Image for Rebecca Mulligan.
148 reviews2 followers
December 3, 2017
A Portly Puss Solves Murder?

Max and his crew of feisty felines work with his human, Odile, to solve the sick murder of an ex-Hollywood star. Max is back, but having trouble concentrating because Odile insists on putting him in a diet, which makes poor Max weak and vulnerable. The group of four cats work together as usual and provide Odile with the clue she needs to solve the case.The murderer is on to her, though, and her life is in danger. Will handsome police detective Chase save her in time? A fun read!
Profile Image for Ann Bingham.
200 reviews
February 16, 2023
Cats required.

If you like cats and mysteries to solve this silly tale is just the thing. Odellia is a reporter and a cat lover. She also has a secret, she can talk to cats. Her cat and his friends help her solve mysteries.

A woman was murdered, she used to be a famous actress now she own a company. She has made many enemies, the ex, the neighbor, the stalker and more, who wanted her to suffer the most. Can Odellia and her cop boyfriend find the killer before she strikes again?
Profile Image for Kristen Lewendon.
8,429 reviews63 followers
December 17, 2023
“Diet” is just “die” with a “T” on the end. And that’s pretty much the attitude Max has for this book. His fluffiness is too much of a good thing, so he needs to cut back on the calories. Good thing the victim of the mystery they’re trying to solve is a fitness and lifestyle maven. She’s bound to have known a thing or two about living the Good Life, right? Poor Max. His hunger became like another character in this book, but I loved seeing Dooley get the chance to shine. With where this book leaves off, I can’t wait to discover what’s going to happen next.
Profile Image for Andrea Latham.
1,343 reviews26 followers
February 14, 2024
Love this series because it makes me laugh how the cats talk and only Odelia can hear them. When a former actress, Donna Bruce changes her profession as a lifestyle guru and later found murdered in her sauna. Odelia's tabby, Max has to go on a diet per the vet and Max is not happy about this news.
Max only can thing of eating instead of looking for clues of who murdered Donna. I can picture cats doing this because I had a few cats and their looks at me made me feel I knew what they were thinking.


Profile Image for Rhonda.
122 reviews1 follower
March 6, 2025
My first time to read a book in this series. It is an interesting series where Odelia can communicate with her cat Max and other cats belonging to her family members. The cats help her solve crimes. In this book former actress and lifestyle guru Donna Bruce is found dead in the sauna cabin. Someone locked her in and filled the cabin with bees.

It was an interesting read and there were humorous side stories.
1,371 reviews13 followers
November 26, 2017
The best one so far!

I thoroughly enjoyed this latest addition to the series! Extremely
entertaining. I loved the humorous parts in the story and the
fantastic interaction between cats and humans. Max is really
wonderful and Dooley is such an endearing little soul. I laughed
so hard at the part at the vet and the tick. Absolutely a truly
fantastic series! Highly recommended!
Profile Image for Joni.
659 reviews
August 4, 2021
Book 6 was better

6 was better than 5. It was interesting to learn that people used bee stings to counter act rheumatoid arthritis. The 4 cats had an addition….Diego who reappears at the end of the book. I like this series. Wonder if Odelia will tell Chase she can understand cats?
123 reviews1 follower
December 19, 2021
Oh my!!!

Another brilliant book. Do you know I am 70 years old and I simply love these books. I laugh so much and I love cats. Nic Saint truly is a saint for writing such books. If my cat Taz could read he would say the same, or perhaps he can 😸. Thank you for making making me happy.
267 reviews
March 13, 2022
solving crime with a little feline help

Odelia and Chase are hot on the case when bees are used to murder Donna. Getting her feline family to help pick up clues leads to various possibilities but so far no arrests. When Dooley mentions a death by bee sting he saw on the internet Odelia suddenly thinks she has the answer. Follow the gang and see who it is.
1,633 reviews7 followers
March 16, 2024
I am pleasantly surprised that each installment of this little series gets better and better. Looking forward to number six. I enjoy that this is a quick read that is mindless and fun. Not sure I will get the next 10 in the series, but I like that they are easy and fun. They are mindless and great entertainment.
Profile Image for Shannon.
503 reviews2 followers
November 28, 2017
Took a turn to weirdness

The underlying story is cute, and I adore Max, but there was a lot of really oddly placed sexual...something going on in this one. Suddenly seemed like a different author, almost.
Profile Image for Mary Pummill.
46 reviews
December 15, 2017
Perfect Crime (The Mysteries of Max Book 5)

Cute mystery with the cats trying to solve the crime before the "humans". Interesting story. You didn't see who the killer was until the very end. A lot of little cliff hangers leading you in different directions.
Profile Image for Sandy Van domelen.
143 reviews1 follower
April 5, 2019
A Fantastic Story With Great Humor! Definitely A Must Read!!

I have to say I haven't laughed so much or been more entertained by this book! The humor in this book was beyond funny and I found myself laughing out loud! Definitely a super series!!
Profile Image for Aparna J.
430 reviews5 followers
June 29, 2021
Super awesome!

I am madly in love with this series. Max and his friends are soo cute. Grandma Vesta is a complete entertainer. She is so hilarious. Odelia and Chase's romance adds further cuteness to the series.
Profile Image for R.M. Burthom.
19 reviews
January 15, 2022
I was sceptical about this book when I started to read it. I enjoy mysteries but wasn't sure about a book with talking animals, but as I continued to read I started to enjoy the book. I liked the different twists of looking for suspects and the cat participation in trying to solve a crime. I would definitely read more books in this series.
290 reviews1 follower
March 22, 2022
Loads of Laughs

What a hoot to read! The felines are once again helping Odelia track down the clues that lead to the identity of the murderer.
There are so many side-splitting lines in this one . . Max and Dooley are hilarious.
This is my favorite in this series so far.
5 reviews
April 23, 2024
Brilliant as ever

I just love these books funny easy to read and good story lines the characters are such fun and the end always leaves wanting more must go now want to start the next one x
197 reviews
May 9, 2024
Cute book

I have always enjoyed Max and his crew. The internet searching and guessing was too funny! Look forward to the next one!

Mr Saint's characters are delightful, and his mysteries not easily solved.
401 reviews3 followers
August 14, 2024
Juvenile Humor at It's Best

The fearsome foursome are at it again. They assist their humans solve another grisly murder. But the 8th grade silliness keeps things light. Another eye rolling read.
Profile Image for Alison  Claire Humphrey .
123 reviews
January 31, 2025
So Much Fun

So much fun, I once again found myself laughing throughout to his book. Max and especially Dooley are so funny. I did feel Chase needs to be less "cheesy"! So if you want a fun book to read try The Mysteries of Max books.
Profile Image for Mary Baker.
629 reviews2 followers
April 28, 2020
Not it out of the park again

4 cats, 1 reporter, New murder and no suspects. Bee attack cause of death, who and why. Takes time but the cats come through.
4,416 reviews28 followers
September 29, 2020
Purrfect Crime review

Purrfect Crime is the fifth sweet and funny cozy mystery book in The Mysteries of Max series written by author Nic Saint.
Profile Image for Joan.
967 reviews
November 28, 2020
A former actress dies of bee sting while in her sauna.

Is Diego back????
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