What do you think?
Rate this book
The Mysteries of Max #16
Purrfectly Hidden
The Skeleton in the ClawsetYou know that feeling when you suddenly find a skeleton in your basement? You don’t? Well, I’m sorry to say that I do. And let me tell you, it’s not as enjoyable as it sounds. So when it happened to Marge, it’s safe to say she wasn’t thrilled. Add to that the mouse issue we’d been faced with, and my day was fraught with a measure of discomfort. Odelia immediately did what she does figuring out whoever had put that skeleton in her mother’s basement, while my fellow cats and I focused on what we do catching mice.Or actually we didn’t. You see, we might be cats, but we’re also felinists at heart, in the sense that we strongly feel every creature on God’s green earth has a right to live and thrive. Or at least that was our position before we met that mouse face to face. Suffice it to say he wasn’t a felinist, and things quickly got out of paw.But don’t let that stop you from picking up this story. You’ll learn such fascinating things as the right way to interrogate an old macaw, whether cats do or do not need to brush their teeth, how to protect yourself in case you happen to be hit by a nuke and, almost as an afterthought, who the heck put that darn skeleton in Marge’s basement. In other words, just another day in the otherwise uneventful life of a big-boned blorange feline sleuth and his friends.
214 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 3, 2019
365 people are currently reading
195 people want to read
About the author
Nic Saint
275 books315 followersSign up for Nic's newsletter for news, releases and giveaways: nicsaint.com/newsletter
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
www.facebook.com/nicsaintauthor
www.twitter.com/nicsaintauthor
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
www.facebook.com/nicsaintauthor
www.twitter.com/nicsaintauthor
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
May 11, 2022
Perfectly Hidden
Nic Saint is a classic cozey mystery writer whether creating about a fifty-five year cold case discovered today or a death that's happening today, the characters are still vibrant, colorful or vilenness the cozey draws you in carrying you through the intrigue of the mystery wanting to figure out the who,how, what really happened but there are those added tweaks ,twists and turns that bring you to a truly unexpected ending 😀. Acquire " Purrfectly Hidden " today so you yourself can enjoy it as much as I have. Kat
Nic Saint is a classic cozey mystery writer whether creating about a fifty-five year cold case discovered today or a death that's happening today, the characters are still vibrant, colorful or vilenness the cozey draws you in carrying you through the intrigue of the mystery wanting to figure out the who,how, what really happened but there are those added tweaks ,twists and turns that bring you to a truly unexpected ending 😀. Acquire " Purrfectly Hidden " today so you yourself can enjoy it as much as I have. Kat
November 25, 2025
When Odelia’s mother has a plumbing issue she calls in a local plumber. As he’s opening the wall in the basement to get at the problem he finds a skeleton. Rumor abounds as to whose skeleton, but the ME determines it belonged to Boyd Baker, a married man who lived in the house with his family before he disappeared. Everyone assumed Boyd had run off, but now it appears he was murdered. As a reporter, Odelia is interested in investigating the case, and she recruits her cats to help out by speaking to Hampton Cove’s oldest pet, a macaw named Camilla. In the meantime, Odelia has a mouse problem in her own basement, and dealing with the issue is something else she tasks the cats with. None of her cats, however, is too keen to just go about, murdering mice. That is, until one of them humiliates Harriet.
This was a departure from other books in the series in that it was a cold case being investigated. The cats didn’t do any sleuthing except to speak to Camilla. A lot of the narrative was taken up with Max being too fat to fit through the cat flap, the mouse dilemma, a completely irrelevant subplot revolving around a pair of inept burglars, and Vesta’s typical annoying antics.
This was an okay read, but just okay. Average score of three.
This was a departure from other books in the series in that it was a cold case being investigated. The cats didn’t do any sleuthing except to speak to Camilla. A lot of the narrative was taken up with Max being too fat to fit through the cat flap, the mouse dilemma, a completely irrelevant subplot revolving around a pair of inept burglars, and Vesta’s typical annoying antics.
This was an okay read, but just okay. Average score of three.
December 5, 2019
Murder and the Mouse Invasion
A good read. Yes the plot is an old one and you provably guessed not only the culprit but also the motive. However what saves this is the Mouse Wars. The intellect, the audacity and the conniving that they display in their fight against not only the humans but also our fearless cats. Okay maybe not fearless, maybe humane would be a more accurate description. Then there is the whole catflap issue and the fact that Max is too big boned to get through (okay if you must, fat!) And the head stuck in the wall plus innocent Dooley's assumption that hankypanky was going on. Love those cats!
Finding a skeleton in the basement sends Marge into a spin. Who, how and why? Plus there's the valuable brooch found with the body. Will finding out the truth lead to an arrest?
A good read. Yes the plot is an old one and you provably guessed not only the culprit but also the motive. However what saves this is the Mouse Wars. The intellect, the audacity and the conniving that they display in their fight against not only the humans but also our fearless cats. Okay maybe not fearless, maybe humane would be a more accurate description. Then there is the whole catflap issue and the fact that Max is too big boned to get through (okay if you must, fat!) And the head stuck in the wall plus innocent Dooley's assumption that hankypanky was going on. Love those cats!
Finding a skeleton in the basement sends Marge into a spin. Who, how and why? Plus there's the valuable brooch found with the body. Will finding out the truth lead to an arrest?
December 14, 2019
Mouse Hunt
Matve has water woes. In the middle of laundry & cleaning the taps dry up. When the plumber goes to the basement & knocks a hole in the wall, there's an unpleasant discovery. Odelia, Chase & Chief Alec tackle the half century old cold case. Meanwhile, Max & the gang have problems of their own. A very cheeky mouse has moved into the crime scene basement & our four intrepid heroes, being cats, are expected to evict the mouthy mouse. Much to their chagrin, he not only refuses to leave but his wife & 400 kids are staying too.
Will the cold case be solved? Will Brutus & Harriet persuade the rodent rodeo to leave? More importantly, will Max stop getting stuck in the cat flap?
Nice to have two Mysteries of Max books, 'Purrfectly Hidden' & this new release so close together. I'm always game for a new Max book.
Matve has water woes. In the middle of laundry & cleaning the taps dry up. When the plumber goes to the basement & knocks a hole in the wall, there's an unpleasant discovery. Odelia, Chase & Chief Alec tackle the half century old cold case. Meanwhile, Max & the gang have problems of their own. A very cheeky mouse has moved into the crime scene basement & our four intrepid heroes, being cats, are expected to evict the mouthy mouse. Much to their chagrin, he not only refuses to leave but his wife & 400 kids are staying too.
Will the cold case be solved? Will Brutus & Harriet persuade the rodent rodeo to leave? More importantly, will Max stop getting stuck in the cat flap?
Nice to have two Mysteries of Max books, 'Purrfectly Hidden' & this new release so close together. I'm always game for a new Max book.
December 16, 2019
Another great mystery solved
This time, a cold case from 55 years ago rears it's shocking head. In the process of having plumbing repairs made a skeleton in the closet is revealed - or should I say skeleton in the basement? While the cats deal with a major mouse problem in Delia's house, Delia is hot on the trail of discovering the who, what and why of her moms skeleton problem.
All the same great characters of previous books. And great sleuthing on Delia's part as she stays on step ahead of Chase and Uncle Alec in the pursuit of solving the 55 year old cold case. This is a quick, fun read for anyone who enjoys cozy mysteries with a touch of cats. I would recommend starting with book one of the series as the characters grow and change throughout the series - except Gran, who stays as kookie and vindictive towards her son-in-law as ever.
This time, a cold case from 55 years ago rears it's shocking head. In the process of having plumbing repairs made a skeleton in the closet is revealed - or should I say skeleton in the basement? While the cats deal with a major mouse problem in Delia's house, Delia is hot on the trail of discovering the who, what and why of her moms skeleton problem.
All the same great characters of previous books. And great sleuthing on Delia's part as she stays on step ahead of Chase and Uncle Alec in the pursuit of solving the 55 year old cold case. This is a quick, fun read for anyone who enjoys cozy mysteries with a touch of cats. I would recommend starting with book one of the series as the characters grow and change throughout the series - except Gran, who stays as kookie and vindictive towards her son-in-law as ever.
January 29, 2020
Another great Max adventure!
As always I truly enjoyed this addition to
the series. All the cat's have such lovable
personalities. Dooley is such a dear free
spirit. He has a heart of gold. I really love
Max! He gets into so many adventures and
many are so hilarious. Such as the cat flap
door. Great story line with lots of little side
adventures. Keep going, Max!! You're a great
kitty detective!!!
As always I truly enjoyed this addition to
the series. All the cat's have such lovable
personalities. Dooley is such a dear free
spirit. He has a heart of gold. I really love
Max! He gets into so many adventures and
many are so hilarious. Such as the cat flap
door. Great story line with lots of little side
adventures. Keep going, Max!! You're a great
kitty detective!!!
April 28, 2020
Cats are supposed to catch mice? No way!
A mice infestation, a 55 -year-old body in the basement wall, a diamond brooch, and Max and his friends are on the job. Another fun, if ancient , murder mystery and the Chief wants to keep Odelia out of this one. But she’s following clues as fast as she can, of course!
A mice infestation, a 55 -year-old body in the basement wall, a diamond brooch, and Max and his friends are on the job. Another fun, if ancient , murder mystery and the Chief wants to keep Odelia out of this one. But she’s following clues as fast as she can, of course!
December 8, 2019
Mice outwit Cats
Totally hilarious. The mouse family led by the father Rupert and the mother Molly are a hoot. They laugh at Harriet and Max when he gets stuck in the pet door. Wonderful series. Keep them coming.
Totally hilarious. The mouse family led by the father Rupert and the mother Molly are a hoot. They laugh at Harriet and Max when he gets stuck in the pet door. Wonderful series. Keep them coming.
April 13, 2020
Not so purrfctly hidden when it is discovered in the Prologue, is it??? So,” a mouse, a moose and a macaw walk into a bar…” Thank you Nic for another fun filled mystery. I enjoyed the story and recommend the book.
May 17, 2021
Cute cozy
I wish the cats had more to do. They seemed like more of a side gimmick in this one. I know there ate lots in this series but the mysteries seem secondary to the family silliness. Light reads.
I wish the cats had more to do. They seemed like more of a side gimmick in this one. I know there ate lots in this series but the mysteries seem secondary to the family silliness. Light reads.
February 27, 2023
The buried skeleton
How would you feel if you found a buried skeleton in your basement?
Crazy cats, crazy family, this story is just a little too unbelievable. Worst story in the series I've read, I only read the free ones. Glad a didn't pay for this story.
How would you feel if you found a buried skeleton in your basement?
Crazy cats, crazy family, this story is just a little too unbelievable. Worst story in the series I've read, I only read the free ones. Glad a didn't pay for this story.
May 26, 2024
yet another cat story
I wasn’t as impressed with this book as in some of the other ones, there didn’t seem to be as much drama in this book. I’m still impressed with how the cats get along with each other and the family gets along with each other plus with the cats.
I wasn’t as impressed with this book as in some of the other ones, there didn’t seem to be as much drama in this book. I’m still impressed with how the cats get along with each other and the family gets along with each other plus with the cats.
September 15, 2025
Lots of action, laughter, twists and turns.
Max and all his friends/family have once again created so much fun plus kept me guessing regarding “who did it” … right up to the very end.
Max and all his friends/family have once again created so much fun plus kept me guessing regarding “who did it” … right up to the very end.
December 8, 2019
Fun and entertaining.
December 20, 2019
These books are entertaining with mysteries, murder and parts make you laugh. Very good books.
April 8, 2020
I love these biiks
A mix of feline and human detectives with enough crazy antics to keep it from being him drum. Great read
A mix of feline and human detectives with enough crazy antics to keep it from being him drum. Great read
July 22, 2020
Skeleton in the wall along with 400 mice and gran wants to build a nuclear bunker. Max needs a diet. Another quick read.
March 7, 2021
Perfectly Hidden
Do you like soap opera's this is a great cat soap opera. You have your mystery, drama, and your laughs.
Do you like soap opera's this is a great cat soap opera. You have your mystery, drama, and your laughs.
July 2, 2021
Loved it!! Loving this series with it's wonderful cast of characters!! Enjoyable quick read binge worthy cozy mystery series!!
May 6, 2022
Here they Go Again
Max is so funny! Those four cats are always up to something! Who solved it this time? Read and find out!
Max is so funny! Those four cats are always up to something! Who solved it this time? Read and find out!
June 29, 2022
Loving it, can't wait for more
I liked this one although it was a little in the shorter side, it still made me laugh at the cats!
I liked this one although it was a little in the shorter side, it still made me laugh at the cats!
August 1, 2022
It's two stories in one, and both are good.
November 15, 2022
Another cute story from Max and the gang. This one is solving a cold case, a murder 55 years ago. And dealing with mice. If you have a phobia about mice, skip this one.
July 27, 2023
Great series.
I love all this series so
far. Can't wait to read the next. Love the kitty personalities. Will have you laughing.
I love all this series so
far. Can't wait to read the next. Love the kitty personalities. Will have you laughing.
May 9, 2024
Another great addition to the series.
The characters are fantastic and quirky. The plot is twisty and interesting. The world building is good. The humor is wonderful.
The characters are fantastic and quirky. The plot is twisty and interesting. The world building is good. The humor is wonderful.
March 31, 2025
I enjoyed this one because it was a cold case. Very clever and a bit different from the others. It was a great little story.
December 28, 2025
I love this series and this one had me laughing all the way to the end. There is a skeleton in Marge's basement that was old and all the cats found it. There is also a mouse issue and Odelia immediately starts figuring out whoever put the skeleton in her mother's basement with the cats focused on what to do catching mice. The cats also interrogate an old macaw, whether cats do or do not need to brush their teeth.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews