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Mystic Notch #7

Wrong Side of the Claw

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Bookstore owner Willa Chance has no idea that things in Mystic Notch are about to take a turn for the worse

When a string of robberies escalates to murder, Willa is baffled by the behavior of her sister, the county sheriff. Normally the gung-ho law woman would be all over the case, but she seems more interested in doing her nails and picking out jazz music instead.

Willa has no choice but to take it upon herself to investigate. After all her sister’s reputation is at stake and a killer is running loose around town. Plus she has a secret weapon - she can see ghosts. Talking to the spirit of a murder victim usually helps in solving the case, except not this time. This ghost seems reluctant to help Willa out. Even her boyfriend, neighboring county sheriff Eddie Striker, can’t get the spirit of the victim to give them a straight answer.

But things are even worse than they seem. Pandora and the cats of Mystic Notch know the real reason behind the crime goes a lot deeper than robbery or even murder. Someone has evil plans for Mystic Notch and the cats need Willa’s help to stop them.

With Gus out of commission and the cats struggling to stop the town’s most notorious feline from gaining the upper hand, the future of Mystic Notch is in jeopardy. It's going to take a lot of magic to set things right - are Willa and Pandora up for the task?

236 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 13, 2019

1209 people are currently reading
506 people want to read

About the author

Leighann Dobbs

134 books1,860 followers
USA Today bestselling author, Leighann Dobbs, discovered her passion for writing after a twenty year career as a software engineer. She lives in New Hampshire with her husband Bruce, their trusty Chihuahua mix Mojo and beautiful rescue cat, Kitty.

Her book "Dead Wrong" won the "Best Mystery Romance" award at the 2014 Indie Romance Convention.

Her book "Ghostly Paws" was the 2015 Chanticleer Mystery & Mayhem First Place category winner in the Animal Mystery category.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 109 reviews
Profile Image for Mara.
1,452 reviews108 followers
June 7, 2019
Strange things are going on in the quaint New England town. Several shops have been broken into, but nothing is taken, then someone is murdered. More troubling to Willa Chance owner of Last Chance book store, is her sister, Gus (short for Augusta), the town's sheriff, isn't acting like herself. Gus is usually on top of anything going on in town, and doesn't take kindly to Willa butting into her investigations, but lately Gus doesn't seem to mind and is even being nice to Pandora. On top of that, the ghost of the murder victim doesn't seem the least bit interested in finding out who killed him. That's a first for Willa, as they usually bother her until their murder is solved.

Willa takes it upon herself to solve the mysterious break-ins and the murder. Are they related, or are they separate crimes that have nothing to do with each other? Of course handsome Eddie Striker, sheriff the next town over and Willa's boyfriend, is there to lend a hand, and Pandora and the rest of the Mystic Notch cats are there to help and protect the humans and Mystic Notch.

I think this is my favorite Mystic Notch because Willa is finally starting to believe the stories about magic in Mystic Notch, her psychic bond (for lack of a better phrase) with Pandora is getting better, and she's used the glass paperweight for clues. I was as confused as Willa because the clues weren't adding up--that happens when people lie or only tell part of of the truth. One of my favorite parts is the cats meeting in Elspeth's barn and they're trying to remember someone's dog's name--Scuzzball, Scuse-its, Squeakems. Lol, it's Skeezits which is a funny name for a dog. Of course it all works out in the end, because there's still more in store in the mystical town of Mystic Notch.

Content--this is a cozy mystery so there's no violence other than the mild description of the murder (he was shot), and I think one mild swear word towards the end.

I volunteered to read an ARC for the author to check for typos, but have pre-ordered my own copy from Amazon.
Profile Image for Anna's Herding Cats.
1,274 reviews317 followers
June 16, 2019
Well. You know BabyG approves of the stunning grey feline on the cover. lol

The Gist: A series of harmless break-ins at downtown shops has suddenly turned to murder! With Willa's sister acting strange and lackadaisical over the investigation Willa's taking it on herself to do a little poking into the murder and try to figure out what's up with her usually by the book cop sister.

I do enjoy Willa. She's a good head on her shoulders and doesn't give up. But she's got an easy gentle way of going about things. Plus she owns a bookstore. So that's automatic bonus points.

There's just a tiny bit of ongoing romance with the sheriff from the next town over. I do wish there was more of him included.

The mystery was nicely done. Lot of options and clues. It wasn't impossible to figure out but did keep me going for a while.

Wrong Side of the Claw made for a fun evening read. Murders, ghosts, a determined bookstore owner, a whole herd of kitties intent on helping their humans. A nice time, indeed.
Profile Image for Linda.
779 reviews15 followers
June 9, 2019
Mystic Notch has been experiencing a series of unusual break-ins...unusual because so far nothing seems to have been taken. But the town is definitely edgy because of this, and that includes Willa of the Last Chance Books and her cat, Pandora. But when one of the shop owners is murdered, everyone wonders whether there is a connection with the break-ins. However, Willa's sister, Gus, town sheriff, doesn't appear to be taking this seriously which is definitely out of character. She doesn't even seem to mind that Willa is asking questions, something that normally sends her through the roof, with jail threats to Willa. So apparently it is up to Willa (with the unknown help of Pandora and her own gang of town cats) to solve this mystery. This is always a fun mystery series and interesting characters. The stars of this series are definitely the anthropomorphic cats, who are imbued with not only intelligence but a sense of duty and loyalty to the town. Their concern about the break-ins is is there is a more magical reason...searching for ingredients to destroy the protective pleasantry charm. And of course, keeping track of the nefarious deeds of Felicity and her despicable pet cat, Fluff. In addition to the cats, I enjoy the interaction between Willa and Stryker, and their own interactions with the ghosts of the recently deceased. I am looking forward to more adventures with this group. Disclosure: I am voluntarily reviewing this book and all opinions are strictly my own.
Profile Image for Nadine.
1,904 reviews2 followers
June 7, 2019
Dobbs did it again.

Yet again, she delivers a wonderful cozy full of fun and surprises. And full of cat wisdom, of course! I adore Pandora! This book made me feel all warm and fuzzy.

I just love Mystic Notch. Love the quirkiness of the people. Love Willa. But Pandora is the undisputed star.

These recent break-ins are worrisome. And why is Gus acting so strange? So out-of-character? Acting all friendly and laid-back? What is going on? When Gus won’t investigate, Willa sees no other option than to fill in for her sister. She isn’t quite ready to believe in more than ghosts. But she’s getting there, slowly but surely!

Pandora has to save the day. Because the humans have no idea of the danger they are up against.
1,694 reviews35 followers
June 6, 2019
Something weird is going on in Mystic Notch. There's been a series of break-ins, and now a murder. Gus, the town sheriff, and sister of Wilhelmina Chance, former crime journalist and current owner of the local book store. Doesn't seem to care as long as she gets in her time at the pub playing and singing her jazz.

Willa takes it upon herself to investigate, not only to catch the perpetrator but also to save her sister's career. She has some help she doesn't know about from the towns cat population.

Another fun story with well-developed characters, some humor, and a few well-placed miss directed clues to keep you guessing.
114 reviews
June 25, 2019
Love this series

Being a cat person, the idea of communicating with them as well as having them help solve crimes is right up my centre alley. The ghosts add a more paranormal aspect to the tales ... Or is it tails?? Heehee. Keep them coming!
27 reviews
July 4, 2019
yet another great book in her Mystic Notch series. I can't wait for book # 8.
Profile Image for Kathleen.
1,209 reviews60 followers
July 29, 2019
“Wrong Side of the Claw” earns 5/5 Ghostly Conundrums...Exciting Entertainment!

Stupendous Seven! My first introduction to Leighann Dobbs was with her delightful twelve-book Lexy Baker Cozy (don’t miss it), so how did I miss her Mystic Notch series? It’s clever, humorous, and with just the right amount of magic! Willa and the other business owners of Mystic Notch have been on edge because a rash of break-ins. The so-called thieves haven’t really taken anything and suspiciously her sister/sheriff Gus isn’t really dedicated to the investigation devoid of her “by the book” attitude. Pandora knows something sinister is afoot in Mystic Notch worried that once again Fluff and his human Felicity may be looking for the hidden ingredients to break the “pleasantry” charm cast on the town three centuries ago. But when things escalate to murder, and Gus seems in no hurry to find answers, Willa is compelled to get involved. Well, she has to, the victim’s ghost just showed up, confused about details and having difficulty focusing. Talking to ghosts can still be quite the challenge.

Meow-velous! I enjoyed the first-person narrative from Willa’s perspective, but it’s Pandora that fascinated me the most. We know Willa is unaware of all that happens in the town, although strange things occur that make her suspicious. I hadn’t read the previous six books, so it took a bit to sort out background, character connections, and the mystique behind Mystic Notch, but once I did I was totally engaged in the story. Leighann’s well-written style includes a clever mystery, unique mystic components, vivid descriptions, and wonderful, well-developed characters. The cats, all breeds, ages, and temperaments, were delightful characters. Leighann did a wonderful job of describing each one in its uniqueness and creating dialogue to best fit each personality making them as human as the...humans. Absolute fun!

Disclosure: I received an ARC. My review is voluntary with honest insights and comments.
323 reviews3 followers
June 13, 2019
There have been break-ins at the shops in Mystic Notch. However, nothing has been taken. Now Jack McDougall, owner of the sports card store, has been killed with his own gun. Willa Chance, a former journalist, has returned to Mystic Notch when her grandmother died and left her Last Chance Books. Willa's daily visitors Bing Thorndike, a retired magician; Josiah Barrows, the retired postmaster and octogenarian twins Hattie and Cordelia Deering have their own opinions of what is happening in town. However, Willa feels someone is looking for the ingredients to reverse the Pleasantry Charm that was cast nearly 300 years ago by an accused witch, Hester Warren. Her main suspects are Felicity Bates and her large white Persian male cat who wears a pink leash, Fluff, and Sarah Delaney, owner of the antique shop. Augusta (Gus), Willa's sister, the local sheriff, appears to have been "hexed" by someone. Her attitude is not her normal self. All she wants to do is play and sing jazz at the Blue Moon. Willa has enlisted the assistance of her boyfriend, Eddie Striker, the sheriff in the neighboring county of Dixford Pass. Unknown to Willa is the help she is receiving from her cat Pandora and the band of local cats that meet in Elspeth's barn -- Inkspot, the leader, Otis, Kelly, Tigger, Truffles, Snowball, Sasha, Elvira and Hope. Willa's friend, Pepper St. Onge, brings her magical tea and scones to the bookstore every day in an effort to talk over aspects of the case.
Other suspects are Duane and Anne Crosby, owners of the ice cream store. Anne had been having an affair with Jack. Willa also suspects Mrs. Quimby, the owner of A Good Yarn.
Can Willa get Gus to drink the "tea" Elspeth has mixed for her to reverse the hex and save Mystic Notch in time?
Another great book by Leighann Dobbs. A must read for those who enjoy cozy mysteries, especially those with cats.
1,964 reviews
October 4, 2021
I really enjoy this series! Leighann Dobbs writes unique murders and plots. I sat down to read this and didn't move until I was done!


Amazon synopsis:
Bookstore owner Willa Chance has no idea that things in Mystic Notch are about to take a turn for the worse.



When a string of robberies escalates to murder, Willa is baffled by the behavior of her sister, the county sheriff. Normally the gung-ho law woman would be all over the case, but she seems more interested in doing her nails and picking out jazz music instead.



Willa has no choice but to take it upon herself to investigate. After all, her sister’s reputation is at stake, and a killer is running loose around town. Plus she has a secret weapon—she can see ghosts. Talking to the spirit of a murder victim usually helps solve the case, but not this time. This ghost seems reluctant to help Willa out. Even her boyfriend, neighboring county sheriff Eddie Striker, can’t get the spirit of the victim to give them a straight answer.

But things are even worse than they seem. Pandora and the cats of Mystic Notch know the real reason behind the crime goes a lot deeper than robbery or even murder. Someone has evil plans for Mystic Notch, and the cats need Willa’s help to stop them.



With Gus out of commission and the cats struggling to stop the town’s most notorious feline from gaining the upper hand, the future of Mystic Notch is in jeopardy. It’s going to take a lot of magic to set things right—are Willa and Pandora up for the task?
Profile Image for Karen-Leigh.
2,994 reviews23 followers
September 28, 2024
Bookstore owner Willa Chance has no idea that things in Mystic Notch are about to take a turn for the worse

When a string of robberies escalates to murder, Willa is baffled by the behavior of her sister, the county sheriff. Normally the gung-ho law woman would be all over the case, but she seems more interested in doing her nails and picking out jazz music instead.

Willa has no choice but to take it upon herself to investigate. After all her sister’s reputation is at stake and a killer is running loose around town. Plus she has a secret weapon - she can see ghosts. Talking to the spirit of a murder victim usually helps in solving the case, except not this time. This ghost seems reluctant to help Willa out. Even her boyfriend, neighboring county sheriff Eddie Striker, can’t get the spirit of the victim to give them a straight answer.

But things are even worse than they seem. Pandora and the cats of Mystic Notch know the real reason behind the crime goes a lot deeper than robbery or even murder. Someone has evil plans for Mystic Notch and the cats need Willa’s help to stop them.

With Gus out of commission and the cats struggling to stop the town’s most notorious feline from gaining the upper hand, the future of Mystic Notch is in jeopardy. It's going to take a lot of magic to set things right - are Willa and Pandora up for the task?
Profile Image for moxieBK.
1,763 reviews4 followers
December 13, 2019
Wrong Side of the Claw (Mystic Notch Cozy Mystery Series Book 7)[Kindle Unlimited] — Leighann Dobbs (29 chapters) Dec. 12, 2019

Book 7 in this “cats talking to each other, trying to save the humans” cozy mystery. I like this series. The worse part is waiting for the next book to come in. Leighann Dobbs is a prolific writer. She has several balls in the air, as it were, juggling several series at once. I’m not sure how she does it, but this series is like most of there others: the world and the plot are deeply thought out, the main characters are all present, and believable, and the story is cute.

Gus is not acting like herself and Willa races to find out why after a murder that is nothing but humdrum for her sister. All Gus wants to do is hang out at the Blue Moon playing jazz piano. The victim isn’t wanting to talk to Willa either, causing an uneasy situation for Willa.

This is a lively story that reads fast. If you love talking cats (only to each other,) and cozy paranormal, then you need to read this series. I highly recommend starting at the beginning and proceeding. Each story may not build upon itself, and they seem self contain, but there are subplots that can only be understood when read in order.

Four stars.
Profile Image for Kat Lebo.
855 reviews15 followers
June 22, 2019
Wrong Side of the Claw (Mystic Notch #7)
by Leighann Dobbs

This was a fun read. Not very exciting, but fun. Little danger, really, little "action." More like short, calm, investigative fails. I guess I think that by Book #7, the main character, who supposedly has paranormal talents she is unaware of, besides the one she is aware of, would have figured out the crystal ball and that she could communicate with her cat. But no. We're stuck with second-guessing (usually incorrectly), a surly sister who just happens to be sheriff, a boyfriend, also a sheriff, who didn't do much this book except provide supper, and a book that had no real purpose and didn't move what seems to be the overwhelming issue of the series forward. I also found a couple of grammar/proofing errors.

So, reasonable murder mystery -- nothing paranormal there -- but as far as a paranormal story goes, not much added to this episode. However, I do like the characters and think that series-dependent issue could be more interesting. I struggled to give the book stars, but then couldn't bring myself to cut the rating to 3 stars.
Profile Image for Krystyna.
5,134 reviews53 followers
June 13, 2019
Gus is under the weather

A good read but not as good as the others. Seemed a bit haphazard in places and really left the other question unanswered - how far have they got in gathering up the ingredients? A plot of break-ins, infidelity, murder and hexes. The cats too seemed to have been a bit left out of the action. I know that they had quite a bit of the storyline but nothing concrete.
A spate of break-ins, where nothing is taken, has the town on edge. But when a murder takes place, things really heat up. The only problem is is that Gus seems unconcerned about the whole thing and her investigation leaves a lot to be desired. The cats too are unsettled. Is someone searching for the ingredients that the town is after? Did they managed to piece together the page that held the spell and had been scattered to the four winds? Infidelity, stolen money, a ghost who is unhelpful, a hex and a stubborn sister. Can she help in solving the clues and getting the killer? Are the two crimes connected?
147 reviews1 follower
June 13, 2019
This is a Mystic Notch story about Willa, and Gus and Willa's boyfriend Ed Striker. It involves a murder and some break-ins. Willa investigates because her sister Gus, the Sheriff, is not up to par. She is acting very laid back and not getting into the investigation like normal. Willa doesn't understand what is wrong with Gus.
She enlists the help of her boyfriend, Ed Striker. She wants a sounding board and someone who knows what they are doing to help her. They start looking into all of the persons of interest in the town. Just when they think they know who murdered Justin they are surprised by the murderer.
Mystic Notch is a magical town with witches and magic. Willa's cat and a member of the cat squad who also investigate and communicate with some of the humans in town.
As usual Leighann has written a great story you will not want to put down. I recommend this story to all mystery fans.
Profile Image for Mari Schroer.
33 reviews
June 13, 2019
All is not what it seems in Mystic Notch. In this normally peaceful town there has been a series of break ins and now a shop keeper has been murdered. Gus, the usually by the book sheriff is taking a more laid back approach to this investigation. Willa the local bookstore owner and Gus's sister is concerned and is stepping up to help solve the crime and maybe save Gus's job. Willa’s is aided in her investigation by her boyfriend, Striker who is also a sheriff in the next county over. Having recently discovered they both can see ghosts, they track down the ghost of the murdered man. He is less than helpful, and does not seem to care if they discover who killed him. They are helped along the way by a glaring of cats whose job it is to protect the town and Elspeth, an elderly neighbor. This is a great addition to the Mystic Notch series and a good read.
Profile Image for Miss W Book Reviews.
1,759 reviews148 followers
June 9, 2019
Wrong Side of the Claw is Book 7 in the AMAZING Mystic Notch Cozy Series.

This cozy is fun, well written with the characters that I have come to adore, and of course the cats!
Pandora is the star of the show, if you ask me.

There are some break-ins going on in Mystic Notch and Gus has no interest in investigating. She is acting quite strange considering she is usually so straight laced. Willa takes it into her own hands to investigate. This of course means that Pandora and is group of kitties are on the case. The fate of Mystic Notch and all of its humans rest in their hands.

Another fantastic book from this author. From the well crafted story to the characters and mystery, this is one that you do not want to miss.
Profile Image for Darla Taylor.
1,833 reviews
June 24, 2019
A string of break-ins that escalate into a murder has Willa wondering about her sister Gus's behavior. As county sheriff, Gus is normally gung-ho about investigating and telling Willa to stay out of the investigation but she's now more into her piano playing at a local bar. Willa brings her boyfriend, Striker who's county sheriff for a neighboring county, into the investigation as they try to determine what's up with Gus and what's going on in the town of Mystic Notch. Unbeknownst to Willa, her cat, Pandora, is also in on the investigation along with the other magical cats in town. Willa is now opening up to magic as she discovers more things that open her eyes.

I truly enjoyed the latest Mystic Notch novel. It's well-written, drawing you into the story and keeping you hooked. Only a late night and need for sleep kept me from reading this in one sitting. :) If you love cats, mystery, and magic, I highly recommend this book although you should read the series in order.
Profile Image for Cheryl.
1,117 reviews
December 13, 2019
New Gus

Someone is going around Mystic Notch and breaking into stores. The hunt is on for the culprit who seems to be looking for the list of items which keeps the residents of Mystic Notch pleasant. Now Gus is pleasant but not usually and as a result her sister Willa is concerned because instead of just break-in’s a murder has been committed. The hunt is on and the cats are at it again to help!
Follow Willa and Pandora along on their way as they try to solve the murder but help you know comes in the form of the cats! An excellent well written story with the ghosts and cats being involved in the latest mystery! I highly recommend the book and the series!
Profile Image for Vickie.
462 reviews1 follower
June 27, 2019
Would you like to visit Mystic Notch

Mystic Notch is a quaint little town in the white mounts of New Hampshire. However not so small that there isn't any murders. The residents are quirky, strange, and some a little scary. Willa, her sister Gus ,the local sheriff. And Willa's boyfriend sheriff from the next county over, Eddie Striker. Always get the bad guys. With the help of Pandora ,Willa's cat and the local 🐱cat clowder. This is a great series. I've read every one and look forward to more. Happy reading 📚📚📚
Profile Image for Sandy Digger.
537 reviews3 followers
November 24, 2019
Wrong side of the claw

For mystery readers who like cats this would be an ideal book. The story is quite good. It centers around Willa a book store owner who also has a cat who is as smart as her owner. The cats of Mystic Notch function as protectors for the town and have their own little side story going on. In this book the stores are being broken into but nothing is taken. Then during one of the breaking, a shop owner is murdered. There are so many suspects it’s hard to separate the innocent from the guilty. Well worth reading.
Profile Image for Ruth McDaniel.
249 reviews3 followers
September 23, 2022
Another great story

Once again, Ms Dobbs gives us another great story in the Mystic Notch series.
I enjoyed the setting and as always, the story of the cats coming together to help save the day.
I did feel that part of the mystery was left open (not solved) but I'm going to guess that that'll be addressed in the next story. I can't say too much as it'll give some important info abt the story away.
However. Suffice to say, I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading the next (but hopefully not last!)
Profile Image for LouAnne Stachowski.
8 reviews
June 19, 2019
I love Leighann Dobb's books, and I am a big fan of this series. Engaging characters who get help from friendly ghosts to solve mysteries - check. Awesome and smart feline protectors providing assistance - check. Great story that makes you sorry when the last page is read - check. If you've been following this series, this is s must read. If you haven't read any of the Mystic Notch cozies, I highly suggest starting with book 1. You won't be sorry.
2 reviews
June 28, 2019
Can't wait for the next.

I was hooked on this series from the first book. I love the cats of Mystic Notch and their little society working through their humans to save the town from evil. The combination of mystery with paranormal is great. Then finally I really enjoy a clean story. All that gets five stars. No matter how good a story is if it's dirty and relies on smut to sell I won't give it high honors.
Profile Image for Sharon.
294 reviews
February 24, 2020
Break-ins & murder

Willa becomes concerned when a series of break-ins begin to occur in the area of bookstore, especially since nothing is taken. What is the purpose? But that all changes when store owner Jack is found murdered. Is it all related? Or are they separate mysteries? I enjoy this series but am wondering how long before Willa realizes her magical powers to the fullest. Hopefully soon.
233 reviews1 follower
October 17, 2021
Murphy's Law at work in Mystic Notch!

Love the books, but getting frustrated with Willa's obtuseness; when will she finally acknowledge the Magic surrounding her, and pay attention to Pandora! Enough with her stubborn attitude, already! Pandora should swat her a few times to wake her up. And why hasn't Striker clued Willa in to Pandora's special abilities? Argh! I am totally flustered!
185 reviews1 follower
October 27, 2021
Spilling the Tea

Poor Willa: she thinks that she’s Jessica Fletcher, but she’s not even Nancy Drew. Luckily, her magical cat, Pandora, does all of the heavy lifting. There’s been a string of robberies in town, followed by a murder. To make things worse, her sister, Gus, the town sheriff, is acting odd. Can Willa solve the mystery, as well as help her sister? Buy the book and find out! Highly recommend.
1 review
June 11, 2019
Such a fun read. Willa is fillng in for her sister, the sheriff, who just doesn't seem to be herself.

Pandora her cat is helpful in more ways then one and though Striker her boyfriend is a big bad law man Willa doesn't wait for him to save the day.

This book will keep you guessing all the way to the end.
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