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Cat Cafe Mystery #5
Claws for Alarm
In Claws for Alarm, the fifth book in Cate Conte's delightful and cat-filled series, it’s the heart of the busy season, and JJ’s House of Purrs is booming—until a killer is let off the leash.
Maddie James has finally given in to her friend Katrina’s pleas to open up her cat cafe to more than ten felines: they’re now up to fifteen purring friends. In fact, JJ’s House of Purrs is making such a splash that she’s getting national attention. The Shoreline Animal Rescue League is quite interested in the cafe, and so Maddie accepts a request to meet with Jillian Allen, the executive director. Jillian shows up at the cafe and asks Maddie if they can partner on a fundraiser to support the local rescue efforts—and she offers up her celebrity endorser and her celebrity cat to sweeten the deal. Maddie, caught up in the prospect, offers up her sister Val to help plan the event.
But when Val shows up for a site visit at the venue, she finds Jillian strangled with a fancy cat leash—a piece of swag they were intending to use for the fundraiser—leaving Maddie with a lot of questions to answer. Was her death a tragic one-off event, or is there something more sinister going on? Maddie has to figure it out fast, before anyone else in the rescue community is jeopardized.
Maddie James has finally given in to her friend Katrina’s pleas to open up her cat cafe to more than ten felines: they’re now up to fifteen purring friends. In fact, JJ’s House of Purrs is making such a splash that she’s getting national attention. The Shoreline Animal Rescue League is quite interested in the cafe, and so Maddie accepts a request to meet with Jillian Allen, the executive director. Jillian shows up at the cafe and asks Maddie if they can partner on a fundraiser to support the local rescue efforts—and she offers up her celebrity endorser and her celebrity cat to sweeten the deal. Maddie, caught up in the prospect, offers up her sister Val to help plan the event.
But when Val shows up for a site visit at the venue, she finds Jillian strangled with a fancy cat leash—a piece of swag they were intending to use for the fundraiser—leaving Maddie with a lot of questions to answer. Was her death a tragic one-off event, or is there something more sinister going on? Maddie has to figure it out fast, before anyone else in the rescue community is jeopardized.
304 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published August 3, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
August 17, 2021
As Maddie James and her family and friends get ready for their first full tourist season with JJ’s House of Purrs open, they are expecting more tourists to stop in because of the publicity that the cat café has been getting. In fact, Jillian Allen is one such tourists who insists on coming almost as soon as she gets to Daybreak Island. When Jillian offers to run a fundraiser, Maddie is thrilled. But a couple of days later, Maddie finds Jillian strangled with the cat leashes that were going to be a party favor at the fundraiser. Who would kill a visitor to the island? Or did Jillian have more local connections than Maddie knew about?
Jillian is a force, and the scenes she is in are very memorable. Once she dies, the mystery is good, although it seems like we get quite a few revelations at the end of the book. Everything makes sense, but it did make the ending feel rushed. As much as Jillian stands out, the rest of the cast are wonderful. Some of the suspects I hope pop back up again in the future, and the regulars are charming. I did find a handful of errors where a character finished their coffee twice in the same scene, or something like that. It was annoying but not too bad. I was more bothered by Maddie’s actions in one scene late in the book. She should not have done what she did. I’ve always loved Daybreak Island, and that didn’t change in this book. It’s a wonderful setting I’d love to visit in real life – between murders, of course. If you are looking to get away cheaply, this is the book to pick up.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
Jillian is a force, and the scenes she is in are very memorable. Once she dies, the mystery is good, although it seems like we get quite a few revelations at the end of the book. Everything makes sense, but it did make the ending feel rushed. As much as Jillian stands out, the rest of the cast are wonderful. Some of the suspects I hope pop back up again in the future, and the regulars are charming. I did find a handful of errors where a character finished their coffee twice in the same scene, or something like that. It was annoying but not too bad. I was more bothered by Maddie’s actions in one scene late in the book. She should not have done what she did. I’ve always loved Daybreak Island, and that didn’t change in this book. It’s a wonderful setting I’d love to visit in real life – between murders, of course. If you are looking to get away cheaply, this is the book to pick up.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
January 7, 2023
A riveting read! I didn’t want to put the book down! I loved that many of the regular main characters were involved in this story! The plot kept me guessing as to who the murderer was, and as I neared the end and the murderer was revealed, I realized I’d briefly suspected this person then forgot about them because of the red herrings used! Well-written! Maybe the best in the series, so far. I highly recommend this cozy series—especially if you’re a cat lover.
July 8, 2021
Claws for Alarm is a fun addition to the series. Opening a cat cafe keeps Maddie and her grandfather on their toes, but it’s also expensive. When Maddie is offered the opportunity for a fabulous fundraiser, she finds no reason to resist.
Naturally, things don’t go as planned and a murder occurs, and Maddie can’t resist getting involved with the investigation.
This is a fun, light hearted book that is guaranteed to put a smile on the reader’s face.
I am looking forward to reading more in this series.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of the book.
#NetGalley #ClawsforAlarm
Naturally, things don’t go as planned and a murder occurs, and Maddie can’t resist getting involved with the investigation.
This is a fun, light hearted book that is guaranteed to put a smile on the reader’s face.
I am looking forward to reading more in this series.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of the book.
#NetGalley #ClawsforAlarm
December 28, 2023
Maddie James heeft eindelijk toegegeven aan de smeekbeden van haar vriendin Katrina om haar kattencafé open te stellen voor meer dan tien katten. De uitbreiding levert de nodige aandacht op. Zo wordt Maddie benaderd door Jillian Allen, de directeur van de lokale dierenbescherming. Zij wil graag samen met Maddie een inzamelingsactie organiseren ten behoeve van lokale reddingsacties. Maddie schakelt haar zus Val in om het evenement te plannen.
Maar wanneer Val aankomt op de locatie van het evenement, vindt ze Jillian die is gewurgd met een kattenhalsband. Maddie en Val blijven achter met een hoop vragen. Was Jillians dood een tragisch ongeluk of is er iets sinisters aan de hand? Maddie moet er snel achter zien te komen voordat iemand anders in de gemeenschap in gevaar komt.
'Een kat in het nauw' is het vijfde deel van de serie met Maddie James in de hoofdrol en deze keer draait het om het inzamelen van geld voor lokale reddingsacties.
Maddie komt in contact met verschillende bekendheden en haar kattencafé komt goed in de spotlights te staan. Alles lijkt heel soepel te verlopen en Maddie heeft geregeld dat haar zus Val het evenement gaat plannen.
Het duurt even voordat Val het lichaam van Jillian vindt. De spanning wordt dus langzaam opgebouwd, maar vanaf het moment dat de dode vrouw wordt gevonden, neemt de spanning toe. Wie zit er achter deze moord? En wat zijn de motieven van diegene? Natuurlijk kom je er uiteindelijk achter hoe Jillian om het leven is gekomen.
Dit vijfde deel is zeker weer leuk voor mensen die van cosy crimes houden. Ikzelf vond dit deel ietsje minder boeiend dan de voorgaande delen, maar het volgende verhaal staat zeker weer automatisch op mijn lijst om te gaan lezen!
Oja, ik heb een aantal keren de vraag gekregen in hoeverre de katten een rol spelen in deze serie: dat valt dus reuze mee. Je leest wel natuurlijk over het kattencafé en JJ, de kat van Maddie, maar het draait echt niet alleen maar om dit onderwerp. Er gebeuren in elk deel namelijk spannende dingen, maar toch met een 'cosy sfeertje'.
Beoordeling: 3,5 ⭐️
Maar wanneer Val aankomt op de locatie van het evenement, vindt ze Jillian die is gewurgd met een kattenhalsband. Maddie en Val blijven achter met een hoop vragen. Was Jillians dood een tragisch ongeluk of is er iets sinisters aan de hand? Maddie moet er snel achter zien te komen voordat iemand anders in de gemeenschap in gevaar komt.
'Een kat in het nauw' is het vijfde deel van de serie met Maddie James in de hoofdrol en deze keer draait het om het inzamelen van geld voor lokale reddingsacties.
Maddie komt in contact met verschillende bekendheden en haar kattencafé komt goed in de spotlights te staan. Alles lijkt heel soepel te verlopen en Maddie heeft geregeld dat haar zus Val het evenement gaat plannen.
Het duurt even voordat Val het lichaam van Jillian vindt. De spanning wordt dus langzaam opgebouwd, maar vanaf het moment dat de dode vrouw wordt gevonden, neemt de spanning toe. Wie zit er achter deze moord? En wat zijn de motieven van diegene? Natuurlijk kom je er uiteindelijk achter hoe Jillian om het leven is gekomen.
Dit vijfde deel is zeker weer leuk voor mensen die van cosy crimes houden. Ikzelf vond dit deel ietsje minder boeiend dan de voorgaande delen, maar het volgende verhaal staat zeker weer automatisch op mijn lijst om te gaan lezen!
Oja, ik heb een aantal keren de vraag gekregen in hoeverre de katten een rol spelen in deze serie: dat valt dus reuze mee. Je leest wel natuurlijk over het kattencafé en JJ, de kat van Maddie, maar het draait echt niet alleen maar om dit onderwerp. Er gebeuren in elk deel namelijk spannende dingen, maar toch met een 'cosy sfeertje'.
Beoordeling: 3,5 ⭐️
August 1, 2021
Claws for Alarm is the fifth book in the Cat Cafe Mystery series and while not a cat person, I find that I really enjoy the series. The characters are well-written and diverse. There is someone for all readers to relate to and enjoy. Maddie has settled into her new life and I think readers can see that as the series has progressed. I would love to see someone introduced in terms of a relationship with Maddie's grandfather. I like that Maddie is stubborn and at times a bit impetuous, but I love her passion for protecting rescues and getting them adopted.
The book has a good pace and it kept me turning pages. There are a number of outsiders introduced in this book that impact the identity of the killer and the list of suspects. The author does a great job of crafting some red herrings to distract the reader and in the case of this reader, it worked. I did not guess the killer's identity and this person was nowhere on my radar. I love when an author surprises me when the killer is revealed.
This is a fun, cat-themed cozy mystery that takes the reader on an entertaining trip to Daybreak Island and JJ's House of Purrs. Fan of the series will certainly enjoy this installment.
I voluntarily read a digital advanced reader copy provided by the publisher, St. Martin's Press, through NetGalley. The thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
The book has a good pace and it kept me turning pages. There are a number of outsiders introduced in this book that impact the identity of the killer and the list of suspects. The author does a great job of crafting some red herrings to distract the reader and in the case of this reader, it worked. I did not guess the killer's identity and this person was nowhere on my radar. I love when an author surprises me when the killer is revealed.
This is a fun, cat-themed cozy mystery that takes the reader on an entertaining trip to Daybreak Island and JJ's House of Purrs. Fan of the series will certainly enjoy this installment.
I voluntarily read a digital advanced reader copy provided by the publisher, St. Martin's Press, through NetGalley. The thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
July 22, 2021
Another enjoyable visit to Daybreak Island and Jo's House of Purrs, the local cat cafe. When the opportunity arises for a fundraiser for the cafe with a major celebrity, Maddie is excited but overwhelmed. As the planning for event begins, a person from the celebrity's team is found murdered. The mystery is solid and the island regulars are a charismatic bunch. Over the course of the series, they have we have learned about their back stories and seen their growth and relationships. For all feline lovers especially, but a fun read for anyone looking for an entertaining mystery. Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
September 2, 2021
This book started out slow so slow I wondered if I wanted to read it but then it picked up in the middle. A real cat lover would enjoy this book.
July 8, 2021
Claws for Alarm is a fun addition to the series. Opening a cat cafe keeps Maddie and her grandfather on their toes, but it’s also expensive. When Maddie is offered the opportunity for a fabulous fundraiser, she finds no reason to resist.
Naturally, things don’t go as planned and a murder occurs, and Maddie can’t resist getting involved with the investigation.
This is a fun, light hearted book that is guaranteed to put a smile on the reader’s face.
I am looking forward to reading more in this series.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of the book.
#NetGalley #ClawsforAlarm
Naturally, things don’t go as planned and a murder occurs, and Maddie can’t resist getting involved with the investigation.
This is a fun, light hearted book that is guaranteed to put a smile on the reader’s face.
I am looking forward to reading more in this series.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of the book.
#NetGalley #ClawsforAlarm
July 24, 2021
Maddie came back to Daybreak Island after her grandmother died and now she and her grandfather, Leo, the former police chief, are running a feline rescue in the form of a cat cafe. Named JJ's after her rescue kitty, Junkyard Johnny, it's home to fifteen cats - up from her original limit of ten. When Leo's house wasn't keeping up with their growing business, Maddie, Leo and Ethan, the master baker of the cafe, expand into the garage to house the food angle and part of the house is home to Maddie, Leo, Ethan, Val and Lucas along with JJ and a dog named Oliver. The place is full to its rafters and it takes more than just loving cats to run the only rescue on the island. It takes volunteers and money. Maddie gets the chance for a fundraiser when she is approached by the Shoreline Animal rescue League, a group with a stellar reputation for bringing in the donations. Too bad this event has something extra - murder.
Maddie and Leo make a great team. Leo passed on his investigative skills to Maddie and together with some help from the rest of their household and some friends, the killer will be caught. From the first page to the last, my reading time spent on Daybreak Island, Massachusetts, was the perfect escape. The puzzle had me guessing wrong all the way and the ending caught me by surprise.
My thanks to the publisher St. Martin's Press and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
Maddie and Leo make a great team. Leo passed on his investigative skills to Maddie and together with some help from the rest of their household and some friends, the killer will be caught. From the first page to the last, my reading time spent on Daybreak Island, Massachusetts, was the perfect escape. The puzzle had me guessing wrong all the way and the ending caught me by surprise.
My thanks to the publisher St. Martin's Press and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
July 30, 2021
I felt that the book wasn't coming together - the mystery seemed secondary to the heroine's poor choices around the fundraiser. Then she outed someone who had she had promised she wouldn't tell anyone was gay to her friend Becky, the newspaper editor. And this is glossed over like it's nothing. It is not ok.
She also tells her newspaper editor friend about an undercover FBI agent who is in the midst of an investigation. Does no ones safety matter? It doesn't matter to me that it all worked out for the M/C in the end. She didn't care who was left in her wake, and I don't like the message sent by the casual outing.
She also tells her newspaper editor friend about an undercover FBI agent who is in the midst of an investigation. Does no ones safety matter? It doesn't matter to me that it all worked out for the M/C in the end. She didn't care who was left in her wake, and I don't like the message sent by the casual outing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 9, 2025
As expected a good cozy mystery!
August 26, 2021
Princess Fuzzypants here: JJ has things well under paw at JJ’s House of Purrs. There is a steady stream of visitors and adopters but when a high octane woman who runs a big rescue operation drops by, things are going to become a lot more exciting. Jillian offers Maddie a celebrity driven fundraiser that would allow the rescue to go to the next level. She is a bit blown over by Jillian but when she shows up with her “ace”, a movie star and her equally famous kitty, there is no going back.
But there are darker forces behind the scenes playing out. Maddie and sister Val arrive for a meeting with Jillian and find her body instead. She has been strangled by a cat leash. The easiest suspect turns out to be a volunteer at the shelter whose husband has had a rocky relationship with the deceased. But there are lots of other unlikeable characters in the wings hovering around the movie star and her movie star boyfriend.
Both of the stars seem like they really care about animals and seem like decent people but they have some deep secrets that could ruin their careers. Could there be a reason one of them might have killed Jillian.
After being attacked on the beach, the actor is no longer a suspect. But what about Peyton, the actress. Is it all a facade? Could she truly be evil? By the time Maddie, her grandfather and JJ have figured it all out, there will be quite a nasty stew of evil-doers and bad guys. It is complex enough to keep the reader guessing. But, as it should be, the true cat lovers will prevail. JJ would not have it any other way.
Five purrs and two paws up.
But there are darker forces behind the scenes playing out. Maddie and sister Val arrive for a meeting with Jillian and find her body instead. She has been strangled by a cat leash. The easiest suspect turns out to be a volunteer at the shelter whose husband has had a rocky relationship with the deceased. But there are lots of other unlikeable characters in the wings hovering around the movie star and her movie star boyfriend.
Both of the stars seem like they really care about animals and seem like decent people but they have some deep secrets that could ruin their careers. Could there be a reason one of them might have killed Jillian.
After being attacked on the beach, the actor is no longer a suspect. But what about Peyton, the actress. Is it all a facade? Could she truly be evil? By the time Maddie, her grandfather and JJ have figured it all out, there will be quite a nasty stew of evil-doers and bad guys. It is complex enough to keep the reader guessing. But, as it should be, the true cat lovers will prevail. JJ would not have it any other way.
Five purrs and two paws up.
October 28, 2023
The fifth novel in the “A Cat Café Mystery” series. A whirlwind of a person, Jillian, comes to JJ’s House of Purrs in the hopes of setting up an extravagant fundraiser for the local animals. In amongst the planning, Jillian is found dead and a murder investigation ensues.
The main protagonist, Maddie James, becomes more insufferable by the book. I get that she’s meant to be a bit nosy, but geez have a little tact and compassion for people. (Example: interrogating someone and then when they get annoyed by all your questions, blurting out that their in-law is dead and semi accusing them of doing it)
As a side note, the back cover of my version has the wrong name of the person who died (Laverne Gardner) I’m assuming they did a name change and just didn’t a find and replace that didn’t extend to the cover. Shows a lack of care.
SPOILERS: Also, I don’t know if all murder mysteries are this obvious, but I figured it was either Ester or Jo and (seeing as the business partner did it a few books ago) my money was on Ester.
The main protagonist, Maddie James, becomes more insufferable by the book. I get that she’s meant to be a bit nosy, but geez have a little tact and compassion for people. (Example: interrogating someone and then when they get annoyed by all your questions, blurting out that their in-law is dead and semi accusing them of doing it)
As a side note, the back cover of my version has the wrong name of the person who died (Laverne Gardner) I’m assuming they did a name change and just didn’t a find and replace that didn’t extend to the cover. Shows a lack of care.
SPOILERS: Also, I don’t know if all murder mysteries are this obvious, but I figured it was either Ester or Jo and (seeing as the business partner did it a few books ago) my money was on Ester.
July 13, 2021
An intricate plot with a satisfying ending. Whirlwind Jillian Allen comes to town and convinces Maddie to do a major fundraiser with her team from the Shoreline Animal Rescue League. Everything was proceeding at breakneck speedy until someone ended up dead.
There are a lot of things I liked about this story. It keeps you guessing through the whole book. First you get to know the cast and try to figure out who is going to meet an untimely death for the first third of the book then after the murder there are a number of viable suspects to sift through. There are characters to like and those to hope get what they deserve. This engaging story is the fifth in the Cat Cafe Mystery series. Thanks to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for an ARC. The opinions expressed are my own.
There are a lot of things I liked about this story. It keeps you guessing through the whole book. First you get to know the cast and try to figure out who is going to meet an untimely death for the first third of the book then after the murder there are a number of viable suspects to sift through. There are characters to like and those to hope get what they deserve. This engaging story is the fifth in the Cat Cafe Mystery series. Thanks to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for an ARC. The opinions expressed are my own.
August 25, 2021
This is the 5th in series and a delightful addition to this fun cozy mystery series. I enjoy returning to this series with each new release. Thank you to the publisher and to Net Galley for the opportunity. My review opinion is my own.,
In this next in series our intrepid protagnist Maddie is running in the red with her cat cafe proving to be to much of an expense for her. She has arranged a fund raiser that all of a sudden has National attention on her cafe. When a murder occurs Maddie is involved as the smart savvy investigator she is. Soon clues abound and red herrings present themselves and while trying to save her cat cafe will she solve this mystery? A fun story that kept me turning pages with delightful cats and great charcters. I look forward to the next in series.
In this next in series our intrepid protagnist Maddie is running in the red with her cat cafe proving to be to much of an expense for her. She has arranged a fund raiser that all of a sudden has National attention on her cafe. When a murder occurs Maddie is involved as the smart savvy investigator she is. Soon clues abound and red herrings present themselves and while trying to save her cat cafe will she solve this mystery? A fun story that kept me turning pages with delightful cats and great charcters. I look forward to the next in series.
December 24, 2022
Really about a 3.5-- good entry in the series, better twists than usual. I had skipped this one after #4 which I disliked because Maddie behaved so childishly. This was definitely an improvement. Solid entry in the series.
August 5, 2021
Another fantastic book in one of my favorite series.
October 9, 2021
Another good book in this series. This time there’s lots of famous people, cats of course and large animal rescue drama. I didn’t see the whodunit coming but that ended in a splash, which I enjoyed.
February 25, 2022
The first half of the book is all exposition. The murder doesn’t happen until after 15 chapters! I kept hoping it would get better. It didn’t.
August 25, 2023
Claws For Alarm
Cat Cafe mystery, Book #5
Cate Conte
5 Stars
Synopsis:
In Claws for Alarm, the fifth book in Cate Conte's delightful and cat-filled series, it’s the heart of the busy season, and JJ’s House of Purrs is booming—until a killer is let off the leash.
Maddie James has finally given in to her friend Katrina’s pleas to open up her cat cafe to more than ten felines: they’re now up to fifteen purring friends. In fact, JJ’s House of Purrs is making such a splash that she’s getting national attention. The Shoreline Animal Rescue League is quite interested in the cafe, and so Maddie accepts a request to meet with Jillian Allen, the executive director. Jillian shows up at the cafe and asks Maddie if they can partner on a fundraiser to support the local rescue efforts—and she offers up her celebrity endorser and her celebrity cat to sweeten the deal. Maddie, caught up in the prospect, offers up her sister Val to help plan the event.
But when Val shows up for a site visit at the venue, she finds Jillian strangled with a fancy cat leash—a piece of swag they were intending to use for the fundraiser—leaving Maddie with a lot of questions to answer. Was her death a tragic one-off event, or is there something more sinister going on? Maddie has to figure it out fast, before anyone else in the rescue community is jeopardized. (Amazon)
Review:
The characters are well rounded and well developed. When Maddie is approached by Jillian Allen to have a fundraiser to support the local rescues. Jillian is the executive director of The Shoreline Animal Rescue League and she is going to help Maddie pull off the fundraiser. But before they are able to do very much, Jillian is murdered. Now Maddie and her gang have to figure out who the killer is and why.
The writing style flows smoothly and the book is an easy read. The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and these descriptions added so much enjoyment to my reading. The mystery is well plotted and there were enough clues to shift through and suspects to consider.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery. I cannot wait to see what happens to Maddy and her friends next.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher, St. Martin’s Press, and NetGalley, which I greatly appreciate.
Cat Cafe mystery, Book #5
Cate Conte
5 Stars
Synopsis:
In Claws for Alarm, the fifth book in Cate Conte's delightful and cat-filled series, it’s the heart of the busy season, and JJ’s House of Purrs is booming—until a killer is let off the leash.
Maddie James has finally given in to her friend Katrina’s pleas to open up her cat cafe to more than ten felines: they’re now up to fifteen purring friends. In fact, JJ’s House of Purrs is making such a splash that she’s getting national attention. The Shoreline Animal Rescue League is quite interested in the cafe, and so Maddie accepts a request to meet with Jillian Allen, the executive director. Jillian shows up at the cafe and asks Maddie if they can partner on a fundraiser to support the local rescue efforts—and she offers up her celebrity endorser and her celebrity cat to sweeten the deal. Maddie, caught up in the prospect, offers up her sister Val to help plan the event.
But when Val shows up for a site visit at the venue, she finds Jillian strangled with a fancy cat leash—a piece of swag they were intending to use for the fundraiser—leaving Maddie with a lot of questions to answer. Was her death a tragic one-off event, or is there something more sinister going on? Maddie has to figure it out fast, before anyone else in the rescue community is jeopardized. (Amazon)
Review:
The characters are well rounded and well developed. When Maddie is approached by Jillian Allen to have a fundraiser to support the local rescues. Jillian is the executive director of The Shoreline Animal Rescue League and she is going to help Maddie pull off the fundraiser. But before they are able to do very much, Jillian is murdered. Now Maddie and her gang have to figure out who the killer is and why.
The writing style flows smoothly and the book is an easy read. The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and these descriptions added so much enjoyment to my reading. The mystery is well plotted and there were enough clues to shift through and suspects to consider.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery. I cannot wait to see what happens to Maddy and her friends next.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher, St. Martin’s Press, and NetGalley, which I greatly appreciate.
January 6, 2025
The book was just fine. Something to chew through quickly and enjoyably. I find it odd that the name of the character on the back cover (who gets murdered, spoiler) is different than the one in the book, which might be an oversight on the editors part, but was a bit misleading as I kept waiting for this person to show up in the story.
I enjoyed an odd thing: the main character, to my knowledge, never physically describes herself or her family. I find this very inclusive, as you can imagine yourself or whoever you like as the people working on this mystery.
I also found the dialogue to be well written, not cheesy but also not taking itself so seriously as some mysteries do. The 1st act was slower to pick up (about 90-100 pages in we finally get to the incident) and while it was a longer book (aprox 295 pages), it felt like a short read and I think that has to do with the authors ability to keep on track with hitting the high points of the story without them feeling drawn out or over explained. Once we got to the 2nd and 3rd act, we were off to the races.
I found the ending to be a nice twist for the untrained mystery novelist, but one that a more attuned eye could sniff out (I am not so lucky).
Overall, I got through it in three days and had an entertaining read.
I enjoyed an odd thing: the main character, to my knowledge, never physically describes herself or her family. I find this very inclusive, as you can imagine yourself or whoever you like as the people working on this mystery.
I also found the dialogue to be well written, not cheesy but also not taking itself so seriously as some mysteries do. The 1st act was slower to pick up (about 90-100 pages in we finally get to the incident) and while it was a longer book (aprox 295 pages), it felt like a short read and I think that has to do with the authors ability to keep on track with hitting the high points of the story without them feeling drawn out or over explained. Once we got to the 2nd and 3rd act, we were off to the races.
I found the ending to be a nice twist for the untrained mystery novelist, but one that a more attuned eye could sniff out (I am not so lucky).
Overall, I got through it in three days and had an entertaining read.
January 27, 2025
The 5th entry in Cate Conte's "Cat Cafe Mystery" series, "Claws for Alarm", is a book that aims to change this series of books forever and that isn't a bad thing. This time around the social media presence has reached the mainland and a woman who does fundraisers for these types of establishments and uses celebrities that she has access to in order to promote things. When the organizer turns up dead about halfway through the book a mystery ensues which at every twist and turn reveals more and more info up until a shocking revelation of the killer at the end which proves Conte is at her best again in this novel with the characters even down to the celebrities who feel right at home in this novel and could be anyone of us. It is that aspect of this series that at times makes even the cats in the cafe (& JJ as well) almost decent background players in this series which continues to build steam with each ensuing novel.
November 6, 2023
This was good. Fairly complex mystery with a bunch of unlikeable characters. The. Core group of characters are interest though I wish the crabby Rescuer volunteer would lighten up a little as I’m getting tired of her negativity. Otherwise some interesting elements. Seems like the volunteers are social misfits in this series.
September 11, 2023
I really enjoyed this story. Cate did a wonderful job of introducing the new characters, you really got the feel for who they were. The story was interesting and the cat cafe was becoming a bigger part of the small island.
August 17, 2023
The first time I started this book I DNF'd it. It was because I had not read the other in the series. Now that I started from the first book and got to know the characters it was a much better read.
September 3, 2023
I liked this, but I didn't like Jillian at all, and was glad she was the one who got killed.
October 29, 2023
I really like this series, characters and cats. it is interesting, keeps me guessing and also cozy
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November 21, 2023Such a good book, I deff reccomned this series. When I found out who the killer was I was in shock but was happy it had a happy ending and ended on a good note.
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January 3, 2024Claws for Alarm
January 29, 2024
De eerdere boeken waren leuk onderhoudend, het kabbelde allemaal lekker, zeg maar. Maar dit boek, dit bleef maar kabbelen en kabbelen en kabbelen.
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