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Witch Cats of Cambridge #3
A Cat on the Case
When a panicked stranger shows up at Charm and Cherish, Becca Colwin feels compelled to help. But when that stranger then disappears, leaving behind her heirloom violin the aspiring witch detective is drawn further into a web of deceit and intrigue complicated by a history that only Becca’s three magical cats truly understand.
320 pages, Hardcover
Published January 26, 2021
8 people are currently reading
101 people want to read
About the author
Clea Simon
57 books403 followersBoston Globe-bestselling author Clea Simon is the author most recently of
The Butterfly Trap,
a sinister slow-build "he said/she said" that will definitely surprise you.
This follows Bad Boy Beat a fast-paced amateur sleuth mystery featuring a novice crime reporter with a nose for news who is convinced a series of street-level killings are connected.
In a different mood, Clea's most recent cozy is To Conjure a Killer, the fourth in her "Witch Cats of Cambridge" series.
She is also the author of the psychological suspense novels, Hold Me Down and World Enough, both named "Must Reads" by the Massachusetts Book Awards, as well as the dystopian Blackie and Care black cat series (The Ninth Life), the Dulcie Schwartz feline/academic mysteries (Shades of Grey), the Pru Marlowe pet noir mysteries (Dogs Don't Lie), and the Theda Krakow cats & crime & rock & roll mysteries (Mew is for Murder), as well as three nonfiction books: Mad House: Growing Up in the Shadow of Mentally Ill Siblings; Fatherless Women: How We Change After We Lose Our Dads; and The Feline Mystique: On the Mysterious Connection Between Women and Cats.
The recipient of multiple honors, including the Cat Writers Associations Presidents Award, she lives in Somerville, Massachusetts, with her husband, Jon Garelick, and their cat, Thisbe. Find her at Clea Simon.com
This follows Bad Boy Beat a fast-paced amateur sleuth mystery featuring a novice crime reporter with a nose for news who is convinced a series of street-level killings are connected.
In a different mood, Clea's most recent cozy is To Conjure a Killer, the fourth in her "Witch Cats of Cambridge" series.
She is also the author of the psychological suspense novels, Hold Me Down and World Enough, both named "Must Reads" by the Massachusetts Book Awards, as well as the dystopian Blackie and Care black cat series (The Ninth Life), the Dulcie Schwartz feline/academic mysteries (Shades of Grey), the Pru Marlowe pet noir mysteries (Dogs Don't Lie), and the Theda Krakow cats & crime & rock & roll mysteries (Mew is for Murder), as well as three nonfiction books: Mad House: Growing Up in the Shadow of Mentally Ill Siblings; Fatherless Women: How We Change After We Lose Our Dads; and The Feline Mystique: On the Mysterious Connection Between Women and Cats.
The recipient of multiple honors, including the Cat Writers Associations Presidents Award, she lives in Somerville, Massachusetts, with her husband, Jon Garelick, and their cat, Thisbe. Find her at Clea Simon.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
March 23, 2022
This is book three in the Witch Cats of Cambridge Mystery series. Becca has a mystery on her hands when a stranger shows up and leaves a heirloom violin and then dissapears. Things get even stranger when her next door neighbor dies. There are many twists and turns in this mystery that kept me guessing. I have not read the first two books. This can be read as a stand alone. I just adored the cats and how they are such a big part of the story. This was a good cozy mystery and just what I needed. I will definitely read the first two books.
Dawnny Ruby
Novels N Latte
Hudson Valley NY
Dawnny Ruby
Novels N Latte
Hudson Valley NY
April 2, 2022
A Cat on the Case is the third Book in the “A Witch Cats of Cambridge Mystery” series by Clea Simon. It can be read as a standalone mystery, but its SO good you will definitely want to read the first two books in the series!
I love the location of Cambridge as the setting in this book.
I enjoy how this cozy mystery has mystery, cats, and paranormal elements.
The story centers around Becca and her three lovely cats, Clara, Laurel and Harriet.
This book focuses on Clara's story, ahhh Clara the calico, I LOVE her. Did I mention the story is told from the persepctive of the cats? YES. PLEASE. SO FANTASTIC!
The mystery was very well written. I absolutely love the characters, including the human ones, Clara's best friend Maddy is a wonderful character.
If you love cozy mysteries with cats and some adventure, you just must read this book and the entire series.
It is so fantastic!
I love the location of Cambridge as the setting in this book.
I enjoy how this cozy mystery has mystery, cats, and paranormal elements.
The story centers around Becca and her three lovely cats, Clara, Laurel and Harriet.
This book focuses on Clara's story, ahhh Clara the calico, I LOVE her. Did I mention the story is told from the persepctive of the cats? YES. PLEASE. SO FANTASTIC!
The mystery was very well written. I absolutely love the characters, including the human ones, Clara's best friend Maddy is a wonderful character.
If you love cozy mysteries with cats and some adventure, you just must read this book and the entire series.
It is so fantastic!
January 26, 2021
Clea Simon is a wonderful writer with a real "ear" for animals and their thoughts. That ear is on display here once again in another cats of Cambridge mystery. Each of the three felines has a separate, and strong personality, as do the humans.
Overall, it's a charming and clever book for those who love cats and mystery.
Overall, it's a charming and clever book for those who love cats and mystery.
June 26, 2021
Another enjoyable read. Combines magic, cats, mystery and music. How much trouble can a violin cause? What will Clara learn about her family history and what must she do to protect her human? It’s a snowy adventure in Cambridge, MA for all, cat and human alike.
January 9, 2021
A Cat on the Case is the 3rd book in the “A Witch Cats of Cambridge Mystery” by Clea Simon. It can be read as a stand-alone but I recommend reading in order.
I enjoyed the setting of Cambridge , along with Becca’s BFF Maddy who is still trying to keep her out of trouble. Another side character I really love is Elizabeth and I hope in future books we learn more about her. The story is told from the cats perspective and I enjoyed that. I found there to still be a secondary story that of how the cats came to be guardians as little Clara the calico doesn’t know. Clara the calico was the center of the story as she stays with Becca whenever she left the flat to protect her and I always love when a furbaby is center stage in a book. I had a huge smile on my face by the time I finished this book!
The mystery was well written with plenty of twists and turns and had a steady pace, even had a few surprises. I suspected but didn’t fully figure out whodunit until it was revealed at the end.
I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys paranormal mysteries and cats.
I requested and received an Advanced Reader Copy from Polis Books and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I enjoyed the setting of Cambridge , along with Becca’s BFF Maddy who is still trying to keep her out of trouble. Another side character I really love is Elizabeth and I hope in future books we learn more about her. The story is told from the cats perspective and I enjoyed that. I found there to still be a secondary story that of how the cats came to be guardians as little Clara the calico doesn’t know. Clara the calico was the center of the story as she stays with Becca whenever she left the flat to protect her and I always love when a furbaby is center stage in a book. I had a huge smile on my face by the time I finished this book!
The mystery was well written with plenty of twists and turns and had a steady pace, even had a few surprises. I suspected but didn’t fully figure out whodunit until it was revealed at the end.
I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys paranormal mysteries and cats.
I requested and received an Advanced Reader Copy from Polis Books and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
January 27, 2021
A young woman walks into Charm and Cherish, the shop where Becca Colwin has begun a new job, and asks about hiring her as a detective. Suddenly panicked by something outside the shop, the woman rushes out leaving behind her violin case. Eager to help her and curious about her reason for needing a detective, Becca goes after her but to no avail. She inspects the case and finds a valuable antique violin and a slip of paper with her home address on it. Becca isn’t sure what to do, nor is her youngest cat, Clara. One of three witch cats living with her, Clara is supposed to keep her person out of trouble, but now Becca is distressed and worried. This will surely lead to a scolding for Clara from the older cats.
The next time Becca sees the young woman she is just opening the door to the apartment next to hers. A scream brings Becca running, only to discover the body of the man she thought was her new neighbor. Clara is able to “shade” herself so she can follow her person everywhere, but that doesn’t help her keep Becca out of trouble and avoid repeated censure from the other cats. Poor Clara is doing her best to learn how to be a responsible care cat but Becca seems to always end up in a bind, leaving Clara struggling to uphold her end.
This is the third in the series. The three witch cats have fully developed personalities, and delightful stories about their heritage. Becca is no match for them though she thinks she has magical powers, a deception the cats are willing to allow in their devotion to her. A quick pace, delightful moments of cats commenting on their world and ours, and a solution that is satisfying. A fun read. Highly recommended.
I received an ARC from the author with the hope of a fair review.
The next time Becca sees the young woman she is just opening the door to the apartment next to hers. A scream brings Becca running, only to discover the body of the man she thought was her new neighbor. Clara is able to “shade” herself so she can follow her person everywhere, but that doesn’t help her keep Becca out of trouble and avoid repeated censure from the other cats. Poor Clara is doing her best to learn how to be a responsible care cat but Becca seems to always end up in a bind, leaving Clara struggling to uphold her end.
This is the third in the series. The three witch cats have fully developed personalities, and delightful stories about their heritage. Becca is no match for them though she thinks she has magical powers, a deception the cats are willing to allow in their devotion to her. A quick pace, delightful moments of cats commenting on their world and ours, and a solution that is satisfying. A fun read. Highly recommended.
I received an ARC from the author with the hope of a fair review.
April 14, 2022
A Cat On the Case (Witch Cats of Cambridge #3)
By Clea Simon
Publisher: Polis Books
Pub Date: 1.26.2022
I’m finding that cozies are really a surprising and enjoyable genre. I loved this paranormal mystery and its feline sleuths!
Becca Colwin is an aspiring witch detective working at Charms and Cherish, a New Age magic shop. She hopes to hone her magical gifts (which she really doesn’t have).
A strange woman walks into Charms and Cherish, but she runs out before Becca can assist her, leaving behind a violin case. Becca and her witchy friends try to find the woman. It leads them back to Becca’s apartment building, where they find… a dead body.
The real stars of this series are Becca’s three cats. We hear their thoughts (or maybe they really are talking) as they help Becca, guiding her and even protecting her.
Don't miss this one if you enjoy animals and magic with your mysteries.
Thank you to @suzyapprovedbooktours and @cleasimon_author for a spot on tour and a gifted book.
By Clea Simon
Publisher: Polis Books
Pub Date: 1.26.2022
I’m finding that cozies are really a surprising and enjoyable genre. I loved this paranormal mystery and its feline sleuths!
Becca Colwin is an aspiring witch detective working at Charms and Cherish, a New Age magic shop. She hopes to hone her magical gifts (which she really doesn’t have).
A strange woman walks into Charms and Cherish, but she runs out before Becca can assist her, leaving behind a violin case. Becca and her witchy friends try to find the woman. It leads them back to Becca’s apartment building, where they find… a dead body.
The real stars of this series are Becca’s three cats. We hear their thoughts (or maybe they really are talking) as they help Becca, guiding her and even protecting her.
Don't miss this one if you enjoy animals and magic with your mysteries.
Thank you to @suzyapprovedbooktours and @cleasimon_author for a spot on tour and a gifted book.
November 23, 2020
A fun mystery with cats and surprises plus a harrowing chase through the streets of Boston during a blizzard. Clea Simon knows how to portray cats with personalities and actions. Although this is the third in a series there is no need to have read the other books to understand this. The only thing I didn’t totally understand was the relationship between the three cats. They are suppose to be littermates but one cat acts much older and has knowledge the youngest cat does not have.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a free copy of the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a free copy of the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
January 25, 2021
I had never read this author before, but I have been really getting into paranormal cozies and I thought I’d give this one a try. I know this is the third in a series, but you really don’t have to have read the first two to enjoy this. At first, I was a little confused at how this book was written, and it took me a little bit to get used to it as the cats are more the protagonists than Becca. Once I did, the book flew by. I thought it was a nice, easy way to while away an afternoon in a good book. 3 ½ stars rounded up 4. Recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.
January 1, 2021
This is the third in the Witch Cats of Cambridge series and is the best to date. Simon is comfortable in the world she has created and is now expanding and filling in the background. Becca Corwin, an aspiring witch, takes on a case of a violin that may be cursed. Meanwhile, there's a murder in her apartment building and her three cats (who are the ones with REAL powers) are on the case. Or rather, Clara is-- the little calico adores her person and is determined to keep her safe. There's a bit of world-building in the background.
January 20, 2021
ANOTHER WINNER FOR CAT COZY FANS (and the rest of you, too)
Clea Simon’s “A Cat on the Case” has everything I could want from a cozy cat mystery: thrills, chills, a bit of romance, a bit of witchcraft, a bit of murder, and a whole lot of cats.
Told basically from the cats’ point of view, this 3rd in the Witch Cats of Cambridge series chronicles the life of Becca Colwin, a young witchy wanna-be. Becca imagines she has powers, but in reality, it all comes down to her cats. Like most dedicated cat cohabitors, Becca thinks her cats are special, but she has no idea just how special they really are. The three littermates descend from a long line of magical cats. Laurel, the Siamese, can put ideas into people’s heads. Harriet, the eldest, a floofy Persian, can form objects out of thin air. Clara, the little calico, is just beginning to learn the extent of her mystical skills, but she knows her purpose—to protect Becca at all costs.
After Becca’s new next-door neighbor is murdered, Clara shades herself, becoming essentially invisible to the human eye, in order to bodyguard Becca as she tries to help young music student Ruby. Ruby has got herself mixed up in a plot that goes way over her head. What does Ruby know about the murder? Is she an innocent bystander, or is she involved? With Becca’s life in danger and no clue who to trust, Becca is blessed to have the aid of the cats.
As a cat person who loves cozy mysteries, I enjoyed everything about “A Cat on the Case.” In spite of their paranormal abilities, Clea writes the cats in such a way that they come across as real, true felines. Even as they do their magic, their behavior remains completely cat. Romance, witchcraft, history, music, and cats, cats, cats make this book a fun and fulfilling read.
Clea Simon’s “A Cat on the Case” has everything I could want from a cozy cat mystery: thrills, chills, a bit of romance, a bit of witchcraft, a bit of murder, and a whole lot of cats.
Told basically from the cats’ point of view, this 3rd in the Witch Cats of Cambridge series chronicles the life of Becca Colwin, a young witchy wanna-be. Becca imagines she has powers, but in reality, it all comes down to her cats. Like most dedicated cat cohabitors, Becca thinks her cats are special, but she has no idea just how special they really are. The three littermates descend from a long line of magical cats. Laurel, the Siamese, can put ideas into people’s heads. Harriet, the eldest, a floofy Persian, can form objects out of thin air. Clara, the little calico, is just beginning to learn the extent of her mystical skills, but she knows her purpose—to protect Becca at all costs.
After Becca’s new next-door neighbor is murdered, Clara shades herself, becoming essentially invisible to the human eye, in order to bodyguard Becca as she tries to help young music student Ruby. Ruby has got herself mixed up in a plot that goes way over her head. What does Ruby know about the murder? Is she an innocent bystander, or is she involved? With Becca’s life in danger and no clue who to trust, Becca is blessed to have the aid of the cats.
As a cat person who loves cozy mysteries, I enjoyed everything about “A Cat on the Case.” In spite of their paranormal abilities, Clea writes the cats in such a way that they come across as real, true felines. Even as they do their magic, their behavior remains completely cat. Romance, witchcraft, history, music, and cats, cats, cats make this book a fun and fulfilling read.
April 9, 2022
Any cat lover knows that there is something figuratively magical about cats. The three cats in this series are literally magical and can talk to each other while using their powers to help their sweet owner while she attempts to solve the crime.
This is a clever mystery and while I haven't read the first two books in the series I didn't find it necessary to understand what was going on in this story. Becca is a charming main character and I enjoyed the secondary characters as well. This was my first cozy mystery and I found it a delightful book to escape into while snuggling with my own special kitty.
I received a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.
This is a clever mystery and while I haven't read the first two books in the series I didn't find it necessary to understand what was going on in this story. Becca is a charming main character and I enjoyed the secondary characters as well. This was my first cozy mystery and I found it a delightful book to escape into while snuggling with my own special kitty.
I received a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.
February 14, 2021
Book 3 In A Witches of Cambridge series is by leaps and bounds the best in installment in the series so far. Our three favorite magical cats have to watch out for their pet Becca as she tackles her latest case while worrying about losing her own home to condo developers and working as a shop girl at the local wiccan store. Clara has her paws full protecting her human while learning bits about her own magical past from her sisters. I can't wait to see where this series goes!
March 9, 2022
Magical cats in a magical story.
In this, the third of the Witch Cats of Cambridge series, the youngest of the cats, Clara takes center stage. Her human, Becca, comes across a stranger seeking her help who soon disappears leaving behind an heirloom violin and a huge mystery. When Becca's next door neighbor ends up dead the mystery deepens as it soon becomes evident the two cases are connected. Who is after the violin and to what extent will they go to get their hands on it? With Clara and her sisters on hand to help and protect her, Becca still manages to find trouble around every corner.
As many of you know, I'm a cat person (I use to breed Abyssinians) so this was right up my alley. The authors ability to put into words the 'thoughts' of the cats is uncanny and delightful. In many instances I said to myself, 'yep, that's exactly what my cats were thinking' especially when it came to feeding time. Besides being a cat tale though, there's a good mystery to figure out and the twist and turns it takes to figure it out are well written and entertaining. Having lived in the Boston area it was easy to imagine the snowy settings Becca and company had to navigate while on their adventure.
Although this is the third in the series it's not critical to have read the previous installments as this does very well as a stand-alone. The characters and characterizations are very well drawn and feel, well, real. It's a fun ride and I look forward to what mischief these cats and their human get into next.
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Thank you to the author, Polis Books and Suzy Approved Book Tours for the gifted copy and including me on this tour.
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In this, the third of the Witch Cats of Cambridge series, the youngest of the cats, Clara takes center stage. Her human, Becca, comes across a stranger seeking her help who soon disappears leaving behind an heirloom violin and a huge mystery. When Becca's next door neighbor ends up dead the mystery deepens as it soon becomes evident the two cases are connected. Who is after the violin and to what extent will they go to get their hands on it? With Clara and her sisters on hand to help and protect her, Becca still manages to find trouble around every corner.
As many of you know, I'm a cat person (I use to breed Abyssinians) so this was right up my alley. The authors ability to put into words the 'thoughts' of the cats is uncanny and delightful. In many instances I said to myself, 'yep, that's exactly what my cats were thinking' especially when it came to feeding time. Besides being a cat tale though, there's a good mystery to figure out and the twist and turns it takes to figure it out are well written and entertaining. Having lived in the Boston area it was easy to imagine the snowy settings Becca and company had to navigate while on their adventure.
Although this is the third in the series it's not critical to have read the previous installments as this does very well as a stand-alone. The characters and characterizations are very well drawn and feel, well, real. It's a fun ride and I look forward to what mischief these cats and their human get into next.
.
Thank you to the author, Polis Books and Suzy Approved Book Tours for the gifted copy and including me on this tour.
.
October 20, 2021
I'm just not a an of this series. I've stuck with it to this point because they are a book club read and I feel an obligation to the club. I also loved her Pru Marlowe series and wish she'd pick it up again. That was a great series -- one you just sat up reading each book because you had to know the ending.
I know it's not really fair to compare one series to another. I just don't buy into the fantasy aspect of this one. It's like she's trying to combine Leann Sweeney's Magical Cat series with the popular Joe Grey one and it's not working for me. This series reads more like a young adult series than a mystery, even cozy mystery series. The cats are endearing -- at least Clara is. Laurel and Harriet are totally the epitome of pedigree snooties. How a Persian, Siamese and Calico came from one mother I'm not so sure.
Aside from the cats none of the characters resonate with me. Becca is described as caring but she's basically stupid -- and if she needs that job so bad, why is she always leaving it? And really? She worried about Harriet's health but doesn't call the vet back as soon as he calls?
If it hadn't been a book club read I would have DNF'd it.
I know it's not really fair to compare one series to another. I just don't buy into the fantasy aspect of this one. It's like she's trying to combine Leann Sweeney's Magical Cat series with the popular Joe Grey one and it's not working for me. This series reads more like a young adult series than a mystery, even cozy mystery series. The cats are endearing -- at least Clara is. Laurel and Harriet are totally the epitome of pedigree snooties. How a Persian, Siamese and Calico came from one mother I'm not so sure.
Aside from the cats none of the characters resonate with me. Becca is described as caring but she's basically stupid -- and if she needs that job so bad, why is she always leaving it? And really? She worried about Harriet's health but doesn't call the vet back as soon as he calls?
If it hadn't been a book club read I would have DNF'd it.
January 21, 2021
Becca Colwin is working at Charm and Cherish when a woman comes in to the store and asks for her help. Before Becca can find out what she wants, the woman rushes out and leaves behind an heirloom violin, that just happens to have Becca's home address on a note inside the violin case. The aspiring witch detective, with the assistance of her three magical cats, wade through all of the lies and deceit to get to the truth of what is really going on.
This was a cute mystery. There were really two storylines: tthe one with the stranger and the violin and then the story of Becca's three cats and their magical powers. I had hoped for a bit more information on the magical powers of the cats and their history, but that may come in future books. This is perfect for cat lovers and mystery lovers who enjoy a light, quick read.
This was a cute mystery. There were really two storylines: tthe one with the stranger and the violin and then the story of Becca's three cats and their magical powers. I had hoped for a bit more information on the magical powers of the cats and their history, but that may come in future books. This is perfect for cat lovers and mystery lovers who enjoy a light, quick read.
March 23, 2021
The is the 3rd book in the poplar "Witch Cats Of Cambridge" mystery series. This series is pure catnip for cat lovers as the author writes so eloquently of cats and knows their behaviors. The three magical cats featured are wonderfully written and such fun to return to with each book. I highly recommend this series especially for all readers that love cats. Thank you to the publisher and to Net Galley for the opportunity to review this next in series. My review opinions are my own.
Becca has a intriguing mystery centered around a missing visitor and her violin left behind. She has help from her three cats and one cat is center stage in this book and is delightful. I love how the author writes the cats with intelligence as they help solve mysteries while protecting their beloved Becca. Each book is a fun escape and I look forward to the next in series.
Becca has a intriguing mystery centered around a missing visitor and her violin left behind. She has help from her three cats and one cat is center stage in this book and is delightful. I love how the author writes the cats with intelligence as they help solve mysteries while protecting their beloved Becca. Each book is a fun escape and I look forward to the next in series.
November 26, 2020
Kindle Copy for Review from NetGally and Polaris.
I received a free, advance copy of this book and this is my unbiased and voluntary review.
A stranger appears at Becca’s store but soon disappears leaving a heirloom violin. Her three magical cats and Becca will soon learn the history behind it and the deceit it holds.
A charming read in the series.
I received a free, advance copy of this book and this is my unbiased and voluntary review.
A stranger appears at Becca’s store but soon disappears leaving a heirloom violin. Her three magical cats and Becca will soon learn the history behind it and the deceit it holds.
A charming read in the series.
April 16, 2022
Will review
April 23, 2021
I'm totally enamored with this series!
I absolutely love this author! She has the
wonderful gift of spinning a phenomenal
mystery. I'm definitely a fan of including cats
in the tales of mystery and intrigue. Especially
when the cat's are given a voice and are a
major part of the story line. This mystery had
a great story line and wonderful characters. I
do love Clara the little calico the best since I
have a calico fur baby of my own. I'm really
looking forward to reading more in this series.
I just wish it wasn't so long between each
book!!!!!!! I absolutely love the other series this
author has written, also!!!!!
I absolutely love this author! She has the
wonderful gift of spinning a phenomenal
mystery. I'm definitely a fan of including cats
in the tales of mystery and intrigue. Especially
when the cat's are given a voice and are a
major part of the story line. This mystery had
a great story line and wonderful characters. I
do love Clara the little calico the best since I
have a calico fur baby of my own. I'm really
looking forward to reading more in this series.
I just wish it wasn't so long between each
book!!!!!!! I absolutely love the other series this
author has written, also!!!!!
April 12, 2021
I love cozy mysteries featuring cats and this is one of my favorite series.
The cats are as lovely as usual, it was great to catch up with the characters and the solid mystery kept me guessing.
I can't wait to read the next book in this series, this one is strongly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
The cats are as lovely as usual, it was great to catch up with the characters and the solid mystery kept me guessing.
I can't wait to read the next book in this series, this one is strongly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
March 30, 2021
Becca Colwin believes she is a witch since, after all, she did conjure a pillow out of thin air. However, as she and her tiny coven knows, she hasn’t been able to do anything magical since then. Becca’s three cats, all littermates, easily talk among themselves about the timing of their summoning spell coinciding with Becca’s. It is Clara, Laurel, and Harriet that know better. These three have wickedly smart and funny purr-sonalities.
It is Becca’s neighbor that pounds on the door, complaining of the noise the cats were making. Becca’s building is converting to condos, and she is just meeting new neighbors. Becca recently started work at Charm and Cherish that keeps her away all day when the cats were accustomed to her 24 hour service. While at work, a woman rushes in, apparently looking for a witch detective, but she abruptly exits, leaving behind a violin case. Unable to catch her, Becca reviews the contents and finds a note with her apartment building’s address. She sprints home to try and return the case only to find the young woman struggling to open a neighbor’s door. The two women are startled to see a man dead on the floor.
The mystery woman is Ruby, a woman who has come to Boston to audition for a place in the Conservatory. The dead man was renting her a place to stay for a few days. Becca spends the next few days trying to understand Ruby’s story about her cherished violin. It was an heirloom in her family, much loved, much played. A friend offered to buy it in order to finance her trip to Boston and replace it with an ordinary violin. But Ruby swears the original violin returned. The police tell Becca it was stolen from a collector.
Through a series of fits and starts, Becca and Ruby keep running into each other, sometimes on purpose, sometimes not. Strange things keep happening to Becca’s friends, her apartment is ransacked, and her job at Charm and Cherish is threatened. All the while Becca’s three cats continue to narrate every move because the youngest, Clara, is constantly with her beloved human, even if she is “shaded.”
Hillary Huber did an excellent job of telling the story from her point of view as the narrator, and she also alternately portrayed all three cats narrating the story. There always seemed to be a conversation going on about the action. At the same time, Clara was learning a bit of her history as a cat in dreams directed by her sisters. I chuckled often over the cat-like traits described by the cats and differently by their human. There was often a cacophony of voices and purrs going on.
Finally, Ruby tells Becca the full truth about the violin, as she knows it. But Becca has learned more, and the two find themselves on the run in the middle of blizzard with Clara chasing after them. Everything comes together in the end, but not at all how I expected.
It is Becca’s neighbor that pounds on the door, complaining of the noise the cats were making. Becca’s building is converting to condos, and she is just meeting new neighbors. Becca recently started work at Charm and Cherish that keeps her away all day when the cats were accustomed to her 24 hour service. While at work, a woman rushes in, apparently looking for a witch detective, but she abruptly exits, leaving behind a violin case. Unable to catch her, Becca reviews the contents and finds a note with her apartment building’s address. She sprints home to try and return the case only to find the young woman struggling to open a neighbor’s door. The two women are startled to see a man dead on the floor.
The mystery woman is Ruby, a woman who has come to Boston to audition for a place in the Conservatory. The dead man was renting her a place to stay for a few days. Becca spends the next few days trying to understand Ruby’s story about her cherished violin. It was an heirloom in her family, much loved, much played. A friend offered to buy it in order to finance her trip to Boston and replace it with an ordinary violin. But Ruby swears the original violin returned. The police tell Becca it was stolen from a collector.
Through a series of fits and starts, Becca and Ruby keep running into each other, sometimes on purpose, sometimes not. Strange things keep happening to Becca’s friends, her apartment is ransacked, and her job at Charm and Cherish is threatened. All the while Becca’s three cats continue to narrate every move because the youngest, Clara, is constantly with her beloved human, even if she is “shaded.”
Hillary Huber did an excellent job of telling the story from her point of view as the narrator, and she also alternately portrayed all three cats narrating the story. There always seemed to be a conversation going on about the action. At the same time, Clara was learning a bit of her history as a cat in dreams directed by her sisters. I chuckled often over the cat-like traits described by the cats and differently by their human. There was often a cacophony of voices and purrs going on.
Finally, Ruby tells Becca the full truth about the violin, as she knows it. But Becca has learned more, and the two find themselves on the run in the middle of blizzard with Clara chasing after them. Everything comes together in the end, but not at all how I expected.
January 26, 2021
Becca Colwin aspires to be a witch detective, but it’s feline littermates Harriet, Laurel and Clara who wield the magical powers and supply Becca with companionship and care.
As the story opens, Ruby Grozny visits Charm and Cherish, the New Age shop where Becca works, abandons her family’s vintage violin and vanishes. Becca is perplexed; adding to her stress, she’s troubled that her Boston-area apartment building is going condo.
Worse trouble arrives when Larry Rakov -- a man Becca assumed had moved into the apartment next to hers – is murdered. His death is soon followed by the arrivals of two men involved in the condo project: venture capitalist Justin Neil and real estate manager Matthew Wargill. And it’s not long before Becca finds herself -- and others -- in peril.
But Harriet, Laurel and especially Clara come to the rescue in an intricate and appealing story that features a wealth of secrets and surprises.
The third – and finest -- installment in Clea Simon’s “Witch Cats of Cambridge” series delivers a dandy plot and an engaging protagonist. But it’s the capers of the cat coven that push the novel past the usual boundaries of crime fiction.
Simon spins her superior spells in this enchanting novel as she achieves a delicate balance between criminality and comedy. For every instance of brutality and deception, there’s one of alleviating ailurophilia, as Harriet, Laurel and Clara best the bipeds at stealing scenes.
As the story opens, Ruby Grozny visits Charm and Cherish, the New Age shop where Becca works, abandons her family’s vintage violin and vanishes. Becca is perplexed; adding to her stress, she’s troubled that her Boston-area apartment building is going condo.
Worse trouble arrives when Larry Rakov -- a man Becca assumed had moved into the apartment next to hers – is murdered. His death is soon followed by the arrivals of two men involved in the condo project: venture capitalist Justin Neil and real estate manager Matthew Wargill. And it’s not long before Becca finds herself -- and others -- in peril.
But Harriet, Laurel and especially Clara come to the rescue in an intricate and appealing story that features a wealth of secrets and surprises.
The third – and finest -- installment in Clea Simon’s “Witch Cats of Cambridge” series delivers a dandy plot and an engaging protagonist. But it’s the capers of the cat coven that push the novel past the usual boundaries of crime fiction.
Simon spins her superior spells in this enchanting novel as she achieves a delicate balance between criminality and comedy. For every instance of brutality and deception, there’s one of alleviating ailurophilia, as Harriet, Laurel and Clara best the bipeds at stealing scenes.
March 6, 2023
A young woman comes into the store where Becca works, almost confides in her and then dashes out leaving behind her violin. Becca chases after her but loses her, then returning to her home finds both the young woman and the dead body of her neighbor in the apartment next door. As an aspiring witch detective, Becca hopes to get to the bottom of the mysteries but the magical powers are really her cats’.
As if a murder and a possibly cursed violin are not enough of a problem Becca has other issues on her plate, a new neighbor downstairs complaining her cats are too loud and her building is going condo so she may have to move. Throughout it all Becca’s cats do their best to help their person and keep her safe.
I selected this as a review book because I was familiar with the author’s name though not this particular series. Being the third in the series there were some problems “catching up” on who is who. The relationship between the cats was confusing at first - described as litter mates they are different ages and breeds -until we learn more about their ancient history and appointment as guardians. The book is written primarily from the cats’ point of view. I enjoyed the book, it was a pleasant afternoon’s read. I will look up the first two in the series to learn how Becca and the cats found each other.
As if a murder and a possibly cursed violin are not enough of a problem Becca has other issues on her plate, a new neighbor downstairs complaining her cats are too loud and her building is going condo so she may have to move. Throughout it all Becca’s cats do their best to help their person and keep her safe.
I selected this as a review book because I was familiar with the author’s name though not this particular series. Being the third in the series there were some problems “catching up” on who is who. The relationship between the cats was confusing at first - described as litter mates they are different ages and breeds -until we learn more about their ancient history and appointment as guardians. The book is written primarily from the cats’ point of view. I enjoyed the book, it was a pleasant afternoon’s read. I will look up the first two in the series to learn how Becca and the cats found each other.
February 20, 2021
Becca Colwin works at Charm and Cherish and believes that she has witchy powers. Unknown to her, the witchy magic resides in her three cats and they are happy to keep her thinking that she has the powers. I love these cats and, in this entry to the series, little Clara, the Calico, shines. She is tasked with keeping Becca safe, out of trouble but that's a challenge for the little cat. If she isn't up to it she hears it from her littermates.
While at work, a young woman asks her for help but bolts from the store before Becca gets any details. Left behind is an antique violin which leads to finding Becca's nextdoor neighbor dead. Now the cats really have their work cut out for them. Becca has to be protected from a killer who may make her the dead body.
There are three books in the series and they can be read out of order. If you are a cat lover and like a paranormal theme, give this series a try. The mystery is solid, Becca is a well fleshed out character and the cats act like cats even without the witchy powers.
My thanks to the publisher Polis and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
While at work, a young woman asks her for help but bolts from the store before Becca gets any details. Left behind is an antique violin which leads to finding Becca's nextdoor neighbor dead. Now the cats really have their work cut out for them. Becca has to be protected from a killer who may make her the dead body.
There are three books in the series and they can be read out of order. If you are a cat lover and like a paranormal theme, give this series a try. The mystery is solid, Becca is a well fleshed out character and the cats act like cats even without the witchy powers.
My thanks to the publisher Polis and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
October 20, 2021
Becca Colwin is working in a shop called Charm and Cherish. She’s taken aback when a young woman shows up and leaves a valuable violin behind. The young woman vanishes and Becca tries to find her. When she does, there’s a dead body involved. Becca’s friend Maddy warns her not to trust the girl, but Becca is sure she’s trustworthy.
Joining Becca in her search is her young kitty, Clara. What Becca doesn’t know is that Clara and her two sisters have special powers and are watching over Becca. Clara is assigned the task of secretly following Becca wherever she goes.
This is the third book in the Witch Cats of Cambridge series. It’s basically told from kitty Clara’s point of view. I love that little cat. She, and her sisters, are just as strong as any human character. With each book we learn a little more about the three cats’ history and what is behind their special powers.
I did find it was a bit slow-moving in some spots. I had a general idea of how the story would unfold halfway through.
I’m hoping there will be more books in the series as I really would love to learn the whole story behind these cute kitties.
Joining Becca in her search is her young kitty, Clara. What Becca doesn’t know is that Clara and her two sisters have special powers and are watching over Becca. Clara is assigned the task of secretly following Becca wherever she goes.
This is the third book in the Witch Cats of Cambridge series. It’s basically told from kitty Clara’s point of view. I love that little cat. She, and her sisters, are just as strong as any human character. With each book we learn a little more about the three cats’ history and what is behind their special powers.
I did find it was a bit slow-moving in some spots. I had a general idea of how the story would unfold halfway through.
I’m hoping there will be more books in the series as I really would love to learn the whole story behind these cute kitties.
January 11, 2021
Clea Simon continues to flesh out the four primary characters in her Witch Cats of Cambridge Mystery series, Harriet, Laurel, and Clara, the three witch cats and their human, Becca Colwin.
Becca works at Charm & Cherish, a magic shop in Cambridge Central Square, and mistakenly believes she possesses magic powers that belong to her cats. The current mystery dominates, but Ms. Simon does reveal, in bits and pieces, a little more about the witch cats’ background. Since Clara becomes invisible to accompany Becca everywhere, including work, the reader learns more about her and her feelings. Becca grows as a character, and so does her relationship with Maddy.
The mystery is well-plotted and revolves around an antique violin and Ruby, the young violinist who seeks Becca’s help. Within 24 hours of meeting Ruby, Becca finds herself in the middle of a murder investigation. While this story is the most intriguing of the three in the series, the lack of more information about the witch cats still rankles.
Becca works at Charm & Cherish, a magic shop in Cambridge Central Square, and mistakenly believes she possesses magic powers that belong to her cats. The current mystery dominates, but Ms. Simon does reveal, in bits and pieces, a little more about the witch cats’ background. Since Clara becomes invisible to accompany Becca everywhere, including work, the reader learns more about her and her feelings. Becca grows as a character, and so does her relationship with Maddy.
The mystery is well-plotted and revolves around an antique violin and Ruby, the young violinist who seeks Becca’s help. Within 24 hours of meeting Ruby, Becca finds herself in the middle of a murder investigation. While this story is the most intriguing of the three in the series, the lack of more information about the witch cats still rankles.
March 18, 2022
I thought this cozy mystery was well done. I liked the combination of mystery with a touch of magic. I also loved the way the cats were given such human personalities and acted very much like human sisters.
The mystery itself was interesting and had just enough complexity to keep the read interesting.
I can completely sympathize with the main character (not feline), Becca, who has gone back to work and has to leave her fur babies home alone all day. Becca has a neighbor that complains about the cats being noisy. This could lead to issues because where Becca is living all units are transitioning from rentals to being sold.
Becca is working at Charms and Cherish which is a store that specializes in all things magic. Becca longs to be a witch detective and she gets her wish when a customer leaves a violin case at the store.
There is a murder, a stolen violin, and three very astute cats to help solve the mystery.
I have read a non cat book by Clea, HOLD ME DOWN, which I enjoyed and I will be checking other cat mysteries that she has written.
The mystery itself was interesting and had just enough complexity to keep the read interesting.
I can completely sympathize with the main character (not feline), Becca, who has gone back to work and has to leave her fur babies home alone all day. Becca has a neighbor that complains about the cats being noisy. This could lead to issues because where Becca is living all units are transitioning from rentals to being sold.
Becca is working at Charms and Cherish which is a store that specializes in all things magic. Becca longs to be a witch detective and she gets her wish when a customer leaves a violin case at the store.
There is a murder, a stolen violin, and three very astute cats to help solve the mystery.
I have read a non cat book by Clea, HOLD ME DOWN, which I enjoyed and I will be checking other cat mysteries that she has written.
February 6, 2021
A strange girl comes into Charm and Cherish looking for help and Becca Colwin feels drawn to do so. But, the girl takes off before giving her name and leaves an old violin behind. Becca is soon pulled into a case where nothing is as it seems and murder is definitely at play.
I've enjoyed this series so far but was not as entranced with this book. We did get to learn more of the history of the three cats which was great. However, the book was slow-moving and there were several errors and typos throughout which detracted from the story. I thought overall the book was good but not great. I am looking forward to the next book which I hope will be more engaging. I still recommend both book and series which I suggest you read in order.
I've enjoyed this series so far but was not as entranced with this book. We did get to learn more of the history of the three cats which was great. However, the book was slow-moving and there were several errors and typos throughout which detracted from the story. I thought overall the book was good but not great. I am looking forward to the next book which I hope will be more engaging. I still recommend both book and series which I suggest you read in order.
May 2, 2021
This is a cute easy to read magical cozy with 3 sister cats and their human, Becca. This is the 3rd book in the Witch Cats of Cambridge series. Becca is working at the Charm and Cherish gift shop and her cats are not happy that they are home alone all day. Now their building is going condo, Becca's not sure she can afford to buy, a mysterious young woman leaves behind a valuable violin at the shop and her new neighbor is found dead in the hallway. The magical cats are trying to help but sometimes Becca is headed in the wrong direction. A quick read that can be read as a stand alone. I received a copy of this ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.
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