What do you think?
Rate this book
The 2 Sisters Pet Valet Mysteries #2
Cat's Meow
Retired schoolteacher Gwen Franklin has a new pet project—and a sideline in sleuthing. But this new case has a dangerous sting in the tail . . .
Gwen’s calendar has been filling up ever since she was hounded by her best friend, Nora, into starting 2 Sisters Pet Valet Services. Now they’ve been invited to attend the annual Clear the Shelter event, hosted by Portland’s very own blonde bombshell newscaster, Babs Prescott. Babs is convinced she’s top dog among local celebrities, but it’s clear that someone disagrees when Babs’ body is found following a downtown press conference.
A story this juicy would be headline news at any time, but especially once local crime reporter Shelby Tucker is arrested for the murder. Gwen was Shelby’s high school teacher, and she’s sure her former pupil is innocent. But in that case, who was itching to take Babs out of the spotlight for good? As Nora and Gwen investigate, they find personal mysteries at odds with Babs’ public persona, all leading to a killer who’s not pussyfooting around...
Gwen’s calendar has been filling up ever since she was hounded by her best friend, Nora, into starting 2 Sisters Pet Valet Services. Now they’ve been invited to attend the annual Clear the Shelter event, hosted by Portland’s very own blonde bombshell newscaster, Babs Prescott. Babs is convinced she’s top dog among local celebrities, but it’s clear that someone disagrees when Babs’ body is found following a downtown press conference.
A story this juicy would be headline news at any time, but especially once local crime reporter Shelby Tucker is arrested for the murder. Gwen was Shelby’s high school teacher, and she’s sure her former pupil is innocent. But in that case, who was itching to take Babs out of the spotlight for good? As Nora and Gwen investigate, they find personal mysteries at odds with Babs’ public persona, all leading to a killer who’s not pussyfooting around...
203 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 23, 2021
8 people are currently reading
548 people want to read
About the author
Dane McCaslin
18 books82 followersWhen my friends were reading the Nancy Drew books, I was already hooked on the Grand Dame of Mysteries! Agatha Christie's books enthralled me, and following Hercule Poirot or Jane Marple as they solved mystery after mystery was my cup of tea.
It's no wonder that I write cozy mysteries myself now, and being retired from a two decades plus career as a high school and junior college English teacher gives me time to create more murder and mayhem...on paper, of course.
It's no wonder that I write cozy mysteries myself now, and being retired from a two decades plus career as a high school and junior college English teacher gives me time to create more murder and mayhem...on paper, of course.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
September 5, 2021
Cat’s Meow by Dane McCaslin is the second book in the cozy The 2 Sisters Pet Valet Mysteries series. This series as with most other cozies has a seperate mystery to be fully solved within each book so a reader can read the books as a standalone or in any order if choosing to do so. There is however some character development that carries over from book to book for those that choose to read the entire series in order.
The 2 Sisters Pet Valet Mysteries series introduced readers to Gwen Franklin who had just retired from her career as a high school teacher and had plans to just relax and enjoy this new chapter in her life. Gwen’s best friend Nora however had other plans for Gwen now that she’s retired, Nora had the idea that she and Gwen should go into business together. Nora’s chosen plan is for the pair to open a pet-sitting service which Gwen isn’t too sure about.
Gwen eventually caved into Nora’s plans and the pair find themselves taking on all kinds of pets to get their business going. As their business began to pick up Gwen and Nora found themselves invited to the annual Clear the Shelter event. Unfortunately for the ladies though the hostess of the event, Babs Prescott, is found murdered and a former student of Gwen’s, Shelby Tucker, is arrested for the murder leaving Gwen wanting to catch the real killer.
After finishing the first book in The 2 Sisters Pet Valet Mysteries series I really enjoyed the characters and had a ton of laughs but when finishing the second book now I felt like it missed a bit of the sparkle the first book had. I’m not sure if it were simply the mystery or something else but I’ve lowered my rating of this second book to three and a half stars. I do still feel like this series has potential to really become a favorite so I do plan on coming back for book three hoping a new case, new surroundings and different events will bring my rating back up.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
The 2 Sisters Pet Valet Mysteries series introduced readers to Gwen Franklin who had just retired from her career as a high school teacher and had plans to just relax and enjoy this new chapter in her life. Gwen’s best friend Nora however had other plans for Gwen now that she’s retired, Nora had the idea that she and Gwen should go into business together. Nora’s chosen plan is for the pair to open a pet-sitting service which Gwen isn’t too sure about.
Gwen eventually caved into Nora’s plans and the pair find themselves taking on all kinds of pets to get their business going. As their business began to pick up Gwen and Nora found themselves invited to the annual Clear the Shelter event. Unfortunately for the ladies though the hostess of the event, Babs Prescott, is found murdered and a former student of Gwen’s, Shelby Tucker, is arrested for the murder leaving Gwen wanting to catch the real killer.
After finishing the first book in The 2 Sisters Pet Valet Mysteries series I really enjoyed the characters and had a ton of laughs but when finishing the second book now I felt like it missed a bit of the sparkle the first book had. I’m not sure if it were simply the mystery or something else but I’ve lowered my rating of this second book to three and a half stars. I do still feel like this series has potential to really become a favorite so I do plan on coming back for book three hoping a new case, new surroundings and different events will bring my rating back up.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
March 21, 2023
This is a Cozy Mystery, and this is the second book in the 2 Sisters Pet Valet Mysteries series. I have to say I really enjoy the characters in this book. I did not like the mystery because I felt it was to hard to keep up with everything going on and it was to slow moving. Overall, I liked the characters and I did not like the mystery part, so I think this book was just ok. I won a kindle edition of this book from a Goodreads Giveaway, but this review is 100% my opinion about how I feel about the book.
March 27, 2021
Cat's Meow is Dane McCaslin's second instalment in her 2 Sisters Pet Valet Mystery series. Retired high school teacher Gwen Franklin owns and runs a new pet valet business with her BFF, Nora Goldstein, in Portland, Oregon. As their venture starts to flourish they bring in an ex-student of Gwen’s, Brent Mayfair, along with his girlfriend, Rachel to assist them. They’ve been invited to attend the annual Clear the Shelter fundraiser, a huge event in their town, hosted by Portland’s blonde bombshell newscaster, Babs Prescott. Later that day following a press conference, attention-seeker Babs is found dead in a parking garage and a friend of Gwen and Nora, a journalist with the 'Portland Tribune' named Shelby, is accused of her murder. Gwen and Nora decide to investigate and help clear Shelby's name.
The mystery starts off quickly and the pace throughout the book is even. One of my favourite aspects of Cat's Meow is the relationship between reserved Gwen and her feisty sidekick, Nora whose repartee had me frequently chuckling and it was a delight to observe their interactions. Dane McCaslin sprinkles clues throughout the book so the story remains fresh whilst the reader follows along. While I had a hunch as to who the culprit might be, the twists and turns left me quite surprised. The finale is written with humour and the threads of the story link together in a satisfying conclusion.
Cat's Meow is a highly recommended five star read that will be of interest to many cozy readers, especially pet worshippers, and I’m game to see what shenanigans Gwen and Nora get into next in book 3, Playing Possum. If you haven’t tried this series out yet, then you’re definitely missing out!
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Kensington Books via NetGalley and this review is my own unbiased opinion.
The mystery starts off quickly and the pace throughout the book is even. One of my favourite aspects of Cat's Meow is the relationship between reserved Gwen and her feisty sidekick, Nora whose repartee had me frequently chuckling and it was a delight to observe their interactions. Dane McCaslin sprinkles clues throughout the book so the story remains fresh whilst the reader follows along. While I had a hunch as to who the culprit might be, the twists and turns left me quite surprised. The finale is written with humour and the threads of the story link together in a satisfying conclusion.
Cat's Meow is a highly recommended five star read that will be of interest to many cozy readers, especially pet worshippers, and I’m game to see what shenanigans Gwen and Nora get into next in book 3, Playing Possum. If you haven’t tried this series out yet, then you’re definitely missing out!
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Kensington Books via NetGalley and this review is my own unbiased opinion.
February 5, 2021
CAT’S MEOW, the second book in The Two Sisters Pet Valet Mysteries by Dane McCaslin, is a humorous cozy romp featuring memorable characters! I love that the protagonist, reserved Gwen Franklin (retired high school teacher), and her feisty sidekick, Nora Goldstein, are women of “a certain age”. Their hilarious repartee involving the scenarios they find themselves in as they try to solve a murder, had me laughing. As the two women establish their pet valet business, they bring in an ex-student of Gwen’s along with his girlfriend, to assist them. This gives the story broader appeal to both the younger generation and to those who can relate to Gwen and Nora, while playing on the humorous difference between their ages. The author has a wonderful descriptive voice so I felt like I could see, hear, taste, and smell, all the delights that Portland, Oregon has to offer. While Portland may be a large city, the story is written in a way to give it a cozy community feeling, which I appreciated.
The mystery started off quickly and the pace throughout the book is solid. Ms. McCaslin sprinkles clues throughout the book so a sharp reader can follow along. While I had an inkling of who the culprit might be, the twists and turns left me quite surprised. With a deft hand, the reveal is written with some humor and the threads of the story come together in a highly satisfying conclusion.
I was provided with an advance copy via Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The mystery started off quickly and the pace throughout the book is solid. Ms. McCaslin sprinkles clues throughout the book so a sharp reader can follow along. While I had an inkling of who the culprit might be, the twists and turns left me quite surprised. With a deft hand, the reveal is written with some humor and the threads of the story come together in a highly satisfying conclusion.
I was provided with an advance copy via Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
February 11, 2021
This is a fun addition to the series by Dane McCaslin.
Gwen and Nora are best friends, but bicker like sisters in Cat's Meow. The older ladies have their own pet walking business, but that's not a big focus in this book. It seems that a famous news anchor is the victim of murder, and a close friend of the ladies is the top suspect.
Gwen and Nora try to find the clues and prove their friend's innocence.
This is a very light cozy mystery. There's no real in depth investigation or much police interaction, as in most cozy mysteries I read. I do like the characters, they make me laugh, and I think that this series would be liked by most people.
#CatsMeow #NetGalley
Gwen and Nora are best friends, but bicker like sisters in Cat's Meow. The older ladies have their own pet walking business, but that's not a big focus in this book. It seems that a famous news anchor is the victim of murder, and a close friend of the ladies is the top suspect.
Gwen and Nora try to find the clues and prove their friend's innocence.
This is a very light cozy mystery. There's no real in depth investigation or much police interaction, as in most cozy mysteries I read. I do like the characters, they make me laugh, and I think that this series would be liked by most people.
#CatsMeow #NetGalley
September 18, 2021
Dollycas’s Thoughts
2 Sisters Pet Valet Services is surprisingly still up and running and gaining clients. So much so that Gwen and Nora have been invited to the annual Clear the Shelter event which will be hosted by Babs Prescott, a local newscaster with overwhelming assets. Sadly someone decided to cut Babs’ broadcasting career short. Her body is found in a parking garage following a press conference and local crime reporter and Nora and Gwen’s friend Shelby Tucker has been arrested for the crime. Shelby was one of Gwen’s best students and she knows the woman wouldn’t kill anyone. So again, the 2 Sisters insert themselves in another investigation this time to determine who took down the blonde bombshell.
Oh, my stars! The Friendly Bean is Nora and Gwen’s home away from home but Gwen likes her coffee “dark and black and hot”. She may be convinced to try a cappuccino or a mocha but the woman has her limits.
When Nora tried to press her into a healthier drink she had this response . . . “Not if it means drinking milk made from nuts. If God meant us to drink almond milk, he’d have given them little almond boobs”.
In the first book in this series, Doggone Dead, I really didn’t like Nora because of the way she ran roughshod over Gwen but this time Gwen gave as good she got a lot more often. Don’t get me wrong Nora is still as overbearing as ever and she did insert herself into one event that really made me want to tug on her leash and pull her right out of the book to allow Gwen to enjoy herself without Nora’s interference. I feel Gwen has grown quite a bit from the first book and still has plenty of room to grow. Nora has shown her true colors and I am not sure she has any desire to change or grow.
I did enjoy Shelby taking on a larger role but hated that she was the main suspect in Babs murder. Brent is a flawed character and could eat 24/7 if there was food in front of him. I do feel both Gwen and Nora have taken advantage of his child-like nature. I am glad he has found Rachel and that she cares for him just the way he is.
I loved that we met more canine characters. Sometimes the pets can steal the scene and that is just fine with me.
The mystery this time was interesting as the suspect list continued to grow. Several meetings were held to discuss the case and plenty of food was eaten and coffee drank. I was excited by the new additions to the group. The ladies get a big assist from a surprising source that seemed to fit seamlessly with the group too. There were a few nice twists and I was surprised when the whodunit was revealed.
The Pet Valet Service goes on hiatus during the investigation and I was sad to see this as a lot of humorous scenes stem from their canine, feline, and aviary clients. They did agree to take on one special case but that experience ended up being pretty short.
Cat’s Meow . . that title puzzles me a bit . . . was a very entertaining read with amusing characters and a lighthearted mystery investigation. I am looking forward to the next book in the series, Playing Possum with be out on October 5.
2 Sisters Pet Valet Services is surprisingly still up and running and gaining clients. So much so that Gwen and Nora have been invited to the annual Clear the Shelter event which will be hosted by Babs Prescott, a local newscaster with overwhelming assets. Sadly someone decided to cut Babs’ broadcasting career short. Her body is found in a parking garage following a press conference and local crime reporter and Nora and Gwen’s friend Shelby Tucker has been arrested for the crime. Shelby was one of Gwen’s best students and she knows the woman wouldn’t kill anyone. So again, the 2 Sisters insert themselves in another investigation this time to determine who took down the blonde bombshell.
Oh, my stars! The Friendly Bean is Nora and Gwen’s home away from home but Gwen likes her coffee “dark and black and hot”. She may be convinced to try a cappuccino or a mocha but the woman has her limits.
When Nora tried to press her into a healthier drink she had this response . . . “Not if it means drinking milk made from nuts. If God meant us to drink almond milk, he’d have given them little almond boobs”.
In the first book in this series, Doggone Dead, I really didn’t like Nora because of the way she ran roughshod over Gwen but this time Gwen gave as good she got a lot more often. Don’t get me wrong Nora is still as overbearing as ever and she did insert herself into one event that really made me want to tug on her leash and pull her right out of the book to allow Gwen to enjoy herself without Nora’s interference. I feel Gwen has grown quite a bit from the first book and still has plenty of room to grow. Nora has shown her true colors and I am not sure she has any desire to change or grow.
I did enjoy Shelby taking on a larger role but hated that she was the main suspect in Babs murder. Brent is a flawed character and could eat 24/7 if there was food in front of him. I do feel both Gwen and Nora have taken advantage of his child-like nature. I am glad he has found Rachel and that she cares for him just the way he is.
I loved that we met more canine characters. Sometimes the pets can steal the scene and that is just fine with me.
The mystery this time was interesting as the suspect list continued to grow. Several meetings were held to discuss the case and plenty of food was eaten and coffee drank. I was excited by the new additions to the group. The ladies get a big assist from a surprising source that seemed to fit seamlessly with the group too. There were a few nice twists and I was surprised when the whodunit was revealed.
The Pet Valet Service goes on hiatus during the investigation and I was sad to see this as a lot of humorous scenes stem from their canine, feline, and aviary clients. They did agree to take on one special case but that experience ended up being pretty short.
Cat’s Meow . . that title puzzles me a bit . . . was a very entertaining read with amusing characters and a lighthearted mystery investigation. I am looking forward to the next book in the series, Playing Possum with be out on October 5.
March 1, 2021
One of my favorite sleuthing teams- Gwen, a retired school teacher and Nora, her longtime best friend who is independently wealthy - are once again called into action when a friend is accused of murdering an egotistical television anchorwoman. This time, the murderer may be closer than they know!
What makes me love the series is that it has a "keep you up reading" mystery, characters who are very different in personality and background but have a friendship that has lasted over 40 years, supporting characters that are humorous and sweet and the friendship between Gwen and Nora is real. They fuss and make-up, are loyal allies and support each other through thick and thin and occasionally may get on each other's last nerve but isn't that what best friends do?
I enjoy reading "buddy" cozies and especially when the characters are older and vibrant. The addition of a love interest for Gwen and the off and on again romance of Nora's was perfect. I liked that the author brought the whole team from 2 Sisters Pet Valet Services, along with the canine sleuths - Aggie & Herc- to help solve the mystery.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and the opinions expressed in this review are my own.
What makes me love the series is that it has a "keep you up reading" mystery, characters who are very different in personality and background but have a friendship that has lasted over 40 years, supporting characters that are humorous and sweet and the friendship between Gwen and Nora is real. They fuss and make-up, are loyal allies and support each other through thick and thin and occasionally may get on each other's last nerve but isn't that what best friends do?
I enjoy reading "buddy" cozies and especially when the characters are older and vibrant. The addition of a love interest for Gwen and the off and on again romance of Nora's was perfect. I liked that the author brought the whole team from 2 Sisters Pet Valet Services, along with the canine sleuths - Aggie & Herc- to help solve the mystery.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and the opinions expressed in this review are my own.
January 20, 2021
Through NetGalley, I received a free copy of CAT’S MEOW (Book 2 of the Sisters Pet Valet Mysteries) by Dane McCaslin in exchange for an honest review. Gwen Franklin is a retired English teacher who runs a pet sitting, walking, etc. business with her longtime best friend Nora Goldstein. Both women are looking forward to attending Portland’s annual Clear the Shelter event. This year, the charity auction is being hosted by a blonde bombshell newscaster named Babs Prescott, who’s renown for her big hair, big “teeth,” and petty mean-girl personality. When a downtown press conference ends with the discovery of Bab’s body, Shelby Tucker, who is a print journalist and prior student of Gwen’s, becomes the prime suspect. Gwen and Nora swoop in to save the day. Their investigation will require them to take on the media, academia, and society. Challenge accepted.
I liked this book. Though I didn’t read the first in the series, I easily kept the characters and storylines straight. I recommend this book to fans of cozy mysteries featuring murder, pets, pet services, second careers, charitable events, society, media, and academia.
#CatsMeow #NetGalley
I liked this book. Though I didn’t read the first in the series, I easily kept the characters and storylines straight. I recommend this book to fans of cozy mysteries featuring murder, pets, pet services, second careers, charitable events, society, media, and academia.
#CatsMeow #NetGalley
March 16, 2021
Thank you NetGalley, Dane McCaslin and Kensington Books for the ARC of Cat’s Meow. This is my personal review.
Gwen and Nora own 2 Sisters Pet Valet Services. They have been invited to the annual event Clear the Shelter by the local newscaster Babs Prescott in Portland. The mystery begins when Babs is murdered before the event even starts. The person who is the top suspect is Shelby is a friend of Nora and Gwen’s and they both know there is no way Shelby is guilty. So, they are determined to find out who really killed Babs.
This is the second book in the Sisters Pet Valet Mysteries series.
Gwen and Nora own 2 Sisters Pet Valet Services. They have been invited to the annual event Clear the Shelter by the local newscaster Babs Prescott in Portland. The mystery begins when Babs is murdered before the event even starts. The person who is the top suspect is Shelby is a friend of Nora and Gwen’s and they both know there is no way Shelby is guilty. So, they are determined to find out who really killed Babs.
This is the second book in the Sisters Pet Valet Mysteries series.
April 22, 2021
Second in a new series, this can be read as a standalone as sufficient information is given about the characters and area of Portland, Oregon. The mystery was a challenge to solve with the absence of any of obvious clues. There were a couple red herrings that I followed, but simply didn’t figure out whodunit before the person was revealed. The characters were well-defined through behaviors and conversations, and this neighborhood in Portland sounds like a great place to live. The pet valet business sounded as if it could be interesting and would have liked to see more about it.
Best friends Gwen and Nora are in their early 50’s and pals since meeting in kindergarten. Gwen has taken early retirement from being a high school English teacher. To give her something to do and help her earn some cash, Nora suggested they begin a pet valet business that seems to include pet sitting and walking dogs. One of Gwen’s former students has been doing some of the dog walking.
One of Gwen’s former students, Shelby, is the main and only suspect in the murder of a local TV new co-anchor. Babs has few real friends, as most of what she does is to maintain being the center of attention, especially to men. Shelby is front and center only because someone heard of a rude statement Babs made to Shelby, but that interaction was no different than most other ones Babs made to other women. Gwen and Nora both know that Shelby wouldn’t hurt a fly, no matter what she mumbled under her breath. At least the absence of hard evidence is, so far, preventing her arrest.
Nora’s on-again, off-again boyfriend Marcus, a PI, is looking into Babs’s background to see who she has irritated in recent weeks while Gwen and Nora try to look into those people Babs has been seen with. Gwen made a good friend at a fundraiser for local shelters, Louisa, a logging heiress who knows people all over Oregon.
Gwen and Nora are night-and-day different. I do like Gwen and am looking forward to seeing where things go with someone she meets. I just couldn’t warm up to Nora, partly due to her personality and attitudes about men. I would have a hard time being best friends with anyone who feels it necessary to pick sarcastic disagreements about every little thing, but it seems to work for them. Attitudes about Brent at times were a bit less than favorable from both women. Some of these things can be humorous if seen once or twice, but sarcasm becomes an annoying and takes away from the mystery when used throughout, as are the frequent complaints about each other’s choice of attire.
The mystery itself kept me intrigued, with plot twists and turns that seemed to add, but not remove, suspects. The whodunit really did surprise me, especially considering who my red herrings were. I would read at least one more novel in the series before making a decision of whether to continue. My personal preference is typically for a little more buildup and mystery to discover whodunit, and a bit more positive depth to the characters.
Best friends Gwen and Nora are in their early 50’s and pals since meeting in kindergarten. Gwen has taken early retirement from being a high school English teacher. To give her something to do and help her earn some cash, Nora suggested they begin a pet valet business that seems to include pet sitting and walking dogs. One of Gwen’s former students has been doing some of the dog walking.
One of Gwen’s former students, Shelby, is the main and only suspect in the murder of a local TV new co-anchor. Babs has few real friends, as most of what she does is to maintain being the center of attention, especially to men. Shelby is front and center only because someone heard of a rude statement Babs made to Shelby, but that interaction was no different than most other ones Babs made to other women. Gwen and Nora both know that Shelby wouldn’t hurt a fly, no matter what she mumbled under her breath. At least the absence of hard evidence is, so far, preventing her arrest.
Nora’s on-again, off-again boyfriend Marcus, a PI, is looking into Babs’s background to see who she has irritated in recent weeks while Gwen and Nora try to look into those people Babs has been seen with. Gwen made a good friend at a fundraiser for local shelters, Louisa, a logging heiress who knows people all over Oregon.
Gwen and Nora are night-and-day different. I do like Gwen and am looking forward to seeing where things go with someone she meets. I just couldn’t warm up to Nora, partly due to her personality and attitudes about men. I would have a hard time being best friends with anyone who feels it necessary to pick sarcastic disagreements about every little thing, but it seems to work for them. Attitudes about Brent at times were a bit less than favorable from both women. Some of these things can be humorous if seen once or twice, but sarcasm becomes an annoying and takes away from the mystery when used throughout, as are the frequent complaints about each other’s choice of attire.
The mystery itself kept me intrigued, with plot twists and turns that seemed to add, but not remove, suspects. The whodunit really did surprise me, especially considering who my red herrings were. I would read at least one more novel in the series before making a decision of whether to continue. My personal preference is typically for a little more buildup and mystery to discover whodunit, and a bit more positive depth to the characters.
May 20, 2021
https://openbooksociety.com/article/c...
Cat’s Meow
The 2 Sisters Pet Valet Mysteries #2
By Dane McCaslin
ISBN 9781516110186
danemccaslinbooks.com
Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Jeanie
Synopsis:
Retired schoolteacher Gwen Franklin has a new pet project–and a sideline in sleuthing. But this new case has a dangerous sting in the tail . . .
Gwen’s calendar has been filling up ever since she was hounded by her best friend, Nora, into starting 2 Sisters Pet Valet Services. Now they’ve been invited to attend the annual Clear the Shelter event, hosted by Portland’s very own blonde bombshell newscaster, Babs Prescott. Babs is convinced she’s top dog among local celebrities, but it’s clear that someone disagrees when Babs’ body is found following a downtown press conference.
A story this juicy would be headline news at any time, but especially once local crime reporter Shelby Tucker is arrested for the murder. Gwen was Shelby’s high school teacher, and she’s sure her former pupil is innocent. But in that case, who was itching to take Babs out of the spotlight for good? As Nora and Gwen investigate, they find personal mysteries at odds with Babs’ public persona, all leading to a killer who’s not pussyfooting around . . . (From Goodreads)
Review:
The mystery itself is, overall, good, with an assortment of suspects. I enjoyed reading about the Portland, Oregon neighborhood where Gwen and Nora lived, and the idea of the new business the two old friends recently began. The characters are an eclectic mix of ages and lifestyles.
Gwen and Nora have been best friends since kindergarten. Now in their early fifties, they get into as many insult-trading spats as they probably did back then, which at times is mildly amusing and at other times a distraction. Gwen was a high school English teacher who took early retirement and has been working with Nora in their new Pet Valet business. One of Gwen’s former students, Brent, walks dogs for them, and his girlfriend Rachel is starting to do the same. As a new pet-related business in the area, they were invited to attend the annual Clear the Shelter fundraising event. One of the local TV news anchors, Babs, will present awards to people involved in various aspects of caring for pets at the local shelters.
Gwen’s primary reason for being on social media is to keep up with her former students and see their growing families. She opened her Instagram feed and found a photo of Babs with Shelby, a local newspaper journalist and former student they stay in contact with. Nora called Shelby about the photo and heard a very upset young woman. At the event they were covering, Babs suggested to Shelby that she needed a spa makeover and recommended the Fabulous Fattie Farm. Shelby comments that she was considering murder, a figure of speech that this young woman used to blow off steam. The TV news later opened with the stunning announcement that Babs was dead. Calling Shelby again, they learned that she found Babs just after she died. Later, Shelby is the only person of interest in Babs’s murder. Nora’s current beau, Marcus, a PI, will begin to look into it for them. Babs was not well-liked by anyone. A blond bombshell, she enjoyed being the center of attention and didn’t care who she stepped on to get it. Surely the suspect list is longer than just one person.
The characters are well-defined, and I found Gwen and Roger, the first man to ask Gwen out for a long time, and most of Gwen’s former students were very likable. Nora is a little too eccentric for my liking. Yes, there are positive things about her, but I had a hard time with her overall personality and tactless comments. I liked their new friend. Louisa, who might also prove helpful to the mystery, and hope to see more of her.
Overall, I like the premise of the Pet Valet company, including the special care given to Isis. I would like to see more of the pets they care for, having enjoyed the morning they spent with Isis, and less of the snarky exchanges between the best friends as they were too distracting. The age difference between the older ladies and Gwen’s former students does show how the younger generation is, overall, responsible and respectful of Gwen and Nora. The dogs owned by Gwen, Roger, and Brent were a delightful addition. The bad guy absolutely surprised me; it was someone I had not considered. I recommend this to those who enjoy the idea of mysteries associated with pets and a possibility of romance.
Cat’s Meow
The 2 Sisters Pet Valet Mysteries #2
By Dane McCaslin
ISBN 9781516110186
danemccaslinbooks.com
Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Jeanie
Synopsis:
Retired schoolteacher Gwen Franklin has a new pet project–and a sideline in sleuthing. But this new case has a dangerous sting in the tail . . .
Gwen’s calendar has been filling up ever since she was hounded by her best friend, Nora, into starting 2 Sisters Pet Valet Services. Now they’ve been invited to attend the annual Clear the Shelter event, hosted by Portland’s very own blonde bombshell newscaster, Babs Prescott. Babs is convinced she’s top dog among local celebrities, but it’s clear that someone disagrees when Babs’ body is found following a downtown press conference.
A story this juicy would be headline news at any time, but especially once local crime reporter Shelby Tucker is arrested for the murder. Gwen was Shelby’s high school teacher, and she’s sure her former pupil is innocent. But in that case, who was itching to take Babs out of the spotlight for good? As Nora and Gwen investigate, they find personal mysteries at odds with Babs’ public persona, all leading to a killer who’s not pussyfooting around . . . (From Goodreads)
Review:
The mystery itself is, overall, good, with an assortment of suspects. I enjoyed reading about the Portland, Oregon neighborhood where Gwen and Nora lived, and the idea of the new business the two old friends recently began. The characters are an eclectic mix of ages and lifestyles.
Gwen and Nora have been best friends since kindergarten. Now in their early fifties, they get into as many insult-trading spats as they probably did back then, which at times is mildly amusing and at other times a distraction. Gwen was a high school English teacher who took early retirement and has been working with Nora in their new Pet Valet business. One of Gwen’s former students, Brent, walks dogs for them, and his girlfriend Rachel is starting to do the same. As a new pet-related business in the area, they were invited to attend the annual Clear the Shelter fundraising event. One of the local TV news anchors, Babs, will present awards to people involved in various aspects of caring for pets at the local shelters.
Gwen’s primary reason for being on social media is to keep up with her former students and see their growing families. She opened her Instagram feed and found a photo of Babs with Shelby, a local newspaper journalist and former student they stay in contact with. Nora called Shelby about the photo and heard a very upset young woman. At the event they were covering, Babs suggested to Shelby that she needed a spa makeover and recommended the Fabulous Fattie Farm. Shelby comments that she was considering murder, a figure of speech that this young woman used to blow off steam. The TV news later opened with the stunning announcement that Babs was dead. Calling Shelby again, they learned that she found Babs just after she died. Later, Shelby is the only person of interest in Babs’s murder. Nora’s current beau, Marcus, a PI, will begin to look into it for them. Babs was not well-liked by anyone. A blond bombshell, she enjoyed being the center of attention and didn’t care who she stepped on to get it. Surely the suspect list is longer than just one person.
The characters are well-defined, and I found Gwen and Roger, the first man to ask Gwen out for a long time, and most of Gwen’s former students were very likable. Nora is a little too eccentric for my liking. Yes, there are positive things about her, but I had a hard time with her overall personality and tactless comments. I liked their new friend. Louisa, who might also prove helpful to the mystery, and hope to see more of her.
Overall, I like the premise of the Pet Valet company, including the special care given to Isis. I would like to see more of the pets they care for, having enjoyed the morning they spent with Isis, and less of the snarky exchanges between the best friends as they were too distracting. The age difference between the older ladies and Gwen’s former students does show how the younger generation is, overall, responsible and respectful of Gwen and Nora. The dogs owned by Gwen, Roger, and Brent were a delightful addition. The bad guy absolutely surprised me; it was someone I had not considered. I recommend this to those who enjoy the idea of mysteries associated with pets and a possibility of romance.
October 21, 2021
This book was a little better than the first in the sense that the mystery was a little more developed. However, the canned humor and annoying characters are still there. This series is just not for me.
March 25, 2021
This cozy series got my attention with location - Portland, OR is one of my favorite cities, a pair of funny ladies of a certain age who are BFFs and a pet care business. Put it all together and it's the perfect light cozy escape.
In this, their second mystery, Gwen and Nora are involved in the local Clear the Shelter event. Sounds simple enough but then a killer enters the picture. The local tv news personality, Babs Prescott is the host for the event and it sin't long before the killer makes her history. What did she do to make somebody mad enough to resort to murder? That's bad enough but Gwen and Nora are forced to do their own sleuthing when one of Gwen's former high school students, now a print reporter, become the police's prime suspect. Certain that the focus is on the wrong person, Gwen, Nora and their two young employees set out to nab the killer.
Gwen and Nora are besties who have each others backs, share lots of laughter and support each other in their 'golden years'. They are also good at solving murders. Who knew that retirement would be so eventful. All Gwen had planned was catching up on her reading. Such is life when you think you have plans. We should all be so lucky to have friends like Gwen and Nora. I'm looking forward to their next investigation.
My thanks to the publisher Lyrical Press and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
In this, their second mystery, Gwen and Nora are involved in the local Clear the Shelter event. Sounds simple enough but then a killer enters the picture. The local tv news personality, Babs Prescott is the host for the event and it sin't long before the killer makes her history. What did she do to make somebody mad enough to resort to murder? That's bad enough but Gwen and Nora are forced to do their own sleuthing when one of Gwen's former high school students, now a print reporter, become the police's prime suspect. Certain that the focus is on the wrong person, Gwen, Nora and their two young employees set out to nab the killer.
Gwen and Nora are besties who have each others backs, share lots of laughter and support each other in their 'golden years'. They are also good at solving murders. Who knew that retirement would be so eventful. All Gwen had planned was catching up on her reading. Such is life when you think you have plans. We should all be so lucky to have friends like Gwen and Nora. I'm looking forward to their next investigation.
My thanks to the publisher Lyrical Press and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
March 25, 2021
This series is a delight for pet lovers . Its humorous and fun with great charcters that make me laugh out loud.
This is the second book in The Two Sisters Pet Valet Mysteries by Dane McCaslin. The protagonist Gwen is a retired school teacher and her friend Nora are both retirement age. This is so refreshing to read about real women and not 30 somethings . This reader appreciates that the author has given her charcters a wide range of talents and life experience. They are both great charcters with depth and interesting to the reader. They are a funny pair and have great dialogue that keeps me laughing. Starting over in life is a decision they made together and the business they love is off to a great start.
They have a pet valet business that is popular and doing very well. The friends have solved one murder and now they are taking on a mysterious murder to help the police . The mystery is fast paced and kept me guessing to conclusion. With the humorous charcters and the many red herrings this was a mystery that kept me turning pages into the night. The conclusion surprised me and I look forward to the next in series with the crime fighting duo of friends. Thank you to Net Galley and to the publisher for the opportunity to review. Review will be cross posted. My review opinions are my own.
This is the second book in The Two Sisters Pet Valet Mysteries by Dane McCaslin. The protagonist Gwen is a retired school teacher and her friend Nora are both retirement age. This is so refreshing to read about real women and not 30 somethings . This reader appreciates that the author has given her charcters a wide range of talents and life experience. They are both great charcters with depth and interesting to the reader. They are a funny pair and have great dialogue that keeps me laughing. Starting over in life is a decision they made together and the business they love is off to a great start.
They have a pet valet business that is popular and doing very well. The friends have solved one murder and now they are taking on a mysterious murder to help the police . The mystery is fast paced and kept me guessing to conclusion. With the humorous charcters and the many red herrings this was a mystery that kept me turning pages into the night. The conclusion surprised me and I look forward to the next in series with the crime fighting duo of friends. Thank you to Net Galley and to the publisher for the opportunity to review. Review will be cross posted. My review opinions are my own.
July 4, 2021
I enjoyed this book as much as I did the first installment (Doggone Dead.) The same zany cast of characters, the humor, and even a new budding romance.
However, there were some things I didn't like and I almost rated this a 2 because of this. I didn't because I still enjoyed the story.
What I didn't like: there were a couple of editing mistakes. The most notable when windows were called widows. I can overlook that, but there were some inconsistencies in this book. For example, Gwen is supposed to be allergic to dogs and in the first book she actively avoided having any contact with them until she adopted one and discovered it wasn't as bad as she thought. But she supposedly was extremely allergic to cats, but in this one she goes along on a cat sitting assignment with no protest and no problems. Brent was mentioned as a football player, but in the first book it was brought out that he didn't do well and was cut from the team?
And could we please have a bit less of 50 plus being regarded as having one foot in the grave? I realize that young people tend to think of people as "old" over a certain age, but even when I was in high school I don't remember thinking folks in their fifties as being ancient.
Even with all this, I still look forward to the next installment.
However, there were some things I didn't like and I almost rated this a 2 because of this. I didn't because I still enjoyed the story.
What I didn't like: there were a couple of editing mistakes. The most notable when windows were called widows. I can overlook that, but there were some inconsistencies in this book. For example, Gwen is supposed to be allergic to dogs and in the first book she actively avoided having any contact with them until she adopted one and discovered it wasn't as bad as she thought. But she supposedly was extremely allergic to cats, but in this one she goes along on a cat sitting assignment with no protest and no problems. Brent was mentioned as a football player, but in the first book it was brought out that he didn't do well and was cut from the team?
And could we please have a bit less of 50 plus being regarded as having one foot in the grave? I realize that young people tend to think of people as "old" over a certain age, but even when I was in high school I don't remember thinking folks in their fifties as being ancient.
Even with all this, I still look forward to the next installment.
March 22, 2022
I enjoyed this cozy mystery story with all of the characters. The main character was Gwen Franklin.
Gwen Franklin is a retired schoolteacher. Since she retired she an a best friend have started a pet valet services. They have been invited to attend the annual Clear the Shelter event but before the event starts the blonde bombshell newscaster is found dead. And the police have arrested one of Gwen' student when she was a teacher. To clear her student she will do some investigate with her friends.
This was a fun story to read. It was also fun trying to find out the murder. It also had a few laughs throughout the story that had me giggling or laughing to.
I received a complimentary copy via Netgalley. This is my honest unbiased opinions.
Gwen Franklin is a retired schoolteacher. Since she retired she an a best friend have started a pet valet services. They have been invited to attend the annual Clear the Shelter event but before the event starts the blonde bombshell newscaster is found dead. And the police have arrested one of Gwen' student when she was a teacher. To clear her student she will do some investigate with her friends.
This was a fun story to read. It was also fun trying to find out the murder. It also had a few laughs throughout the story that had me giggling or laughing to.
I received a complimentary copy via Netgalley. This is my honest unbiased opinions.
March 8, 2021
Gwen knows- just knows- that her former student Shelby did not murder Babs, a fellow reporter who was covering a Clear the Shelters Event. She enlists her long time pal and business partner Nora as well as another former student and their employees in their pet valet business in the effort. Cozy readers know that there was more to Babs than met the eye (and she was not likable even on the surface). I like this series for the main characters- Gwen and Nora are mature women who have been friends for 40 years and it shows. McCaslin makes good use of her Portland, Oregon setting. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. A light read for cozy fans which will be just fine as a standalone.
February 4, 2021
I won this book in a goodreads drawing.
This is the second book in the series. Former high school teacher, Gwen Franklin, gets an instagram from a former student, now journalist. The picture shows the student next to a more glamorous journalist with a sour look on her face. Then the glamorous one is murdered, and the student is the primary suspect.
Franklin, and her best friend/business partner poke around, ask questions, find another scandal, and eventually solve the mystery. They don't do much actual business, though. Fairly decent.
This is the second book in the series. Former high school teacher, Gwen Franklin, gets an instagram from a former student, now journalist. The picture shows the student next to a more glamorous journalist with a sour look on her face. Then the glamorous one is murdered, and the student is the primary suspect.
Franklin, and her best friend/business partner poke around, ask questions, find another scandal, and eventually solve the mystery. They don't do much actual business, though. Fairly decent.
February 17, 2021
This is the second book in the series with a fun group of characters. Gwen, a retired teacher and her best friend Nora own a pet services business. A local news anchor dies and a friend of theirs, Shelby, is accused of her murder. Gwen and Nora decide to investigate and help clear Shelby's name. Their whole group gets involved to help Shelby; Brent and Rachel, their employees, and Marcus and Roger, the men in their lives. They even meet a new friend that has connections that helps them try to solve the murder.
April 5, 2021
Cat's Meow is the second installment in the 2 Sisters Pet Valet Mysteries. Former teacher Gwen Franklin and her business partner/best friend, Nora Goldstein are settled into their new business, 2 Sisters Pet Valet Services. They're roped into it a charity event for the local anima. l shelter. The local newscaster covering the event is killed. Shelby Tucker, a crime reporter with the Portland paper and a former student of Gwen's, becomes a prime suspect.
February 12, 2021
Cute cozy.
I won this from a Goodreads giveaway. I enjoyed the wit of Gwen, the main character. I am looking forward to reading the first in the series as well as the next in the series. As dogs figured prominently in the story, I am curious as to why the title was chosen, though. Except for maybe a couple of spelling errors, it was enjoyable to read. Recommended.
I won this from a Goodreads giveaway. I enjoyed the wit of Gwen, the main character. I am looking forward to reading the first in the series as well as the next in the series. As dogs figured prominently in the story, I am curious as to why the title was chosen, though. Except for maybe a couple of spelling errors, it was enjoyable to read. Recommended.
February 20, 2021
A humorous book about a retired schoolteacher and her best friend of 50 years. A lover of mysteries, she gets herself involved in trying to keep a young friend from being arrested for murder. Between the numerous dogs, friends, she really get herself involved. Lots of fun with amusing characters. Won this in a Goodreads Giveaway
March 21, 2021
A fun cozy mystery. Entertaining characters. Adorable dogs. Engaging murder mystery. There was a little repetition that I hope is eliminated by the final edit. As this was an advanced reader copy, I understand things may change. One scene was so similar to another book that I wondered if I had read this one already and forgotten. Thanks to the publisher for providing a copy via NetGalley.
May 6, 2021
I enjoyed the first book much more. Seems everyone got over main woman doing a mini documentary on the city that was brought up non stop last book. This is cozy but by the numbers no frills murder mystery. Reads almost like a Halmark episode with PG references to sex and murder. The Cat in the title was barely in the book
October 1, 2022
I won this e-book through goodreads giveaway
October 26, 2021
I enjoyed this book but could do with less banter between the ladies. It gets downright mean sometimes. I enjoy when Brett and Rachel are around, although I can't imagine anyone being as simple as Brett. The story was good and well written, they just seemed to fight a lot.
March 23, 2021
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the review copy of this book. I really enjoyed the first book in this series, and was eager to pick up the second. In this installment, the pet valet service is on vacation for two weeks as Gwen and Nora work to clear the name of a close friend accused of murder. The victim? The most famous television news anchor in Portland. With the help of the lovable oaf, Brent, and a wonderful cast of characters, the truth is bound to come out.
I really enjoyed the story line of this cozy mystery. Gwen and Nora’s quips at each other were often hilarious, but sometimes bordered on mean (I found it a bit off-putting.) Even though the valet service is on vacation, there was still plenty of animal high jinx to add to the story.
All in all, I found this book very entertaining, and would recommend it (as well as book #1).
I really enjoyed the story line of this cozy mystery. Gwen and Nora’s quips at each other were often hilarious, but sometimes bordered on mean (I found it a bit off-putting.) Even though the valet service is on vacation, there was still plenty of animal high jinx to add to the story.
All in all, I found this book very entertaining, and would recommend it (as well as book #1).
January 27, 2021
Gwen and Nora have a great sisterly bond. I really enjoyed their relationship throughout the mystery. Clear the Shelter an event held in Portland unfortunately a news anchor is murdered before the event. There are lots of suspects to consider since she didn’t have the best personality. I really enjoyed this book and will go back and catch up!
#CatsMeow #NetGalley
#CatsMeow #NetGalley
March 4, 2021
The Cat's Meow is the second book in the Sisters Pet Valet Mysteries. I really enjoyed it. The characters are interesting and fun and there are dogs, which is always a good thing. The mystery is solid. It's about a TV anchor's murder. It is a fun cozy mystery that I think most people will enjoy.
March 5, 2021
Retired English teacher Gwen and her best friend Nora are quirky characters indeed. They set out to find who killed Babs the anchorwoman whom nobody seemed to care for. I enjoyed the story even though I feel the ending could have been alittle more suspenseful. Thanks #netgalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews