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Sleuthin' in Boots #1
How to Leash a Thief
Life in Pleasant Hills, Texas, flows like sweet molasses. Normally.
But nothing is pleasant or normal about murder.
I never thought, in my wildest dreams at 26-years-old, I would see my first dead body. Or take over my grandmother’s floundering pet grooming business, without a lick of experience aside from managing the shop’s (Stone Age) back office, drain my savings account for the shop’s renovations, begin hearing my Chihuahua’s voice inside my head, and wind up a possible suspect in the murder of one of my employees.
Now, if I can clear my name, discover the real killer—without getting whacked myself, come to terms with hearing my chatty pup, all while keeping the family business afloat, my life won’t slip down the proverbial drain.
♥Author’s Note: Some, more mature, readers in the humorous, cozy mystery genre may love to hate my main character, Steely Lamarr, and that’s okay. But as the writer, it is my duty to remain true to her character and her story. Steely doesn’t claim to have all the answers, nor does she always make the wisest of decisions. Her character is loosely based on a few of my own experiences married to a law enforcement officer in my 20’s, and coupled with inspiration drawn from our oldest daughter’s personality, whose steely attitude and tenacious spirit kept her feet on the ground and her head held high during the difficulties in her young adult life. As with my own daughter, I have a deep appreciation for Steely’s growth, maturity, and her willingness to own and learn from her mistakes as the series progresses. My hope is readers will acknowledge and appreciate this as well. If not, remember, there’s always pie, and pie makes everything better.
~Publisher's note: This is the 2nd edition of How to Leash a Thief. Many readers of the 1st edition stated it read like a "cozy" mystery. Although it does contain many cozy mystery elements, we at Pigasus Publications do not want to mislead readers. Our readers’ happiness is top priority. How to Leash a Thief does not contain explicit sex or excessive violence. Some cozy mystery fans might enjoy the story. But we want to inform readers, the book does contain minimal use of curse words and sexual innuendos. Thank you for your interest!
But nothing is pleasant or normal about murder.
I never thought, in my wildest dreams at 26-years-old, I would see my first dead body. Or take over my grandmother’s floundering pet grooming business, without a lick of experience aside from managing the shop’s (Stone Age) back office, drain my savings account for the shop’s renovations, begin hearing my Chihuahua’s voice inside my head, and wind up a possible suspect in the murder of one of my employees.
Now, if I can clear my name, discover the real killer—without getting whacked myself, come to terms with hearing my chatty pup, all while keeping the family business afloat, my life won’t slip down the proverbial drain.
♥Author’s Note: Some, more mature, readers in the humorous, cozy mystery genre may love to hate my main character, Steely Lamarr, and that’s okay. But as the writer, it is my duty to remain true to her character and her story. Steely doesn’t claim to have all the answers, nor does she always make the wisest of decisions. Her character is loosely based on a few of my own experiences married to a law enforcement officer in my 20’s, and coupled with inspiration drawn from our oldest daughter’s personality, whose steely attitude and tenacious spirit kept her feet on the ground and her head held high during the difficulties in her young adult life. As with my own daughter, I have a deep appreciation for Steely’s growth, maturity, and her willingness to own and learn from her mistakes as the series progresses. My hope is readers will acknowledge and appreciate this as well. If not, remember, there’s always pie, and pie makes everything better.
~Publisher's note: This is the 2nd edition of How to Leash a Thief. Many readers of the 1st edition stated it read like a "cozy" mystery. Although it does contain many cozy mystery elements, we at Pigasus Publications do not want to mislead readers. Our readers’ happiness is top priority. How to Leash a Thief does not contain explicit sex or excessive violence. Some cozy mystery fans might enjoy the story. But we want to inform readers, the book does contain minimal use of curse words and sexual innuendos. Thank you for your interest!
324 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 30, 2017
179 people are currently reading
217 people want to read
About the author
Cat Clayton
4 books9 followersCat Clayton was a gypsy in a past life. In her current life, she’s a wife, a mother, a writer, and an artist. She writes best with gallons of coffee, Goldfish, Raisinettes, and dill pickle slices. Although, usually not all at once. Writing from somewhere in Texas, she loves to put her amateur sleuths into precarious situations, force them to stumble upon dead bodies, help them solve the whodunits. Think Murder, She Wrote, but with a contemporary & humorous chick-lit vibe. (Oh, and at least one hot cop.)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
January 9, 2018
I would not call this a cozy mystery. It has too much harsh language. There are murders and mystery. A handsome police officer. A two-timing boyfriend. A cute talking chihuahua that only the female protagonist can hear. It’s humorous. However, in my opinion, the protagonist’s IQ started dropping about 65% way through the book and I couldn’t take her behavior after that. The dog got quiet, too. Weird.
June 30, 2023
One sultry summer night, a man was murdered. The officers responding to the scene are blasé - he's been homeless before, and they're sure it's just his past life catching up to him, but he is Steely Lamarr's employee, and she wants justice for him even if she has to get it herself. Along with Steely are her band of misfits who vow to solve the crime even though they are repeatedly warned off by both the police and the murderer.
Unpopular opinion: I was not too fond of the talking dog. A running gag involving the animal got to me, and I would have preferred the book without him. (Normally, I love animals.) That aside, it was a good story with an unusual spin to the murder mystery game.
How to Leash a Thief is a good beach read: not too complicated, just enough to engage and deliver a fun read.
Unpopular opinion: I was not too fond of the talking dog. A running gag involving the animal got to me, and I would have preferred the book without him. (Normally, I love animals.) That aside, it was a good story with an unusual spin to the murder mystery game.
How to Leash a Thief is a good beach read: not too complicated, just enough to engage and deliver a fun read.
November 13, 2018
Fun, emotive and wonderful plot!
What a great fun read. Funny at times and heartbeat others all wrap-up in a great plot with characters that simply jump to life in front of your eyes. Okay I got part right straight away but the other part eluded me. A really great read.
She and her Police officer boyfriend were supposed to be having a peaceful night when he received a call. Inquisitive by nature she listens to his police radio. A body has been found in her shop! Once he is out of the way she tries to follow meeting with an accident. Now she starts hearing a voice. The voice of her chihuahua. Together they race over to the shop to investigate hoping they can get there before the police. Only to be found by two police officers - one a new smoking hot new hire. That's when things go to hell in a hand basket. A bank robbery, some shooting and following her, another dead body, a bad break up with her boyfriend (he's been two timing her with a new police officier), threats and a lot of tears. Whilst her smart alec chihuahua tries to keep her spirits up with his one liners and her Gran Gertie gets into even more trouble then she does. Will anyone take what she says seriously? Will the killer be caught before anyone else gets hurt, namely her?
What a great fun read. Funny at times and heartbeat others all wrap-up in a great plot with characters that simply jump to life in front of your eyes. Okay I got part right straight away but the other part eluded me. A really great read.
She and her Police officer boyfriend were supposed to be having a peaceful night when he received a call. Inquisitive by nature she listens to his police radio. A body has been found in her shop! Once he is out of the way she tries to follow meeting with an accident. Now she starts hearing a voice. The voice of her chihuahua. Together they race over to the shop to investigate hoping they can get there before the police. Only to be found by two police officers - one a new smoking hot new hire. That's when things go to hell in a hand basket. A bank robbery, some shooting and following her, another dead body, a bad break up with her boyfriend (he's been two timing her with a new police officier), threats and a lot of tears. Whilst her smart alec chihuahua tries to keep her spirits up with his one liners and her Gran Gertie gets into even more trouble then she does. Will anyone take what she says seriously? Will the killer be caught before anyone else gets hurt, namely her?
January 2, 2018
A mystery that keeps you guessing + a lively cast of characters = a fun & fast-paced read that you won't want to put down.
May 19, 2024
Steely Sue Lamarr’s life slips into chaos. Her police officer boyfriend gets called away to a murder. In her rush to tag along, she bangs her head. Then she starts hearing her dog’s voice in her head. The chaos builds from there, compelling her to keep seeking out answers in a murder. With a backup cast of quirky small town characters, particularly her grandma Gertie, she chases danger, while it seems men chase her. Will the small town survive this sudden crime wave?
The characters amused me, particularly Gertie and the canine companions, but the story fell flat at points. It was instantly apparent who had to be at fault, but Steely took forever to figure it out, which seemed out of character for the daughter of two law enforcement officers.
The characters amused me, particularly Gertie and the canine companions, but the story fell flat at points. It was instantly apparent who had to be at fault, but Steely took forever to figure it out, which seemed out of character for the daughter of two law enforcement officers.
January 24, 2022
Cute, comedic, murder mystery romance.
I really enjoyed this book with so many comical characters. Steely renovated her Grandma’s dog bathing salon where the murder of a former homeless man took place. He lived in the apartment above the salon and worded for her cleaning up. The next day, the bank across the street was robbed and the robber shot at Steely. Another body appeared in her shop and Steely kept snooping around until she began getting death threats. Comic relief came from her Grandma Gertie throughout this whole debacle.
A very entertaining read, I highly recommend.
I really enjoyed this book with so many comical characters. Steely renovated her Grandma’s dog bathing salon where the murder of a former homeless man took place. He lived in the apartment above the salon and worded for her cleaning up. The next day, the bank across the street was robbed and the robber shot at Steely. Another body appeared in her shop and Steely kept snooping around until she began getting death threats. Comic relief came from her Grandma Gertie throughout this whole debacle.
A very entertaining read, I highly recommend.
September 2, 2021
On the Scent . . .
Sassy, quirky Steely Lamarr discovers that the janitor was murdered at her dog-grooming shop. Despite objections from the growly new police officer, Steely vows to track down the killer. She and her crew, which includes a cheeky Chihuahua and her best friend Daniel, were hot on the case.
This is a fun, crazy cozy mystery with a wacky cast of characters you will love! She gets herself into all kinds of trouble, so you won’t want to miss this one. Laughter keeps you healthy, so go for it! Grab your copy and enjoy!
Sassy, quirky Steely Lamarr discovers that the janitor was murdered at her dog-grooming shop. Despite objections from the growly new police officer, Steely vows to track down the killer. She and her crew, which includes a cheeky Chihuahua and her best friend Daniel, were hot on the case.
This is a fun, crazy cozy mystery with a wacky cast of characters you will love! She gets herself into all kinds of trouble, so you won’t want to miss this one. Laughter keeps you healthy, so go for it! Grab your copy and enjoy!
September 8, 2021
Adventure of a crazy lady, her wild family, and her cute little bug eyed dog.
This was the first book that I read by this author, and it was great. I'm looking forward to read more of her books. This one was what I call a mystery that could happen in any small town. It was not the norm for there to be a murder in Pleasant Hills. For it to be Street's employee means she just can't stay out of the investigation. Check out what happens as she searches for the murderer. There is also her zany best friend and uncontrollable grandmother added to the mix.
This was the first book that I read by this author, and it was great. I'm looking forward to read more of her books. This one was what I call a mystery that could happen in any small town. It was not the norm for there to be a murder in Pleasant Hills. For it to be Street's employee means she just can't stay out of the investigation. Check out what happens as she searches for the murderer. There is also her zany best friend and uncontrollable grandmother added to the mix.
February 4, 2022
Another amateur detective outsmarts the cops
As the daughter of two former cops, Steeley has a knack for asking the right questions and getting on the nerves of the real cops, especially her demeaning boyfriend. Her partners in solving the mysteries of two deaths and a bank robbery are her dog grooming oemployee, Daniel, and her chihuahua, cuff, who talks to her in her head. Her father and crazy grandmother believe her, as does one cop, Jackson, who is entirely too good looking, charming and sympathetic, though it takes her a long time to allow him to help her.
As the daughter of two former cops, Steeley has a knack for asking the right questions and getting on the nerves of the real cops, especially her demeaning boyfriend. Her partners in solving the mysteries of two deaths and a bank robbery are her dog grooming oemployee, Daniel, and her chihuahua, cuff, who talks to her in her head. Her father and crazy grandmother believe her, as does one cop, Jackson, who is entirely too good looking, charming and sympathetic, though it takes her a long time to allow him to help her.
September 20, 2021
Who wouldn’t want to take a walk in somebody else’s spiked camo boots for a while? Steely Lamarr inherits a dog-grooming business and a series of crimes to solve in small-town Texas. Populated with a memorable cast of characters, not to mention her furry sidekick, Cuff, it’s a read filled with humor and antics, and a mystery that keeps you guessing until the end. A Southern, pie loving, spiked camo boot wearing, sleuth is born.
September 27, 2023
I enjoy a good humorous mystery and authors like Janet Evanovich or Julie Mulhern. However, this was just too much. Rather than quirky and endearing, Steely was TSTL and annoying. It felt as if the author was trying too hard to recreate a Stephanie Plum mystery, including the investigative mishaps, the humorous side kick, the long suffering dad, and the over the top grandmother. By far the best thing about the book was Cuff the Chihuahua.
January 23, 2022
This story was a lot of fun but also so frustrating. For a girl whose parents were both police officers, as well as her boyfriend, Steely has absolutely no idea about crime scene preservation or investigations. There was no sleuthing involved, just wild accusations.
September 16, 2022
What a Fun Read!
It has action, romance, friendship, a worthless cheater, 2 murders, and a bank robbery!
The friendships and family relationships are great, and Cuff the chihuahua is priceless.
Almost a laugh a page. I highly recommend it.
It has action, romance, friendship, a worthless cheater, 2 murders, and a bank robbery!
The friendships and family relationships are great, and Cuff the chihuahua is priceless.
Almost a laugh a page. I highly recommend it.
May 22, 2023
I typically don’t listen to podcasts, but this one was quite enjoyable. One major issue: every single episode starts with the same beginning mantra, and ends with a similar one. If you are reading these, or listening, all at once, this becomes incredibly annoying. But the story is great!
February 6, 2024
Debated whether to 2 1/2 or 3 stars....it was an easy read along the lines of a cozy mystery but not really. The talking dog was kinda of annoying and doesn't do much for storyline except maybe a little towards very end. Probably won't finish the series
September 29, 2021
Cool book!! Love Cuff!!
Cute story, due to dogs part !! Kinda convoluted plot, but still a different kind of book for me. I found it enjoyable!!!
Cute story, due to dogs part !! Kinda convoluted plot, but still a different kind of book for me. I found it enjoyable!!!
September 30, 2021
How to Leash S Thief
Humorous story,, had me laughing most of the time., Great story writing! So many twists and turns, keeps one turning the pages!
Humorous story,, had me laughing most of the time., Great story writing! So many twists and turns, keeps one turning the pages!
December 5, 2021
interesting
I found the book interesting and catching but it annoyed me her behavior… seemed too far fetched. Giving it a second thought probably too real hahaha!
I found the book interesting and catching but it annoyed me her behavior… seemed too far fetched. Giving it a second thought probably too real hahaha!
January 25, 2022
Super fun. Super quirky. Super southern.
If you enjoy talking dogs - especially chihuahuas - this book is for you.
If you enjoy talking dogs - especially chihuahuas - this book is for you.
March 10, 2022
Excellent book
The was a different kind of book with a Twist ending. Really enjoyed the different Character s. Recommend.
. It.
The was a different kind of book with a Twist ending. Really enjoyed the different Character s. Recommend.
. It.
March 27, 2022
Enjoy the read
It was a fun quick read with some funny scenes and enjoyed the family connection and friends and not so friends.
It was a fun quick read with some funny scenes and enjoyed the family connection and friends and not so friends.
February 3, 2024
I gave it an extra star for the dogs thoughts, I love books written from the animals point of view!
July 23, 2024
The story is enjoyable and the ability to talk to a dog is a cute premise. Sometimes the language was a little harsh, which is only occasional thankfully or I never could have read the whole book.
January 13, 2022
A fun read - enjoyed it
October 3, 2021
2 star
I gave up at 28 percent. It feels familiar like I've read it before. Caught a couple inconsistencies so that means I don't really trust things anymore. I'm not finding it humorous. The boyfriend is a total jerk and the gay friend feels like a cardboard cliche. So not worth more of my time.
I gave up at 28 percent. It feels familiar like I've read it before. Caught a couple inconsistencies so that means I don't really trust things anymore. I'm not finding it humorous. The boyfriend is a total jerk and the gay friend feels like a cardboard cliche. So not worth more of my time.
November 24, 2018
There's Such a Thing as Good Meddling But . . .
The gum wrapper, the . . .
Never mind.
Nick has a right to be angry, but he is not beyond reproach himself.
Then there's Jackson, and Daniel, and Gertie, and the talking chihuahua, and . .
What Clayton may lose by a slightly weak plot (though I've seen far worse) she definitely gains by a strong set of zany characters.
I hope for more from this talented new writer.
The gum wrapper, the . . .
Never mind.
Nick has a right to be angry, but he is not beyond reproach himself.
Then there's Jackson, and Daniel, and Gertie, and the talking chihuahua, and . .
What Clayton may lose by a slightly weak plot (though I've seen far worse) she definitely gains by a strong set of zany characters.
I hope for more from this talented new writer.
October 20, 2019
I had fun reading this, so many awesome characters! Steely, Gramma Gertie, Daniel, Cuff, Jackson, Pop...so great! This was such a confusing mystery to try and figure out. I had parts figured out, but not the entire story. I love when a mystery is written so well that I don’t get the answers until everyone else does. I can’t wait to read the next one!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 29, 2018
This was a great read. The characters are really well developed, by the end I felt like I knew the characters and was excited to follow them into the next book of the series. It had a southern small town setting that I think is more quirky and modern take on rural Texas that was really enjoyable. Looking forward to book two!
October 13, 2019
What a great couple of characters, Steely and Cuff. Such a great duo of crime fighters! I love this series. This is the first of three books and having read them all, I can say they both are fantastic. I am hoping for more by this author and in this series since I love these characters.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 26, 2018
Lighthearted, funny and oh so Texan!
The setting of this book is small town Texas at its finest. Loved the way the characters develop along the way. By the end of the book it felt like I almost knew them personally. Lol Enjoyed it a lot.
The setting of this book is small town Texas at its finest. Loved the way the characters develop along the way. By the end of the book it felt like I almost knew them personally. Lol Enjoyed it a lot.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews