The Persian Always Meows Twice

Eileen Watkins

Sep 2017 · A Cat Groomer Mystery Book 1 · Kensington Cozies

About this ebook

A cat groomer scratches below the surface of her picturesque town to sniff out a killer in this series debut—“a deft blend of mystery and cat love” (Kirkus).
 
Cassie McGlone, owner of Cassie’s Comfy Cats in Chadwick, New Jersey, knows that professional cat grooming isn’t all fluff. She handles her feistiest four-legged clients with a caring touch and nerves of steel. And she needs all the nerve she can muster on her latest house call—when she finds the murdered body of her favorite client, millionaire George DeLeuw, and his newly orphaned Persian, Harpo.
 
Cassie wants to do whatever she can to help the local police find George’s killer. Taking temporary custody of Harpo seems simple enough—until it becomes clear that someone is desperate to get their claws on the cat. Could the feline be the key to untangling a felony? As cat at whisperer Cassie tries to coax out deadly secrets, she better tread lightly. After all, she gets one life, not nine. 
 
“It doesn’t take a cat lover to fall in love with this perfectly crafted cozy series.”—Publishers Weekly, starred review, on The Bengal Identity

Ratings and reviews

Excellent new first-in-series! This crazy cat lady very much enjoyed this cozy mystery, the setting for which is Cassie's Comfy Cats in Chadwick, NJ. Cassie has recently purchased this beautiful 100+ year old home to use as a cat boarding and grooming facility after becoming a certified animal behaviorist and groomer. I was happy to meet a lovable Persian, Cassie's companion cats and those she boards, and was introduced to a mystery that keep me engaged and looking for the bad guy/ gal. Cassie left behind a stalking ex-boyfriend in Morristown, opening her business in a small town she was familiar with when visiting best friend, Dawn, who has a health food store in Chadwick. She is slowly building her business, beginning with the one cat she grooms in his home. Harpo is an adorable Persian whose very wealthy owner, George DeLeux, has his own in-home grooming room. When arriving for the regular appointment, Harpo was outside the McMansion and the front door was open, both highly unusual events. Once inside, Harpo led her to his master and friend, who was lying face down with a head injury, dead. Cassie couldn't imagine the man having any enemies, but he must have had at least one. The only suspect so far is Dion Janos, son of Cassie's handyman. As she asks a few questions around town and at the visitation, Cassie makes someone very nervous, sufficiently so that unusual incidents occur. Detective Angela Bonelli, assigned to the case, is willing to hear what Cassie finds as she knows Cassie might hear things the cops would not. George's attorney agreed to allow Cassie to board Harpo until the will is read, but suddenly Harpo becomes valuable to his only two family members. And Cassie becomes a target. I like Cassie and her dedication to caring for her own cats as well as those who are boarded with her. We learn the most about her, bringing a 3-dimensional woman to the forefront. She hires Sarah, a former high school math teacher as her assistant. While much of her personal past is deflected, there is no doubt she is a willing learner and hard worker. And she becomes a valuable employee and friend. Others that I look forward to getting to know better are Angela Bonelli and local veterinarian Mark Coccia. The author is adept at putting together scenes in such a way as to increase suspense or keeping the momentum going. This reader was drawn in from the first page and I was sorry to turn the last page. Plot twists introduce new suspects while eliminating others, and crimes behind the murder require the work of the FBI. The ending is nothing short of exciting and very satisfying. I highly recommend this cozy mystery to crazy (or not so crazy) cat lovers everywhere!

The Persian Always Meows Twice is the first book in the new series A Cat Groomer Mystery. Cassie McGlone has opened Cassie’s Comfy Cats in Chadwick, New Jersey. Cassie is off to her biweekly appointment at George DeLeuw’s house to groom his Persian cat, Harpo. She arrives and finds Harpo outside and the front door ajar (you know where this is leading). She follows Harpo to George’s study where she finds him dead from obvious blunt force trauma. Detective Angela Bonnell of the Chadwick PD is assigned the case. With herself and Nick Janos’ son (Cassie’s handyman) suspect in the murder, Cassie starts investigating. Unfortunately, no one is giving her bupkis. Then Cassie becomes the temporary guardian of Harpo and someone is determined to get their paws on George’s confidant. Did George’s high standards get him killed? And why is everyone after Harpo? The Persian Always Meows Twice is nicely written. The author has an easy writing style which makes for a pleasant paced story. There is just the right amount and type of humor. I found the characters to be nicely developed (especially for the first book in the series). Cassie is a smart, personable and caring woman with her own business (hooray). I also think she is brave since she bathes cats (not an easy task unless the cat has been bathed since it was a kitten). Cassie’s business sounds like a lovely place for cats. My cats would love the perches in her place. I thought it was funny that Cassie is not willing to let cats sleep in her bed (that is one of the best benefits unless they commandeer your pillow), but she does allow a cat on her table (while she eats). My rating for The Persian Always Meows Twice is 4 out of 5 stars (I liked it). The only disappointment was the mystery—it was light. I wish the author had made it more complicated or added in a good twist to surprise me. The killer’s identity is not a puzzler. I was happy with the investigation and the amount of action. I like that Cassie worked with the police to help solve the crime (and that the detective did not constantly tell Cassie to stay out of the investigation). I will definitely be reading the next book which is The Bengal Identity.

Cute cat!

About the author

Eileen Watkins is also the author of The Bengal Identity; Feral Attraction; and Gone, Kitty Gone in the Cat Groomer Mystery series. For most of her career, she has worked for daily newspapers, writing and editing stories on fine art, architecture, interior design, and home improvement. She has also published paranormal mystery and suspense novels. A confirmed “Jersey Girl,” she prefers older houses, has always shared her home with at least one cat, and makes frequent visits to the nearest riding stable. She is a member of Sisters in Crime and Mystery Writers of America. Visit her website at www.efwatkins.com.