I thoroughly enjoyed this cozy mystery by Eileen Watkins. The characterization was superb and as an added bonus the cats also had different personalities.

The mystery was interesting, unique and well done with everything wrapped up neatly by the last page.

A great book by a fantastic author. The writing is excellent and the mystery keeps you turning the pages. Characters are well developed. Highly recommend.

I thoroughly enjoyed this story and look forward to reading the next book in the series.Thank you for the opportunity!

Very good read especially for folks who love cats, Cassie just opened her cat grooming shop when she discovers the body of her best client. The characters are enjoyable and I look forward to the next in the series (especially since it features a Bengal).

Princess Fuzzypants here:
Cassie escapes an abusive relationship and moves to nice quiet Chadwick where she opens a cat grooming and boarding salon. Things are going really well until she finds her richest client murdered in his mansion. His cat Harpo, a sweet Persian, needs someone to care about him and not just see him as a pawn. Cassie is drawn into the investigation with the blessing of the local police who figure she can get the suspects to talk. She not only gets them to talk but she manages to get the murderer to try and remove her- permanently.
Cassie is a great character who grows in confidence as the story evolves. I love her interactions with Harpo, her own cats and the boarders. She is surrounded by a wonderful supporting cast including her assistant and her new beau. There is also an awesome cat named Stormy who turns out to be a hero but I will leave it to the reader to find out how he does it.
I give this five purrs and two paws up and cannot wait for the second book.

The Persian Always Meows Twice
1st in A Cat Groomer Mystery Series
Eileen Watkins

The Persian Always Meows Twice is the first in a new series, A Cat Groomer Mystery series. Set in Chadwick, New Jersey in a private two-story home now converted into Cassie’s Comfy Cats and the proprietor, Cassie McGlone, a certified groomer and animal behaviorist, home. Her shop was not just a place to have your cat groomed but also a boarding facility and offered things for an owner to spoil their cat(s). Along with her helper, Sarah Wilcox, Cassie provided the cats brought there with the best of things a cat could desire.
Cassie also provided grooming for an outside client, George DeLeuw’s Persian cat, Harpo. Mr. DeLeuw, known as one of the town’s prestigious citizens. With a professional-quality grooming studio in his home Cassie had no qualms about grooming Harpo there. It was at the weekly appointment that Cassie found Harpo kidding under a bush outside the home, which made her think something must be amiss since Harpo never was allowed outside. When the front door was found to be open, Cassie made her presence known with a simple Hello. With no answer she put Harpo down and Harpo proceeded to head where George, his master, could be found. However, when Harpo led Cassie into the study where she found Mr. DeLeuw facedown with a gash across the back of his head. This was just the beginning of the story.
I found the characters to be believable and the description of Chadwick so inviting I would love to live there. The development of the mystery was laid out well, combining a little romance as well as Cassie’s natural call to help in solving who was responsible of Mr. DeLeuw’s murder and to protect Harpo from the hands of someone who may want him for the wrong reason. I am anxious to see where the next story will lead Cassie.

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.

This is book number one in the new Cat Groomer Mystery Series and its purrfect delight from cover to cover. Cat lovers will find this book the perfect catnip ! This is a very enjoyable read with all the perfect cozy elements.
Our protagonist is Cassie McGlone who has moved to the picture perfect town of Chadwick to give herself a fresh start after leaving a bad relationship. Opening her own shop, Cassie’s Comfy Cats, a cat grooming and boarding boutique she’s starting to make a name for herself around the town and gain many clients. However when Cassie makes a house call to a rich client she walks right into a murder scene and is quickly added to the suspect list after having discovered the body.

To clear her own name Cassie begins her own investigation into just what had happened to her client. Meanwhile Cassie being a cat lover, is terribly worried about the well being of Harpo, the newly orphaned Persian that Cassie had been grooming for her now deceased client. She ask to take care of him until the estate is settled. While in Cassie’s care Harpo becomes a town star and media sensation as some believe he may come with an inheritance and before long Cassie finds herself in danger having Harpo in her care. As she fears for Harpo and herself she is determined to find the suspect and connects the clues until a surprise suspect is reveled in the end.
This is a cat lovers dream series with all the elements we cat lovers like in our cozies. It has a great cat, a smart independent protagonist as a sleuth and a wonderful small town of unique characters. The sleuth was very well crafted and surprised this avid mystery reader in the end. I loved this first in series and look forward to the following books. Thank you for the ARC which did not influence my review.

Forget batman, cat woman is far cooler.  The picturesque village of Chadwick has a new amateur detective, Cassie McGlone, owner of Cassie’s Comfy Cats.  Grooming cats may be her specialty, but she has a knack for knowing people.  When she discovers the body of her most illustrious client, she has few plans other than to ensure his cat, a gorgeous and sweet Persian, is cared for.  But people talk, and the more she learns the more she begins to dig into the murder.  

The Persian Always Meows Twice is a wonderful mystery, that is certain to tickle any feline lover's fancy.  It's willingness to flout cosy conventions makes it a refreshing change.  Eileen Watkins does a great job of creating a mystery where felines take center stage, playing an important role in the plot. I especially loved the climax which was catastrophic for the villains in more ways than one.  To sum things up, The Persian Always Meows Twice is a fresh, fun cosy debut.  

5 / 5

I received a copy of The Persian Always Meows Twice from the publisher and Netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review.

--Crittermom

Cassie McGlone is a cat groomer, and runs her own business, Cassie's Comfy Cats. She deals with finicky felines all day and loves her job. Her job gets a lot more serious when she makes a house call to groom a client's pampered persian, only to discover the dead body of George DeLeuw. Reeling from the shock of finding her best client murdered, Cassie receives permission to board his cat, Harpo, until the will is probated. That's where the real trouble begins. Suddenly, everyone seems to want the cat for reasons that have nothing to do with the fact that Harpo is a gorgeous persian. Who killed George DeLeuw? And where does his orphaned kitty figure into it? Cassie knows for both George and Harpo's sake she needs to discover the killer's identity.

This is a great start to a new cozy series -- The Cat Groomer Mystery series! I enjoyed this book from beginning to end. The mystery is very well written with some real surprises. Cassie is an intelligent and fun main character. The background theme of cats and cat grooming added to the plot, and made the book more interesting. I do not envy people who choose a career that involves bathing cats on a daily basis -- so Cassie is not only smart, but BRAVE. :) There were a couple side plots that helped with character development, but not in such a way as to overwhelm the mystery elements of the story.

I did have to laugh at one point though...Cassie is thoroughly against cats being allowed to sleep in her bedroom at night. BUT....she is ok with them being on the table when she eats. I think I would much rather have a warm kitty cuddled with me at night than have them on the table near my food while I'm eating. :)

All in all, a great cozy mystery that I very much enjoyed. The cover is awesome. Who can resist a sweet persian punim! :)

A second book in the Cat Groomer Mystery series, The Bengal Identity, will be released in March 2018! :)

**I voluntarily read an advanced readers copy from Kensington via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are entirely my own**

When Cassie McGlone starts her life over in picturesque Chadwick, New Jersey, she has no idea that the quiet life she was seeking as the owner of a cat grooming and boarding business is not going to be as easy to establish as she thought.

Starting a new business takes a lot of work, and Cassie’s Comfy Cats is Cassie’s focus and passion, along with her own three feline friends. When local millionaire George DeLeuw asks if she will come to his home to groom his beloved Persian cat Harpo, she makes an exception for him. She needs the business. But when she shows up for Harpo’s regularly scheduled grooming session and finds George dead, her quiet, small-town life is turned upside down. From potential suspect to sleuth to near victim, Cassie is embroiled in the mystery of George’s murder.

With enough twists and turns to keep you guessing, a violent ex-boyfriend, interfering mother, budding new love and a great cast of friends, do not miss this great new series. You’ll want to be in on it from the beginning. I’m looking forward to Ms. Watkins’ next Cat Groomer mystery after reading The Persian Always Meows Twice.

This is a strong start to a brand new series! The setting of the story was enchanting, the characters endearing, and the mystery was totally satisfying.
I loved the main character, Cassie, and that she is not that similar to other main characters in other cozys. I think the main character and the setting, an expert grooming and boarding facility just for felines, sets this story apart from most.
I love the twists and turns this book took. It had great characters, a strong story, and a great mystery. Sometimes with a first in a series, you can get lost in the author setting the tone for the whole series. This is not the case with this book at all. I cannot wait for the next installment!

Dollycas’s Thoughts

I have been excited about this book since I saw the cover on Amazon months ago and it was well worth the wait.

Our protagonist is Cassie McGlone, owner of Cassie’s Comfy Cats in Chadwick, New Jersey. She makes house calls for her top client, millionaire George DeLeuw, to groom his beautiful Persian, Harpo. When she arrives for her scheduled appointment she finds Harpo next to George’s dead body. The police are asking a lot of questions, even casting Cassie as a suspect. They are really getting nowhere until Cassie boards the furry feline at Comfy Cats and then several people become very interested in Harpo’s well being and go to great and dangerous lengths to get their hands on the pretty Persian.

I fell for the characters in this story immediately. Cassie, her friend Dawn, and her new employee Sarah are so well developed for the first book in this series. We also meet local veterinarian Mark who Cassie and I would both like to get to know better. The author also gives us a nice variety of suspects from the ex-wife, to the housekeeper, and more. Of course, they are some furry characters too, that I absolutely loved!

The plot has some really nice twists. I thought I had figured out a very important clue and was pretty proud of myself until I found out I was totally wrong. The author manages to drop a key clue here and there as she tells us about cat grooming and Cassie’s life. There are also a couple of very suspenseful moments that had me sitting up straight in my chair and really paying attention. At first I didn’t think the story was fast paced until I reached the end and realized I had read the whole thing in one sitting. To say I escaped into the book is a true understatement.

I love the theme of the series as I am a cat lover, the characters are some I want to get to know better, and if future mysteries are this entertaining, Eileen Watkins will have a hit series on her hands. The Bengal Identity will be released March 27, 2018 and it is already on my wish list.

A cat-ivating cozy for all cozy lovers but for true cat lovers this is a must read!

This is the first in what I hope will be a long running series. Cassie is a cat groomer, a job that takes a lot of skill and patience. Dealing with cats and their humans isn't always a walk in the park. One of her clients is a wealthy recluse and Cassie makes house calls to keep his Persian, Harpo, tangle free and happy. Unfortunately, she arrives to find the man dead and the spotlight focused on her. That does not bode well for her business nor for the cat. Cassie becomes guardian of Harpo until the will is read. As soon as Harpo is in Cassie's care, everybody seems to want to get their paws on the kitty and life becomes dangerous for Cassie. So, of course, she sets about conducting her own investigation. It was nice to have the police working with her instead of the usual butting of heads.
The writing followed well as did the mystery with very nice twists and turns. I enjoyed it enough to add it to my list as a series to follow.

The Persian Always Meows Twice
A Cat Groomer Mystery, Book #1
Eileen Watkins
5 Stars


Synopsis:

Cat lovers are thrilled to welcome an expert groomer to the picturesque town of Chadwick. But scratch below the surface, and unmasking a killer becomes a game of cat and mouse . . .

Professional cat grooming isn't all fluff--when the fur starts flying, Cassie McGlone, owner of Cassie's Comfy Cats, handles her feistiest four-legged clients with a caring touch and nerves of steel. While these qualities certainly help keep her business purring, they also come in handy when she makes a house call to her best client, millionaire George DeLeuw, and discovers his murdered body next to his newly orphaned Persian, Harpo.

To help the local police find the actual killer, Cassie begins her own investigation. But no one, from George's housekeeper to his vindictive ex-wife, is giving up clues. Not until Cassie is given permission to temporarily board Harpo does anyone show interest in the Persian's wellbeing. Someone is desperate to get their paws on Harpo before the feline helps untangle a felony. Are there deadly truths that a cat whisperer like Cassie can coax out? She needs to tread lightly and remember she gets one life, not nine. . . .
"A delightful debut mystery. It's smart, well-plotted, and features a cast of characters--both human and feline--that I want to see more of. This book will be catnip for cat lovers." --Laurien Berenson, author of Wagging through the Snow

"The purr-fect mystery to curl up with for a lovely cozy read, preferably with a cup of tea, cuddly cat optional but recommended." --Leslie Meier, author of Turkey Trot Murder
(Goodreads)


Review:

Cassie is a hard worker who wants to make her cat grooming/boarding house a success. So far things are working out well for her, but when one of her best customers is found dead, she is worried the death will change that. Not only will she not have his business to count on, since she is the one that found the body, she is afraid that will negatively affect her. Being somewhat nosy by nature, she decides to help in the investigation any way she can.

The characters are well rounded and well developed. I liked Cassie, I thought she was a no-nonsense type of woman. The secondary characters, including her friend Dawn and her employee Sarah, were also well developed and people I would like to get to know better. There is also a possible love interest for her, the local vet, Mark. And all of the cats had their own personalities and added so much to the story.

The writing style flows smoothly and the book is an easy read. I thought the mystery was well thought out and had enough suspects and twists and turns to keep the reader guessing. I liked the fact that Cassie did not put herself in danger while investigating the murder like so many protagonists do.

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy. If you love cats, all the better. I am looking forward to reading the next one when it is published.

I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for a honest review. I would like to thank NetGalley and Kensington Books for the opportunity to read and review this book.

Loved it! The author immediately drew me into the story and I did not want to stop reading. A charming new cat cozy mystery series. I am eager to read the next one.

Who murdered George and why? Does Harpo the cat know? That's the basis for this delightful first cozy. Cassie has a cat boarding and grooming business. She really doesn't have a background in investigation or law enforcement but George was her best customer and now she's taking care of Harpo. Watkins has hit all the elements of a good cozy- a small town, an intrepid female amateur investigator, a unique business, and best of all- pets! Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. You'll like this if you're looking for a new series and like a light challenging mystery that's a relaxing read with a few chuckles. Well done.

This is the first book in a new series (A cat groomer mystery) and it's establishing Cassie as the owner of a grooming business in New Jersey. She hires Sarah to help out in the shop when she has home visit clients. When she goes to groom Harpo she finds his owner dead and the cat outside in a tizzy. The cat seems to be at the heart of the mystery and Cassie may be the next victim when she takes the cat home. This is a little different point of view for and animal cozy and I didn't even know cat groomers existed.

As a cat guardian my curiosity was peaked; looking forward to the rest of the series!

This is the debut of a new series that cat lovers will be unable to resist. Protagonist Cassie McGlone is a professional cat groomer and cattery owner who is passionate about her new business, opened in the wake of her breakup with an abusive boyfriend. She rarely goes on house calls but makes an exception for millionaire George DeLeuw who pays her well to groom his beloved Persian Harpo on a regular basis, so his murder is a blow to her both personally and professionally. Cassie gets involved in the investigation because she's worried about what's going to become of Harpo, with no idea at the time how central a part of the murder the purebred is. Agreeing to care for Harpo until the deceased's estate is settled puts her in grave danger, and Cassie has her hands full keeping both herself and her feline charges safe.

I loved everything about The Persian Always Meows Twice. The descriptions of Cassie's cozy boutique had me daydreaming about opening a cattery of my own; I liked that the detective was more accepting of Cassie's involvement; and the budding romance between Cassie and the local vet is a pleasant departure from the typical "falling for the detective" story line. Her BFF Dawn's adoption of a sweet little kitten was a fun secondary story too. In just the very first book these characters feel like good friends and that's not an easy accomplishment for an author. Four paws up!