A good book. Well written with great characters and a good plot. The storyline flows and the mystery is enjoyable. I highly recommend.,

Who doesn't love a cozy featuring a cat and a murder? Okay. Maybe not everybody but I sure do! What a GREAT lineup of characters and with a really good plot. Such a fun read!!

Great cozy mystery with a group of fun characters, well written and plotted. I look forward to more in this series.

Claws of Death (A Cat Lady Mystery Book 2)
By Linda Reilly

4⭐⭐⭐⭐
But not everyone in town is a fan of the fading star. Deanna was in Whisker Jog when she was younger, earning a reputation for pussyfooting around, and someone is using that knowledge against her. After being frightened by some nasty pranks, Deanna finds herself the prime murder suspect when the body of a local teacher is found on her property. Now, it’s up to Lara, Aunt Fran, and the blue-eyed Ragdoll mystery cat Lara recently encountered to collar a killer before another victim is pounced upon .

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for providing an advance copy of Claws of Death by Linda Reilly in exchange for an honest review. The book is a light read, with no graphic violence. If you love cozy mysteries and cats especially shelter cats, don’t miss CLAWS OF DEATH. It has a well-plotted storyline with a great cast of characters. All of the characters are well developed. The plot moves quickley with a few twist and turns. While Claws of Death is the second book in A Cat Lady Mystery series, it can be read alone.The mystery in the book is kind of secondary to the relationships both in Lara's personal life and those that are part of the adoption process.

I was drawn to this series because I love cats and I’m also involved with our local rescue organization. This is a fun series and I look forward to more entries!

This was a solid, puzzling mystery. I liked the idea of having a fading, glamorous star in Whisker Jog and certainly adopting cats in the cards for her. Aunt Fran and Lara provide said cats, along with a lot of info about caring for and adopting cats in general. Turns out there were a lot of people that didn't like the younger Deanna that lived in town years ago. If you like cats, this a definite read. It was well written but the mystery remained shrouded a bit longer than I would have liked.

This is a wonderful book #2 in the Cat Lady Mystery series. It can easily be read as a stand alone by pet lovers, especially cat fans. Whisky Jog, New Hampshire is getting a famous new resident. Movie star, Deanna Daltry is returning to have a "normal" life since retiring from Hollywood. Lara and Aunt Fran are among the first to meet her since she wants to adopt a pair of kittens. Soon threats against Deanna has the town on edge and Lara needs to figure out what's happening before it affects the cat adoption agency she and Aunt Fran run. With a hint of magic from Blue the cat no one can see except Lara they discover who's upset that their small town is changing. I received a copy of this ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Claws of Death is the second in this series and I felt that it was not as strong as the first one. The book is a light read, well suited to animal (cats) lovers and those who like a story that involves a lot of character building and relationships. Throughout the book there is information regarding cats, the care and feeding of them as well as a strong recommendation for adopting from a local shelter. The protagonist, Lara lives with her Aunt Fran in a house they have turned into a shelter for abused and/or abandoned cats in Whisker Jog, New Hampshire. The shelter then puts the cats up for adoption. In addition, there is a “spirit cat”, Blue, that only the Lara can see, who is helpful in magically focusing the protagonist’s attention on important clues.

The mystery in the book is almost secondary to the relationships both in Lara's personal life and those that are part of the adoption process. When actress Deanna Daltry returns home, her high school boyfriend shows up at a party in her honour. When she shoos him off, he turns up dead. Lara decides to help Deanna in order for her not to feel like a prisoner in her own home. The mystery of who killed the man is hard to solve. There were many people who did not like Deanna when she was younger and might have wanted to frame her for the murder. There is important information that is only provided at the end of the book, as the mystery is solved. This not only makes the mystery almost unsolvable for the reader, but the culprit was hard to believe. The book itself is well written, with good attention to detail. It moves at a smooth pace from beginning to end and is easily read in the space of a few hours. I am not sure if I will continue with this series, but if you love cats, you will probably enjoy this one.

I admit it - I love cats, so it shouldn’t be a surprise that Linda Reilly’s newest mystery, Claws of Death, attracted my attention. The novel features an assortment of felines - including a ghostly ragdoll eager to help her former companion. But that only piqued my interest, it is the mystery at the heart of Claws of Death that impressed me most. That and the willingness to address domestic violence and its long term effects. The novel is well plotted, and Lara’s reasons for becoming involved in the investigation is a plausible one. Claws of Death may not be an exceptional mystery, but it is definitely solid, well written, and entertaining.

Lara Caphart’s High Cliff Shelter for Cats is developing nicely. They’ve been getting plenty of visitors, but none as notable as the actress Deanna Daltry, who plans to adopt two kittens. But not everyone in Whisker Jog is charmed by the glamorous retired actress, and a series of mean pranks is followed by her being framed for the murder of a local teacher- a man who dated Deanna in high school. Someone has waited a long time for vengeance and they don’t plan to let anyone get in their way.

With its interesting plot, limited violence and likable characters (and of course cats), Claws of Death is a cozy purrfectly suited for a relaxing afternoon escape.

4 / 5

I received a copy of Claws of Death from the publisher and Netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review.

— Crittermom

Princess Fuzzypants here: When a movie star moves to Whisker Jog and wants to adopt two kittens from Lara’s shelter, what could go wrong? As it turns out, a whole lot of things including murder. Lara and Aunt Fran have reason to be concerned for the welfare of the kittens. First of all the movie star is suspected of killing the deceased and then her assistant, a woman who seems to hate indoor cats, endangers their lives. If she doesn’t like kitties, that must mean she is a prime suspect for the murder.
Well, nothing is quite as obvious or straight forward as that. There are plenty of thrills and chills and twists and turns as the past comes back to haunt the characters. It might all have been too much for Lara except for her secret weapon. She has a “partner” in the form of a blue-eyed Ragdoll cat named Blue. Blue is an excellent guide despite the fact that no one except Lara sees her. It is a fun premise.
As the second book in the series, it shows a lot of promise for future developments both in the shelter stories and the detecting duo of Lara and Blue. I give four purrs and two paws up.

I was so happy to finally get to read CLAWS OF DEATH! After reading the first book in the series, ESCAPE CLAWS, I knew this was a series that would half a place on my bookshelves.

It was a great amount of fun to return to Whisper Jog, New Hampshire, and spend time with Lara, Aunt Fran, and all the other delightful residents of the small town. Author Linda Reilly writes characters that I would be friends with. I can see myself spending any enjoyable hours in the company of these people, Just as I spend many enjoyable hours reading about them.

CLAWS OF DEATH is a wonderfully written story that captured my attention on page one and fed my imagination until the very last page. The mystery aspect is well crafted and intriguing, with just the right amount of twists and turns to challenge my guesses. A real page turned that I hated to see end.

I give CLAWS OF DEATH 2 paws up and 5 meows!

Claws of Death is the second book in the cat lady series. I absolutely loved this book. I laughed, cried and had a great time with the book.
When legendary actress Deanna Daltry returns home to Whisker Jog, NH, one of her first stops in the cat sanctuary, owned and operated by Lara and her Aunt Fran.
Even though Lara is a bit starstruck, she can't help becoming involved in another murder investigation, especially when Deanna is involved.
Lara and Aunt Fran are fantastic characters and this book was a definite plus to the series.
I was engaged from the first sentence and was a tad disappointed when I finished. I wanted the book to keep on going!
I can't wait to read the next book in this series.
I volunteered to read and review an ARC of this book provided by the publisher and NetGalley.

Lara Caphart and her Aunt Fran run a small, personalized cat shelter in Whisker Jog. When an aging-yet-still-glamorous Hollywood actress returns to her hometown, unsettling things start to happen leading to murder. Approving her adoption of two adorable kittens, they befriend the actress and get involved in proving her innocence before anyone gets hurt.

This delightful book is the second in the series. While it stands alone, I will definitely go back and read the first. Well-written, quick read with interesting characters.

Claws of Death by Linda Reilly is the second A Cat Lady Mystery. Deanna Daltry, the actress, is coming to Whisker Jog, New Hampshire and she wishes to adopt a cat to keep her company in her newly renovated mansion. When Deanna shows up for her appointment at Lara Caphart’s High Cliff Shelter for Cats she falls in love with two adorable kittens. The next day at the Ladies Association Welcome Tea and Reception for Deanna, someone puts worms in Deanna’s purse and then leaves a threatening message on her car. It seems Deanna’s antics from her youth are coming back to haunt her. When Lara and Aunt Fran drop off the kittens at Deanna’s home, Lara, thanks to Blue, spots a person slumped against a tombstone in the graveyard. They rush to the graveyard, but it is too late to save Donald Waitt. Deanna dated Don in high school and had not spoken to him until the day before at the tea. Deanna requests that Lara use her sleuthing skills to find Don’s murderer. With the help of Aunt Fran and the mysterious Blue, Lara sets out to trap a killer.

Claws of Death is a cute cozy mystery. I found the book to be nicely written, have a good flow, just the right length and had steady pacing. Claws of Death is set in animal friendly small town with caring residents (for the most part). While Claws of Death is the second book in A Cat Lady Mystery series, it can be read alone. I liked Blue, the Ragdoll ghost cat. It added a mystical element that enhanced the story. There are many delightful moments with cats. As Lana and her newest employee take care of the animals at the shelter, adoption days, and the sweet little girl that comes to read to them. There are lovely, relatable characters in A Cat Lady Mystery series. Lara and Aunt Fran who have turned their home into an animal shelter, Gideon who is Lara’s boyfriend and lawyer, Kayla Ramirez who is the newest employee of the shelter, and Chief Jerry Whitley who enforces the law for the town and is dating Fran. Claws of Death is predominantly more cozy than mystery. The murder is investigated but the animals and the personal relationships take precedence. I thought the whodunit was simple, and I accurately identified the guilty party before Don was found in the graveyard. The why and how are discovered later in the book. I am giving Claws of Death 3 out of 5 stars. Travel to Whisker Jog in Claws of Death to meet the friendly townspeople, the adorable felines, find out who is playing pranks on Deanna and discover who did away with Don.

Claws of Death is the second book in the Cat Lady Mysteries series. Aging former filmstar Deanna Daltry has come home to Whisker Jog, NH. Lara Caphart and her Aunt Fran run the High Cliff Shelter For Cats. They are delighted when Deanna adopts two kittens from them. Their delight turns into concern when someone begins targeting the former star with, at first, mean pranks hinting at something in the woman's past. When things escalate into dead bodies being discovered on Deanna's property, Lara is on the case to be sure Deanna and her newly adopted fur babies are safe. Unfortunately Deanna is the number one suspect in the murder of a local teacher. Who is out to get the aging star...and why?

I enjoy this series. I like the mix of humor, small town atmosphere and mystery. I foster kittens for the local humane society, so I identify with Lara and Aunt Fran's concerns and hopes for their shelter. The mystery was nicely paced. The kitten/shelter background theme did not overshadow the mystery, but enhanced the main plot. The pacing was perfect. There were plenty of suspects and twists. All in all, Claws of Death is a nice addition to this new cozy mystery series.

I like Lara as a main character. She is funny and feisty, and definitely out to protect the kittens and cats they adopt out. Aunt Fran is a hoot. She's my favorite character in this series so far. Fran is feisty, smart and determined.

I'm definitely looking forward to more books in this series. It won't be a long wait! Book 3, Claws for Celebration, comes out in December 2018!

**I voluntarily read a review copy of this book from Kensington via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**

Claws of Death is the second installment in the Cat Lady Mysteries series set in the small town of Whisker Jog, New Hampshire and featuring cat shelter owners Lara Caphart and her Aunt Fran. The High Cliff Shelter for Cats is up and running and they are delighted when actress Deanna Daltry returns to her home town and adopts the two adorable kittens, Doodle and Noodle.

Someone isn't happy that Deanna is back in town and it's not long before the actress finds herself the victim of a few nasty pranks including worms in her handbag and lipstick messages scrawled on her windshield. Panicked that she is being stalked, Deanna invites Lara over to the mansion to see the kitties in their new environment and a quick glance out the window to admire the view reveals a dead body in the garden.

Lara wants to be sure that the kitties are in a safe house, so she sets out to track down a killer and find Deanna's tormentor. With the help of her beautiful ragdoll, Blue (who nobody else can see) Lara not only solves a crime but places several cats in the perfect new homes.

A likable cast of characters and cats, a touch of romance and a well plotted mystery make this addition to the series a hit. The recipe for Blueberry Buckle mouthwatering delicious.

I received an advanced copy of Claws of Death from NetGalley via Lyrical Underground, a division of Kensington Publishing. While not required to write a review I am more than happy to offer my honest opinion.

I selected this book in honor of my late mother in law. She loved mysteries and was a cat lady ( notice I left out the word crazy lol) She would have loved this book as much as I did. The book is interesting and I enjoyed it very much.
Thanks netgalley for the opportunity to read this book. the review is my opinion.

Lara and Aunt Fran have opened a cat shelter and they are back in this outstanding second installment in the series. Noodle and Doodle the cat are back as are many entertaining cats from the shelter. If you love cats this is the series for you ! Murder and mystery with cats what could be better in a cozy !

They meet Deanna, a local retired actress when she comes to the shelter to adopt a kitty. Deanna invites them to attend a tea the next day. They are interested to go to be sure the cats Deanna adopted are properly cared for. I appreciate their diligence in this book with the cats. One uninvited guest has words with Deanna and is found dead in her family cemetery. She asks Lara and Aunt Fran to help find out what happened and who is responsible. The dead man was intensely disliked so the suspects are many. Once again Lara and Aunt Fran find themselves in the middle of a very interesting case.
This series is a very well written mystery . It has a added paranormal side that I will not give away and is so fun . The small town is delightful and described perfectly. I like all the supporting charcters and especially the cats who make this series pure catnip for the reader. Very well done to the author. I look forward to the next in series. Thank you for the ARC which does not influence my personal review.

If you like cats and cozies, this one's for you. A couple of strong characters (Laura & Fran), lots of cats (since the main characters run a cat rescue). A well know actress returns to Whisker Jog, adopts 2 kittens, a death occurs on her property and Laura decides to investigate just to make sure her kitties are in a safe place. Secondary characters are also interesting.

I received an ARC from the publisher via Netgalley for an honest review.

Claws Of Death
Cat Lady Mysteries, Book #2
Linda Reilly
5 Stars

Synopsis:

The meow of death . . .

Whisker Jog, New Hampshire, is a long way from Hollywood, but it’s the place legendary actress Deanna Daltry wants to call home. Taking up residence in a stone mansion off Cemetery Hill, the retired, yet still glamorous, septuagenarian has adopted two kittens from Lara Caphart’s High Cliff Shelter for Cats. With help from her Aunt Fran, Lara makes sure the kitties settle in safely with their new celebrity mom.

But not everyone in town is a fan of the fading star. Deanna was in Whisker Jog when she was younger, earning a reputation for pussyfooting around, and someone is using that knowledge against her. After being frightened by some nasty pranks, Deanna finds herself the prime murder suspect when the body of a local teacher is found on her property. Now, it’s up to Lara, Aunt Fran, and the blue-eyed Ragdoll mystery cat Lara recently encountered to collar a killer before another victim is pounced upon . . .

Praise for Linda Reilly’s Deep Fried Mysteries

“I thoroughly enjoyed this puzzler of a mystery. Reilly cooks up a perfect recipe of murder and mayhem in this charming cozy.” —Jenn McKinlay, New York Times bestselling author of the Hat Shop Mysteries

“Smart, sassy, and a little bit scary. Everything a good cozy should be!” —Laura Childs, New York Times bestselling author of the Tea Shop Mysteries

“Everything I want in a cozy mystery: endearing characters, an enchanting setting, tantalizing food descriptions and a top-notch mystery plot!” —Susan Furlong, author of the Georgia Peach Mysteries (Goodreads)


Review:

The characters are well rounded and well developed. I very much enjoyed getting to spend more time with Lara and Aunt Fran. Their relationship seems natural and realistic. They may not always agree on everything but you never doubt their love for each other. The secondary characters added a lot to the story and I am interested to see if Kayla makes an appearance in future books. And all of the cats are as important of characters as any of the human, and I love this aspect of the series. And I loved Blue, Lara’s magical cat. He is very helpful in guiding Lara along the path that she should take.

The author is very talented in her descriptive writing. Through much of the book I felt like I was right there, watching all of the action taking place and listening to conversations. The writing style flows smoothly and the book is an easy read. The pacing moved along at a steady pace and kept me engaged through the entire story.

The mystery was well plotted and there were enough clues to sift through and suspects to consider. There were some twists and turns that I did not see coming and it was not an easy mystery to solve. Which is just how I like my mysteries.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery. And if you like animals in your cozies, check this book out.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher, Kensington Books, and NetGalley, which I greatly appreciate.