I appreciate the publisher allowing me to read this book. What a cute mystery, I loved it and can't wait to read more.

Claw & Disorder by Eileen Watkins is the fifth book in the cozy A Cat Groomer Mystery series. Each book in the series has it’s own murder to be solved so they could be read as a standalone if choosing to do so. There is however a bit of character development that carries over from book to book for the fans who have read the entire series.

This series if centered around Cassie McGlone who had moved to the picturesque town of Chadwick to give herself a fresh start after leaving a horrible relationship. Cassie had opened her own shop, Cassie’s Comfy Cats, a cat grooming and boarding specialty boutique and had begun making a name for herself in the small town both for her unique business and cat knowledge and for becoming the town sleuth when murders occur.

This time around Cassie has her hands full when she is pulled into not one, but two new investigations. First, Cassie has agreed to help out with an elderly couple who have far too many cats on their hands. But shortly after her visit the wife is found asphyxiated in her bed. Then on top of that mystery Cassie has a fussy client that wants to board her cat at Cassie’s shop while their home is renovated. When someone is poisoned at the showing of the clients home Cassie wants to find out who was behind it.

I have been following the cozy A Cat Groomer Mystery series from the beginning and have really enjoyed the entire series. This one is definitely for the cat lovers and even being one myself I still find that I learn all kinds of cat related information in each read. This one was a busy story with lots going on but that just made the pages fly by all the faster waiting to see what would happen on both sides of the story. Definitely a series I’ll continue to come back to if there are more books coming.

I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.

Cute and funny in the way “The Cat Who...” books are. I found the mystery surprisingly mysterious - often these quirky mysteries are more focused on characters and setting but this one strikes a great balance, I will definitely read more by this clever author.

Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Jeanie

Who knew that cat grooming and boarding could be so dangerous? Or that Cassie would be transformed into a “gangsta girlfriend”? Cassie could have not predicted what she was in for when moving to Chadwick, New Jersey to start her new business two years ago.

Claw and Disorder is a page-turner; Cassie, her friends, and her business captured my attention from the beginning and held it throughout. I enjoyed the characters; cat lovers are my kind of people. Reading about the business and Cassie’s extensive knowledge of cats and breeds was enlightening. The mysteries are intriguing, keeping me guessing who the bad guys are.

Sarah asked for Cassie’s assistance with the needs of a couple that Sarah and a friend from church were helping. They needed help rehoming some of their cats. The no-kill shelter they work with doesn’t typically take pets from out of town, but Cassie might help them make an exception.

Chester and Bernice had large “collections”. Bernice had severe asthma, and Chester seemed to be in early stages of dementia. Both love cats, with five indoors and a small colony of community cats they fed. Chester had many items from when he interviewed famous athletes as a sportscaster and original jazz LP’s that had belonged to his father and toys from when their children were young.

Cassie met Sarah and another woman who helped out to meet the couple and the cats. Chester and Bernice were a wonderful couple who definitely needed help with their situation. They adored their cats and took good care of them. A couple days after their visit, Bernice was dead, apparently smothered. The police in the little town they live in near Cassie’s weren’t helpful, especially when Chester brought to their attention that some of their memorabilia had been disappearing.

Gillian, owner of Leya, a gorgeous Himalayan cat, came to Cassie’s Comfy Cats when she wanted to board the pet for a few days while finishing their home remodel. She and her husband did extensive work to restore the home to its early 1800’s elegance. It was fascinating to “see” the brief tour Gillian’s daughter gave Cassie when she picked up Leya. Gillian had a meltdown over a work that wasn’t perfect, so Cassie recommended her handyman, Nick, due to his excellent work.

When Cassie delivered Leya back to Gillian and her family, a reception for the historical society was ready to begin. Gillian desperately wanted the home on the historical register, so all had to be perfect. Nick was doing final tweaks, and Gillian was very happy with his work. Cassie and Nick were walking out together when Gillian’s husband came in and invited them to stay. Within a couple hours, one of the esteemed guests was taken to the hospital. She had eaten only from what was supposed to be the gluten free dish but was having a severe reaction. Gillian also could not eat gluten, and wondered if someone tried to ruin the reception.

Cassie, with help from friends, helped solve murders since coming to Chadwick. She wanted to find out who killed Chester’s beloved wife and didn’t understand why the Dalton police weren’t investigating. She asked the Chadwick detective she’s worked with before to help the cops in Dalton. If anyone would pursue the case, it would be Angela Bonelli. Bonelli was also involved with the gluten fiasco at Gillian’s due to the hospitalization of the guest. Then another person died under suspicious circumstances, and Cassie wasn’t able to let go of any of the situations.

I could almost picture Cassie, her friends, and her clients. The portrayals of Gillian and Chester especially were excellent, and helpful in guessing who might or might not have been bad guys. Each persona was built chapter by chapter. For those who have read earlier books in the series, we learn more about Cassie, her assistant Sarah, and her boyfriend and veterinarian, Mark. The woman who brought out the “gangsta girlfriend” in Cassie shown a spotlight on a different side to the polite young woman we’ve come to know!

The mysteries were well plotted and finely executed. I enjoyed the mental workout of each mystery and possible suspects, even having a strong feel for the resolution of one of the situations. This is solid addition to the series, and I am looking forward to the next one! The author entertains, gently shares or advises things related to cat care, and presents a set of mysteries, and a sleuth, that doesn’t quit. I highly recommend it!

I think this is the best story in this beloved series: gripping, entertaining and well written.
I was happy to catch up with the characters and appreciated how well the author describes a hoarding situation and the psychology of the hoarders.
I also appreciated her empathy and the well written cast of characters.
The mystery, full of twists and turns, kept me guessing.
I can't wait to read the next instalment, highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

Claw and Disorder is the fifth book in the Cat Groomer series, and the first one that I've read. I'll definitely go back and begin with Book One.

Cassie owns a grooming parlor and boarding facility for cats, and has a sleuthing addiction. When delivering a cat after a boarding session, Cassie finds the house on fire and the owner dead.

Cassie is also helping friends assist an elderly couple with a hoarding problem. When the lady is found dead, and her husband insists that someone is coming into the house at night, Cassie makes it her mission to uncover the truth.

I would highly recommend this title to cat lovers and anyone seeking a new cozy mystery series.

In the interest of full disclosure, I received a free digital copy of this title to review from Net Galley.

#ClawandDisorder#NetGalley

Cassie McGlone’s cat boarding and grooming business is swept up into two mysteries. When Cassie’s assistant Sarah Wilcox asks for her help rehoming some cats owned by two elderly hoarders her church is helping, Cassie’s heart says yes. But things get even more complicated when one of the owners is murdered. Soon she and Sarah are trying to discover who killed Bernice and is victimizing her husband Chester, but will they be the next victims instead?

The mysteries mount as Cassie takes on a new boarder, a Himalayan named Leya, whose family, the Fosters, is caught up in a stressful historical home renovation. When Cassie finds the wife Gillian Foster dead, was it an accident, suicide or murder? Cassie and Detective Angela Bonelli of the Chadwick, New Jersey police team up to get the answers. But the suspects include Cassie’s handyman friend, Nick Janos, as well as Donald, Gillian’s husband, and Whitney, her teenaged daughter, to say nothing of the decorator, caterers and others harassed by Gillian.

A new mystery by Eileen Watkins is always worth setting aside reading time and Claw & Disorder is no exception. She has created a core of multi-dimensional characters, develops intriguing plots (with a double mystery this time) and a touch of romance and well developed subplots.

Claw & Disorder earns 5/5 Cat Conundrums...Entertaining Fun!

Following Towne Antiques’ recommendation, “...everyone says great things about her,” Gillian Foster arrives at Cassie’s Comfy Cats to scrutinize the facility and determine if it meets her high standards for her Himalayan purebred. She wasn’t much impressed questioning various elements, but she’s in need of something immediate. Assistant Sarah takes the opportunity to pull on Cassie’s heart strings over the plight of several cats in the questionable care of seniors Bernice and Chester Tillman. They hope to de-clutter these hoarders’ home, check on the health of several inside cats, and possibly take in a few others to avoid already overcrowded shelters. Sadly, tragedy entangles Cassie and her friends. Poor Bernice is found asphyxiated, and circumstances make her husband or any one of the cats as a person or “feline” of interest. Poor Mrs. Foster, although excited about her open house showcasing the renovation and design elements, didn’t expect a dead body to become part of the decor. However, someone isn’t done yet.

I am allergic to most cats, but I didn’t sneeze once. Eileen Watkins penned a delightful “fur-friendly” cozy with her fifth book in her Cat Groomer Mystery series. I worried, as a newbie, being at a disadvantage, however, she uses the traditional cozy formula I enjoy revisiting just enough background and connections, no spoilers of previous books, to keep me well informed and engaged. The murder mysteries had me guessing whether they’d all be tied together, and although I dismissed some of my early theories, my inner Sherlock was pleased I was on the right track. Eileen’s writing style used a first-person narrative, a favorite, from Cassie’s perspective given me vicarious involvement with the “I-s” and “me-s” and “my-s.” Her use of descriptive language brought the various people, places, and things well into focus, and the realistic banter illustrated the varied personalities and emotions causing me to be completely invested in the story. Excellent read for cozy fans!

Unfortunately, there were no bonuses, no cat grooming tips, no recipes for treats best for two- and four-leggers alike. But, I enjoyed the tidbits, insights, and information about cats and cat rescues along with some romance, jazz, and enough murder to delight any cozy fan!

The owner of a cat grooming business is drawn into the investigation of a poisoning at a historic house, as well as the mysterious death of a woman in a hoarding situation. Meanwhile, her romance seems threatened by her boyfriend's association with a jazz band. Lots to keep one's interest, as well as interesting characters. Love this series.

Cassie owns Cassie's Comfy Cat featuring cat grooming and cat boarding. In this, book #5, she has two events that need her expertise. One is an elderly couple who have too many cats and too much stuff in their home and Cassie's mission is to persuade them to surrender a few cats to new furever homes and then sort out the couples living situation. Things get complicated when the wife dies under very suspicious circumstances. At the same time, a customer wants to board her Himalayan kitty while she undertakes the renovation of her home. One thing leads to another and soon there is talk of attempted murder on her during a dinner party. It's a lot to juggle but Cassie, with the help of her veterinarian boyfriend and her employee, Sarah, will sort it all out.
For cat lovers, this is one great series. The mystery is complex and kept me guessing to the end. Cassie is a well developed character, very believable. I have read the whole series in order but each one works fine as a stand alone.
My thanks to the publisher Kensington and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

Claw and Disorder
A Cat Groomer Mystery, Book #5
Eileen Watkins
5 Stars

Synopsis:

Expert groomer Cassie McGlone knows how to handle even the feistiest of felines, but their owners are a different tale . . .

Around the quaint town of Chadwick, New Jersey, are two families in need of Cassie’s help. Wealthy perfectionist Gillian Foster is orchestrating the restoration of her family’s nineteenth century home and wants her purebred Himalayan, Leya, boarded at Cassie’s Comfy Cats. Meanwhile, the elderly Tillmans are in dire straits, hoarding possessions and a clowder of cats in their run-down house. Perhaps Cassie can persuade the couple to surrender a few of their furry friends. Unfortunately, neither task is cut and dried . . .

Mrs. Tillman is mysteriously asphyxiated in the night, and suspicion falls on her husband—and their cats. Meanwhile, the Fosters host a banquet for the local historical society, and when one of their guests falls gravely Gillian is convinced someone is out to get her. After a second death occurs, it’s clear a killer isn’t pussyfooting around. Now it’s up to Cassie to get these houses in order before disaster pounces again . . . (Amazon)

Review:

The characters are well rounded and well developed. Cassie is a caring person who has a special place in her heart for cats. It is great to see how hard she works for these cats and her and her employee make a great team. They work well to keep the business running well and they also try to help out in the community. But this time they have a problem that they need to fix, the murder of an elderly woman and her husband being accused of murder. They will have to work hard to figure this one out.

The writing style flows smoothly and the book is an easy read. The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and these descriptions pulled me into the story from the very beginning. I could picture in my mind’s eye Comfy Cats and all of their borders. The mystery was well plotted and it had enough clues to sift through and suspects to consider and it was not easily solved.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery. Grab a copy and enjoy.

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

Claw and Disorder is an entertaining cozy mystery. Well written plot with a quirky cast of characters. I received an advance ebook from the publisher and Netgalley and this is my unbiased review.

Boarding a beautiful Himalayan kitty leads Cassie McGlone into some intense situations. The OCD owner whose renovation of an historic house causes her family to balk is going out of control. Along with another subplot that also features felines this book moves quickly and is quite entertaining. Although this book is the fifth in the series, you can enjoy it as a stand alone.

Princess Fuzzypants here: This is another series I have liked since the first page. What is not to like? Cassie runs a cat grooming and boarding facility and the first two kitties she grooms this book are two magnificent Maine Coons- we all magnificent- and it gets better from there. Not necessarily for Cassie or her assistant Sarah who then are hired by a crazed woman to board her Himalayan while final renovations are done. Any kitty who has ever been through renovations know how distressing it can be.

But this kitty seems more relaxed to be boarded than at home and with all the upset the woman creates. It is no wonder it seems like a vacation rather than a hardship. Pity the poor family and employees who must suffer under her withering barrages and perfectionism. She is trying to create the perfect replica of life in her period home so the local historical society will acknowledge her efforts. When someone plays a rather nasty and possibly fatal trick when she is hosting the society, her paranoia goes into the stratosphere. It will be worse for the people closest to her but even Cassie is put in an unenviable situation.

At the same time she and Sarah are trying to help an elderly couple who not only hoard cats but also hoard everything else. Their home has gotten away from them and when serious things occur, the husband who has dementia, is ignored when he tries to tell the authorities that something is seriously amiss. It will take Cassie and her friends to solve the mystery and bring the villains to heel.

Two good mysteries in one highlight this tale. And at the centre of it, as always are the feline stars. As always, it was an entertaining read, just what we need to get us through COVID.

Five purrs and two paws up.

This is the fifth book in a series about Cassie McGlone and the mysteries she solves that have cats in their midst. In this book, I was pleased to meet Cassie who is an expert cat groomer in and around Chadwick, New Jersey.

The owner of Cassie’s Comfy Cats is very busy and two families are in need of her services. The first is wealthy Gillian Foster who is overseeing the restoration of her family’s nineteenth-century home and needs temporary accommodation for her purebred Himalayan, Leya. The other is an elderly couple, the Tillmans who are struggling with too many felines in their overstuffed house. When Bernice Tillman is found having been suffocated, a compassionate Cassie helps Chester Tillman gain closure. When Cassie returns Lena to the Fosters they are hosting a banquet for the local historical society. One of their guests falls gravely ill and is taken to hospital but is it foul play as Gillian thinks?

Although book five in the Claw & Disorder series, this can be enjoyed as a stand-alone. With a compelling plot, two mysteries to solve, drama aplenty, a great bunch of characters, and oodles of mayhem added to the mix, this was a fantastic read that kept me on my toes. Even though the Foster and Tillman mysteries were individual, linked only via Cassie, this was still an enthralling cozy story and Eileen Watkins' easy writing style was a good fit for me. I would like to read the first books I've missed in this series as I thoroughly enjoyed Claw & Disorder. Very highly recommended.

I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Kensington Books via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.

Cat groomer Cassie McGlone finds herself in the midst of two dramas. Wealthy socialite Gillian Foster wants to board her Himalayan cat while she tries to place her home on the historic list. In the other drama a good hearted elderly couple have turned their home into a haven for many, many cats and have hoarded their own possessions, making the house dangerous and almost unlivable. When someone dies and another person is poisoned, Cassie decides to intervene in both cases.. I'm not a cat person, but I do enjoy these books. Cassie is a charming, caring person and if I did have a cat, I would love to have it boarded with her.

Claw & Disorder by Eileen Watkins is the fifth book in the charming "Cat Groomer Mystery series." I adore this series and find each book in the series a fun cat theme read. Thank you to the publisher and to Net Galley for the opportunity. My review opinion is my own.

Cassie McGlone owns Cassie's Comfy Cats which is both a boarding and grooming business for cats only. She is a dedicated cat lover and I enjoy reading about a protagonist that loves cats as I do. Cassie is dating the local vet , running her business and always ready to help with solving local mysteries. She is a savvy smart sleuth that always solves her cases.

In this book Cassie is asked by her friend to visit the home of the Tillmans. Chester and Bernice are an elderly couple who loves cats but have to many. They also are hoarders and living with much clutter. Cassie joins others on a team that is helping clean up the property. When Bernice is found suffocated Cassie feels she must find out what happened to help her husband have closure. The police are not taking him seriously when he explains that they have experienced break ins and thefts from their home. Cassie sees that the police are not being fair to the grieving husband and has a heart of compassion to help sole the case.

Cassie is also hired to board a cat for a week while the owners complete a home restoration. When Cassie returns the cat in time for the owners party a member of the party gets sick after eating the food and is rushed to the hospital. Cassie finds this very suspicious and is determined to find out what really happened to the victim. She has two mysteries to solve and soon clues abound .

I find this series the "purrfect catnip"for cat lovers. The charcters are all likable , the sleuth is always enjoyable and well crafted to conclusion. I highly recommend this next in series .

This was my first time reading anything by this author, and I must say I enjoyed it. Cat groomer Cassie McGlone finds herself caught up in a potential murder, continuous thefts, and the mysterious death of a difficult client. She takes it upon herself to try to get to the bottom of the mysteries, despite not being a detective.

This was a fun cozy mystery. At times I thought there was a little too much going on, but the author did a good job balancing all the mysteries that were going on. It didn’t feel like one mystery was given priority over the other.

This is the fifth book in the series, and there were a couple of times I felt like readers were expected to know that Cassie seems to find herself in these types of situations often. Still, for the overall storylines, I didn’t feel like I was missing anything from not having read the previous stories. It works well as a standalone.

If you’re looking for an entertaining cozy mystery, and you enjoy stories involving cats, give this book a try.

Claw & Disorder by Eileen Watkins is book five in the A Cat Groomer Mystery. This is the first one I have read but was able to get current quickly. It can be read as a stand alone.
This easy to read Cozy has everything, plenty of suspects, plot twists, likeable characters, romance, humor, it touches on a medical condition alot of people are dealing with.and of course, cats. I didn't want to put it down.
I was given an ARC by Kensington via NetGalley for an honest review.

I adore Eileen Watkins' cat mysteries and her loveable heroine Cassie McGlone. I have read all the books in the series. However, I felt this one fell just a bit short of the others.

This time Cassie is boarding the Himalayan of a wealthy but high-strung socialite and comes in the middle of her family squabbles. Another subplot is her assistant Sarah and some elderly parishioners at her church who are hoarders and one of them ends up murdered. Cassie is torn between the two situations and is doing her best to help Sarah's friends to clean out their home and save their kitties from a kill-shelter, all the while trying to solve a murder and avoid the wrath of her crazy client.

I appreciate all the wonderful cats and characters Watkins' creates in her books. She paints a setting of the typical small town but it's very quaint and a place you'd like to visit. I enjoy visiting Cassie like she is an old friend. I just felt this book with the two subplots felt a little disjointed and didn't make me feel as "cozy" as I usually do reading these books. That will not stop me from eagerly awaiting the next book in the series though!