Five-Alarm Fires follows Cat through the first stages of her menopause as she, and her friends, struggle to find an activity to throw herself into to distract herself as her body changes. While taking pottery classes one night, she discovers a body in a kiln and decides to undertake her own investigation to get to the bottom of the mystery.

Having not read the previous books in the series, I enjoyed the twists and turns of Cat’s adventures as she sought out the mystery that came her way while undertaking her pottery class. I could relate to the inability to get the hang of the skills that came so easily to others in Cat’s class, but as a crime unfolded and she undertook her own investigation, the storyline lost me more than once. All the names, places, and intertwining storylines became a little convoluted, but the overall story, once finished, was an enjoyable standalone piece and, when part of a larger series, would fit in perfectly.

Crabby is how Cat has felt ever since menopause hit and her friends think she can work off her aggressions pounding clay in a beginners' potter class. But someone has mistaken Cat's pot for a blunt instrument and they’re firing something besides clay in the art center kiln.
I really enjoy Cat and her antics. This mystery was fun. This was a first for me in this series and it was fine reading as a stand alone.
#FiveAlarmFire #NetGalley

This is an excellent book. Cat Caliban is an unconventional grandma full of sass. While taking a pottery class she discovers the remains of a murdered person. Well developed characters with a plot full of twists and turns. Thanks #netgalley and #Boomerangbooks for the eARC in exchange for an honest review..