Cat's Claw: The Fifth Cassidy McCabe Mystery

Cassidy McCabe returns in the fifth book of this series, proving that they only get better. For those who have followed the cats and love life of this extraordinary therapist who solves crimes on the side, Cassidy's back and better than ever. If you've not yet met this spunky, peanut-butter cup munching sleuth, don't wait another minute. CAT'S CLAW is definitely the cat's meow.When Starshine adopted Cassidy McCabe, she inevitably changed her human's view of felines. The cat imparted the gift of love that her human reciprocated and eventually expanded to include concern for other felines as well. Consequently, when Cassidy's "cat-lady" neighbor is murdered, not only does Cassidy once again undertake to solve the murder, but also finds herself responsible for three housecats and nine feral cats. The reclusive Olivia never raises her blinds nor chats with neighbors. So when Cassidy decided to be neighborly in honor of their common concern for cats, Olivia bordered between suspicion and pleasure.For the first time in twelve years, Cassidy notices that the blinds have been raised across the street. When she investigates, Olivia assures Cassidy that she is fine. But later that evening Cassidy returns to her neighbor's home, to find Olivia dead at the foot of her own stairs with a strange "mountain man," an ex-con, passed out on the couch. Convinced that the mountain man didn't kill Olivia, Cassidy feels compelled to discover Olivia's secrets and the reason for her death.Meanwhile, Cassidy's husband Zach continues his undercover work as a reporter, disguised as a drug-dealing thug in an effort to prove the dirty dealings of cops. However, the obligatory undercover personality seems to take over, pushing the gentle and loving husband aside, leaving Cassidy with a dangerous, rude imposter. So while Zach's personality disintegrates into that of a hoodlum, Cassidy finds herself busy with Olivia's cats and ex-con friend. Convinced that the man didn't murder Olivia, Cassidy will go to any length to find the real killer while the police accept a bogus confession.Matthews has an awesome talent for not only weaving excellent tales, but also memorable subplots. I want Cassidy's grandma for my own, complete with her array of wigs and saucy attitude, although I can do without her nagging mother. And to tell how much I love Starshine would require confessing that I have an orange and white kitten named just for this literary feline. Indeed, CAT'S CLAW is very highly recommended.

I imagine many of us have a strange house in our neighborhood that puzzles us. Cassie also finds herself wondering about the house next door which always has its blinds down. The inhabitant is reclusive and reluctant to let anyone inside. Cassie, perseveres and eventually finds out more than she wanted to know. This is the first book of the series where Cassie is married, and she finds herself having to make some major decisions. Who knows what we would do if faced with the same dilemma? Cat's Claw provides some serious food-for-thought as well as being a first-rate mystery. Also, it's hard to resist falling deeper in love with Cassie's engaging feline. It's the type of book that the person who enjoys relationships (both human and animal) will really love.

"Cat's Claw" is the fifth Cassidy McCabe Mystery. In Ms. Matthews' latest whodunit therapist Cassidy McCabe is getting acquainted with her cat loving, hypersensitive, timid neighbor, Olivia, when something goes deadly wrong. Personally speaking, Olivia lucked out in getting Cassidy as one of her neighbors instead of being completely surrounded by superior fuddy duds. Cassidy feels compassion for Olivia and her feral (untamed) cats so when a tragedy occurs it's the ever brave, kind-hearted, levelheaded Cassidy who tries to solve it. Also in the storyline, Zach, Cassidy's husband goes undercover as a different person in his latest reporter assignment. It makes his character a bit unlikable in this mystery. I admired the fact that the author has him apologizing to his wife and son for his moments of being a lousy husband and father. This is something only a real man can do. The characters come across as realistic; they aren't politically correct, perfectionists; they are normal. In fact, Alex Matthews' characters seemed more in touch with reality than most. I like it that Cassidy doesn't waste my time trying to hide behind a tough exterior. She thinks things out and deals with them. As far as solving the mystery, I was pretty sure I knew the murderer, but the false leads gave me doubts till the end.Brenda @ MyShelf.Com

Hotshot investigative reporter Zach Moran currently is working undercover to expose two dirty cops, allegedly selling illegal drugs on the night club circuit. Zach pretends he is a sleazy wannabe dealer seeking a connection to begin his new operation. His performance in this role is so good, his wife Cassidy worries that her husband's undercover persona is taking over their private life. Although she desperately wants to trust her spouse, she cannot believe Zach will resist the temptations now available to him.When someone kills the Moran's next door neighbor Olive, Cassidy decides to start her own investigation because she fears the police have arrested the wrong person. The prime suspect is a former con who Cassidy believes deeply cared for the shy Olivia and who would never harm her. Cassidy soon learns that her deceased neighbor kept files on people she felt mistreated her. As Cassidy searches for the truth that she feels is contained inside the files, the killer remains ready to strike at anyone that comes close to uncovering his identity.In CAT'S CLAW, Alex Matthews demonstrates her ability to cross genre lines by combining an exciting mystery with a terrific relationship drama. The combination will appeal to a mainstream audience. The two protagonists are believable because of their obvious love for one another even when they argue. They have grown from previous tales in this series and thus remain fresh and interesting. Animal lovers will salute Ms. Matthews for her well-written subplot on the plight of feral cats. In the final analysis what makes the McCabe series work is Ms. Matthews ability to allow her characters to evolve without changing their inner essence. Readers will eagerly await the next episode in this exciting and lively mystery seriesHarriet Klausner