Eileen WatkinsRecensioni

The cover of this mystery with the sad faced Scottish fold may have enticed you to pick up this novel, but the well-written and intriguing mystery will keep you reading it. Cassie, cat groomer, is asked to be part of a cat expo, demonstrating her grooming techniques. The highlight of show is a pop diva who volunteered to do a concert to help raise money for shelter cats. When her own cat, a Scottish fold who is usually by her side is cat-napped through a series of weird events, the distraught singer seeks help, and Cassie jumps into the investigation, with the blessing of the owner as well as the police detective in charge of the case. There’s a suspicious death, and more unexplained goings-on, and Cassie is likely to find danger lurking around the corner instead of the missing cat. It’s another great tale from this author, with likable and well-developed characters in an entertaining and exciting story.

Cassie McGlone runs a cat boarding and grooming service in Chadwick, NJ. Just as rumors are circulating about a wild cat roaming the nearby hills attacking dogs and children, a man drops off a cat to board at her shop. The cat's fur has a strange texture and appears dirty, so she gives the animal a bath. Brown dye cascades down the drain, revealing that the kitty is an expensive purebred Bengal. The man never comes back to get the cat, so Cassie starts investigating whether the feline might be stolen. When the stranger who dropped the cat off is killed in a hit and run accident and someone attempts to break into Cassie's business, it appears the case is much more than just a case of possible cat-napping.

The Bengal Identity is the second book in the Cat Groomer Mystery series. The covers are always eye-catching and inviting. The bright orange background and lovely Bengal kitty on this latest cover definitely got my attention! The characters are likable and the background theme of a cat groomer and boarding business is fun and interesting. Cassie is an intelligent main character, and the supporting cast, such as Cassie's veternarian boyfriend and her employees, really add to the story. In this newest addition to the series, the mystery moved along at a nice pace with plenty of twists and clues. I thought I had things figured out....I was close, but the plot held some surprises back until the very end.

I like this series. The mix of humor, cat facts and mystery really appeal to me. I'm definitely going to keep reading! The next installment in the series, Feral Attraction, comes out in September 2018.

**I voluntarily read an advance readers copy of this book from Kensington Books via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**

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**

Cats and murder - couldn’t be better, right? I’ve been in the mood for cozy mysteries recently because I enjoy the short and sweet action. Also, I do love trying to spotting the killer!

The Persian Always Meows Twice by Eileen Watkins is a classic, with Cassie the heroine running away from a bad relationship and into new romance and business - until her best customer is found dead in his mansion, with his Persian standing there all worried.

I loved the way the author clearly spent some time researching the grooming and cattery business because all the details were perfect. I also enjoyed the solid plot line - and I did the spot the murderer but only at the very last moment, which was deliciously satisfying.

Cassie was a little bit too prissy for me but cosy romance readers do tend to favour that kind of girl so I think it will be a smash hit. Definitely recommended!

I received this book from the publishers through Net Galley and am reviewing voluntarily.

The Bengal Identity by Eileen Watkins is the second book in A Cat Groomer Mystery series. Cassie McGlone owns Cassie’s Comfy Cats in Chadwick, New Jersey. A man arrives at the shop wishing to board his cat, Ayesha with Cassie because his home burned the previous night. Even though he cannot provide identification or veterinary records, Cassie agrees to board Ayesha. When putting the cat in her cage, Cassie notices something sticky on her coat. A bath shows that Ayesha has been dyed to cover up her beautiful spots (rosettes). It seems that someone has also removed the cat’s chip. A consultation with Dr. Mark Coccia, the local veterinarian and Cassie’s boyfriend, reveals that Ayesha is a rare Bengal which is quite valuable. While watching television, Cassie sees a report of a hit-and-run accident that killed a man who had no identification. The sketch revels it to be the same man who dropped off Ayesha. Cassie contacts Detective Angela Bonelli and starts searching for Ayesha’s owner. At the same time, there are sighting of a large cat on Rattlesnake Ridge. Is there a connection between the wild cat and Ayesha? Then someone tries to break into Cassie’s Comfy Cats. Someone wants Ayesha and Cassie is determined to find the cat napper. Join Cassie on her latest hair-raising adventure in The Bengal Identity.

The Bengal Identity can be read alone. Everything a reader needs to know is included. I found The Bengal Identity easy to read with a steady pace. The author’s writing style is straightforward, and it is obvious that that Eileen Watkins is knowledgeable about cats. She presents some interesting information on Bengal’s in this book. I had to laugh when Ayesha’s caterwauling was described. I knew immediately what the problem was and waited to see when Cassie would figure it out. The author accurately described the sound a female cat makes when in heat. Ayesha and the other cats in the book are the primary focus of The Bengal Identity. I love the description of Cassie’s Comfy Cats. The cats that stay there have deluxe quarters and plenty of places to roam and explore (gave me some ideas to use in my cat’s rooms). The mystery is uncomplicated. The solution can easily be discerned along the reason. Cassie devoted her time to looking for Ayesha’s owner. Solving the murder was just a bonus. My rating for The Bengal Identity is 3 out of 5 stars. The Bengal Identity is a light, cozy mystery that will appeal to feline lovers. The next installment A Cat Groomer mystery series is Feral Attraction.

Like many cozy mysteries, a woman moves into a new town and starts a new business after a bad break up. This time Cassie, the main character, is a professional cat groomer and animal behaviorist. The plot begins when she obtains custody of Harpo a male Persian when his owner is murdered. Unlike other stories, police officer Angela Bonelli, is more inclined to work with Cassie to uncover the murderer. Along the way, Cassie finds a new boyfriend. Readers should be aware that after reading the book, they might feel an urge to adopt a cat.

I received this book through a Goodreads giveaway. Although encouraged, I was under no obligation to write a review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

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.

I was completely entertained by this book. Even though it was in a series, it stood on its own. I didn't find myself lost or confused. The main character was strong and smart, and a little bit psychic. I enjoyed the paranormal aspect of Quinn's character. The book lived up to its title, there was a "Hex", a "Death" & some "Rock 'N' Roll". The band, Mad Love, had been having too many accidents for it to be considered coincidence and wanted to offer Quinn a deal - If she uncovered who was responsible for all the trouble the band was having then she would get to write her dream article about lead singer Alan Bardow's apartment for a prestigious magazine that had been seeking Alan's permission to feature his home for some time. Even though they ask Quinn to help, Alan is holding back some secrets that Quinn won't let go uncovered. A seedy underworld, a controversial lifestyle, father/son clashes, friends feeling betrayed, a little crushing on a gorgeous rock star, a crazy fan? How will Quinn balance all of these things with her job and her boyfriend? Read and find out. I recommend it.
I was given a copy of this book for free in exchange for an honest review.