Cries & Whiskers by Clea Simon

Genre: Mystery

Cries & Whiskers is the latest book in Clea Simon's Theda Krakow Mystery series. I fell in love with Theda and her beautiful kitty Musetta in the first book and I anxiously awaited her return in the third book of the series. I was not disappointed.

You would think a music critic wouldn't find herself being the center of murder mysteries, but that's exactly where Theda winds up. This latest book involves the world of animal activists. When an animal activist is killed in a hit-and-run accident, Theda begins to think there was more to this death than meets the eye.

The victim, Gail Womynfriend, was an extremist. She was not fond of domestic animals and let her feelings be known. Gail made many enemies along the way, so it wasn't out of the realm of possibilities that one of them wanted to do her in, but who?

When her own beloved Musetta is thrown into danger, Theda throws caution to the wind and conducts her own investigation. Nothing will stop her from saving Musetta's life, even if the investigation leads back to her friend Violet, owner of the local animal shelter.

I love this series. The characters are so well-developed and you find yourself caring about them. One of my favorites is Violet. She's a wonderful, quirky character with so much life in her. The story itself is well-plotted, fast-paced, and a great way to spend an afternoon whether you are sitting on the beach or cuddling by a fireplace. I can't wait to re-vist with Theda, Musetta, Violet and all the rest of their friends (and even their enemies!)