Audiobook review: Claws for Suspicion by Deborah Blake
It’s been a few months since Kari bought the animal rescue shelter; most of the repairs are done and things are going smoothly. That is until Kari’s ex shows up telling her they are still married and he deserves half of her lottery winnings. But when Charlie dies under mysterious circumstances, things go from bad to worse when the sheriff names Kari the primary suspect.
I am really enjoying the Catskills Pet Rescue mysteries. The stories follow the generous and kindhearted Kari as she gets her life together in her hometown after living away for a while. The author continues to develop Kari’s strengths, giving her a backbone while keeping her sweet and kind. I love the friendships, both her long-term friend Suz, but also the new friends that are becoming her found-family. When Kari is accused of murdering her ex-husband, these friends stand by her side, even as the small townsfolk point fingers and gossip. I am also enjoying her slow-burn romance with the local vet, Angus. Their bonds solidify as the keep an open dialogue.
As for the murder mystery, it is exciting and well planned, and even though I completed guessed the who and why from almost the start, I still loved it. The author pens a lovely story, filled with vivid details and descriptions. Her storyline is tight. I admire the sheriff who is fair and honest. I just hope the next story doesn’t put Kari (or her close friends) in the center of the suspect pool.
Narration: The story is shared via the third person voice of Kari. The narrator has a calm, feminine voice which doubles as Kari’s dialogue voice. I found her mature tone well suited for Kari. Ms. Jennings really brings Kari to life, adding noticeable feelings into the performance of the empathetic character. The narrator alters the voices for each supporting character during dialogue, making each unique. All adjustments are appropriate to gender, age, and background. Overall, Ms. Jennings performs the story wonderfully, keeping me engaged and interested.
In the end, Claws for Suspicion is a wonderful, entertaining story. The author is creating a cast of characters that I enjoy spending time with and can’t wait to get more of!
My Ratings
Story: A-
Narration: A-
Jen
About the Book:
When someone from her past comes to town to cause trouble, Kari Stuart and her sassy kitten Queenie will have to work hard to protect the Serenity Sanctuary in this new Catskills Pet Rescue Mystery.
Kari Stuart is finally starting to relax into her role as the new owner of the Serenity Sanctuary and is looking forward to the various fun autumn activities in the beautiful Catskills town of Lakeview, like the annual Oktoberfest celebration. It’s time for friends and quality bonding with handsome vet Angus McCoy. Until the unexpected arrival of her unpleasant ex-husband, Charlie Smith.
He comes bearing a shocking revelation–the paperwork on their divorce never went through, and they are still married. Worse yet, he thinks this entitles him to half of her lottery winnings–although he’ll happily take partial ownership of the sanctuary instead. Kari isn’t sure if he’s telling the truth, or if it’s just another one of Charlie’s lies.
But things go from bad to worse when an unexpected death makes Kari the main suspect in a murder investigation. Will she and Queenie be able to find the real killer and keep the home they’ve built at the sanctuary safe, or is their string of luck finally tapped out?
Author: Deborah Blake
Narrator: Laura Jennings
Series: Catskills Pet Rescue Mystery #3
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Audiobook Release Date: May 3, 2022
Publisher: Penguin Audio
Length: 7 hrs and 18 mins
Source: audiobook publisher
Audio Speed: 1.3x
Purchase info:
Audible/Amazon (affilate link)
Books in the Series:
Furbidden Fatality (Catskills Pet Rescue Mystery #1) – Audiobook Review
Doggone Deadly by Deborah Blake (Catskills Pet Rescue Mystery #2) – Audiobook Review