Third in Simon's Theda Krakow mysteries. Theda is a freelance writer in the Cambridgeport area near Boston, MA. She writes mostly about the rock music scene in Cambridgeport, and also has a major interest in cats. Her friend runs a cat shelter, and in this volume, works with a group whose actions in progressive causes gets them in trouble at times. One of the women in the group is killed in a hit-and-run accident that may not have been an accident.

I enjoy this series quite a bit. The author's experience in rock music gives a nice tone of authenticity to Theda's adventures, and her love of cats shines through for animal lovers. Recommended.. ( )

It is a holiday treat that the intrepid Theda Krakow is back in another feline mystery from Clea Simon. This time Theda takes on the drug culture and animal rights activist in this fast paced, suspense filled story.

The Top Ten category of who should read this book:
1. Anyone who likes a mystery with a well written, strong, female main character.
2. Anyone who likes a mystery with varied plot lines that are deftly meshed into one seamless story.
3. Anyone who likes well thought out suspense that keeps building to an ending that is compelling and complete.
4. Anyone who likes a work that looks at relationships- human, feline, men and women.
5 Anyone who would enjoy the setting of the Boston music scene.
6. Anyone who would enjoy a carefully developed mystery that entertains and enlightens.
7. Anyone who would enjoy a good book.
8. Anyone who feels strongly about animal rights or welfare (the issue of feral cats is interestingly explored.)
9. Anyone who is a cat lover.
10. All mystery lovers!

Clea Simon has written the third entry into the Theda Krakow series starring the cat loving journalist. It is another testament to her talent as an author that she can make a unique mark in the crowded cat mystery market. She should not be mixed with the cozy crowd. This mystery has fangs and teeth, more like the feral cats it describes than any domesticated house cat. ( )

There were a lot of things I could have done today. I should have starting putting up the Christmas decorations, which in years past have been up no later than the first of December. I could have got a good start on the laundry. Maybe mopped the kitchen floor. And given the dog a bath (both which would have been silly really since it’s raining outside). Instead, I settled in this afternoon to read Clea Simon’s latest, Cries and Whiskers, and before I knew it, I had reached the end.

Cries and Whiskers is the third novel in the Theda Krakow mystery series. Freelance journalist Theda is right at home with the club scene in her hometown of Cambridge. She has a regular gig writing feature articles on local musicians and although it does not bring in as much money as she might like, she enjoys having the steady work while at the same time spending time with her musician friends, the fans and experiencing the music itself. When rumors of a new designer drug making its way on the club circuit reach her, Theda begins to ask questions, thinking perhaps there may be a story there.

Meanwhile, the death of an animal rights activist who had been trying to rescue feral cats before a winter storm hits brings cat lovers Theda and Violet out of bed one morning in an effort to finish the job. The activist who had once disparaged domesticated animals in favor of protecting the rights of wild had not been one of Theda’s favorite people. However, her effort to save the cats from coming to harm is enough for Theda to give her the benefit of the doubt, even after death. Questions involving the death of the activist begin to accumulate and Theda soon finds herself on a mission to get to the truth. The more Theda learns, the more questions she has, as both mysteries touch much closer to home that she would like. Theda finds herself in over her head in more ways than one.

As in the previous novels, the author takes readers onto the club scene for a front row view as well as going behind the scenes. She never fails to capture the excitement and thrill of the experience, as Theda and her friends enjoy the shows. In this latest installment, however, readers are introduced to a darker side of the club scene. Usually a comfortable place for Theda, she suddenly finds her own expectations and ideas in doubt. Theda is a relatively trusting person and that trust is sorely tested in this novel. However, she is no pushover. She has a nose for trouble and is not afraid to uncover it even at its worst.

As I have come to expect with the author’s mysteries, she is not afraid to tackle moral issues. In this instance, along with the topic of drug use, she also takes on the subjects of animal activism verses animal welfare and the possible impact of development in growing communities. Clea Simon naturally touches upon these issues as part of her story, adding depth and insight amidst the humor and more cozy mystery feel the novel offers.

With plenty of playful moments with the loveable Musetta and a chance to get to now Theda’s boyfriend, Bill, a little more, Cries and Whiskers does not disappoint. It is a great addition to the series. Clea Simon sets up the story quite well, and once it gets under way, there’s no turning back. ( )

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