Cover Image: The Bengal Identity

The Bengal Identity

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Member Reviews

Perfect cozy for cat lovers- or for those who just like a good tale. Cassie is a cat groomer who discovers she's actually taking care of a Bengal, a valuable purebred and when the "owner" is found murdered, well she's off investigating. Her love interest is Mark the vet, not the more expected law enforcement officer- they make a good team. This is sensitive to the issue of purebreds while at the same time shedding light on how those cats are bred. The mystery is twisty enough but I like the animal info the most. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. Adopt don't shop.

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This is a second in series and I had not read the first one but found this works fine as a standalone novel.

I have a soft spot for Bengals, I don't own one, however we do have 6 cats so we are cat mad. Plus  a very close relative works with Bengals so I have gleaned some knowledge of the breed through her. It is my yearning for one that drew me to the cover. The story did the rest!

This book took me a few days to read but if I hadn't had prior commitments then I would have read it in one sitting because each time, I found it so hard to step away from. However, yesterday afternoon I put everything else on hold to curl up and enjoy this book.

I found that I adored Ayesha despite her behavioural flaws and I was, championing our heroine, cat boarder and groomer, Cassie McGlone, to keep keep her safe.

I think this book has something for everyone. I felt it would be suitable from slightly older teens upwards as despite the murders the book is not gory and the tense moments are handled so well by author Eileen Watkins.

The main characters are really likeable but not too sugar sweet and flawless, so they still seem real and relatable.

The Bengal Identity has a well developed, exciting plot and it does make you want to read it in one sitting because you cannot predict what will happen next. (except in one major plot moment where I did see the issue arising) I did work out who the main antagonist is earlier than I would have liked but there were still big surprises along the way so it absolutely did not detract from the enjoyment of this wonderful tale.

Something happens regularly enough that you don't have chance to lose interest at all. Some of these things are big and some are smaller which make the book feel like our heroine has a real life, I feel this makes her more likeable and relateable.

There is a very impotant message that is present from the beginning with this book. Don't judge a book (or a cat) by it's cover.  Which of course is what drew me to the book in the first place.

I need to be so careful not to accidentally slip in spoilers because as I previously explained, lots happens throughout this book and they all enrich the story, so I will leave my review on a truly enjoyable read here.

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This is the second book in the Cat Groomer series. I really enjoyed the first one, "The Persian Always Meows Twice" and this next installment did not disappoint. Cassie McGlone's cat boarding business continues to thrive and nothing seems suspicious at first when an unknown man hires her to board his cat, Ayeesha, for a few days while he is in the process of moving. She and her capable assistant, Sarah, bathe the cat and discover that Ayeesha has been dyed, revealing markings of the exotic Bengal breed. Cassie suspects she may be stolen but when the stranger is found dead, Cassie finds herself in the middle of another mystery. While trying to find this Bengal's identity, she also uncovers a sinister underworld which may be connected to the stranger's death.

I really liked this cozy because of its multi-layered plot and comfortable pace. Cassie's romance with Mark, the veterinarian continues to develop, but not without some tension. There were several well-placed herrings, adding to the enjoyment of the mystery. At the conclusion, the author includes a preview of the next book in the series, "Feral Attraction." Just enough to whet my whiskers! I highly recommend this book.

Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Publishers for a complimentary copy of this book. My review is voluntary.

Reviews will be posted on Amazon on release date: 3/27/18

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The Cat Groomer Mysteries are turning out to be a delightful series of cozy mysteries. Emilie runs a cat grooming business in a small town in New Jersey. In this episode, a stranger brings in a large brown cat to be boarded until he can settle into a new residence. Once Emilie and Sarah, her assistant, begin to bathe the cat, they realize this cat has been dyed to camouflage her beautiful exotic spotted coat. Emilie's sure this cat is a show cat and probably has been stolen. Then, the stranger ends up dead! The mystery that unfolds involves organic produce growers, a very handsome vet, and an auto repairman. I love the characters, the hint of romance, and especially the cat-centric story line. So many cozy mysteries advertise as having cats in them, but they're barely mentioned. This one has them prominent, yet not overwhelming! Love the storylines, love the cats! Keep 'em coming! [This is the 2nd one I've read!]

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The second adventure in the Cat Groomer Mysteries firmly establishes Eileen Watkins as The Cat Lady in this reader’s eyes. Ms. Watkins’ skill at crafting a challenging mystery includes weaving engaging interaction between felines and their owners.

A nervous young man brings his cat to be boarded for a few days while he finds a new place to live. The cat, Ayesha, turns out to be a Bengal, an exotic breed, that has been dyed a dark brown as a disguise. The mystery deepens when the young man turns up dead. Since Cassie (Cassie’s Comfy Cats) suspects the young man stole Ayesha, she begins a search for where the cat may have come from originally. Naturally best friend Dawn is involved as is boyfriend Mark, a veterinarian.

Readers who relish well-conceived mysteries and readers who appreciate strong feline characters will find this an intriguing diversion. Well drawn characters along with realistic dialogue and an even flow to the story keep the reader hooked.

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