An adorable read and a page turner. I thought this was a fun book and extremely lighthearted. Some super sleuthing with a great mystery, I totally enjoyed this one and thought it was written well.

I’m judging a 2020 fiction contest. It’d be generous to call what I’m doing upon my first cursory
glance—reading. I also don’t take this task lightly. As a fellow writer and lover of words and books, I took this position—in hopes of being a good literary citizen. My heart aches for all the writers who have a debut at this time. What I can share now is the thing that held my attention and got this book from the perspective pile into the read further pile.

If I'm honest I had a tough time getting into this novel, maybe not my speed but cats and noir what's not to like?

Some readers will find this book charming, but I couldn't get on board with the self-conscious quirkiness, including a talking cat. I enjoyed the LA neo-noir setting, the Asian-American pet groomer heroine, and her dreamy lawyer neighbor. But overall an awkward blend of cozy mystery and new adult, and did I mention the talking cat?

I haven't read a cozy mystery since...high school? It's been a while, and it was never a main genre of mine, but I could not resist the cute cover or the heavy cat-ness. This is very cute!

So I really love the setup for this series. The heroine, Mimi Lee, is a pet groomer who just opened up a store called Hollywoof. Though she prefers dogs, her sister finds a cat in need of a home and gives the big fluffy white cat to Mimi, who adopts him and names him Marshmallow. Turns out Marshmallow can talk to her and her alone, because he can only speak with his owner. He is sassy, as the series name indicates, and easily my favorite character. The mystery, too, focuses on a terrible dog groomer. There are so many animals, and I love it.

On the other hand, the plot of this was rather weak. I just could not handle the way Mimi would constantly leave her struggling store in the middle of the day to go investigate or talk to a friend. Similarly, I don't believe that Josh would be able to help her as much as he did; they talk about his busy schedule, but he's generally pretty available. Aside from that, Mimi's investigating was ... not well thought out, though potentially that adds charm?

The romance had a lot of potential, but for me it almost felt like a middle grade romance. They become a couple having talked a couple of times and without having kissed. I think they kissed once in the whole book! Even though they live in the same apartment complex and have easy access. All relationships are different, but there's nothing said about this at all, so it just felt weird and made the book feel a bit juvenile.

I had fun reading this for sure, but I don't think I'll be back for book two, as I wanted a bit more romance from this than the author clearly did (which is fine! but means I'm not the right reader). I'd recommend to animal-loving cozy mystery fans who like clean reads.

The first Sassy Cat Mystery in a new series, Mimi Lee Gets a Clue, by Jennifer Chow, is one of those “feel good” cozies that those who want to read something fun and light will want to pick up. Mimi Lee just opened a new pet grooming business, Hollywoof (clever name), and hopes to cater to the rich. When her first clients are wealthy women who own Chihuahuas, Mimi starts to wonder why these dogs have major medical problems that most likely occurred at the breeders. Mimi starts to investigate and ends up checking out an unscrupulous breeder who ends up dead. Since Mimi was seen arguing with this breeder, she is the number one suspect in his murder.

Mimi Lee is a fun character who is getting a bit older (20s), and since she is single, her overbearing mother adds to the intrigue of the book by trying to be a matchmaker, while Mimi is trying to make a success of her business. Chow has done a good job of developing the characters; they are likeable – at least most of them, and believable, since most readers will be able to relate them to someone in real life that they know. Chow does a good job of telling the story, which occurs in a semi-make-believe world. Cozies generally have some building suspense, and this novel is no exception. Mimi Lee does get herself into trouble, and there are times that the suspense gets a little scary.

All told, this is a fun cozy and a good start to a new series.


Special thanks to NetGalley for supplying a review copy of this book.

A cute, cozy mystery that is lighter on the mystery and heavy on the fun and puns! I love the premise for this book, and Mimi Lee is a fun character. I totally fell in love with Marshmallow—who doesn’t kind of love knowing the deep thoughts of their pet??

You know you are in a cozy mystery when you begin a book and the setting is a cute business owned by the lead character with a punny-name—in this case, an LA pet grooming business named Hollywoof! Mim’s sister (who I loved—Mimi’s family were all great characters!) drops off a cat for Mimi, though she considers herself more of a dog person.

Marshmallow isn’t just any cat though, he is an excellent communicator. This was such a fun part of the book!
The mystery itself wasn’t really forefront, since we spent quite a bit of time learning about Mimi, her family, the dates her mother sets her up on, and of course a love interest she happens to meet in her building’s laundry room. Mimi’s mother is a delight—such a fantastic character and really added great moments to the story.

When a string of injured chihuahua’s keep showing up at the groomer, Mimi suspects something is going on. All of the dogs came from the same breeder. But after she goes to confront him, the police show up. The breeder has been murdered and Mimi is a prime suspect! Luckily for Mimi, the hottie that lives in her building happens to be a lawyer and she enlists his help, while also getting to know him on a personal level.

This book is lighthearted and fun, definitely on the light side for cozy mysteries and one that is just a great escape the heaviness of life read! I loved learning more about Mimi and her family. Mimi is Malaysian-American which was something a bit different for the genre. I loved the diversity and seeing more about how her family’s culture blended together.

A fun refreshing voice in the genre, that readers will love! I would have liked a bit more emphasis on the mystery, but that is a personal preference. I loved that the abuse in dog breeding was a topic. This is something that I think has gotten more national attention in recent years, and felt timely and relevant. It is a critical issue and one that can go unnoticed for a long time.

A fun and fresh mystery that will certainly help you escape life into sunny California for a day!

Thank you to Berkley Publishing for my copy. Opinions are my own.

Mimi is the prime suspect in this cozy murder mystery, and she is determined to clear her name and further expose the murder victim's cruelty to the Chihuahua dogs he bred as well as who actually did kill him. She enlists the help of her neighbor, a young lawyer named Josh. The reader gets an inside look at the upper crust of the Hollywood dog scene: doggy yoga and dog acupuncture, included as Mimi attempts to get to the bottom of the crime.

As much as I love cats, I am not always a fan of talking cats or cats who can communicate with their owners in a non-cat like way in mysteries, but it was impossible not to fall for Marshmallow in Jennifer J. Chow's Mimi Lee Gets a Clue. Can he come live with me? Although, my life is not as exciting as Mimi's, I'm afraid. Mimi did not ask for a cat and is reluctant to take in the stray her sister insists she take in, but she does. As the series subtitle describes, Marshmallow, a fluffy white Persian cat, definitely has a sassy side. He is also very insightful and able to get into places humans cannot go, which makes him a valuable partner in a murder investigation.

With a dash of romance, some action, and a lot of sleuthing, Mimi Lee Gets a Clue is a witty and entertaining mystery. Mimi is a relatable character, and I adored her family (cozy protagonists often have the best families, don't they?). There are a whole host of possible suspects to choose from, and give the victim was an awful person, it was hard not to sympathize with all of them for disliking him. I really enjoyed this cozy mystery, and look forward to seeing what Jennifer J. Chow brings us next.

Cozy and cute. This was a quick fun cozy mystery with some sass and charm. Mimi it’s 25 living in LA and has just opened her own business, a dog grooming business - Hollywoof. The day her business opens she acquires a cat named Marshmallow who has a special ability... he can talk. She also has two clients with Chihuahuas who have similar ailments. When she finds out these Chihuahuas came from the same breeder she decides to confront the breeder. And then guess what? The breeder ends up dead and Mimi is suspect number one. This is the first book in this new series so we also are introduced to Mimi‘s friends and family. And we meet along with Mimi her love interest Josh.

This was fun but not purrrrfect (like what I did there?). I’m still conflicted when it comes to Marshmellow The talking cat. I really liked his personality, but I just couldn’t get over the fact he was a cat, it might take some time. Also in all honesty I prefer my cozy mysteries in small towns, this book took place in LA. There were also a lot of LA stereotypes going on, and I think because that is where I’m from I’m a little more aware. Mimi was great and I think her character will become more and more likable as the series progresses. The mystery was well developed and fun to puzzle out. This was a liked it, didn’t love it, might or might not read the next book in the series kind of book.

This book in emojis 🐱 🐶 ☀️ 📸 🧼

*** Big thank you to Berkley for my gifted copy of this book. All opinions are my own. ***

This cozy mystery was the perfect marriage of romance and whodunnit. I like the Asian-American representation going on here - the only improvement I would recommend is more romance between sexy neighbour, Josh! Was really craving more chemistry here!

This was such a fun cozy mystery! I loved that the main character is a dog groomer though her focus on her business seemed a bit off throughout the book, such as not worrying about not really having customers right away. The side character of the cat was fun and I liked his personality quite a bit. I did find Mimi to be a bit immature and the relationship development felt a bit juvenile and a little too instant for my taste. Overall it was a good mystery and I look forward to seeing how book 2 goes.

Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Daniele

As an avid pet lover, Mimi Lee Gets a Clue should make me happy. With a young pet groomer, a “talking” cat, and a murder mystery about a breeder, all should be good, right? Unfortunately, it is lacking in depth and entertainment value.

Mimi does a good deed saving a wealthy woman’s beloved dog at the beach. This leads to the appreciative owner investing in Mimi’s pet grooming business. But, just as the grand opening commences, Mimi can’t help but notice several of her new clients’ puppies don’t seem quite right. Finding that they all came from the same breeder, Mimi tries to file a complaint, bringing her to top of the police’s suspect list when said breeder is murdered. Mimi goes about trying to clear her name and help the puppies.

Being the first book in the Sassy Cat series, I expected to spend a lot of time learning about Mimi and her world, but the characters are pretty one dimensional. Mimi’s heart is in the right place, but she’s juvenile and not particularly likable, and I am not sure she knows how to do her job well. Simply brushing a dog or trimming another dog’s nails does not make her a professional groomer. She comes across as a young teen instead of a business woman in her mid-twenties. This is especially true with her romantic feelings and dealings with her neighbor Josh. And, Josh is not much better. Does he not notice that Mimi loiters, waiting for him to come home or open his apartment door? There is no angst or getting to know each other phase; they just instantly become a couple. What? I do not know if Mimi’s mother is supposed to provide comic relief or what, but I find her overbearing and unfunny. The pet owners are shallow, and everyone is rather forgettable. Marshmallow the cat and the puppies are the redeeming characters within the books pages.

My biggest problem with the story is that the murder victim is an irresponsible dog breeder. He did not deserve to die for his actions, but his breeding practices are disgraceful and make me angry. The puppy owners irritate me, too. They seem to have more money than sense and do not make their dogs’ welfare a priority. That said, the mystery itself is fair. There are a small number of suspects and not that many clues to work through. The killer’s identity did not come as a surprise nor was the big climactic moment exciting or worth the wait.

To my disappointment, Mimi Lee Gets a Clue was not the right fit for me, but other readers of pet cozies might feel differently.

*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review as part of their ongoing blog tour*

Our title heroine, Mimi Lee, has just opened the business of her dreams, a pet grooming salon in Los Angeles, with the help of rich investor Pixie St James, whose dog she saved from drowning. Sure, business is a little slow to start, but she’s sure that once word spreads of how good she is at her job, the clients will come knocking down her door. Fortunately, Pixie has a few also-wealthy friends with cute pups who are happy to give her salon a try. After grooming several darling little Chihuahuas with mobility problems, however, Mimi suspects that an unprincipled breeder has been running a con on Pixie’s friends.

Mimi goes to confront Russ Nolan and discovers that it’s worse than she feared: he’s also mistreating his animals in addition to deceiving prospective pet owners. After a very public showdown, Mimi tries to call in the authorities, but finds herself stymied by the amount of red tape required to stop Russ and free his dogs. Things get worse when Russ is found dead shortly thereafter and Mimi herself becomes prime suspect in his murder.

Fortunately, Mimi has the help of Marshmallow, the adorable rescue cat her younger sister, Alice, gave her as an opening day gift. Well, adorable on the outside, at least: on the inside, Marshmallow is a pile of hilarious snark who just so happens to be able to communicate with Mimi telepathically. At first taken aback by Marshmallow’s abilities, Mimi soon realizes she can use their unusual connection to her advantage, when they go hunting for clues that might clear her in a warehouse full of dogs:

QUOTE
[Marshmallow’s] eyes gleamed in the dark. “Don’t worry, I’ve got this. Just slide the door open a crack.”

I did as he requested and watched as Marshmallow crept up to the door’s edge. He gave a short meow. A moment later, he received some yips back. He then made a few strong purrs, and the dogs inside grew silent.

“What did you say?” I asked him.

“Told them we’re doing an official investigation. Said I’m a police cat.”

“Come again?”

Marshmallow flicked a dismissive paw at the warehouse. “Dogs are so gullible.”
END QUOTE

While Marshmallow is the highlight of this novel, he’s not the only ally in Mimi’s corner. There’s also her new neighbor, Hawaiian native Josh Akana, with whom she begins an unbelievably sweet romance.

But since this is a murder mystery, and better yet an #OwnVoices murder mystery, it’s not all lightness and sass. As Mimi tries to clear her name, she runs into the age-old predicament of the Asian-American: being assumed to be a recent immigrant who can barely speak English simply because of the way she looks. When a group of PTA moms mistake the biracial, American-born Mimi for a recent Korean arrival to their social circle, she’s clever enough to try to turn the situation on its head:

QUOTE
Although… could I use her confusion to my advantage? At least she’d welcomed me into the group. I didn’t correct the woman, waiting to see how things would unfold. She soon waved me over to sit down and help stuff papers.

I copied her movements, wondering how much English my immigrant doppelganger knew. I ventured forth a word: “Tam-my?”

The women paused in their actions and gave one another snide looks. The collating lady said, “Tammy is sick.”

The other women snorted, and a firestorm of gossip erupted. They probably thought my “foreignness” meant I wouldn’t be able to understand their rapid chatter[.]
END QUOTE

Mimi Lee Gets A Clue has some really terrific general Asian-American representation, but it honestly doesn’t do as well in representing specifically Malaysians, the purported ethnicity of Mimi’s mom. I’m not sure what form of pidgin Ma was speaking, but it was definitely not Manglish, and I say this as a native Malay speaker who grew up and went to school then university in Malaysia. I also consulted on this with other Malaysians and Malaysian-Americans of various races, who were all similarly bemused by Ma’s way of speaking. Sure there were a few terms thrown in correctly, and the food descriptions were accurate. And while I know every culture contains multitudes, Ma’s obsession with marrying off twenty-five year-old Mimi to whichever guy with a pulse she can find is far less representative of a Malaysian culture that values education and professional accomplishment than of, say, the mindset of a conservative American woman in the 20th century who can’t fathom how a woman could possibly function without a man, any man. I’m always so excited when I find out that there’s Malaysian rep in an American book, even if it isn’t all positive -- Malaysians for sure can be superstitious and meddlesome, like Ma -- but the overall cultural characterization here wasn’t negative so much as it was painfully inauthentic, and that was disappointing.

That aside, this novel is a frothy read for any pet-lover who enjoys a little mystery and romance with Asian-American protagonists written by an Asian-American author. Just don’t expect a whole lot of realism from this admittedly paranormal tale.

Did I really want to be the one to destroy her naïve dream?
And who knew—maybe her ploy could work.
After all, I’d gotten a big break after I’d rescued Gelato.
This was Hollywood, where happy endings were crafted.
Jennifer J. Chow, Mimi Lee Gets A Clue, Kindle Loc. 3196


Mimi Lee is in over her head. There's her new Los Angeles pet grooming shop to run, her matchmaking mother to thwart, her talking cat Marshmallow to tend to—oh, and the murder of a local breeder to solve...now if only Mimi hadn't landed herself on top of the suspect list.

Mimi Lee hoped to give Los Angeles animal lovers something to talk about with her pet grooming shop, Hollywoof. She never imagined that the first cat she said hello to would talk back or be quite so, well, catty—especially about those disastrous dates Mimi's mother keeps setting up.

When Marshmallow exposes local breeder Russ Nolan for mistreating Chihuahuas, Mimi steals some of her cat's attitude to tell Russ off. The next day the police show up at Hollywoof. Russ has been found dead, and Mimi's shouting match with him has secured her top billing as the main suspect.

Hoping to clear her name and save the pups Russ left behind, Mimi enlists help from her dreamy lawyer neighbor Josh. But even with Josh on board, it'll take Mimi and Marshmallow a lot of sleuthing and more than a little sass to get back to the pet-grooming life—and off the murder scene.
Amazon.com

Jennifer J. Chow is a fresh voice on the mystery scene. As an Asian American, her culture seeps through in language, family relationships, and cooking styles. Having lived in Hawaii for a few months, the Asian influence wasn’t new to me, but the main character’s talking cat was a surprise. Marshmallow, the cat, isn’t just some pretty, fluffy face. Owner, Mimi Lee, and Marshmallow investigate murder. Mimi talks to the suspects while Marshmallow talks with the suspects’ pets.

Mimi Lee Gets A Clue is a fun read. It was released by Berkley Prime Crime on March 10th and is the first of the Sassy Cat mystery series. But this isn’t Jennifer’s first series. She writes the Winston Wong cozy mystery series under the name J.J. Chow, and also writes Young Adult fantasy.

Please welcome Jennifer J. Chow to WWK. E. B. Davis

In what area of L.A. is Hollywoof located?
It’s an unnamed beach area, but the nearby pier and palm tree-lined plaza outside the shop are definitely inspired by Hermosa Beach.

Mimi grew up in Lawndale. Where in L.A. is that?
Lawndale is a city in L.A. County. It’s located in the South Bay area of the larger Los Angeles region, east of Manhattan Beach.

How did twenty-something Mimi get the capital to open Hollywoof?
Through sheer good fortune. As an animal lover, Mimi couldn’t help but rescue a floundering shih tzu from the choppy waters off Catalina Island. In return, the grateful (and wealthy) dog owner, Pixie St. James, provided the capital to fulfill Mimi’s dream of owning a pet grooming salon.

Mimi’s parents are retired. Did they have their children, both in their twenties, later in life?
Yes, Mimi’s parents met later in life, so now they’re living a happy empty-nester life.

What do Mimi’s parents do now that they are retired?
Mimi’s dad, Greg, spends his time on the golf course while Mimi’s mom, Winnie, hatches match-making plans for her two single daughters.

What native language did Mimi’s Malaysian-born mother speak?
Mimi’s mom likes to speak Manglish, a mixture of linguistic influences found in her country, including Hakka, English, Malay, Hokkien, Mandarin, Cantonese, and Tamil. Of course, she has her own spin on it now, given her decades of living in America.

Alice, Mimi’s younger Kindergarten-teaching sister, gives her a cat from a shelter. Mimi names the cat Marshmallow. Does the name suit the cat?
Haha! Mimi thinks so because he’s a white Persian cat and very, um, puffy. Marshmallow, of course, hates the name.

Mimi, a graduate and psychology major of UCLA, thinks she’s having a psychotic experience or hallucinations when Marshmallow talks to her. Mimi’s mother isn’t the only one who has trouble with acronyms. What does DSM mean?
DSM stands for the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. It’s a handbook that describes different mental illnesses, and professionals use it to diagnose clients.

What is a moto jacket?
A motorcycle jacket, often leather, worn by bikers.

Does L.A. still have a lot of air pollution?
Yes, but I feel like it’s gotten better over the years. And the smog results in gorgeous sunsets.

Pixie, Mimi’s benefactor, sends her friends to Hollywoof to help launch the business. Are the women competitive or are they all infatuated with teacup Chihuahuas?
The women mostly just love their Chis—all for different reasons. However, they are prone to puppy envy, like when one of the women styles her pooch in a glitzy rhinestone collar and sweet pink headband.

Their dad calls Mimi and Alice, Princess One and Two. But they don’t seem spoiled, especially considering some of the gross dog grooming tasks Mimi must perform. Why is Mimi required to solve Alice’s job problem?
The “princess” moniker is a term of endearment from their dad, who’s all about hugs and encouragements. Mimi’s not required to help Alice with her job situation, but as the big sister, it’s assumed that she’ll take on the problem-solver role. Her mom definitely expects a strong drive and “can do” attitude from Mimi to help out her sister just by being part of the Lee family.

Are exotic pets regulated by state?
Yes. For example, ferrets are legal in most other states but not in California (unless you obtain a special permit). The state department of Fish and Wildlife has information on the reasons for restricting certain species for public health and safety.

When Mimi meets young lawyer Josh in the apartment complex’s laundry room, she gets a bad case of foot-in-mouth disease. What is the big competition between USC and UCLA?
The USC-UCLA rivalry comes from the competition between their sports teams, particularly in football. There’s also a bit of ribbing because USC is a private institution while UCLA is a public university.

Does Josh like fortune cookies because of the taste or the fortune?
Josh likes fortune cookies because the sayings cheer him up and help him during stressful times. The yummy vanilla flavor doesn’t hurt, though.

What is a jade burial shroud?
A jade burial shroud is a basically a suit made of jade. The precious stone was commonly cut into rectangular shapes and pieced together to provide a valuable covering for ancient Chinese royalty.

Does doggie SUPPing, yoga, acupuncture, and pool parties really exist? Do the dogs wear diapers in the pools?
These are all real things! Owners do go stand up paddle boarding with their pets and participate in yoga with their dogs. There also are pet acupuncturists. And doggie pool parties (sans diapers) exist—Los Angeles County even opens up some of their pools to canines at the end of the summer for their annual Pooches in the Pool event.

What is poke and spam musubi, and is it really popular in Hawaii?
Poke is a dish made from diced raw fish and garnished with savory toppings. Spam musubi is a type of sushi made with seaweed, rice, and cooked spam. I know these dishes are offered in Hawaii, but I’m not sure how popular they are there. There are definitely quite a few places serving poke bowls and musubi around Los Angeles.

Mimi’s family’s snacks for game night are unusual to most of us. What are durian candies and furikake snack mix? What else do they snack on?
Durian candies are made from a tropical fruit found in Southeast Asia. Unlike fresh durian, they usually don’t have a strong odor, but they do retain the distinctive musky taste (sorry, I don’t have an exact flavor I can compare it to!) Furikake snack mix is an enhanced version of Chex mix, but with added butter, sugar, and furikake (a rice seasoning, often seaweed-based).

Can someone else access your electrical panel via their phone? Don’t they need a code?
Ah, there’s a part of the story where an electrician gives instructions over the phone to one of the characters. That person is then able to access the electrical panel based on those tips.

What’s next for Mimi and Marshmallow?
Mimi and Marshmallow will be embarking on their next adventure…which involves getting Mimi’s sister, Alice, off of the suspect list. Like sister, like sister, I suppose.

This will post on 4/1/20

This book given to me by Berkley through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Mimi has now become my new favorite book character. She is sweet, sassy and everything in between. I was immediately drawn to her because she's an animal lover like myself. Marshmallow was such a cute character and really added to the story. I am looking forward to the next addition to the Sassy Cat mysteries. This is my first cozy mystery ever and I am so glad I decided to pick this one up to set my further expectations.

Chow gave us an awesome love interest and gave us just enough info to concentrate completely on the mystery,

This is a must pick up if you like cozy mysteries, cats, and a diverse read!

This review will be up on my IG on 3/10/20 the pub date and will be on my website on 3/10/20.

Mimi Lee Gets a Clue was a funny but suspenseful mystery with a touch of wholesome romance. Mimi was a likable protagonist. I was pulled in by her curiosity and drive to ferret out the truth despite the risks to herself. There were many clues and suspects with motives, which made for a fun journey following Mimi's investigation to figure out who dunnit. The romantic subplot with Josh was incorporated into the story well, with him playing a role in helping Mimi investigate the crime. Marshmallow, the talking cat, was probably my favorite character. I wish I had a sassy cat as a sidekick. Overall, I really enjoyed myself during the reading experience and would recommend this book to anyone who wants a lighter mystery with a side of romance.

3.5⭐️

Mimi Lee has a lot going on; she’s the owner of a brand new pet grooming shop, Hollywoof, forever being set up on disastrous blind dates by her mom, and recently found out her new cat Marshmallow can talk. Things get even more complicated when Mimi becomes the main suspect in the murder of a local dog breeder. Together, Mimi and Marshmallow set out to prove her innocence and solve the case!

I think this is the first cozy mystery I’ve ever read, and it was a pleasant surprise! The characters were funny, sweet, and likable. I had so much fun reading about the luxury lives of some Los Angeles dogs that included weekly doga (dog yoga) and acupuncture. Most importantly this was a quality murder mystery with promising suspects. Sometimes the perfect, no conflict relationship between Josh & Mimi made me feel like I was reading about teenagers instead of a couple in their mid-twenties, but I’m excited to see what happens between them in the next book! If you are looking for a light and cute but very entertaining read this one is for you!!

Thank you Netgalley, Berkley Publishing Group, and Jennifer Chow for this digital ARC in exchange for my honest review. This one is available 3/10/20!

4.5 stars

This is the first book in A Sassy Cat mystery by Jennifer J. Chow

This was a stunner of a new series by Chow. Since I am allergic to animals, reading about them is probably one of the few ways I can indulge my secret love of God's furry creatures.

I really enjoyed the gimmick of this book and thought it was done very well. Mimi Lee can hear her cat Marshmallow through a sort of psychic connection. He became like her sidekick through all the danger and mayhem.

This book centered around animals since Mimi had a dog grooming business called Hollywoof. Her lap Marshmallow uncovered a doggie den of abused animals and before she could report him completely to the authorities, the man ends up dead. And somehow Mimi Lee ends up as suspect number one.

The author very easily introduced us to a whole slew of new characters and it all felt so natural. Usually when you try to cram so many people into a book it can feel awkward and strange. None of that here. I particularly liked the addition of newbie lawyer, Josh and Detective Brown. There are hints of a bit of a crush happening for Detective Brown where Mimi is concerned. I think in the next book Mimi may find herself with more than one suitor.

Such a fun cozy romp! Totally kept me engaged all the way through. I can't wait for the next book in the series to come out. Really loving all these new to me authors bringing us such awesome new series!

If you love a good cozy mystery, definitely check this one out. You won't be disappointed.

I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I want to thank NetGalley, the author and the publisher for allowing me to read this title.

Comic mystery about a girl who opens a dog grooming salon and then ends up solving a murder. A very light and fluffy murder mystery set in California. While this one was a bit too comic for my taste, fans of cozy mysteries will definitely enjoy it!

Mimi Lee and Marshmellow the cat are a really cute pair of mystery solvers! The story follows Mimi Lee, a pet groomer, and her super cute kitty Marshmellow. A little twist - the kitty can talk to Mimi and he helps her solve a murder!

The story is super cute and really that's all I can say about it. Overall there wasn't a lot of substance to it. The characters didn't have much to them. I struggled to like Mimis mother. She was overbearing and too involved in Mimis life. I found myself annoyed everytime she spoke lol.

There is a little romance between Mimi and her neighbour/ lawyer, Josh. Josh seemed sweet and caring. However, I didn't totally 'ship' them because Mimi lacked any sort of relationship skills and Josh didn't seem to notice any of the weird things Mimi did such as waiting outside of his apartment all morning until he came out so she could talk to him. I don't know... it just felt weird to me!

The mystery was interesting and well put together! It was light and cute. Marshemmlow made the whole book! This was what I'd say is amazing, it was just okay! It was an easy read and it was even better with a cute kitty who solves crimes!

⭐⭐⭐/5

** Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for this arc!