I love this series so much. It's such a feel good story (except the murder part because ofcourse that's bad) about people who volunteer at a pet rescue and do good things. If I could I would definitely go volunteer at Serenity Shelter to help out.

Kari is thinking about how far she's come in these last 4 years and how thankful she is for her life and friends in Lakeview when in walks her ex-husband, Charlie, with news that blindsides her and realizes she could lose everything she's worked for. Her worries take somewhat of a backseat though when she becomes the prime suspect in his murder. Lakeview is a small town and with it comes everyone knowing all your business and gossiping. In this case though, its that small town charm that helps Kari solve the murder.

Claws for Suspicion: A Catskill Rescue Mystery
By Deborah Blake
Berkley
May 2022

Review by Cynthia Chow

An odds-defying lottery win allowed Kari Stuart to escape her stagnated life as a waitress and move back to her hometown in the Catskills, where she found her purpose in buying a pet rescue animal sanctuary. Kari and her Serenity Sanctuary are in the middle of celebrating Oktoberfest when she has an unexpected – and unpleasant – confrontation with her ex-husband. Charlie Smith has come to Lakeview for his share of Kari’s lottery prize, claiming that their divorce paperwork was never finalized and that they are still legally married. Kari had thought that she had shed her bully of a spouse before her financial win, and the news that they are still tied is as shocking as Charlie’s plans for his half of her property. Her hopes to mediate their future amicably are cut short when Charlie abruptly leaves, stating that he feels too unwell to discuss anything further. Kari isn’t sure what to think, and a call alerting her with the news that Charlie has been rushed to the hospital doesn’t help. Kari wanted nothing more than to be removed from Charlie’s emergency contact list, especially when it comes with the news that he has died from a suspected poisoning.

Having recently been on the site of far too many death scenes, the sheriff isn’t that surprised to find Kari again involved in one of his cases. Sheriff Dan Richardson is even less pleased to learn of her connection with the victim, her obvious motives for wanting him out of her life, and that his last meal was at her home. Kari would prefer to remain as far removed from her now-very-ex-husband, but the risk of losing her beloved Serenity, not to mention a guilt-enforcing plea from Charlie’s mother, has Kari looking into those who may have wanted their share of her wealth. That she is being guilted into investigating by the mother-in-law who still detests Kari - but perhaps a little less than the girlfriend who replaced her – is too ironic to be ignored.

This third in the series has Kari finally at a happy place in her life, which makes the reappearance of her ex so frustrating. His exit can’t come a moment too soon, although the threat of others looking to cash in on his possible wealth looms over Kari and her animal rescue. Her new boyfriend Angus McCoy remains steadfastly loyal and surprisingly rational during Kari’s spousal kerfuffle, especially when an early confrontation between the two men makes Angus a possible suspect as well. Kari’s friends and shelter staff are an engaging and supportive team for her, prioritizing the wellness of their animal charges while also reinforcing her choices in life. The importance of four-legged companions is as vital to the novel as the mystery, which leads to a tragic but still sympathetic and uplifting conclusion. Kari’s warmth and regard for others knows no boundaries, making her a heroine readers will cheer for as she rescues kitties, finds romance, and preserves the sanctity of her beloved home.

After a divorce and a few years drifting, Kari Stuart won the lottery and has found a home and friends after buying and renovating a animal shelter in her childhood hometown. New friends and a satisfying life are threatened when her ex-husband Charles shows up claiming they are not actually divorced and half her lottery winnings are his. Plus he has plans to sell the shelter and turn it into a glamping resort. While resisting his plans Kari tries to find the proof they are really divorced but then Charles turns up dead and Kari is the prime suspect.
This is a pleasant cozy mystery with an appealing cast of characters, both human and animal. While I was fairly certain early on who the murderer was and how they were involved in Charles’ scam this is a quick read for a relaxing afternoon. I will look for future entries in this series.

“Claws for Suspicion” the 3rd instalment in the Catskill Pet Rescue Mystery series by Deborah Blake. I really enjoy this series and tend to read in one day as I become so engrossed in the story.

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.

I enjoyed visiting Lakeview and Kari’s Serenity Sanctuary again. The book was well-written with wonderful characters, such as Kari, Suz, Angus and the volunteers at Serenity Sanctuary. I especially love Queenie the black kitten! We learn more about why Kari moved home in this instalment and a bit more into Bre’s history too.

The mystery is interesting and well plotted, I kept guessing and second-guessing myself on whodunnit right to the very end. I'm really looking forward to the next book.

I recommend this book to all my cozy lover friends.

I requested and received and Advanced Readers Copy from Berkeley Publishing and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Claws for Suspicion by Deborah Blake is my first! Most definitely won't be my last!
A Catskills Pet Rescue Mystery Series and book three in the series.
I've got to get book one and two!

The author builds the suspense page-by-page throughout.
A solid mystery with plenty of red herrings to keep the plot moving along at a satisfying pace.
This book was one of those that looks amazing from the description, and actually delivers.

I think this is a very well written and engaging book with strong characters who are realistically and believably portrayed.
Claws for Suspicion was a light hearted and fun small-town mystery that keeps you guessing till the very end.
Deborah Blake did a wonderful job writing this story, and keeping our interest throughout. I look forward to the next book in this series.
A delightful cozy mystery, and an Author I'll be sure to follow and will be reading more of her work!

“I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.”

Berkley,
Thank You for your generosity and gifting me a copy of this amazing eARC!
I will post my review to my platforms, blog, B&N and Waterstone closer to pub date.

In Deborah Blake's latest Catskills Pet Rescue Mystery, Claws for Suspicion, Kari Stuart, owner of the local animal shelter, Serenity Sanctuary, is once again the main suspect in a murder. The murder victim? Turns out Kari's ex (?)-husband, Charlie Smith, finds out that Kari won millions off a lottery ticket and since Charlie insists their divorce was never finalized he deserves half of Kari's winnings. When Charlie's body is found and declared a murder all the fuss about the lottery winnings makes Kari the prime suspect. I love the whole premise of this series; the animal sanctuary and how Kari and her friends follow clues to solve murders. I am really looking forward to the next book in the series.

I enjoyed this one just as much as the first! A really fun and twisty mystery with characters who steal your heart.

Plus, this is a must read for animal lovers. All of the fuzzballs are so sweet and loveable that I wish I could take them home with me.

I’m very much looking forward to the next book in this series.

Deborah Blake’s third book, Claws for Suspicion, in her Catskills Pet Rescue Mysteries series is a clever “Who Done It”…there were plenty of red herrings, twists and turns, and subtle clues that simmered in the background to keep this cozy mystery moving along at an entertaining pace, all the while the guilty culprit was hiding perfectly in plain sight. All in all a fun read…I’m definitely looking for the next installment of the next dilemma that Kari and Queenie et al. become enmeshed in.

This ARC book was complimentary, provided by the Publisher and NetGalley. I am voluntarily providing my honest review.

Kari, after finding a new purpose in life with her animal shelter, is totally surprised when her ex pops into town declaring that they are still married, and hey half of her lottery winnings are rightfully his. But things go from bad to worse when he turns up dead, and even though the police always look to the spouse, it seems she may have the most motive as well. Can Kari find out who did it before shes loses everything? This read kept me on the edge of my seat! I cried tears of frustration for the poor protagonist! Anything that could've gone wrong for her, did. But I didnt see that ending coming!

We are back with Kari and the gang at the pet shelter! This time an unwelcome guest has shown up, Kari’s ex, Charles. He’s claiming that he’s not her ex after all, and that of course, entitles him to her property and her money. Oh, and he’s already got a business partner lined up to get their idea off the ground.
This was definitely a book where I was hopeful a particular character would be the one to die and was not bothered by it at all. It seems everywhere he went, he hurt people, which means there’s other suspects. Of course, it is up to Kari and friends to sort things out. Is she still married? What does that mean for her relationship with Angus? In true small town fashion, Kari learns quickly who believes her innocence and who doesn’t, so I’m curious to see how that plays out in future books. There is one plot point that I won’t spoil that is easily debunked. I just zipped through this story, I could not put it down. This cozy series is a delight that keeps on giving.

Absolutely delightful cozy mystery! The characters are relatable and I really wanted everything to work out for them. I love the animal rescue setting and the mystery was engaging. Would definitely recommend!