Probable Claws (Theda Krakow Mystery)

Clea Simon
Poisoned Pen Press (2009)
ISBN 9781590585641
Reviewed by Leslie Granier for Reader Views (12/08)

 

Theda Krakow is a freelance writer who covers up-and-coming bands to give them much needed exposure.  When the newspaper she writes for begins making changes, she must widen her range of subject matter.  In order to try to impress her boss, she decides to further investigate a case involving contaminated pet food after a number of cats became ill at a shelter for rescued animals.  Adding to the mystery is the fact that this shelter and a nearby animal clinic have each received threatening letters.  Unsure whether the threats could be real or if they were sent by crazed protesters, Theda must proceed cautiously.  However, she finds herself in the middle of a homicide investigation and must work quickly to solve the case and retain her freedom.

Two relationships are at the heart of this story - the ones Theda has with her cat Musetta and her boyfriend Bill.  Musetta is her source for unconditional love and forgiveness, but the author spends too much time describing the cat’s actions and attitudes, almost attempting to make the cat seem human.  Theda’s rocky relationship with Bill, a former policeman who has retired and opened a club, is demonstrated through Theda’s insecurities about Bill trying to “move in on her turf.”  Her jealousy that he has become a part of the music scene that she once claimed as her own are described and documented well.

“Probable Claws” will appeal mainly to women and animal lovers.  The plot has a good premise and amateur sleuths such as me will be rabidly seeking more clues to solve the case.  The story starts off strong, but the middle of the book becomes somewhat monotonous (i.e., Theda would have a fight with Bill then go home to her cat for comfort).  Once the pace picked up again, I was suspicious of just about every character, indicating the author did a good job of keeping the ending unexpected.

The author Clea Simon is obviously a cat lover because “Probable Claws” is her fourth book featuring Theda and her cat friends.  She uses this story to provide important information about the lack of adequate funding for animal shelters and the difficulties those who run such facilities face.

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