New York Times best-selling author Susan Wittig Albert is widely acclaimed for her cozy China Bayles mystery series. In Cat's Claw, China's friend, Police Chief Sheila Dawson, takes center stage. When local computer guru Larry Kirk is found dead, many are convinced it was suicide over his recent divorce. But Sheila has a hunch there's more to this case than meets the eye-especially when evidence surfaces that Larry was being stalked.
Download and start listening now!
"I love Susan Wittig Albert's characters. They are so much more complex and alive than the regulars in most comparable series. Great sense of humor to her writing, and relationships that hold your interest beyond the mystery-solving and adventures."
— Stephanie (4 out of 5 stars)
“Albert handles the dual voices smoothly as the combined talents of China and Sheila blend to reveal multiple crimes hidden beneath the peaceful façade of Pecan Springs.”
— Publishers Weekly“As usual, the solid mystery is supplemented with herbal wisdom and local Texas recipes.”
— Kirkus Reviews“Veteran mystery author Albert takes a different approach in her latest China Bayles tale, splitting the point of view between China’s usual first-person narrative and Chief Dawson’s third-person investigation. What could be an awkward arrangement works well in Albert’s steady hand as she shifts effortlessly back and forth. The focus is primarily on Sheila Dawson, however, as she steps out from behind the desk and takes an active role in a tricky investigation. China fans need not fear, however — the herb shop owner gets her fair share of attention as she uncovers several important clues in the case.”
— Romantic Times" Always enjoy reading the China Bayles series. Love the recipes in the books too! "
— Debbie, 2/16/2014" Always enjoy the books in this series, and this one was no exception! "
— Heather, 2/14/2014" I've read all the China Bayles books and am right at home in Pecan Springs. This book focuses on Sheila, the police chief. It's fairly typical, but I still enjoying hearing stories about China and her friends. "
— Robin, 2/11/2014" Very good transition to a new storytelling style that refreshes the series nicely. China can go on forever! "
— Sharon, 2/11/2014" A little different perspective with this book in the series, I really enjoyed the descriptions of the beauty of the Texas Hill Country! "
— Julie, 2/9/2014" I really enjoy the China Bayles series, and I know I can count on a cozy read. This was no exception. Cat's Claw was a bit different as the story was told mostly from Sheila Dawson's perspective. One of Chief Dawson's neighbors has apparently committed suicide and a Pecan Springs bigwig is about to be arrested for extortion. Dawson's 2nd in command still resents the fact that he didn't get the job and she did. I enjoyed the change of perspective. I felt Ruby got very short shrift in this outing though, and I missed her. "
— Deb, 1/29/2014" i loved the story surrounding the police chief and how she interac with her staff and they end up solving multiple mysteries. good detecting. "
— Ruth, 12/21/2013" Loved a book from Smart Cookie's point of view! "
— Mary, 12/17/2013" Changing voices was not as smooth as it should have been. I also missed Ruby. She was in this one but only a minor role . "
— Debbie, 11/14/2013" This series is just easy fun! As a bit of a departure this book is not narrated solely from China's POV but from Smart Cookies as well. Fun to catch up with the people from Pecan Springs and to read about the usage of various herbs as well as the recipes. "
— Diane, 11/14/2013" I always look forward to a new China Bayles story. This is the 21st in this series and I can rely on a new one every year. Comforting and familiar - I love them. "
— Erica, 6/11/2013" Not as good as she used to be "
— Phyllis, 1/5/2013" Police Chief Sheila (Smart Cookie) Dawson and China team up to solve a computer guru's murder. "
— Carol, 7/18/2012" Number 20 in the series and Ms Wittig Albert changed the style of writing and I didn't enjoy it as much as the others. Partly there was too little introduction to the victims and the suspects, it was hard to care for or about any of them. "
— Lbaker, 6/28/2012" I didn't like this one as much as the others in the series. "
— Jeanette, 6/4/2012" Always a great easy to read cozy. And, love the recipes. When she mentioned the breakfast burritos in one chapter I immediately flipped to the back pages to find the recipe. "
— Angela, 4/18/2012Susan Wittig Albert is the author of over 100 books. Her work includes four mystery series: China Bayles, the Darling Dahlias, the Cottage Tales of Beatrix Potter, and the Robin Paige Victorian mysteries. She has published three award-winning historical novels, as well as young-adult fiction, memoirs, and nonfiction. She serves as an editor of Story Circle Book Reviews and helps to coordinate its online class program.
Morgan Hallett is a New York City-based actress, voice-over artist, and audiobook narrator. She has worked extensively throughout the country and on Broadway. She is an AudioFile Earphones Award winner and has lent her voice to dozens of television commercials, including Time Warner Cable, 7-Up, and Accuvue.
Julia Gibson received an MFA from New York University. She has appeared on Broadway and other major stages in New York, as well as regional theaters from Dallas to San Francisco, Chicago, Philadelphia, and more. Gibson has played major roles in productions such as The Seagull, Angels in America, and A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Her television and film credits include Michael Clayton, Law & Order: Criminal Intent, Spin City, and One Life to Live.