The first book in newcomer Blaize Clement's series has won the attention of many mystery fans. Dixie Hemingway is a pet sitter for some of Florida's most pampered pets. But when she happens upon a man drowned in a cat's water bowl, Dixie's sleuthing powers from her time as a deputy sheriff return full-force. And as more bodies keep turning up, she'd better find out whodunit.
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"I loved this book. It's set in the Florida Keys and the description of the area puts you right there. I also liked Dixie. She came across as a real person with real problems just trying to get over a tragedy. I love animals so naturally I love a book about animals. They didn't take over the plot though. Just enough discussion about the cats and dogs to be pleasant. I have the next book in the series and will read it very soon. I recommend this book to anyone that likes cozies about animals with a murder or two mixed in."
— Glenda (5 out of 5 stars)
“An entertaining debut. Dixie is a complex, well-conceived character and the plot fast-moving and believable.”
— Kirkus Reviews“Clement’s assured cozy debut introduces an appealing heroine.”
— Publishers Weekly" Siesta Key, Sarasota, Fla is as much a character in this book as Dixie Hemingway. People who know the area will relish in Clement's description of that idyllic area. Although brought about by terrible circumstances, the Spartan living of a single woman on her own terms, with a no frills career is refreshing. An interesting start to a potentially powerful series. "
— Debra, 1/29/2014" Fun, light hearted mystery. "
— Sandy, 1/5/2014" A light mystery with darker undertones. I enjoyed it, and would read another in the series, "
— Suzze, 12/31/2013" I love this series, and decided to re-read it after finishing Catsitter's Pajamas, Blaize Clement's last original book in the series. Blaize must have been a helluva woman because insight into animals and humans is astounding. The series is awesome too because Blaize was able to combine elements of cozy mysteries with the hardboiled detective. I HIGHLY recommend this series. "
— Jan, 12/16/2013" one of my favorite cozy series "
— Linda, 12/14/2013" A fun easy read, Dixie Hemingway lost her husband and daughter in an accident. She quits being a police officer and becomes a pet sitter/sleuth. "
— Kris, 12/11/2013" Not sure I'd have enjoyed this as much, or even picked it up, if I wasn't a cat sitter. She definitely hit the nail on the head with what petsitting can be like (although I have yet to experience the finding of a dead body). "
— Shelly, 11/25/2013" Good book! A mystery that keeps you wanting to read more! "
— Amber, 10/15/2013" I haven't read a mystery series in a while so it was fun to get back into one. Not surprisingly, my favorite parts were the ones about the pets. "
— Kimberly, 9/26/2013" I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this book. Will definitely be reading the rest of the series. "
— Lara, 9/22/2013" I was looking for a new cat book series...but, not really about cats "
— Dorothy, 9/7/2013" First in the Dixie Hemingway series. Nice cozy. "
— Sheila, 8/19/2013" I picked this up right before I was to sit for my friend's cat. It's a great story with a heroine I like. And I actually learned some things about the "job". At any rate, I had my friend leave the phone number of her vet, at least. I'll be looking for the next book in the series. "
— Ann, 6/10/2013" Starting with CURIOSITY KILLED THE CAT SITTER (published 2006), Blaize Clement's mystery series about Florida pet sitter Dixie Hemingway are perfect for those not interested in overt violence and strong language. Kirkus Reviews calls Dixie "a complex, well-conceived character." "
— Joyce, 5/22/2013" Fun, light, quick read. Pet sitter gets involved in murder. Along the lines of Murder She Wrote - main character accidently finds 'bodies'. "
— Jeanie, 5/14/2013" A fun book to read. "
— Beth, 5/14/2013" This was a really fun cozy. I'll definitely be reading more in the series! "
— Cheryl, 12/6/2012" This book was so good. I loved raeding about a pet sitter all that she went through to solve a case. It was a fun ride. "
— Nicole, 10/16/2012" Much better than I expected. This book is missing the disappointing "romance" elements of many of the other mystery books I've read recently. Finally. "
— Callee, 5/11/2012" Dixie Hemingway is a pet sitter in Florida. She switched careers from being a police officer after tragedy hit her life. Dixie is caring for an Abyssinian when she finds a dead man in the cats house. A decent mystery with some realistic descriptions of grief. "
— Rachel, 5/2/2012" Very nicely written, with interesting characters. I'm told that the cats are realistic. I will be reading more of this series. "
— Karen, 2/11/2012" This was a great recommendation from a friend and I look forward to the rest of the series! A very descriptive writer who does a wonderful job of setting the scene. This book had some fantastic lines!!! "
— Kerry, 1/4/2012" Short and sweet very enjoyable mystery; especially if you are a pet lover. Quick enjoyable read. "
— Judy, 9/15/2011" I enjoyed the mystery and the pets. I'm not sure I like the characters. I may read another book before I decide. "
— Lynne, 9/12/2011" I liked the story of this cozy mystery. I was surprised at some of the language. I don't mind language at all in the books I read. I'm just surprised when I see it in a book described as a cozy! I will probably be putting other books from the series on my TBR list to get to eventually. "
— Michelle, 8/29/2011" Some of the language and situations were more graphic than I preferred, but the story itself was interesting. "
— Nancy, 6/27/2011" I found a new favorite author. Loved this book, loved the protagonist and her friends and family, well plotted, believable characters. "
— Betty, 5/23/2011" Closer to a 3.5 if that were possible. "
— Sharon, 5/16/2011" A fun easy read, Dixie Hemingway lost her husband and daughter in an accident. She quits being a police officer and becomes a pet sitter/sleuth. "
— Kris, 5/5/2011" Fun, light, quick read. Pet sitter gets involved in murder. Along the lines of Murder She Wrote - main character accidently finds 'bodies'. "
— Jeanie, 4/4/2011" great book which all takes place in sarasota "
— Nora, 3/30/2011" this takes place in sarasota, florida, and as i am in sarasota, this was perfect. i love the character, and all her shenanigans. it was a great read, and i intend to read all in the series. "
— Nora, 3/30/2011" This was a good mystery, but it wasn't a "funny & cute" petsitter mystery. "
— Linda, 3/5/2011" I enjoyed the mystery and the pets. I'm not sure I like the characters. I may read another book before I decide. "
— Lynne, 3/1/2011" A light mystery with darker undertones. I enjoyed it, and would read another in the series, "
— Suzze, 2/16/2011" only on chapter 7... so far so good "
— Linda, 2/15/2011" This was a great recommendation from a friend and I look forward to the rest of the series! A very descriptive writer who does a wonderful job of setting the scene. This book had some fantastic lines!!! "
— Kerry, 2/1/2011" The story was ok, but I couldn't get over the fact that Dixie (who use to be a deputy) was hiding things from the police for no good reason. "
— Diane, 1/9/2011" It is a great fast cozy read. If your looking for a good natured book this is it. "
— Trish, 1/5/2011Blaize Clement is the author of the Dixie Hemingway mystery series.
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.