Customer Reviews

Mew is for Murder (Theda Krakow Mysteries, No. 1)

5 star:		(15)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

It hasn't been a very good year for Theda Krakow, copy editor for the Morning Mail in Cambridge, Massachusetts. She and her boyfriend broke up when he took a job out of state and even more devastating her beloved cat James died. She quits as a copy editor to become a freelance writer for the Morning Mail. When she sees a kitten near a house in her neighborhood, she finds herself charmed by her. The kitten Mussetta belongs to Lillian Helmhold who has a house full of cats that people dump on her.

Theda decides to do a story on Ms. Helmhold but on the day she approaches her she finds her dead in the house. The police think Lillian tripped and a resulting head injury caused her death but the victim's friend Violet Hayes thinks she was murdered. Theda believes it is a possibility and starts investigating even while she thinks someone is in the house illegally, looking for something.

Clea Simon has a definite talent for writing investigative mysteries and her love for felines shine through on almost every page. Theda is gutsy, independent and totally likeable. The who-done-it is well crafted and readers will have a good time trying to figure out who the killer is and why it was necessary to kill an elderly lady who hurt no one. MEW IS FOR MURDER is a delightful start to a new series.

Harriet Klausner

This book introduces us to Theda Krakow, an engaging freelance reporter who has recently been through some crises in her life (namely, she broke up with her boyfriend and her beloved cat recently passed away). She discovers a kitten (Musetta) one day and meets the cat's owner, Lillian Helmhold, a woman who literally has a household full of cats.

Theda decides to do a story on Lillian (who Theda believes might be a cat "hoarder"), but Lillian is soon discovered dead. Although the police think it was an accident, Lillian's devoted friend Violet (who also happens to be the local coffee shop barrista) thinks otherwise. Working together, Theda and Violet attempt to discover what really caused Lillian's unfortunate demise.

I really wanted to love this book; after all, I love mysteries and cats, and live in the Boston/Cambridge area. Although I did enjoy it, and would certainly pick up another mystery by this author in the future, the story was not quite as captivating as I would have hoped (mainly because it was quite easy to guess the ending). However, it was nevertheless enjoyable, and I'd recommend it, especially to readers who like "cat mysteries."

Clea Simon has a winner! This is a mystery that cats are really cats; and that is so refreshing. Theda Krakow a freelance writer decides to write about a cat hoarder in her neighborhood. Only to discover that the woman in question is lying dead in her kitchen on the day she goes to interview her. Is the cat lady's death an accident as the police have reported it?

Theda not quite ready to adopt a cat yet so soon after the death of her own cat, but she rescues a limping kitten. The other cats in and about the house are rounded up and taken to the shelter. Somehow, she cannot see the kitten going into such an uncertain future. Something keeps drawing Theda back to the house and she begins to suspect murder.

Is it the young girl who has a punk band and sneaks in to take car of some of the cats left behind? Is it the woman next door who is a real estate dealer and wants to see the large house sold to someone who can take care of the property and raise the property values around the neighborhood? Some Theda is not sure she is comfortable with as she lives in the same neighborhood and gentrification will put her and many of her neighbors out.

What about the prejudice behavior towards the cat lady's mentally ill son? Would someone have killed her to keep him away from the neighborhood? To hunt for a supposed hidden treasure that he would not be able to handle. Why are people so nasty about her son?

Who are the other characters that show up at the house off and on and what are they looking for? Why is everyone interested in the cat lady's house and was she a true cat hoarder or was she someone who really took care of the cats and rescued them?

Read this book for a great mystery with real cats that do not talk or read books. You may find yourself rethinking your views on gentrification, mental illness and thankful that Clea Simon has provided the information in a great story with interesting characters. I can't wait to read about Theda, Musetta, and hopefully Violet again.

Liz Straw

This is a sharp, funky mystery with a well-turned plot, lots of surprise twists and yes, an adorable kitty or two. But it's notable most of all for introducing us to a most appealing heroine, Theda Krakow. If you've spent time with young, creative types in the city, you've met Theda: She's a struggling journalist with one foot in the rock'n'roll world, with talents for investigative writing and for getting herself into trouble. Theda's ability to manage her love life, catch her favorite band, nearly get herself killed and save the day-- all while making sure to meet her deadlines-- gives the story its zing and its charm.

I love mysteries! It seems, when I think about it, that I read an awful lot of violent mysteries. When I've overdosed on those, it is so nice to settle into the sunroom sofa and read a traditional or cozy mystery. And that is exactly what I did when I read Mew Is for Murder by Clea Simon.

Bad things seem to happen in threes. Have you ever noticed that? Theda Krakow is living that truth in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Her boyfriend left town after they broke up, her beloved cat died and she's left a regular paycheck as a copy editor for the uncertain life of a freelance writer.

While on a walk, Theda finds a little lost kitten. Theda finds the owner, Lillian Helmhold and returns the kitten. Lillian loves cats and cares for many. Theda decides to write a story about Lillian and her cats and wants to interview her. That interview doesn't happen because Theda finds her very dead when she returns to conduct the interview. Is it an accident as many people believe, or could it be murder? If it is murder, what could the motive be?

Clea Simon has a wonderful possibility for a series with Theda Krakow. It is a fun, fast and wonderful read with a bright and interesting heroine. And if you're a cat lover, you'll really enjoy yourself.

Armchair Interviews says: We're looking forward to the next novel by Clea Simon.

Theda Krakow is a freelance writer. She goes to interview cat lady Lillian and finds her dead. Everything points to her death being an accident except for the fact that someone keeps breaking into Lillian's house. It is rumored there is hidden treasure in the house. Theda is determined to get to the bottom of things and prove Lillian was murdered and why.

There are quite a few suspects including the real estate neighbor, the schizophrenic son, and a waitress who helped Theda with the cats. Can Theda find out who the killer is without putting herself in jeopardy?

I really enjoyed this first novel. I can't wait to read another one in this series. I am not fond of the many cat mysteries, but even though this was is billed with a cat, the cat is not prominent and does not solve the crime.

The characters and setting were well written. The plot was well crafted and there are plenty of red herrings to keep the reader guessing.

I highly recommend this book.

Check out www.mysteryloverscorner.com

A fast, fun read. A delightful debut mystery that I hope will be a long running series.

Theda Krakow has recently quit her steady job at a local newspaper to try her hand at freelance writing. Her boy friend has left town and worst of all her cherished kitty has died. Can things get any worse? Of course they can. And do!

Theda arrives to interview a woman who she suspects may be a cat collector or hoarder. Instead Theda finds the woman dead and her house overrun with cats. When animal control arrives to collect the cats Theda rescues a kitten. The cats and their fate now interests Theda. She decides to try and find out why the dead woman had so many cats and with the help of friends starts looking into the life of the "cat lady". The more Theda learns the more it looks like the cat lady's death was no accident.

Anyone who enjoys a good mystery centered around a cat theme will enjoy this debut book. No anthromorphic cats here, just cats acting like real cats. Has a nice little romontic twist at the end that will keep me wiating for the next book.

A mystery involving cats that isn't cutesy or anthropomorphic--Clea Simon gets major points just for that. But on top of it, she created a terrific heroine in Theda Krakow, freelance journalist--smart, funny, strong yet vulnerable: thoroughly human.

Can't wait to read more!

I would follow our fascinating hero, Theda Krakow, anywhere -- including into a scary old Victorian in Cambridge even when there is a killer on the loose.

Hip, smart, vulnerable but courageous, Theda has distinctive tastes in exotic dishes, music, cats, and men. And while her personal life is in disarray, her investigative instincts and her compassion end up leading her into some pretty tight spots. It all adds up to a wild ride.

In this sizzling page-turner, life can be as delicious as it is deadly.