A Spell of Murder

by Clea Simon

Overview

“It’s Harriet’s fault. It’s always her fault, not that she’ll ever admit it.” So begins A Spell of Murder: A Witch Cats of Cambridge mystery, the first in a new cozy series that mixes feline fiction with a touch of the paranormal, and a little romance as well.

Becca, newly single and newly unemployed, wants to believe she has psychic powers. With nothing but time – and a desire for empowerment – she’s studying to become a witch. What she doesn’t know is that her three cats – Harriet, Laurel, and Clara – are the ones with the real power. And when Harriet – “a cream-colored longhair with more fur than commonsense” – conjures a pillow for her own comfort, Becca believes her spells are finally working. Could that be why Trent, the coven’s devilishly handsome leader, has been showing her special attention? Or why Suzanne, a longtime coven member, draws her aside to share a secret – a confidence that may lead to murder?

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781947993815
Publisher:	Polis Books
Publication date:	11/26/2019
Series:	Witch Cats of Cambridge , #1
Edition description:	Reprint
Pages:	320
Sales rank:	414,651
Product dimensions:	5.40(w) x 8.50(h) x 0.90(d)
Age Range:	18 Years

About the Author

A former journalist and music critic, Clea Simon wrote three nonfiction books, including the Boston Globe bestseller The Feline Mystique (St. Martin’s), before turning to a life of crime (fiction). Her more than two dozen mysteries usually involve cats or rock and roll, or some combination thereof. A native of New York, she moved to Massachusetts to attend Harvard and now lives nearby in Somerville.

Editorial Reviews

10/08/2018
Set in Cambridge, Mass., this delightful series launch from Simon (World Enough) introduces three talking cats—littermates Clara, Harriet, and Laurel—and their 26-year-old human, Becca Colwin, who has recently lost her job as a researcher for the local historical society due to “budget cutbacks and the advances in technology.” Becca rightly interprets this to mean that “they can get an intern to do a Google search.” Her self-esteem has plummeted, so she’s ripe to respond to a flyer advertising an opening for “Witches: New and In Training.” Convinced she has psychic powers, Becca joins the coven, but none of the women, nor their lone warlock, has any aptitude for performing magical spells. When one coven member is murdered, the police regard Becca as a person of interest. Clara, with the reluctant help of her sisters, steps in surreptitiously to help Becca solve the crime. You don’t have to be a cat lover to appreciate this paranormal cozy’s witty observations, entertaining dialogue, and astute characterizations. Agent: Colleen Mohyde, Doe Coover Agency. (Dec.)

Publishers Weekly

Spellbinding Praise for A Spell of Murder

“(A) delightful series launch...You don’t have to be a cat lover to appreciate this paranormal cozy’s witty observations, entertaining dialogue, and astute characterizations.” —Publishers Weekly

"A fun new cat mystery that effortlessly mixes in paranormal elements with murder and a little romance.” ―Criminal Element

"A fun new cat mystery that effortlessly mixes in paranormal elements with murder and a little romance.” ―Criminal Element

“Cats and magic–two of my favorite things! A Spell of Murder is a charming series debut.”
—Diane A.S. Stuckart, author of the Tarot Cats Mysteries

“A delightful modern-day mystery—Simon has conjured up a magical tale for our reading pleasure.”
—Marty Wingate, USA Today bestselling author

"Mystery, mayhem and magic, plus a triple dose of feline intuition, make an exciting start to this new series. These engaging felines will captivate and enchant you.”
—Mary Kennedy, author of The Talk Radio Mysteries

"In this endearing first Witch Cats of Cambridge mystery, Clea Simon reveals what we’ve always suspected: cats really do have supernatural powers! While felines Clara, Harriet, and Laurel are focused on pillows and extra treats, it’s the readers who are treated to an absorbing plot as the cats use their secret abilities to help their human Becca find romance, a new career—and a murderer!”
—Leigh Perry, author of the Family Skeleton Mysteries

Praise for the novels of Clea Simon

“[A]n intricate and smart plot, authentic dialogue and a heartfelt rendering of remembrance and regret, and Simon’s dark story shimmers with brilliance — and stands as her finest.” –Richmond Times-Dispatch on World Enough

“Simon does an excellent job of mixing humor, romance, and mystery into one coherent and exciting tale.” –San Francisco Review of Books on When Bunnies Go Bad

“Once a reporter, always a reporter. Simon knows what’s she writing about.” –South Florida Sun-Sentinel on World Enough

"Readers who enjoy the prickly pleasure of stepping into a strange alternate universe will welcome Simon’s hypnotic second Blackie and Care mystery.” –Publishers Weekly on As Dark As My Fur

"A delight for anyone who relishes cat mysteries."–Library Journal on The Ninth Life

From the Publisher