In CLAWS FOR SUSPICION, Kari Stuart finds herself the primary suspect in the murder of her ex-husband, Charlie Smith. Deborah Blake builds an intriguing mystery around lost paperwork and a greedy ex-husband.

After four years, Kari’s ex-husband turns up in Lakeview, eager to take half of Kari’s lottery winnings or the Serenity Sanctuary property by claiming they’re still married. Charlie claims the divorce does not exist, and his lawyer advises that he has financial rights. Her ex soon introduces James Torrance, a “glamping” developer interested in transforming the sanctuary property into a glamping resort. In the meantime, Kari discovers there is no record of her divorce in their home county, where the divorce was originally granted.

Then, Charlie shows up for brunch with Kari feeling sick but leaves without eating. Later that afternoon, the B and B owner calls Kari to inform her that Charlie is at the hospital. Charlie dies, and the doctor suggests poison is the cause. Sheriff Richardson interviews Kari and discovers Charlie is in town trying to get money or property from Kari. Now Kari is the sheriff’s primary suspect in Charlie’s poisoning.

As Kari begins investigating, she locates Charlie’s girlfriend, a young woman named Tanya, visiting Lakeview. The glamping developer also shows up with documents bearing her signature giving the sanctuary land to him. No record of her divorce, meeting Charlie’s girlfriend, and a forged document that gives away her land present a confusing array of challenges for Kari as she searches for who killed her ex-husband.

Ms. Blake writes a twisty mystery with plenty of red herrings. Kari’s kitten Queenie continues to amuse with her feline antics. And the local vet, Dr. Angus McCoy, provides a touch of romance for Kari. CLAWS FOR SUSPICION is a strong entry in the Catskills Pet Rescue Mystery series.

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