Curiosity Killed the Cat Sitter

Dixie Hemingway Mysteries, Book 1

By: Blaize Clement

Narrated by: Julia Gibson

Length: 9 hrs and 38 mins

Publisher's summary

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.

©2006 Blaize Clement (P)2007 Recorded Books

Critic reviews

"Dixie is a complex, well-conceived character and the plot fast-moving and believable." ( Kirkus Reviews)

Enjoyable Characters

Any additional comments?

This was an enjoyable listen that held my interest. The main character Dixie reminded me a lot of the Charlaine Harris mystery heroine Lily Bard - each character is a strong woman recreating normal in her life after a tragedy. In addition to the exploration of Dixie's character, there were some hints of romance and some cute animal scenes (which as a fan of cozy mysteries I enjoyed). Recommended to people who like that sort of thing - though why anyone who didn't would consider a book called Curiousity Killed the Cat Sitter I can't imagine

excellent book

had to listen to it all before I went to sleep. it was great . but I was hoping there would be romance with her and the detective. I well maybe the second book. I really liked the narrator and the author wrote a very good story.

On the Sad Side

This story is well written, but if you are looking for a light cozy mystery, this isn’t it. The main character has a sad back story and the situation surrounding the crime is sordid and also sad. There’s just not much to feel optimistic about in this book. That said, if you like a gritty, realistic mystery with a tough main character (and a great cat), you may enjoy this one.

A light read that was well read

I can't tolerate poor narration, formula romance or bad writing so it is hard to find a murder mystery with minimum foreboding, gore and disgusting details that isn't insipid and/or boring. This book had interesting characters, their back stories were revealed nicely, the narration was good, there was a plot (and murder) but it wasn't "heavy". It's also hard to find a good book with a pink cover.

Delightful departure from heavy literature

A fun entrance into a geographical area and career far different from my own, Clement creates a protagonist and cast of characters who are quirky, smart, and full of unforeseen layers. When one needs a digression from "real life" (at least for most of us), this could be it. I will add that the final solution is quite dark, and readers with delicate sensibilities may not enjoy what they find here. For myself, I've just downloaded the sequel!

An OK book... with a few irritations

I actually found Dixie Hemingway and her friends likable characters and the plot basis for this little "put the brain in neutral" book was decent if not perfectly done. Mystery was solved, but leaves room for characters to grow with an ongoing story. I got a little tired of her showers, eating and making dumb choices while knowing it was a dumb choice. Despite two murders, a beating, an attempted suicide and sexual extortion it's remarkably upbeat. There is very little swearing and I'd probably purchase the next in the series except for the frequent stupid similes with sexual innuendos... like... her pickle being the size of a man's penis.

Great heroine! I want more of the series!

What does Julia Gibson bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

I enjoyed her voice and she did an excellent job of portraying the heroine. I have listened to each of the books multiple times.

Cute but not outstanding

I'll try another of this series. The main character has a lot of potential to become more interesting.

Good Mystery but....

This was a good mystery. I wasn't able to figure out who the killer was. It's also a good read for those who love animals.

Only problem is getting used to the narrator. Julia did a fine job, she sounds monotone to me. Not much excitement in her voice. Almost made me sleepy.

It might be worth a credit, but I would listen to the voice sample all the way through first.

Light and perhaps fluffy but totally enjoyable!

This book flows well and kept me coming back for more. I can't wait to read the second book in the series. It is action packed, humorous at times, and an easy listen. It's not hard to like and empathize with the protagonist and to enjoy the other characters. The narrator has a pleasant voice that fits the persona of the main character. My only complaint is that whoever did the sound editing left huge silences between some chapter introductions and then jammed the introductions onto the last sentence of the previous chapter at other times.