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Creature Cozies: A Menagerie of All-New Mysteries    edited by Jill M. Morgan Amazon.com order for
Creature Cozies
by Jill M. Morgan
Order:  USA  Can
Prime Crime, 2006 (2005)
Hardcover, Paperback
* *   Reviewed by Theresa Ichino

For an animal-lover and aficionado of cozy mysteries, an anthology like this one is a delight. Creature Cozies features the writers' own pets in - if not starring, certainly critical - roles in adventures ranging from whimsical to chilling. Five stories showcase dogs; the other six, cats. (A dog-lover, I counted.) Of course, cats are traditionally the more curious and purportedly more intelligent of the two species; ideal (or so cat-lovers assert) as associates in crime-busting. However, in one of these tales, the cat is an unwitting accomplice. (To be fair, so is one of the dogs.)

It is obvious that the authors had fun with their assignments; equally obvious that they dote on their pets. One of the bonuses is a set of photographs showing their four-footed associates as well as forewords that give a bit of background. Another plus is the appendix describing the authors and their previous works.

Any anthology, to borrow a well-known metaphor, is like a box of chocolates. Before one even starts, there is the gleeful anticipation of delights to surprise and please. Of course, one is sometimes disappointed; but in general, Creature Cozies entertains. Heroic feline and canine friends defend unsuspecting humans in several tales; a couple serve as accomplices, as already mentioned; and all advance the plots, be they sinister or devious. One chilling gem of a tale had a twist at the end so surprising that I had to read it twice.

Creature Cozies assembles a fine crew of writers whose goal is to entertain as well as to introduce the reader to well-loved furry friends. This anthology is worth the read; so indulge in a copy, put on a pot of tea or coffee, and cuddle up on the sofa with your own four-footed pal.

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