The news is full of reports of food that may not be safe to eat. We are all concerned that food for humans is safe as well as food for animals and our beloved pets.

 When Theda Krakow receives a call from her friend Violet, who runs a non-kill shelter, saying that the cats in her shelter are all ill and contaminated food is suspected, Theda is terrified.  Theda first her pet Musetta is suffering no ill effects from her food and then decides to investigate where Violet’s food came from and what if any contamination is involved.

The last thing that Theda needs on her plate is an investigation.  She is already writing a column covering the music scene in the Boston area.  Her editor is pressing her to apply for a full time position with the paper.  Theda is also questioning the stability of her relationship with Bill, her boyfriend that has opened a new club.

 Before Theda can get her investigation underway, she is accused of murder.  The only witness to the murder is Musetta, Theda’s cat, and the cat isn’t talking.  Bill manages to get Theda released on bail but proving her own innocence seems to be a difficult feat.

Theda has many balls to juggle in this most recent addition to the Theda Krakow series but she manages to keep them all in the air.

Probable Claws shows that author Clea Simon has done the research on the subjects she addresses in this book.  Probable Claws is a pleasant and informative read.

Reviewed by Patricia E. Reid