Review: Parrots Prove Deadly by Clea Simon

A Mysterious Review of …

Parrots Prove Deadly by Clea Simon. A Pru Marlowe Mystery.

Review summary: This "pet noir" series features a pet psychic, who is an interesting character, but clearly one more comfortable around animals than people. Though the murder storyline is nicely plotted, it is intended mostly for fans of animal mysteries, those in which the animals not only participate in solving the crime but also chat with the reader about the case. A different kind of cozy, but a cozy nonetheless. (Click here for text of full review.)

Our rating:

Parrots Prove Deadly
Clea Simon
A Pru Marlowe Mystery
Poisoned Pen Press (April 2013)

Publisher synopsis: Parrots will repeat anything — they don't talk sense. Or do they?

When Pru Marlowe is called in to retrain a foul-mouthed African gray after its owner's death, the bad-girl animal psychic can't help hearing the bird's words as a replay of a murder scene. But the doctor on call scoffs at the idea, and the heirs just want their late mother's pet to quit cursing.

With the only other possible witnesses being an evasive aide, the blind neighbor, and a single-minded service dog, Pru is stuck with what may be a feather-brained theory. Even her crotchety tabby Wallis doesn't buy it, although she's more than willing to "interrogate" the big bird, as Pru deals with drugs, jealousy, and a potential rabies outbreak.