Pounced 

The Sierra Files #1 

Paperback, ebook

January 30, 2014

by Christy Barritt 

• Paperback: 186 pages
• Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
• ISBN-13: 978-1495388521

Sierra is used to fighting for the lives of innocent creatures. But when a killer puts the lives of her own cats on the line, her crusade becomes personal. 

Animal rights activist Sierra Nakamura never expected to stumble upon the dead body of a coworker while out filming a project. She definitely never expected to get involved in the investigation. But when someone threatens to kill her cats unless she hands over the "information," she becomes more bristly than an angry feline. Making matters worse is the fact that her cats--and the investigation--are driving a wedge between her and her boyfriend Chad. 

With every answer she uncovers, old hurts rise to the surface and test her beliefs. Saving her cats just might mean ruining everything else in her life. In the fight for survival, one thing is certain: It's either pounce or be pounced.

My thoughts; POUNCED is the first book in Ms. Barritt's The Sierra Files series. I've read all these books out of order, so even though they are about the same characters they are separate mysteries and do stand alone. 

I have enjoyed some of The Sierra Files books and not others, and unfortunately, this was one of the didn't enjoy ones. Sierra is mean and hateful to Chad, thinking he's all about controlling her when he makes it plain that he loves her and wants to keep her safe. Sierra is jumping off the deep end because someone threatened the life of her cats! A dead person is involved, but that is secondary to the life of her cats and she's willing to sacrifice relationships and everything. 

I did guess who might be behind the "catnapping" and murder somewhat easily. The "helper" came as a bit of a surprise, as did the real identity of Sage, the person who was killed.

Still it was a good read, Ms. Barritt is a very good mystery writer, and knows how to keep the reader engaged.  I recommend this book to anyone who loves cozy mysteries and figuring out "whodunit." If you are an animal activist all the better, because that is what Sierra is all about. 

There is a good faith message, though Sierra herself is not a Christian. The book is clean with no sexual tension, and suitable for all ages. 3 stars.