The Butterfly Trap

Anya and Greg seem to be the golden couple, until dark secrets come to light and unleash inevitable devastation in this slow-burn “he said/she said” psychological suspense novel

“The theme of fear and control in a relationship emerges in Simon’s tense, slow-burn latest, along with the exploration of the many ways two people can deceive each other”
– Booklist

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Bad Boy Beat

When a rookie reporter is convinced a series of street crimes are connected, she is willing to go the extra mile to chase down the big story.

“Simon’s staccato prose sets a tense mood that keeps readers on the edge.” – Kirkus Reviews

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To Conjure a Killer

Kitten season can be murder…

 

If you enjoy feline-centric mysteries, fantasy, and a touch of magic, you will love this book.” – Purrs of Wisdom

“A treat for cat and cozy mystery lovers.” – Lesa’s Book Critiques

Hold Me Down

Now a Mass. Book Award “Must Read”!

“This devastatingly powerful mystery hits you like a punch to the heart.”
— Caroline Leavitt, New York Times-bestselling author

“A darkly suspenseful dive into friendship, fame, murder, and the thrilling power of rock music. I couldn’t put it down.”
—Meg Gardiner, author of the UNSUB series

A Cat on the Case

“Fans of feline cozies will be charmed.”
Publishers Weekly

“Yes, this is a feline-filled cozy, but it’s also an intricate work of speculative fiction.”
Kingdom Books

An Incantation of Cats

“Simon expertly casts suspicion on one member of her tiny human cast after another … for readers who want all cats, all the time.”
Kirkus Reviews

World Enough

“With a colorful cast of characters, a gift for detail, and intricate plotting, Simon takes her readers deep into the esoteric world of the Boston music scene.”
-Lisa Unger, New York Times-bestselling author

A Spell of Murder

“Delightful … You don’t have to be a cat lover to appreciate this paranormal cozy’s witty observations, entertaining dialogue, and astute characterizations.”
Publishers Weekly

Cross My Path

“Epic in scope.”
Bristol Public Library book blog

“Not only reflects a thorough understanding of feline behavior, but also a connection to the feline essence.”
The Conscious Cat

Fear on Four Paws

“Irresistible.”
Publishers Weekly

“Series fans will lap it up.”
Booklist

Welcome

I’m Clea Simon, author of

Please browse around and make yourself at home. I’d love to see you at one of my events, and I’m always happy to hear your feedback.

As featured in the Wall Street Journal and on NPR

Newest Books

Fear and control  emerges in Simon’s tense, slow-burn 

Booklist

Darkly inventive, and full of grit and suspense

Caroline Leavitt

Mesmerizing tale of obsession and desperation

Karen E Olson

A cautionary and dark tale about love and art

Gabriel Valjan

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Recent Blog POsts

What’s in a name?

"How do you come up with the names?" That's what my wonderful mother-in-law Sophie always wants to know. "Dulcie and Pru, and now Care? Tara? Where do they come from?" "I'm not sure," I've told her. And she shakes her head in wonder. "I make them up," I say. Although...

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“Irresistible”- PW.

The early reviews are rolling in, and Publishers Weekly calls Fear on Four Paws an "irresistible outing." I'm thrilled! Here's the full review: Fear on Four Paws: A Pru Marlowe Pet Noir Clea Simon. Poisoned Pen, $15.95 trade paper (272p) ISBN 978-1-4642-1009-9 At the...

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Writing without a net

Mystery authors tend to break down into two camps: plotters and "pantsers," i.e., those who write by the seat of their pants. I tend to be a pantser. I start with an idea, a scenario, or a basic problem, and write from there, letting the story unfold as I go. This is...

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