How to Read Cat Clayton's Books: The Recommended Order
For readers looking to dive into the cozy mystery world of Cat Clayton, the path is straightforward. Her primary series is the Steely & Cuff Series (also known as the Sleuthin' In Boots series). Because the books follow the personal life, relationships, and developing detective skills of the main character, Steely Lamarr, it is highly recommended to read them in publication order. This matches the chronological progression of the characters and their small-town Texas setting.
Here is the recommended reading order for the Steely & Cuff series:
- How to Leash a Thief (2018)
- How to Kennel a Killer (2018)
- How to Fetch a Felon (2019)
- How to Muzzle a Murderer (2021)
Steely & Cuff: A Book-by-Book Breakdown
1. How to Leash a Thief (2018)
This is where the adventure begins. In How to Leash a Thief, readers are introduced to Steely Lamarr, a dog groomer living and working in Pleasant Hills, Texas. Steely is brassy, sassy, and fiercely independent, but her life takes a wild turn when a body is discovered at her grooming shop. The primary mystery forces Steely to investigate her fellow townsfolk, discovering that trust is a fragile commodity and that appearances can be incredibly deceiving. Adding to the fun is her grandmother Gertie, a colorful character who keeps Steely on her toes, and the introduction of Cuff, a pint-sized Chihuahua whose unique animal intuition and communication style become central to solving the crime.
2. How to Kennel a Killer (2018)
In the second installment of the series, Steely is preparing for a highly anticipated local pet costume contest in Pleasant Hills. The lighthearted event quickly takes a dark turn when one of the contest judges is found murdered. As suspicion swirls around the community, Steely finds herself in a race against time to unmask the killer. With the help of Cuff's alert instincts and her own determination, Steely navigates a web of petty small-town rivalries and eccentric suspects to clear the innocent and find justice.
3. How to Fetch a Felon (2019)
This book brings a festive, holiday-themed twist to the series. Set during the Christmas season in Pleasant Hills, How to Fetch a Felon centers on a "Secret Santa" mystery. When a local holiday celebration is marred by crime, Steely and Cuff must work together to unravel a series of seasonal clues. The book blends the cozy, warm feelings of the holidays with a fast-paced whodunit, making it a favorite among fans who enjoy festive mystery capers.
4. How to Muzzle a Murderer (2021)
In the fourth book, the stakes become deeply personal for Steely. The night janitor at her pet grooming shop is found murdered, and his dog has been kidnapped. To solve the crime and rescue the missing pet, Steely must dig into the janitor's life and navigate zany local events, including going undercover at a toga party. Balancing the investigation with support from her close friend in the police department, Steely has to stay one step ahead of a dangerous killer who will do anything to keep their secrets quiet.
What to Know Before You Start: Continuity and Context
The Dynamic Duo: Steely & Cuff
The core appeal of the series lies in the relationship between Steely Lamarr and Cuff. Following a quirky accident, Cuff is able to communicate with Steely, sharing his canine insights and observations. While this introduces a light paranormal element, the books remain firmly grounded in the cozy mystery tradition. Cuff acts as both an assistant sleuth and comic relief, offering sassy commentary that matches Steely's own Southern wit.
Real-Life Inspiration
Cat Clayton is the pen name of Texan author Candilynn Fite. Her deep roots in Texas shine through the setting, dialogue, and small-town atmosphere of Pleasant Hills. Additionally, Clayton is married to a police officer, which allows her to infuse the procedural and investigative elements of her stories with authentic law enforcement details, providing a realistic contrast to the humorous, cozy antics of her amateur sleuths.
Podcasting and Serialized Stories
For fans who want to immerse themselves further in Clayton's creative output, the author has also hosted the Cat Clayton Mysteries podcast. Through this platform, she has shared serialized stories and connected directly with her readers, expanding the cozy universe she built in her novels.