Catch Up With Author Clea Simon

Clea Simon's cat, Musetta, inspires the author of the Theda Krakow series.

A: Do you remember the horrible cat-food contamination crisis of a few years ago? When pet food was found to contain melamine, which was harming or killing dogs and cats? When I heard about that, I thought, “Hmm … what if it was intentional? Why would anyone want to hurt cats?” I also had been talking to a lot of cat rescue groups and shelter workers, and hearing about the politics that can hinder even the best intentions. I decided to combine these issues. (I also want to let everyone know: The cats in my book become sick, but they all survive!)

Q. What type of feedback have you received on "Probable Claws"?

A: The advance reviews have been great. Publishers Weekly called it “another winner from Simon.” I can’t ask for better!

Q. Where do you get your ideas for the Theda Krakow/Musetta series? 

A: I keep my ears open for everything that is happening with cat care. With all the interest in shelters, rescue and trap/neuter/return programs, there’s no shortage of cat issues!

Q: Do you base your characters on people (or animals) you know in real life?

A: Well, Theda’s cat, Musetta, is based on my own cat, Musetta. My Musetta, however, has never witnessed a murder (that I know of). My people are fictional. I draw from people I know and I draw from myself, but by this point, as "Probable Claws" is the fourth book in the series, they’ve pretty much taken on lives of their own.

Q: How do you keep Musetta interesting as a character without anthropomorphizing her?

A: I observe my own Musetta closely and try to be accurate about her responses to situations, then use those very real pieces of cat behavior.

Q: Are there other animal-rights issues you want to address in the Theda Krakow series?

A: There are, but I’m taking a break from Theda right now. This summer, I’m launching the Dulcie Schwartz series with "Shades of Grey." Dulcie is a literature grad student studying spooky Gothic literature who recently lost her cat. When she’s faced with a murder, the ghost of her cat, Mr. Grey, comes back to help. "Shades of Grey" will be published by Severn House this summer, and I’m currently working on the sequel. I know I have felt as if a late pet has come back to help me, so this seemed like a natural story to write – only it wasn’t right for the Theda series.

Q: Can you give us any hints about the next book in the series?

A: I’m not sure what or when the next Theda book will be, but I hope that cat lovers (and cat-mystery lovers) will check out "Shades of Grey." I have an excerpt up on my website.

Stacy N. Hacket shares her Southern California home with two Cornish Rex cats, Carson and Evita, and Jackson, an orange tabby.