Cat's Claw [Mass Market Paperback]

For most people, road trips don't ordinarily end up in Hell. But, Calliope Reaper-Jones is no ordinary girl. A few months have passed since the daughter of the Grim Reaper was dragged kicking and screaming back into the supernatural world. A world Callie is desperate to avoid. Rescuing her father and the Board of Directors of Death Inc. from kidnappers came at a price, and the Guardian of the North Gate of Hell, Cerberus, is chomping at his tree bits to collect. The soul of an Egyptian architect has disappeared and Callie is given 24 hours to find him or she will be forced to return the Hellhound, Runt, to Hell. To up the ante, old "Snarly Head" is looking for a replacement as gatekeeper and he's set his yellow eye squarely on one Manhattan beauty. If she ever hopes to return to her normal life, and escape the wrath of her younger sister, Clio, failure to pay this debt is not an option.

{"I've got the whole thing figured out," I said reassuringly, the words just flowing out of my mouth without my brain paying the least bit of attention to them.} -Calliope Reaper-Jones

This three part series is referred to, by the author, as a hero's journey. Callie, with help from her friends and the Devil's protégé, saved the day in part one, DEATH'S DAUGHTER, but she was still a long way from being a full-fledged heroine. Calliope makes mistakes. (It wouldn't be much of a "journey" if the protagonist always knew exactly what to do in every given situation right off the bat!) She's gullible, impetuous, self-deprecating and hilariously snarky. She's real. And I'm compelled to root for her every sweaty misstep of the way. Next stop in this trilogy.. Purgatory.

As the daughter of Death navigates thru various challenges presented in the normal and supernatural worlds, her true self, "the hero inside", is slowly but surely emerging. She is becoming more confident, responsible and even warming up to the benefits of embracing her non-human half. (For those who reviewed DEATH'S DAUGHTER and were bothered by Callie's tearful episodes and use of the word, "like", you will be happy to know CAT'S CLAW is void of meltdowns and "Valley Girl" speak. I didn't have a problem with any of that. If I was yanked from my life, forced to go to Hell, fight monsters, drink poison etc., I'd have a -complete-- breakdown. Callie handled it much better than I would have! Give this follow up a chance. You will be glad you did.) I was hoping for more character development for the rest of the cast and was very pleased to learn, not only more about Calliope's family and friends, but the inner workings of Death Inc. and the whole Afterlife world.

Benson has designed an entire complex universe, brimming with unique, likeable characters. Toss in whacky mystical antics, a seductive Minx, Bast -Queen of the Cats and an elusive potential soul mate and the reader is taken on one exhilarating, amusing adventure after another. CAT'S CLAW, like the medicinal plant, proves that "Laughter is the Best Medicine". But, if I were in Callie's Steve Madden's, in lieu of traveling via vomit inducing wormhole, I would ask my tech savvy sister to conjure up a transporter!!

Calliope Reaper-Jones is just trying to live a normal life in New York City, but that's not so easy when you're Death's daughter. When the guardian, hellhound Cerberus calls in on a favor, Calli must hunt down a missing soul and return him to the gates of hell. But her quest isn't as simple as it seems. Meanwhile, Calli discovers that a former flame, thought dead, is actually alive. But she'll have to do some bartering to save his soul.

Benson has created a fun, unique, and witty world that plays upon many afterlife mythologies. Calli is a strong, independent character with a big heart. From her outlook on life - to her outlook on fashion, I enjoy every minute of her adventures.

This sequel weaves a complex story of revenge, curses, and conspiracy. Even more fast-paced and gripping than the first, Cat's Claw is an exciting romp through the underworld, purgatory, Las Vegas, and even a glimpse of ancient Egypt. Smart and charming, with plenty of humor, Calliope Reaper-Jones is a fantastic addition to the urban fantasy genre.

This is a well written, well proofread novel, with an interesting plot. But I have to wonder, am I unusually devoid of concern with fashion? There are many references to what I can only assume are designer labels... I get that the protagonist is fashion conscious, I do. But why is this so important to a character with such a background? What difference does it make who designed something if it suits your needs? And a previous review's reference to less "valley speak" makes me wonder just *how* much of it was in the previous novel; the use of it may reflect contemporary young people's attitudes and be a source of humor, but I found it to be sometimes a bit more thoughtless than seemed appropriate. And I really wish that the author had consulted a contemporary Egyptologist for a greater insight on the ancient gods, and before perpetuating the Hatshepsut-as-pretender/usuper myth.

All that aside, the story itself did catch my fancy and I found myself really caring about the characters. There are interesting plot twists and engaging characterizations of mythical personages. I recommend this novel to young women who are really fashion conscious, comfortable with "valley speak", and searching for an interesting, irreverant story with unexpected turns.

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