Clowders by Vanessa Morgan is a first-rate horror story. When Adrian Burns is offered a job as a vet in a cat clinic in Luxembourg, it seems a dream come true for his wanderlust. The little village of Clervaux is a cat lover’s paradise. People come from all over to see the cats.

But Clervaux hides a dark secret. Cats must die a natural death here. If humans cause the death of a cat, maliciously or accidentally, the guardian spirit that protects the cats will retaliate by taking the lives of nine humans in return. When Jess hits a cat on the way back from a party, its death releases the curse upon the tiny town once more.

I really enjoyed this story. It reminded me of Thomas Olde Heuvelt’s HEX. Morgan did a marvelous job with Jess’ emotions and psychology. Moving is difficult, especially if you do so reluctantly. I felt so bad for her as Aidan didn’t seem to appreciate the sacrifice she made for him by going along with this move. She’s an introverted person, and, well, we handle change about as well as Clervaux’s cats. We don’t like it. I really didn’t like Aidan at all. That he would so readily be willing to cheat on Jess at all, and that he ignores her messages and is inconsiderate by breaking commitments, gives the impression of a shallow personality.

I was a bit confused by the legend surrounding Clervaux, with the guardian spirit of the cats being a beastie from Japanese mythology. Especially since said beastie is more associated with birds. The description and behaviour seem reminiscent of the cait sidhe of Celtic lore. Aidan’s Irish heritage further supports this. I am not as familiar with Belgian or Luxembourg lore, though, and it could that it’s a being with a similar name. I would also like to know why the creature is here. However, as an entertaining horror tale, Clowders fits the bill. You won’t look at a cluster of cats the same way again!

***Many thanks to Silver Dagger Tours and the author for providing an egalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.