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njoy this clean, small town, paranormal cozy mystery by award winning and bestselling author, Lucinda Race.

Book store owner and novice witch Lily Michaels is struggling to get a handle on her new powers. The book “Practical Beginnings” is showing her random spells to learn, and her familiar, the talking cat, Milo, isn’t much help. She doesn’t need any more distractions, but when a car crashes just outside the bookstore, Lily is first on the scene. It’s more than just an automobile accident. Bullet holes can be deadly. The victim, shady real estate agent Teddy Roberts, was dead before his fancy sports car ever hit that pole.

Investigating the crime scene is Detective Gage Erikson, or as Milo calls him, Detective Cutie. His crush on Lily is not-so-secret to anyone but her, but she’s acting like he’s a distraction she doesn’t need. Is he her boyfriend, or just her best friend? He just needs to keep her out of trouble while he traces clues to the crime.

But a mystery is like catnip to Lily. She’s willing to admit she has a tiny bit of a reputation for investigating things she shouldn’t. She’s trying to balance her growing feelings for Gage while keeping her witchy secret from him and solve a murder. Teddy had plenty of people with reasons to do him in. Will Lily’s best protection spell be enough to keep her and Gage safe while they work together to catch a killer?

Catnaps and Crimes is the second novel in A Book Store Cozy Mystery Series, although each book can be read as standalone. A sweet and clean cozy mystery with a guarantee the culprit is caught. Happy reading!

200 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 1, 2023

71 people are currently reading
170 people want to read

About the author

Lucinda Race

67 books655 followers
Award-winning and best-selling author Lucinda Race is a lifelong fan of cozy mysteries and romance novels

She spins tales of small town romance and cozy mystery—writing the kinds of stories she loves to read. Whether she’s weaving a heartwarming romance or a cozy mystery, her fingers practically fly across the keyboard.

Lucinda lives with her little dog— a shih tzu mix rescue—who is always by her side. When she’s not immersed in writing mystery, suspense, or romance, she’s wandering in her garden or curled up with a book, devouring everything she can get her hands on.


Be sure to follow her on Bookbub for the latest on sales and new releases. https://bit.ly/LucindaRace

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
Profile Image for N.N. Heaven.
Author 6 books2,128 followers
May 8, 2023
Lily is on the case when another murder rocks her town. With the suspects piling up and the killer willing to silence her and Gage, she’ll need to use her witchy mind to catch the murderer. Cozy mysteries are my catnip and I loved this one by Lucinda Race! From the beginning, I was hooked. The mystery itself is complex and rife with red herrings. The budding romance between Gage and Lily provide a sweet respite. And then there’s Milo and the witchy vibe. An irresistible cozy mystery from start to finish.

Lucinda Race is a gifted writer, especially when it comes to paranormal cozy mystery. She uses world-building, descriptive narration, and characterization to create a realistic plot. Yet, what makes her cozies so fantastic is her mystery writing. She writes a mystery filled with detective work, clues, suspects, all realistic in nature. Her plot progression is natural, yet the mystery has false clues to steer the reader in the wrong direction. Brilliant in every way.

The characters are quirky in this small town, yet I love interacting with them. Lily, Gage, Milo, William, they all have their own personality.

The paranormal parts are very much cozy with plenty of comedic lines thrown in. The more Lily learns about being a witch, the more I loved it.

If you love paranormal cozy mysteries, you’ll want to read Catnaps & Crimes. It’s even better thank the first book. I can’t wait to see what Lily gets into next. Pick up this gem today.

Disclaimer: I received a copy from the author in the hopes I'd review it.

My Rating: 5+ stars

Reviewed by: Nancy
Profile Image for Emma Cami.
27 reviews1 follower
August 2, 2025
this is such a cute simple series! i have now read 2 in the series and can't wait to read more. they are great pallet cleansers and are a fun simple read!
1,449 reviews28 followers
April 30, 2023
This author's books are well written, well thought out with interesting story lines and loveable characters. She also does not follow the Stupidity Formula that is so common nowadays with characters that cannot communicate, and act and think stupid. There aren't any silly misunderstandings.

Bookstore Cozy Mystery Series:
Books and Bribes, #1 - Usually a romance writer, Ms. Race tells a good witchy tale quite a lot better than the usual dumb down Cozy. Good characters, talking animals and a sweet romance made for an entertaining, enjoyable read. 5*

Catnaps & Crimes, #2 - Interesting. Romance become more of a focal point for the two best friends. It was easy to figure out the killer but still a good story with a good core of regular characters. 4*
Bookstore Cozy Mystery Series end.

Marie: Always A Bridesmaid - This is a sweet story filled with many friendly characters and good story lines. No drama, no nasty characters, just a feel good, enjoyable way to spend a little time with a cuppa or two. 5*

Cowboys of River Junction:
Stars Over Montana, #1 - My first read by this author. Although the repetition about their break up from the past got on my nerves, the story is a sweet, interesting second chance for two people that deserve each other. 4*

Hiding in Montana, #2 - A sweet romantic, dramatic addition to the Stars Over Montana series. Enjoyable with the romance and the intrigue. 5*
Cowboys of River Junction end.

The Loudon Series:
Between Here and Heaven, #1 - This is a quick, easy to read story that does have a little seasonal magic with interesting characters and a realistic approach to the family's grief. Original 2018 review explains 3* rating.

Lost and Found, #2 - A lovely, sweet story about second loves, old friendships and family. Characters were logical and could communicate their thoughts and opinions. 5*

The Journey Home, #3 - The perfect love story to follow Lost and Found, or any other book. I have enjoyed reading about this family, and found both books relaxing, easy to read and hard to out down. Start at the beginning and follow along with the lives and lives of the McKenna Family. 5*

Ready to Soar, #5 - The Loudon Series is one of my favorites. It is always enjoyable to read about this family and their extended family of friends. This time there is a bit of drama and silliness from Kate, but she figures things out and does a good thing for someone needing support and friendship. 5*
The Loudon Series end.

Sugar Plum Inn - It was easy to get into the lives of Dora and Charlie, they were well supported by Joan and Fleur. 4*

Holiday Heart Wishes - Cute little romance combined with the romance of an older couple. Sweet. Interesting. 4*

A Secret Santa Christmas - This is just the sweetest, most romantic story about Secret Santas. 5*

It's a Dickens of a Cookie - Cookie recipes from a variety of romance writers along with an introduction to their books set in Dickens. I like Liz Flaherty and Lucinda Race, two authors included in the group. Most of the recipes are good, many old timey/traditional. Stars Over Montana and A Secret Santa Christmas are mentioned in this book. 4*
Profile Image for Missi Martin (Stockwell).
1,129 reviews33 followers
September 5, 2025
I fell in love with Books & Bribes, the first book in the Book Store Cozy Mystery series by Lucinda Race .... there is so much to love, you just want to jump inside the book and stay forever. Luckily with that being the first book, you don't have to do that, you just have to open the next book and get lost in the story again.

The stories are set in Pembrooke Maine which is a little town and you are mainly hanging around with two main characters. Lily who owns a bookstore in the town square, is just coming into her powers at being a witch, takes to her cat who is her familiar and is in love with the other main character, Gage. Gage is a detective, always trying to keep Lily out of trouble, doesn't know she is a witch and is in love with her also. But neither will tell the other.

Oh and there is always a murder to solve.

Catnaps & Crimes is the second book in this adorable series and I fell deeper in love, if that is possible. In Catnaps & Crimes there is what appears to be a car accident in the town square that all the shop owners and customers hear. Lily gets to the car and finds the driver dead. Teddy Roberts, who was a real estate agent, is the victim but things are not as they look.

Of course Lily should be tending to her shop and reading her witch book and mastering her new skills but she is drawn to Teddy's murder and loves to solve puzzles. It's a good think for her that Gage, being her best friend and always close to her, can keep an eye on her and keep her out of trouble ..... I'll pause for a moment while you laugh ...... I know I've only read two books in this series but I already know Lily will do what Lily wants and Gage knows that.

Even without murder and Lily and Gage solving the crimes, I would still love this series. It has a quaint little town with inviting shops, good people, and I feel like you could relax and have some fun. And anytime you can communicate with a cat has got to be a blast !!!!

Profile Image for Tari.
3,640 reviews103 followers
May 1, 2023
This was so good! It took a while before I realized who could be trusted—and that still took some time! It was an awesome mystery, and it’s cool that Lily’s powers are getting stronger especially at one point when she did something incredible with them. She discovered another friend in the witch world as well which was really sweet.

I’d realized who the killer was for pretty much the same reasons Lily did, and the showdown was pretty awesome. The murder was completely solved, however a side mystery looks like it’ll continue, so I’m really eager to see how that turns out. I enjoyed the preview chapter of the next book found at the end of this book. For the best enjoyment, I’d recommend reading these books in order so you’ll get to know Lily and Gage along with their friends and family in town.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the author via BookSprout, and my opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Emily Pennington.
20.7k reviews359 followers
May 2, 2023
Finding Teddy's Killer . . .

Novice witch Lily Michaels is supposed to be practicing spells at her bookstore, but the instruction text is sort of random and her cat familiar, Milo, isn’t helping her. A car crash outside has her running out to help, but Teddy Roberts, a dishonest real estate agent, was already dead. Despite hitting a pole when he crashed, the bullet holes in the windshield had already accomplished their purpose.

When Detective Gage Erikson arrives to investigate, Lily is already poking into his crime scene. Can she work on the mystery of who killed Teddy while hiding her witch status from Gage? Can they figure out the identity of the killer? And are the two of them still oblivious to the fact that they are both interested in each other beyond their friendship?
Profile Image for Elaine Coghlan .
1,491 reviews14 followers
May 3, 2023
Catnaps & Crimes is the second book in this new series from Lucinda, and I'm loving it. I don't usually read this genre but have started to read Lucinda's other books I thought I would give this a go.
Catnaps & Crimes follows bookstore owner Lily ( who has just found out that she is a witch) and her old high school friend Gage, a detective, both have feelings for each other but have not told the other.
This book carries on from the first one, I was engaged from the very beginning. I love the way Lucinda wrote this, as she kept the reader in suspense until the end. The story continues...
I highly recommend this book to all. Loved it 🙂.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
2,023 reviews8 followers
November 8, 2024
Audiobook: I enjoyed book two as much as the first book in this series. My admiration for Lily's sleuthing skills continued to grow as she worked her magic while trying to figure out who the culprit was. I liked Detective Gage Erikson continual patience and understanding of Lily's need to solve puzzles. I was entertained by Lily's and Gage's romantic dance as each tried to reconcile their feelings for one another. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series. I thought Meghan Kelly's narration was good, and her performance kept my attention. I was given a copy of the audiobook through Spotify. I volunteered, without financial gain, to post this review which reflected my honest opinions regarding this audiobook.
332 reviews5 followers
April 9, 2023
Lily continues to learn magic and solve murders.

This one starts with a bang aand the action continues through out the book. Lily just gets to work when there's a crash from outside. Investgation reveals that Teddy is dead, but not from the crash, he's been shot. Who could have been angry enough to kill the real estate agent? Will Lily's new magical abilities help solve the mystery and enable her to keep her friends safe? A great second outing for Lily and crew makes me look forward with anticipation.
Disclaimer
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Fleur.
3,719 reviews29 followers
May 3, 2023
Oh how I would love to shake some sense into Gage and Lily so they would act on their feelings, but whilst they chose to keep their feelings hidden Lily is back to her sleuthing on who killed Teddy and you can't help but laugh how Gage and Dax are starting to see it is pointless trying to get her to stop. You get plenty of red herrings in regards to who has motive and I kept going back and forward on who I thought it was before it was revealed. Whilst Lily, Gage and Dax solved this one we become aware of something else going on in town and still have questions about what Dax is doing in town!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Catrina.
89 reviews
September 23, 2025
Once again Lily has a murder right under her nose. There an accident right outside Lily’s bookshop but the driver is dead from the accident instead by a gunshot. On top trying to learn about her magic as a witch she has a murder to solve even if Detective Gage needs her to stay out of it. The secondary characters are starting to develop in this book. I can see how each book we will learn more about each one of them too. I also like how the romance between Lily and Gage isn’t rush. Milo the talking cat always seems to appear at the right moment but not always with what Lily wants to hear. Love Milo. The only thing wrong with this series is there only 12 books.
Profile Image for Kathy.
782 reviews30 followers
May 2, 2023
Lily is still learning to handle her witch powers with her familiar, Milo while also running her bookstore. Shortly after arriving to work she hears a crash outside. Observing the scene, she sees that realtor Teddy is dead behind the wheel. Both Agent Dax and Detective Gage are on the case, and maybe catch Lily’s eye. When Teddy’s shady business practices come to light, Lily has plenty of suspects to consider. Who can she trust before it’s too late?

Well written with engaging characters, the mystery draws you in immediately. Lily finds she has more allies in town. She and Gage are slowly inching closer to revealing their true feelings towards each other. Looking forward to what happens next for Lily and her friends.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,862 reviews32 followers
May 2, 2023
This story was so good!! More trouble has come to Pembroke - Teddy the real estate agent has met his end under dubious circumstances. Lily, of course, is eager to find answers at the same time she's trying to learn more magic. Plus, Gage is encouraging her a bit more than he has before.

I worked the clues right along with Lily and felt proud to figure out the solution! I had so much fun reading this and look forward to the next installment!!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Ann.
477 reviews5 followers
April 15, 2023
Lily and Gage need to have a serious talk - honestly you can knock their heads together! Anyway the story is great, as are the characters, I read it in one sitting as I couldn't put it down, am so looking forward to reading more.
If you love mysteries with a bit of romance thrown in along with a little magic you'll love this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Nancy.
1,580 reviews
April 28, 2023
Catnaps and Crime is another fabulous book that gives us bookstore owner Lily and her talking cat Milo! Yes, I said talking cat--- that is enough reason to read this book.
The mystery is one that Lily and Milo are determined to solve. The book is a quick read. The twists and turns are just enough to make you wonder who did it!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Vic.
417 reviews
April 30, 2023
This is the second in series, it could be read alone but I would suggest reading in order. Lily and Gage are back with a new murder to solve. It starts right off with the murder and leads to a bigger crime that is going on. Lily and Gage get a little closer but still will not take the chance on love yet. Great story with a picturesque small town and wonderful characters.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
3,221 reviews4 followers
May 5, 2023
There's another murder, and Lily is front and center to try to solve it, despite Gage's protests. I wish these two would give in to their feelings and get together. I'm not sure that I like or trust Dax - something just seems off with him. But I just loved this book; it's a fun story that was so enjoyable to read. I'm ready for the next in the series. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
3 reviews
April 6, 2023
A very enjoyable book with twists and turns and touches of mystery and romance. The quirky characters are delightful and very engaging. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys small-town romantic mysteries.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,372 reviews8 followers
May 2, 2023
Lily and Gage are back but they still can't commit to their feelings but another murder happens leading us into something so much bigger Lily and Gage can't help but get closer. Another great book with a beautiful town.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Lesley.
159 reviews
May 3, 2023
Another murder. More witches. Same cat, but with a bit more cattitude. A romance that beginning to connect. Add in a possible business rivalry or maybe even a business scam and you have an action packed story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
27 reviews1 follower
May 22, 2023
There were definitely things that I liked about this book, but it took me way too long to really get into the story. It may be one of those series where you absolutely have to read the books in order if you want to keep all the characters straight.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
402 reviews2 followers
June 2, 2023
I hope this series does not follow TV rules and take forever for the main characters to speak the truth, but meanwhile I am loving it! Kinda wish Lily would at least do things safely, but glad she is slowly mastering her power. Cannot wait for the next book!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Sandy Van domelen.
143 reviews1 follower
November 7, 2023
Heart Stopping Action...Another Great Read!

I love how the characters take turns telling the story from their own perspective. Many of the characters are being grown so the reader gets to know them better. I love how each book flows into the next! Definitely looking forward to more!
Profile Image for Sue Ellen.
1,003 reviews
January 13, 2024
I like this series and its characters, but I can't quite get fully invested in them. I find the whole "I like him/I like her—but I'm afraid if I admit it I'll ruin out friendship" side story to be annoying. What are they, 13 years old? Still, I'm holding out hope for the series, so I'll continue for at least one more book.
Profile Image for Marianne.
7,194 reviews85 followers
April 12, 2023
This is a great paranormal witch cozy mystery! I liked it very much.. It is clever. interesting, and quirky... with fun characters..

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Gloria.
2,034 reviews12 followers
April 28, 2023
Novice witch Lily Michaels should be learning how to cast spells but instead she insists on helping her best friend Detective Gage solve crime. Good mystery.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Lucinda Race.
Author 67 books655 followers
Read
September 3, 2023
I hope you enjoy the second book in the Cozy Bookstore Series.
Lily is starting to learn more about the magic she has but is using it carefully until she feels like she knows what she's doing. Of course there is murder afoot in Pembroke Cove. You won't want to miss this book.
Profile Image for Shannon Binegar-Foster.
2,797 reviews19 followers
February 20, 2024
I am enjoying this series very much. I like the way things are developing. There were some very surprising moments in this one. I would have given it 5 stars had there not been for the several errors in grammar and the wrong character name used at least 2 times.
Profile Image for Cyndi Taylor.
505 reviews5 followers
November 17, 2024
Wonderful

The characters in these books are lovely. I enjoy that magic is used but not a lot, and it's mostly the FMC's mind that solves everything. Lily and Gage are so sweet, and I can't wait for them to get together. Dax better not mess it up.
17 reviews
December 10, 2023
Enjoyable quick read

Love the characters especially the quirky Milo. This series has humor as well as being a cosy mystery.
Highly recommend these books.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews

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