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Urban Tails Pet Shop #3
Death Steals the Spotlight
It’s exit stage left, permanently , for a big-time director who lands the starring role in an unscripted death scene . . .
Desperate to find a director for their annual production, the Fox Hollow Players have a stroke of luck when Shell McMillan’s actress mother lands a prominent theater director for the job. He’s more gruff and demanding than the small-town cast and crew are used to, but his soft side for animals quickly endears him to pet shop owner Shell. Persuading her to let him use a shed on her property where he can work in peace, Shell is horrified when she finds his dead body there. And with obvious signs of foul play, she can’t help but investigate the murder.
As she digs into the man’s past, it becomes apparent that at one point or another he was romantically entangled with just about every woman involved in the play. And just when Shell discovers he may have been blackmailing one of them, other clues surface that suggest a more sinister motive. With her hands already full with a beautiful stray cat she found and christened Princess Fuzzypants, Shell will have to fill two roles, caring for the Maine coon and trying to track down the killer before it’s her turn for a fatal curtain call . . .
Praise for the books of T. C. LoTempio, winner of the Firebird Award for Best Cozy
“If you love cozy mystery books with cats, great characters, yummy food descriptions, and twisty mysteries, you will love A Purr Before Dying !” — Christy’s Cozy Corners
“A fabulous addition to the fun cozy mystery series. It can be read on its own but it is so much better if you have read them in order. T. C. LoTempio creates a story that you won't want to put down.” — Books A Plenty Book Reviews
“I hope we get more adventures and mysteries with Nora and Nick. There’s so much intrigue in each book with some hints at a potential romance. I know I’m in for hours of enjoyment when I see a new Nick and Nora book out.” — Socrates’ Book Reviews
“ A Purr Before Dying was so entertaining. I hope this series continues for a long time as these characters are some of my favorites.” — Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book
Desperate to find a director for their annual production, the Fox Hollow Players have a stroke of luck when Shell McMillan’s actress mother lands a prominent theater director for the job. He’s more gruff and demanding than the small-town cast and crew are used to, but his soft side for animals quickly endears him to pet shop owner Shell. Persuading her to let him use a shed on her property where he can work in peace, Shell is horrified when she finds his dead body there. And with obvious signs of foul play, she can’t help but investigate the murder.
As she digs into the man’s past, it becomes apparent that at one point or another he was romantically entangled with just about every woman involved in the play. And just when Shell discovers he may have been blackmailing one of them, other clues surface that suggest a more sinister motive. With her hands already full with a beautiful stray cat she found and christened Princess Fuzzypants, Shell will have to fill two roles, caring for the Maine coon and trying to track down the killer before it’s her turn for a fatal curtain call . . .
Praise for the books of T. C. LoTempio, winner of the Firebird Award for Best Cozy
“If you love cozy mystery books with cats, great characters, yummy food descriptions, and twisty mysteries, you will love A Purr Before Dying !” — Christy’s Cozy Corners
“A fabulous addition to the fun cozy mystery series. It can be read on its own but it is so much better if you have read them in order. T. C. LoTempio creates a story that you won't want to put down.” — Books A Plenty Book Reviews
“I hope we get more adventures and mysteries with Nora and Nick. There’s so much intrigue in each book with some hints at a potential romance. I know I’m in for hours of enjoyment when I see a new Nick and Nora book out.” — Socrates’ Book Reviews
“ A Purr Before Dying was so entertaining. I hope this series continues for a long time as these characters are some of my favorites.” — Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book
- GenresCozy MysteryMysteryCats
200 pages, ebook
Published June 27, 2023
7 people are currently reading
157 people want to read
About the author
T.C. LoTempio
25 books759 followersBorn in New York City, T. C. LoTempio is the national bestselling author of Meow If It’s Murder, the first in the Nick and Nora Mystery series.
She has been a staff reporter at the young adult magazine Susabella Passengers and Friends for more than a decade.
While Toni LoTempio does not commit – or solve – murders in real life, she has no trouble doing it on paper.
Her lifelong love of mysteries began early on when she was introduced to her first Nancy Drew mystery at age 10 – The Secret in the Old Attic. She lists among her favorite mystery/suspense writers Erle Stanley Gardner, Mary Higgins Clark and James Patterson, as well as EJ Copperman, Steve Hockensmith, Victoria Laurie, Ali Brandon, Rita Mae Brown, Miranda James and Sofie Kelly to name only a few!
Toni is also passionate about her love for animals, as demonstrated with her four cats: Trixie, Princess, Maxx and, of course, ROCCO, who not only provided the inspiration for the character of Nick the cat in the Nick and Nora mystery series, but who also writes his own blog and does charity work for Nathan Fillion’s charity, Kids Need to Read!
Toni’s also devoted to miniseries like The Thorn Birds, Dancing with the Stars, reruns of Murder She Wrote and Castle (of course!).
She (and ROCCO, albeit he’s uncredited) pen the Nick and Nora mystery series from Berkley Prime Crime.
She, Rocco and company make their home in Clifton, New Jersey, just twenty minutes from the Big Apple – New York
She has been a staff reporter at the young adult magazine Susabella Passengers and Friends for more than a decade.
While Toni LoTempio does not commit – or solve – murders in real life, she has no trouble doing it on paper.
Her lifelong love of mysteries began early on when she was introduced to her first Nancy Drew mystery at age 10 – The Secret in the Old Attic. She lists among her favorite mystery/suspense writers Erle Stanley Gardner, Mary Higgins Clark and James Patterson, as well as EJ Copperman, Steve Hockensmith, Victoria Laurie, Ali Brandon, Rita Mae Brown, Miranda James and Sofie Kelly to name only a few!
Toni is also passionate about her love for animals, as demonstrated with her four cats: Trixie, Princess, Maxx and, of course, ROCCO, who not only provided the inspiration for the character of Nick the cat in the Nick and Nora mystery series, but who also writes his own blog and does charity work for Nathan Fillion’s charity, Kids Need to Read!
Toni’s also devoted to miniseries like The Thorn Birds, Dancing with the Stars, reruns of Murder She Wrote and Castle (of course!).
She (and ROCCO, albeit he’s uncredited) pen the Nick and Nora mystery series from Berkley Prime Crime.
She, Rocco and company make their home in Clifton, New Jersey, just twenty minutes from the Big Apple – New York
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
June 2, 2023
Death Steels the Spotlight is the third in the Urban Tails Pet Shop series. It takes place in the town of Fox Hollow, CT. Shell McMillian is the main character in the story. She owns the Urban Tails Pet Shop. Before she had owned the pet store she was an actress. named Shell Marlowe, who starred in the show called Spy Anyone. The other characters that live in the town and new characters add to the story,
Shell's mother, Clarissa McMillian who is an actress is working with the Fox Hollow Players who are going to put the play on called Our Town. They have trouble with finding a director. Clarissa is able to get Raymond Terrill, a well known director to come to town to help do the play. She is also able to get Taylor Tysen, Tim Scott and Noelle Boyd to come and help out. Gary Presser, her ex-co-star in Spy Anyone is staying with her while he finds an apartment. Josh Bloodgood is dating Shell and is a homicide detective. His new partner is Amy Riser. Shell finds a Maine Coon cat outside of her store which she names Princess and takes her home with her along with her other two cats.
Raymond Terrill is not happy with the accommodations for his office and ends up using Shell's shed behind her house for his office. A lot is happening in the story that I will leave it to the reader to follow and enjoy. Terrill is found dead in the shed. This opens the door to many suspects that had issues with him. Taylor Tyson, who is Josh's cousin is found guilty and arrested. Because of this Josh turns to Shell to help him prove Taylor's innocence. The story builds up to an exciting climax to a surprise ending of who the murderer is.
The ending of the story adds more mystery when Shell receives a package from her ex fiance with a bracelet in with a letter telling her that he is sorry for hurting her and missed her and sorry that he could not come to the play as he would be out of the country. He had gotten an invite from her mother to come.
I enjoyed the story and look forward to the next book of Shell's adventures.
Thank you NetGalley and Beyond the Page Publishing for this ARC.
Shell's mother, Clarissa McMillian who is an actress is working with the Fox Hollow Players who are going to put the play on called Our Town. They have trouble with finding a director. Clarissa is able to get Raymond Terrill, a well known director to come to town to help do the play. She is also able to get Taylor Tysen, Tim Scott and Noelle Boyd to come and help out. Gary Presser, her ex-co-star in Spy Anyone is staying with her while he finds an apartment. Josh Bloodgood is dating Shell and is a homicide detective. His new partner is Amy Riser. Shell finds a Maine Coon cat outside of her store which she names Princess and takes her home with her along with her other two cats.
Raymond Terrill is not happy with the accommodations for his office and ends up using Shell's shed behind her house for his office. A lot is happening in the story that I will leave it to the reader to follow and enjoy. Terrill is found dead in the shed. This opens the door to many suspects that had issues with him. Taylor Tyson, who is Josh's cousin is found guilty and arrested. Because of this Josh turns to Shell to help him prove Taylor's innocence. The story builds up to an exciting climax to a surprise ending of who the murderer is.
The ending of the story adds more mystery when Shell receives a package from her ex fiance with a bracelet in with a letter telling her that he is sorry for hurting her and missed her and sorry that he could not come to the play as he would be out of the country. He had gotten an invite from her mother to come.
I enjoyed the story and look forward to the next book of Shell's adventures.
Thank you NetGalley and Beyond the Page Publishing for this ARC.
July 15, 2023
Dollycas's Thoughts
The Fox Hollow Players are getting ready for their annual production and they are in dire need of a director. Shelle's actress mother, Clarissa McMillian thinks she has found the perfect man for the job in Raymond Terrill but he may be too big for a small-town production. He is drawn to a Maine Coon cat that was found behind Shelle's pet shop though. Their interactions spur Shelle to offer her backyard shed as a place where he can spread out all his papers and work without being interrupted. That works out fine until the stray, now named Princess Fuzzypants, alerts Shelle to come to the shed where she finds the man's dead body.
He was a demanding director but who would want to kill Raymond Terrill? With the murder happening in her backyard Shelle feels emboldened to direct an investigation of her own. Can she cat-ch the killer? or will the killer cat-ch her?
_____
Reuniting with these characters just makes me happy. Shelle is a fabulous protagonist. She is smart and funny and she really enjoys owning the Urban Tails Pet Shop that was left to her by her aunt. Her mother still thinks Shelle needs to pick up her acting career and get back to California but in this book Clarissa has much more to worry about. I love the friendly relationship between Gary and Shelle. He has her back and she has his. Shelle's heart belongs to homicide detective Josh Bloodgood but the current murder case has a personal connection to him so his hands are pretty much tied. I also enjoy Shelle's feline companions and the new cat, Princess Fuzzypants.
The mystery was complicated as Raymond Terrill had a past with several characters and as each clue/secret was revealed it shined a new light on different one of them. The police make an arrest but Shelle doesn't believe it especially when Josh asks for her help. The author throws in some nice twists and a crucial clue that gives Shelle an "a-ha moment". That clue sets up an exciting showdown that puts Shelle in danger. Thank goodness that girl can think on her feet. I really enjoyed the way Purrday and Princess Fuzzypants were involved in the story. Kalua seems to have no interest in the trouble Shelle gets into but she's a pretty cool kitty.
While the murder mystery is solved the final page sets up another mystery when Shelle receives a package.
Death Steals the Spotlight is a captivating mystery featuring genuine characters set in a charming Connecticut town. Ms. Lotempio balances all the cozy elements with a precise hand to put forth a very entertaining read. I am very excited for this series to continue!
The Fox Hollow Players are getting ready for their annual production and they are in dire need of a director. Shelle's actress mother, Clarissa McMillian thinks she has found the perfect man for the job in Raymond Terrill but he may be too big for a small-town production. He is drawn to a Maine Coon cat that was found behind Shelle's pet shop though. Their interactions spur Shelle to offer her backyard shed as a place where he can spread out all his papers and work without being interrupted. That works out fine until the stray, now named Princess Fuzzypants, alerts Shelle to come to the shed where she finds the man's dead body.
He was a demanding director but who would want to kill Raymond Terrill? With the murder happening in her backyard Shelle feels emboldened to direct an investigation of her own. Can she cat-ch the killer? or will the killer cat-ch her?
_____
Reuniting with these characters just makes me happy. Shelle is a fabulous protagonist. She is smart and funny and she really enjoys owning the Urban Tails Pet Shop that was left to her by her aunt. Her mother still thinks Shelle needs to pick up her acting career and get back to California but in this book Clarissa has much more to worry about. I love the friendly relationship between Gary and Shelle. He has her back and she has his. Shelle's heart belongs to homicide detective Josh Bloodgood but the current murder case has a personal connection to him so his hands are pretty much tied. I also enjoy Shelle's feline companions and the new cat, Princess Fuzzypants.
The mystery was complicated as Raymond Terrill had a past with several characters and as each clue/secret was revealed it shined a new light on different one of them. The police make an arrest but Shelle doesn't believe it especially when Josh asks for her help. The author throws in some nice twists and a crucial clue that gives Shelle an "a-ha moment". That clue sets up an exciting showdown that puts Shelle in danger. Thank goodness that girl can think on her feet. I really enjoyed the way Purrday and Princess Fuzzypants were involved in the story. Kalua seems to have no interest in the trouble Shelle gets into but she's a pretty cool kitty.
While the murder mystery is solved the final page sets up another mystery when Shelle receives a package.
Death Steals the Spotlight is a captivating mystery featuring genuine characters set in a charming Connecticut town. Ms. Lotempio balances all the cozy elements with a precise hand to put forth a very entertaining read. I am very excited for this series to continue!
May 31, 2023
#DeathStealstheSpotlight #NetGalley is an amazing addition to this series! I love Shell and Gary, and of course the fur babies, and now Princess Fuzzypants is part of the family. This series just makes me happy, I can't explain it, but when I start to read a book in this series, I get the feels good feeling and it always makes me smile. This story had a lot going on, and it was a great way to spend a holiday weekend. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.
July 13, 2023
Pet shop owner, Shell McMillan is more than a little surprised to learn that her mother is helping the local theater group by arranging a famous director for their production. Although he’s talented, he is not well liked. He has problems with everyone in the cast and crew. Needing a quiet place for himself, he convinces Shell to lend him her shed to use as an office. She agrees but is shocked when she stumbles on the man’s dead body.
Meanwhile, a stray kitty turns up on Shell’s doorstep. A beautiful Maine coon and Shell is determined to help find her owner. Shell’s own kitties, Purrday and Kahlua, have mixed feelings. Purrday has a huge crush, while Kahlua not so much. Shell falls in love with the kitty, too, and names her Princess Fuzzypants. With the help of her friends and three kitties, Shell vows to find a killer and a kitty owner.
I love this series so much. Maybe it’s the cat lady in me but these kitties and their relationship with Shell is so sweet. It warms my heart.
Oh, there are human characters too. Shell, her BFF Gary, her boyfriend and even her whacky mother make a wonderful cast. They are lively and fun.
I devoured this one. The storyline moves along quickly and is filled with several different possible suspects. I was captivated until the truth was revealed.
The mystery is contained and solved in this book. So, there is no cliffhanger as far as the murder mystery goes. However, I can’t recommend enough to read this series from the beginning. This book is #3, so there are only two books before it but reading them gives you a better feel for the motivation behind Shell’s actions and the growth of various relationships.
I can’t say enough how much I’ve been enjoying this series. I hope it continues for a long time. I know I’m looking forward to my next visit to Fox Hollow, Connecticut.
FTC Disclosure: I voluntarily reviewed a free Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Meanwhile, a stray kitty turns up on Shell’s doorstep. A beautiful Maine coon and Shell is determined to help find her owner. Shell’s own kitties, Purrday and Kahlua, have mixed feelings. Purrday has a huge crush, while Kahlua not so much. Shell falls in love with the kitty, too, and names her Princess Fuzzypants. With the help of her friends and three kitties, Shell vows to find a killer and a kitty owner.
I love this series so much. Maybe it’s the cat lady in me but these kitties and their relationship with Shell is so sweet. It warms my heart.
Oh, there are human characters too. Shell, her BFF Gary, her boyfriend and even her whacky mother make a wonderful cast. They are lively and fun.
I devoured this one. The storyline moves along quickly and is filled with several different possible suspects. I was captivated until the truth was revealed.
The mystery is contained and solved in this book. So, there is no cliffhanger as far as the murder mystery goes. However, I can’t recommend enough to read this series from the beginning. This book is #3, so there are only two books before it but reading them gives you a better feel for the motivation behind Shell’s actions and the growth of various relationships.
I can’t say enough how much I’ve been enjoying this series. I hope it continues for a long time. I know I’m looking forward to my next visit to Fox Hollow, Connecticut.
FTC Disclosure: I voluntarily reviewed a free Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
September 4, 2023
https://openbooksociety.com/article/d...
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Andra
The third book in the Urban Tails Pet Shop Mysteries, Death Steals the Spotlight by T.C. LoTempio is an enjoyable continuation of the series in which the reader is immersed in the lives of the residents of Fox Hollow, specifically Shell McMillan. I must admit – I could not put this book down. In my opinion, the best of the series so far.
As this is the third book in the series, one is starting to get to know the characters a bit. And if this is the first book in the series you are picking up, never fear as the author has done an excellent job of weaving in pertinent information about each of the characters, so one can start the series with this book… and then go back to the others for added enjoyment.
As Shell (short for Crishell) settles into running the Urban Tails, the pet shop she inherited from her late Aunt Tillie, she is hearing a lot of gossip about who the director will be for the Fox Hollow Players’ fall production. Her mother has gotten Steven Spielberg or was it Scorsese … okay – that is just gossip and not at all true. But a new director has been hired now that the local English lit high school teacher is unavailable – a one ‘Raymond Terrill’ has agreed to direct the production of Our Town. Mr. Terrill has a reputation in Hollywood of being difficult to work with but as they say – the show must go on. Rehearsals resume (after all – show time is only a couple of weeks away) and Raymond is living up to his reputation and more. He does however take a shine to the cat Shell and her cat Purrday found in the back of the pet store – who has for the time being been named Princess Fuzzypants. The cat is a Maine coon with striking red hair.
Due to wanting some privacy, Raymond Terrill ends up using Shell’s shed as a workspace after rehearsals. Unfortunately, this is the location where Mr. Terrill turns up dead! Of course, right in Shell’s backyard. So with a murder happening on her property, she feels justified in pursuing her sleuthing.
While Shell navigates the myriad of potential suspects, the unthinkable happens. Shell’s boyfriend, Josh Bloodgood, a homicide detective who is working overtime to find the killer. Or at least he was until the prime suspect turns out to be a cousin, Taylor Tyson, who is also an actor in the play. Now Josh is off the case.
I enjoyed the way that the many potential suspects were very much involved with the play and the whole Hollywood scene. The journey through all the suspects and how Shell eliminated each while trying to solve the mystery was intriguing. Now if she had only been able to solve the mystery before a second person was murdered. At least she figured it out before she herself came to any harm!
An added bonus to the storytelling was when Shell’s mother stepped in as director when Mr. Terrill dies as she has attitude in spades! She runs a tight ship and we get a good sense of why she and Shell have a fractious relationship. It will be interesting to see where their relationship goes in subsequent books in the series.
The secondary characters, being the cats, were an added bonus to an already delightful story. Purrday – a pedigreed Persian, Kahlua – a seal point Siamese and Princess Fuzzypants – a Maine Coon with beautiful red hair. Loved the fact that Purrday took a shine to “his” rescue – Princess Fuzzypants and this made Kahlua a tad bit annoyed. Even pets can get jealous!
I would also like to point out that the cover art is SO cute, with Princess Fuzzypants and Purrday just hanging out on a bench, enjoying each other’s company. That alone caught my eye and had me wanting to read this book. And yes – I am a cat lover. If you like cozy mysteries, with likable characters, a twisted plot which keeps you thinking and guessing until the end, then this third book in the Urban Tails Pet Shop Mystery series is for you. Pick up Death Steals the Spotlight – you will be glad that you did!!!
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Andra
The third book in the Urban Tails Pet Shop Mysteries, Death Steals the Spotlight by T.C. LoTempio is an enjoyable continuation of the series in which the reader is immersed in the lives of the residents of Fox Hollow, specifically Shell McMillan. I must admit – I could not put this book down. In my opinion, the best of the series so far.
As this is the third book in the series, one is starting to get to know the characters a bit. And if this is the first book in the series you are picking up, never fear as the author has done an excellent job of weaving in pertinent information about each of the characters, so one can start the series with this book… and then go back to the others for added enjoyment.
As Shell (short for Crishell) settles into running the Urban Tails, the pet shop she inherited from her late Aunt Tillie, she is hearing a lot of gossip about who the director will be for the Fox Hollow Players’ fall production. Her mother has gotten Steven Spielberg or was it Scorsese … okay – that is just gossip and not at all true. But a new director has been hired now that the local English lit high school teacher is unavailable – a one ‘Raymond Terrill’ has agreed to direct the production of Our Town. Mr. Terrill has a reputation in Hollywood of being difficult to work with but as they say – the show must go on. Rehearsals resume (after all – show time is only a couple of weeks away) and Raymond is living up to his reputation and more. He does however take a shine to the cat Shell and her cat Purrday found in the back of the pet store – who has for the time being been named Princess Fuzzypants. The cat is a Maine coon with striking red hair.
Due to wanting some privacy, Raymond Terrill ends up using Shell’s shed as a workspace after rehearsals. Unfortunately, this is the location where Mr. Terrill turns up dead! Of course, right in Shell’s backyard. So with a murder happening on her property, she feels justified in pursuing her sleuthing.
While Shell navigates the myriad of potential suspects, the unthinkable happens. Shell’s boyfriend, Josh Bloodgood, a homicide detective who is working overtime to find the killer. Or at least he was until the prime suspect turns out to be a cousin, Taylor Tyson, who is also an actor in the play. Now Josh is off the case.
I enjoyed the way that the many potential suspects were very much involved with the play and the whole Hollywood scene. The journey through all the suspects and how Shell eliminated each while trying to solve the mystery was intriguing. Now if she had only been able to solve the mystery before a second person was murdered. At least she figured it out before she herself came to any harm!
An added bonus to the storytelling was when Shell’s mother stepped in as director when Mr. Terrill dies as she has attitude in spades! She runs a tight ship and we get a good sense of why she and Shell have a fractious relationship. It will be interesting to see where their relationship goes in subsequent books in the series.
The secondary characters, being the cats, were an added bonus to an already delightful story. Purrday – a pedigreed Persian, Kahlua – a seal point Siamese and Princess Fuzzypants – a Maine Coon with beautiful red hair. Loved the fact that Purrday took a shine to “his” rescue – Princess Fuzzypants and this made Kahlua a tad bit annoyed. Even pets can get jealous!
I would also like to point out that the cover art is SO cute, with Princess Fuzzypants and Purrday just hanging out on a bench, enjoying each other’s company. That alone caught my eye and had me wanting to read this book. And yes – I am a cat lover. If you like cozy mysteries, with likable characters, a twisted plot which keeps you thinking and guessing until the end, then this third book in the Urban Tails Pet Shop Mystery series is for you. Pick up Death Steals the Spotlight – you will be glad that you did!!!
July 8, 2023
I still like the main characters, though its been a while so I need some sort of refresher on the other characters, but my gripe remains the same:
The main character's first cat Kalua is ignored and though mentioned a little more in this book is not really as involved as the other cats, spoiler there is a new Maine Coon in her life, and Shell the main character even says in the book she forgot about having Kalua the cat.
In the first book I was rather miffed that her first cat, Kalua a Siamese, is mentioned possibly twice and ignored completely while her and this new cat solve a crime. Same thing in the second book and now in the third.
I don't know why the author bothered writing Kalua into the series because in the first books it was like she had the cozy trope of girl amature sleuth gets inheritance of Victorian Mansion/bookstore/petshop/sandwich shop and the relative's pet and now did not know what to do with the original pet.
It really bothers me. I know these are not real cats but Shell borders on neglect. And the cats are not magical and only are 'helping' to get the cat cozy trope, sort of.
The mystery is not really interesting in that I didn't believe anyone would be so stupid to go to a meeting alone after recieving a mysterious message only to be framed for murder and I couldn't feel sorry for any of the murder victims.
The murderer was not believable.
The tv actress main character suddenly jumping off a cliff and then you get the usual quick ending that is another trope was also unbelievable.
I can't stand the mother character.
The evil director being such a butt to women and still was also unbelievable. At some point I just rolled my eyes and started to read just because I liked the characters and the love triangle. And I like the cats the best and I wanted to know if the new cat would be a part of the series so it was really the cats and seeing if Kalua was treated any better that keeps me reading. Its really not a cat cozy so I am going to stop counting it as such which means it does not count towards the cat cozy mystery reading challenge.
I am glad the page count was less that was a good thing.
I enjoyed the series and I will continue to support it to a point. I like the Nick and Nora series better though it too is a little crazy.
The main character's first cat Kalua is ignored and though mentioned a little more in this book is not really as involved as the other cats, spoiler there is a new Maine Coon in her life, and Shell the main character even says in the book she forgot about having Kalua the cat.
In the first book I was rather miffed that her first cat, Kalua a Siamese, is mentioned possibly twice and ignored completely while her and this new cat solve a crime. Same thing in the second book and now in the third.
I don't know why the author bothered writing Kalua into the series because in the first books it was like she had the cozy trope of girl amature sleuth gets inheritance of Victorian Mansion/bookstore/petshop/sandwich shop and the relative's pet and now did not know what to do with the original pet.
It really bothers me. I know these are not real cats but Shell borders on neglect. And the cats are not magical and only are 'helping' to get the cat cozy trope, sort of.
The mystery is not really interesting in that I didn't believe anyone would be so stupid to go to a meeting alone after recieving a mysterious message only to be framed for murder and I couldn't feel sorry for any of the murder victims.
The murderer was not believable.
The tv actress main character suddenly jumping off a cliff and then you get the usual quick ending that is another trope was also unbelievable.
I can't stand the mother character.
The evil director being such a butt to women and still was also unbelievable. At some point I just rolled my eyes and started to read just because I liked the characters and the love triangle. And I like the cats the best and I wanted to know if the new cat would be a part of the series so it was really the cats and seeing if Kalua was treated any better that keeps me reading. Its really not a cat cozy so I am going to stop counting it as such which means it does not count towards the cat cozy mystery reading challenge.
I am glad the page count was less that was a good thing.
I enjoyed the series and I will continue to support it to a point. I like the Nick and Nora series better though it too is a little crazy.
July 10, 2023
DEATH STEALS THE SPOTLIGHT by T. C. LoTempio
The Third Urban Tails Pet Shop Mystery
The Fox Hollow Players lost their director, but Shell McMillan's mother has come to the rescue bringing a director, assistant director, and two actresses from Hollywood. Unfortunately, with them comes drama. The director, Raymond Terrill, is a demanding tyrant hated by many, who surprisingly has a soft spot for cats, especially the beautiful Maine Coon that Shell and Purrday just found. Allowing the director use of her shed Shell notices he's up late one night. When she wakes a few hours later she sees the light is out and Princess Fuzzypants is scratching at her back door. The cat leads her to the shed where she finds the door ajar and Terrill dead inside. Though she knows she should leave the investigation in her boyfriend's capable hands, Shell has no intention of doing so. With her housemate and former co-star by her side, Shell will try to discover just who killed the despotic director.
Smart people and smarter animals make for a delightful mystery. I really love the Urban Tails Pet Shop Mystery series and this entry is a great one. The characters are so real, there's good and bad in all, and sometimes you don't know who to believe, or trust. What makes DEATH STEALS THE SPOTLIGHT extra special is this characterization. Terrill was despicable, but as we learn more we see reasons, and we see good. The character dynamics make the book more intriguing-and not only with the mystery. Even if there weren't dead bodies I'd still want to know what's going on with Shell and Gary...and Josh.
The mystery itself was captivating, especially knowing that people were hiding things...but just what were they hiding and who was the murderer? I like how Shell looks into things. And how the cats help. The humor adds to the fun, making me wanting to hang out with these people in this quaint Connecticut town.
Theatrical drama spiced with issues from the past and plenty of secrets makes DEATH STEALS THE SPOTLIGHT a captivating mystery that will have you glued to your seat.
The Third Urban Tails Pet Shop Mystery
The Fox Hollow Players lost their director, but Shell McMillan's mother has come to the rescue bringing a director, assistant director, and two actresses from Hollywood. Unfortunately, with them comes drama. The director, Raymond Terrill, is a demanding tyrant hated by many, who surprisingly has a soft spot for cats, especially the beautiful Maine Coon that Shell and Purrday just found. Allowing the director use of her shed Shell notices he's up late one night. When she wakes a few hours later she sees the light is out and Princess Fuzzypants is scratching at her back door. The cat leads her to the shed where she finds the door ajar and Terrill dead inside. Though she knows she should leave the investigation in her boyfriend's capable hands, Shell has no intention of doing so. With her housemate and former co-star by her side, Shell will try to discover just who killed the despotic director.
Smart people and smarter animals make for a delightful mystery. I really love the Urban Tails Pet Shop Mystery series and this entry is a great one. The characters are so real, there's good and bad in all, and sometimes you don't know who to believe, or trust. What makes DEATH STEALS THE SPOTLIGHT extra special is this characterization. Terrill was despicable, but as we learn more we see reasons, and we see good. The character dynamics make the book more intriguing-and not only with the mystery. Even if there weren't dead bodies I'd still want to know what's going on with Shell and Gary...and Josh.
The mystery itself was captivating, especially knowing that people were hiding things...but just what were they hiding and who was the murderer? I like how Shell looks into things. And how the cats help. The humor adds to the fun, making me wanting to hang out with these people in this quaint Connecticut town.
Theatrical drama spiced with issues from the past and plenty of secrets makes DEATH STEALS THE SPOTLIGHT a captivating mystery that will have you glued to your seat.
July 11, 2023
Princess Fuzzypants here: I mean the real one whose picture is on the cover and who is a character in the book. Okay. You will understand I have a certain amount of bias but I will be as objective as possible in this review. I loved it.
I love the way Toni has taken my personality and character and moulded it into the PFP in the story. It is so sweet the way the princess is rescued by Purrday and becomes part of the family. The two of them turn out be incredible sleuths. Thank Bast Shell, our human in the book, understands us and discusses the investigation with us. We are integral not only to solving the murder but to saving Shell when she is in danger.
The humans in the story are very likeable especially Gary, her former co-star and now roommate and Josh, her boyfriend. Shell’s mother has signed a famous Hollywood director to take the helm of a local theatrical production of Our Town. There is much more going on backstage than just the normal artistic hassles. The director is a cad. When Princess Fuzzypants leads Shell to discover the body, there is no shortage of suspects who might want to do him harm. But Josh’s cousin, with whom the director had a “history”, is being framed and framed well for the crime. It is up to Shell, Gary, Purrday and Princess Fuzzypants to save the day.
I know all the fans of my Facebook blog will adore this story and I think anyone who enjoys kitty mysteries will too. Purrday and I make a pawsome couple. Five purrs and two paws up.
I love the way Toni has taken my personality and character and moulded it into the PFP in the story. It is so sweet the way the princess is rescued by Purrday and becomes part of the family. The two of them turn out be incredible sleuths. Thank Bast Shell, our human in the book, understands us and discusses the investigation with us. We are integral not only to solving the murder but to saving Shell when she is in danger.
The humans in the story are very likeable especially Gary, her former co-star and now roommate and Josh, her boyfriend. Shell’s mother has signed a famous Hollywood director to take the helm of a local theatrical production of Our Town. There is much more going on backstage than just the normal artistic hassles. The director is a cad. When Princess Fuzzypants leads Shell to discover the body, there is no shortage of suspects who might want to do him harm. But Josh’s cousin, with whom the director had a “history”, is being framed and framed well for the crime. It is up to Shell, Gary, Purrday and Princess Fuzzypants to save the day.
I know all the fans of my Facebook blog will adore this story and I think anyone who enjoys kitty mysteries will too. Purrday and I make a pawsome couple. Five purrs and two paws up.
September 11, 2023
Book number three in the Urban Tails Pet Shop Mysteries does not disappoint. Shell MacMillan and her band of cohorts (human and feline) are back…and once again, murder has found its way to her doorstep.
The local Fox Hollow Players are desperate for a director for their newest production, and luckily, Shell’s actress mother has the contacts to land a prominent director for them. He’s not a cuddly person, in fact is quite demanding and tough on his performers and staff, except when it comes to critters. That endears him to Shell and she allows him to use the shed on her property as a private office.
And that’s where she discovers his body late one night with clear signs of a suspicious death. She feels compelled to discover who perpetrated this crime on her property, but as she digs into the victim’s past, she discovers plenty of bad behavior and lots of potential killers, right in Fox Hollow. Will Shell discover who the murderer is before she’s the next victim?
You can always count on a good story when you curl up with a T.C. LoTempio cozy mystery, and this one is no exception. There is a bit of a convoluted explanation around the reveal of the killer, but the tale is a good one, complete with the cast of friends, family, acquaintances and the clowder of cats, including a new rescue who steals both Purrday and Shell’s hearts.
The local Fox Hollow Players are desperate for a director for their newest production, and luckily, Shell’s actress mother has the contacts to land a prominent director for them. He’s not a cuddly person, in fact is quite demanding and tough on his performers and staff, except when it comes to critters. That endears him to Shell and she allows him to use the shed on her property as a private office.
And that’s where she discovers his body late one night with clear signs of a suspicious death. She feels compelled to discover who perpetrated this crime on her property, but as she digs into the victim’s past, she discovers plenty of bad behavior and lots of potential killers, right in Fox Hollow. Will Shell discover who the murderer is before she’s the next victim?
You can always count on a good story when you curl up with a T.C. LoTempio cozy mystery, and this one is no exception. There is a bit of a convoluted explanation around the reveal of the killer, but the tale is a good one, complete with the cast of friends, family, acquaintances and the clowder of cats, including a new rescue who steals both Purrday and Shell’s hearts.
June 10, 2023
Death Steals the Spotlight is the 3rd book in the Urban Tails Pet Shop Mysteries. It is an enjoyable cozy mystery with likable main characters, cats and an interesting mystery. Shell McMillan is a former actress who now runs a pet shop with her actor friend Gary. Shell is dating Josh, the local police detective. In this book, Fox Hollow is putting on a play. Shell's mother, a famous retired actress, is helping with the play. The mother, is a little less pompous in this book but still not likable and luckily she isn't a main character. The director is a friend of Shell's mother but he is difficult to work with. He ends up dead and Josh's actress cousin is a suspect. Shell and Gary work together to solve the case. I thought Josh would be more involved in the case after he was removed from working on it. Shell helps out a little on the play but I thought she would become more involved than she was and the theatre would be the central site. The mystery kept me guessing. This was an enjoyable cozy mystery but there was potential for the interactions among the characters to have more depth and warmth. I received an advance copy for free and I voluntarily leave this review. #DeathStealsTheSpotlight #NetGalley
June 26, 2023
Shell's mom was trying to save the local play by using her connections and getting in a director and some cast members to replace some locals who'd quit. When the director was murdered, Shell and Gary started sleuthing again. While I do like her with Josh for a boyfriend, I love the sleuthing chemistry Shell and Gary have. Kinda like Castle and Beckett!
Meanwhile, Purrday was in love with a gorgeous Maine Coon he'd found and Shell rescued from a tangled vine. I felt sorry for poor Kahlua who was probably wondering why her brother was acting so loony. And she didn't seem fond of the houseguest who's probably gonna be a fixture from now, lol.
The showdown was really exciting but as always Shell used her brain as well as her awesome cats once more showing Gary and Josh where to find her and the perp. She had things under control by the time they arrived, but it's cool how the kitties always know where to find their mom! I'm pretty sure I saw in the author's newsletter that there's definitely a book 4 coming!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by Beyond the Page Publishing via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own.
Meanwhile, Purrday was in love with a gorgeous Maine Coon he'd found and Shell rescued from a tangled vine. I felt sorry for poor Kahlua who was probably wondering why her brother was acting so loony. And she didn't seem fond of the houseguest who's probably gonna be a fixture from now, lol.
The showdown was really exciting but as always Shell used her brain as well as her awesome cats once more showing Gary and Josh where to find her and the perp. She had things under control by the time they arrived, but it's cool how the kitties always know where to find their mom! I'm pretty sure I saw in the author's newsletter that there's definitely a book 4 coming!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by Beyond the Page Publishing via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own.
June 14, 2023
Death Steals the Spotlight
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“ Desperate to find a director for their annual production, the Fox Hollow Players have a stroke of luck when Shell McMillan’s actress mother lands a prominent theater director for the job. He’s more gruff and demanding than the small-town cast and crew are used to, but his soft side for animals quickly endears him to pet shop owner Shell. Persuading her to let him use a shed on her property where he can work in peace, Shell is horrified when she finds his dead body there. And with obvious signs of foul play, she can’t help but investigate the murder.”
This was a well written mystery. I loved the character descriptions for someone who hasn’t read any of the other books they were very clear. I liked the mystery and didn’t guess the killer until towards the end which is great. The mystery was drug out a little longer I felt like than needed but still was greatly written. Will definitely recommend to others and will be reading the others in the series.
#netgalley
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“ Desperate to find a director for their annual production, the Fox Hollow Players have a stroke of luck when Shell McMillan’s actress mother lands a prominent theater director for the job. He’s more gruff and demanding than the small-town cast and crew are used to, but his soft side for animals quickly endears him to pet shop owner Shell. Persuading her to let him use a shed on her property where he can work in peace, Shell is horrified when she finds his dead body there. And with obvious signs of foul play, she can’t help but investigate the murder.”
This was a well written mystery. I loved the character descriptions for someone who hasn’t read any of the other books they were very clear. I liked the mystery and didn’t guess the killer until towards the end which is great. The mystery was drug out a little longer I felt like than needed but still was greatly written. Will definitely recommend to others and will be reading the others in the series.
#netgalley
June 28, 2023
'Death Steals the Spotlight' by T C Lotempio.
I mainly picked this book because it involved murder and cats.
It’s exit stage left, permanently, for a big-time director who lands the starring role in an unscripted death scene . . .
Desperate to find a director for their annual production, the Fox Hollow Players have a stroke of luck when Shell McMillan’s actress mother lands a prominent theater director for the job. He manages to get on the wrong side of most people so when he is murdered the police are not short of suspects.
Shell, already busy with trying to find the owner of a Maine coon cat she has christened Princess Fuzzypants, can't help but get involved as the murder happened on her property.
Can Shell and her friend Gary solve this complicated case before it is too late?!
I enjoyed this book. Even though this wasn't the first in the series I felt like I could jump straight into this and still follow it. If you enjoy cozy crime books involving cats then give these books a go. I will definitely read more in the series.
Thanks to NetGallary UK, the publishers and the author for letting me read it in exchange for an honest review.
I mainly picked this book because it involved murder and cats.
It’s exit stage left, permanently, for a big-time director who lands the starring role in an unscripted death scene . . .
Desperate to find a director for their annual production, the Fox Hollow Players have a stroke of luck when Shell McMillan’s actress mother lands a prominent theater director for the job. He manages to get on the wrong side of most people so when he is murdered the police are not short of suspects.
Shell, already busy with trying to find the owner of a Maine coon cat she has christened Princess Fuzzypants, can't help but get involved as the murder happened on her property.
Can Shell and her friend Gary solve this complicated case before it is too late?!
I enjoyed this book. Even though this wasn't the first in the series I felt like I could jump straight into this and still follow it. If you enjoy cozy crime books involving cats then give these books a go. I will definitely read more in the series.
Thanks to NetGallary UK, the publishers and the author for letting me read it in exchange for an honest review.
June 6, 2023
T.C. LoTempio pulls out all the stops when Shell McMillan’s actress mom persuades a well-known director to help the Fox Hollow Players with their upcoming production. Unfortunately, Shell ends up in sleuthing mode when the famous director, Raymond Terrill, is found dead and murdered. Not only is Shelll contending with her mother now living in Fox Hollow, but she also finds the dead body.
Shell also rescues a Maine Coon that traps her paw in a twisting vine she promptly names Princess Fancypants. Unfortunately, Shell’s two cats react differently to the invasion of the new cat into their home. Purrday welcomes Princess and Kahlua, hisses, and ignores the new arrival.
This latest Urban Tails Pet Shop Mystery combines feline fun with a well-conceived mystery to make for an engaging and entertaining read.
Shell also rescues a Maine Coon that traps her paw in a twisting vine she promptly names Princess Fancypants. Unfortunately, Shell’s two cats react differently to the invasion of the new cat into their home. Purrday welcomes Princess and Kahlua, hisses, and ignores the new arrival.
This latest Urban Tails Pet Shop Mystery combines feline fun with a well-conceived mystery to make for an engaging and entertaining read.
June 24, 2023
I have read this series from the beginning and always enjoyed the cat theme and the sleuthing. This one fell short for me. I did not like the use of a internet cat used to make its owner money. Princess Fuzzypants is a well known exploited cat and that I found obnixious for me right away. For those of us that love and adore our cats to use out cats for money is disturbing. That being said the author is apparently friends with the owner and the cat was featured throughout which was confusing and had no place in the book . I probably will not read this series again.
This was the third installment and I have read the first two and enjoyed the cat theme based mysteries. This theme is theater, murder , cats and mysteriolus clues which cozy readers enjoy.
Thank you for the opportunity to review . My review opinion is my own.
This was the third installment and I have read the first two and enjoyed the cat theme based mysteries. This theme is theater, murder , cats and mysteriolus clues which cozy readers enjoy.
Thank you for the opportunity to review . My review opinion is my own.
June 28, 2023
Shell escaped Hollywood thanks to an elderly relative's bequest of a beloved pet shop in small town Connecticut. But, unfortunately, she didn't escape her self absorbed mother who can't imagine her daughter WANTING to leave Hollywood after a decent career in television. Now her mother is in town browbeating the local community theater group and having brought in a director with a lousy personality with her. There is some history with other cast members, so it's no surprise that said director finds a starring role as the corpse. Shell's significant other/local police detective is recused from the case because a main suspect is his cousin. Intricate sleuthing and some really devious red herrings plus an unexpected plot twist or two made this a wonderful read!
I requested and received a free e-book copy from Beyond the Page Publishing via NetGalley. Thank you!
I requested and received a free e-book copy from Beyond the Page Publishing via NetGalley. Thank you!
June 4, 2023
With Shell’s mother working on a play in town, she offers the director the use of her shed when he’s not happy with his office. When the man is murdered, there is no lack of suspects as not many liked the man.
With the murder taking place on Shell’s properly, John has to recuse himself from the case. Though with John’s cousin as one of the suspects, he has to depend on Shell to figure out who really killed the man. Can she deliver yet again, or will it be final curtains for Shell?
The third entry in this series and it never gets old. I love the small town setting, the characters and the kitties. I find that the characters who have and love animals are just cozier to me. Looking for many more to come in this series. Small time life never gets old.
With the murder taking place on Shell’s properly, John has to recuse himself from the case. Though with John’s cousin as one of the suspects, he has to depend on Shell to figure out who really killed the man. Can she deliver yet again, or will it be final curtains for Shell?
The third entry in this series and it never gets old. I love the small town setting, the characters and the kitties. I find that the characters who have and love animals are just cozier to me. Looking for many more to come in this series. Small time life never gets old.
June 7, 2023
Death Steals The Spotlight
Setting:
Fox Hollow, USA
Characters:
Shell McMillan
Clarissa McMillan
Gary
Josh
Patrick
Kenny
Taylor Tyson
Raymond Terriill
Noelle Byrd
Cozy Mystery
Goodreads:
🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟
Review:
This was a really cute cozy mystery. I liked that our heroine was a television star that returned to her small town to open up a pet shop. Really lovely characters, although I wasn't sure what Shell and Gary's situation was. I think they are just roommates? This was the third book in the series, so maybe reading the first two makes that clearer. I enjoyed the mystery, and would read other works by the author.
Content Warnings:
Cozy Murder
Complicated Mother Daughter relationship
Setting:
Fox Hollow, USA
Characters:
Shell McMillan
Clarissa McMillan
Gary
Josh
Patrick
Kenny
Taylor Tyson
Raymond Terriill
Noelle Byrd
Cozy Mystery
Goodreads:
🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟
Review:
This was a really cute cozy mystery. I liked that our heroine was a television star that returned to her small town to open up a pet shop. Really lovely characters, although I wasn't sure what Shell and Gary's situation was. I think they are just roommates? This was the third book in the series, so maybe reading the first two makes that clearer. I enjoyed the mystery, and would read other works by the author.
Content Warnings:
Cozy Murder
Complicated Mother Daughter relationship
July 2, 2023
"Desperate to find a director for their annual production, the Fox Hollow Players have a stroke of luck when Shell McMillan’s actress mother lands a prominent theater director for the job. He’s more gruff and demanding than the small-town cast and crew are used to, but his soft side for animals quickly endears him to pet shop owner Shell. Persuading her to let him use a shed on her property where he can work in peace, Shell is horrified when she finds his dead body there. And with obvious signs of foul play, she can’t help but investigate the murder."
This is a good murder mystery. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley. This in no way affects my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed.
This is a good murder mystery. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley. This in no way affects my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed.
July 15, 2023
The Fox Hollow Players need a director for their play. Shell McMillan’s actress, mother just happens to snag a famous director who is willing to do the job. Shell regrets letting him use her shed as his office when he is found dead. Soon she starts to learn more about him. He was a philanderer and possibly and blackmailer. She has her hands full trying to figure out who would want to murder him. One of his ex-girlfriends, one of the actors? Who? She is also caring for a fluffy kitty she found as a stray that she has name Princess Fluffypants.
This is a fun book. Easy-to-read and a nice escape.
Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this cozy and offer my honest opinion.
This is a fun book. Easy-to-read and a nice escape.
Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this cozy and offer my honest opinion.
August 30, 2023
A play director who puts Casanova to shame, scorned females, a pet shop, a cat named Princess Fuzzypants and murder are on the playbill for per shop owner Shell MacMillan. Now, if she can solve the play by opening night and keep the Princess happy, it will be a miracle!
What a great mystery! This is the first book in the series I have read and was able to catch up quickly. With all the twists and turns and red herrings, it kept me reading. Shell and her mother are entertaining characters and I also enjoyed the supporting characters.
I'm going back and read the first two books and can't wait for the next book!
I received an ARC from NetGalley and the opinions expressed in this review are my own.
What a great mystery! This is the first book in the series I have read and was able to catch up quickly. With all the twists and turns and red herrings, it kept me reading. Shell and her mother are entertaining characters and I also enjoyed the supporting characters.
I'm going back and read the first two books and can't wait for the next book!
I received an ARC from NetGalley and the opinions expressed in this review are my own.
June 4, 2023
This was a new to me author and I enjoyed this book. The book is not the first in the series, but I didn’t have any trouble understanding who the characters were and their relationships. I thought the mystery was quite good, and I liked how it was laid out in the book. Things I wish, that there was NO hint of a love triangle, that Gary was more active in the investigation he has interest in being a PI so it didn’t make a ton of sense that he was so in the back seat of the investigation, and lastly the MC was a little to suspicious for silly reasons. Oh yeah I thought it was kind of odd so many Hollywood people were involved in what seemed to be a very small town local production of a play.
June 1, 2023
This an interesting take on a cozy mystery. For being such a small town there seems to be quite a few semi famous people willing to visit for a local theater production. Most local theatre productions in small towns that I know of can barely get the locals to volunteer. That's what it usually is too, volunteering to be in the production and they are nothing like a film production. I should know. I have a Bachelors of Fine Arts in theatre production with Costume Production as my specialization.
That being said, the story was pretty good. I did bounce around in who I thought could be the killer. However, one of my top picks ended up being it.
That being said, the story was pretty good. I did bounce around in who I thought could be the killer. However, one of my top picks ended up being it.
June 17, 2023
A small town production turns deadly when the players have a history of romance and ill-will. This is one of the cozies that has the trope of who didn't want the victim dead? The cats are the best part, especially the addition of Princess Fuzzypants, the Maine Coon. The setting of Fox Hollow, CT is charming and Shell is an admirable protagonist. I read the book in two sittings. I delight in Ms. LoTempio's plot strategies. I look forward to more of her books.
My thanks to Beyond the Page Publishing and Netgalley for this ARC. My opinions are my own.
My thanks to Beyond the Page Publishing and Netgalley for this ARC. My opinions are my own.
August 26, 2023
I love Ms Lotempio's mysteries as much as I love her characters and her feline characters.
This is a good series and this is the best so far: twisty, fast paced and highly entertaining.
The characters are well rounded as usual and I was glad to catch up with the cats.
The cover is gorgeous
Can't wait to read the next story.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine
This is a good series and this is the best so far: twisty, fast paced and highly entertaining.
The characters are well rounded as usual and I was glad to catch up with the cats.
The cover is gorgeous
Can't wait to read the next story.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine
February 8, 2024
Shell gives this excuse that she and her mom don’t get along, but she always finds herself involved in her schemes. Now, she is up to her neck in the murder investigation of the director her mom invited to their town’s annual theater production. With the murder occurring on her property, Shell couldn’t get involved in the investigations, and when her boyfriend's cousin became entwined in it, there was no way Shell was going to stay away. It was intriguing, captivating, and engaging.
June 23, 2023
Oh my, what an interesting story. I love live theater and now I wonder if they all have so much drama. I think I would rather have the life Shell has now, especially since I love animals. This story line was great and the characters are wonderful. I have to agree with Shell and Gary – cats are smart and helpful. I received this book from NetGalley, but my opinion is my own.
December 19, 2023
Excellent mystery!
Kept me guessing right up to the suspect reveal! I never guessed this one! The storyline was fascinating and I enjoyed all the characters. Happy to see Princess Fuzzypants will join the feline characters, Purrday and Kahluah. I really enjoy this series and am definitely looking forward to book #4. Hope not too far in the future!!!!
Kept me guessing right up to the suspect reveal! I never guessed this one! The storyline was fascinating and I enjoyed all the characters. Happy to see Princess Fuzzypants will join the feline characters, Purrday and Kahluah. I really enjoy this series and am definitely looking forward to book #4. Hope not too far in the future!!!!
June 14, 2023
A great addition the series! I really like that she’s mostly level headed, her romantic partner appreciates her, and she can have a platonic relationship with a guy bestie she lives with and no one is in lover with the other.
November 16, 2023
A great read that will keep you on the edge on the seat guessing.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews