Chihuahua e complotti (Un Detective Con Le Vibrisse)

Pet Whisperer P.I. #6

by Molly Fitz, Barbara Parutto (translator)

My crazy old Nan loves making decisions on a whim. Last week, she took up flamenco dancing. This week, she’s adopted a trouble-making Chihuahua named Paisley. This wouldn’t be much of a problem, were it not for the very crabby tabby who also lives with us.

Man, I never thought I’d miss hearing Octo-Cat’s voice, but his silent protest is becoming too much to bear, especially since we just opened our new P.I. business together.

Things go from bad to worse, of course, when Nan and I discover that someone has been embezzling funds from the local animal shelter. If we can’t find the culprit soon, the shelter may not be able to keep its lights on and those poor homeless pets won’t have anywhere to go.

Okay, so I just need to find the thief, rescue the animals, and save the day—all while trying to find a way for Octo-Cat and Paisley to set aside their differences and work together as a team. Yeah, wish me luck…

★ WHY READERS LOVE PET WHISPERER P.I. ★

"Need a quick pick me up with an adorable talking cat who helps solve crimes? It’s here! Molly Fitz does not disappoint in this cute start to a brand new series. I’m already hooked and picking up the next book. Do yourself a favor and spend some time in Blueberry Bay. It’s so fun and cute you’ll wish you had a talking cat of your own." ~ New York Times Bestselling Author, Addison Moore

"Molly Fitz's debut novel, KITTY CONFIDENTIAL, is a fantastic start to a new series. Molly has not only provided a fun, fast-paced mystery, she's also brought great characters to life. I enjoyed spending time in her world, and I look forward to future books in the series!" ~ Misty Bane, Author of the Blackwood Bay Witches Cozy Mysteries

"KITTY CONFIDENTIAL is such a fun escape that leaves the reader completely satisfied but craving more. I couldn’t help but fall in love with Octo-Cat, and I look forward to Angie’s next curious adventure... A must-read for cozy lovers and mystery lovers alike!" ~ Poppy Bolton, Author of the Katie Chance Cozy Mysteries

"Molly Fitz hits her first cozy mystery out of the park. KITTY CONFIDENTIAL is a great read - fast and fun and is the promising first book in what should be a terrific series." ~ Ronnie Roberts, Author of The Complete Bootcamp for Fiction Writers

“Oh, my whiskers. This was. So. Much. Fun!!! I am a big fan of cozy mysteries, especially quirky ones with pets. And this one was a gooood one! I doted on Octo-Cat! I adored Angie! The book has a very light-hearted tone that I loved. I loveloveloved it!” ~ Nadine V

“Amazing cozy mystery! I would give it six stars if I could! I absolutely loved this book… and I loved the voice of Octo-Cat! I’m not sure I really want to know what cats think, but I am pretty sure they would say things like Octo-Cat!” ~ Candace

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Paranormal, Fiction, Cozy, Cats, Animals

212 pages, Paperback

First published August 29, 2019

About the author

Molly Fitz is the quirky, cozy mystery pen name of USA Today bestselling author, Melissa Storm. And while she can't technically talk to animals, she and her doggie best friend, Sky Princess, have deep and very animated conversations as they navigate their days. Add to that, five more dogs, a snarky feline, comedian husband, and diva daughter, and you can pretty much imagine how life looks in the Casa de Fitz.

Molly lives in a house on a high hill in the Michigan woods and occasionally ventures out for good food, great coffee, or to meet new animal friends.

Reviews

[Kristina Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chihuahua Conspiracy by Molly Fitz is the sixth Pet Whisperer PI novel. Angie Russo is surprised when she discovers that Nan has adopted a cute Chihuahua named Paisley. The little dog is eager to please and happy to have a forever home. Octo-Cat, though, is less than thrilled with their new housemate and is staging a protest. He has retreated to the master bedroom (ousting Angie from her bed) and refusing to talk. Angie decides to visit the local shelter and volunteer her services. After being told they have too many volunteers, Angie leaves a donation. She soon learns, though, that something is amiss at the animal shelter. When Angie learns that the shelter may close which will leave dozens of cats and dogs without shelter, Angie decides to nose around. Since Octo-Cat is refusing to help, Angie tags in Paisley who is happy to play the detective game with her and Nan. When not investigating the shelter, Angie is trying to reason with Octo-Cat. She needs to find a way for Octo-Cat to accept Paisley and restore harmony to their home. Wish Angie luck because she is going to need it. Chihuahua Conspiracy is a lighthearted and entertaining cozy mystery. It can be read on its own for those new to the series. Angie Russo has had no luck in getting clients for her new PI business with Octo-Cat despite the hundreds of flyers she has left around town. I like the authors conversational writing style which makes the story engaging and easy to read. It is always fun to visit Angie and Nan. Nan keeps things lively and Paisley is a delightful addition. Chihuahua Conspiracy is an amusing cozy mystery with a cute Chihuahua, evil embezzlers, an offended Octo-Cat, a problematic PI business, and the ever energetic Nan.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series! The books and audio are shorter length (20 chapters or so) which makes them quick reads that I can easily slip into snippets of free time (commutes to and from work, breaks, lunch, before bed etc). Plus Octo Cat's antics never fail to make me smile. This series makes for a great break from life stress and current world issues. In 2020, I caught up to the last book in this series and lost track of it amid the shuffle of work, a pandemic, my husband being forced to retire from his job, etc. Then I saw a newsletter email from Molly Fitz in my inbox a few days ago, and memories of Octo Cat and this fun, entertaining book series came flooding back into my tired brain.

I was excited to see that in my time away from this series six more books and one in-between story have been added! Yay!

I downloaded the audio book for Chihuahua Conspiracy immediately and had the best time listening! Narrated by Ann Richardson, the audio is just over three hours. I listened while cleaning the house and doing laundry. Great story!

The Basics: Octo Cat is unhappy when Nan adopts a cute little chihuahua named Paisley from the animal shelter. Turns out the local shelter is also overcrowded and it seems funds have been disappearing. Angie has a mystery to solve on the home front as well -- who keeps breaking things in the house? Embezzled funds, a pouting tabby and smashed china -- so much going on!

Cute, entertaining story! Richardson does an excellent job of voice acting. Fun listening experience! And a great reminder why I love this series -- it makes me smile and takes my mind off all the things going on at the moment. :)

On to the next book -- Raccoon Racketeer!

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good one.

[Monique · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's been a year since Octo-Cat came into Angie Russo's life, and she wants to celebrate the momentous occasion. But Angie hadn't counted on her Nan to bring an extra surprise: Paisley the Chihuahua. And Octavius is not pleased!

CHIHUAHUA CONSPIRACY feels more like the early books, but I felt it lacked a little oomph possibly because Octo-Cat made himself scarce. Paisley is fun though and Ms. Fitz captures, in my opinion, the very essence of a Chihuahua and dogs in general.

The mystery was "extremely cozy" as I had pretty much figured it out right from the start. On a positive note, there was much less Apple product placement in this installment. It was a nice little story that could have been just a little bit better. By the way, ambience IS a French word (ambiance).

I give 3.5 stars

[Kristen Lewendon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is probably my favorite book in the series so far. The Pet Whisperer P.I. family grows by yet one more animal, but I’m not surprised. Chihuahua, Paisley, was pretty irresistible. The mystery has lots of twists and turns, along with several clever red herrings. Solving it took just as much quick thinking as blind luck. (Which kind of felt like Angie’s modus operandi up to this point.) I’m very hooked on these characters now, and I can’t wait to see what else is in store for them.

[Nicole Posey · Rating 5 out of 5]

So adorable! I believe that this is the best one yet. I loved it.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Totally enjoyable. A crabby Tabby and a Chihuahua don’t always match. A nana that does strange things. Love it.

[Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love this series, however, I kind of felt that this book was kind of rushed. It's either that or I really want the books to be longer. :)

[Julie Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. It was fun and I liked the new addition to the family and Octo-cat's reaction to the new puppy. We had the same problem so it brought back a lot of memories, if only I could have solved the situation as easily, although maybe not I don't think I would have liked the raccoon in the house, as funny as it is in the book. There isn't really a great deal of suspect but as I read the series for the antics the animals get up to I didn't mind.
When Nan comes home with a new puppy Octo-cat throws a huge tantrum and refuses to leave his bedroom, breaking up the Pet whisper P.I team. Good thing the pair doesn't have any cases to solve or do they? While at the shelter Nan notices how run down the place is and Paisley (the new pup) wants all her friends from the shelter to come and live with them as three dogs to a cage is a tight fit. Despite knowing that it will hurt Octo-cats feelings, Angie and Nan return to the shelter to investigate. And Paisley is right the shelter is over crowded but will the little Chihuahua be able to help instead of Octo-cat? The dog is excitable, enthusiastic and loves everyone which isn't very helpful when you are looking for missing money and a bad guy. Angie maybe able to talk to all the animals but she still needs her grumpy feline. Will Octo-cat ever forgive her and except Paisley as part of the family?
I am off to start the next book in this fun series and can't wait to see what the author has in store for the characters.

[Andrea Stoeckel · Rating 5 out of 5]

“…money is its own motive, whether you have it or not.”

Welcome to the home of Angie Russo, one partner in the Pet Whisperer Detective Agency In Blueberry Bay Maine. Oh, and the other partner is Octavius Maxwell Ricardo Edmund Frederick Fulton Russo, Esq. P.I.... a cat. Yes, a cat with money and a mansion left towards his care by his late owner. And, Angie can talk to animals... which has lead her and Octo-Cat on numerous cases in the past year. Until Nan brings home Paisley, a shelter dog who thinks Octo is really about the coolest thing. Unlike the cat, who can’t abide dogs and pulls a pout-a-thon and the silent treatment on everybody until Angie and Nan need his help in setting up a “sting”.

Will Octo accept Paisley? Will he ever come out of Angie’s bedroom? And just who is breaking things a-la Octo if he’s upstairs...uh oh, there goes another teacup!

Molly Fitz’ series is laugh out loud one minute and serious the next. One spoiled funny feline plus whatever goes on in its humans’ world sparkles every time you read one. Paisley is a great addition to the crew....now, what’s next? Highly Recommended 5/5

[disclaimer: I received this book from the author and voluntarily reviewed it]

[Jessica Sloane · Rating 1 out of 5]

I hated this installment of the series. First off, Octo-Cat was barely in it. And second, I felt so bad for the poor cat. He was betrayed by both Nan and Angie when it came to the dog. Nan, for a) adopting the dog, and b) doing it on his special day. And Angie for being so callous about it. No, I don't think she should have shunned the dog, but she could have been far more sympathetic to Octo-Cat's feelings about the matter. In real life, a new pet, especially one of another species, can be traumatic to a cat. As it obviously was for Octo-Cat. Also, it was poor judgement for Nan to just adopt an animal without discussing it with her roommate first, family or otherwise. I am glad it worked out in the end, but I just felt so irritated by everyone's attitude.

And while I love Octo-Cat, I don't like how the author portrays cats in general. It makes me wonder if she's actually ever owned a cat or if she just follows the stigma that they are cold and critical. In her author picture she has a cat with her, so maybe she just doesn't have an affectionate cat and it's the only one she's ever encountered? Either way, I don't think she knows much about them overall.

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chihuahua Conspiracy (Pet Whisperer P.I. #6) by Molly Fitz tells the tale of the adorable Chihuahua rescue by Nan and moved in as another mansion resident. If you've been reading along in this terrific series, you KNOWN Octo-Cat will simply not allow a dog in the house.

He refuses to leave the tower bedroom and refuses to discuss it with Angie until the dog is banished! So Angie moves his food and water as well as his litter box into the bedroom and chooses another bedroom for herself. All the sweet little dog wants is to be friends with Octo-Cat. All Octo-Cat wants is to kill her!

The little dog mentions that all her friends back at the shelter are forced to live 3 to a cage. Naturally Angie and Nan are horrified and go to the shelter to find out why this is. They are told that the budget has been cut. Charles checks on that with the town and is told there has been no budget cut. The next big case is to figure out what's going on and who is responsible. Another adventure to solve the situation!

[Krystyna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Octo Cat gets a new sister - well sort of.

A good read. Perhaps not the best in the series as Octo really didn't play that much of a role in it. A plot based around the adoption of his new 'sister' which turns him into a hairball meltdown as his new sister is a dog. A dog from a shelter that seems to be having financial problems. Are the problems due to funding cuts or is there a more nefarious reason. All the clues point to a young woman but is it really the case? Will Octo come out of his funk long enough to make friends with the newest add and to put his planning skills to find out what is really happening.
The read was a good one but it just didn't measure up to the others in the series. Plus I know Octo can be a bit entitled and apt to wanting his own way but some of the actions just didn't seem to find his character.

[Lori R · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this new story in the Pet Whisperer P.I. series because it was different from the other books. Each book just gets better than the last one. I am not sure how Molly Fitz does that. I enjoyed the cute new chihuahua named Paisley that Angie's grandmother, Nan adopted, which of course made Octo-Cat very mad. The banter between Octo-Cat and Paisley was a lot of fun and it was interesting to see what lengths Octo-Cat would go to get rid of the new pet. The mystery was also intriguing and had a few twists and turns to it as well to keep you guessing how it would be solved. I also enjoyed the main character of Angie Russo in each book. I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.

[Lcr · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chihuahua Conspiracy is book six in the wonderful Pet Whisperer P.I. series. It can be read as a stand alone but I suggest that the books are read in order Angie and Octo-cat are back but things are not going well at home since Nan rescued Sweet, adorable Chihuahua Paisley from the animal shelter. Octo-cat is furious. When it looks as if there is something fishy going on at the shelter they need to work together to solve the mystery. This is another very good book in this fabulous series but somehow seemed shorter than the others. I love the characters, both human and animal, and cannot wait for the next book. I thoroughly recommend this book to all animal lovers and all cosy mystery fans, it is easy to read and very entertaining.

[Susan Shearer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chihuahua Conspiracy by Molly Fitz brings us a new character, Paisley. Now Paisley is a very naïve and sweet Chihuahua that puts the whole household in a turmoil. But you have to love little Paisley and his getting to know his new ‘brother’ Octo-Cat! Paisley came from a shelter that seems to be having problems money, but Angie finds out that they have enough to cover all the expenses and fix the place up. Where is the money going and who is taking it? Enter our newest P.I., grandma, Nan, Octo-Cat and Angie, plus Angie’s boyfriend, Charles. Can they solve the mystery of the missing money before the shelter has to close and all the animals are left homeless or worse? Will Octo-Cat and Paisley meet a compromise?

[Dotty · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 6 in the Pet Whisperer PI series. It can also be read as a stand alone book.  Angie wants to do something nice for the one year petiversary. Nan surprises everyone with Paisley the Chihuahua. Octo- cat does not like dogs and that's putting it mildly. Nan and Angie discover something is wrong  at the pound. They need to figure out what's going on but Oct-cat is in a mood and is of no help. Grab the book and find out. It was such an amusing read. I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255. 

[Nadine · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun read!

Meet Octo-Cat's new rival. If you’re already familiar with this series, you can imagine what Octo-Cat’s thoughts on the new dog are! Then you know how he gets when something doesn’t go his way!

I’ll try to capture my feelings and thoughts about this book:

C - Charming
H - Heart-warming
I - Incredible
H - Happy
U - Uplifting
A - Amazing
H - Harmonious (a joke as Octo-Cat DOES NOT LIKE THE DOG!)
U - Unconditionally (no, this is not for Octo-Cat, as he does have conditions! LOL)
A - Adorable

In other words: I loved the CHIHUAHUA!!!!! I loved this challenge for Octo-Cat. He’s so cute when he’s grumpy! A fun read!!!

[She Schenker · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s been one year since Angie and Octo-Cat had their first fateful meeting. Angie has a little celebration planned for their petaversary. All her plans go awry when Nan comes home having adopted a chihuahua named Paisley. A dog in the house is something the finicky feline just cannot tolerate. He shuts himself away in a room and refuses to speak to Angie. Matters are made worse when Angie and Nan discover that someone is embezzling from the animal shelter where Nan got Paisley. However are they going to catch the criminal and save the shelter without Octo-Cat’s help? It’s not going to be easy unless they somehow manage to get him to accept his new canine sister.

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

I ardour the way Ms.Fitz portrays Octo-Cat as well as the wrest of natures mild wild forest creatures in back of Angie's and Nan's estate home .All the caracters whether animal or human are so vibrantly crafted into a clever, intricate and humorous mystery of who done it. This time a new member is introduced as part of the family through an animal shelter that appears strapped for cash but appearances can be deceiving and Octo-Cat is ready to catch a thief. NOW aren't curious enough to purchase your own copy to find out what happens in" Chihuahua Conspiracy "😮🙄🤔😶😏Kat

[Sandy Bartles · Rating 5 out of 5]

While Angie and Octo-Cat are preparing to celebrate the first anniversary of their becoming family, Nan walks in the door with Paisley, a chihuahua she picked up from the pound. The first meeting between the two animals is hilarious and continues throughout the book. In the meantime, Nan and Angie discovers something is wrong at the pound. This book is so funny I couldn’t put it down. I fell so much in love with Paisley! I highly recommend this book and the rest of the series. The preview of the next book sounds fabulous!

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an entertaining, well-written book. Angie's Nan brings home a dog (Paisley) she just adopted from the shelter, shocking Octo-Cat into staging a silent protest. Angie is trying to get her P.I. business going, but when she discovers someone is stealing from the animal shelter and the animals are at risk of being homeless. Angie has her hands full trying to save the shelter, earn money and help Octo-Cat and Paisley learn to get along. I enjoyed this story and look forward to reading more books by this author.

[Ruby · Rating 1 out of 5]

One star

First off Paisley is absolutely annoying, I hated this book, I never thought I would give a book in the series one star, but this one had nothing to do with any of the original charm of the start of the series, it’s all about Paisley, and there’s only a few chapters That have to do with the relationship between her and the cat, the story was awful and the mystery was nonexistent, it wasn’t hard to guess who did it from the first chapters and the ending was a letdown, I hated every moment of it and I’m really sad that this series has not kept me interested

[Jeannie Leighton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am in love with this series. Angie Russo (the main human character) along with her partner, Octo-Cat, find adventure in their small town in coastal Maine. Every book in the series adds a new dimensional character, whether human or critter, and grows on you. In "Chihuahua Conspiracy", we meet Paisley, a pound pup whose personality is way bigger than her diminutive size and proves to be as lovable as she is polite. When the local animal shelter's funds go missing, Angie and her "team", including grandma Nan, come to the rescue.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series! A new member has been added to Octo-Cat's family and he doesn't like it at all. Come meet Paisley, a darling little chihuahua that Nan rescued from the Animal Shelter. You've got to read this book to see the trouble Octo-Cat causes and who is stealing money from the Animal Shelter. I received an ARC copy of this book and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Pat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yep, this one is cutier then the last one. Now a funny, adorable chihualua dog, Pasiley, joins the mystery solving team. She really is funny too. Of course, Octo-cat is more than his nasty self since he doesn't like dogs, especially one that will live in HIS house. I laughed many times in this story. Such a fun read. Can't wait for the next book. I received an ARC. This is my honest, voluntary opinion.

[Nati · Rating 4 out of 5]

When NaN comes home Fromm the animal shelter with tiny chihuahua Pasley Octo-Cat is so mad that he refuses to exit my bedroom. When Angie and Nan visit the animal shelter to help in any way they can they sense tent something is off and start to investigate what’s going on. Will they discover the truth about the shelter and the culprit? Will Octo-Cat warm to Pasley or will it be very difficult to live all together in their house? A charming story.

[Ying_ko · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun entry in the series

What happens when a pampered cat has to deal with a DOG being added to his household? It is enough to make a car pitch a hissy fit to beat the band. In addition, there is a new mystery to deal with and the question is, "Can the mystery be solved without the help of the feline master sleuth?" Can leave be restored to the house? A great entry in the series.

[Darla Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Angie Russo can talk to animals and after Nan adopts a chihuahua named Paisley, they learn that someone is embezzling from the local animal shelter. Can they get Octo-Cat to accept Paisley in time to solve the mystery before the wrong person goes to jail?

I really enjoyed this book. It was a quick read that entranced me from the beginning. I highly recommend both book and series which I suggest you read in order