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Cat Cafe Mystery #9
Claws Out
The ninth installment in a charming cozy mystery series set on an island off the New England coast and featuring the cat cafe owner Maddie and her cat JJ.
After a long, snowy winter on Daybreak Island, Maddie and her cat cafe crew are finally ready to embrace the spring, though life is anything but calm. With Val and Ethan's wedding taking center stage, Maddie finds herself juggling wedding plans alongside a new and unexpected venture—a generous donation has made her the co-owner of a traveling cat cafe truck. To kick off the new chapter, she seizes the chance to take the truck on its inaugural trip to a cat literary festival in Provincetown, accompanied by her family and some of the shelter crew.
The festival is organized by the renowned cat-romance author Jasmine Prescott, who also runs a beloved cat rescue foundation on Cape Cod. But when Jasmine's longtime friend and fellow author Vivi St. Clair arrives with a boatload full of drama—everything from a dangerous ex-husband to an unwanted Netflix crew—tensions run high. At first, it seems like just another dose of celebrity chaos—until Vivi is found murdered. As new evidence ties Maddie and her cat cafe into the investigation, Maddie must dig deeper into the tangled web of secrets, rivalries, and feline-friendly drama to uncover the truth. The question what’s the connection between the cat cafe and Vivi’s untimely death?
After a long, snowy winter on Daybreak Island, Maddie and her cat cafe crew are finally ready to embrace the spring, though life is anything but calm. With Val and Ethan's wedding taking center stage, Maddie finds herself juggling wedding plans alongside a new and unexpected venture—a generous donation has made her the co-owner of a traveling cat cafe truck. To kick off the new chapter, she seizes the chance to take the truck on its inaugural trip to a cat literary festival in Provincetown, accompanied by her family and some of the shelter crew.
The festival is organized by the renowned cat-romance author Jasmine Prescott, who also runs a beloved cat rescue foundation on Cape Cod. But when Jasmine's longtime friend and fellow author Vivi St. Clair arrives with a boatload full of drama—everything from a dangerous ex-husband to an unwanted Netflix crew—tensions run high. At first, it seems like just another dose of celebrity chaos—until Vivi is found murdered. As new evidence ties Maddie and her cat cafe into the investigation, Maddie must dig deeper into the tangled web of secrets, rivalries, and feline-friendly drama to uncover the truth. The question what’s the connection between the cat cafe and Vivi’s untimely death?
- GenresMysteryCozy MysteryCozy
304 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published August 26, 2025
20 people are currently reading
135 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
August 1, 2025
A charming addition to the Cat Cafe series set on Daybreak Island, MASS. A generous benefactor donates a food truck to protagonist, Maddie, for her popular cat cafe. Maddie and her crew members, plus J.J.—the king of the cafe—try it out at a cat literary festival being held nearby. Cats and Books! Awesome!
However, when a popular cat-romance author is permanently silenced; Maddie, J.J., the Cat Cafe crew, and Maddie’s family are pulled into a messy web of secrets and betrayals that must be untangled to expose a murderer.
The story moves quickly with a tight plot. The suspects keep the murder mystery drama unfolding at a steady pace. This story features a great group of main characters who stick up for each other. The plot is steadily entertaining. I highly recommend this story and series to readers!
I honestly reviewed a digital arc provided by NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press. All opinions are my own.
However, when a popular cat-romance author is permanently silenced; Maddie, J.J., the Cat Cafe crew, and Maddie’s family are pulled into a messy web of secrets and betrayals that must be untangled to expose a murderer.
The story moves quickly with a tight plot. The suspects keep the murder mystery drama unfolding at a steady pace. This story features a great group of main characters who stick up for each other. The plot is steadily entertaining. I highly recommend this story and series to readers!
I honestly reviewed a digital arc provided by NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press. All opinions are my own.
August 27, 2025
"Claws Out (A Cat Cafe Mystery #9)" by Cate Conte has Maddie and crew head to a cat rescue and cat literature festival in a neighboring town in their brand new (well new to them) mobile cat cafe. While there Maddie befriends a cat-romance (romance books with a cat sidekick) author who is set on making Maddie's romance story part of her next book. Unfortunately where Maddie goes death goes, it seems.
Maddie gets pulled into investigating the author's death along side her PI grandfather, since it for sure required their help. I was being sarcastic. It really didn't. They only got a personal tie to it when the story was almost to the reveal.
This one involves potential mob hits, cats and a literary festival. Plus a few food truck mentions. So lots of themes going on that somehow manage to work into a decent cozy mystery outside the usual setting for this series.
Maddie gets pulled into investigating the author's death along side her PI grandfather, since it for sure required their help. I was being sarcastic. It really didn't. They only got a personal tie to it when the story was almost to the reveal.
This one involves potential mob hits, cats and a literary festival. Plus a few food truck mentions. So lots of themes going on that somehow manage to work into a decent cozy mystery outside the usual setting for this series.
August 11, 2025
This is a long-running series I really enjoy. This one was very much a mixed bag for me. Though this series is cat themed, the cats more and more are just a backdrop and not much part of the stories. I thought this one maybe different as the group acquires a food truck/cat adoption vehicle and actually ventures off the Island for an event put on by romance authors who include cats in their stories and set up ways to raise funds for cat shelters and support adoption in Provincetown, Massachusetts. Love the location and that all our favorite people are going along for the ride. I have two problems with this adventure through one is a serious pet peeve, and that is business owners who actually spend no time contributing to their businesses. Unfortunately, Maddie is terrible here. If she spent two hours this whole three day weekend involved with the business and animals, it's a miracle. She dumps everything on employees, friends, and family and never looks back. The second thing is that this mystery is so involved and convoluted that you seriously have to suspend and believe that these events could occur like this. The connections and coincidences are just not believable. So, while I enjoyed JJ, Grandpa, and Harry, and an especially hysterical moment with them, the food trucks and vague talk of animal support, and the location this was not my favorite book in the series. Thanks to #Netgally, #StMartinsPress, and the author for an opportunity to read. #ClawsOut #ACatCafeMysyery #CateConte #bookreview #bookideas #retiredreader
July 20, 2025
Maddie James takes her cat café on the road with a newly acquired food truck. Her first event with the traveling cat café takes her off Daybreak Island to a cat-themed literary festival in Provincetown. This could be a great opportunity for Maddie to team up with other car rescues. Despite some drama surrounding cat-romance author Vivi St. Clair, the festival kicks off to a good start for Maddie and her crew. Things change on the second morning of the festival when Vivi St. Clair is found stabbed to death on a nearby pier. Vivi’s ex-husband, who just happens to be a former mob boss, was seen hanging around the festival, and immediately shoots to the top of the suspect list. After finding the murder weapon hidden in her food truck, Maddie gets drawn into the investigation. The ex-husband might be the perfect suspect, but Maddie doesn’t think he killed Vivi. Pursuing other suspects takes Maddie away from the festival and puts her into the direct path of a killer.
Aside from not enough of JJ the cat, CLAWS OUT was a fun addition to the Cat Cafe Mystery series. It was nice to finally travel off Daybreak Island. Provincetown provided a new but nearby location, and the traveling cat café/food truck made for a great excuse to travel away from Daybreak Island but keep the cat café involved in the story. Maddie’s amateur investigation did take her away from her duties at the cat café but did keep her around the festival. The mystery of what’s going on between Val and Ethan leading up to their wedding as well as the disappearance of cate café volunteer Harry added some extra drama. CLAWS OUT isn’t my favorite of the series, but I did enjoy it. I hope to see more adventures involving the cat café/food truck in the future.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
Aside from not enough of JJ the cat, CLAWS OUT was a fun addition to the Cat Cafe Mystery series. It was nice to finally travel off Daybreak Island. Provincetown provided a new but nearby location, and the traveling cat café/food truck made for a great excuse to travel away from Daybreak Island but keep the cat café involved in the story. Maddie’s amateur investigation did take her away from her duties at the cat café but did keep her around the festival. The mystery of what’s going on between Val and Ethan leading up to their wedding as well as the disappearance of cate café volunteer Harry added some extra drama. CLAWS OUT isn’t my favorite of the series, but I did enjoy it. I hope to see more adventures involving the cat café/food truck in the future.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
July 23, 2025
#ClawsOut #NetGalley is a fantastic, suspenseful addition to this series.
Maddie and JJ are about to embark on an exciting adventure, attending the Cat Lit Festival in Provincetown, a quirky, fun town on Cape Cod.
When her cat rescue's manager and her significant other pull up in a food truck, Maddie isn't sure, but once her family agrees that it could be a great addition to the cat cafe, she's all in.
A mobile cat cafe is a perfect opportunity to find homes for rescue kittens, and Maddy is excited to possibly collaborate with other facilities.
The event is sponsored by a cat romance author Jasmine Prescott, who runs her own rescue foundation, and everyone has high hopes for the event.
Jasmine's best friend and fellow author Vivi arrives on the scene, and she brings plenty of unwanted drama with her.
It seems there are a lot of people who may have issues with Vivi, including her mob related ex husband, a possible stalker, and others.
What Maddy thought would be a fun weekend of showing off her rescue cats turns into a murder investigation that has plenty of suspects, but not enough evidence.
This is a whirlwind story that kept me reading until the very end.
I'm excited to see what's in store for Maddy, JJ, and the rescue crew next.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.
Maddie and JJ are about to embark on an exciting adventure, attending the Cat Lit Festival in Provincetown, a quirky, fun town on Cape Cod.
When her cat rescue's manager and her significant other pull up in a food truck, Maddie isn't sure, but once her family agrees that it could be a great addition to the cat cafe, she's all in.
A mobile cat cafe is a perfect opportunity to find homes for rescue kittens, and Maddy is excited to possibly collaborate with other facilities.
The event is sponsored by a cat romance author Jasmine Prescott, who runs her own rescue foundation, and everyone has high hopes for the event.
Jasmine's best friend and fellow author Vivi arrives on the scene, and she brings plenty of unwanted drama with her.
It seems there are a lot of people who may have issues with Vivi, including her mob related ex husband, a possible stalker, and others.
What Maddy thought would be a fun weekend of showing off her rescue cats turns into a murder investigation that has plenty of suspects, but not enough evidence.
This is a whirlwind story that kept me reading until the very end.
I'm excited to see what's in store for Maddy, JJ, and the rescue crew next.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.
August 2, 2025
Maddie and her Cat Cafe Crew are trying a new venture of a Cat Cafe Truck at a Book Festival in Providencetown. The books at the festival feature cats. Two well-known authors are headlining the festival and have a foundation to help cats. When one of the authors wants to use Maddie and Lucas's love story for her next novel. They chat at dinner and the next day the author is found dead. Maddie of course has to help investigate.
At first I thought I knew the killer was but then the story twisted and I had no idea who the killer was. I did enjoy following the clues with Maddie. I'm excited to see what happens next in this series.
At first I thought I knew the killer was but then the story twisted and I had no idea who the killer was. I did enjoy following the clues with Maddie. I'm excited to see what happens next in this series.
July 27, 2025
This cozy mystery is the eleventh book in the Cat Cafe series. Maddie and her Cat Cafe crew were gifted with a mobile cat cafe and take it on its first outing to a literary festival in nearby Provincetown.
Noted cat-romance author Jasmine Prescott is the host of the fund raiser for the cat shelters she sponsors. And special guest Vivi St. Clair is also making an appearance. Not being a reader of that genre herself, Maddie depends on her young sister Sam to know who's who and to do all the fan-girling.
Also along on the trip are Maddie's sister Val and her fiancé Ethan who are bickering and showing stress with their wedding coming up soon.
As Maddie deals with tension between Val and Ethan, she also finds herself involved in a murder investigation when Vivi is found stabbed to death on the pier. Vivi had all sorts of drama surrounding her including a mobster ex-husband, a stalker, and an intrusive Netflix film crew.
But Maddie isn't alone in her quest for answers, she has her grandfather who's a police chief turned private investigator and Harry who is also a retired police officer. Only Harry goes missing which adds even more stress to the investigation.
This was another fun episode in this long-running series. Most of the series regulars appear with roles of varying importance in this episode. Fans of the series will enjoy this latest edition.
Noted cat-romance author Jasmine Prescott is the host of the fund raiser for the cat shelters she sponsors. And special guest Vivi St. Clair is also making an appearance. Not being a reader of that genre herself, Maddie depends on her young sister Sam to know who's who and to do all the fan-girling.
Also along on the trip are Maddie's sister Val and her fiancé Ethan who are bickering and showing stress with their wedding coming up soon.
As Maddie deals with tension between Val and Ethan, she also finds herself involved in a murder investigation when Vivi is found stabbed to death on the pier. Vivi had all sorts of drama surrounding her including a mobster ex-husband, a stalker, and an intrusive Netflix film crew.
But Maddie isn't alone in her quest for answers, she has her grandfather who's a police chief turned private investigator and Harry who is also a retired police officer. Only Harry goes missing which adds even more stress to the investigation.
This was another fun episode in this long-running series. Most of the series regulars appear with roles of varying importance in this episode. Fans of the series will enjoy this latest edition.
September 25, 2025
I enjoyed this one much more than the last in the series, which I felt wasn’t a good representation of the series. This one has the series back on track, with Maddie and her cats taking center stage, this time out of town at a festival. I loved the addition of the mobile cat café and enjoyed following along as they tried to figure out who killed the famous author. The mystery was well-paced, and the suspects were plentiful, adding in the possibility of one of their own being the murderer because of his past was intriguing. Looking forward to more in the series.
I received a copy from #NetGalley for an honest review.
I received a copy from #NetGalley for an honest review.
November 24, 2025
*I received a free copy of this novel from NetGalley, St. Martin's Press and St. Martin's Paperback for my honest review.*
Maddie and her team are heading off island with the new cat cafe truck to a cat and literature festival in Provincetown. Hoping to join forces with a writer who is passionate about cat rescue, the weekend starts off well for the group. And then a body is found.
This was my first novel in the series and what a group of characters! Maddie's grandpa Leo is a retired law enforcement officer who is now in the PI business and Harry is also a retired LEO and both are involved with the investigation. There were other characters that must have played prominent parts in previous books in the series. It was not hard to keep up with the number of characters - definitely works as a stand alone in the series.
I enjoyed the pace of the action and the characters. I will absolutely be reading more of this series and this author.
Maddie and her team are heading off island with the new cat cafe truck to a cat and literature festival in Provincetown. Hoping to join forces with a writer who is passionate about cat rescue, the weekend starts off well for the group. And then a body is found.
This was my first novel in the series and what a group of characters! Maddie's grandpa Leo is a retired law enforcement officer who is now in the PI business and Harry is also a retired LEO and both are involved with the investigation. There were other characters that must have played prominent parts in previous books in the series. It was not hard to keep up with the number of characters - definitely works as a stand alone in the series.
I enjoyed the pace of the action and the characters. I will absolutely be reading more of this series and this author.
August 20, 2025
4.25⭐
Another great addition to the cat cafe series. After a generous donation of a food truck and some refitting, the cat cafe now has a mobile component to it's services. Testing it's viability, they are entered as a vendor at an upcoming cat/book festival in Provincetown.Lots of threads in the story that manage to pull together for a satisfying conclusion. It may be heavier on the mystery part than the cats than in previous books, but the story warranted it. All your favorite characters are still there, even though they are away from Daybreak Island. Tons of fun! Thanks to netgalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
Another great addition to the cat cafe series. After a generous donation of a food truck and some refitting, the cat cafe now has a mobile component to it's services. Testing it's viability, they are entered as a vendor at an upcoming cat/book festival in Provincetown.Lots of threads in the story that manage to pull together for a satisfying conclusion. It may be heavier on the mystery part than the cats than in previous books, but the story warranted it. All your favorite characters are still there, even though they are away from Daybreak Island. Tons of fun! Thanks to netgalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
September 27, 2025
https://openbooksociety.com/article/c...
Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Jeanie
Maddie James and her family and friends received a most unexpected expansion to their business, JJ’s House of Purrs, a cat café on Daybreak Island in the Cape Cod area. Grandpa Leo owns the home where he and several family members live and the cat café is located. Harry, a retired cop, is a friend of Leo, a retired chief of police. Harry and Adele, the manager of the café, are a couple, and he also volunteers regularly there. One day Harry arrived at the cat café with a huge food truck. Harry happily donated it to the cat café to be used as their cat café on wheels. He has the plan and people in place to remodel it to accommodate cats for adoption and a mini café.
The perfect maiden voyage would be the Provincetown Cat Lit Festival. Maddie had long wanted to attend it “someday”. It was a week away, and they would be ready. The festival included authors of favorite cat-focused novels, blogs, and podcasts as well as a huge cat rescue network.
Jasmine, author of romance novels with cats in central roles, is the primary organizer. Her best friend, Vivi, is also integral to the festival. Both ladies are best-selling authors, well-known by both romance readers and fans of cat rescues. Jasmine is the heart of the Prescott Companion Cats Foundation. Their new shelter would soon be under construction, as well as a building refurbishment for another, smaller shelter. They network with several cat rescues, each helping the other. Maddie hopes to partner JJ’s House of Purrs with the Foundation.
Val, Maddie’s sister, will soon marry Ethan, Maddie’s friend and business partner. The couple’s tension grows daily, and both are attending the festival, with Ethan offering his signature café specialties. Adele and Harry will work with and show the cats. Maddie’s other sister, Sam, is eager to meet the authors, of whom she is a total fangirl. Maddie’s boyfriend, Lucas, and her parents are attending.
Lucas and Maddie were walking outdoors the first night and overheard part of a shrill argument. It was Vivi, with a creepy guy Maddie had met in the hotel lobby earlier. It was clear the two knew each other in the past, and it was also clear that Mickey had a bone to pick with Vivi.
Vivi won first place for the book of the year, and most were thrilled for her. She and her friends celebrated late into the night. Early the next morning, Vivi was found murdered at the pier.
Maddie wants to catch the killer, as she has done in the past. She looked into a few things she heard before and after Vivi’s death. She met a couple who claimed Vivi owed them for “stealing” their romance for her novel. She had a bestseller, but they didn’t get even a mention. They also met a man who adored Vivi and had helped research for previous novels. Vivi’s “friend” Mickey was actually her ex-husband. Then, the past she thought was buried was in demand by Netflix, filming her secretly at the festival.
Each of the characters are seen through their conversations and behaviors. The regulars were true to what we’ve seen in the past except – they kept disappearing! Maddie was not her usual, responsible, self, being more consumed with the murder than her cat café. Leo was helping the local police with the investigation. The uber-responsible Ethan ran the café until he disappeared. Harry, excited about the cat café, could not be found. I missed JJ, who was not actively involved, except when carried by or walking with Maddie. Adele, Sam, and Maddie’s parents covered as best they could. Sam, however, may have found a career path that interests her.
This fast-paced, intriguing mystery was top notch. There were several plausible suspects. . . until eliminated one by one. The resolution, however, was completely satisfying. I highly recommend this to those who enjoy well-written “cat lit” cozy mysteries.
Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Jeanie
Maddie James and her family and friends received a most unexpected expansion to their business, JJ’s House of Purrs, a cat café on Daybreak Island in the Cape Cod area. Grandpa Leo owns the home where he and several family members live and the cat café is located. Harry, a retired cop, is a friend of Leo, a retired chief of police. Harry and Adele, the manager of the café, are a couple, and he also volunteers regularly there. One day Harry arrived at the cat café with a huge food truck. Harry happily donated it to the cat café to be used as their cat café on wheels. He has the plan and people in place to remodel it to accommodate cats for adoption and a mini café.
The perfect maiden voyage would be the Provincetown Cat Lit Festival. Maddie had long wanted to attend it “someday”. It was a week away, and they would be ready. The festival included authors of favorite cat-focused novels, blogs, and podcasts as well as a huge cat rescue network.
Jasmine, author of romance novels with cats in central roles, is the primary organizer. Her best friend, Vivi, is also integral to the festival. Both ladies are best-selling authors, well-known by both romance readers and fans of cat rescues. Jasmine is the heart of the Prescott Companion Cats Foundation. Their new shelter would soon be under construction, as well as a building refurbishment for another, smaller shelter. They network with several cat rescues, each helping the other. Maddie hopes to partner JJ’s House of Purrs with the Foundation.
Val, Maddie’s sister, will soon marry Ethan, Maddie’s friend and business partner. The couple’s tension grows daily, and both are attending the festival, with Ethan offering his signature café specialties. Adele and Harry will work with and show the cats. Maddie’s other sister, Sam, is eager to meet the authors, of whom she is a total fangirl. Maddie’s boyfriend, Lucas, and her parents are attending.
Lucas and Maddie were walking outdoors the first night and overheard part of a shrill argument. It was Vivi, with a creepy guy Maddie had met in the hotel lobby earlier. It was clear the two knew each other in the past, and it was also clear that Mickey had a bone to pick with Vivi.
Vivi won first place for the book of the year, and most were thrilled for her. She and her friends celebrated late into the night. Early the next morning, Vivi was found murdered at the pier.
Maddie wants to catch the killer, as she has done in the past. She looked into a few things she heard before and after Vivi’s death. She met a couple who claimed Vivi owed them for “stealing” their romance for her novel. She had a bestseller, but they didn’t get even a mention. They also met a man who adored Vivi and had helped research for previous novels. Vivi’s “friend” Mickey was actually her ex-husband. Then, the past she thought was buried was in demand by Netflix, filming her secretly at the festival.
Each of the characters are seen through their conversations and behaviors. The regulars were true to what we’ve seen in the past except – they kept disappearing! Maddie was not her usual, responsible, self, being more consumed with the murder than her cat café. Leo was helping the local police with the investigation. The uber-responsible Ethan ran the café until he disappeared. Harry, excited about the cat café, could not be found. I missed JJ, who was not actively involved, except when carried by or walking with Maddie. Adele, Sam, and Maddie’s parents covered as best they could. Sam, however, may have found a career path that interests her.
This fast-paced, intriguing mystery was top notch. There were several plausible suspects. . . until eliminated one by one. The resolution, however, was completely satisfying. I highly recommend this to those who enjoy well-written “cat lit” cozy mysteries.
June 11, 2025
What begins as a promising business opportunity quickly goes sour. In Provincetown with the cat cafe's brand new cafe cat truck, Maddie and her family and much of the cafe's crew are expecting a fun time of cats, good food, and books. They're there for a literary cat festival with several authors known for featuring cats in their books. Maddie is pleasantly surprised to discover that not only does organizer/author Jasmine Prescott know about her cafe's rescue reputation but so does the well-known featured author Vivi St. Clair. Things have barely gotten started, however, when there is a murder. Vivi is murdered after a fun gathering. Maddie, being Maddie, instantly converts to sleuth mode.
I won't detail the plot but will say that it involves egos, secrets past and present, greed, conspiracy theories, shady dealings, publication woes, and, well, more, much more. Let's just say, Vivi wasn't who she presented herself as being. While the mystery was interesting, especially the behind-the-scenes look at publishing deals, I found myself more annoyed with Maddie than intrigued by her investigation. Much of this reaction is, of course, purely on me, but her impulsive actions lead her to more or less just leave her family and crew in the lurch. While she did more-or-less stay in contact with her retired cop grandfather, she simply didn't show up for her stints in the truck, leaving others to cover not just their own stints but her segments. Let's just say I'm more impressed with amateur sleuths who don't forget they have a real job, too, and sleuth around the demands of the job rather than just ignoring them and leaving others to cover. There was also a great deal of coincidences, being in the right place to overhear or see things, that sort of thing, more than one might expect in real life. I also didn't like her decision that since FBI agent Todd didn't share his information with her, never mind official rules, she didn't have to tell him everything, either. That's ego speaking, not real sleuthing. On the plus side, I did like her genuine concern for the cats in her charge, making efforts to set up a system where the cats not only couldn't slip out past visitors but could find space to, well, simply chill out in private if wanted. She also periodically voiced concerns over the troubles she sensed Val and Ethan, who are to be married soon, seemed to be having, albeit, okay, that aspect was usually glossed over.
Bottom line, this one didn't quite make it for me but was well-written and had an interesting mystery to solve. I normally enjoy the series so, as noted earlier, it may just be me. If you like cats and have ever wondered what it might be like to travel with multiple cats and oversee their care at a major cat-lovers style festival, this may hit the spot for you. 3.5 rounded to 4 stars. Thanks #StMartinsPress for the early look. Needless to say, I will be back for the next installment and probably be as into it as usual.
I won't detail the plot but will say that it involves egos, secrets past and present, greed, conspiracy theories, shady dealings, publication woes, and, well, more, much more. Let's just say, Vivi wasn't who she presented herself as being. While the mystery was interesting, especially the behind-the-scenes look at publishing deals, I found myself more annoyed with Maddie than intrigued by her investigation. Much of this reaction is, of course, purely on me, but her impulsive actions lead her to more or less just leave her family and crew in the lurch. While she did more-or-less stay in contact with her retired cop grandfather, she simply didn't show up for her stints in the truck, leaving others to cover not just their own stints but her segments. Let's just say I'm more impressed with amateur sleuths who don't forget they have a real job, too, and sleuth around the demands of the job rather than just ignoring them and leaving others to cover. There was also a great deal of coincidences, being in the right place to overhear or see things, that sort of thing, more than one might expect in real life. I also didn't like her decision that since FBI agent Todd didn't share his information with her, never mind official rules, she didn't have to tell him everything, either. That's ego speaking, not real sleuthing. On the plus side, I did like her genuine concern for the cats in her charge, making efforts to set up a system where the cats not only couldn't slip out past visitors but could find space to, well, simply chill out in private if wanted. She also periodically voiced concerns over the troubles she sensed Val and Ethan, who are to be married soon, seemed to be having, albeit, okay, that aspect was usually glossed over.
Bottom line, this one didn't quite make it for me but was well-written and had an interesting mystery to solve. I normally enjoy the series so, as noted earlier, it may just be me. If you like cats and have ever wondered what it might be like to travel with multiple cats and oversee their care at a major cat-lovers style festival, this may hit the spot for you. 3.5 rounded to 4 stars. Thanks #StMartinsPress for the early look. Needless to say, I will be back for the next installment and probably be as into it as usual.
July 29, 2025
Spring has come to Daybreak Island and with it has come... a dilapidated food truck? In a scene reminiscent of one of my favorite episodes of Saved by the Bell the clunker is turned into a festival-ready, state of the art food truck complete with everything they need to draw in every coffee drinker in Provincetown. Things are going great until one of the headliners is found murdered on the town pier. Will Maddie find the killer? For that matter, will Maddie find Harry, who has mysteriously gone missing?
I normally love mysteries where the main characters travel but this one was kind of missing something. Maybe it was because it wasn't a vacation but a working trip. There were a lot of things that didn't necessarily make sense to me. How did they get ALL the cats into a food truck? And why did they do that given that they weren't expecting to take any adoption applications? Why didn't they leave some of the family/workers at home with the cat cafe where they could have adopted out the cats and kept their main business open?
I like the characters in this series quite a bit, although I think Val is kind of a B and Luke is about as exciting as a salt-free saltine cracker soaked in milk. I really like Harry, but he was only in this book for a bit before he disappeared. Grandpa is probably my favorite character and he really shines in this book. The drag thing was really cute and I love that they drew some of the other drag participants into the story. I really hope we see George again because he seems adorable.
This book didn't really pull me in, but I have read this series completely out of order. I read book 7 first, then book 1, and now book 9. I usually read a series in order and this has probably made it harder for me to enjoy the books because I don't know the backstories and I haven't followed their journey. I did enjoy the book, probably as much as I could without having read the other books, but I'll not read any more until I've gotten caught up.
Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.
I normally love mysteries where the main characters travel but this one was kind of missing something. Maybe it was because it wasn't a vacation but a working trip. There were a lot of things that didn't necessarily make sense to me. How did they get ALL the cats into a food truck? And why did they do that given that they weren't expecting to take any adoption applications? Why didn't they leave some of the family/workers at home with the cat cafe where they could have adopted out the cats and kept their main business open?
I like the characters in this series quite a bit, although I think Val is kind of a B and Luke is about as exciting as a salt-free saltine cracker soaked in milk. I really like Harry, but he was only in this book for a bit before he disappeared. Grandpa is probably my favorite character and he really shines in this book. The drag thing was really cute and I love that they drew some of the other drag participants into the story. I really hope we see George again because he seems adorable.
This book didn't really pull me in, but I have read this series completely out of order. I read book 7 first, then book 1, and now book 9. I usually read a series in order and this has probably made it harder for me to enjoy the books because I don't know the backstories and I haven't followed their journey. I did enjoy the book, probably as much as I could without having read the other books, but I'll not read any more until I've gotten caught up.
Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.
October 15, 2025
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Claws Out by Cate Conte has JJ's Cat Cafe hitting the road in their food truck to Provincetown, Massachusetts.
Who would kill Vivi St. Clair?
Maddie
Maddie, at first, wasn't too sure about turning the cat cafe into a mobile form for her first time attending a literary cat festival, but she liked the idea enough. She and the rest of the cat cafe crew went to the festival and had a fun time. Well, except for Val and Ethan. Maddie is still a great main character, and I love how she figures out the crimes. She was having a hard time with this one, as it was quite a doozy. Even I was having a hard time keeping up with it. Maddie handles everything well, and it's nice to see some friendly faces again.
The Mystery
Maddie and the cat cafe crew made it to the festival in one piece, and everything was going great until it wasn't. Vivi St. Clair was found deceased, and Maddie starts to find out that not everything is what it seems with the cat romance author. She and her grandpa start investigating and end up uncovering a bunch of drama involving Vivi. I had a feeling about the person who did it, but I kept myself away from that person until it was uncovered.
Four Stars
Claws Out by Cate Conte was an excellent read as it kept me entertained throughout the whole mystery. My rating for Claws Out by Cate Conte is four stars, and I do recommend it. Ms. Conte is a great author who always makes me think about her mysteries.
Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of Claws Out by Cate Conte.
Until the next time,
Happy Reading!This review was originally posted on Baroness' Book Trove
Claws Out by Cate Conte has JJ's Cat Cafe hitting the road in their food truck to Provincetown, Massachusetts.
Who would kill Vivi St. Clair?
Maddie
Maddie, at first, wasn't too sure about turning the cat cafe into a mobile form for her first time attending a literary cat festival, but she liked the idea enough. She and the rest of the cat cafe crew went to the festival and had a fun time. Well, except for Val and Ethan. Maddie is still a great main character, and I love how she figures out the crimes. She was having a hard time with this one, as it was quite a doozy. Even I was having a hard time keeping up with it. Maddie handles everything well, and it's nice to see some friendly faces again.
The Mystery
Maddie and the cat cafe crew made it to the festival in one piece, and everything was going great until it wasn't. Vivi St. Clair was found deceased, and Maddie starts to find out that not everything is what it seems with the cat romance author. She and her grandpa start investigating and end up uncovering a bunch of drama involving Vivi. I had a feeling about the person who did it, but I kept myself away from that person until it was uncovered.
Four Stars
Claws Out by Cate Conte was an excellent read as it kept me entertained throughout the whole mystery. My rating for Claws Out by Cate Conte is four stars, and I do recommend it. Ms. Conte is a great author who always makes me think about her mysteries.
Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of Claws Out by Cate Conte.
Until the next time,
Happy Reading!This review was originally posted on Baroness' Book Trove
July 27, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's for the opportunity to read another installment in Cate Conte's cat cafe cozy mystery series. As a cat lover and author of cat rescue mysteries, I'm always willing to make the time.
In this book, Maddie and company get off Daybreak Island to attend a cat literary festival in Provincetown. One of her employees has outfitted a food truck, which they turn into a mobile cat cafe. The festival is organized by the renowned cat-romance author Jasmine Prescott, who runs a cat rescue foundation on Cape Cod, and the proceeds from the festival are meant to benefit the cats.
The festival's headliner is bestselling author Vivi St. Clair, Jasmine's long-time friend and a major donor to the foundation. Both Jasmine and Vivi are excited to meet Maddie. Jasmine wants her to become a partner in the foundation, and Vivi wants to write her next novel about Maddie's romance with Lucas.
As is typical with this series, the murder doesn't occur until almost midway through the book, so many of the clues are presented before the reader needs to be looking for them.
When Vivi is found dead, there are numerous suspects and possible reasons someone might want to harm her. It is revealed that she was once married to a mobster, who shows up in town for the festival. Several other characters knew Vivi during her mob days. There are rumors about accounting irregularities with the foundation's donations. Additionally, she has a stalker, an angry fan who believes Vivi stole her life story for her last book, and a publisher who feels betrayed because Vivi is taking her next book to another house.
Of course, Maddie and Grandpa get involved and ultimately put all the pieces together.
We saw a lot of JJ early in the story--so well behaved for a cat--but he sort of disappears in the last quarter of the book. I assumed he must be fine and out of harm's way.
This was an enjoyable mystery with a satisfying ending.
In this book, Maddie and company get off Daybreak Island to attend a cat literary festival in Provincetown. One of her employees has outfitted a food truck, which they turn into a mobile cat cafe. The festival is organized by the renowned cat-romance author Jasmine Prescott, who runs a cat rescue foundation on Cape Cod, and the proceeds from the festival are meant to benefit the cats.
The festival's headliner is bestselling author Vivi St. Clair, Jasmine's long-time friend and a major donor to the foundation. Both Jasmine and Vivi are excited to meet Maddie. Jasmine wants her to become a partner in the foundation, and Vivi wants to write her next novel about Maddie's romance with Lucas.
As is typical with this series, the murder doesn't occur until almost midway through the book, so many of the clues are presented before the reader needs to be looking for them.
When Vivi is found dead, there are numerous suspects and possible reasons someone might want to harm her. It is revealed that she was once married to a mobster, who shows up in town for the festival. Several other characters knew Vivi during her mob days. There are rumors about accounting irregularities with the foundation's donations. Additionally, she has a stalker, an angry fan who believes Vivi stole her life story for her last book, and a publisher who feels betrayed because Vivi is taking her next book to another house.
Of course, Maddie and Grandpa get involved and ultimately put all the pieces together.
We saw a lot of JJ early in the story--so well behaved for a cat--but he sort of disappears in the last quarter of the book. I assumed he must be fine and out of harm's way.
This was an enjoyable mystery with a satisfying ending.
September 1, 2025
Claws Out is the 9th installment in the cat cafe series from Cate Conte but can definitely be read as a stand-alone. I have not read any of the previous books and am so glad I finally found the series. I’m totally in love with the cat cafe and characters, the Cape Cod location is very appealing and the idea of a mobile cat cafe is innovative. The writing is so realistic that I felt transported into the cat cafe and thought I knew the characters personally. The cast is charming, from the super nosy owner of the cat cafe (Maddie) and her cat JJ to her too-good-to-be-true boyfriend (Lucas), her grandfather (my secret favorite and former chief of police) and the devoted cafe manager. And then we have the murder mystery that kept me on the edge of my seat. All in all, a great combination of humor, mystery and drama. While the cats are not playing an active role in the sleuthing, they are an integral part of the story and it all revolves around a cat literature festival and fundraiser which draws cat book authors and tourists alike.
A declaration of love to cats and a cozy mystery with twists and turns - #ClawsOut left me highly entertained and satisfied. I admired Maddie who was just so nosy and always in the middle of everything, and I loved the dynamics of her family and employees. I can’t wait to catch up with previous installments of the cat cafe series and am looking forward to reading more of this author. I highly recommend this book to all cat lovers and readers looking for a lighthearted, quick and cozy mystery. You will not want to put it down. I also adored the title, a lovely homage to Knives Out.
Thank you #Netgalley, #CateConte and #StMartinsPress / St Martins Paperbacks for gifting me an advance copy of Claws Out. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it and the above is my own opinion and honest review.
A declaration of love to cats and a cozy mystery with twists and turns - #ClawsOut left me highly entertained and satisfied. I admired Maddie who was just so nosy and always in the middle of everything, and I loved the dynamics of her family and employees. I can’t wait to catch up with previous installments of the cat cafe series and am looking forward to reading more of this author. I highly recommend this book to all cat lovers and readers looking for a lighthearted, quick and cozy mystery. You will not want to put it down. I also adored the title, a lovely homage to Knives Out.
Thank you #Netgalley, #CateConte and #StMartinsPress / St Martins Paperbacks for gifting me an advance copy of Claws Out. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it and the above is my own opinion and honest review.
September 23, 2025
Maddie James and her partner in JJ’s House of Purrs, a cat cafe and coffee shop where they help cats find forever homes, have found a lot of success on Daybreak Island. So when a friend show up with a food truck that they can outfit as a traveling cat cafe, Maddie decides to take the cats on the road. There is a cat-themed literary festival coming up in Provincetown, and Maddie and her family think that will be perfect for the new traveling cat cafe.
While there are several authors and exhibitors at the festival, the one creating the most buzz is Vivi St. Clair, a woman who writes cat-themed romances. She is a bestselling author, and she has a Netflix series being made about her. Vivi is a big supporter of cat rescues, and she’s interested in Maddie’s story of how she and her boyfriend met, for the possible plot of an upcoming book.
But Vivi has secrets, and when she is murdered, those secrets come out. She had a stalker. She had been married to a man in the mafia. And she had broken a contract with a friend to get more publicity for herself. Maddie and her private investigator grandfather have plenty of suspects, but when the murder weapon is found, Maddie feels like the investigation just got personal.
Claws Out is book nine in Cate Conte’s charming Cat Cafe mystery series. While they take the cat cafe on the road for this installment, all the favorite characters are still included, especially JJ, the guy who steals the show every time. There are lots of red herrings in this mystery, so I was kept guessing until the end, and I really enjoyed the idea of a traveling cat cafe as well as a literary festival all about cats. I enjoy this series, and Claws Out is a fun mystery with lots of intrigue, family, coffee, and cats.
Egalleys for Claws Out were provided by St. Martin’s Press through NetGalley, with many thanks, but the opinions are mine.
While there are several authors and exhibitors at the festival, the one creating the most buzz is Vivi St. Clair, a woman who writes cat-themed romances. She is a bestselling author, and she has a Netflix series being made about her. Vivi is a big supporter of cat rescues, and she’s interested in Maddie’s story of how she and her boyfriend met, for the possible plot of an upcoming book.
But Vivi has secrets, and when she is murdered, those secrets come out. She had a stalker. She had been married to a man in the mafia. And she had broken a contract with a friend to get more publicity for herself. Maddie and her private investigator grandfather have plenty of suspects, but when the murder weapon is found, Maddie feels like the investigation just got personal.
Claws Out is book nine in Cate Conte’s charming Cat Cafe mystery series. While they take the cat cafe on the road for this installment, all the favorite characters are still included, especially JJ, the guy who steals the show every time. There are lots of red herrings in this mystery, so I was kept guessing until the end, and I really enjoyed the idea of a traveling cat cafe as well as a literary festival all about cats. I enjoy this series, and Claws Out is a fun mystery with lots of intrigue, family, coffee, and cats.
Egalleys for Claws Out were provided by St. Martin’s Press through NetGalley, with many thanks, but the opinions are mine.
August 29, 2025
This is a fun series and the combination of cat cafe with JJ, the cat and Maddie getting involved in all sorts of investigations. The fact that her co-owner is her grandfather who was the chief of police and maintains all sorts of connections helps. So far all the shenanigans have been on their island but they take the show on the road, so to speak. A volunteer buys and refits a vehicle into a rolling replica of the cat cafe where they can have cat visits and coffee at various events. The first is a natural fit. The cat writers are meeting and where else would they fit so naturally.
There is excitement meeting the authors especially two who are her sister Sam’s idols. Jasmine, as well as writing successful books is the host of the event to help fund her cat shelter foundation. And Vivi, her sister in ink, is even more successful and is fascinated by Maddie’s story. The two form a connection so she is devastated to find Vivi murdered. Her checkered past quickly becomes the centre of suspicion. As the ex-wife of a mob boss she has tried to escape the unsavoury characters of her previous life. But with the unexpected and unwanted intrusion of Netflix, her ex is in town and the two have had heated words.
But he is an easy mark and as more suspects come forward Maddie becomes central to catching the killer. There are a lot more twists and turns before the reader gets there and as usual, it is an entertaining and easy read. Four purrs and two paws up.
There is excitement meeting the authors especially two who are her sister Sam’s idols. Jasmine, as well as writing successful books is the host of the event to help fund her cat shelter foundation. And Vivi, her sister in ink, is even more successful and is fascinated by Maddie’s story. The two form a connection so she is devastated to find Vivi murdered. Her checkered past quickly becomes the centre of suspicion. As the ex-wife of a mob boss she has tried to escape the unsavoury characters of her previous life. But with the unexpected and unwanted intrusion of Netflix, her ex is in town and the two have had heated words.
But he is an easy mark and as more suspects come forward Maddie becomes central to catching the killer. There are a lot more twists and turns before the reader gets there and as usual, it is an entertaining and easy read. Four purrs and two paws up.
September 11, 2025
“Claws Out” the ninth book in Cate Conte’s Cat Cafe Cozy Mystery series, finds cat café owner Maddie James and family and friends try a new adventure – taking a traveling cat cafe truck to Provincetown Massachusetts to take part in a cat literary festival. Maddie is hoping to have fun on this new venture and maybe do some sightseeing around Provincetown but those hopes are quickly dashed when there is a murder during the festival and she and her ex police chief grandfather find themselves in the middle of the investigation.
For the most part I really enjoyed this book. I love the idea of the traveling cat café and the fact that all of the main characters are there (including JJ the star cat of the series). I love the cat literary festival and the Provincetown setting. The mystery is well plotted with plenty of suspects - Conte takes her time letting readers get to know the characters – including the victim and suspects – which helps readers try to guess whodunit. All of this was very well done but I’m knocking a star off my rating because I felt there were times when Maddie got too involved in investigating the case – questioning suspects when she had no right to – and left the running of the cat café truck to others (Lucas is a saint!).
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley.
For the most part I really enjoyed this book. I love the idea of the traveling cat café and the fact that all of the main characters are there (including JJ the star cat of the series). I love the cat literary festival and the Provincetown setting. The mystery is well plotted with plenty of suspects - Conte takes her time letting readers get to know the characters – including the victim and suspects – which helps readers try to guess whodunit. All of this was very well done but I’m knocking a star off my rating because I felt there were times when Maddie got too involved in investigating the case – questioning suspects when she had no right to – and left the running of the cat café truck to others (Lucas is a saint!).
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley.
September 17, 2025
Maddie James and her family and friends are taking their cat cafe on the road thanks for a giant food truck donation. They are heading off island to Provincetown to a literary festival that focuses on cats in fiction. But Maddie keeps hearing things that show not all is well behind the scenes. On the second morning, one of the headlining authors is found murdered. Who killed her?
I love how the author came up with such a creative way to take the cat cafe on the road. The murder took a bit of time to happen, but there was enough set up I didn’t find my interest waning. Maddie seemed to abandon her responsibilities a bit more than normal to investigate, but we got some good twists along the way to a logical if rushed climax. I was bothered by a couple needless misandrist comments that were irrelevant to the story. There were also a couple of glitches that I couldn’t tell if were poor editing or unclear writing. I appreciated how many series regulars we got, although one subplot with them wasn’t developed as well as it felt like it should have been. While there were lots of small things that annoyed, overall, I did enjoy this entry in the series.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
I love how the author came up with such a creative way to take the cat cafe on the road. The murder took a bit of time to happen, but there was enough set up I didn’t find my interest waning. Maddie seemed to abandon her responsibilities a bit more than normal to investigate, but we got some good twists along the way to a logical if rushed climax. I was bothered by a couple needless misandrist comments that were irrelevant to the story. There were also a couple of glitches that I couldn’t tell if were poor editing or unclear writing. I appreciated how many series regulars we got, although one subplot with them wasn’t developed as well as it felt like it should have been. While there were lots of small things that annoyed, overall, I did enjoy this entry in the series.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
December 10, 2025
This was a refreshing new story in this series, & placed in a new location. The cat cafe receives a donation that would add Maggie as a co-owner in a mobile cat cafe truck that can help add to her organization. They take the truck to Provincetown so they can go to a literary cat festival organized by the famous Jasmine Prescott who also runs a cat rescue. While there another author causing drama is stabbed to death. We have drama everywhere. Her sister and her fiance are fighting over their upcoming wedding, The dead author's ex is involved in the mob, a stalker is on the loose and a pushy Netflix crew is intruding where they aren't wanted. Needless to say Maggie has little time for her cat rescue work, which has to be picked up by her staff. She enlists her grandfather, a former chief of police, and a retired police officer Harry to help her investigate. Latter on, Harry goes missing. This book in the series had more action going on and clues given during the story. I enjoyed this book.
September 22, 2025
This is my first book from this author. I had been looking forward to reading any of the books from this series for quite a while. Finally, I was able. For the most part, I enjoyed this book. What I did not enjoy was the constant pushing of certain ideology that had nothing to do with the actual story. This is a book about cats, books, and food trucks so I did not like or understand how drag queens and other things kept popping up in the book when it had nothing to do with it? Like seriously, the restaurant had Ocean in its title, so I expected something with fish in it, not a bunch of dudes dancing around in drag.
It honestly irritated me enough that I almost didn't finish the book, but I did. I loved the cats, the books, the mobile cat cafe, everything else. I even enjoyed the mystery with the mob in it. Everything else, not so much. Honestly, I am still wondering what I really think of this book. Will I read another? I do not know.
Anyway, thanks to Net Galley, the publishers, and to Cate Conte for the ability to read and review this book. All opinions are mine and are completely honest.
It honestly irritated me enough that I almost didn't finish the book, but I did. I loved the cats, the books, the mobile cat cafe, everything else. I even enjoyed the mystery with the mob in it. Everything else, not so much. Honestly, I am still wondering what I really think of this book. Will I read another? I do not know.
Anyway, thanks to Net Galley, the publishers, and to Cate Conte for the ability to read and review this book. All opinions are mine and are completely honest.
November 9, 2025
A string of mischievous pranks escalates into a full-blown murder during Beacon Harbor’s beloved Blueberry Festival. Lindsey’s bakery continues to be a cozy spot known not only for its mouthwatering baked goods but also for its stunning view of Lake Michigan. I especially loved how the body was discovered in this mystery. It was creative and unexpected. The inclusion of a guest animal adds a fun and delightful twist that cozy mystery fans will appreciate. The plot offers just the right number of twists and red herrings to keep you guessing. I thought I had the culprit figured out, but the ending completely surprised me. If you're looking for a feel-good mystery with suspense, small-town charm, and a satisfying conclusion, this one’s a treat.
August 25, 2025
Claws Out is the ninth installment in a charming cozy mystery series A Cat Cafe Mystery by Cate Conte.
This delightful new cozy which is set on an island off the New England coast was just an amazing read.
The characters Maddie and her cat JJ are completely charming. And the setting, a resort island off the coast of Massachusetts, is absolutely wonderful.
You will not want to put it down until the last page.
This book combines the perfect balance of humor with mystery and drama.
I look forward to reading other installment in this series.
Thank You NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for your generosity and gifting me a copy of this amazing eARC!
This delightful new cozy which is set on an island off the New England coast was just an amazing read.
The characters Maddie and her cat JJ are completely charming. And the setting, a resort island off the coast of Massachusetts, is absolutely wonderful.
You will not want to put it down until the last page.
This book combines the perfect balance of humor with mystery and drama.
I look forward to reading other installment in this series.
Thank You NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for your generosity and gifting me a copy of this amazing eARC!
August 25, 2025
Claws Out is book #9 in the Cat Cafe Mystery series by Cate Conte.
I love the idea of a mobile cat cafe! Though things didn’t go as planned for Maddie. They take the traveling cat café truck to Provincetown for a cat literary festival. Unfortunately the cat-romance author who sponsored it was found dead. Maddie gets pulled I to the investigation. I enjoyed following along with the investigation and the twists kept me guessing.
Thank you to the author, St. Martin's Paperbacks, and NetGalley for the Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
I love the idea of a mobile cat cafe! Though things didn’t go as planned for Maddie. They take the traveling cat café truck to Provincetown for a cat literary festival. Unfortunately the cat-romance author who sponsored it was found dead. Maddie gets pulled I to the investigation. I enjoyed following along with the investigation and the twists kept me guessing.
Thank you to the author, St. Martin's Paperbacks, and NetGalley for the Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
August 26, 2025
I just love Grandpa Leo’s character—he’s probably been my fave throughout the series, and this book was definitely no exception. He was probably in his police glory helping local police when one of the cat literary event authors was murdered. Plenty of people loved the author, but there were some that would’ve had a good motive to want her gone.
The planned showdown that Grandpa orchestrated using Maddie’s suggestion was great and got the results they hoped for. Now to take care of a family-sized surprise!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by St. Martin/Minotaur Books via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own.
The planned showdown that Grandpa orchestrated using Maddie’s suggestion was great and got the results they hoped for. Now to take care of a family-sized surprise!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by St. Martin/Minotaur Books via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own.
November 14, 2025
2 1/2 stars. The Cat Cafe has branched out into a truck and they are off to Provincetown to a cat literary festival. But when a cat romance writer is murdered, Maddie and the crew are determined to find the killer before one of their own is arrested for the crime.
There is a lot going on in this book but the author manages to keep the many different strands from fraying over all. There are good characters but I have a feeling that it would be easier if I had read more of the series to keep all the relationships straight and understand some of the tensions between characters better.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.
There is a lot going on in this book but the author manages to keep the many different strands from fraying over all. There are good characters but I have a feeling that it would be easier if I had read more of the series to keep all the relationships straight and understand some of the tensions between characters better.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.
May 25, 2025
Kindle Copy for Review from NetGalley and St. Martin's Press.
I received a free, advance copy of this book and this is my unbiased and voluntary review.
Spring is on the air as the cat café crew gets busy with upcoming wedding plans for Ethan and Val. Maddie is busy with wedding stuff as she gets a sizeable donation allowing her to be a co-owner of a travelling cat café truck. Taking the café on the road to a cat literate festival as it debut trip but soon turns to murder when a celebrity author s killed. Maddie will once again be n the middle of things as the claws will come out.
I received a free, advance copy of this book and this is my unbiased and voluntary review.
Spring is on the air as the cat café crew gets busy with upcoming wedding plans for Ethan and Val. Maddie is busy with wedding stuff as she gets a sizeable donation allowing her to be a co-owner of a travelling cat café truck. Taking the café on the road to a cat literate festival as it debut trip but soon turns to murder when a celebrity author s killed. Maddie will once again be n the middle of things as the claws will come out.
July 7, 2025
This book has one flaw and one flaw alone: not enough of JJ the cat! I need more JJ squeaks in my life!
(All right, I also sort of wanted to see more of Lucas - but he can take a backseat if it's a choice between him and JJ. Sorry, Lucas, but I'm sure you understand.)
Otherwise, this installment is a delight, especially in light of its predecessor's being a little slower-paced than was ideal. The crew getting off of Daybreak Island punctuated our ongoing series of murders beautifully, and I got some giggles out of the quietly self-referential topic of authors writing cat-themed novels!
I adore this series. Thanks to Edelweiss for acquiescing to my pleas for early access. I'll continue recommending Cate Conte to all of my friends, family, and maybe foes as well.
(All right, I also sort of wanted to see more of Lucas - but he can take a backseat if it's a choice between him and JJ. Sorry, Lucas, but I'm sure you understand.)
Otherwise, this installment is a delight, especially in light of its predecessor's being a little slower-paced than was ideal. The crew getting off of Daybreak Island punctuated our ongoing series of murders beautifully, and I got some giggles out of the quietly self-referential topic of authors writing cat-themed novels!
I adore this series. Thanks to Edelweiss for acquiescing to my pleas for early access. I'll continue recommending Cate Conte to all of my friends, family, and maybe foes as well.
August 19, 2025
Vivi might be a famous cat romance author (yes that's a thing) but she also brings a lot of chaos and Maddie has just walked right into it. This latest in the long running series sees Maddie gain a cat cafe truck and venture into Provincetown for a cat lit festival. And into trouble. When Vivi is murdered, Maddie and her band of merry cat fans sleuth out the villain. The mystery, while classic cozy, is rather more tangled than usual. I like the characters and how they all support one another. Thanks to netgalley for the ARC. For fans of the genre.
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