Plot Boiler

Black Cat Bookshop Mystery #5

by Ali Brandon

The New York Times bestselling author of Literally Murder returns to Pettistone’s Fine Books, where the silence of Hamlet the cat speaks volumes about two mysterious deaths…

It’s almost Fourth of July, and to boost customer traffic in their Brooklyn neighborhood, bookseller Darla Pettistone decides to throw a block party. All the local shop owners are thrilled—except the proprietor of Perky’s Coffee Shop, who thinks Darla is trying to poach his customers by selling her own caffeinated brew in her new bookshop café.

But when Hamlet comes upon the owner’s not-so-perky wife, it’s clear a killer has crashed the party. And when a second local business owner shuffles off this mortal coil—as Hamlet’s namesake would say—Darla and her curious cat must perform some fancy footwork to shine a spotlight on a secret worth killing for…

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Cozy, Fiction, Cats, Books About Books, Animals

304 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published November 3, 2015

About the author

DIANE A.S. STUCKART who also writes as ALI BRANDON, ALEXA SMART and ANNA GERARD, is a member of that proud breed, the native Texan. She was born in the West Texas town of Lubbock, home to Buddy Holly, prairie dogs, and Texas Tech University, where her mom once taught. Most of her formative years, however, were spent in Dallas with her parents and siblings: one younger sister and three younger brothers. And then, when she was fifteen, her dad's work took them north of the Red River and into Oklahoma, settling just outside Oklahoma City. 

Reviews

[Lisa Ks Book Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

PLOT BOILER is an example of how a series can get better and better with each installment.

I’ll admit that the first Black Cat mystery, DOUBLE BOOKED FOR DEATH, was not my favorite book. Therefore I wondered if I’d ever care for the series. Author Ali Brandon has really grown this series into a solid one. I just love the addition of the coffee bar to the bookstore. It’s exactly what was needed. PLOT BOILER is the best installment to date.

Ms. Brandon keeps the action going in this story with not one, but multiple deaths. The story is fast paced and wonderfully plotted. A whodunit that kept me guessing, and a finale that I never saw coming.

I’m looking forward to the next tome author Brandon has brewing for us!

[Trish · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely one of the better cat cozy series.

[Kirsti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely fantastic! Darla and Hamlet, once again on the case. This time it's not one, but TWO murders being investigated, and I was really impressed by the sleuthing this time around. I hadn't guessed the identity of the killer at all, because you only get the most subtle of hints. I really enjoyed the coffee aspect of the novel too, because one of my loves is coffee. I won't say I'm a coffee snob, because I enjoy a good caramel latte as well as a strong Italian brew, so my tastebuds are indiscriminate. I do limit myself slightly though, the $1 coffee at my work isn't the greatest, haha!

Still, I would really like to see a bit more of Darla selling books. She's always gallivanting around the neighbourhood while Robert and James pick up the slack. C'mon Darla, do some work already! Then there is the almost romance aspect- I want something concrete here. Both Darla and another of my favorite literary sleuths are single and ready to mingle so I need one of them to go for happily ever after (what can I say? I'm a romantic at heart) but this two things are the exceptions. Who knows where the next book will lead? Speaking of, I can't wait to read it, it will be going straight on my preorder list as soon as it's announced.

Great series, another five star read!

[Betty · Rating 5 out of 5]

This visit to Pettistone Bookstore is another fun read. Darla is holding the package high out reach of Hamlet who jumps high and gives big blow. The package goes flying around and hits the ground. Hamlet is on fast before Darla can react. She is the Organizer of the 4TH JULY Shops celebration. While event is happening Hamlet finds the body of one of the owners. What is Hamlet trying to tell Darla and does it effect the 4th Celebration? The subplots merge into one easily.

[Moondance · Rating 4 out of 5]

"I don't know what they say here in Brooklyn, but back home in Texas, they call it crawfishing on a deal."

Darla is back in the bookstore after her trip to Florida with Hamlet in the last book. The renovations have been completed and the new coffee bar is up and running with Robert as the barista in residence. Darla is planning a block party for the 4th of July to boost sales for her fellow shopkeepers. Perky's Coffee Shop owner, George, is miffed with Darla because he thinks she is horning in on his business and passes the event planning to his wife. The block party goes off as planned with a few irritations such as the featured band backing out. Darla feels the need to confront George about a "special blend" he is selling after hearing some dance students discussing it. Instead, she stumbles upon the body of George's wife at their shop door. A few hours later, the body of the dance studio is found in her studio. Darla along with her PI friend, Jake and of course Hamlet strike out to find the killer.

This series gets better with each book. I love Hamlet's attitude! His subtle ( or not!) method of giving Darla clues is so incredibly feline that you just know that Ms. Brandon lives with a cat or two. James is his usual scholarly self and Robert is really coming into his own. Jake and Darla have a truly great friendship. I enjoy seeing them work together for a common goal. We meet some new characters that I hope will be back in future books. Particularly Pinky. Her band "saved the day" when the scheduled entertainment cancelled.

There are always twists and turns. I think I know exactly who the culprit is and everything changes. Excellent addition to the series and I look forward to catching up with everyone at Pettistone Books soon.

[Becky Galambos · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great addition to the series - I usually have a cozy mystery figured out before I get close to the end. Not this one!

[Cozybooklady · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hamlet shines in this story

I love this series and have binged read all the books so far.
When someone poisons Darla, Hamlet knows he needs to call for help and does his best meowing to save the day.

[Lynda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is fast becoming one of my favorite series. Love the characters and storylines.

[Fred · Rating 4 out of 5]

Plot Boiler is the fifth book in the A Black Cat Bookshop Mystery series.

Darla Pettistone is back in her bookshop and is very pleased with the remodeling that took place while she and her black cat, Hamlet, were in Florida. As is Robert, her teenaged clerk, who is now the stores Barista.

The 4th of July is just around the corner and Darla, with the help of some of the other shop owners are planning a block party to celebrate the 4th and hopefully to promote their shops and generate additional revenue for everyone. But George King, owner of Perky's Coffee Shop, is disgruntled about Darla's coffee bar, claiming that is hurting his business. Darla, having overheard some young ballet students of Penelope Winston's dance studio, talking about a “special blend” coffee that Perky's is selling. As the block party is about to wrap up Darla is heading to Perky's to confront them about the possbile illegal substance in their special blend coffee, but instead finds George King's wife is lying dead at the entrance to the shop. Later the body of Penelope Winston is found dead.

With the help of her good friend and PI, Jacqueline “Jake” Martelli, Darla is off investigating before any more shop owners meet their demise.

As in the previous books James, her store manager, is back to do what he does best, manage the store and give Darla the find to sleuth. Hamlet continues to provide Darla with clues and ends up saving the day. Also Darla gets some disturbing news about Reese, the hunky detective that she likes to have little interest in.

Will be watching for the next book in this series.

[Betty]

Celebrating The 4th of July

This visit to Pettstone Bookstore is another fun read. Darla is holding the package high out reach of Hamlet who jumps high and gives big blow. The package goes flying around and hits the ground. Hamlet is on fast before Darla can react. She is the Organizer of the 4TH JULY Shops celebration. While event is happening Hamlet finds the body of one of the owners. What is Hamlet trying to tell Darla and does it effect the 4th Celebration? The subplots merge into one easily.

[Kathy Bryson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Most small business owners can identify with the need to boost slumping sales, but very few are willing to take on a block party. Already struggling with no-show bands, emo replacements, and a grumpy neighbor, Darla is nearly undone when the bodies start turning up. Fortunately, Darla has her friends, employees, and cat Hamlet, to help out. A nice installment in the series with comic touches to enliven the mystery and hint at more character development in future installments.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Brooklyn bookseller Darla and her friends have planned a July 4th block party to attract customers to the businesses in their little corner of the city. Everything seems to be going well, until a body is found near one of the shops. Since the death seems to be from natural causes, there's not too much disruption--until Darla finds another body, killed the same way. While it's a pleasant read, there's not much detection in this series entry.

[Patrizia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Un'altra bella storia con Darla, la libraia trapiantata a Brooklyn, e Hamlet, lo "Sherlock Cat" (la definizione è della sua proprietaria). Sono ormai affezionata a questi due personaggi e al loro gruppo di amici. Anche se, a forza di leggere cozy mystery, ormai azzecco il colpevole sempre con ampio anticipo...

[KyBunnies · Rating 4 out of 5]

Better than the third book, as good as the second but not as great as the first. I really enjoyed the plot and the murderer was perfect for the crime. I really wonder when or if Reese and Darla will ever figure out they are perfect together. Or maybe Reese needs to get married and divorced before that is figured out. I hope to see more in this series in the future.

[Barbra · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyed the story, but it reminded me of my all time favorite The Cat Who series with KoKo doing the yell, and pushing books off the shelf.

[Laura · Rating 1 out of 5]

I started this book in late August and finally finished an almost-300 page book! I had previously read the last book in this series and had really liked it, but this one, unfortunately was a slow-go. The murder finally took place just after page 100, so almost a third of the way through. I was familiar with all the main characters, which a was a reason for me to read this one. I just didn't care for the plot, or the fact that Darla Pettistone, the main character, is always so annoyed with Hamlet, her large black cat, who has a knack for tossing clues her way so she can help solve the murder. This plot revolved around a Fourth of July block party, and after reading about the meetings, and fighting between the store owners trying to arrange the party, it finally happens, along with not one, but two murders toward the end. After more details that don't really relate to the murders or point toward possible suspects, this story finally reaches its conclusion. I cannot recommend this book, and I am just happy that I finished it in mid-December!

[Aprilleigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dropping one star because Jake is back to calling Darla "kid" again. It's condescending and not an appropriate way to speak to someone who is supposed to be your friend as well as your landlord, even if she is younger.

The rest of the story was great, however. My biggest gripe is something that probably wouldn't bother everyone. Early in the book, it's mentioned that anyone seated next to the dumbwaiter can hear everything being said on the other floor. Yet everyone is having private conversations next to the dumbwaiter as if they had never been told that. It was a dead giveaway that this was going to play an important role. As for the rest, I knew who the killer was as soon as the story mentioned a dancer missed an important audition because she got sick. And I bet I know why she was so concerned about retrieving that vape pen. I'm surprised Darla didn't get that hint because Hamlet was clearly trying to tell her something.

I'm a little bummed that there's only one book left in this series.

[Jae · Rating 5 out of 5]

Darla is busy organizing a Fourth of July block party, along with help from other shop owners in her neighborhood. Things are going smoothly except for the lone holdout, the owner of a coffee shop who feels that Darla's newly-installed coffee bar in her bookstore is competition. When Hamlet discovers the man's wife dead, and another local business owner is found dead the following day, the police initially rule it a murder-suicide. However, Darla and Hamlet aren't so convinced. It's up to them to find the clues that will out a killer before anyone else dies.

The story was entertaining and moved at a good pace. If I had any complaints, it was that the first murder didn't take place until almost a third of the way through the narrative, and there was a minor loose end or two that never got resolved. The story featured some surprising twists, although I was on to the killer long before anyone else.

[The Hobbit · Rating 3 out of 5]

Darla, the owner Pettistone's Fine Books, organizes a block party for the 4th of July weekend. All the shop owners have contributed time and money for the event, all except George King, the angry owner of the Perky Coffee Shop. Fortunately George's wife Livvy is more willing to help. The block party is a huge success until the end, when one of the shop owners is found dead. The next day, when another business owner is found dead, the police think they have aa murder/suicide. Hamlet, the bookstore's black cat, knows the police are wrong. With his technique of pulling books off the shelves, Hamlet gives Darla clues based on the fallen books' titles. When Darla is in danger, it is Hamlet who saves her life. The book was suspenseful because of the number of suspects. The murderer was a surprise for this reader. Unfortunately, the author inserted a new scenario and character that bogged down the action whenever it appeared- Detective Reese's engagement to a less than likable fiancee.

[Doris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another adventure of amateur sleuth Hamlet and his bookstore-owner mistress, Darla Pettistone. As always, all characters are introduced and 'the stage set' before anything untoward happens - well, crime-wise anyway. And, upon reflection, the title picture is involved in the resolution at the end ... with the usual and unexpected twist, of course.
Ali Brandon does have a knack to draw her readers into the tale she spins - literally from beginning to end. There are recurring characters that are reintroduced in a manner that is not repetitive to those following the series, but is enough for newcomers at the same time. The plots come thick and fast, and are 'meaty' to match, and make good sense on top of it all.

[Rachelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hamlet helps Darla find two bodies. Both were store owners on the same block as Pettistone's Fine Books and both had been ballerinas professionally. The first body was found at the end of the 4th of July block party that Darla had helped organize.

Hamlet gave Darla two book clues: one on ballet and one on body art. This led her to believe that the killer probably had at least one tattoo. At the end of the book, Darla and the reader find out how Hamlet gets books off the shelf. Det Reese provides the other connection between the two women - they both were poisoned by olender.To find out who did it, you will have read the book.

[OpenBookSociety.com · Rating 5 out of 5]

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Plot Boiler
Black Cat Bookshop Mystery, Book #5
By Ali Brandon
ISBN 9780425261552
Author’s website: www.alibrandon.com
Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Jeanie


Synopsis:

The New York Times bestselling author of Literally Murder returns to Pettistone’s Fine Books, where the silence of Hamlet the cat speaks volumes about two mysterious deaths…

It’s almost Fourth of July, and to boost customer traffic in their Brooklyn neighborhood, bookseller Darla Pettistone decides to throw a block party. All the local shop owners are thrilled—except the proprietor of Perky’s Coffee Shop, who thinks Darla is trying to poach his customers by selling her own caffeinated brew in her new bookshop café.

But when Hamlet comes upon the owner’s not-so-perky wife, it’s clear a killer has crashed the party. And when a second local business owner shuffles off this mortal coil—as Hamlet’s namesake would say—Darla and her curious cat must perform some fancy footwork to shine a spotlight on a secret worth killing for.

Review:

What a fun, engaging read! Well, except for the murders. Hamlet is a cat with a definite ‘tude and a nose for clues. He has an opinion about most people who are privileged to meet him, from children who have seen him on YouTube and want their pictures taken with him to those who visit the shop for the first time. Even though he came with Pettistone’s Fine Books in Brooklyn, NY when Darla inherited it from her great aunt, I don’t think Darla would give him up for all the books in Brooklyn. Good thing, since Hammy really owns Darla! Pettistone’s has caffeine, books, and a cat…it just doesn’t get any better!

Darla contributed many hours to get together the vendors on this block of historic brownstones to have an outdoor 4th of July block party. As final preparations are made for decorating, replacing a last-minute band back-out, and placing display tables and cases, Darla had one more task to complete – get the balance of the shared entry fee from the owners of Perky’s Coffee Shop. George King, the self-proclaimed King of Coffee, had protested the addition of the coffee bar at Pettistone’s, and was less than excited about the block party, so Darla tread softly – and George referred her to his lovely wife, Livvy. Darla also hoped to learn more about a special coffee blend she heard some young people discussing their preference for. What a special blend it was! Very expensive…how could teens afford it?

The block party was a success; even the summer heat and humidity didn’t stop the steady flow of folks who sampled free or reduced-price wares from the shops, listened to the unique band, watched Martial Arts demos and the dance school’s “flash mob”, even coming to meet Hamlet, the Youtube star. Nobody was prepared for the shocking end of day, though, when Hamlet sensed the way to Livvy King, dead near the front of Perky’s while her husband had napped at their booth. Then within a matter of hours, the owner of the dance studio – a respected ballerina – was also found dead in another shop.

As the fifth novel in the Black Cat Bookshop Mystery series, Plot Boiler could be enjoyed as a stand-alone or within the series – but I encourage you to enjoy the whole series! While the author thoroughly developed the primary characters early on, with each mystery we see new facets, strengths, and talents in them. I like best friends Darla and Jake; their diverse ages and backgrounds contribute as much to their friendship as their common interests. Hamlet, of course, ‘knows’ he is the star (well, isn’t he?) and without his presence, the bookshop and the series would not be the same. This cat with a ‘tude brings entertainment, a sense of safety and well-being, and a whimsical whisker of imagination to all who come in contact with him!

The characters specific to this novel or introduced for the first time are well-suited to their defined roles. Even Detective Fiorello “Fi” Reese’s fiancée, Connie, while certainly out-of-character for his personality, was an interesting woman. Hopefully we haven’t seen the last of her! Pinky, leader of the band that Darla’s barista Robert referred for a last-minute fill-in, had unexpected talent. The newbies also continue to educate me, this time introducing me to some current slang. Catching up with familiar friends and meeting new ones has been an absolute blast!

Plot Boiler is very well-organized and thoroughly executed; I can’t imagine any loose threads at the close of the day. The means of death was certainly a surprise for me; it was one of the plot twists that kept me on my toes! While like Darla I disagreed with the cops’ line of thinking, suspects and motives just would not match up for me. This reader was stumped, as an excellent mystery can do, until it was too late, so it’s a good thing Darla wasn’t waiting for me to figure it out! I do, however, see that this is a four-paws and a tail UP tale and highly recommend this cozy to cat, book, and mystery lovers who appreciate well-written mysteries. Plot Boiler has given me hours of feline fun without additional feline chores; Ali Brandon has designed an amazing bookstore where I can’t wait to spend more time! PS Thank you, Ali, for the scoop on Livvy’s health challenge – perhaps your gentle info will help more understand…

*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review as part of their ongoing blog tour*

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

The whodunnit mystery solving team of local bookstore owner Darla & her somewhat internet famous cat Hamlet are at it again. This time two women that were previous ballerinas are found dead after the Fourth of July Block Party. Is it a serial killer, a love triangle, jilted lover, or something more nefarious... All is sorted in the end with the killer(s) brought to justice but Detective Reese is still engaged?!?! With only one more book written in this series - I hope everything & everyone has a nice tidy ending! We shall see...onward valiant kitty mystery lovers!

[Colleen Lougee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVE the black cat bookshop series. As usual the author kept me guessing till the end. Never suspected the killer till just before the reveal. Love how Hamlet always helps solve the crime by revealing clues through his habit of pulling books off the shelf with a title that hints towards the crime and culprit, often to the confusion of the humans who have to figure out what he’s trying to tell them. If you love a good mystery, and crime solving cats, this is the series for you.

[Pamela · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun series with enough elements of friendship, business and mystery to keep you interested. While it is hard to relate to a Big City block party, author explains all the elements of the 4th of July business party with karate and dance troupe. There is no clues to the killer, unless you count the cat's instinct. Only gave 3 stars due to the introduction at the very end and the incredulity of the heroine trusting a stranger at the end of the book.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Talk about a total fast paced mystery. There are several issues in this one. Darla helps to organize Fourth of July festival and get all the other stores involved. There is only one sour person not in favor of it. The owner of a coffee shop. There is a murder of the owner's wife who was involved in some shady dealings. Then a dance instructor is found murdered as well. They were both poisoned with Oleander . There are several suspects the end reveal was not who I expected it would be.

[Robert Schneider · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought this was going to be a great addition to the series. It started well enough but I was disappointed that the ending depended on the main character loosing all common sense. I was practically screaming at the book the last two chapters for how bad it had become.

[Sherrie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like the series with Hamlet. This was an ok but just did not work as well as the other books in the series. I do hope the next book is better. Could have been more work on the plot and less jumping around.

[Kathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's the 4th of July and Darla and other shop managers throw a block party. All goes well until the end of the day, when a body is found in a stairwell. Then, the next day another is found. Both these women were dire enemies...was it murder/suicide or something else?

[Helen Geng · Rating 2 out of 5]

This cozy mystery has more than 3 unpleasant characters.

I detected faint anti-Asian bias.

The sole Black character was not that terribly convincing to me.

Some lazy character-naming & character-development.

There are pleasanter cozies to read; this is not one of them.