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Nick and Nora Mysteries #2
Claws for Alarm
“The purrfect sleuthy duo”* is back, and this time murder hits close to home for Nora Charles and her partner Nick, a stealthy little feline gumshoe groomed to solve a shocking crime.
Since inheriting her mother’s sandwich shop, Nora Charles is more about hot grilled paninis than cold-blooded murder—until her sister Lacey is arrested. The victim, an esteemed art collector and Lacey’s bullying professor, was stabbed in the heart. Apparently, all over a lousy grade.
Off campus, things were just as dicey. The prof had an ex with secrets, a trophy wife set to inherit a fortune in masterworks, and a scorned student mistress. Going undercover, Nora realizes that investigating this crime is the biggest test of her sleuthing career. Because if she fails, even Nick’s animal instinct won’t be enough to rescue Lacey from a perfectly executed framing.
INCLUDES DELICIOUS SANDWICH RECIPES
Since inheriting her mother’s sandwich shop, Nora Charles is more about hot grilled paninis than cold-blooded murder—until her sister Lacey is arrested. The victim, an esteemed art collector and Lacey’s bullying professor, was stabbed in the heart. Apparently, all over a lousy grade.
Off campus, things were just as dicey. The prof had an ex with secrets, a trophy wife set to inherit a fortune in masterworks, and a scorned student mistress. Going undercover, Nora realizes that investigating this crime is the biggest test of her sleuthing career. Because if she fails, even Nick’s animal instinct won’t be enough to rescue Lacey from a perfectly executed framing.
INCLUDES DELICIOUS SANDWICH RECIPES
275 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published November 3, 2015
29 people are currently reading
1461 people want to read
About the author
T.C. LoTempio
25 books759 followersBorn in New York City, T. C. LoTempio is the national bestselling author of Meow If It’s Murder, the first in the Nick and Nora Mystery series.
She has been a staff reporter at the young adult magazine Susabella Passengers and Friends for more than a decade.
While Toni LoTempio does not commit – or solve – murders in real life, she has no trouble doing it on paper.
Her lifelong love of mysteries began early on when she was introduced to her first Nancy Drew mystery at age 10 – The Secret in the Old Attic. She lists among her favorite mystery/suspense writers Erle Stanley Gardner, Mary Higgins Clark and James Patterson, as well as EJ Copperman, Steve Hockensmith, Victoria Laurie, Ali Brandon, Rita Mae Brown, Miranda James and Sofie Kelly to name only a few!
Toni is also passionate about her love for animals, as demonstrated with her four cats: Trixie, Princess, Maxx and, of course, ROCCO, who not only provided the inspiration for the character of Nick the cat in the Nick and Nora mystery series, but who also writes his own blog and does charity work for Nathan Fillion’s charity, Kids Need to Read!
Toni’s also devoted to miniseries like The Thorn Birds, Dancing with the Stars, reruns of Murder She Wrote and Castle (of course!).
She (and ROCCO, albeit he’s uncredited) pen the Nick and Nora mystery series from Berkley Prime Crime.
She, Rocco and company make their home in Clifton, New Jersey, just twenty minutes from the Big Apple – New York
She has been a staff reporter at the young adult magazine Susabella Passengers and Friends for more than a decade.
While Toni LoTempio does not commit – or solve – murders in real life, she has no trouble doing it on paper.
Her lifelong love of mysteries began early on when she was introduced to her first Nancy Drew mystery at age 10 – The Secret in the Old Attic. She lists among her favorite mystery/suspense writers Erle Stanley Gardner, Mary Higgins Clark and James Patterson, as well as EJ Copperman, Steve Hockensmith, Victoria Laurie, Ali Brandon, Rita Mae Brown, Miranda James and Sofie Kelly to name only a few!
Toni is also passionate about her love for animals, as demonstrated with her four cats: Trixie, Princess, Maxx and, of course, ROCCO, who not only provided the inspiration for the character of Nick the cat in the Nick and Nora mystery series, but who also writes his own blog and does charity work for Nathan Fillion’s charity, Kids Need to Read!
Toni’s also devoted to miniseries like The Thorn Birds, Dancing with the Stars, reruns of Murder She Wrote and Castle (of course!).
She (and ROCCO, albeit he’s uncredited) pen the Nick and Nora mystery series from Berkley Prime Crime.
She, Rocco and company make their home in Clifton, New Jersey, just twenty minutes from the Big Apple – New York
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 105 reviews
December 4, 2016
Dollycas’s Thoughts
I thoroughly enjoy this author’s twist on The Thin Man as the theme for her mysteries. In this case Nora is joined by a lovable cat named Nick and I believe there is more to this cat than just being lovable, he is a very special cat. A cat very savvy in figuring out clues and presenting them in very clear ways for Nora to understand.
In this 2nd installment of the series, Nora receives a call from her aunt telling her that her sister Lacey is in big trouble. One of her professors has been killed and Lacey was seen standing over his body with the murder weapon in her hand right before she fled the scene. The man wasn’t well liked and there have to be many more suspects. Nora and Nick set out to get their claws into the real killer and get her sister out of jail.
The author has given her readers another strong mystery to solve and thankfully Nick is there to move both the reader and Nora down the right path because there are twists that had us scratching our heads but later made perfect sense. She is also still trying to find out what happened to Nick the cat’s former owner Nick the private investigator. There are a couple of interesting developments.
All the characters are well developed including a man from Nora’s past and a very handsome FBI agent. They do their best to keep Nora at her sandwich shop and out of their investigations but she is a pretty stubborn woman when she sets her mind on something, especially when it comes to trying to save her sister.
Speaking of the sandwich shop, there are recipes at the end of the story. You may want to start there and make yourself a sandwich before you begin reading. Sandwiches are described within the pages with their clever and catchy names. They will have your stomach growling and your mouth watching so it is better too be prepared than having to put the book down for a grocery run or a trip to the kitchen.
Great characters and a great plot means this book is a perfect escape!
I need to mention that you do not need to know anything about the movies or the original story by Dashiell Hammett to enjoy this story, but if you do this story is a must read. I used to watch the movies with my mom way back when. This story and the one before always bring up those fond memories. You can probably catch them somewhere on television if you want to check them out. Also the next book in this series, Crime and Catnip hits store shelves December 6.
I thoroughly enjoy this author’s twist on The Thin Man as the theme for her mysteries. In this case Nora is joined by a lovable cat named Nick and I believe there is more to this cat than just being lovable, he is a very special cat. A cat very savvy in figuring out clues and presenting them in very clear ways for Nora to understand.
In this 2nd installment of the series, Nora receives a call from her aunt telling her that her sister Lacey is in big trouble. One of her professors has been killed and Lacey was seen standing over his body with the murder weapon in her hand right before she fled the scene. The man wasn’t well liked and there have to be many more suspects. Nora and Nick set out to get their claws into the real killer and get her sister out of jail.
The author has given her readers another strong mystery to solve and thankfully Nick is there to move both the reader and Nora down the right path because there are twists that had us scratching our heads but later made perfect sense. She is also still trying to find out what happened to Nick the cat’s former owner Nick the private investigator. There are a couple of interesting developments.
All the characters are well developed including a man from Nora’s past and a very handsome FBI agent. They do their best to keep Nora at her sandwich shop and out of their investigations but she is a pretty stubborn woman when she sets her mind on something, especially when it comes to trying to save her sister.
Speaking of the sandwich shop, there are recipes at the end of the story. You may want to start there and make yourself a sandwich before you begin reading. Sandwiches are described within the pages with their clever and catchy names. They will have your stomach growling and your mouth watching so it is better too be prepared than having to put the book down for a grocery run or a trip to the kitchen.
Great characters and a great plot means this book is a perfect escape!
I need to mention that you do not need to know anything about the movies or the original story by Dashiell Hammett to enjoy this story, but if you do this story is a must read. I used to watch the movies with my mom way back when. This story and the one before always bring up those fond memories. You can probably catch them somewhere on television if you want to check them out. Also the next book in this series, Crime and Catnip hits store shelves December 6.
December 20, 2016
Former crime reporter, turned sandwich shop owner, Nora Charles is back with her handsome sleuth buddy, Nick the tuxedo cat. This time they are involved in a case close to Nora’s heart. Her sister, Lacey, has been arrested for the murder of her professor. All evidence points in Lacey’s direction – she had a huge public fight with the professor over a bad grade and then she’s found standing over the body holding the murder weapon. The police are convinced they have an open and shut case, but Nora doesn’t believe that for one instant. She knows her sister is innocent and plans to prove it beyond a shadow of a doubt.
Nora soon realizes there is more going on here than a simple bad grade. The professor had quite a few secrets including an angry adult son, an ex with a few secrets of her own, a younger new wife looking to inherit big time, and an ex-mistress who happened to be a student. To say the professor was not well liked, would be putting it mildly. In fact, many people hated the man which means there are many suspects. Each one has more reason to kill him than Lacey.
To add to the mystery, Nick’s original owner has been missing since the first book. The two plan to find out his story as well. So, this is kind of a double mystery in one book.
I loved the first book and the series continues to be just as good with this one. The characters are well-developed and come to life with each page. Even Nick the kitty is a strong character – he provides the best clues and even uses scrabble tiles to get his message across. Of course, being a cat lover, Nick wins my heart over immediately.
I recommend readers start this series from the beginning. The mystery of Nick’s original owner’s disappearance is a continuing storyline throughout the series. Fortunately, there are only two books out now and another coming out next month. So, there’s plenty of time to catch up You won’t want to miss the clues to find out what happened.
As for this book and this plot, the murder is solved in this book. You aren’t left with a cliffhanger as far as the professor’s murder mystery goes. It’s solved in this book. I have to admit that I was totally on the wrong track in figuring out the killer. Nora and Nick are much better at this than I am. It’s a very enjoyable series with a dash of romance interwoven into it. I can’t wait to begin reading the next one.
FTC Disclosure: The publisher provided me with a copy of this book to review. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Nora soon realizes there is more going on here than a simple bad grade. The professor had quite a few secrets including an angry adult son, an ex with a few secrets of her own, a younger new wife looking to inherit big time, and an ex-mistress who happened to be a student. To say the professor was not well liked, would be putting it mildly. In fact, many people hated the man which means there are many suspects. Each one has more reason to kill him than Lacey.
To add to the mystery, Nick’s original owner has been missing since the first book. The two plan to find out his story as well. So, this is kind of a double mystery in one book.
I loved the first book and the series continues to be just as good with this one. The characters are well-developed and come to life with each page. Even Nick the kitty is a strong character – he provides the best clues and even uses scrabble tiles to get his message across. Of course, being a cat lover, Nick wins my heart over immediately.
I recommend readers start this series from the beginning. The mystery of Nick’s original owner’s disappearance is a continuing storyline throughout the series. Fortunately, there are only two books out now and another coming out next month. So, there’s plenty of time to catch up You won’t want to miss the clues to find out what happened.
As for this book and this plot, the murder is solved in this book. You aren’t left with a cliffhanger as far as the professor’s murder mystery goes. It’s solved in this book. I have to admit that I was totally on the wrong track in figuring out the killer. Nora and Nick are much better at this than I am. It’s a very enjoyable series with a dash of romance interwoven into it. I can’t wait to begin reading the next one.
FTC Disclosure: The publisher provided me with a copy of this book to review. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
October 13, 2015
Princess Fuzzypants here:
Momma and I really enjoyed MEOW IF IT'S MURDER, the first Nick and Nora book. In this one, NIck, who happens to be a handsome cat adopts his human, Nora and they solve crimes together. Whether mew are a fan of the old THIN MAN films (I am!) or not, it was a good first outing.
Afterwards I became furriends with Rocco, who is the inspiration for NIck and Toni Lo Tempio who is the human author of the book.
So I was really excited to get a draft version of the new book CLAWS FOR ALARM. Mew know how sometimes when mew are really looking forward to something the anticipation is greater than the event. Not this time.
Not at all!
When we sat down to read the book, it didn't take us long to get hooked. We could not put it down. Not only is it a well-crafted mystery, it has all the fun of the first book and then some.
This time Nora must solve a murder that her sister is accused of committing. The evidence seems stacked against her but the two intrepid investigators work tirelessly, often at odds with both the local police and the FBI, until the truth is uncovered.
Naturally Nora could not have done it without the able assistance of Nick. With his slick use of Scrabble tiles and pages from books, he manages to provide the clues that break open the case. He is also the knight in furry armour who saves Nora from grievous bodily harm.
Along the way, we learn more about Nick's former human whose partner joins forces with Nora and encourages her to get her PI license. I wonder if Nick should get a PPI- Pussycat Private Investigator.
It was an enjoyable romp from beginning to end. It took us less than a day to get through it and the only thing that I didn't like was it had to end.
Oh well, guess I have to wait for the next installment.
I will be ready to pounce on it.
Five purrs and two paws up!
Momma and I really enjoyed MEOW IF IT'S MURDER, the first Nick and Nora book. In this one, NIck, who happens to be a handsome cat adopts his human, Nora and they solve crimes together. Whether mew are a fan of the old THIN MAN films (I am!) or not, it was a good first outing.
Afterwards I became furriends with Rocco, who is the inspiration for NIck and Toni Lo Tempio who is the human author of the book.
So I was really excited to get a draft version of the new book CLAWS FOR ALARM. Mew know how sometimes when mew are really looking forward to something the anticipation is greater than the event. Not this time.
Not at all!
When we sat down to read the book, it didn't take us long to get hooked. We could not put it down. Not only is it a well-crafted mystery, it has all the fun of the first book and then some.
This time Nora must solve a murder that her sister is accused of committing. The evidence seems stacked against her but the two intrepid investigators work tirelessly, often at odds with both the local police and the FBI, until the truth is uncovered.
Naturally Nora could not have done it without the able assistance of Nick. With his slick use of Scrabble tiles and pages from books, he manages to provide the clues that break open the case. He is also the knight in furry armour who saves Nora from grievous bodily harm.
Along the way, we learn more about Nick's former human whose partner joins forces with Nora and encourages her to get her PI license. I wonder if Nick should get a PPI- Pussycat Private Investigator.
It was an enjoyable romp from beginning to end. It took us less than a day to get through it and the only thing that I didn't like was it had to end.
Oh well, guess I have to wait for the next installment.
I will be ready to pounce on it.
Five purrs and two paws up!
October 15, 2015
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Nora and her new cat Nick are back in this second installment of the Nick and Nora mysteries. I have to start by saying that as good as the first book in the series is, this one is even better!! I was immediately drawn into the story, and found it very hard to put the book down.
Nora is still busy running her sandwich shop and taking care of Nick, who sort of adopted her. Although she is trying to find his previous owner, she hopes she doesn't! When Nora's sister is arrested for murdering her art teacher, Nora decides to do some investigating to clear her name, after all, she used to be an investigative reporter. I must say, that Nick the cat is becoming quite the detective himself. They get themselves into some very sticky situations.
This book is full of twists and turns, and fun characters. I even laughed out loud a few different times, reading about Nicks antics.
During Noras investigation, she runs into an old friend from her reporting days, and I am hoping that he sticks around. It could be fun to see what happens between the two of them. There is a lot of suspense in this book as well, when I was getting towards the end, I was on the edge of my seat, I couldn't wait to see what happened. Now I am anxiously awaiting the next book! This series has become a favorite, don't miss this one!
Nora is still busy running her sandwich shop and taking care of Nick, who sort of adopted her. Although she is trying to find his previous owner, she hopes she doesn't! When Nora's sister is arrested for murdering her art teacher, Nora decides to do some investigating to clear her name, after all, she used to be an investigative reporter. I must say, that Nick the cat is becoming quite the detective himself. They get themselves into some very sticky situations.
This book is full of twists and turns, and fun characters. I even laughed out loud a few different times, reading about Nicks antics.
During Noras investigation, she runs into an old friend from her reporting days, and I am hoping that he sticks around. It could be fun to see what happens between the two of them. There is a lot of suspense in this book as well, when I was getting towards the end, I was on the edge of my seat, I couldn't wait to see what happened. Now I am anxiously awaiting the next book! This series has become a favorite, don't miss this one!
October 11, 2015
Five paws for CLAWS FOR ALARM!
Author T. C. LoTempio has penned another delightful installment in the Nick & Nora Mystery series.
I knew when I read the first book in the series, MEOW IF IT’S MURDER, Nora and her adorable, feisty cat, Nick, were going to be a wonderful crime fighting duo. And the relationship between the two of them is so much fun it caused me to laugh out loud more than a few time. A lot!
This was a solid whodunit with more suspects then there are cats who love catnip. With so many twists and turns, and more questions than I could find answers for, this fast paced cozy kept me on my toes as well as the edge of my seat!
Along with this story’s main mystery is also the mystery of what happened to Nick’s previous owner, human Nick. Where is he? Is he dead or alive? These were the questions in book one, and answers are still being sought in here in book two.
You’re going to enjoy every minute of CLAWS FOR ALARM, and like me you’ll be meowing for more!
Make sure to check out the back of the book for yummy sandwich recipes, and a preview of book three in the Nick & Nora series, OF CRIME AND CATNIP!
Author T. C. LoTempio has penned another delightful installment in the Nick & Nora Mystery series.
I knew when I read the first book in the series, MEOW IF IT’S MURDER, Nora and her adorable, feisty cat, Nick, were going to be a wonderful crime fighting duo. And the relationship between the two of them is so much fun it caused me to laugh out loud more than a few time. A lot!
This was a solid whodunit with more suspects then there are cats who love catnip. With so many twists and turns, and more questions than I could find answers for, this fast paced cozy kept me on my toes as well as the edge of my seat!
Along with this story’s main mystery is also the mystery of what happened to Nick’s previous owner, human Nick. Where is he? Is he dead or alive? These were the questions in book one, and answers are still being sought in here in book two.
You’re going to enjoy every minute of CLAWS FOR ALARM, and like me you’ll be meowing for more!
Make sure to check out the back of the book for yummy sandwich recipes, and a preview of book three in the Nick & Nora series, OF CRIME AND CATNIP!
September 26, 2020
All the parts I enjoyed in #1, is seriously lacking in here. Cosy cafe setting, Nick Atkins mystery and cat Nick's involvement in solving this crime. Only good thing was, this book was not romance-heavy other mystery books I see frequently.
Also, the fact that everyone is so willing to give Nora all the information and a super nice villain (although he shoots her) really got on my nerve. There are still chances I will read next in the series because of long pending Nick Atkins mystery, and the thought that he might not be the romantic interest is intriguing. Regardless, I wish to see more of the cat Nick.
Also, the fact that everyone is so willing to give Nora all the information and a super nice villain (although he shoots her) really got on my nerve. There are still chances I will read next in the series because of long pending Nick Atkins mystery, and the thought that he might not be the romantic interest is intriguing. Regardless, I wish to see more of the cat Nick.
July 10, 2017
Once again coincidences abound, and a
That's an awful lot of coincidences. Still a fun read, but not as good as The Thin Man
That's an awful lot of coincidences. Still a fun read, but not as good as The Thin Man
September 14, 2022
This is becoming one of my favorite series! Love little Nick the tuxedo cat!
October 18, 2015
Definitely a Five Paw Review! I received an advance copy of this book for an honest review. I loved this book from the first page to the last. I was instantly drawn into the story line. I loved the first book in this series Meow If It's Murder and had that as my top book but now I would have to put Claws For Alarm as my number one.
Nick and Nora do not disappoint. They have a great relationship. They will have you laughing out loud because of their antics. You never know what Nick is going to do next. BTW I am talking about a very unique cat. Nora is amazed everyday by the stuff he gets into and that a normal cat couldn't. I mean, how many cats do you know that play with Scrabble tiles to spell out clues???
This book has Nora not only in the middle of another murder but she has to prove her sister Lacey didn't kill her professor. All the evidence is pointing to Lacey so she and Nick have to do some snooping on their own with the help of some old friends and new ones. Except a blast from the past just happens to be the lead detective on the case and puts a kink into everything. She has been told many times to stay out of investigations because she is not a PI. Wonder if she will do this?? Nora is not the kinda women to sit around while her sister is behind bars. So with Nick feeding her clues she can't help herself but investigate. Will Nora be able to help her sister in time or will she end up the real murderers next victim?
She doesn't realize how big this case is and she and Nick may be over their heads. While all of this is going on she is still trying to figure out what happened to Nick Atkins, Nick's owner. Did he vanish on his own or did someone make him disappear for good?
All the adventure and mystery you could ever want are in this great cozy. It leads you into the world of Art and betrayal all the way through the love of family and friends. I can't wait till the next book Of Crime and Catnip to continue the adventures of Nick and Nora.
Nick and Nora do not disappoint. They have a great relationship. They will have you laughing out loud because of their antics. You never know what Nick is going to do next. BTW I am talking about a very unique cat. Nora is amazed everyday by the stuff he gets into and that a normal cat couldn't. I mean, how many cats do you know that play with Scrabble tiles to spell out clues???
This book has Nora not only in the middle of another murder but she has to prove her sister Lacey didn't kill her professor. All the evidence is pointing to Lacey so she and Nick have to do some snooping on their own with the help of some old friends and new ones. Except a blast from the past just happens to be the lead detective on the case and puts a kink into everything. She has been told many times to stay out of investigations because she is not a PI. Wonder if she will do this?? Nora is not the kinda women to sit around while her sister is behind bars. So with Nick feeding her clues she can't help herself but investigate. Will Nora be able to help her sister in time or will she end up the real murderers next victim?
She doesn't realize how big this case is and she and Nick may be over their heads. While all of this is going on she is still trying to figure out what happened to Nick Atkins, Nick's owner. Did he vanish on his own or did someone make him disappear for good?
All the adventure and mystery you could ever want are in this great cozy. It leads you into the world of Art and betrayal all the way through the love of family and friends. I can't wait till the next book Of Crime and Catnip to continue the adventures of Nick and Nora.
November 19, 2015
I read the first book last year and enjoyed it so was interested in reading more. Nora isn't close to her sister, Lacey, who is currently away at college. However, when one of Lacey's professors, Thaddeus C. Pitt, is murdered and Lacy is the prime suspect, she quickly goes to her sister, determined to prove her innocence. To make things more interesting, she has some history with the lead detective in charge of the investigation, Leroy Samms. He wants her to stay out of his case, but of course, she can't.
In the first book, Nora met an FBI agent, Daniel Corleone. Their relationship doesn't seem to have progressed much and he's away on a case through most of this book. Her relationship with Leroy Samms doesn't seem final, either, so it will be interesting to see what happens as the series progresses.
There are a couple of storylines in this book. In the first book, Nora ended up with a cat who belonged to a missing private investigator named Nick Atkins. He adopted Nora so she named him Nick after his missing owner. Once again, he plays a huge part in solving this mystery. During this investigation, Nora came across more information about Nick Atkins and is determined to find out what happened to him.
This is a book that I enjoyed overall! As a warning, there is quite a bit of language in this book as well as nude models. Nora's quirky best friend, Chantal, works on her psychic abilities and reads cards. This book moves quickly and there were plenty of suspects so I had a hard time figuring out who the real killer was. The ending paves the way for the next book and I'm excited for more Nick and Nora!
I received a copy of this book to review. My opinion is 100% my own.
Mel's Shelves
In the first book, Nora met an FBI agent, Daniel Corleone. Their relationship doesn't seem to have progressed much and he's away on a case through most of this book. Her relationship with Leroy Samms doesn't seem final, either, so it will be interesting to see what happens as the series progresses.
There are a couple of storylines in this book. In the first book, Nora ended up with a cat who belonged to a missing private investigator named Nick Atkins. He adopted Nora so she named him Nick after his missing owner. Once again, he plays a huge part in solving this mystery. During this investigation, Nora came across more information about Nick Atkins and is determined to find out what happened to him.
This is a book that I enjoyed overall! As a warning, there is quite a bit of language in this book as well as nude models. Nora's quirky best friend, Chantal, works on her psychic abilities and reads cards. This book moves quickly and there were plenty of suspects so I had a hard time figuring out who the real killer was. The ending paves the way for the next book and I'm excited for more Nick and Nora!
I received a copy of this book to review. My opinion is 100% my own.
Mel's Shelves
August 3, 2015
I received an ARC of this book from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.
CLAWS FOR ALARM, the second Nick and Nora mystery, is even better than the first! We must suspend our disbelief a little, because Nora's cat, Nick, is able to communicate by arranging Scrabble tiles or providing snippets of paper with relevant information. Nora inherited a sandwich shop in California, but her heart remains in the investigative reporting she had done in Chicago. When a particularly unpleasant art professor is murdered, Nora's semi-estranged sister becomes the prime suspect. Nora's search for the real murderer takes her through a dark maze of failed marriages and international crime. The settings are amazing: old buildings with secret passageways are always intriguing, and broken-down warehouses are made for suspense. The characters are well fleshed out, and we meet a man from Nora's past who may be someone of interest in future books, as sell as learning more about her current man, a hunky FBI agent. And Nick, the cat who walked into Nora's life, has a vivid personality all his own. The plot is deviously clever and the pacing is enough to keep your heart pumping. Mark CLAWS FOR ALARM as "want to read," because it's a good one!
CLAWS FOR ALARM, the second Nick and Nora mystery, is even better than the first! We must suspend our disbelief a little, because Nora's cat, Nick, is able to communicate by arranging Scrabble tiles or providing snippets of paper with relevant information. Nora inherited a sandwich shop in California, but her heart remains in the investigative reporting she had done in Chicago. When a particularly unpleasant art professor is murdered, Nora's semi-estranged sister becomes the prime suspect. Nora's search for the real murderer takes her through a dark maze of failed marriages and international crime. The settings are amazing: old buildings with secret passageways are always intriguing, and broken-down warehouses are made for suspense. The characters are well fleshed out, and we meet a man from Nora's past who may be someone of interest in future books, as sell as learning more about her current man, a hunky FBI agent. And Nick, the cat who walked into Nora's life, has a vivid personality all his own. The plot is deviously clever and the pacing is enough to keep your heart pumping. Mark CLAWS FOR ALARM as "want to read," because it's a good one!
May 30, 2016
I am in love with Nick, the most excellent new cat / sleuth of the decade! Nora is a brilliant, loving woman owned by the handsome Nick, not just any cat. Nora's intuition, honed by years as an investigative reporter in Chicago, finds small town sleuthing just as dangerous. The story twists and turns keep the reader guessing until the end - can't wait for the next one!
April 29, 2017
Nora runs her mother's sandwich shop and is more interested in that than in solving murders until her sister is arrested for murdering her art professor. The professor had a lot of secrets, a trophy wife and a scorned mistress. Using her cat Nick she sets out to figure out all the loose ends and free her sister.
November 30, 2019
Not as good as the first book, but a quick, fun read.
Nora's sister, Lacey, is caught standing over the body of her art professor after he has given her a poor grade. The extremely attractive arresting officer has a past with Nora.
Nick the cat is still very uncatlike. Aside from giving her clues, he can even turn on lights for Nora.
Nora's sister, Lacey, is caught standing over the body of her art professor after he has given her a poor grade. The extremely attractive arresting officer has a past with Nora.
Nick the cat is still very uncatlike. Aside from giving her clues, he can even turn on lights for Nora.
December 28, 2020
Enjoyed this second installment of the Nick and Nora series. 3 stars because of some of the inconsistencies in the book, but will continue on with the series.
November 9, 2015
I love a good mystery and cozy mysteries are often more fun than a detective or police procedural. Claws for Alarm has a fun premise. A cat that helps with solving mysteries? I’m down with trying that. This is the second book in the Nick and Nora mystery series and at first I felt like I was missing some information. After a while, the background was cleared up, but then Nora’s background was repeatedly referenced. A bit too much, if you ask me.
I really liked Nora and how she went about solving the crime. This was a true cozy mystery with an amateur detective. The clues were numerous and followed up religiously. Nick the cat was a great addition to the detective team. Some of his actions went above and beyond a normal cat, but it was cute and funny so I’m not complaining.
The mystery was lots of fun, but it was a bit hard to keep up with all the suspects. Too many names to remember. Unfortunately, LoTempio gave us enough clues to figure out the whodunnit a bit early in the book. But it was fun to watch Nora figure out the why and the where. Of course, her involvement in the investigation is a bit far-fetched as most cops wouldn’t put up with her nosiness. LoTempio solves that problem with having the investigating officer be an old flame. And of course, Nora’s involved with a FBI agent as well.
I was disappointed we didn’t get to hear the entire story of what happened with Nora and Samms, the investigating detective. I also thought the relationship with Nora and Daniel was a bit strange. And I missed more background on Nora’s relationship with her sister. Why was there so much bad blood there?
I recommend this book to mystery-lovers who don’t mind a bit of fur added to the clues.
I really liked Nora and how she went about solving the crime. This was a true cozy mystery with an amateur detective. The clues were numerous and followed up religiously. Nick the cat was a great addition to the detective team. Some of his actions went above and beyond a normal cat, but it was cute and funny so I’m not complaining.
The mystery was lots of fun, but it was a bit hard to keep up with all the suspects. Too many names to remember. Unfortunately, LoTempio gave us enough clues to figure out the whodunnit a bit early in the book. But it was fun to watch Nora figure out the why and the where. Of course, her involvement in the investigation is a bit far-fetched as most cops wouldn’t put up with her nosiness. LoTempio solves that problem with having the investigating officer be an old flame. And of course, Nora’s involved with a FBI agent as well.
I was disappointed we didn’t get to hear the entire story of what happened with Nora and Samms, the investigating detective. I also thought the relationship with Nora and Daniel was a bit strange. And I missed more background on Nora’s relationship with her sister. Why was there so much bad blood there?
I recommend this book to mystery-lovers who don’t mind a bit of fur added to the clues.
November 10, 2015
Book Blast Giveaway! See my full review at: http://smilingbookreviews.blogspot.co...
I signed up to read this book for a book tour and I guess I didn't do enough research into the previous book. It sounds like a fun cozy mystery and I had no problem getting into the story. And I really, really wanted to be able to keep reading and find out what happens. However, there is so much language in the first half of the book that I just can't finish it. The writing is good so if you don't mind all the language and you like cozies, you'll enjoy this one also.
Content (in first 50%) includes 8 d*n, as well as 4 variations of d*n, 7 h*l, 3 a*s, and 7 G*d, and 1 s*t as well as 14 words some would consider softer swear words. Content also includes a physic who reads cards and naked male and female models as well as drinking and smoking.
*Thanks to eBooksForReview for a complimentary copy of this book for review purposes. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions stated are my own.*
I signed up to read this book for a book tour and I guess I didn't do enough research into the previous book. It sounds like a fun cozy mystery and I had no problem getting into the story. And I really, really wanted to be able to keep reading and find out what happens. However, there is so much language in the first half of the book that I just can't finish it. The writing is good so if you don't mind all the language and you like cozies, you'll enjoy this one also.
Content (in first 50%) includes 8 d*n, as well as 4 variations of d*n, 7 h*l, 3 a*s, and 7 G*d, and 1 s*t as well as 14 words some would consider softer swear words. Content also includes a physic who reads cards and naked male and female models as well as drinking and smoking.
*Thanks to eBooksForReview for a complimentary copy of this book for review purposes. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions stated are my own.*
February 5, 2017
It's been a while since I picked up book one, but it was easy to get wrapped up in the lives of Nora and Nick her cat.
Her sister has been accused of murder and there is no way that Nora is just going to leave things to the police. It seems there are more than one person that might have reasons for killing Professor Pitts.
Nora has a nose for finding those clues and sleuthing things out but Nick is a pretty smart cat and he helps to by spelling things out with scrabble tiles and he even saves her at one point. Still a dog person but this is one cool cat! :)
Great addition to the Nick and Nora Mysteries series and I can't wait to try the next one.
Her sister has been accused of murder and there is no way that Nora is just going to leave things to the police. It seems there are more than one person that might have reasons for killing Professor Pitts.
Nora has a nose for finding those clues and sleuthing things out but Nick is a pretty smart cat and he helps to by spelling things out with scrabble tiles and he even saves her at one point. Still a dog person but this is one cool cat! :)
Great addition to the Nick and Nora Mysteries series and I can't wait to try the next one.
March 17, 2021
Nick and Nora back at it again!! Another OUTSTANDING book by T. C. LoTempio. Nora has a way of
getting in and finding clues right before the police. When Nora's sister Lacey is arrested for murder,
Nora is out to prove she didn't do it, and to put the real murderer behind bars.
Nick has his ways of sending clues to Nora. Can Nora find the killer before the killer gets Nora?
Such a surprising end!! Looking forward to the next book in the Nick and Nora Saga. I really enjoy
reading about Nick's antics and hope he is in the next book a little more.
getting in and finding clues right before the police. When Nora's sister Lacey is arrested for murder,
Nora is out to prove she didn't do it, and to put the real murderer behind bars.
Nick has his ways of sending clues to Nora. Can Nora find the killer before the killer gets Nora?
Such a surprising end!! Looking forward to the next book in the Nick and Nora Saga. I really enjoy
reading about Nick's antics and hope he is in the next book a little more.
November 10, 2015
Nora is dismayed to learned her sister Lacey has been arrested for the murder on one of her professors. Lacey had a vocal discussion with him after receiving a low grade. Nora sets out to prove her sister is not guilty. She discovers art fraud and diamonds as explores into the affair. Nick adds much to the story by playing with scrabble pieces. Removing pages from books and warming Nora when there is danger. Nick is fast becoming one my feline friends. I am impatiently waiting for the next adventure of Nick and Nora.
December 9, 2015
I liked this better than the first book in the series, I think. Book one was good, don't get me wrong... something about this story just resonated a bit better with me. Nick continues to be clever and adorable (he reminds me very much of KoKo from the Cat Who... mysteries by LJ Braun) and Nora's character is a bit more developed in this book -- we get a few additional hints about her personal life in the past.
Definitely a series to watch.
Definitely a series to watch.
July 8, 2016
I LOVED this one! Seriously, Nora is growing on me as a character, and I love her talents/sleuthing in order to crack the case. Then there is Daniel and Samms *cough*. Whaaaat is going on there? Plus Nick the cat! Will he reveal more about his former master...is HE actually Nick Atkins himself? well, I don't know, so I'm going to have to track down book three and find out!
Another favorite cat cozy mystery series, five stars.
Another favorite cat cozy mystery series, five stars.
December 7, 2016
Claws for Alarm by T.C. LoTempio is the 2nd book in the Nick and Nora Mystery series. Nora Charles takes a break from making sandwiches when her sister is arrested for the murder of her professor with whom she had recently argued over a grade. I love this series and especially Nick who always seems to come up with what is needed. Nick and Nora make a terrific crime-solving team and I look forward to reading more of their adventures.
August 10, 2016
Nora Charles gets the call none of us ever want... "PS your sister has just been arrested for murder".
Nora and Nick work, mostly against the police and FBI, to find the truth about the murder of the Art School owner and director. Just because her sister was found standing over the body with the murder weapon doesn't mean SHE killed him!
Nora and Nick work, mostly against the police and FBI, to find the truth about the murder of the Art School owner and director. Just because her sister was found standing over the body with the murder weapon doesn't mean SHE killed him!
November 19, 2015
Not quite as good as the first book in the series, but still a great read for cat lovers who prefer intelligent, tough cats in their mysteries, as opposed to cutesy. I look forward to reading more Nick and Nora adventures.
October 22, 2016
Nick is the smart one... I thought Nora was a bit obnoxious..
September 9, 2017
Trying to remember this is just a book and that there is thus no one to actually be mad at, but oh, the main character was just so loathsome! I get it--the hallmark of a cozy mystery is a sleuth that is very much NOT a part of any sort of law enforcement agency, who catches things the police missed and saves the day; suspension of disbelief is usually necessary. But a sleuth who helps solve the case not through their smarts, but by being condescending, aggressive, and engaging in multiple criminal activities? That is just too much! Nora's attitude can be summarized as "I'm in the right and am superior to everyone else, so I can do whatever I want, including frequently taking off from my actual job, breaking the law, and lying to the police about it (which is breaking the law in itself)!"
Nora thinks far too highly of herself. She not only thinks the police can't do their job, but she thinks she can do it BETTER than they can. I mean, in Nora's world, why should anyone bother becoming police officer or detective at all with her around? They might as well shut down all the police stations and let her handle all investigations, because clearly police don't know what they're doing and need her to figure out everything for them.
Further, she commits multiple CRIMES, and thinks it is the RIGHT/MORAL thing to do! Impersonating a police officer twice? Why, that's just a "white lie"! And she has no qualms about having her friends hack the police's intranet or breaking and entering...in fact, she encourages and applauds such activities! And then, when she is threatened with going to jail for some of these crimes, she has the audacity to get angry and offended that the police would even consider such a thing!
She is also a hypocrite. She gets mad at the FBI agent, saying how wrong and unfair he is because "you lied to me!" ...but then turns around and lies to him AND the police, promising she'll finally butt out, when she has no intention of doing so. (I thought lying was wrong and unfair, Nora? Guess only when you're the one being lied to). Then when they don't believe her that she'll butt out and put police detail on her, she gets indignant and says something like "can you believe that? they didn't trust me to keep out of it?!!" Umm, well, you DID lie to them and try to continue being a nosy busybody, so they were right to do that!!! Could she be any mire obnoxious???
I haven't even finished the book, but I'm sure she'll* believe that it was her criminal activity that "solves the case," thus "proving" that the police "couldn't have done it without her" and that she was right all along. PUH-lease!!! As previously stated, I'd much rather have a sleuth whose brains is what helped solve the case, not their criminal activities. The very fact she had to resort to constantly taking off from her actual job and breaking the law to solve the case proves she is NOT fit to be investigating anything.
*I'm aware this is a work of fiction, so Nora will actually feel none of this as Nora doesn't exist. But the writer created the most unlikeable cozy sleuth I've ever encountered, so she really got under my skin! I wish the book ended with her actually going to jail for interfering with a police investigation.... meaning there were no more books written regarding this travesty of an amateur sleuth. As this is not the case, the best I can do is to avoid any other books in this series and urge other readers to stay clear of them as well.
Nora thinks far too highly of herself. She not only thinks the police can't do their job, but she thinks she can do it BETTER than they can. I mean, in Nora's world, why should anyone bother becoming police officer or detective at all with her around? They might as well shut down all the police stations and let her handle all investigations, because clearly police don't know what they're doing and need her to figure out everything for them.
Further, she commits multiple CRIMES, and thinks it is the RIGHT/MORAL thing to do! Impersonating a police officer twice? Why, that's just a "white lie"! And she has no qualms about having her friends hack the police's intranet or breaking and entering...in fact, she encourages and applauds such activities! And then, when she is threatened with going to jail for some of these crimes, she has the audacity to get angry and offended that the police would even consider such a thing!
She is also a hypocrite. She gets mad at the FBI agent, saying how wrong and unfair he is because "you lied to me!" ...but then turns around and lies to him AND the police, promising she'll finally butt out, when she has no intention of doing so. (I thought lying was wrong and unfair, Nora? Guess only when you're the one being lied to). Then when they don't believe her that she'll butt out and put police detail on her, she gets indignant and says something like "can you believe that? they didn't trust me to keep out of it?!!" Umm, well, you DID lie to them and try to continue being a nosy busybody, so they were right to do that!!! Could she be any mire obnoxious???
I haven't even finished the book, but I'm sure she'll* believe that it was her criminal activity that "solves the case," thus "proving" that the police "couldn't have done it without her" and that she was right all along. PUH-lease!!! As previously stated, I'd much rather have a sleuth whose brains is what helped solve the case, not their criminal activities. The very fact she had to resort to constantly taking off from her actual job and breaking the law to solve the case proves she is NOT fit to be investigating anything.
*I'm aware this is a work of fiction, so Nora will actually feel none of this as Nora doesn't exist. But the writer created the most unlikeable cozy sleuth I've ever encountered, so she really got under my skin! I wish the book ended with her actually going to jail for interfering with a police investigation.... meaning there were no more books written regarding this travesty of an amateur sleuth. As this is not the case, the best I can do is to avoid any other books in this series and urge other readers to stay clear of them as well.
December 25, 2017
I enjoyed this, but not *quite* as much as the first book. It was still an entertaining book, especially as an audio book, which kept me occupied on my drive home for Christmas.
I like this world, with Nora having changed careers and inheriting an - apparently - magical cat. For the most part, Nora is a likable main character, although she is the stereotypical cozy heroine who inserts herself into the murder investigation in the most dunderheaded ways, virtually guaranteed to not only annoy the actual investigators, but also to land Nora in dangerous situations. But that is a regular feature of a cozy mystery, so I can't fault the author too much for it.
The actual murder mystery was pretty well-conceived and engagingly written. It held my attention pretty much all the way through and I especially love Nick the cat, who just appears in places he shouldn't be able to get into, just in time to help Nora out of tight spots. He is fun and funny and a creative addition to the cast of characters in this story.
Overall, this was a good read. Not a great read or a series that I would chomp at the bit to get my hands on the next book, but certainly a good, easy-reading and entertaining series that I would pick up a new book in if it was available when I needed a next read.
I like this world, with Nora having changed careers and inheriting an - apparently - magical cat. For the most part, Nora is a likable main character, although she is the stereotypical cozy heroine who inserts herself into the murder investigation in the most dunderheaded ways, virtually guaranteed to not only annoy the actual investigators, but also to land Nora in dangerous situations. But that is a regular feature of a cozy mystery, so I can't fault the author too much for it.
The actual murder mystery was pretty well-conceived and engagingly written. It held my attention pretty much all the way through and I especially love Nick the cat, who just appears in places he shouldn't be able to get into, just in time to help Nora out of tight spots. He is fun and funny and a creative addition to the cast of characters in this story.
Overall, this was a good read. Not a great read or a series that I would chomp at the bit to get my hands on the next book, but certainly a good, easy-reading and entertaining series that I would pick up a new book in if it was available when I needed a next read.
July 1, 2021
I listened to Claws For Alarm, by T.C. Lotempio on an unabridged MP3-CD. The story was better than the way than I listened to it. I had ordered it because I loved the first book in this series. I had mistakenly ordered it thinking it was on a CD for books. I bought an MP3 player, and it broke, therefore I ended up listening to the 24 parts one by one on my computer. It was tedious to start the parts one by one.
Now, with that out of the way, the mystery had lots of twists and turns and I still Nora Charles but was started by her younger sister who had gotten herself arrested for the murder of the college art professor. Her sister, Lacey, is caught standing over the victim with a weapon in hand. Lacey did not seem grateful enough to that Nora was getting helping her, instead she was displaying her lifelong jealousy, Nora is the smartest and the pretty one of the two.
Now, Nick, the tuxedo cat was at his best, and he is what makes the story for me. He spills scrabble tile and arranges them into clues for the mystery. He is overweight but extremely intelligent and makes me think of my own dear cat, Happy Day, a fitter cat but an extra smart cat.
I enjoyed the story but think that if I decide to read the third and final story in the series that I will buy the e-book.
Now, with that out of the way, the mystery had lots of twists and turns and I still Nora Charles but was started by her younger sister who had gotten herself arrested for the murder of the college art professor. Her sister, Lacey, is caught standing over the victim with a weapon in hand. Lacey did not seem grateful enough to that Nora was getting helping her, instead she was displaying her lifelong jealousy, Nora is the smartest and the pretty one of the two.
Now, Nick, the tuxedo cat was at his best, and he is what makes the story for me. He spills scrabble tile and arranges them into clues for the mystery. He is overweight but extremely intelligent and makes me think of my own dear cat, Happy Day, a fitter cat but an extra smart cat.
I enjoyed the story but think that if I decide to read the third and final story in the series that I will buy the e-book.
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