What do you think?
Rate this book
Mina's Adventures #5
A Cat to Die For
Mina Calvi's new Furry Friends Foundation is a dream come true for the formerly footloose young woman. Her no-kill shelter rescues and places dogs and cats into new forever homes, and it gives Mina a purpose in life.
But changes are looming on a perfect Sunday afternoon at the Dana Point Marina where she is minding the adoption booth.
A Greek heiress, young, petite and beautiful, shows up on the arm of the love of Mina's life, Diego Moran. And worse, she wants to adopt Mina's calico cat, Houdini. The spoiled woman will not take no for an answer. Why is she so insistent on getting Houdini when she already owns a look-alike cat?
When Houdini is cat-napped, the cat-sitter murdered, and the ransom demand sent to the heiress, Mina has to keep her wits about her to get her beloved cat home safely, and to keep her heart from getting broken again by Diego, who inexplicably pops up at every turn of the unfolding drama.
But changes are looming on a perfect Sunday afternoon at the Dana Point Marina where she is minding the adoption booth.
A Greek heiress, young, petite and beautiful, shows up on the arm of the love of Mina's life, Diego Moran. And worse, she wants to adopt Mina's calico cat, Houdini. The spoiled woman will not take no for an answer. Why is she so insistent on getting Houdini when she already owns a look-alike cat?
When Houdini is cat-napped, the cat-sitter murdered, and the ransom demand sent to the heiress, Mina has to keep her wits about her to get her beloved cat home safely, and to keep her heart from getting broken again by Diego, who inexplicably pops up at every turn of the unfolding drama.
146 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 12, 2015
130 people are currently reading
203 people want to read
About the author
Maria Grazia Swan
35 books207 followersMaria Grazia Swan was born in Italy, but this rolling stone has definitely gathered no moss. She lived in Belgium, France, Germany, in beautiful Orange County, California where she raised her family, and is currently at home in Phoenix, Arizona—but stay tuned for weekly updates of Where in the World is Maria Grazia Swan?
As a young girl, her vivid imagination predestined her to be a writer. She won her first literary award at the age of fourteen while living in Belgium. As a young woman Maria returned to Italy to design for—ooh-la-la—haute couture. Once in the U.S. and after years of concentrating on family, she tackled real estate. These days her time is devoted to her deepest passions: writing and helping people find happiness.
Maria loves travel, opera, good books, hiking, and intelligent movies (if she can find one, that is). When asked about her idea of a perfect evening, she favors stimulating conversation, spicy Italian food and perfectly chilled Prosecco—but then, who doesn’t?
Maria has written short stories for anthologies, articles for high profile magazines and numerous blogs tackling love and life. She engaged her editorial and non-fiction skills for Mating Dance Rituals for Singles Who Weren't born yesterday. Her romantic suspense novels Love Thy Sister,Bosom Bodies and Italian Summer are available at Amazon.com.
Her new series, published by Gemma Halliday is also available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble, the first book is title Gemini Moon
Website: http://www.mariagraziaswan.com
Contact Maria: mariagswan@gmail.com
-or- touch base with her on Facebook.
As a young girl, her vivid imagination predestined her to be a writer. She won her first literary award at the age of fourteen while living in Belgium. As a young woman Maria returned to Italy to design for—ooh-la-la—haute couture. Once in the U.S. and after years of concentrating on family, she tackled real estate. These days her time is devoted to her deepest passions: writing and helping people find happiness.
Maria loves travel, opera, good books, hiking, and intelligent movies (if she can find one, that is). When asked about her idea of a perfect evening, she favors stimulating conversation, spicy Italian food and perfectly chilled Prosecco—but then, who doesn’t?
Maria has written short stories for anthologies, articles for high profile magazines and numerous blogs tackling love and life. She engaged her editorial and non-fiction skills for Mating Dance Rituals for Singles Who Weren't born yesterday. Her romantic suspense novels Love Thy Sister,Bosom Bodies and Italian Summer are available at Amazon.com.
Her new series, published by Gemma Halliday is also available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble, the first book is title Gemini Moon
Website: http://www.mariagraziaswan.com
Contact Maria: mariagswan@gmail.com
-or- touch base with her on Facebook.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
July 23, 2015
Two male Calico cats, almost alike except for one detail. What
is that detail and why is it important??
Mina Calvi is running the Furry Friends Foundation. This
foundation is a no kill shelter for cats & dogs. Mina also has an
animal B&B.
The FFF has a male Calico cat up for adoption named Houdini.
The love of Mina’s life, Diego Moran shows up with a Greek
heiress wanting Houdini although she has a look-a- like cat
named Zeus. Now the adventure begins…..
The cat caretaker is found dead, Houdini is kidnapped, Mina
becomes involved, the suspense, drama and mystery build!!!
It is a fast moving story, with entertaining characters, good plot,
humor and a hint of romance.
Although this is the fifth book in the series, the author weaves
the past and present effortlessly so it can be read as a stand alone.
Thank you to the author for this eBook. My opinion is my own.
is that detail and why is it important??
Mina Calvi is running the Furry Friends Foundation. This
foundation is a no kill shelter for cats & dogs. Mina also has an
animal B&B.
The FFF has a male Calico cat up for adoption named Houdini.
The love of Mina’s life, Diego Moran shows up with a Greek
heiress wanting Houdini although she has a look-a- like cat
named Zeus. Now the adventure begins…..
The cat caretaker is found dead, Houdini is kidnapped, Mina
becomes involved, the suspense, drama and mystery build!!!
It is a fast moving story, with entertaining characters, good plot,
humor and a hint of romance.
Although this is the fifth book in the series, the author weaves
the past and present effortlessly so it can be read as a stand alone.
Thank you to the author for this eBook. My opinion is my own.
July 26, 2015
A CAT TO DIE FOR was a delightful book and sure to win over cat lovers.
It’s a bit different from other cozies I’ve read. It is the first one I’ve read in this series or by the author. Looking at the covers of the four books that came before, I’m not completely sure what category they fall into. All that being said, I really did enjoy this story.
Mina Calvi is an interesting protagonist. She’s unlike others I have read in cozies. In this installment of the series, she runs the Furry Friends Foundation which is a no kill shelter for cats and dogs. It seems that in the rest of the series, Mina is a little all over the place. I hope the series continues on this theme because it really is quite good.
Author Maria Grazia Swan has a wonderful writing style that results in a very fluid read that flows at a nice pace. This was a well plotted mystery that really held me interest and left my surprised at the reveal.
If the next book in the Mina’s Adventures series is as good as this one, I look forward to reading it!
Note: There is a minor amount of cursing in this book.
It’s a bit different from other cozies I’ve read. It is the first one I’ve read in this series or by the author. Looking at the covers of the four books that came before, I’m not completely sure what category they fall into. All that being said, I really did enjoy this story.
Mina Calvi is an interesting protagonist. She’s unlike others I have read in cozies. In this installment of the series, she runs the Furry Friends Foundation which is a no kill shelter for cats and dogs. It seems that in the rest of the series, Mina is a little all over the place. I hope the series continues on this theme because it really is quite good.
Author Maria Grazia Swan has a wonderful writing style that results in a very fluid read that flows at a nice pace. This was a well plotted mystery that really held me interest and left my surprised at the reveal.
If the next book in the Mina’s Adventures series is as good as this one, I look forward to reading it!
Note: There is a minor amount of cursing in this book.
Read
May 24, 2017I really enjoyed this book. I've read English, Hawaiian, and a few other nationality sleuths, but this is my first Italian. Mina is not so much a sleuth as a victim. Her cats aren't sleuths, either. She runs a no-kill animal shelter. The story centers around a couple of couple of calico cats, a murder, a former lover and kidnapping. A fun read with lots of twists & turns.
July 27, 2016
Review of A CAT TO DIE FOR by Maria Grazia Swan
{Mina's Adventures #5}
Ah, this girl. Young lady. Orphaned, wealthy, hit-and-miss young lady. Surely there exists some psychological reasons why she clings to the hope of the unattainable. Maybe she has a secret passion for suffering (not likely). Maybe she just prefers the "bad boys." The love of her life, Diego, certainly is that. Either he is exquisitely, constantly undercover, or the man is a player. Either way the poor girl keeps gettting her heart wrenched out and stomped on, again and again and again, never realizing any bad habit can be broken eventually. Plus there's her inferiority complex: she's always felt far in the shade of the sunlight cast by big sister Paola.
Certainly her author, Maria Grazia Swan, positions Mina in the oddest, most far-fetched and unexpected travails. This time she opens a no-kill shelter, a totally admirable idea. Admirable until player Diego shows up, and of course, not alone. His appearance endangers Mina's beloved cat--and the catsitter--and the heiress. And of course, the one who always manages to throw herself into dangerous situations (remember the international arms smuggler?) is Mina. The heroine is just--feckless. almost comically so.
{Mina's Adventures #5}
Ah, this girl. Young lady. Orphaned, wealthy, hit-and-miss young lady. Surely there exists some psychological reasons why she clings to the hope of the unattainable. Maybe she has a secret passion for suffering (not likely). Maybe she just prefers the "bad boys." The love of her life, Diego, certainly is that. Either he is exquisitely, constantly undercover, or the man is a player. Either way the poor girl keeps gettting her heart wrenched out and stomped on, again and again and again, never realizing any bad habit can be broken eventually. Plus there's her inferiority complex: she's always felt far in the shade of the sunlight cast by big sister Paola.
Certainly her author, Maria Grazia Swan, positions Mina in the oddest, most far-fetched and unexpected travails. This time she opens a no-kill shelter, a totally admirable idea. Admirable until player Diego shows up, and of course, not alone. His appearance endangers Mina's beloved cat--and the catsitter--and the heiress. And of course, the one who always manages to throw herself into dangerous situations (remember the international arms smuggler?) is Mina. The heroine is just--feckless. almost comically so.
July 16, 2015
“A Cat to Die For” is another wonderful read! I absolutely love the way Maria Grazia Swan writes her stories. They are funny, creative, suspenseful, and full of imagination. The characters just keep growing and developing more and more in each book of this series. I absolutely love Mina! She doesn't have to do anything wrong but, for some unknown reason; trouble just seems to find her. This book in centered on Mina's new career of finding homes for discarded pets. She finds herself in the center of another crime. Poor Mina is still hung up on Diego who is full of suspense and he seems to mysteriously run into Mina when her life just seems to turn upside down. If you love suspense, humor, love stories and animals I believe you will absolutely love this book. I always find myself rooting for Mina to solve the crime and for her and Diego to finally quit being ships passing in the night. I highly recommend you giving this book a read it is wonderful!
January 10, 2016
A little Prosecco goes well with this American-Italian offering from an Italian-American author. In Mina's 5th adventure, she has established a home, determined her path for life, and chosen her object of her love and affections. It rarely turns out as Mina wants. Mina is constantly in danger; she attracts it like a magnet. She wants Diego, but can she trust him? She love the cat Houdini, but someone kidnapped him. What's Diego's relationship with the heiress? Author Maria Grazia Swan effortlessly blends humor into the storyline with the terror, intrigue, & murders. The author paints her scenery & characters in bold strokes. I have just finished book 5 & I can't wait for book 6. I'm dying to know if Diego turns out to be a good dude or a complete dud. (and also who dies in this next one) I love the no-kill cat shelter she's started & hope this line continues. Serve me another Italian delicacy soon, Ms. Swan. I'll buy every book you write.
July 16, 2015
A wonderful and suspenseful tale! Mystery and unwanted love flood Mina Calvi's life and Ms Swan brings it right into our hearts.
Mina feels like her life has hit a good point between her B&B for cats and her work at the animal shelter, that is…until Diego shows up accompanied by a spoiled princess. The Greek darling wants two things that Mina has fallen in love with, and the brat quickly proves she is more than willing to cheat to get what she wants. DiFiora is back in the picture when what should have been a simple rescue return leads Mina to a dead body and that is not all that complicates the re-rescue. I love when he points calls her on it when she acts immaturely, which doesn't have much anymore. She does still make some rash decisions, but I see that more as a sign of her passionate Italian blood rather than a character weakness.
Mina feels like her life has hit a good point between her B&B for cats and her work at the animal shelter, that is…until Diego shows up accompanied by a spoiled princess. The Greek darling wants two things that Mina has fallen in love with, and the brat quickly proves she is more than willing to cheat to get what she wants. DiFiora is back in the picture when what should have been a simple rescue return leads Mina to a dead body and that is not all that complicates the re-rescue. I love when he points calls her on it when she acts immaturely, which doesn't have much anymore. She does still make some rash decisions, but I see that more as a sign of her passionate Italian blood rather than a character weakness.
July 17, 2015
This is another wonderful read from Maria Grazia Swan. Its main focus is on Mina's new venture, finding homes for abandoned pets. Even the mystery involves one of the cats from the shelter, Houdini.
Mina and Diego are supposedly moving on, but they get thrown together again when Houdini is catnapped after being adopted by Diego's new girlfriend. Will they give in to the feelings they still feel for one another, or will they try to go their separate ways once and for all?
I still find Mina to be rash and immature at times, but she appears to be doing her best to fix that, with a little help from her friends.
**I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.**
Mina and Diego are supposedly moving on, but they get thrown together again when Houdini is catnapped after being adopted by Diego's new girlfriend. Will they give in to the feelings they still feel for one another, or will they try to go their separate ways once and for all?
I still find Mina to be rash and immature at times, but she appears to be doing her best to fix that, with a little help from her friends.
**I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.**
July 14, 2015
This is an excellent entry in the "Mina's Adventures" series by Maria Grazia Swan. This is a wonderful series and Ms. Swan's way of telling a story is quirky and fun. These types of mysteries fall into a category that is hard to describe but is just the type of mystery I love. Mina is a likable and engaging character and Diego, her romantic interest, is perfect for her. But alas, the star-crossed lovers have quite a mystery on their hands this time around, involving cats, cats and more cats. What's not to love?
**I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review**
**I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review**
January 10, 2016
Now, in Mina's 5th book, she has set up her home, her career, and hopefully her partner. Things rarely turn out like Mina wants: she's always is in trouble (she draws trouble to her). She wants Diego, but isn't sure she trusts him. Her cat Houdini is kidnapped. And it seems Diego and the heiress may be involved. Author Maria Grazia Swan describes the settings & characters in humorous detail. I have just finished book 5 & I have book 6 to read. I'm want to know the truth about Diego. (and who goes after Mina) I liked reading about the no-kill cat shelter & hope the author keeps this shelter in the next story. Write more Mina adventures because I want to read every book you write.
July 16, 2015
I received an ARC eBook in exchange for an honest review. Another fun filled mystery adventure with Mina Calvi, De Fiore, Diego, Margo, Gino, 2 Male Calicoes and more!! I love Mina's adventures and this one did not disappoint! I highly recommend this series and this author!
February 7, 2017
This is a cute book. Who wouldn't love a book with a cat by the name of Houdini that is an escape artist? I found this to be a fun read with a good mystery and likable characters. Plus it also points to the value of no kill animal shelters and the animals that they rescue.
May 18, 2017
A beautiful book, hard to forget
This book is a work of art, it has a wonderful Italian lady, cats, a gun toting grandma, a mysterious man and rival love interests. What more can a book need, e meraviglioso, scritto d'un artista.
This book is a work of art, it has a wonderful Italian lady, cats, a gun toting grandma, a mysterious man and rival love interests. What more can a book need, e meraviglioso, scritto d'un artista.
May 23, 2017
Good read
I gave a four star rating because I liked the book. Mina is a pet rescuer and she loves her job. But trouble always follows her this is a light hearted cosy. If you love animals then you'll enjoy this book.
I gave a four star rating because I liked the book. Mina is a pet rescuer and she loves her job. But trouble always follows her this is a light hearted cosy. If you love animals then you'll enjoy this book.
May 20, 2017
I really enjoyed this book and read it in less than 24 hours. It was so slow at first, I didn't think I would be able to finished. The story soon picked up and I wasn't able to put it down!
May 27, 2017
Abook for cat lovers.
I picked this book because I love cats and I love to read. The book is awesome. Easy to read. Full of cats and mystery. Do check it out.
I picked this book because I love cats and I love to read. The book is awesome. Easy to read. Full of cats and mystery. Do check it out.
December 19, 2017
Great
For a cat story this is a great read. You can picture the felines and the characters. Will read more by author.
For a cat story this is a great read. You can picture the felines and the characters. Will read more by author.
May 10, 2018
A fun book to read
I love mysteries with animals . Good clean book! Never knew that a calico cat could be male. Learned something new!.
I love mysteries with animals . Good clean book! Never knew that a calico cat could be male. Learned something new!.
April 14, 2019
If you like cats you will love this book, a cat rescue center, two male Calico cats, a spoilt heiress, and handsome man, I really enjoyed this book.
July 18, 2018
Awesome Series
The series name is very appropriate. Book one talks about Mina's move from Italy to California when she was 16. The books are about the major events in her life, which are both exciting and terrifying and sorrowful. Through it all is her best friend Margo, a very supportive defective she calls De Fiore, and starting in book 2 the love of her life Diego. Over the many years she has spent only a month or two in total with Diego, who has a dangerous and secretive career. As each book progresses Mina matures more and more but her hot Italian temper never goes away. In the series she finds herself caught up in murder, kidnapping, and terrorist activity. These books chronicle Mina's Adventures. Awesome series.
The series name is very appropriate. Book one talks about Mina's move from Italy to California when she was 16. The books are about the major events in her life, which are both exciting and terrifying and sorrowful. Through it all is her best friend Margo, a very supportive defective she calls De Fiore, and starting in book 2 the love of her life Diego. Over the many years she has spent only a month or two in total with Diego, who has a dangerous and secretive career. As each book progresses Mina matures more and more but her hot Italian temper never goes away. In the series she finds herself caught up in murder, kidnapping, and terrorist activity. These books chronicle Mina's Adventures. Awesome series.
May 28, 2017
This was an okay read
This wasn't the best book I've ever read, but it certainly wasn't the worst. I loved the "cat lady" aspect, although Mina seemed a bit thick at times (especially when it came to her ex-lover). I just didn't care for her much, and Margo was completely annoying. Now, give me a book where Millie's the MC, and I'm there!
Also, there were several typos and incorrectly used words that could be caught with a good proofread - and some sentences were so poorly written I could barely stand to read them.
Still, this is a free read if you're a KU subscriber, so you might want to give it a try.
This wasn't the best book I've ever read, but it certainly wasn't the worst. I loved the "cat lady" aspect, although Mina seemed a bit thick at times (especially when it came to her ex-lover). I just didn't care for her much, and Margo was completely annoying. Now, give me a book where Millie's the MC, and I'm there!
Also, there were several typos and incorrectly used words that could be caught with a good proofread - and some sentences were so poorly written I could barely stand to read them.
Still, this is a free read if you're a KU subscriber, so you might want to give it a try.
July 28, 2024
Hurting for Houdini!
A shelter cat and a spoiled heiress, set the stage for a hair-raising adventure for Mina. Margo and Gino are out of town, leaving Mina on her own to protect the shelter.
Mina is showing a few signs of maturity but it never lasts for long. I liked the storyline now that she has more of a range of emotions, not just anger and cluelessness. Her attitudes in the previous books were starting to wear on me. I enjoyed all the animals, especially the cats. The book has some surprising twists with lots of intrigue and danger.
A shelter cat and a spoiled heiress, set the stage for a hair-raising adventure for Mina. Margo and Gino are out of town, leaving Mina on her own to protect the shelter.
Mina is showing a few signs of maturity but it never lasts for long. I liked the storyline now that she has more of a range of emotions, not just anger and cluelessness. Her attitudes in the previous books were starting to wear on me. I enjoyed all the animals, especially the cats. The book has some surprising twists with lots of intrigue and danger.
August 21, 2017
A Cat To Die For is the fifth book of author Maria Grazia Swan's Mina’s Adventures series. The book is suitable for reading on its own although I was a little lost understanding the relationship between the central characters not having read books 1-4 in the series. I found the book entertaining and would recommend it to other readers. Looking forward to reading the earlier books in the series and future books as well.
April 7, 2018
Romance and Cat Rescue
What a fun story! This is the first of this series that I've read and it stands alone quite well! The plot is intricate and well planned. The characters are wonderful. Their intertwined histories are explained well. Now, I want to go back and read the prior 4 adventures. I also want to know more about Millie and hope there is a future story about her. I bought this book and this is my honest review.
What a fun story! This is the first of this series that I've read and it stands alone quite well! The plot is intricate and well planned. The characters are wonderful. Their intertwined histories are explained well. Now, I want to go back and read the prior 4 adventures. I also want to know more about Millie and hope there is a future story about her. I bought this book and this is my honest review.
May 25, 2017
A comfortable cozy way to spend a day.
Starting a series at book 5 can be difficult but this author handled the characters so well that I was able to enjoy the story, catch a glimpse of former relationships that make me want to find previous books, and still keep up with the plot about calico cats.
Well done.
Starting a series at book 5 can be difficult but this author handled the characters so well that I was able to enjoy the story, catch a glimpse of former relationships that make me want to find previous books, and still keep up with the plot about calico cats.
Well done.
June 8, 2017
Love of Cats
This book had everything I like.....mystery...Love.....animals. This is the first book for me by this author but it won't be the last. As much as I love animals this story was about what I always would have loved to do...rescue and find homes for all the four legged animals that needed help. Now for her next book
This book had everything I like.....mystery...Love.....animals. This is the first book for me by this author but it won't be the last. As much as I love animals this story was about what I always would have loved to do...rescue and find homes for all the four legged animals that needed help. Now for her next book
November 4, 2018
Maria Grazia Swan has been put on my favorites list of authors! Being a loved of cozy mysteries & cats her books are great. I 💘 the interaction of the characters and the story line. The book has love, friendship, suspense and 🐱's. I couldn't be happier. I highly recommend this book to cozy mystery & cat lovers!
March 13, 2024
Relaxing story
Houdini is quite the cat. Mina’s love for animals comes through as the real meat of the story. “A Cat To Die For” is a fun mystery that keeps the reader guessing what is the real mystery to be solved.
Houdini is quite the cat. Mina’s love for animals comes through as the real meat of the story. “A Cat To Die For” is a fun mystery that keeps the reader guessing what is the real mystery to be solved.
May 13, 2017
very good, loved the idea of the cat rescue
May 21, 2017
Good
this young woman who has used her inherited money to start animal shelter.then the murder and cat kidnapping happened well
this young woman who has used her inherited money to start animal shelter.then the murder and cat kidnapping happened well
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews