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Gourmet Pet Chef Mystery #2
Lights Camera Murder!
Gourmet Pet Chef Kitty Karlyle must draw on more than her TV presenting skills when the producer of a new cooking show is found stabbed to death.
Pet chef Kitty serves gourmet meals to pampered canines, cats, birds, snakes (ugh), Vietnamese pot-bellied pigs and most any other pet belonging to her wealthy and quirky L.A. clientele. This is a town where pets have their own psychologists, psychics and masseuses, so why shouldn’t they have their own chefs, right?
Kitty finds herself somewhat reluctantly hosting a new cooking show called ‘The Pampered Pet’ on CuisineTV. While shooting the pilot, the show’s producer is found in her office with a knife in her back – one of Kitty’s knives, to be exact. The list of suspects is long and time is short. If Kitty can’t find the killer soon, her own goose might be cooked . . .
Pet chef Kitty serves gourmet meals to pampered canines, cats, birds, snakes (ugh), Vietnamese pot-bellied pigs and most any other pet belonging to her wealthy and quirky L.A. clientele. This is a town where pets have their own psychologists, psychics and masseuses, so why shouldn’t they have their own chefs, right?
Kitty finds herself somewhat reluctantly hosting a new cooking show called ‘The Pampered Pet’ on CuisineTV. While shooting the pilot, the show’s producer is found in her office with a knife in her back – one of Kitty’s knives, to be exact. The list of suspects is long and time is short. If Kitty can’t find the killer soon, her own goose might be cooked . . .
192 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2016
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December 2, 2018Miniseries: A TV Pet Chef Mystery
December 22, 2015
I'll start out by saying that although this is listed as book #2, I have not read book #1 and did not feel like I was missing anything because of it, although having enjoyed this one, I will be adding the first to my reading list. I like the idea of a "gourmet pet chef", I feel like one of those most days with a fussy Bengal, a Ragdoll cat and a German Shepherd dog all watching my every move in the kitchen. Kitty seemed a fairly down to earth and realistic character who lives in the crazy world of the L.A. elite and gets drawn into a new TV show - a cooking show for pets. I would totally watch it! Unfortunately, the death of the producer during the very first episode draws suspicion on Kitty, and it doesn't help that her fiancé is the investigating detective, and he's not giving her a free pass just because he knows her!
Kitty becomes determined to solve the murder for herself. This is a light-hearted quirky mystery with a simple but engaging plot, and a whole host of unique characters that I enjoyed reading about, although no one really had much depth, that fitted with the style of book. Kitty and her new friend, Fran, the studio's stylist, bumble along making silly, amateur, amusing mistakes and keeping me guessing and surprised me at the end. I would definitely recommend this read to lovers of cozy mysteries, or light hearted amusing detective stories.
Kitty becomes determined to solve the murder for herself. This is a light-hearted quirky mystery with a simple but engaging plot, and a whole host of unique characters that I enjoyed reading about, although no one really had much depth, that fitted with the style of book. Kitty and her new friend, Fran, the studio's stylist, bumble along making silly, amateur, amusing mistakes and keeping me guessing and surprised me at the end. I would definitely recommend this read to lovers of cozy mysteries, or light hearted amusing detective stories.
October 26, 2015
This is the second installment in this series. While I did not read the first installment, I didn't have trouble getting into this story. I liked the premise, a pet cooking show. It was something new and fresh in terms of the theme. It was a well paced story with good writing. I also enjoyed the characters, both the human and animal.
I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for a honest review.
I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for a honest review.
November 4, 2015
I didn't read the first in this cute series, but I had no trouble following the story. I think the plot was unique and I enjoyed reading this book.
Having a cooking show for pets was a great story and the characters were well thought out.
I would recommend this book to others.
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for my fair and honest review.
Having a cooking show for pets was a great story and the characters were well thought out.
I would recommend this book to others.
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for my fair and honest review.
October 28, 2020
I did not find any character interesting, funny or likeable - I especially got so annoyed with Fran.
The detective boyfriend is dense and Kitty sounded like jealous high schooler instead of a young professional.
Also, major red flag, ladies: Guy asks you to marry him but won't set a date? Hmmm.
Anyway, I am dwelling on these things because I can't say the actual mystery or the exposition made sense to me.
I rushed to finish this book just for the sake of my reading goal - it was a relief when it was all over.
The detective boyfriend is dense and Kitty sounded like jealous high schooler instead of a young professional.
Also, major red flag, ladies: Guy asks you to marry him but won't set a date? Hmmm.
Anyway, I am dwelling on these things because I can't say the actual mystery or the exposition made sense to me.
I rushed to finish this book just for the sake of my reading goal - it was a relief when it was all over.
April 26, 2020
Fast read that keeps you thinking.
January 26, 2016
Lights, Camera, Murder! by Marie Celine is the second book in the Kitty Karlyle Pet Chef Mysteries. Kitty Karlyle is a gourmet pet chef in Los Angeles, California. She makes meals for the pets of the very wealthy and famous (she does meals for all types of pets including pigs). Kitty is getting ready (reluctantly) to film a pilot for a new cooking show called The Pampered Pet for CuisineTV at Santa Monica Film Studios. After filming the pilot, Kitty looks for the producer, Gretchen Corbett to see how she liked the show. Unfortunately for Kitty, she finds Gretchen face down in her office with one of Kitty’s knives in her back. Kitty is shocked at her discovery. Then the security guard comes along and thinks she murdered Gretchen (she is standing over the body). The police are called and one of them is Kitty’s fiancé, Jack Young. Kitty is a suspect and she does not like being in the hot seat. Kitty with the help of her new friend (and roommate), Fran Earhart (who is loud, flamboyant, and can be a wee bit annoying) sets out to find the killer. Kitty will have to work quickly before she is arrest for the crime or the killer decides she is a nuisance. Kitty also has to deal with her jealously of Jack’s new boss, Lt. Elin Nordstrom (a goddess according to Kitty). Can Kitty keep her fiancé from falling for another woman while keeping herself out of jail?
Lights, Camera, Murder! is the second book but it can be read as a stand-alone. It is a cute story, but a little too silly (and sometimes unbelievable) for me. For a reader who likes silly humor, this is the book for them. The mystery is child’s play to solve (the author gives it away). The writer tries to lead us on a merry chase on a search for the killer, but none of them make sense (or are logical). I wish the murder had not occurred so early in the book (it makes for a long book). There are a couple of references (ambiguous or incomplete) to the first book (Dishing Up Death) in the story, but they do not detract from the reading of the book. I did not like most of the characters (they are too over the top). Kitty is immature (and has a big jealous streak) for a business woman (acts more like a teenager). I think the characters lacked depth. We are only given superficial information on the main people in the story. I give Lights, Camera, Murder! 3 out of 5 stars (it is okay). The idea is good, but the final product just needs a little more work.
I received a complimentary copy of Lights, Camera, Murder! from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Check out my blog for more details: http://bibliophileandavidreader.blogs...
Lights, Camera, Murder! is the second book but it can be read as a stand-alone. It is a cute story, but a little too silly (and sometimes unbelievable) for me. For a reader who likes silly humor, this is the book for them. The mystery is child’s play to solve (the author gives it away). The writer tries to lead us on a merry chase on a search for the killer, but none of them make sense (or are logical). I wish the murder had not occurred so early in the book (it makes for a long book). There are a couple of references (ambiguous or incomplete) to the first book (Dishing Up Death) in the story, but they do not detract from the reading of the book. I did not like most of the characters (they are too over the top). Kitty is immature (and has a big jealous streak) for a business woman (acts more like a teenager). I think the characters lacked depth. We are only given superficial information on the main people in the story. I give Lights, Camera, Murder! 3 out of 5 stars (it is okay). The idea is good, but the final product just needs a little more work.
I received a complimentary copy of Lights, Camera, Murder! from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Check out my blog for more details: http://bibliophileandavidreader.blogs...
December 21, 2015
An enjoyable read with an unusual theme for a crime novel.
Pet Chef Kitty Karlyle serves gourmet meals to various pampered pets in Los Angeles. She has been invited to host a new cooking show called 'The Pampered Pet' on Cuisine TV. All seems to be going well until Kitty goes to find the show's producer, Gretchen Corbett, for her opinion only to find her murdered with one of Kitty's kitchen knives.
Kitty's fiancé Jack Young is assigned to the case with his boss the cool blonde Elin Nordstrom who seems too friendly with Jack for Kitty's liking! This inspires Kitty to try and solve the crime on her own and she joins forces with Fran Earhart, the hair and makeup stylist, whom Gretchen has just sacked. There are many twists and turns to the case involving Gretchen's two ex-husbands and a lover and the children from the marriages. Despite Kitty and Fran's rather amateurish and quite often amusing attempts at solving the crime they are successful and like all good crime novels I was kept guessing until the end.
I have however only given this three stars because although it was a different approach to a murder case and very readable I thought that the characters had no real depth and I couldn't relate to them, they seemed lightweight to me and I felt no sympathy with any of them.
Pet lovers may enjoy this book and it is certainly an original plot line.
Dexter
Breakaway Reviewers were given a copy of this book to review
Pet Chef Kitty Karlyle serves gourmet meals to various pampered pets in Los Angeles. She has been invited to host a new cooking show called 'The Pampered Pet' on Cuisine TV. All seems to be going well until Kitty goes to find the show's producer, Gretchen Corbett, for her opinion only to find her murdered with one of Kitty's kitchen knives.
Kitty's fiancé Jack Young is assigned to the case with his boss the cool blonde Elin Nordstrom who seems too friendly with Jack for Kitty's liking! This inspires Kitty to try and solve the crime on her own and she joins forces with Fran Earhart, the hair and makeup stylist, whom Gretchen has just sacked. There are many twists and turns to the case involving Gretchen's two ex-husbands and a lover and the children from the marriages. Despite Kitty and Fran's rather amateurish and quite often amusing attempts at solving the crime they are successful and like all good crime novels I was kept guessing until the end.
I have however only given this three stars because although it was a different approach to a murder case and very readable I thought that the characters had no real depth and I couldn't relate to them, they seemed lightweight to me and I felt no sympathy with any of them.
Pet lovers may enjoy this book and it is certainly an original plot line.
Dexter
Breakaway Reviewers were given a copy of this book to review
December 24, 2015
Get comfortable with your favorite four legged friend and settle in with Lights, Camera, Murder - a delectable mystery accompanied by recipes certain to make tails wag.
Gourmet Pet Chef Kitty Karlyle is used to satisfying hungry pets, but tv producers are a more finicky crowd. When Kitty discovers the producer, Gretchen, dead after filming the pilot to her new show 'The Pampered Pet', she is first on the suspect list. After all, it is her knife in Gretchen's back. But nothing is worse than seeing her boyfriend's beautiful new boss threatening to arrest her.
Kitty decides that she is going to find the killer first, and starts her own investigation aided by her new friend Fran, the flamboyant hair stylist for Cuisine TV. More Laverne and Shirley than Cagney and Lacey, the duo careen about asking questions, making accusations, and stepping on more than a few toes. Of course even a misfire occasionally hits the target, and Kitty and Fran catch the eye of a killer.
Filled with humor and an engaging plot, Lights, Camera, Murder is a fun cozy that mystery and animal lovers alike will enjoy.
I look forward to the next TV Pet Chef mystery.
5/5
Lights, Camera, Murder is available for preorder and will be released January 1, 2015.
I received a copy of Lights, Camera, Murder from the publisher and netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review.
--Crittermom
Gourmet Pet Chef Kitty Karlyle is used to satisfying hungry pets, but tv producers are a more finicky crowd. When Kitty discovers the producer, Gretchen, dead after filming the pilot to her new show 'The Pampered Pet', she is first on the suspect list. After all, it is her knife in Gretchen's back. But nothing is worse than seeing her boyfriend's beautiful new boss threatening to arrest her.
Kitty decides that she is going to find the killer first, and starts her own investigation aided by her new friend Fran, the flamboyant hair stylist for Cuisine TV. More Laverne and Shirley than Cagney and Lacey, the duo careen about asking questions, making accusations, and stepping on more than a few toes. Of course even a misfire occasionally hits the target, and Kitty and Fran catch the eye of a killer.
Filled with humor and an engaging plot, Lights, Camera, Murder is a fun cozy that mystery and animal lovers alike will enjoy.
I look forward to the next TV Pet Chef mystery.
5/5
Lights, Camera, Murder is available for preorder and will be released January 1, 2015.
I received a copy of Lights, Camera, Murder from the publisher and netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review.
--Crittermom
December 7, 2015
“Lights, Camera, Murder” is part of the “Kitty Karlyle Pet Chef” series, but the first I’ve read by this author. The idea of a mystery which included a cooking show for pets sounded good to me, and there are a few different aspects of the book that I really enjoyed. It’s written in a light, breezy style that makes it easy and quick to read. The plot is pretty good and there is a lot of humor throughout the book. However, the book is written in an overly simplistic style and lacks some polish and depth.
There are weaknesses with the characters as well. Kitty, the main character, is nice but too immature to be completely likeable. Her friend Fran is outspoken and sometimes funny, but at other times annoying. Perhaps if I had read the prior book I would have another opinion, but I didn’t get a great impression of Kitty’s fiancé, Jack. Jack’s boss is supposed to be a professional woman, but she comes across like a middle school mean girl.
The best parts of the book are the scenes in which Kitty is actually putting on her cooking show. They were fun and Kitty is at her most likeable. Unfortunately, although it fits with the plot of the book, there weren’t enough scenes with Kitty doing her show, and I was disappointed in the book.
I received this book from NetGalley through the courtesy of Severn House Publishing. The book was provided to me in exchange for an honest review.
There are weaknesses with the characters as well. Kitty, the main character, is nice but too immature to be completely likeable. Her friend Fran is outspoken and sometimes funny, but at other times annoying. Perhaps if I had read the prior book I would have another opinion, but I didn’t get a great impression of Kitty’s fiancé, Jack. Jack’s boss is supposed to be a professional woman, but she comes across like a middle school mean girl.
The best parts of the book are the scenes in which Kitty is actually putting on her cooking show. They were fun and Kitty is at her most likeable. Unfortunately, although it fits with the plot of the book, there weren’t enough scenes with Kitty doing her show, and I was disappointed in the book.
I received this book from NetGalley through the courtesy of Severn House Publishing. The book was provided to me in exchange for an honest review.
November 4, 2015
Lights, Camera, Murder by Marie Celine was an enjoyable cozy mystery that hooked me from
the first page. Although I had not read the first book in this series, it was easily read as a standalone.
I enjoyed these well developed characters and found them all to be relatable. I also enjoyed meeting the pets that Kitty cooks for at each of the households. The pace was smooth and fast without any slow down as Kitty was on the trail of a murderer. Fran, Kitty's new friend and roommate, was adorable and so klutzy. I found myself laughing often when Fran was on the scene. I never guessed who was behind the murder or the attempts on Kitty until the reveal which was the reason that I just had to keep reading - to find out "who done it". I plan on finding the first book in this series so I can get caught up on Kitty.
Thank you NetGalley and Severn House Publishers for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
the first page. Although I had not read the first book in this series, it was easily read as a standalone.
I enjoyed these well developed characters and found them all to be relatable. I also enjoyed meeting the pets that Kitty cooks for at each of the households. The pace was smooth and fast without any slow down as Kitty was on the trail of a murderer. Fran, Kitty's new friend and roommate, was adorable and so klutzy. I found myself laughing often when Fran was on the scene. I never guessed who was behind the murder or the attempts on Kitty until the reveal which was the reason that I just had to keep reading - to find out "who done it". I plan on finding the first book in this series so I can get caught up on Kitty.
Thank you NetGalley and Severn House Publishers for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
September 29, 2015
I adored this book! I'd read Dishing Up Death years before and was happy to finally see the next book in the series. Kitty and Fran are wonderful together. I love the idea of the Pampered Pet cooking show for pets that Kitty gets hired to host on the CuisineTV network. It is a very clever idea. I can't wait to see what the women get up to next. I was happy to see that Kitty's fiance, Jack, also returns in this book. And that sexy female lieutenant he is now partnered with makes for some fun exchanges. While I don't try to guess 'whodunit', I never would have figured this one out though it all makes sense in the end. All in all, a very pleasant, fun cozy mystery with characters I look forward to spending time with again.
April 30, 2016
Gourmet pet chef Kitty Karlyle is trying out as host for a new show called "Pampered Pet" when she finds the show's producer murdered with one of Kitty's knives. Angry at being a suspect, and jealous over her cop-fiance's gorgeous new boss, she decides she'll find the killer herself, with her new friend and fellow suspect, newly unemployed Fran, in tow. I guess you're supposed to find Kitty adorably ditzy. I found it hard to finish.
Note: You may want to watch out for the recipes for pets that are included. I noticed that some of them contain onion or garlic, which apparently are counter-indicated for cats and dogs.
Note: You may want to watch out for the recipes for pets that are included. I noticed that some of them contain onion or garlic, which apparently are counter-indicated for cats and dogs.
November 3, 2015
This is a very delightful book, couldn’t stop reading till the end.
Kitty is a pet’s gourmet chef and caters to the high society Hollywood pampered pets. With her high culinary praises, she gets a job in a new TV show, but just after she finished with the first shoot, the producer is found dead with Kitty’s knife on her back.
She is the first suspect, and to prove herself she is set to catch the killer with her new friend Fran.
This is very entertaining and full of surprises.
Note: I received a copy free from Netgalley for review purposes.
Kitty is a pet’s gourmet chef and caters to the high society Hollywood pampered pets. With her high culinary praises, she gets a job in a new TV show, but just after she finished with the first shoot, the producer is found dead with Kitty’s knife on her back.
She is the first suspect, and to prove herself she is set to catch the killer with her new friend Fran.
This is very entertaining and full of surprises.
Note: I received a copy free from Netgalley for review purposes.
October 26, 2015
I did not read book one in this series but I had no problem with getting into this cozy mystery. Only in Hollywood would a pet chef get a tv show cooking for pampered pets. Kitty does one show and they find the director dead. She's the prime suspect and fortunately for her, Jack , her boyfriend police detective is on the case.
October 8, 2015
I received a free ARC from NetGalley.
August 11, 2016
I enjoyed this book very much! So fun! I loved the humor and mystery mix with very real and relatable characters. Very original and fresh.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews