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Kitty Couture #4

Cat Got Your Crown

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The fourth Kitty Couture cozy mystery full of romance, humor, adorable furry friends, and pet-friendly recipesperfect for fans of Rita Mae Brown and Blaize ClementWith a pet pageant around the corner and a killer unleashed, Lacy will have to collar the culprit before the claws come out.Lacy Marie Crocker can hardly believe it’s been a year since her return home to New Orleans. There hasn’t been a dull moment since opening her pet boutique last summer, and thanks to the popularity of Lacy’s organic pet treats, and the arrival of the National Pet Pageant, Lacy desperately needs some help before she is overrun by the demand for pupcakes and crinolines.The entire Garden District seems to be counting the minutes until opening night of the pet pageant and everything is going spectacularly until Viktor Petrov, the pageant emcee takes a spill from the balcony during dress rehearsal. All signs points to murder and homicide detective Jack Oliver sets his eyes on Eva Little, one of Lacy’s committee sisters and the only other person on the balcony at the time of the fall, as the killer. But when it comes out that Viktor was notoriously rude, the doors blow wide open with potential suspects who could’ve wanted him dead.Lacy’s determined to find the killer and exonerate Eva, but when Lacy receives a mysterious warning—a plush kitty from Lacy’s shop with its mouth crudely stitched over—it’s clear that she’s been found first. Full of killer recipes for your pet, Cat Got Your Crown is Julie Chase’s uproarious fourth Kitty Couture mystery.

320 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 13, 2019

33 people are currently reading
341 people want to read

About the author

Julie Chase

12 books431 followers
Julie Chase is a mystery-loving pet enthusiast who hopes to make readers smile. She lives in rural Ohio with her husband and three small children. Julie is a member of the International Thriller Writers (ITW) and Sisters in Crime (SinC). She is represented by Jill Marsal of Marsal Lyons Literary Agency.

Julie also writes as Julie Anne Lindsey.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 138 reviews
Profile Image for Linda Langford.
1,600 reviews14 followers
January 25, 2019
Author Julie Chase has the awesome ability to combine humor and creative plotting into a story that is fun and appealing. Book 4 takes place at a National Pet Pageant in New Orleans, Louisiana. Lacy Crocker, owner of the popular Furry Godmother Pet boutique and organic treat bakery, witnesses a suspicious death up-close-and-personal, then is horrified when someone she knows is accused of implementing the murder. Lacy can’t keep from nosing around asking questions about various persons of interest that she suspects, and before long she’s receiving threats and her life is in jeopardy.

The story reads swiftly and I chuckled at certain scenes and dialogue. Lacy’s domineering mother certainly adds levity to the storytelling. I like both the handsome men vying for Lacy’s love, and understand how hard a choice it would be to choose one over the other, however, I liked the decision she seems to have made by the end of the book. I also really like the new character of Willow who is mysteriously, yet smoothly added to the storyline.

Fun and entertaining, this story and the entire Kitty Couture Mystery series come highly recommended by this cozy reader.

I reviewed a digital arc provided by NetGalley and Crooked Lane. Thank you.
Profile Image for LORI CASWELL.
2,866 reviews327 followers
March 17, 2019
Dollycas’s Thoughts

The National Pet Pageant has finally come to New Orleans and Lacy Marie Crocker is right in the middle of everything. She is on hand to help with all the pets apparel with her trusty pink toolbox filled with fabric, thread, lace, sequins and even a tiara or two. She is also working on a new recipe that pets and their owners can share and baking pupcakes and pet couture to keep the shelves and racks full at her pet boutique, The Furry Grandmother.

Rehearsals at the pageant are barking right along and then the emcee takes a header right off the balcony. Viktor Petrov didn’t fall though, he was pushed. Detective Jack Oliver and Lacy were side by side and witnessed the entire thing. Lacy also noticed a woman on the balcony. Eva Little, one of Lacy’s mother’s friends. She becomes the prime suspect but it isn’t long before more suspects come to light. With a firm nudge from her mother and to the frustration of Jack, Lacy starts snooping. But the killer is on her trail warning her to back-off or else.

These characters are so much fun. Everyone is engaging and fleshed out. Again Lacy has a lot of weight on her shoulders. She has had two men vying for her attention, but in this one, Jack seems to be the one winning her heart which makes me super happy. I have been Team Jack for a while. But attorney Chase Hawthorne is also at the pageant. He has found many pet owners need lawyers in times of divorce to set up ownership and visitation of those furry loved ones. The client that brought him to the event has a very interesting doggie that keeps Chase on his toes.

Lacy’s over the top mother is in charge of making the National Pet Pageant run smoothly along with her committee. She expects perfection not only in the event but right down to what her committee members are wearing. Lacy isn’t always on the same page but she does her best to cater to her mother’s every whim. He father is the calming force that is needed a time or two. Lacy’s former nanny, Imogene, tries to stay on top of everything at the boutique but she is running herself ragged with all the extra business from the pageant. We are introduced to a new character, Willow, she seems to fit right in. I really enjoy the dialogue between the characters. There are serious conversations but some are laugh out loud funny.

There is so much happening in this story but it never seems overwhelming. The pace is quick. The mystery has many twists and turns and is very well plotted. I was totally all over the place when it came to the murderer. The red herrings throughout definitely worked on me.

I loved this story and the animal antics never fail to grab me. Lacy’s cat Penelope riding around on her Roomba always cracks me up. This time a dog had me almost rolling on the floor laughing. The humans are funny too. There is a bit of magic this time, I mean they are in New Orleans, but I not sure how I feel about that yet. I have to see where the author takes this idea.

I encourage you to read the series from the start in order if it is new to you. They have all been perfect escapes for me.
Profile Image for Antonella.
4,129 reviews621 followers
September 21, 2020
3,5 stars
random thoughts!!
I still don't like her mother..
I am still that newbie cozy mystery reader that expects romance, and here we actually get some YES!!
Jack is still great!! Lacy has grown a bit on me.. Chase is still blah..
I am curious if there will be more books in this series..
love the covers!!
Profile Image for Amy.
492 reviews4 followers
February 13, 2019
This is the fourth installment in the Kitty Couture series. The Pet Pageant has come to New Orleans and Lacey is busy volunteering to help make the event a great success, culminating in a winner being crowned. However, the popular yet controversial master of ceremonies falls to his death from the balcony during a rehearsal. Was it an accident or did someone have reason to want him dead? If so, why? Lacey begins investigating, much to the chagrin of her mother, Chase and beau detective Jack but someone sends her clear messages to stop. Will she cease before she or someone else gets hurt or worse?

I've enjoyed the prior books in this series and this one was another fun read. The characters continue to develop well together. I like the strong bond between Lacey and her lifelong friend, Scarlet; the arrival of newcomer Willow and her connection to the Imogene; and her continuing friendship/romantic tension with Chase. And who doesn't like a New Orleans cat named Voodoo? It's also the one year anniversary of the opening of her pet boutique store, The Furry Godmother and it feels like she is comfortable in the decisions she has made, even though it is not the path her parents planned for her. While I enjoyed the continuing development of her relationship with Jack, I would have enjoyed a little less focus on the romance and added more mystery.

Thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for an advance digital copy of this book. My review is voluntary.
Profile Image for Tari.
3,639 reviews103 followers
April 3, 2019
This is the first book I've read in this series and now I am definitely making a point of reading from the beginning. I love books about New Orleans anyway, because it just seems like a magical and fun place. I think I'll enjoy knowing some of the things I know now from this book when I start the series ;)

The murder of the Pet Pageant MC had Lacy investigating, getting threats, almost run down by bulls and nearly killed during the showdown with the killer. I had briefly thought about the person who was the killer, but I dismissed it. I was really surprised at the reveal, but I'm not sure who else I would have come up with. I was just reading and having fun watching it unfold. It didn't take me long to fall in love with these characters, especially who Lacy ends up with. Imogene was a hoot--I thought it was sweet of Lacy's former nanny to be working for her at her pet boutique now. All along Lacy was trying to make time to hire an employee, and during her big party at the end, the perfect person was revealed. I'm really looking forward to more books in the series, but I do want to have some time to get caught up with the first three books. This book did work as a standalone, since no spoilers were given for any of the other mysteries.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Patty.
1,555 reviews1 follower
February 16, 2019
Cat Got Your Crown by Julie Chase is the 4th book in the Kitty Couture mystery series, and another fun read. Lacy Marie Crocker is very busy with her pet boutique, making organic pet treats and clothes for the National Pet Pageant coming to town. When the pageant emcee is pushed from the balcony and dies, Lacy is determined to find the truth. Not only is this book really fun, it has a great mystery also. There are twists and turns around every corner. I found this book to be a quick read, with a well developed plot and characters. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series. If you love cozy mysteries, I recommend this book and the series.

I received this book in exchange or a fair and honest review.
3,925 reviews1,763 followers
October 25, 2021
This looks like the last book in this series and it kinda reads that way. The dreaded love triangle is finally resolved once and for all -- Yeah #teamwinner -- but I'm sad for the guy left behind. :-( Which I suppose just means the author did a fantastic job with characterization...but I'm still not a fan of LTs.!!!

Another solid mystery with Lacy smack dab in the middle of it. Mayhem should be her middle name. I love the way the author describes her feelings during the intense moments. Sometimes cozies gloss over the trauma aspects but Chase catapults her readers right into all the glorious emotional details and Brittany Pressley delivers it up with flare.
Profile Image for Kim.
1,162 reviews16 followers
January 4, 2019
The has easily become one of my favorite series, so I was very excited to have the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book. The characters (both human and pet) are a delight to read about. The mystery is well-written and plotted. There are several well placed red herrings to keep the reader engaged. The secondary story about Lacy and Jack's relationship is developing nicely. Also, the secondary story about the new character Willow was very entertaining. This book can be enjoyed as a stand-alone mystery or part of the series.

I voluntarily agreed to read a copy of this book supplied by NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own and in no way have been influenced.
Profile Image for Betty.
2,004 reviews73 followers
January 28, 2019
Although, this the fourth book in the Kitty Couture series it is the first book I have read by this author. It is a fun read but the flow of the words was interrupted by excessive descriptions. Still, I enjoyed the story and I plan on reading the first three book as soon as I find the time. A year ago, Lacy Marie Crocker moved back to New Orleans and open her pet store. There is a slight paranormal in the story. She has a cat, Penelope she takes with her most of time. There are a couple of boyfriends, Jack, homicide detective and Chase, the brother-in-law by the end of the story Lacy will select one. Who?
Lacy is with Jack at the the National Pet Pageant being held this year in New Orleans when Vicktor Petrov is thrown over a balcony and is dead upon landing near Lacy. There are major changes necessary in order for the pageant to continue. Other events are being held in the Garden area and are described. Willow enters the story and bakes happeness into her goodies. There is a black cat that follows Willow everywhere. Who is Willow? Does Lacy find the answer to who threw Vicktor over the balony? I highly recommend this book.

Disclosure: Thanks to Crooked Lane Books for a copy through NetGalley. The opinions expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Tammy Lunsford - Escape to Books By Tammy.
2,025 reviews65 followers
March 22, 2022
If you love pets of any kind, you will enjoy this series. You will be fully drawn into the world of jazz and entertainment of New Orleans, as well as the sights, sounds and colors of the area. Lacy’s Furry Godmother store and bakery are completely enchanting. In this book Lacy has been roped into helping with the National Pet Pageant. Her mother is a professional socialite and a force to be reckoned with. Her mother has actually grown more likable to me through each book. Thankfully, when a dead body literally falls at her feet, this eliminates her as a suspect, but it will not extinguish her need to investigate and get involved. The characters in this series are lovable and fun. I feel like I know them personally. There is mystery, humor and a budding romance that has been building over the past three books. I wish had half as much energy as Lacy apparently possesses! I have thoroughly enjoyed this series.
Profile Image for Joan.
966 reviews
July 29, 2019
Lacey Crocker gets conned by her wealthy socialite mother into helping with a national pet pageant. When the MC/head judge is killed, Lacey reluctantly fills his judge's seat. She starts getting warnings to stop investigating.

Lacey and detective Jack (heir to the Grandpa Smucker's food business) finally become a couple.
Profile Image for Carla.
7,619 reviews179 followers
January 3, 2022
In Cat Got Your Crown, Lacy Marie Crocker has been back home in New Orleans for a year. With her pet boutique being bombarded with orders for both her organic pet treats and clothing. In the last book they introduce the upcoming pet pageant being held in the Garden District and everyone is running around getting ready. During a dress rehearsal, Viktor Petrov, the pageant emcee takes a spill from the balcony, but was it an accident or murder? Although one of the committee members is the initial suspect, it comes out that Viktor had many that didn't like him, but would they kill him for it. As soon as Lacy starts poking around, she receives a strange gift, a stuffed kitty from her store with it's mouth stitched closed. Someone is warning her to keep quiet with what she finds. Tapped by her mother to step into a judge's seat because one of the judge's becomes the emcee, she has a lot to juggle in this one.

Author Julie Chase has the ability to combine humor and creative plotting into a story that is fun and entertaining. I really love the characters in this series. They are funny, sassy, bold yet still vulnerable at times. Lacy has her hands full trying to juggle her boutique, the pet pageant and her snooping into the murder of Viktor Petrov. As Lacy continues to snoop, it isn't long before she is in danger and needs to be rescued by Detective Jack. Once again we meet some new characters as well as meet up with the regulars. There is some humor but also some tense moments. The mystery is well plotted, but I did figure out the killer long before the reveal. Overall, this was another fun cozy with great characters, an interesting mystery, some romance development and pets. As this fourth book in the series was published back in 2019, I am assuming it is the last in the series. I enjoyed this one and recommend this series to cozy mystery lovers and those who enjoy pampering their pets.
Profile Image for Missi Martin (Stockwell).
1,129 reviews33 followers
March 17, 2019
I love Lacy ! I love Lacy's dad....and even her mom ! I love Lacy's job !! I love the Garden District where Lacy grew up and returned home to to open up her Furry Godmother shop..... In case you missed it... I love the Kitty Couture Mystery series by Julie Chase and I think that the latest Cat Got Your Crown is my favorite.....so far.

Cat Got Your Crown has Lacy, her mom, and a well organized committee gearing up for the National Pet Pageant to hit town. This is an extensive, expensive pet competition and the pet owners do not take it lightly. They soak a lot of money and time into their pets and competing....and someone will do anything for this event.....even kill !!!

While Lacy is running around checking costumes and helping accessorize the pets, Viktor, the emcee of the event falls from the balcony and dies. And if that isn't bad enough when Lacy returns home that same evening, she receives a threat to stay out of the investigation. It's like the killer knew beforehand that Lacy tends to get involved in those kinds of things. But how is that possible ? Lacy, herself, didn't even know if Viktor was pushed or accidentally fell.....

I LOVE returning to the Kitty Conture Mystery series and hanging out with Lacy, her friends and even her mom. I love hanging out at the shop with Lacy and then going home with her and hanging out with her, Scarlet and Chase and I especially love watching her and Jack figure out their feelings for each other. You get a true feeling of belonging when you read this amazing series by Chase. And even though the story and all are still fresh in my memory, I am already looking forward to where we may go in the next book.....
Profile Image for K.A. Davis.
Author 4 books492 followers
March 13, 2019
CAT GOT YOUR CROWN, the fourth book in the Kitty Couture Mystery Series by Julie Chase, is the first I’ve had the chance to read but it certainly won’t be my last. From the adorable, inviting cover to the fast-paced mystery, this book captured my attention while providing several chuckles as I turned the pages. I enjoyed how each chapter started with a Furry Godmother’s quote or word of advice to set the tone. The protagonist, Lacy Marie Crocker, owns a pet boutique that sells organic pet treats and handmade pet costumes in New Orleans. In addition to her responsibilities, she’s got her hands full helping her mother organize the National Pet Pageant. The backdrop of this setting effectively captures the flavor and fun that’s purely New Orleans. The author’s descriptions made me feel like I was right there, visiting along with all the tourists descending on the city for the event. As Lacy looks into the murder of the pageant’s Master of Ceremonies, she finds many people would have liked to kill the nasty man. Ms. Chase provides plenty of clues and suspects to keep the reader turning pages. As the investigation becomes heated, so does Lacy’s interaction with Detective Jack Oliver which adds a sweet subplot. I’m looking forward to starting from the beginning and catching up so I’ll be ready to read the next book in this delightful series!

I was provided with an advance copy via Netgalley with the hopes I would review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Kozmomo.
119 reviews9 followers
March 18, 2019
Cat Got Your Crown is the fourth book in the Kitty Couture Mystery series. We meet up again with Lacy Marie Crocker as she’s preparing for the National Pet Pageant. But things take a dramatic turn when the pageant’s emcee winds up dead, and all signs point to murder. And who’s the main suspect? One of Lacy’s committee sisters who she thinks is innocent, so once again, Lacy’s on the case.

I LOVE this series! I’ve read every single book in the series, and I’ve loved every single one. Everything about this series is beyond amazing! The characters are all delightfully interesting and entertaining, especially Lacy. She’s so down-to-earth and likeable, and I just love her spirit and drive.

The mystery itself was well-plotted as always and very engaging. It kept me guessing until the end and left me satisfied yet eager for the next installment. I loved everything about this book, and I hope I get to read more books in the series.

If you enjoyed the previous books in the series, then you’ll love this one.

** I received an ARC via the publisher in exchange for my honest review **
Profile Image for Janet Graham.
2,506 reviews11 followers
March 7, 2019
Murder at a Pet Talent Show
A popular and famous pet talent show comes to New Orleans and brings murder and chaos with it. While this is the 4th episode in this series, it stands alone very well. While prior episodes are mentioned, it is just enough to inform the new reader without being tedious. It made this new reader want to read all of the prior books! This was quite the fun read. The animals and their owners are terrific. The plot with all of its twists and turns keeps the reader guessing. There seems to be no stopping the action! A brief pause for a little romance or family fun and then something more happens. This book is just the right length to have plenty of story development and detail and not go on forever. I want to read I received this book for free and this is my honest review.
11.4k reviews192 followers
March 4, 2019
If you haven't read this series before, don't worry- you'll be fine with it as a standalone but then you'll want to read more! Lacy, owner of the Furry Godmother pet boutique in New Orleans, is once again investigating a death where the victim was not the nice person others thought he was. In this case, however, Viktor Petrov, emcee of the Pet Pageant, was especially rotten. Lacey knows, just knows, that Eva didn't do it and, against the direction of her romantic interest Jack, a law enforcement officer, she pokes around and then, well.....Lacy is a fun character, as are others in her circle (I like her pal Scarlett). She's got a great cat and in this installment, another one following her. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. There's a little romantic tension, a nice mystery, and all in all, it's a classic cozy perfect for those who like theirs with a pet theme.
Profile Image for Kim.
1,162 reviews16 followers
January 4, 2019
The has easily become one of my favorite series, so I was very excited to have the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book. The characters (both human and pet) are a delight to read about. The mystery is well-written and plotted. There are several well placed red herrings to keep the reader engaged. The secondary story about Lacy and Jack's relationship is developing nicely. Also, the secondary story about the new character Willow was very entertaining. This book can be enjoyed as a stand-alone mystery or part of the series.

I voluntarily agreed to read a copy of this book supplied by NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own and in no way have been influenced.
Profile Image for Ann.
6,016 reviews82 followers
March 13, 2019
Cat lovers rejoice with the return of Julie Chase's Kitty Couture series. this is book 4 and Lacy is working the pet show in New Orleans that is being run by her mother. This can be read as a stand alone but you'll want to read the previous books. When the judge of the show is killed before the competition begins , Lacy discovers that he is hated by many and the list of possible killers is endless Many returning characters to catch up and a good murder to solve. The cat treat recipes look pretty good and easy to make.I received a copy of this ARC in exchange for a fair and honest
498 reviews1 follower
March 4, 2020
Great series with lots of action.
Profile Image for Danielle.
397 reviews75 followers
December 10, 2020
If you're going to keep the love triangle going this long, just make them a throuple, ffs.

The killer was REALLY obvious too. And we never even find out who won the fund raising war?
Profile Image for Heidi Burkhart.
2,781 reviews61 followers
December 14, 2020
This could be the last in this series but I sure hope not. An enjoyable read!
Profile Image for michelle m.
161 reviews
January 11, 2025
only got 86 pages in. its whatever doesnt capture my attention that well
Profile Image for Valerie.
736 reviews14 followers
January 29, 2019
I think this is a good read., a well-paced cozy mystery and the killer was a surprise, I certainly didn't have any idea who the killer was. I really enjoyed the characters Willow and Rune as well. #CatGotYourCrown #NetGalley
Profile Image for Sheri.
234 reviews1 follower
March 14, 2022
My only disappointment with this book is that it appears to be the last in the series. That’s not to say it was perfect; I had an inkling “whodunnit” the whole way along, but that didn’t deter my enjoyment. I really liked the whole Kitty Couture Mystery series. It was filled with quirky characters that provided humor, romance and mystery, a little eccentric but never over the top. It was just fun, breezy, cozy reading. Though I’d rate each installment, including this one, at 4.5 stars, I enjoyed them all enough to round up to 5 stars. I’ll keep my fingers crossed that the author comes back with more New Orleans magic.
Profile Image for Christy.
359 reviews7 followers
November 22, 2018
I have enjoyed all of the Kitty Couture mysteries and this one is my favorite so far. This time Detective Oliver and Lacy worked more in collaboration in solving the mystery of the murdered emcee of the National Pet Pageant. This made the mystery more rewarding as a reader. It was a good mystery with enough “red herrings” and twists to keep it interesting.
Julie Chase brings you into the scene that is New Orleans. The dialog between Lacy and her family and friends really rings true. With Cat Got Your Crown there was major development on the personal side of Lacy’s life and I couldn’t be happier with her choice.
Julie Chase currently lives in Ohio and so do I. Support Ohio Authors!
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC
Profile Image for Maureen.
406 reviews
January 2, 2019
This is the first book that I've read in this series. That being said I came into the storyline without having any preconceived idea of what to expect. Although there are referrals to previous adventures, it doesn't take anything away from the story to have no knowledge of them. They leave enough information in the story to make this very enjoyable book on its own, though I certainly admit to wanting to read the previous adventures in the series now.
There is a little bit of a mystical/magical intrigue in with the murder mystery, which brings another aspect into the storyline. Curious to see how the author will work with this in the future.
The story is clean there is a murder but it is not gruesomely described. The language is clean as are the romantic relations. It is a book that any age could enjoy.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 138 reviews

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