The Tiger’s Tale: Undercover Cat Mysteries, Book 3

by Kelle Z. Riley

Is she hitting her stride? Or going nowhere fast? Fresh from a successful undercover operation, scientist/spy-in-training Bree Watson should feel on top of the world. Instead, the ground is shifting under her feet. When her handler abandons her to follow a lead with his sexy ex-partner, Bree must choose between a normal life, or proving her worth as a spy. Not an easy choice, when she factors • A police detective’s amorous intentions • Her handler’s mixed signals • A teaching post at a university filled with intrigue • A dead administrator with a sordid past • A timid tiger and her tenacious trainer—both being framed for murder Combined with fanatic football fans, beatnik poets, an orphaned monkey, a demanding boss, quirky colleagues, and her angry cat, the result may be a recipe for disaster. Can she take the heat? Or will she get burned? “A plot full of twists. . . a super smart sleuth. . .a smidgen of romance. Cupcake baking scientist Dr. Bree Watson will lure the readers in with her intelligence. and capture them with her charm.” Denise Swanson, New York Times Best Selling Author

Genres: Mystery

272 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 15, 2019

About the author

Kelle Z. Riley, writer, speaker, global traveler, Ph.D. chemist and martial artist weaves bits of her real life into the Undercover Cat Series books. The series features a scientist-turned-sleuth who juggles mystery, romance and the search for a perfect cupcake recipe.

By day Kelle is a full time chemist working in water treatment with multiple U.S. patents. At night she turns into an author whose accolades include finals in the RWA Golden Heart and numerous chapter contests. More information on her workshops can be found on her website.

Kelle can be reached at www.facebook.com/kellezriley www.twitter.com/kellezriley and www.kellezriley.net

Reviews

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bree Watson is not your average Chemistry PhD. Though she works for a scientific staffing company, it is just a front for a secret spy organization lead by Matthew Tugood. He has trained her in the art of international espionage, but in this in case, he is MIA. After helping escort a new tiger cub and his trainer to the local university, she is hired to be their interim chemistry professor. Bree Watson finds herself alone and deep in trouble as she discovers the VP of the university murdered in his office, and the tiger cub is the main suspect. As she investigates, she finds some other dark dealings are going on at the school.

Though this is the third book in the Undercover cat series, it is the first I've read. For jumping into the middle of a series, the author did a great job of quickly and clearly re-introducing the characters and setting up the narrative so that I didn't feel confused or behind. Bree Watson is an awesome character, smart and sassy and so caring. Plus, as a scientist myself, I love the women in science representation! Every scientific mention had me smiling and everything seemed accurate, which was great.

I loved meeting the tiger cub and capuchin in this book. It added something different and I loved both learning about them and laughing at their antics. The other characters all seemed a little sly and they all had something to hide, so it was truly difficult to detect the murderer. I did put it together just slightly before Bree, which was a lot of fun.

I do wish there was more espionage in this book. I loved the beginning of the story, but the spying aspect was left behind for the murder and never really followed up on. I hope future (or past) books include more of this because I think that's really what make this series and MC unique.

My only little picky thing - the university setting threw me off a bit. Would a university really only have 1 teacher for each subject? Also if the VP is in charge, where is the president in all this? it seemed more like a high school than a university, which made me pause a couple times to try and equilibrate the setting in my head.

I really enjoyed this and am looking forward to reading the rest of the books in this series!

[JoAn · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Tiger's Tale by Kelle Z. Riley is the third book in this series and a solid entry into Bree Mayfield-Watson's path of being a covert operative while maintaining her scientific nature.

Bree accepts a temporary position as a Chemistry professor at a university while sponsoring Ning, a Thailand student who has brought a tiger cub to the vet school for study. Bree discovers murder, blackmail, chauvinism, and possible illegal doping in the athletics department. While she enjoys teaching the classes, she needs to keep here eyes and ears open to follow the clues and solve this case to keep her young Thailand student and the tiger cub safe. A smoothly paced plot with several suspects, and clues that need Bree's scientific background as well as the spy lab to deduce the killer. Unfortunately, Bree is still waffling between Matthew and James in this story so there was no resolution there.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book as a member of the Cozy Mystery Review Crew. All of the above opinions are my own.

[Vbloemer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bree Watson or as she is known in the world of Academia Dr. Mayfield-Watson is a strong character with many facets. Scientist, Spy and Professor Mayfield-Watson takes you on a journey of discovery and intrigue. Exotic animals, international students, and strange happenings all taking place in the setting of a university. Bree goes undercover as a Professor to help an international student settle in and finds her self dragged into the mystery of who killed one of the school’s administrators. The main character Bree follows her instincts to discover all the little nasty secrets in the life of the University. She finally puts it all together and puts herself in danger to rescue the international student from the killer.
Kelle Riley keeps you on your toes throughout the book trying to figure out what is really going on behind the scenes at the university. Intrigue is around every corner throughout the book. Bree is one of the most likeable main characters that I’ve had the pleasure of reading about in a while. Her many talents and her spirit of going after the truth no matter where it takes her, really draws you into the story. This has been a wonderful book to read and I would recommend it to anyone that enjoys mystery and intrigue. I received this book in return for an honest review. In all honesty, this has been one of the best books I’ve read.

[Kayt18 · Rating 4 out of 5]

“The Tiger’s Tale” is the first book I have read in the “Undercover Cat Series”. I was able to follow the characters and story thanks to the intelligent writing of author Kelle Z. Riley. Not a huge fan of espionage, but this installment was not full of it, just a touch. I enjoyed the characters and the interaction between them. Protagonist Bree Watson is still a spy in training, however she really is a scientist. I loved her intelligence and thoughtfulness. She is on her own in this one, without her trainer and possible love interest Matthew Tugood. (Loved the name play in the spy trade). The police detective is another love interest for her. The tiger cub Lucky is one of my favorite characters and the capuchin was a great addition as well. A fun, entertaining read that kept me interested throughout.
Bree helps to bring a very special tiger cub and trainer back to the local university. After arriving with her special cargo, she is offered a job there as well. Since her cover job is an employment recruitment office, she has to take it, plus she can keep an eye on the cub and the nervous and likeable trainer. Things start to unravel when the vice president of the university is murdered and all claws point to Lucky the tiger cub. She knows it is impossible for that to have happened and has to try to find answers before they try to kill the poor cub. I love the animals in this book, the two I already mentioned and Bree’s adorable cat.
Lots of red herrings, intrigue and entertainment in this book. I enjoyed Bree as the protagonist and the supporting characters. Not sure if this is the series for me because of my dislike of spy craft, but I really enjoyed this book. I will definitely give the others a try. If you enjoy a bit of espionage with your cozy murder mysteries, this is truly a winner book. I think you will enjoy it. I was pleasantly surprised with how much I did. Maybe I need to rethink my position on spies, lol.
I was given a copy by the author, but the opinion is my own.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Scientist Bree Watson is taking a brief break from her undercover spy role. After successfully escorting a tiger cub (Lucky) and his handler, Ning, from the Thailand Tiger Sanctuary to Terrance University on behalf of her sorority, she receives an offer on behalf of her legitimate company personna, Sci-PHi Science Professionals for Hire, to temporarily fill a vacant position for chemistry professor. But the last thing she expects, is to be involved in a murder investigation, especially one that could endanger the status of the tiger cub and his handler. Because she feels a responsibility for both, she finds herself once again in the middle, trying to discover who had a motive for murder. During the course of this investigation, she learns that there is more skulduggery happening at this elite university than first meets the eye. This is the third book in the Undercover Cat cozy mystery series, but what sets it apart is that the main character, Bree, is a trained spy and thus more professional in her role. I enjoyed how she managed her teaching duties with the various student personalities, as well as her growing relationship with Detective James. Of course, the animal characters in this story were a delight, including not only her cat, Sherlock, and the tiger, but also a capuchin monkey, Miss Peepers. Disclosure: I am voluntarily reviewing this book, and all opinions are strictly my own.

[Rosemary K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bree is one busy lady. She’s a scientist and a spy in training. She's a quick study. On her flight home from her last assignment, she traveling with Lucky the tiger and her trainer, Ning. She’s sponsoring the girl so she can go to school. Bree takes that responsibility very seriously. Little does she know that her decision will involve her in a murder case. The administrator of Terrance University was murdered and Ning and her tiger are being blamed. Can she save them? Bree is a power to be reckoned with. I liked her style. She’s sassy, smart. She stands up for herself and those she cares about. I loved the romance that is woven into the story. James, the handsome detective, is a good match for Bree. He’s definitely smitten. He adds a spark to this mystery. The investigation reveals that there all there are plenty of people who wanted the victim dead. He had dirty secrets. Did they get him killed? I enjoyed Bree’s teaching assignment. She handled herself with authority. I couldn’t stop reading The Tiger's Tale. The mystery was suspenseful. The University made a good setting with it’s frantic football fans and their tiger mascot. Kelle Z.Riley has an easy writing style that I enjoyed. Her characters are quirky and likeable. I wanted to know more about them. The dialogue is well done with a touch of snark. I loved Bree's menace of a cat, Sherlock. This cozy mystery hit the spot. It’s fast paced and exciting. I’m enjoying the Undercover Cat series.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book in the Undercover Cat series and the second one that I have read and I really loved them both. Bree has a chemistry PhD and works at Sci-PHi, is being trained to be an undercover operative, is a consultant to the local police department, and in this latest book has accepted a job as a temporary adjunct chemistry teacher at Terrance University. To say that she is busy would be an understatement! In the latest book, Bree is sponsoring an international student, Ning from Thailand. Ning will be a student at Terrance University and she will help with the tiger cub that is being brought over from Thailand to be the Terrance University Tigers football mascot. The tiger is also being studied by the vet school for a rare genetic condition. Bree gets involved when a murder happens on campus involving Ning and the police ask her to consult. I love Bree's analytical mind from her chemistry background paired with the skills that she has been learning in her training as an operative and police consultant. The university was a great setting for this story and I enjoyed the addition of the tiger cub as well as the Capuchin monkey to the story. There were many suspects that seemed plausible and I enjoyed the pace of the story. I'm looking forward to seeing what Bree is involved in next.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Kelle Riley through Cozy Mystery Review Crew. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Gina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'll admit, at first I couldn't delve into it; the first chapter didn't grab my attention right away. But, after that, the story really began to pick up in chapters 2-4.

The MC, Bree Watson, is a PhD scientist (AND spy-in-training) and has been tapped to be a chemistry teacher at a local university. One of the administrators is then murdered, and the blame is placed on an international student and the tiger cub she handles.

Bree does a little digging, checking out every one of the university staff and others she notes seems suspicious. Along the way, she discovers a small group of women share a juicy secret; is it enough to make one of them murder--or is someone else with a grudge the killer?

Watson has a cat named Sherlock, a detective named James who really likes her, and a spy-boss named Matthew who sends her mixed signals. Toss in a Capuchin monkey named Miss Peepers, some animal-rights protesters, and a few strange suspects, and it's a fun adventure with a few recipes at the back.

The only issue I had was the portrayal of the tiger sanctuary in Thailand. I had mixed feelings, having read good & bad things about the treatment of tigers there. Despite that small rub, this was a great story, truly. I wonder if we will get more of James & Bree in future books?

This is the third in the series, and I recommend it! There's no graphic sex/violence/cussing.

[Gayle B · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. This is a new series to me. The main character, Bree, is interesting as she is in "spy training", and working undercover at a university. The story kept my attention, and moves at a good pace. I love the animals: Sherlock her cat, Lucky the tiger cub and Miss Peepers the capuchin monkey. The antics between Sherlock and Miss Peepers are funny and made me laugh. Bree has a couple of love interests that add to the ongoing story; James the local police detective and Matthew, her spy boss. You will really feel for Ning, the student from Thailand, who is Lucky's handler and trainer and Lucky as they are blamed for the murder of one of the professors. Bree tries to find the real murderer, protect Ning and Lucky, and find out what else is going on at the college with the football team and other professors. Lots of strange things seem to be happening. I also found the technology that was described interesting. The ending is very exciting, a "oh no, hurry" ending. Bonus recipes at the end.

I received a free copy and voluntarily provided this review.

[Jeanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Tiger’s Tale is the third book in the Undercover Cat series by Kelle Z. Riley.

This was an interesting story. Bree Watson works for Sci-PHi which is a front for a spy business.

I haven’t read the other books in the series and to start with, it seemed like there were a lot of references to previous books which was distracting, but once the current story got going, it was fine.

There is a lot going on in this story. Bree is a spy, and then takes on a job at a local university. There is a student from Thailand with a tiger, a murder, a monkey, and two romantic interests. It was fun to read about Bree’s cat, Sherlock, because he is so similar to one of my cats.

The elements were all woven together very well and it was a very enjoyable story.

I received this book as a gift and I am voluntarily reviewing it.

[Phyllis · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an entertaining, light read with a likeable and smart heroine, several animals (a house cat, a tiger cub, and a Capuchin monkey), a challenging murder mystery, and several potential murderers. It was refreshing to have an intelligent heroine - Bree teaches chemistry and is an undercover spy. And she bakes - cupcake recipes included! The story primarily takes place on a college campus and involves several international exchange students, football players, and professors. Clues are sprinkled throughout the book, which enabled me to figure out who the murderer was, but that didn't lessen my overall enjoyment of this well-written mystery. This is book number 3 in the series, but not necessary to read the first two before this one.

I received an advance reader's copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really good book. Even though it's third in the series, it filled me in a little about the first two so didn't seem like I missed a lot. It did peak my interest in the first two so I will be reading those as well.

This book was exciting and interesting. I haven't read one quite like it and that's great. It was different. It showed many sides of the character and made her complex. Honestly I didn't think I would like it as well as I did. I am so glad I decided to read this. Another great series on my TBR list.

It goes to show you once you open that cover you never know what's on the other side until you dig in. If you like excitement, mystery, chemistry and a bevy of animals, this is for you. Kelle Z Riley just made my list of fav authors.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Tiger’s Tale has everything a cozy mystery needs: murder, crazy high jinx, romance and bonus points for having a tiger cub.

Bree Watson is a character I thoroughly enjoyed reading about; she is a scientist and is training to be a spy.

The story begins with her and an exchange student coming back to America from Thailand- and with a tiger no less! Shortly after returning, she is assigned with another job: teaching chemistry to college students. While it is initially a very easy assignment, that changes quickly when an administrator is found murdered with claw marks on his body.

With the tiger being framed for murder, Bree quickly begins to investigate and discovers many dark secrets within the school administration.

I enjoyed the writing of this book; while this is the third book in a series, this was the first book I’ve read from the author. I definitely plan on going back to read the two previous books and hopefully future books in the series. The characters were well written and I enjoyed every minute of it.

I received this book in exchange for an honest review; all thoughts and opinions are my own.

[April Schilling · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the first in the series that I read but, I didn't feel like I was missing anything in the story. It flowed very well as a stand alone book. Bree is a scientist/spy who is undercover at a college. With a demanding coach, a shifty dean, a tiger and a sweet exchange student all caught up in a murder, Bree has her hands full. Especially since her handler has left her to go on a mission with his ex-partner.
Very enjoyable book with great characters! Will definitely read more in the series!

I received a free copy and voluntarily provided this review.

[Tracy Condie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bree is such a fun character and the recipes found in the book are awesomely creative. The idea of a dessert periodic table of elements is pure genius. Oh the sweet but then there is the sour. Manipulation, chauvinism, blackmail, a diamond stud club, and a very special tiger cub. As Bree is left to her own devices by taking on a legitimate teaching assignment at the university, Matthew Tugood is doing "who knows what" with his former Russian partner. Bree keeps herself busy helping new transfer student and tiger trainer Ning to assimilate while also solving the murder of a most unscrupulous school admin while giving the thoughtful Detective James O'Neil assistance a helping hand and a smile or two. As with the last two books there are delectable recipes at the end of the story and I for one would LOVE to see the periodic table of desserts turned into a cook/recipe book for sale complete with pictures! The only sour to this sweet is the push and pull of James and Matthew over poor Bree's heart. Will she go with rugged good looks and danger of the cryptic spy or the strong handsome detective who has made his intentions crystal clear.

[Becky Burciaga · Rating 5 out of 5]

As cozy mystery series go, this is one of the more entertaining and interesting ones I’ve read. With unique, intelligent and captivating storylines, and best of all, relatable characters who you find are quite easy to develop an emotional attachment to, I can’t turn the pages fast enough. As soon as I started reading this latest installment in the series, I was hooked into the plot and immediately drawn into Bree’s whirlwind life...I especially enjoy her brand of deductive reasoning, and her scientific methods of problem solving...best of all, what could easily be dry, humorless data actually is written to fascinate and add value without being boring. The author’s creation of an intelligent and empathetic heroine adds another dimension to make this one story that is unputdownable!

This ARC book was complimentary, provided by the Publisher and NetGalley. I am voluntarily providing my honest review.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Scientist and spy-in-training Bree Mayfield-Watson takes an assignment teaching college chemistry but little did she know that would involve her in solving a murder surrounded by extortion, sexual harassment and exotic animals.

Bree is a capable and intelligent protagonist that lent strength to the story line which had a lot of sub mysteries that kept me absorbed in the story trying to fit it all together. I also thought the addition of a service animal was a fun touch considering it was a monkey who had a few tricks of her own.

I received this book from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.

[Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

A rousing fun time can be found in the science lab as well as in the secret headquarters of "Charlie Angelo" and the Sci-Spy organization in this quick paced, third entry in the Undercover Cat Series. Bree, our protagonist is teacher by day and spy by night. Using her keen science senses, she works with her team and head honcho Michael, to solve the latest murder of a professor on campus. The recently acquired tiger "Lucky" is the prime suspect in the murder but Bree and Ning, Lucky's caretaker and recent guest to the campus' foreign-exchange student program, know the sweet tiger can't be the one to blame. Join Bree while she quickly follows the clues and builds a case against the culprit, all while meeting new characters and new animals in this fun, science fact-filled series. I'm particularly fond of Miss Peepers, a capuchin monkey, who not only carries a satchel but fits in so perfectly with all of her other human like behaviors.

The only part of this book I struggled with was not having read the first two books before picking up this one to start. I felt a little bit lost in the beginning because I felt I didn't have a sense of connection with the characters as I hadn't met them before, nor did I know what had transpired between them previously. It may have been helpful to a new reader, not reading in order, to have a paragraph or two explaining any background that may be necessary to understand the characters or current setting. After a few chapters I was able to piece together the information I needed and I felt the story was enjoyable and smart. The premise was intriguing and I really enjoyed the author's writing style. And last, but not least, I love the cover artwork for each of the books in this series!

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intriguing, interesting and riveting storyline.
Dr Bree (Gabriella) Mayfield-Watson leads
a double life. She is part of a covert operation
while working in a scientific environment.
Bree accepts a position as a temporary
Chemistry Professor for a semester at a
university where she is sponsoring a Thailand
student, Ning who is the trainer for a rare breed
of tiger cub. The tiger cub will be studied at the
university vet school plus be the football
team mascot.
The characters are vivid, very colorful,
multifaceted, well define, extremely interesting
involved in a complex plot.
Besides the tiger cub, there is Sherlock, Bree’s
cat and an orphaned Capuchin monkey to liven
up the tale.
Murder, illegal doping, sexual harassment,
tampering with records, bribery all revolve
around the university.
Well written story that will keep your attention
from page one to the final word.
A Highly Recommended Read!!!
I volunteered to read The Tiger’s Tale. Thanks
to the author and the Cozy Mystery Review Team
for the opportunity. My opinion is my own.

[Vicki Gooding · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Pet cozy mysteries. This is not a disappointment. The main character, while an intelligent scientist and spy is like any other normal, everyday person. I love her cat. Terrific story line with a few twists, and some very creative recipes in the back. Totally enjoyable escape cozy. This book was sent to me from the author at no charge to me. However; this will not be the last I read. I now have a new series.

[Sara Gordon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kelle Z Riley's third installment of the Undercover Cat Series is another home run for me! I'm invested in the Bree/Tugood/O'Neil love triangle, and can't really decide how I want that to go yet. While I like James O'Neil because he is a sweet, caring and upfront guy when it comes to his feelings for Bree, I feel like he would try to tame her and stop her from being a spy. I lean towards the exciting romantic possibilities with Tugood, but in his line of work there isn't much room for a real relationship. I was a little disappointed in the lack of Tugood, but I like that he called and kept in touch, it really showed his softer side (His absence in book three might mean that there will be some real romance for them in book 4, you know what they say, absence makes the heart grow fonder and what not!). Even with him stuck who knows where doing who knows what with his former partner, Bree finds herself wrapped up in another murder when she picks up a temporary Chemistry Professor position at Terrance University. Bree and Tugood worked some magic to help get Ning, a Thai exchange student, and Lucky, an adorable Tiger cub with a genetic defect that left him unsuitable for wild life, get into the Veterinary program at the college. After arriving it was not long before conflicts began to arise and the body of Quint Christianson was found with claw marks slashed across his chest. A text conveniently brought Ning and Lucky to the scene of the crime, effectively framing them for his murder. It was supposed to be a nice relaxing job, teaching chemistry to college kids, Bree doesn't seem to be able to catch a break, but hopefully she can catch the real killer! It was a really fun read and I can't wait to get my hands on book one, they allude to what brought her spy career and relationships with both men in motion in book two and three, but for whatever reason I keep forgetting to go pick it up.

I received this book from the author or publisher for free. In no way does that fact sway my review, and my opinions are my own.

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

I wish I’d liked this book more. On the whole it’s an okay story, but not a home run for me. This is the third book in a series and I’ve never read any of the other tales, so the beginning is messy. At first this book seems to wrap up thoughts and threads that come into play from other stories, which was a little confusing to read through but also helps establish the background of the main character Bree as a spy.

Of course, this book isn’t at all about her spying or her work with her spymaster, but about a murder at a university. This is what I loved about Bree, I liked seeing her work in chemistry, and being good at her field. She didn’t back down when the university money politics came her way. I wish we could have seen more of her not giving a care about politics and trying to right the wrongs since she was only a contract player there anyway. Buck the system, Bree! Bring it down! Aside from her musings about men, Bree is smart, proactive, and protective.

Ning, the exchange student, was one dimensional, but not offensively so. There was supposed to be something of a language and cultural barrier in place, so it’s a shame we didn’t get to see more than a glimpse of her in Thailand before she came to the university. She was a good character that could have been a little better developed.

She spends a lot of time with James in this story, a police detective that has feelings for Bree, and she’s undecided about him. Her conflict comes from her feelings for her boss, Matthew, who is largely absent in this story. The men in Bree’s life aren’t actually all that interesting and neither were her conflicted feelings about them. All the romance dithering that went on in her mind could have easily been excised from the book and nothing would have been lost.

Ultimately, this is a light, entertaining read with recipes in the back from various dishes Bree mentions or eats in the story. 2.5/5

[Caroline Dube · Rating 3 out of 5]

I tend to find a series well after the first book is published. It is convenient when a book catches your eye and it is easy to follow. I have found that many books I have reviewed, although not the first in the series, are enjoyable and flow easily. I did not find that with The Tiger’s Tale, and I do feel that not having read the other books negatively impacted my reading. I was cautious to write this review as I was concerned it would impact my future ability to review advanced copies. I am also concerned that maybe it was my “mood”, and I hope to pick this up again in order to read with fresh eyes.



The Tiger’s Tale, by Kelle Z. Riley, follows Dr. Bree Watson on another adventure. It is interesting that through the mystery Bree, spy-in-training (she hopes), uses the scientific method to help her work through the puzzle. This information is often detailed and interesting, but also tends to muddle things as they do not pertain to the storyline. This pulled me away from focusing on the content as my mind would begin to wander. The plot line of the University bringing a tiger cub to campus, and Bree having to negotiate the deal is a fun twist to a typical cozy mystery. I did, however, see a Matlock episode with a similar idea years ago so that played in my mind. Although this book took me a while to get into I was able to finish the book and I easily solved the caper. I was not sure why it seemed difficult to the characters. The characters are interesting and likeable. Bree is empathetic and her science background does differ from the traditional cozy mystery protagonist. This was what made the story enjoyable and I can see that if I had started with the first in the series maybe I would have been able to follow the writing style more.

[Debbie Erickson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having read, and enjoyed, the first two books in this series, I was happy to receive a copy of the third installment A Tiger's Tale from the author. Bree Watson, scientist and spy, has returned to her home with international student Nang and a tiger cub. Nang is the handler for the cub as well as enrolled in Bree's Alma Mater. Things get interesting when Bree is asked to fill in at the college for a semester as the Chemistry professor. When the school's Vice President of Student Affairs is found dead with claw marks across his chest, it looks as if Nang and the tiger cub, Lucky are involved. Once again Bree finds herself using her skills of scientific deduction and reasoning to aid the local detective (and hottie) in finding the real killer. This book has no shortage of characters from the couple who own The Barkery, Bree's best friend and fellow scientist Kiki, an adventurous monkey, the hot detective, as well as her bachelor boss Matthew Tugood. I enjoyed the mystery but wish there had been more focus on Bree's up and coming skills as a spy. I look forward to the next installment to see what develops next between Bree and the two men in her life.

[Marsha Campbell]

Having not read the first two books in this series I was unsure how easily I could 'get into' this book. I had no trouble getting into this book and enjoyed it very much! By Chapter 3 I knew I couldn't stop until I finished and now want to read the previous two books.
I enjoyed the plot, subtle clues that Bree gathered and the characters. The author's writing style made it easy to read and understand despite my lack of science background especially in chemistry. Her recipes were fun!
The interaction of the characters is interesting and real. The relationships made it all the more believable and the story flowed smoothly.
The two animals added to my enjoyment - loved their interactions with people and each other. Lucky's disease was real to me and Miss Peepers is a gem!
Now about Bree's makeup - Wow is that mind blowing and/or scary?!!
Good read, I recommend it and hope there are more books in this series.

[Michelle Palmer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bree is a Chemistry PhD who is in training to be a spy. This is the 3rd book in the series.

Bree is sponsoring an international student who is the caretaker for the new mascot at a local University. A murder takes place and the victim has wounds that look like tiger claw marks. She has to help prove the tiger's innocence.

She also feels torn between her boss and the handsome police detective who is investigating the case.

She leads a very busy life-Working at a science staffing/spy agency, teaching Chemistry at a local university, dating 2 men, taking care of her pet cat as well as other animals that come into her life at times...

This is a fun series, intelligent characters, well paced, and descriptive setting.

[Meesh · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an enjoyable and easy read. The characters were interesting and definitely made you want to keep reading to find out more. I loved the way they hid the actual job of the company by making it out to be a scientific temp agency. It made me wonder how many companies actually do this. I love the way they started in Thailand at the tiger sanctuary to explain about bringing the tiger to the University not only to be a mascot but also to research the medical issue the tiger had. I kind of had an idea who the killer was but definitely had to read through to be definite. I love the recipes in the back of the book but really wished there was a recipe for her Grandma's Chicken Noodle Soup with homemade noodles!! I would love to read more about Dr. Bree Mayfield-Watson.

[Melissa Lowrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Tiger’s Tale by Kelle Z. Riley is the 3rd book in the Undercover Cat Series. Having read the other books in this series I was looking forward to what new adventures this book would deliver-and I was not disappointed. Bree Watson continues her adventures as a spy-in-training by taking a teaching post at a university where murder and intrigue await! Throw is some exotic animals, a lovely sweet international student, a handsome detective and a frustrating boss……and you have a grand cast of characters. Bree meets each challenge throughout the book head on (and she bakes!) and the author’s writing of the story will keep you guessing until the end.

Keep delivering more books in this series-I’m looking forward to the next!

[Geri · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story was very different for me. It was an intriguing story of an undercover scientist turned spy who brings home an International student and a tiger cub. The local university is home to the student and the tiger and the spy takes on a teaching job when things get dicey. The reader is taken on a wild romp of clues, innuendo and suspects. When one of the university administrators is murdered, Bree Watson, the spy, decides to get involved with solving the murder. The story kept me guessing until the very end with lots of possibilities for murderers in between. This is the first book that I've read in this series but it sure made me want for more. I really enjoyed it.

I was given a free copy of this book in return for an honest review.

[Marsha Giese · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoy this series. The third book is just as entertaining as the first two.
I really like the fact that the heroine is super smart and that the writer has not contrived to place her in situations that are unrealistic and far fetched.
The story flows smoothly and is very entertaining. Her characters are engaging and well thought out. The book is descriptive without being too wordy.
I recommend this book to any and all who like a good, fun mystery.
I was given an a copy of this book in exchange for a honest review. I also bought the kindle copy of this book because I liked it so much.