Hoppy Holiday Homicide

Pet Whisperer P.I. #9

by Molly Fitz

Nobody does the holidays like small-town Maine, and my particular small town just so happens to be the very best at decking the halls and rocking around the big Christmas tree downtown.

Yes, every year, Glendale puts on a Holiday Spectacular that’s grander and greater than the one that came before. Unfortunately, the only thing everyone’s going to remember this year is the two dead bodies that show up in the center of the ice sculpture garden.

With the whole town having come out to play, everyone’s in close proximity to the crime scene—and everyone’s a suspect. A great many fingers are pointed my way, too, since it was me and my cat that discovered the deathly duo. With only my whacky Nan, recently discovered cousin, overly optimistic Chihuahua, and snarky feline to help me, can I clear my name and save Christmas all in one perfectly executed investigation?

Hold on to your jingle bells, because it’s going to be a wild ride.

Genres: Mystery, Christmas, Cozy Mystery, Fiction, Holiday, Romance, Cats

126 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 12, 2019

About the author

Molly Fitz is the quirky, cozy mystery pen name of USA Today bestselling author, Melissa Storm. And while she can't technically talk to animals, she and her doggie best friend, Sky Princess, have deep and very animated conversations as they navigate their days. Add to that, five more dogs, a snarky feline, comedian husband, and diva daughter, and you can pretty much imagine how life looks in the Casa de Fitz.

Molly lives in a house on a high hill in the Michigan woods and occasionally ventures out for good food, great coffee, or to meet new animal friends.

Reviews

[Steve Chaput · Rating 4 out of 5]

Despite the cover and the title, the rabbit really doesn’t add more than a clue or two to the story. Murders and a kidnapping are the chief focus of this book

Sort of glad that something that was revealed in an earlier book hasn’t been mentioned since. I keep expecting it to come back in later stories.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cozy mystery!

[Nicoletta Furnari · Rating 3 out of 5]

Libro scelto per la copertina (con la complicità del KindleUnlimited), “OMICIDIO SOTTO L’ALBERO” si è rivelato un cozy mistery veloce e leggero, condito con un po’ di fantasy.
Appartiene alla serie “Un detective con le vibrisse” perché il protagonista indiscusso è un gattone tigrato, Gattavius che, alla morte, registrata come naturale, della propria padrona, chiede aiuto alla detective privata Angela Russo per poter smascherare quello che invece lui le rivela essere stato un omicidio. Ma come fa Angela a capire quello che le dice Gattavius? In seguito alla scossa ricevuta da una macchina per il caffè, Angela ha acquisito lo specialissimo dono di poter comunicare con tutti gli animali.
Molly Fitz, spiega tutto nella parte iniziale del romanzo, dove Angie si presenta e fa un resoconto piuttosto chiaro ed esaustivo sul concept della saga. In questo volume, grazie al suggerimento della coniglietta C.P. (Coniglio Pasquale) e con l’aiuto di Gattavius e della chihuahua Cachemire, riuscirà a venire a capo di due omicidi avvenuti in occasione del Festival Natalizio di Glendale.
Pur essendo molto scorrevole, il lato mystery non l’ho trovato un granché. La struttura della trama è deboluccia quindi non è poi così coinvolgente. Sembra quasi che, in fin dei conti, per l’autrice sia più importante puntare l’attenzione sul sentimentalismo che sugli elementi investigativi.

[Andrea Stoeckel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aunt Linda says trouble won’t find you unless you go looking for it yourself. But I swear, we just wanted to enjoy the festival. And now Angie is acting like it's up to us to figure out what happened here.”

Cousin Mags, first introduced in the last Pet Whisperer book is visiting Angie, Nan OctoCat and Paisley through the winter holiday season. On Christmas Eve Day they all head to the local Winter Festival, and there, Mags and Angie find 2 judges of the ice sculpture garden for no apparent reason. Angie and Octo—-and Paisley attempt to get E.B. the bunny to figure out what was going on, but E B is no help.

Then, Mags is kidnapped, and Angie goes into overdrive to find her. Through a maze of hits and misses, the frustration is palpable. Will they find Mags? Who killed the judges...and why? Is Blueberry Bay about to lose the Festival? And, just who is Harvey Milton and why is Nan smitten? Highly Recommended 5/5

[disclaimer: I received this book from the author and voluntarily reviewed it]

[Sandy Bartles · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book so much. There are just so many laughs, especially from Nan’s dog, Paisley! A murder or two and a kidnapping does not stop Angie, Nan, Octo-Cat and Paisley. They get to the bottom of things in time to enjoy Christmas! There is one thing I was unsure about at the end regarding the kidnappers so I only gave this four stars.

[Cozy Reader Lady · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Hoppy Holiday Homicide (Pet Whisperer P.I. #9)" by Molly Fitz is a mostly Christmas themed cozy despite the cover having a menorah. There is at least a mention of Hanukkah, but just barely.

It's mentioned that despite officially being open as a P.I. for several months, they have yet to have a paying customer. Well, yeah, after seeing how the kidnapping and murder in this story were investigated it's no wonder. There were two murders and then Angie's cousin gets mistaken for her and is kidnapped. The dog and bunny (who is barely part of the story) find more clues than she does and her cousin turns up right in front of the police. The most that Angie does is put together the clue the bunny gave at the last minute. I either missed it or it didn't happen, but who kidnapped Angie's cousin? I don't remember that being revealed or confirmed.

[Julia David · Rating 4 out of 5]

Angie, Octo Cat and the gang are back in a new adventure. I just love these characters. Angie and Nan are showing Angie's cousin the Holiday Spectacular when they stumble on two dead bodies and then her cousin is kidnapped. Is it all connected or are they after Angie? Angie and her cousin look so much alike, so they could have been after Angie. Angie doesn't have time to help solve the murders because she needs to find her cousin first. Paisley and Octo Cat help save the day.

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

Christmas in Maine at the Glendale Holiday Spectacular, Angie is showing off her town to her newly discovered cousin when she comes upon the bodies of the two ice sculpture judges! Hoppy Holiday Homicide (Pet Whisperer P.I. #9) by Molly Fitz tells the story of how this Pet Whisperer P.I. and her talking cat (Octo-Cat) go about trying to solve the crime. With the help of a talking rabbit, they attempt to clear up the mystery and find Angie's cousin who has been kidnapped in this cozy mystery. This is the 9th book in this adorable series.

[Julie Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this book is my favourite In the series so far, although I might have said that before but I can't help it I just love the series. The whole idea of solving crime with the help of animals is just great and leads to some funny and awkward situations. The cast of characters is what keeps me reading the series, from the grumpy cat to bubbly and friendly dog all are likable and so much fun. The mystery it's self was interesting and I like the way it got solved but did question why the police weren't informed right away About the kidnapping but other than that I liked it. I get the idea that the author loves Christmas, which comes across well in the book with all the fair games and I imagine Christmas in her house is a treat, as she has so much imagination. On to the next book.
It's Christmas time In Glendale and Angie wants to show her cousin how they celebrate every year and In the process make some happy memories for her to take back home. The only problem is she gets more than she bargained for. When the two judges for the ice sculpture don't show up Angie and Mags are asked to choose the winners. In the middle of the sculpture garden they find the judges very much dead. The detective is quick on the scene but with the other officers all over town keeping an eye on the festival he asks the two cousins to guard the two entrances. Then the unthinkable happens and Mags is kidnapped. Is the same person who killed the judges now got Mags? Can Angie, Octocat and the gang get her back safe and sound and find a killer before the festival is ruined forever. This wasn't quiet the fun and games Angie promised or imagined showing her cousin at the festival.
I was given this free review copy book at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

[Kristina Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hoppy Holiday Homicide by Molly Fitz is the ninth installment in the Pet Whisperer PI series. Angie Russo is thrilled her newly discovered cousin, Mags is in town for the Glendale Annual Holiday Spectacular. Angie, Mags, Nan, Paisley, and Octo-Cat arrive early so they can enjoy a full day of festivities. Angie’s mother, Laura Lee interrupts them devouring the decadent hot chocolate to ask Angie and Mags to judge the ice sculpture competition because the two judges failed to show up. They are admiring all the beautiful ice creations when they discover a puddle of crimson. Angie turns the corner to find the missing judges dead in the snow. Anyone at the festival could be responsible. Then Mags is kidnapped leaving Angie and the gang with two crimes to resolve. Hoppy Holiday Homicide was an entertaining story. There are delightful characters, a charming small town, and wacky whodunit. I laughed often while reading Hoppy Holiday Homicide. Octo-Cat upset over his harness and the adorable Paisley in an elaborate reindeer costume courtesy of Nan. My only complaint is that I was left with an unanswered question at the end regarding the crimes. I wish there had been a better wrap up. This is one Holiday Spectacular that Glendale residents will not soon forget. Hoppy Holiday Homicide is a lighthearted cozy mystery with a famished feline, a costumed canine, lots of latkes, a sharp stalactite and a fatal festival.

[Monique · Rating 4 out of 5]

HOPPY HOLIDAY HOMICIDE is a bizarre little story. The main murder plot was interesting but the secondary subplot involving Mags - Angie's cousin - was very strange, as it was caused by the irresponsible conduct of police officer Bouchard. I know incompetent law officials are a staple of cozy mysteries, but this took the cake. The Holiday Spectacular was well drawn and colourful but I still wonder about the frail little old lady who did ice sculptures; doesn't it require some strength?

I feel the writing is not as dynamic as it has been, not counting the few typos, misused words, and a few puzzling sentences. I also hope we've seen the last of cousin Mags, because ... what a ninny! (I forget how old she is). On the other hand, the animals are absolutely delightful: the stupid but adorable Paisley; E.B., the bunny, who acts exactly like I would expect a rabbit to behave, and is a much better developed character than Mags, sad to say; and the always fabulous Octavius. I was pleased to see that the author answered a question I had about Paisley: thank you, Ms. Fitz! Even though I had a problem with part of the solution to the mystery, it was overall entertaining and rather clever.


I give 3.5 stars.

[Stephanie Herron · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quick and funny read set during the holiday season. Angi and her pets Octo-cat and Paisley, the chihuahua, along with her cousin Mags go to the towns holiday festival. There she stumbles upon the judges for the ice sculpture contest murdered. So enlists her cousin, her parents and her grandma Nan to help solve the mystery as there is a small police force in their town. For some reason the man Nan is dating makes Angi uncomfortable but she is not sure if its because he has inserted himself into the investigation or because he's dating her Nan. Someone kidnaps her cousin Mags adding to the insanity of the day. Mags is found later but they are confused as how this is connected to the murder. Angi follows the clues with help from her animal friends and her family. Who is the murderer? No clues help figure it out which to me ruin reading a story. I like trying to figure out the clues. And I didn't like that part of it is unsolved. I'm guessing that's in the next story, which once again is irritating.

[Susan Shearer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Octo-Cat, Paisley, Nan, Charles and Angie are at it again in Hoppy Holidays Homicide by Molly Fitz! Angie’s long-lost cousin, Mags, comes to visit from quiet Larkhaven, Georgia and learns her new family is full of surprises and adventure. Adventure they could all do without! The Holiday Spectacular is happening in Blueberry Bay and is the place to be! Angie and Mags are recruited to be ice sculptor judges as the ones that were suppose to be didn’t show up…or did they? We know wherever Angie goes murders happen, well, this time is no different. The original judges were found murdered amongst the sculptures by Angie. Helping in the mystery we find timid and scared E.B. (Easter Bunny) who wants to help but is afraid of being eaten. How is this murder mystery solved and how does E.B. help?

[Maria Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Xmas detective story

With the help of her cat, Oot-cat, whom she received from a former solved case, our heroine solves in this book, the mystery of who killed the two judges who were suppose to pick the best ice sculpture at the annual holiday Christmas festival. Our heroine is a budding private detective who has an unusual ability to talk and converse with animals after an exposure to a special coffee maker. In this book, three animals help solve the several problems --- a cat, a small dog, and a bunny. This is the ninth book In the series, with two more soon to come. These books can be read in sequence, if preferred, or can be read individually without losing the main story with is about how the Pet Whisperer uses her ability to do her job as a P.I.

[Darla Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Angie's cousin, Mags, is visiting and they're going to the Holiday Spectacular in Glendale. When two judges go missing, Angie and Mags are asked to judge the ice sculptures. While walking through the ice sculpture garden, they come across the bodies of the two judges in the center. While guarding the entrances for the police, Mags is kidnapped and Angie goes into full investigative mode, gathering the family to help.

I am really enjoying this series and this book is no exception . It was well-written with great characters. The continued relationship between Angie and Octo-Cat and their interactions with each other are fun to read. The book is full of intrigue and keeps you hooked from beginning to end.

[Alice Hazelbaker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Glendale is already for their Holiday Spectacular, which just keep getting bigger every year! I really enjoy these characters and look forward to each book! The judges for the Ice Sculptures don’t show up, so Angie and Mags (her newly discovered cousin) are asked to judge. But when they take a walk through the Sculpture garden to view the sculptures, they discover two dead bodies, the aforementioned judges. Angie is used to murder victims but not Mags who is a little freaked out. Next thing you know Mags is kidnapped and now they have two problems to solve. Of course Octo-cat and Paisley, the animals, as well as Charles and Nan are immediately on the job. A great Holiday mystery. I received a free copy of this book and write this review voluntarily.

[Krystyna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christmas Eve Fair gets shut down for murder

A plot around a Christmas Eve Fair when two judges turn up dead. Murdered.
She is amazed when a cousin lands on her doorstep, with the intention of staying over Christmas. The Christmas Fair was supposed to show her the fun part of the community. Instead it showed her the evil heart that can beat in the nicest places. Then her cousin is kidnapped. Why? Is it because she looks so much like her?
Will they find her cousin? Why were the to people killed? And why does she feel uneasy around Nan's new beau?
Nicely paced, although the animal interaction was smaller it still had an impact.

[Sheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hoppy Holiday Homicide (Pet Whisperer P.I. Book 9) by Molly Fitz

A festive murder/mystery with a likable cast of Characters. Angie has the ability to talk to her pets, she and her three fur-babies solve crimes. Told with quick-wit, engaging dialog, humor and classic who-done-it feel. Perfect for a one sitting read. I highly recommend Hoppy Holiday Homicide to those who enjoy cozy murder/mysteries with a Holiday theme.

[Ruth McDaniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

As always, I love Molly Fitz's Octo-Cat books. This one is no exception.
Angie and her Nan and Mom and Dad are all at the yearly Christmas festival and stumble upon two murder victims. They were supposed to have been ice sculpture judges at the festival.
Angie must find out who killed these two people, but first she needs to find her cousin Mags, who has been visiting for the first time ever., and who has been kidnapped.
Unfortunately, Octo-Cat didn't play a big part at all in this story and I was admittedly a bit disappointed. He's my favorite character!
All in all, a really good story.

[Nadine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hoppy Holidays everyone!

I want to read the next installment like now. Lol. This is such a good series, it’s light-hearted, fun, and with clever mysteries and a whole lotta cuteness!!! So I can’t wait to start the next book. This one was a wonderful cozy full of snarky humor (yes, from Octo-Cat, I just love him!) and fluffiness. And I continue to love Angie, Nan and Paisley. There’s so much humor packed into this story, which made it such a fun read! I recommend it to anyone who wants a good mystery that is a bit lighter. It sure made me Happy! Or should I say Hoppy?

[Nancy Garbe · Rating 4 out of 5]

In “Hoppy Holiday Homicide” the new animal member of the investigation team is a nervous rabbit named E.B. The team is confronted with two murders and a kidnapping and manage to solve the kidnapping as the victim is returned to the police. Unfortunately, the murders did not get solved.

I am a fan of this series and I received a free advanced copy of this book for my voluntary honest review. I enjoy the animal characters and their interactions. However, the unsolved murders were disappointing. I presume those crimes will get resolved in the next book.

[Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Iced Murder In Maine

It's Christmas eve in Glendale.Angie is deled to show her newfound cousin, Megs, the Holiday Spectacular tradition in her hometown. But the promised Ice Sculpture judges are no shows. So Angie & Mags agree to do the judging. But the other judges are there just dead by another's hand. Within minutes of this scene Mags is kidnapped. Between two murders and a.missing cousin, it's not been festive... There's a twist at the end you might not see coming. Plus an additional pet of the rabbit persuasion & his human may join the intrepid groug

[Whitney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been provided with a copy of Hoppy Holiday Homicide by the author for an impartial review. This is the ninth book in the brand-new Pet Whisperer P.I. series. I just loved this story and this wonderful family that I just can’t get enough of. I just loved getting to go along on their journey and I just didn’t want to put it down. It was so easy to get lost in and I highly recommend reading this title. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series and see more of these wonderful characters.

[Shonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read by Molly Fitz! Great characters, especially the animals. I love reading how the mystery comes together. The animals crack me up and are such a huge part of what makes these stories so fun. This is a series but can be read as a stand alone. I love how each story introduces a new animal that contributes to solving the mystery. If you love mysteries and laughing then you definitely have to read this book!
Was given a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.

[Lori R · Rating 5 out of 5]

The adventures continue for Angie Russo in this fun, new book in the Ms. Pet Whisperer P.I. series. This one continues with cousin Mags from the previous book arriving for a Christmas visit. I enjoyed visiting Glendale's Holiday Spectacular with ice sculptures, murders, and a kidnapping too. This book was action packed and of course I enjoyed Octo-Cat, Paisley, and E.B. I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.

[Sue Ellen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this one out of order. I was able to figure out some of what I'd missed, but I'm going to go back to find out how they acquired the Chihuahua. There were parts of this one that left me scratching my head in confusion. Why did they wait so long to report the kidnapping? Why didn't they test the items they found for DNA? Is there something I missed in the books I've skipped to explain why the warning? Will the plot threads left hanging will be part of the next book?

[Pat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every book gets more fun. this time a bunny who is easily scared joins the gang. I love one comment by Paisley: "Bad man! Bad, bad man! No treats for you!" These animals have such "character" & says the funniest things. Every book gets more funny for me & I laugh more. How do you come up with these ideas, Ms. Fitz? Can' wait for the next book.

[Margie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve enjoyed all the Octo-cat, Angie stories and this one is another good one. Who knew that going to a Christmas festival could be dangerous? EB is a fun addition to Octo-cat, Paisley, Pringles, Grizabella, Yo-Yo, Jacques and Jillianne. These books make a nice break from more serious books and always make me laugh. I look forward to the rest of the series.

[David Berg · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free advance review copy of this book and am voluntarily providing my honest review. When Angie and her cousin Mags are picked to judge the ice sculpture contest at the annual Holiday Spectacular, they discover the two judges that they replaced murdered! Then Mags get kidnapped! Another great Angie and Octo-Cat story. I enjoyed it and recommend it to lovers of Octo-Cat.

[Tamra Delasalle Padgett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christmas stories are the best but to add such cute animals to the mix makes it that much more awesome. These murder mysteries are great and the interaction between these animals and humans just make the mystery of solving the crime that much more exciting. This series is a must read for anyone who enjoys this genre. Grab your copy today and get started soon. Dont miss a one....