Meowy Christmas Mayhem

Pet Whisperer P.I. #6.5

by Molly Fitz

It’s Angie’s first time really celebrating Christmas as a pet owner, and she can’t wait to celebrate with Octo-Cat, Paisley, and Nan. All it takes is a little finely crafted trickery to get her crabby tabby into the local pet supply store for a special photo opportunity with Santa. Unfortunately, the jolly old soul is found dead in the stockroom before he ever gets the chance to say “cheese.” Angie and her motley crew of sidekicks need to work fast to find the culprit and prevent any further suspicious holiday slaying… Otherwise, the most wonderful time of the year could end up becoming the most murderous season Blueberry Bay has ever seen.

Originally included in the Six Merry Little Murders anthology.

Genres: Christmas, Cozy Mystery, Fiction, Short Stories, Holiday

ebook

First published October 15, 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

[Kari · Rating 4 out of 5]

These murder mysteries are short but very cute. I love Angie and her crew, especially Nan and Octo-Cat. I like that Octo-Cat becomes nicer as the series progresses, he started out being a complete jerk. Now he actually helps out during the crime-solving parts. I also liked that Angie and Charles are finally truly together.

[Jerry Walch · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this copy of Meowy Christmas Mayhem as an advanced review copy from the author, Molly Fitz. Having already read over half the books in this hilarious series, I was delighted when Molly sent me this short novelette. It’s a quick read at 86 pages but just as spellbinding funny as Molly’s longer works featuring Angie and her sidekick Octo-Cat.
Meowy Christmas Mayhem is the fearless trio—Octo-Cat, Angie and Nan, Angie’s grandmother—at their best. The whole story takes place at a pet shop where they had gone to get their animals pictures taken with Santa. Santa is late taking his place onstage for the photo-op because he was lying dead, murdered, in the storeroom. When the young teenage girl working there screams, Octo-Cat, Angie and Nan spring into action and solve the crime in record time. Who committed the dastardly deed? Well, you will just have to read this wonderful little book to find out. You won’t be disappointed.

[Andrea Stoeckel · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Sometimes it took a few well-placed lies to suss out the truth."

Angi and Nan take Paisley and Octocat to get their pictures with Santa.... but it never happens for a number of reasons, not the least of which is the body in the pet shop storeroom....dead! But no one, in a store full of expectant pet parents seems to know who the guy was, why he was dressed in a Santa suit, and where the guy the shop hired wasn't there.

Can Angi, Octo, Charles and the police figure it out or will everyone not make it "Home for the Holidays"? In true Molly Fitz style, the author has again entertained us with a puzzle as satisfying as a box of chocolate covered candy canes! Highly Recommended 5/5

[disclaimer: I received this book from the author and chose to read and review it]

[Kristen Lewendon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This may be a quick read, but it’s packed with entertainment. It has engaging characters, a clever mystery, and plenty of humor. I’ve noticed that Angie is definitely getting better about thinking first and getting back-up before blindly jumping into something potentially dangerous. And I’m very glad to see this improvement in her investigative style. Octo-cat is, as he has always been, the feline embodiment of Dr. Gregory House: brilliant, insufferable, and the only reason he’s still alive is because prison orange isn’t a good color on anyone. I can’t wait to see what these two get involved in next.

[Dotty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book. One crazy cat and its owner, we can't forget grandma always finding themselves in place where something is happening. This time it's two murders and a kidnapping. Who would kidnap Angie's cousin and why?
I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.

This book is now named Hoppy Holiday Homicide.

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

Meowy Christmas Mayhem by Molly Fitz is a cute seasonal story of Angie Russo, Pet Whisperer PI, her grandmother, the quirky Nan, Nan's liveable rescue dog Paisley, and of course, crabby tabby named Octo-cat. The adventure starts out with Nan's present to them all, her matching homemade Christmas outfits needed for the big surprise, a family picture! The hilarity builds from there aided by the fact that Angie can talk to animals!

[Whitney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been provided with a copy of Meowy Christmas Mayhem by the author for an impartial review. This novella is a part of the brand-new Pet Whisperer P.I. series and is best read after Chihuahua Conspiracy. I just loved this cute story. This was a great holiday novella and I just loved getting to see what Angie and Octo-Cat are getting themselves into. I just couldn’t get enough of this wonderful series and great characters. I can’t wait to see what’s next for this series.

[Carolyn Vandine West · Rating 4 out of 5]

3 1/2 really but I didn’t see annoying grammar or spelling errors so I rounded up. A cute little story about a police officer who can hear her cat and some other animals talk. When Santa is found dead shortly before the photo shoot at the animal shelter — Angela is on track to solve this murder. Lots of little twists before the mystery is solved. It was a quick read, will probably read again in the future. This was a free ebook from BookFunnel.

[Louisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who killed Santa?

Angie and the whole gang are at it again solving mystery in unlikely places. When Nan sets up an advent calendar of events for Christmas, taking photos of Oct-cat and Paisley with Santa end up being on of the events. Nothing ever straight forward when Santa winds up dead. With so many suspects and no idea who the actual victim is. Will this mystery finally defeat them

[Sheila · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute short read with funny and some not so fun characters. You'll know who I mean about not fun, they are the ones who are down or just not normal is Molly's books. Grab this and other Pet Whisperer books and follow Angie, Octo-Cat, Nan and other 2 & 4 legged characters for some fun with a lit bit of mystery.

[Deanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another cute story with Octo-Cat. This one was a short hour read and takes place in a pet store during a "Pet picture with Santa" day.

I had only read the first two books before getting this one. It is out of order for the series, so if you want to read them in order, I would hold off. Just a couple of spoilers that you may not want to know about...yet.

[Rina's Crazy World of Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable, short read to start the holiday season!

While this book is part of the Pet Whisperer P. I. Series it can be read on its own without a problem.

I especially loved Octo-Cat with his smart wits and snarky personality helping to solve yet another murder mystery! I really should start the whole series next year 🥰

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Meowy Christmas Mayhem by Molly Fitz is an easy, quick read. The story location of a pet store during the Holiday season was consistent from start to finish of this entertaining tale. Her characters were believable and varied.

[Pat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fun story with Angie, Nan, Otto-cat. A ferret helps the gang out this time learn who killed Santa Claus. I so enjoy all the mystery adventures this group find themselves. Always suspense & laughter for me.

[Shonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun characters that kept me laughing. A great short read that keeps you guessing who did it. I love Octo Cat’s personality, he has such a attitude! This is a fun mystery that will have every reader laughing.
Was given a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.

[CHud · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh dear, Santa has been found dead on the floor. The police ard temporarily short handed so Angie, Charles and Octocat lend a hand to Officer Bouchard to solve the crime. But whk would want to murder Santa, and why?

[Emily G · Rating 4 out of 5]

This short story is from a series where a lady called Angie can talk to animals after being electrocuted. Octo-Cat helps her with this making her the Pet Whisperer P.I.

When Santa is killed before a pet photo op, Angie and Octo-Cat spring into action. An enjoyable read. 3.5 stars

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Got this short through an ebook deal and absolutely loved it. Ovto-Cat is hilarious. This book can be read as a stand alone but I fell in love with the characters, especially Nan, and am starting book 1 in the series now!

[Kristin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute little mini mystery.

[Sadaf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short and sweet! Adorable, fun little mystery. It was funny and cute!

[Marilyn Geary · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love these stories. This novella is a nice addition to the Pet PI series. A great escape.

[Barbara Cardin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was fun to read I would recommend meowy christmas mayhem to everyone I see.

[Rilla Leboe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Novella and a great series! Keep them coming!

[Rosie Pease · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was super cute! Even if you haven't read any of the other books in the series, you'll find it enjoyable. I'd wanted a short, enjoyable read and got exactly what I wanted. Octo-cat is awesome.

[Janey · Rating 3 out of 5]

A short Christmas tale with Angie and the gang, human and animal. Quick read.

[Sue Ellen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'd almost forgotten about this series. I don't know why I stopped reading it, but this book makes me want to start up again.

[Melissa Tagliaferro · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a cute Christmas cozy murder mystery that I didn't know I needed to read. It helped to beat the brutal summer heat. Who killed Santa?.

[Liza · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a shortish Christmas story. Pet photos don't happen when Santa gets murdered.

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute and short.

[Cathy Kukla · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very short read, less than 100 pages, good story, my 2nd book by Molly Fitz, liking this new to me author