Fair Play

Cat Miranda Mystery #2

by C.J. Shane

Cat Miranda’s art gallery exhibition in Bisbee, Arizona, is going well until events suddenly take a dark turn. Jeremy Flores, Cat’s childhood friend and personal attorney, has disappeared. Cat and her favorite Englishman, Miles Trevelyan, quickly find Jeremy only to learn that he has been brutally assaulted. Cat and Miles begin a quest to identify and stop the assailant, as well as to seek links to two murders. Miles’s father, retired Sussex police detective Ian Trevelyan, and Cat’s best friend, Amanda Fontaine, find each other irresistible as they help Cat and Miles solve the mystery. This Arizona-Sonora Borderlands tale has mystery, suspense, a spoonful of seasoned romance, and Cat’s big dog Tito.

Genres: Mystery

208 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 22, 2021

About the author

I'm an artist and a writer, and I alternate between writing and painting. My paintings are abstract landscapes in oil, and I also do mixed-media work. I write mystery-suspense: Letty Valdez Mysteries (4 in series), Cat Miranda Mysteries (3 in series), and Iron Horse Mysteries (5 so far).
Learn more and see my art here: http://www.cjshane.com/
I publish a monthly newsletter that covers Art, Books, and the Natural World. Sign up here: https://www.cjshane.com/contactnewsle...
And follow me on Facebook here:
https://www.facebook.com/people/CJSha...

Reviews

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a stupendously written book!!
The reader will learn about the geographical
area around Bisbee, Arizona where the story
takes place. The reader will read about
birding in the area plus how to identify a
fake work of art. All this plus several
assaults,, a double murder, a robbery, an
real estate agent forcing home owners to
sell so a developer can build, an
eco-terrorist into land preservation and
one huge explosion.
This well plotted story with several subplots
will keep the reader mesmerized from the
start to finish of the book.
Cat Miranda runs an art gallery and she is
a graphic designer. Her English boyfriend
is Miles Trevelyan. Miles has brought his
father, Ian from England to Bisbee. Ian is a
widower Andi retired police detective.
The reader will enjoy learning about all
the Spanish-Mexican foods that Ian will be tasting.
When Cat’s lawyer, Jeremy Flores goes missing,
Cat, Miles, Ian and Mrs Flores go looking for him.
They discover he was dragged from his office,
beaten and left behind the office. Who would
have done this? The Flores have no idea.
Is there a case that lead to this beating?
Cat, Miles and Ian look to the owner of the
Star Tavern, Amanda for any gossip that might
give them a lead.
A well fleshed, well created cast of characters
plus a fur baby, Tito who is Cat’s Great Dane to
investigate.
I thoroughly enjoyed meet the characters. I
loved how well behaved Tito was and how he
protected Cat and help capture the culprit.
Although this is book # 2 in the Cat Miranda
Mystery series. It can be read as a stand alone.
The author provided enough backstory of the
characters mix with the present to follow along
effortlessly.
I volunteered to read Fair Play. Thanks to the
Cozy Mystery Review Crew for the opportunity.
My opinion is voluntary and my own.
A Very Highly Recommended Read.
Looking forward to the next book in the series.

[Crystal Fontes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely adore cozy mysteries an I am greatly appreciative to Cozy mystery reviews for giving me the chance to read this book.
I have never heard of this author or this series till I was picked to review this one.
An I fell in love with Cat an Miles an Tito. It kept me guessing and laughing the entire book. It might not be up to par for some but for me I would recommend this book an author to someone to read.
I didn't read the first book of the series before I dived into this book an it didn't even matter which to me is also a plus for a series that way you can pick one up an never miss out on knowing what exactly is going on.
I don't want to go on because I might accidentally write a spoiler an I wouldn't want that but highly recommend this book an series an author to everyone who loves cozy mysteries

[Jeanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fair Play is the 2nd book in the Cat Miranda Mystery series by C.J. Shane.

Cat Miranda hosts an exhibition at her art gallery when she hears that her friend and attorney is missing. Cat and her novio, Miles, find him badly beaten and begin investigating.

I really enjoyed this book. The characters are wonderful and diverse. It was so interesting watching the investigation and how they found that seemingly unrelated incidents were actually related. I loved the last chapter and hope there will be a book 3.

Thank you to the author for the Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Pamela Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! What a wonderful book with a great cast of characters, a good mystery that kept me entertained and intrigued from start to finish with twists and the beautiful backdrop of Bisbee, Arizona. This is the first book I have read by C.J. Shane and I can't wait to go on more adventures with Cat, Miles, Tito and the rest. If you enjoy must-solve mysteries with characters you feel like you know and want to be their friend, you will love Fair Play. I received an advance reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my review.

[Kara Marks · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in a series, but it stands alone well. I enjoyed the book enough I want to go back and read the first book also. The setting is intriguing, in Arizona, and the main character is a hip art gallery owner. The secondary characters are also pretty interesting, but I found the setting particularly original. The book is well-written and the mystery was fun to solve. I can definitely recommend this book; I was provided a copy, but these opinions are my own.

[Dianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cat Miranda, an art gallery and graphic design business owner, resides in Bisbee, Arizona. When the town’s only lawyer, Jeremy Flores, suffers from a brutal attack, Cat takes it upon herself to find out the motivation behind the physical assault. However, Cat does not conduct any investigating on her own. She enlists the help of her romantic partner, Miles Trevelyan, along with his father, Ian, who is a widower and retired law enforcement officer. The local tavern owner, Amanda Fontaine, has the inside track on all the town gossip. She shares information that provides Cat and her companions a starting point in the investigation. Simultaneously, the police are investigating the recent double homicide of a young couple. Is there a link between the two horrifying incidents? Will there be more incidents before the guilty party can be identified?

Fair Play is the second book in a Cat Miranda Mystery series and can be read as a stand-alone. C.J. Shane pulls readers into the story from the beginning and keeps them interested all the way to the end. In this first-rate mystery, readers get some scoop on materials used in creating sculptures, insight into whether a painting is a forgery or the real deal, exposure to bird watching, and get a bit of history about the San Pedro River. It also includes environmental entanglements, romantic relationships, discrimination, caring friends, and heartwarming friendships between humans and animals.

The author does a great job of creating interesting characters with personality traits that suit their behaviors and choices. The story moves at a steady pace, with the tension growing as Cat encounters obstacles that make the mystery harder to solve. The author nails the major climactic scene and ends the book with a satisfying conclusion. The sprinkling of expletives in the story fits in with the character’s use of them. I look forward to any future stories about adventures that revolve around these believable and memorable characters.

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second in the series and IMHO the best of the two. I liked the first but it was on the dark side. This story discusses the realities of developing the Southwest. Everyone needs water to survive.

Even though I knew who the bad guy was it was interesting to see the various characters assist in the investigation. Everyone wants to find out who beat the crap out of Jeremey and to put him/her away so no one else gets hurt.

Cat, Miles, Ian – Miles father, and tavern owner Amanda are excellent in showing the reader new ways to find information. The fill-in attorney, Ana, did her part along with Art dealer Freddy Howard.

Since I live in Arizona, I enjoyed the descriptions of Bisbee and the surrounding area and it’s people. It’s nice to know the lay of the land that the author is describing.

I would not label this a cozy mystery and it did keep me turning the pages. I was happy it did not excessively depict the violent scenes.

I recommend this book and am looking forward to the next one. I would like to see how all the recurring characters develop and learn to live in or adjust to Bisbee, AZ. If you haven’t read C.J. Shane and like your mysteries not too graphic, give her series a chance.

I was given and advanced e-copy of the book and am not required to leave a positive review.

[M.E. Bakos · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Cat Miranda series. Miles, Cat’s English beau, is back in Bisbee, Arizona, to work and continue their romance. He brings along his widowed father, Ian, who is a retired police officer. Love blossoms between the tavern owner, Amanda, and the widower. Ian and Amanda enjoy birdwatching and help solve the mystery of who murdered a young couple and assaulted the local lawyer(s).
Throw in a corrupt real estate agent, and a self-described eco terrorist and you have a timely plot of commercial greed pitted against land preservation. Along with a subplot of art forgery, Fair Play is an engaging story set against the beauty of the southwest, where Author C. J. Shane’s love of art comes through.
Miles and Cat’s romance continues with a trip to England. Even Tito, Cat’s adopted Great Dane, meets up with Greta Garbo, another Great Dane, and puppies are the result. A sweet ending to a story that mixes mystery with romance.

[Elaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book by CJ Shane that I have read and I really enjoyed it! I didn't feel that I needed to read the first book in the series, it was good on its own. The characters were solid and fun. The storyline flowed very nicely. And I learned about a waterfowl area in southern AZ that would be fun to visit sometime. The ending was quite fun!

[Tammy Poff · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book makes me want to take a trip to Bisbee, Arizona! C J Shane does her research well to bring many subjects together, creating a lively mystery set in this historic mountain town. Her knowledge of art, birdwatching, and Southwestern culture is outstanding.

Readers are reintroduced to a few heroes of the earlier book, Kissed, and some new characters as well. All in all, a good read. I was given an advanced review copy for this honest review.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fair Play

I've loved all C. J. Shane's books and waited patiently for this one. I read it savoring every word in two days. I live in Green Valley Arizona and enjoyed hearing about Bisbee! I want more!

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I should start this review by saying Cat and Miles are probably my favourite fictional couple of all time! "Fair Play" has a very strong and gripping plot, some new (and VERY interesting) characters (wait for Connie!), and the setting leaves you feeling like you've had a bit of a holiday. C.J. Shane's writing continues to grow alongside her characters, and I can't wait to see what she has in store for us next. You don't need to have read "Kissed" (the first Cat Miranda mystery) to enjoy this book, but you'll get so much more out of it if you do!

My thanks to the author. This review was written voluntarily and is entirely my own, unbiased, opinion.

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fair Play, second in the Cat Miranda series, grabs you from the start and won't let you go until you've finished the book! This is the first Cat Miranda book I've read and hope there are many more! The book was so engrossing I also read it in one setting.

Cat Miranda, owner of an art gallery in Bisbee, AZ, on the evening of an exhibition finds that her childhood friend and attorney Jeremy Flores has been brutally beaten at his law office and dumped outside. Cat and her English boyfriend Miles Trevelyan are determined to find out who assaulted Jeremy. Miles has just returned to Bisbee from England to spend time with Cat prior to the start of the school year in England and accompanying Miles is his father Ian, retired police detective. Ian meets Cat's good friend Amanda, owner of the Star Tavern and the sparks fly. While trying to figure out why Jeremy was assaulted and who attacked him, several other crimes, including two murders, are discovered that could be connected to Jeremy's assault. Cat, Miles, Ian, Amanda and Cat's dog Tito join forces to put all of the pieces together leading to the identification and capture of the killer.

This is a wonderful book for a variety of reasons. The characters are well-developed and real - the reader gets to know, relate to and become part of the lives of Cat, Amanda, Miles, Ian, and Ana, the lawyer 'filling in' while Jeremy is recovering. There are stories within stories as they involve the characters, not just Jeremy's assault. Visibility is given into Jeremy and his wife Vanessa's relationship, Cat's loss of her brother, the loss of Ian's wife and Miles' mother, Amanda's history that brought her to Bisbee and why Ana wants to stay in Bisbee. In addition to the assault there are two murders, birdwatching ventures, descriptions of savory Mexican cuisine, introduction to the real struggles environmentally and culturally in the Sonora Borderlands, and much more. It was also fun learning some conversational Spanish!

I will say that I had a hard time getting into this book as Cat seemed way too focused from the start upon Miles' return to Bisbee and their 'activities' but once the story truly begins to develop and take off, you can overlook this aspect which permeates the entire book.

This is a complex, multi-layered mystery that does keep you engaged from start to finish. I found it relatively easy to figure out 'whodunnit' but the pieces behind the 'why' took longer to fall into place. Very much looking forward to book 3 and I will most likely go back and read book 1!

[Melody Sears · Rating 5 out of 5]

Romance is infectious in the colorful small town of Bisbee, Arizona. Or is it the excellent provender found there, as well as those who provide Bisbee’s delicious food and drink, who are irresistible?
Nevertheless, murder, mayhem, theft and vandalism have now infected the town, leading Cat Miranda to seek justice for the victims in C.J. Shane’s new mystery, Fair Play.
After Bisbee’s sole lawyer, Jeremy Flores, has been brutally beaten, Cat assumes there must be a connection to one of his cases. A visit to the Star Tavern to talk to proprietor Amanda, who hears about almost everything going on in town—good and bad—gives Cat a laundry list of current disputes and crimes and a place to start looking for answers. Cat arranges to borrow a lawyer from a friend’s firm in Tucson to help with Jeremy’s work load while he recovers, then this lawyer, too, is attacked. Cat and friends quickly jump into action to discover what is going on and who is involved before anyone else should be hurt or killed.
A common feature of C.J. Shane’s well-written mysteries is the inclusion of important issues of the day that are relevant to the story’s action. In Fair Play it is water theft from one of America’s last large undammed rivers, the San Pedro, with its varied and unique ecosystem. This weaves in and out of the many depredations piling up in Bisbee that Cat and her cohorts cannot ignore.
She is dogged in her search for answers, helped by her novio, Miles Trevelyan. And speaking of dogs, Cat adopts a well-trained Great Dane from the animal shelter who becomes a vital addition to the cast of characters who have made the Cat Miranda mysteries so enjoyable.
Romance blooms in the desert for Cat, Miles, and others in this second Cat Miranda mystery/romance. But so does danger, and the stakes are deadly.
I received an Advance Review Copy of Fair Play and this review is my honest opinion.

[Phyllis · Rating 1 out of 5]

Thanks to Cozy Mystery Review Crew for a digital copy. All comments and opinions are my own.

Did I read the same book that others did? I read the entire novel because there were so many positive reviews, and I hoped it would improve, but my opinion remained the same from beginning to end: this book wasn't ready to be published, as it really seemed to be at the "draft" stage. The author needed a professional editor, or at least thoughtful feedback from an experienced writing group. The writing was amateurish and often laughable, with stilted dialogue as well as repetitive words and phrases. A good drinking game would be to see how many times a secondary character was addressed by her full name by everyone - the other characters and the narrator. Sometimes characters shared information with others as if they were reading an encyclopedia excerpt or lecturing to a class. That's not how people talk to each other, certainly not if they want to continue a friendship. The climax - when the bad guy confronts the main characters - had a major plot hole. The extensive email communication between father and son at the conclusion of the novel seemed like an easy way out to wrap up several weeks of actual story and character growth.

There were some good aspects - the main character was likable; the setting of Bisbee, a small town in Arizona, was interesting; sprinkling Spanish words and phrases throughout and including delicious food descriptions helped the story.

This is the second in the series, though you could easily start with this one as the author provides enough background. But honestly, I can't recommend you spend your time reading it.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this second book of the Cat Miranda series, author CJ Shane introduces us to more characters in the small town of Bisbee, Arizona. Having lived next door, in New Mexico, for many years, I was naturally drawn to Shane's depiction of the beautiful country of the Sonoran Desert, down along the Mexican border. The country and the environment play a big role in this series of novels, and serve to showcase the backgrounds of her characters -- some urban, and some rural.

This isn't so much a who-done-it as it is a story of love, friendship, and the mixing of different cultures. Shane's familiar use of local Spanish helps in setting a certain tone, and vibe, to her work, as does the introduction of characters from the UK, who speak a very different sort of English than the locals in Bisbee are used to. If I had any real complaint it might be that she doesn't really need to translate or explain every colloquial sentence. Often it's more effective to simply allow the reader to figure it out.

I won't give away and spoilers here, but I'll simply say that if you're thinking about grabbing the first book in this series ("Kissed"), do yourself a favor and buy all three. You won't be sorry.

[Lori Herbst · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second installment in the Cat Miranda series definitely doesn't disappoint. When someone attacks Cat's friend and lawyer, she and Miles find themselves involved in unraveling another mystery and uncovering a perpetrator before anyone else is injured--or worse.

The plot moves at a good pace. Suspects are well drawn, and readers are kept guessing. The issue behind the crime creates an interesting theme, making a subtle statement without proselytizing. And it all fits in so well with the incredible setting. The desert, the sandhill cranes, the lovely little town of Bisbee—all are so creatively described that I felt myself moving around in each scene.

I enjoyed the mini-lessons involving forensic investigation of art, as well as the dive into Cat's job as a graphic designer. The addition of Miles' father Ian, along with more development of Amanda, gives the character relationships depth and charm. But probably the most compelling addition is Tito. I admit I'm a little bit in love with that delightful Great Dane!

FAIR PLAY is a great read, and I highly recommend it.

[Sonsie Meadows · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book and author were a new find for me and one I thoroughly enjoyed. It is the second book in the series, but easily read as a standalone.

Cat Miranda is an art gallery owner in Brisbee, Arizona. The story starts with the return of her romantic other, Miles, from England, and the arrival of Tito, the Great Dane she is adopting. When her attorney friend is found brutally assaulted, they must identify and stop the assailant. However, there are possible links to other murders...

For someone unfamiliar with the setting, is was great to learn about Brisbee and the lifestyle there (excluding the murders, of course). And it is always a pleasure for me to read a book with a dog, where it behaves realistically, yet plays an important role. Recommended!

[Diane Cowell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fair Play is the second book of the Cat Miranda mysteries. The setting is the old mining town of Bisbee, Arizona, on the US- Mexican border. Catalina, the owner of an art gallery, is drawn into the disappearance of her childhood friend and lawyer, Jeremy Flores. Although he is quickly found, two other murders have occurred. Cat along with her boyfriend, Miles - and his father Ian set out to unravel the murders that may have links to unethical land take overs. Plots and sub plots; character development; fast action; all mingling with border issues make this a favorite of mine.

[Heather W · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fair Play is the second book in the Cat Miranda Mystery series and is an entertaining read. This book is well-written and has likable characters, murder, mystery, and a touch of romance. I really enjoyed the vivid descriptions of Brisbee, Australia.
I read and reviewed this book with no obligation.

[Sasscer Hill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fair Play is a very enjoyable cozy book, with romance, action, and a good mystery. The author's knowledge of art shines through on her pages and adds a deeper layer to the story.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked Kissed, the first book in this series because the author served up a compelling mystery mixed with a little romance and a healthy dose of education about the Borderlands culture and history. In this second installment, Cat Miranda's attorney and good friend Jeremy is brutally assaulted during an exhibition at Cat's art gallery. As the town's only lawyer, Jeremy was working on lots of local cases, and it takes time to figure out which suspects could have prompted the assault.

Cat's British boyfriend, Miles is back along with his retired police detective father. I enjoyed this mystery; there were good suspects and a nice amount of backstory about her friend group: Amanda, the saloon owner, Freddie the art expert, and of course her new dog Tito. Spanish phrases are again sprinkled throughout the story, but always with a translation or within context, giving an authentic taste of what it must be like to live in the area.

Cat and Miles' relationship has taken a serious turn, and his father provides tangible help in the investigation. Could there be a second romance brewing between another couple of characters? This book has quite a bit more romance than the first one, but also provides a solid mystery. The author's passion for art, the environment, and the setting in Bisbee, Arizona shine through the series. I look forward to the next one!