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Cat Cafe Mystery #1
Moord in het kattencafé
Maddie James is klaar om te settelen in haar geboorteplaats, maar daar spelen duistere zaken…
Maddie James is klaar om te settelen op Daybreak Island, een pittoresk eilandje voor de kust van Massachusetts. Haar grootste droom is om haar eigen bedrijf te beginnen en als de rode kater JJ haar leven binnen komt trippelen, raakt ze geïnspireerd. Er zijn zo veel katten op het eiland die een thuis nodig hebben: waarom begint ze geen kattencafé?
Dan slaat het noodlot toe. Maddies opa, de voormalige politiechef van het eiland, wordt sinds het overlijden van zijn vrouw steeds vergeetachtiger. En nu is de invloedrijke zakenman en lokale bullebak Frank O’Malley op zijn huis uit. Maddie is vastbesloten O’Malley op andere gedachten te brengen, maar voor ze de kans krijgt wordt hij dood aangetroffen. Alle ogen zijn op Maddie gericht.
Is het niet héél toevallig dat uitgerekend de kat van deze nieuwkomer het lijk heeft gevonden? Maar Maddie is niet voor niets de kleindochter van een politiechef. Samen met haar viervoeter gaat ze op onderzoek uit. Wat voor zaken spelen er op Daybreak Island die het daglicht niet kunnen verdragen?
Heerlijk verslavende cosy crime voor de fans van Agatha Christie en Midsomer Murders.
Maddie James is klaar om te settelen op Daybreak Island, een pittoresk eilandje voor de kust van Massachusetts. Haar grootste droom is om haar eigen bedrijf te beginnen en als de rode kater JJ haar leven binnen komt trippelen, raakt ze geïnspireerd. Er zijn zo veel katten op het eiland die een thuis nodig hebben: waarom begint ze geen kattencafé?
Dan slaat het noodlot toe. Maddies opa, de voormalige politiechef van het eiland, wordt sinds het overlijden van zijn vrouw steeds vergeetachtiger. En nu is de invloedrijke zakenman en lokale bullebak Frank O’Malley op zijn huis uit. Maddie is vastbesloten O’Malley op andere gedachten te brengen, maar voor ze de kans krijgt wordt hij dood aangetroffen. Alle ogen zijn op Maddie gericht.
Is het niet héél toevallig dat uitgerekend de kat van deze nieuwkomer het lijk heeft gevonden? Maar Maddie is niet voor niets de kleindochter van een politiechef. Samen met haar viervoeter gaat ze op onderzoek uit. Wat voor zaken spelen er op Daybreak Island die het daglicht niet kunnen verdragen?
Heerlijk verslavende cosy crime voor de fans van Agatha Christie en Midsomer Murders.
288 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 1, 2017
286 people are currently reading
2661 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 338 reviews
September 18, 2022
A decent start to a new cozy series. I wanted more of the cat, however. I've been a cat lover for most of my life. This one caught my interest because I've had an orange cat.
The MC is okay, but I'm hoping the series gets more interesting. The story and series has some good bones. The MC and her family have some enemies which makes for an interesting dynamic. She seemed like only an okay citizen detective and bumbled a bit. But maybe MC Maddie will get better at it.
The MC is okay, but I'm hoping the series gets more interesting. The story and series has some good bones. The MC and her family have some enemies which makes for an interesting dynamic. She seemed like only an okay citizen detective and bumbled a bit. But maybe MC Maddie will get better at it.
July 9, 2017
The cover of this book caught my attention because I love cats. Knowing that Cate Conte is a new pen name for Liz Mugavero (Pawsitively Organic Mysteries) made this story a must read!
Cate Conte debuts a delightful new cozy series that I devoured from cover to cover. I liked the way the story began at Maddie's Grandma's burial, and the way fate seemed to unite the stray orange cat with the protagonist, Maddie, who's a cat lover. The first whispers of trouble for the family are also heard in the cemetery.
Some fantastic characters are introduced--Grandpa Leo, who has a wonderful relationship with his granddaughter Maddie. Another fave of mine is Cass--I loved how he helped Maddie name the intriguing orange cat, JJ! I hope we see much more of Cass, a man of many talents, in future stories. A possible romance blooming for Maddie may also be nice.
The plot of this story is compelling with several suspects for readers to ponder over means, motive, and opportunity. The author skillfully sets the scene for future stories to include the addition of a cat cafe. I absolutely loved this debut cozy!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance reader copy thanks to NetGalley and SMP.
Cate Conte debuts a delightful new cozy series that I devoured from cover to cover. I liked the way the story began at Maddie's Grandma's burial, and the way fate seemed to unite the stray orange cat with the protagonist, Maddie, who's a cat lover. The first whispers of trouble for the family are also heard in the cemetery.
Some fantastic characters are introduced--Grandpa Leo, who has a wonderful relationship with his granddaughter Maddie. Another fave of mine is Cass--I loved how he helped Maddie name the intriguing orange cat, JJ! I hope we see much more of Cass, a man of many talents, in future stories. A possible romance blooming for Maddie may also be nice.
The plot of this story is compelling with several suspects for readers to ponder over means, motive, and opportunity. The author skillfully sets the scene for future stories to include the addition of a cat cafe. I absolutely loved this debut cozy!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance reader copy thanks to NetGalley and SMP.
July 14, 2017
Maddie James has returned home to Daybreak Island, just off the coast of Massachusetts, to attend her grandmother's funeral. An animal lover Maddie spies a stray cat during the funeral and decides she is going to befriend him and give him a home. After the funeral though Maddie finds out that her grandfather is in debt and being threatened to sell the home that has been in their family for years.
Maddie decides to speak with the Frank O’Malley who has been pressuring her grandfather but things don't go well. Then as Maddie is out with her new cat the cat gets away only for her to chase him to the location of a dead body. Frank O’Malley has been murdered and now she needs to clear her name since she was last seen with him.
Cat About Town is the first book in a new cozy mystery series, Cat Cafe Mystery, by Cate Conte. Maddie is a successful business woman who has returned home only to find herself in the middle of a mysterious murder. She pokes and prods and questions her way to the answer she needs to clear her name.
This was a typical cozy in probably all areas that you would expect, the cute set up with the stray cat who steals part of the show, someone looking for answers because the police will expect them and plenty of places to point the blame too to keep a reader guessing. I questioned why involving a bit of a love triangle in here but hopefully that will get worked out in future reads. Otherwise, it was a fun start to the series and I would definitely continue on with Maddie and her adventures.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.wordpress....
Maddie decides to speak with the Frank O’Malley who has been pressuring her grandfather but things don't go well. Then as Maddie is out with her new cat the cat gets away only for her to chase him to the location of a dead body. Frank O’Malley has been murdered and now she needs to clear her name since she was last seen with him.
Cat About Town is the first book in a new cozy mystery series, Cat Cafe Mystery, by Cate Conte. Maddie is a successful business woman who has returned home only to find herself in the middle of a mysterious murder. She pokes and prods and questions her way to the answer she needs to clear her name.
This was a typical cozy in probably all areas that you would expect, the cute set up with the stray cat who steals part of the show, someone looking for answers because the police will expect them and plenty of places to point the blame too to keep a reader guessing. I questioned why involving a bit of a love triangle in here but hopefully that will get worked out in future reads. Otherwise, it was a fun start to the series and I would definitely continue on with Maddie and her adventures.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.wordpress....
October 31, 2017
I thoroughly enjoyed this cozy mystery. The story and characters held my interest.
Maddie returns to her hometown, Daybreak Island in New England to attend a funeral. She rescues a stray cat that serves as her sidekick as she tries to solve a murder mystery. The cat doesn't talk, just meows-the book isn't overly cutesy. This is the first book in the series and I look forward to reading the next when it is released.
Maddie returns to her hometown, Daybreak Island in New England to attend a funeral. She rescues a stray cat that serves as her sidekick as she tries to solve a murder mystery. The cat doesn't talk, just meows-the book isn't overly cutesy. This is the first book in the series and I look forward to reading the next when it is released.
August 10, 2017
Maddie James has returned to Daybreak Island as a result of her grandmother’s death. While there, she learns that Frank O’Malley, head of the local chamber of commerce, wants to buy her grandfather’s house, a house that has been in the family for generations. Frank is used to getting his way and is trying to scare Maddie’s grandfather into selling. So when Frank turns up dead, Maddie and her grandfather find themselves as suspects. Can Maddie clear their name?
I’ve been looking forward to this debut ever since I heard about it, and I wasn’t disappointed. The tension starts early, and once Frank’s body is found, we are off and running. I didn’t have things figured out until Maddie then, but then everything fell into place. The characters, including Maddie’s new cat, are completely charming. And the setting, a resort island off the coast of Massachusetts, is absolutely wonderful. I can’t wait for the next in the series.
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
I’ve been looking forward to this debut ever since I heard about it, and I wasn’t disappointed. The tension starts early, and once Frank’s body is found, we are off and running. I didn’t have things figured out until Maddie then, but then everything fell into place. The characters, including Maddie’s new cat, are completely charming. And the setting, a resort island off the coast of Massachusetts, is absolutely wonderful. I can’t wait for the next in the series.
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
April 11, 2022
Maddie James is er helemaal klaar voor! Ze wil zich settelen in haar geboorteplaats: Daybreak Island, een pittoresk eilandje voor de kust van Massachusetts. Het is haar grote droom om haar eigen bedrijf te beginnen. Op een dag komt een rode kater, later genaamd JJ, haar leven binnen. Ze raakt er door geïnspireerd. Er zijn zoveel katten op het eiland die een thuis nodig hebben: waarom begint ze geen kattencafé?
Maar dan slaat het noodlot toe. Maddies opa, de voormalige politiechef van het eiland, wordt sinds het overlijden van zijn vrouw steeds vergeetachtiger. De invloedrijke zakenman en lokale bullebak Frank O'Malley is op zijn huis uit. Maddie probeert hem op andere gedachten te brengen, maar voor ze de kans krijgt wordt hij dood aangetroffen.
Alle ogen zijn op Maddie gericht, want is het niet héél toevallig dat uitgerekend de kat van deze nieuwkomer het lijk heeft gevonden? Samen met haar kat JJ gaat ze op onderzoek uit. Wat is er allemaal aan de hand op Daybreak Island? En gaan er nog meer slachtoffers vallen?
Dit is het eerste deel in de serie van het Katten Café en ik ben aangenaam verrast. We leren Maddie en haar opa kennen. De gezondheid van haar opa gaat achteruit. Op een dag komt de rode kat naar haar toe en deze blijft vanaf dat moment trouw aan haar zijde.
De band tussen Maddie en haar kat is heel mooi om te lezen. En dan wordt het lichaam van Frank gevonden. Wie heeft deze moord op zijn geweten? Als lezer verdenk je een aantal mensen en je wordt dan ook regelmatig op het verkeerde been gezet. Pas op het einde kom je te weten wie de dader is.
Ik vond het verhaal interessant! Het blijft boeiend genoeg om door te lezen, ondanks dat het niet super spannend wordt. Door het interessante einde wil je meteen verder met deel twee. Ik ben benieuwd wanneer deze uit gaat komen!
Beoordeling: 4,0 ⭐️
Maar dan slaat het noodlot toe. Maddies opa, de voormalige politiechef van het eiland, wordt sinds het overlijden van zijn vrouw steeds vergeetachtiger. De invloedrijke zakenman en lokale bullebak Frank O'Malley is op zijn huis uit. Maddie probeert hem op andere gedachten te brengen, maar voor ze de kans krijgt wordt hij dood aangetroffen.
Alle ogen zijn op Maddie gericht, want is het niet héél toevallig dat uitgerekend de kat van deze nieuwkomer het lijk heeft gevonden? Samen met haar kat JJ gaat ze op onderzoek uit. Wat is er allemaal aan de hand op Daybreak Island? En gaan er nog meer slachtoffers vallen?
Dit is het eerste deel in de serie van het Katten Café en ik ben aangenaam verrast. We leren Maddie en haar opa kennen. De gezondheid van haar opa gaat achteruit. Op een dag komt de rode kat naar haar toe en deze blijft vanaf dat moment trouw aan haar zijde.
De band tussen Maddie en haar kat is heel mooi om te lezen. En dan wordt het lichaam van Frank gevonden. Wie heeft deze moord op zijn geweten? Als lezer verdenk je een aantal mensen en je wordt dan ook regelmatig op het verkeerde been gezet. Pas op het einde kom je te weten wie de dader is.
Ik vond het verhaal interessant! Het blijft boeiend genoeg om door te lezen, ondanks dat het niet super spannend wordt. Door het interessante einde wil je meteen verder met deel twee. Ik ben benieuwd wanneer deze uit gaat komen!
Beoordeling: 4,0 ⭐️
August 5, 2017
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Maddie James comes to town for her grandmother’s funeral and to spend some time with her grandfather as they both grieve. The funeral has one surprise guest, a cute tabby cat that attached itself right to Maddie. Things go great until her new furry friend finds a dead body. Maddie finds herself reacquainting herself with the people of Daybreak Island and getting to know the new residents as she tries to find the person who was driven to kill the man that wanted to change everything about the Island. Turns out there are plenty of suspects.
Cate Conte has brought some truly lovable characters to this series. The relationship between Maddie and her Grandpa Joe is so heartwarming. She will go to great lenths to protect him and he her. As a cat lover I was taken in by the way Maddie accepted orange feline into her life complete with a leash to take him with her everywhere. It reminded me of the relationship between Charlie Harris and his cat, Diesel, in Miranda James Cat in the Stacks mystery series, one of my favorite series.
Daybreak Island is a wonderful setting. It is filled with history in the shops and the homes. You need to take a ferry to reach it and while it does have a tourist season most residents live there year round. I could easily picture everything thanks to the author’s terrific descriptions.
The mystery was top notch. A variety of suspects with means, motive and opportunity drew me deeper and deeper into the story.
The “cat cafe” has not come to fruition yet but this first installment gives us the backstory that has started to put the cafe in motion.
This series is off to a fantastic start! I can’t wait for my next escape to Daybreak Island. My virtual bags are already packed.
Maddie James comes to town for her grandmother’s funeral and to spend some time with her grandfather as they both grieve. The funeral has one surprise guest, a cute tabby cat that attached itself right to Maddie. Things go great until her new furry friend finds a dead body. Maddie finds herself reacquainting herself with the people of Daybreak Island and getting to know the new residents as she tries to find the person who was driven to kill the man that wanted to change everything about the Island. Turns out there are plenty of suspects.
Cate Conte has brought some truly lovable characters to this series. The relationship between Maddie and her Grandpa Joe is so heartwarming. She will go to great lenths to protect him and he her. As a cat lover I was taken in by the way Maddie accepted orange feline into her life complete with a leash to take him with her everywhere. It reminded me of the relationship between Charlie Harris and his cat, Diesel, in Miranda James Cat in the Stacks mystery series, one of my favorite series.
Daybreak Island is a wonderful setting. It is filled with history in the shops and the homes. You need to take a ferry to reach it and while it does have a tourist season most residents live there year round. I could easily picture everything thanks to the author’s terrific descriptions.
The mystery was top notch. A variety of suspects with means, motive and opportunity drew me deeper and deeper into the story.
The “cat cafe” has not come to fruition yet but this first installment gives us the backstory that has started to put the cafe in motion.
This series is off to a fantastic start! I can’t wait for my next escape to Daybreak Island. My virtual bags are already packed.
August 31, 2017
I’m really excited about this new series by Cate Conte (aka accomplished Agatha-nominated author Liz Mugavero). Her love of rescue animals shines through in all of her books. You can feel the passion she has for each of them in reality and in the cozy mystery world. Her characters are vivid and come to life on each page. You will feel like you have known these characters forever and feel an instant connection. That doesn’t always happen with the first book in a series, it usually takes time to feel such a bond. The relationship between Maddie and her Grandpa Joe is so heartwarming. She will go to great lengths to protect him and he her. It touched my heart since I just lost my grandfather a few months ago. We shared a similar bond so this book was comforting and in my heart it became a tribute to him.
JJ is adorable. He’s just a lovable kitty looking for a home and he found himself one. It made me laugh to read she puts a harness on him and takes him everywhere. My rescue feline reminds me of JJ in many ways, they could pass as brothers, but he would never agree to wear the harness. If you put anything on him, he literally falls over.
With a well developed plot and subtle clues, prepare to find yourself wondering who done it. You will not want to put it down until the last page. This book combines the perfect balance of humor with mystery and romance. Maddie has two, possibly three men interested in her to make things just a bit more complicated for our heroine. I’m so looking forward to seeing what other situations she gets herself into.
As a debut novel to a new series, this is definitely a must read. One of the best new series I’ve read this year. I look forward to many more adventures with JJ and Maddie!
JJ is adorable. He’s just a lovable kitty looking for a home and he found himself one. It made me laugh to read she puts a harness on him and takes him everywhere. My rescue feline reminds me of JJ in many ways, they could pass as brothers, but he would never agree to wear the harness. If you put anything on him, he literally falls over.
With a well developed plot and subtle clues, prepare to find yourself wondering who done it. You will not want to put it down until the last page. This book combines the perfect balance of humor with mystery and romance. Maddie has two, possibly three men interested in her to make things just a bit more complicated for our heroine. I’m so looking forward to seeing what other situations she gets herself into.
As a debut novel to a new series, this is definitely a must read. One of the best new series I’ve read this year. I look forward to many more adventures with JJ and Maddie!
October 23, 2017
Read on vacation in just over a day.. One of the best I've read all year!!
August 3, 2017
Maddie James returns to her hometown of Daybreak Island, near Massachusetts for the funeral of her beloved grandmother. Although she’s happy to see her sister, parents and grandfather, she can’t help feeling sad at their loss. Maddie agrees to stay in town for a little while to help her grandfather get through this difficult time. She’s living in San Francisco and successfully is an owner of an organic juice bar. Her partner is handling things in her absence.
When Maddie hears that a local business man is bullying her grandfather into selling his home, she’s furious and intends to let him know that’s not going to happen on her watch.
Maddie runs into a stray orange tabby who makes it known that he wants to adopt her. Maddie is more than willing to let him and names him JJ. When JJ discovers the dead body of the man harassing her grandfather, he quickly becomes the town hero. However, Maddie and her grandfather become the prime suspects in the man’s murder.
As Maddie snoops around town trying to find a killer, someone sends her newspaper articles about cat cafes. Maddie wonders if someone is trying to tell her something. Daybreak Island could sure use one of those and it would be the perfect business for her to start. First, she has to make sure she isn’t going to be spending the rest of her life in jail.
I’m so thrilled to find a brand new feline cozy mystery series. I can’t get enough of them. JJ is adorable…he doesn’t talk, has no special magical powers, he’s just a lovable kitty looking for a home and found himself one. Maddie puts a harness on him and takes him everywhere. They are the perfect match.
I think this is a great debut book for this series. The characters are vivid and come to life on each page - none of the stiffness that sometimes happens with brand new series. I felt as if I knew Maddie for years instead of just meeting her. She has a legitimate reason to snoop into this murder mystery.
The book combines humor with mystery and romance. She has two, possibly three men interested in her to make things just a bit more complicated for our heroine. I’m so looking forward to seeing what other situations she gets herself into. Excellent start to a new series. Great job!
FTC Disclosure: I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
When Maddie hears that a local business man is bullying her grandfather into selling his home, she’s furious and intends to let him know that’s not going to happen on her watch.
Maddie runs into a stray orange tabby who makes it known that he wants to adopt her. Maddie is more than willing to let him and names him JJ. When JJ discovers the dead body of the man harassing her grandfather, he quickly becomes the town hero. However, Maddie and her grandfather become the prime suspects in the man’s murder.
As Maddie snoops around town trying to find a killer, someone sends her newspaper articles about cat cafes. Maddie wonders if someone is trying to tell her something. Daybreak Island could sure use one of those and it would be the perfect business for her to start. First, she has to make sure she isn’t going to be spending the rest of her life in jail.
I’m so thrilled to find a brand new feline cozy mystery series. I can’t get enough of them. JJ is adorable…he doesn’t talk, has no special magical powers, he’s just a lovable kitty looking for a home and found himself one. Maddie puts a harness on him and takes him everywhere. They are the perfect match.
I think this is a great debut book for this series. The characters are vivid and come to life on each page - none of the stiffness that sometimes happens with brand new series. I felt as if I knew Maddie for years instead of just meeting her. She has a legitimate reason to snoop into this murder mystery.
The book combines humor with mystery and romance. She has two, possibly three men interested in her to make things just a bit more complicated for our heroine. I’m so looking forward to seeing what other situations she gets herself into. Excellent start to a new series. Great job!
FTC Disclosure: I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
June 9, 2017
Cat About Town by Cate Conte is a purr-fect book.
I felt a connection with the main character, Maddie James right from the start.
With the story opening at a funeral and her grandfather asking for help, I was intrigued from the beginning.
Some prominent people in this quaint New England town are being killed. When Maddie's grandpa becomes a suspect, she begins to sort the pieces of the mystery, putting the puzzle together swiftly and accurately.
The ending was fantastic and I absolutely love J.J.
As a cat lover it's always fun to read about the animals and all their quirky antics.
I definitely give this book 5 paws up.
I voluntarily read an ARC of this book provided by the publisher and NetGalley.
I felt a connection with the main character, Maddie James right from the start.
With the story opening at a funeral and her grandfather asking for help, I was intrigued from the beginning.
Some prominent people in this quaint New England town are being killed. When Maddie's grandpa becomes a suspect, she begins to sort the pieces of the mystery, putting the puzzle together swiftly and accurately.
The ending was fantastic and I absolutely love J.J.
As a cat lover it's always fun to read about the animals and all their quirky antics.
I definitely give this book 5 paws up.
I voluntarily read an ARC of this book provided by the publisher and NetGalley.
June 24, 2017
I thought this was a well-plotted cozy mystery with a charming setting and inviting characters. It did not read as a first in a series as the writing and pace kept me engaged and turning pages until the very end. I think the author also did a terrific job of using this book to set up the Cat Cafe theme for future books. I was delightfully entertained by Maddie, her Grandpa and JJ, and will be back to see what this author has in story for this series.
A full review will be posted on my blog closer to release date.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader copy provided to me by the publisher through Netgalley.
A full review will be posted on my blog closer to release date.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader copy provided to me by the publisher through Netgalley.
June 29, 2017
2.5 stars
This cozy felt canned and formulaic to me from beginning to end. It had several semi-amusing elements that were quickly overshadowed by some less interesting element. The characters were either stereotypical or just unlikable.
This cozy felt canned and formulaic to me from beginning to end. It had several semi-amusing elements that were quickly overshadowed by some less interesting element. The characters were either stereotypical or just unlikable.
August 21, 2023
Heel leuk begin van deze serie. Het boek heeft korte hoofdstukken en leest erg vlot. Er geneurt veel en het raadsel rond de moord blijft spannend tot op het einde.
March 6, 2018
Argh, I both love and hate starting a new cozy mystery series. I love how awesome this one was, but when I check the release for book two, it's still ages away :( Oh well, something to look forward to I suppose...
Now it SAYS it's a Cat Cafe Mystery, but nothing occurs on that front in this book. The Cat Cafe is in the future, but you can see the set up here. Also well set up is the setting, the character and the two very interesting romantic leads. I also can't wait to read about Ethan, Maddie's business partner. All in all I felt like this was a great beginning, and can only improve.
Always love a cozy about cats! This was a Christmas gift that I am long overdue to read. Five stars.
Now it SAYS it's a Cat Cafe Mystery, but nothing occurs on that front in this book. The Cat Cafe is in the future, but you can see the set up here. Also well set up is the setting, the character and the two very interesting romantic leads. I also can't wait to read about Ethan, Maddie's business partner. All in all I felt like this was a great beginning, and can only improve.
Always love a cozy about cats! This was a Christmas gift that I am long overdue to read. Five stars.
August 6, 2017
Confesso che mi sono innamorata di JJ, il gatto rosso...
Scherzi a parte, il libro mi è piaciuto: ben scritto e con una storia gialla con tanti colpevoli possibili. L'unico neo è, come capita troppo spesso nei cozy mysteries, quando le autrici voglio metterci una storia d'amore non riescono ad evitare il vecchio cliché del possibile triangolo amoroso, che io non sopporto.
Il cat cafe è solo "lanciato": non vedo l'ora di vederlo (leggerlo) funzionante!
Scherzi a parte, il libro mi è piaciuto: ben scritto e con una storia gialla con tanti colpevoli possibili. L'unico neo è, come capita troppo spesso nei cozy mysteries, quando le autrici voglio metterci una storia d'amore non riescono ad evitare il vecchio cliché del possibile triangolo amoroso, che io non sopporto.
Il cat cafe è solo "lanciato": non vedo l'ora di vederlo (leggerlo) funzionante!
August 17, 2017
What a fun new mystery series! Cate Conte (aka accomplished Agatha-nominated author Liz Mugavero) creates a fictional New England island, gives us glimpses into the protagonist's close-knit family, sets up not one but two possible loves for Maddie James, and leads us through the twists and turns of a well-told murder investigation. Her adopted cat JJ is a nice touch, too, prancing through town on a leash. I can't wait for the next book in the series!
October 3, 2017
This book is my second favorite book, I have read this year. I am looking forward to reading more about Maddie James and the Orange cat that adopted her at her at her Grandmother 's funeral. Maddie named the cat, JJ. One evening strolling through the food fair JJ jumps the role barriers and Maddie chased after him, only to find him under a tablecloth staring at the town bully, Frank O'Malley. The local newspaper ran the story about JJ finding the murdered man and JJ becomes a hero, he attracts attentiveness wherever he goes. He accompanied Maddie everywhere. Maddie planned to return to her life on the West Coast shortly but soon changed her mind and decided to stay an open a cat cafe. I was surprised to see who owns the copywriter on the book, one of my favorite authors. I am looking forward to JJ and Maddie next adventure.
July 2, 2017
This weekend I finished Cat About Town a new book by Cate Conte. This is a lovely first in series for a cozy mystery, cat book lover like me. The main character Maddie James comes home to attend her grandmother's funeral and finds things are not quite as she left them, out of sight out of mind. Staying with her Grandfather who is the town's old police chief, Maddie finds out that someone has been threatening her Grandfather and trying to force him to sell the family home. I loved the relationship between Maddie and her grandfather in this mystery. I also love how JJ her cat factors into this story. This is a sweet cozy mystery with some adorable twists. I am really looking forward to seeing where this series goes and what will happen next in this Cat Cafe Mystery Series
December 24, 2017
A delightful beginning to a new series. Maddie James and the cat, JJ, are both fun characters. The setting -- an island off the Massachusetts coast -- is inviting, and as a reader who lives in a tourist town, I can say the portrayal is quite realistic. Solidly plotted and written. Looking forward to the next installment!
August 17, 2017
Loved it! Can't wait for the next one!
May 30, 2019
An intriguing murder plot and great characters who were very realistic made this a fun read. The cats add to all the fun.
August 5, 2018
This was such a fun setting and mystery! I just loved that Maddie came to help her grandpa and ended up staying there. I hope the next book reveals the mysterious benefactor.
Maddie James was back home on Daybreak Island off the coast of Massachusetts for her grandma's funeral. She was staying with her Grandpa Leo, who had been the town's former chief of police and found out that the president of the chamber of commerce was badgering him to sell his home that had been in their family for generations, just for the land it sat on. On the other hand, some unknown benefactor was paying for the roof to be replaced along with some other repairs. When this chamber president ends up dead, there was no shortage of suspects, since no one in town really liked him or his treatment of some of the small businesses who didn't see eye to eye with his forward-moving plans. When another body turned up, Maddie knew she'd have to keep checking into things. Hopefully she would live to catch the killer...or were there two since there were two killings?
Everything came together at the end with the perp(s) caught and Grandpa's new job revealed. He got an offer from an unknown source to fix up his home if he turned it into a cat cafe. Maddie, being great with business and having an awesome business partner in California, realized that this was something she was being called to do.
There were some really awesome characters in this book that I quickly fell in love with, one of course being Grandpa. What a sweetheart! I'd like to see more of Maddie's sisters and learn something more about them. I thought Leopard Man was pretty cool. Eccentric, weird but that man is no dummy.
I can't wait to read the next book and hopefully find out who this kind person was that was helping Grandpa--I have my own theory as to what person it might be. I'm also anxious to see if Maddie ends up choosing one of the three men she's come into contact with now that she was back home, or if she just hangs out with them as friends. Two of them showed more interest in her as far as dating. I think I'm Team Craig because I just like the whole idea of getting back together with a high school sweetheart. But only the author knows for sure. I hope this series will continue beyond book 2.
Maddie James was back home on Daybreak Island off the coast of Massachusetts for her grandma's funeral. She was staying with her Grandpa Leo, who had been the town's former chief of police and found out that the president of the chamber of commerce was badgering him to sell his home that had been in their family for generations, just for the land it sat on. On the other hand, some unknown benefactor was paying for the roof to be replaced along with some other repairs. When this chamber president ends up dead, there was no shortage of suspects, since no one in town really liked him or his treatment of some of the small businesses who didn't see eye to eye with his forward-moving plans. When another body turned up, Maddie knew she'd have to keep checking into things. Hopefully she would live to catch the killer...or were there two since there were two killings?
Everything came together at the end with the perp(s) caught and Grandpa's new job revealed. He got an offer from an unknown source to fix up his home if he turned it into a cat cafe. Maddie, being great with business and having an awesome business partner in California, realized that this was something she was being called to do.
There were some really awesome characters in this book that I quickly fell in love with, one of course being Grandpa. What a sweetheart! I'd like to see more of Maddie's sisters and learn something more about them. I thought Leopard Man was pretty cool. Eccentric, weird but that man is no dummy.
I can't wait to read the next book and hopefully find out who this kind person was that was helping Grandpa--I have my own theory as to what person it might be. I'm also anxious to see if Maddie ends up choosing one of the three men she's come into contact with now that she was back home, or if she just hangs out with them as friends. Two of them showed more interest in her as far as dating. I think I'm Team Craig because I just like the whole idea of getting back together with a high school sweetheart. But only the author knows for sure. I hope this series will continue beyond book 2.
April 19, 2020
That mysterious cat steals the show in this first Cats Cafe Mystery making the cover art absolute purrfection. Really catches the New England small town vibe with an air of mystery.
Maddie's return for her grandma's funeral is bittersweet. Of course, saying goodbye to her grandma was hard but her precious grandpa is struggling in the aftermath of his loss. Rumours are circulating and a particularly vile excuse for a 'friend' seems bent on destroying her gramps' good name. That gets Maddie's ire up and she faces off with the bully in a very public way. Then the guy is murdered and the new detective has both her and her grandpa in his crosshairs. What's a retired police chief's granddaughter to do but embark on her own investigation?
This my first ever Cate Conte book and I love her style -- the way she builds the small town community with plenty of interesting (and sometimes quirky) secondary characters. Love the way she wove Maddie's backstory into the plot. It was easy to connect with her and her irascible grandpa! A solid mystery kept me happily armchair sleuthing right to the end. The only thing I'm not keen on...the dreaded love triangle raises it's ugly head. Gah! :-)
Please note: some mild language
Maddie's return for her grandma's funeral is bittersweet. Of course, saying goodbye to her grandma was hard but her precious grandpa is struggling in the aftermath of his loss. Rumours are circulating and a particularly vile excuse for a 'friend' seems bent on destroying her gramps' good name. That gets Maddie's ire up and she faces off with the bully in a very public way. Then the guy is murdered and the new detective has both her and her grandpa in his crosshairs. What's a retired police chief's granddaughter to do but embark on her own investigation?
This my first ever Cate Conte book and I love her style -- the way she builds the small town community with plenty of interesting (and sometimes quirky) secondary characters. Love the way she wove Maddie's backstory into the plot. It was easy to connect with her and her irascible grandpa! A solid mystery kept me happily armchair sleuthing right to the end. The only thing I'm not keen on...the dreaded love triangle raises it's ugly head. Gah! :-)
Please note: some mild language
July 25, 2017
Book 1 in the series.
It was okay. But when the most likeable character in the book is a cat, there's a problem. The only thing I really liked about the main character, Maddie, is her love for cats and taking JJ in.
And I felt a bit cheated, since the blurb said, "When a stray orange tabby pounces into her life, she’s inspired to open a cat café." No, she wasn't. She came home to bury her grandma and check up on her grandfather, she has a juice bar in California. The stray cat prompted her to make friends and take him home with her, that's all. The cat cafe idea didn't really come into play until the very end of the book.
And don't get me started on the stupid love triangle. That's just destined to ruin a story faster than you can say, "annoying." I won't be anticipating book 2, though it might go on my library list, just to see how the cafe develops.
*I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher via NetGalley.*
It was okay. But when the most likeable character in the book is a cat, there's a problem. The only thing I really liked about the main character, Maddie, is her love for cats and taking JJ in.
And I felt a bit cheated, since the blurb said, "When a stray orange tabby pounces into her life, she’s inspired to open a cat café." No, she wasn't. She came home to bury her grandma and check up on her grandfather, she has a juice bar in California. The stray cat prompted her to make friends and take him home with her, that's all. The cat cafe idea didn't really come into play until the very end of the book.
And don't get me started on the stupid love triangle. That's just destined to ruin a story faster than you can say, "annoying." I won't be anticipating book 2, though it might go on my library list, just to see how the cafe develops.
*I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher via NetGalley.*
October 17, 2017
Maddie is home on Daybreak Island for her grandma’s funeral, staying with her grandpa at his old homestead. But even while coping with the loss of her grandma, Maddie’s concern is centered on her grandpa. Her mom thinks he may be having some memory problems, because he is being evasive about certain things. Maddie is taken into his confidence, and he explains that someone is trying to force him to sell his home for its land. When this person turns up dead, Maddie and her grandpa head the list of suspects - sort of. No one reallly believes they did it, but then who did? Maddie must get to the bottom of things in her not so subtle manner. Luckily, her high school sweetheart is on the force and can watch out for her. And so does her newly acquired orange cat, who paves the way for her in her investigations. This delightful cozy is wonderfully written, with engaging characters in an engrossing plot. A great start for a promising new series.
August 27, 2017
3.5*
So this was cute, but it was also kind of..... "meh".
There are sooo many cat cozies out there. I tend to stay away from most of them, but this one looked so cute I decided to give it a go. It's nothing special, but I did enjoy it. .... J.J. (the cover cat) is adorable, and his human, Maddie, is easy to like. I also enjoyed the backdrop of Daybreak Harbor, a small island town off the coast of Massachusetts. This was a quick, fluffy read if you like cozy mysteries (and cats!), but don't expect more.
I'd still recommend to fans of pet cozies.... (and to anyone who has ever tried to walk a cat on a leash!) :D
March 19, 2023
Ik zag dit boek gisteren liggen in de bieb en ben erg blij dat ik hem meenam. Als eigenaar van twee rode katers sprak hij mij aan en ik begon er nog dezelfde middag aan.
Het is echt een cosy mystery waarbij Maddy een kat vindt en vervolgens op een moord stuit. Heerlijk boek om te lezen. Fijn geschreven met veel leuke karakters!
Aanrader!
Het is echt een cosy mystery waarbij Maddy een kat vindt en vervolgens op een moord stuit. Heerlijk boek om te lezen. Fijn geschreven met veel leuke karakters!
Aanrader!
January 11, 2022
I really liked this introduction to this series! I love the idea of a cat cafe - I think Damian is the one who is behind it, but no proof yet :)
August 27, 2018
Cat About Town by Cate Conte is a new to me cozy series. It reminded me greatly of the Sunny and Shadow series, which I really loved and have finished. Maddie James as returned home for a funeral and to spend time with her family. Her beloved Grandfather is being pressured (by evil developers of course) to sell the family home. When a murder occurs and accusations begin flying around, Maddie investigates trying to solve the murders before the body count gets too high. I would say this was okay, however it pales in comparison to the Sunny and Shadow series by Claire Donally.
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