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Cat Miranda Mystery #3
The Broken Pot
A broken ceramic pot and a dead woman’s body on Tombstone Canyon Road pull Cat Miranda into a mystery that must be solved before anyone else gets hurt. Cat learns that there is a threat to a visiting travel writer from England; to a local musician; to one of her clients; and ultimately, to Cat herself. She’s helped in her efforts to uncover a criminal plot by her favorite man, Miles Trevelyan, her friends, and two Great Danes, Tito and Greta. The Broken Pot is a stand-alone cozy mystery and #3 in the Cat Miranda Mystery series.
159 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 19, 2022
2 people want to read
About the author
C.J. Shane
23 books64 followersI'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:
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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...
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
September 9, 2022
The Broken Pot by C.J. Shane is the third Cat Miranda Mystery. Cat is a graphic designer and art gallery owner in Bisbee, Arizona. However, Cat puts her amateur sleuth skills to use when the opportunity presents itself. An unidentified woman goes over a balcony and hits the pavement with no chance of survival. This incident marks the beginning of further incidents involving visitors and residents of Bisbee. It puts Cat at the forefront of an amateur investigation while keeping the chief of police up-to-date on everything she uncovers with questions and research.
Shane has written an entertaining mystery with art gallery shows, friendly get-togethers, Sonoran-style Mexican food, blossoming romantic relationships, newly formed friendships, puppy antics, arson, physical assaults, and kidnappings, as well as threatening, protective, and secretive behaviors.
Readers are drawn into the story from the beginning as the action starts right away. The characters fit into the story, each one playing an essential role. The internal and external conflicts suit the characters' personalities. The author does a great job of keeping readers turning the pages in anticipation of what happens next, whether it relates to criminal activities or relationships.
The Broken Pot is a well-paced story with the right mix of action, emotion, tension, and suspense. There is a scattering of expletives that matches the characters' dialogue.
Cat is a likable main character with an interesting backstory in this delightful series. The Broken Pot is a wonderful addition and makes for an enjoyable read. It can be read as a stand-alone, but anyone interested in finding out more about Cat's past adventures and growth as a character will want to read the first two books. The ending leaves it open for adding a fourth book with more of Cat's adventures.
Shane has written an entertaining mystery with art gallery shows, friendly get-togethers, Sonoran-style Mexican food, blossoming romantic relationships, newly formed friendships, puppy antics, arson, physical assaults, and kidnappings, as well as threatening, protective, and secretive behaviors.
Readers are drawn into the story from the beginning as the action starts right away. The characters fit into the story, each one playing an essential role. The internal and external conflicts suit the characters' personalities. The author does a great job of keeping readers turning the pages in anticipation of what happens next, whether it relates to criminal activities or relationships.
The Broken Pot is a well-paced story with the right mix of action, emotion, tension, and suspense. There is a scattering of expletives that matches the characters' dialogue.
Cat is a likable main character with an interesting backstory in this delightful series. The Broken Pot is a wonderful addition and makes for an enjoyable read. It can be read as a stand-alone, but anyone interested in finding out more about Cat's past adventures and growth as a character will want to read the first two books. The ending leaves it open for adding a fourth book with more of Cat's adventures.
September 6, 2022
The Cracked Pot is the 3rd book in CJ Shane's Cat Miranda cozy mystery series. This book is the first one that I have read. I enjoyed the book and the plot was intriguing and definitely highlighted the Bisbee, Arizona area with its interesting geography and arts. Ms. Shane has interesting characters and a plot encompassing Mexican cartels and their proximity to that area. I gave the book a 3 star only due to the writing. I felt that the conversation between characters was a bit stilted and I also felt that the ending of the storyline was a bit surreal. The pace of the book was also a bit frustrating because it would end a chapter or a scene rather abruptly. Otherwise, I enjoyed the book, the plot and the characters but I felt it needed some more editing and smoothness to it.
September 14, 2022
I loved every minute of this book from the first word to the last and I really wasn't ready to say goodbye to Cat when I got to the end. This series gets better with each book that includes a great cast of interesting characters and a fast paced, can't put down mystery that had me on the edge of my seat. I just love Cat and enjoy her dynamic with Miles, the love of her life, her two dogs Tito and Greta, the art community and residents of Bisbee, Arizona. If you enjoy well crafted cozies, don't miss The Broken Pot by gifted author CJ Shane. I received an advance reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my review.
September 4, 2022
The broken Pot is the third book in the Cat Miranda Mystery series. I haven't read books 1 or 2 but I never felt lost wondering what was going on.
Right from the beginning the author draws you in so instead of reading the words on the page, you are one the street where the mystery begins. And it continues like that throughout the book. You are never the reader, but you are one of the group of friends. Because of this I finished the book very quickly.
This is the part where I usually post any cons I found with the book, But I didn't find any! Totally worth reading!
Right from the beginning the author draws you in so instead of reading the words on the page, you are one the street where the mystery begins. And it continues like that throughout the book. You are never the reader, but you are one of the group of friends. Because of this I finished the book very quickly.
This is the part where I usually post any cons I found with the book, But I didn't find any! Totally worth reading!
September 6, 2022
My first foray into CJ Shane’s book list won’t be my last. The unique setting for a cozy, an Arizona border town captured my interest from page one. Turns out Bisbee is actual place, bonus points go to the author for dropping historical tidbits throughout the story and sending me to the internet to find out more! A fast paced mystery with a diverse cast of characters and enough red herrings to keep me guessing to the very end. I will definitely be going back to check out books one and two!
August 6, 2022
This is the third in the Cat Miranda Mystery series by C.J. Shane. This series just gets better and better. Ms. Shane weaves several subplots throughout the book.
I read this book in two sittings. I was enthralled with the story lines. The border areas along Texas, Arizona, and California are fraught with illegal activity that impacts the communities along the border.
I quickly was transported to Bisbee and Cat’s life. In this story, Miles brings two visitors from England to Bisbee for a visit. They have just missed the murder of a woman earlier that morning.
Trevor and Fiona Davies are siblings visiting. Fiona meets Luca Sutherland and is smitten.
Luca has a secret that could cause his death. There is a potential cartel war ready to start in the New Mexico to Nogales sector that places many members of the Bisbee community in danger.
Fiona discovers that Greta may make a wonderful support/comfort animal. She explains Greta’s temperament to Cat. This relieves some of Cat’s stress.
I look forward to the next installment in the Cat Miranda series. I highly recommend this standalone book and the series.
I read this book in two sittings. I was enthralled with the story lines. The border areas along Texas, Arizona, and California are fraught with illegal activity that impacts the communities along the border.
I quickly was transported to Bisbee and Cat’s life. In this story, Miles brings two visitors from England to Bisbee for a visit. They have just missed the murder of a woman earlier that morning.
Trevor and Fiona Davies are siblings visiting. Fiona meets Luca Sutherland and is smitten.
Luca has a secret that could cause his death. There is a potential cartel war ready to start in the New Mexico to Nogales sector that places many members of the Bisbee community in danger.
Fiona discovers that Greta may make a wonderful support/comfort animal. She explains Greta’s temperament to Cat. This relieves some of Cat’s stress.
I look forward to the next installment in the Cat Miranda series. I highly recommend this standalone book and the series.
August 17, 2022
Cute cozy mystery with a Southwest vibe.
CJ Shane easily captures the Arizona atmosphere in this third in her cozy mystery series. In a quick adventure, Cat Miranda puts the pieces together when a broken pottery, followed by a woman’s body, falls onto the streets of Bisbee.
The characters were all likeable, and the plot swiftly moving. I wasn’t a huge fan of her writing style, however, and in her ability to use dialogue as exposition. It felt stilted and unnatural at times. Additionally, I felt there was a missed opportunity to expand upon her prose to paint a three dimensional picture of the town and the characters. This swift book just seemed rushed. But the mystery was well developed and the use of two Great Danes for comic relief entertaining. I also appreciated that the story stood on its own, despite being the third in a series.
Overall a quick and easy read.
CJ Shane easily captures the Arizona atmosphere in this third in her cozy mystery series. In a quick adventure, Cat Miranda puts the pieces together when a broken pottery, followed by a woman’s body, falls onto the streets of Bisbee.
The characters were all likeable, and the plot swiftly moving. I wasn’t a huge fan of her writing style, however, and in her ability to use dialogue as exposition. It felt stilted and unnatural at times. Additionally, I felt there was a missed opportunity to expand upon her prose to paint a three dimensional picture of the town and the characters. This swift book just seemed rushed. But the mystery was well developed and the use of two Great Danes for comic relief entertaining. I also appreciated that the story stood on its own, despite being the third in a series.
Overall a quick and easy read.
August 14, 2022
Any book that starts with a pot being hurled from a window, followed by a woman, is sure to grab your attention. Not only does The Broken Pot grab your attention, but it also keeps you engrossed until you’ve read the very last word…and reading that last word seems to be a teaser for the next installment!
The Broken Pot is the 3rd book in the Cat Miranda series and even though it can be read as a standalone, it very much pulls in the well-developed and complex characters established in prior books. The author cleverly and simply lays out the mystery/murder in the first few pages, but as you read the side stories you begin to see the brilliance of the author in weaving the pieces into a complex story. The mystery is woven around Chinese art, Mexican cartels, pottery theft, and kidnapping while introducing new characters British siblings Trevor and Fiona, and Chinese art gallery owner-to-be Ted Yang. Clues are revealed along the way, but it is not always apparent: artist Brett and restaurant manager Renata witnessing the body being thrown or falling from the balcony, Renata’s subsequent disappearance, pottery shop owners Michael and Willow having a piece of Native American pottery stolen from their shop and contractor Luca’s reluctance to open up about his background at a dinner party. All of these pieces eventually enable the reader to assemble the puzzle, and the process of completing the puzzle keeps you on the edge of your seat!
The mystery is intense but on the lighter side you have the loving relationship between Cat and Miles that continues to grow causing each of them to evaluate their current life situation. The reader is also treated to the antics of Tito and Greta, the Great Danes in Cat’s and Miles’ lives. The regular mention of Miles’ father Ian and wife Amanda, who were brought together in book 2, continues to make them very much a part of the story. One expects (hopes?) to see them again in book 4. The ending of the book provides resolution to one of the side stories and very much leaves you smiling.
Kudos to the author for writing a complex, thought-provoking, absorbing mystery that makes you wait with anticipation for the next installment. I highly recommend The Broken Box and will look forward to many more adventures with Cat, Miles and the rest of their friends, family and pets in Bisbee, AZ.
The Broken Pot is the 3rd book in the Cat Miranda series and even though it can be read as a standalone, it very much pulls in the well-developed and complex characters established in prior books. The author cleverly and simply lays out the mystery/murder in the first few pages, but as you read the side stories you begin to see the brilliance of the author in weaving the pieces into a complex story. The mystery is woven around Chinese art, Mexican cartels, pottery theft, and kidnapping while introducing new characters British siblings Trevor and Fiona, and Chinese art gallery owner-to-be Ted Yang. Clues are revealed along the way, but it is not always apparent: artist Brett and restaurant manager Renata witnessing the body being thrown or falling from the balcony, Renata’s subsequent disappearance, pottery shop owners Michael and Willow having a piece of Native American pottery stolen from their shop and contractor Luca’s reluctance to open up about his background at a dinner party. All of these pieces eventually enable the reader to assemble the puzzle, and the process of completing the puzzle keeps you on the edge of your seat!
The mystery is intense but on the lighter side you have the loving relationship between Cat and Miles that continues to grow causing each of them to evaluate their current life situation. The reader is also treated to the antics of Tito and Greta, the Great Danes in Cat’s and Miles’ lives. The regular mention of Miles’ father Ian and wife Amanda, who were brought together in book 2, continues to make them very much a part of the story. One expects (hopes?) to see them again in book 4. The ending of the book provides resolution to one of the side stories and very much leaves you smiling.
Kudos to the author for writing a complex, thought-provoking, absorbing mystery that makes you wait with anticipation for the next installment. I highly recommend The Broken Box and will look forward to many more adventures with Cat, Miles and the rest of their friends, family and pets in Bisbee, AZ.
September 10, 2022
This is the third book in this series; I’ve also read the second book in this series, but this book stands alone well. I love the characters of Cat Miranda and her British intellectual boyfriend, as well the minor characters with which they surround themselves. The Arizona art scene is rather fascinating, as are the mysteries that occur. The mystery in this book is quite original and unique. Cat and her friends are very good at solving the mysteries, and I enjoy solving them alongside the fictional characters. I can definitely recommend this book and series; I was provided an arc, but these opinions are my own.
November 2, 2022
I really enjoyed this book! Even though I haven't read the first two in the series, I had no trouble following this one. Cat was a great main character, with an interesting backstory and a knack for solving mysteries. I think this works fine as a standalone, although now I want to go back and read the first two!
The mystery was very good. There were a lot of clues and possible suspects. I enjoyed reading as Cat, Miles, and her friends followed the leads to figure everything out. The non-mystery storyline along the way the book even more enjoyable. The ending was satisfying, wrapping up the mystery and leaving me excited for the next book.
5 stars!
The mystery was very good. There were a lot of clues and possible suspects. I enjoyed reading as Cat, Miles, and her friends followed the leads to figure everything out. The non-mystery storyline along the way the book even more enjoyable. The ending was satisfying, wrapping up the mystery and leaving me excited for the next book.
5 stars!
August 22, 2022
It all starts with a broken pot and a dead body. Who would throw a pot and then a person into the middle of the street? Two people witness an early morning murder and Cat is just the person to figure out this mystery. When Cat hires a man to play the violin at her gallery, she doesn't know that he is mixed up in the whole murder thing, indirectly. It is all connected, but not really. Cat, Miles and some other friends have to figure out why all of this is happening. Can they figure it out before it is too late?
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews