Killers of a Feather (Urban Tails Pet Shop Mysteries)
by T. C. LoTempio
About Killers of a Feather
Killers of a Feather (Urban Tails Pet Shop Mysteries)
Cozy Mystery
2nd in Series
Setting – Connecticut
Beyond the Page (June 21, 2022)
Print length : 299 pages
Digital ASIN : B09ZLV8ZS2
Shell McMillan and her feline friends must unravel a mystery where everyone’s a suspect and no one’s to blame . . .
With the grand re-opening of her Urban Tails Pet Shop just days away, Shell McMillan has her hands full planning entertainment for the festive event, including a fortune-telling parrot. But her jubilant mood is soon threatened by ominous rumors of the return of Johnny Draco, a former investment guru who swindled money from most of the residents of Fox Hollow and then vanished without a trace. And when the parrot predicts a dire future for Draco and his dead body is found just hours later, no one can say they’re surprised—but no one will say who did it.
With virtually everyone in town a suspect, the police turn their focus on a good friend of Shell’s who was seen arguing with the victim shortly before his death. Determined to clear her friend’s name, Shell begins investigating Draco’s past, his former employer, and everyone who lost money to him. And when the trail of clues suggests there may have been a completely different motive for the murder, Shell suddenly realizes she’s uncovered a secret someone would kill to keep hidden—and that if she’s not careful, the parrot may be predicting she has no future at all . . .
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Shell McMillan has come up with a great plan for the grand reopening of Urban Tails Pet Shop a community event. Nearby vendors are setting up booths, food trucks are coming in, and a fortune telling parrot and so much more. Her Aunt would be so happy. The only thing that puts a damper on the festivities is the rumored return of former investment expert Johnny Draco. Shell met the man when he stopped by her shop but she had no idea he was the man that cheated several Fox Hollow residents out of a lot of money and then disappeared.
Shell’s big day arrives and Mr. Draco is seen talking/arguing with several people, but he is really put off when the fortune-telling parrot predicts an ominous future following his return to town. The parrot’s prediction is on the beak because it isn’t long before a very dead Johnny Draco is found in a nearby building. While anyone in the area could have done the deed the police are focused on Shell’s friend Rita who had an argument with the man shortly before his death.
In an effort to help her friend Shell starts sleuthing on her own. As she digs deeper she realizes she may have the motive all wrong and if she’s right she may have an ominous future of her own.
Shell is definitely making a home in Fox Hollow even though her mother still believes she will soon be back in Hollywood reigniting her acting career. For Shell, though everything is about the Urban Tails Pet Shop that was left to her by her aunt. She has her former co-star Gary by her side to help at the shop and help with the big Victorian she now calls home. Don’t get the wrong idea, they think of each other as a brother or sister. No romantic vibes there. He does make a good buffer when her mother comes for a visit. Her friends Rita and Olivia are also involved in the grand opening festivities. The highlight besides the store itself though is Adrian Arnold and his fortune-telling parrot Honey Belle. Ms. LoTempio has created a very strong cast of characters. Her Aunt’s cat Purrday and Shell’s cat Kahlua are great characters in their own right too. It has been a while since I read the first book in this series and these well-rounded characters quickly emerged from my memory like I had read The Time for Murder is Meow
The suspect list for this mystery is a long one made stronger because Johnny Draco tried to reconnect with everyone he swindled. The killer seemed pretty straightforward at first, but then there was a twist, another twist, a couple of turns, and then a big clue that helped all the other clues fall into place. I had an absolute blast tagging along with Shell as proceeded with her “investigation”. I loved the way she didn’t give up and kept her head about her as the true cold-blooded killer is revealed. I was gobsmacked!
Killers of a Feather
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About T.C. LoTempio
T. C. LoTempio is the award-winning, nationally bestselling author of the Nick and Nora Mysteries, the Urban Tails Pet Shop Mysteries, and the Cat Rescue Mysteries. For more information, check out her and her cat Rocco’s blog at www.catsbooksmorecats.blogspot.com and visit her website at www.tclotempio.net.
Purchase Links
Amazon – B&N – iBooks – Kobo – Google Play – Smashwords
Also by T.C. LoTempio
Great Escapes Praise for Killers of a Feather (Urban Tails Pet Shop Mysteries)
by T. C. LoTempio
I was shocked by the big reveal at the end. The author did a great job of keeping me guessing through the entire book. I guessed wrong. 😀
~Socrates’ Book Reviews…
A must-read for pet lovers as well as cozy fans. I totally loved it so I give it 5/5 stars.
~Books A Plenty Book Reviews
With sweet cats and a fortune-telling parrot to draw you in KILLERS OF A FEATHER provides a complex conundrum in a charming setting that is sure to delight.
~Cozy Up With Kathy
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July 5 – The Mystery Section – GUEST POST
July 5 – fundinmental – SPOTLIGHT
July 6 – Socrates Book Reviews – REVIEW
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July 8 – Books a Plenty Book Reviews – REVIEW, CHARACTER INTERVIEW
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July 13 – Maureen’s Musings – SPOTLIGHT
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Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Receiving a complimentary copy in no way reflected my review of this book. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Thank you, Lori, for arranging this blog tour and for the lovely reivew! See you next year with more books! T. C.
What an interesting cozy mystery! Great cover too. I enjoy pet shop mysteries and look forward to reading this book.
Intriguing cover
Love TC’s books! I will
Have to start this series!
As usual a great offer for a wonderful read. On my TBR