Cats, Carats and Killers (Urban Tails Pet Shop Mysteries)
by T. C. LoTempio
About Cats, Carats, and Killers
Cats, Carats and Killers (Urban Tails Pet Shop Mysteries)
Cozy Mystery
4th in Series
Setting – Connecticut
Publisher : Beyond the Page Publishing (March 19, 2024)
Paperback : 182 pages
ISBN-10 : 1960511556
ISBN-13 : 978-1960511553
Kindle ASIN : B0CVQWT72R
There may be honor among thieves, but a long-ago diamond heist might hold the secret to a man’s murder . . .
Pet shop owner Shell McMillan is thrilled to see everyone in Fox Hollow flocking to the local animal shelter’s fundraiser, where they can get their old keepsakes and collectibles appraised and maybe even sell them for a tidy sum. But the event has drawn some shady characters as well, including Pete Martin, who seems determined to get his hands on a beat-up old jewelry box at any cost. Then Martin is found murdered, and Shell has to go from fundraising to finding a killer.
It doesn’t take long for Shell to figure out that the jewelry box was concealing diamonds from a long-ago heist, and that Martin wasn’t the only one trying to get his hands on the stash. But to figure out who wanted him dead, she’ll have to uncover who was behind the original heist and who knows where the rest of the gems are hidden. It’s as dangerous a case as Shell has ever faced, and if she’s not careful, her search for the missing stones will leave her stone-cold dead . . .
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Shell McMillan owns the Urban Tails Pet Shop so it makes sense for her to co-sponsor a fundraiser for the local animal shelter organized by her mother, Clarissa, no less, now a partner at Seconhand Sue’s. Clarissa has convinced Gerard Antoine, the host of a local antiques appraisal show and huge animal lover and supporter of no-kill shelters to come to Fox Hollow to appraise people’s “treasures” at their Appraise for Strays event. An old jewelry box draws quite a bit of attention. It has even brought former Fox Hollow resident Pete Martin back to town which wasn’t a smart move because he was later murdered.
Shell soon learns about a diamond robbery that happened in town several years ago. The thieves were never caught and the diamonds were never found. With all the interest in the old jewelry box, Shell thinks there has to be a connection. But why kill Pete Martin? To find a killer and hopefully the gems she has to look into the old case which could put her right in the killer’s sights. If she finds all those carats it could be curtains for her and her cats are going to need new caregivers.
We are back in Fox Hollow, Connecticut with Shell and her lovable cats, Purrday, Kahlua, and Princess Fuzzypants. They have a new friend, Cleopawtra. After some of the cat’s hijinks, Shell finds herself right in the middle of a cold case and a new murder. Shell has turned out to be a talented amateur sleuth even though her homicide detective boyfriend, Josh Bloodgood wishes she would leave the investigations to him. Ms. LoTempio does a marvelous job capturing the cats’ personalities and their humans’ lives.
The mystery was a tangled one with puzzling clues to figure out and follow. I was happy to follow along as Shell and Gary worked through the clues. They did as much research and snooping as necessary and had some feline assistance, but Shell is alone when the last clue falls into place and I must say WOW! What a showdown!
Cats, Carats, and Killers was a fun read! Wonderful characters and an intriguing mystery kept me marvelously entertained. I figured out part of the mystery before Shell, but that didn’t stop me from enjoying the story one bit. It was a Perfect Escape!
I can’t wait for the next book because Shell’s mother already has a new idea at the end of this story and I know Ms. LoTempio will take that idea and run with it delightfully for her readers to enjoy.
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About T.C. LoTempio
T. C. LoTempio is the award-winning, national bestselling author of the Nick and Nora mystery series. Her cat, Rocco, provides the inspiration for the character of Nick the cat. She also writes the Urban Tails Pet Shop Mystery Series, as well as the Cat Rescue series and the Tiffany Austin Food Blogger series. Check out her and Rocco’s blog, www.catsbooksmorecats.blogspot.com, and visit her website, www.tclotempio.net, for more information.
Social Media Links
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Purchase Links
Amazon – B&N – Kobo
Also written by T.C. LoTempio
Great Escapes Praise for Cats, Carats and Killers (Urban Tails Pet Shop Mysteries)
by T. C. LoTempio
I loved all the cats in this story. I loved that this is a very fast-paced cozy mystery. I loved Shell, her friends, and her cats. I enjoyed all the twists and turns as Shell solves this mystery.
~bigreadersite’s Blog
I’ve been a big fan of this series (and the author) from day one. This one is filled with charm, and mystery and left me smiling.
Amazing! A classic! A real keeper! 5 Kitties
~Socrates’ Book Reviews
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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.”
This sounds wonderful!
Sounds like a great book.
Thanks for hosting me and setting up the tour, Lori, and for that lovely review. Shell, Gary, Purrday, Princess Fuzzypants and Kahlua send their love. TC
Another offering by a great author.