When Sleuthing Spells Trouble (Nick and Nora Mystery)
by T. C. LoTempio
About When Sleuthing Spells Trouble
When Sleuthing Spells Trouble (Nick and Nora Mystery)
Cozy Mystery
8th in Series
Setting – California
Publisher : Beyond the Page Publishing
Publication date : November 18, 2025
Paperback
Print length : 212 pages
ISBN-10 : 1966322399
ISBN-13 : 978-1966322399
Digital
Print length : 281 pages
ISBN-13 : 978-1966322382
ASIN : B0FX5HHY92
When a woman pleads amnesia in the death of her husband, Nick and Nora can forget about playing it safe as they track down the killer . . .
Six years ago, Mariah Blackthorne was found lying on the floor of her home, unconscious, holding the murder weapon that had killed her husband. Swearing she had no memory of the tragic event but insisting she was innocent, she nonetheless agreed to a plea deal and went to prison for the crime. Now, out on parole and desperate to know the truth, she enlists the help of local sleuth Nora Charles to find out what really happened that day—even if it means discovering she was the guilty party after all.
Intrigued by the case and convinced of the woman’s innocence, Nora agrees to investigate. With her trusty sidekick warning her that they were headed for trouble, she unearths no shortage of suspects from the dead man’s past. But as she follows every incriminating clue linking the victim to his fellow doctors and even a long string of mistresses, vicious threats begin piling up telling Nora to back off. Facing down a killer who will kill again to conceal their guilt, she and Nick may end up solving a case they won’t live to remember . . .
Includes mouthwatering recipes!
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Mariah Blackthorne has spent the last few years in prison for a crime she says she didn’t commit. She was unconscious in her home with the murder weapon in her hand and her dead husband nearby. When she woke up, she had no memory of what happened. She accepted a plea deal and went to prison. Now she is out on parole and determined to regain her memory and know what really occurred in her home that night. Even if she remembers, she killed her husband.
A mutual friend of Mariah and local puzzle-solving sleuth Nora Charles asks her to help Mariah. Nora already knew of the case, and her customers had been discussing the murder and Mariah’s release. Nick, her feline partner in solving crimes, is unsure about taking the case, but soon Scrabble tiles are flying, Nora is researching any viable suspects, and both are out about town following clues. Soon, Nora is getting threats to stop her investigation.
Can Nick and Nora sleuth out the killer? Or will the killer track them down first? Will Mariah regain her memory? Will Nora lose hers?
I love classic movies, including The Thin Man, so when this series was released, I was so excited. I quickly fell for Nora and her sidekick, Nick. Nora has taken over her mother’s sandwich shop following her death, and it becomes mystery central when there is a crime to solve. Nick is one smart cat and usually figures out key clues well before Nora and her friends. He’s a verbal kitty who knows how to get his points across, but be careful for skittering Scrabble tiles when he needs to spell something out. Nick’s former human, a P.I. also named Nick, is still missing in action, and Daniel, her former FBI boyfriend, is off on a dangerous overseas assignment. Her current significant other, Leroy Samms, is at Quantico for training at the start of the story. Nora is searching for a new employee because Mollie needs to study for her college boards, and Nora’s sister Lacey has a lead on a new job in her field. Nora’s BFF, Chantal, helps out when she can. After 8 books, all these characters and more feel like old friends, and I love how they grow and change in each new installment.
Getting to the truth for Mariah Blackthorne isn’t easy. The town is divided on her innocence or guilt, and some are very boisterous in their declarations. Nora isn’t sure who she and Mariah can trust, so most land on her suspect list. Nora hopes to write up the case for her side gig at Noir, but another crime reporter in town is chasing the story, too. To ferret through all the evidence and clues, Nora needs help from her friends. Each interesting find, and some clever help from Nick, moves the case forward until another eerily similar death occurs. Followed by an important discovery and an epic showdown.
When Sleuthing Spells Trouble is soooooo goooooood! An entertaining, clever, and puzzling mystery keeps these wonderful characters and this reader on their toes. A fabulous addition to this fun series! Ms. LoTempio teases the direction of the next Nick and Nora mystery. I can’t wait!!
Be sure to check out Nora’s sandwich recipes! A John Travolta Steak Sandwich sounds awfully good right now, but a Leonardo DiCaprio Chick Club could hit the spot, or a Jimmy Kimmel Sandwich without the peppers, adding the onion may be the way to go.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.
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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. Born in New York City, she now resides in Phoenix, Arizona, with her two cats, Maxx and Rocco. Rocco prides himself on being the inspiration for her Nick and Nora series! 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
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Find More Books by T.C. LoTempio HERE.
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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.” “As an Amazon Associate, I earn a commission from qualifying purchases.” I am also an affiliate of Bookshop.org and I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.” These funds are often used for gift cards and other giveaways.
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