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 . . .
My Review
Shell McMillan owns the local pet shop, Urban Tails and is more than happy to help out at the local animal shelter’s fundraiser, Appraise for Strays. The citizens of Fox Hollow, Connecticut will have the opportunity to bring things from home and get them appraised. When an old jewelry box is brought in, it attracts more attention than anything else. Strangers start offering big bucks for it and one of those potential buyers is found dead. Shell is on the case to find out what is so valuable about a box that wasn’t appraised very high at all.
Shell finds herself in the middle of a cold case and present-day murder investigation. Her boyfriend, Josh Bloodgood, advises her to stay out of it. After all, he’s a homicide detective and knows just what kind of danger Shell could be in if she continues her snooping. We all know Shell is not going to stop until she solves the case.
Shell and her kitty companions, once again, find themselves in the thick of things. Shell is determined to get to the bottom of things while her kitties are determined to protect her. I always enjoy this series. Of course, being a cat lover, the cats always touch my heart. They are as important to the story as any of the humans.
The author does an excellent job of creating an intriguing story with fascinating characters. Although the mystery is wrapped up in each book, it’s so much more fun to start this series from the beginning. It gives the reader a chance to get to know the characters (and kitties, too!)
I’ve been a big fan of this series (and the author) from day one. This one is filled with charm, mystery and it left me smiling. I’m looking forward to more exciting mystery stories from this author.
For reading challenges:
What An Animal Reading Challenge 2024
Literary Escapes Reading Challenge 2024 (Connecticut)
NetGalley and Edelweiss Reading Challenge 2024
FTC Disclosure: I voluntarily reviewed a free 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.
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.
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Great review. Sounds like a book I will enjoy.
ReplyDeletethanks for the kind review and for hosting me! T.C.
ReplyDeleteGreat review on a must read book.
ReplyDeleteHave a fabulous day and rest of the week. Scritches to the kitties. ♥
That looks good.
ReplyDeleteI have a few books from this author on my TBR> This sounds really fun!
ReplyDelete