I would like to thank netgalley and Crooked Lane Books for a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

This has been the first cost crime book I have read and I enjoyed it more than I thought I would. I'm definitely interested in reading more from this genre.

Toby the cat was cute and was a nice add to the story. There was also fat shaming of the male MC who was bigger when he was youmger, but now appears to be some kind of Greek God.

I read the second book in this series, and had to go back and read this one to get the back story about Syd, Kat and Leila. This was a great start to a new series. I love the idea that their occupations are running a pet rescue, mostly cats, but they do not turn away other animals.

Sydney (Syd) McCall has returned home to Deer Park, NC after a bad relationship. She also quit her job working as the promotions manager in her fiancé's father's company. When she does not find a job right away, her sister, Kat, the manager of the Friendly Paws animal shelter offers her a temporary position running an upcoming event, a cat cafe. They are up against some resistance from Trowbridge Littleton, a rich business man in town who's only pleasure in life seems to be making others miserable. He's upsetting all the merchants in the area by threatening to raise their rent, he's opposing the cat cafe and rumor has it he is trying to shut down the animal shelter. When Kat threatens him, and he threatens her in return, nobody thinks much of it, until he is found dead the next morning, by Kat and Syd. Of course, this means that Kat is at the top of the suspect list, at least for Detective Hank Bennington. Detective Will Worthington is an old friend of Syd's and he assures her that he will do everything to make sure Kat is not arrested. With the help of Leila, Syd's roommate, who is also a local reporter, Syd sets out to find the real murderer.

I really like the main characters in this story. Kat and Syd are siblings that truly care about each other. They will do whatever they can to help each other. They are both smart, headstrong and will do whatever it takes to fight for what they believe in. Leila is the third in their little group. She and Syd were best friends growing up and have picked up where they left off. Toby, is a rescue cat who is smart, able to communicate with Syd in various ways and is known as the wanderer. He seems to be able to get in and out of situations with no one even realizing it. There are times in this book that Syd is lucky he has this ability. The relationship with Will gets off to a good start, with Syd and Will planning a dinner. The mystery is well paced. There are a lot of suspects, with a lot of motives, although most of them boil down to money. I waffled back and forth as to who was the murderer, but struck out. The final reveal and take down was pretty exciting and in hindsight there were some clues that I had not taken seriously when reading. There were some good twists right until the end and I read through this one quickly to get to the resolution. A great choice for a cozy mystery reader, especially if you enjoy ones with animals. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book upon request. The rating, ideas and opinions shared are my own.

Thank you for the chance to review this book, however, unfortunately, I was unable to read and review this title before it was archived.

Love the fact that Syd wanted to be a homicide detective. She's honest with herself about wanting to investigate the murderer that's refreshing. I just love all the characters in this book especially Toby. Terrific writing, well developed characters and storyline .

Author T.C. LoTempio has consistently given readers wonderfully fun, and exciting cozy mysteries. PURR M FOR MURDER is more proof of that.

I'm back to review Purr M for Muder by T.C. Lotempio, the first book in her new Cat Rescue mysteries. The first book I've read by Lotempio was Nick & Nora's third book, Crime and Catnip. That was alright, though stretched my suspension of disbelief and didn't really grab me. The same cannot be said of Purr M for Murder.

I loved it! It's cute, fun, hilarious, great cast, the cats are adorable, helpful, and more down to Earth, and I didn't figure out the mystery until Sydney did.


↣Sydney actually does investigating on her own instead of being lead around by a cat with freakish abilities.
↣Love that they work in a shelter and talk about taking care of the animals.
↣I love Will the crush's return
↣Great that the detectives are bumbling around, capable of doing stuff, and do figure out plenty by themselves.
↣I love Sydney and Kat's sibling relationship.
↣I love Sydney and her roommate's friendship and hanging out. Roommates are that weird even as an adult, ya know!
↣Very enjoyable, easy, quick, with funny moments


If you love cozy mysteries, especially in small towns with cute kitties, Purr M for Murder would be perfect. Except it's continuation of the status quo. While there's no triggering content, people that aren't' straight and white won't find themselves among the cast and crew.


My only problem is the same as always with the cozy mystery genre: lack of diversity. What's a quick good time for me, is a reminder to many people they wouldn't be welcome. Instead of confronting problems and expanding the genre, it's the same ol' same old.

It's why I don't read many cozy mysteries anymore. Besides, the Blanche series I'm having a devil of a time finding more diverse cozies. If you have any recommendations, let me know!

How can you not enjoy a cozy with the benefit of a no-kill animal shelter and Toby the cat! This is a classic in a lot of ways, with Sydney in the role of intrepid amateur detective, but it's also clever in its use of a cat for a sidekick (and Will isn't too bad either.) Thanks to netgalley for the ARC. I'm happy to see this new series and look forward to more. You'll like this if you like the genre - it's an easy light read.

I liked the setting of the book that was in a quaint little town. There are so many animals that need homes and the author did a great job of showcasing an animal rescue center in the story. There is one cat that really shines through the book and I loved how smart he was. Toby is a very bright cat and is looking for his forever home . Who will be his new owner?

Sydney has returned home to be the publicity director for the shelter her sister, Kat runs. I found it funny that the person running the shelter was named Kat. Gotta say the author does have a sense of humor and I wonder if anyone else caught the irony in her name. As the sisters gear up for a big cat cafe at a friend's bakery they run into a roadblock. There is someone in the community that is not happy with the idea. When a body turns up Syd and Kat became prime suspects.

The author does a great job in taking readers into the art world and vividly describes different techniques. I did like the introduction of Will Worthington. He is an old school mate of Syd's and boy has he changed. He is not this awkward teen anymore but a very nice looking man who happens to be investigating the murder. I loved how so many townspeople disliked the murder victim because I had a hard time figuring out who the killer was and why they did it. I was quite pleased with the ending and thought the author did a great job of of keeping readers guessing.

Overall I did enjoy the book and I hope to read more about Sydney and her side kick. The book is a good start to a promising new series.

I received a copy of this book from The Great Escapes Book Tour and Netgalley. The review is my own opinion.

I enjoyed this start to a cozy mystery series. This first book was interesting and entertaining. I liked the main character, Sydney, and the way she stepped in to investigate when her sister, Kat, was a suspect in a murder case. An added bonus was the inclusion of Toby the cat.

Purr M for Murder by TC LoTempio is the first book in the Cat Rescue Mystery series. Sydney returns to her hometown to help her sister Kat with the local animal shelter, Friendly Paws. Things are off to a bad start when Sydney's pop up cat cafe plan meets an adversary, Trowbridge Littleton. When Trowbridge is murdered, Kat is the top suspect. Sydney begins her own investigation to clear Kat's name and save the shelter. I loved the setting and the characters. This series has great potential for growth. I am already looking forward to the next book.

Purr M For Murder is a furr-tastic new mystery that readers will love. Sydney has decided to move back home to North Carolina to help her sister, Kat, run the local animal shelter after breaking up with her ex-fiancé. With her advertising expertise, Sydney is the perfect person to plan a fundraising event to keep the shelter open until the local landlord threatens to shut everything down. When Kat is found standing next to the landlord’s dead body, it is up to Sydney to clear her name and find a killer before it is too late.

This was a very entertaining mystery for me because it was light-hearted and fun. Sydney was a great heroine that was smart, opinionated and determined to do whatever it takes to save her sister and her beloved animal shelter. The mystery itself was well-written with plenty of twists and turns to keep most readers guessing about the identity of the killer. This is the first book in a brand new series and I’m looking forward to seeeing what happens next in future installments of this cute series.

This book has all the things I love most in a cozy mystery: a small cozy town, an inexperienced detective, an animal with detective skills, an old love between the heroine and the man who manages the investigation.
Sydney and Kat are two sisters who love animals very much. Sydney has recently returned to Deer Park after losing her boyfriend and her job in New York and helps her sister in fundraising for her shelter. She has a very original idea to help the shelter and its guests: organize a special event in collaboration with one of their friend who owns a cafe where customers can have coffee with cats of the shelter that are available for adoption. But the owner of their shelter, Mr Littleton, a very stingy man and doesn't like animals, doesn't approve. When he is found dead Kat is the main suspect. Sydney with the help of her new cat Toby will have to investigate to save her sister.
I loved Toby, I too would like a cat like him, thanks to him the story was even more pleasant and enjoyable.
It was an easy and well written read, the plot is very intriguing and well-woven, there are many twists and it is difficult to find the culprit until the end.
Great debut for this new series, I look forward to the new episodes.
I recommend it to those who love cozy mystery and cats.

http://openbooksociety.com/article/purr-m-for-murder-a-cat-rescue-mystery-book-1-by-t-c-lotempio-book-review/

Purr M for Murder is the first in the A Cat Rescue Mystery series by T. C. LoTempio. This is my first exposure to the writings of this author and I predict will not be my last.

Sydney McCall is at loose ends in New York city as a result of her fiance Preston Renshaw III being caught with her secretary in a “very compromising position”. Since Preston was the boss’s son, what was a girl to do, but hand in her resignation and move out of their shared apartment. When Sydney’s sister calls and asks if she is still at loose ends – Sydney moves back from New York City to Deer Park, North Carolina to help Kat out at Friendly Paws, the local animal shelter. The reader is introduced to Toby – one of the cats up for adoption. He has a bit of wanderlust in him and is very choosy when it comes to finding prospective adoptive humans. Seems he knows who he wants….

Friendly Paw is organizing a unique fundraiser – an afternoon at a local coffee shop with an area set aside for viewing and interacting with a few of the cats up for adoption at the shelter. Interesting idea, but there is one business person in town that is not happy with this idea – Trowbridge Littleton. He has ulterior motives with the site where the shelter is located (unbeknownst to Kat and Sydney). Now knowing that Trowbridge is not really an honest, forthright individual (it is known around town that he has – and is – cheating on his wife) and his business ethics are a bit shady and he is against this fundraiser, it is no surprise that Kat has issues with him – and Kat is not a quite individual in her discontent! Just days prior to the fundraiser, Sydney has arranged an early morning meeting with Trowbridge – a chance to clear the air. Sydney and Kat arrive at Trowbridge’s office and what do they find…you guessed it…. Trowbridge. But he was not in any position to conduct a meeting as he was dead. This does lead to a bit of a chuckle worthy moment while looking around at the newly discovered crime scene:

Kat was at my elbow almost at once. “What are you doing?”

“Just looking around-trying to see if maybe there might be a clue here as to what happened.”

“No sign of any sort of weapon,” I mumbled. “No defensive wounds, either. His guard was down. I’ll bet he knew whoever did this to him.”

“Wow, Nancy Drew, you’re in rare form,” my sister cried.

Surprisingly, the detective that shows up at the scene is Detective Worthington, Deer Park Homicide. Turns out that this is Will Worthington, Sydney’s first crush in high school. In fact, Will could, no matter what, make Sydney laugh, regardless of how bad her day had been and he was also the first boy she had ever kissed and:

“Now, it seemed, he’d also be the first detective to ever interrogate me in a possible murder investigation.”

Now that Will has lost ninety pounds and gotten into shape (he did so to join the police department) he was looking mighty fine and there seemed to be some sparks flying between the two. Hmm…will have to wait and see how far this carries on in future books. I really enjoy slow burning romances in my cozy mysteries. 😊

Problem now is that the whole town knows of the tiff between Kat and Trowbridge and the shelter, so the number one suspect is Kat. Sydney decides to unofficially lend a hand to the local police force in order to quickly clear her sister of suspicion of murder. As well, there is another little helper – Toby – who was integral in solving this mystery.

What ensues is a funny, quirky unraveling of the mystery of who killed Trowbridge Littleton. Not surprisingly, there are MANY suspects – the wife, one of the many ex or current girlfriends, business partner, maybe even the baker or candlestick maker? (okay, the last one is a bit far fetched since there is no candlestick maker in the story). It definitely got muddy before it cleared up and the killer was revealed, which for me took until the end (just the way I like my mysteries).

I quite enjoyed the story line involving the fundraiser for the shelter. A unique idea which allowed prospective owners the opportunity for more quality time prior to deciding if the pet was the one for them. The names of some local businesses really were quite catchy: City Jewel, Hats Off, The Fin and Claw and The Brush and Canvas. Who thinks up these names (okay…I know it is the author…. but so creative that I have a hard time forgetting the names of these businesses). It really makes me feel as if I live in Deer Park and I am part of this small community.

I found Purr M for Murder an enjoyable read with colorful characters and an interesting mystery which, while slow at the beginning, did pick up as the story progressed and so I will wait patiently for the continuation of this series. If you enjoy well crafted cozies with a small-town setting and animals (lots of references to animals – but one cat in particular – Toby) with your murder, then I suggest Purr M for Murder.

*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*

Sydney returns home to North Carolina to help plan an even intended to keep the animal shelter where her sister Kat works afloat. A local bully threatens to do whatever it takes to stop the event, and Kat yells at him that it will be the last thing he will ever do. Since he is found dead not long after, Kat becomes suspect number one, and Sydney goes to work to prove her sister’s innocence. This well-paced mystery kept me in the dark right up to the end. Purr M for MURDER is the first in what looks to be a great new series.

When Sydney McCall returns to Deer Park, North Carolina it looks like everything is falling into place. She is home just in time to put her publicity skills to good use, helping Kat save her animal shelter. Everyone is excited about the forthcoming cat cafe adoption event - with the notable exception of Trowbridge Littleton, Deer Park’s own Ebeneezer Scrooge. After a very public argument between Kat and Trowbridge, Sydney and her sister decide to try to smooth things over. Unfortunately they are too late and they discover Trowbridge’s body. Kat is naturally the prime suspect.

Sydney always wanted to be a detective, and now she has the chance. Despite her good friend (and potential love interest) being part of the detective team, Syd fears Kat will be railroaded. Trowbridge had many enemies, the question is which one killed him. Fortunately Syd has an ace up her sleeve - Toby, a gorgeous ginger cat with an uncanny ability to discourage unsuitable adopters. He’s looking for the perfect companion- but he also may hold the key to finding the killer.

If you enjoy pet themed cozies, particularly those with cat you will definitely like T C LoTempio’s Purr M for Murder. The plot is complex enough to keep mystery lovers happy, even though there are plenty of clues to whodunnit. I highly recommend the first book in LoTempio’s new Cat Rescue mystery series.

5 / 5

I received a copy of Purr M for Murder from the publisher and Netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review.

--Crittermom

This is a great book; this is the first book in the Cat Rescue Mystery series written by T.C. LoTempio. Sydney McCall left behind an ex-fiancé and a New York advertising job to return home to Deer Park, North Carolina and help her sister, Kat, run the local animal shelter, Friendly Paws. Determined to save the shelter from financial trouble, Sydney and Kat organize a cat café fundraising event at a local coffee shop. Things are looking up until their landlord, Trowbridge Littleton, threatens to shut down the event. When Sydney drops by his art gallery to make peace, she finds Kat along with Littleton's dead body. Local homicide detective Will Worthington who just happens to be Sydney's old high school crush is highly suspicious of the sisters' involvement. Desperate to clear their names from the suspect list, Sydney pounces on the investigation
This is a great book with a wonderful story and well developed characters. This book will keep you reading long into the night. If you are looking for a great book, then you need to read this book. I am looking forward to reading the next book by this great author. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader’s copy of this book. The free book held no determination on my personal review.

In Purr M For Murder, the first book in A Cat Rescue Mystery Series, author TC LoTempio weaves an intriguing cozy mystery tale that follows the amateur sleuth adventures of Sydney McCall and her sidekick shelter cat named Toby. Sydney and sister Kat find themselves suspects in the murder of their landlord, Trowbridge Littleton, and Sydney is determined to clear their name and find the real killer.

Set in Deer Park, North Carolina, Sydney Mc Call moves back home from New York after breaking up with her ex-fiance to help her sister Kat save Friendly Paws, the local animal shelter that she runs. Sydney and Kat organize a cat cafe fundraiser event to help the financially troubled animal shelter. But when their landlord Trowbridge Littleton threatens to shut down the event, things go from bad to worse when Sydney goes to talk to Trowbridge at his art gallery, and finds Kat already there standing next to his dead body. When Sydney's old high school crush local homicide detective Will Worthington adds Sydney and Kat to the suspect list, Sydney is determined to find the real killer and clear their name with the help of a furry shelter feline named Toby.

Purr M For Murder is a captivating and fast-paced cozy whodunit tale that has enough quirky characters (human and animal), witty banter and humor, drama, danger, a growing list of suspects, romance, and intriguing twists and turns that will keep you engaged and guessing as Sydney's amateur sleuth adventure unfolds with a climatic ending that will leave you wanting more! I would be remiss if I didn't mention how much I enjoyed Sydney's delightful furry feline companion Toby, who chooses Sydney as his person and helps her find clues along the way. Toby gets two paws up! I can't wait to read the next book in this delightful new cozy mystery series!

Purr M For Murder is a purrfectly delightful cozy murder mystery that pet lovers will enjoy reading!


RATING: 5 STARS

Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author / publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours.

http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot.com/2017/03/purr-m-for-murder-by-tc-lotempio.html

Purr M for Murder by T.C. LoTempio is the first book in A Cat Rescue Mystery series. Sydney McCall has returned home to Deer Park, North Carolina after catching her fiancé in flagrante with his secretary. Since Preston Renshaw III was the boss’s son, Sydney quit her job as Director of Marketing at Reid and Renshaw. Her sister, Kat needed her assistance with the Friendly Paws Animal Shelter. Donations have been down and their last two fundraisers did not elicit many funds. Kat is hoping Sydney can apply her marketing prowess to the shelter. Sydney’s first idea is to hold a cat café at Dayna’s Sweets and Treats. It will help raise funds and, hopefully, some cats will find forever homes. Trowbridge Littleton, owner of The Brush and Canvas, is against their event and confronts Kat. It ends with Kat threatening Mr. Littleton (not a wise move on her part). Sydney decides to talk to Mr. Littleton the next morning and arrives at his gallery around 6 a.m. Sydney finds the door open, but no one answers her call (you can see where this is heading). Sydney is startled when Kat turns up next to her (she had been watching for Sydney across the street). They find their way to office and find it has been ransacked. Kat admires a beautiful antique cabinet and is insistent upon looking inside. They open the doors and Trowbridge Littleton falls out. When the police arrive, Sydney is started to discover that Will Worthington (high school crush, of course) is one of the detectives. It is soon apparent that Kat is the primary suspect. It seems that Kat has been holding back on a few details. Sydney puts on her detective cap and sets out to find the real perpetrator with the help of her new cat, Toby (master escape artist). But the killer must take action when Sydney gets a little too close for comfort.

Purr M for Murder is easy to read and nicely written. I found that the book had a good pace which made it easy to read. I appreciated the pet rescue element in the book. It will help make readers aware of the problems facing animals in our society (there are too few no-kill shelters). I liked the main characters of Kat, Sydney and Toby. Toby was a great addition to this tale. Without Toby, Purr M for Murder would not have been as entertaining (he elevated the story). I give Purr M for Murder 4 out of 5 stars. I do wish, though, that the mystery had been a little more complex. It was evident which character would get murdered (the nastiest). Solving the crime was easily discernable. There is one big clue that gave it away early in the story (at least to me). I am hoping that in the next book the author will not put the murder or crime so early in the novel (it makes for the book feel long). I liked the subtle attraction between Will Worthington and Sydney. It is low-key and plays out nicely in the background until the end. I do wonder, though, why authors feel the need to provide a romantic counterpart for their main character in the first book. I like a little romance in my cozies, but I like it when it plays out slowly over the course of the series. I thought the ending was uplifting and cute. With a few tweaks, I believe this will be a pleasurable cozy mystery series. I am looking forward to reading the next book in A Cat Rescue Mystery series.

Wonderful debut of a new animal themed cozy mystery series.
Sydney McCall is starting over by returning to her roots. I love the characters in this series - a great sister relationship, a best friend from high school who is the new roommate, and even a best friend, now detective, who returns to the hometown unexpectedly but just when needed.
Of course the star and hero is Toby!
You'll have a tough time telling who are the good guys and bad ones in this tale.
Is money the motive for murder as if often expected or is greedy only one factor?
Danger is not enough to keep Sydney's "Nancy Drew" impulses under control.

This adventure is just the beginning, and it is a wild ride until the very end.

I'm a HUGE fan of this author's Nick and Nora series, so I was thrilled to learn she was releasing a new series. As hard as it may be to believe, I think I'm going to love this one even more. The cat shelter, and the fact that it is no-kill, are predominant parts of the story, which makes it near and dear to my heart as a cat lover.

Like Nick in the other series, there is a cat who plays a part in helping Sydney solve the murder...Toby the orange tabby, who is definitely working his way into my heart as well.

We also get the hint of romance between Syd and the new detective in town, Will Worthington, who was a friend of hers in school.

The cast of supporting characters is well-developed as well, and I look forward to getting to know more about them as well as Syd, Kat and Will.

The plot is well-written, and although I had several suspicions about the murderer throughout the book, I wasn't totally sure until the actual reveal. Already can't wait to read the next book in the series.

**I received a copy of this book through NetGalley with no expectation of a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.**