Member Reviews
I think this is a good read., a well-paced cozy mystery and the killer was a surprise, I certainly didn't have any idea who the killer was. I really enjoyed the characters Willow and Rune as well. #CatGotYourCrown #NetGalley
Author Julie Chase has the awesome ability to combine humor and creative plotting into a story that is fun and appealing. Book 4 takes place at a National Pet Pageant in New Orleans, Louisiana. Lacy Crocker, owner of the popular Furry Godmother Pet boutique and organic treat bakery, witnesses a suspicious death up-close-and-personal, then is horrified when someone she knows is accused of implementing the murder. Lacy can’t keep from nosing around asking questions about various persons of interest that she suspects, and before long she’s receiving threats and her life is in jeopardy.
The story reads swiftly and I chuckled at certain scenes and dialogue. Lacy’s domineering mother certainly adds levity to the storytelling. I like both the handsome men vying for Lacy’s love, and understand how hard a choice it would be to choose one over the other, however, I liked the decision she seems to have made by the end of the book. I also really like the new character of Willow who is mysteriously, yet smoothly added to the storyline.
Fun and entertaining, this story and the entire Kitty Couture Mystery series come highly recommended by this cozy reader.
I reviewed a digital arc provided by NetGalley and Crooked Lane. Thank you.
Another winner in this series. Lacy's specialty pet boutique is finally starting to come in to it's own in her native New Orleans, and it seems like she has finally found a balance with her society mother as well. All that is tested when once again Lacy finds herself embroiled in the middle of a murder as the host of the biggest pet pageant in the US is killed right in front of her. To top it all off, things are finally starting to get interesting between Lacy and Detective Jack Oliver, so she really doesn't need to add any tension by getting in his way. What's a girl to do?
A guy was thrown to his death and Lacy’s sleuthing skills was put to the test, finding the murderer seems to be beyond her. I believe she is trying to please everyone and doing too much at one-time which seems to take away from her sleuthing time. Lacy, should stop jerking poor Chase's heartstrings around, It’s sad that you are stubbornly tuning him into the best friend category to get at your parents and his, it’s a witless shame and a bit weak I find. Her romance with Jack and the complicating situation with Chase overshadows the crime scene. It’s cozy with more romance than mystery Interesting and mildly intriguing.
I LIKED this book! It is the fourth in the series and the second that I have read. I did guess who the killer was but the story was entertaining and kept me turning the pages to see if I was correct.
This book is a standalone. It is filled with good writing, a good story, great characters that are believable. I enjoy the old characters, Scarlet, Chase, and Detective Jack Oliver and the new ones the author introduces here.
I thought I would have read the other two before this one came out but life got in the way.
The author has a good sense of humor and I found myself laughing out loud.
Lacy Marie Crocker is the main character. Lacy is a costume designer for animals, baker and shop owner in New Orleans. This episode has her assisting her mother in a pet pageant being held in New Orleans. Lacy is the pet costume designer that helps repair costumes for those participating. While trying to run her business, Furry Godmother and assist her mother, she witnesses the aftermath of a murder. She wants to clear her friend, Eva.
Jack, the detective does not want her involved for her own safety. Lacy is being warned off by the killer and fails to stop investigating. She how it ends.
I have to admit, part of the fun of this series for me is the cover reveal because I just always laugh a little bit because the covers on all the books in the series are fun. The series itself, including this book, are always fun reads with fantastic characters, a lot of lighthearted moments, an enjoyable to read and guess cozy mystery. I love the characters themselves along with the writing style so this is definitely a book and a series that I recommend to cozy mystery fans!
This is one of my favorite series! I love the New Orleans setting. Lacy is a great heroine who doesn't want to always get involved but inevitably does. Her mom and dad seem like the kind of parents I'd like. The supporting cast is great for laughs. This book continued from the last one with the NPP pageant. The MC of the pageant is killed and of course Lacy and crew are involved.
Who knew tings would get sou out of control at the National Pet Pageant! This book is a fun, energetic story filled with delightful characters and their pets.
This is the perfect cozy mystery for the avid reader like myself.
Lacy Marie Crocker owns a pet boutique and bakery in New Orleans. While she'd be more than happy to just run her business, fat (and her socialite mother) have other plans. She's been railroaded into working at the National Pet Pageant, and has been busy running around repairing costumes for the contestants. She's also been spending time with Homicide Detective Jack Oliver, even if it's only been for a lunch every now and then. But unfortunately, while they're thinking of sneaking out for a private lunch instead of the buffet offered, pageant emcee Viktor Petrov plunges to death in front of her.
Still recovering from a close call with a murderer, Lacy is having a difficult time dealing with this added stress. While she'd like nothing more than to distance herself from the murder and let Jack do his job, she soon receives a warning - one of the stuffed cats from her shop is returned to her home by courier - with its eyes sewn with little x's and a threatening note. Now it's become a personal attack, so Lacy decides she needs to get involved before it escalates. But when it most certainly does, will Jack be able to find a killer before a killer finds her?...
This is the fourth book in the series and I have to say that I'm surprised each book has gone on to be better than the last. It seems as if while watching Lacy's life evolve, so has the writing. This is a true plus in any series, and one that will bring readers back for more.
Lacy's personal life is not only in danger, she's still got Chase hot on her heels, right where she needs him every time; and Jack not far behind. I do enjoy the fact that this isn't the tired, old love triangle. There's a definite preference, which makes the book readable instead of 'rolling your eyes-able'.
Lacy is also finding her ground with her mother, and that relationship has progressed nicely; I've come to be fond of Violet Conti-Crocker. We also have a new addition in the form of Willow, a sort of hippie young woman whom Lacy immediately takes to, and someone else is fond of her as well.
I loved the descriptions of New Orleans, and having never been, seeing the city through Lacy's eyes makes me want to hop on a plane and visit. I only wish I could have her as my tour guide. Ms. Chase's depictions are delightful and enticing; bringing the pages to life. Her characters are believable and animated, their personalities also evolving through the series as we learn more about them and their lives.
There's a lot going on in the story, yet it never detracts from the mystery itself, which is well-written and taut. We watch as Lacy struggles to figure out who might want her dead, but with over a hundred suspects - all attendees at the pageant - how many of them not only had Viktor marked for murder, but now her? She's promised her mother to see that Eva Little, who was standing near Viktor, isn't railroaded into jail, but in order to do that she needs to deduce who had the right motive.
It seems Viktor had a lot of people angry at him for various reasons, (none of which I will name here in order not to give too much away for people who have yet to read the book) and any one of them could have pushed him from behind. Sifting through the suspects isn't going to be an easy task, and when the ante on Lacy's life is upped, it also becomes a priority to close the case.
When the murderer is revealed it came somewhat as a surprise; the climactic scene between Lacy and the killer (as we know there will be one) was all that anyone could have asked for. It was suspenseful and well worth reading. The reasons for the murder made perfect sense - in the mind of the murderer, of course - and also in the context of the plot; a worthy effort. In the end, the book was indeed entertaining, an enjoyable mystery; and I look forward to the next in the series. Recommended.
The has easily become one of my favorite series, so I was very excited to have the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book. The characters (both human and pet) are a delight to read about. The mystery is well-written and plotted. There are several well placed red herrings to keep the reader engaged. The secondary story about Lacy and Jack's relationship is developing nicely. Also, the secondary story about the new character Willow was very entertaining. This book can be enjoyed as a stand-alone mystery or part of the series.
I voluntarily agreed to read a copy of this book supplied by NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own and in no way have been influenced.
A delightful cozy mystery. Loved the plot and the author’s writing. I definitely will be reading more books in this series. I received an arc from Netgalley and this is my unbiased review.
What a fun, lighthearted read. Sometimes one just 'needs' a fun and uplifting read during the week. This one was part mystery, part light romance and all fun. The author is new to me but I'd definitely enjoy reading more of her fun books. This should appeal to all age ranges, pet lovers, and especially to anyone who has been to New Orleans.
Cat Got Your Crown is the fourth installment in the A Kitty Couture Mystery series set in New Orleans and featuring Lacy Crocker. A year after she's opened Furry Godmother, pet boutique and organic pet bakery, Lacy has been recruited by her mother Violet to help out at the National Pet Pageant.
The atmosphere at the NPP is vibrating with energy as the nerves of both owners and their precious pets reach a crescendo and Lacy is scrambling with last minute costume repairs. Making things worse for everyone is the annoying and rude Master of Ceremonies, Viktor Petrov. The vile MC is despised by most attendees but loved by the public and the crowds are expected to be huge as people flock to see him in action. When Viktor takes an unexpected plunge from the second floor balcony face first on to the buffet line it's only a shame that the food has been ruined.
The group of suspects with cause to push the man to his death is numerous, but Detective Jack Oliver has his sights set on Eva Little, one of the NPP's Welcoming Committee members. Believing that the timid woman would not act violently, Lacy sets out with the urging of Violet to hunt down the real killer.
A captivating plot featuring recurring characters will have readers laughing from page one at the antics of Lacy, her friends and family, and the Roomba riding Penelope. A truly delightful addition to the series and best of all the author seems to have wrapped up the love triangle between Lacy, her best friend Chase Hawthorne, and Jack. Oh, and the delicious organic pet recipes will have your furry friends crowding around your ankles in the kitchen.
I received an advanced copy of Cat Got Your Crown from NetGalley via Crooked Lane Books. While not required to write a review I am more than happy to offer my honest opinion.
I have enjoyed all of the Kitty Couture mysteries and this one is my favorite so far. This time Detective Oliver and Lacy worked more in collaboration in solving the mystery of the murdered emcee of the National Pet Pageant. This made the mystery more rewarding as a reader. It was a good mystery with enough “red herrings” and twists to keep it interesting.
Julie Chase brings you into the scene that is New Orleans. The dialog between Lacy and her family and friends really rings true. With Cat Got Your Crown there was major development on the personal side of Lacy’s life and I couldn’t be happier with her choice.
Julie Chase currently lives in Ohio and so do I. Support Ohio Authors!
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC
A delicious addition to a wonderful series! This book checks all the boxes, wonderful mystery, funny charming characters, and a picture perfect setting that makes you feel you are right there with the characters. So many things to get excited about in this book! New characters, the developing of relationships between characters, and they way the author writes the family dynamic. There is everything to like when reading this book!