Such a cute and enjoyable book! I was given The Time for Murder is Meow by T. C. LoTempio from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

In this series debut, The Time for Murder is Meow is about saving a pet shop. However, before they can do that they must catch a killer

While getting the shop ready for re-opening, Shell is asked to loan her aunt's Cary Grant posters to the local museum for an exhibit. She finds the prospect exciting—until a museum board member, who had a long-standing feud with Shell's aunt, votes against it. When she discovers the board member dead in the museum, Shell becomes suspect number one. Can she, her Siamese cat Kahlua, and her new sidekick—her aunt's Persian Purrday—find the real culprit, or will her latest career go up in kitty litter?

This has very well-crafted characters that you can't help but fall in love with and cheer them on as they solve the mystery. Looking forward to reading more!!

I enjoy hardboiled true crime, murder, and medical mysteries the most, but once in a while you need a lighthearted, campy "cozy mystery" to cleanse the palate! This is a cute start to a new series, that I thoroughly enjoyed. Nothing complicated here, just fun...with a couple of furry companions to help things along.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing an ARC to review!

As much as I love cozy mysteries, I just couldn't get into this one. Shell plunges immediately into a feud between her dead aunt and a museum board member, something she knew nothing about until the board voted not to display her aunt's collection of movie posters at an upcoming event. I understand that they were really really special posters. I understand that Shell would take her aunt's side. What I don't understand is why Shell cared so much about a temporary exhibit. It's what led to her discovery of the woman's death and gets the mystery going, but it didn't make a lot of sense to me. .

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and the author, for an ARC of this book, in exchange for an honest review.
I love cozy mysteries and I live with a cat so I had to read this book.
This was the 1st book in the Purr N’ Bark Pet Shop Mystery Series.
I enjoyed this book because I thought it was well written and entertaining.
It had great characters, an interesting location, some romance and an intriguing murder mystery.
I would definitely read the next book in the series.

I was unable to read and review the book by the publishing date due to other commitments. I will update the review immediately upon completion of the book. Thank you NetGalley and publisher.

The Time for Murder is Meow by T.C. LoTempio is the first book in the Purr n' Bark Pet Shop Mystery series. Shell has left her Hollywood life behind after inheriting her aunt's home and pet shop. Shell means to become a part of her new town and offers to loan her aunt's movie memorabilia to the local museum. After arguing with a board member who refuses Shell's offer, Shell finds herself a suspect when the board member is murdered. I enjoyed this first book in the series. It follows all of the classic cozy guidelines. My favorite character is Gary, Shell's former co-star. I look forward to more books in this series.

Each time this author is a pleasant discovery, all her books are compelling and with lovely characters.
Shell is a young actress who left Hollywood to run the pet store inherited from her aunt in Connecticut. She loves animals and wants a quieter and more relaxed life. But it will not be like this she will solve a complicated mystery. It seems strange that the council of the local museum doesn't want to expose her aunt's memorabilia on Cary Grant. When one of the members is murdered she understands that she was right and begins to investigate.
The characters are well developed. Shell is a nice, caring, intelligent woman. Very funny is Gary, a former co-star who visits her and helps her with the investigations. Adorable the two protagonist cats, they will help Shell solve the mystery.
The story is very well written, fluid and flowing, there are many clues and some twists and even a little romance.
Great debut for this new series, I can't wait to read a new episode
For those who love cats and cozy mysteries it is absolutely not to be missed.

THE TIME FOR MURDER IS MEOW by T. C. LoTempio is a cute cozy cat mystery. This is the first in the series and has some well-developed human characters to build a solid basis for the series. I’ll read the next; recommended.

3.5 stars

A pair of cute felines are part and parcel of this fun cozy but fear not, those of you who cringe at the idea—they don’t really help solve the crime(s) unless you count some judicious nudges and they don’t talk to Shell 😉 That doesn’t mean she doesn’t talk to them; any self-respecting cat person knows that’s a given, right?

When Shell inherited her aunt’s pet shop, she fully expected a quiet life, much less stressful than her former acting world, but she didn’t allow for the animosity she encountered from Amelia Witherspoon. Shell never knew her Aunt Tillie had a feud going with Amelia but, then again, maybe Aunt Tillie wasn’t as invested in the feud as Amelia still is. This crabby woman won’t even allow the local museum to have a showing of the marvelous Cary Grant memorabilia just because the collection belonged to Tillie and Shell is determined to change the woman’s mind. Unfortunately, she won’t get the chance because somebody has done away with the woman and Shell is the popular choice as the murderer thanks to rumors and gossip. Meanwhile, why is the publisher/reporter, Quentin Watson, of the village rag so interested in her shop and why is he pointing the finger at Shell as the killer?

There are a number of likely suspects and, as you might expect, a potential love interest in Detective Josh Bloodgood who wisely doesn’t really believe she’s guilty but my favorite character is Gary, Shell’s former co-star, entirely because…well, you’ll see ;-). The mystery here is a bit lightweight, especially in Shell’s supposed motivation for the murder and I figured out who done it too early, but an appealing cast of characters and a healthy dose of humor make this a nice way to while away a few hours. I’m already looking forward to the next book.

The Time for Murder is Meow by TC LoTempio is about Chrishell “Shell” McMillan and her two cats who have to catch a killer. Her TV series is cancelled and Shell can’t be happier. She has waited and plans to take over her late aunt’s pet shop the Purr N Bark. She is asked to loan her aunt’s Cary Grant’s posters to a museum and all are excited except one board member who votes against it. When he is then found murdered, Shell is the number one suspect. This book was the first of a light, fun book series. The cats were made out to be smart and were able to answer Shell’s questions, however too much attention went to the cats. The characters were realistic and the town was a nice setting.

Chishell McMillan moves from LA to Connecticut after her elderly aunt dies and leaves her a house and pet store. Chishell (or Shell for short) leaves behind an acting career and a failed love affair. Her fiance cheated on her with a scipt girl, creating all sorts of celebrity gossip. That's when she knew she needed to exit stage left and change her life. Connecticut, a small town, and running a pet store sounded perfect. She arrives in town just in time to have an altercation with the town's cantankerous, controlling old biddy. As if that isn't bad enough, she then discovers a dead body and is a suspect in a murder case. An old friend from her old life comes in to help her investigate before she's behind bars for a murder she didn't commit.

I loved the two Cat Rescue series books I read by T.C. LoTempio so jumped right on this new series. But I never really connected with Shell. I liked her friend and acting partner Gary better. Not sure why exactly. I just didn't "click'' with Shell. At one point she threatens to "press charges'' about a situation that isn't really that big of a deal and not really something that really warrants a formal complaint. It felt like a bit of a contrived plot point to create animosity between two characters so that the plot could continue.....didn't really gel with me. I was like "File charges with who? And for what?" Just didn't work for me.

All in all, I liked the story. It just wasn't a "wow'' for me. The mystery followed the usual cozy formula...girl inherits property, moves to a new town, sees sexy cop, finds dead body, girl is suspect and investigates, etc etc etc. I've read many, many similar cozies. I did like the premise of a known actor being the main character. The cats were a plus -- love them both! And I like the quirky side characters. So, I liked it....didn't love it. I will definitely be reading the next book to see if with a little character development I might feel more on board with Shell.

**I voluntarily read a review copy of this book from Midnight Ink via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**

This murder mystery was an entertaining easy read. Shell who is trying to reopen her aunt’s pet shop becomes the number one suspect in a murder investigation and as a result she and her two four legged feline side kicks take it up Sin themselves to solve the murder and clear her name.
This was a light read which I read quickly by the pool. It wasn’t too demanding and was a novel idea.

This was a fun start of a new book series. I loved several of the characters, especially Kahlua and Purrday for obvious reasons. The story itself is well plotted with several clues and suspects which made it more interesting.

Crishell "Shell" McMillan sees the cancellation of her TV series as a blessing in disguise. The former actress can now take over her late aunt's pet shop, the Purr N' Bark, and do something she loves.

While setting up the new pet store Shell stumbles into a long-standing feud between her late aunt and museum board member, Amelia. While trying to get to the bottom of this feud, Shell finds Amelia's dead body at the museum.

Can Shell, her Siamese cat Kahlua, and her new sidekick—her aunt's Persian Purrday figure out who killed Amelia, and why?

I liked the main characters and the story, but there were way too many minor roles in this book. And I really didn't need to know about each outfit Josh wore, but maybe that's just me?

When she inherits a pet shop and a house from her aunt at right about the same time a TV series she had a long-running role in is cancelled, Shell McMillan decides to throw in her acting career and settle into a quiet life following in her aunt’s footsteps. No sooner does she arrive in Fox Hollow, Connecticut, though, than she’s getting into a confrontation over a museum turning down the opportunity to display some memorabilia her aunt owned, and then the woman she argued with turns up dead.

There’s a potential love interest in the form of a hunky detective and some fluffy sidekicks, two cats, one of whom is rather helpful when it comes to finding clues to solve the mystery, but even they couldn’t distract from the fact that Shell is a total diva. She massively overreacts to the museum board saying ‘thanks but no thanks’, having confrontations with four different people over it on pretty much her first full day in town instead of just saying ‘okay’ and moving on with getting the pet store reopened. I read an ARC of this book and a couple places later on the store had a very different name which made me think perhaps it started out as a movie memorabilia store and got changed later, in which case her reaction might have been more understandable because it would be a business issue. As it is, it reads like a total overreaction and Shell being a diva just because she’s used to getting her own way.

There’s a very large cast of characters - at one point I think there are nearly a dozen suspects in the murder - for a pretty short book, and it’s way too cluttered. Consequently, it really stood out to me that every character - EVERY SINGLE CHARACTER - in this book is white, straight and fully abled. This is my second cozy mystery in a month with no diverse representation whatsoever, and once again, there were so many places where it would have been easy to include diversity. Shell herself being biracial would have included so many more dimensions to the mystery, and having her former co-star Gary be gay would have been ridiculously simple - maybe stereotypical, but honestly, I’d rather a stereotype than no representation at all. At least I’d believe the author was trying, as opposed to simply showing their unconscious preferences for a world completely lacking in diversity.

This isn’t even a particularly good read because Shell is such a diva, and the complete absence of diversity pulls it down even further. I can’t give it any more than two stars.

The Time for Murder is Meow is a fantastic First Book in a new cozy mystery Series. I read alot of cozy mysteries and this one stood out to me as being so well written. The mystery was great and I loved the characters. Some twists to keep me guessing and well developed characters. Looking forward to the next book in the series.

The Time for Murder is Meow is the debut of A Purr N’ Bark Pet Shop Mystery series. When Crishell “Shell” McMillan finds herself a person of interest in the murder of Amelia Witherspoon (think Wicked Witch of the West with white hair), Shell sets out to clear her name with help from her new friends. She believes her experience in playing a spy on Spy Anyone will come in handy. Shell talks to a variety of people around town gathering information and clues. This gives us a chance to meet the secondary characters and learn about Fox Hollow. Shell’s co-star, Gary Presser arrives in town and helps in solving the crime. Gary was my favorite character and he outshone Shell. He has a great personality and provides engaging humor. Purrday, Aunt Tillie’s cat, is a delight and I like how he communicates with Shell (cats have a way of telling us what they want). I like how Shell talks to Purrday and her cat, Kahlua. Kahlua acted in typical cat fashion when first introduced to Purrday—by hissing. I am glad that the author took the time to introduce the characters and the town (set the stage so to speak). Amelia Witherspoon was a disagreeable woman which leads to multiple suspects and misdirection. The clues were a little too on-the-nose which allows readers to pin down the guilty party early in the story. I enjoyed the movie references and how Shell would compare an individual to a movie character or actor. I liked the descriptions of Aunt Tillie’s collection and the Victorian home she left Shell. Detective Josh Bloodgood provides a potential romantic partner for Shell. The Time for Murder is Meow is a lighthearted cozy mystery with movie memorabilia, a wicked victim, bewitching brew, a gregarious co-star, playful Purrday, and one anxious actress.

After her TV series is canceled, Crishell “Shell” McMillan gives up her life in in Los Angeles and heads to the small town of Fox Hollow, Connecticut. Her late aunt left her a pet shop and Shell is more than ready for the career switch. Not only does she inherit the shop, but she inherits her aunt’s Persian cat named Purrday. Her own cat, Kahlua, does not seem too happy to meet their new family member.

As Shell prepares for the grand re-opening of the Purr N’ Bark, she offers her aunt’s Cary Grant collection to the local museum to exhibit. She’s disappointed to learn the museum board voted against her offer. Shell is determined to find out their reasoning. All signs point to one particular board member who had a problem with her aunt. Shell is convinced the board member convinced other members to vote against her. Then, Shell finds the board member dead. It’s obviously homicide and the number one suspect is Shell herself.

With her freedom on the line, Shell figures she’s the best one to investigate this murder. After all, she used to play a spy on TV. With some help from her new friends, as well as her old ones, Shell vows to find a killer. She gets quite a bit of help from Purrday and Kahlua.

Two cats trying to get along and helping to solve a murder mystery? You know I’m going to love this one. I, also, love that it’s the first book in the series so I got in on the ground floor.

The author did a great job of introducing the cast without the stiffness that sometimes accompanies a new series and characters. Shell immediately came to life and her former co-star fit right in as well. They made a great team with a great rapport. There’s no romance involved between them, just a very close friendship. There is a possible romance for Shell, but we’ll find out more about that in subsequent books.

My favorite characters, of course, are Purrday and Kahlua…the kitties! There were so many cute scenes between them. They also helped to solve the mystery along with Shell. I found Shell having conversations with them to be so realistic, since I do that too. LOL

The mystery itself was filled with suspects and twists galore. I had my suspicions about who did it, but changed my mind numerous times throughout the book. It’s a fast-paced story and I can’t wait to read more. This is an excellent start to a brand new series.

THE TIME FOR MURDER IS MEOW by T. C. LoTempio
The First Purr N Bark Pet Shop Mystery

Inheriting her aunt's home and popular pet store was just the opportunity Crishell McMillan was looking for. With her popular TV series cancelled and no desire to join the reboot, she's ready to retire to a quiet life in Fox Hollow. Shell receives a warm welcome from several of the town's business owners and discovers she has a roommate as well, a charming Persian named Purrday, much to the dismay of her own cat, Kahlua. Not everyone in town is friendly though, especially Amelia Witherspoon, who has a striking resemblance to the Wicked Witch of the West, and not just in appearance. Within forty eight hours of arriving, Shell managers to anger a good portion of the museum board, finds herself getting bad press from the town's newspaper editor, and becomes a person of interest in the murder of Amelia, the museum board member who had a feud with Shell's aunt. In order to start fresh and re-open Purr N Bark without any hint of scandal, and perhaps pursue a relationship with a gorgeous detective, Shell gathers her friends to figure out who actually killed the wicked witch.

The Purr and Bark Pet Shop Mystery series is off to a great start. I felt an immediate bond with most of the characters and loved spending time getting to know them. Shell McMillan is down to earth and completely real, despite being a successful Hollywood actress. She's friendly, honest, and determined, yet can get angry and act rashly. Her desire to resolve matters oftentimes gets her in more trouble! I especially love the unexpected arrival of her former co-star. She and Gary continue to make a great team. I look forward to the upcoming romance between Shell and Josh. Of course, Purrday, Kahlua, and Rocco are wonderful additions, smart cats and a lovable goofball of a dog are perfect assets to a cozy mystery.

This book would have received my highest rating, except for two things. The author gave a significant clue leading me to know the identity of the murderer early on. However, I considered it may have been a red herring and it didn't diminish my enjoyment of the story. The flaw for me was when the killer suddenly becomes crazy. The rational murderer with a solid motive who at the end of the mystery is now described as being crazy is a major pet peeve of mine. Still, I absolutely loved everything else in the book!

THE TIME FOR MURDER IS MEOW is a fantastic start to a new series. Entertaining, smart, and funny, the Purr N Bark series has wormed its way into my heart and I can't wait to spend more time with its residents!