It was a long wait between book 3 and book 4 of this charming cat and sleuth cozy series. Berkley stopped publishing them in 2016. I am very happy that Beyond the Page is now supporting LoTempio.
Fans will remember that Nick (the cat) and Nora (the human) solve mysteries in the style of the Golden Age sleuths Nick and Nora Charles. The wit and banter are there. The martinis and Asta are not. Of course not. Nick is a cat! . The cozy offers everything a reader wants. A fast paced plot, a good setting, and quirky characters. LoTempio draws upon her knowledge of the publishing world in this volume as both the corpse and the main suspects are authors or involved in publishing. I appreciated the dialogue between Nick and Nora. LoTempio appears to be fluent in cattish. A series that has been blurbed by Carole Nelson Douglass, the doyenne of this genre, is a series worth reading. I am looking forward to further adventures with Nick oh yes and with Nora. LoTempio has written another winner.

Recommended for ages Young Adult on up. Some violence that occurs off stage.

Full disclosure: I received this ARC from Netgalley and Beyond the Page Publishing in exchange for an unbiased review. Thank you for this opportunity.

Dollycas’s Thoughts

Handsome tuxedo cool cat Nick is back with his person, Nora Charles finding dead bodies and sleuthing out criminals in this long-awaited 4th installment of the Nick and Nora mysteries by T. C. LoTempio, This time Nora comes to the aid of an old friend of her mother, Desiree Sanders, one half of the writing team of Tiffany Blake.

It seems the other half of the team, Marlene McCambridge, wants to sever their partnership. Marlene has hinted she has a tell-all book revealing the secrets of several people, including Desiree. Desiree begs Nora to meet with Marlene and get to the truth about why she wants to dissolve their partnership. After trying to talk Desiree into several other options Nora agrees to try to meet with Marlene. Not sure what she can really do she sets off to visit the author.

Instead, when she and Nick arrive at the home the woman is renting they are too late. Marlene McCambridge is dead. Before calling the police Nick and Nora do a little snooping. But before she even makes the call law enforcement arrives in the form of Leroy Samms and he soon decides Desiree is his prime suspect prompting Nora to start her own investigation to clear her new friend’s name putting her right in the sights of the real killer.

I love the author’s twist on The Thin Man as the theme for her mysteries. In this case, Nora is joined by a lovable cat named Nick. Nick is a very special cat. He is very savvy in figuring out clues and presenting them in very clear ways for Nora to understand. I am so glad this series has returned and I was able to quickly reconnect with all the characters I had come to love. FBI Agent Daniel and FBI Agent on loan to the local police department Samms are both sweet on Nora. Nora and Daniel are dating as his workload allows but she can’t deny she has feelings for Samms too. They would both like her to stay out of the case and sell her sandwiches but know that is never going to happen. All of the characters in this story are very well developed and engaging but the author has left room for them to grow and stay fresh in their relationships.

Ms. LoTempio has crafted a superior mystery for this series return. Very quickly the plot opens up revealing quite a few suspects. Filled with twists and turns our protagonists are pulled in many different directions. Just when Nora thinks she has everything figured out another dead body shakes everything up. I love the way Nick and Nora communicate and the important role Nick plays throughout the entire story. He comes to Nora’s aid in a crucial moment and it had me cheering. The clever writing by this author always makes me smile.

Hiss H for Homicide is a great comeback for this series. I hope with this new publisher we will have many more Nick and Nora mysteries to enjoy. I highly recommend the entire series but the author has made it super easy to jump into the series with this book. Though I bet you will want to read them all.

Nick and Nora Charles are back for another adventure in this new episode of their mystery series.

Nora Charles gets a visit from an old friend of her mother’s, Desiree Sanders. Desiree is one-half of a romance author team and she begs Nora for help. Her writing partner, Marlene McCambridge is not only dumping her as a writing partner, but she’s planning to publish a tell-all book that will reveal all of Desiree’s secrets. Desiree isn’t the only one in danger of having her secrets exposed. Apparently everyone Marlene knew was scared of what she was about to reveal.

Nora agrees to help Desiree, but when she arrives at Marlene’s home, she finds someone has already taken care of the author. Marlene McCambridge is dead and the police turn their sights on Desiree. They are convinced Desiree took matters into her own hands to stop publication of the novel by killing her former partner.

Nora and her feline partner, Nick, get to work to prove their friends’ innocence. They turn up a whole list of possible suspects who want to get rid of Marlene, but which one actually did the crime?

I so love this series. Of course Nora’s cat, Nick, always steals the show. He’s a great detective who gets his point across using Scrabble tiles. He’s ready to help his human at all times. I can’t get enough of Nick’s antics.

This is the fourth book in this series and the best one yet. I’ve enjoyed this series from the beginning. Although not necessary to read these books in order, I think it’s so much more fun to do so. It gives you a chance to get much background information on the characters and makes it so much more enjoyable.

If you do start the series with this book, rest assured that the mystery storyline begins and ends in this book. It's not a continuing mystery with any cliff hangers.

The storyline moves at a nice, fast-pace and keeps you guessing. I was taken by surprise at who the culprit turned out to be. The mystery has the feel of a classic story like an Agatha Christie book.

I’m really looking forward to the next book in this delightful series.




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.

Hiss H for Homicide is another page-turning cozy mystery in the Nick and Nora series. I read Meow if It's Murder over six years ago, yet the characters were so memorable that I felt like I was right back in the middle of things with Nora, Nick, Chantal and the rest of the crew. I'm not sure how I missed books 2 and 3, but I didn't feel as if I were missing anything. So, if you haven't read the first 3, don't let that stop you from jumping in here!

You'll love the characters in Hiss H for Homicide. Not only are the main characters well-developed, the side characters are colorful make the story even more enjoyable. And, of course, Nick, the tuxedo cat, takes the top spot. He's not your average cat. He likes playing with Scrabble tiles, and remarkably, those tiles always lead to clues!

The mystery and murder in Hiss H for Homicide are very well-crafted, and you'll be thrown off by the multiple red herrings. I can't say too much without giving you spoilers! It's so exciting, and I want you to follow the clues yourself.

With it's wonderful characters, perfectly paced plot, and perplexing mystery, Hiss H for Homicide is a must read for cozy mystery lovers.

I was pleasantly surprised when I read this book! A cat detective - what a treat! Oh, and a human, too. Nick and Nora are a fun crime-solving couple! Because this is book 4 of the series, I've put the first three books on hold at my library so I can catch up!

This was an easy read for me! The characters are engaging even though I hadn't read the previous books. Nick was the most engaging yet frustrating cat I've ever met. He was perfect! He and Nora led the reader on a merry chase to catch a killer.

Thank you to NetGalley and Beyond the Page Publishing for the opportunity to read and review this book! I'm excited to read the previous books to catch up on this series.

Nick and Nora Charles are back in this fun and twisty mystery. Of course, Nick is now a handsome tuxedo cat with a propensity for finding clues then finding ways to clue in his human sleuther. A romance novelist threatens to publish a tell-all that aims at her partner, other romance novelists and former lovers, but is murdered before it's published. As you can imagine, this is fertile ground for a good cozy that is well cultivated by the author.

Hiss H for Homicide by T. C. LoTempio is the 4th book in the Nick and Nora Mystery series, and I am thrilled to see the series back. It has been around 5 years since the last book, glad a new publisher picked up the series. Nora Charles has agreed to help her mother's friend, by looking into her ex-writing partner writing of a tell all book. When the ex partner turns up dead, Nora and her trusty cat, Nick are on the case. What a great cozy mystery series, I highly recommend it. I will be forward to the next book in the series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Cozy crime involving the crime of the romance literary scene! Really loved all the details about the publishing industry and process as a publisher to be!

This is the 4th Nick and Nora mystery. This series is pure catnip to cat lovers. It is charming and always a good sleuth with fun charcters. Thank you to Net Galley and to the publisher. My review opinion is my own.
We fans of the series are thrilled to have this series continue.


In this next in series a famous author is murdered and Nick is helping Nora find clues . The Tuxedo cat has a talent for helping his owner solve crimes. I loved the revel at the end which was surprising . The charcters are adorable and as a fan of the series I am thrilled to have this fun crime fighting duo back.

Well done to the author !

Enjoyable.

In an attempt to attract more business Nora Charles has put up a TV in her lunchroom. More people come in, to watch TV (as if they don't have a set in their own home), but most are too preoccupied with the moving pictures to order at the counter.

Perhaps for the better, as Nora herself is a little too preoccupied with trying to solve a murder to run her business. It's good thing her friend Chantal is there to man the counter or Nora would probably not have a business anymore. (Why Chantal is manning the counter at Nora's lunchroom rather than at her own shop is not mentioned in this story. Perhaps in one of the previous books.)

Famous author is found dead in her rental home. She's an unlikable person that has shafted many people in the past, yet she knew delicate secrets of many of these people. Secrets that could cost these people their livelihoods if they were ever revealed. And reveal is what the author is about to do. She's written a tell-all book.

Naturally, there is no shortage of suspects. And Nora and cat Nick are set on finding out who did it. Or rather, prove it wasn't the former writing partner that was best friends with Nora's mother.

I have a few minor gripes with this book, such a cat in the kitchen or on the counter of a place that sells food; a cat that always seems to have a few scrabble tiles about to see something that can't be transferred in a meow; and Nora deciding she must confront the killer because there is not enough evidence to present the case to a jury. As there is no court date set yet, I think there is plenty of time for the police and DA to build a case based on the evidence there is.

I liked the interaction with Ollie, tough.

I was given a free e-copy of this novel by NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.

I have never read a novel by T.C. LoTempio before, but I will definitely go back to the beginning of this series. You can read this book as a standalone, because the author has provided enough information for the reader to know that there are other novels in the timeline but it's not really relevant to the current novel.

Nora Charles receives a visit from an old friend of her mother. This friend is also a famous author and is one half of a very popular romance series. She asks Nora to speak with her writing partner about supposedly writing a tell all novel that could ruin her future career. Reluctantly, Nora agrees but wishes she hadn't when she discovers the woman's cold body. Now Nora is investigating the woman's death to prevent her mother's friend from going to jail. But with a tell all novel floating around, Nora doesn't have a clue as to which suspects to investigate first, or even what she might have gotten herself into.

I enjoyed this novel, especially the inclusion of Nick the cat. Many of Nick's mannerisms reminded me so much of my two girls, and I actually laughed out loud at a couple of scenes. Cats are super creepy, and Nick was no exception. However, I liked how the author made that creepiness helpful to Nora in her investigation.

I also really liked the character of Nora. I felt she was practical and down to earth. She had enough nosiness to her to continue the investigation, but enough sense to know when to call in help. I especially liked how independent she was and openminded to her friends and their quirks.

The mystery was really thought out, and realistic. Most people would not want their secrets blabbed, especially by someone incredibly biased and awful. I wasn't expecting the killer to be who it was, so that made the story even better for me.

Overall I rate this novel 5 out 5 stars.

3.5 Stars

Nora Charles gets a call from Desiree Sanders, a friend of her deceased mother. Desiree is one half of a successful romance writing team. Desiree thinks the other half, Marlene McCambridge, is planning to end the partnership and she wants Nora to find out why. Nora agrees to speak to Marlene, but discovers the woman’s dead body. Nora learns that Marlene had been planning to write a gossipy tell-all, revealing secrets of her friends and rivals. Nora and her feline partner, Nick, launch their own investigation to find out if someone had secrets worth killing for.

It’s been a few years since the prior book in this series and I was excited to see Nora and Nick’s adventures are continuing. The premise of the book with a smart cat finding ways to communicate with Nora to help solve crime is reminiscent of Lilian Jackson Braun’s Cat Who… Series. This part of the book is well-done with Nick’s abilities coming across as amazing and fun and not too whimsical. The plot is interesting and the book starts out really good with Nora tracking down possible suspects in Marlene’s murder. Things bog down towards the middle with no real progress being made in the investigation and Nora making poor decisions.

Nora is dating an FBI agent and seems to still be attracted to a high school boyfriend who is now a police detective. In spite of this, Nora withholds her theories, plans, and even evidence from both of them and puts herself into dangerous situations from which her cat has to rescue her. Things start getting a little too unbelievable, but then Nora seems to learn from her mistakes and gets smarter about how she proceeds with her sleuthing. The story quickly turns around for an exciting ending. In fact, in spite of some disappointments in this book, developments at the end of the story have me already anticipating the next book in this charming series.

~ Christine

I really like how Nick helps Nora solve the mysteries and protects her. You wouldn’t think a cat could be so fierce.
I like Nora’s relationships with the other characters in the book. Are you team Daniel or team Samms? At this point, I’m undecided. I hope this triangle doesn’t drag out too long.

I can’t wait for the next installment.
I was given an advanced copy by Netgalley. I am not required to leave a positive review.

Hiss H for Homicide by T. C. LoTempio is the fourth book in Nick and Nora Mystery series.

In this installment Nora is contacted by her mother's friend to help her convince her former writing partner not to publish a tall all memoir.
And Nora simply can't refuse the challenge.

I felt that with this book she actually didn't have a legitimate reason for interfering and solving the mystery. In all previous cases her involvement was sensibly justified which is not the case with the latest adventure.

I like Nick and his helpfulness doesn't require too much of a stretched imagination. I probably have a soft spot for this kind of helper as it reminds me of one of my favorite series of all times.

However, some of the details were very hard to believe and were simply too over the top. The fact is that Nora never shares important information with anyone and is constantly putting herself in danger and more importantly, some of the clues and Nora's findings are less than believable. She also quite often steps over the line.
I also can't comprehend that she allows the cat were food is being prepared and served and no one is complaining.
The trend of must have love triangles in cozy mysteries, is something that I can't find the explanation for and it really spoils the story for me.

I like the storyline. It is always solid and very absorbing, well presented and developed. The ending is satisfactorily explained and everything falls into place.

Hiss H for Homicide by T. C. LoTempio is book four in A Nick and Nora Mystery. This was the first one I have read but it won't be the last! It can be read as a stand alone.
This easy to read Cozy has everything a great Cozy needs. You get plenty of plot twists, a great setting, likeable characters, humor, romance, and a loveable cat! I need a Nick in my life.
I was given an ARC by Beyond the Page Publishing via NetGalley for an honest review.

Nick and Nora are back finding dead bodies. Nora's love life seems to be in a bit of a quandary. A fun and interesting cozy mystery. An entertaining bit of escapism. Authors, their issues and secrets. All the usual characters plus some new ones. This can be read as a standalone. As with most series, it is more enjoyable when read in order. I look forward to reading the further adventures of Nick and Nora.

When I requested to read this novel, I did not know that it was the fourth book in the series. I think that I need to start from the beginning.

This novel is about a friend of Nora's mother who asks Nora for help and Nora cannot say No. Desiree/Dora has been part of a writing team that put together successful romance novels. The writing partner wants to end the business partnership. Nora Charles has a cat named Nick. I loved the characters.

Wonderful new (to me) cozy mystery with a protagonist named Nora Charles. And her tuxedo cat is named Nick Charles. Reminded me of The Thin Man mysteries with Myrna Loy and William Powell.

I could guess who the killer was. It was fun finding the clues that led to the killer.

This was the first time I read a book by T.C. LoTempio.

Note: Beyond the Page publishers granted my request to read an Advanced Reading Copy in exchange for an honest review.

I’m so happy Nick and Nora are back since I really liked the earlier books in the series and it’s been a few years since we got a new book.

When there’s a dead body, Nora investigates and discovers there’s quite a list of potential suspects. The whodunit was a little bit of a surprise. What really was a bit of a letdown for me though was that Nora seemed almost annoying at times, particularly with the interfering with evidence. I do love Nick, the tuxedo cat who seems to know all the clues.

Overall, a good read just not as good as the previous ones were for me.

Nora is contacted by a friend of her mother's. The woman, who is a successful romance writer, wants to why her writing partner wants to break up their partnership. Nora finds the writing partner dead in her rental. The prime suspect is Nora's mother's friend. Nora finds other suspects when she learns the dead writer is writing a tell-all book that reveals secrets that someone is willing to kill to keep.

I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher and/or author via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I liked this one very much and the not so subtle nod to the iconic mystery solving married couple, Nick and Nora Chase. Furry Nick is quite the charmer and a very talented feline but his penchant for Scrabble tiles and ability to get his point across to Nora. Nora is a feisty former investigative reporter who is as smart as she is stubborn. I had no problem keeping up with the plot or the characters. I will point out that I am not a fan of the more than one romantic possibility but if Special Agent Daniel doesn't make it exclusive why shouldn't Nora go down the "what if" path with Samms. I'll tell you why, it never works out well, that is why, pick a guy and move on. Rant over. Great story with some colorful characters and excellent sandwich recipes that I will be needing to try ASAP. I was derailed by one red herring thinking much like the Feds, that a mob boss is going to claim to be innocent, but how innocent could he really be? Highly entertaining and even made me want to see about getting or streaming a copy of The Thin Man. Gotta love the classic PI movie mojo! Oh and who is Nick Atkins anyway??