A cozy mystery with pets, what else could you ask for?

This is the 5th installment of an ongoing cozy series focusing on a private investor who might end up as the next victim if she's not careful.

It's captivating, thrilling, and of course cozy!

Murder Faux Paws is the fifth installment of the bestselling Nick and Nora series by T. C. LoTempio. Protagonists Nick (a tuxedo cat) and Nora Charles, who is a former reporter, now owner of Hot Bread, a popular sandwich shop. Nora is presently attending a PI course, and the substitute instructor recognizes Nora’s detective skills. He visits her at Hot Bread, and is then murdered, which gets Nora involved in a murder investigation that includes another previous murder and where one of her friends is the prime suspect.

Nick and Nora are fun protagonists, and are well developed. Their interactions are delightful, and Nick is one very talented cat. Most of us cat lovers (I have two tuxedos who are smart, but not half as smart as Nick) wish our cats could do what Nick does. LoTempio also develops the supporting characters well and while they aren’t as wonderful as Nick and Nora, they are believable and have roles that will keep readers on the edge. LoTempio does an excellent job of weaving a plausible story, and this one is good enough to keep readers wanting to get to the surprising end. Nick, who does what he wants and supplies clues to solving mysteries to Nora, seems to be able to escape whenever he wants to help his human.

All told, this is an excellent addition to this fun series, and will cause readers to want to read all of the books in the series. As a bonus, the author supplies easy recipes at the end, so readers can eat while enjoying the novels.


Special thanks to NetGalley for supplying a review copy of this book.

I enjoyed this book so much. I have not read the other books in this series but I never felt like I missed anything by reading out of order. I likes how Nick the cat was a main character and helped with solving not one but two murders. I will be adding the other four books to my TBR pile. I recommend this book to mystery and cat lovers alike

I love this series. Wish they came out more often. Nora is fun but nick steals the show. Will be looking forward to the next in the series.

Nick and Nora are back solving mysteries in book #5 in the series and doing a fine job again. It's not the imbibing socialites though. Nora, sandwich shop owner and PI course taker, and Nick, her scrabble tile clue-giving cat, are the eponymus duo here. What a fun series it is too! Nora's substitute teacher for the PI course drops plenty of hints that the so-called suicide of another PI was actually murder. Nora begins to investigate when another death leads her (and Nick) directly to danger.

Murder Faux Paws is my second cozy mystery. I thought I would like it because a cat was one of the main characters.
I like to have something light to read in the evening. But both of the cozy mysteries I have tried moved too slow for me. The author did a great job of introducing interesting characters. The event the PI was supposed to figure out happened at the very beginning of the book. The cat was smart, cute and very interesting. But after all that it just moved really slow, so maybe cozy mysteries are just not for me.

I have to admit that I am totally in love with Nick! He is an adorable cat that has quite the personality as he helps Nora solve murders. Not that Nora is not a great fmc in her own right. She is currently about half way through her P.I. course in order to earn her credentials. A substitute instructor informs her of a local P.I.'s death that the cops think was a suicide which raises her suspicions which are just confirmed with a second death. With Nick by her side she starts following the clues making for quite the fun and surprises mystery as it all plays out. Our two mc's really carry the story in such a way that will have you feeling as if you are right there with them creating a fabulously fun read that is sure to be enjoyed by coy fans. I totally loved it so I give it 5/5 stars.

This is book 5 in the Nick and Nora series. It can be read as a stand alone. I have only read one in the series. Amateur PI starts investigating when two other pi’s are found dead. She picks up their trail and discovers political theft and bribes in their local council. An easy read with a returning cast. I like the playful title that older fans will recognize from the past.

Nick, the tuxedo cat with a fondness for scrabble tiles, is based on Rocco. Rocco has become a star on his own complete with his blog Cats, Books, and more Cats.. check it out. By Book 5 LoTempio has fully defined the relationship between Nick, our charming mysterious tuxedo sleuth, and Nora. Nora the amateur sleuth is on the path to becoming a real Private Investigator. In the last book, she agreed to take classes. Here she is, now studying with mostly men, while showing the guys how it can be done. Classwork is interrupted when a substitute instructor dies. When another PI also dies, Nora suspects this is not a coincidence. Nick is at his best with the scrabble tiles plus insisting he must be the lead cat, er investigator. This is a charming fast novel, ideal for a summer beach book.

Full disclosure: I received this ARC from Beyond the Book and netgalley in exchange for an unbiased review.

This is the first Nick and Nora mystery that I have read and I absolutely loved it. It was very whimsical and I couldn’t put the book down. I can’t wait to read more about this PI and her trusty cat sidekick. I would highly recommend this book to any and all those that love cozy mysteries.

I have long been a fan of Toni LoTempio; her writing is always filled with beautifully written prose and delightfully entertaining characters. Murder Faux Paws is no exception and continues the streak of fun and captivating storylines and seriously intriguing mysteries that captivate an audience. But then again, you can’t go wrong when one of the main characters is a Scrabble tile spelling cat, and the other is a budding PI cafe owner!

When a PI dies suddenly from what is determined to be suicide, and another dies accidentally, Nora knows it's no coincidence. Even without Nick’s Scrabble words and her natural investigative skills, anyone who knows anything about murder could see that the two PI’s were murdered. The suspects are few, and the wrong person is arrested for the death of one of the PI’s. Nora has to put on her thinking cap and start asking questions. It doesn’t take long for her to realize that this isn’t just a case of suicide and accidental death or even a routine murder; this is a matter of National Security. The killer lines Nora up in their sights, and no amount of Nick’s spelling out words with his Scrabble tiles will save her, or will it?

It’s easy to follow the red herrings in this story, easier to figure out who the killer is if readers pay attention to the details. Nora puts herself in harm's way, and Nick does everything he can to save her before the killer gets by with another murder. Readers will love the action and the suspense. The PI angle is memorable, a Scrabble-playing cat is astonishingly innovative, and the plot is believable. Nora is an engaging character full of charm, curiosity, and determination. Too bad she isn’t good at relationships with men. This is my only complaint about this book and the series in general. The love interest(s) seems a bit forced and not plausible. I loved the wrap-up of the murder investigation, no doubt Nora is an excellent PI, but the rest of the ending was disappointing.

Suffice to say; I will be reading the next installment in the series. I love Nick, the Scrabble-playing cat who seems to be on the magical side of things and always knows when his favorite human is in danger. I think Nora will eventually figure out her romantic issues, and there is no doubt she would make a better PI than most people; why she continues to run the cafe is a question that may need answering. Readers will adore the characters and the town, and they will cheer for Nora and Nick in future volumes. Murder Faux Paws is a fun, quick read that will leave you wanting more or wanting a Scrabble playing cat to hug!

Thank you Netgalley for this ARC for an exchange for an honest review.

Very good mystery. Highly recommend it.

Murder Faux Paws Earns 5/5 Scrabble Tiles…Engaging Cozy!
The suspense starts off immediately…the man’s niggling feeling is made worse by lightening storm and the fact his office had been ransacked. He quickly makes two phone calls, disappointed he could only leave messages, then a sharp pain, a shadow in the doorway, and a threat. His refusal to comply seals his fate…Whip is dead!

Nora Charles is enjoying the private investigator course she’d been gifted seeing it as good research for the article she’s writing for Noir, an online true crime magazine. The substitute teacher, PI Claymore Jarvis, is entertaining and informative, but she’s taken aback by his cryptic comment about one day needing her help. He knew PI Don “Whip” Jennings, and despite the evidence, he never bought the idea of suicide. He knew his friend had been working on a very sensitive case, but even that the police found no evidence. Nora’s intrigued, and sets to check things out. First, talk to the deceased’s assistant Ruby Scott, but Ruby seeks her out first. After they have an enlightening reunion, Nora is more intrigued than ever about exploring Whip’s demise. Surprisingly her lucky just keeps on coming when Claymore Jarvis walks in and dangles more insights to whet Nora’s interest. But her luck runs out. Jarvis heads out to the street, Nora sees someone come out of the shadows, and soon she hears a “Thunk!” and loud screaming. Claymore Jarvis is dead.

I admit I’m not always eager to read books that focus heavily on four-legged sidekicks, but T.C. Lotempio has made me a fan! The Nick and Nora dynamic is entertaining and realistic, if you know cats, and I greatly enjoyed the premise of insights, verifications, or clues being discovered due to the cat’s fascination with Scrabble tiles. The multiple murder mystery has the right amount of suspense with curious photographs, an encrypted note, a few close gun shots, a circumstantial-at-best arrest, political shenanigans, and possible federal significance. The thrill never quieted culminating with a perilous conclusion. Additionally, the issues with boyfriends, exes on break, unrequited romance, and a sister vs sister dynamic were fascinating side stories that helped to support a strong community and close group of characters. I am a fan of recipes with my cozy, especially when they are linked to the story. Straight from the Recipe Book of Nora Charles…Fischbrötchen (German Fish Sandwich), for roast beef lovers the Jimmy Caan sandwich or the Kevin Costner, or The Wolverine with cube steak. I loved the names!

What a fun cozy. Nick and Nora Charles are on the case, but they aren't who you think they are. Nick is a cat with a propensity to sniff out clues and then help Nora nab the killer. He uses scrabble tiles to help spell out clues! Nora is taking a class on being a PI. The substitute teacher visits her in her sandwich shop. He tells her he doesn't believe the first PI killed himself, which is what the police say. After this meeting, she watches him walk away followed by a stranger. Soon after, she hears the screech of tires and the man she just met with ends up dead. The police detective, an old boyfriend, is training his replacement. Neither take her seriously and that ticks her off. Nick and Nora are now on the case.

What a fun concept. I cat that spells out clues with scrabble tile. I really enjoyed this story. It was easy-to-read and engaging. The characters are likeable as well. I would definitely read another book by this author.

In this fifth book in the Nick and Nora mystery series, Nora is hot on the case of a dead PI. His death has been ruled a suicide, but there are some clues that make Nora believe he was the victim of very foul play. A second death adds to that suspicion and puts Nick and Nora on the case to find out who is killing private investigators…and why.

Nora follows the clues (and Nick’s hints) that lead to a local politician and his campaign funds, but Nora is soon discovering there’s much more in play…maybe even national security is at risk. And that puts Nora in a very vulnerable position, facing forces bigger than a local case.

With Nick’s help and protection, will Nora escape the forces closing in around her and reveal who is behind the murders and more?

Ms. LoTempio has crafted a wonderful cast of characters and written a great mystery that will keep you turning pages as you try to figure out whodunit…and if Nick and Nora will survive the villainous plans to end their investigation.

I’m already looking forward to the next instalment of this wonderful series.

In the fifth installment of T. C. LoTempio's Nick and Nora series, Murder Faux Paws, protagonist Nora Charles is pulled away from her bakery as a result of a hit-and-run accident. Nora had met the victim in this case when he was a substitute for the teacher of the P.I. course that she had enrolled in. He later came to the bakery to talk with her about a fellow P.I. whose recent death had been classified as a suicide by the police department.

Within this series, the author has created a cast of characters that have integrated long term relationships and past history that continues to develop and intensify with each subsequent installment. Additionally, the underlying continuing mystery as to where the elusive Nick Atkins is gives possibly an unlimited number of directions for the author to take these characters. In a departure from much of the Cozy Mystery genre where the main protagonist develops a serious and steady romantic interest early in the series, this author has created multiple romance possibilities for her characters to navigate and keeps the reader guessing as to who each will ultimately end up with along with a variety of challenges they must overcome first.

Another interesting component to this series is the steady introduction of new characters who have crossed paths with Nora throughout her life lending additional possible directions and interactions with which the author can continue to develop a set of multidimensional characters with many stories waiting in the wings to be told.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and Beyond the Page Publishing in exchange for a fair and honest review.

What is better than a cozy mystery? — one that has a brilliant cat detective. This is the first book that I read from this author and it certainly will not be my last. Murder Faux Paws is book #5 in a series, however it can definitely be read alone. I found the characters to be likable and I enjoyed reading about the antics of the cat. The mystery of who-dun-it kept me engrossed and I was guessing until the very end. I would highly recommend to those who are cozy mystery fans.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. the opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/murder-faux-paws-t-c-lotempio/1140866650?ean=9781954717688

Synopsis:

Dead men tell no tales, but in the riveting new Nick and Nora Mystery, they sure leave a lot of clues . . .

When a local PI’s untimely death is ruled a suicide by the police, budding sleuth Nora Charles has no intention of letting sleeping dogs lie—or sleeping cats, for that matter. Certain it was a case of foul play, Nora rouses her trusty sidekick Nick and launches an investigation of her own. Then a second PI is murdered, and Nora knows the two men were on to something—and that she’s on to something too.

Following the enigmatic clues left by her late predecessors, Nora soon uncovers a plot that involves a local politician, missing campaign funds, and what could be a bogus real estate deal. But when hints of treason surface, what started as small-time thievery soon balloons into a matter of national security. With the uncanny Nick sniffing out—and spelling out—leads, Nora follows a trail that will take her to the heart of a shadowy conspiracy, and into a trap set by a conniving culprit that will have her wishing she had Nick’s nine lives . . . (Goodreads)

Review:

The characters are well rounded and well developed. When a local
PI is found dead, it is ruled a suicicde. When a second PI is also found dead it cannot be a coincidence. Nora knows she has to figure out what happened to them. She will have help from her sidekick, Nick, who is her sleuthing cat. Oh yeah, she will have some help from her human friends too.

The writing style flows smoothly and the book is an easy read. The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and these descriptions set the stage for an intriguing read. The mystery was well plotted and rather complex. There were enough clues to sift through and you will have to have your sleuthing cap on to try to solve it.

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery. I will have to catch up on the other books in the series.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher, Beyond The Page, and NetGalley, which I greatly appreciate.

Nora Charles is taking a PI class in preparation for writing a magazine article, although it seems she already has some experience in sleuthing. The substitute teacher asks Nora if she'd be interested in helping him out on a case, but doesn't explain himself. The next day he stops by Nora's sandwich shop to explain that another PI's recent death was written off by the police as suicide but he doesn't believe it.

When the second PI was killed in front of Nora's sandwich shop, she starts putting together clues to identify the killer.

With the help of her exceptional cat, Nick, Nora discovers a plot involving a local politician that soon evolves into an issue of national security.

This was a great story with an interesting cast. I will definitely read more from this series.

I've become quite fond of this series.
Nora Charles and her cat, Nick make a great pair, and I love how Nick uses scrabble tiles to give Nora clues.
Nora would make a great private investigator and it's a treat to read about her taking a course.
This mystery was well played out and I really wasn't sure who the murderer was.
The cliffhanger at the end made me excited for the next book.
I highly recommend this series.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.
#MurderFauxPaws #NetGalley