In this fourth installment of Urban Tails Pet Shop Mysteries, former actress and current pet grooming and supplies shop owner Shell McMillan is happy to be part of a fundraiser for the local animal shelter. People can bring memorabilia and collectibles for appraisal and possible sale. But when Pete Martin shows up trying to steal an old jewellery box and ends up dead, Shell is on the case to help solve the mystery.

And things just get more complicated when it’s discovered the jewellery box contains diamonds from a past heist. Martin wasn’t the only one trying to get the box, and Shell is determined to find out what’s going on and who is the killer.

The author has created an interesting cast of characters over the previous three titles and it’s great to go back to Fox Hollow and spend some time with them all again, including the cats. That said, this book can certainly be read as a stand-alone.

There’s an intriguing mystery and our heroine faces some dangerous foes as she follows the clues to figure out whodunit with plenty of feline help.

Cute cat cozy for some fun reading.

A cute, self-contained tale with minimal violence and a penchant for the feline friendly. There wasn’t too much depth to these characters, although I did feel like I was in the middle of the exposition for all the main players.

Despite the haziness of the character development, the plot was tight and interesting and fun to try to figure out.

Cats, Carats and Killers
Urban Tails Pet Shop Mysteries, Book #4
T. C. LoTempio
5 Stars

Synopsis:

There may be honor among thieves, but a long-ago diamond heist might hold the secret to a man’s murder . . .

Pet shop owner Shell McMillan is thrilled to see everyone in Fox Hollow flocking to the local animal shelter’s fundraiser, where they can get their old keepsakes and collectibles appraised and maybe even sell them for a tidy sum. But the event has drawn some shady characters as well, including Pete Martin, who seems determined to get his hands on a beat-up old jewelry box at any cost. Then Martin is found murdered, and Shell has to go from fundraising to finding a killer.

It doesn’t take long for Shell to figure out that the jewelry box was concealing diamonds from a long-ago heist, and that Martin wasn’t the only one trying to get his hands on the stash. But to figure out who wanted him dead, she’ll have to uncover who was behind the original heist and who knows where the rest of the gems are hidden. It’s as dangerous a case as Shell has ever faced, and if she’s not careful, her search for the missing stones will leave her stone-cold dead . . .

Praise for the books of T. C. LoTempio, winner of the Firebird Award for Best Cozy Mystery:

“If you love cozy mystery books with cats, great characters, yummy food descriptions, and twisty mysteries, you will love A Purr Before Dying!” —Christy’s Cozy Corners

“A fabulous addition to the fun cozy mystery series. It can be read on its own but it is so much better if you have read them in order. T. C. LoTempio creates a story that you won't want to put down.” —Books A Plenty Book Reviews

“I hope we get more adventures and mysteries with Nora and Nick. There’s so much intrigue in each book with some hints at a potential romance. I know I’m in for hours of enjoyment when I see a new Nick and Nora book out.” —Socrates’ Book Reviews

“A Purr Before Dying was so entertaining. I hope this series continues for a long time as these characters are some of my favorites.” —Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book

About the Author:

T. C. LoTempio is the award-winning, nationally bestselling author of the Nick and Nora Mysteries, the Urban Tails Pet Shop Mysteries, and the Cat Rescue Mysteries. For more information, check out her and her cat Rocco’s blog at www.catsbooksmorecats.blogspot.com and visit her website at www.tclotempio.net.


Review:

The characters are well rounded and well rounded. Shell is thrilled with how well the fundraiser is doing but before long someone is killed and she has to figure out who the killer is and why they killed.
She will need the help of her friends and her adorable pets.

The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and these descriptions pulled me into the story from the very beginning. Whether I was reading about the fundraising or seeing what kind of trouble Purrday gets into I was very engaged. The writing style flows smoothly and the book is an easy read. The mystery was well plotted and not easily solved.

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery. These books just keep getting better.

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

At the fundraiser for the local animal shelter, Shell, ex-tv star and now proprietor of pet grooming/supplies store is watching over a jewelry box a friend wanted to get appraised at the fundraiser. A weird amount of interest in the jewelry box by some unsavory sorts sets off her Spidey sense leading us into the mystery. Interesting plot and fun characters people this cozy mystery an enjoyable read.

T.C. LoTempio writes excellent cozy mysteries and her cats are realistic and full of personality. That said this is a good cozy, there're cats, and the solid mystery kept me guessing.
I fell in love with the cover and loved the mystery.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

Shell and her heroic cats had outdone themselves this time. The cats were the super sleuths in this one. They found the clues that helped Shell with her investigation and also were able to help save Shell’s life, as usual. This was another exciting read where Shell’s curiosity went wild, keeping away from the investigation wasn’t on the table. The intrigue level was good, along with the engagement, and the excite-o-meter was also good. It was a great read.

Book Review: Cats, Carats and Killers by T.C. LoTempio

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

If you're looking for a thrilling mystery with a touch of charm, look no further than "Cats, Carats and Killers" by T.C. LoTempio. The story revolves around pet shop owner Shell McMillan, who finds herself entangled in a web of deceit and murder after a diamond heist from the past resurfaces.

Shell's involvement in a local animal shelter fundraiser takes a dangerous turn when a murder occurs, leading her on a quest to uncover the secrets behind a mysterious jewelry box. As she delves deeper into the case, she realizes that more lives are at stake than she initially thought.

One of the best parts of this book is its cleverly crafted plot, packed with surprising twists and turns that will keep you hooked. LoTempio's writing style is engaging and keeps the story moving at a brisk pace, making it hard to put the book down.

The characters in "Cats, Carats and Killers" are another highlight of the novel. Shell McMillan is a very likable protagonist, and the supporting cast adds depth and intrigue to the story. Their interactions and dynamics bring an extra layer of enjoyment to the narrative.

As a standalone novel, "Cats, Carats and Killers" excels in delivering a complete and satisfying mystery while leaving room for further exploration in future installments. New readers will find it easy to dive into the story without feeling lost or overwhelmed by previous events.

In conclusion, T.C. LoTempio has crafted a delightful mystery that combines elements of suspense, intrigue, and charming characters. With its well-paced plot and engaging storytelling, "Cats, Carats and Killers" is a must-read for fans of cozy mysteries. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and eagerly anticipate the next installment in the series.

⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️

Brought to you by OBS reviewer Andra

Cats, Carats, and Killers is the fourth book in the Urban Tails Pet Shop series by T.C. LoTempio. I have followed this series from the beginning and I must say, the main characters (aka the cats) are what keeps me coming back. Well, that and the engaging storylines with a solid main “human” character 😊.

The murder that Shell McMillan feels compelled to solve in this cozy mystery is also tied into a long-ago diamond heist, so more intrigue and complexity to the solving of the murder. Always a plus in my book. From the progression from book one – I can see that Shell is developing as an amateur sleuth. However, she does still seem to get caught up in the drama and inadvertently puts herself in harms way. Luckily, Purrday, Kahlua, and Princess Fuzzypants (the three cats) always seems to help her in time.

The story begins with Shells’ mother, Clarissa (who is now a partner at Second Hand Sue’s) organizing the “Appraise for Strays” event. Clarissa has even convinced Gerard Antoine; the host of a local antiques appraisal show and huge animal lover and supporter of no-kill shelters to come to Fox Hollow to appraise people’s “treasures” at the event. At the event, one specific item is garnering a lot of attention – an old jewellery box. Shell’s determination to find out why this jewellery box is so sought after leads her into some sticky situations with potentially dire consequences. Shell, along with her best pal Leila uncover many clues, which lead them into more dangerous situations. As I was reading, I did hope they would solve the mysteries before something happened to them. My fears are of course unfounded as this is a cozy mystery. But that says something about the writing – keeping me engaged and worried for the protagonist and everyone she drags along with her in the pursuit of truth and justice.

While reading the prologue, I wondered how this would tie into the present-day situation. I wondered how this past jewellery heist would play into the current day story? It was actually comforting to not jump right into a murder. It was a bit of a slow build. As the reading progressed, I was able to figure out a few clues and make sense of them, but by no means did I figure out the “whodunit” until the end – which is the way I like my cozy mysteries!

Many of the beloved characters that have been around since book one (Gary for example) are still in the picture – so it was like coming home and reading about all of their antics and seeing what has happened since the last book. Comfortable.

As I have come to expect, the writing of T.C. LoTempio is engaging. The cats are great characters in the book and the humans are not so shabby either 😊. Not only do the readers get to read about and try and solve a murder but we also get the added bonus of solving a cold case with respect to the jewel heist. I loved this extra dimension. Par usual – the cats ferreted out many of the clues – or at least pointed them out to Shell.

I must say – I loved the cover art. Having three cats on the cover and a picture of a dog on the wall of the office sends warm fuzzies to my heart as I love seeing the animals on the cover.

If you enjoy cozy mysteries with “a bit more “, then I suggest picking up Cats, Carats and Killers and get reading. You will not be disappointed.

I have loved the books I have read so far in the Urban Tails Pet Shop series. The characters are well developed and the relationships are entertaining. The mystery aspect of this book had you guessing until the end. There were multiple suspects and lots of clues that have you thinking you know the guilty person. The cats are a hoot and I love Purrday and Princess Fuzzypants. I love seeing Shell work to solve the mystery. I can’t wait to return to Fox Hollow and spend time with this wonderful group of characters.

Thank you to NetGalley and Beyond the Page for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.

For more reviews, please visit my blog at: https://www.msladybugsbookreviews.com/. Over 1000 reviews posted!

The following review was published on Kings River Life:

Cats, Carats, and Killers is book four in T.C. LoTempio’s Urban Tails Pet Shop Mysteries and the perfect read for cozy mystery lovers who enjoy stories that include some wonderfully smart and cuddly feline companions.

Urban Tails Pet Shop owner Shell McMillan is helping with a fundraiser for the Fox Hollow animal shelter. Shell’s mother, Clarissa, designed the antiques appraisal fundraiser, and crowds are flocking to the event to have their old keepsakes and collectibles evaluated.

The event, however, seems to also attract some shady characters, including former resident Pete Martin, as well as a mysterious couple who is determined to get their hands on an old wooden jewelry box. Shell manages to secure the jewelry box, but realizes there is more to the story when Pete is found murdered. Could the murder be tied to the box with its secret compartments? And why is the FBI in town investigating a long-ago unsolved diamond heist? Shell dives into this mystery with both feet, especially when her friend Gus is arrested for the murder.

This is such an entertaining and puzzling mystery–the perfect combination of all the elements I love in a cozy mystery: small town setting, determined amateur sleuth with a detective boyfriend, unique side characters, and cats with delightful personalities (and names! You have to love cats with the names Purrday, Kahlua, and Princess Fuzzypants).

I was glued to this mystery, following Shell’s journey, and while I had solved part of the mystery, I did not see that ending coming and it had me sitting straight up to read. Shell’s sleuthing partnership with Gary adds so much fun to the story, and Shell’s mother is quite the character. No spoilers, but Shell’s mother has an idea for another fundraiser at the end of the book and this reader is hoping it is featured in book five!

As far as cosy crime books goes this was good. Lots going on, lots of twists and turns and a fast read because of it. Just perfect for a summer afternoon or on holiday.

The part that really irritated me though was the cats. It's clear the author needed dog behaviours (pointing to things, leading their owner to dead bodies, and following their owner about town) but wanted to include cats for some reason. This, for me spoiled the story. Don't get me wrong I have had cats all my life, from moggies to Siamese and to Bengals (both indoor and outdoor cats) so am a cat person but none of the behaviour she writes about it typical of one cat, let alone four in one town, It was just weird.

But ignore the cats and it's a fun cosy read.

This is the fourth in the Urban Tails Pet Shop Mystery series. Set in Fox Hollow, Connecticut, The animal shelter is having a version of “Antique Road Show” as a fund raiser. We now have four cat helping Shell, Purrday, Kahlua, Princess Fuzzypants and, Cleopawtra.

I felt it started off slowly. Shell finds herself right in the middle of a cold case and a new murder. The twists and turns lead us to who committed the cold case robbery and whether the cases are related. Shell and Gary lead us through the mysteries.

I look forward to the next issue. I received a copy of this book days after publication from Netgalley. I am not required to leave a positive review.

jewelry-heist, verbal-humor, relationships, small-town, small-business, situational-humor, cats, cozy-mystery, pets, local-law-enforcement, local-gossip, amateur-sleuth, Connecticut, family, family-dynamics, murder-investigation, antiques, animal-shelter, fundraiser*****

Yippee! Another fun cozy from Urban Tails Pet Shop Mysteries!
Shell had escaped Hollywood thanks to an elderly relative's bequest of a beloved pet shop in small town Connecticut. But unfortunately, she didn't escape her self-absorbed mother who can't imagine her daughter WANTING to leave Hollywood after a decent career in television. Shell has had a hand in solving a murder before and has an interest in the local Homicide Detective.
Much of the set-up for this installment is in the publisher's blurb, but that doesn't tell you how much fun it is to read. I love the way real clues are hidden amongst the red herrings and a diabolical plot twist or two.
I requested and received a free EARC copy from Beyond the Page Publishing via NetGalley. Thank you!
#UrbanTailsPet ShopMysteriesBk4 #CatsCaratsandKillers #NetGalley #DiamondHeist

This entry in the series further develops Shell McMillan's characters and the character of her lovable cats. Shell is in the midst of a fundraiser for the local shelter. A man is murdered and a friend of hers is accused. She knows he didn't do it. One of the items for the fundraiser is an antique wooden jewelry box that may hold the answers to the murders and to a robbery from years past. Clever writing with bits of humor makes this a pleasant cozy. Thanks to Net Galley for the arc.

CATS, CARATS, AND KILLERS by T. C. LoTempio
The Fourth Urban Tails Pet Shop Mystery

Shell McMillan, owner of the Urban Tails Pet Shop and former star of Spy Anyone, is proud to be a sponsor of Appraise for Strays, a fundraiser for the local animal shelter. While several unique items have come in, a lot of interest is being shown in a little wooden box, too much interest. One such interested person is Pete Martin, a bad penny who's returned to town. When he winds up dead, diner owner Gus Morton becomes the prime suspect. Could the box and the murder be tied to an old jewelry heist? With the FBI in town investigating and a hot shot journalist insinuating himself in the investigation Shell will do what she can to prove Gus is innocent with help from friends, including the special felines, Purrday and Princess Fuzzypants.

An unsolved robbery with missing diamonds, an unassuming wooden box, and murder combine in the delightful fourth Urban Tails Pet Shop Mystery.

A jewel heist combined with an antiques appraisal? Yes, please. It's a great combination. The possibility of discovering treasure is always a thrill, one of the reason those antique appraisal shows are so compelling. Could that godawful painting from Aunt Hatty be an actual Picasso? Or that vase you got at the charity shop. Could it be worth more than the $2.00 you spent?

Readers are introduced to the original crime which is then skillfully woven through the new mystery, that of the wooden box and the murder. Important information and clues are clearly laid out providing several “ah ha” moments as pieces click into place. Then there's the penultimate action scene with a major twist!

I enjoy the camaraderie of the friends, particularly Shell and Gary and the quiet romance between Shell and Josh. I like that Gary is the voice of reason and that Shell shares everything with the police and FBI, well, almost everything…at least until she goes off to confirm one last thing, which was almost her undoing. Fortunately, help wasn’t far away. The characters are well developed with their own strengths and foibles, but as wonderful as the humans are, for me it’s the cats who steal the show. Purraday makes certain that clues are found and messages get across. Princess Fuzzypants goes above and beyond in this story and proves she’s not just a pretty face. And Kahlua looks on, above it all.

CATS, CARATS, AND KILLERS is a finely crafted mystery that will have you dreaming of diamonds and perhaps looking around at your own possible treasures.

Cats, Carats, & Killers is the fourth installment in the popular Urban Tales Pet Shop Mystery series by T.C. LoTempio. Shell McMillan is the owner of the Urban Tales Pet Shop and is involved in a fundraiser where residents can bring their old items in and get them appraised. The fundraise is a huge success, but one item an old jewelry box that has been appraised and is found to be worth less than $50, generates enough interest by a previous resident of the town, Pete Martin, who may have been involved in a jewelry store heist a decade or so before. Shell then catches a couple trying to steal that same jewelry box. When Shell’s cats are playing a game of chase and knock the jewelry box off a shelf and it breaks, she finds it contains a diamond from that old heist, and then discovers Pete Martin murdered. Now Shell, who is an amateur sleuth, investigates because a man she is sure isn’t guilty is the prime suspect.

LoTempio’s delightful series is especially fun for cat lovers, because her cats (including one named Princess Fuzzypants) are involved in many of the fun scenarios that move the storyline along. She also does an excellent job of developing the characters, which are actually quite believable. Shell is a likeable protagonist, and readers will also enjoy the sub-characters who are introduced in this novel.

All told, there is enough information in this novel to read it as a standalone book, but it is one that will inspire readers to pick up the previous novels in the series.

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

Dollycas's Thoughts

Shell McMillan owns the Urban Tails Pet Shop so it makes sense for her to co-sponsor a fundraiser for the local animal shelter organized by her mother, Clarissa, no less, now a partner at Seconhand Sue's. Clarissa has convinced Gerard Antoine, the host of a local antiques appraisal show and huge animal lover and supporter of no-kill shelters to come to Fox Hollow to appraise people's "treasures" at their Appraise for Strays event. An old jewelry box draws quite a bit of attention. It has even brought former Fox Hollow resident Pete Martin back to town which wasn't a smart move because he was later murdered.

Shell soon learns about a diamond robbery that happened in town several years ago. The thieves were never caught and the diamonds were never found. With all the interest in the old jewelry box, Shell thinks there has to be a connection. But why kill Pete Martin? To find a killer and hopefully the gems she has to look into the old case which could put her right in the killer's sights. If she finds all those carats it could be curtains for her and her cats are going to need new caregivers.

____

We are back in Fox Hollow, Connecticut with Shell and her lovable cats, Purrday, Kahlua, and Princess Fuzzypants. They have a new friend, Cleopawtra. After some of the cat's hijinks, Shell finds herself right in the middle of a cold case and a new murder. Shell has turned out to be a talented amateur sleuth even though her homicide detective boyfriend, Josh Bloodgood wishes she would leave the investigations to him. Ms. LoTempio does a marvelous job capturing the cats' personalities and their humans' lives.

The mystery was a tangled one with puzzling clues to figure out and follow. I was happy to follow along as Shell and Gary worked through the clues. They did as much research and snooping as necessary and had some feline assistance, but Shell is alone when the last clue falls into place and I must say WOW! What a showdown!

Cats, Carats, and Killers was a fun read! Wonderful characters and an intriguing mystery kept me marvelously entertained. I figured out part of the mystery before Shell, but that didn't stop me from enjoying the story one bit. It was a Perfect Escape!

I can't wait for the next book because Shell's mother already has a new idea at the end of this story and I know Ms. LoTempio will take that idea and run with it delightfully for her readers to enjoy.

First book of the series that I have read and I really enjoyed it. Former actress now a small town pet shop owner finds herself investigating a murder with a possible connection to a long ago robbery. Wonderful characters and a story that doesn't lag.

There may be honor among thieves, but a long-ago diamond heist might hold the secret to a man’s murder . . .Pet shop owner Shell McMillan is thrilled to see everyone in Fox Hollow flocking to the local animal shelter’s fundraiser, where they can get their old keepsakes and collectibles appraised and maybe even sell them for a tidy sum. But the event has drawn some shady characters as well, including Pete Martin, who seems determined to get his hands on a beat-up old jewelry box at any cost. Then Martin is found murdered, and Shell has to go from fundraising to finding a killer.It doesn’t take long for Shell to figure out that the jewelry box was concealing diamonds from a long-ago heist, and that Martin wasn’t the only one trying to get his hands on the stash. But to figure out who wanted him dead, she’ll have to uncover who was behind the original heist and who knows where the rest of the gems are hidden. It’s as dangerous a case as Shell has ever faced, and if she’s not careful, her search for the missing stones will leave her stone-cold dead. (GoodReads synopsis)

I took a point off because this has one of the many cliche stereotypes that I can’t stand. The protagonist puts herself in danger. The unfortunate thing is that everything could have been solved way sooner if she had used common sense. That said, I pretty much figured out who most of the characters were and their roles. The killer’s background was a surprise but not who it was.

I continue to read this series because I love what the author does with the main character’s career as well as her relationships. It’s such a loving atmosphere and I would love to see an appraisal fundraiser for the animal shelters in real life. The cat characters all make me smile because I have 2 with similar personalities traits. And yes, cats do talk back. While I love how close the human characters are, I wish that there was more to the main character and her love interest. Honestly, that felt like a passing comment, an “oh by the way, we’re dating. Back to the mystery.”

Overall, I rate this novel 4 out of 5 stars.

Shell McMillan owns the local pet shop, Urban Tails and is more than happy to help out at the local animal shelter’s fundraiser, Appraise for Strays. The citizens of Fox Hollow, Connecticut will have the opportunity to bring things from home and get them appraised. When an old jewelry box is brought in, it attracts more attention than anything else. Strangers start offering big bucks for it and one of those potential buyers is found dead. Shell is on the case to find out what is so valuable about a box that wasn’t appraised very high at all.

Shell finds herself in the middle of a cold case and present-day murder investigation. Her boyfriend, Josh Bloodgood, advises her to stay out of it. After all, he’s a homicide detective and knows just what kind of danger Shell could be in if she continues her snooping. We all know Shell is not going to stop until she solves the case.

Shell and her kitty companions, once again, find themselves in the thick of things. Shell is determined to get to the bottom of things while her kitties are determined to protect her. I always enjoy this series. Of course, being a cat lover, the cats always touch my heart. They are as important to the story as any of the humans.

The author does an excellent job of creating an intriguing story with fascinating characters. Although the mystery is wrapped up in each book, it’s so much more fun to start this series from the beginning. It gives the reader a chance to get to know the characters (and kitties, too!)

I’ve been a big fan of this series (and the author) from day one. This one is filled with charm, mystery and it left me smiling. I’m looking forward to more exciting mystery stories from this author.








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.