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 ...
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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
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New. Trade paperback (US). Glued binding. 184 p. Urban Tails Pet Shop Mysteries, 4. In Stock. 100% Money Back Guarantee. Brand New, Perfect Condition, allow 4-14 business days for standard shipping. To Alaska, Hawaii, U.S. protectorate, P.O. box, and APO/FPO addresses allow 4-28 business days for Standard shipping. No expedited shipping. All orders placed with expedited shipping will be cancelled. Over 3, 000, 000 happy customers.
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.
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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.
