Never one to turn away from a challenge—even when it goes against her better judgment—Nora Charles can hardly say no when an old friend of her mother’s comes to town seeking her help. The author of steamy romances has learned that her writing partner is severing their relationship and threatening to reveal dark and dirty secrets in a tell-all, and she pleads with Nora to intervene. Reluctantly agreeing to help, Nora pays a visit to the writing partner, ready to make her case—right up until the moment she discovers the woman’s lifeless body.
With the police convinced that Nora’s friend is the culprit, she and Nick begin delving into the dead woman’s past and her provocative tell-all. It soon becomes apparent that the woman had a knack for digging up dirt and wasn’t shy about exposing skeletons in closets, and before long Nora has a seemingly endless list of suspects who were at risk of having their darkest secrets revealed. With a police force intent on throwing the book at Nora’s friend and time running out, she and Nick must outwit a dangerous killer before they take their own secrets to the grave . . .
Where did you grow up and where do you live now?
Nora: I grew up in Cruz, California and moved to Chicago after I graduated college, where I worked on the Chicago Tribune and had my own crime column. After my mother passed away, I returned to Cruz to take over her sandwich shop – and become an amateur sleuth!
Nick: I was abandoned as a young kitten but I found refuge in back of a local magic shop. My first human, Nick Atkins, found me there when he was on a stakeout and adopted me. I stayed with him until he left on a case, and then I went in search of him and ended up on Nora’s doorstep.
The two of you seem drawn to mysteries. Can you explain why?
Nora: Well, I’ve always been a curious sort, and as an investigative reporter I was always drawn to puzzles to solve. Nick and I just seem to stumble into msyteries, although Leroy Samms likes to refer to us as “body magnets”.
Nick: I’ve always had a sixth sense about things, and Nora brings out the best in me, meow!!!!! As for the term ‘body magnet’ – HISSSSSS
Tell us about your most memorable adventure.
Nora: Truthfully, I never planned to become an amateur sleuth. It was just something that happened naturally. I’d say my most memorable adventure to date would be the latest, HISS H FOR HOMICIDE. An old friend of my mother’s comes to town seeking help when her writing partner severs their relationship and threatens to reveal some of her dark secrets in a tell-all she’s publishing. Nick and I head over to see the woman, ready to plead Marlene’s case, and then we discover her lifeless body. Needless to say, there are a ton of suspects to wade through before the truth is finally revealed.
Nick: I’d have to say that all my adventures with Nora are memorable...even the ones that aren’t published as yet LOL.
What about serious relationshps? Any romance on the horizon for either of you?
Nick: Solving mysteries keeps me pretty busy, but Alexa Martin’s cat does make my spine tingle!
Nora: Well....I’ve been dating Daniel, but now Leroy Samms is back in the picture, and that old college crush is rearing its ugly head. However, I can’t see myself getting serious over them or anyone, at least not at the moment. Then again, who knows?
What are your plans for the future?
Nora: To continue running the sandwich shop, and to keep on solving whatever mystery fate throws our way.
Nick: I agree. Nora will keep making sandwiches, and I’ll keep eating them. And the two of us hope to keep on solving mysteries for many years to come!
Do the two of you have any final words for your fans?
Nora: We are immensely grateful for their support. Without them, we would never have been given this second chance! We sincerely hope everyone will feel HISS H FOR HOMICIDE was worth the wait!
Nick: I agree. Our fans are important to us, and this fourth mystery has been a long time coming. (Four years, to be precise) We want everyone to know that we are back to stay, and, we hope, better than ever! Feel free to contact us through the human’s website! We love hearing from you!
T. C LoTempio is the author of the Nick and Nora mystery series, now published by Beyond the Page, and also the Pet Shop Mysteries, also published by Beyond the Page. Book Two in that series, KILLERS OF A FEATHER, will be out in the latter part of 2021. Cat-ch up with T. C. and ROCCO on their blog, www.catsbooksmorecats.blogspot.com, and also her website, www.tclotempio.net
Pawsome interview Mudpie and the book sounds good too!!
ReplyDeletePurrs, Julie
Thanks, Melissa and Mudpie. You make a great team, too!
ReplyDeleteThank you for hosting us, Melissa and Mudpie. It was a pleasure to be interviewed by you and we hope to return next year with MURDER FAUX PAWS.
ReplyDeleteI wonder if Nora looks like Myrna Loy...
ReplyDeleteActuaLly in book one there is a comment made on how Nora does resemble Myrna Loy. So, yes, Robert, she does. LOL.
ReplyDeleteThat sounds excellent and the cover is amazing!
ReplyDeleteThanks for a great review we will give it a look
ReplyDeleteYes this cover is our favorite!
ReplyDeleteGreat interview. I look forward to reading this.
ReplyDeleteGreat interview, Mudpie! And we love the cover artwork. :)
ReplyDeleteTerrific interview And thank you for the review! Truffle, you are AWESOME! We wish you all an amazing day!
ReplyDeleteThank you everyone. Hope you enjoy the book.
ReplyDeleteAnother fantastic interview!
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