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 . . .
Mudpie was very excited to have the opportunity to interview Princess Fuzzypants, one of the feline stars of this series. We hope you enjoy learning more about her!
I’m a feisty red Maine Coon cat with a lot of personality! Shell (actually Purrday) found me in the backyard of the Urban Tails Pet Shop. Shell tried to find my owner and after a few weeks passed with no luck (unless you count that fraudulent claim!) decided that I should become a member of the family.
As for more of my background, well....that may be revealed at a later time and I don’t want to give away any secrets.
What's a typical day like for you?
I have a lovely cat bed in the kitchen but you can usually find me up in Shell’s room, ether cuddled with Purrday who’s also there or at the foot of the bed. After breakfasting Shell usually takes Purrday and me along to the pet shop (Kahlua prefers to stay home and nap). We roam around the back room and occasionally do catch a mouse! Then it’s back home with Shell and dinner time! Of course, if there’s a mystery to solve you can bet Purrday and I are right where the action is.
Just between us girls, is there a bit of a romance going on between you and Purrday, or are you just roommates?
Sorry...I’m not the type to hiss and tell LOL. But we are quite fond of each other. Quite.
What about Kahula? She doesn't seem to be the same feline detective that you and Purrday are. Are you all one big happy family?
Kahlua is a pedigreed Siamese and, as such, an enigma onto herself. Do we all get along? We do have a few hissyfits from time to time, as cats will, but basically yes we do all get along.
Please tell us about your latest adventure, Cats, Carats and Killers.
Shell’s mother’s latest fundraiser, an antique road show,provides the backdrop for Purrday and me discovering an old box that conceals a twenty-five year old secret – a cache of diamonds from a robbery. Shell, of course, gets involved when a friend of hers is accused of murdering a man who was trying to get the box—and I figure prominently in the ending. (sorry, no spoilers. You’re going to have to read the book)
What are some of your favorite things to do when you're not sleuthing? (Toys, treats, nap spots...)
I adore treats of any kind, taking a nap on the pet shop windowsill in the sun, playing with balls and feather toys....but I love it best when Purrday and I can sink our claws into a good mystery!
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About the Author:
T. C. LoTempio is the award-winning, national bestselling author of the Nick and Nora mystery series. Her cat, Rocco, provides the inspiration for the character of Nick the cat. She also writes the Urban Tails Pet Shop Mystery Series, as well as the Cat Rescue series and the Tiffany Austin Food Blogger series. Check out her and Rocco’s blog,
www.catsbooksmorecats.blogspot.com, and visit her website,
www.tclotempio.net, for more information.
Author Links:
Webpage:
http://www.tclotempio.netBlog:
http://www.catsbooksmorecats.blogspot.comFacebook:
https://www.facebook.com/toni.lotempio.5Twitter/X:
@RoccoBloggerGoodReads:
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1195684.T_C_LoTempio a Rafflecopter giveaway
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