Nora
Charles (yes, named after Myrna Loy's character in The
Thin Man movies) has moved home from Chicago to Cruz,
California. This former crime beat newspaperwoman has taken
over the family business after the death of her mother. She
is now making sandwiches at Hot Bread. Nora has not given
up writing completely – she is writing for Louis Blondell's
online magazine – Noir.
A tuxedo
cat waltzes into Hot Bread. Nora wants no part of him. Her
track record with animals is not good. Her best friend, Chantal,
talks her into keeping him until the owner is found. She even
names the cat Nick. A customer thinks the cat belongs to a
PI named Nick Atkins. The next day Nora goes in search of
the cat's real owner. She finds out that Nick hasn't been
seen for at least six weeks. His partner, Oliver, tells Nora
he was working on the death of Lola Grainger. Oliver feels
Nick is dead. Nora goes through Nick's diaries – given
to her by Nick's landlord. The death of Lola Grainger is looking
very suspicious. Nora had better be careful with her investigation
– she could end up missing her deadline.
Things
to ponder: Was Lola Grainger's death really an accident? Where
is the envelope that Lola hid? Why doesn't Louis want Nora
to investigate Lola Grainger's death? Where is Nick Atkins?
Will Nora keep Nick the cat?
A new
series always makes me happy. So when I was given the opportunity
to read Meow If It's Murder – I was thrilled. The author
has given me a new protagonist to enjoy. Nora doesn't give
up even when no one wants her on the case. Adding an adorable
furry guy just increases the fun. This is a fast-paced well-plotted
read. Cozy mystery readers will love getting to know Nick
and Nora and finding out whodunit. So, if you like your mystery
with a side of coleslaw, then you should be reading Meow
If It's Murder.
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