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Meow If It's Murder
Nick and Nora Mystery #1
TC LoTempio

Berkley Prime Crime
December 2, 2014/ ASIN: B00JJXV1CA
Mystery – Cozy

Reviewed by Cheryl Green

 

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.



Reviewed 2014
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