About the Book

Death by a Whisker: A Cat Rescue Mystery

Cozy Mystery 2nd in Series

Crooked Lane Books (February 13, 2018)

Paperback: 320 pages

ISBN-10: 1683319494

ISBN-13: 978-1683319498

Digital ASIN: B072395VJN

Getting used to life back home in Deer Park, North Carolina, Sydney McCall and her right-hand tabby, Toby, are helping her sister Kat run the local animal shelter. Syd and Kat are all excited about the prospect of the shelter’s newest fundraiser: shopping channel queen Ulla Townsend. Shelter admin Maggie Shayne vehemently refuses to have anything to do with the woman, but the fundraiser ensues as planned. That is, until Ulla turns up dead in the middle of the event.

The cause of death is determined to be an allergic reaction, but Syd and Toby are sniffing out something fishy. When Syd met Ulla, it was clear she was distasteful and rude. And right before the event, Syd spotted some behind-the-scenes drama between Ulla and her manager. As they begin to investigate, they realize there is no shortage of suspects, and Maggie is at the top of the list.

Now Syd and Toby must claw their way to the truth before everything goes paws up at their animal shelter in Death by a Whisker by national bestselling author T. C. LoTempio.

5 **st*rs**

Although the last fundraiser Sydney and her sister Kat held was tarnished by death, the idea of a Cat Cafe seems to be popular and their main concerns are for the well being of the kitties. When their main guest, a hometown boy who became famous, is unable to attend, a last minute substitution is arranged. Also from Deer Park, North Carolina, this celebrity has a different reputation among those who knew her when. Ulla Townsend was from the wrong side of the tracks, with a chip on her shoulder. Even when people love to claim a connection before someone is famous, it doesn't look like this will be the happiest homecoming. Ulla has secrets, many of which seem to be revealed in a tell-all new release book which she will be signing.

I liked getting to know more about the people in this series. Although Sydney reconnected with her old boyfriend, she doesn't get to spend much time with him. The shelter volunteers are wonderful, each in her own way. Then there is the television shopping channel connection, and the secrets, lies, competition and scandal attached to that world. Syd tries her best not to "investigate" and ruin Will's chances at a top spot on the force, but maybe her information could help him. I appreciated her turmoil over choosing her actions. The suspects and motives were varied and believable.
The cats add details to the mystery and helped us better relate to the characters.

About the Author

While Toni Lotempio does not commit – or solve – murders in real life, she has no trouble doing it on paper. Her lifelong love of mysteries began early on when she was introduced to her first Nancy Drew mystery at age 10 – The Secret in the Old Attic. She (and ROCCO, albeit he’s uncredited) pen the Nick and Nora mystery series from Berkley Prime Crime – the first volume, MEOW IF ITS MURDER, debuted Dec. 2, 2014. Followed by #2, CLAWS FOR ALARM. #3, CRIME AND CATNIP, was released in December. She, Rocco and Maxx make their home in Clifton, New Jersey, just twenty minutes from the Big Apple – New York. Catch up with them at www.tclotempio.net and www.catsbooksmorecats.blogspot.com

Where to find them: ROCCO’s blog: www.catsbooksmorecats.blogspot.com
Website: https://www.tclotempio.net/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/toni.lotempio.5
Twitter: @RoccoBlogger - https://twitter.com/@RoccoBlogger

Purchase Links: Amazon B&N Google Play