Cat About Town
Cat Cafe Mystery, Book 1
Minotaur Books
August 1, 2017
Mass Market Paperback: 304 pages
ISBN-13: 978-1250072061
E-Book ASIN: B01N0Z4ZDP
About the Book:
The first novel in a frisky new mystery series set in a small New England town, where an unlikely citizen is called in to solve the purrfect crime. . .
Maddie James has arrived in Daybreak Island, just off the coast of Massachusetts, eager to settle down and start her own business—and maybe even fall in love. When a stray orange tabby pounces into her life, she’s inspired to open a cat café. But little does Maddie know that she’s in for something a lot more catastrophic when her new furry companion finds the dead body of the town bully. Now all eyes are on Maddie: Who is this crazy cat-whisperer lady who’s come to town? If pet-hair-maintenance and crime-fighting weren’t keeping her busy enough, Maddie now has not one but two eligible bachelors who think she’s the cat’s pajamas . . . and will do anything to win her heart. But how can she even think about happily-ever-after while a killer remains on the loose—and on her path?
Maddie James is co-owner of a successful organic juice bar, Goin' Green, in San Francisco. When her grandmother passes away, she finds herself back in Daybreak Island. While home Maddie realizes that there are things going on in the tourist town that aren't on the up and up. Her grandfather is being bullied by the President of the Chamber of Commerce to sell his home and property. When her grandfather refuses, things being happening around the home.
Amid the chaos, Maddie bonds with a stray cat who becomes her companion during the stay in Daybreak Island. During set up of the town festival, the cat discovers the dead body of the bully in one of the tents set up through town. Of course the local police are involved but it looks like both Maddie and her grandfather may be suspects. Maddie and her new fluffy friend, JJ, take it upon themselves to flesh out who committed the murder.
There is a small love triangle brewing in Cat About Town but it really doesn't overshadow the main themes of the book. Both men are good choices for Maddie based on the scant interactions we've seen. It will be interesting to find out which direction the author takes this particular story line in future books. I hope Maddie figures out what she's going to do about it rather quickly.
I enjoyed Maddie's character. She's friendly, compassionate, and easy to relate to and the way she cares for her grandfather is wonderful. All of the secondary characters were well written, played their parts in the story, and, along with Maddie, were realistic and believable. The character development and world building was nicely done and the pacing of the book is steady. The book flowed along, was easy to read, and I enjoyed every bit of the story. The author did a great job setting the stage for this mystery and provided several potential suspects.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC provided to me through NetGalley.
My Rating:
