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pause_theframe's review against another edition
4.0
This is the first book I have read by T.C. LoTempio, and I must say it was a wonderful cozy mystery. I really liked the writing style and was drawn into the book first thing.
I liked that the characters that the author gave us, and the amount of building that was done on each, as the story progressed. It meant that each of them was more realistic and believable.
The pace was fantastic and exactly what I would want and expect from a lovely cozy mystery. I liked that it followed the this tempo and that the mystery really flowed well with it overall. It did find that the flow and pace made it very hard to put down, as there was always just that little bit more I wanted and needed to know.
I found that the story was written well and was very creative. It was fresh and very exciting, which i loved and really enjoyed. I think this is a great cozy mystery that all those fans of cozies will enjoy.
**I received this book for free and voluntarily provided my honest and unbiased review.
I liked that the characters that the author gave us, and the amount of building that was done on each, as the story progressed. It meant that each of them was more realistic and believable.
The pace was fantastic and exactly what I would want and expect from a lovely cozy mystery. I liked that it followed the this tempo and that the mystery really flowed well with it overall. It did find that the flow and pace made it very hard to put down, as there was always just that little bit more I wanted and needed to know.
I found that the story was written well and was very creative. It was fresh and very exciting, which i loved and really enjoyed. I think this is a great cozy mystery that all those fans of cozies will enjoy.
**I received this book for free and voluntarily provided my honest and unbiased review.
raeanne's review against another edition
3.0
I haven't read the first two books in the Nick & Nora Mysteries series but it was so interesting and I was told it should've been fine as a standalone. Of course, reading in order is always better but a lot of series pull it off to where you can jump in and feel like you're not missing anything.
That wasn't entirely successful for Crime & Catnip though. I recommend reading this if you're read the series or starting at the beginning with Meow If It's Murder. You can skip like I did, but it'll only wind up Good instead of Great.
There's plenty to love though and I really wish I'd had time and the ability to read the first two novels for receiving this one for review.
I liked Nora, her shop, her friends, and her crime reporting past. I didn’t get her reluctance to talk to the two law enforcement officers working the case. There’s mention of a time where she jumped the gun, but I didn’t feel it.
The same can be said for the current beau and the former one night stand.
The parts I was most excited for was Nick the Cat and the mystery. They were equal parts fascinating and confusing.
Considering how much the past wound up involved in everything including the mystery, I really screwed myself on this one. So, spoonful of salt for this one folks but my reading experience was 3 stars.
Solid elements and storytelling but the background is extremely necessary for them to come off as realistic, reasonable people instead of a canny valley Twilight Zone episode.
Players from the previous books pop back up like Wak-a-Moles. There’s information on how they’re connected but that’s not the same thing as actually reading their history for yourself. And this isn’t some simple small town shenanigans of warring neighbors.
I think Nick the Cat wouldn’t have come off as creepily paranormally gifted – I was seriously thinking Nick the Human was transformed into the cat—if I’d read everyone being shocked and getting used to Nick in the first book.
I think seeing how Nora and FBI Dude got together and how they were burned by their last relationships would’ve made them more understandable. As it is, meh. Scaredy cats with no chemistry.
Also, if I’m to believe Nora and the Cop have a chance, her friends need to make better arguments. I’m in the “he’s a typical guy and she’s a commitment-phobe so she’s creating problems” rather than sparks are flying and none are hitting the page.
I cannot say this enough: it boils down to the fact I skipped ahead. I think this series would be great for those who want focus on the mystery and sleuthing with a familiar rather than interpersonal drama and romance. It’s toned down compared to most cozies, swapping the hijinks for more complicated relationships and intrigue.
But start at the beginning to give it a fair shot.
That wasn't entirely successful for Crime & Catnip though. I recommend reading this if you're read the series or starting at the beginning with Meow If It's Murder. You can skip like I did, but it'll only wind up Good instead of Great.
There's plenty to love though and I really wish I'd had time and the ability to read the first two novels for receiving this one for review.
I liked Nora, her shop, her friends, and her crime reporting past. I didn’t get her reluctance to talk to the two law enforcement officers working the case. There’s mention of a time where she jumped the gun, but I didn’t feel it.
The same can be said for the current beau and the former one night stand.
The parts I was most excited for was Nick the Cat and the mystery. They were equal parts fascinating and confusing.
Considering how much the past wound up involved in everything including the mystery, I really screwed myself on this one. So, spoonful of salt for this one folks but my reading experience was 3 stars.
Solid elements and storytelling but the background is extremely necessary for them to come off as realistic, reasonable people instead of a canny valley Twilight Zone episode.
Players from the previous books pop back up like Wak-a-Moles. There’s information on how they’re connected but that’s not the same thing as actually reading their history for yourself. And this isn’t some simple small town shenanigans of warring neighbors.
I think Nick the Cat wouldn’t have come off as creepily paranormally gifted – I was seriously thinking Nick the Human was transformed into the cat—if I’d read everyone being shocked and getting used to Nick in the first book.
I think seeing how Nora and FBI Dude got together and how they were burned by their last relationships would’ve made them more understandable. As it is, meh. Scaredy cats with no chemistry.
Also, if I’m to believe Nora and the Cop have a chance, her friends need to make better arguments. I’m in the “he’s a typical guy and she’s a commitment-phobe so she’s creating problems” rather than sparks are flying and none are hitting the page.
I cannot say this enough: it boils down to the fact I skipped ahead. I think this series would be great for those who want focus on the mystery and sleuthing with a familiar rather than interpersonal drama and romance. It’s toned down compared to most cozies, swapping the hijinks for more complicated relationships and intrigue.
But start at the beginning to give it a fair shot.
emintobooks's review against another edition
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
This was a really cute little mystery. More general mystery than a cozy, but it still contains loads of cozy elements. I found the plot and setting interesting. The main character owns a sandwich shop which is catering a big party celebrating the opening of an exhibition at the local museum--the Grimoire of Morgan Le Fay. It was a fun concept and I really enjoyed it.
There is a main mystery, and then another, ongoing mystery that seems continued from the first couple of books in the series, which I haven't read. The author gets you up to speed quickly which is really nice. One thing I did have a hard time with was the large amount of characters, especially similar male characters and characters with similar names, but it wasn't too bad.
This was a solid 4 star for me. Good plot, red herrings, two mysteries, an intelligent cat that's not *too* intelligent, a curly red haired protagonist (😏) and references to Jessica Fletcher and Nancy Drew.
There is a main mystery, and then another, ongoing mystery that seems continued from the first couple of books in the series, which I haven't read. The author gets you up to speed quickly which is really nice. One thing I did have a hard time with was the large amount of characters, especially similar male characters and characters with similar names, but it wasn't too bad.
This was a solid 4 star for me. Good plot, red herrings, two mysteries, an intelligent cat that's not *too* intelligent, a curly red haired protagonist (😏) and references to Jessica Fletcher and Nancy Drew.
mpr2000's review against another edition
4.0
This is a mystery involving the legendary King Arthur and a witched book of spells with a very interesting cat detective and his master Nora. Ready?
This is the new Nora and Nick mystery, the third one of the series. You can read it as standalone, all the characters baggage is filled with extensive details to keep you up with the story, so no worries!
This is not just the story of Nora, Nick the detective cat has a big part in it. As a cat lover, I really enjoyed how the writer made so important the lovely cat, helping Nora investigate the crime and making him almost human, he is not just a flurry friend he is quite a detective! I loved the parts where he tries to talk to Nora, it's so funny!
As a new reader of Nick and Nora mysteries, I liked how the writer creates an intriguing mystery so easily and with so many dark waves hiding behind the principal plot. This mystery will entangle you easily on the spiderweb that you will not be able to put it down.
I can wait to know more about Nick, because Nick is not only the name of the cat, it's the name of the previous owner of this amazing cat, and he has been missing for a while, dead or alive? I hope we will know the answer on the next book!
Are you a real detective?
This is the new Nora and Nick mystery, the third one of the series. You can read it as standalone, all the characters baggage is filled with extensive details to keep you up with the story, so no worries!
This is not just the story of Nora, Nick the detective cat has a big part in it. As a cat lover, I really enjoyed how the writer made so important the lovely cat, helping Nora investigate the crime and making him almost human, he is not just a flurry friend he is quite a detective! I loved the parts where he tries to talk to Nora, it's so funny!
As a new reader of Nick and Nora mysteries, I liked how the writer creates an intriguing mystery so easily and with so many dark waves hiding behind the principal plot. This mystery will entangle you easily on the spiderweb that you will not be able to put it down.
I can wait to know more about Nick, because Nick is not only the name of the cat, it's the name of the previous owner of this amazing cat, and he has been missing for a while, dead or alive? I hope we will know the answer on the next book!
Are you a real detective?
brokebybooks's review against another edition
3.0
I haven't read the first two books in the Nick & Nora Mysteries series but it was so interesting and I was told it should've been fine as a standalone. Of course, reading in order is always better but a lot of series pull it off to where you can jump in and feel like you're not missing anything.
That wasn't entirely successful for Crime & Catnip though. I recommend reading this if you're read the series or starting at the beginning with Meow If It's Murder. You can skip like I did, but it'll only wind up Good instead of Great.
There's plenty to love though and I really wish I'd had time and the ability to read the first two novels for receiving this one for review.
I liked Nora, her shop, her friends, and her crime reporting past. I didn’t get her reluctance to talk to the two law enforcement officers working the case. There’s mention of a time where she jumped the gun, but I didn’t feel it.
The same can be said for the current beau and the former one night stand.
The parts I was most excited for was Nick the Cat and the mystery. They were equal parts fascinating and confusing.
Considering how much the past wound up involved in everything including the mystery, I really screwed myself on this one. So, spoonful of salt for this one folks but my reading experience was 3 stars.
Solid elements and storytelling but the background is extremely necessary for them to come off as realistic, reasonable people instead of a canny valley Twilight Zone episode.
Players from the previous books pop back up like Wak-a-Moles. There’s information on how they’re connected but that’s not the same thing as actually reading their history for yourself. And this isn’t some simple small town shenanigans of warring neighbors.
I think Nick the Cat wouldn’t have come off as creepily paranormally gifted – I was seriously thinking Nick the Human was transformed into the cat—if I’d read everyone being shocked and getting used to Nick in the first book.
I think seeing how Nora and FBI Dude got together and how they were burned by their last relationships would’ve made them more understandable. As it is, meh. Scaredy cats with no chemistry.
Also, if I’m to believe Nora and the Cop have a chance, her friends need to make better arguments. I’m in the “he’s a typical guy and she’s a commitment-phobe so she’s creating problems” rather than sparks are flying and none are hitting the page.
I cannot say this enough: it boils down to the fact I skipped ahead. I think this series would be great for those who want focus on the mystery and sleuthing with a familiar rather than interpersonal drama and romance. It’s toned down compared to most cozies, swapping the hijinks for more complicated relationships and intrigue.
But start at the beginning to give it a fair shot.
That wasn't entirely successful for Crime & Catnip though. I recommend reading this if you're read the series or starting at the beginning with Meow If It's Murder. You can skip like I did, but it'll only wind up Good instead of Great.
There's plenty to love though and I really wish I'd had time and the ability to read the first two novels for receiving this one for review.
I liked Nora, her shop, her friends, and her crime reporting past. I didn’t get her reluctance to talk to the two law enforcement officers working the case. There’s mention of a time where she jumped the gun, but I didn’t feel it.
The same can be said for the current beau and the former one night stand.
The parts I was most excited for was Nick the Cat and the mystery. They were equal parts fascinating and confusing.
Considering how much the past wound up involved in everything including the mystery, I really screwed myself on this one. So, spoonful of salt for this one folks but my reading experience was 3 stars.
Solid elements and storytelling but the background is extremely necessary for them to come off as realistic, reasonable people instead of a canny valley Twilight Zone episode.
Players from the previous books pop back up like Wak-a-Moles. There’s information on how they’re connected but that’s not the same thing as actually reading their history for yourself. And this isn’t some simple small town shenanigans of warring neighbors.
I think Nick the Cat wouldn’t have come off as creepily paranormally gifted – I was seriously thinking Nick the Human was transformed into the cat—if I’d read everyone being shocked and getting used to Nick in the first book.
I think seeing how Nora and FBI Dude got together and how they were burned by their last relationships would’ve made them more understandable. As it is, meh. Scaredy cats with no chemistry.
Also, if I’m to believe Nora and the Cop have a chance, her friends need to make better arguments. I’m in the “he’s a typical guy and she’s a commitment-phobe so she’s creating problems” rather than sparks are flying and none are hitting the page.
I cannot say this enough: it boils down to the fact I skipped ahead. I think this series would be great for those who want focus on the mystery and sleuthing with a familiar rather than interpersonal drama and romance. It’s toned down compared to most cozies, swapping the hijinks for more complicated relationships and intrigue.
But start at the beginning to give it a fair shot.
krisrid's review against another edition
2.0
I enjoyed the first two books in this series, but book three sort of ran out of steam for me. I did not finish it and doubt I'll be continuing with the series.
Nora really irritated me in this book. I expect a certain amount of "nosy-parker-ism" in a cozy heroine, but Nora was over-the-top in getting involved in things that were just stupid and could have gotten her killed, then flat-out lying to not only her FBI boyfriend, but her former-flame of the local sheriff about what she's done.
Basically, when you find yourself sorry that the heroine DIDN'T end up dead as a result of being too stupid to live, it's a good sign the book isn't for you. So I'm moving on.
Nora really irritated me in this book. I expect a certain amount of "nosy-parker-ism" in a cozy heroine, but Nora was over-the-top in getting involved in things that were just stupid and could have gotten her killed, then flat-out lying to not only her FBI boyfriend, but her former-flame of the local sheriff about what she's done.
Basically, when you find yourself sorry that the heroine DIDN'T end up dead as a result of being too stupid to live, it's a good sign the book isn't for you. So I'm moving on.
dollycas's review against another edition
5.0
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Nick and Nora are back for the 3rd story in this series and they have their hands/paws full. Nora is still trying to track down human Nick, she is catering a huge gala and the director of the event has asked her to continue the case human Nick was on when he disappeared, and then of course there is a dead body found at the gala and maybe some missing jewels. Could all these things be tied together? You will have to read the book to find out.
Ms. LoTempio has written a very complex mystery for us to solve. Thankfully Nick, the cat, is there to help both us and Nora find and follow all the clues. He is one smart feline. I still think there is so much more to his story but events in this book have me rethinking my original theory. He and Nora along with Nick’s (the human) old partner have to work out secret codes that may lead to international espionage plus Nick (the cat) uses his unique talents to communicate with Nora and help her out of a few dicey situations. If she would just share her info with the hunky law enforcement officers that are prominent in her life before she goes too far… instead of after her life would be a bit safer. I do love the way they show up just after the “nick” of time. All of these characters are so fun and unique.
One thing I have learned reading this series is the author loves to twist things up as much as she can. That is the reason that once you start reading it is very hard to stop. This one kept me up extra late and I needed a midnight snack too.
Nora runs her mother’s sandwich shop where she serves sandwiches named after actors and actresses. At the end of this book you will find recipes for the Hugh Jackman Sub and the Emma Stone Capri Sandwich, and many others are described within the story. My mouth was watering.
I love this series and each new story quickly becomes my favorite. There is a cliffhanger at the end that leaves me so excited for the next story to be released. Should be out in November or December of 2017. A whole year…I don’t like it but I can make it because I know good things come to those who wait.
Nick and Nora are back for the 3rd story in this series and they have their hands/paws full. Nora is still trying to track down human Nick, she is catering a huge gala and the director of the event has asked her to continue the case human Nick was on when he disappeared, and then of course there is a dead body found at the gala and maybe some missing jewels. Could all these things be tied together? You will have to read the book to find out.
Ms. LoTempio has written a very complex mystery for us to solve. Thankfully Nick, the cat, is there to help both us and Nora find and follow all the clues. He is one smart feline. I still think there is so much more to his story but events in this book have me rethinking my original theory. He and Nora along with Nick’s (the human) old partner have to work out secret codes that may lead to international espionage plus Nick (the cat) uses his unique talents to communicate with Nora and help her out of a few dicey situations. If she would just share her info with the hunky law enforcement officers that are prominent in her life before she goes too far… instead of after her life would be a bit safer. I do love the way they show up just after the “nick” of time. All of these characters are so fun and unique.
One thing I have learned reading this series is the author loves to twist things up as much as she can. That is the reason that once you start reading it is very hard to stop. This one kept me up extra late and I needed a midnight snack too.
Nora runs her mother’s sandwich shop where she serves sandwiches named after actors and actresses. At the end of this book you will find recipes for the Hugh Jackman Sub and the Emma Stone Capri Sandwich, and many others are described within the story. My mouth was watering.
I love this series and each new story quickly becomes my favorite. There is a cliffhanger at the end that leaves me so excited for the next story to be released. Should be out in November or December of 2017. A whole year…I don’t like it but I can make it because I know good things come to those who wait.
misswinchester84's review against another edition
5.0
I love the Nick And Nora mysteries. This installment was another good who done it along with other fun things like encryption and secret messages.
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