Purrder She Wrote is second in the pawsitively charming new feline mystery series from Cate Conte set off the New England coast, where curiosity leads to some killer small-town secrets…. It’s the grand opening of Daybreak Island’s cat café, where customers can get cozy with an assortment of friendly felines–and maybe even take one or a few home. Co-owner Maddie James is purring with … Co-owner Maddie James is purring with excitement over her new warm-and-fuzzy venture. . .until she becomes entangled in a petty drama between one of her volunteers, an ardent animal-rights activist, and a wealthy woman who insists on adopting a calico kitty–right this instant. The catfight that ensues is bad enough for business. But when the snubbed socialite is found dead with a tell-tale catnip toy on the scene, suspicion lands squarely on Maddie’s staffer. Now, with her reputation and her career prospects on the line (to say nothing of her budding romance with a handsome pet groomer) Maddie must do whatever it takes to solve the crime–before her nine lives are up.
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After reading book one in this adorable new series, I couldn’t wait to dive into the sequel to see how the new cat cafe was coming along. I loved every second of this read, from the charming descriptions of the kitty cafe to the antics of the cats themselves. This cozy was a well-plotted, delectable mystery, filled with characters that I cheered for (and a I few I had to jeer). The protagonist, Maddie, has so many obligations to juggle that it would make the average person’s head spin–yet she handles it all with class, panache, and a touch of sass. And, in her spare time, she solves the murder. A satisfying read all around. Can’t wait for book three!
Dollycas’s Thoughts
The Daybreak Island cat café is open and the response is fantastic. People can come in by appointment to play with a cat and can even offer it a furever home. Plus they can have a cup of coffee and a delicious baked treat themselves as well. Except one guest wants to take home a cat today, as in right now. One of Maddie’s volunteers knows the woman and her history with cats and they get into an argument about her fitness as a pet owner. The woman leaves but is later found dead with a catnip toy, handmade by the volunteer, stuffed in her mouth. Maddie’s volunteer becomes the prime suspect, but Maddie can’t believe she’s guilty and decides to do some investigating on her own.
The theme for this series is such a wonderful idea and the setting of Daybreak Island sounds like a great place to visit.
What I really love about this series though is the characters and their relationships. Maddie Day is a strong protagonist and I love the relationship she has with her grandfather. He is still trying to find his way after losing his wife and the cat cafe is a great project where he and Maddie can work together. She has also inherited his love of investigations and finding the truth. Maddie’s partner Ethan handles the kitchen and the food and he has great ideas for expanding on what they have started together. He also gets a surprising romantic interest in this installment. A certain pet groomer is interested in Maddie too, so there is love in the air on Daybreak Island.
The mystery is in a “cat”egory all it’s own. Thr victim was not a nice person and many suspects come to light. Twists and turns keep the pace moving right along, but you could have knocked me over with a feather as the real killer was being revealed. It was so cleverly written, total surprise.
These characters are fun, the mystery is tight, and all the subplots work. Drama, romance, cats, and comedy come together in all the right amounts to make this book “A Perfect Escape”.
This is the second book in the Cat Cafe Mystery series but my first read. It can perfectly fine be read as a stand alone.
I am not a total cat person (due to allergies) but I loved the setting, characters and cats this mystery came with. It was a very engrossing story and makes me looking forward to the next book in the series.
There is a lot going on here with a wide variety of different personalities but nothing is overwhelming – it is just perfect.
I am glad this book caught my eye and I will definitely go back and read the first book.
I requested this book from NetGalley and am thankful that St. Martin’s Press and the author provided me with an advance copy.
Maddie James is absolutely delightful and relatable. Whether she’s dealing with family entanglements, trying to run her new cat cafe, or solving a crime, she tries to give her all. Ethan is amazing and I need one of him in my life. Of course, I’d take the cat cafe too but without the murder, please. No recipes came with this one which is a shame as there was plenty of opportunity with a featured caterer and the cafe having its own recipes. Still, if that’s the only negative you can pull from a book, you’re pretty lucky. I did guess who the culprit was just before the reveal and somewhat why but there was still a lot I hadn’t figured out by the time the big reveal came about. I really hope to find the first book in the series so I can be fully caught up and I cannot wait to read more from Cate Conte. I’m hooked.
Many thanks to St. Martin’s Press, Minotaur Books, MacMillan Books, Cate Conte, and NetGalley for allowing me the opportunity to read this book and share my thoughts and opinions with others.
I like the title “Purrder She Wrote”. JJ’s House Of Purrs on Daybreak Island is having it’s grand opening as book two begins. Protagonist Maddie James and her business partner, Ethan, are excited with the turnout and already making plans for expansion. Grandpa Leo, a retired police chief, also has a stake in the Cat Cafe. When a disgruntled customer has a cat fight with one of the cat rescue’s volunteers, the sharp claws come out. Volunteer, Adele, is later accused of murdering the customer, and the gang struggles to clear Adele’s name which is difficult due to her troublesome disposition.
My favorite character in this book is J.J., aka Junkyard Johnny, who is Maddie’s cat. He’s the purrfect leading man for this story. I enjoyed the plot which deals with several characters who are experiencing lots of emotional problems that make them appear suspicious. Book two didn’t quite peak my interest as well as book one immediately did; however, the killer was well concealed to me. I look forward to seeing what happens in the next story.
I reviewed a digital ARC provided by NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press. Thank you.
Purrder She Wrote
Cat Cafe Mystery, Book #2
Cate Conte
5 Stars
Synopsis:
Second in the paws itively charming new feline mystery series set off the New England coast, where curiosity leads to some killer small-town secrets….
It’s the grand opening of Daybreak Island’s cat café, where customers can get cozy with an assortment of friendly felines—and maybe even take one or a few home. Co-owner Maddie James is purring with excitement over her new warm-and-fuzzy venture. . .until she becomes entangled in a petty drama between one of her volunteers, an ardent animal-rights activist, and a wealthy woman who insists on adopting a calico kitty—right this instant. The catfight that ensues is bad enough for business. But when the snubbed socialite is found dead with a tell-tale catnip toy on the scene, suspicion lands squarely on Maddie’s staffer. Now, with her reputation and her career prospects on the line (to say nothing of her budding romance with a handsome pet groomer) Maddie must do whatever it takes to solve the crime—before her nine lives are up. (Goodreads)
Review:
The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and through much of the book I felt like I was right there, watching all of the action taking place in the cat cafe. I could see all of the cats lounging in their cat apartments and in all of the nooks and crannies. The writing style allowed me to get a real feel for the characters through their words and actions.
The characters are well rounded and well developed. Maddie is smart, caring and loyal. She does not like the fact that one of her volunteers is being accused of murder or the fact that her brother-in-law might somehow be involved. She is very willing and able to snoop around to find the killer. I enjoyed reading about her relationships with her family. She and her sister have some issues but they just may be able to work them out. And the relationship she has with her grandfather, Leo, is very special. Lucas seems like a great boyfriend and we will see how that progresses in the coming books. And J J, the cat is a star.
The mystery is well plotted and moved along at a steady pace. There are enough clues to sift through and suspects to consider and it is not easy to solve. I did not figure it out until the reveal at the end of the book, which is fine with me.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery. Both of the books in this series are really great and I am looking forward to the third book.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher, St. Martin’s Press, and NetGalley, which I greatly appreciate.
A fast paced mystery that is fun the read in spite of all the trouble Maddie can get herself into without even trying.
Well written who dunit mystery. Loved the characters. A real page turner from start to finish.
I liked the characters. Very entertaining. I plan to read more of this author’s books. I like the way she writes.
What can I say? I absolutely loved this book – from its wonderful plot to the characters. I can’t wait to read the next one in the series!
Author Cate Conte has served up another meowolious mystery in, PURRDER SHE WROTE. Cleverly written, this book was a fast, relaxed read. Purrfect for the rainy day I read it on.
I loved the whole concept of a cat café. Such a wonderful way to get little furballs adopted. And as far as it being the central location in a cozy mystery, well, you can’t get much cozier than that!
PURRDER SHE WROTE was an enjoyable mystery with a lot going one. Besides the main murder plot, this whodunit followed a few other sub-plots, making each new chapter a doorway to different aspects of the story. It was satisfying watching the story come together and to see the mystery revealed.
Cat lovers, PURRDER SHE WROTE is sure to be your catnip. You won’t want to put it down!
Maddie James’s cat café, JJ’s House of Purrs, is finally open! On the first day, one of her volunteers, Adele, has an argument with socialite Holly Hawthorne. When Holly is found dead, suffocated by a cat toy, Adele is the prime suspect. Maddie gets caught up investigating as well as trying to deal with her café and help her father plan the annual hospital gala. Charming mystery in a great cozy town. Love the idea of a cat café and wish we had one where I live. Looking forward to more of this great series and seeing if Maddie ends up with Lucas or Craig.
Excellent mystery for animal lovers. Loved the setting, an area where I’ve not traveled but am able to enjoy through this book.
Purrder She Wrote by Cate Conte is the second A Cat Café Mystery. Maddie James is having the grand opening of JJ’s House of Purr’s, a cat café, on Daybreak Island. It is a chance for people to spend time with adorable felines and enjoy a snack at the same time. It is Maddie’s goal to find loving, stable homes for the cats in her care. The first day gets off to an explosive start when volunteer, Adele Barrows gets into an altercation with Holly Hawthorne. Holly wishes to adopt a cat and Adele has no intention of letting Holly get her claws into another innocent feline. Before Maddie ends up with a cat fight on her hands, she diffuses the situation. That evening Sgt. Mick Ellory stops by asking about the shop’s signature cat toys which are made by Adele and exclusive to JJ’s House of Purr’s. Unfortunately, someone used them to silence Holly forever. With Adele at the top of the suspect list and the shop the subject of hot gossip, Maddie, with the aid of Grandpa Leo, digs into the case. She will need to work in her investigating in between handling the café, spending time with her new boyfriend, listening to Ethan’s new ideas for the café’s kitchen, handling the hospital gala for her father, delivering for the new Pet Meals on Wheels program and dealing with her sister’s marital woes. Maddie will need to work in a cat nap or two if she is to keep up with her responsibilities. She will need to be stealthy in her investigation or Maddie may use up the last of her nine lives.
Purrder She Wrote is easy to read and has a steady pace. There is a lot going on in this book. I do not quite understand why the author felt the need to jam so much into one story. I would prefer she take the time to fully flesh out her characters. I would like to know more about Grandpa Leo and have him take a more active role in the investigating. I also could do with less of Maddie’s father who comes across as self-centered. He cares more about how events affect his career than his family. There was a great Emily Gilmore (of Gilmore Girls) reference in the book as well as one referring to Lord Voldemort. It was clever how the author included Stan and her pet treats from the Pawsitively Organic Mystery series. The whodunit was straightforward, and readers will have no problem identifying the guilty party. Maddie was intensely focused on solving the crime. She went from suspect to suspect to obtain information and kept in touch with her contact at the local newspaper for the latest news. There is speculation, rumors, and red herrings. I do wish that the case had been solved differently by Maddie (I would say more but I do not want to spoil it for you). There is some mild foul language in the story. Maddie is dating local pet groomer, Lucas Davenport but an old beau is also trying to capture her attention. Personally, I prefer the old beau over Lucas. I would prefer the romance to be less prominent in future books. I enjoyed the descriptions of the adorable felines and their antics. However, we do not need to know how often or when the litter boxes are scooped (no matter how necessary the chore). The cat café concept is unique, and I had not heard about them until I read Cat About Town (you should look it up online to see the various designs). While Purrder She Wrote is the second novel in A Cat Café Mystery series, it can be read alone. My rating for Purrder She Wrote is 3 out of 5 stars.
Purrder She Wrote by Cate Conte is the second in the Cat Cafe Mystery series. This is the start of a great series.
A minor disagreement occurs when a local socialite comes into the newly opened cafe and demands special consideration in adopting a cat. One of the volunteers knows her history with cats and refuses to allow her an on the spot adoption. Tempers flare and things are said in the heat of the moment. Later when the socialite is found dead the first suspect is Maddie’s volunteer. Maddie knows she couldn’t have done it or could she. Maddie starts her own investigation. Then another suspect comes into play that is a family member and Maddie is thrown deeper into the mystery.
This is a fun, easy read and has a great flow and plenty of twists and turns and a little romance and humor. I want to visit the Cat Cafe myself.
I was given an ARC by Netgalley for an honest review.
It’s opening day for Maddie James’ new cat café on Daybreak Island. However, the day has hardly started when Adele, one of her volunteers, gets into a shouting match with socialite Holly over one of the cats. When Holly turns up dead, naturally Adele becomes a suspect. Maddie is sure the police are missing something. Can she figure out what it is?
I love the setting of this series. Daybreak Island is a place I’d love to visit – between the murders, of course. The mystery gets a bit sidetracked early on here due to some strong sub-plots, but I was enjoying those sub-plots as well, and things get back on track before too long with a surprising ending. The suspects are all strong, but it’s the main characters who made me excited to return to this series. They are all fantastic, and spending time with them was as enjoyable as spending time in the setting.
I love Purrder, She Wrote, second in the Cat Café Mystery series! I envy the business that our protagonists are in, a cat café with adorable cats ready for adoption. Each character is designed with care; Maddie and Grandpa Leo run JJ’s House of Purrs. The café is named in honor of JJ, Junkyard Johnny, an orange tabby who rescues Maddie even as she rescues him right back. The mystery is finely planned and executed.
Grandpa Leo’s Victorian home has been in his family for several generations. An anonymous benefactor saved the family home from a shyster trying to take it with the stipulation that the home be used to benefit Daybreak Island’s cats. Maddie had worked at a cat rescue in San Francisco and knows the business well. She and Leo, retired police chief, turn the home into a cat café, with the cat quarters and café on the main floor. Their Grand Opening is underway with two volunteers and Maddie’s business partner from California, Ethan, to serve coffee and baked goods.
All is going well until Holly Hawthorne, from one of the wealthy island families, decides she wants to adopt a cat and take it home that day, sans the application required for all adoptions. She and volunteer Adele, who works two jobs to support herself and help the island’s feral cat population, have a loud disagreement. Maddie tries to calm the ladies, confirms the adoption process, and a very angry young woman leaves the Café without a cat. Cats Holly had adopted from Animal Control had not fared well, and Adele didn’t want another cat going to less than ideal circumstances.
Sergeant Mick Ellory comes to visit later to ask about the signature catnip toys. Adele makes and donates them for the café cats, and one for each cat to take to their fur-ever home. Katrina, who manages Animal Control, arrives. She is afraid that Adele may have finally lost it, as Holly has been found dead, choked with a catnip toy. Even before Adele finally confesses, Maddie knew something was off. Something was also off with Adele’s friend, Gigi, also volunteering at the Café. Maddie is determined to find the truth.
The characters are well defined. I like Maddie and her best friend Becky. Holly and her twin Heather were unquestionably not my favorites. Grandpa Leo and others are seen best through their decisive actions, love for cats, and rich dialog. Maddie’s lack of self-confidence is endearing, serving to make her more realistic. Discovering which of the two guys interested in her she will pursue is interesting; also interesting will be seeing whether Maddie’s sister goes back to her cheatin’ hubby.
The novel is so good that I can’t wait for the next one! The author provides such an in-depth knowledge of cat cafés that it sounds to be as enchanting a place to work as a bookstore or library. The mystery is very well-written with plot twists that continually change the suspect list. I was surprised at who the killer really is, as I had not even considered the person. JJ is a unique protagonist! He seems at times to be imparting wisdom to Maddie; he wears a harness and walk on a leash. Not many cats will see that as a positive trait but JJ loves the attention. This is a memorable “tail” in almost every aspect, and this crazy cat lady who smiles at the mention of the organic pet treat vendor highly recommends it!
From a grateful heart: I received a copy of this e-arc from the publisher and NetGalley, and this is my honest review.
This is the second book in this series. I read the first and obviously enjoyed it. This one was fun. The concept of a cat cafe was unique. I like the characters. Maddie can be exasperating at times. She is a busy-body and many times thinks people expect her to do too much when she is the one actually doing it to herself. The mystery was entertaining with interesting twists.
I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for my review.
Purrder She Wrote by Cate Conte is the second in her Cat Cafe series and was a strong addition to this new series.
On opening day of the Cat Cafe, Maddie is thrilled until she has to referee a squabble between a spoiled local socialite and one of her volunteers. But the rest of the day goes well until the police show up. It seems that some one has murdered that particular socialite and the police are looking at her volunteer.
The pace is smooth and swift with the usual twists and several suspects for Maddie to consider. Ms. Conte also added more detail to each of the characters so that I felt like I got to know Maddie, her family and friends much better in this book. I also enjoyed meeting Maddie’s partner, Ethan, in this book. He seems to be a solid young man who is smart and definitely business savvy. I hope to get to know him better as this series progresses since Ms. Conte seems to have a romance in mind for him. An enjoyable afternoon read and I look forward to reading more in this series.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Minotaur Books via NetGalley. All of the above opinions are my own.