I enjoy this series. I like the characters and the small town. The mystery kept me guessing.

Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for my eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Shell gives this excuse that she and her mom don’t get along, but she always finds herself involved in her schemes. Now, she is up to her neck in the murder investigation of the director her mom invited to their town’s annual theater production. With the murder occurring on her property, Shell couldn’t get involved in the investigations, and when her boyfriend's cousin became entwined in it, there was no way Shell was going to stay away. It was intriguing, captivating, and engaging.

Book number three in the Urban Tails Pet Shop Mysteries does not disappoint. Shell MacMillan and her band of cohorts (human and feline) are back…and once again, murder has found its way to her doorstep.

The local Fox Hollow Players are desperate for a director for their newest production, and luckily, Shell’s actress mother has the contacts to land a prominent director for them. He’s not a cuddly person, in fact is quite demanding and tough on his performers and staff, except when it comes to critters. That endears him to Shell and she allows him to use the shed on her property as a private office.

And that’s where she discovers his body late one night with clear signs of a suspicious death. She feels compelled to discover who perpetrated this crime on her property, but as she digs into the victim’s past, she discovers plenty of bad behavior and lots of potential killers, right in Fox Hollow. Will Shell discover who the murderer is before she’s the next victim?

You can always count on a good story when you curl up with a T.C. LoTempio cozy mystery, and this one is no exception. There is a bit of a convoluted explanation around the reveal of the killer, but the tale is a good one, complete with the cast of friends, family, acquaintances and the clowder of cats, including a new rescue who steals both Purrday and Shell’s hearts.

Brought to you by OBS reviewer Andra

The third book in the Urban Tails Pet Shop Mysteries, Death Steals the Spotlight by T.C. LoTempio is an enjoyable continuation of the series in which the reader is immersed in the lives of the residents of Fox Hollow, specifically Shell McMillan. I must admit – I could not put this book down. In my opinion, the best of the series so far.

As this is the third book in the series, one is starting to get to know the characters a bit. And if this is the first book in the series you are picking up, never fear as the author has done an excellent job of weaving in pertinent information about each of the characters, so one can start the series with this book… and then go back to the others for added enjoyment.

As Shell (short for Crishell) settles into running the Urban Tails, the pet shop she inherited from her late Aunt Tillie, she is hearing a lot of gossip about who the director will be for the Fox Hollow Players’ fall production. Her mother has gotten Steven Spielberg or was it Scorsese … okay – that is just gossip and not at all true. But a new director has been hired now that the local English lit high school teacher is unavailable – a one ‘Raymond Terrill’ has agreed to direct the production of Our Town. Mr. Terrill has a reputation in Hollywood of being difficult to work with but as they say – the show must go on. Rehearsals resume (after all – show time is only a couple of weeks away) and Raymond is living up to his reputation and more. He does however take a shine to the cat Shell and her cat Purrday found in the back of the pet store – who has for the time being been named Princess Fuzzypants. The cat is a Maine coon with striking red hair.

Due to wanting some privacy, Raymond Terrill ends up using Shell’s shed as a workspace after rehearsals. Unfortunately, this is the location where Mr. Terrill turns up dead! Of course, right in Shell’s backyard. So with a murder happening on her property, she feels justified in pursuing her sleuthing.

While Shell navigates the myriad of potential suspects, the unthinkable happens. Shell’s boyfriend, Josh Bloodgood, a homicide detective who is working overtime to find the killer. Or at least he was until the prime suspect turns out to be a cousin, Taylor Tyson, who is also an actor in the play. Now Josh is off the case.

I enjoyed the way that the many potential suspects were very much involved with the play and the whole Hollywood scene. The journey through all the suspects and how Shell eliminated each while trying to solve the mystery was intriguing. Now if she had only been able to solve the mystery before a second person was murdered. At least she figured it out before she herself came to any harm!

An added bonus to the storytelling was when Shell’s mother stepped in as director when Mr. Terrill dies as she has attitude in spades! She runs a tight ship and we get a good sense of why she and Shell have a fractious relationship. It will be interesting to see where their relationship goes in subsequent books in the series.

The secondary characters, being the cats, were an added bonus to an already delightful story. Purrday – a pedigreed Persian, Kahlua – a seal point Siamese and Princess Fuzzypants – a Maine Coon with beautiful red hair. Loved the fact that Purrday took a shine to “his” rescue – Princess Fuzzypants and this made Kahlua a tad bit annoyed. Even pets can get jealous!

I would also like to point out that the cover art is SO cute, with Princess Fuzzypants and Purrday just hanging out on a bench, enjoying each other’s company. That alone caught my eye and had me wanting to read this book. And yes – I am a cat lover. If you like cozy mysteries, with likable characters, a twisted plot which keeps you thinking and guessing until the end, then this third book in the Urban Tails Pet Shop Mystery series is for you. Pick up Death Steals the Spotlight – you will be glad that you did!!!

A play director who puts Casanova to shame, scorned females, a pet shop, a cat named Princess Fuzzypants and murder are on the playbill for per shop owner Shell MacMillan. Now, if she can solve the play by opening night and keep the Princess happy, it will be a miracle!

What a great mystery! This is the first book in the series I have read and was able to catch up quickly. With all the twists and turns and red herrings, it kept me reading. Shell and her mother are entertaining characters and I also enjoyed the supporting characters.

I'm going back and read the first two books and can't wait for the next book!

I received an ARC from NetGalley and the opinions expressed in this review are my own.

I love Ms Lotempio's mysteries as much as I love her characters and her feline characters.
This is a good series and this is the best so far: twisty, fast paced and highly entertaining.
The characters are well rounded as usual and I was glad to catch up with the cats.
The cover is gorgeous
Can't wait to read the next story.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

Death Steals The Spotlight
Urban Tails Pet Shop Mysteries, Book #3
T C LoTempio
5 Stars

Synopsis:

It’s exit stage left, permanently, for a big-time director who lands the starring role in an unscripted death scene . . .

Desperate to find a director for their annual production, the Fox Hollow Players have a stroke of luck when Shell McMillan’s actress mother lands a prominent theater director for the job. He’s more gruff and demanding than the small-town cast and crew are used to, but his soft side for animals quickly endears him to pet shop owner Shell. Persuading her to let him use a shed on her property where he can work in peace, Shell is horrified when she finds his dead body there. And with obvious signs of foul play, she can’t help but investigate the murder.

As she digs into the man’s past, it becomes apparent that at one point or another he was romantically entangled with just about every woman involved in the play. And just when Shell discovers he may have been blackmailing one of them, other clues surface that suggest a more sinister motive. With her hands already full with a beautiful stray cat she found and christened Princess Fuzzypants, Shell will have to fill two roles, caring for the Maine coon and trying to track down the killer before it’s her turn for a fatal curtain call . . .

Praise for the books of T. C. LoTempio, winner of the Firebird Award for Best Cozy Mystery:

“If you love cozy mystery books with cats, great characters, yummy food descriptions, and twisty mysteries, you will love A Purr Before Dying!” —Christy’s Cozy Corners

“A fabulous addition to the fun cozy mystery series. It can be read on its own but it is so much better if you have read them in order. T. C. LoTempio creates a story that you won't want to put down.” —Books A Plenty Book Reviews

“I hope we get more adventures and mysteries with Nora and Nick. There’s so much intrigue in each book with some hints at a potential romance. I know I’m in for hours of enjoyment when I see a new Nick and Nora book out.” —Socrates’ Book Reviews

“A Purr Before Dying was so entertaining. I hope this series continues for a long time as these characters are some of my favorites.” —Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book

About the Author:

T. C. LoTempio is the award-winning, nationally bestselling author of the Nick and Nora Mysteries, the Urban Tails Pet Shop Mysteries, and the Cat Rescue Mysteries. For more information, check out her and her cat Rocco’s blog at www.catsbooksmorecats.blogspot.com and visit her website at www.tclotempio.net. (Amazon)


Review:

The characters are well rounded and well developed. When Shell’s mother was able to get a famous director to handle their annual production everyone was grateful. But when the director is found dead, Shell will have to find the killer so the show can g0 on.

The writing style flows smoothly and it defines the characters very clearly by their actions and words. The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and these descriptions pulled me into the story from the very beginning. The mystery was well plotted and there were enough clues to sift through and suspects to consider.

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery. It was a nice addition to her Urban Tails Pet Shop Mysteries.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher, Beyond The Page Publishing, and NetGalley, which I greatly appreciate.

This is the second one in the series, and it was very interesting. Lots of interesting details and fun and free spirited characters. This is a great story for those that loves cats since one of the characters is one. It’s was. Very entertaining story and I would recommend this to anyone who loves cats and cozy mysteries.

It is another fun trip back to Fox Hollow. Shell is enjoying running the pet shop her aunt left her. She has her friend Gary to help her. She is making friends and happy with life. She finds out that the Fox Hollow Players needs a director for their production. Her mother helps find a famous director to fill the position. Unfortunately, drama follows him to town. When there is a murder on her property, Shell vows to find the murderer. That is easier said than done. Several of his romantic relationships did not end well. He is grouchy and criticizes most of the cast. Will Shell be able to find the killer or will the killer find her first? I really enjoyed getting to know these characters more.

The Fox Hollow Players need a director for their play. Shell McMillan’s actress, mother just happens to snag a famous director who is willing to do the job. Shell regrets letting him use her shed as his office when he is found dead. Soon she starts to learn more about him. He was a philanderer and possibly and blackmailer. She has her hands full trying to figure out who would want to murder him. One of his ex-girlfriends, one of the actors? Who? She is also caring for a fluffy kitty she found as a stray that she has name Princess Fluffypants.

This is a fun book. Easy-to-read and a nice escape.

Dollycas's Thoughts

The Fox Hollow Players are getting ready for their annual production and they are in dire need of a director. Shelle's actress mother, Clarissa McMillian thinks she has found the perfect man for the job in Raymond Terrill but he may be too big for a small-town production. He is drawn to a Maine Coon cat that was found behind Shelle's pet shop though. Their interactions spur Shelle to offer her backyard shed as a place where he can spread out all his papers and work without being interrupted. That works out fine until the stray, now named Princess Fuzzypants, alerts Shelle to come to the shed where she finds the man's dead body.

He was a demanding director but who would want to kill Raymond Terrill? With the murder happening in her backyard Shelle feels emboldened to direct an investigation of her own. Can she cat-ch the killer? or will the killer cat-ch her?

_____

Reuniting with these characters just makes me happy. Shelle is a fabulous protagonist. She is smart and funny and she really enjoys owning the Urban Tails Pet Shop that was left to her by her aunt.  Her mother still thinks Shelle needs to pick up her acting career and get back to California but in this book Clarissa has much more to worry about. I love the friendly relationship between Gary and Shelle. He has her back and she has his. Shelle's heart belongs to homicide detective Josh Bloodgood but the current murder case has a personal connection to him so his hands are pretty much tied. I also enjoy Shelle's feline companions and the new cat, Princess Fuzzypants.

The mystery was complicated as Raymond Terrill had a past with several characters and as each clue/secret was revealed it shined a new light on different one of them. The police make an arrest but Shelle doesn't believe it especially when Josh asks for her help. The author throws in some nice twists and a crucial clue that gives Shelle an "a-ha moment". That clue sets up an exciting showdown that puts Shelle in danger. Thank goodness that girl can think on her feet. I really enjoyed the way Purrday and Princess Fuzzypants were involved in the story. Kalua seems to have no interest in the trouble Shelle gets into but she's a pretty cool kitty.

While the murder mystery is solved the final page sets up another mystery when Shelle receives a package.

Death Steals the Spotlight is a captivating mystery featuring genuine characters set in a charming Connecticut town. Ms. Lotempio balances all the cozy elements with a precise hand to put forth a very entertaining read. I am very excited for this series to continue!

DEATH STEALS THE SPOTLIGHT by T. C. LoTempio
The Third Urban Tails Pet Shop Mystery

The Fox Hollow Players lost their director, but Shell McMillan's mother has come to the rescue bringing a director, assistant director, and two actresses from Hollywood. Unfortunately, with them comes drama. The director, Raymond Terrill, is a demanding tyrant hated by many, who surprisingly has a soft spot for cats, especially the beautiful Maine Coon that Shell and Purrday just found. Allowing the director use of her shed Shell notices he's up late one night. When she wakes a few hours later she sees the light is out and Princess Fuzzypants is scratching at her back door. The cat leads her to the shed where she finds the door ajar and Terrill dead inside. Though she knows she should leave the investigation in her boyfriend's capable hands, Shell has no intention of doing so. With her housemate and former co-star by her side, Shell will try to discover just who killed the despotic director.

Smart people and smarter animals make for a delightful mystery. I really love the Urban Tails Pet Shop Mystery series and this entry is a great one. The characters are so real, there's good and bad in all, and sometimes you don't know who to believe, or trust. What makes DEATH STEALS THE SPOTLIGHT extra special is this characterization. Terrill was despicable, but as we learn more we see reasons, and we see good. The character dynamics make the book more intriguing-and not only with the mystery. Even if there weren't dead bodies I'd still want to know what's going on with Shell and Gary...and Josh.

The mystery itself was captivating, especially knowing that people were hiding things...but just what were they hiding and who was the murderer? I like how Shell looks into things. And how the cats help. The humor adds to the fun, making me wanting to hang out with these people in this quaint Connecticut town.

Theatrical drama spiced with issues from the past and plenty of secrets makes DEATH STEALS THE SPOTLIGHT a captivating mystery that will have you glued to your seat.

Pet shop owner, Shell McMillan is more than a little surprised to learn that her mother is helping the local theater group by arranging a famous director for their production. Although he’s talented, he is not well liked. He has problems with everyone in the cast and crew. Needing a quiet place for himself, he convinces Shell to lend him her shed to use as an office. She agrees but is shocked when she stumbles on the man’s dead body.

Meanwhile, a stray kitty turns up on Shell’s doorstep. A beautiful Maine coon and Shell is determined to help find her owner. Shell’s own kitties, Purrday and Kahlua, have mixed feelings. Purrday has a huge crush, while Kahlua not so much. Shell falls in love with the kitty, too, and names her Princess Fuzzypants. With the help of her friends and three kitties, Shell vows to find a killer and a kitty owner.

I love this series so much. Maybe it’s the cat lady in me but these kitties and their relationship with Shell is so sweet. It warms my heart.

Oh, there are human characters too. Shell, her BFF Gary, her boyfriend and even her whacky mother make a wonderful cast. They are lively and fun.

I devoured this one. The storyline moves along quickly and is filled with several different possible suspects. I was captivated until the truth was revealed.

The mystery is contained and solved in this book. So, there is no cliffhanger as far as the murder mystery goes. However, I can’t recommend enough to read this series from the beginning. This book is #3, so there are only two books before it but reading them gives you a better feel for the motivation behind Shell’s actions and the growth of various relationships.

I can’t say enough how much I’ve been enjoying this series. I hope it continues for a long time. I know I’m looking forward to my next visit to Fox Hollow, Connecticut.






FTC Disclosure: I voluntarily reviewed a free Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

"Desperate to find a director for their annual production, the Fox Hollow Players have a stroke of luck when Shell McMillan’s actress mother lands a prominent theater director for the job. He’s more gruff and demanding than the small-town cast and crew are used to, but his soft side for animals quickly endears him to pet shop owner Shell. Persuading her to let him use a shed on her property where he can work in peace, Shell is horrified when she finds his dead body there. And with obvious signs of foul play, she can’t help but investigate the murder."
This is a good murder mystery. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley. This in no way affects my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed.

This third book in a clever cozy series is another solid entry. You can read it as a stand-alone but reading the previous books will be great fun. Shell is a former successful TV actress, now happily transplanted to a small town and running a pet supply shop. Her former co-star is her roommate and her mother, a classically trained stage actress is also in town for an extended period. When Shell's mom decides the local amateur theater troupe needs help with their upcoming production, she recruits a famous director and cast members. Things start off rocky and go worse quickly. The book combines cats(!), interesting characters, a fun protagonist and a great setting. Looking forward to the next in this series!

This is my first book by this author , I mainly choose this book bases on the reviews by other readers .

I love cozy mysteries that incorporate animals and this novel fit that category.

In book 3 of the Urban Tails Pet Shop Mysteries Pet Shop owner Shell find murder close to home . When the annual Fox Hollow Players
need to find a director for their annual production they find one in a much disliked but prominent director. When the director ends up dead on Shell’s property, once again our pet shop owner turns into Nancy Drew .

Overall I liked this book , I think it made you want to go back to read the first two .

I just reviewed Death Steals the Spotlight by T. C. LoTempio. #DeathStealstheSpotlight #NetGalley

pets, small-business, small-town, law-enforcement, Connecticut, cats, cozy-mystery, situational-humor, amateur-sleuth, actors, family-dynamics, family, verbal-humor, relationships, community-theater, murder, murder-investigation*****

Shell escaped Hollywood thanks to an elderly relative's bequest of a beloved pet shop in small town Connecticut. But, unfortunately, she didn't escape her self absorbed mother who can't imagine her daughter WANTING to leave Hollywood after a decent career in television. Now her mother is in town browbeating the local community theater group and having brought in a director with a lousy personality with her. There is some history with other cast members, so it's no surprise that said director finds a starring role as the corpse. Shell's significant other/local police detective is recused from the case because a main suspect is his cousin. Intricate sleuthing and some really devious red herrings plus an unexpected plot twist or two made this a wonderful read!
I requested and received a free e-book copy from Beyond the Page Publishing via NetGalley. Thank you!

Shell's mom was trying to save the local play by using her connections and getting in a director and some cast members to replace some locals who'd quit. When the director was murdered, Shell and Gary started sleuthing again. While I do like her with Josh for a boyfriend, I love the sleuthing chemistry Shell and Gary have. Kinda like Castle and Beckett!

Meanwhile, Purrday was in love with a gorgeous Maine Coon he'd found and Shell rescued from a tangled vine. I felt sorry for poor Kahlua who was probably wondering why her brother was acting so loony. And she didn't seem fond of the houseguest who's probably gonna be a fixture from now, lol.

The showdown was really exciting but as always Shell used her brain as well as her awesome cats once more showing Gary and Josh where to find her and the perp. She had things under control by the time they arrived, but it's cool how the kitties always know where to find their mom! I'm pretty sure I saw in the author's newsletter that there's definitely a book 4 coming!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by Beyond the Page Publishing via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own.

'Death Steals the Spotlight' by T C Lotempio.
I mainly picked this book because it involved murder and cats.
It’s exit stage left, permanently, for a big-time director who lands the starring role in an unscripted death scene . . .
 Desperate to find a director for their annual production, the Fox Hollow Players have a stroke of luck when Shell McMillan’s actress mother lands a prominent theater director for the job. He manages to get on the wrong side of most people so when he is murdered the police are not short of suspects.
Shell, already busy with trying to find the owner of a Maine coon cat she has christened Princess Fuzzypants, can't help but get involved as the murder happened on her property.
Can Shell and her friend Gary solve this complicated case before it is too late?!
I enjoyed this book. Even though this wasn't the first in the series I felt like I could jump straight into this and still follow it. If you enjoy cozy crime books involving cats then give these books a go. I will definitely read more in the series.
Thanks to NetGallary UK, the publishers and the author for letting me read it in exchange for an honest review.

Death Steals the Spotlight: An Urban Tails Pet Shop Mystery
By T.C. LoTempio
Beyond the Page
June 27, 2023

Review by Cynthia Chow

Once the star of the cable television series Spy Anyone, Shell Marlowe left her life as an actor behind after the show’s cancellation and she inherited her aunt’s pet store. Going back to her real name Crishell McMillan, Shell is fully embracing life in Fox Hollow, Connecticut and happily running the Urban Tails Pet Shop. Following her to the small town with the intention of dragging her back to Hollywood, Shell’s former costar Gary Presser instead found himself similarly charmed by this new lifestyle and has moved in as her culinary-gifted housemate. Less willing to leave the entertainment business life entirely is Shell’s mother Clarissa McMillan, who despite becoming a silent partner in an antique shop continues to volunteer as the Fox Hollow Players theatrical manager. When they need a director for their upcoming production, Shell’s classically-trained mother uses her connections to lure in Raymond Terrill, a renowned Shakespearean stage director with a reputation for being as difficult to work with as he is talented. It’s that former characteristic that takes the forefront when he has arguments with the crew and with one of guest actresses Taylor Tyson, who just happens to be the cousin of Shell’s detective boyfriend.

When Shell unfortunately is the one to find Terrill’s dead body, it also means that her Detective Josh Bloodgood must recuse himself from the investigation due to a conflict of interest. Taylor had been involved with the director despite his lothario tendencies, and her alibi gets weaker as rumors against her become stronger. Using Gary’s baking skills as ways to bribe her way into a gossipy law office, Shell discovers that there is a growing list of motives to permanently remove the director from the production. Another mystery arrives in the form of an injured Maine coon cat, who move than lives up to newly-given name Princess Fuzzypants and makes herself at home in Shell’s home along with her felines Purrday and Kahlua. So in addition to hoping that no one responds to her notice of a lost cat in the local newspaper, the former TV spy duo Shell and Gary continue their real-life investigations into the director’s murky past and shoebox of incriminating notes and photos.

This third in the series is a very fun depiction of the theater world with the added element of adorably quirky pets. Shell’s mother has very opinionated if inaccurate assessments of her daughter’s current living arrangements, but their relationship has grown closer as they accept one another’s life choices. It’s a good thing that Shell has understanding and competent staff working at Urban Tails, as she spends a considerable amount of time tracking down witnesses and sifting through questionable stories. It’s easy to jump into the third of this series, but the fun dynamic between Shell and Gary will have readers going back to the start to further enjoy their banter and quips. The cover of this book is irresistible, and the intriguing plot and engaging characters deliver on that promise and provide an extremely enjoyable romp filled with theatrical characters, relatable friendships, and charming animal companions.