This was such a delightful cozy mystery! In fact, I loved it so much, I went back and purchased the first book in the series and will be on the lookout for any new ones being released in the future. The characters are well developed and the story is excellent. Between the human and animal characters featured, you will find yourself sucked into the pages and flipping them fast to get to the end to see who is guilty of murder. There are quite a few characters, but they are easy enough to keep track of. There are lots of suspects and you are constantly presented with clues that make you think you know who “done it!” This is definitely a series to put on your to-be-read list. It will be worth every moment you spend with Shell and the rest of the gang in Fox Hollow and the Urban Tails Pet Shop.

Thank you to NetGalley and Beyond the Page Publishing for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.

For more reviews, please visit my blog at: https://www.msladybugsbookreviews.com/. Over 1000 reviews posted!

The grand re-opening of her aunt's Urban Tails Pet Shop has Shell McMillan in organizational overload. Her live music act has just canceled a day in advance of the event, and she needs to hire an assistant manager. What she doesn't need is a dead body and the arrival of her mother. Cozy full of engaging characters and pets, even fortune telling parrots for added fun. Mystery moves along at a good pace with enough red herrings to keep you guessing.

Book 2 in the Urban Tails Pet Shop series, is satisfying, defying the sophomore slump that can happen. Our protagonist Shell, is going all out to promote the reopening of her pet shop. A major draw is a fortune telling parrot, who predicts a bleak future for Johnny Dracco. Bleak indeed as
Dracco quickly becomes the victim. He was a swindler and a good one, the whole town wanted him dead. Shell has a lot on her plate, with best friend Rita a lead suspect, and her mother, aka the Diva -note the Capitol D. on the way to Fox Hollow.

Plunging into an investigation, Shell uncovers a truth that leaves her in deep peril. Plenty of twists and page turning await lovers of cozy mysteries.

Thank you to Netgalley for providing this review copy in exchange for an unbiased review.

Brought to you by OBS reviewer Andra

The second book in the Urban Tails Pet Shop Mysteries, Killers of a Feather by T.C. LoTempio most definitely caught my attention and held it throughout the story. Moreso than even the first book in the series! I do love it when a series gets more interesting as each new book is introduced.

One of the virtues of this book is that right in the beginning (chapter 1) there is a detailed and not too long of a summary of who Shell is and how her life in Fox Hollow came about. So one can start this series at book two and not feel like you are missing too much regarding the important characters in the book.

Chrishell “Shell” McMillan and Gary Presser, her former tv co-star and now current housemate, are yet again embroiled in amateur sleuthing to find the killer of one Johnny Ira Draco. Draco was a previous resident of Fox Hollow as well as an investment business person. He got a number of locals involved in an investment, though risky, which would bring them great wealth….or in this case…NOT. So unfortunately, Johnny came back to town and was meeting up with each of the individuals who lost money – trying to explain and let them know he had hopes of rectifying the wrong that had been done. Before restitution could be made – Johnny turns up dead! With the number of potential murderers large (SO many townsfolks) Shell must put her amateur sleuthing skills to work… and fast, before one of her besties is charged with the murder! What makes Shell a superhero is that she does all this sleuthing AND puts on a grand re-opening of the pet shop she inherited from Aunt Tilly! What a party (except for the murder that happened while the party was going on).

The cast of characters are very engaging. I like the core group – Shell, Gary, Rita (owner of the local coffee shop), Ron (local florist) and Olivia …. And let us not forget the feline’s of the group – Purrday and Kahlua (though she seems to be playing more of a supporting role this book). In this story we get up close and personal with Shell’s mom – Clarissa McMillan (classically trained actress). Now she is one interesting character.

The list of potential suspects was extensive and with additional sleuthing, Shell added even more names to the list. The approach that Shell and Gary took was relatively methodical and with each potential suspect cleared (at least in their minds, if not the local constabularies) one wondered if Rita could be cleared of the title of most likely suspect! Alas, never fear… with some surprising twists and turns… well – you get the picture.

I would like to say “wonderful job” to whomever created the cover art…so eye catching and fun 😊

If you are a fan of mysteries involving animals of various types, a small town and besties being the sleuthing pair – then Killers of a Feather written by T.C. LoTempio is worth picking up and spending a wee bit of time curled up reading this delightful cozy mystery. And I sure hope there are going to be more stories to this series as I can’t wait to see how Shell’s life unfolds further and how many other mysteries Purrday and Kahlua can help solve 😊

The second book in the Purr n' Bark Pet Shop Mystery series picked up where the first one left off. Shell has lots of help for the grand reopening of the pet shop. The day goes awry when she discovers a dead body whose death was predicted by a fortune telling parrot just hours before. I love the setting and characters in this series and look forward to reading the next installment.

It’s just days until the grand re-opening of Shell McMillan’s Urban Tails Pet Shop and she’s busy making sure she has plenty of stock on hand and arranging entertainment for the big day from a singer to a fortune-telling parrot.

The man who swindled Fox Hollow residents, including Shell’s dear friend Rita, and then disappeared is suddenly back in town and his reappearance is raising some tempers. No one ever expected to see Johnny Draco again and soon enough someone murders him, leaving his body where Shell discovers it. It’s not long before Rita is the police’s top suspect. But there are plenty of people in town who had a bone to pick with Draco, so Shell sets out to figure out who ended Draco’s life before anyone could discover why he’s really back in town.

Unfortunately, Shell’s attempts to discover who the killer is puts her right in the murderer’s target, and this person is not afraid to stop Shell permanently.

This is the second book in the Urban Tails Pet Shop Mysteries, and I hope Ms. LoTempio has plenty more in store for fans. It’s always a great read to spend time in Fox Hollow with Shell and friends, human and feline.

Killers of a Feather Earns 5/5 Parrot Predictions…Entertaining Gem!

The fur-fanatics of Fox Hollow, Connecticut, are relieved that Urban Tails Pet Shop will remain open. After the sad passing of the original owner, it has passed on to Shell McMillan, former television star. Yet the grand reopening has not been without issues: cancelled singer and the fortune-telling parrot has flown the coop. But, by putting Plan B into action, Saturday just might be a success. The new assistant manager Robbie Grant’s suggests Johnny Draco for the live music, but it’s awkward when Shell learns Draco is not well liked having defrauded many of the locals and then disappeared, But, it’s moot when a man, “call be Ira,” appears at the shop, unaware Shell’s aunt had passed, and seems to have just the musical talent to save the day. But, it turns out “Ira” is Johnny Draco’s middle name, and after a prophetic fortune, Ira/Johnny ends up dead.

T.C. LoTempio has written a delightfully engaging mystery with a town full of suspects, fur- and feathered- friends, and some prophetic fortunes. Shell learns quickly about the busted investment that cost many their life savings along with the no-don’t accusations, and being at the right place, right time, she witnesses arguments, confrontations, and shadowy threats to show feeling are still raw. But, what is Draco’s truth? The journey was quite a page-turner revealing the murder victim’s past and cryptic comment about his innocence, surprise connections, alleged fraud victims with varied alibis, possibly a very good frame job, and additional felonies, but it all ends with a surprise, yet karmic, arrest. The intensity was not just finding a killer with a bit of peril thrown in, it was also the interactions between a diverse set of characters: friendship, budding romance, and a mother that would challenge a saint. The dynamic between Shell (Crishell) and her mother was excruciating entertainment easily contrasted by her relationship with friends, her boyfriend, and her fur-friends who get their own delightful scenes.

KILLERS OF A FEATHER by T. C. LoTempio
The Second Urban Tails Pet Shop Mystery

Shell McMillan is gearing up for the opening of her pet shop. She's going all out, hiring a parrot who tells fortunes, as well as a singer and arranging other acts. When the singer cancels at the last moment Shell almost hires a stranger. It's a good thing she didn't as the stranger turns out to be Johnny Draco, who apparently swindled a good number of the townsfolk, taking their savings and leaving town. Although Johnny claims he was also a victim, he's still persona non grata. With so many people furious and amazed he's back in town, it's not too surprising when Johnny is found murdered. But when Shell's boyfriend, Detective Josh Bloodgood, zeroes in on her friend Rita, Shell starts her own investigation. Will she exonerate Rita? Or find herself in a killer's sights?
I really like the Urban Pet Shop Mystery series. Shell is a wonderful protagonist. She's bright, charming, and inquisitive. She also has a great group of friends, particularly Gary, who continues to serve as a great foil. Shell's relationship with her mother-and everyone's reactions to the grande dame-is great comedic fodder and certainly made me laugh. I thank heavens my mom is nothing like Clarissa McMillan!

KILLERS OF A FEATHER proves to be an intricately plotted mystery with a large cast of suspects. The motive at once seems obvious, then becomes more complicated. I enjoyed Shell's pursuit of the truth along with her belief that Draco could be innocent.

I had one problem with the story, and irritatingly enough, the author did the same thing in the previous book. The killer had an "insane gleam" in their eyes. Please, stop. People who kill are not automatically insane! Especially as they plan out their murder with precision and great detail as this person did.

With sweet cats and a fortune telling parrot to draw you in KILLERS OF A FEATHER provides a complex conundrum in a charming setting that is sure to delight.

When I think of cozy mysteries, I think of books just like this one, that gives all the feels, thrills and can satisfies just about every reader's heart. This is a perfect books to snuggle up with on any day.

This book is clever and entertaining.
Shell McMillan has grand plans for the reopening of Urban Tails Pet Shop. But when a suspected swindler returns to town, folks start acting suspiciously. Will she and her friend Gary be able to sort the clues and discover the truth?
The cats definitely steal the show! And I like Shell's courage and tenacity.
At one point, she forgot to feed her cats and later says that she would never forget to feed them. Hmm.
The investigation kept me wondering alongside Shell and Gary. And the ending surprised me.

A very entertaining read, I loved the characters and the mystery was well done. I look forward to reading more in this series.

Killers of a Feather
Purr N’ Bark Pet shop Mystery, Book #2
T. C. LoTempio
5 Stars

Synopsis:

Shell McMillan and her feline friends must unravel a mystery where everyone’s a suspect and no one’s to blame . . .

With the grand re-opening of her Urban Tails Pet Shop just days away, Shell McMillan has her hands full planning entertainment for the festive event, including a fortune-telling parrot. But her jubilant mood is soon threatened by ominous rumors of the return of Johnny Draco, a former investment guru who swindled money from most of the residents of Fox Hollow and then vanished without a trace. And when the parrot predicts a dire future for Draco and his dead body is found just hours later, no one can say they’re surprised—but no one will say who did it.

With virtually everyone in town a suspect, the police turn their focus on a good friend of Shell’s who was seen arguing with the victim shortly before his death. Determined to clear her friend’s name, Shell begins investigating Draco’s past, his former employer, and everyone who lost money to him. And when the trail of clues suggests there may have been a completely different motive for the murder, Shell suddenly realizes she’s uncovered a secret someone would kill to keep hidden—and that if she’s not careful, the parrot may be predicting she has no future at all . . .

Praise for the Books of T. C. LoTempio:

“The author’s suspenseful and startling reveal had me on the edge of my seat as I turned pages faster and faster until the final conclusion.” —Cinnamon and Sugar and a Little Bit of Murder

“Our two main characters really carried the story in such a way that will have you feeling as if you are right there with them . . . a fabulously fun read that is sure to be enjoyed by cozy fans. I totally loved it.” —Books a Plenty Book Reviews

“Meow-velous! The multiple murder mystery had the right amount of suspense . . . the thrill never quieted, culminating with a perilous conclusion. Totally enjoyable!” —Kings River Life

“A buoyant start to a new series . . . Fans of feline mysteries will relish The Time for Murder Is Meow’s pet shop framework in this story of finding one’s second act.” —Foreword Reviews

“An entertaining series debut . . . Feline-loving cozy fans will be satisfied.” —Publishers Weekly


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.

Review:

The characters are well rounded and well developed. Shell is getting ready for the grand re-opening of her Urban Tails Pet Shop. She is very busy and she does not have time for anything else. But when someone is murdered she will make time to figure out who the culprit is.

The writing style flows smoothly and the book is an easy read. The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and these descriptions pulled me into the story from the very beginning. I could picture the festivities going on in my mind’s eye and I would have liked to have gone to it. The mystery was well plotted and I did not figure out the murder until it was revealed at the end.

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery. And if you like animals in your cozy, you will like this book.

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

Good small town cozy murder mystery. Interesting characters and story. Former actress Shell McMillan returns to her hometown to run her late aunts pet store. But during the grand re-opening celebration she finds a dead body. Together with her friends she set out to solve the murder.

With the grand re-opening of her Urban Tails Pet Shop just days away, Shell McMillan has her hands full planning entertainment for the festive event, including a fortune-telling parrot. But her jubilant mood is soon threatened by ominous rumors of the return of Johnny Draco, a former investment guru who swindled money from most of the residents of Fox Hollow and then vanished without a trace. And when the parrot predicts a dire future for Draco and his dead body is found just hours later, no one can say they’re surprised—but no one will say who did it.

With virtually everyone in town a suspect, the police turn their focus on a good friend of Shell’s who was seen arguing with the victim shortly before his death. Determined to clear her friend’s name, Shell begins investigating Draco’s past, his former employer, and everyone who lost money to him. And when the trail of clues suggests there may have been a completely different motive for the murder, Shell suddenly realizes she’s uncovered a secret someone would kill to keep hidden—and that if she’s not careful, the parrot may be predicting she has no future at all. (NetGalley synopsis)

I have read another series by T.C. LoTempio before this, and have enjoyed the author’s writing style.

I love the relationship between Gary and Shell. It’s nice to see a partnership with “adoptive” siblings as opposed to romantic partners. Gary is very much the cautious one while Shell is the “head straight into danger”, which is a big pet peeve of mine. That said, I am not a fan of Shell and how she handles the evidence. It’s not as if she can’t work with local law enforcement. She is dating Detective Josh Bloodgood, so he would actually listen to her.

The plot was also very good. I loved the whole “innocent until proven guilty” approach Shell took towards Johnny Draco. The suspects were a mile long, and seemed as if any one of them could be the killer. With a couple of exceptions, the reader could have gone in any direction. I wasn’t expecting one of the individuals until very late in the novel.

The animals were fantastic. The cats, Purrday and Kahlua, acted just like my two, which made it hilarious for me. I would love to meet parrots that could do fortunes like Honey Belle. I also liked the domestic drama of Shell’s mother arriving, but how it didn’t seem to take over the original plot. It was a very healthy balance.

Overall I rate this novel 4 out of 5 stars.

Dollycas’s Thoughts

Shell McMillan has come up with a great plan for the grand reopening of Urban Tails Pet Shop a community event. Nearby vendors are setting up booths, food trucks are coming in, and a fortune telling parrot and so much more. Her Aunt would be so happy. The only thing that puts a damper on the festivities is the rumored return of former investment expert Johnny Draco. Shell met the man when he stopped by her shop but she had no idea he was the man that cheated several Fox Hollow residents out of a lot of money and then disappeared.

Shell’s big day arrives and Mr. Draco is seen talking/arguing with several people, but he is really put off when the fortune-telling parrot predicts an ominous future following his return to town. The parrot’s prediction is on the beak because it isn’t long before a very dead Johnny Draco is found in a nearby building. While anyone in the area could have done the deed the police are focused on Shell’s friend Rita who had an argument with the man shortly before his death.

In an effort to help her friend Shell starts sleuthing on her own. As she digs deeper she realizes she may have the motive all wrong and if she’s right she may have an ominous future of her own.

Shell is definitely making a home in Fox Hollow even though her mother still believes she will soon be back in Hollywood reigniting her acting career. For Shell, though everything is about the Urban Tails Pet Shop that was left to her by her aunt. She has her former co-star Gary by her side to help at the shop and help with the big Victorian she now calls home. Don’t get the wrong idea, they think of each other as a brother or sister. No romantic vibes there. He does make a good buffer when her mother comes for a visit. Her friends Rita and Olivia are also involved in the grand opening festivities. The highlight besides the store itself though is Adrian Arnold and his fortune-telling parrot Honey Belle. Ms. LoTempio has created a very strong cast of characters. Her Aunt’s cat Purrday and Shell’s cat Kahlua are great characters in their own right too. It has been a while since I read the first book in this series and these well-rounded characters quickly emerged from my memory like I had read The Time for Murder is Meow recently.

The suspect list for this mystery is a long one made stronger because Johnny Draco tried to reconnect with everyone he swindled. The killer seemed pretty straightforward at first, but then there was a twist, another twist, a couple of turns, and then a big clue that helped all the other clues fall into place. I had an absolute blast tagging along with Shell as proceeded with her “investigation”. I loved the way she didn’t give up and kept her head about her as the true cold-blooded killer is revealed. I was gobsmacked!

Killers of a Feather is a marvelous mystery! I was totally entertained from beginning to end. I am so excited about the next book in this series. I have a feeling Shell is going to be tested in a few ways and I will be thrilled to go on the ride with her.

I am a big fan of cozy mysteries and especially of these books. However, I found the heroine intentionally putting herself in danger at the end of this one annoyed me far more than usual.

It is the grand re-opening of Shell McMillan's Urban Tales in the small town of Fox Hollow, CT. Her live singer backs out at the last moment and a chance meeting shortly after offers her the opportunity to hire a social pariah in the town, though she does not know it at the time. This person angered many people and stole their money and now Shell's good friend has been accused of the murder. Of course, she believes in this person's innocence and gets involved when the police stop looking for suspects. Can she figure out whodunit before she ends up dead herself?

I did not like this book as much as the first in the series, though I did enjoy it. The character of Purrday, the white Persian, stole the show for me. Shell's over the top Shakespearean mother was a close second. Charming characters will keep me reading.

This was an okay cozy mystery- I just had a hard time getting into it. Though there were some great characters, the story was a bit convoluted and difficult to follow towards the end. . I think this writer has great potential but needs to smooth out there storytelling a bit

This is such a fun read! Shell is gearing up for the grand reopening of her Aunt's beloved pet store. She has a huge event planned with all the other businesses getting involved. Things are great until a man from the past shows up unexpectedly. He took off years ago after lots of them invested money with him and lost it. Obviously he is not well liked but when he turns up dead everyone is a suspect. This creates quite the mystery as Shell looks for clues even putting herself in danger. Add in the adorable pets (a fortune telling parrot is such a hoot) to get a book you won't be able to put down. A must read for pet lovers as well as cozy fans. I totally loved it so I give it 5/5 stars.

Shell McMillan is anxiously preparing for the re-opening of her Urban Tails Pet Shop. She’s planning for a huge celebration including entertainment. However, things don’t look all that good when she learns Fox Hollow’s number one enemy is planning to return to the small Connecticut town. Johnny Draco is accused of swindling money from most of the townspeople and they are out for blood.

When Draco’s dead body turns up, everyone is a suspect. Shell is more than a little concerned when one of her friends quickly becomes the number one suspect. She’s determined to prove her innocence. As Shell conducts her own investigation, she uncovers more than she bargained for.

This is the second book in the series and it’s even better than the first (which I loved). The author gives us a well-rounded cast of characters. Shell and her friends come to life with each page.

The story moves at a fast pace and takes the reader on an intriguing ride to find a killer. There were many possible suspects. I was shocked by the big reveal at the end. The author did a great job of keeping me guessing through the entire book. I guessed wrong. 😀

I’m looking forward to the next book in this light-hearted mystery with a touch of romance. It’s entertaining and it has two adorable cats to help Shell in her investigation. It’s a pure joy for me to read this series.







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.

This was such a marvellous read! Killers of a Feather by T. C. LoTempio is the second instalment in her Urban Tails Pet Shop Mystery series featuring struggling actress Chrishell "Shell" McMillan. It certainly grabbed my attention and I was thrown in from the get-go and couldn’t flip the pages fast enough on my kindle.

With great characterisation, the pacing was good throughout. Former Hollywood star, Shell's beloved Aunt Tillie died bequeathing her a Victorian mansion in Fox Hollow, Connecticut and her pet shop - Urban Tails. With her plans for the shop's grand reopening almost complete, rumours of the return of Johnny Draco, who hoodwinked money from most of the residents of Fox Hollow and then vanished without a trace are rife. When he is found dead and almost everyone's name is on the suspect list including Shell's friend, Shell is forced to try to clear her name with the help of her cats, Purrday, a fluffy white Persian and her Siamese, Kahlua and other friends, including former co-star and now her housemate, Gary Presser.

This was a well-crafted cozy mystery that had me reading well into the night. The beauty of this book and the clincher for me was the novel's hilarity and the sparling personalities of a few of the characters. It kept things interesting and added lots of fun. Imaginative and thoroughly enjoyable, Killers of a Feather is well worth a read!

I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my own request from Beyond the Page Publishing via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.