I have read the other novels in T.C. LoTempio’s Nick and Nora Mystery series, because I absolutely love both characters. However, I do have some concerns.
In this sixth installment, Nora Charles, owner of Hot Bread and newly licensed private investigator, has landed a contract to cater a movie shoot. While setting up the tables, she is witness to drama outside of the scripted kind. Later, Nick, her sleuthing partner tuxedo cat, and she find the show’s director dead.
Remy, Chantal’s brother, becomes the prime suspect when he refuses to reveal his pat with the slain man. Nora and Nick must prove his innocence before anyone else loses their lives.
I have serious pet peeves with certain tropes in the mystery genre. For example, when the amateur detective is better at deductions and the police are nasty and non-cooperative. Now there is female Detective Dale Anderson, who is shutting the door in Nora’s face. How many times does the woman need to be told that Nora is a licensed P.I. before she stops telling her that she isn’t a professional?
Outside of this concern, everything else was great. The characters are all very well written with distinct personalities. The mystery has more than enough suspects, motives, and red herrings. I wasn’t sure of the killer until the close to the end.
Nick is still one of my favorite pet sleuths. I love the Scrabble tiles, and how he uses them. It actually is possible for cats to learn these things, so I don’t find it far-fetched or impossible. My own cat knows how to open doors.
Overall, I rate this novel 4 out of 5 stars.
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