Killers of a Feather
Series: Urban Tails Pet Shop Mysteries #2
Author: T. C. LoTempio
Genre: Cozy Animal Mystery
Release Date: June 21, 2022, by Beyond the Page
Pages: 299
Summary:
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 . . .
Interview with Crishell
How did you and your author meet?
One rainy day in Clifton, New Jersey, T.C. was looking for an idea for a new book series. She was watching her soap opera at the time, and one of the actresses on it was named Crishell. She liked the name and decided to adapt the characters from another book she’d written into an entirely new series. My occupation at the beginning was a bit of a problem, as her agent was trying to find something that had never been done before (which, let me tell you, is not easy!). Finally, one editor suggested a pet shop owner, and it just took off from there.
Why did this writer decide to feature you in a book?
Well, if I do say so myself, I’m a very interesting character LOL. Not only was I a very successful actress, I’ve always loved mysteries and puzzles (which might be why people identified with my character on my former hit TV show, Spy Anyone). I love putting clues together and finding the right conclusion. As Hannibal Smith used to say on the A Team, I love it when a plan comes together!
Do you have any friends or family helping you out?
My former costar, Gary Presser, is the Watson to my Holmes. Honestly, I couldn’t solve these mysteries without his valuable input (and incessant one-liners!). My friend Olivia Niven, who runs the local dance studio, also lends a hand. Forget my mother! She’d much rather that I land a Broadway play or do Shakespeare in the park than run a pet shop or solve mysteries! But I guess the most helpful family member is my cat Purrday. That cat definitely has a nose for detection!
Do you have a regular job and investigate on the side or are you a full-time detective?
Running the Urban Tails Pet Shop is my full-time job now that my TV series was canceled. So any investigations I get involved in are definitely on the side, but to tell the truth, I wouldn’t mind being a full-time sleuth!
What is the funniest thing that happens to you or another character in this story?
Many people might not think this is hilarious, but I do . . . my mother is, to put it gently, a bit of a snob, even where pets are concerned. When she found out I wanted to adopt a cat she immediately went out and got me my pedigreed Siamese because, as she put it, no daughter of hers was going to have a half-breed for a pet. My Aunt Tillie also left me her Persian cat, Purrday, in her will; however, Purrday was on his own for a bit before my aunt adopted him, and as a result, he lost one eye. When my mother came to visit I tried to keep Purrday away from her, but to no avail. The first time my mother laid eyes on him she screamed out: Crishell! Do you know that cat only has one eye!
Have you solved other cases or is this your first one?
No, I’ve solved one other—one where I was the prime suspect for a while! It’s all recounted in the first volume of this series, The Time for Murder is Meow! Why not pick up a copy and see?
Do you have a gift or special talent?
Many (except my mother) would say my acting ability, but I like to think I have a talent for sleuthing!
Who is the most important individual in your life?
Individuals, two: my cats, Purrday and Kahlua! They comfort me when I’m down, share in my joys, and at least in Purrday’s case, are invaluable helpers when it comes to solving mysteries!
What is your ideal vacation?
I haven’t had a vacation in so long, I forget what it’s like! I think I’d like to be on a beach somewhere, just soaking up the sun, relaxing, maybe reading a good book . . . and finding a dead body! I’ve got to have some excitement!
If you could change anything about your life what would it be?
I think right now the only thing I’d change would be having my mother move back to Los Angeles LOL. Otherwise, I think my life is pretty perfect as it is!
Urban Tails Pet Shop Mysteries
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.
Giveaway
Prize: (1) $25 Amazon Gift Card
Tour Organized by:
To find all the tour information, click the banner at the top of the page.
Have you signed up to be a Tour Host? Click Here to Find Details and Sign Up Today!
Thank you for dropping by! So, what do you think of Killers of a Feather by T. C. LoTempio? Check out the other stops and enter the awesome giveaway if you have time.
Until the next time,
Happy Reading!
Thanks so much for hosting my blog tour! Hope to see you next year with the next Nick and Nora and Pet Shop! T.C.