Cat About Town: A Cat Cafe Mystery

Cate Conte

Aug 2017 · Cat Cafe Mystery Series Book 1 · Sold by Minotaur Books

About this ebook

The first novel in a frisky new mystery series set in a small New England town, where an unlikely citizen is called in to solve the purrfect crime. . .

Maddie James has arrived in Daybreak Island, just off the coast of Massachusetts, eager to settle down and start her own business—and maybe even fall in love. When a stray orange tabby pounces into her life, she’s inspired to open a cat café. But little does Maddie know that she’s in for something a lot more catastrophic when her new furry companion finds the dead body of the town bully. Now all eyes are on Maddie: Who is this crazy cat-whisperer lady who’s come to town? If pet-hair-maintenance and crime-fighting weren’t keeping her busy enough, Maddie now has not one but two eligible bachelors who think she’s the cat’s pajamas . . . and will do anything to win her heart. But how can she even think about happily-ever-after while a killer remains on the loose—and on her path?

Curl up with Cate Conte's first Cat Cafe Mystery: Cat About Town!

Ratings and reviews

Cat about Town by Cate Conte is the first novel in A Cat Café Mystery series. Madalyn “Maddie” James has returned home to Daybreak Island for her grandmother’s funeral. At the cemetery, Maddie spots an orange cat peeking around a gravestone. Later at Grandpa Leo’s beautiful old Victorian home, he tells Maddie that Frank O’Malley is trying to force him to sell the house. Frank has big plans for the island which include a transportation rental center on Leo’s property (tearing down their family home). Maddie arranges to meet Frank at a local restaurant and heated words are exchanged. After walking around town, she ends up at her grandmother’s grave where she meets up with the orange cat again. The cat follows Maddie to the Food Stroll where she meets up with her friend, Becky Walsh. Suddenly, the cat takes off with Maddie quickly following behind him. She finds her furry friend under a table staring at a deceased Frank O’Malley. The police put Maddie and her grandfather, Leo at the top of the suspect list. Maddie and her new feline companion, J.J. (who is being hailed a hero) set out to discover Frank’s killer. Will the killer strike again before Maddie uncovers his identity? Cat about Town started off at a good pace and I was intrigued by the story. The further I progressed into the book, the more mundane it became. It seemed like the author had followed a formula or outline for a cozy mystery. We have our female protagonist, two male suitors, a cute cat, nasty guy who gets himself murdered, our suspects, rude investigator, protagonist investigates to clear her name or that of loved one, life threatened, and bad guy apprehended. I liked the addition of the mysterious benefactor and the idea of a cat café. I not heard of cat cafes prior to this novel. I am giving Cat About Town 3 out of 5 stars. The murder of Frank O’Malley was easily solved. There is some misdirection, but the killer’s identity was not a shocker. There is a little twist that will surprise most readers (I would say more but it is a spoiler). I do wish the author had not given Maddie two beaus. The last thing I want (or readers need) is another love triangle in a cozy mystery. I like how close Maddie is with her grandfather, Leo. They have a sweet relationship. I wish there had been less repetition of case details and more solid content (less fluff and romance). I will read the next book in A Cat Café Mystery series. I am curious to find out more about the mysterious benefactor and see the development of the cat café.

About the author

Cate Conte serves on the Sisters in Crime New England board and is a member of Sisters in Crime National, Mystery Writers of America, and the Cat Writers’ Association. She currently lives in Connecticut with her cats and dog. Cate is the author of the Cate Cafe Mystery series.