Guest Post, Excerpt & Giveaway ~ SHAKEN, NOT PURRED by Kelle Z. Riley

Shaken, Not Purred (Undercover Cat Series, #2)

by: Kelle Z. Riley

Series: Undercover Cat Series

Genre: Cozy Mystery

Release Date: September 12, 2017

Publisher: Curtis Brown Unlimited

Amazon | Paperback | Goodreads

Be Careful what you wish for…

Bree Watson traded her lab coat for a trench coat, expecting the life of a spy to be fun. But when a body turns up on her undercover mission she’s forced to handle:

* A murdered woman with more enemies than meets the eye.

* A hunky handler posing as her fake boyfriend.

* A sexy detective bent on wooing her-and wooing her away from espionage.

* A drop-out drug dog with a nose for trouble.

* Her cranky cat, curious coworkers, a cupcake challenge she can’t resist, and too many secrets, lies and cover identities to keep strait…

In the whirlwind of investigations and undercover operations, Bree develops a serious identity crisis. Who is she, really?

A spy pretending to be a chemist? Or a chemist pretending to be a spy?

First, I want to send a big “Thank You” to the READ YOUR WRITES blog for hosting me.

Second, I want to issue you a challenge. Below, you’ll find an excerpt from my newest release Shaken, Not Purred. It contains an error. A big one. One that was corrected in the final book. If you find it, private message me on Facebook to be entered in a drawing for a special gift. The contest will run through Halloween. To be eligible, you’ll need to leave me your contact information (email is preferable).

Now, let’s get down to business.

I’m delighted to be here talking about my “Undercover Cat” romantic mystery series. As a fan of both cozy mystery and romance, I enjoy combining the themes in my work. But by far the biggest question I get is “why cast a female scientist in the main role?” And not just any scientist, one with a Ph.D. in chemistry.

The short answer is because. . . well, I work as a Ph.D. chemist when I’m not writing. I was following the “write what you know” adage.

But the longer answer gets to the heart of my writing process. I love a classic setup for a story, but I also can’t resist giving it a twist.

In book 1 (The Cupcake Caper) the heroine, Dr. Bree Watson, faces a classic setup: she finds her boss dead and is accused of the murder. The first twist is that she’s working in a rather large company with a big cast of characters. To boot, she’s a scientist who has decided solving a mystery is like solving a complex equation or chemical puzzle. So, she approaches her investigation as if it were a type of experiment. Like any experiment, there are more dead ends and wrong turns than there are right answers!

The other twist is that one of her associates isn’t what he seems to be. He’s not a graduate from an elite business school. He’s a spy from an elite agency.

You heard correctly. He’s a spy. Because if a murder and an amateur sleuth is fun, a murder, amateur sleuth and undercover spy is much more fun. At least to me. Which is why book 2 (Shaken, Not Purred) opens with my heroine now part of the espionage community on her first undercover mission. In fact, most of her sleuthing takes place while she’s in her undercover persona!

Needless to say, I’m twisting genre conventions and adding all kinds of new complications. While most cozy mysteries take place close to home, I’m able to use my spy ring to take the mystery on the road. Since I travel frequently for my science job, I have hundreds of stories from across the globe that I can weave into my fictional heroine’s life.

The touch of adventure adds an extra dimension to the story. Plus, it gets me around the dilemma most mystery writers eventually face. In a small-town setting, sooner or later anyone new who shows up is bound to either kill or die. Within the framework of my spy ring, each new adventure features an entirely new cast of characters, as well as a few returning old favorites.

Each book also contains recipes based on Dr. Bree’s “kitchen experiments,” because, let’s face it, edible experiments are the best kind. I hope you’ll consider joining Bree on her adventures as she uses her special observational skills to navigate murder, crime, and adventure.

Chapter 1

1st Undercover Mission

Being a spy wasn't all it was cracked up to be in the movies.

What had she gotten herself into? She was a chemist, not a spy. At least, that’s what her diplomas said.

Bree stepped from the podium, hands shaking. Petrochemical engineers swarmed her, shouting questions.

“Can you show us what chemical binders you used to add stability?” The voice rose above the others and Bree turned to the speaker.

“I’d love to...” she gave a tiny, deliberate shrug, “...but my attorney won’t let me.”

“Damn patent attorneys.” The crowd chuckled in response.

Bree’s hands steadied. The diversion thinned the crowd and staunched the flow of questions. Good thing since Bree was posing as an expert in a field she barely knew, presenting data on a fictional product, hoping to catch the interest of a suspected international terrorist. Her presentation was nothing more than a baited hook.

Outside, Texas summer heat baked the sidewalks and withered the grass. Inside, Bree shivered—whether from fear or the chilled hotel air, she didn't know.

“Good job.” Matthew Tugood’s voice sounded in her head via her hidden earpiece. She fought the urge to reply and focused on the crowds headed to the exhibit hall. “He’s here,” Tugood said, voice low and calm. “At your nine o’clock.”

Bree swiveled to the right.

“Nine, Bree. Not three. Remember, under that blonde wig, you're still a brainy brunette."

She looked left and immediately encountered the outstretched hand of a tall Asian man with thick dark hair. The target they had code named Zed. “Intriguing paper.” His slightly accented English sounded as if he was Chinese or perhaps Korean. “Ice that burns is a paradox. I’ve always considered gas hydrates too unstable for practical use. But your work makes them seem less, shall we say, dangerous.”

Her skin prickled at his smooth words. Sweat slickened her hand as she shook his, her eyes never leaving his hooded gaze. Was he testing her? Challenging her?

“Thank him.” Tugood’s voice hissed through the headset.

Bree managed a terse reply.

“You seem nervous,” Zed said with a smile. “Is this your first paper at the SPE conference?”

Bree nodded, grateful he blamed her nerves on the talk. “I just joined the Society for Petroleum Engineers.” She tugged her hand from his grasp.

“You did a good job. I’d like to discuss your research further, if you have time.” He produced a business card. “My name is Lei Chan.”

She studied the card. “Nice to meet you, Dr. Chan.” Bree handed over one of her fake business cards. “I’m—” she paused, mentally reminding herself of her cover identity, “Catherine Holmes.”

“Dr. Catherine Holmes,” he said, consulting her card. “Impressive. But I’ve never heard of Energy Unlimited.”

“We’re a startup company.”

“I see. Are you headed to the exhibit hall?” He steered her toward the crowded vendor area while asking questions about her research.

In her other ear, Tugood fed her a constant stream of information to pique Zed's interest. Bree struggled to keep her face impassive, her conversations straight, and her cover ID intact. All while trying to interpret Dr. Chan’s questions, gestures, and facial expressions in light of what Tugood had told her about him.

By the time they reached the exhibit hall with its sumptuous lunch buffet, her brain felt as thick and gooey as freshly poured asphalt. A headache pounded behind her eyes—and in her eyes. Wearing green contact lenses to disguise her boring brown color had been a mistake. Under the blonde wig, her scalp prickled with an itch she didn't dare scratch.

When Dr. Chan greeted another colleague and moved away, Bree panicked. Tugood needed her to gain Zed’s trust. “Dr. Chan… Wait.” She scurried after the pair. “Wouldn’t you like to arrange a time to...”

Zed halted and turned back to her. “I’ll be in touch, Dr. Holmes.” His lips twisted into the tiniest of smiles. “Soon.”

“Let him go, Bree.” Was that disappointment she heard in Matthew’s voice? Resignation? Or was it her imagination?

She snagged a can of Diet Coke from one of the buffet’s coolers and downed half in quick gulps, hoping to clear her brain.

Her first undercover mission for the Sci-Spy organization presented more problems than a freshman chemistry book.

Most of which centered on the damn earpiece. And the irritating voice it transmitted.

Over the last hours, Tugood’s once soothing baritone had morphed into an annoying mosquito-like drone, constantly with her and rarely wanted.

Worse yet, the earpiece itched.

Bree tried to nonchalantly rub the irritation away. Only to be subjected to a different irritant. "Stop that." Matthew Tugood's strident tones reverberated inside her head. "Touching your ear interferes with my ability to hear. And it draws attention to the earpiece."

Bree buried her head in her conference program to hide her response. "I'm a PhD chemist, not an idiot," she snapped, resisting the urge to say more. It would do no good and only get her another lecture on undercover protocol.

"Stay sharp, Dr. Watson."

It’s Mayfield-Watson. Bree gritted her teeth and lowered the program. Or Dr. Catherine Holmes. The thought of her cover identity caused her headache to throb more fiercely.

She scanned the room, ignoring her Sci-Spy colleague, Milt Shoemaker, who lurked nearby. Tall and slender to the point of being gangly, "Shoe" literally disappeared into his cover the minute he donned the maintenance worker uniform. Without straitening from his stooped, hangdog posture, he lifted his head and gave her a covert thumbs-up. She'd made contact with her target and hadn't required backup intervention.

Now, Bree had a more pressing problem. Thanks to two cups of coffee and a can and a half of Diet Coke, she desperately needed a bathroom. And privacy.

She craned her neck to look past the vendor booths advertising everything from chemical additives to oil drilling equipment. Objective number one was in sight.

She headed to the ladies' room, wondering how to achieve objective number two. Privacy.

Her pendant necklace, plastic rimmed glasses, and briefcase all contained hidden cameras. She flipped the necklace over, slipped her glasses into their case, and draped her suit jacket over the briefcase, effectively blinding Tugood and team.

“What are you doing?” His voice held a trace of annoyance.

“I need to use the bathroom.”

“So go.”

“Turn your surveillance off.” Bree rubbed her ear, wondering if stuffing a tissue in it would deafen him.

“How can I keep you safe if I can’t see or hear what’s going on?”

“Five minutes, Matthew. Please.” She hated the whine in her voice, but a full bladder did that sort of thing to a woman.

A heavy sigh sounded in her ear. “Two minutes. Then, ready or not, the sound is back on. If your cameras aren’t letting me see what’s happening, I’ll have Shoe set off the sprinkler system and force an evacuation. Got it?”

“Three minutes,” Bree countered.

“One minute, fifty seconds and counting.” A click followed Matthew’s warning.

Bree hustled into the bathroom, amazed at the weight that lifted from her shoulders the moment Matthew no longer followed her every move.

Dammit. James Bond didn’t have to put up with this kind of crap.

Being a spy was so not like in the movies.

Chapter 2

Sci-Spy Team Headquarters

Morning light bounced off the white exterior of the corporate complex, blinding Bree as she trudged across the parking lot. She shaded her eyes, scanning the new signage. Science Professional for Hire - Sci-PHi.

“Looks like the old building got a facelift while we were away,” Shoe said as he came up beside her. “And no geese.” He glanced down, his features softening as he searched her face. “How’s it feel being back at the day job after our first mission?”

“Like I’m still undercover—except I’m wearing normal clothes.” She gestured to her casual slacks and flats. “I don’t understand why Tugood and his partner bought our entire research company. Why not just hire the few of us for the undercover work they do?”

“Like he said, a temporary science staffing business is a great cover and good way to keep track of chemical technology without raising suspicions. And the proceeds fund our covert activities.”

“Yes, but do you believe that?”

Shoe shrugged as they walked the building. “Personally, I think he didn’t want all the researchers to lose their jobs after the unfortunate events last spring.”

Unfortunate events. Not the way most people would describe murder and fraud. But Milt Shoemaker wasn’t most people. He was like her: a spy posing as a chemist. Or was it a chemist posing as a spy. Perhaps, something in between. One of five in the entire company.

“Maybe. But it means more people I have to lie to about what we’re doing.” Bree unlatched the door using her key card. “I hate lying to my family and friends,” she grumbled.

“Then don’t have friends.”

Bree glanced at his now tight-lipped expression. She swallowed the urge to ask about his family and went about her day, preparing for the dreaded Monday morning staff meeting.

She arrived in the conference room a few minutes before nine, coffee in hand, and slid into a seat beside her friend Kiki. “Are you okay?” Kiki whispered as she nodded to the empty place at the head of the table. The motherly concern in her voice contrasted sharply with her spiked hair and youthful attitude, hinting at the decade that separated them in age.

Bree nodded. “I’m fine. I can deal with the new boss.”

Kiki shook her head. “You can’t be okay with him getting the promotion you deserve. He was barely competent when he was your technician. He’s out of his league as your boss.”

“I’m fine,” Bree repeated. Troy was a pain in the—He was a pain. Period. In every way possible. But Bree couldn’t let Kiki know the reasons behind Troy’s promotion, no matter how much her friend worried about her.

When Troy strode into the room with his assistant Norah Kingston trailing behind, Bree slumped in her seat. As he settled in at the head of the table, Norah crammed a handful of gum in her mouth and chewed noisily. Today, her goth attire consisted of purple leggings, a short black skirt, and layers of purple-on-black tee shirts. Her neck, wrists, and ears were festooned with chains featuring skulls and bones. She blew a bubble. Purple, of course.

“Since when did Norah start chewing gum?” Bree asked Kiki.

“Since she learned it annoys Troy.”

“I’ll get her a jumbo pack next time I’m at Costco.” Bree sent Kiki a grin.

The worst part of being a spy—far worse than itchy earpieces, lack of privacy, and risk of exposure—was not being able to share any of it with Kiki. Or her family. Or anyone who hadn’t been recruited to work undercover.

“Everyone, I need your attention.” Troy rapped his knuckles on the table, causing Bree’s coffee to slosh over the rim of her cup. Bree swiped at the spill with her napkin and clenched her teeth to keep from snapping at Troy.

The noise in the room didn’t decline. “People,” Troy tried again to get them to quiet down, “pay attention.”

Silence followed. Broken immediately by Norah popping a large purple bubble. Troy flinched. “Some of you,” he continued irritably, “have not yet requisitioned your new business cards.” Troy glared at Bree. Behind his back, Norah mouthed “sorry” before blowing—and popping—another bubble.

Troy flinched again, his jaw tightening. “CIC has been sold and the staff reassigned. We’re now Science Professionals for Hire. Sci-PHi. Bree, do you give your consulting clients old CIC cards?”

“No,” Bree muttered. I give them a card that says I’m Dr. Catharine Holmes. “I’ll order my cards.” And add them to the stack of fake identities that clutter my wallet.

Before Troy could say more, Norah popped another bubble.

“Dammit, Norah, stop that.” Troy whirled on the girl, only to receive an insolent shrug for his reprimand.

“We could all use a lot more professionalism around here.” He turned to the rest of the department. “Kiki, how’s the new forensics lab integration progressing?”

Kiki took her time, downing a swallow of coffee and waiting for the atmosphere in the room to settle before speaking. “I’ve worked with Nate Rayburn and his analytical lab techs to get them trained to handle the police lab overflow. The bulk of the labor is processing rape kits, but we’re almost up to speed on everything we need to know.”

“Good. The police contract is a big one. Steady lab work. I’m glad it’s on schedule.” He turned to the other department members. “Those of you not training on forensics techniques will continue working with clients who require 3rd party verification and other contract jobs. We’re not a research company anymore.” He shot another glare at Bree.

“What about our consulting clients?” Milt stretched, leaning back until his chair balanced on two legs. “Where do they fit in?”

“You should know,” Troy replied, letting irritation slip into his tone. “The consulting clients are scheduled and run through the Special Projects Division. You’re always off installing pumps and chemical feed stations and whatnot. And Bree spends most of her time doing god-knows-what for god-knows-who.”

“So,” Milt continued, “Mr. Tugood’s division.”

“Yes. Matthew Tugood’s Special Projects Division. But you both still report to me. And speaking of special projects, Bree, the energy company you consult with sent a letter of commendation.” He waved a paper in front of her before tucking it away. “Would you care to share the highlights with the rest of the team?”

Bree gave him an apologetic half smile. “I presented a paper on the endless energy gas hydrate project. I can’t say more without violating the non-disclosure agreements.”

Silence—and blank stares—met her pronouncement. Bree shrugged it off, glad no one asked questions. The fictitious research about potential explosives had served its purpose—capturing the attention of Zed. Now, she had to reel him in and hope he led her to other members of his terrorist organization.

“Endless, unlimited energy,” Troy muttered, breaking the silence. “Sounds like a perpetual motion machine, if you ask me. I think the Special Projects Division went out on a limb with this one. I hope you don’t get burned, Bree.”

“So do I.” A trickle of dread slithered down her spine. Being tainted professionally wasn’t the problem. Fear of being burned in the spy world—of having her cover blown during a mission—kept her awake at night more than she cared to admit.

Milt banged his chair down with a sharp crack. “Dr. Mayfield-Watson is the most competent scientist I know. She won’t get burned.”

Tension seeped from Bree’s shoulders when she heard Milt’s encouragement. After years as an unappreciated jack-of-all trades, Milt was thriving in the new Sci-Spy organization. His ability to disappear into his cover—something Matthew claimed Bree also had—impressed Tugood and inspired Bree.

Troy grunted and glared at Milt before reminding everyone to record their billable hours and turn in their monthly reports. He adjourned the meeting, but waited for Bree as she made her way out of the conference room.

“The Director of Special Projects appears to have taken quite an interest in you. He’s asked you to meet with him. Again.” Troy's eyes narrowed to glittering slits. “Don’t you think as your manager, I should be involved in these meetings?”

Bree ignored his petulant tone and ineffective glare. “It’s just a review.”

“A review of the work your non-disclosure agreement won’t allow you to talk to me about?”

The edge in Troy’s voice made the hairs on Bree’s neck stand. Until today, he hadn’t taken much interest in her projects. The all-purpose excuse of working at the fictional client company covered her absences from the labs. If he started micromanaging her, it could compromise her undercover work.

“Personally, I don’t think it has anything to do with agreements or special projects.” Troy stopped walking and turned to her. “I’ve seen the way Matthew Tugood looks at you. Like you’re a piece of candy and he’s craving a sugar fix. The question is, does he want you in his bed or taking over my office running the FAR department? Or maybe both.”

“That’s uncalled for.” Bree stared at Troy until he opened his mouth again, then deliberately cut him off. “Tugood coordinates senior scientists working with consulting clients, nothing more. He doesn’t want to replace you.” And he definitely doesn’t want me in his...his intimate circle.

Bree ignored the flash of warmth that surged through her at the thought of seeing Tugood in more intimate circumstances.

He’s off limits. She mentally ticked off the reasons. One—he was her handler in covert operations. Two—he was the secret owner of her new company. And three—he was, as his name implied, too good to be true.

Sexy super-spies like Matthew Tugood might use scientists like her for their own purposes, but Bree knew better than to think he’d fall for a well-endowed (okay, overweight), soft-around-the-edges, dreamy-eyed geek. Especially one so plain and unremarkable that she could disappear into a cover without any effort.

The more she reminded herself of that, the less likely she’d be to get burned. Not as a scientist. Nor as a spy. But as a woman who dared to put her heart on the line.

For a longer excerpt (and to participate in the “Find the Mistake” contest) go to:

https://dl.bookfunnel.com/e4wyr9dwjp

Purchase Shaken, Not Purred from:

Amazon | Paperback | Goodreads

The Undercover Cat Series:

Kelle Z. Riley, writer, speaker, Ph.D. chemist, safety/martial arts expert, and world traveler has been featured in public forums that range from local Newspapers to National television. Her work was featured in the April 2014 “Chicken Soup for the Soul: Living with Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias.” A former Golden Heart Finalist, Kelle resides in Chattanooga, TN. She has been a director for the Chattanooga Writer’s Guild, as well as a self defense instructor, a Master Gardener and a full time chemist with numerous professional publications and U. S. patents.

Places to find Kelle Z. Riley:

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Amazon Author Page

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