by: T.C. LoTempio
Series: Urban Tails Pet Shop Mystery
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Release Date: March 19, 2024
Publisher: Beyond the Page Publishing
There may be honor among thieves, but a long-ago diamond heist might hold the secret to a man’s murder...
Pet shop owner Shell McMillan is thrilled to see everyone in Fox Hollow flocking to the local animal shelter’s fundraiser, where they can get their old keepsakes and collectibles appraised and maybe even sell them for a tidy sum. But the event has drawn some shady characters as well, including Pete Martin, who seems determined to get his hands on a beat-up old jewelry box at any cost. Then Martin is found murdered, and Shell has to go from fundraising to finding a killer.
It doesn’t take long for Shell to figure out that the jewelry box was concealing diamonds from a long-ago heist, and that Martin wasn’t the only one trying to get his hands on the stash. But to figure out who wanted him dead, she’ll have to uncover who was behind the original heist and who knows where the rest of the gems are hidden. It’s as dangerous a case as Shell has ever faced, and if she’s not careful, her search for the missing stones will leave her stone-cold dead...
Readers can expect Shell and Gary to be playing Nancy Drew and Joe Hardy once again! With the aid of Purrday, of course, and the new recruit, Princess Fuzzypants! In order to solve their latest murder, Shell and Gary have to delve into the connection between that and a twenty-five year old diamond heist! And yes, each of the Pet Shop mysteries can be read independently.
When it comes to your characters, how do you come up with their names and their personalities?
Most of my characters are based on actual people that I either know or have met. Some are former workmates, neighbors…even a relative or two LOL. For example, the character of Hilary in the Tiffany series is based on a girl I used to work with at Harris.
You’re currently writing three different cozy mystery series. How do you keep everything straight?
Lots of notebooks, story bibles, and prayer! There have been plenty of times when I’ve mixed up a character in a series, or more commonly, forgotten the name LOL.
Have you ever written yourself into a corner and had trouble figuring out how to correct it?
That just happened writing the latest Nick and Nora. That book fought me at every turn, but I’m nothing if not persistent. What I usually do is step away from it for a few days, and it all manages to work out.
What’s a day in the life of Toni/T.C. like?
I write Friday through Monday, four to five hours a day. I usually leave Tuesday through Thursday free for chores, appointments, etc., but if I have extra time I’ll do another 4-5 hour shift. Being retired helps with the writing time LOL. I write in my den, usually with music in the background.
What do you like to do in your downtime?
Downtime??????? When I get a spare moment, I like to read cozy mysteries, thrillers, and true crime. I love anything by Laura Childs, JD Robb, and James Patterson. I also enjoy playing with my cats!
What are you currently working on?
I am contracted for two more Pet Shop mysteries and four more Nick and Nora’s. I’m currently writing Pet Shop 5, DINNER AND A MURDER.
T.C., thank you so much for answering some questions for me.
My pleasure! Thank you for hosting me!
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I enjoyed the interview. Sounds like a good book.
ReplyDeleteWhat's the most autobiographical element in your work?
ReplyDeleteI liked the interview. Thanks for the giveaway!
ReplyDeleteThank you.
DeleteThis sounds like an interesting book and I also like the cover.
ReplyDeleteabfantom at yahoo dot com
Looks like a fun book to read.
ReplyDeleteThis looks like a fun read!!
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like an awesome book! Deff added to my tbr!
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