Cat About Town

Maddie James returns to her hometown on Daybreak Island, Massachusetts to help her grandfather at a local food festival. When she discovers a dead body at the festival, her childhood friend is implicated in the murder. A stray cat leads Maddie through the investigation as she reconnects with her island community and navigates small-town politics. Her search for answers puts her in contact with business owners, local officials, and residents who all seem to be hiding something. The story combines elements of a traditional cozy mystery with themes of homecoming and community ties. The connection between Maddie and her feline companion adds a touch of whimsy while highlighting the role of intuition in solving crimes.

Readers find this cozy mystery delivers on core genre elements - a likable amateur sleuth, small-town setting, and cat companion. Many note the authentic portrayal of a tea shop and appreciate the detailed descriptions of Daybreak Island. Positives: - Well-developed supporting characters, particularly Mad's family members - Integration of cat behaviors adds realism - Clear writing style and steady pacing Common criticisms: - Some find the murder investigation slow to begin - Romance subplot feels underdeveloped - Several readers mention predictable plot elements Ratings: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (1,200+ ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (180+ ratings) Reader quotes: "The relationship between Mad and JJ [the cat] rings true for any cat owner" - Goodreads reviewer "Takes too long to get to the actual mystery" - Amazon reviewer "Characters feel like real people you'd meet in a small town" - Barnes & Noble review

The Pawsitively Organic Mysteries by Liz Mugavero A former corporate worker opens a pet bakery in a small town and investigates murders with her rescue cat.

Meow If It's Murder by T.C. LoTempio A journalist and her cat solve crimes in a coastal town while running an inherited sandwich shop.

A Whisker of Trouble by Sofie Ryan The owner of a second chance cat shelter finds herself mixed in murder investigations in a Maine harbor town.

The Cat Who Could Read Backwards by Lilian Jackson Braun A newspaper reporter and his Siamese cat partner to solve crimes in a small Michigan town.

The Ghost and Mrs. Mewer by Krista Davis The owner of a pet-friendly inn must clear her name when a guest dies during a ghost hunt weekend.

🐱 This book launched the Cat Cafe Mystery series, which went on to include five novels featuring Maddie James and her rescue cat JJ. 🍽️ The setting, Daybreak Harbor, is a fictional version of various New England coastal towns, drawing inspiration from places like Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket. 🌟 Author Cate Conte is a pen name for Liz Mugavero, who also writes the Pawsitively Organic Mystery series under her real name. ☕ The concept of cat cafes originated in Taiwan in 1998, and the first North American cat cafe opened in Montreal in 2014. 🔍 The book combines two growing trends in cozy mysteries: culinary themes and animal companions, particularly cats, as central characters.