As a lover of both cats and murder mysterious, it was inevitable I'd fall head over heels in love with Conrad, a calico cat who is the companion of a former police detective and a clever investigator in his own right. I first read their adventured in The Cat Who Solved Three Murders and was thrilled when I saw that they were continuing in what is already the third instalment of the series: The Cat Who Cracked a Cold Case.
About The Cat Who Cracked a Cold Case
After their adventures in London and Oxford, Conrad and his human companion Lulu travel on canal boat The Lark all the way to Manchester to visit an old friend of Lulu's. And, like clockwork, it doesn't take long for them to get embroiled in a bunch of different police investigations...From digging into the background of a mysterious new man in her friend's life through to consulting on a series of killings in Manchester that seem awfully similar to an unresolved serial killer case in London five years prior, Lulu and Conrad soon have their hands (and paws) full.
My review
Although I already thoroughly enjoyed the previous book in the series, this one was even better! I adored Lulu and Conrad's banter and easy companionship (complemented well by the policemen and women they're teaming up with). There were a lot of investigations going on to keep the story engaging between Lulu looking out for her friend, getting pulled into a robbery on a neighbouring house boat, and the core plot around the serial killings, which certainly kept the characters – and reader – on their toes.
And the big murder investigation, connecting killings from five years ago in London with those happening today in Manchester was incredibly well thought out and plotted. It was less of a whodunnit filled with endless suspects and red herrings and more of a classic police investigation, which certainly was a change of pace for me as I've been reading so much "cosy crime" in recent years. I wasn't able to solve the clues any quicker than Lulu and Conrad (and, let's be honest, probably wouldn't have at all without them!) – making the ending immensely satisfying.
The only reason this one isn't a full 5 stars is because some of the storytelling was a bit repetitive (such as the unnecessary amount of detail about Lulu's various Uber drivers, a company that shouldn't be promoted to begin with, and the numerous "product placements" for Evian, the only water Conrad drinks). Besides, the series needs somewhat to strive for in a future instalment!
The only reason this one isn't a full 5 stars is because some of the storytelling was a bit repetitive (such as the unnecessary amount of detail about Lulu's various Uber drivers, a company that shouldn't be promoted to begin with, and the numerous "product placements" for Evian, the only water Conrad drinks). Besides, the series needs somewhat to strive for in a future instalment!
In The Cat Who Cracked a Cold Case, Lulu and Conrad have really found their stride. Their easy companionship, Lulu's keen investigative eye, and Conrad's witty feline quips and observations make for a hugely enjoyable story. Their adventures are engaging, fast-paced, and often hilarious, and I can't wait to join them for more trips on The Lark in the future. Who knows, maybe they'll bit a bit more leisurely than murderous next time (although I doubt it).
The Cat Who Cracked a Cold Case by L T Shearer is published by PanMacmillan and you can now buy your copy from your favourite local book shop!
Disclaimer: This book was gifted to me, but this has not impacted this honest review.
Blog tour stops for The Cat Who Cracked a Cold Case by L T Shearer
This review for The Cat Who Cracked a Cold Case is part of the blog tour for the launch of the book. Make sure to check out the other stops too!
Disclaimer: This book was gifted to me, but this has not impacted this honest review.
Thanks for the blog tour support x
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