Cat About Town: A Cat Cafe Mystery

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.