Murder on the Books

Newly retired mystery writer Charley James returns to her small hometown only to find herself amidst a real-life murder mystery in this first book in the brand new Cozy Bookshop mystery series by award-winning and national bestselling author T.C. LoTempio.

"I was hooked from start to finish!" Laura Childs, New York Times bestselling author of the Tea Shop mysteries, on Eat, Drink and Drop Dead

Thirty-year-old Charlotte James, better known to her mystery fans as C.J. Barrett, decides to take a break from writing her popular Steve Sheppard mystery series. Leaving New York City, she moves back to her hometown of Austin to wind down, recuperate, and maybe come up with some new ideas for her books.

Settling into her new life, Charley reunites with her long-term friend and baker Zane who is about to open a charming double store front. But while Zane is ready to open her café, her business partner Sheila unexpectedly departs town, bailing on her bookshop and leaving nothing but a note behind.

Charley is more than happy to take over, but when she finds Sheila's body in a chest in the store's basement, things take a dramatic turn. Now Charley has to juggle the opening of her bookshop, a stoic but attractive Philadelphia detective, and a stray cat, all while solving Sheila's murder Sheppard-style before the killer can strike again!

Fans of Jenn McKinlay, Ellery Adams, Lucy Connelly, Lauren Elliott, and Ellie Alexander will love this cozy mystery "featuring a plucky, likable heroine, plenty of suspense [and] unexpected twists" (Booklist).

Another winning entry . . . featuring a plucky, likable heroine, plenty of suspense, unexpected twists, and mouthwatering culinary tips and recipes Booklist on A Crust to Die For
This light-hearted series debut has oodles of charm, mouth-watering descriptions of southern cuisine, and a sassy, savvy heroine Booklist on Eat, Drink and Drop Dead
Captivating characters and plenty of intrigue . . . Delightful Publishers Weekly on Eat, Drink and Drop Dead
It's sure to satisfy fans of Lucy Burdette's 'Key West Food Critic' mysteries Library Journal on Eat, Drink and Drop Dead
Easy enough to appeal to a variety of cozy palates Kirkus Reviews on Eat, Drink and Drop Dead
An exciting mystery - Tiffany and Hilary are a hoot! I was hooked from start to finish! Laura Childs, New York Times bestselling author of the Tea Shop Mysteries, on Eat, Drink and Drop Dead
Entertaining . . . Cozy fans will be satisfied Publishers Weekly on The Time for Murder is Meow
Enjoyable Kirkus Reviews on The Time for Murder is Meow
What more could a cozy mystery reader want? Publishers Weekly on Death by a Whisker
Reprises LoTempio's signature blend of cozy and cats in a mild mix sure to please fans of the subgenre Kirkus Reviews on Death by a Whisker

T.C. LoTempio is the award-winning, nationally bestselling author of the Nick and Nora Mysteries, the Urban Tails Pet Shop Mysteries, and the Cat Rescue Mysteries. Born in New York City, she now resides in Phoenix, Arizona with her two cats, Maxx and Rocco. Rocco prides himself on being the inspiration for her Nick and Nora series! For more information, check out her and her cat Rocco's blog at and visit her website at

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