Title: Bell, Book and Corpses

Series: A Nick and Nora Mystery

By:  T.C. LoTempio

ISBN: 9781960511829 (ISBN10: 1960511823)

Website: https://www.tclotempio.net/

Brought to you by OBS reviewer Andra                   

Summary:

Waincroft Manor has long been tied to rumors of witchcraft and fatal curses, and to Nora Charles, that makes it the perfect place for a Halloween fundraiser. But her first trip to the deserted old mansion turns out to be truly ghoulish when she discovers a dead body. What’s more, the corpse is laid out in a coffin—with two bite marks on its neck. Then the autopsy comes back showing that the body was drained of blood, and there’s no stopping the local gossips from whispering the word vampire to anyone who will listen.

Determined to dispel the rumors and save the fundraiser, Nora sets out to prove the murderer was quite human after all. Sifting through the clues, she learns of a bitter family rivalry that spans generations, and a more recent conflict that may point to the motive for the murder. And when Nick spells out a clue that proves to be the missing piece of the puzzle, Nora knows she’ll have to watch her back—because there’s a killer out there who wants to keep some secrets buried, and they’ll happily bury Nora right along with them . . . (Goodreads)

Review:

In my limited experience with author T.C LoTempio, I have always enjoyed her storytelling. Of course, since all that I have read have cat’s being a big part of the sleuthing (and I am a big fan of cat’s), it is no wonder I have enjoyed the antics of these unsung hero’s in LoTempio’s cozy mysteries. Hile entering this series in book 7 is maybe not the wisest of choices, I was able to keep up with the sleuthing duo. In fact, it was such a good read, I am planning on going back to the beginning and starting there.

Bell, Book and Corpses is another Nick and Nora Mystery with Nick (a tuxedo cat) leading Nora to a body. The story begins with a Halloween fundraiser scheduled in a “Haunted House” (the old Waincroft Manor). Now if that is not ominous – I don’t know what is ☺. However, the planning for the fundraiser does not proceed smoothly due to the body. Who is the deceased and more importantly – how and why were they located in a coffin in the Manor with what looked like a vampire bite? And more importantly – can the fundraiser proceed and will anyone show up??? Nora is determined to figure out the who and why as a friend of hers is accused of the murder – and she knows that her friend did not do it!

So Nora and Nick work through the myriad of clues with the help of their friends to find the actual killer and save the fundraiser ☺. But it was not without risk as the real killer did not want to get caught and was not above committing yet another murder or two (so watch out Nora and Nick). I enjoyed the twists and turns, which kept me guessing to the very end. I won’t reveal anything further regarding the murder and its resolution as I think each reader should enjoy the journey for themselves. What I will say though is that there were numerous “red herrings” and the story telling was good, which kept me engaged.

I must say that Nick is one of my favourite characters! I love how he communicates with Nora through scrabble squares. It seems that Nick tends to be one step ahead of Nora. Oh my…. And this will undoubtedly drive me to go back and read the first six books in the series.

As with all cozy mysteries, the “whodunit” is revealed in the end and I am happy to say – I was stumped until then as well. Just the way I like my cozy mysteries ☺

I do love the cover art…Nick all dressed for the occasion with a red cape, very handsome tuxedo cat I must say.

If you are a fan of cozy mysteries, as well as a fan of cats – then this sleuthing duo might be just up your alley. Pick up Bell, Book and Corpses, pull up a comfy chair and read the night (or day) away.