by Cynthia Chow

Details at the end of this post on how to enter to win a copy of Cat Got Your Diamonds. We also have a link to order it from Amazon, and from an indie bookstore where a portion goes to help support KRL.

A horrifying broken engagement sent Lacy Marie Crocker back to New Orleans’ Garden District, but she was always a true child of Louisiana. While her father may have been from new money, he was also a beloved local veterinarian who treated generations of pets. Lacy’s roots in old money came from Lacy’s mother, who was born in the highest echelons of New Orleans society. Lacy may have rejected her debutante upraising, dropped out of medical school to pursue a degree in fashion design, and run off with her fiancé to Arlington, but she was once again back home finally doing what she loved. By combining an upbringing with organic food with her talent as a fashion designer, Lacy has opened the Furry Godmother, a boutique for customized pet couture and an organic bakery for pets.

The first four months were a promising start, but that ends when the Furry Godmother is broken into and Lucy attacked. Although she admirably defended herself with an airbrush glitter paint sprayer, she certainly didn’t use it to bludgeon him to death. So she can’t explain why the man’s body was found outside her store, or why Detective Jack Oliver seems so intent on arresting her for murder. All the women may fall into a swoon in his dreamy presence, but Lucy is far more concerned when her investor stops backing her until the case is resolved, and her business dwindles to lookee-loos. The stubborn pride Lacy inherited from her father’s side prevents her from accepting the wealth from her mother’s, so Lacy feels that it is up to her to solve the murder and save her store, all the while resisting the pressure to find a proper spouse, an acceptable occupation, and live up to her family’s station in society.

The Garden District of New Orleans is the perfect setting for this light-hearted debut mystery series that highlights all of its unique charm. Lacy’s mother’s charity organization wars against rival socialites, who viciously compete to do the most good, with the Jazz Festival featuring a snazzy charity ball suitable for both humans and pets. Leg warmers for llamas are as matter-of-fact as couture dance wear for Shih Tzu.

Having been deceived by her former fiancé, Lucy is adamant about resisting the allure of both Oliver and her best friend’s brother-in-law, despite the numerous attempts by others to play matchmaker. An investigating detective’s interest in a suspect for more than just an arrest can play out awkwardly, but the author slowly builds a backstory for Oliver that adds layers of dimension to his character. However Lacy’s personal life plays out, readers will enjoy the snappy sense of humor that allows her to persevere and continue to create delicious-sounding treats and couture for the humans’ best companions.

To enter to win a copy of Cat Got Your Diamonds, simply email KRL at krlcontests@gmail[dot]com by replacing the [dot] with a period, and with the subject line “diamonds,” or comment on this article. A winner will be chosen November 26, 2016. U.S. residents only. If entering via email please include your mailing address, and if via comment please include your email address.

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Click on this link to purchase this book & a portion goes to help support KRL & an indie bookstore Mysterious Galaxy:

Cat Got Your Diamonds

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Cynthia Chow is the branch manager of Kaneohe Public Library on the island of Oahu. She balances a librarian lifestyle of cardigans and hair buns with a passion for motorcycle riding and regrettable tattoos (sorry, Mom).

Disclosure: This post contains links to an affiliate program, for which we receive a few cents if you make purchases. KRL also receives free copies of most of the books that it reviews, that are provided in exchange for an honest review of the book.