Join Lulu Lewis, a retired detective with a knack for uncovering secrets, and Conrad, her extraordinary talking cat, as Christmas cheer gives way to festive fear . . .
Hoping for a relaxing festive break, Lulu sets off with Conrad on her canal boat, The Lark, to the picturesque city of Bath to visit friends. But when the pair arrive, they learn of a ruthless kidnapping plot that is plaguing parents in the area.
As the kidnappers fuel panic with further demands, the pair must unravel clues faster than Conrad can charm with his witty banter. That is, if they are to stand any chance of bringing the criminals to justice in time to save the holidays . . .
The Cat and the Christmas Kidnapper by L T Shearer is a charming cosy crime read for fans of Richard Osman and S. J. Bennett.
What did I think?
As soon as I saw that L T Shearer had released a new book, I couldn't wait to read it as I absolutely adore Conrad and Lulu. I actually started this series at book 3, The Cat Who Cracked a Cold Case, and you can definitely read The Cat and the Christmas Kidnapper as a standalone as it explains how Conrad came into Lulu's life.
Lulu is a former detective superintendent and she is spending her retirement living on her barge and travelling on the relaxing inland waterways. Oh, and she has a talking cat called Conrad! Or more accurately, Conrad has a human! Lulu may have retired but she still has a nose for sniffing out crime with Conrad's help (he has a much better sense of smell, after all).
I couldn't put this book down once I picked it up and started and finished it on the same day. I was really torn between racing through the pages as I was enjoying it so much and slowing down to savour every word and extend my time with Conrad. The kidnapping story was too gripping though so speed reading won.
The Cat and the Christmas Kidnapper is an intriguing and compelling cosy crime that is impossible to put down. It's beautifully written with a clever plot, well-developed characters and a gripping police investigation. It's a wonderful, charming and original book that will be a delight to find in your Christmas stocking this year. Very highly recommended.
I received a gifted hardback to read and review for the blog tour and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.
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