The Cat Who Caught a Killer: 1 (Conrad the Cat Detective, 1)

Product Information

I found that the killer was actually signposted early on. The author introduces a lot of other characters, mostly just to add red herrings and pad out the book. They mostly served as filler, reminding us constantly (and repetitively) how lovely Emily was and what a shame it is she is gone. Having recently suffered a bereavement, I know that this is a sentiment that is often expressed, especially about older people who have died, but it still read a bit repetitively in the book. This was an absolutely charming and lovely read which drew me in right from the start, and that was of course because of Conrad. Conrad is a wonderful and loveable cat—intelligent and fun—and not the typical sarcastic cat that stories often portray. He literally walks into Lulu’s life one fine day, and I loved how they instantly form a bond even though Lulu hasn’t had a cat before (Conrad in fact, gives her a few tips on looking after cats). They take to each other immediately and form a nice easy friendship with him accompanying here everywhere, whether it is her investigations, restaurants for a meal, or the ‘pilgrimage’ she makes all over town as a tribute to Emily. Conrad also is great comfort to many of the people they visit, and to Lulu both a much-needed friend and partner in her detective work. The fantasy element is restricted to Conrad being able to actually talk to Lulu (and share his instincts and thoughts) but for the rest they must work within the usual parameters. Although Emily Lewis is suffering from dementia, her general health is good and so when Emily dies overnight, Lulu has a sense that there’s something suspicious about her death. Assisted by Conrad she undertakes a discreet investigation. I absolutely loved this book! Conrad was a wonderful character who I would love to encounter again' – 5* reader review The Cat Who Caught a Killer by L T Shearer is a charming cosy crime read for fans of Richard Osman’s The Thursday Murder Club and S. J. Bennett’s The Windsor Knot.

Oh, and dear author, if you don't like there being no police stations open anymore maybe stop voting Tory. Just a thought.During the trial, jurors heard accounts from several cat owners who found their pets injured on their doorsteps. I was intrigued by the title of this book and when I read the blurb, I thought I’d give it a go. I’m so glad I decided to read this book as it’s a quirky, cosy crime story. The evidence is utterly flimsy, and how Lulu gets to said evidence is even flimsier. The side characters are 2D caricatures - at one point Lulu visits a couple who read appallingly stereotypical books - the man reads thrillers and military history while the woman prefers romance novels. All dog people are terrible, with the worst offenders having piercings in their eyebrows, nose, lips, ears “and goodness knows where else.” This book feels like it's setting the scene for a series (which I think it is). There feels like there is a lot of scene setting and building a relationship between Lulu and Conrad. The death of Lulu's husband is dangled like a carrot in front of the reader, with neon lights flashing that this is important. There feels like that is a lot of fishing and the wham, things fall into place, the suspects(who are quite obvious all along) confess etc voila, there we are. But a brutal murder and a daring art theft means her plans are shattered – instead she and Conrad find themselves on the trail of a killer . . .

The Cat Who Solved Three Murders by L T Shearer is a charming cosy crime read for fans of Richard Osman and S. J. Bennett. The Cat Who Caught a Killer might be a good fit for audiences that agree with author's nostalgia for the "good old days" when there were less consequences for your bad actions, and those who don't mind long-winded descriptions and having their hand held through every step - but it certainly wasn't a good fit for me and not one I'd recommend to anybody I know. With Conrad the cat helping her though, Lulu is soon on the trail of the killer and together they work on finding the killer. In his police interview read out during the trial, Bouquet told officers he was “no threat to animals” – but a photo of a dead cat was found on his phone, the court heard.Between October 2018 and June 2019 he murdered and injured many cats in the Brighton area and in July 2021 he was sentenced to prison for his crimes. He was found guilty of 16 offences of criminal damage, in relation to the cats, and possession of a knife. I’m pleased his trial is over but I really hope that while he’s serving his time, he is made to get psychiatric help so he never hurts an animal or human for the rest of his life. I’ve already lost so it is hard to feel anything toward him. The worst that could happen happened.” The owners of some of the cats Bouquet stabbed to death were at Hove crown court on Friday to see him imprisoned for five years and three months. Nine cats – Hendrix, Tommy, Hannah, Alan, Nancy, Gizmo, Kyo, Ollie and Cosmo – were killed and a further seven injured. I don’t mind talking animals in books, but I felt the voice of cat didn’t always work for me – a bit too didactic at times. While this was easy to read, it was a real struggle for me to get through and unfortunately I DNF'd it at about 75%.