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Conrad the Cat Detective #2
The Cat Who Solved Three Murders
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.
Retired police detective Lulu Lewis’s life changed forever when she met a street cat named Conrad. There’s something very special about Conrad, but it’s a secret she has to keep to herself.
When Lulu takes her narrowboat to Oxford, she is planning nothing more stressful than attending a friend’s birthday party. And drinking a few glasses of Chardonnay.
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.
A killer who may well strike again.
Retired police detective Lulu Lewis’s life changed forever when she met a street cat named Conrad. There’s something very special about Conrad, but it’s a secret she has to keep to herself.
When Lulu takes her narrowboat to Oxford, she is planning nothing more stressful than attending a friend’s birthday party. And drinking a few glasses of Chardonnay.
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.
A killer who may well strike again.
315 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 25, 2023
124 people are currently reading
975 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 181 reviews
November 2, 2023
My thanks to Pan Macmillan for a review copy of this book via NetGalley.
Having enjoyed The Cat Who Caught a Killer (2022) by L. T. Shearer last year, I was so pleased to see Lulu Lewis and Conrad the cat back for their second adventure, and put up my hand for it immediately. Lulu Lewis is a retired Met police detective who is living on a narrowboat, The Lark as after her husband’s death she can’t bear to live in the house they shared. One day, a very unique cat, Conrad walks onto her boat—a calico who is a male (they’re usually female)—and makes himself at home. If that wasn’t unusual enough, Conrad is very special in another way, he can talk—yep, actual human speech—but he does so only to Lulu. Plus, he loves his Evian as he makes clear from the start (but sharp and witty though he may be, he isn’t your typical sarcastic feline). Soon he becomes not only a comforting friend but also a partner in crime-solving as they encounter an unexplained death. I absolutely loved Conrad and the bond that develops between him and Lulu, which made the book so much more special than just a cosy mystery.
In this second adventure, Lulu and Conrad have driven down (narrowboats aren’t sailed) to Oxford where Lulu is to attend the sixtieth birthday celebrations of Bernard Greenville, husband of her old friend Julia. Julia was a once a colleague from SOCO, but later left and started up a pharmaceutical company (with others) and the couple are now extremely wealthy—living in a house much too big for the two of them, eating M & S food ordered in all the time, expensive art on the walls, and designer clothes overflowing with many never ever worn. But when Lulu arrives, she finds that just a few days earlier there was a robbery in the house, with an insurance assessor having been killed, Bernard badly injured and some artwork stolen. Lulu’s detective instincts kick into gear and she begins to casually ask questions, encouraged by the fact that the young inspector in-charge of the case Tracey Calder is happy to have her inputs (though Tracey realises as Julia’s friend, she probably shouldn’t be involving her). As you can tell from the title, this isn’t the only murder involved and soon enough there is a second body on their hands. The Greenvilles claim they have no enemies, and life has been carrying on comfortably for them, so who is it that could be after them and why? It’s up to Lulu and Conrad to find out.
The Cat Who Solved Three Murders (2023) was another enjoyable entry in this series (I am so glad to see this is turning into one), which while again not the strongest of mysteries makes for a wonderful read in large part because of Conrad—he might not ‘solve’ the murders on his own, but certainly does spot important clues, raises some relevant questions, sounds warnings when there are suspicious noises at night, and also provides comfort to those in need of it. And oh yes, he confronts the ‘villains’ too! The fantasy element in the book is confined to his ability to ‘talk’ to Lulu but he talks (in meows) to others as well, and so is seen as a ‘talking cat’. Another useful ability is his reading of people’s auras (which he can see in colour) which can help determine any undesirable or suspicious shades in their character. By and large he does well here, but I didn’t like that this facet of his character was not brought up in a couple of cases where he could easily have seen red flags. His conversations with Lulu are a great deal of fun, and one enjoys his interactions with everyone he meets.
The mystery in this instalment was much better than the one we were faced with in their debut adventure, but still it was one where the reader can see the answer just about half way into the book. Not work out every detail, for there are some threads to unravel but one does get the idea. Still it doesn’t take away from the fun reading on to see how Lulu and Conrad work it out and whether it indeed turns out as we have guessed. A decision that Lulu makes at the end though didn’t feel right, though it is left ambiguous in a sense.
Some of the themes explored in the story are luxury/decadence (versus a simpler life), loss and grief, ethical considerations (some red flags here), the changing face of the police—getting younger, having to operate strictly by manuals, and such—as well as perceptions of the authorities among the more ordinary (vulnerable, disadvantaged) populace.
If you go into this book for the mystery element alone, you might come out a touch underwhelmed, but as a book with a bit of fantasy in the form of a lovely talking calico cat, some nice settings (though we don’t really explore Oxford as we did Maida Vale in the first book), and a mostly likeable main character, I do find these light, pleasant and entertaining reads. Can’t wait for the next instalment.
3.75 stars rounded off
Having enjoyed The Cat Who Caught a Killer (2022) by L. T. Shearer last year, I was so pleased to see Lulu Lewis and Conrad the cat back for their second adventure, and put up my hand for it immediately. Lulu Lewis is a retired Met police detective who is living on a narrowboat, The Lark as after her husband’s death she can’t bear to live in the house they shared. One day, a very unique cat, Conrad walks onto her boat—a calico who is a male (they’re usually female)—and makes himself at home. If that wasn’t unusual enough, Conrad is very special in another way, he can talk—yep, actual human speech—but he does so only to Lulu. Plus, he loves his Evian as he makes clear from the start (but sharp and witty though he may be, he isn’t your typical sarcastic feline). Soon he becomes not only a comforting friend but also a partner in crime-solving as they encounter an unexplained death. I absolutely loved Conrad and the bond that develops between him and Lulu, which made the book so much more special than just a cosy mystery.
In this second adventure, Lulu and Conrad have driven down (narrowboats aren’t sailed) to Oxford where Lulu is to attend the sixtieth birthday celebrations of Bernard Greenville, husband of her old friend Julia. Julia was a once a colleague from SOCO, but later left and started up a pharmaceutical company (with others) and the couple are now extremely wealthy—living in a house much too big for the two of them, eating M & S food ordered in all the time, expensive art on the walls, and designer clothes overflowing with many never ever worn. But when Lulu arrives, she finds that just a few days earlier there was a robbery in the house, with an insurance assessor having been killed, Bernard badly injured and some artwork stolen. Lulu’s detective instincts kick into gear and she begins to casually ask questions, encouraged by the fact that the young inspector in-charge of the case Tracey Calder is happy to have her inputs (though Tracey realises as Julia’s friend, she probably shouldn’t be involving her). As you can tell from the title, this isn’t the only murder involved and soon enough there is a second body on their hands. The Greenvilles claim they have no enemies, and life has been carrying on comfortably for them, so who is it that could be after them and why? It’s up to Lulu and Conrad to find out.
The Cat Who Solved Three Murders (2023) was another enjoyable entry in this series (I am so glad to see this is turning into one), which while again not the strongest of mysteries makes for a wonderful read in large part because of Conrad—he might not ‘solve’ the murders on his own, but certainly does spot important clues, raises some relevant questions, sounds warnings when there are suspicious noises at night, and also provides comfort to those in need of it. And oh yes, he confronts the ‘villains’ too! The fantasy element in the book is confined to his ability to ‘talk’ to Lulu but he talks (in meows) to others as well, and so is seen as a ‘talking cat’. Another useful ability is his reading of people’s auras (which he can see in colour) which can help determine any undesirable or suspicious shades in their character. By and large he does well here, but I didn’t like that this facet of his character was not brought up in a couple of cases where he could easily have seen red flags. His conversations with Lulu are a great deal of fun, and one enjoys his interactions with everyone he meets.
The mystery in this instalment was much better than the one we were faced with in their debut adventure, but still it was one where the reader can see the answer just about half way into the book. Not work out every detail, for there are some threads to unravel but one does get the idea. Still it doesn’t take away from the fun reading on to see how Lulu and Conrad work it out and whether it indeed turns out as we have guessed. A decision that Lulu makes at the end though didn’t feel right, though it is left ambiguous in a sense.
Some of the themes explored in the story are luxury/decadence (versus a simpler life), loss and grief, ethical considerations (some red flags here), the changing face of the police—getting younger, having to operate strictly by manuals, and such—as well as perceptions of the authorities among the more ordinary (vulnerable, disadvantaged) populace.
If you go into this book for the mystery element alone, you might come out a touch underwhelmed, but as a book with a bit of fantasy in the form of a lovely talking calico cat, some nice settings (though we don’t really explore Oxford as we did Maida Vale in the first book), and a mostly likeable main character, I do find these light, pleasant and entertaining reads. Can’t wait for the next instalment.
3.75 stars rounded off
October 20, 2023
I'm torn between 2 or a 3 stars in this book. I did read it very easily and quickly, so it definitely had something engaging about it. But there were quite a few things that bothered me. My number 1 thing was the same issue I had with the first book...the cat, Conrad, does not solve the murders! In the first book, I'd thought perhaps Conrad still needed to grow into his role. But still, he doesn't actually unravel the truth - he did, at least, spot some clues this time that helped, and he does play a rather more active role in one scene, but he also spent a lot of time just listening to what was happening around him. I still want a cat detective, rather than an ex-detective who carries a cat around on her shoulders!
I was also cross with the ending. I don't want to give any spoilers, but it was a bit of a whitewash, and it left me feeling worse about Lulu as a person, which bothered me.
The other thing that grated was the largesse throughout the book. I know lots of people will love all the vast riches of the house Lulu is visiting, and the label clothes, and the endless wine and M&S food...but I found it quite uncomfortable reading, and it didn't endear the characters to me. They do spend an *awful* lot of time eating and drinking, and place value on things of monetary value. I missed Lulu's barge, and wished the focus was more there than in the enormous mansion.
With thanks to NetGalley for my copy.
I was also cross with the ending. I don't want to give any spoilers, but it was a bit of a whitewash, and it left me feeling worse about Lulu as a person, which bothered me.
The other thing that grated was the largesse throughout the book. I know lots of people will love all the vast riches of the house Lulu is visiting, and the label clothes, and the endless wine and M&S food...but I found it quite uncomfortable reading, and it didn't endear the characters to me. They do spend an *awful* lot of time eating and drinking, and place value on things of monetary value. I missed Lulu's barge, and wished the focus was more there than in the enormous mansion.
With thanks to NetGalley for my copy.
January 3, 2024
Cute concept, author is wildly insensitive???
Spoilers abound ahead, so be warned.
The Cat Who Solved Three Murders is a cozy mystery about a retired Police Sergeant and her talking cat companion: adorable. After reading the first book (The Cat Who Caught a Killer), I was like hmm ok is this author kinda conservative or am I reading into things? I liked the cat so I read the second book and BOY OH BOY...
Let's start with the obvious:
"...He moved to the Hamptons with his husband and they live in a place five times this big."
"Husband?" Realization dawned. "Ah so they were a gay couple. How nice."
^ she's been a police detective for more than 30 years and didn't realize "his husband" meant the couple was gay without remarking on it??
Furthermore, noting several times that the gay couple in question only possessed art of male nudity was pretty ridiculous.
And the piece de resistance:
"Andrew is what we would call 'on the spectrum'."
"Autistic?"
"Not full-blown autistic, but he has issues."
^^ I never thought I would read the phrase "full-blown autistic" written completely seriously by serious characters in a cozy story about a freaking talking cat.
Add on the fact that the entire book is a M&S Food advertisement and Shearer's totally lost me. Loved the cat, but Jesus wept, get an editor that is even the slightest bit emotionally intelligent and try again.
Final straw was the conclusion, when Lulu lets her friend off scot free even though she was clearly involved in the insurance scam that killed Oliver's mother. OLIVER WAS RIGHT! He straight up told Lulu that he wouldn't go to the police because the rich are never brought to justice and then Lulu EXCLUDES HER FRIEND FROM BEING HELD ACCOUNTABLE. And I'm supposed to root for her? Conrad, you'd be better off on a different houseboat.
Spoilers abound ahead, so be warned.
The Cat Who Solved Three Murders is a cozy mystery about a retired Police Sergeant and her talking cat companion: adorable. After reading the first book (The Cat Who Caught a Killer), I was like hmm ok is this author kinda conservative or am I reading into things? I liked the cat so I read the second book and BOY OH BOY...
Let's start with the obvious:
"...He moved to the Hamptons with his husband and they live in a place five times this big."
"Husband?" Realization dawned. "Ah so they were a gay couple. How nice."
^ she's been a police detective for more than 30 years and didn't realize "his husband" meant the couple was gay without remarking on it??
Furthermore, noting several times that the gay couple in question only possessed art of male nudity was pretty ridiculous.
And the piece de resistance:
"Andrew is what we would call 'on the spectrum'."
"Autistic?"
"Not full-blown autistic, but he has issues."
^^ I never thought I would read the phrase "full-blown autistic" written completely seriously by serious characters in a cozy story about a freaking talking cat.
Add on the fact that the entire book is a M&S Food advertisement and Shearer's totally lost me. Loved the cat, but Jesus wept, get an editor that is even the slightest bit emotionally intelligent and try again.
Final straw was the conclusion, when Lulu lets her friend off scot free even though she was clearly involved in the insurance scam that killed Oliver's mother. OLIVER WAS RIGHT! He straight up told Lulu that he wouldn't go to the police because the rich are never brought to justice and then Lulu EXCLUDES HER FRIEND FROM BEING HELD ACCOUNTABLE. And I'm supposed to root for her? Conrad, you'd be better off on a different houseboat.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 29, 2024
While this was an easy book to read and easy to follow I am unsure whether I enjoyed this book or not. I really disliked the mentioning of all the branded objects that is constantly mentioned in the book, it just made me cringe quite a bit and made me dislike the characters in the book.
While the suspense of the book was really good the further I got into this book I was getting hooked to find out what had happened - I can’t help but feel the ending was a bit flat and didn’t feel like the ending had good closure.
While the suspense of the book was really good the further I got into this book I was getting hooked to find out what had happened - I can’t help but feel the ending was a bit flat and didn’t feel like the ending had good closure.
December 24, 2024
repetitive, mystery unraveled too quickly (the obvious solution that I assumed was a red herring wasn’t, and the entire explanation of motive and method was a single scene).
I had high hopes for a cute cosy mystery because I liked the first book…
CONRAD THE CAT DID NOT SOLVE THESE MURDERS AND DOESN’T DESERVE THE CREDIT. He only existed to be told how great he was, to meow and receive “I love how he does that, it’s like he understands every word” in response, and to be called agreeable at least 3 times…
The descriptions of wealth felt as though they were written by someone who has never been around it yet places extreme value on material things — it was at times an M&S advertisement, many passages could easily be replaced with “oh my god this house is huge!” yet would’ve read the same, and the characters couldn’t simply “get dressed”…they needed to don some Versace (pun intended hehe) and talk about it for 5 lines — who cares?! once to display wealth, fine, but we know Julia is rich (it’s a major story point).
I had high hopes for a cute cosy mystery because I liked the first book…
CONRAD THE CAT DID NOT SOLVE THESE MURDERS AND DOESN’T DESERVE THE CREDIT. He only existed to be told how great he was, to meow and receive “I love how he does that, it’s like he understands every word” in response, and to be called agreeable at least 3 times…
The descriptions of wealth felt as though they were written by someone who has never been around it yet places extreme value on material things — it was at times an M&S advertisement, many passages could easily be replaced with “oh my god this house is huge!” yet would’ve read the same, and the characters couldn’t simply “get dressed”…they needed to don some Versace (pun intended hehe) and talk about it for 5 lines — who cares?! once to display wealth, fine, but we know Julia is rich (it’s a major story point).
January 5, 2025
A entertaining, engaging cosy read. Suspend disbelief - it's similar to 'Death in Paradise vibes. An easy murder mystery read, loved Conrad the cat 🐈 4 🌟
Only thing I didn't like is several dated comments the author made that just did not need to be referenced and could come across as quite homophobic. Thankfully not a theme and would like to think comes from a place of ignorance/ due to age of author.
Only thing I didn't like is several dated comments the author made that just did not need to be referenced and could come across as quite homophobic. Thankfully not a theme and would like to think comes from a place of ignorance/ due to age of author.
July 30, 2024
A very compelling sequel, such a funny dynamic between Lulu and Conrad. It feels like the concept shouldn’t work but it just does, definitely will be reading the whole series.
January 13, 2024
Conrad the calico cat and Lulu are back investigating another case this second instalment, if you described the concept of these books to someone they would look at you like you’d lost the plot (my husband did 😂) but it works!
I love the relationship between Lulu and Conrad and how this barge living crime solving duo work together with the people they meet on their adventures.
This time Lulu is visiting some friends and gets involved in case with 3 murders. A very clever plot that doesn’t give itself away, great characters and a book that keeps you reading to find out what’s happening.
Thanks to NetGalley for a copy of this book I shall certainly be looking out for further books in the series.
I love the relationship between Lulu and Conrad and how this barge living crime solving duo work together with the people they meet on their adventures.
This time Lulu is visiting some friends and gets involved in case with 3 murders. A very clever plot that doesn’t give itself away, great characters and a book that keeps you reading to find out what’s happening.
Thanks to NetGalley for a copy of this book I shall certainly be looking out for further books in the series.
March 28, 2025
The writing is already worse than the first book, added a bit of misogyny to the plot and the annoying thing where everything keeps being repeated 10 thousand times, like M&S having great food.. but my main issue with the book remains to be that the cat isn’t actually solving that murders.
Am I gonna stop and not read the third or fourth book? No.. because sometimes you just need to read some mindless crime solving. I found the British equivalent of the Hannah Swensen series and I’m content.
Am I gonna stop and not read the third or fourth book? No.. because sometimes you just need to read some mindless crime solving. I found the British equivalent of the Hannah Swensen series and I’m content.
April 21, 2024
i can't decide what was worse: the failed attempt at magical realism or the whole "gotta name every #woke word I've ever heard and make sure the readers know the woke agenda is horrible (but also gay rights! look how nice i am that these people can be rich too)"
April 19, 2024
That damn cat didn’t solve anything
July 29, 2025
Who is L.T Shearer and how posh are they?
When I reviewed the first book in this series, 'The Cat Who Caught a Killer' I was very clear that I would not pay money to read any subsequent books by this author as I did not want to 'fund the disintegration of society and the demonisation of the poor'. The scars from that reading experience have not yet healed and yet, when 'The Cat Who Solved Three Murders' appeared on Kindle Unlimited with no further exchange of pennies required, I could not resist. Like a moth to a flame I was drawn in; would this book be as dire as the first one? The answer is no, but also, yes.
I was pleased to find that the low level racism, Brexit loving, Thatcher swooning, Covid denial was not present in this book, although it felt now and again that it was trying to burst out. The first book was set in London, mostly in a wealthy area but one which was far too close to one that had voted in a Labour Council, which seemed to cause the author no end of personal distress. This book is set in the poshest, hugest, most extravagantly over the top stately home that two small fictional characters could ever hope to find themselves in. We know this not only because it is mentioned every other paragraph, but also because the always-Muslim Uber drivers gaze at it in awe when they take Lulu and Conrad the cat there. Oh, and whilst I am mentioning stereotypes, apparently poor people (who don't get much of a look in in this book) all wear fluffy slippers.
I must grudgingly admit that L.T Shearer's writing has improved since the first book, but it remains somewhat clunky and the story. although I did quite enjoy it, is a bit too obvious. Also, so much is repeated; every time Lulu moves from one room to another we are told that she bends down to let Conrad on her shoulders. Surely at some point we could have been trusted to assume that he was with her? And why all the mentions of M&S and clothing brands? Even when devastated by the murder of a loved one the characters can be tempted to a cheeky M&S croissant and to offering a lecture on how best to cook scrambled eggs. Although, they do admittedly express their grief by taking to wearing oversized jumpers.
And, towards the end of the book why do the female police officers and ex-police officers allow all the intelligence and experience to drain out of their bodies? And why does the culprit when caught bang to rights talk like James Cagney in an American 1040s gangster film? It just makes no sense!
I didn't hate this book, which is faint praise I know, but I found that my main fascination was looking for clues about who L.T Shearer might actually be. Someone not very good at writing (although I celebrate anyone who has the tenacity to write a book of any quality), but with a deal for a series of books, someone definitely more comfortable in houses the size of aircraft hangers and eating M&S smoked salmon than endangering themselves by risking meeting a Labour voter on the mean streets of North London. But M&S is quite low level posh, so is L.T Shearer slumming it here, or have they perhaps got their own pair of fluffy slippers tucked in the shadows? My quest for clues continues!
Oh, and if you want a really good series of books about a cat detective, then I continue to wholeheartedly recommend the Detective Daintypaws books by Andrew Lawston, which are astonishingly good.
In the meantime, two stars for 'The Cat Who Solved Three Murders'; one extra for not being overtly racist.
When I reviewed the first book in this series, 'The Cat Who Caught a Killer' I was very clear that I would not pay money to read any subsequent books by this author as I did not want to 'fund the disintegration of society and the demonisation of the poor'. The scars from that reading experience have not yet healed and yet, when 'The Cat Who Solved Three Murders' appeared on Kindle Unlimited with no further exchange of pennies required, I could not resist. Like a moth to a flame I was drawn in; would this book be as dire as the first one? The answer is no, but also, yes.
I was pleased to find that the low level racism, Brexit loving, Thatcher swooning, Covid denial was not present in this book, although it felt now and again that it was trying to burst out. The first book was set in London, mostly in a wealthy area but one which was far too close to one that had voted in a Labour Council, which seemed to cause the author no end of personal distress. This book is set in the poshest, hugest, most extravagantly over the top stately home that two small fictional characters could ever hope to find themselves in. We know this not only because it is mentioned every other paragraph, but also because the always-Muslim Uber drivers gaze at it in awe when they take Lulu and Conrad the cat there. Oh, and whilst I am mentioning stereotypes, apparently poor people (who don't get much of a look in in this book) all wear fluffy slippers.
I must grudgingly admit that L.T Shearer's writing has improved since the first book, but it remains somewhat clunky and the story. although I did quite enjoy it, is a bit too obvious. Also, so much is repeated; every time Lulu moves from one room to another we are told that she bends down to let Conrad on her shoulders. Surely at some point we could have been trusted to assume that he was with her? And why all the mentions of M&S and clothing brands? Even when devastated by the murder of a loved one the characters can be tempted to a cheeky M&S croissant and to offering a lecture on how best to cook scrambled eggs. Although, they do admittedly express their grief by taking to wearing oversized jumpers.
And, towards the end of the book why do the female police officers and ex-police officers allow all the intelligence and experience to drain out of their bodies? And why does the culprit when caught bang to rights talk like James Cagney in an American 1040s gangster film? It just makes no sense!
I didn't hate this book, which is faint praise I know, but I found that my main fascination was looking for clues about who L.T Shearer might actually be. Someone not very good at writing (although I celebrate anyone who has the tenacity to write a book of any quality), but with a deal for a series of books, someone definitely more comfortable in houses the size of aircraft hangers and eating M&S smoked salmon than endangering themselves by risking meeting a Labour voter on the mean streets of North London. But M&S is quite low level posh, so is L.T Shearer slumming it here, or have they perhaps got their own pair of fluffy slippers tucked in the shadows? My quest for clues continues!
Oh, and if you want a really good series of books about a cat detective, then I continue to wholeheartedly recommend the Detective Daintypaws books by Andrew Lawston, which are astonishingly good.
In the meantime, two stars for 'The Cat Who Solved Three Murders'; one extra for not being overtly racist.
November 30, 2023
What a delight to return to the world of Lulu, a retired police detective, and Conrad a rather special calico cat. Having driven their narrow boat to attend the 60th birthday party of an old friend they find her distraught after her husband has been injured and another man killed in an apparent art theft. It is inevitable that Lulu and Conrad will investigate and as the title suggests there are more murders to come. I thoroughly enjoyed this second in the series of Conrad the Cat Detective. The story felt more rounded than the first in the series and kept me guessing. The relationship between the two main characters is wonderful and I look forward to more from Conrad and Lulu. A cosy mystery with that slight twist which I recommend to all who enjoy this genre. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read the ARC of this novel in return for an honest review.
November 30, 2023
What a delight to return to the world of Lulu, a retired police detective, and Conrad a rather special calico cat. Having driven their narrow boat to attend the 60th birthday party of an old friend they find her distraught after her husband has been injured and another man killed in an apparent art theft. It is inevitable that Lulu and Conrad will investigate and as the title suggests there are more murders to come. I thoroughly enjoyed this second in the series of Conrad the Cat Detective. The story felt more rounded than the first in the series and kept me guessing. The relationship between the two main characters is wonderful and I look forward to more from Conrad and Lulu. A cosy mystery with that slight twist which I recommend to all who enjoy this genre. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read the ARC of this novel in return for an honest review.
August 17, 2024
Zelf niet uitgekozen. Gekregen want ik houd van katten (dank je voor het cadeau Mette). Verhaal is simpel en voorspelbaar. Auteur laat op een opmerkelijke manier zien hij conservatief die soms is. Einde was veel te makkelijk en snel. De hoofdpersoon die goed behoort te zijn, komt er bovendien ook niet zo goed uit. Kat heeft de murders niet opgelost, redelijk kleine bijrol. Zat 2 sterren te overwegen, maar het was makkelijk te lezen (woow young young adult) en die kat was wel leuk (zoals katten meestal zijn). Voordeel van de twijfel, 3 sterren.
February 14, 2024
I was happy to see Conrad return for another mystery. Lulu must not have been a very good superintendent I was just not a fan of the ending. When evidence of Bernard and Julia's arson and fraud is revealed she decides to ignore this as Julia is her friend and has been punished enough. The murderer was rightfully captured but Julia was left to live in her mansion worth over a million pounds. The writing has some questionable references to Conservative politics so it goes to show.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 29, 2023
This is the second book in the series.. I enjoyed this book.. It was a nice cosy read.. Who knew that a cat could talk let alone help solve murders!! I love the little friendship that Lulu and Conrad have formed.. I will definitely be keep my eye out for more in this series if there is any..
Thankyou to Natgellsy and Pan MacMillan for sending me this book to review..
Thankyou to Natgellsy and Pan MacMillan for sending me this book to review..
June 28, 2024
got off granny for Christmas easy read talking cat x
October 5, 2024
Struggling with the repetitiveness of Conrad drinks Evian, is a talking cat, and all the other facts keep getting repeated over and over and over again.
The story other than that is quick, easy and engaging to read.
The story other than that is quick, easy and engaging to read.
November 19, 2024
A bit predictable but a good palate cleanser and I love the talking cat
February 28, 2025
Enjoyable 2nd story featuring Lulu and Conrad .
April 2, 2025
2,5-3
July 30, 2025
Lulu and Conrad the cat are back in another entertaining cosy mystery. They have driven their canal boat to Oxford to visit friends and find themselves involved in another murder mystery. Conrad’s humour adds to the delight of this series and I for one have no issue with a talking cat.
May 31, 2025
I think this book was very easy to read, but the ending felt very anti-climatic and rushed. There was also a large focus on details as opposed to the actual storyline of the case, which didn’t seem to add much. It was a nice read, and Conrad and Lulu’s interactions are very fun.
January 6, 2024
Spoilers...
Overall this was an enjoyable read to pass the time and I generally liked the characters and the dialogue. The constant name dropping of 'rich people' brands to try and accentuate how wealthy Julia and Bernard are did quickly become grating and wasn't really needed I don't think.
My main reason for three stars is that I found that I had worked out who the killer was from quite early on and then felt like I had entered a pantomime, shouting 'he's behind you' (or in this case, look into that person who clearly has a very clear and logical motive) It just didn't seem believable that two, supposedly good, detectives would completely miss that glaringly obvious a suspect.
There were other twists, particularly the ones earlier on in the book, that I did enjoy and certainly helped to make it more intriguing. I also found the ending interesting as a study of the characters, in particular how we can misjudge or be blind to people we know and I feel the ending for the women did open a nuanced window into their true characters. In particular, Julia being more concerned about returning to the house to repair the window in the study and clean the floor rather than stay away from it, highlighted for me the greater focus she put on her wealth over everything (I mean, most people after their husband has been brutally murdered and they've been attacked by a knife wielding mad man, would want to get far away from that house.) This was also mirrored in them continuing the extravagant party after someone had been killed in their home. In contrast, Lulu's decision to turn a blind eye and to continue to support Julia despite all she's found out highlights how she can be too forgiving and too trusting which meant that she ignored or denied plain evidence, and even when faced with this, couldn't bring herself to accept it. I guess we really should have twigged on the truth after J and B were both so determined they didn't want to up their security system despite the supposed break in by murderous robbers...
Overall this was an enjoyable read to pass the time and I generally liked the characters and the dialogue. The constant name dropping of 'rich people' brands to try and accentuate how wealthy Julia and Bernard are did quickly become grating and wasn't really needed I don't think.
My main reason for three stars is that I found that I had worked out who the killer was from quite early on and then felt like I had entered a pantomime, shouting 'he's behind you' (or in this case, look into that person who clearly has a very clear and logical motive) It just didn't seem believable that two, supposedly good, detectives would completely miss that glaringly obvious a suspect.
There were other twists, particularly the ones earlier on in the book, that I did enjoy and certainly helped to make it more intriguing. I also found the ending interesting as a study of the characters, in particular how we can misjudge or be blind to people we know and I feel the ending for the women did open a nuanced window into their true characters. In particular, Julia being more concerned about returning to the house to repair the window in the study and clean the floor rather than stay away from it, highlighted for me the greater focus she put on her wealth over everything (I mean, most people after their husband has been brutally murdered and they've been attacked by a knife wielding mad man, would want to get far away from that house.) This was also mirrored in them continuing the extravagant party after someone had been killed in their home. In contrast, Lulu's decision to turn a blind eye and to continue to support Julia despite all she's found out highlights how she can be too forgiving and too trusting which meant that she ignored or denied plain evidence, and even when faced with this, couldn't bring herself to accept it. I guess we really should have twigged on the truth after J and B were both so determined they didn't want to up their security system despite the supposed break in by murderous robbers...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 22, 2025
If this had been properly edited, it would probably be about 100 pages.
The endless descriptions of wealth: M&S food, champagne, Versace, and oyster bar "just in case" .. OK we get it. They're RICH!
And the repetition.
How long did it take to train him?
Oh he talks.
Does he always travel with you?
If it were me & I met them I'd be more inclined to ask: Why is there a sodding cat in a police station??
How dumb was the detective?
It was like the author hasn't realised that most readers have read and/or watched a crime show at some point in their lives & don't need every detail of crime explained.
I love cats & cosy crime but gah!
Use your Tory views in another type of book.
The endless descriptions of wealth: M&S food, champagne, Versace, and oyster bar "just in case" .. OK we get it. They're RICH!
And the repetition.
How long did it take to train him?
Oh he talks.
Does he always travel with you?
If it were me & I met them I'd be more inclined to ask: Why is there a sodding cat in a police station??
How dumb was the detective?
It was like the author hasn't realised that most readers have read and/or watched a crime show at some point in their lives & don't need every detail of crime explained.
I love cats & cosy crime but gah!
Use your Tory views in another type of book.
October 30, 2023
Full review on my blog: http://www.pagetostagereviews.com/202...
The Cat Who Solved Three Murders is the second novel in the Conrad the Cat Detective series by L T Shearer, but don't let that deter you from picking it up. I had not read the first book, The Cat Who Caught a Killer, but I was able to easily follow along with this one. While the two protagonists are the same, the setting, side characters, and murder mystery are brand-new so this book can be read as a standalone. Although I loved it so much that now I will be reading the first one too!
While I did have to get used to the fact that Conrad can talk in actual human speech – to Lulu at least – once I suspended disbelief (coincidentally a key plot point in the murder mystery too) I enjoyed his quibs and relationship with Lulu. And given cats' excellent hearing and eyesight, he was able to pull his weight in the investigation. He didn't quite solve the murders as the title makes it out to be, but it certainly would've been harder, if not impossible, without him.
And Lulu brought just as much to the investigation. She is smart, a go-getter, and is both a great friend to Julia throughout the story as well as a solid unofficial partner to inspector Tracey Calder. Theirs is a blossoming friendship we'll hopefully see more of in future novels. I particularly enjoyed those scenes in the book where our dynamic trio – Lulu, Conrad, and Tracey – take their investigative work away from the scene of the crime as they visit different places to scope out people of interest.
The murder mystery itself was extremely enjoyable (if you can call it that). It was fairly easy to follow along with the thought process of our protagonists and several times I uncovered a clue before they did. I was even able to guess "whodunnit" fairly early on in the story, thought I'm not sure if that's because there were fewer red herrings in this murder mystery than I'm used to, or if with each one I read I've become just a little better at solving them. Either way, I enjoyed feeling clever to have put the pieces of the puzzle together!
I did find the ending somewhat abrupt. This was most certainly intended to leave the door open for various characters to return in future adventures, nonetheless I would've loved to have had more of conclusion and understand where everyone ended up post-investigation. I guess I'll have to try and be patient and wait for the next instalment.
The Cat Who Solved Three Murders is part of a great new series for whodunnit fans to dive into. It combines the country house setting of a classic Agatha Christie with the contemporary aspects of Richard Osman's Thursday Murder Club and adds a quick-witted feline into the mix. And why not. Everything is better with a cat – even murder mysteries.
The Cat Who Solved Three Murders is the second novel in the Conrad the Cat Detective series by L T Shearer, but don't let that deter you from picking it up. I had not read the first book, The Cat Who Caught a Killer, but I was able to easily follow along with this one. While the two protagonists are the same, the setting, side characters, and murder mystery are brand-new so this book can be read as a standalone. Although I loved it so much that now I will be reading the first one too!
While I did have to get used to the fact that Conrad can talk in actual human speech – to Lulu at least – once I suspended disbelief (coincidentally a key plot point in the murder mystery too) I enjoyed his quibs and relationship with Lulu. And given cats' excellent hearing and eyesight, he was able to pull his weight in the investigation. He didn't quite solve the murders as the title makes it out to be, but it certainly would've been harder, if not impossible, without him.
And Lulu brought just as much to the investigation. She is smart, a go-getter, and is both a great friend to Julia throughout the story as well as a solid unofficial partner to inspector Tracey Calder. Theirs is a blossoming friendship we'll hopefully see more of in future novels. I particularly enjoyed those scenes in the book where our dynamic trio – Lulu, Conrad, and Tracey – take their investigative work away from the scene of the crime as they visit different places to scope out people of interest.
The murder mystery itself was extremely enjoyable (if you can call it that). It was fairly easy to follow along with the thought process of our protagonists and several times I uncovered a clue before they did. I was even able to guess "whodunnit" fairly early on in the story, thought I'm not sure if that's because there were fewer red herrings in this murder mystery than I'm used to, or if with each one I read I've become just a little better at solving them. Either way, I enjoyed feeling clever to have put the pieces of the puzzle together!
I did find the ending somewhat abrupt. This was most certainly intended to leave the door open for various characters to return in future adventures, nonetheless I would've loved to have had more of conclusion and understand where everyone ended up post-investigation. I guess I'll have to try and be patient and wait for the next instalment.
The Cat Who Solved Three Murders is part of a great new series for whodunnit fans to dive into. It combines the country house setting of a classic Agatha Christie with the contemporary aspects of Richard Osman's Thursday Murder Club and adds a quick-witted feline into the mix. And why not. Everything is better with a cat – even murder mysteries.
July 18, 2024
‘He’s twenty-two, just out of university,’ said Tracey. ‘He has a degree in English and Philosophy.’
‘Well, I suppose he can discuss the whys and wherefores of sixteenth-century poets as he’s putting crims behind bars.’ [loc. 2010]
Lulu, retired police detective, and her cat Conrad who talks (but only to her) are in Oxford for a party celebrating the sixtieth birthday of an old friend. She's happy to spend time with Julia, whose husband is the birthday boy -- but then (see title) there's a murder.
I enjoyed the first of this series, The Cat Who Caught a Killer, but was less enthusiastic about this one. For one thing, Conrad is less proactive: here, he's really just there to notice things and to discuss the case with Lulu. (Oh, and to have his claws swabbed for DNA after attacking a potential villain.) Is he just a figment of her imagination? For another, the 'canal boat' ambience is minimal: most of the action takes place in Julia's house. (Lulu even borrows clothes, presumably including underwear...)
It's also horribly repetitive -- I lost count* of the times Lulu 'bent down so that Conrad could jump onto her shoulders'. And the Daily Mail undertones are stronger in this volume. (Blood is spattered on the wallpaper. 'It's one of your namesake's, five hundred pounds a roll ... Lulu Lytle, the woman who did Boris Johnson’s interior design at Number 10. When Bernard heard that, he insisted we use her wallpaper in the study.' [loc. 556]) I still like Conrad, but Lulu is beginning to remind me of an unpleasant former colleague: not a welcome recollection.
*(just checked: 12 times).
March 1, 2025
Another fun mystery to solve with Lulu and Conrad, although this time they're not spending so much time on the Lark, but at a friend's manor for a birthday celebration. The mystery this time is around some stolen artwork, and the bodies starting to pile up.
Conrad asks good questions and although the reader can see the answer at about the halfway mark, it's still an enjoyable ride to the finish, as it's fun to see how Lulu and Conrad work out the details.
Very much looking forward to the third in the series. Recommended if you like somewhat quirky reads (there are very mixed reviews for this series), and very clever cats.
Retrieved from the depths of my ARC pile.
Conrad asks good questions and although the reader can see the answer at about the halfway mark, it's still an enjoyable ride to the finish, as it's fun to see how Lulu and Conrad work out the details.
Very much looking forward to the third in the series. Recommended if you like somewhat quirky reads (there are very mixed reviews for this series), and very clever cats.
Retrieved from the depths of my ARC pile.
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