Hairballs and Homicide (A Kitty Beret Café Mystery #1) by Ruth J Hartman
This is the first book I’ve read by the author. Hairballs and Homicide is book one in A Kitty Beret Café Mystery Series. Imagine owning a car Café and having someone end up dead after leaving. That is what this book is about. A great read.
Ellie owns a cat Café and runs her business like any normal day. A lady comes in and doesn’t realize that it’s a Cat Café until one comes up to her. Now that lady is dead and Ellie is a suspect because she was the last one to see her alive. The quote I chose for Ellie is: “Yeah, okay. I did see her earlier. Though I hadn’t known her name. Look, if she complained about being in the shop with cats, which by the way, I explained to her was a coffee shop with cats, maybe we could clear this all up right now.”
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Amanda Kimblehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAmanda Kimble2022-09-27 13:51:002022-09-28 09:38:06Hairballs and Homicide (A Kitty Beret Café Mystery #1) by Ruth J. Hartman-Review by Amanda Kimble
Ellie Warren is a lady on her twenties and she just adores cats, so much so that she has a cafe dedicated to them, it is called the Kitty Beret Café. The café is also a boarding house for the cats, they live there until they are adopted into loving homes and the people who go there go mainly for the cats and a cat themed food or beverage item as a bonus, sometimes it is the other way round though, Ellie also has sells cat related merchandise, as well as making cat costumes, some of which the resident cats wear.
One day, Ellie has a customer who starts shrieking at the top of her lungs, in front of the many other customers say enjoying their lattes, complaining about the cats and how vile they are, proceeding to stomp out of the door with a threat to write something about how disgusting a place the Café is. Ellie thinks no more of it until two detectives come into the café to talk to her about a person who is found dead outside the back of her café, she is shocked to find out about it, especially when she finds out it is the woman from earlier in the day.
As the investigation goes on and Detective Simon Dare tries to figure out who the culprit is, Ellie’s cat Templeton starts bringing her unusual things, she keeps them to one side so that she can show Simon them later, but are they clues or just random objects? This is a cozy mystery full of feline mishaps and mayhem, but with Simon, Ellie and Templeton on the case, it is a mystery which will hook you in completely.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Roxsanne Lesieurhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngRoxsanne Lesieur2022-09-18 03:54:112022-09-21 08:53:33Hairballs and Homicide (A Kitty Beret Cafe Mystery, Book 1) by Ruth J Hartman – Review by Roxsanne Lesieur.
Ellie Warren, a kitty cafe owner, finds a herself in a bit of trouble when a very cranky customer who seems to detest cats is found murdered in the alley behind the cafe. I wasn’t sure what to expect when I started reading this book. It’s definitely got some mystery aspects to it. I thought it was fun the Ellie made outfits for the cats so that they get adopted by people that want a pet cat. The outfits Ellie makes sound so fun and it’s great the cats seem to tolerate them. Ellie sure sounds like a fun person to hang out with. I also like that Ellie seems to have a budding romance with detective Simon, helps that he seems to be a cat lover too.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Betsy Melanohttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngBetsy Melano2022-09-17 21:59:272022-09-21 08:52:41Hairballs and Homicide (Kitty Beret Café Mysteries Book 1) by Ruth J. Hartman – Review by Betsy Melano
I had not read anything from this author previously, but I am excited to read the rest of this series and her other works. I thought this was a really cute rom-com, murder mystery, with a dash of good humor mixed into it. The main character, Ellie, is in her 20’s, so sometimes I had to remember that some of the things she did, was age appropriate. The author legit had me guessing whodunit right up until the very end. She had red herrings all over the place and they were convincing. I thought it was a very fun and cute book and I look forward to seeing how things pan out between Ellie and the very hot Detective Simon Dare, who seems to have the stamp of approval from her mischievous cat, Templeton.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Amanda Haller-Dorishttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAmanda Haller-Doris2022-09-17 19:19:552022-09-21 08:51:21Hairballs and Homicide (A Kitty Beret Café Mystery, Book 1) by Ruth J, Hartman – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris
This book was right up my alley. A strong independent cat lady who owned a cafe that homed and adopted out rescue kitties? On top of that, a cat who also has a knack for finding clues? Yes please!
Ellie is the owner of ‘Kitty Beret Cafe’. Being a cat lover, she opened the cafe in hopes of helping strays and rescues find their furrever homes. One day a woman comes in and starts causing a scene about the cats. The woman detested cats and thought they had no place near food and drink. They were unsanitary and evil. Ellie, of course, tried to defend her cafe and the cats but the woman wouldn’t hear any of it.
A couple hours later, police showed up at the cafe. The woman was found dead behind the cafe. The murder weapon a cat toy. Simon, the cop on the case, instantly has a connection with Templeton (Ellie’s cat) who normally couldn’t be bothered with anyone. Threatening things start happening to Ellie that seem to connect to the murder.
Templeton keeps finding clues around the cafe. Which Ellie presented to the police helping the investigation.
The way the author wrote Templeton was perfect. He reminds me of my grumpy old man cat. Especially when the author humanizes him with certain reactions. He was by far my favorite character.
Kitty love took precedence to the murder which was supposed to be the whole point of the mystery aspect of the book. I did not have an issue with this as I absolutely adore cats but it could be off putting to others.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Santana Hickshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngSantana Hicks2022-09-17 17:33:022022-09-21 08:48:15Hairballs and Homicide (A Kitty Beret Cafe Mystery Book 1) by Ruth J. Hartman – Review by Santana Hicks
Hairballs and Homicide is the first book in A Kitty Beret Cafe Mystery series. I read these out of order but recommend best enjoyed reading them in order. The series is a lighthearted, cozy mystery series that is a fun, quick read. Ellie owns a cat cafe and runs into trouble when a body is found behind the cafe. Can Ellie solve the mystery with the help of her cat and the detective? I enjoyed all of the characters, even the furry ones. The story is a nice break from the everyday. This book is for you if you enjoy a cozy mystery and like animals. I look forward to reading more from this author in the future.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Sheri Schraderhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngSheri Schrader2022-09-15 21:13:362022-09-17 12:01:50Hairballs and Homicide (A Kitty Beret Cafe Mystery Book 1) by Ruth J. Hartman – Review by Sheri Schrader
Ellie Warren is the owner of Kitty Beret Café, a cat café with hopes of getting the kittens adopted.
When an older woman visits the café, sprouting how much she hates cats, Ellie is shocked. She is even more shocked when the same lady is found dead behind the shop. Could the cats have killed her?
It has been a while since I read a cozy mystery. For past few weeks haven’t been the best so being able to lose myself in a novel is a pleasure in life that doesn’t happen as much as it used to.
It has a predictable plot with a romance that I see a mile away. Which adds even more charm to it. It’s a fun read. Dressing up the cats in costumes was a bit annoying. Cute I’m sure, by annoying because of course cats aren’t much of a fan.
I wonder how many novels this will be. I look forward to the next Ellie adventure.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Moriah Venablehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngMoriah Venable2022-09-13 13:10:002022-09-15 08:09:08Hairballs and Homicide Felines and Fatalities (A Kitty Beret Cafe Mystery Book 1) by Ruth J. Hartman – Review by
As an avid crazy cat lady this story was right up my alley! I enjoyed reading every word and I was guessing right up until the end! Perfectly balanced and a fun read forsure! I wish my cats would be half as helpful! I can’t wait to read more from this series and this was the perfect first book!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00April McCoyhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngApril McCoy2021-08-23 20:05:232021-08-25 10:07:31Hairballs and Homicide (Kitty Beret Café Mysteries Book 1) by Ruth J. Hartman – Review by April McCoy
Oh my word – this book!! I love a good cozy mystery and this beautiful work fell into my lap at the best time. I loved how it started. I was immediately pulled in and immediately connected with our main character. She is sassy and spunky and makes cat costumes – how awesome is that?! Just loved this book and cannot wait to read more from this author.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Heather Lovelacehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngHeather Lovelace2021-08-20 20:37:422021-08-20 20:37:42Hairballs and Homicide (Kitty Beret Café Mysteries Book 1) by Ruth J. Hartman – Review by Heather Lovelace
I loved this book! As a cat lover myself, I have been to cafes with kitties roaming and I could just picture Ellie and the rest of the townspeople enjoying spending time with all the feline characters! Especially Templeton! The mystery aspect was very well written and kept me guessing and turning the pages to find out what would happen next! Can’t wait to read more in this series!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Gillianhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngGillian2021-08-19 22:57:522021-08-22 01:19:02Hairballs and Homicide (Kitty Beret Café Mysteries Book 1) by Ruth J. Hartman – Review by Gillian Fawell
If you love cats and mysteries and finding love in the most unexpected places this is the book for you! By the time I was finished with the books, I felt like I knew each of the cats that were mentioned author Ruth Hartman does very well detailing each cat’s personality without causing you to lose interest! I promise you are going to want to adopt each and every cat at the Kitty Beret Cafe, I know I do!!!!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00LaBeccah Davishttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngLaBeccah Davis2021-08-19 22:32:212021-08-22 01:18:42Hairballs and Homicide (Kitty Beret Cafe Mysteries Book 1) by Ruth J. Hartman – Review by LaBeccah Davis
First book by this author and I loved it! Between the cats, Ellie the main character, her business and just the whole town feel kept me intrigued and hooked.
I loved trying to figure this out as i was reading and I was way wrong! I hope this is a series as I want more
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Lyndsey Fairleyhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngLyndsey Fairley2021-08-19 20:50:202021-08-19 20:50:20Hairballs and Homicide (Kitty Beret Café Mysteries Book 1) by Ruth J. Hartman – Review by Lyndsey Fairley
Hairballs and Homicide (Kitty Beret Café Mysteries Book 1) by Ruth J. Hartman. This is such a fun cozy mystery. Its the story of Ellie Warren who owns a cafe and also likes to re home and help stray cats. The cafe is a cat friendly cafe and the customers love to interact with all of them. Templeton is one of Ellie’s favorite cats and he seems to know how to get into trouble without really trying! When a woman is found murdered right behind her cafe Ellie is thrown right in the middle of the investigation and the woman’s husband comes into her cafe and threatens her! Detective Simon Dare is on the case and he happens to be very cute. Ellie wants to find her own clues to help solve the murder but getting closer to the cute Detective is an added bonus. This fun and funny book about cats, humans and murder is so good. You won’t want to put it down!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Tausha Treadwayhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngTausha Treadway2021-08-19 20:12:332021-08-22 01:13:39Hairballs and Homicide (Kitty Beret Café Mysteries Book 1) by Ruth J. Hartman – Review by Tausha Treadway
This is a really lovely book that I thoroughly enjoyed. I am a recently converted cat-lover, and I about fell in love with the idea of a cat café. So many lovely kitties in this story, and their owner/protector extraordinaire Ellie Warren is a great protagonist. She has a huge heart, and doesn’t abide people taking advantage of her. I enjoyed trying to put the clues together about the identity of the murderer (I failed!) and seeing how the drama played out. The flirtation between Ellie and hottie officer Simon Ward spiced up the novel as well. A couple of the details of the case were a bit more convenient than I think would happen in real life, but honestly the writing and the story just charmed me. I just read the final page, and I’m still smiling about how adorable this book is. If this sounds like your cup of tea, I highly recommend it!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Erica Shoebridgehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngErica Shoebridge2021-08-19 18:17:372021-08-22 01:10:04Hairballs and Homicide by Ruth J. Hartman – Review by Erica Shoebridge
While there were some things I liked about the book, I felt like the story could have better flow, overall. The quirks about the cats and their personalities, as well as Ellie’s little comments about them, were cute, fun, and interesting; I really loved Templeton and all of the shenanigans he pulled. Unfortunately, I didn’t feel like most of the human characters felt very realistic or had much depth to them. A group of cat-haters protesting inside a cat cafe didn’t strike me as very plausible, and some of the dialogue between the various characters who seemed to harbor unknown grudges against Ellie seemed stiff and awkward. The mystery did keep me guessing, and I’d suspect someone who loves cats would really gobble this book up with delight; they are certainly the stars of the story. In the end, it wasn’t really my cup of tea, but I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend the book to some of my cat-loving friends.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Wendy Waryhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngWendy Wary2021-08-19 14:15:342021-08-22 01:06:41Hairballs and Homicide (Kitty Beret Café Mysteries Book 1) by Ruth J. Hartman – Review by Wendy Wary
To be frank, I only just really became a cat lover over the last couple of years. I grew up always having dogs and have always favored them by far. I picked up this novel initially because I was feeling like I needed a change of pace with respect to the genre I have been quite keen on, and also I thought this was one of the most thought out titles I’ve come across as of late. Mysteries, especially murder mysteries are typically not something I’ve ever shown any interest in before, but I’m quite glad to have started on this Kitty Beret Café Mystery adventure.
Ruth J. Hartman does a spectacular job at setting the scene in which we explore within this novel, and an even better one at allowing the reader to get to know each of the characters involved. Ellie Warren is the owner of the Kitty Beret Café which is what and who the whole plot line revolves around. She is a sweet, single, cat loving café owner and operator that adores her dear fur babies and enjoys supporting and contributing to her community. You can tell right from the get-go that she has a big heart and will do everything she can to nurture and protect her loved ones. Unfortunately, the warm fuzzy feeling you get from visualizing this sweet cat café is short lived, as things start to get sideways for Ellie, and a murder victim is discovered right out behind her business, and she suddenly finds herself in the middle of the murder investigation. How intriguing!
I love the way that Ruth puts the time and effort into bringing new ideas, and scenery into this book, and the way she makes you want to keep reading, because so many questions are left unanswered. I personally look forward to the next Kitty Beret Café Mystery installment, as I want to know more about Ellie, her special furry friend Templeton, her Nana, and the detective that was on the murder case. The only thing I did find, was that there seemed to be A LOT happening at times, and I felt as though I was reading a series, rather than just one book. I did find it took away from the primary plot, but did find it to be quite enjoyable, nonetheless. Keep them coming, I’ll be keeping an eye out for the next book. Thank you, Ruth!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00AimstoReadhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAimstoRead2021-08-19 14:03:162021-08-22 01:06:23Hairballs and Homicide (Kitty Beret Café Mysteries Book 1) by Ruth J. Hartman – Review by Amy Brennan
Hairballs and Homicide drew me in just from the title. The book cover is cute, not intense, so I knew it would be a light hearted mystery. I am glad I took a chance, because this book was great. It was a little cheesy at the end, but it was funny throughout and kept me engaged wondering who the murderer was going to be. The biggest downfall, is I now want to adopt ALL THE KITTIES! I wish this café was in my hometown so I could go and love on all the cats, and people watch all the quirky people that hang out there. I love that the author gave each cat a name and personality, as well as all the café patrons. We got to know several of the townsfolk, and that was fun. Ellie is also such a fun personality, and I hope she has a steamy relationship with Detective Simon in the next book. I look forward to reading more by Ruth Hartman.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Elizabeth Sanchezhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngElizabeth Sanchez2021-08-18 17:01:162021-08-21 22:12:25Hairballs and Homicide (Kitty Beret Café Mysteries Book 1) by Ruth J. Hartman – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez
As a book lover, a fan of cozy mysteries and a cat lover this novel is absolutely perfect as it combines all three! I loved this heartwarming and original story by a new author to me Ruth J. Hartman, and I will definitely be reading more of her books. This is the first in the ‘Kitty Beret Café Mysteries’ series and introduces the reader to the Kitty Beret Café and its owner Ellie Warren. The author does a great job of setting the scene, so much so I could picture myself (and my cat) at the café. As well as running the café, Ellie finds forever homes for rescued cats, but not everyone is a fan of cats and one lady in particular makes her opinion known to Ellie in front of a full café. Unfortunately that same women is then discovered murdered behind her cafe and her husband believes Ellie is the murderer. Thankfully Detective Simon Dare is less convinced that Ellie is a suspect but the handsome Detective is not impressed when she decides to investigate herself along with her cat Templeton, of course. Templeton is very good as supplying clues and soon Ellie is discovering the identity of the murderer but she is unaware that she has put herself in their sights and is in danger.
The storyline flows well and is a lighthearted and fun read. The plot is full of quirky characters, drama, a murder mystery to solve and even romance, along with cats to keep you hooked and happily turning the pages. The descriptive narrative really brings both the quirky characters and the unique setting of the café to life and I felt completely immersed in the story. I was kept guessing as to the identity of the murderer and enjoyed solving the crime along with Ellie. I just wish I had a place like the Kitty Beret Café that I could visit along with my cat! An enjoyable and engaging read and I am already looking forward to book two.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jennifer Gordonhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJennifer Gordon2021-08-17 11:58:502021-08-18 09:54:57Hairballs and Homicide (Kitty Beret Café Mysteries Book 1) by Ruth J. Hartman – Review by Jennifer Gordon
I give Hairballs and Homicide (A Kitty Beret Cafe Mystery, Book 1) by Ruth J. Hartman, 5 stars.
As a cozy mystery book, this book is great, it has all the things you want in a cozy mystery and keeps you guessing until the end. As a cat lover and cozy mystery aficionado, this book is phenomenal. The cats in this book – I want to adopt them all!! As the lead clue finder, Templeton is awesome. The other kitties in the cafe looking for forever homes are all adorable and huggable. Ellie has a huge heart and genuinely wants to help others — mainly the furry kind, but also the two-legged kind also. Oh, and her assistant has her own funky personality and is just as great.
The setting as a kitty cafe where the kitties can be adopted is very original in a cozy mystery and I love the concept. The other people in her town are all unique and great. And the suspense around the murder keeps you guessing and changing your mind.
I loved this book and cannot wait to read the next one. Any fan of cozy mysteries or of the adorable balls of fur and purrs will love this book.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Erin Wolfhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngErin Wolf2021-08-16 22:16:362021-08-18 09:33:43Hairballs and Homicide (Kitty Beret Café Mysteries Book 1) by Ruth J. Hartman – Review by Erin Wolf
I just love Templeton in the cozy mystery. Templeton is just a cat, but oh what a cat he is!
Ellie Warren opens Kitty Beret Cafe in hopes of providing a different type of cafe atmosphere dedicated to “kitty time” and rehoming her cats. Customers come in to enjoy their cup of coffee while also enjoying time with her cats. Ellie’s cafe business contains lots of regulars, but an unwelcome visitor saying horrible things about the cafe and the stranger’s death behind her cafe makes her life a little more unsettling.
Detective Simon Dare stands at Ellie’s side when her life gets more complicated as someone sabotages her brake lines. The detective becomes her shadow as Templeton keeps finding clues in the coffee shop. Can Detective Dare solve the crimes related to Ellie’s cafe before it’s too late?
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Ashley Doverhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAshley Dover2021-08-16 21:31:532021-08-18 09:32:00Hairballs and Homicide (Kitty Beret Café Mysteries Book 1) by Ruth J. Hartman – Review by Ashley Dover
Hairballs and Homicide (Kitty Beret Café Mysteries Book 1) by Ruth J. Hartman is probably one of the most interesting books that I have read in a long time. When I first read the blurb about this book being the cat love that I am, I just knew that I had to read it right away. Ms. Hartman did not disappoint not only did she give us an enticing mystery with clues that had us furiously flipping the pages to see what would happen next but she gave us so many imaginative cute and cuddly kitties, amazing main characters, and a suspenseful mystery that kept me on the edge of my seat. Her writing flows well, although I did find a few typos but nothing that bothered this reader. So if your looking for a fun mystery this week I highly recommend Hairballs and Homicide (Kitty Beret Café Mysteries Book 1) by Ruth J. Hartman.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Stephanie Corbinhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngStephanie Corbin2021-08-16 20:59:392021-08-18 09:30:49Hairballs and Homicide (Kitty Beret Café Mysteries Book 1) by Ruth J. Hartman – Review by Stephanie Nicole
I enjoyed this cozy mystery, it was a nice change of pace to me to dive into to read. Ellie Warren runs Kitty Beret Cafe and also loves to sew little costumes for the cats that are in her cafe. It warms the heart a bit that all she wants is to find loving homes for these cats. Unfortunately, a not so nice lady comes into the Cafe and says unkind words and threatened Ellie and her cafe to run a story on how bad the cafe is and the cats. Later, the same lady, is discovered dead behind Ellie’s cafe. Who would kill this lady and why? This is a sweet, cozy mystery. The cats made me chuckle especially Ellie’s cat Templeton. Overall a very good story if you do enjoy a cozy mystery.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Lorralei Hoernerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngLorralei Hoerner2021-08-16 19:38:482021-08-18 09:17:57Hairballs and Homicide (Kitty Beret Café Mysteries Book 1) by Ruth J. Hartman – Review by Lorralei Hoerner
Hairballs and Homicide by Ruth J Hartman is the first book in the Kitty Beret Cafe Mystery series. For a mystery book I found this to be surprisingly lighthearted and fun, although it didn’t take away from the mystery element of it. The characters were all easy to get on with and worked well with the story. I was definitely intrigued as to how the book was going to go. This is the first book that I have read by this author and I enjoyed how easy going it was. I think I definitely commented with it more because of that. I wish there had been just a little less of the cat side of things but it wasn’t enough to detract from the story. This was an overall great book and I will be reading the next book for sure.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Kerry Bakerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKerry Baker2021-08-16 14:43:542021-08-16 22:27:12Hairballs and Homicide (Kitty Beret Café Mysteries Book 1) by Ruth J. Hartman – Review by Kerry Baker
This was a first book written by this author for me. It will not be my last. As a crazy cat lady, myself, I found this to be a wonderful read involving cats. And add into the mixture that it is a mystery, and we all know that cats are curious so of course that led to their involvement. It was hilarious. In fact, the cats were such an integral part of the storyline that I couldn’t put the book down. Even if you don’t love cats I think you will find this to be a very good read. However, if you are a cat lover you have got to pick this book up. It’s phenomenal. I can’t wait to read what the next cat caper entails.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Karen Pearmanhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKaren Pearman2021-08-16 13:20:082021-08-16 22:21:20Hairballs and Homicide (Kitty Beret Café Mysteries Book 1) by Ruth J. Hartman – Review by Karen Pearman
This was a fun book about a coffee shop owner, Ellie Warren, who’s Kitty Beret Cafe features cats in costumes roaming the shop looking to be adopted. When someone is murdered in the alley behind her shop, her own cat, Templeton, starts finding mysterious trinkets. Detective Simon Bates assigns himself as Ellie’s personal guard while they look for the murderer. Suddenly, Ellie’s life is turned upside down with strangers accosting her in the shop, strangers staring daggers at her, and more. This was a fun, light-hearted read that I recommend, especially to cat lovers.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Terri Jo McAllisterhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngTerri Jo McAllister2021-08-16 08:58:232021-08-16 12:59:32Hairballs and Homicide (Kitty Beret Café Mysteries Book 1) by Ruth J. Hartman – Review by Terri Jo McAllister
This book brings home cute and cozy with a dash of mystery. Most people love cats and the author brings it home with a Cat Cafe. Just like a Starbucks, you can go in and do what you need while you can pet and cuddle a cat; maybe even adopt one. This Cafe owner, Ellie, has a dash of trouble with hers. But along comes Simon, the dashing detective, that even picky Templeton adores. Through a series of misadventures that come about after a particularly nasty woman leaves her Cafe and dies behind it, Ellie comes to help find out who did it. Ellie and Templeton have a nose for clues. Templeton has a bit of a talent for disappearing himself. The book was quirky. The characters felt like small town personalities that had me chuckling as I read through. The humor is really a nice touch. I never saw the ending. That’s what makes a good mystery for me. Highly recommend.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Shelly Kittellhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngShelly Kittell2021-08-16 03:49:052021-08-16 12:51:28Hairballs and Homicide (Kitty Beret Café Mysteries Book 1) by Ruth J. Hartman – Review by Shelly Kittell
Sweet little cat-themed mystery This was a super-cute cozy mystery based in a cat cafe. Absolutely adored the cats especially Templeton. There were moments where I felt the story lost momentum due to getting caught up on the descriptions of the cafe and cat accessories but these were few and far between. The characters all had their amusing moments. A quirky, fun read with a dash of romance that will keep you entertained until the end.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Rayne Easthttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngRayne East2021-08-15 02:51:192021-08-15 23:01:46Hairballs and Homicide (Kitty Beret Café Mysteries Book 1) by Ruth J. Hartman – Review by Rayne East
Hairball and Homicide is the first book in the Kitty Beret Café Mystery series by Ruth J. Hartman. It is a cute cozy mystery- with some very quirky characters, a colourful cat café, murder, crime + investigation, humour, banter, a little romance, drama, and angst. We meet Ellie Warren who owns the Kitty Beret Café where lattes and kitties abound. Life is good- until one of her crankier customers is found murdered, behind her café… and so the story begins. This is a fun story to read with plenty of detailed descriptions that help set the scene/s. I love the original quirky premise of a cat café mystery series and am curious to see where we go from here. The only minor issue that I had is that the ‘mystery’ in the story got overshadowed somewhat by all the ‘cat’ elements, antics, shenanigans, costumes etc. Some of them were a little too long and involved and disrupted the flow of the actual ‘mystery’- but overall it was a fun and enjoyable story. I did adore Templeton though…
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Angela Hayeshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAngela Hayes2021-08-13 22:59:362021-08-15 21:31:51Hairballs and Homicide (Kitty Beret Café Mysteries Book 1) by Ruth J. Hartman – Review by Angela Hayes
Where do I begin? I absolutely adored this book! It was a light, a little cheesy (in the best way!!!) and engaging read. First off, as a proud cat lady, I really appreciated the lengths that Ellie went through for the cats that reside at her cafe. The idea of running a cat cafe that also provides adoption opportunities for these cats is a huge win for me. I would definitely patronize that business and be a part of that. Great premise.
I thought that the mystery of the plot was good. There were, however, parts of the story that I felt became much, were not necessary or confusing to the overall plot but I did like the way it ended.
I thought the naming of her cat, Templeton was very clever. He was an absolute star in this book. I definitely would read more mysteries in the Kitty Beret Cafe series.
I really enjoyed this cosy mystery. I enjoyed the little romance and the interaction with the cat Templeton.Its a beautiful relationship between a woman and the cats she loves.
When a women comes into the cat cafe and causes a scene with Ellie the owner the lady vows that Ellie will regret meeting her. How right she was.
When the same lady turns up dead behind Ellie’s cafe things start to take a dangerous turn not only for the person who was murdered but also for Ellie.
With help of her precious cat Templeton helping and providing clues to the real killer you are taken on a ride from beginning to end. Can Ellie and Templeton solve the case before the murderer strikes again?
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Kerry Carrhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKerry Carr2021-08-13 14:15:552021-08-15 21:17:13Hairballs and Homicide (Kitty Beret Café Mysteries Book 1) by Ruth J. Hartman – Review by Kerry Carr
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