The third novel in the crime series featuring retired detective Lulu and her talking cat Conrad sees the pair in Manchester investigating an old cold case and helping the police with two similar murders. I love the dynamic between Lulu and Conrad, their intuitive detective skills and the canal boat setting adds another dimension to the story.

Cozy mystery. If you are looking for a book to read on a day off, wrapped in a fluffy blanket with a huge cup of tea, this may be it. It is easy to read. Conrad is a very handsome and clever cat who gives life to the book.

I enjoyed all the facts about boats and life on the UK canal. Perhaps the writer owns a boat or lives on one. There was some repetition throughout the book that made me rate it lower.

Still an enjoyable cozy read.

Lulu and Conrad are travelling to Manchester to see one of her friends. Enroute they help a new friend to recover some stolen goods and put a criminal in prison. Once they are in Manchester, Lulu spots a headline in the newspaper that sends her running to the Police. A cold case she dealt with in London seems to become active in Manchester. He old DI, Phil, they liaise with GMP. When there is another murder, they all work together to solve it. Meanwhile, Jane, Lulu's friend, has asked her to discreetly check out her boyfriend who has asked her to marry him. She is worried as he never seems to ask questions about his background.....
A nice cozy mystery.

This is a unique mystery series, and one that I really like.
Conrad is a very special cat who can talk to Lulu but nobody else is aware of this.
Lulu and Conrad help to solve three cases in this book and I love the way they work together so well.
There's a serial killer from Lulu’s past that keeps them on their toes, as well as a theft of some expensive figurines and also a mysterious person who has taken an interest in Lulu’s friend, Jane.
All these threads come together and this is a great cosy mystery.
Thanks to Pan Macmillan for the opportunity to read this book.

The Cat Who Cracked a Cold Case was absolutely sensational! I haven't enjoyed reading a book so much for quite a long time.

Lulu Lewis the retired Metropolitan Police detective superintendent widowed but who, now lives on her canal boat with as her sole companion her calico cat Conrad who has an amazing gift in that he talks (but only to her!). Visiting an old friend in Manchester, the pair stumble across a chilling news report about a trail of bodies found across the city that echo a string of cold case murders from Lulu’s past in London.
Joining forces with the local police, the pair must use every ounce of their joint intuition in order to find a connection between the seemingly random killings – and track down a ruthless murderer . . .

This story which is the first that I've read by this very talented new author had me totally gripped, I just could not stop reading it until I reached the final paragraph. The author has written the story with a very ingenious plot which he has researched very thoroughly . He has filled it with heart warming details which had me on tender hooks but filled it with a wry humour This is the third book in this series by the author whom I believe has others in the pipeline He writes a very exciting story which had me really gripped until the very dramatic conclusion. I enjoyed reading this very much and will certainly look out for more books by him in the future.

I found the book an outstanding read and I strongly recommend it. I wish to thank the publisher Macmillan and netgalley.co.uk for providing this advance review copy.

Perfect for fans of Richard Osman! I had never heard of this author before, so went into the book not knowing what to expect, but it was a very pleasant surprise to find such a well written mystery. There are several characters, but the 2 main ones are our heroine and her talking cat, and they have some humorous conversations between each other. Conrad the cat assists with the murder investigation, and his “companion” assists the police with their investigation. The solve I didn’t see coming, but made complete sense, which shows how well written it was. I’ll be looking out for further books by this author

L T Shearer has done it again! I thoroughly enjoyed reading “The Cat who Cracked a Cold Case”.

The main plot was engaging throughout as well as the sub plot following us through the book.

I enjoyed the ending and also the change of scenery as this book was set close to me in Manchester! I loved picturing Conrad and Lulu walking through places I frequent.

The series is definitely a must read for fans of the “Thursday Murder Club” and “The Marlow Murder Club” as well as other our good classic murder tv shows.

The book is released on 17th October 2024 and I definitely will be buying the physical copy to keep the rest of the series company! 🤣

A massive thank you to NetGalley and Pan Macmillan for the opportunity to read an ARC copy of this book!

This book was so fun! Conrad is portrayed so well, he’s exactly how I would imagine a cat to sound. Demanding, yet sweet. And a little daredevil, getting into places he shouldn’t, even though it’s mostly to help Lulu.
This was the first one of this series I’ve read, but it’s written well enough that you can pick up anywhere and kind of know how Conrad and Lulu came to be partners in solving crime.
I didn’t guess the ending, because it was a complete mystery throughout, which is one of my favourite things about murder mysteries. It was a shock to find out who it was and why! It all folded together nicely and summed up well at the end.
I didn’t love the mystery of Lulu’s friends new boyfriend and that subplot, it felt like something just thrown in to make it feel like there’s more depth to Lulu’s character, even though it wasn’t about her and she wasn’t the one doing the work to find out about him. So I think it didn’t make sense to me, or it was brushed over too quickly maybe.
One thing I wanted when I’d finished it was for Lulu to have returned the figures to the lady from the beginning, to tie it all up. But I know that was a very minor subplot and therefore didn’t need to be finished but it did leave me thinking about it.
Thanks Netgalley and the publishers for letting me read it.

This is the third L T Shearer book that I’ve had the pleasure of reading prior to release and they continue to be a great cosy mystery every time. I particularly enjoyed how this instalment weaves together a cold case from Lulu’s time with the police with a case happening at the time of the book compared to the current crimes of the previous books. I also managed to fly through this in a single day so I think it’s fair to say that this was my favourite of the three so far.

In "The Cat Who Cracked a Cold Case," we are introduced to Lulu Lewis, a relatable protagonist whose curiosity and determination drive the narrative forward. Accompanying her is her extraordinary calico cat, Conrad, who adds a whimsical twist to the story with his ability to speak—albeit only to Lulu. This unique dynamic between them not only provides moments of humor but also emphasizes the strong bond they share, making their adventures even more engaging.

Set against the picturesque backdrop of Manchester, the novel weaves a cozy atmosphere that invites readers to explore its quaint streets while unraveling a gripping mystery. The author, Shearer, skillfully crafts this setting, immersing us, the readers, in the charming yet enigmatic world where the story unfolds. The presence of two murders with a similar modus operandi creates an immediate sense of tension and intrigue, drawing Lulu back into a case she thought was long closed. This connection between her past and the present serves as a catalyst for the plot, highlighting themes of unresolved mysteries and the quest for justice.

Character development is a standout feature of the book. Lulu is portrayed as a relatable and resourceful individual, and her interactions with the eclectic townsfolk—ranging from quirky side characters to more complex figures—add depth and richness to the narrative. Each character contributes uniquely to the unfolding mystery, enhancing the story's charm. The dynamics within this small community create opportunities for both conflict and camaraderie, making it feel like a living, breathing place.

The pacing of the story strikes a commendable balance between suspenseful moments and lighthearted interactions. The frequent involvement of Conrad adds a delightful touch, as he often seems to possess a special intuition for uncovering clues. His antics provide comic relief that perfectly complements the darker elements of the mystery, ensuring that readers remain engaged throughout.

We aptly notes the blend of humor and intrigue, which makes this novel particularly appealing to fans of the cozy mystery genre. The narrative manages to delve into behavioral analysis reminiscent of shows like "Criminal Minds," allowing readers to ponder the psychological aspects of the characters involved in the crimes without being overwhelmed by graphic details. This aspect not only enriches the storytelling but also invites readers to engage their own deductive reasoning as they piece together clues alongside Lulu.

In conclusion, "The Cat Who Cracked a Cold Case" stands out as a delightful addition to cozy mysteries, offering engaging storytelling, well-developed characters, and a satisfying resolution that leaves readers eager for more adventures with Lulu and Conrad. It perfectly captures the essence of the genre, making it a must-read for those who appreciate a blend of mystery, humor, and heartwarming moments.

L T Shearer has written another wonderful instalment featuring retired detective Lulu Lewis and Conrad the talking cat and between them they get to crack another crime, this is book 3 but they can all be read as standalones and the writing is easy flowing and perfect cosy crime stories. It was nice to have a bit of Conrad’s mysterious past mentioned but if I had to gripe about anything would be how many times Evian is mentioned and other name drops, maybe the author has shares or product placement benefits going on also unless I wasn’t paying attention part of the story didn’t seem to be mentioned again. But maybe that’s just me.

As usual in my reviews, I will not rehash the plot (plenty of others like that out there already).

I absolutely loved this book - the further adventures of Lulu and Conrad!

This time the action moves gently up the canal network to Manchester (and environs). The detailed descriptions of the various settings brought the locations to life - interesting to read how areas have changed since I last visited them too!

As I've said before, I really like the author's writing style - Lulu, Conrad and the other characters are brought vividly to life.

This was an interesting plot with several strands to it, and a red herring or two to throw us off the trail.

Looking forward to reading more by L T Shearer.

Recommended if you enjoy "cosy crime", and authors such as Richard Osman.

My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for an ARC. All opinions my own.

I’m already a fan of Conrad the cat and his companion, Lulu, having read the two earlier books featuring this wonderful crime solving duo so I was delighted to receive a review copy of their latest escapade.
This one was just as exciting, in fact there were several mysteries rolled into one including a serial killer from Lulu’s past who has murdered again but in Manchester, not London; a theft of expensive figurines stolen from a fellow canal boat owner who is heart broken as they were given to her by her late husband; a mysterious suitor who is pursuing Lulu’s widowed friend, Jane.
Lulu and Conrad help to solve all 3 cases which is no mean feat and Lulu finally gets some closure on a cold case from her days as a met detective.
I love the way Lulu discusses the clues with Conrad the cat- it’s almost as he's her alter ego and she's actually solving them herself. I don't usually like talking animals in books but I will definitely make an exception for Conrad- how I wish I had a cat like him!
The descriptions of Manchester were good- I lived there 40 years ago as a student so I was aware of many of the places mentioned.
The plot was well constructed and all the strands fitted together well and were equally compelling to read about.
I highly recommend this book and its two predecessors- all are extremely enjoyable reads.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for my advance copy.

***advance review copy received from NetGalley in return for an honest review***
Another entry in the cat crime chronicles, and it’s just as pleasant as the previous two books. This one involves a cold case, which may or may not have connections to a current case. Lulu & Conrad are on the tail of both cases, which resolve very satisfactorily for the reader. If you’ve enjoyed the previous books or you like cozy crime, you’ll certainly appreciate this.

'The Cat Who Cracked a Cold Case' by L T Shearer.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I loved this book, maybe I'm biased because I'm a big fan of the series. The book kept me guessing till the end, I would never of guessed the outcome. Lulu and Conrad make the perfect partnership. If you're a fan of cozy crime then give this series a go.

A crime gone unsolved for five years . . .
The life of Lulu Lewis, a retired police detective, took an unforgettable turn when Conrad first
introduced himself to her. Unforgettable because:
a) Conrad is a special cat.
b) Special because he told her so. Yes, that’s right, he can talk. (For obvious reasons, this ability remains a closely guarded secret while they live together on her canal boat, The Lark.)
Visiting an old friend in Manchester, the pair stumble across a chilling news report about a trail of bodies found across the city that echo a string of cold case murders from Lulu’s past in London.
Joining forces with the local police, the pair must use every ounce of their intuition in order to find a connection between the seemingly random killings and track down a ruthless murderer .

Thanks to NetGallery UK, the pulishers and the author for letting me read a copy in return for an honest review.

I was happy to catch up with Lulu and Conrad. This is a mystery with cosy mystery elements that involves a cold case from Lulu's past.
Well plotted, gripping, entertaining. I liked the main case which surprised me and the subplots
Can't wait to read another mystery featuring Conrad.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine