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