Trap, Neuter, Die by Sharon Marchisello

This book has plenty to love—mystery, cats, romance, small town community—as well as info about TNVR programs. I found it a very enjoyable read with a range of unique characters and a list of suspects who had me flipping back and forth in my guesses as to who was the killer. Marchisello’s personal experience as a volunteer and cat foster with the Human Society shines through the pages, adding credibility to the plot as main character, DeeLo, seeks to make changes in an outdated animal ordinance.

There is much to admire in DeeLo, who while serving community service for drinking after a second glass of wine, not only takes over the TNVR temporarily when the surly woman in charge, Catherine, gets arrested, but also takes it upon herself to create a proposal to present to the county commissioners to stop the release of neutered feral cats from being a criminal offense. As well, she assists the detective’s wife in the TNVR of the community cats that she feeds. All the while, DeeLo has family issues to contend with, a boss/boyfriend with an annoying ex-wife and disapproving receptionist, the director of the nature preserve who wants to get rid of feral cats, and the commissioners who thwart her attempt to make changes to the antiquated animal law. But her biggest concern is who killed the owner of Black Cat Books, a crime for which Catherine has been charged. 

I loved how the other characters connected to DeeLo and to the murder victim, creating an intricate web of suspects with various motives. Marchisello lays out all the puzzle pieces the reader needs to solve the mystery, with twists and turns to keep the reader wondering. 

If you love cats and love cozy mysteries, a touch of romance, and a sparky heroine, you’ll love Trap, Neuter, Die. I look forward to the next book in the DeeLo Myer Cat Rescue series.