Friday, 8 May 2026

Book Reviews with Amber ~ The Cat Book Connoisseur at The Mewton-Clawson Library ~ #361 featuring **The Cat Who Solved Three Murders** by L T Shearer **PLUS** Friendly Fill-Ins Blog Hop

A whimsical illustrated banner for The Mewton‑Clawson Library at BBHQ shows an orange‑and‑white cat sitting proudly in the foreground, surrounded by colourful bookshelves, blooming flowers, leafy trees, and tiny book‑themed decorations such as an open book, a quill, and a thimble. Decorative bunting hangs overhead, adding to the cosy, storybook atmosphere. The text reads “Welcome to The Mewton‑Clawson Library at BBHQ” and “Book Reviews with Amber.”
This review of The Cat Who Solved Three Murders by L T Shearer is part of Book Reviews with Amber, the Cat Book Connoisseur at the Mewton-Clawson Library. Scroll to read.

The world’s leading feline literary critic

From the shelves of the Mewton-Clawson Librarya curated review destination for cat-centric fiction at BionicBasil.com
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✨ This Week’s Intro ~ 90% Stackstock Spirit, 6% Neon Glow, 4% Mouse‑Powered Mayhem ✨

Hello, my furbulously festive library guests

and

Welcome back to the Mewton‑Clawson Library at BBHQ, where the atmosphere this week is still very much “festival mode,” but with a noticeable increase in sparkle density and suspiciously organised mouse activity.

The energy is buzzing. Truly buzzing. The kind of buzzing that suggests somepawdy (almost certainly Clive the Paperclip) has discovered yet another “advanced setting” on the disco ball and decided to test it without reading any of the safety notes.

The mice have levelled up again. This week?

LED roller blades with programmable patterns.

Yes. They now leave glowing trails that spell out things like STACKSTOCK, CHEESE 4EVER, and GO WHISKER WHEELS as they zoom past.

The fax machine has fully committed to its role as Festival Coordinator, and the Calmness Tracker 3000 pens have synced their glow into a shimmering neon wave that ripples across the desk like a tiny light show. No one knows how they’re doing it. No one is questioning it.

Aisle P is still the main festival arena, complete with:

a mini stage made from encyclopedias (now reinforced with rubber bands for “structural integrity”)

a cheese‑powered fog machine (Chedds has upgraded it to “extra atmospheric”)

and a banner reading WELCOME BACK TO STACKSTOCK because apparently this is now a recurring event

Clive the Paperclip is wearing a new lanyard that says Festival Director ~ Level 2, the staplers have formed a security perimeter, the hole‑punch is doing microphone checks, and the thesaurus is writing what it calls “festival‑adjacent poetry,” which I’m told is very avant‑garde in 2026!

📠 The Fax Machine’s Latest Trick ~ Festival Edition, Continued

The fax machine is now printing festival maps, VIP stickers, and glitter‑sealed announcements with the confidence of a seasoned event planner. Every sheet emerges with a dramatic thwump of shimmer. Melvyn insists it’s enchanted. I have to agree.

The latest printout, with added notes, reads:

10:15 ~ Catnip Cocoa Tasting (featuring supurr luxe marshmallows, infused with edible glitter)

11:45 ~ Roller‑Blade Freestyle: Whisker Wheels Showcase (mice only; safety gear and boldness mandatory)

12:15 ~ Biscuit Appreciation Break (This time ~ shortbread with catnip fondant and fresh catnip sprinkles)

13:00 ~ Calmness Meditation (also known as The Great Library Lie‑Down ~ same as last week)

14:30 ~ Karaoke: ‘Metaphors in Motion' (performed by the thesaurus ~ solo)

15:00 ~ Book Reading: (performed by Velvet, reciting Hector Himalaya's Guide to Cheese ~ Swiss Edition ~ Extra Holey – A Discerning Mouse’s Guide To The Best Swiss Cheeses)

The entire library is filled with laughter, light, cheese‑fog swirls, and the irresistible scent of catnip cocoa drifting through the aisles. The air sparkles with neon trails from the Whisker Wheels, and every shelf seems to hum with festival spirit.

Stackstock is officially 'ON' brighter, louder, and infinitely more glitter‑coated than ever before.

A vibrant, whimsical scene of roller‑skating library mice celebrating at a lively indoor festival. The mice wear helmets, skates, and colourful bandanas as they glide along a glittering track beneath bunting, string lights, and a large disco ball. Other mice cheer from the sidelines, including one acting as a “Festival Director” with a clipboard. Bright signs decorate the space, adding to the festive atmosphere. The image accompanies the caption “Book Reviews with Amber #361 Feline Fiction ©BionicBasil® – StackStock Lit Fest with Rollerskating Library Mice."

📚 A Morning of Glitter & Fun

Me: “Melvyn, sweetie… why does the library feel like it’s vibrating this morning?”

Melvyn: “Because it is. The Calmness Tracker 3000 pens discovered a new setting at 7 a.m.”

Me: “A new setting? They’re pens.”

Melvyn: “Apparently, they’re also mood‑responsive ambient lighting now.”

Me: “Of course they are. And what’s that smell? Is that… cheese fog?”

Melvyn: “Chedds upgraded the fog machine. He says it’s ‘extra atmospheric.’”

Me: “Atmospheric for who?”

Melvyn: “Mice. Obviously.”

Me: “Naturally. And why are the Whisker Wheels spelling words in the air with their roller blades?”

Melvyn: “They’re practising for the evening showcase. They’ve programmed them to write motivational messages.”

Me: “I just saw one that said ‘BELIEVE IN CHEESE. Though the spelling was off.”

Melvyn: “Hah, they're calling it purrsonal expression through letters. Inspiring, isn’t it?”

Me: “Deeply, apart from the spelling error. What’s Clive doing now?”

Melvyn: “Trying to enforce a one‑glitter‑per‑mouse rule.”

Me: “How’s that going?”

Melvyn: “Terribly. They unionised.”

Me: “The mice?”

Melvyn: “No. The glitter.”

Me: “I’m not even surprised.”

Melvyn: “Also, the fax machine printed mew a new VIP sticker.”

Me: “What does VIP stand for this time?”

Melvyn: “Very Important Purrson… and also ‘Volunteer In Pyrotechnics.’”

Me: “Pyrotechnics? There are pyrotechnics?”

Melvyn: “Not officially. But the mice found sparklers.”

Me: “I’ll be on my meditation cushion.”

Melvyn: “Meditating or hiding?”

Me: “Both.”

Melvyn: “Good plan!”

📚 General Library Status Update

Happy roller‑blading mice Happy neon‑glowing pens Happy fax machine (now printing new VIP stickers and festival maps) Happy thesaurus (deep in its “avant‑garde poetry” era) Happy Clive the Paperclip (promoted himself to Festival Director - Level 2)

In short:

The library is still buzzing. Joyfully buzzing. Buzzing with a faint whiff of cheese‑fog, edible glitter-infused marshmallows, and the unmistakable hum of tiny speakers playing festival beats at mouse‑approved volume.

And honestly? I’m ecstatic.

So, my furbulous library guests, if mew spot glowing roller‑blade trails spelling motivational messages or see a pen shimmering in rainbow strobe mode, don’t panic, it’s simply the library embracing its full Stackstock spirit.

Probably.

A split image shows two sections of a large home library. The top section features long white bookshelves filled with colourful books and magazines, with a cat walking along the wooden floor in front of them. The lower section shows another area lined with shelves of older, leather‑bound volumes and encyclopedias, with chairs placed nearby for reading. Text in the centre reads “Part of The Mewton‑Clawson Library ©BionicBasil®,” highlighting the cosy, well‑stocked library setting.
A black‑and‑white line illustration shows three stacked books arranged like steps. A cartoon mouse with large ears stands proudly on the top book, while another mouse on the ground to the right looks up toward it. The drawing has a playful, storybook feel.
Today, the P.A. is also joining in Friday Fill-ins Blog Hop with the pawesome 15 & Meowing and Four-Legged Furballs.
A cartoon illustration titled *Friendly Fill‑Ins* shows two cats sitting on a grassy field dotted with flowers. The cat on the left is orange with a red collar and a winking expression, while the cat on the right is black with green eyes and a blue collar. A butterfly flies above them, and rolling green hills and a blue sky form the background. Text at the top reads “Friendly Fill‑Ins — Hosted by Four‑Legged Furballs & 15andmeowing.”
1. I know I am having a good day when ___________________.
2. I _________________when I am ______________________.
3. _________ makes me feel helpless.
4. I have a lot of confidence in my ability to _________.

The P.A.'s answers are...

1. I know I am having a good day when I get a couple of chapters written first thing on the new book, the cats are happy on their second breakfast, and all the other jobs get done, then I can get to the blog posts, later after work!

2. I love it when I am in the flow, the writing flow and the words literally pour onto the page or screen - today was not one of those days, and I was struggling a little, but so it goes! LOL

3. _________ makes me feel helpless. I'm not sure how to answer this. I understand the helpless vibe, but I try to mitigate and steer around these types of occurrences in the most pragmatic way available to me at the time. I think this stems from the fact that if I didn't fix 'it', no one else would. Self-reliance from a very young age.

4. I have a lot of confidence in my ability to write, and it's quite funny too (well, I find it funny!) - sometimes I'm literally laughing my socks off when working on some stuff. Cat Dad often peers around the door with a quizzical expression, expecting me to be on the phone. I'm not; I'm writing!

Amber's Book Review Pink Dot Divider ©BionicBasil®

Let's see what I've got to show mew this time!

A black‑and‑white illustration features a vintage typewriter with a paw print on the sheet of paper. Stacks of books sit on both sides: on the left, a small cartoon mouse stands atop the books, and on the right, a cartoon elephant balances on the stack. The scene has a playful, literary feel, fitting as a divider for Amber’s book reviews.

A cosy library scene with warm lighting, wooden bookshelves filled with books, and green plants. At the centre, an orange‑and‑white cat sits on a desk beside a yellow lamp, stacked books, and a tiny mouse figure. A sign on the desk reads “SHHHHH!!!”. In front of the cat is a green book titled The Cat Who Solved Three Murders. Text above reads: “This Week’s Top Book Pick! with Amber – The world’s leading feline literary critic & Cat Book Connoisseur.”
Mewton-Clawson Library Copy

The Cat Who Solved Three Murders


Conrad the Cat Detective Book 2

by

 L T Shearer

A symmetrical black‑and‑white illustration shows four cartoon mice arranged in pairs on either side of two pieces of Swiss‑style cheese placed in the centre. Each mouse faces inward toward the cheese, creating a playful, balanced composition.
As regular readers will know, I saw this series a few years ago, but only recently have I dipped my paw into the epic world of Conrad, the detective cat.

If mew missed Book One's review, click here to catch up.

🐾 This Week’s Paw‑Approved Pick: The Cat Who Solved Three Murders

Dahlings, waggle your whiskers and pour a generous glass of catnip Chardonnay, because this week we’re back with Lulu Lewis and the incomparable Conrad, the street cat with more detective talent in one paw than most humans have in their entire bodies.

If mew adored book one, prepare yourself. Conrad is back, cleverer than ever, and this time the stakes are higher, the art is pricier, and the murders… well, there are three of them. Conrad is a busy boy.

What’s the Vibe?

Think: ✨ cozy crime with a gentle pulse of danger ✨ a retired detective who can’t help but get involved ✨ a cat who absolutely can help ✨ Oxford canals, art theft, and murder ✨ warm, comforting pacing with a sharp investigative edge

It’s like slipping into a cashmere jumper, if that jumper also had claws.

🐾 What’s the Story?

Lulu Lewis, retired police detective and narrowboat dweller extraordinaire, is off to Oxford for a friend’s birthday celebration. She’s expecting nothing more taxing than good company, a few glasses of wine, and maybe a peaceful stroll along the towpath.

But the universe, and Conrad, have other plans.

A brutal murder shatters the calm, followed swiftly by a daring art theft. Suddenly, Lulu’s quiet weekend away becomes a full‑blown investigation, and she finds herself right back in detective mode.

Conrad, of course, is already on the case.

With his uncanny instincts, silent communication, and habit of appearing exactly where he’s needed, he guides Lulu through a maze of clues involving:

🎨 the Oxford art scene 🖼 stolen paintings 🚤 narrowboat secrets 🕰 old grudges 🧥 and suspects who are far too polished for their own good

As the bodies stack up, Lulu realises the killer isn’t finished, and Conrad’s whiskers are twitching for a reason.

⚔️ What I Loved

😸 Conrad Being Conrad:  Elegant. Observant. Unbothered. He’s the feline Sherlock we all deserve. His quiet guidance is both heart‑warming and hilarious.

👩‍🦱 Lulu’s Growth:  Still grieving, still healing, but stronger and more grounded. Her partnership with Conrad deepens meautifully.

🎨 The Art‑Theft Plotline:  Delicious twist on the cosy formula ~ clever, layered, and full of intrigue.

🛶 Oxford & The Canals:  Atmospheric, charming, and purrfect for a mystery. The narrowboat life adds such a unique flavour.

🕵️ The Mystery:  Three murders, one art heist, and a trail of clues that feels satisfying without ever becoming overwhelming.

Tone & Style

gentle but gripping

character‑driven

warm with a touch of melancholy

sprinkled with humour

It’s a cozy crime that respects its readers, clever, comforting, and quietly emotional.

📖 Final Thoughts

An utterly furbulous and delightful continuation of Lulu and Conrad’s adventures. It balances grief, healing, mystery, and feline brilliance with a deft, comforting touch.

If mew love cozy crime with heart, art, and a cat who could out‑detective Scotland Yard, this is a purrfect pick.

🪄 Summed Up in One Sentence

🐾 A warm, clever, and meautifully paced cosy mystery where Lulu and Conrad unravel murder, art theft, and Oxford secrets with style. 🐾

A Top Paw Read!


Paperback:   315 pages
Audio:  10 hours 3 minutes
A black‑and‑white line illustration shows three stacked books arranged like steps. A cartoon mouse with large ears stands proudly on the top book, while another mouse on the ground to the right looks up toward it. The drawing has a playful, storybook feel.
My Ratings Scale

A simple black‑and‑white rating chart uses rows of pink paw prints to show five levels of book ratings. Five paw prints correspond to “Top Paw ~ Read Immediately,” four to “Furry Good ~ Read As Soon As,” three to “Good ~ Put It On Stand‑By,” two to “Average ~ Emergency Reading,” and one to “Meh! ~ Take a Nap Instead.”

Amber's Book Review Pink Dot Divider ©BionicBasil®

Rating of:

The Cat Who Solved Three Murders


Overall Enjoyment

A horizontal row of five identical pink paw prints representing the highest rating level in the pet‑themed book‑review scale, corresponding to “Top Paw ~ Read Immediately.”ook Reviews 5 Paw Rating ©BionicBasil®

A black‑and‑white illustration features a vintage typewriter with a paw print on the sheet of paper. Stacks of books sit on both sides: on the left, a small cartoon mouse stands atop the books, and on the right, a cartoon elephant balances on the stack. The scene has a playful, literary feel, fitting as a divider for Amber’s book reviews.

Other Fun Blog Hops to Join in Today

A horizontal row of six square graphics, each representing a different themed blog hop: “Brian’s Thankful Thursday Blog Hop” with a cat silhouette; “The Cat Blogosphere” with a globe and cat; “Feline Friday” with stylised cat drawings; “Nature Friday Blog Hop” on a stone background; “Flashback Friday” with a cat and dog; and “Friendship Friday” featuring two cats.


Amber's Book Review Pink Dot Divider ©BionicBasil®

Do enjoy the book if mew decide to read it.

It's time for me to say BFN or bye-for-now as mew know the drill, so many books, so little time, and I'll be back next week with another specially paw-picked book just for mew, and don't forget that all my previous reviews can be found on my Book Review page.

Until next time...

Keep calm and read more books

Amber 

The Cat Book Connoisseur

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