What do you think?
Rate this book
Cat Latimer Mystery #8
Caught Dead to Write
Cat Latimer found her author career and her love of writing in a paranormal academy series so when the writers retreat gets a group of all paranormal authors, she's over the moon. However, a local professor is causing waves since she doesn't think the retreat or the authors it hosts is literary enough to be sponsored by Covington College anymore. And she'd taken her complaints to the Dean of the English department.
Cat knows she'll have to fight for Covington's sponsorship, but this week, she's going to enjoy her retreat and the quirky guests. Shauna's put together a coz-play part for the guests in conjunction with a local writers group that meets at the local bookstore. However, the night is cut short when they find the literary professor dressed up as a zombie in the barn. But the professor isn't just playing dead. Can Cat solve the mystery before she's framed in the investigation and Uncle Pete has to arrest her for the murder?
Cat knows she'll have to fight for Covington's sponsorship, but this week, she's going to enjoy her retreat and the quirky guests. Shauna's put together a coz-play part for the guests in conjunction with a local writers group that meets at the local bookstore. However, the night is cut short when they find the literary professor dressed up as a zombie in the barn. But the professor isn't just playing dead. Can Cat solve the mystery before she's framed in the investigation and Uncle Pete has to arrest her for the murder?
160 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 14, 2022
About the author
Lynn Cahoon
93 books2,207 followersNYT and USA Today bestselling author, Lynn Cahoon, writes the Tourist Trap, Cat Latimer, Farm-to-Fork, Kitchen Witch, Survivors' Book Club, and the Haunted Life cozy mystery series. No matter where the mystery is set, readers can expect a fun ride Sign up for her newsletter at www.lynncahoon.com
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
December 6, 2022
Caught Dead to Write is the latest book in the Cat Latimer series written by Lynn Cahoon. I've read the previous ones and was thrilled to hear the author was taking them back, since the publisher hadn't renewed the contract. In this installment, Seth has returned home from his military trip and Cat and Shauna have a new group of writers for the writer's retreat; this time, someone at the college wants to stop funding the retreat (one student each retreat is paid for by the college). When an ally ends up dead during a party on Cat's property, she looks guilty, but so does the husband. Whodunnit? Cahoon made me laugh by having some of the folks attend this season's retreat be characters from her other book series - how cool! Enjoyed it, looking forward to the next one too.
July 15, 2022
I was really confused at the beginning of this book. There was a huge gap between the last book and this one. When did Seth call off the marriage and go on a quasi military deployment? I know I don't always remember everything that happened in a previous book, but I was sure I would have remembered that. I had to check back and see if there was a book between the Christmas novella and this one, but if there was, I couldn't find it. I enjoyed the visit to the writer's retreat right up until the ending—because there really wasn't an ending. The fat lady never sang. It just stopped leaving too many threads hanging.
I was prepared to give this one 4 stars until the stopping point. (Taking a star away for leaving out so many details about what happened between Christmas and the next fall.) Was there a mistake on the part of the publisher leaving out the epilog that would have explained all that was left unexplained?
I was prepared to give this one 4 stars until the stopping point. (Taking a star away for leaving out so many details about what happened between Christmas and the next fall.) Was there a mistake on the part of the publisher leaving out the epilog that would have explained all that was left unexplained?
August 7, 2022
I felt like I came into the middle of a movie and didn't know what was going on. The wedding was cancelled and Seth deployed with a private contractor. It just hits you in the face at the beginning that this happened and you are left wondering if you missed a book before this one or missed something in the last one. She wanted Seth to tell her he loved her still because she was insecure, yet when he did, she didn't respond in kind. Just kept with the whole "we'll talk about it after the retreat."
I felt she did a great job of giving us a few suspects, all of whom had reason to kill the victim. However, Cat never said anything at the party about wanting her dead, so that confused me when one of the suspects tried to put the blame on her. What she was thinking about the woman was all in her mind and Seth kept her from confronting her.
I am looking forward to what will happen with Shauna's love life. Cat and Seth are getting a little boring as Seth just seems to be Cat's backup plan. I usually love this series, but I felt this story wasn't just as good as the previous ones. I really wish Cat would quit complaining about the retreat and how it is a lot of work (mostly for Shauna) and intrudes on her writing time. She chose to do this so she needs to pull it together. Did love Uncle Pete's new secretary. That was funny!
I felt she did a great job of giving us a few suspects, all of whom had reason to kill the victim. However, Cat never said anything at the party about wanting her dead, so that confused me when one of the suspects tried to put the blame on her. What she was thinking about the woman was all in her mind and Seth kept her from confronting her.
I am looking forward to what will happen with Shauna's love life. Cat and Seth are getting a little boring as Seth just seems to be Cat's backup plan. I usually love this series, but I felt this story wasn't just as good as the previous ones. I really wish Cat would quit complaining about the retreat and how it is a lot of work (mostly for Shauna) and intrudes on her writing time. She chose to do this so she needs to pull it together. Did love Uncle Pete's new secretary. That was funny!
July 14, 2022
It is time for another writer's retreat and local bookstore owner, Tammy Jones, is sponsoring a Costume Party for retreat guests and members of her bookstore's writing group. Unfortunately, an unexpected guest also shows up. Harriet Barring wants to discontinue Covington College's sponsorship of the retreat, so what was she doing at the party? Before Cat had a chance to confront the unwanted guest, Seth blocked her path and stopped her from making a grave error.
Cat is awakened the next morning with news that Seth found a body in the barn. The body is that of Harriet Barring and she is very dead. One of the writers attending the retreat is Stephen Barring, Harriet's husband and they had been seen arguing earlier during the party. One strange point is that during the party, Harriet was dressed as a witch, but when her body was found in the barn, she was dressed as a zombie.
Who killed Harriet? Why was she killed? Will Cat lose the college's sponsorship? Can Cat, Seth, and Shauna unravel the mystery?
Lynn Cahoon has another wonderful mystery with the latest Cat Latimer story. She has wonderful characters and realistic situations. In addition to presenting ideas for writers, this story also has plenty of twists and turns to keep the reader engaged clear to the end.
Cat is awakened the next morning with news that Seth found a body in the barn. The body is that of Harriet Barring and she is very dead. One of the writers attending the retreat is Stephen Barring, Harriet's husband and they had been seen arguing earlier during the party. One strange point is that during the party, Harriet was dressed as a witch, but when her body was found in the barn, she was dressed as a zombie.
Who killed Harriet? Why was she killed? Will Cat lose the college's sponsorship? Can Cat, Seth, and Shauna unravel the mystery?
Lynn Cahoon has another wonderful mystery with the latest Cat Latimer story. She has wonderful characters and realistic situations. In addition to presenting ideas for writers, this story also has plenty of twists and turns to keep the reader engaged clear to the end.
April 11, 2024
I don't think I've ever given a review lower than three stars. Usually if I'm not jiving with a book I DNF and move on so I don't rate or count the book as read. I've loved this series up to now though so I persevered hoping things would get better, that certain situations would be resolved...they didn't and they weren't. I've never experienced a reader's slump either but this book put me in one. Just...gah
Keeping in mind that this is the eighth book in the series where relationships have been developing and readers (well this reader anyway) are invested in Cat and friends and especially in Cat's romance. She was, after all, trying on wedding dresses with a June wedding in sight all through book seven. But, and this isn't a spoiler because we're given this info on the first page, Cat is no longer engaged. The wedding never took place. It's like 8 or 9 months later and we're getting read for another writer's retreat. I actually thought I missed a book even though I'd just finished the seventh book last week, but I checked anyway. Maybe I missed a novella? Nope. So, off page, Cat got unengaged, her intended went off somewhere after 'postponing' the wedding and now he's back and wants to talk but, in true stubborn, messed up Cat fashion, she doesn't so they keep saying 'after the retreat" which, of course includes a murder only we reach the end of the book and the talk never happens and everything is still up in the air and I'm so bummed I've Dnfed four books in rapid succession. And yes, this book has also reduced me to run-on sentences, I'm that rattled. :-(
The mystery wasn't completely solved either...and Cat wasn't as involved as in previous books. And don't get me started on Shauna's new guy...I just...well, I guess I'm done with the series.
Keeping in mind that this is the eighth book in the series where relationships have been developing and readers (well this reader anyway) are invested in Cat and friends and especially in Cat's romance. She was, after all, trying on wedding dresses with a June wedding in sight all through book seven. But, and this isn't a spoiler because we're given this info on the first page, Cat is no longer engaged. The wedding never took place. It's like 8 or 9 months later and we're getting read for another writer's retreat. I actually thought I missed a book even though I'd just finished the seventh book last week, but I checked anyway. Maybe I missed a novella? Nope. So, off page, Cat got unengaged, her intended went off somewhere after 'postponing' the wedding and now he's back and wants to talk but, in true stubborn, messed up Cat fashion, she doesn't so they keep saying 'after the retreat" which, of course includes a murder only we reach the end of the book and the talk never happens and everything is still up in the air and I'm so bummed I've Dnfed four books in rapid succession. And yes, this book has also reduced me to run-on sentences, I'm that rattled. :-(
The mystery wasn't completely solved either...and Cat wasn't as involved as in previous books. And don't get me started on Shauna's new guy...I just...well, I guess I'm done with the series.
July 22, 2022
In the latest Writer's Retreat that Cat Latimer hosts in beautiful Colorado, there are some interesting guests - some of the character's from Lynn Cahoon's Tourist Trap series! Fans of both series will enjoy seeing the characters interact. It was nice "attending" a new retreat with Cat and Shauna. I love the writing tips that are shared in the writing sessions. They are interesting to read about and help make the series unique. While running her retreat for aspiring writers, Cat of course is trying to solve a murder. There are a few different suspects, but I like the way the case was resolved.
In addition to the retreat and the investigation, Cat and Seth are working through some issues in their relationship. Their problems are realistic, but seem to have some out of left field since the prior book. There are hints as to what will happen, but the ending is left ambigous. I was very surprised at the development in Shauna's love life. I'm not completely on board with it, but assuming there will be future books, it will be fun to see what happens next for the characters.
In addition to the retreat and the investigation, Cat and Seth are working through some issues in their relationship. Their problems are realistic, but seem to have some out of left field since the prior book. There are hints as to what will happen, but the ending is left ambigous. I was very surprised at the development in Shauna's love life. I'm not completely on board with it, but assuming there will be future books, it will be fun to see what happens next for the characters.
September 1, 2024
This is a good cozy series. It's not the best I've ever read, especially at the 8-book mark but I enjoy it for what it is.
The aspect of a writer's retreat is a fun and interesting component. I like learning about how writers get better at their craft.
The mysteries that main character Cat is solving are well-crafted and interesting for the cozy genre.
Overall, this is a series I will grab (as my library has them as audio books) for my daily commute or for a long drive somewhere to help pass the time.
The aspect of a writer's retreat is a fun and interesting component. I like learning about how writers get better at their craft.
The mysteries that main character Cat is solving are well-crafted and interesting for the cozy genre.
Overall, this is a series I will grab (as my library has them as audio books) for my daily commute or for a long drive somewhere to help pass the time.
July 30, 2022
Great new book in this series. Love seeing Cat and the gang, although there was a plot line that made me feel I had missed a book in the beginning! The mystery was great, and seeing the crew from the Tourist Trap series was just an added bonus.
October 15, 2022
Always love Lynn's books!
This was a fun book to read. I love getting all the writing advice while I'm following along with the mystery. Cat is not your normal heroine, she is a bit more gruff but that makes her more real. I love the her uncle is the policeman who is solving the mystery. This story was three fourths writer's retreat and one fourth mystery. As a writer myself, I enjoyed that aspect of the story. Normal cozy readers might like a bit more mystery. Overall great read! Thank you!
This was a fun book to read. I love getting all the writing advice while I'm following along with the mystery. Cat is not your normal heroine, she is a bit more gruff but that makes her more real. I love the her uncle is the policeman who is solving the mystery. This story was three fourths writer's retreat and one fourth mystery. As a writer myself, I enjoyed that aspect of the story. Normal cozy readers might like a bit more mystery. Overall great read! Thank you!
January 7, 2023
Cat Latimer has a retreat to start with a group of paranormal writers. However, a professor is against her retreats and does not want Covington to sponsor them. After the initial party is over a body is found in the barn. It appears that the professor who was against Covington sponsoring the events came back later that night. Unfortunately, there are some unanswered questions that are not covered by the end of the book.
February 21, 2023
I have really enjoyed the Cat Latimer series but there were a lot of issues with this installment...
Before I get into the reasons for my 2 star rating I would like to say that I commend Ms. Cahoon for deciding to continue the series on her own. This book is self published and I know that has to be a big investment for an author. I don't know her reasons for going forward in this way but I certainly appreciate the effort. That said....
1) Editing...there were many grammatical, typo and continuity issues in this book. To the point of distraction. The grammatical and typos are annoying but I can read past them, it's the continuity problems that would pull me out of the story. So many times I had to go back a few paragraphs to make sure I hadn't missed something (I hadn't). I could give examples but I think I'll just leave it at that.
2) The mystery...was meh. Cat didn't really investigate in this one. All of the information pertaining to the murder is gained through casual conversation or info from Uncle Pete, who spent most of the story refusing to share info with Cat. In a lot of ways I felt like the mystery was background noise to the writer's group and relationship stuff.
3) Incomplete story...so, like many other reviewers I didn't make it past the first chapter before spending about 30 minutes on the internet trying to figure out which book/novella I missed. This book starts in a completely different place from the previous installment. Cat and Seth are not only not married but barely even a couple? He left for a military assignment? Shauna has a new secret admirer? When did all of that happen? And the ending...the mystery was barely solved. You are left with the idea of who the true killer was but not a certainty. The Seth/Cat relationship status was never resolved. We are left knowing they are about to have a "talk" but no indication of where that talk is going to lead. The conflict with the university is not resolved. Given the publishing status of the series, I would have liked for this to be a "and they lived happily ever after with all the loose ends tied in a bow" final book. That is not what we got.
At this point, I hope we do get one last book that does tie everything up in an nice bow. But if the quality of the story telling remains as it did in this book I think, sadly, I will have to call it quits on this series.
Before I get into the reasons for my 2 star rating I would like to say that I commend Ms. Cahoon for deciding to continue the series on her own. This book is self published and I know that has to be a big investment for an author. I don't know her reasons for going forward in this way but I certainly appreciate the effort. That said....
1) Editing...there were many grammatical, typo and continuity issues in this book. To the point of distraction. The grammatical and typos are annoying but I can read past them, it's the continuity problems that would pull me out of the story. So many times I had to go back a few paragraphs to make sure I hadn't missed something (I hadn't). I could give examples but I think I'll just leave it at that.
2) The mystery...was meh. Cat didn't really investigate in this one. All of the information pertaining to the murder is gained through casual conversation or info from Uncle Pete, who spent most of the story refusing to share info with Cat. In a lot of ways I felt like the mystery was background noise to the writer's group and relationship stuff.
3) Incomplete story...so, like many other reviewers I didn't make it past the first chapter before spending about 30 minutes on the internet trying to figure out which book/novella I missed. This book starts in a completely different place from the previous installment. Cat and Seth are not only not married but barely even a couple? He left for a military assignment? Shauna has a new secret admirer? When did all of that happen? And the ending...the mystery was barely solved. You are left with the idea of who the true killer was but not a certainty. The Seth/Cat relationship status was never resolved. We are left knowing they are about to have a "talk" but no indication of where that talk is going to lead. The conflict with the university is not resolved. Given the publishing status of the series, I would have liked for this to be a "and they lived happily ever after with all the loose ends tied in a bow" final book. That is not what we got.
At this point, I hope we do get one last book that does tie everything up in an nice bow. But if the quality of the story telling remains as it did in this book I think, sadly, I will have to call it quits on this series.
July 13, 2022
Cat Latimir, opened her Victorian home, after receiving it from her ex-husband’s estate, and along with her best friend Shauna, turned the home into a writer’s retreat with Covington College’s support. Dealing with the possibility of losing Covington’s sponsorship of their students, Cat decides to enjoy the current retreat and think about the collage sponsorship later. Although Cat has taught at the college in the past, her current work as an author of paranormal fiction geared to young adults, has been considered not a true “literary” author. One professor from Covington is campaigning heavily against the college in sponsoring the retreat, moving to withdraw their contract. Cat has been looking forward to this retreat, as it’s comprised of paranormal writers like herself. Cat, along with Shauna have put together a fun coz-play event for the first night of the retreat, inviting professors from the college. Although open to the English department, Cat hadn’t expected to see the complaining professor participating in the party. Cat certainly didn’t expect to find her dead in her barn!
The Cat Latimir series is one of my favorites. Every series this author has written I have enjoyed. Caught Dead to Wright has a few characters from her Tourist Trap series making an appearance, and I enjoy a bit of a crossover. This in no way compromises either of the series. Cat is a strong protagonist, it’s interesting to see how her author mind works when she settles in to write. I always feel like I’m visiting with family, catching up in their lives. Shauna and her tasty recipes, her mysterious admirer, Cat’s uncle Pete, the chief of police in their town, and Seth, her boyfriend. Cat and Seth have had some challenges along the way, and I’m waiting for the next book to see what happens with the two of them. Caught Dead to Write is an enjoyable read, one with lots of twists, several suspects that will keep you wavering from one to the others. It held my attention throughout, even surprising me at the end!
I received an advanced copy for the author; the thoughts and opinions are my own.
The Cat Latimir series is one of my favorites. Every series this author has written I have enjoyed. Caught Dead to Wright has a few characters from her Tourist Trap series making an appearance, and I enjoy a bit of a crossover. This in no way compromises either of the series. Cat is a strong protagonist, it’s interesting to see how her author mind works when she settles in to write. I always feel like I’m visiting with family, catching up in their lives. Shauna and her tasty recipes, her mysterious admirer, Cat’s uncle Pete, the chief of police in their town, and Seth, her boyfriend. Cat and Seth have had some challenges along the way, and I’m waiting for the next book to see what happens with the two of them. Caught Dead to Write is an enjoyable read, one with lots of twists, several suspects that will keep you wavering from one to the others. It held my attention throughout, even surprising me at the end!
I received an advanced copy for the author; the thoughts and opinions are my own.
July 9, 2022
I enjoy reading the Cat Latimer mysteries and I enjoyed Caught Dead to Write.
Overall, I really liked the book, but there was one thing that bothered me, enough I went back to see if I could tell there were problems coming. Cat and Seth are essentially broken up. He left and went back to military activity, was injured and is now home. The wedding was canceled. I get that the characters lives change between books, but this bothered me because there was no indication in Killer Christmas Wish that there were problems other than Cat having a hard time finding a wedding dress. It felt like added drama that upset the flow of the story for me.
Cat is facing a hearing with Covington College. They want to pull their funding for her retreat. That part becomes a mini mystery in the story when the front man (woman) of the opposition dies after the retreat’s opening party. The main mystery is who killed Harriet, the front woman in English departments bid to withdraw funding. Harriet’s husband Stephen attends the retreat along with Dalton, the student from Covington that is always a part of each retreat week. For the other three members, the author brings characters from her California set series to be members of the writers retreat. It’s a fun addition since I like Derek’s character.
There is a great deal of information about being a writer and the challenges they face. It felt more prominent than in previous books.
Cat does very little sleuthing in this mystery. She stays involved with the writers and with writing her next book.
There was no really climax to the story. I like the author’s writing and this series, but this book felt different from the others. The mysteries were resolved but sort of at a distance. The conflict between Cat and Seth did not resolve by books end and I feel a bit unsettled by that. I would have liked just one more chapter that brought closure to the relationship.
Overall, I really liked the book, but there was one thing that bothered me, enough I went back to see if I could tell there were problems coming. Cat and Seth are essentially broken up. He left and went back to military activity, was injured and is now home. The wedding was canceled. I get that the characters lives change between books, but this bothered me because there was no indication in Killer Christmas Wish that there were problems other than Cat having a hard time finding a wedding dress. It felt like added drama that upset the flow of the story for me.
Cat is facing a hearing with Covington College. They want to pull their funding for her retreat. That part becomes a mini mystery in the story when the front man (woman) of the opposition dies after the retreat’s opening party. The main mystery is who killed Harriet, the front woman in English departments bid to withdraw funding. Harriet’s husband Stephen attends the retreat along with Dalton, the student from Covington that is always a part of each retreat week. For the other three members, the author brings characters from her California set series to be members of the writers retreat. It’s a fun addition since I like Derek’s character.
There is a great deal of information about being a writer and the challenges they face. It felt more prominent than in previous books.
Cat does very little sleuthing in this mystery. She stays involved with the writers and with writing her next book.
There was no really climax to the story. I like the author’s writing and this series, but this book felt different from the others. The mysteries were resolved but sort of at a distance. The conflict between Cat and Seth did not resolve by books end and I feel a bit unsettled by that. I would have liked just one more chapter that brought closure to the relationship.
September 10, 2022
I loved how Deek from the Tourist Trap mysteries crossed over into this book as one of the writers who came for the retreat. I read this book first but chronologically I'm thinking the most recent in the Tourist Trap was set earlier in the year. No biggie though, just my nerdy timeline brain kicking in! Deek's an awesome character as an employee to Jill Gardner, but he definitely showed some good leadership skills at this retreat since Cat was a little busier than usual investigating the murder of a professor she'd been at odds with. And she wisely asked Deek to sorta be in charge of some of the writing sessions.
Cat had this case figured out when she found a crucial clue, so Uncle Pete just took it from there at least resulting in nothing life-threatening this time for Cat. I wasn't too happy all through the book about how Cat and Seth's relationship was shaking out and felt like I'd really missed something important, but I reread a few parts and figured I just needed to read a little more carefully since sometimes stuff that happens between books gets explained that way. Maybe it was just me but it seemed a bit vague although it was more or less explained it had to do with Seth's recent deployment. I did remember that the last book was set at Christmas and they talked about a June wedding which didn't happen due to said deployment.
Maybe I needed to read the end of the previous book again? I was happy with what Shauna told Cat at the end though, so I always feel there's hope for these two. They've come too far to let something happen to their relationship, and Cat needs to put a little more trust in what Seth's been telling her. I think he's serious about not wanting to ship out again. It'll be really interesting to see what happens in the next book.
Cat had this case figured out when she found a crucial clue, so Uncle Pete just took it from there at least resulting in nothing life-threatening this time for Cat. I wasn't too happy all through the book about how Cat and Seth's relationship was shaking out and felt like I'd really missed something important, but I reread a few parts and figured I just needed to read a little more carefully since sometimes stuff that happens between books gets explained that way. Maybe it was just me but it seemed a bit vague although it was more or less explained it had to do with Seth's recent deployment. I did remember that the last book was set at Christmas and they talked about a June wedding which didn't happen due to said deployment.
Maybe I needed to read the end of the previous book again? I was happy with what Shauna told Cat at the end though, so I always feel there's hope for these two. They've come too far to let something happen to their relationship, and Cat needs to put a little more trust in what Seth's been telling her. I think he's serious about not wanting to ship out again. It'll be really interesting to see what happens in the next book.
June 4, 2022
Tensions are running high this time around. The writing retreat schedule is different from their usual and even Shauna seems to be keeping her own secrets from her partner and best friend.
A letter from the college threatening to discontinue their support is just the icing on the brownies!
Seth and Cat have postponed their wedding and are still trying to figure out where they stand with each other.
A costume party to start things off seems like a fun idea. Writers should come up with great costume ideas. Unfortunately the English department from the college was also invited to the party.
Secrets is once again the name of the game.
And once again, Cat's property is the unfortunate location of a murder.
Could her retreat really be cursed?
Each book in this wonderful series is complete in its own but I enjoy seeing the relationship ups and downs as read from beginning to end. The town secrets and complexities play roles each time.
I also appreciate what we learn about writers as real people.
The author is very creative, talented and creates characters we want to visit again and again.
A letter from the college threatening to discontinue their support is just the icing on the brownies!
Seth and Cat have postponed their wedding and are still trying to figure out where they stand with each other.
A costume party to start things off seems like a fun idea. Writers should come up with great costume ideas. Unfortunately the English department from the college was also invited to the party.
Secrets is once again the name of the game.
And once again, Cat's property is the unfortunate location of a murder.
Could her retreat really be cursed?
Each book in this wonderful series is complete in its own but I enjoy seeing the relationship ups and downs as read from beginning to end. The town secrets and complexities play roles each time.
I also appreciate what we learn about writers as real people.
The author is very creative, talented and creates characters we want to visit again and again.
July 18, 2022
It's time for another writer's retreat (or murder retreat as some "affectionately" call it). This retreat is a little different as most of group already know each other (Easter egg - you gotta know Cahoon's writing to get it) so the dynamics are a bit different . There's also very intriguing things going on in the background - Cat and Seth's relationship is on hold (hopefully not permanently), Shauna has a secret admirer, the college is threatening to pull their sponsorship of the retreat, Uncle Pete is having problems of his own, and oh yeah, there's a dead body in Cat's barn. Wait! I take it back, it's just another ordinary writer's retreat. LOL
This series is always entertaining and a pleasure to read. I love getting lost in Cat's world. The characters, the mystery, the twists and turns, the red herrings, they always keep me guessing whodunit, and have me ready for the next book.
Many thanks to the author and BookFunnel for an advance copy of this book. My thoughts and opinions are my own and without bias or favor or expectation.
This series is always entertaining and a pleasure to read. I love getting lost in Cat's world. The characters, the mystery, the twists and turns, the red herrings, they always keep me guessing whodunit, and have me ready for the next book.
Many thanks to the author and BookFunnel for an advance copy of this book. My thoughts and opinions are my own and without bias or favor or expectation.
August 13, 2022
Cat Latimer has a great group of paranormal authors at her latest writers retreat, and is enjoying the connections. However, a local college professor wants to stop Covington's sponsorship of her retreats since they aren't literary enough so Cat may have a fight on her hands. When that professor is found dead in Cat's barn after a party, Cat has to find a killer before she's the one blamed.
I've really enjoyed this series and this book is no exception. The writing was good overall despite a couple mistakes such as using the wrong name, and a few typos. Still, I really liked this book. The characters are well-rounded and I enjoyed the various relationships. I did feel as if I missed something with the beginning of this book as there was a surprising tidbit. This was an engaging story that drew me in and kept me hooked. The mystery will keep you on your toes and guessing. I'm looking forward to the next book. I highly recommend both book and series which I suggest you read in order for the most enjoyment and benefit.
I've really enjoyed this series and this book is no exception. The writing was good overall despite a couple mistakes such as using the wrong name, and a few typos. Still, I really liked this book. The characters are well-rounded and I enjoyed the various relationships. I did feel as if I missed something with the beginning of this book as there was a surprising tidbit. This was an engaging story that drew me in and kept me hooked. The mystery will keep you on your toes and guessing. I'm looking forward to the next book. I highly recommend both book and series which I suggest you read in order for the most enjoyment and benefit.
July 7, 2022
Caught Dead to Write is a great addition to Lynn Cahoon’s Cat Latimer Mystery series. Cat Latimer is under a lot of stress. Her relationship with Seth may be on the rocks. She has a writers’ retreat coming up. And a professor at Covington wants the college to cancel their contract for the retreats. When the offending professor turns up dead in Cat’s barn, it’s not a surprise that she’s a suspect.
I really like this series. The retreats provide a revolving door of wonderful characters/suspects. Deek was favorite in this story. The relationship between Sam and Shauna is an amazing example of strong and loyal friendship. Sam’s romance with Seth is stronger than she believes. Plenty of clues and suspects kept me guessing about who the killer really was, and I wasn’t able to figure it out before the reveal. I love the information about the life of a writer, and the suggestions, that Cat dispenses to her guests.
I think all cozy readers would enjoy this, but especially aspiring writers.
I really like this series. The retreats provide a revolving door of wonderful characters/suspects. Deek was favorite in this story. The relationship between Sam and Shauna is an amazing example of strong and loyal friendship. Sam’s romance with Seth is stronger than she believes. Plenty of clues and suspects kept me guessing about who the killer really was, and I wasn’t able to figure it out before the reveal. I love the information about the life of a writer, and the suggestions, that Cat dispenses to her guests.
I think all cozy readers would enjoy this, but especially aspiring writers.
August 2, 2022
Another awesome Cat Latimer book by Lynn Cahoon!
Catharine (Cat) Latimer, her boyfriend Seth, and her best friend, Shay run a writer's retreat. In this book, Deek and a couple others, from the Tourist Trap series in South Cove, CA are in attendance along with a professor and student from Covington College in town. The characters are awesome and I look forward to every book to catch up with them. Cat and Seth's relationship has hit a rough patch. Shay has a secret admirer, which I guessed but it adds a little mystique to the story. An unpopular professor is killed at the retreat's opening costume party. Cat helps her Uncle Pete, the police chief, find clues. I expected some twists at the end which didn't happen but it was a good ending. The characters really make this series so enjoyable. I have read all of Lynn's books including this series and the Tourist Trap series and I have enjoyed every one! #CaughtDeadToWrite #NetGalley #KensingtonBooks
Catharine (Cat) Latimer, her boyfriend Seth, and her best friend, Shay run a writer's retreat. In this book, Deek and a couple others, from the Tourist Trap series in South Cove, CA are in attendance along with a professor and student from Covington College in town. The characters are awesome and I look forward to every book to catch up with them. Cat and Seth's relationship has hit a rough patch. Shay has a secret admirer, which I guessed but it adds a little mystique to the story. An unpopular professor is killed at the retreat's opening costume party. Cat helps her Uncle Pete, the police chief, find clues. I expected some twists at the end which didn't happen but it was a good ending. The characters really make this series so enjoyable. I have read all of Lynn's books including this series and the Tourist Trap series and I have enjoyed every one! #CaughtDeadToWrite #NetGalley #KensingtonBooks
July 16, 2022
Caught Dead to Write is book #8 in the Cat Latimer Mystery series by Lynn Cahoon.
Cat and her best friend, Shauna, are hosting a book retreat with guests from California and a couple of local authors. Unfortunately, a body shows up in their barn.
I really like this series. It is interesting to read about the writing process as Cat leads sessions for her guests. There was a bit of time that passed between the last book and this one. I thought I might have missed a book, but I didn’t. The mystery was interesting and I like how everything wrapped up. I look forward to reading what happens next for Cat and her friends.
I received an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Cat and her best friend, Shauna, are hosting a book retreat with guests from California and a couple of local authors. Unfortunately, a body shows up in their barn.
I really like this series. It is interesting to read about the writing process as Cat leads sessions for her guests. There was a bit of time that passed between the last book and this one. I thought I might have missed a book, but I didn’t. The mystery was interesting and I like how everything wrapped up. I look forward to reading what happens next for Cat and her friends.
I received an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
January 9, 2023
I’ve enjoyed this series. In this latest book Seth and Kat are back to will they/won’t they love again. I’m curious to see where life takes them. This one is a bit shorter than I’m used to for this series. I enjoyed they mystery but I feel like there were so many loose ends that were left unanswered at the end. The ending also felt rushed. I know grief is a funny thing but Steve’s reactions were just awkward like painfully so to the point his presence in a scene irked me. We know Shana’s secret admirer but we don’t know about the college funding or about Kat and Seth’s relationship status. Usually Lynn tied up the loose ends so nicely. I guess I’ll have to wait patiently for the next installment in the series. 🤞🏼
May 22, 2022
Cat Latimer is excited to be hosting a paranormal writers group at her retreat. Unfortunately, she is also preparing to defend her retreat at Covington college after a professor decides the retreat should no longer be supported by the college as the works produced are not literary enough. When a body is found in Cat's barn, she becomes one of the main suspects and must piece together the clues to clear her name. For the readers that also read Lynn Cahoon's Tourist Trap series, you will enjoy visiting characters in this book. I really enjoyed this story and the natural way the clues were discovered and pieced together.
July 14, 2022
I’ll go ahead and say it. Do we really need another murder in Aspen Hills or is a visit with Cat, Shauna, Seth and Uncle Pete enough to make anyone else happy? Things aren’t all sunshine and roses for any of the gang in this latest installment. Cat and Seth are on the outs after he put a military contract ahead of their life together and came back injured, Shauna’s got a secret admirer and Uncle Pete’s new administrative assistant not only took over the police station but is intent on finagling her way into his life permanently. Throw in a dead body at the beginning of a a writing retreat and give it a good stir and you get an unputdownable mystery!
July 19, 2022
With a new retreat group, love the reference to the Tourists Trap folks, a strain on Cat and Seth's relationship, and a pre retreat party that includes members of the Covington College English department you know there is going to be trouble and murder!
This was an interesting and fast read, to complicate the murder that takes place in her barn after the pre retreat party, the dead woman was a professor that wanted Covington's sponsorship of Cat's retreats to end.
How Cat, Seth and Shauna handle the murder, the retreat and their personal lives makes for a good read and visit to one of my favorite fictional places!
This was an interesting and fast read, to complicate the murder that takes place in her barn after the pre retreat party, the dead woman was a professor that wanted Covington's sponsorship of Cat's retreats to end.
How Cat, Seth and Shauna handle the murder, the retreat and their personal lives makes for a good read and visit to one of my favorite fictional places!
October 9, 2022
Another fun installment in a great cozy series. I really like this series overall, the theme etc. is right up my book loving alley. In book 8 one of the Carrington professor's is found dead in Cat's barn after a party at the start of one of her writing retreats. The mystery was good although not my favorite. There was also a lot of relationship drama between Cat and Seth which was an added element to the story. As I didn't remember them having any issues in the last book-that jarred me a bit. Not sure if they had drama in the last book and I have forgotten, or that was an off the page addition for this book. Still an enjoyable read for me.
July 3, 2022
Another great book by Lynn Cahoon. It keeps the reader interestesd. I like reading about what the main characters are doing in their lives - Cat and Seth, Shauna, Pete. I love when authors cross over characters from their different series. We find that her from the Tourist Trap. It works out great in this book and with the writers retreat well. As a reader, the descriptions of how author's write and what they do to preare to write was very interesting. I cannot wait for the next writers retreat with Cat, Shauna and the gang.
March 7, 2024
Cat’s writing retreat takes a wrong turn when a body in a zombie costume is discovered in her barn. She has to find out who committed the dastardly deed before the suspicions all fall on her. She has other problems to deal with, too, ones that concern her retreat. I didn’t feel like this mystery was quite as good as some of the previous ones. Her relationship with Seth seems to be getting stale. The bit with Uncle Pete and his staff was interesting, and I can’t wait to see what lies ahead for Shauna.
June 14, 2022
Another fantastic addition to this series. It had a little different vibe then the others in my opinion. I enjoyed how there were characters from South Cove (another one of Lynn's series). It's always fun to see a cross over even if it's not the main character. Other than the main mystery. There were definitely romance mystery when it comes to Shauna's secret admirer. Cannot wait to read more, and to see what changes may or may not happen.
July 16, 2022
I loved this book. The changes in the relationships both at the beginning of the book & at the end where very surprising. The murder of the professor who was leading the charge to disconnect the college from the writer's retreat causes all sorts of trouble to Cat & Shauna and also one of the writer's attending the retreat. Also loved the crossover between this series & the author's Crystal Cove series.
September 14, 2023
Cat and Shauna have a nice friendship that's fun to read about. The way they work together and solve mysteries is nice. This was a quick read. I had a feeling about who the murderer was but I didn't know the full why. I guess it makes for a good story, but why do people cheat in their marriage instead of just ending it with one then starting with another?? That "thrill" just doesn't make sense to me.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews