Cat DeLuca Mysteries
3 primary works • 5 total works
Book 2
THE PANTS ON FIRE DETECTIVE AGENCY: Cat DeLuca's short, stormy marriage was a crash course in infidelity – his, not hers. But two years of unholy matrimony taught her everything she needed to know to launch the Pants On Fire Detective Agency. Now armed with spy glasses, camera, chocolate and a beagle named Inga, Cat specializes in avenging-all-cheated-upon-women.
STICKS AND STONES: Cleo Jones' husband stole her money, took her dog and slept with her sister – so she can't feel too guilty about shooting him full of buckshot. But she didn't kill him – despite swearing that she would. So when his corpse is found with a large calibre bullet hole in his chest, guess who's the number one suspect? Shame no one but Cat believes Cleo is innocent. So who did pull the trigger? Turns out there is no shortage of suspects.
STICKS AND STONES: Cleo Jones' husband stole her money, took her dog and slept with her sister – so she can't feel too guilty about shooting him full of buckshot. But she didn't kill him – despite swearing that she would. So when his corpse is found with a large calibre bullet hole in his chest, guess who's the number one suspect? Shame no one but Cat believes Cleo is innocent. So who did pull the trigger? Turns out there is no shortage of suspects.
Book 4
Book 5
Chicago private eye Cat DeLuca, founder of the Pants on Fire Detective Agency, catches liars and cheats-and, from time to time, killers. Cat's brief marriage to runaround Johnnie Rizzo was a bust. But it gave her the mad skills she needed for her agency. She doesn't investigate for insurance companies and she won't find your long lost Uncle Harry. But if you're in Chicagoland and you suspect your partner is stepping out, give her a call. Cat comes from a long line, and big family, of Chicago cops, stretching back to the day when her greatgrandfather gave Al Capone protection and a truck to move bootleg whiskey. Most DeLuca men are straight-up guys. Some are flexible, like Ferrari-driving Uncle Joey. But Cat's Poppa stands above the rest, a man of integrity who one day took a bullet when on duty and became a hero. So why, after someone kidnaps Captain Bob's dog and claims to have evidence of cop corruption, do Captain Bob and Poppa not only deny the accusation, but order Cat to leave it alone? Long ago when they were partners, the two cops responded to a hit-and-run that claimed the life of one of Bridgeport's most beloved citizens.
Daniel Baumgarten, owner and proprietor of Baumgarten's Jewelry was killed in the street outside his shop. The unsolved death was relegated to a dusty cold case file where it was almost forgotten. Until now. Meanwhile Cat's romance with FBI Agent Chance Savino still gives her goose bumps. Her Mama's latest scheme to marry her off involves a romantic cruise, insane amounts of champagne, and a hijacked priest to tie the knot. But saving Poppa and Captain Bob comes first. There Was a Crooked Man is another funfilled, surprising page-turner. It's a story of greed and betrayal. And the utterly astonishing things we do to save the ones we love.
Daniel Baumgarten, owner and proprietor of Baumgarten's Jewelry was killed in the street outside his shop. The unsolved death was relegated to a dusty cold case file where it was almost forgotten. Until now. Meanwhile Cat's romance with FBI Agent Chance Savino still gives her goose bumps. Her Mama's latest scheme to marry her off involves a romantic cruise, insane amounts of champagne, and a hijacked priest to tie the knot. But saving Poppa and Captain Bob comes first. There Was a Crooked Man is another funfilled, surprising page-turner. It's a story of greed and betrayal. And the utterly astonishing things we do to save the ones we love.
#1
Burned by her run - around ex - husband Johnnie Ricco, Caterina DeLuca took the skills she mastered during marriage and opened her own private eye agency. Now she's a second - story woman, armed with a camera, ready to print 8x10 glossies for use in divorce court. The men in her big, whacko family, all Chicago cops - one a crook - aren't sure what to make of Cat's career choice. But hey, it's serve and protect! Then one Rita Polansky retains Cat. Rita's liar - liar husband is the mysterious, but seriously hot, Chance Savino. Cat is hot on his heels when an exploding building hurls her out of her stilettos and into the hospital. The FBI claims Chance was killed in the fireworks, but concussed Cat remembers a different scenario. She escapes the hospital to meet with her client. But when Rita doesn't show, Cat breaks into her home to find Rita with a knife in her chest and two clues at the murder scene: a clutch of candy wrappers and Chance Savino, rummaging through Rita's drawers. One surprise after another piles up. As no one else sights Savino, everyone around Cat thinks she's crazy. Everyone except a determined killer who has put her on his "kill" list.
The diamond earrings worn by Marilyn Monroe wore in Some Like It Hot have been stolen. They were last seen at a benefit that took place the same night magician Alan Mitchell was killed in Kyle Tierney's bar, with Cristina the bartender as a witness. Kyle served his time, and Cristina is back in town...But with one private eye already gunned down on the search, should Cat De Luca try her hand at finding the jewels?