Clarissa sits down for a question-and-answer session with dru’s book musings so that we can learn more about what makes her tick. Let’s see what she has to say.
What is your full name?
Clarissa McMillan
How old are you?
Old enough to drink legally, and then some LOL. I’ll never tell.
What is your profession?
I am a retired Shakespearean actress, and right now I’m a silent (maybe not so silent) partner in a secondhand shop.
Do you have a significant other?
Not at the moment, but I’m looking!
Do you have any children?
Two daughters – Crishell and Lyanne.
Do you have any siblings?
No, I’m an only child
Are your parents nearby?
Deceased.
Who is your best friend?
My best friend, Darlene, married my ex-husband so right now that position is open!
Do you have cats, dogs, or other pets?
I do not, but I did gift my daughter Crishell with a lovely Siamese cat!
What town do you live in?
I have a condo in Los Angeles, but right now I’m renting a house in Fox Hollow, Connecticut.
What is your favorite spot in your home?
My den — I have it filled with books and posters of all the plays I’ve starred in!
What is your favorite meal and dessert?
I love Italian, so I’d have to say I adore a good Veal Saltimbocca, with a tiramasu for dessert! But I’ve also been known to down a good portion of lobster mac and cheese too!
Do you have any hobbies?
Right now my hobby is helping to manage the secondhand shop and to try and convince my daughter Crishell that she should return to acting!
What music do you listen to?
I do love some good jazz, but I also enjoy listening to soft rock. Love me some Michael Buble!
What is your favorite color?
I’ve been told I look fabulous in any shade of red.
What is your favorite vacation spot?
I’ve always been fond of the French Riveria
Are you a morning or night person?
Night, definitely. I sometimes don’t get up till noon!
What is your idea of a really fun time?
Reading aloud from Shakespeare’s works – any of them!
If you were to write a memoir, what would you call it?
An Almost Perfect Life
Amateur or professional sleuth and whom do you work with?
I leave the sleuthing to my daughter Crishell and her friend Gary. But if I were a sleuth, I bet I’d be darn good at it
What is a typical day in your life like?
Right now it consists of hunting for stock for the second hand store, and getting involved in various charities supported by the store to call attention to it. We just had an antiques show and I think there might be a murder mystery dinner in the near future–I’m trying to get Crishell’s ex fiancée to direct!
Giveaway: Toni has generously offered to give away a $15 Amazon Gift Card. To enter, leave a comment telling us the name of your favorite pet. One entry per person and the giveaway is limited to U.S. residents only. Giveaway ends March 22, 2024. Good luck everyone!
Cats, Carats and Killers, An Urban Tails Pet Shop Mystery Book #4
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Release: March 2024
Format: Print, Digital
Purchase Link
There may be honor among thieves, but a long-ago diamond heist might hold the secret to a man’s murder . . .
Pet shop owner Shell McMillan is thrilled to see everyone in Fox Hollow flocking to the local animal shelter’s fundraiser, where they can get their old keepsakes and collectibles appraised and maybe even sell them for a tidy sum. But the event has drawn some shady characters as well, including Pete Martin, who seems determined to get his hands on a beat-up old jewelry box at any cost. Then Martin is found murdered, and Shell has to go from fundraising to finding a killer.
It doesn’t take long for Shell to figure out that the jewelry box was concealing diamonds from a long-ago heist, and that Martin wasn’t the only one trying to get his hands on the stash. But to figure out who wanted him dead, she’ll have to uncover who was behind the original heist and who knows where the rest of gems are hidden. It’s as dangerous a case as Shell has ever faced, and if she’s not careful, her search for the missing stones will leave her stone-cold dead . . .
About the author
T.C. LoTempio is the award-winning, nationally bestselling author of the Nick and Nora Mysteries, the Urban Tails Pet Shop Mysteries, and the Cat Rescue Mysteries. Born in New York City, she now resides in Phoenix, Arizona with her two cats, Maxx and Rocco. Rocco prides himself on being the inspiration for her Nick and Nora series! For more information, check out her and her cat Rocco’s blog at catsbooksmorecats.blogspot.com and visit her website at tclotempio.net.
My favorite pet’s name is Cooper. He is an orange part Maine Coon and is the sweetest cat I’ve ever had!
I lost my beautiful cat Snow White after almost 17 years and my husband doesn’t want me to get another pet. So, I’ve gone back to fostering cats for the local humane society, hoping to one day “foster fail.” My current foster is a 12-year-old flame -point Siamese mix named Simon.
My favorite is my basset hound, Rocket. She is the sweetest dog. So happy and lovey.
My favorite pet’s name was Nougat. She was a calico cat that I agreed to adopt before I met her. To this day, one of the best decisions I ever made. She was a very special cat.
My calico/tabby is named Hemi. I got her as the runty 8 week old kitten, now she’s almost 8 and getting a little chunky.
What great comments! My favorite pet’s name actually isn’t Rocco – it was my calico tortoiseshell cat named Phyllis. She was my “baby”. I love all of my furbabies thogh, especially Rocco and Chazz!
and thank you Dru, for hosting me! T.C.
We have 3 cats. Little one mother broughtto the house where she fit in the palm of my hand. L. C. began her life of running the house. She is a shiny black and she bosses the other 2 cats around.
My favorite was my border terrier/mix Boo. How I loved that dog! He was a rescue and my bosom buddy. Our current dog, Jack, is a 17 year old Jack Russell/corgi/sheltie mix that I had adopted originally for my father-in-law. Jack is a happy dog, incorrigible, and brings joy.
Our cat’s name is Luna. She was a rescue and is sweet.
My favorite cat 🐈 is Hamilton. He is a large orange tabby and is a very sweet boy, even though he is very shy. He’s a great cuddler.
Sadie Sweetpea is my current cocker spaniel’s name. She’s a two year old sassy sweetheart, primarily a chocolate color with caramel accents and has filled my heart with joy. Of course all my past fur babies made my heart happy, but I enjoy living in the moment!
Love that cover!
Congratulations to Cheryl Corbitt who won the $15 Amazon Gift card from T.C. LoTempio