Picture a cozy New England island where cats and mysteries intertwine—meet Cate Conte, the pen name of Liz Mugavero, a bestselling author who crafts heartwarming cozy mysteries! With a knack for blending quirky characters, feline charm, and clever whodunits, Conte has carved a niche in the genre, delighting readers who love a good puzzle and a purr. Her passion for animal advocacy shines through her stories, making her a unique voice in the literary world.
The Making of Cate Conte
Born with a book in hand, Cate Conte—aka Liz Mugavero—was a self-proclaimed nerd who fell in love with stories early on. Growing up, she devoured novels, dabbled in short stories, and penned angst-filled poetry as a teen, viewing life through a soap opera lens. Her path to writing wasn’t straightforward; after earning a master’s degree in Writing and Publishing, she ventured into journalism, where her love for mysteries deepened. Joining Sisters in Crime, a community of crime writers, was a turning point, leading her to an agent and her first cozy mystery proposal.
Cate Conte’s Unforgettable Stories
Conte’s cozy mysteries are a delightful mix of small-town charm, amateur sleuths, and animals—especially cats—who steal the show. Her Cat Café Mystery series, starting with Cat About Town (2017), follows Maddie James, who returns to Daybreak Island and opens a cat café, only to stumble into murders. The series, now nine books strong, including Shock and Paw (2024), blends humor, heart, and suspense. Her Full Moon Mysteries, like Witch Hunt (2020), add a magical twist, featuring witch Violet Mooney and her crystal shop. As Liz Mugavero, she writes the Pawsitively Organic Mysteries, with the first, Kneading to Die (2013), earning an Agatha Award nomination for Best First Novel. Conte’s style is light yet gripping, with relatable protagonists and animals that add warmth and wit.
Her stories stand out for their vivid settings—think quaint New England towns—and themes of community and compassion. Cats aren’t just cute sidekicks; they reflect Conte’s advocacy for animal welfare, subtly educating readers about rescue and care. Whether it’s Maddie solving crimes or Violet navigating magical mayhem, Conte’s books are cozy escapes with a purpose.
Why Cate Conte Matters
Cate Conte’s impact goes beyond entertainment. Her novels celebrate the human-animal bond, raising awareness about cat rescue and care, a cause close to her heart as a devoted cat mom. Living in Connecticut with her rescue pets, she weaves her love for animals into every tale, inspiring readers to support local shelters. Her work also empowers cozy mystery fans, offering strong female leads who tackle challenges with grit and grace. Through her alter ego Liz Mugavero, she’s built a loyal following, proving that storytelling can be both fun and meaningful.
- Pen Name: Cate Conte (Liz Mugavero)
- Key Works: Cat About Town, Witch Hunt, Kneading to Die
- Award: Agatha Award nominee for Best First Novel (Kneading to Die)
- Residence: Connecticut, with her rescue cats and dog
Ready to cozy up with a mystery that’s the cat’s meow? Snag Cat About Town and dive into Cate Conte’s purrfect world of suspense and feline charm!