Cat Book Feature: Harry the Wonder Cat: The Legend of the Pink Diamond by Denise Brixey

Harry, the Wonder Cat, is no ordinary cat! Two centuries ago, he had received eternal life and extraordinary powers.  He was ordered to use his gifts to care for the Johnson family, helping them through life's ups and downs. 

Fast forward to the present. This story begins when Nikki Johnson, accompanied by her close friend Heather Murphy, had planned her annual quiet and relaxing Christmas visit to Harrot Reef to visit her beloved Aunt Lynn. Plans changed when Nikki’s aunt summoned her to come earlier because something was terribly wrong. The two friends arrived the next day to a shocking discovery. Loud howling led them to the library where they found Aunt Lynn’s crumpled body lying on the floor with her cat, Harry, next to her. The two women landed in the middle of a mystery. The only clues consist of a teacup, a copy of Agatha Christie’s “The Mysterious Affair at Styles”, and a note on the mantle. 

Sheriff O’Neil, who has had it out for the Johnsons since Nikki’s father stole the girl that he loved, saw this as a perfect chance for revenge.  What could be better than to have the last of the  oldest family in Harrot Reef, behind bars for the murder of her own aunt?

When Nikki gets bailed out by her friend, Heather, they team up with the deputy to find the real killer.  Little do they know, Harry  is using his magic to save the day.  This Christmas visit was going to be anything but quiet and relaxing.

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Denise Brixey grew up in the San Francisco Bay area, where she studied writing.  During her many years of living in a big city from birth into adulthood, she had more than her share of challenges. When she left the big city life to move up to a small town in the Gold Country, Denise volunteered at a cat rescue. She soon discovered that, while she was working to save them, it was she who was magically being rescued by the cats! 

Felines have been a meaningful part of Denise’s world ever since: starring in blogs, social media pages, and currently, her new book series. Although he’s been physically absent for years, the original Harry, a.k.a. Monkeyface, continues to magically impact her life through his teleportation that continues to fuel Denise’s passion for writing and love for her cats. Harry will live forever, so Denise started her series, Harry, the Wonder Cat, to share all his antics and spread meaning and joy to the lives of readers. You can follow Denise on her blog Harry the Wondercat

In full Disclosure: this book is presented as a "feature" because I have not read the book. I think the world of Denise, and when she approached me asking me if I would feature her book, I happily agreed to do so.

Cat Books: Our Faves of 2015

Still trying to find the purrfect gift for the cat lovers in your life? You've come to the right place! Today we are proud to present to you:

Cat Books: Our Faves of 2015

There have been a large number of books that have made their way to our paws in 2015, today, we would like to share our faves, in no particular order!

Catsong 
by T.J. Banks

To me, Catsong is not only a compilation of Bank's best cat stories, it is much more than that. It is a songbook  of SERENADES. It, is a collection of essays that are in reality, SONGS.

The words written in Catsong are vehicles that convey love, a love of the purest and most genuine kind. The "serenades" in Catsong are essays dedicated to the many cats who have graced T.J. Bank's life. Catsong  was the winner of the 2007 Merial Human-Animal Bond Award.

The Case of the Jewel Covered Cat Statues:

A Buckley and Bogey Cat Detective Caper by Cindy Vincent

The Case of the Jewel Covered Cat Statues is full of fun, as well as suspense. Cindy Vincent has a flair for humor, dialogue, twists and turns. The majority of the book is dialogue between the cats and her take on the various feline personalities is just hilarious. In this book, there is Hector "a Siamese cat who is a really big blabbermouth", who "talks" non-stop in the car (and everywhere else), which reminded me of how cats meow and "sing the song of their people" when heading to the dreaded Vet. There is a strong  and heart-warming message of the importance of friendship that is the heart of this mystery. Friendship, overcoming greed, believing in yourself and teamwork. It shows us  that often we must look "deeper" into things, (even things that are outwardly full of glitter, sparkle and shine),  instead of just  taking them at face value.

Texts From Mittens 

by Angie Bailey

In a nutshell, Texts From Mittens is approximately 100'ish  "laugh out loud" pages printed on quality "alk" paper, that is about a self-absorbed cat named Mittens. Mittens bombards "Mom" with incessant texts which take the form of demands, requests and questions at any hour, day or night, (hence the "unlimited data plan"). "Mom" mostly responds as the "straight man" to Mittens constant texting.

  Simple concept + brilliant execution = a hit,

 Angie Bailey hit this one right outta the ballpark!
-----------------------------------------------------------
Purr Prints OF THE HEART
 A Cat's Tale of Life, Death and Beyond, as told to author Deborah Barnes by Mr.Jazz the Cat

Cover Photo Courtesy of Deborah Barnes

I am honored to have been one of a lucky few who were sent the manuscript to Deb's latest book, and this time, my "mini review" is located smack dab on the first page of the Purrs of Praise section!

MY QUOTE READS AS FOLLOWS:Deborah Barnes exhibits her writing prowess as she bears her soul in the poignant memoir, Purr Prints of the Heart, brilliantly narrated by the book's muse, "Mr. Jazz." Reader's emotions will be stirred to their core as Barnes magnificently climbs into the mind, heart and soul of not only Mr.Jazz, but cats as a whole and the humans who devote their lives to them. Purr Prints takes the reader on a journey that is like a salve in book form that offers comfort to all who have had to deal with (or will have to deal with), the inevitable loss of a beloved pet. Written with eloquence, grace, humor and a love that transcends the pages, I defy any pet lover not to see themselves depicted in this literary treasure.

Avalon
by Vanessa Morgan

From the moment my eyes gazed upon the cover of Avalon by Vanessa Morgan, I knew that this was going to be a special book. Let me correct that. I had the pleasure of following Avalon's blog for a number of years before he crossed the bridge, and knew that one day, Vanessa would pour her heart and soul into a tribute that would not only be a cathartic experience for her, but it would be a cathartic experience for all of us who have been obsessed with (admit it, there has been at least one special pet in your life, where your love bordered on or plunged headfirst into obsession), our love of a pet.

When we have the deepest affection for an animal,

we do not possess that love

but are possessed by it.

---Dean R. Koontz

Avalon is a memoir for anyone who has ever

been obsessively in love with a pet

Lola: Diary of a Rescued Cat 
by Lola and Dawn White

Cover photo Courtesy of Dawn White

The sweetness of Lola and her loving nature, as well as her impish side,  which is sometimes conveyed by a wicked sense of humor, is incredibly endearing. Each page reinforces the importance of and the unconditional love that is received when one adopts a rescue cat. 

" Plan Bea"

 by Hilary Grossman

(ok, so it's not a book about cats, I loved it and that is why it is here)

Hilary Grossman has a keen understanding of people and what makes them tick. She has a particularly good take on women. Her attention to detail in both the conversations that the characters have, and their nuances is superb. Even simple descriptions like someone twirling their hair around their finger while they are thinking, or clutching a pillow and blankets to their chest, or the annoyance that Annabel feels when she speaks to her mother,  are described in such a way that makes her characters leap from the pages, full of life.

 The characters that Hilary has so skillfully crafted are believable.

 They seem so real, so honest, so approachable.

 They are all characters that we can relate to.When I read Plan Bea I laughed, I cried, I was angry, I looked closer into myself and my relationship with my own mother, I ran the gamut of emotions. I did NOT want to put this book down, and I have a feeling that even if your own relationship with your mother is "perfect" (Newsflash, NO mother/daughter relationship is!!), you will be as immersed and in love with Plan Bea as I was.

RESCUED

BY JANISS GARZA

From Catster: Titled Rescued: The Story of 12 Cats Through Their Eyes, the project features different authors telling the tale of their adopted cats from the animals’ own perspective.

FROM CAT CHAT WITH CAREN AND CODY: Brilliant concept AND execution by Janiss. She  sent a shout out through social media for individuals to share their stories about their rescue cats, all told from the POV of the cats. .It was so captivating and moving, that  I read it in one sitting, It gripped my heart from the beginning to the end. There was careful thought put into the arrangement of the essays, the end result is superb!

FROM JANISS GARZA: most people have NO idea how hard it is to sequence stories in an anthology. Basically you are taking unrelated narratives and making a larger narrative with them, so the stories need to flow right. 

FROM CAT CHAT WITH CAREN AND CODY- The blog Melissa's Mocha's Mysteries and Meows did a superb job throughout 2015 of showcasing each of the cats  from RESCUED in a monthly feature. Be sure to visit her blog to read them!

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

There you have it, our faves of 2015!!!

 (Children's books were omitted from this list)

Winners!! The Case of the Cat Show Princess by Cindy Vincent

Thanks to all who entered our give-away for:

And now it is time to announce the

THREE LUCKY WINNERS!!

HUGE CONCATULATIONS!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Winners!! Book:The Case of the Jewel Covered Cat Statues:A Buckley and Bogey Cat Detective Caper by Cindy Vincent

Hi all it's Cody!

Boy oh boy am I ever excited to announce the lucky winners of my give-away for:

Thanks to all who entered!! I know I said I would announce the winners tomorrow, but tomorrow is a special holiday, so, since the give-away ended at 5pm EST yesterday, I got Mom to sit her butt down and help me pick the winners (from random.org). What is super cool is that ALL of the lucky winners have blogs!!!!!

Here are the lucky winners (and their blogs), in the order in which they were randomly selected!!!

Huge concatulations to all!!

PAM AND SAM FROM

ONE SPOILED CAT:

MARG FROM

MARG'S ANIMALS

Pam and Sammy and Marg, I have your addresses already so no need to send!!!

Last but certainly not least:

"LUCKY LADY" FROM:

LUCKY LADY'S COUNTRY PICTURES

(this might be a blog that some of you do not know, please stop by and say hi! I linked to her blog on her name above.) Lucky Lady, Mom will be in touch to get your complete mailing address!

You are ALL going to love this book!!!! 

Love, Cody and Mom

Book Review and Give-Away! The Case of the Jewel Covered Cat Statues:A Buckley and Bogey Cat Detective Caper by Cindy Vincent

They are at it again!

Back in February of 2014 I had the pleasure of reviewing Black Cats Save Christmas in The Case of the Crafty Christmas Crooks, A Buckley and Bogey Cat Detective Caper  and, I had the pleasure of getting to know the vivacious, personable and oh-so creative and kind author of this fun mystery series, Cindy Vincent.

Before I tell you a bit about The Case of the Jewel Covered Cat Statues I would like to introduce you to the two feline stars of Cindy's mystery series, Buckley and Bogey.

Courtesy of http://www.buckleyandbogey.com/

Buckley Bergdorf , a newly adopted almost-2- year- old Maine Coon  with paws so huge that he wonders if he will EVER grow into them! (HINT:You will have to read The Case of the Jewel Covered Cat Statues to find out if he does!)

Buckley idolizes his "big brother" Bogey, the top cat behind the Buckley and Bogey Cat Detective Agency,  who is the complete antithesis of Buckley, Bogey is sleek and slim and it has been rumored that he could run so fast that sometimes his feet barely touched the ground!  He also never seems to be without a stash of cat treats which he is constantly pulling out to help calm down the more nervous, Buckley.

Did you know?

BUCKLEY AND BOGEY ARE REAL CATS!!!

ABOUT BUCKLEY AND BOGEY CAT DETECTIVES

FROM CINDY VINCENT

"Bogey"
Courtesy of
http://www.buckleyandbogey.com/

Buckley and Bogey are real, live cats who inspired the Buckley and Bogey Cat Detective Capers

Bogey was adopted from an animal shelter when he was just a kitten, and he came to live with us and three much older female cats. About a year after we adopted him, we noticed a real disconnect between him and the other cats. Not only was Bogey the only male cat at that time, but he was also much, much younger and far more energetic than his sisters. Bogey believed in playing all day, every day, and frequently during the night, too. And since he had no other young cats to play with, he continually tried to engage his older sisters. Unfortunately, they got sick of him quickly, and they would hiss and swat until he left them alone. Then Bogey would flop on the floor and sigh. He wanted someone young to play with so badly, and before long, it became very apparent that he needed a brother. And though we really hadn't intended to bring another cat into the fold right then, we realized we needed someone else to join our little cat family. 

"Buckley"
Photo courtesy of
http://www.buckleyandbogey.com/

So we decided to stop into the adoption center at our local pet food store, and that’s when we spotted one-year-old Buckley. After spending some one-on-one time with him, we knew he’d be a perfect fit

At night, they often run around the house together and seem to be "investigating" and "running surveillance". And since cats are such imaginative creatures -- they can play with a stuffed mouse for hours, as though they're hunting big game in a dense jungle -- Buckley and Bogey seemed to be perfect characters for a cat detective series. Especially considering how well the two get along. Hence, the Buckley and Bogey Cat Detective Capers were born!

You'll notice in the books that Bogey is very outgoing and well . . . practically fearless. Nothing seems to rattle him at all. Whereas Buckley is kind of a nervous wreck. He's afraid of lots of things and always worried about the outcome. The real life Buckley and Bogey are very similar. Bogey knows no fear and believes everyone will love him. He's a very confident cat. But Buckley, who was a year old when we adopted him, and had originally been rescued from a kill shelter, really is a pretty anxious guy. He suffers from something called FLUTD, or Feline Lower Urinary Track Disease, which has recently been changed to FIC, or Feline Idiopathic Cystitis

Now, about The Case of The Jewel Covered Cat Statues

  Bogey (which happens to be short for "Bogart"),  the more suave, confident, outgoing and bold of the two cats, and the mastermind of their detective agency seems to watch his nervous-nellie, novice brother, Buckley with mild amusement.  In fact, he refers to Buckley as "kid" numerous times throughout the book. It was obvious to me when reading the first book by Cindy Vincent that she is  a Casablanca devotee.  The last name of the kitties:Bergdorf (Ingrid Bergman in the same movie).
 I was so proud when I cracked that case!  In The Case of the Jewel Covered Cat Statues  there are actual Humphrey Bogart lines from Casablanca and the Maltese Falcon.  It is a bit of a spoof on the Maltese Falcon done in Buckley and Bogey style! Here is more about The Case of The Jewel Covered Cat Statues, it is their "most complicated case ever!!!"

A Message from Buckley Bergdorf, Cat Detective:
It all started when someone hid a mysterious package in our Mom's antique store-in the middle of the night! Of course, Bogey and I found it, and we put it in a nice, safe place, until we could open it...and, find the rightful owner. But that's when a whole bunch of suspicious people showed up in town, and every single one of them seemed to be after that package! Holy Catnip!

The Case of the Jewel Covered Cat Statues is full of fun, as well as suspense. Cindy Vincent has a flair for humor, dialogue, twists and turns. The majority of the book is dialogue between the cats and her take on the various feline personalities is just hilarious. In this book, there is Hector "a Siamese cat who is a really big blabbermouth", who "talks" non-stop in the car (and everywhere else), which reminded me of how cats meow and "sing the song of their people" when heading to the dreaded Vet. There is a strong  and heart-warming message of the importance of friendship that is the heart of this mystery. Friendship, overcoming greed, believing in yourself and teamwork. It shows us  that often we must look "deeper" into things, (even things that are outwardly full of glitter, sparkle and shine),  instead of just  taking them at face value.

From The Case of the Jewel Covered Cat Statues:

"Humans especially are easily taken in by anything that shines. Gold and silver and diamonds and rubies. To name but a few. And most certainly, there is nothing wrong with owning and collecting objects of great beauty. But, when the quest for those objects makes you do terrible things, that's when you've crossed a line."

Full of Heart, High-Jinx and Hilarity, this one needs to be on your MUST READ list!

TO PURCHASE:
ISBN:978-1-932169-28-7
Available for purchase in paperback, or Kindle or Nook versions at:
Amazon
Barnes and Noble

VISIT:BuckleyandBogey.com

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Cindy Vincent was born in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, and has lived all around the US and Canada. She is the creator of the Mysteries by Vincent murder mystery party games and the Daisy Diamond Detective Series games for girls. She lives with her husband and an assortment of fantastic felines.

GIVE-AWAY!!! Cindy Vincent has generously offered THREE of our readers (who reside in the U.S. and/or Canada) the chance to win a copy of The Case of the Jewel Covered Cat Statues. ENTERING IS EASY!! Just leave a comment telling us you would like to be entered. The give-away is open now and will end on Monday, April 20th at 5pm EST. Winners will be chosen by random.org and will be announced on Wednesday, April 22nd. GOOD LUCK, oh and....

"Here's looking' at YOU kid!!"

Undercover Cat: Book 4 In the Klepto Cat Mystery Series by Patricia Fry-Enter to Win!

I didn't think it could be accomplished, but Patricia Fry has outdone herself with Book 4 in the Klepto Cat Mystery Series:

The suspense begins on the first page and continues up to the final page! One of the questions that I was hoping would be answered was not, I am anticipating it being answered in the NEXT book in the series! While reading, my heart was racing with anticipation and my eyes swept the pages eagerly awaiting what was going to be happening next!

New characters are introduced, old characters are re-visited and in many cases are intensified.  Klepto Cat Rags has a much stronger presence, and some characters that were heavily featured in the three previous books in the series, were less of a focus in this suspense-filled winner!

In Undercover Cat a local journalist goes missing just before she turns in her story exposing vile cat hoarders.

Will she be rescued?

From Matilija Press:  a body is discovered in the Iveys' orchard and Rags (their kleptomaniac cat) goes missing. Can someone in a nearby homeless camp shed some light on the evolving mystery? Does Rags have a secret of his own? 

I deliberately did not mention some names and other details in Undercover Cat, because if you haven't read the three prior books in the series, I didn't want to divulge information to ruin your experience!

One of the things that I loved was a much heavier cat influence, (book number one in the series had a heavy cat influence, but the ensuing books did not). 

From Chapter Six in Undercover Cat: cats seem to be happy-well, some of them do...I guess I never noticed that cats have different personalities. Since I've been coming out here to feed them, I've seen some silly cats, scaredy cats, sneaky cats-hate those sneaky ones. Some of these cats are bossy, some are loud, some are quiet. Some want to be seen and others obviously don't. I guess they each have a story, just like every person does.

Klepto Cat Rags is at his finest, an unlikely love relationship blossoms, the Iveys (from books one, two and three) have a secret, in this action-packed, suspense-filled story!

Undercover Cat is  more intense,  the "bad guys" more evil, the writing and character development is equally as superb as the three books that precede this volume. Undercover Cat is once again a quick read at approximately 244 pages.

To learn more about the Klepto Cat Mystery Series read my previous reviews (in chronological order):

CATNAPPED

CAT-EYE WITNESS

SLEIGHT OF PAW

PRINT:All of the books are also available in  paperback  in the Matilija Press store

Photo Courtesy of
http://www.patriciafry.com/

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Patricia Fry has been writing for publication for over 40 years and she's the author of 45 books. Patricia lives in California with three cats, Max, Sophie and Lily.  

GIVE-AWAY: Once again Patricia Fry is offering one of my readers who resides in the U.S. a chance to win a copy of Undercover Cat. Entering is easy! Just enter on the Rafflecopter below! Good luck!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

In full disclosure:We were not compensated for this review/give-away. We were sent a copy of Sleight of Paw in exchange for our honest review.

Winner! Sleight of Paw-A Klepto Cat Mystery by Patricia Fry

Thanks to all who entered our give-away for:

HUGE CONCATULATIONS

TO OUR LUCKY WINNER!

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LOOK FOR AN EMAIL
FROM US!

Book Review and Give-Away! Sleight of Paw-A Klepto Cat Mystery by Patricia Fry

Today it's our pleasure to bring to you book number three in the Klepto Cat Mystery series by author Patricia Fry, Sleight of Paw.

Back in October, Cody and I had the pleasure of reviewing Catnapped:A Klepto Cat Mystery by Patricia Fry , last week we presented Cat-Eye Witness  and  Sleight of Paw brings as much romance, entertainment, plot twists and suspense as the previous books in the series.

From Matilijapress:Michael Ivey, the local veterinarian and Savannah's new husband is attacked by an enraged client and then later accused of this man's murder. The evidence quickly stacks up against Michael, until Rags, Savannah's kleptomaniac cat, starts digging up clues implicating the unlikely suspect.

Coinciding with the details of this challenge is the discovery that the old house, which the couple purchased from Savannah's aunt, is cursed. Is this why the couple has not been blessed with a child? Savannah's sister Brianna comes for a visit. She teams up with the Iveys' vet tech, Bud, to discover how to break the gypsy spell and they fall hard for each other. Will their courtship be strengthened or weakened by a frightening carjacking incident? 

Detective Craig Sledge is prominent in this story as the lead investigator in the murder case. As usual, he engages in some creative tactics to get the information and the confessions he's after. He has also become embedded in Savannah's friend, Iris's family. He's dating Iris and helping with her son, Damon's rehabilitation in prison. 

Playing on the definition of the word "Sleight":the use of dexterity or cunning, especially so as to deceive, two positions that cannot be harmonized ,  all "signs" and "evidence" point to Michael as being the killer of the enraged client....but WAS he?

I was pleased with the addition of Savannah's sister, Brianna in this third book of the series. She adds an element of fun, boldness and a free-spirited personality is not only a delight, but is the polar opposite of her more practical sister, Savannah. I eagerly await the next book, where I can see what Brianna adds to the already entertaining series.

If you love mysteries, (or even if you don't, as was the case with me until I began reading the Klepto Cat Mystery series), you will derive great enjoyment from the Klepto Cat books. Sleight of Paw is a quick read at only 258 pages. The character development, dialogue and plot twists make these books ones that I had a hard time putting down. I found myself constantly saying "let me read just one more chapter" as the night grew late. Rather than wanting to sleep, all three books in the series had me grabbing another cup of coffee, rather than my bed covers!

WHERE TO PURCHASE:
ON KINDLE:
Catnapped, . http://amzn.to/14OCk0W
 Cat-Eye Witness, http://amzn.to/1bJiq0x
Sleight of Paw   http://amzn.to/1mGuAXQ

ISBN 978-0-9911065-4-7

PRINT:All of the books are also available in  paperback  in the Matilija Press store

Photo Courtesy of
http://www.patriciafry.com/

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Patricia Fry has been writing for publication for over 40 years and she's the author of 45 books. Patricia lives in California with three cats, Max, Sophie and Lily.  

GIVE-AWAY!!! Author Patricia Fry is once again generously offering one of my readers who resides in the U.S. (we apologize to our International readers, but due to shipping costs, the give-away is limited to the U.S. only), the chance to win a copy for themselves! Entering is easy, just enter on the rafflecopter below! Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

In full disclosure:We were not compensated for this review/give-away. We were sent a copy of Sleight of Paw in exchange for our honest review.

Book Review and Give-Away! Cat-Eye Witness A Klepto Cat Mystery by Patricia Fry

Back in October, Cody and I had the pleasure of reviewing Catnapped:A Klepto Cat Mystery by Patricia Fry and today we are thrilled to present to you book #2 in Patricia's Klepto Cat Mystery series: Cat-Eye Witness!

Those that follow our blog regularly know that over all I am not a huge fan of mysteries. Often I could care less about "who done it?", but  for me the Klepto Cat mysteries series , are completely different, they contain  romance, humor, suspense, interesting character development, and  are the purrfect novels to curl up with on a cozy winter evening or ANYTIME! There is action, entertainment and a "small-town" feel to this series that adds a warm and welcoming touch to this series.

Cat-Eye Witness: A Klepto Cat Mystery, Book 2

Savannah and Aunt Margaret open the old Forster home to the Hammond Cat Alliance for a fundraiser to help rehabilitate the abused horses rescued months earlier from the catnappers. Before the afternoon is over, the collected funds go missing and someone is murdered in an upstairs bedroom. Suspicion surrounds Iris, a local waitress and Savannah's new best friend. The only witness to the murder is Rags, Savannah's cat. With the assistance of a cat psychic and Rags's good friend, Charlotte (the young girl with Downs), the cat helps to "paw" the killer...but not before an attempt is made on Rags's life.  Some say this is a love story with a mystery in the background.  I began the book on Friday night and could barely put it down. The dialogue moves freely, quickly and held my interest. At 295-pages it is an amazingly QUICK, FUN and INTERESTING read! The plot twists and interesting facts about each character had ME of all people, actually CARING about "who done it?"  I am confident that you will too! So much so, that I asked Patricia if we could hold a give-away (I am sorry, but due to the cost of shipping,  Patricia asked if it could be U.S. only) The give-away is open now and there will be ONE WINNER.  It will be open until Tuesday, January 13th at 5pm EST, and the winner will be chosen via random.org and will be announced Wednesday, January 14th! TO ENTER:leave a comment CLEARLY STATING THAT YOU WISH TO BE ENTERED, that's it! GOOD LUCK! Cat-Eye Witness is available now at Amazon in paperback and for Kindle. Cat-Eye Witness paperback is available in the Matilija Press store. +++++ Photo: Richard Billings Patricia Fry has been writing for publication since 1973, having contributed articles to numerous magazines. She published her first book in 1983 and now has many self-published and traditionally published books to her credit.  LOOK FOR OUR NEXT PATRICIA FRY BOOK REVIEW AND GIVE-AWAY: SLEIGHT OF PAW ON MONDAY, JANUARY 12TH!!! In full disclosure:We were not compensated for this review. We were sent a copy of Cat-Eye Witness in exchange for our honest review.

Book Review And Give-Away:Catnapped: A Klepto Cat Mystery by Patricia Fry

I had the pleasure of reading the first novel by author Patricia Fry, Catnapped:A Klepto Cat Mystery and am thrilled to share it with you! Catnapped is Book One (we will be presenting books two and three over the coming weeks.)

Cover Art
by Bernadette E.Kazmarski
of The Creative Cat

Cats, cat rescue, cat advocacy, romance, humor, suspense, interesting character development, this one has it all! A fast-moving read at 247 pages, it is the purrfect novel to curl up with on a cozy fall or winter evening or ANYTIME!


Catnapped:A Klepto Cat Mystery by Patricia Fry is:

A cozy mystery featuring a kleptomaniac cat.

"When Savannah Jordan agrees to help her aunt while she recovers from a broken foot, she doesn't expect to walk into a mystery, become part of a not-quite-legal surveillance team, be kidnapped by a deranged stranger and meet a steaming hot veterinarian.

Beloved neighborhood cats are missing-the community can only guess at their fate-and Aunt Margaret's life is being threatened. Is it because she has a clue to the missing cats or is it something more sinister? Of course, as in all of the Klepto Cat Mysteries, Rags, an ordinary cat with a most unusual habit, has a paw in saving the day."


Catnapped:A Klepto Cat Mystery is an entertaining and suspense-filled read with steamy romance novel flair!

You will find yourself cheering for cats, Aunt Margaret, Savannah........and wait til you meet Savannah's hunk of a  love interest!

You won't have to wait long!

 GIVE-AWAY!! Patricia Fry is offering one of my readers who resides in the U.S. the chance to win a copy of Catnapped:A Klepto Cat Mystery

To enter, just leave a comment below and let me know that you would like to be entered! That's it! The give-away is open NOW and will end Tuesday, October 21st at 5pm. I will have random.org pick a winner who will be announced Wednesday, October 22nd.  Good Luck!

In the meantime, visit Klepto Cat Mysteries on Facebook  and Patricia's website

ABOUT PATRICIA FRY: A member of the Cat Writers' Association, Patricia has been writing for publication for 40 years and she is the author of 41 books, most of them for authors. This is her first novel. Watch for our reviews of Cat-Eye Witness and Sleight of Paw, coming in the next few weeks! Patricia lives in California with three cats, Max, Sophie and Lily.

ISBN 978-0-9911065-1-6 


In full disclosure: I was not compensated for this review/give-away. I was sent a copy of Catnapped:A Klepto Cat Mystery in exchange for my honest review. 

Winner! Black Cats save Christmas in The Case of the Crafty Christmas Crooks, A Buckley and Bogey Cat Detective Caper by Cindy Vincent

Thanks to all who entered our give-away for:

The kitty that won

is REALLY

going to LOVE this book!

The lucky WINNER

as chosen by random.org  is:

SMOKEY!!!!!

Smokey has a blog called:

You can visit

Smokey's blog by

clicking here

CONCATULATIONS 

SMOKEY!!

Please have your human

email your 

complete mailing address to:

cgittleman at mi dot rr dot com

ENJOY THE BOOK!

Love, Cody

Winners of The CAT, the DEVIL and Lee Fontana, By Shirley Rousseau Murphy and Pat J.J. Murphy

Thanks to all who entered the give-away for:

THE LUCKY WINNERS ARE:

MAEVIS B.

SUE B.

JUDY W.

CONCATULATIONS!!!

Please email your

COMPLETE mailing address to:

cgittleman at mi dot rr dot com

if my Mom doesn't hear from you

she will email you!

Love, Cody

Book Review AND Give-Away! The CAT,the DEVIL,and Lee Fontana By Shirley Rousseau Murphy and Pat J.J. Murphy

''The Devils Greatest Trick was making you think he never existed''. This is one of many recurring themes in the superbly crafted paranormal thriller The CAT,The Devil,and Lee Fontana, by the husband and wife author team, Shirley Rousseau and Pat  J. J. Murphy. The tale features colorful complex multi-dimensional characterizations of the central players: Lee Fontana a train robber paroled from jail after many years of incarceration, the Devil determined to avenge a bet he lost, and a ghost cat, a friendly and comforting spirit to steady and embolden Lee to fight and defeat Satan. The book is filled with other fascinating participants including a little girl who has amazingly accurate premonitions, a psychotic stalker and the lover that got away. In a fascinating narrative, the authors manage to intertwine the lives and destinies of all the participants.

                             It has been often noted that the devil is in the details.The Murphys have spun a yarn that takes the reader on a magical journey filled with mystery, intrigue and the supernatural. Utilizing literary techniques such as flashback and foreshadowing we learn how many years ago Lee's grandfather bested the devil on a wager. Lucifer is determined to get his due however, vowing to harass his descendant Lee until he owns his soul.The devil is an expert observer of human nature which makes him such a formidable adversary. He realizes most people''teeter on a cusp between evil and a blind life of virtue''.The devil believes if a person has a respectable amount of evil within them he will be able to take control of them.The antithesis of the devil is the yellow ghost tomcat Misto. He is the embodiment of Lee's conscience ,all that is right and good. He is a powerful ally at the times Lee starts to succumb to temptation. Lee is a lifelong criminal, finally paroled after many years, who has good intentions, but is very conflicted.

                               I will not ruin the story for you by revealing the ending. Suffice it to say you will not be disappointed. Kudos and accolades to the authors for creating such a suspenseful page turner. I venture to say you may have to wait for Hell to freeze over until you encounter a better read. 

ABOUT THE AUTHORS:In addition to her popular Joe Grey mystery series for adults, for which she has received ten national Cat Writers’ Association Awards for best novel of the year,

Shirley Rousseau Murphy is a noted children’s book author who has received five Council of Authors and Journalists Awards. Two of her children’s books were written in collaboration with her husband, Pat.

Pat J.J. Murphy spent his spent his career as a US Federal Probation officer in California and in Oregon, the Chief USPO in Panama, and also in GA where he retired as Chief Probation Officer for the Northern District of Georgia, after which the Murphy’s returned to their home in California, settling with their two lady cats on the Central California coast.

ISBN:9780062268785

HarperCollins Publishers

IN FULL DISCLOSURE: I am Lenny Gittleman,  the husband of Caren Gittleman the creative force behind the popular blogs Cat Chat with Caren and Cody and Dakotas Den. She asked me to write this review because of her heavy workload .All opinions expressed are my own.  I am a 36 year retired Language arts/Creative writing teacher Special Education Instructor and Debate Coach  (with the Detroit Public Schools),  with a Master's Degree in Special Education.  I have had a lifelong love of literature and believe reading is a shortcut to the acquisition of knowledge. Neither Caren nor myself were compensated for this review. She was sent a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

ENTER TO WIN!!!! The Publishers have kindly offered THREE COPIES (one copy of the book will be given to each winner), of The Cat, The Devil, and Lee Fontana to give away to our readers who are 18 and over and who reside in the U.S. AND/OR CANADA.  (Hardcover a $19.99 value). ENTER ON THE RAFFLECOPTER BELOW!!!  WINNERS WILL BE ANNOUNCED ON TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 4TH! GOOD LUCK!!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Review: Topaz and the Plum-Gista Stone by Pat Frayne

It isn't often that a book that is geared to those who are ages 8-12 would captivate me and have me enthralled, engrossed as well as enchanted, from PAGE ONE. Topaz and the Plum-Gista Stone by Pat Frayne accomplished this feat and then some!

Book cover photo
courtesy of Pat's
Pinterest Page
follow her here 

I learned in short order that this book isn't just for those ages 8-12. It is for parents, grandparents, children and ANYONE who enjoys mystical fantasy and adventure!

From Author Pat Frayne's website:

Child and parent alike will be able to relate to the difficulties these characters have to overcome in order to accomplish their objectives and yet remain true of heart.

This is an adventurous mystery for parents as well as for children who wish to retreat into a world inhabited by mystical characters…

"Topaz", the main character,  is a "large yellow conjure cat". The definition of "conjure" is to make something appear unexpectedly or seemingly from nowhere, as in magic. To call an image to mind."

Topaz possesses a magical power, (you will have to read the book to find out what it is), and  Author Pat Frayne's descriptive, flowing writing style is a cornucopia of imagery, giving HER the ability as well, to "call an image to mind." Vivid, marvelous images were created in my mind with every turn of a page. Frayne,  has a knack of creating a mood (it is a little bit scary, but not too much!), she keeps you in suspense and warms your heart through her emphasis on friendship and loyalty.

Topaz and the Plum-Gista Stone is also fun! (I think Dooley the raccoon shares some of the same blunt personality traits that I have!) He is just one of a few animals that talk in this book. You will also fall in love (as I did ) with Daisy the fawn. No mystical fantasy would be complete without  fairies, gnomes, elves and other mystical beings that add to the adventure! Check out the book trailer below:

Topaz and the Plum-Gista  is the second book in a series called Tales of Topaz the Conjure Cat and I love that it is a series that doesn't need to be read in any particular order. The first book is Topaz and the Evil Wizard and was featured on Indies Unlimited a few months ago.

Pat has a link to Chapter One of of Topaz and the Plum-Gista Stone on her website, you may click here to read it.

Topaz and the Plum-Gista Stone would make a wonderful holiday gift for adults and older children alike. It provides a welcome respite from the harsh reality of the world in which we live and would make a purrfect companion for a rainy or snowy day or night.

Topaz and the Plum-Gista Stone definitely worked it's magic on me and I am certain that when you read this book it will do the same for you!

ISBN: 978-1478303046

To purchase on Amazon click here

Visit the website for Tales of Topaz the Yellow Conjure Cat here

"Like" Author Pat Frayne on Facebook here

Follow Pat on Twitter here

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Pat Frayne, grandmother, writer, and retired registered nurse, lives in a small town in Northern Arizona with her husband, Ron and their adopted black lab, Charlie. The inspiration for the book, Topaz and the Plum-Gista Stone and the character, Daisy, came from their nine year old granddaughter, Caitlin. Pat and Cait alike share a love for cats and all things fantasy.