Thursday, August 6, 2015

Book Review/Giveaway: The Cat, the Sneak and the Secret by Leann Sweeney


Hey everybody, it's Angel Truffles! I have a very special interview for you today. Last year when Mommy and I finished reading the last Cats in Trouble mystery by Leann Sweeney, we were SO excited to see that the star of this year's book was going to be a tortie named Magpie. I immediately jotted down in my calendar that I wanted to interview her for the book's release, but then as you know, I had to run off to the Bridge.

Thankfully, Mommy found my notes of what I wanted to ask Magpie, so together we are still able to bring you the interview. I hope you enjoy it.



Welcome, Magpie! Thank you so much for chatting with me today. Could you start by telling us a little about yourself and how you came into contact with Jillian?

Magpie: I got myself stuck in a tough situation and Jillian can’t stand it if there’s a cat in trouble. She helped me out—literally.

You got the cute little name Magpie because you're such a little thief...what makes you hoard knick knacks?

Magpie: It started when I was bored. Living in a shelter is boring. No room to play, stuff like that. When I figured out how to undo latches—some of the latches and doorknobs I mastered were pretty shiny—I decided I would never be without something to play with again. I just wanted to see how many things I could gather.

Isn't being a tortie the greatest??? How do you proudly rock your tortitude?

Magpie: I rock my tortitude by being smart at all kinds of things—escaping, gathering and making friends with other felines as well as people. If you’re charming and cute you can really get away with anything.

What kinds of trouble do you help Jillian get into in The Cat, the Sneak and the Secret...and do you use any special powers to help her solve the mystery?

Magpie: She’s so nice she likes to help people, but I once heard a human say “no good deed goes unpunished.” She told me to keep the story a secret and I guess I have to do what she asks because she has been good to me. As for special powers? I’m just a cat who does brilliant cat things. We are smart. Well, most of us are, anyway.

What's it like living with the menagerie at Jillian's house? Is romance in the air between you and Merlot? (Magpie and Merlot sittin' in a tree...)

Magpie: Jillian’s clowder (that’s what a group of us cats are called—a clowder) is pretty cool. I liked them all, but Merlot is such a big, strong guy. Real protective. I like to hang out with him. He’s a good friend—just like Jillian and Finn. Finn is her boyfriend’s stepson and he’s my new forever servant.

Will we continue to see you in future Cats in Trouble books?

Magpie: Where Finn goes, I go—and I can’t see Jillian or her boyfriend cutting Finn out of their lives. I mean, they all love each other a lot. I guess I loving them a lot myself.

Do you have any message you'd like to pass along to the millions of readers about to fall in love with you just like my Mommy did?

Magpie: If you like to read mysteries and you love animals, hanging out with Jillian, her boyfriend, Finn and her great cats Merlot, Chablis and Syrah is a lot of fun. Did I tell you there’s a dog? Yup. I have to get used to a dog. Can you believe that??


From the publisher: In the latest from the author of The Cat, the Vagabond and the Victim, a feline with a penchant for pilfering ends up unearthing a deadly mystery.…

Jillian Hart and Tom are finally tying the knot, but first they need to make sure Tom’s stepson, Finn, is as comfortable as possible in the lake house they will all call home. So when it becomes clear that Finn has fallen for a pretty cat from the Mercy Animal Sanctuary, Jillian and Tom readily agree to make room for one more—even though the tortoiseshell kitty is a notorious kleptomaniac.

So far, the cat has sneaked out of the adoption center time after time, bringing back trinkets, shoelaces, and socks. But when she brings back an antique locket, Finn enlists Tom’s and Jillian’s sleuthing skills. They hope to return the treasured item to its owner, but their search for answers is sidetracked when a body is found. Still, their sneaky cat’s find may just lead them to a killer.…


I've been looking forward to the latest installment in the Cats in Trouble mystery series even more so this time for the mere fact that it stars a tortie. Just from reading the preview at the end of the last book I knew that I would be falling hopelessly in love with precious little Magpie.

Finn has decided to adopt Magpie from the Mercy Animal Sanctuary, but on the day he plans to pick her up, she has once again escaped. She turns up at Ed's Swap Shop stuck in a sofa he picked up by a donation bin, a locket with blood on it around her leg. A trip back to the donation bin reveals more blood, but no body. Then a body does turn up at a construction site, and Lindsey, the daughter of the victim and a thrift shop volunteer, reveals that Magpie's locket is hers. The little tortie ends up uncovering still more clues and ultimately becomes quite a heroine, but before it's all over another unspeakable tragedy strikes Mercy with the murder of a beloved resident.

The characters in this series have come to feel like family and each book just gets better and better. Jillian and Tom's marriage opens up a whole new world of adventures, and now their home will be filled with 5 cats with the addition of Tom's diabetic kitty Dashiell and Magpie while Finn continues to live with them.

If you're a cozy loving feline fanatic, life just doesn't get any better than cracking open a new Cats in Trouble mystery.


Giveaway: Leave a comment by noon eastern on Wednesday, August 12th for your chance to win a paperback copy of The Cat, the Sneak and the Secret. (US entries only, please.)

65 comments:

Unknown said...

Ooo! That sounds like a really great book!! Love a great cat-sleuth!

Jeanetta said...

The Cat, the Sneak and the Secret sounds like a delightful book. Thank you for the fun interview and giveaway.
myrifraf(at)gmail(dot)com

Unknown said...

Love the cover, thanks for the chance
jslbrown2009 at aol dot com

skkorman said...

I adore this series—thanks for the chance to win Sweeney's latest offering!

skkorman AT bellsouth DOT net

Unknown said...

love this series.
dotkel50 at comcast dot net

Unknown said...

A little tortie named Magpie is just the cutest character for a book. I loved the interview and now can't wait to get a copy of this book. robeader53@yahoo.com

Alicia said...

I enjoy this series and look forward to reading this one!
afarage (at ) earthlink. net

Anonymous said...

Thanks, Melissa! Like you, I knew this Cats in Trouble book would be really special. I'm reading it, now. I love this series!

Anonymous said...

P.S.-I'm glad Angel Truffles could be a part of this interview. (Hugs)

Seville at Nerissa's Life said...

"If you're charming and cute you can really get away with anything..." So THAT'S how my sister, Tobias, does it. MOUSES!

Seriously, though. I am SO looking forward to reading this book. Sent the peep out earlier this week to pick up a copy. Have it sitting up there on the bookshelf. I'm hoping to get at it, this weekend.

Purrs,
Seville

RachelAnne345 said...

Ack!! I need to catch up on the series!!!

Unknown said...

I love cozy mysteries set in the south. Thanks for the chance to win!
luvs2read4fun(at)gmail(dot)com

Rita Wray said...

Sounds like a great series.

Kit3247(at)aol(dot)com

Sue Balk said...

I love mysteries that have thinking animal. I had a dog that I swear be knew what I was thinking. I also had three cats who would discipline my two young sons. They talked for me( the boys never saw me talking in my kitty voice. I can't wait to read your new book.

Sue Balk said...

I love mysteries that have thinking animal. I had a dog that I swear be knew what I was thinking. I also had three cats who would discipline my two young sons. They talked for me( the boys never saw me talking in my kitty voice. I can't wait to read your new book.

Erika said...

The book sounds great, and I love the cover!

NoraA said...

I love cats, but they kill me with my allergies. I love the book though and would love to add it to my collection.

holdenj said...

Great post! I'd love to win the new story in this series! Thanks!
JHolden955(at)gmail(dot)com

Christine said...

Love, love, love the series!

Teresa L said...

Of course Magpie holds the clue, silly.

lkleback said...

Books with cats are the best!

Vicki said...

Sounds wonderful. As a cat parent, I love books feature kitties!

Kuzlin said...

I love this series and am looking forward to reading this latest story. Thanks for the giveaway. Kuzlin at AOL.com

Kathleen Chrisman said...

I look forward to reading this one!

Unknown said...

I have not had the chance to start this series yet, but plan to very soon! I am hooked by all the cats involved in these mysteries. Magpie, you are a darling Tortie. The 12 is my 15th wedding anniversary, so I hope to hear from you.

CD said...

Great light mysteries, devoured the series, keep them coming, almost finished with the newest one, delightful!!

Kathleen C. said...

Great series, blog, and interview! I love reading about the author often finding out a connection which inspires me to check out their books. kat8762@aol.com

Debbie said...

love this series can't wait to read this book

Debbie said...

would love to read this book

Unknown said...

Such a fun interview. The whole post is fantastic. How could I resist this book. I'm addicted to cozies and that title and cover art are calling my name! LOL Thanks for sharing this new author.
laurathomas61@att.net

CATachresis said...

Another book for The Staff to read to me! :)

Kelly said...

I just love this series. I got started on it several years ago when my then 2.5 year old picked out book 2 for me to purchase because it had a kitty and a barn on it. He made such an excellent choice and I am glad that the series has continued. Congratulations on your upcoming release!

Sue said...

I love mysteries with cats so this is on my TBR list. My kitties are pros at hiding things---even their own toys. It took me almost six months to find a Christmas decoration they hid this year. Thanks for the contest.
suefarrell.farrell@gmail.com

Candace knight said...

I can't wait to start this series. Bought the first book today.
Moonbay7399@gmail.com

traveler said...

This is a delightful and special cozy which I would enjoy greatly. Thanks for this great feature and giveaway. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com

petite said...

This series sounds ideal and enjoyable. Thanks. elliotbencan(at)hotmail(dot)com

wildcatwoods said...

Sounds like a good read. Thank so much for your kind words about our Ivy - so similar to Truffles passing too. I hope it wasn't too upsetting for you to read.

Cats of wildcat woods

CentralEast2 said...

I love this series and look forward to getting a chance to read this next book and I have two torties of my own.

Unknown said...

Sounds like a gweat book. Have a gweat day.

Luv ya'

Dezi and Lexi

http://dezizworld.com

Lola The Rescued Cat said...

This looks like a great book! Boy, mommy has a lot of reading to do.

Tonya said...

One of my absolute favorite series! A MUST read!

jnalpath said...

I love this series and I can't wait to read this new title

Peggy Hyndman said...

Leann Sweeney is a new author for me. This looks like a great book and is being added to my TBR list!

Peggy Hyndman said...

Sorry ... I forgot to leave my email address.
peggyhyndman(at)att(dot)net

pilch92 said...

Truffles, I am glad your Mom found your notes, that was a great interview. This sounds like a great read, please enter me in the drawing-pilch92@aol.com Thanks.

Hollycat said...

Love this series. You're a precious angel Truffles >^..^<

Hollycat said...

Love this series. You're a precious angel Truffles >^..^<

Jennai said...

I don't think my comment showed up .... delete if this is a dupe.
I love Cozy Mysteries with a cat as the star of the book! Thanks, Truffles.
JenniferAnne74 @ aol.com

Pawesome Cats said...

Looks like a great read!

Anonymous said...

Love this author's work and can't wait to read more of it
doward1952@yahoo.com

bookwomen said...

Thanks for the interview. I love that name a clowder. I hope my cats feel like they are clowder.

I am looking forword to reading this new one in the series.

gibsonbk at hiwaay dot net

Kaye Killgore said...

Nice interview, I love this series.

kaye dot killgore at comcast dot net

djdhdhh said...

Love, love, love this series. Enjoyed the interview, thanks.

Karen B said...

A klepto cat - aren't they all! Our Tony - RIP - always stole cookies off the kitchen table as they were cooling, leaving a nice pile of crumbs under my bed. Fun series.
kpbarnett1941[at]aol.com

KitKat said...

We love cat books and have not read any of this series. We would love to win a copy.
Angel Normie, Mika, Sasha & Grady Lewis

Nancy said...

Love this book!!

Kaye Killgore said...

Thank you Angel Truffles, I love this series too

kaye dot killgore at comcast dot net

Unknown said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Unknown said...

love having kitties as sleuths :) jchizmar01@windstream.net

Nicole said...

I just started this series and I'm really enjoying it! :-)

nicolev.girldetective@gmail.com

holdenj said...

Fun interview, would love to win Sweeney's new book! Thanks!
JHolden955(at)gmail(dot)com

Mary Holshouser said...

this is a new series for me. I'd love to try it.
Most of the series I read seem to have dogs in them.
Be fun to read about a cat.
thanks.

Mary Holshouser said...

txmlhl@yahoo.com

Pamela Woodfield said...

What an adorable interview! Who wouldn't love a klepto kitty? I'm new to this series but have been keeping it in my list. The description of this book sounds great but I must start at the beginning. Lucky me because there are quite a few to enjoy!

Pamela Woodfield said...

I got carried away & forgot my email address.
bpwoodfield@gmail.com