Tuesday, June 17, 2014

Meet Henrietta the Cat from Tonya Kappes' Checkered Crime (w/Giveaway)

Checkered Crime

Most of my days were spent hanging out down on the banks of the river, mainly in the tall brush, but still, the sun would beat down bright on the water, warming a few sun spots for me to roll, stretch, and close my eyes.

Teenagers liked to come down there. I could never really figure out what they were doing. They would strip off their clothes, toss them in the dirt, and jump in the river.

Sometimes I would sneak down and watch them, but most of the time I would make my way through the brush, over the rocks, and into the food they would leave right there for me to take.

Just as I would finish eating, the sun would come out. With my belly full, I would dart back over to my secret spot for a long afternoon nap.

One day, something changed for the teenagers. They did their normal stripping of the clothes, but they stood there looking at each other. I had never noticed before, but they didn’t look the same. Within minutes they were throwing their clothes back on. This meant they weren’t going to leave the food where I could get my share.

One called the other Derek, Derek called the other Laurel. A couple weeks went by until Derek and Laurel came back. This time it was much later in the day and they brought cans of nasty beer. Something I wasn’t interested in. Surely they had brought some food. They had every other time, so when they weren’t looking, I tiptoed over behind them.

“Derek! I’m keeping her.” The one called Laurel grabbed me before I knew what was happening.

The two of them argued, but Laurel wasn’t letting go. They took me from the banks of the river to a place home where a ton of kids lived. It was great. I was being fed and pat, carried and cuddled. When they all curled up and went to sleep, which there was no sun spot—it was dark, scary, I was sad. I cried and cried until someone named Trixie scared me too death. This one called Trixie told Laurel that I had to go back where Laurel found me and that cats weren’t allowed in the orphanage. At first I was happy to go back to my little spot on the bank of the Kentucky River, then Laurel cried saying how much she loved me. She picked me up calling me Henrietta. I wasn’t crazy about the name, but she loved me!

Someone loved me.

No one had ever loved me.

I purred, I rubbed against Laurel, I meowed. Trixie said I could stay as long as Laurel took care of me.

Did she? There aren’t too many places Laurel goes with out me. Now that she moved out of the orphanage, she did everything to make me happy. I had a leash that I had to wear so I could go into places like the coffee shop, the bank, and even the dollar store. One of the activities I really enjoyed was riding in her car. The dashboard had the best sun light which created the best sun spot for me to curl up. I wasn’t crazy about the big guy that jumped in the back of Laurel’s car. He was demanding and told her he needed her to drive him around. She seemed happy because he gave her a lot of money. To me he was scary. He called himself Trigger Finger Tony which didn’t make sense because he was missing that finger. I did notice that when he held the gun over the front seat, making me and Laurel a little nervous.

Laurel. She’s tough. She didn’t flinch a bit when he showed her the gun. Well. . . she didn’t flinch a bit when the other guy jumped in and showed his gun too.

I love Laurel. She’s one tough cookie, but I’ve always got my eye on those men and where Laurel goes. I will always make sure she’s safe.


****************************

Blurb: Laurel London is one tough cookie. Orphaned and with one heckuva checkered past, she’s grown street smart and no one is going to tell her different, even if it means getting tangled up with the wrong side of the law. After terrorizing Walnut Grove, Kentucky all her adolescent life, she’s back and she’s ready to go on the up and up. Make something of herself. Prove the citizens of Walnut Grove wrong and make them admit she’s somebody.

But when mobster Trigger Finger Tony Cardozza jumps in the back of Laurel London’s car mistaking it for a taxi, she’s up to her ears in no good. 

Recently fired and checkbook in the red, when Trigger offers to pay Laurel large wads of cash to drive him where he needs to go and keep her mouth shut, she’s all in. That is, until FBI agent Jax Jackson jumps in the back of Laurel London’s car threatening to take her to jail for her past crimes if she doesn’t cooperate with the FBI by going undercover to help bring down the mob. 

Laurel finds herself battling the past and good vs evil and she’s not sure which is more deadly.

Giveaway: Leave a comment by noon eastern on Friday, June 20th for your chance to win a copy of Checkered Crime. Winner's choice, print or ebook.


About the Author:

Tonya Kappes

SOUTHERN SMALL TOWN MYSTERIES

“Full of wit, humor and colorful characters, Tonya Kappes delivers a fun, fast-paced story that will leave you hooked!” Bestselling Author, Jane Porter

A GHOSTLY UNDERTAKING is hauntingly good read with authentic Southern charm." -Heather Webber Author Heather Webber

Tonya Kappes strings together the perfect blend of family, friends, and fun.” Author Misa Ramirez

Tonya has written over 16 novels and 4 novellas, all of which have graced numerous bestseller lists including USA Today. Best known for SOUTHERN SMALL TOWN MYSTERIES charged with emotion and humor, and filled with flawed characters, her novels have garnered reader praise and glowing critical reviews. She lives with her husband, two very spoiled schnauzers and one ex-stray cats in northern Kentucky and grew up in Nicholasville. Now that her boys are teenagers, Tonya writes full time but can be found at all of her guys high school games with a pencil and paper in hand. Come on over and FAN Tonya on Goodreads.

Become a member of Tonya’s STREET TEAM! It’s a gathering place of readers who love Tonya Kappes novels and Tonya gives away monthly prizes! To sign up for Tonya’s STREET TEAM, newsletter, view book trailer, and upcoming news, check out Tonya’s website, Tonyakappes.com.

And be sure to stalk her on Facebook and Twitter!

You can purchase her novels at:

Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Createspace (print)

83 comments:

Unknown said...

Looks like a nice series to read; thank you for the chance to win :)
jslbrown2009(at)aol(dot)com

holdenj said...

Cute story of how Laurel found Henrietta! Thanks for the chance to win.
JHolden955(at)gmail(dot)com

Karen B said...

Love Henrietta already! Should make a great series.
kpbarnett1941[at]aol.com

Tonya Kappes said...

Thanks so much for having Henrietta!! I'm so excited to be here with her and giving away a copy of Checkered Crime!!

Tonya Kappes said...

Thanks Lisa!! Good luck!

Andrea Shyver said...

Awesome! Thanks for the chance to win! :)

Tonya Kappes said...

Henrietta and Laurel were meant for each other ! xo

Tonya Kappes said...

Thanks Karen! I had so much fun writing Henrietta as a character.

Anonymous said...

This sounds like a fun new series with very interesting characters! I'm looking forward to it.

Karen said...

I love Henrietta - she sounds like a great cat! Laurel is lucky to have found her. I haven't read this book yet but I'm looking forward to it. I love all of Tonya's books.

Tonya Kappes said...

Welcome Andrea!! Good luck!

Sue F said...

Sounds interesting

NoraA said...

I love Tonya's books.. her stories always make an afternoon or evening at home enjoyable. I'd love to add Laurel and Henrietta to my Tonya collection.

NoraAdrienne(at)gmail(dot)com

Unknown said...

I want to read your book Tonya!!!! I love the cats on your covers :)

Cnapper67 said...

This sounds really good. Thanks for the chance to win it!

Lisa Ks Book Reviews said...

Sounds good! Thank you for the chance to win.

Unknown said...

Tonya writes such great stories. Love the character interaction. Can't wait to read this one. Thanks for the chance to win it.
grandmabkr at yahoo dot com

Belinda said...

Looking forward to reading this one and many more by Tonya!

Belinda said...

Adding email...belindaj57@yahoo.com

Unknown said...

Tonya's books are wonderful. I am really looking forward to reading this one. Thank you for the giveaway!

nat2am said...

thanks for the opportunity to win... nat2am@yahoo.com Shelly Small

Unknown said...

I would love to win this book! I have it on my 'to read' list!

Clickner said...

Sounds like a great book. Will need to get this one. I like Henrietta.

Nova said...

love Henrietta the cat!
i have enjoyed all of Tonya's books.
sparkle40175 AT hotmail DOT com

Jenn said...

Tonya this one sounds like another great book! Love your books and Henrietta sounds like a great companion! :)

miss_sunshine119@hotmail.com

Anonymous said...

Love kitty cats and the fact you used Henrietta's viewpoint! Sounds like a fun and exciting book. I wouldn't expect anything less. :)

Unknown said...

This book sounds absolutely fantastic. I must admit I am more of a dog person but for Henrietta I would change my mind.
ambermt85atgmaildotcom

Robin Driscoll said...

This sounds perfect!! Love stories told from the animal perspective!! Gonna check out info on joining the street team too!!

SandyG265 said...

I'm still waiting for my library to get this in so I can read it. At least they have it on order.

Delene said...

Loved the story on how Laurel and Henrietta found each other :)

Unknown said...

I love Tonya Kappes book and would love to win a copy to share with all my friends! Kelly Dove :)

Unknown said...

Wow! Laurel, look out!
libbydodd at comcast dot net

Heather said...

This was a marvelous book! Henrietta's perspective was a lot of fun! I bet she has some very interesting "tails" to tell! :)

Unknown said...

Looking forward to reading it. Thanks for the chance to win a print copy.

Unknown said...

Hope I win the Checkered Crime. Love your books Thanks for a chance to win it.

Mindy said...

Awesome interview Henrietta & Tonya :)
Is Henrietta based on a real life cat?
Thanks for the awesome contest & chance to win a print copy of Checkered Crime!

Mindy :)
Birdsooong@comcast.net

Kelli Jo said...

Ooh, this sounds like a fun read!! I can't wait to read it!!

traveler said...

I enjoyed the interview and the book sounds captivating.Thanks. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com

petite said...

This book is intriguing and unique. Thanks. elliotbencan(at)hotmail(dot)com

noodlecat said...

Sounds like a fun read!

Noodle

Sue said...

I like the idea of a cat and a girt who are both alone finding each other. I was to start reading this series.
suefarrell.farrell@gmail.com

Unknown said...

Can't wait to read this book! Love all of the other books she has written!

Unknown said...

Can't wait to read this book. Thank you for the chance to win.

Anonymous said...

My momma's name was Henrietta and when she went into a rehab (took a fall), she wasn't allowed to bring her cat! She brought a stuffed one instead and talked to it as if it were real. There's no separating a girl and her kitty!

Anonymous said...

Sounds like a great book. Like books that incorporate pets.

ceblain said...

These small town series are exactly what I can relate to as I grew up in a very small town in North East Connecticut and even though the "accent" is different, the stories and some of the characters are very relatable. :) Thank you.
Cynthia

Unknown said...

That is freaking awesome

Karen Dailey said...

One of my favorite genres is southern mystery. Tonya's books are c new to me!
Thanks for the giveaway! :) kfdailey@triad.rr.com

Kaye Killgore said...

This sounds interesting.

kaye.killgore@comcast.net

Tonya Kappes said...

Thanks so much!! Good luck!

Tonya Kappes said...

Thanks so much!! Good luck!

Tonya Kappes said...

Thanks so much!! Good luck!

Tonya Kappes said...

Welcome Karen! All of my novels are southern mysteries! YAY! So glad we found each other :)

Tonya Kappes said...

Thanks so much!! Good luck!

Tonya Kappes said...

I'm born and bred in a small town. I've always been told to write what I know and it's not failed me yet! I hope you enjoy my novel! Good luck!

Tonya Kappes said...

Oh no....that mad me sad :( I hope they are happy together now!

Tonya Kappes said...

Thanks so much!! Good luck!

Tonya Kappes said...

Thanks so much, Tracy!!

Tonya Kappes said...

Awe! Thank you so much Amanda!! Good luck!

Tonya Kappes said...

Thanks so much!!I had a lot of fun writing about them. Good luck!

Tonya Kappes said...

A little mystery and fun can go a long way :)

Tonya Kappes said...

Hi Mindy! Wellllll.....I've always added a little bit of my own cat, Kitty Kappes, into my novels. She does like a leash just like Henrietta. AND...she's ornery too :)

Tonya Kappes said...

Thanks so much!! Good luck! xo

Tonya Kappes said...

Hey girl! Thanks for popping over! xo

Tonya Kappes said...

*waving* I'm beyond thrilled you enjoy it! I did have a ton of fun writing them!

Tonya Kappes said...

Laurel is definitely one tough cookie.

Tonya Kappes said...

Hey, Delene!!!

Tonya Kappes said...

YAY!!! I wish everyone could win <3

Tonya Kappes said...

Great! Keep checking with them.

Tonya Kappes said...

OH! I love all fur babies. I have two doggies and they are just as silly as Henrietta.

Tonya Kappes said...

Thanks so much!! Good luck!

Tonya Kappes said...

Nancy, thank you so much. You are too kind and I appreciate your kind words!

Laura S Reading said...

Great interview Henrietta!

PM350 said...

I need this book!!! b
PICK ME!!!

PM350 said...

I got adopted by black cat Ravyn before Halloween last year
she was only half a pound 1st trip to vet - had resp inf
she's 7 pounds of sleek feline prowess now

Anonymous said...

I couldn't help thinking about that song from the Aristocats as I read this. "Everybody wants to be a cat, cause a cat's the only one, who knows where it's at." Sounds like a fun read!

Anita Yancey said...

It sounds like a fun read, and I love the character of Laurel, as well as the wonderful storyline. Thanks for having the giveaway.

ayancey1974(at)gmail(dot)com

Katie Coss said...

I love your books! Looking forward to reading this one! evening_star1986(at)yahoo(dot)com

Unknown said...

seems like a really fun series. I'd love to win.

Karen Dailey said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Karen Dailey said...

And I see you play Candy Crush! You Rock my Friend!!!♡

Unknown said...

Sounds AWESOME

Unknown said...

I would love to win ! I love Tonya Kappes' books! She is a great author!