Friday, August 1, 2014

Truffles Interviews...Muffet Cat from Ellery Adams' Murder in the Mystery Suite (w/Review & Cat Earring Giveaway)


Hey everybody, Truffles at the keyboard! Mommy and I are soooo excited about my interview today with Muffet Cat, the feline star of Ellery Adams' brand new book Murder in the Mystery Suite, the very first Book Retreat Mystery. Ms. Adams is one of our favorite authors and she LOVES kitties!!!

Following the interview make sure you leave a comment for the chance to win an adorable pair of cat earrings. They have cats and books on them...our two favorite things! Then at the very end of the post you will find our Tortie Shorties review of the book.

Enjoy!

Welcome, Muffet! Thank you so much for taking the time to answer a few questions for my readers. Could you tell us a little about yourself and how you became involved with Jane and Storyton Hall?
I came to Storyton Hall as a stray kitten. I was just a tiny little thing, half-starved and lost. You’d never know from my present size and girth that I was ever skinny or small, but’s true. Jane’s twin boys, Fitzgerald and Hemingway (they go by Fitz and Hem for short) found me and carried me inside. I knew right away, by the gentle way they cocooned me in a warm towel and by the tantalizing scents of food (frying fish, hot cream, melted cheese), that I had come home.

Where did your cute name come from? 
Just between us cats, humans can be quite daft. In my case, the Steward Family assumed I was female. (Muffet Cat pauses to cough as if he has a massive hairball). Forgive me, but the idea is simply preposterous. Anyone with half a brain would only need to look at my face to know that I am one hundred percent male. In any case, I was given the humiliating name of Miss Muffet. Fortunately, the veterinarian corrected the family’s error, but I was somewhat stuck with the moniker. It was amended to Muffet Cat and I strive to bear this trite designation with as much dignity as I can muster.

What is a typical day like for you? 
As you know, Truffles, we cats like to spend most of the day sleeping. There are so many sunny nooks in Storyton Hall and as long as human readers aren’t occupying my favorite chairs or window seats, I have my pick of nap spots. I don’t mind all the strange humans who pass through my sprawling manor house. After all, the moment I widen my beautiful golden eyes, I find myself the recipient of dishes of clotted cream or bites of tuna fish. At night, I prowl the grounds. It is my duty to keep the manor house free of rodents. I don’t have a taste for them, so I merely make threats with my sharp claws and magnificent teeth. When my work is done, I spend the remainder of the night curled up on Aunt Octavia’s pillow. She is my favorite human. She is large and soft and keeps treats for me in the pockets of her housedresses.   

What kind of mischief do you and Jane get into in Murder in the Mystery Suite?
Miss Jane employs me as a sort of human detection device. As we cats have superior intuition to humans, I will let her know if a human is not to be trusted by growling, hissing, and flattening my ears when such a person is present. It’s a simple task and I am always rewarded with praise and a tasty morsel from the kitchens.

Now onto some important cat stuff: do you have a favorite toy, food, and napping spot? 
The whole resort is my castle. I come and go as I please, slipping in and out between the feet of guests or bellhops, sleep wherever I chose, and am beloved by those that matter (Aunt Octavia, Jane, and Mrs. Hubbard, the head cook). As for recreation, I am fond of shredding the backs and undersides of chairs. But please do not make this admission public. The results of this hobby have yet to be discovered.

Any idea what your upcoming adventures will be? 
I know a large number of human guests are descending upon Storyton Hall for something called The Murder and Mayhem Week. I have seen them wearing wigs and costumes, but I cannot make sense of it. I do know that the kitchens have been especially busy and that many delicacies will soon be laid out on tea tables and dining room sideboards, so I am keenly looking forward to this event.

Any final thoughts for your adoring public?
Many of you will wish I had more scenes in Murder in the Mystery Suite, but sometimes, humans don’t make the best decisions. Perhaps, when all of the characters have been introduced, I can have more of the spotlight in the second book, Murder in the Jane Austen Parlor. Until then, farewell and happy reading and eating.


A contest for Muffet Cat’s future fans: Share your pet’s name in your pet’s “voice” as well as his or her all-time favorite food and you could win your pick of earrings. If you don’t have pierced ears and you win, Ellery Adams will substitute a similar prize. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway


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

About the book: Tucked away in the rolling hills of rural western Virginia is the storybook resort of Storyton Hall, catering to book lovers who want to get away from it all. To increase her number of bookings, resort manager Jane Steward has decided to host a Murder and Mayhem week so that fans of the mystery genre can gather together for some role-playing and fantasy crime solving.

But when the winner of the scavenger hunt, Felix Hampden, is found dead in the Mystery Suite, and the valuable book he won as his prize is missing, Jane realizes one of her guests is an actual murderer. Amid a resort full of fake detectives, Jane is bound and determined to find a real-life killer. There’s no room for error as Jane tries to unlock this mystery before another vacancy opens up…


Tortie Shorties
Book reviews that are short and sweet...just like Truffles!

Anytime I'm asked for a cozy mystery recommendation, inevitably the first words out of my mouth are "anything by Ellery Adams." As the author of the Books by the Bay mysteries, Charmed Pie Shoppe mysteries and many others, her books are simply something extra special. They are masterfully crafted novels that belong on the bookshelf of every fiction reader. This first book in her new series, the Book Retreat Mystery series, is pure catnip for the soul of any book lover.

Jane Steward is a widow and mother of two adorable twin boys. To raise money for the upkeep of her family's beloved Storyton Hall, a resort that caters to bibliophiles, Jane plans to host a Murder and Mayhem Week, complete with a fancy dress ball and prizes for those who most closely emulate their favorite fictional detective. The theme of the week becomes way too literal when a woman dies in town after falling from her runaway horse, and then the winner of the scavenger hunt is found murdered in the Mystery Suite, his valuable prize missing. 

This book is rich in wonderful characters, from the resort staff to the townsfolk to my personal favorites, Jane's Aunt Octavia and Uncle Aloysius. Storyton Hall is a character in itself, dismantled and transported from the English countryside to an isolated valley in western Virginia way back in the 1830s.

This is one of those books that will make you lament why such a locale does not exist. But the true magic occurs when you turn the final page in this enchanting story and realize that for a brief time you've been transported there thanks to the words of such a gifted writer. 

29 comments:

Layla Morgan Wilde ( Cat Wisdom 101) said...

I'd kill for a resort like that. Great premise and review as always.

The Island Cats said...

What a great review, Truffles. And this sounds like a great book. The mom likes mysteries..and cats, of course, so she'll check this out. Y'know, we'd like to be in a mystery book.

brokenteepee said...

I am Harry the Farm cat and I am a Temptations -a- holic. Burp.

Anonymous said...

Hi, Truffles, Ling here...my sister, Ming, and I love chicken treats. Actually, ANY treats are purr-fect!


patucker54 at aol dot com

Anonymous said...

Hi, Truffles, Ling here...my sister, Ming, and I love chicken treats. Actually, ANY treats are purr-fect! Have a relaxing weekend.


patucker54 at aol dot com

CatInTheFridge said...

oh are those cute little earrings? So sweet!

Anonymous said...

Ling's Mom here...sorry for two comments. I was helping Ling and got an error (thought it didn't post), so we commented, again. Should have let Ling do her own typing! :)

Harbinger said...

Hi, Truffles. I'm Smoke, the most handsome of cats. I love fishy treats the best, but will steal any treats from my sister, Cinder.

Unknown said...

Hi Truffles!! My name is Chantilly Lace and I'm the proud owner of my human, Sandie. She would love to go to a resort like this one. She also loves anything kitty and earrings. BTW-I'm a gorgeous chocolate point Himalayan--would you like to go out for a salmon dinner sometime?? ;)

holdenj said...

(imagine sniffing/snuffling noises, close to the ground) If I stand right here, between her and the cabinet, I just know food will fall to me from the sky. Bailey the beagle says no to very little, foodwise.

Laura S Reading said...

Hi Truffles. Great interview with Muffet.
My name is Jester and I am the old man of the clowder here.
Our mom gets us the "best" dry food from the store but we prefer when we can eat the dogs' food or lick out a bowl after she cooks, which isn't all that often.

Margo said...

Can't wait to read about Muffet! Our Clowder of cats: William Shakespeare, Tootise, Meshuganeh, Slinky, Pewter and Skipper, love it when mom curls up with a cozy mystery. We pile on, cuddle in and enjoy a snooze.

Nancy said...

Hi, my name is Lacey and I love Bumble Bee tuna and salmon when I can get it. My people have decided to ignore the vet's rule of my only getting dry food. Finally, they see the light. At fifteen, almost sixteen, I deserve the best.

petite said...

Hi Truffles, I so enjoyed this interview and would love to read about Muffet. What I love the most is tun and salmon and not the everyday tinned offerings. I have my special place since I rule this household. elliotbencan(at)hotmail(dot)com

Sue F said...

It is an excellent book.

Pat Plummer said...

Perry Mason here. I am a dark, robust male who loves to "detect" things around my house and make sure everything is right. My favorite treat is canned tuna.

Life is sad right now, as my best friend, Miss Jane Marple, crossed the rainbow bridge Monday. Mom has been very sad, and I am snuggling lots and lots with her.

StephanieHobrock said...

My name is Cecil! I am the most perfect nuisance anyone has ever known. I seek attention at every step of the way, and I supervise all clients at the fitness center. It's because of me they are getting fit every day!
My mother pre-ordered the new book and she would love to win this uber cool prize!

Unknown said...

(Human-I'm trying to act a referee. All 3 cats want to get to tell you there name and favorite food)
Beauty first, boys! I'm Arwen and I am the queen of this household. I have marvelous feet with extra toes. I love dairy and eggs.
OK then. I'm next 'cause I'm the biggest. Whimsey, here. I'm told my name has something to do with a Lord Peter Whimsey story where he was dressed as a black and white harlequin. Guess since I'm black and white, that's why. Dunno. All I know is I keep myself really clean. I'm told it's a good job, for a boy. I like to eat almost anything. Used to like papaya, but I've gotten bored with it.
Then, elegance must bring up the rear. As a red Abyssinian, I am really good looking. I may be small and delicate looking, but both of the other cats know I can kick their patooties when I want to. I'm fussy about eating. Often don't know what I really want. Fortunately, the humans are trained to follow me around with my dish of food until I feel like eating from it.

libbydodd at comcast dot net

Marlene Ezell said...

Hi, Jack, the Schipperke, here. I especially love venison jerky. My doggie "brother", Stefan, really likes freeze dried turkey hearts, which I think Muffet Cat would like also.

ANGEL ABBYGRACE said...

Hi Truffles -- I'm Annabelle and I'm a sweet tart, yes you see I am a super playful teaser and I am exceptionally sweet. My favorite food is anything dairy: Ice cream, yogurt, butter, cottage cheese, cheese you name it I love it!

Jeri Hoag said...

I can't wait to read this new series. We all know it will be successful since Ellery wrote it and Muffet cat sounds like he is quite a character. There is just not enough hours in the day to read all of this great stuff.

Ann Mettert said...

I'd love to read this book. I will have to look for it.
I don't have a pet right now. I've had cats and dogs, but I am allergic to some of them so I am afraid to try to take one on. I'd hate to discover I was allergic after I got attached. :)
My geandson's dog Tucker loves cheese and popcorn and hotdogs when he thinks he can get them.

Cathy Keisha said...

Yo! Cathy Keisha is me and I love Fancy Feast Grilled Tuna. I also love Chinese food but the peeps won’t let me have any anymore since they learned that onion and garlic is bad for me. Pffttt!

Unknown said...

Awesome interview Truffles. My name is Socks (well...it's actually Socrates, but that's kinda formal). My sister Bella (she prefers to be called Princess Isabella) wants to know if Muffet Cat has a girlfriend (rolling eyes). As far as food, I like almost anything, but I'm partial to baked chicken breast. My mom's been trying to put me on a diet, which is crazy, 'cause I'm not fat, I'm fluffy. My sister isn't a big eater (so I usually try to finish off her food before mom notices). Bella prefers Temptation treats (AKA Kitty Crack), and I love them too. Well, that's it for now. Take care, Truffles.

Alastriona, The Cats and Dogs said...

Well I won't say it is my favorite food, but it is the only foods I get to eat and can you believe it is stingily rationed out to boot? I am a much abused cat, but anyway the food is Hill's Prescription Diet Feline Metabolic Advanced Weight Solution. ~Scylla

I don't know what Scylla is complaining about at least her food taste good. I am stuck eating Hill's Prescription Diet
y/d® Feline Thyroid Health, and it's the only thing I can eats forever. ~Socks

Unknown said...

Since my mistresses husband is deathly allergic to cats, I'm a virtual pet. My name is Rue. I love it when my mistress dresses me up and feeds me chocolates. The best part of being a virtual pet, I can get all the chocolates that I want and I never gain a pound. :D

Sue said...

My name is Malachi. I am a VERY large cat and my mom has me on a diet All the time. I like all food, cat or human, and even steal the dogs' food. But my very favorite food is asparagus---I even stuck my paw in the pan that mom was cooking it once trying to steal some.

vwright said...

Hi Truffles. My name is Layla and I'm a greyhound. I was a racedog, but now I'm a sleepdog. Since most of my exercise comes from rolling over, my human gives me baby carrots for treats. That way my teeth stay cleaner and I don't get fat. I like carrots, but I also like sleeping. And naps. My human says my voice sounds like Ben Stein. Even though I'm a girldog. Gotta go cause it's time for my before bedtime nap. Love Layla.

Elisa and Abby said...

Hi Truffles, my name is Abby. I have trained my mom to spoil me and give me purrfect treats for the last 12 years. My mom and I rescued each other 12 years ago. My mom and I enjoy reading cozy mystery books together. I sit on her lap and she gives me these rubs or massages as she tells me while she reads the cat cozy mysteries. I am her only girl baby. She has a human son but he lives in his own house with this god forsaken hyper dog. Thank god they live a few states away. I hate to fight for my things. And who needs slobber all over my toys. I have to get going to lie on the best site of the bed, the middle. Mommy ends up sleeping on a corner. Doesn't she know that us kitties are Queens and we rule the middle. Love Abby Tabby.