Monday, February 29, 2016

Tortie Shorties on Mystery Monday


Meows from Mudpie!

Love cat cozies? You've come to the right place!

Read on for our reviews of two of the latest and greatest :)



From the publisher: While Joe Grey and Dulcie joyfully await their first kittens, they grieve for the old yellow cat, Misto, whose time on earth is drawing to an end. But Misto tells them an exciting afterlife lies ahead for him; and he sees, as well, an adventurous future for the kittens: Among the litter will be a little calico returned from the distant past. She will be born with the same unique markings as in ancient tapestries and paintings, and with the same indomitable spirit as Joe Grey. As Joe and Dulcie stand by for the birth of their kittens, they work swiftly to unmask a killer, a predator attacking the most vulnerable citizens in the small coastal community of Molena Point.

Tortie Shorties Review: I did a little research and discovered that the very first Joe Grey mystery was published 20 years ago in 1996. I have every book in my collection, and while I haven't read the entire series yet, I have read several and through the years have enjoyed watching Joe and Dulcie solve crimes together and ultimately fall in love. In book 19, Cat Shout for Joy, monumental changes are afoot for the fearless felines and residents of Molena Point.

For anyone new to the series, these cats have the ability to talk and many people in town share their secret. One human who is blissfully unaware is the police chief Max, but the cats still use their talent to be a snitch for the Molena Point Police Department via anonymous phone calls. Their investigative abilities are needed more than ever following a series of seemingly random attacks on the elderly, some of which have turned deadly. When a close friend is murdered while renovating a home and another friend is framed for the killing, it's up to the cats to put an end to the madness.

Cat Shout for Joy blends the sweet with the bittersweet: as Joe and Dulcie prepare for the birth of their kittens, they are also forced to say goodbye to their dear friend Misto. One of my favorite characters is sidekick Kit, who is often referred to as a "flighty tortoiseshell". Each of these cats has a unique personality that will capture reader's imaginations. I appreciated how the culprit(s) is revealed 2/3 of the way into the book subsequently allowing more time to be spent on the motive and capture. All too often loose ends are left untied until the final three pages.

Whether you've spent the last 2 decades following Joe and Dulcie's adventures or you're new to the dynamic duo, Cat Shout for Joy will leave you purring.



From the publisher: Magic and meows meet in the first enchanting Witch’s Cat mystery!
Unlucky-in-love artist Annabelle Britton decides that a visit to the seaside town of Portsmouth, New Hampshire, is the perfect way to get over her problems. But when she stumbles upon a smoky gray cat named Alastair, and follows him into a charming cottage, Annabelle finds herself in a whole spellbook full of trouble.

Suddenly saddled with a witch's wand and a furry familiar, Annabelle soon meets a friendly group of women who use their spells, charms, and potions to keep the people of Portsmouth safe. But despite their gifts, the witches can’t prevent every wicked deed in town....

Soon, the mystery surrounding Alistair’s former owner, who died under unusual circumstances, grows when another local turns up dead. Armed with magic, friends, and the charmed cat who adopted her more than the other way around, Annabelle sets out to paw through the evidence and uncover a killer.

Tortie Shorties Review: This has been my most anticipated release of 2016 ever since I first saw a preview of the cover. The debut of the Witch's Cat mystery series is not to be missed.

Our protagonist Anna is a thirty-five-year-old freelance artist and illustrator. She has the ability to pick up on "vibes" from her surroundings, which makes her a bit nervous when she visits her best friend in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, since her grandmother seems to have a mysterious connection to the place. The vibe hits her full force when a gray cat, Alistair, leads her to a charming cottage behind the B&B where she's staying. As she goes down the basement stairs she feels that the woman who lived there died a violent death. Alistair's owner Dorothy lived there and while the police ruled her death accidental, others in town believe it was murder. Her nephew Frank, who runs the local newspaper, offers to let Anna rent the cottage in exchange for her help in uncovering what happened to his aunt. Anna agrees, seeing it as an opportunity to test out her unique talent.

Each and every character introduced in this series is absolutely enchanting, especially Alistair (of course!) And the coven of witches that welcome Anna ends up changing her life, as they are able to teach her a lot about her gifts and how to use them. Twists and turns are around every corner and I was kept guessing until the very end.

The next book in the series, By Familiar Means, comes out in September, and I can hardly wait to see what comes next for Anna and Alistair.

Sunday, February 28, 2016

Leap into Books Giveaway Hop


Welcome to the Leap into Books Giveaway Hop hosted by Bookhounds.

Fill out the Rafflecopter below for your chance to win this box of books filled with mysteries!


a Rafflecopter giveaway


The Cat Mommy in the Hat #SundaySelfie

Meows from Mudpie!

On Friday's CatLadyBox post our good friends at Stunning Keisha (who also won our Daytona 500 giveaway last weekend!) requested a picture of Mommy modeling the knit cat hat she got.

I aim to please so I told Mommy that she needed to do our Sunday Selfie this week.

My apologies in advance for her not being anywhere near as cute as I am. I'll be back next Sunday!



Saturday, February 27, 2016

Mirror Image #CaturdayArt

Meows from Mudpie!

This week we were doing some work in PicMonkey and noticed that they've added several new effects. We decided to try the Mirror effect first. A two-headed Mudpie is sort of creepy but kind of cool too!

Notice how my eye formed a heart in the middle?



Visit more artsy kitties in Athena's Caturday Art blog hop.

Friday, February 26, 2016

Unboxing January's CatLadyBox


Check out what was in our January CatLadyBox:

Featured Cat Lady Artist: Asra Rae. Custom orders of your loved ones, furry or human, are available on her website.


“Cats Are Love” Shirt Limited Edition Design: I adore long sleeve t-shirts, and they're especially practical in my neck of the woods. As I read the words celebrating the love of a cat, I had tears in my eyes.


Chunky Knit Hat: This hat is just too cute for words. It's super warm and cozy, and will be the purr-fect accessory for outdoor activity should winter ever decide to arrive! (Temps in the 50s in February in northern Vermont is just *wrong*)


Silver Pawromise Ring by Designs by MarlaynaA beautiful symbol of the commitment you make when you bring a kitty into your home. The aluminum, hand-stamped ring is slightly adjustable, but I wish it were a little more so. My fingers are very small!


And adorable Valentine-themed toys for Mudpie:


* Catnip Cupcake by Loopies

* Organic Catnip Heart Pillow by Imperial Cat

Not a subscriber yet? Visit CatLadyBox today!


Disclosure: I'm not being compensated in any way for this review. I am a proud CatLadyBox subscriber!

Thursday, February 25, 2016

Truffles and Chicky #TBT

It's still a struggle, but I'm trying to go through pictures of Truffles and remember the happy times, not how it ended.

Last year at this time she received a PetBox to review. One of the items in the box was a hanging scratcher in the shape of an owl. She was a horizontal scratcher so I laid it flat on the floor to see what she would do with it.

She loved it, but not as a scratcher. She used it as her own personal rug space to nap on, bathe on, toss around and wrestle with. I think he might even have been her confidant who she told her secrets to.

We named her new friend Chicky, and he now lives in her memory box.





Wednesday, February 24, 2016

#LoveYourPetEveryDay Because Every Moment Matters


There's nothing more pure and unconditional than the love of a pet. I can come home from work in a foul mood, exhausted, looking like something the cat dragged in (pardon the pun), but when Mudpie meets me at the door that all just fades away. We've spent the whole day apart and she couldn't be happier that I'm home because I'm her Mommy; I'm her world.

Think about that for a minute: *You* are your pets' world. I don't know about you, but I often wonder if I'm worthy of that incredible honor. This past Saturday, February 20th, was National Love Your Pet Day, but at our house we don't need a special day set aside for that. It's celebrated in every single moment that we spend together.

This post is sponsored by Chicken Soup for The Soul Pet Food and the BlogPaws® Pet Influencer Network. I am being compensated for helping create awareness around the Brand and new product launch, but Mochas, Mysteries and Meows only shares information we feel is relevant to our readers. Chicken Soup for The Soul is not responsible for the content of this article.


We don't start each day with breakfast; we start with playtime. Mudpie's favorite thing in the world is playing with her toys...so that's what we do. Those 15 to 20 minutes every morning spent with my little girl before I leave for work are so, so important to me. It's "our time" together that I look forward to and it remains with me as I go about my day. Those special moments are like chicken soup for my soul.

After I get home from work she's ready to play again, but during the evening she's typically ready for a little quiet time together. That's when we curl up on the couch to either watch TV or read a book (a delicious mystery or the latest tome from Chicken Soup for the Soul®, of course!). That's our special "cuddle time" together and she usually falls asleep quite quickly.


Of course, next to playing and napping the most important daily activity for most cats is eating! Chicken Soup for the Soul® has created a line of super-premium, grain free pet food with real meat as the first ingredient, probiotics and prebiotic fiber for healthy digestion, and Omega-6 & Omega-3 fatty acids for healthy skin & coat. Both the dry and wet food products are holistic in nature, limited ingredient diets that are suitable for all life stages. Mealtime is one of those special moments when we all connect with our pets. That’s why Chicken Soup for the Soul says that, “food is more than just nutrition, it’s also about comfort, love and appreciation.” Find the nearest pet store that carries their food by visiting the store locator and typing in your location.

Chicken Soup for the Soul is a family owned and operated business that gives back, too. A portion of all proceeds from the sale of their pet food goes to the Humpty Dumpty Institution to help support organizations that feed and care for animals in shelters. The royalties from their new book, Chicken Soup for the Soul: My Very Good, Very Bad Cat (there's a dog version too!) will go to the American Humane Association. Their packages feature shelter pets from a local shelter and ones that have recently found their forever homes (stories about these pets can be found on the back of the packages). They are also the official dog food sponsor for the American Humane Association's Hero Dog Awards, as well as a sponsor of the Therapy Dog category!


One of the greatest lessons I learned in losing Truffles so young is to make time for those you love. How many times did she want to play or cuddle and because I was busy I asked her to wait. I thought we had all the time in the world. Now I'd give anything to have that time back with her. I won't make that same mistake with Mudpie. Whether you're parenting a pet or a child, the greatest way to show your love is to give them the gift of time. Set aside the distractions and be present.

Every moment matters. Every day is precious.

Show your pet how much you love them...today and every day.


Do you have a hero pet in your life?

Chicken Soup for the Soul® is giving pet owners the opportunity to show how their pets are heroes and have a chance to appear on Chicken Soup for the Soul’s Hidden Heroes on the CBS Saturday morning lineup. Write your story or submit your video to the Pet Hero webpage.


Connect with Chicken Soup for the Soul Pets:

Instagram

How do you show your pet how much you love them?


Tuesday, February 23, 2016

February Rescued Spotlight: Harriet



Meows from Mudpie!

Over the past year we've been telling you about Rescued: The Stories of 12 Cats, Through Their Eyes, an anthology of rescue cat stories compiled by Janiss Garza, who writes the Sparkle Cat blog. Each author featured in the book has nominated a cat rescue and was assigned a month to promote the book, with a third of the profits from that month going to their rescue. It's hard to believe we've come to the last of our interview series, but we're already looking forward to Rescued 2, which is in the works!

February's spotlight is Harriet, a special needs kitty who shares her own story and the stories of many of the other cats she spends her days with at the wonderful shelter she calls home.






Welcome Harriet! Thank you so much for taking the time to chat with me today! Could you start by introducing us to yourself and telling us what made your story such a good fit for the Rescued anthology?

Meow!! I'm Harriet, a paraplegic cat, and a very Happy cat! My story was well suited for "Rescued" because of my great fortune after I was attacked by a dog and my spine was broken. It could have been the end for me, but some kind souls intervened and I wound up at a no-kill shelter. Hooray!

What is life like as a paraplegic kitty? Are you still able to have fun doing everyday "cat stuff"?

My life is wonderful! I scoot around the shelter, climb onto cat beds, shelves, and even laps, and cuddle up with my best friend "Sonic." I love to eat and purr and get attention, just like most other kitties. I even learned that my adopted kittens are great big happy girls in their forever home - they are 7 years old now!


Do you think one day you might find your way into a forever home of your very own?

Because I need special care, the shelter will be my home for the rest of my life. You see, due to my paralysis I'm unable to use a litter box. The kind staff at PAWSitively Cats manually expresses my bladder several times a day. They give me baths too!

The rescue you've chosen to receive your proceeds from the book this month is PAWSitively CATS No-Kill Shelter. What important work do they do for homeless cats?

PAWSitively Cats rescues at-risk kittens and cats from the local pound, nurses them to good health, and tries to get them adopted. They also lend traps and give people instruction on Trap-Neuter-Release to help keep down the population of unwanted cats. 


What's a typical day like for you at the shelter?

Well, before "Rescued" came out, I would scoot around and visit people, eat, play, nap...you know, cat stuff. But lately I'm getting asked to sign book after book, and my little paws keep getting dipped into pink and blue ink! Those are the shelter colors, and I love them, but the other cats look at me funny when my feet are pink and blue.

What would you like humans to learn from your story and what do you want your lasting legacy to be?

I hope people will not think it's sad for cats to be in a shelter. We're the lucky ones, as compared to those still out on the streets. Remember, you can't change the past, but you can make a difference right now: Sponsor, Adopt, Volunteer, Educate, Donate so that more cats can be S.A.V.E.D. I hope that my legacy is that more and more communities will adopt the No-Kill philosophy. Thank you, Mudpie, for chatting with me. Purrr......


Note from Mudpie: Following our interview we received a pawsome update from Harriet. Two of the kitties from PAWSitively CATS that she featured in her story, Midnight and Merlin, have been adopted...together!!! They had both spent years at the shelter, overlooked simply because they were black. Thankfully someone noticed how special they were and gave them a forever home. Who knows, maybe one day their story will be told in a Rescued anthology!

Photos used with permission: Susan Miller

Monday, February 22, 2016

Mudpie Interviews...Blackie from Clea Simon's The Ninth Life (w/Review & Giveaway)


From the publisher: Introducing Blackie, an unusual feline hero, and his companion Care in the first of this dark new mystery series.

Three figures, shadowy against the light. That’s all I remember from my past life, as I am dragged, dripping and half-drowned, from the flood. My saviour, a strange, pink-haired girl, is little help. She can barely care for herself, let alone the boy she loves. And although she has sworn to avenge the murder of her mentor, she must first escape the clutches of drug dealers, murderers and thieves. I would repay her kindness if I could. But we are alone in this blighted city – and I am a cat.

The past is an enigma to Blackie, the voice of Clea Simon’s dark new mystery. Combining elements of feline fantasy and cozy whodunit, The Ninth Life introduces this unusual hero and his companion, Care: two small creatures in a nightmarish urban landscape, fighting for their lives, and for the lives and memories of those they love.


If not for the fact that The Ninth Life is narrated by a cat, this is a book that I most likely never would have picked up. My mantra when it comes to mysteries is "the cozier, the better", and reading about the difficult life of a child and cat on the streets certainly doesn't fit the bill. That being said, the narration by Blackie the cat as he witnesses things humans can't puts an especially unique and enjoyable twist on this tale (tail...) of "feline noir".

Carrie "Care" Wright meets Blackie the cat when she saves him from being drowned by three evil men. They instantly form a bond. Care has been under the mentorship of a private detective and sees this new life as a way to escape her current situation, but then he's murdered and things look bleaker than ever. Meanwhile, Care's foster brother Tick, who Blackie isn't sure can be trusted, is in the clutches of an evil gang leader, AD, and in danger of becoming addicted to a drug known as scat.

As Blackie and Care team up to solve her mentor's final case and catch his killer, they find themselves in more than one life-threatening situation, leading you to wonder who is really taking care of who. Blackie is a true hero and the relationship he forms with Care is very well written. I look forward to seeing what's next for this crime-solving duo.


Welcome, Blackie! Thank you so much for chatting with me today. Could you start by telling us a little about yourself and how you and Care came to be companions?

Hi Mudpie! Thanks for having me here today. As you can tell from the scars in my jet-black fur and the fraying of one of my ears, I’m a street cat, and I’ve had a tough life. But it would have been a lot worse if not for Care. This strange girl saved my life, pulling me from a flood in a storm drain, where I was drowning. Is it any wonder that I’ve vowed to stay with her? I’m one lucky cat.

What's life like for a homeless cat and girl on the mean streets?

It’s a tough life, but it’s better together. Although I can’t talk to Care directly, I do what I can to keep her safe - alerting her to the dangers that my superior senses can pick up. She’s a smart girl, but her hearing and sense of smell are just not as good as mine!

Are you ever able to just have fun and be a regular cat?

I do! And there are times, when we’ve both had a good meal and the sun is shining that I’ll just roll on my back and let her rub my belly. Purrrrrrr…..

What kinds of adventures do you and Care have in your debut mystery, The Ninth Life?

Well, by rights, I should insist you read “The Ninth Life” to find out. But I can tell you that Care used to be the apprentice of an amateur detective, who was murdered, and she is trying to figure out what happened. She’s also trying to set herself up as a detective – it would be preferable to her other choices on the street! Because she saved my life, I’ll help her in any way I can – even if that means putting my own life at risk.

Are you ever frightened by the situations that the two of you find yourselves in, or have you taken it upon yourself to be fearless for Care's sake?


I am both frightened and resolved to be fearless. As a cat, I have multiple lives and I suspect I may be on my last one - but I will sacrifice it to save this girl, if I need to. That doesn’t mean I’m not afraid.

Any clues you can give us about what's next for the two of you?

If you read “The Ninth Life,” you’ll know that I know a few things that Care doesn’t – and that although she may solve the case at hand, there is a bigger mystery pending. Plus, a friend of hers – the boy called Tick – needs our help. As Clea works on the second Blacke and Care mystery, you can be sure we are on the case!

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About the author: Clea Simon is the author of 19 cozies in the Theda Krakow, Dulcie Schwartz, and Pru Marlowe pet noir series. The latter two are ongoing and include her most recent books, Code Grey (Severn House) and When Bunnies Go Bad (Poisoned Pen Press). The Ninth Life, the first book in her Blackie & Care mysteries, a darker series, will be published by Severn House on March 1. A former journalist and nonfiction author, she lives in Somerville, Mass., with her husband, the writer Jon Garelick, and their cat Musetta. She can be reached at http://www.cleasimon.com

Author Links:

http://www.cleasimon.com home page

http://cleasimon.blogspot.com blog

https://www.facebook.com/clea.simon.author Facebook

@Clea_Simon Twitter

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/49559.Clea_Simon Goodreads

Purchase Links:
Amazon Indie Bound Severn House

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Sunday, February 21, 2016

Race Day #SundaySelfie

Mudpie: If I look a bit sad in my Sunday Selfie this week, it's because starting today I've lost Mommy to the NASCAR season.

Melissa: Don't be silly, sweetie! A race is close to four hours and we can spend that time cuddling together on the couch!

Mudpie: Well, when you put it that way, I guess any excuse for extra snuggle time is a good thing. Just promise to keep the screaming and the HBO words to a dull roar. I'm at a very impressionable age, you know.


Saturday, February 20, 2016

Caturday Art: Scrumptious in Sepia


It's National Love Your Pet Day...how are showing your pet how much you love them today?

This weekend we're joining Athena's Caturday Art blog hop and Ruckus the Eskie's Sepia Saturday blog hop.



Friday, February 19, 2016

Cat Teeth Matter! A #CatDentalHealth Roundup

One of my most vivid childhood memories is of the day we had to leave my beloved cat Patch at the vet to have several teeth extracted. I still remember my mother crying in the car when she picked me up from school as she told me how he had climbed up her jacket, practically pleading with her not to leave him there. As she explained the surgery he would be undergoing I couldn't help but wonder if my best friend would be coming home.

Thankfully Patch made a full recovery, and as a result I learned the importance of caring for my cat's teeth at a very young age.


February is Dental Health Month, serving as a reminder of how important it is to make your pet’s dental care a priority. If left untreated poor dental hygiene can be associated with more dangerous medical conditions such as kidney, liver, heart complications and diabetes. Unfortunately, most dogs and cats develop periodontal disease by age three showing symptoms such as swollen gums, increased drooling, whining while eating, loss of appetite, weight loss, bleeding, and loose or discolored teeth. Periodontal disease in pets is a chronic, irreversible condition, which is why taking care of your pet's mouth before there's a problem is so important. 

Trupanion sent us some great tips for keeping your pet’s teeth as healthy as possible:

·  Check Monthly: A monthly examination of the mouth can stop dental problems in their tracks. Things to look for include bad breath, cysts or tumors, missing or loose teeth, redness, inflammation and too much moisture or drool.
·    Visit the Veterinarian: Your doctor should examine your pet’s mouth at each visit. Many offices even offer tooth and gum cleanings and mouth care services. Many vets are offering these services at a discount during the month of February so this is a great time to make an appointment!
·    Brush Their Teeth: When looking for the best dog or cat toothpaste, look for pet specific toothpaste since human toothpaste can upset their stomach. As for brushing, you can use a toothbrush or simply wrap some gauze around your finger. Be sure to brush in a circular motion, and do it at least twice a week. Make sure to brush your dog or cat's teeth at the same time every day — a daily routine will make training much easier.
·    Diet: Like humans, a pet’s diet can affect their overall health. There are many dog and cat treats and foods on the market made specifically to help reduce tartar and plaque build-up. Keeping table scraps at a minimum can also help keep your pet’s mouth in good shape.


We've been reading some great blog posts over the past few weeks about various aspects of feline dental health and thought we'd share them so you can read them too!

* Pawesome Cats' blog post The Importance of Good Dental Health for Your Cat is, well, pawesome!

* Cat Wisdom 101 takes readers on a trip to a Veterinary Dental Specialist.

* Our friends Allie, Maxwell and Faraday over at A Tonk's Tail went through a month of pure misery a couple years back following dental cleanings that revealed tooth resorption. You can read all about it in their mom's fabulous article for Catster, Cats Don’t Get Cavities? Get the Facts on Tooth Resorption.

* Let's face it, dental care isn't cheap, for us or our pets! While I doubt anyone would debate that their regular cleanings are worth the cost, many disagree when it comes to their cat or dog. Via JaneA Kelley at Catster, here are 5 Reasons Having Your Cat’s Teeth Cleaned Is Worth the Cost.

* The Conscious Cat advises us of 13 Questions to Ask Before You Schedule Your Cat’s Dental Procedure.

* Ruby and Allegra's mom also has great tips for brushing your cat's teeth.

* The word "stomatitis" would lead you to think it's a form of tummy trouble, right? It's actually inflammation of the mouth, and you can read all about it at Playful Kitty.

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At Mudpie's wellness visit in September the vet said her teeth looked great, but at her age we didn't really expect to hear otherwise. Her dental health is definitely something I plan to stay on top of though!


What steps are you taking to care for your cat's pearly whites?

Thursday, February 18, 2016

Mudpie Interviews...Ling-Ling from Elaine Faber's Mrs.Odboddy Mystery Series (w/Giveaway)


Meows from Mudpie!

Today we have a bit of a different book feature for you. I'm interviewing a cross-eyed Siamese named Ling-Ling, the feline star of Elaine Faber's brand new mystery, Mrs. Odboddy, Hometown Patriot: A WWII tale of chicks and chicanery, suspicion and spies. You may recognize Elaine's name from her Black Cat mystery series, which we've spotlighted here over the past couple years.

This book isn't a cat mystery, but Ling-Ling does play a role in the story line. We find the World War 2 setting to be very interesting because my grandma was a little girl during that time and two of her brothers fought in the war, so Mommy has heard many stories about that time period. I hope you enjoy our little chat!

Welcome Ling-Ling, thank you so much for chatting with me today! Could you start by telling us a little about yourself and how you came to live with Mrs. Odboddy?

I was quite happy living with Lilly Chang’s family in Newbury, CA. In December, 1941, Pearl Harbor was attacked and President Roosevelt sent all the Japanese Americans to an Internment Camp, including Lilly’s family, so Agnes Odboddy took me home with her.

What is a typical day like for you?


I wake Agnes every morning about 7:00 AM. After breakfast and a nap, we may go into the Victory Garden where Agnes grows vegetables. Some days she stays home and I help her can vegetables, but most days she volunteers at the Ration Office, the coast watch, the knitting circle, collecting papers and cans, or rolling bandages at the hospital. She says it’s important, because she’s fighting the war from the home front.

Mrs. Odboddy sounds like a very unique human...can you tell us more about her?

Mrs. Odboddy lives with her granddaughter, Katherine. She works at the ‘Curls to Dye For’ Beauty Salon and does the hair and make-up at the Whistlemeyer mortuary. That turned into a cat-astrophe, but you’ll have to read the book to learn more.

What kinds of trouble do the two of you get into in the new novel you star in, Mrs. Odboddy Hometown Patriot?

I’m a very good kitty and never get into trouble. Oh wait. One day Agnes brought home six chickens and kept them in the bathroom for three days until our friend Jackson Jackson could build a coop. Now, I ask you, what self-respecting feline could tolerate chickens in the bathroom without carrying out a Black Ops mission to annihilate the enemy? Chickens? Birds? They’re fair game, right? When all was said and done, Agnes had one less chicken. Oops!

Most of the time, Agnes gets into trouble without my help. Like when she thought ration books were being stolen and sold on the Black Market. Or, accusing someone of poisoning her best friend, or burning down the watch tower. Things always get messier and funnier until she works through the problem.

The book takes place during World War 2...many, many years ago. How were things different then than in the 21st century?

Too many things to mention: TV was a novelty. No cell phones. 35-mph speed limit. Rationing affected everything and everybody. All factories started making war products. Though this is a humorous mystery/adventure, we included commonly known WWII facts and involved Agnes in some WWII events most have never heard of. A romance is woven into the storyline when much to her chagrin, Agnes’s long lost lover returns intent on reigniting their relationship.

Any final thoughts for your fans before they begin reading your new adventure?

Mrs. Odboddy-Hometown Patriot is a WWII tale of chicks and chicanery, suspicion and spies. It is a riotous romp with Agnes Odboddy, fighting WWII from the home front, exposing conspiracies and Nazi spies, even if she’s wrong. When Mrs. Roosevelt comes to town to attend a funeral, Agnes’s fears become reality and she must prove she is, indeed, a hometown patriot.

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From the publisher: Since the onset of WWII, Agnes Agatha Odboddy, hometown patriot and self-appointed scourge of the underworld, suspects conspiracies around every corner…stolen ration books, German spies running amuck, and a possible Japanese invasion off the California coast. This seventy-year-old, model citizen would set the world aright if she could get Chief Waddlemucker to pay attention to the town's nefarious deeds on any given Meatless Monday.

Mrs. Odboddy vows to bring the villians, both foreign and domestic, to justice, all while keeping chickens in her bathroom, working at the Ration Stamp Office, and knitting argyles for the boys on the front lines.

Imagine the chaos when Agnes’s long-lost WWI lover returns, hoping to find a million dollars in missing Hawaiian money and rekindle their ancient romance. In the thrilling conclusion, Agnes’s predictions become all too real when Mrs. Roosevelt unexpectedly comes to town to attend a funeral and Agnes must prove that she is, indeed, a warrior on the home front.

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Elaine Faber is a member of Sisters in Crime, Inspire Christian Writers and Cat Writers Association.

Elaine’s cozy cat mysteries include Black Cat’s Legacy; Black Cat and the Lethal Lawyer, Black Cat and the Accidental Angel, and Mrs. Odboddy–Hometown Patriot, all available at Amazon.

Elaine lives in Elk Grove, CA, with her husband of 53 years. They share their home with four house cats, the inspiration for her Black Cat Mysteries. The Agnes Odboddy character is a figment of Elaine’s vivid imagination and not at all based on her own quirky personality.

Elaine.Faber@mindcandymysteries.com (email)

http://www.mindcandymysteries.com (Website)

Mrs. Odboddy-Hometown Patriot http://tinyurl.com/hdbvzsv

Giveaway: Leave a comment by noon eastern on Friday, February 26th for your chance to win an ebook copy of Mrs. Odboddy. Open worldwide!

Wednesday, February 17, 2016

Caturday Night at Our House

Meows from Mudpie!

Today we thought we'd make you really jealous and take you inside an exciting Caturday night at our house.

As both a political and NASCAR junkie, Mommy was quite perturbed to discover that a debate and the first NASCAR event of the season were scheduled for the exact same time.

What's a girl to do but watch the debate on TV and the race on her iPawd? (I chose to concentrate on the latter...who needs to play Cat Fishing when you can catch the cars as they zoom past???)

I'm not complaining...it gave us the purr-fect chance to cuddle together on the couch. The only thing I disliked was the darn bell they kept ringing at the debate...it drove me crazy!!!


Tuesday, February 16, 2016

#ChewyInfluencer Review: Purina Pro Plan Dental Crunch Treats


Meows from Mudpie!

This month I was SO excited to receive my email of review choices from Chewy.com and see some Pro Plan treats that I hadn't tried yet! (You all remember that Pro Plan treats are my favorite, right?)

February is Dental Health Month, so why not treat your pearly whites to something special? Any treat that supports your cat’s health while also satisfying their craving for savory flavors is one worth handing out regularly and Purina Pro Plan Dental Crunch Cat Snacks do just that. These treats are high in protein and omega-6 fatty acids and free of artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives. Their crunchy texture helps clean teeth, freshen breath, and reduce tartar buildup.


You might be surprised to hear that I chose the lobster and scallop flavor (they also come in chicken and liver). Mommy was under the impression that I didn't care for fish, but I got some salmon treats in my Secret Paws package at Christmas and I loved them so much we've already had to buy another package!!! Apparently I'm not a fish girl when it comes to wet food (surprise, surprise!) but I love it in my treats!

Now kitty friends, I have a bit of a dilemma. The feeding guidelines on the package clearly states: "For optimal benefits, approximately 17 treats may be rewarded daily to adult cats weighting 5 or more pounds." How pawsome is that...the package actually gives us permission to eat 17 of these yummy (and quite large) treats per day!!! But my party pooper Mommy says that sounds more like a meal replacement than a treat. What do you think? Does 17 treats sound excessive or just the right amount?

(Note from Mommy: the feeding guidelines then go on to say, "The caloric intake from treats should not exceed 10% of your cat's total daily caloric requirement, and the amount of food given should be reduced accordingly as treats are administered.")


Pro Plan Dental Crunch Treats are currently on sale for only $3.25 a bag so make sure you remind your human to add them to your next Chewy order...after all, a healthy mouth is a healthy body!

Disclaimer: A package of treats was sent to us for free by Chewy.com as part of their Blogger Outreach Program in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are our own and we never recommend a product we don’t fully believe in.


We're excited to be linking up with the Chewy.com Blog Hop hosted by our good friends Oz the Terrier and Sugar the Golden Retriever.