We all need laughs right now, and cats are great at providing them. Check out these funny cat films, and please comment if your cat does anything that gives you a chuckle.
Month: March 2020
Sneaky Interviews Hex from Mysterious Merchandise, A Witch’s Thrift Shop Mystery by Astoria Wright
Meow, there. It’s Sneaky with an interview with a fellow cat character from a cozy mystery series.
Hello, black kitty. You look a lot like my author’s cat, Harry, who has a column on this blog. May I ask your name and your author’s name?
Hi, Sneaky. I’m Hex and my reluctant friend is named Naveed. We are allowing our story to be told by the cozy fantasy author Astoria Wright.
Very Mice. What book(s) have you appeared in? Please list them and their genre.
Mysterious Merchandise, a paranormal cozy mystery, will be our first book, but be on the lookout for other books to follow.
Pawsome. Are you in a series? If so, please give information about it.
Yes, our series is called A Witch’s Thrift Shop. I, Hex, lead Alice Adelcraft into Magic Row, a street full of shops owned by witches and wizards. The first shop she comes across is A Witch’s Thrift shop, where magical items are to be found. Why do I lead her there? I have my reasons.
That sounds very interesting. Are you based on a real animal such as your author’s? If so, please give further details.
Naveed and I are black cats only when we choose to be, which is most of the time. We’re what you would call genies, or jinn. We take this form to make humans more comfortable, and because if any warlock discovered we were really jinn…let’s just say that would be bad for everyone. We’re not based on anything our author owns…it’s not like she has a magic lamp or anything. Or does she?
I guess readers need to read the books to figure that out.
Can you share an excerpt from your book that features you in an important scene? If so, please include it.
*chuckle* Naveed says every scene with him is important. I’ll let him have this one:
“Wha- What’s wrong with Hex?” The boy asked.
“That’s not Hex. Down, kitty,” Alice said.
Naveed took ‘down’ to mean he should squat on the boy’s chest. His black eyes challenged her. He knew that wasn’t what she meant. Not unlike a real cat, he just wanted to be difficult about it.
Alice might not have much experience with cats, but she was getting the hang of handling a jinn. She narrowed her eyes right back, adding in her mind, “Off. Now. Naveed.” He gave a throaty growl, but hopped off Puck’s chest as she wished.
Scrambling to his feet, Puck looked between Naveed and the road behind him, as if debating whether or not to run.
“He’ll only chase you down again. And he might be angrier about it next time,” Alice said.
Tell Naveed that was a purrfect scene. Thanks for sharing it.
What do you like most about your role in your authors’ books?
I love my role as Watcher of Magic Row. I set the whole plot in motion by leading Alice to Naveed’s lamp, where he should have stayed trapped, if you ask me.
Naveed says he doesn’t like anything, but I think he actually likes Magic Row and Alice might even be growing on him.
You sound like a very important character indeed.
Are you a talking cat in your books or just a silent one like I am who just meows occasionally?
I stay silent because I know better than to give away jinn secrets. Naveed can’t help himself. He hasn’t talked in his cat form – yet. But you never know with him.
I’ll take your word for it.
What advice would you give other cat characters?
You mean cat-jinns? I haven’t met any yet, other than Naveed. I suppose if I see another cat-jinn I’d tell them to keep their identities secret, revealing themselves only to people they trust 100%. For other magical cats, I guess my advice would be to stay close to their humans. Humans have a way of getting into all kinds of trouble when they’re not watched carefully.
Aint that the truth?
Do you have any new books coming out? Please give dates and details.
Mysterious Merchandise came out March 15th. Be on the lookout for Bewitching Bargains, the 2nd book in this series, which should be out soon, too.
Concatulations! I am sharing your blog tour and giveaway below. Best whiskers to you and your author on your new release.
Mysterious Merchandise (A Witch’s Thrift Shop Mystery)
by Astoria Wright
About Mysterious Merchandise
Mysterious Merchandise (A Witch’s Thrift Shop Mystery)
Cozy Mystery
1st in Series
Novelwright Press, LLC (March 21, 2020)
Paperback: 142 pages
ISBN-10: 1949453243
ISBN-13: 978-1949453249
Digital ASIN: B084T5NVW2
When a black cat crosses Alice Adelcraft’s path, her luck changes, as does her worldview, especially when she stumbles into A Witch’s Thrift Shop. The merchandise is mysterious, the customers are curious, and the sign on the door reads: Shoplifters will be hexed. It might all be a joke, but the body of a witch outside proves someone was dead serious. Can Alice discover who killed the witch before the magical community discovers she isn’t one of them?
About Astoria Wright
Astoria Wright is a cozy fantasy author and a poet who is inspired by rainy days, good books, and positive people. She is often found sitting by a window or in her backyard sipping tea or coffee and writing or reading cozy mysteries, fantasy novels, or poetry. Join her mailing list at www.astoriawright.com to see stories, poems, and thoughts that she only shares there.
Author Links
Webpage: www.astoriawright.com
Blog: www.astoriawright.com/updates
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/astoriawrightauthor/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/astoriawright
Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/astoriawright
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/astoria-wright
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/astoriawright/
Purchase Links: Amazon – Barnes and Noble – Kobo – Audible
a Rafflecopter giveaway
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TOUR PARTICIPANTS
March 16 – Elizabeth McKenna – Author – SPOTLIGHT
March 16 – A Wytch’s Book Review Blog – REVIEW
March 16 – Paranormal and Romantic Suspense Reviews – SPOTLIGHT
March 17 – Ascroft, eh? – AUTHOR INTERVIEW
March 17 – Hearts & Scribbles – SPOTLIGHT
March 17 – The Pulp and Mystery Shelf – SPOTLIGHT
March 17 – Sapphyria’s Books – REVIEW
March 18 – I’m All About Books – SPOTLIGHT
March 18 – Baroness’ Book Trove – SPOTLIGHT
March 18 – eBook addicts – REVIEW
March 19 – Socrates Book Reviews – REVIEW
March 19 – fundinmental – SPOTLIGHT
March 19 – Christy’s Cozy Corners – GUEST POST
March 20 – MJB Reviewers – SPOTLIGHT
March 20 – Literary Gold – CHARACTER GUEST POST
March 20 – I Read What You Write – REVIEW, AUTHOR INTERVIEW
March 20 – Brooke Blogs – SPOTLIGHT
March 21 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT
March 21 – Sneaky the Library Cat’s Blog – CHARACTER INTERVIEW
March 21 – StoreyBook Reviews – SPOTLIGHT
March 22 – Cozy Up With Kathy – REVIEW
March 22 – Gimme The Scoop Reviews – SPOTLIGHT
March 22 – Diane Reviews Books – SPOTLIGHT
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Harry’s Kitty Korner #17: Feline Tips on What to Do In a Crisis
Meow, there. It’s Harry with some cat tips for humans who are worried about the coronavirus pandemic. I suspected something was wrong when my two-legged family members started washing their paws so much. Then they were home all day. I got all excited thinking Debbie would spend more time with me, but, no, she spent more time at her computer promoting two of her free books and watching the news about the virus. That’s when I decided that I needed to share some feline tips with her and the readers of this blog from the CDCC (Cats Don’t Care Club) about how to deal with a crisis.
Tip #1: When troubles hit, it’s okay to stay in bed. In fact, we cats do it 18 hours a day.
Tip #2: If you feel afraid, just find a place to hide.
Tip #3: If things get really bad, put on a scary face.
Tip #4: Yoga works wonders. I recommend the loafing position. 
Tip #5: This tip is from my sister. When she’s upset, she just opens her mouth and lets it all loose. 
Tip #6: This is from Stripey, the old guy in the house. When he’s facing a dilemma, he rolls with the punches and his catnip toy.
Tip #7: If you’re looking for a solution, think “inside” the box.
Tip #8: When trying to choose between two sides, take the middle. 
Tip #9: Catch it before it catches you.
Tip #10: Most important of all, don’t forget to share the toilet paper.
I hope these tips help you cope or at least make you smile. The CDCC also recommends that you stay home with your kitties and be safe.
Feature Friday Film: Coronavirus (COVID-19) and Pets
Sneaky here with a timely topic. There’s lots of talk about this virus going around called Coronavirus or COVID-19. Here are some videos with facts about what it means to us cats, other pets, and humans. Be safe out there and wash your paws.
Sneaky Interviews Streetman the Dog from Dressed Up 4 Murder, A Sophie Kimball Mystery, by J. C. Eaton
Meow, there or should I say, “bow, wow,” Mr. Dog. It’s great to have you here. What is your name and your author’s name?
I’m Streetman, a Chiweenie dog, and my author is J.C. Eaton, the husband and wife writing team of Ann I. Goldfarb and James E. Clapp.
Mice to meet you. I’ve never heard of a Chiweenie dog, but I imagine they are look like your picture on the cover of your book.
What book(s) have you appeared in? Please list them and their genre.
The genre is cozy mystery and here are the books I’m in:
Booked 4 Murder
Ditched 4 Murder
Staged 4 Murder
Botched 4 Murder
Molded 4 Murder
Dressed Up 4 Murder
Wow, Meow, Bow, Wow, Wow! Your authors are quite prolific. Please give information about your series.
I am in the Sophie Kimball Mysteries (Kensington Publishing) that take place in the retirement community of Sun City West, Arizona. My owner, Harriet, is the mother of amateur sleuth Sophie (Phee) who’s a bookkeeper/accountant at Williams Investigations in nearby Glendale, Arizona. Phee came out west to solve a mysterious book curse that threatened Harriet’s book club and winded up getting stuck here.
The series features a number of wacky characters, lots of hyperbole, and plots with a number of twists and turns. It’s meant to keep readers laughing and guessing whodunit.
My role has evolved and I’m proud to say that I am the star in Dressed Up 4 Murder.
Condogalations! My role in the Cobble Cove mysteries has also involved and, I play quite a larger role in the holiday short story, Sneaky’s Christmas Mystery, that followed my 4th book, Love on the Rocks. It’s a great feeling.
Are you based on a real animal such as your author’s? If so, please give further details.
Yes. I am based on the authors’ real dog, Streetboy, also a Chiweenie. However, I’m much more neurotic and have lots of neat quirks.
Pawsome!
Can you share an excerpt from one of your books that features you in an important scene? If so, please include it.
This is a scene from Staged 4 Murder where I’m helping to solve a murder in a theater, and luckily for everyone, I found a box of animal pelts in the costume room. The narrator is Sophie Kimball.
“Streetman’s scared of mice,” my mother said. “He wouldn’t be acting that way. You know, Shirley said that sometimes spirits can inhabit the —”
“Oh for God’s sake, no one’s inhabiting anything.”
I reached over to open the box but the dog beat me to it. He tore into the cardboard and in what could best be described as sheer madness, he ripped the thing apart flinging the contents all over the room. All I could see were beady eyes, round black noses and, in some cases, teeth. Streetman grabbed the nearest one and shook it like a play toy. Then he growled and shook it again. My mother was horrified.
Excellent. It makes me want to read more.
What do you like most about your role in your authors’ books?
I make people laugh and I make them thankful I’m not their dog.
MOL (meow out loud)/BOL (Bark out loud)
Are you a talking cat in your books or just a silent one like I am who just meows occasionally?
I am a silent doggie.
Good for you.
What advice would you give other pet characters?
I would give dogs and cats the same advice – help your sleuths out by doing some investigating on your own.
Purrfect, doggone good advice.
Do you have any new books coming out? Please give dates and details.
Dressed Up 4 Murder was released on February 25, 2020
Broadcast 4 Murder is set for release in November 2020
Great! Thanks for the wonderful interview. I will also share the blog tour and giveaway for Dressed Up 4 Murder below. Best tail wags on your next adventures.
Dressed Up 4 Murder (Sophie Kimball Mystery)
by J.C. Eaton
About Dressed Up 4 Murder
Dressed Up 4 Murder (Sophie Kimball Mystery)
Cozy Mystery
6th in Series
Publisher: Kensington (February 25, 2020)
Mass Market Paperback: 320 pages
ISBN-10: 1496724550
ISBN-13: 978-1496724557
Digital ASIN: B07R8WYD83
Last one standing is the winner . . .
The holiday season has arrived and bookkeeper/amateur sleuth, Sophie “Phee” Kimball, would love nothing more than to enjoy the comforts of her new home with her detective boyfriend near Arizona’s Sun City West. Instead, her mother Harriet wants to showcase her chiweenie-chihuahua-dachshund Streetman in the Precious Pooches Holiday Extravaganza costume events. The festivities begin in October and end on St. Patrick’s Day—with the winner starring in the St. Pat’s Day parade. But things quickly turn an awful shade of green when Streetman uncovers a dead body under a tarp-covered grill in the neighbor’s yard.
The victim is Cameron Tully, a seafood distributor working out of Phoenix, who died from ingesting a toxic sago palm leaf. Before the police can even find a motive and suspect, another Precious Pooch owner nearly dies from the same poison. With Harriet believing someone’s targeting her and Streetman because of the costume contests, Phee will need a potful of Irish luck to sniff out a killer . . .
About J.C. Eaton
Meet Ann and Jim, Writing as J.C. Eaton
Ann I. Goldfarb
New York native Ann I. Goldfarb spent most of her life in education, first as a classroom teacher and later as a middle school principal and professional staff developer. Writing as J. C. Eaton, along with her husband, James Clapp, they have authored the Sophie Kimball Mysteries (Kensington), The Wine Trail Mysteries (Kensington Lyrical Underground), and the Marcie Rayner Mysteries (Camel). In addition, Ann has nine published YA time travel mysteries under her own name. Visit us at:
James E. Clapp
When James E. Clapp retired as the tasting room manager for a large upstate New York winery, he never imagined he’d be co-authoring cozy mysteries with his wife, Ann I. Goldfarb. Non-fiction in the form of informational brochures and workshop materials treating the winery industry were his forte along with an extensive background and experience in construction that started with his service in the U.S. Navy and included vocational school classroom teaching. Visit the website at www.jceatonmysteries.com and the blog at www.jceatonauthor.com
Author Links:
www.facebook.com/JCEatonauthor/
Purchase Links – Amazon – B&N – Kobo – Google Books – IndieBound
a Rafflecopter giveaway
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TOUR PARTICIPANTS
March 2 – My Devotional Thoughts – REVIEW
March 2 – The Pulp and Mystery Shelf – AUTHOR INTERVIEW
March 3 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT
March 3 – Readeropolis – SPOTLIGHT
March 3 – Gimme The Scoop Reviews – REVIEW
March 4 – I’m All About Books – SPOTLIGHT
March 4 – Carla Loves To Read – GUEST POST
March 4 – Island Confidential – SPOTLIGHT
March 5 – MJB Reviewers – SPOTLIGHT
March 5 – Literary Gold – CHARACTER GUEST POST
March 6 – View from the Birdhouse – REVIEW
March 6 – Brooke Blogs – SPOTLIGHT
March 7 – Mystery Thrillers and Romantic Suspense Reviews – SPOTLIGHT
March 7 – Diane Reviews Books – REVIEW
March 8 – Lisa Ks Book Reviews – REVIEW, AUTHOR INTERVIEW
March 8 – Books a Plenty Book Reviews – REVIEW
March 9 – Sneaky the Library Cat’s Blog – CHARACTER INTERVIEW
March 9 – Celticlady’s Reviews – SPOTLIGHT
March 10 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – REVIEW
March 10 – Ascroft, eh? – CHARACTER INTERVIEW
Have you signed up to be a Tour Host?
Sneaky The Library Cat's Blog 