Title: Street Cat Blues
Author: Alison O’Leary
Publisher: Crooked Cat
Published: July 25th, 2018
Pages: 216
Rating: 4/5*
What a fun serial murder mystery this proved to be. It is told from the point of view of Aubrey – a cat! Someone is killing elderly folk in the area and when one of the victims is someone Aubrey is used to visiting, it is all getting too close to home for him and he decides to check things out for himself. You get to know about Aubrey’s past, about the cats in the neighbourhood, a feud and, of course, more about the victims and what Aubrey discovers. There’s also more about Molly and Jeremy Goodman, the couple who rescued Aubrey from the prison/shelter he’d been staying in after the murder of Raj, the shopkeeper he used to live with. There are meetings with other cats, a huge battle, a younger lad who Jeremy tries to help, more deaths and it is up to Aubrey to help solve it all!
It is such a change to read a story written from the point of view of a cat and it made it a particularly entertaining read. Talk about having attitude – Aubrey has it in spades! The discussions with his fellow felines are so funny, especially as he has a habit of making observations which are hilarious. Aubrey definitely knows who he likes and who he doesn’t, as well as being wary of folks he recognise as not liking cats who could be a threat to his existence. He is also patient with those he cares for and his developing relationship with Carlos is heartwarming as the teen talks through his experiences and worries with Aubrey.
This is a mix of cosy mystery with a noir element that I thoroughly enjoyed reading. iIt is a unique take on the genre as far as I’m concerned, with an original engaging mystery, a humorous, furry protagonist and a somewhat insane villain who has you worrying just what he’ll do next- and to whom! I have no hesitation in highly recommending it and really hope this will be the start of a series starring this fascinating feline detective.
I requested and was given a copy of this book and this is my honest review of the book after choosing to read it.
Synopsis:
After spending several months banged up in Sunny Banks rescue centre, Aubrey, a large tabby cat, has finally found his forever home with Molly and Jeremy Goodman and life is looking good.
However, all that changes when a serial killer begins to target elderly victims in the neighbourhood. Aubrey wasn’t particularly upset by the death of some of the previous victims, including Miss Jenkins whom Aubrey recalls as a vinegar-lipped bitch of an old woman who enjoyed throwing stones at cats, but Mr Telling was different. Mr Telling was a mate…
Purchase Links
UK – https://www.amazon.co.uk/Street-Cat-Blues-Alison-OLeary-ebook/dp/B07F1TDX2T
US – https://www.amazon.com/Street-Cat-Blues-Alison-OLeary-ebook/dp/B07F1TDX2T
Author Bio –
I was born in London and spent my teenaged years in Hertfordshire where I spent large amounts of time reading Agatha Christie novels and avoiding school. Failing to gain any qualifications in Science whatsoever, the dream of being a forensic scientist crashed and burned when a careers teacher suggested that I might like to work in a shop. Later studying Law, I decided to teach rather than go into practice and have spent many years working as a college lecturer teaching mainly Criminal Law to adults and young people.
I live on the south coast with my husband John and cat Archie. When not writing I enjoy crosswords, walking by the sea and drinking wine. Not necessarily in that order.
Social Media Links –
Facebook.com/Alison.oleary.1069
https://www.alisonoleary.co.uk/
Follow the Tour:
Many thanks to Rachel’s Random Resources for providing materials for this post and organising the tour it is part of. The review is my honest opinion after choosing to read the book.
I would never expect that this was about a serial killer by the cover. This sounds like a fun premise. Nice review.
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