Sixteen years—sounds like a long time, doesn’t it? But that’s how long it’s been since I’ve seen my Aunt Fran.
I’m Lara Caphart, watercolor artist and cat lover. I was eleven when my folks moved from Whisker Jog, New Hampshire to a suburb of Boston, taking me away from my aunt. For a long, long time, I missed Aunt Fran horribly. And I really missed her cats—she always had at least three adorable felines roaming her Folk Victorian home. The quintessential loving aunt, she cheered me on in my artistic pursuits. Every day after school, I headed to her house. She was a teacher, so she got home from work earlier than my folks did. I couldn’t wait to rush into her fragrant kitchen, where cookies, juice, sketch paper, and colored pencils were soon plopped onto the Formica table for me. I drew pictures to my heart’s content—usually with a cat in my lap—until Dad picked me up after work.
But after we moved, everything changed. For reasons I never understood, Aunt Fran and I became estranged. I wrote her letter after letter, but she never replied. And she didn’t call, either. Didn’t Dad give her our new unlisted number? After a while I stopped asking, but I still missed her like crazy.
Now I’m a real artist, living above an Italian bakery in Boston’s historic North End. Yup. Living the dream, as people say. Truth is, I’m a struggling artist. I work part time in the bakery to help make ends meet. . .and to score free pastries.
I have to admit. . .until a few days ago I was reasonably content. Then I got a call from my childhood bestie, Sherry Bowker. Sherry owns a coffee shop in Whisker Jog with her mom, Daisy. My aunt, she confided, is having serious troubles. Aunt Fran’s knees have gotten so bad she was forced to quit her teaching job. To complicate matters, she’s been taking in rescue cats and is now on overload. A few locals have even dubbed her the “crazy cat lady.” Add to the mix the town bully, who’s been harassing my aunt because he wants to buy her vacant lot. Sounds like one big mess, doesn’t it? I guess that’s why Sherry begged me to intervene.
I want to help my Aunt Fran, honestly, I do—and I definitely want to help with the cats. But will she even want to see me, after all this time? Will she blame me for the falling-out we never really had?
I don’t know the answer to that, but I just knocked on her door. My heart is pumping wildly, and my legs feel like pudding. Even if she answers the door, I’m not sure she’ll invite me in. Maybe you could come along with me. . .you know, for moral support? One thing I can promise—you’ll meet plenty of cats. I only hope I don’t have to deal with that town bully. From Sherry’s description, he sounds dreadful. And I’m not sure why, but I have a sinking feeling he’s going to be one colossal problem. . .
You can read more about Lara and her Aunt Fran in Escape Claws, the first book in the NEW “Cat Lady” mystery series, coming December 26, 2017.
Here, killer, killer, killer . . .
For the first time in sixteen years, Lara Caphart has returned to her hometown of Whisker Jog, New Hampshire. She wants to reconnect with her estranged Aunt Fran, who’s having some difficulty looking after herself-and her eleven cats. Taking care of a clowder of kitties is easy, but keeping Fran from being harassed by local bully Theo Barnes is hard. The wealthy builder has his sights set on Fran’s property, and is determined to make her an offer she doesn’t dare refuse.
Then Lara spots a blue-eyed ragdoll cat that she swears is the reincarnation of her beloved Blue, her childhood pet. Pursuing the feline to the edge of Fran’s yard, she stumbles upon the body of Theo Barnes, clearly a victim of foul play. To get her and Fran off the suspect list, Lara finds herself following the cat’s clues in search of a killer. Is Blue’s ghost really trying to help her solve a murder, or has Lara inhaled too much catnip?
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Giveaway: Leave a comment below for your chance to win a digital copy (Kindle or Nook) of Escape Claws. The giveaway will end December 26, 2017. Good luck everyone!
About the author
Linda Reilly is the author of the Deep Fried Mysteries published by Berkley Prime Crime, and the Cat Lady Mysteries published in e-book format by Kensington Lyrical. A dyed-in-the-wool New Englander, she lives with her husband in southern New Hampshire. You can visit her at lindasreilly.com. She loves to hear from readers!
All comments are welcomed.
Haha LOVE the title The book looks really great I added it to my wish list also
Tweeted Blog Post to Share https://twitter.com/LindaMoffitt02/status/944086290114506752
Thanks so much for the tweet, and good luck in the giveaway!
Thank you, Linda!
The cover is beautiful and draws me in. It sounds intriguing…I wonder what the heck happened? Can’t wait to read it and find out.
Thank you, Barbara! Best of luck ~
I would love to win a kindle copy of this book.
Thank you, Doward…and good luck in the giveaway!
Yippee skippee I am so excited that the awesome Linda Reilly has a new book coming out right after Christmas! I love her books! The cover is so cute! I would love to win a Kindle copy of her new book! Thanks so much for the chance!
Beverly, you are so sweet! Good luck in the giveaway, and hugs to my step-kitties!
Oooh this looks like another great series! and a chance to win it as well – bonus!
Thanks so much, and your dog is adorable! Best of luck ~
I would love to win a copy of this book! I can’t wait to find out what else happens in the story!
Thanks, Carolyn. I wish you luck in the giveaway!
I love starting new series with the first book and this one sounds like a fun read. And about cats! Thanks for the giveaway opportunity.
Thanks, Linda…and good luck in the giveaway!
Happy Holidays Dru Ann. I hope you are ready for Christmas. Thank you for hosting Linda Reilly and her book on your blog. My fingers are crossed I might be the lucky one to win a copy. This cover is very attention grabbing and entices me to want to read.
Thanks so much, Robin…and good luck in the giveaway!
Cute cover, that cat is looking questionably, lol. Thank you for the chance to win a copy.
wfnren at aol dot com
Thanks, Wendy! Best of luck in the giveaway!
I love a good story about a crazy cat lady–looking forward to this one.
Thanks, and good luck in the giveaway! I think you’ll like this particular crazy cat lady!
Now I NEED to know what happens. Thank you for the chance to win.
Then you must read it! Good luck in the giveaway!
This sounds like a great read. Thanks for chance.
Thanks, Estella. Good luck in the giveaway!
Oooo, tantalizing
Thanks, Libby…best of luck!
You have intrigued me. Can’t wait to read the book.
Thanks, Debbie! Best of luck in the giveaway ~
Since I am a “cat” person-this sounds enticing and interesting. Would love a copy!
Linda, this book is custom-made for cat people! Best of luck in the giveaway ~
The first thing I want to know is why Aunt Fran and Lara became estranged.
Mary, you might just win the giveaway! Good luck ~
I really enjoyed the synopsis of the book. Looking forward to reading it.
Thanks, Dianne. Best of luck in the giveaway~
This ne looks really good. Thanks for the chance!
Thanks, Laura! Best of luck ~
Cats and murders — never really got the nexis. Until we got a cat.
Rudy, you gave me a giggle. Good luck in the giveaway!
This book sounds great. I can’t wait to read it. The book cover is great too.
Thanks, Candace. I also love what Kensington did with the cover. Best of luck~
I am looking forward to reading this book ! Great cover
Thank you, and good luck in the giveaway!
This sounds like a good book! I am cat lover so that is an added attraction! Looking forward to this book and author! Thank you for the chance to by this book
Ruthann, this book is perfect for cat lovers! Best of luck!
Looks great…and I love the start of a new series as well as Kindle ebooks
Thank you…Marilyn ewatvess@yahoo.com
Thanks, Marilyn! Best of luck in the giveaway ~
You’ve drawn me in, and I want to know more about Lara and her Aunt Fran…and, of course, the cats. Kayellenf@gmail.com.
Thanks, Kay! Best of luck!
loving the title!!!
thank you for the giveaway!!!
Thank you, Cynthia! Good luck ~
A very good series and captivating cover. So happy to support authors especially those from New England. Hope to read soon. Cynthia
Thanks, Cynthia. I love writing New England cozies!
**** WINNER ****
Escape Claws is Doward Wilson
Congratulations!
Congratulations Doward!