Hello gentle readers. Yes, it is I—K. Perhaps you know me as Mr. K. Maggie Hope’s cat—or, rather, Maggie is my human. And while she may think the K is for “Kitty,” let me assure you, it really stands for “King.”
My Maggie has been very busy of late, going to places named “Paris” and “Scotland.” But she’s home now and I’ve had to put her through her paces once again. Training humans is so difficult! To express my displeasure at being left for so long (even though some very nice people took care of me), I have:
a) Yowled and howled
b) Clawed the furniture
c) Refused to cuddle
d) Peed on the floor
Of course, Maggie still loves me, regardless.
I have to say, though, I am a bit worried about her. Since she’s returned from her adventures, she’s been smoking too much (I know it’s all the rage these days, but it makes me cough), drinking too much (alcohol smells terrible—what are the two-leggers thinking?). And she’s “defusing bombs.” I don’t know exactly what that means, but everyone looks worried when they talk about it. So I don’t like it. Not one bit. Her responsibility is to me, after all. After all, I put the “me” in meow. She needs to get it together for my sake.
To help her, I’ve been catching mice and leaving them at the foot of the humans’ beds. But even this act of charity and generosity goes unappreciated. They scream and run about, then throw them away. I’m just trying to add to the food supply. No gratitude!
That fellow, Detective Durgin, has been around, too—but I’m not convinced he’s the right mate for her. What I really mean is, he’s not overly fond of cats, and is quite stingy with the chin rubs. I’ve put him on probation.
Lest you think I’m a complete martinet, I do my duty of cuddling my human and amusing her. We often play with string, and I think it makes her feel better. And not only do I keep her warm at night, but I’m on nightmare patrol. She wakes up so unhappy sometimes. I know it’s something to do with “the war” and all of that boring talk. If I could give her one piece of advice, it would be to look to the ways of the cat. If she thought and lived like me, her courage would return.
And if she leaves me again, I’m going to pee in her bed. Or worse. . .
Giveaway: Leave a comment below for your chance to win one (1) print copy of The King’s Justice, limited to U.S. residents. Contest ends March 2, 2020. Good luck everyone!
The King’s Justice is the ninth book in the “Maggie Hope” historical mystery series, released February 25, 2020.
Can a stolen violin lead secret agent and spy Maggie Hope to a new serial killer terrorizing London? Find out as the acclaimed World War II mystery series from New York Times bestselling author Susan Elia MacNeal continues.
Maggie Hope started out as Winston Churchill’s secretary, but now she’s a secret agent—and the only one who can figure out how the missing instrument ties into the murders.
London, December 1942. As the Russian army repels German forces from Stalingrad, Maggie Hope takes a much-needed break from spying to defuse bombs in London. But Maggie herself is an explosion waiting to happen. Traumatized by her past, she finds herself living dangerously—taking huge risks, smoking, drinking, and speeding through the city streets on a motorbike. The last thing she wants is to get entangled in another crime.
But when she’s called upon to look into the theft of a Stradivarius, one of the finest violins ever made, Maggie can’t resist. Meanwhile, there’s a serial killer on the loose in London, targeting conscientious objectors. Little does she know that investigating this dangerous predator will pit her against a new evil—and old enemies. Only Maggie can uncover the connection between the robbery, the murders, and a link to her past.
Purchase Link
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About the author
Susan Elia MacNeal is the New York Times, Washington Post, and USA Today bestselling author of the Maggie Hope mystery series. She is the winner of the Barry Award and was shortlisted for the Edgar and several other awards. She lives in Park Slope, Brooklyn, with her husband and son. Photo courtesy of Noel MacNeal.
Visit Susan at susaneliamacneal.com, on Facebook, on Twitter and on Instagram.
All comments are welcomed.
My kid’s best friend, originally from England, is a violist, formerly a violinist. My kid used to play the viola, too. It’d be awesome to win and read this book, then share it with my musicians. Thank you for the chance.
Typically feisty cat interview, as it should be. The protagonist sounds like an interesting woman of danger. Terrific cover too!
Loved Mr. K’s interview, he sounds like quite the character. Book sounds like a great read, adding to my TBR list.
This is already on my TBR list and after reading the description I want to read it even more. Thank you for the chance!
Love my cozies and have not read
This one but it sounds right up my alley so would love to win🤗
An excellent series!
This series is amazing — I love it and can’t wait to read The King’s Justice. Please don’t pee in Maggie’s bed, Mr. K.!
I’ve enjoyed this entire series so far and can’t wait to read this latest book!
An excellent series which is set during my favorite era with a captivating character and wonderful story.
Love the interview with the cat. I can definitely see a cat saying this. I want to read the book and find out more.
An unforgettable series which is a real treasure to enjoy. The compelling novel interests me very much.
Hi Dru Ann. Thanks for sharing insight into Susan MacNeal’s book. I have really gotten into historical cozies and especially ones that take place in England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Your blog is the best.
Hi everyone! Thanks for commenting! I don’t think Mr. K would pee in Maggie’s bed—but she’s been a way a lot and he doesn’t understand, so…. You never know!
Also, thank you to Dru’s for having me! I love Dru’s Book Musings so much!
Thank you Susan!
These books sound like such fun, whether you’re a cat lover or not.
I am enthralled with this amazing series which captures the period and the locale. What a wonderful giveaway. Thanks.
Love this series.
This book is on the top of my TBR pile.
This series sounds good. I will check it out. Thank you for featuring it, Dru Ann.
I love all of Maggie’s adventures..so interesting to see how she grow’s and where life takes her!
I want to say “meh”…. I so want to say “meh”
But I won’t. ‘Cause K didn’t!
🙂
Love to Maggie and Mr K!
Sounds like a great read.
Love the interview with the cat. I love the cover, too. This book looks like a good one to read.
Being a cat lover, I can’t believe I’ve missed this series–I love the cat’s interview–if cats were people they’d speak exactly like that. Looking forward to this and catching up on the others.
I always wanted to read this series. So many series, so little time. Seriously, not enough time to read all the great historical mystery series. Which is my favorite genre. This is the ninth book in the series. If I won, I would read the other 8 books first. This books sounds really exciting. Really need to read these books.
Mr K sounds wonderful, even if he sometimes doesn’t use the litter box.
Thanks for the chance to win the latest Maggie Hope mystery.
I’m so looking forward to reading this–it’s the next book on my list!
This sounds really good! legallyblonde1961@yahoo.com
This is a new to me series – I will definitely be putting it on my TBR list! Thanks for the giveaway! And love to Mr. K!
Love cozies, count me in!
**** WINNER ****
The King’s Justice is Leeza Stetson
Congratulations!