Hello.
My name is “K.” You may call me “Mr. K.” At some point, I expect I shall be Sir K. The “K” is short for “kitty” (but we don’t dwell on that). I prefer to be known by one initial–like C, at MI-5 or Q, at MI-6. Yes, I’m that sort of cat.
My “owner” (how droll, as if a cat could ever be owned), or, rather, my human, is named Maggie Hope. I found her in Scotland a few years ago, when my life was a bit rougher around the edges; I was living outside, had a torn ear, was scrounging for food. We don’t dwell on these days. I’m an orange tabby and I liked the fact Maggie has red hair. (When choosing your human, always make sure they complement your fur.) She took me in and fed me, which—if pressed—I must admit to appreciating.
We then moved to London, where she has a house. It’s a bit drafty in the winter, but there’s usually a radiator I can curl up near. And there’s a back garden where I keep everything safe from cheeky birds and nasty vermin. (They do make for tasty treats, although when I leave these little “presents” at the back door, they are sadly unappreciated by the “two-foots.”)
Speaking of “two-foots,” Maggie has had a rotating cast of roommates — “Chuck” is good for regular meals. “Griff,” her kitten, is young and steps on my tail, not to mention has sticky grabby hands–so I avoid him as best I can. “Sarah” roams, and isn’t always around, but she always smells good and is happy to cuddle. Then there are also “friends” who come by. I do like that “David” — I feel he might be part cat (the ultimate compliment, of course).
Then there are the “boyfriends.” I’m wary of them, of course. I give them a good once-over, let me assure you. The one who’s been coming around most lately, “John,” seems a good sort. He’s been known to sneak me a bit left over from dinner and scratch me under my chin, when encouraged. I do think my Maggie’s been a wee bit lonely and could use a mate. This human seems to be the best option (although I don’t think he’s very good at hunting or birding and has no interest in chasing string). Still, humans all have their quirks and his are pleasantly tolerable.
Now at this point you’re wondering why I’ve taken the time out of my busy schedule of napping. Well it seems that I and everyone I’ve mentioned are in books. In fact, I hear it’s a series of books that is “coming to an end.” The Maggie Hope Mysteries, that is—which really should be titled “The Adventures of Mr. K & Company. Or even “The Adventures of K and Maggie.” Now that has a good ring to it!
At first I was annoyed I wasn’t consulted on this “ending,” but now I’m glad that this pesky “author”— some Yank named “Susan Elia MacNeal,” can you believe—is going to finally leave us in peace. Maggie’s been sent away on far too many missions for my taste. She belongs here, with me. If I hear “there’s a war on” one more time, … but let me repeat—it’s all about me. I put the “me” in “meow” after all.
So, in case anyone’s concerned about the series ending, don’t be. From here on out it’s just going to be Maggie and I, together, with lots of delicious food, stalking in the garden, and napping in patches of sunlight. No mysteries, no murders, no missions, no questionable people to lead her astray. As it should be.
Oh–and a personal note to this “author” about going to write a new stand-alone and new series with all-new adventures with all new characters -good. Have fun.
But, in case you need a leading cat, you know where to find me.
Meh always,
K
The Last Hope, A Maggie Hope Mystery Book #11
Genre: Historical Mystery
Release: May 2024
Format: Print, Digital, Audio
Purchase Link
All will be revealed in this no-holds-barred finale of the New York Times bestselling and Edgar Award–nominated Maggie Hope series as the intrepid spy teams up with fashion designer—and possible double agent—Coco Chanel to bring down the physicist behind Nazi Germany’s nuclear program.
Maggie Hope has come a long way since she was Mr. Churchill’s secretary. In the face of tremendous danger, she’s learned espionage, sabotage, and reconnaissance. But things are different now that she has so much to lose, including the possibility of a family with John Sterling, the man who’s long held her heart.
British Intelligence has ordered Maggie to assassinate Werner Heisenberg, the physicist who may deliver a world-ending fission bomb for Germany. She’s shaken. An assassination is unlike anything she has ever done. How can the Allies even be sure Nazi Germany has a bomb? Determined to gather more information, Maggie travels to Madrid, where Heisenberg is visiting for a lecture.
At the same time, couturier Coco Chanel, a spy in her own right with ambiguous loyalties, has requested a mysterious meeting with the British ambassador in Madrid—and has requested Maggie join them. As the two play a dangerous game of cat and mouse, Maggie tries to get a better understanding of Heisenberg, but is faced with betrayal and a threat more terrifying than losing her own life.
Maggie desperately wants to find her happily-ever-after, but as the war reaches a fever pitch, the stakes keep rising. Now, more than ever, the choices she makes will reverberate around the globe, touching everyone she loves—with fateful implications for the future of the free world.
About the author
Susan Elia MacNeal is the New York Times bestselling author of the Maggie Hope mysteries and Mother Daughter Traitor Spy. MacNeal won the Barry Award and an AudioFile Earphones Award and has been nominated for the Edgar, Macavity, Agatha, Left Coast Crime, Dilys, ITW Thriller, and Nero awards. She lives in Brooklyn, New York, with her husband and son, and is under contract for a new stand-alone novel and new mystery series.