Hi, I’m Quincy. I’m a butterscotch tabby cat and, if I do say so myself, pretty darn cute. I don’t say anything in the Fat Cat books, but I get my points across. Dru Ann wants me to talk to you today, to let the cat out of the bag—get it? Happy to oblige. I’m a helpful sort of guy.
There are two humans who think they are in control of me. One is Charity Oliver. Her business partner, co-owner of the Bar None dessert bar shop in Dinkytown (part of Minneapolis), calls her Charity, but I’ve never heard anyone else call her that. Most people call her Chase. Personally (except I’m not a person—categorically?), I think she’s called Chase because she’s always chasing after me. The employees call her Ms. Oliver. She wants them to call her Chase, but they can’t quite bring themselves to do that. After all, she’s their boss.
The other human is the writer, Janet Cantrell. But, honestly, she doesn’t have much control over anything in my world. I wouldn’t tell her that, but it’s true.
My typical day used to start with yummy din dins in the apartment I share with Chase, above the shop. Lately, however, she pours some dreary substitute for edibles into my bowl. Don’t worry, I sniff disdainfully and walk away. Diet cat food is not something I’ll ever eat. She’ll give in eventually.
When Chase is ready to open the shop, I follow her downstairs and take up my first job, guarding the office. Sometimes Chase spends the morning in there, staring at the lit screen and pushing some clackity keys beneath it. I do what I can to help. I keep her lap warm and push a key every once in awhile. When there are papers to deal with, I swat them onto the floor for her.
I’ll admit, most of my office time is spent sleeping on the job, but don’t tell anyone. This is a cushy job and I’d hate to lose it. I remember being wet, cold, and scared on the beach of Lake Michigan before my litter was rescued. Lately, to tell you the truth, I’m weak from hunger. The sooner everyone realizes that I need sustenance, the better.
I can sometimes count on Anna Larson, Chase’s business partner, to take pity and slip me some dessert bar crumbs. Less often now, after that visit to the veterinarian. Dr. Ramos tried to tell Chase that I’m less than perfect, and more than my ideal weight. I don’t know what she sees in him. Okay, he knows which spot to rub on my head, but really—diet cat food?
One of the best times of my day is after hours in the kitchen. When the office door opens in the evening, that’s my signal to do my second job. I call it counter patrol. I make sure all the crumbs from the day’s baking are taken care of. I’ll tell you though, these really are crumbs, not the good-sized tidbits that Anna gives me. Still, it’s fun helping clean up.
I’ll tell you, though, I have my eye on that back door. I’ve smelled what’s out there. It’s a wondrous wide world, I think. Don’t get me wrong, the smells in here are delightful, but I get whiffs of bird, squirrel, trash bin, and dozens of other delights when that door opens.
Some day, if I time it just right, I know I can get out there and explore. I don’t want to live there—I love living here—I just want to see for myself. I guess I’m curious. (I’m a cat, get it?) I wouldn’t ever get into any trouble, I’d just have a look around. Some day soon!
You can read more about Quincy in Fat Cat At Large, the first book in the new “Fat Cat” mystery series, published by Berkley Prime Crime.
GIVEAWAY: Leave a comment by 6 p.m. eastern on September 5 for the chance to win a print copy of FAT CAT AT LARGE. The giveaway is open to U.S. residents only.
Meet the author
Janet Cantrell is a pen name for Kaye George, Agatha nominated novelist and short story writer. She belongs to Sisters in Crime, Guppies, and Austin Mystery Writers. Her cozy Fat Cat mystery series debuts in September of 2014 with Fat Cat At Large, featuring Quincy, a pudgy, adorable cat who is an accomplished escape artist. Especially when he’s on a diet and hungry. Leave it to Quincy to lead his human, Chase, co-owner of a Minneapolis dessert bar shop, into trouble. Janet lives in Knoxville TN with her husband. Her recently departed feline, Agamemnon, is a source for some of Quincy’s antics.
Cozies with animals, what could be better… 🙂
Cat and cozy mystery….I’m in! Thanks for the giveaway.
another new cozy series!!!
yays!!
thank you for the giveaway!!
So excited about this one. I love cat cozies! I’ve pre-ordered it and should be getting it this week.
I love animal cozies
Aw, love the cover, looks great, thank you
Quincy is so happy to be here today! What better place to be on release day? Thanks, Dru Ann, for hosting us, and thanks to everyone commenting!
I would love to read this book—thanks for the opportunity to win a copy!
This is one of my “MUST-HAVES”, for Sept.!
This cat sounds like a bunch of fun reading.
Quincy sounds like a good cat to have around. I’d love to read about his adventures.
I just want to give Quincy a hug !!
Sounds really good! Thank you!
Love ginger cats, I have two.
As the grandma to a marmalade, long haired fur baby named Ralphie Lee, I am drawn to this book. I am sure the adventures of Quincy will keep me amused as much as Ralphie Lee’s does. Thanks for the chance to win a book.
Another cat cozy mystery series…is definitely as good as dessert! of course, I will have one! Thanks for the giveaway!
I love cats and cozies and had a Fat Cat in my life too.
Animals and cozies; perfect combination as always. Looking forward to a new book and series!
Sounds like a fun cozy.
Quincy sounds delightful! I must say any cat living over a bakery has it made. Imagine the perfume during baking time. It’s probably worth his while in left over butter licks to stay in the bakery and away from the outdoors. Remind Quincy that it’s a jungle out there!
I love the title , and always love cozies with cats !
Quincy, I think you would like to meet my fat cat Malachi. The 2 of you could find all sorts of adventures and trouble and food.
suefarrell.farrell@gmail.com
What a funny post. I have to read this to meet Quincy.
Quincy sounds exactly like I think my cats would talk, this sounds too cute. Thanks for the chance to win.
Quincy,
Sounds like you have the best life a cat could want. Still, I think you should venture outdoors and have a few adventures.
This is great and funny; the book sounds so interesting.
othing better than curling up to read than a cozy with cats
Might as well read about cats as I always have one ‘helping’ me read.
Great post. Quincy is delightful. Want to read more about him, for sure.
Sounds like a fun series.
Would love to read this first in a new series! I love cat Cozies! Thanks for the opportunity!
Cats and cozies…priceless. Thanks for the giveaway.
Quincy is so charming it would be hard to refuse him a tiny tidbit…or two.
“Butterscotch”! So much better than “yellow” or “orange tabby. Wish I’d thought of that description when we had our Autumn — although she tipped a bit toward the “pumpkin” end of the color spectrum!
I love discovering new authors. This one is already on the TBR list and I am looking forward to getting a chance to read it.
I love the pun in the book title.
It would be awesome to read Fat Cat At Large 🙂
Love Pet books! Who wouldn’t? Quincy is a great name too.
I have a fat cat, I could read this book to him.
kaye.killgore@comcast.net
I am so very excited about this cozy! Two of my favorite things wrapped in one book: a cat and a mystery! Plus, the cover rocks!
My kind of story! Thanks for the chance to win.
sounds fun!
This sounds so hilarious and cute…please enter me.
Marilyn (ewatvess@yahoo.com)
Quincy sounds great
I love cats. Can’t wait to read this book.
Oh, dear. Curiosity can be SO not good for cats
Love cats!! Thanks for the chance to win.
Love cats and this so sounds like a fun read. Thanks for the chance to win.
Another good book, would love to read.
I have had many cats over my lifetime and our biggest fat cat was about 30 pounds but he was soooo long and so big he didn’t even look too fat. He sure was heavy but not really fat due to his length. He was our most friendly cat ever and lived with us and then with our daughter as Salem was such a good cat with the grandchildren. He was so loved. (he passed away last year from cancer not from overweight by the way). This is bound to be a fun series.
I have several Kaye George books, so I know ahead of time that I’ll enjoy this series featuring Quincy.
I am so allergic to cats I can hardly be around them, I think that’s why I’m drawn to cats in mysteries. This looks fun.
contest is closed.