I try not to use this blog to promo my books but I’m really excited about this one and I want to tell you about it since it publishes on Sunday.
As the name would hint at, The Cat of Christmas Past is sort of a takeoff of A Christmas Carol. The plot doesn’t actually follow the plot of A Christmas Carol, but you will see a similarity in the names used and the overall theme. I took a bit of a chance with this book since it does not actually feature a murder and I know there are mystery purists out there who will insist that you have to have a murder.
The book features a miserly old man named Balthazar Pottage who has issued eviction notices to the 12 families living in one of the apartment buildings he owns just weeks before Christmas. Cait makes it her mission to save the apartment building but Balthazar is known for being the meanest, most miserly, man in the area. Getting him to change his mind won’t be easy. In fact, she considers the task to be close to impossible, until a cat named Ebenezer comes calling and Cait knows that she has just received the Christmas miracle she is going to need.
Cait attempts to befriend the man in the hope of talking him into sparing the building, but the man, unfortunately isn’t all that interested in friendship. There is one thing however, that the old man is willing to trade for the apartments. The problem is that the thing that the man wants is most likely impossible to deliver.
This is an excerpt from the book:
“You’re asking me to do this huge thing for the tenants of that building, yet what have any of them ever done for me? What has anyone ever done for me?”
I frowned. “How about if I continue to read to you? I can come back every Monday.”
“I would enjoy that, but we’re talking about more than a hundred thousand dollars,” Pottage pointed out.
I guess the man had a point.
“Although, there is something else you can do for me that might be worth that amount of money.”
I smiled. “What? I’ll do anything.”
“You can help me find out what became of my son.”
I hesitated. Find his son? Was he kidding? He had a serious look on his face, so I had to assume he was serious in making his request.
“You want me to find your son?” I asked. “He’s been missing for a very long time. How am I supposed to find him?”
“I have no idea, but Ebenezer seems to think you’re the one to help us. In fact, he’s quite insistent on it. Will you do it?”
I looked at the cat and hesitated. It did seem that we were linked in some way, and cats had helped me solve mysteries equally as impossible as this in the past. “If I help you figure out what happened to your son you’ll let the tenants stay?”
To find out the answer to that question you will have to read the book.
Now for the giveaway. I am going to give away a Cat of Christmas Past Tote this week. To be entered to win simply comment below. I will pick a winner on Sunday. The winner will be announced my main Facebook page – http://www.facebook.com/kathidaleybooks
I am looking forward to reading this book!!!
I’m so excited about reading “The Cat Of Christmas Past” … Whales and Tails is such a wonderful series. Thank you for your awesome books, Kathi, everything you do for your readers, and this giveaway.
I am excited about The Cat from Christmas Past. A murder is not always necessary for a cozy to be a well written, enjoyable book. You are such a good writer!
I can’t wait to read the latest in the Whales and Tails series.
The Cat of Christmas Past sounds like a wonderful holiday read!
I’m looking forward to reading this.
I’m looking forward to this book!
Thanks Kathi for your giveaway. I love the way you incorporate your bookcovers on your totes and cups. This book caught my attention right away with the cat on the front. Can’t wait to read it. robeader53@yahoo.com
Sounds like this is a perfect Christmas book. I’m anxious to read it.
suefarrell.farrell@gmail.com
I love cats, I love to read, and I love totes! I am looking forward to reading this book it sounds really good. oh did I mention I also really like Christmas stories as well.
I am looking forward to read this book!!
I love your The Car of Christmas Past bag. I look forward to reading the book.
I can’t wait to read this book
This sounds as interesting as solving a murder. I like it!
I think not have a death in a Christmas book is good.This has become my very favorite book series of yours.I remember your trip to Washington and when you said cats I thought no way but I’m hooked..
Sounds very interesting
Sounds like the perfect holiday book..looking forward to reading it…
Kathi
I can’t wait to read this book. The Whales and Tails series is one of my favorites!
I love Christmas and am looking forward to your new book!!
Sounds like a good book and am looking forward to reading it
Sounds wonderful, can’t wait for it to arrive on Sunday.
Congratulations on your newest book!
that teaser is a real tease I can see that The Cat of Christmas Past is a must read.
The bag would be cute. and useful. Congrats on your new book.
OK Kathi….I’m hooked! I need to know what happened! Can’t wait to read this one!
I am so looking forward to reading this ! Don’t know how you have time to do a month long wonderful event then a blog and write books amazing.
Thank you for the wee portion of The Cat of Christmas Past. I WILL be ordering this book next week. I do not always ” need a murder”. A good mystery will do!
I am very much looking forward to this book. I think it will become a holiday tradition to read .
Sounds like a great read. And I love cats. 🙂
This sounds really good… I like the modern play on a classic!
Now this is going to be an interesting puzzle to solve. Will be reading this! Do like the play on my favorite Christmas Carol of all time….
Knowing Cait she will find his son and save the tenants. Thanks for the giveaway opportunity.📖📚📖📚
Holding Sunday free so I can read this story. Can hardly wait.
I always look forward to the next Whales and Tails book. Thanks for the giveaway, Kathi!
I find it refreshing that there is no murder, a mystery is something to be figured out, why it always has to be murder, I don’t know. Thanks for taking the chance and writing this, I can’t wait to read it.
Purrrfect Christmas read and tote! Great gift!!! Need the mug too
I’m so excited to read this Christmas book and absolutely love the tote. Thanks for chance.
Looks like a great read. I’m also looking forward to the next Zoe Donovan book coming out in December
I am so excited. Can’t wait for it to come out. Love your books.
Oh my….I love this. I am one of many who collect tote bags I’m sure. I haven’t read the book yet but its on my TBR list!
What a great spin on an old story. Can’t wait to read it!!!
Love your books and would l I’ve a tote
I am so excited for this book…I preordered today and cannot wait for release day….Okay….I probably can…but getting a spiffy tote to go along with my new purchase would be grand 🙂
Andra, you are the winner of the Cat of Christmas Past tote. Please email me at kathidaley@kathidaley.com and provide a mailing address. Congrats.
Thank You. I have sent you a private email with my coordinates.
can’t wait to read this book. Love the tote too!
This sounds like a wonderful read, in the true spirit of the season.
Can’t wait to read it with some hot chocolate! 🍵
This series is my favorite of the ones Kathi writes, so I am looking forward to this one!
Looking forward to reading this book! Thank you for the contest.
Another one of your entertaining books. Can’t wait to read it and thanks for the chance to win.
I love it! This is the series I’m starting next of yours. Off topic from this book, but I hope you keep writing The Seacliff High series.
I am looking forward to reading this book.