Kitty Steals the Show (Kitty Norville #10)

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Kitty Steals the Show (Kitty Norville #10)

by Carrie Vaughn (Goodreads Author)

3.88 of 5 stars 3.88 · rating details · 1,873 ratings · 232 reviews

Kitty has been tapped as the keynote speaker for the First International Conference on Paranatural Studies, taking place in London. The conference brings together scientists, activists, protestors, and supernatural beings from all over the world—and Kitty, Ben, and Cormac are right in the middle of it.

Master vampires from dozens of cities have also gathered in London for...more

Paperback, 342 pages

Published July 31st 2012 by Tor

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Aug 06, 2012 Diane rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: audiobooks

I couldn't finish this. Kitty has become a boring, annoying, intellectual ; always off on some quest that gets her into trouble. I hate that the focus has left Denver and her werewolf pack. Vaughn pays a little lip-service to the pack at the beginning of this book before Kitty takes off to London, but it's too little, too late with no depth.

I find Cormic and his ghost passenger continuously creepy. It's like he's not even the same guy. Ben is dull as dish-water. I don't know why he lets Kitty l...more

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Sep 13, 2012 Michelle rated it 1 of 5 stars

Shelves: first-reads

Disclaimer: I won this book on Goodreads.com

First let me preface with the fact that I have not ever read anything from the Kitty series nor have I read this author before. Having said that I can understand why my opinion might differ from someone who has read this series already.

The book begins in such a way that I personally found disturbing. It starts with Kitty and her wolf ‘pack’ hunting a deer and describing the kill. It moves on into what the book is about but at this point I’m thrown off....more

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Feb 04, 2013 Ela rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: series, paranormal-romance-urban-fantasy

I was really dissapointed with this book

One part of me would love to give it a five, this is the same part of me that is jumping up and down squealing 'OhMyGosh Kitty is in London! We have to go and see her!' I wasn't crazy about the last one and I hoped this one would be better. At first it seemed to be heading that way: I liked the liked the stress on prejudice and discrimination at the beginning and there was a point when I thought to myself, wouldn't it be good if.... And what do you know? T...more I was really dissapointed with this book

One part of me would love to give it a five, this is the same part of me that is jumping up and down squealing 'OhMyGosh Kitty is in London! We have to go and see her!' I wasn't crazy about the last one and I hoped this one would be better. At first it seemed to be heading that way: I liked the liked the stress on prejudice and discrimination at the beginning and there was a point when I thought to myself, wouldn't it be good if.... And what do you know? That 'if' walked right into the room!

However here is the problem, Carrie Vaughn had a conference FULL of supernaturals and what did she do with them? Pretty much bugger all as far as I could see! I mean come on, weres aren't exactly known for their ability to keep their tempers, I understand the importance that the conference was seen as peaceful and calm, but paranormal activity has a distinct history of managing to stage whole wars while forcing out smiles for the cameras. All I wanted was a bit more DRAMA! I also felt that the whole thing with Professor Flemming just kind of, finished...no big showdown, or anything.
The ending was also a little depressing, I wanted Kitty to do something amazing with her key note speech, but it seemed to lack significance.

Here is a Serious Issue though. I can deal with most the things Carrie Vaughn throws at me but I cannot deal with losing 'the Midnight Hour', it was barely in this one and Kitty is not Kitty, without her light, fluffy, ridiculous conversations on her show. I just don't like the direction that this series seems to be heading in, hopefully the next one will go back to the Kitty I know and love, however if Kitty loses her listeners I don't know what I will do...

Another major problem I'm beginning to develop with this series is how unimportant the supporting characters are. WE are on book 10 now and Ben and Cormac seemed less important than ever, they just spent the entire thing following Kitty around.

All in all this book has made me stop listing Kitty Norville as one of my favourite Urban Fantasy series.(less)

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Nov 18, 2012 Steph rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: author-웃, series-ongoing, sos-games-bsb-r6, 12x12in2012, 2012

Kitty Steals the Show takes us to London with Kitty, Ben & Cormac for the First International Conference on Paranatural Studies. Kitty's initial reactions to London reminded me of Bill Murray in 'The Man Who Knew Too Little' when he's at the customs desk listing all the things he wants to see and do while he's there. Kitty doesn't get to do much sightseeing, instead she's busy doing what she does best. She has an innate ability to talk her way out of just about any situation. Now, she wants...more

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Mar 29, 2013 Kathy Davie rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: urban-fantasy

Tenth in the Kitty Norville urban fantasy series about a werewolf radio show hostess in Denver. This adventure finds Kitty in London.

My Take
Well, Kitty's happy. She's finally encountered a vampire who spills the secrets of ages past.

The conference is meant to foster communication and the keynote speech Kitty makes is all about communication as well as war. A dangerous message with tremendous repercussions in events that occur after the conference.

While the conference makes for an excellent excus...more

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Mar 29, 2013 Jon Allingham rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I find this one somewhat hard to rate - I enjoyed the story because I enjoy the series. The story does a lot of stage setting though. Technically I should give it 4 * because I did enjoy reading it, but not as much as some of the others.

Consistent with Kitty's role as a talk show host the first 50% of the book is all talk. The 2nd 50% is mostly talk. While this has never really been an action series, what was missing for me was a defining incident or culmination in the book. There are several ve...more

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Mar 09, 2013 David rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fiction

This book leaves you thinking WTF... where's the action. It falls FAR short of the nail biting suspense in most of the other books. It could have been condensed into 2 chapters without losing much meat. It can be summarized as follows: Kitty goes to London, meets some old friends, makes some new friends and enemies, has a couple of minor skirmishes, delivers a "wet noodle" keynote which is unpopular and ruffles some feathers, Kitty goes home.

The popular Cormac is mostly absent, spending his tim...more

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Dec 24, 2012 Sharon Redfern rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I listened to the Audio version of this book.
Carrie Vaughn returns with book 10 in her Kitty Norville series. Kitty, a werewolf DJ, is heading to London to give the keynote at a conference on Paranormal Studies. With her husband Ben, and friend Cormac, Kitty becomes involved in a deadly vampire power struggle that puts them all at risk. Tension between human protesters and the conference participants also causes trouble for Kitty. The old world setting allows for ancient vampires and references...more

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Dec 06, 2012 Rosezetta rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: what-the-hell

WTFH! I like my werewolves, especially alpha wolves, I dunno to actually be an ALPHA! This is my first time reading a Kitty book, and I will not be continuing reading any of the books in this series. A alpha wolf who couldn't even make her mate let her go, seriously! The only thing she could do was stare down an alpha of another pack, and even then she wanted to submit to him. The way she tried to protect everyone spoke of mothering more than alpha. Let's not forget the one and only fight she wa...more

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Nov 08, 2012 Vanessa rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: urban-fantasy

In Carrie Vaughn's last Kitty Norville book, KITTY'S BIG TROUBLE, she raises the stakes (ahem, no pun intended) regarding Kitty's dealings with the vampire Roman. In the next installment KITTY STEALS THE SHOW, we come to understand that his plans are big and his reach is even bigger.

Kitty has been invited to be a keynote speaker at the first ever Paranormal Conference in London. Scientists, lawyers, doctors, and paranormals themselves are not only presenters but attending the historic conference...more In Carrie Vaughn's last Kitty Norville book, KITTY'S BIG TROUBLE, she raises the stakes (ahem, no pun intended) regarding Kitty's dealings with the vampire Roman. In the next installment KITTY STEALS THE SHOW, we come to understand that his plans are big and his reach is even bigger.

Kitty has been invited to be a keynote speaker at the first ever Paranormal Conference in London. Scientists, lawyers, doctors, and paranormals themselves are not only presenters but attending the historic conference. Well, and a group of protesters, too. Of course.

Her vampire ally Alette sends her to stay with a friend, Ned. Despite the unassuming name, he is the master vamp in London, and he's got his fingers in everything from the cops to Parliament. Fortunately he's the good guy. While there, Kitty meets Caleb, the Alpha for the entire British Isles, a concept she'd never before conceived: a werewolf pack that extends beyond city borders, working with each other in solidarity.

But in true Kitty fashion, her mouth gets her into all sorts of trouble, and it's just so much fun to see the fireworks. Unfortunately, the fireworks are flammable and dangerous and when she confronts the master vampires in town for the conference, she stirs things up a little too much.

Vaughn has done great with the progression of our three main characters: Kitty, Ben, and Cormac. Their evolution is engaging, and I particularly enjoy their interactions with each other. There is trust, love, and camaraderie that only comes from true friendship. Kitty still struggles with the limitations her life as a werewolf has dealt her, but she's determined to make the lives of other werewolves more livable, even at a danger to herself. It's easy to admire her and see how far she's come in the series. After Cormac's strange reveal of what went on in prison in KITTY GOES TO WAR, we got to read Vaughn's explanation in KITTY'S GREATEST HITS, so the extra from that storyline which we get in STEALS is only more cool. And Ben only gets better (who knew he'd be such great husband material?).

She's also done well building Kitty's world of magic and the paranormal. It's not as detailed as the heavier fare out there, but despite that every book adds a little more interest and we get to see some clever stuff added to the story as a result.

Some of Vaugn's previous novels have been disjointed, but STEALS flows well and quickly, with each event building on the other, leading to an exciting conclusion--with a promise for an even more exciting next installment. Even if you haven't read the previous novels, KITTY STEALS THE SHOW is still worth reading. Sure it's a fluffy good-fun series, but it's one of the best fluffy good-fun series out there.

Recommended Age: 15+
Language: Less than a handful
Violence: Some deaths and blood, but not much gore or detail
Sex: Referenced only(less)

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Sep 02, 2012 Berni rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

America's favorite werewolf, Kitty Norville, is back in KITTY STEALS THE SHOW. This time she's in Britain, a featured guest at a conference on the paranormal and its denizens. She is accompanied by her husband Ben (a lawyer and a werewolf) and Cormac, who is in turn accompanied by Amelia, the ghost he shares head space with. Kitty is to be a keynote speaker at the conference and is foot-dragging over writing her address. When she does, it turns out to be an eye-opener for some people.

This is a d...more

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Aug 10, 2012 Pointsandwheels rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fiction, paranormal

I have been looking forward to the new Kitty book, and this did not disappoint. It's not a good stat for the new reader, as every page in the first few chapter calls back to something in the previous seven books. But the plot and the metaplot are picking up speed here, and it shows. Vaughn (like Naomi Novik) is very good as packing a lot of plot and characterization into a very short book, and that actually shows to great effect here. It's a breathless read, and when I put it down, I couldn't qu...more

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Aug 07, 2012 Teresa rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Kitty Steals the Show picks up were Kitty’s Big Trouble ended. Kitty’s heading to London for a Scientific Paranormal Conference with Ben and Cormac in toe. During their trip over to London they make a pit stop in Washington D.C. to see an old friend, Alette. It was great seeing her again even if it was for a few paragraphs. Alette, however it’s not the only old friend or foe that we see throughout the story, from Washington D.C. and Denver.

Kitty as normal thinks her trip is going to be trouble f...more Kitty Steals the Show picks up were Kitty’s Big Trouble ended. Kitty’s heading to London for a Scientific Paranormal Conference with Ben and Cormac in toe. During their trip over to London they make a pit stop in Washington D.C. to see an old friend, Alette. It was great seeing her again even if it was for a few paragraphs. Alette, however it’s not the only old friend or foe that we see throughout the story, from Washington D.C. and Denver.

Kitty as normal thinks her trip is going to be trouble free or I should say she hopes. Per usual this hope is not going to last. As if we’d be happy if it did. Kitty is a guest (keynote speaker) at the conference, yet she has a hard time compiling her speech, and what a speech it turned out to be. When Kitty and her companions land in London they are met by Emma, Alette’s however great daughter. She’s in London learning to be a vamp from one of Alette’s close friends and Master Vamp of London.

London, due to the conference, is filled with Paranormal creatures and protesters. So what could go wrong in the historic town? Lots.

Once Kitty, Ben and Cormac are settled they go out on their adventures. Kitty and Ben go to the conference, while Cormac ventures around London for his, body sharing spirit, Emilia. With Cormac off with Emilia, Kitty and Ben split up and check out the seminars they’re interested in. While at the conference a former flame of Kitty’s is about. Lois, the Brazilian were-tiger from D.C., had come to the conference with his sister. Lois still has a thing for Kitty and he flirts openly with her in front of Ben. Kitty and Ben also run into Dr. Shumacher and Joseph Tyler, werewolf and former US Army special forces.

Ben and Kitty also get invited to the vamp party were things get interesting even in a “free zone”. With the Conference in London, the Master Vamp, Ned, has said London is a no fight zone for the duration of the conference. Again things don’t go as plan; enter one longtime foe Mercedes Cook. Yes, she’s back and up to her old tricks and this time she has more backup. She has both vampires with their werewolf cronies and a human. Can you guess what human is working with Ms. Cook? Enter our even older foe, a human and scientist, Dr. Flemming. That’s right the man that kidnapped Kitty, locked her in a silver cage on the full moon and recorded her change on national T.V. (this happened during Kitty Goes to Washington).

It’s not so surprising that London didn’t remain a neutral zone, because as always Kitty can’t keep her mouth closed, around vamps or were’s. The end result Kitty rocked the boat and put the buzz out on Roman, so that everyone knows about the long game and those not aligned with him could be on the lookout and know their allies. War is coming and Kitty is making more friends, both vamp and were, and foes. She as always is shaking up the Paranormal world as she breaks the silence.(less)

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Aug 02, 2012 Melissa added it · review of another edition

For the most part, I'm a library girl, especially now that you can get Kindle books from the public library. But I do have a small list of authors - mostly their books in a series - that just immediately earn an Instant Buy from me. Vaughn's Kitty Norville series is one of these. I like the Kitty books because they're refreshingly...well, cheerful isn't the right word, but so often urban fantasies are all doom and darkness and sarcasm. Kitty Norville is a basically upbeat person, a talk radio ho...more

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Jul 26, 2012 Amy Jacobs rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: books-i-own

I admit that I have this entire series sitting on my shelf and have yet to read them. I have been dying to read them from book one, but when I was sent this book for review I decided to read it first. I will say that you should start from the beginning of this series because I feel like some things went over my head and characters that were referenced had no impact for me. If I had read from the beginning I think I would understand the world better and who was who before getting halfway through...more

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Jul 25, 2012 Stephanie rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

KITTY STEALS THE SHOW A Turning Point for Kitty
ARC GIVEAWAY 7/25 7/28/2012

KITTY STEALS THE SHOW
Carrie Vaughn
Tor, A Macmillan Imprint, July 31, 2012
Available as Mass Market Paperback (352 pages) and in E-Book formats.

Disclosure: ARC sent by publisher for a specific review date. No remuneration exchanged and except as noted all opinions herein are my own.
Amazon links follow the review.

Kitty has been tapped as the keynote speaker for the First International Conference on Paranatural Studies, takin...more

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Sep 09, 2012 Shiloh (SnarkyWriter) rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy

As the normal world has become aware of and interested in the paranormal, scientists and other academics from around the world gather in London for a conference to discuss their knowledge of these new species. Unfortunately, not everyone in the world thinks that vampires, werewolves, elves, and other paranormal creatures are friendly, or even non-threatening. Kitty, as a leader of the paranormal awareness movement, has been asked to give the keynote speech at the conference, but London is far mo...more

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Aug 19, 2012 Vivisection rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: supernatural-mysteries, urban-fantasy

Aside from the fact that this series features a werewolf named Kitty, my favorite part of each novel has always been the research. Kitty's show The Midnight Hour is always a fresh discussion of supernatural topics. I like the way Vaughn always weaves contemporary topics--what does it mean to be human, American, equal rights-- into discussions about the supernatural. The topics and narrative are all fictitious yet they read flawlessly, as though the show were in fact, a true broadcast on NPR. The...more

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Aug 04, 2012 Kristen rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: wolves, romance, paranormal, vamps, shapeshifters, urban-fantasy

GENRE: Urban Fantasy
THEME: Vampires/Werwolves
RECEIVED: Received for review from Tor
BLOG: http://seeingnight.blogspot.com/

REVIEW:
I’ve been a fan of Kitty for a long time; this series was my first in Urban Fantasy and the one that really got me hooked into the genre. This book feels like a new beginning for Kitty, a lot happens that I think will have a big impact in Kitty’s life for future books to come.

Kitty, Ben and Cormac have left Denver and have set foot in London for the International Con...more GENRE: Urban Fantasy
THEME: Vampires/Werwolves
RECEIVED: Received for review from Tor
BLOG: http://seeingnight.blogspot.com/

REVIEW:
I’ve been a fan of Kitty for a long time; this series was my first in Urban Fantasy and the one that really got me hooked into the genre. This book feels like a new beginning for Kitty, a lot happens that I think will have a big impact in Kitty’s life for future books to come.

Kitty, Ben and Cormac have left Denver and have set foot in London for the International Conference on Paranatural Studies. Kitty is set to give the keynote speech but it seems that the Master Vampire Roman has stirred things up in London and Kitty becomes involved. A war is coming and she works together with the Master Vampire in London and the Alpha to stop Romans followers from reeking havoc during the conference.

Kitty gets herself into some interesting predicaments, especially with the vampires. She also seems to have caught a name for herself amongst them, as the Queen of the Wolves, which she doesn’t fully get. As always I enjoy her spunk and the way she always protect her friends. She even befriends some master vampires and gets to learn about the major differences of the vampires in Europe compared to the US. I feel even though she’s not much of a fighter, her words seem to make others think and grasp the bigger picture on what dangers are really out there.

Ben and Cormac are always by Kitty’s side and her major supporters and protectors. Though Cormac takes some side adventures for his companion Amelia whom we get some background on since London is where her family is. I kind of miss the old Cormac but I like what Amelia has brought out in him. Ben is definitely the person who keeps Kitty grounded and every scene with them together I always enjoy. I know some feel Kitty found her mate a little fast but I love these two together. There does come some moments where an old flame from her past flirts like crazy with her, jealousy from Ben happens but it shows his love for her.

Overall I really enjoyed the change of scenery in London and meeting all the new vampires and the Alpha of London was fantastic. I like how much respect Caleb (Alpha) and Ned the Master of London had from all of their followers and allies. It was interesting to watch Kitty learn from them and see into their world. The conference was also a highlight, Kitty has her keynote speech at the end of the book that I really enjoyed and think will bring major changes to Kitty’s world. Plus the baddies from the past are always entertaining and make Kitty’s life tough but it seems just to make her stronger in the end.

If you enjoy fast paced stories, lots of supernatural characters and a lead female character who gets herself into sticky situations, then this series is a must read.

RECOMMENDATION:
This is an urban fantasy series and number ten in the series, I recommend to read the first books to get to know these great characters. Fans of Laurell K. Hamilton and Kim Harrison will love world of Kitty Norville by Carrie Vaughn.
(less)

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Aug 02, 2012 Fala19 rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: paranormal, vampires, urban-fantasy, weres

4.5 Stars

I always look forward to when a new Kitty Norville book comes out. This series is so much fun and Kitty Steals the Show is no different. I think this is the best book in the series since Kitty and the Silver Bullet.

It was really fun to see Kitty, Cormac and Ben out of their element, in London. Kitty was still her ever curious and inquisitive self, still always asking the questions she knew would get her into trouble, especially with the vampires. It was really great to find characters t...more

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Aug 08, 2012 Melissa rated it 4 of 5 stars

As you know I've been catching up on my series reading. Unfortunately, the library didn't catch up as fast as I wanted so I have had to mix it up a bit and go with #10 when I should have been reading #8. However, it didn't matter I never got lost and I really enjoyed my time with Kitty and the gang. So, while I wasn't lost, it really is more enjoyable to read these in order. You really get the feel of the characters growth that way. Yes, I did say read in order... don't faint on me. ;)

In this bo...more

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Sep 07, 2012 Mel rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: werewolves, london, vampires, urban-fantasy

Kitty comes to London! I was very excited when I heard that one of my favourite werewolves was going to cross the pond and visit my home town. Even better she was bringing Cormac and Ben with her as she headed for an international conference on all thing supernatural. Unfortunately as well as some old and new friends, Kitty also runs into some enemies...

Kitty is a loud-mouth talker, not a fighter. She has changed so much since the start of this series but her first instinct is to try and talk he...more

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Sep 01, 2012 Stacy rated it 3 of 5 stars

Kitty, Ben, and Cormac/Amelia head to London to participate in the first international paranormal conference. As usual, Kitty finds herself embroiled in both vampire and werewolf power plays as their battle against Roman and his Long Game continues. The book is solid, but not overwhelmingly exciting.

I can't remember if I've said this before, but I'm not fond of this Cormac/Amelia storyline. I love Cormac, and as much as I like Ben, I've never been able to really get behind Ben and Kitty because...more

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Apr 10, 2013 Jen rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: reviewed-books

This is the tenth Kitty Norville book, and is definitely not the place to start if you haven't read any of the previous books. So much of what happens in this book depends on the events of previous books that anyone who hasn't read the previous books is going to be hopelessly at sea.

Other reviewers have commented on the lack of a really effective 'bad guy', or even a problem to solve. I agree. The 'bad guy' for this book could have been omitted entirely without damaging the story - and, in fact,...more This is the tenth Kitty Norville book, and is definitely not the place to start if you haven't read any of the previous books. So much of what happens in this book depends on the events of previous books that anyone who hasn't read the previous books is going to be hopelessly at sea.

Other reviewers have commented on the lack of a really effective 'bad guy', or even a problem to solve. I agree. The 'bad guy' for this book could have been omitted entirely without damaging the story - and, in fact, I think it would have been a better book if he had been cut. Most of the book was about the long-running series events, and the bad guy du jour simply wasn't convincing, or bad enough, to be really effective. The bits with him in felt more like interruptions to the plot than the allegedly major action.

We get a bit of Kitty's reaction to London - I liked those bits; she's a first-time traveller outside her own country, and that country is a young one. First time abroad, first time in a city with so much history. Others have commented that there wasn't enough London-specific scene-setting, to make it clear that Kitty was in London rather than some other city, but I didn't feel the lack. To be fair, in most books cities come across as pretty generic unless the action is centred around a famous monument - and there's only so many ways you can do that without being contrived. Besides, it's supposed to be urban fantasy; if you want a detailed description of London, buy a Lonely Planet guide. (However, American authors please note: British people do not talk about 'blocks'! Most of our cities - as Kitty notes - are not planned on the grid system, so we do not use the 'block' as a unit of distance because it doesn't make sense. We use metres or yards, or say things like "Turn right half a mile before you get to the cinema that was burned down three years ago.")

Character-wise, we see more of Cormac. I think Vaughn is setting up something special with him and his ghostly passenger; this is a good thing, because Cormac - no longer the gunslinger he was - is a bit a of fifth wheel at the moment. He needs a new role, and Cormac's bits indicate that Vaughn is going to give him (them?) one.

One thing I like about Kitty is that she is not like practically every other urban fantasy heroine. She is not some badass ass-kicker who can knock seven bells out of anyone who gets across her, without smudging her makeup. She's an ordinary woman caught in big events, doing her best to do right by the people who depend on her. She's got real courage - the kind of courage that means you don't back down from what you know to be right, even when you're scared. She's going up against beings that could rip her apart, and pretty much all she's got is a good line in fast talking and the ability to fake it really well. She'll fight, but only as a last resort. She might not be the kind of larger-than-life, flashy heroine we're used to, but she's very human.

Ben, her husband, is the kind of quiet, supportive partner that it's realistic for Kitty to have. Kitty's the more outgoing of the pair, but she'd be squashed by someone more 'rough and tough'. This series isn't about sex and lust and emotional upheaval, so if you're looking for bodice-ripper/chicklit disguised as urban fantasy, this is not the series for you. Kitty and Ben have a loving, stable relationship that sustains them for, not distracts them from, what they have to do.

All in all, this book has the feel of a book that is setting up something bigger further down the line.

On the bad side, this meant that there wasn't much in the way of suspense - it was mostly jockeying for position in the series events - and the villain du jour was a bit of a failure.

On the good side, it was an entertaining read, and Vaughn has moved some characters to where they need to be for the events of future books.(less)

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Sep 22, 2012 Sile Enis rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This book was great. Vaughn's writing is clean and descriptive and Kitty's voice is still spot on and as snarky as ever. It was great to run into some old friends and to finish up with a few old enemies. The new characters were great, especially the Master of London and the Parker family.

I also really enjoyed the further exploration of what happens when the supernatural world meets the regular world and the various ways people might deal with it. If you are aware of current events the actions a...more

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Aug 17, 2012 Jess rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: urban-fantasy

Review posted: Happily Ever After - Reads
Blog rating: 3.5/5

Kitty always seems to stir stuff up, no matter if she’s in Denver or in London where Kitty Steals the Show takes place. Kitty is there to attend the First International Conference on Paranatural Studies. She loves asking questions so the chance to be at this conference where she can learn and ask until her heart’s content has her eager to get things going. What she might not have expected was how in the middle of Roman’s “Long Game” she...more Review posted: Happily Ever After - Reads
Blog rating: 3.5/5

Kitty always seems to stir stuff up, no matter if she’s in Denver or in London where Kitty Steals the Show takes place. Kitty is there to attend the First International Conference on Paranatural Studies. She loves asking questions so the chance to be at this conference where she can learn and ask until her heart’s content has her eager to get things going. What she might not have expected was how in the middle of Roman’s “Long Game” she would end up being. The Long Game is led by vampire Roman, who basically wants to gather all the power he can, period. It’s a fight between vampires that’s been building for years and is now finally coming to a head spilling over into other supernatural beings, weres specifically. Kitty finds herself in the middle of it, as she meets with Master vampires from around the world, some against Roman, some with him, but no one is for sure who’s side everyone is on.

Kitty, Ben and Cormac are all in London and one of Kitty’s dreams come true: a vampire answers her when she asks him his age. For me, that is moment a completely Kitty moment. Throughout the series, we’ve followed her and her life as a DJ, a werewolf, a wife, a woman who longs to be a mother but can never have kids and an alpha. That small moment with Kitty asking her questions is always charming and makes her more human than werewolf.

As a keynote speaker at the conference, Kitty has her hands full with thinking about her speech, but also with all the new characters she comes across. She makes friends and enemies with various master vampires, she gets to know the local alpha, she runs across fairies, a past lover and even a few old human enemies. Crazy follows Kitty everywhere. The action is very subtle in this story. There’s not a lot of bloodshed, a few people do die at the hands of the Long Game players, but overall it’s a story that really sets into motion this Game that, as a reader, I need to see actually happen, soon. If the ending, and Kitty’s keynote speech is any indication, she shakes up the hornet’s nest and it’ll be interesting to see who lands on what side when the dust settles and alliances are formed.

One thing that continues to draw me to this series is the relationship between Kitty and Ben. I will mention this in every review I write for a book in this series because I love their dynamic. It’s rare to have an urban fantasy series that introduces a lead couple, and *gasp* keeps them together, happily. Maybe people will think it’s boring, or doesn’t add to the series, but I disagree completely. I love seeing Kitty and Ben strong and together throughout the series and the strength they draw from each other becomes more and more important, especially as Kitty keeps finding herself in the middle of tricky situations.

I can’t say that this was a favorite book of mine in the series, it lacks strong action but the story isn’t meant to be packed with it. It’s a long set up, kicking into gear events that have made the Long Game something that’s now taking place in the present and not a war that’s out there on the horizon. It’s here, Kitty and her crew are in the middle of it and I can’t wait to see how it all plays out. (less)

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Aug 13, 2012 Kristin (MyBookishWays Reviews) rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

You may also read my review here: http://www.mybookishways.com/2012/08/...

My favorite werewolf with the unlikely name is going to London to give the keynote address for the First International Conference on Paranatural Studies, and when Kitty, Ben, and Cormac arrive, they meet Ned, the London Master, at his beautiful home. Ned is open and inviting, and doesn’t mind sharing info with Kitty. Of course Kitty takes the opportunity to grill him on his age and quickly figures out who he really is. I’m...more You may also read my review here: http://www.mybookishways.com/2012/08/...

My favorite werewolf with the unlikely name is going to London to give the keynote address for the First International Conference on Paranatural Studies, and when Kitty, Ben, and Cormac arrive, they meet Ned, the London Master, at his beautiful home. Ned is open and inviting, and doesn’t mind sharing info with Kitty. Of course Kitty takes the opportunity to grill him on his age and quickly figures out who he really is. I’m not going to give it away, because it’s really cool, but you’ll love it, promise. As time ticks down to Kitty’s Keynote speech, and protestors gather, Kitty realizes that things may not be as peaceful as she hoped. Also, it seems that vampires are gathering, seemingly with the motive of ousting Ned from his position as London Master, and war just may be on the horizon.

The Kitty Norville series continues to be one of my favorites, and Kitty Steals the Show is an enlightening, exciting, and rather poignant addition. As Kitty gets to know the delightful Ned, and also gets to check on the newly turned Emma, who Ned has taken under his wing, she also realizes that something is afoot in London, and it could threaten the entire paranatural community. Horrified at the treatment of werewolves at the hands of certain Master vampires, Kitty finds herself a crusader for their independence. I always love hanging out with Kitty, Ben, and Cormac, and it was fun catching up with old friends, and also meeting new ones, including a couple of very mischievous faeries. Kitty has come such a long way since the first book. She’s gone from a victim to a strong, capable, compassionate woman…and kick-ass werewolf. She’s still as nosy as ever, but that’s one of my favorite things about her, and I love how she sometimes finds it hard to reign in her inquisitive nature, even if it might get her in trouble. She and Ben are as solid as ever, and Cormac seems to be softening up just a bit, especially after finding out that Amelia, the ghost that haunts him, has family in England, and meets them for the first time. I admit I might have gotten a little teary with this one at one point, and was sorry to see it end. I’m very much looking forward to what’s next in store for Kitty, and her friends!(less)

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Oct 23, 2012 Lena Loneson rated it 4 of 5 stars

I love Carrie Vaughn's Kitty books. I normally don't last this long in a series. I love origin stories, and getting to know a world with a new heroine, but after the first few books, I often get bored. So many paranormals get bogged down in a love triangle, or a heroine who doesn't grow as a person (or, uh, werewolf). That hasn't happened yet with Kitty, and I'm not sure it ever will.

Vaughn's voice is still fresh to me, and I love her sense of humour. As an academic librarian by day, the confer...more

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Sep 28, 2012 Sonja Isaacson rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: fiction

I had been warned that this book didn't have a lot in the way of action, but a lot of "talk". True. Yes there are exciting moments but for the most part she's just trying to figure out what to do for the present and near-future. This book is really about setting up for a war between types of supes and supes and non-supes. I assume it to be more of the hand-to-hand type of war than the nuclear type.

I think the books may become more complicated as alliances are attempted and characters may be hop...more

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Sep 27, 2012 Anna rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: paranormal

I like Kitty, but I was disappointed with this book. On paper it should have been good: London, some historical characters, a focus on Kitty, Ben, Cormac, a new werewolf pack, baddies and a conspiracy theory. Sadly, it didn't really work: the characters were flat and underdeveloped, the London setting lacked conviction and suspense, Kitty lacked humour, and the mood was flat. Perhaps Vaughn was out of her comfort zone in the UK or perhaps it was rushed; sadly, for me, this one just didn't go any...more

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About Carrie Vaughn

Vaughn was born into a military family and has lived all over the U.S. She received a BA from Occidental College, after which she went on to work too many jobs to count until she went back to school to receive her MA from University of Colorado at Boulder. She currently lives in Boulder, CO.

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Books by Carrie Vaughn

Kitty and the Midnight Hour (Kitty Norville, #1)

Kitty and the Silver Bullet (Kitty Norville, #4)

Kitty Goes to Washington (Kitty Norville, #2)

Kitty Takes a Holiday (Kitty Norville, #3)

Kitty's House of Horrors (Kitty Norville, #7)

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Quotes from Kitty Steals the Show

“Don't underestimate her ability to talk, it's her superpower.” — 4 people liked it

“Humans - a renewable resource.” — 1 person liked it

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Kitty Steals the Show (Kitty Norville #10)

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