And suddenly I'm writing... books with cats

Some people like dogs. Others like horses. I’m definitely a cat person, and we’ve shared the last twenty-odd years with two beautiful boys:

Oscar the Wanderer, who could wake up the street when he wanted to be let in, and who caught mice and other critters like nobody’s business.

And Tiger the Homeboy, who was the quietest cat I’ve ever known when he came to us, but who now purrs and even talks when he sees us, and knows exactly how to make us understand what he wants.

The two never met. Their presence in our lives was separated by 360 catless days. But they both take up large places in our hearts.

Given all that, it’s rather surprising that—until very recently—I hadn’t published a story with a cat in it. This year, I’m making up for it twice over, releasing two books with cats.

First, there’s Mouse Hunt, an English village murder mystery, where a cat holds the clue to the solution. And then, coming on 20th October, there’s A Box of Wishes, a coffeeshop romance with a touch of magic and a cat.

Why the cat stories all of a sudden? I really don’t know. Maybe it’s time. Maybe the Muse felt that we’re all in dire need of the kind of comfort only a furbaby can provide. Or maybe the cats in our lives want their own five minutes of fame and fortune. I really couldn’t say.

What I can do, is tell you about my two (fictional) cats.

Bagpuss

Bagpuss, who features in Mouse Hunt, is a Russian Blue, rescued by former spy Jonathan Briggs. He’s named after the place where Jon found him… asleep in a bag.

When he doesn’t sleep, he keeps Jon company as he writes his memoirs, or he goes next door to count the Koi in Mrs. Ferguson’s pond.

Once Nico and Daniel adopt him, Bagpuss takes full advantages of the amenities in the Flynn/Horwood household.

He dines on roast chicken, cream, and scrambled egg, sleeps on Nico’s pillow, and even has the audacity to grab Jack’s favourite spot on the sofa for himself.

Quite the little survivor.

Morris

Morris, one of the main characters in A Box of Wishes, is a cream tabby, who stayed with Ben when his cheating ex moved out.

Ben thinks he should be grateful that Keith didn’t take Morris when he left, but Morris knows that’s utter hogwash. He wouldn’t leave Ben for the world, even if the man is hard to look after.

Morris does his best to cheer Ben up, and once Ben meets Ryan, and Morris can see how well suited the two are… he makes sure he helps them out.

Maybe. 😉

A Box of Wishes, the second of my books with cats, will be available from my store on 20th October. If you pre-order now, you can also take advantage of a special early bird price.