Waifs and Strays

The Cat Lady Chronicles #1

by Helen Harper

Nobody is just a cat lady.

Kit McCafferty's life is quiet, unremarkable and filled with cat hair. In the magical city of Coldstream, located on the border between Scotland and England, Kit is viewed as little more than mildly eccentric and mostly harmless. She passes her days caring for her family of five cats, feeding the local feral moggies, and maintaining relatively good relations with her neighbours.

All that changes, however, when a teenage werewolf shows up at her door in the desperate hope of renting out a nearby vacant flat. Kit knows that the smart move is to tell him to leave. The last thing she needs is to become embroiled in complicated shapeshifter politics. But something about the secretive young werewolf tugs at her heartstrings.

It's not long before Kit ends up caught in a maelstrom of mysterious crime and magical wrong-doing. Fortunately, there's far more to Kit McCafferty than meets the eye and she has a few dark secrets of her own.

Of course, anyone with an ounce of intelligence knows that you underestimate a cat lady at your own peril.

Waifs and Strays is the first book in a new urban fantasy crime series. Expect mystery, magic and adventure with a heroine who will keep you turning pages late into the night. There will also be a lot of cats.

Genres: Urban Fantasy, Fantasy, Paranormal, Magic, Shapeshifters, Mystery, Vampires

300 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 10, 2025

Reviews

[G_occasionally_reads (a lifetime behind) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I went in with no expectations at all, and I’m leaving feeling pleasantly surprised. I can’t wait for more 🧁

May I interest you in:
🐈‍⬛ a super dab a$$ cat lady who is much more than she looks
🐈 a lone wolf in danger / more lone wolves in danger
🐈‍⬛ a mysterious kidnapping
🐈 more wolves and shapeshifters
🐈‍⬛ but MOSTLY cats


🐈‍⬛ but MOSTLY cats


🐈‍⬛ but MOSTLY cats

[Noi (in & out) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was fun and well-written. I'd be interested in how the story will go in book 2

[Becca · Rating 5 out of 5]

this was a lot of fun reading if you love cats you should love it.
you have cats you have vampires trolls demons that I say cats? werewolves in so many other types of paranormal beings this was a very fun read.
get your coffee find your free and curl up in a great spot and enjoy it with your cat that's what I did. ,

[Emmalynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Helen Harper is another of my favorite and this debut book in a new series was a wonderful start. Even better it was a middle aged protagonist, Kit, with a lot of Cat, hence the cat lady. Kit is a former assassin, now retired, and rescuing cats in her neighborhood. When she takes in a teenage werewolf, who is then kidnapped, Kit and a new friend, Thane, race to discover who/what is behind the kidnapping before it’s too late. The book is not too fast paced but it’s classically filled with humor and snark. There’s a twist at the end that was shocking so it’s going to be great for the rest of the series.

[Ami · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the fifth series by Helen Harper that I read - she has become a favorite in this genre - and I enjoyed it as well! As the first book, it laid the foundation of the universe.

Kit is a cat lady - who is also more than who she seems. She's actually an ex-assassin and also a cath sith; basically a human that can change into cat, and she can "absorb" the strength of different cat whose hair she ate). At first, her days are good and lovely, doing daily tasks, taking care of cats, until a teenage lone werewolf comes and asks her if he can rent her place. Then the teenage werewolf gets abducted.

I really liked Kit - I loved how levelheaded she was. Also her power was cool! Combination of her own skills as assassin and the "magic" as cat-sith. I also liked that she was slightly older than other female characters from Harper's series that I previously read.

In this book, Kit joined forces with another experienced lone-wolf, Thane Barrow (who had a backstory of his own). I thought this added a "delicious" dynamic too because it seemed that Thane would be the love interest by the time this series end.

I thought the universe was REALLY INTERESTING and I look forward to more adventure of Kit and Thane. Luckily, book #2 will also be available this year. Yay!

[Mike Finn · Rating 4 out of 5]

‘Waifs And Strays‘ is Helen Harper’s latest Urban Fantasy novel. It kicks off a series with the (for me) irresistible title: ‘The Cat Lady Chronicles‘ featuring the inimitable Kit McCafferty, a cat lady living in Coldstream, a town on the border between Scotland and England, populated by supernaturals of all types. Kit leads a quiet life renting rooms in her house and feeding feral cats but, as the tagline says: “No one is just a cat lady‘.

I wolfed this down in a couple of days. It was tremendous fun. A good plot, engaging characters with complicated histories, a fully imagined supernatural world and a lot of cats. Humour lubricates the plot but never drives it. This is a thriller/mystery designed to introduce Kit and her world and keep the reader on the edge of their seat while doing it.

Helen Harper's Urban Fantasy series range from the dark and tense Bo Blackman series (which I highly recommend and which has now been issued as a 55-hour-long audiobook containing all six novels) to the light humour of The Lazy Girl's Guide To Magic. The new series steers a path between the two.

Kit is not who she seems to be and is not typical Urban Fantasy heroine material. I enjoyed finding out who she had been and watching her being pulled reluctantly from the quiet life she'd intended to have in her retirement.

The plot is a nice mix of tension and humour. I was kept guessing at how things would work out right up to the last page and the final resolution made me smile.

The supernatural world is rich and the magic systems are thought through. And then there are the cats - who make everything more interesting.

I'm looking forward to the second book, 'The Dark Hiss Of Magic' which is expected to be released in June this year. I'll be going for the audiobook version as Ruth Urquhart's narration brings the book alive.

[Abigail Cossette Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was fun. I didn't know I needed a literal crazy cat lady solving mysteries with werewolves. but it turns out that I do.
enjoyable story, interesting world, lovable characters. not the least of which being She Who Hisses.
I'm eagerly awaiting more adventures of Cat to be released in audiobook.
PG/PG13, some violence. no romance yet, but some fun chemistry.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is an ode to cats, urban fantasy edition.

I had fun.

Did the plot make sense? Not sure.

Were the villains believable? Enh.

Did I feel like folks made logical choices and the worldbuilding held together? 🤷🏻‍♀️

Did I have a good time with cats, cats, and more cats? Yep.

I would never want this shapeshifting ability where you have to swallow a glob of cat hair... but, it was unique.

I'll come back for this series.

[TJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think I’m really going to like this new series from H.H. At first I wasn’t sure. I love Mr. Harper’s writing style, it is engaging, action-filled, yet light and fun to read - even when dealing with death - and monsters - and evil. I was hesitant only because of the whole cat-lady shapeshifter scenario, it just didn’t sound that exciting. BUT… the story is filled with enough twists and really creative turns that I found myself thoroughly enjoying it!

*I do wish MacTire was the love interest, though… Thane is fine, but the uber powerful are always more fun to pit wits against our heroine.

[Shelley · Rating 4 out of 5]

*Source* Kindle Unlimited
*Genre* Urban Fantasy
*Rating* 3.5-4

*Thoughts*

Helen Harper's Waifs and Strays is the first book in the author's The Cat Lady Chronicles. Set in the enchanting border town of Coldstream, straddling Scotland and England, this novel introduces Kit McCafferty—a cat lady with a quiet life and a past that’s anything but. Coldstream is filled with magical beings, including vampires, werewolves, witches, Druids, and a woman with purple hair who is a Cat Sith, a person who can shapeshift into a cat as well as something even more dangerous.

*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*

https://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/20...

[Amyiw · Rating 4 out of 5]

Why do I forget to review? Just a sentence or two would do.

[Gordon · Rating 3 out of 5]

I admire Helen Harper's originality, and her character and place development is well done as always. There is a sense in her work that Scotland is somehow inherently fey at the edges that I rather like. This volume is also spice free, with only a rather slow burn partnership between our MCs. So lots to like.

The central power "fantasy" here is that a self described "middle aged cat lady" (41) is secretly a retired badass. I don't have a problem with a degree of wish fulfillment in this kind of book - I have my own preferences - and her relationship with the cats is part of her powers. I can't go further without spoilers but it is something she's worked to justify. But I'm not really a cat person and just didn't connect well with the MC.

I was also a bit put out by the ending. Being spoiler free, it was trying a subvert-reader-expectations path and just got up my nose. So -1 star and abandoning the series mostly for the ending.

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bit of a slow start but the story picked up once the main character started making progress on the mystery. Also I like Thane but the beginnings of the romance was very weak compared to other Helen Harper books? Hopefully there's more development in the sequel. Very refreshing to read about a strong heroine who is not lust-driven and boy crazy.

[Jilleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great new story starter with a twist! I love Kit and her adventures, can't wait for more! Give me all the cats!

[Pauline · Rating 4 out of 5]

A purrfectly relaxing read

Some unexpected twists kept me entertained and engaged. I cannot wait to learn more about the fantastic felines and their idiosyncrasies.

[Georgia Tumbleweed McNabb · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoughly enjoyed this story and how the author writes this story. The Main Character is a interesting blend and you need to read/ listen to see a blend of what! The ending is Great!! Narrator does an amazing job with the various characters voices and the entire storyline.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ☆

[Julia Welsh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good Read!

I’m a fan of middle aged, practical FMCs, and this is a fun one. The twist at the end made me giggle, and I look forward to reading the next book!

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Stephaniec · Rating 2 out of 5]

Unfortunately I was quite disappointed with this book. The world has potential and so do all the characters BUT everyone felt like a side character. Very little information or detail, very flat personalities. I didn't connect with anyone so I really didn't care about the rescue.
I'm on the fence about reading book 2
I listened to the audio as well and it was done well but couldn't make up for the lack

[Caitlin · Rating 3 out of 5]

*3.5 stars

A solid start to a new urban fantasy series; I'm intrigued about where the story will go. Though an older than typical protagonist at 41 years old, Kit was snarky, witty, and had a rare power, as is usual in the genre. Rather than info-dumping all the details of this world, the lore was weaved in when needed in a more organic way that I appreciated. Cat lovers will appreciate the varied personalities of the many cats Kit interacted with, both those that lived with her and those she encountered out in the magical city. I'm not sure if this series is going to involve a romance, but I like Thane and can see him being a good love interest if Harper takes it in that direction.

[Blake · Rating 5 out of 5]

(FYI I tend to only review one book per series, unless I want to change my scoring by 0.50 or more of a star. -- I tend not to read reviews until after I read a book, so I go in with an open mind.)

4.75*

I liked the world building and the entire premise of the book and the MC's background.
I loved all the feline characters!
I really liked the MC Kit and I really liked the male who I'm hoping is her love interest Thane.
There's a second possible love interest but I'm really, really hoping that the author doesn't go the 'love triangle' route. Not just because if I wanted 'soap opera' I'd watch such, not read urban fantasy. I don't think the other male is a good fit for the MC. Her cat companions would really not appreciate having to put up with an entire werewolf pack, if she got with Alexander. We know that they like Thane, the lone wolf. Also a negative with Alexander, is the entire pack would be pushing them to have kids quickly. I'm guessing a cat sith has a longer life span than a human, so probably a longer fertile period to, so the MC being 41 wouldn't be such a problem, should she want her own children.

I liked the secondary characters and hope that we see more of the non werewolves & Nick. I do like Alexander and Samantha, but hope they're used sparingly in later books, just like in this one. Only bring them in if really, really needed.

I did not see the end twists coming and I adored the latter one! -- I'm not going to spoil it.

I'm going to be impatiently waiting for the next book, which is out in June!

Adding to my 'often re-read' shelf, because it's going to be a book I'll re-read again and again!

First time read the author's work?: No -- This is my favourite of her so far!

Will you be reading more?: Yes

Would you recommend?: Yes


------------
How I rate Stars: 5* = I loved (must read all I can find by the author)
4* = I really enjoyed (got to read all the series and try other books by the author).
3* = I enjoyed (I will continue to read the series)
or
3* = Good book just not my thing (I realised I don't like the genre or picked up a kids book to review in error.)

All of the above scores means I would recommend them!
-
2* = it was okay (I might give the next book in the series a try, to see if that was better IMHO.)
1* = Disliked

Note: adding these basic 'reviews' after finding out that some people see the stars differently than I do - hoping this clarifies how I feel about the book. :-)

[Anca Antoci · Rating 5 out of 5]

Helen Harper has done it again! Waifs and Strays is an absolute delight and might just be my favorite series from this author. I especially loved the twist at the end—it had me laughing out loud!
Kit, the protagonist, is a no-nonsense, middle-aged woman who seems like an ordinary cat lady and landlord at first glance. However, she has a cool supernatural ability and a secret past that make her anything but ordinary. I loved her practicality, sharp wit, and the way she navigates the supernatural chaos around her. It’s refreshing to see a middle-aged heroine who is competent, resourceful, and not bogged down by unnecessary drama.
One of my favorite elements of this book is Kit’s relationship with her cats. Each cat has a unique name (or rather, the name Kit claims they call themselves), starting with She Who Hisses. This quirky touch adds charm and humor to the story, making Kit’s home life just as interesting as her supernatural escapades.
Read more at https://www.summonfantasy.com/reviews...

[Traslan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Audiobook - Audible
Narrated by
Ruth Urquhart
⭐️⭐️

It started out okay, but then it went slowly downhill.

It just didn't vibe with me...

I wanted it to be Catlady for the Win, but sadly, not this catlady.
She was a washed-up assassin out of form and practice.

The narrator might also have influenced my opinion.

[Danelle Baumgarten-Pickett · Rating 5 out of 5]

A twist!

For once, it was annending not expected!! I loved it !❤️ I cannot wait to read the next book in the series. :)

[Sana Zameer · Rating 4 out of 5]

A solid start to a new series. Really liked Kit. She is mature and a kickass cat lady. Looking forward to how the werewolves the work with her.

[Victoria · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was so excited for this book. I mean, it's about a Cat Lady? (just add the Crazy, and voila!😜)
But unfortunately, it fell a bit flat. 😢
As always... this could very well be a me thing, if so, then I'm super happy you enjoyed it!

For me, it felt like it was missing that spark, that excitement that pulls you into the story. I kept waiting for that moment of immersion, but it never quite happened.

Was it because there was little to no worldbuilding (beyond a bit of info on the city of Coldstream)?
Or was it because our main character had little to no backstory? Well, yes, we know her previous occupation and a bit about that, but that was it.
Where did she come from, why is she there (except to live a quiet life) and how the hell does she know the true names of all the cats?

All I can say is that I'm sad. I really wanted to like this book, but it's not my cup of tea 😞
I won't be continuing the series, which is a shame because I've enjoyed other books by this author.
It's a sad sad day 😢

[Francine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would reread this again and again. Reminds me a bit of Vanessa Nelson's worlds I've been reading lately but completely Helen Harper humour. And my favourite character of cats. No spice

[Jeanny · Rating 2 out of 5]

Meh 🫤

[Imjussayin · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐✰

Helen Harper's Waifs & Strays is an absolute gem of a book, a vibrant and engaging read that immediately pulls you into its quirky and compelling world. At its heart is the utterly delightful protagonist, Kit, the self-proclaimed "cat lady," who proves to be a constant source of delightful surprises. Just when you think you have her figured out, Harper peels back another layer, revealing a depth and resilience that makes her utterly captivating.

One of the many strengths of Waifs & Strays lies in its beautifully understated and believable romance. It's a slow burn, a gentle simmer rather than a raging fire, and this low-key approach feels incredibly authentic and deeply satisfying. The connection between the characters unfolds organically, allowing their individual personalities to shine through. And what personalities they are! Harper has crafted a cast so vividly realized, so richly detailed, that they leap off the page and feel as tangible as the chair you're sitting on. You can practically hear their voices, sense their quirks, and understand their motivations.

There is so much to adore within these pages. The pacing is spot-on, propelling the narrative forward with a natural rhythm that keeps you thoroughly engrossed. The prose flows effortlessly, making the story an absolute pleasure to read. Harper has a knack for creating a world that feels both familiar and uniquely her own, drawing you in and making you feel completely invested in Kit's journey.

However, and it is with a touch of disappointment that I must address a couple of aspects that tempered my overall enthusiasm. Firstly, Kit possesses a closely guarded secret, one that carries significant weight and potentially life-altering consequences. While I understood the narrative need for this secret to be revealed, I felt a pang of frustration when it was shared with more than one individual. As the old adage goes, if you want to keep a secret that could save your life, the fewer people who know it, the better. While perhaps serving a plot purpose, this particular development felt a little at odds with Kit's otherwise carefully constructed and fiercely protected inner world.

Secondly, the liberal use of the expletive "f-- k" throughout the narrative. While some readers may find this adds to the authenticity of the characters' voices, for my personal preference, it felt excessive and detracted from the otherwise nuanced and engaging prose.

Despite these reservations, Waifs & Strays remains a thoroughly enjoyable and, for the most part, highly recommended read. Helen Harper has created a truly memorable protagonist in Kit, surrounded by a cast of equally compelling characters, all set within a world that is both charming and intriguing. If you're looking for a book with a unique voice, vivid characters, and a captivating story, then look no further. Just be aware of the narrative choice regarding the central secret and the prevalent use of strong language, and decide if these elements align with your reading preferences.