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Lee Fontana #2
The Cat, the Devil, the Last Escape
In this sequel to The Cat, the Devil, and Lee Fontana, Lee Fontana is back in prison after a successful switch-and-bait robbery. A few mouths and the old convict will be out, free to dig up the treasure and skip the country.
Or will he? With the devil planning revenge against Lee for a three-generation vendetta, only the ghost cat sees the full picture, the big golden tomcat who travels with Lee, who can appear or disappear as he pleases--a cat of love and wit with his own fierce desire for revenge against the wrongs of the world.
When Satan snares not only Lee but a little child across the country with whom Lee has an unknown connection, Lucifer means to estroy them both. The child’s prescient dreams, her predictive powers, enrage the devil. To hurt her, he sees that her father, Morgan Blake, is falsely imprisoned, framed by a sleazy killer who is also connected to Lee. When both Lee and Morgan end up in the Atlanta Pen, the little girl’s prophetic dreams turn violent, terrifying her. The ghost cat comforts her--and he fights beside Lee as the two convicts plan a nearly impossible escape to right a wrong, to defeat Satan’s plan of destruction. A magical tale from the award-winning, critically acclaimed author of the Joe Grey feline mysteries, Shirley Rousseau Murphy, written with her husband Pat J. J. Murphy.
Or will he? With the devil planning revenge against Lee for a three-generation vendetta, only the ghost cat sees the full picture, the big golden tomcat who travels with Lee, who can appear or disappear as he pleases--a cat of love and wit with his own fierce desire for revenge against the wrongs of the world.
When Satan snares not only Lee but a little child across the country with whom Lee has an unknown connection, Lucifer means to estroy them both. The child’s prescient dreams, her predictive powers, enrage the devil. To hurt her, he sees that her father, Morgan Blake, is falsely imprisoned, framed by a sleazy killer who is also connected to Lee. When both Lee and Morgan end up in the Atlanta Pen, the little girl’s prophetic dreams turn violent, terrifying her. The ghost cat comforts her--and he fights beside Lee as the two convicts plan a nearly impossible escape to right a wrong, to defeat Satan’s plan of destruction. A magical tale from the award-winning, critically acclaimed author of the Joe Grey feline mysteries, Shirley Rousseau Murphy, written with her husband Pat J. J. Murphy.
448 pages, Paperback
First published February 10, 2015
About the author
Shirley Rousseau Murphy
63 books527 followersShirley Rousseau Murphy is the author of over 40 books, including 24 novels for adults, the Dragonbards Trilogy and more for young adults, and many books for children. She is best known for her Joe Grey cat mystery series, consisting of 21 novels, the last of which was published when she was over 90. Now retired, she enjoys hearing from readers who write to her at her website www.srmurphy.com, where the reading order of the books in that series can be found.
Murphy grew up in southern California, riding and showing the horses her father trained. After attending the San Francisco Art institute she worked as an interior designer, and later exhibited paintings and welded metal sculpture in the West Coast juried shows. "When my husband Pat and I moved to Panama for a four-year tour in his position with the U. S . Courts, I put away the paints and welding torches, and began to write," she says. Later they lived in Oregon, then Georgia, before moving to California, where she now enjoys the sea and views of the Carmel hills.
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Murphy grew up in southern California, riding and showing the horses her father trained. After attending the San Francisco Art institute she worked as an interior designer, and later exhibited paintings and welded metal sculpture in the West Coast juried shows. "When my husband Pat and I moved to Panama for a four-year tour in his position with the U. S . Courts, I put away the paints and welding torches, and began to write," she says. Later they lived in Oregon, then Georgia, before moving to California, where she now enjoys the sea and views of the Carmel hills.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
February 18, 2015
THE CAT, THE DEVIL, THE LAST ESCAPE
is not a light-hearted read, nor is it a hard thriller. It is a good, somewhat serious mystery set after WWII involving small-time crook & former train robber, Lee Fontana, and a young father falsely accused of murder and bank robbery, Morgan Blake. The 60-ish Lee helps Morgan adapt to life in prison. They eventually hatch a plan to find the man who set up Morgan and bring him to justice. Though something dark and twisted follows both of the men, their morality and strength of soul fortify them against the devil and his minions.
Morgan's nine-year-old daughter Sammie is another major character in the book. She sees the future in her dreams and is targeted by the devil for this gift. She and Lee have a strong link through the ghost cat, Misto. Although the two humans live across the country from one another, Misto appears and comforts Lee and Sammie whenever they are sad or worried. They share another crucial link which is revealed as the story progresses.
Scattered throughout the book are wonderful tidbits about life in the mid-1900s: how people traveled the country, what the penal system was like, aspects of the early years of flight, how people coped during and after the war. The authors' use of these historical facts help ground the story in its time and place.
However, there are a few things keeping me from giving the book five stars. The various points of view (sometimes within the same chapter) might be hard for some readers to follow. Usually it is fairly easy to understand whose side of the story is being told, but there are a couple of scenes where I had to reread a passage to determine the correct point of view. Another issue is how the first chapter is written. It's a long narrative where Misto relates his backstory with Lee and brings the reader up to date on Lee's criminal history. It seems like a dump of information that could have served better sprinkled throughout the book.
Overall, I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good Columbo mystery, where it isn't about discovering who did the crime, but about how the real criminal is known, eventually reveals his part in the crime, and is finally brought to justice. It also might appeal to readers who enjoy stories set in the mid-1900s and who like a bit of paranormal mixed in with their mysteries.
If You Like This, You May Also Like: JOE GREY MYSTERIES by Shirley Rousseau Murphy, MIDNIGHT LOUIE MYSTERIES by Carole Nelson Douglas, MRS. MURPHY MYSTERIES by Rita Mae Brown, MAGICAL CATS MYSTERIES by Sofie Kelly, WHALES AND TAILS MYSTERIES by Kathi Daley, CATS IN TROUBLE MYSTERIES by Leann Sweeney, BLACK CAT BOOKSHOP MYSTERIES by Ali Brandon, CATS IN THE STACKS MYSTERIES by Miranda James, CATS AND CURIOS MYSTERIES by Rebecca M. Hale
* An ARC was provided by HarperCollins/William Morrow Imprint and Edelweiss for an honest review.
** Visit Blue Moon Mystery Saloon blog for more book reviews.
Morgan's nine-year-old daughter Sammie is another major character in the book. She sees the future in her dreams and is targeted by the devil for this gift. She and Lee have a strong link through the ghost cat, Misto. Although the two humans live across the country from one another, Misto appears and comforts Lee and Sammie whenever they are sad or worried. They share another crucial link which is revealed as the story progresses.
Scattered throughout the book are wonderful tidbits about life in the mid-1900s: how people traveled the country, what the penal system was like, aspects of the early years of flight, how people coped during and after the war. The authors' use of these historical facts help ground the story in its time and place.
However, there are a few things keeping me from giving the book five stars. The various points of view (sometimes within the same chapter) might be hard for some readers to follow. Usually it is fairly easy to understand whose side of the story is being told, but there are a couple of scenes where I had to reread a passage to determine the correct point of view. Another issue is how the first chapter is written. It's a long narrative where Misto relates his backstory with Lee and brings the reader up to date on Lee's criminal history. It seems like a dump of information that could have served better sprinkled throughout the book.
Overall, I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good Columbo mystery, where it isn't about discovering who did the crime, but about how the real criminal is known, eventually reveals his part in the crime, and is finally brought to justice. It also might appeal to readers who enjoy stories set in the mid-1900s and who like a bit of paranormal mixed in with their mysteries.
If You Like This, You May Also Like: JOE GREY MYSTERIES by Shirley Rousseau Murphy, MIDNIGHT LOUIE MYSTERIES by Carole Nelson Douglas, MRS. MURPHY MYSTERIES by Rita Mae Brown, MAGICAL CATS MYSTERIES by Sofie Kelly, WHALES AND TAILS MYSTERIES by Kathi Daley, CATS IN TROUBLE MYSTERIES by Leann Sweeney, BLACK CAT BOOKSHOP MYSTERIES by Ali Brandon, CATS IN THE STACKS MYSTERIES by Miranda James, CATS AND CURIOS MYSTERIES by Rebecca M. Hale
* An ARC was provided by HarperCollins/William Morrow Imprint and Edelweiss for an honest review.
** Visit Blue Moon Mystery Saloon blog for more book reviews.
January 30, 2015
This paranormal mystery is really a thriller. It is not what I would expect from a Shirley Rousseau Murphy book but it still held my attention. Parts were very hard and difficult to read and I almost didn't finished. MISTO, the ghost cat is not an important character but is very necessary. The main character is Lee Fontana with a new friend Morgan Blake who was convict for Murder he did not do. Misto has befriended Morgan's daughter, Sammie and visits both has each has problems. Sammie's doe notsknow the cat is there when Sammie has dreams that scare her. Will Lee and Morgan defeat the Devil this time. Full Disclosure: I received a free copy from the publisher through Edelweiss for honest review. I would like to thank them for the opportunity to read and review this book. The opinions are my own
June 28, 2018
This book did not make me a fan. I have never read this author. The characters were likable enough and the first part of the story was all right but once we got to the escape, they lost me. The writing is smooth and the story does flow and held my interest, especially in the first half.
The ghost cat was a bit odd but I could overlook that. However, when you have a 70 year old man with severe emphysema running after trains, digging holes and fighting off killers, it is just not relateable. I thought they could have had a much better story without the escape stuff that just strained credulity. I didn't even like the reason they gave for the escape. It just did not make any sense.
I also was not won over by the happy ending. They tied up most of the lose ends but I did not find it at all satisfying.
The ghost cat was a bit odd but I could overlook that. However, when you have a 70 year old man with severe emphysema running after trains, digging holes and fighting off killers, it is just not relateable. I thought they could have had a much better story without the escape stuff that just strained credulity. I didn't even like the reason they gave for the escape. It just did not make any sense.
I also was not won over by the happy ending. They tied up most of the lose ends but I did not find it at all satisfying.
January 4, 2015
A young girl holds the key...
I really didn't know what to expect when I read this book. Having been a fan of the author's for quite some time, I knew beforehand that it would be good. I just didn't realize that it would be, well, as intense a read as it was. It seems that years ago, the devil lost a bet to a late relative of Sammie's, and he's been trying to collect ever since...
Lee Fontana is serving time in prison for past crimes committed. There is nothing spectacular about the crimes he committed, or why he is there. He isn't in the best of health, but when he improves slightly, he is moved to a prison in Atlanta, where he encounters another inmate, Morgan Blake.
Morgan is innocent of the crimes he committed, and his wife Becky is trying to get an appeal for him to prove this. But the man who set her husband up, Brad Falon, wants him right where he is, because he wants Morgan's wife Becky. And he will stop at no means to get her;even breaking into her house or threatening her or her young daughter, Sammie.
But Sammie has a protector - the ghost of her dead cat, Misto, who was killed while trying to protect his family from Brad once before. And Misto also protects Lee, who can see the cat as much as Sammie, the cat being as much a part of the story as the others.
Soon the lives of all will intersect with each other, and those of even more. For it turns out that Sammie has a gift and a curse. She has dreams that foretell the future, and know that past. Even at her young age of nine, she dreams things that will occur. She knows there is a connection between herself and Lee, and when Lee is confronted with this, he at first denies it, then realizes he must face his own past to free his future, and that of Morgan and his family.
I don't want to say anything more, but I will tell you that this book has a feel to it of the past. Almost as if everything you are reading takes place in the past, not the present. It drew me in and kept me reading through most of the night. The characters are well-drawn, the plot is profoundly thoughtful. Could this happen? Would this happen? You feel as if you are there in the middle of the story, watching, hoping for the best of outcomes while wondering if the danger has passed.
This book is is a sequel to The Cat, the Devil and Lee Fontana, and is definitely worth reading even if you have not read the first book (which I have not but intend to). Highly recommended.
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review but this in no way influenced my decision.
I really didn't know what to expect when I read this book. Having been a fan of the author's for quite some time, I knew beforehand that it would be good. I just didn't realize that it would be, well, as intense a read as it was. It seems that years ago, the devil lost a bet to a late relative of Sammie's, and he's been trying to collect ever since...
Lee Fontana is serving time in prison for past crimes committed. There is nothing spectacular about the crimes he committed, or why he is there. He isn't in the best of health, but when he improves slightly, he is moved to a prison in Atlanta, where he encounters another inmate, Morgan Blake.
Morgan is innocent of the crimes he committed, and his wife Becky is trying to get an appeal for him to prove this. But the man who set her husband up, Brad Falon, wants him right where he is, because he wants Morgan's wife Becky. And he will stop at no means to get her;even breaking into her house or threatening her or her young daughter, Sammie.
But Sammie has a protector - the ghost of her dead cat, Misto, who was killed while trying to protect his family from Brad once before. And Misto also protects Lee, who can see the cat as much as Sammie, the cat being as much a part of the story as the others.
Soon the lives of all will intersect with each other, and those of even more. For it turns out that Sammie has a gift and a curse. She has dreams that foretell the future, and know that past. Even at her young age of nine, she dreams things that will occur. She knows there is a connection between herself and Lee, and when Lee is confronted with this, he at first denies it, then realizes he must face his own past to free his future, and that of Morgan and his family.
I don't want to say anything more, but I will tell you that this book has a feel to it of the past. Almost as if everything you are reading takes place in the past, not the present. It drew me in and kept me reading through most of the night. The characters are well-drawn, the plot is profoundly thoughtful. Could this happen? Would this happen? You feel as if you are there in the middle of the story, watching, hoping for the best of outcomes while wondering if the danger has passed.
This book is is a sequel to The Cat, the Devil and Lee Fontana, and is definitely worth reading even if you have not read the first book (which I have not but intend to). Highly recommended.
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review but this in no way influenced my decision.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 1, 2015
Misto, the yellow tabby-ghost cat, is still around, dividing his attention between train robber Lee Fontana and Sammie Blake, a young girl to whom he belonged in a previous life. The devil is still in pursuit of Lee, but he has broadened his quest to include the falsely-accused and convicted Morgan Blake in an effort to claim his true objective, Blake’s daughter Sammie. For this outing, the devil has a henchman in Brad Falon, the true perpetrator of the crimes for which the young man has been incarcerated.
While the truly evil Falon attacks and repeatedly torments Blake’s wife Becky, Lee frets over his fellow inmate’s situation; finally he is drawn into a desperate attempt to find a way to prove Morgan’s innocence. And soon a plan is hatched; if they are successful, the devil will have been thwarted one more time . . . .
Misto is much more involved in the telling of this tale than he was in its predecessor; the ghost cat's antics add a delightful dimension as they weave through the narrative. Nevertheless, the focus of the story is on Lee Fontana and the Blake family.
The cast of characters is broadened to include Becky’s mother and aunt; an unexpected twist casts a new light on everyone’s relationships. Bradford Falon adds a truly evil element, heightening the suspense and ratcheting up concern for the fate of the young husband and father.
A much more likeable Lee Fontana benefits from some insightful character development and the inclusion of enough backstory to understand his motivations. Readers will find themselves rooting for the success of the audacious scheme that just might prove Morgan Blake’s innocence and set him free.
The devil may be determined to destroy the innocent man’s life, but the wily ghost cat is fiercely determined to thwart his every attempt. A desire to ascertain the outcome of the battle between the devil and the intrepid ghost cat will keep the pages turning in this charming sequel.
Recommended.
While the truly evil Falon attacks and repeatedly torments Blake’s wife Becky, Lee frets over his fellow inmate’s situation; finally he is drawn into a desperate attempt to find a way to prove Morgan’s innocence. And soon a plan is hatched; if they are successful, the devil will have been thwarted one more time . . . .
Misto is much more involved in the telling of this tale than he was in its predecessor; the ghost cat's antics add a delightful dimension as they weave through the narrative. Nevertheless, the focus of the story is on Lee Fontana and the Blake family.
The cast of characters is broadened to include Becky’s mother and aunt; an unexpected twist casts a new light on everyone’s relationships. Bradford Falon adds a truly evil element, heightening the suspense and ratcheting up concern for the fate of the young husband and father.
A much more likeable Lee Fontana benefits from some insightful character development and the inclusion of enough backstory to understand his motivations. Readers will find themselves rooting for the success of the audacious scheme that just might prove Morgan Blake’s innocence and set him free.
The devil may be determined to destroy the innocent man’s life, but the wily ghost cat is fiercely determined to thwart his every attempt. A desire to ascertain the outcome of the battle between the devil and the intrepid ghost cat will keep the pages turning in this charming sequel.
Recommended.
March 16, 2015
This was a most enjoyable novel. I quickly found myself engrossed in the tale the authors wove which was a departure from the usual novel. I do not think you can easily categorize the book although it does revolve around a bank robbery/murder but isn't a true mystery. It is both gritty and gentle, there is hope and despair, pain and comfort, good and evil. To me, it was a very human novel in that the characters motives appeared obvious and natural to the circumstances. I'm not usually a fan of the paranormal but in this case, the presence of a ghost cat, ties the story together.
While I enjoyed it and found it an entertaining read, you do need to suspend belief because the coincidences and actions are not very plausible. It is fictional and escapist. The novel takes place following WWII and seems quite realistic for the time. While reading you can almost sense the activity as taking place as a black and white film rather than color movie.
I received this book from Goodreads and William Morrow Publishers in return for an unbiased review.
While I enjoyed it and found it an entertaining read, you do need to suspend belief because the coincidences and actions are not very plausible. It is fictional and escapist. The novel takes place following WWII and seems quite realistic for the time. While reading you can almost sense the activity as taking place as a black and white film rather than color movie.
I received this book from Goodreads and William Morrow Publishers in return for an unbiased review.
March 27, 2015
This was truly an intriguing book. It took me a bit of time to get into it (and had I read any of the others in the series I might have done better.) but, once I got started, I just couldn’t put the book down and truly enjoyed it! The characters were all super human, interesting and very believable – the little girl was just astounding and has abilities that could be helpful to every person alive. How the cat, the prisoner and Samantha all interplay makes a wonderful story! The ending made me most pleased and happy! I'm off to find others by these authors! There are not enough stars to rate this book!
March 18, 2015
Murphy is an old hand at making cats with magical abilities help their humans. The Joe Gray series gives the cats human qualities, good and bad. This group uses the ghost ancestor, Misto, in a fight with the devil that draws out over two books of his own. He is introduced in the Joe Gray series. Even if you don't like fantasy, this book is starkly realistic. The humans have great troubles to overcome and their enemies are aided by the evil shadow that wishes to claim Lee's soul. Finished at 3 am this morning. Couldn't put it down.
October 19, 2024
I was introduced to this author by the owner of the local used book store. I've thoroughly enjoyed all of her books. Her stories can make you laugh and cry. Some things you can see coming; others catch you off guard. I believe this two book series is sort of a spinoff from her Joe Grey series. I've emailed her a couple of times and she actually responded. Sadly, she's retired from writing. But her books are truly intriguing and re-readable.
November 25, 2023
Misto is a ghost cat who visits previous owner Sammi, and older Lee who is in prison with Sammi's dad Morgan. It is a story of family, betrayals, murder and violence (especially from Satan's friends). It was okay but the best bits for me were about Misto. I don't think I'm inspired to read any more of her books.
July 17, 2017
A bit different
Unlike most of this authors work, this is not about Joe Grey and Dulcie. Misto is the cat spirit active here , but the hero is Lee Fontana, a train robber. Quite a change from the usual story, bit every bit as good as the other books in this author's catalog.
Unlike most of this authors work, this is not about Joe Grey and Dulcie. Misto is the cat spirit active here , but the hero is Lee Fontana, a train robber. Quite a change from the usual story, bit every bit as good as the other books in this author's catalog.
November 19, 2017
I was quite surprised to find myself a bit moist-eyed on finishing this book. The wisdom of it crept up like Misto himself, leaving a scent of sweet hope...
February 6, 2020
This one is better than the first book.
October 11, 2020
I am missing so much.
I hope it is explained in the
previous installments.
Its a lot to take in
I hope it is explained in the
previous installments.
Its a lot to take in
January 17, 2021
You have to love the cat!
September 17, 2022
Interesting book. The cat is a great character.
Read
February 13, 2024Great read
I've read the whole Joe Grey series, and liked them.
I'd recommend this book to anyone who likes mysteries
I'm sure anyone who read it will like it
I've read the whole Joe Grey series, and liked them.
I'd recommend this book to anyone who likes mysteries
I'm sure anyone who read it will like it
September 10, 2024
A library find.
September 2024.
Interesting.
September 2024.
Interesting.
October 1, 2015
The Cat, the Devil and the Last Escape is the second book in Shirley Rousseau and Pat J. J. Murphy’s paranormal series, after The Cat, the Devil and Lee Fontana. It’s a sequel of sorts as both Lee Fontana and Misto, the cat are featured in both.
In this book, however, Misto, who is a crafty, ghost cat has his hands full as he tries to protect both Fontana while he is in jail and Sammie Blake from the devil, himself. Misto was Sammie’s cat before he was killed by a man, named Brad Falon who also framed Sammie’s dad Morgan for murder he had committed.
Throughout this mystery, Misto travels cross country as he tries to help protect Lee and Sammie. Sammie’s dad Morgan ends up in jail with Lee Fontana and the two work to find a way to bring down the devil and free Morgan. Certain that her dad will be freed, because she can see into the future in her dreams, Sammie is confident her father will come back to her family.
This paranormal was an interesting read It also gave the reader some glimpses of the prison system and how people traveled the country at that time. For the most part, the history that was weaved into the novel, fit well. The characters were well fleshed out and the interactions between Misto and the humans worked fine.
Overall this is an appealing read, one that fans of paranormals will enjoy. The pace and the action pick up as Lee and Morgan work together and as Sammie and her mom work to protect themselves from Falon. I found it to be fun, even though it’s not my genre of choice.
-- WENDY
In this book, however, Misto, who is a crafty, ghost cat has his hands full as he tries to protect both Fontana while he is in jail and Sammie Blake from the devil, himself. Misto was Sammie’s cat before he was killed by a man, named Brad Falon who also framed Sammie’s dad Morgan for murder he had committed.
Throughout this mystery, Misto travels cross country as he tries to help protect Lee and Sammie. Sammie’s dad Morgan ends up in jail with Lee Fontana and the two work to find a way to bring down the devil and free Morgan. Certain that her dad will be freed, because she can see into the future in her dreams, Sammie is confident her father will come back to her family.
This paranormal was an interesting read It also gave the reader some glimpses of the prison system and how people traveled the country at that time. For the most part, the history that was weaved into the novel, fit well. The characters were well fleshed out and the interactions between Misto and the humans worked fine.
Overall this is an appealing read, one that fans of paranormals will enjoy. The pace and the action pick up as Lee and Morgan work together and as Sammie and her mom work to protect themselves from Falon. I found it to be fun, even though it’s not my genre of choice.
-- WENDY
May 13, 2015
I received this book in a Goodreads giveaway and was a little apprehensive about it as I have read several less than stellar reviews about this book and it's predecessor, The Cat, The Devil, and Lee Fontana. Like many of those reviewers, I, too, have been a fan of the Joe Grey series by this author for many, many years. This is not Joe Grey. In fact, it's really nothing like Joe Grey except that the cat character, Misto, was first introduced in one of the Joe Grey books. Unlike many other reviewers though, I enjoyed this book and it's predecessor immensely. The story line was interesting, it kept my attention, I did care about what happened to the characters and how it all would end. I am at an age where I no longer waste time reading books that I am not enjoying or that I can't "get into." This was not one of those books - there were times where I didn't want to put it down. If you want more Joe Grey, well, this isn't it. If you want to see what else an author you know and love can do, then I highly recommend this book - after you've read the first one - The Cat, The Devil, and Lee Fontana as this story picks up where the first one ended.
June 7, 2015
I received this book through a Goodreads giveaway.
It was better than the prequel, but I still only liked about 1/5 of it. Becky drove me nuts. She was constantly being harassed and her life was in danger (as well as her young daughter's life), but she refused repeatedly to go to the cops. She said she didn't trust the cops in her hometown (who disliked her because of a very reasonable thing I will not discuss because of spoilers), but what about the Atlanta cops? I'm glad her mother was finally smart enough to take control of the situation.
The same writing issues from the last book were in this one as well. And I couldn't stand how repetitive it was. I'm pretty sure you could have skipped the sequel and read this one first, still knowing what was going on. Many characters had repetitive reactions to different situations, and there were so many coincidences that it was almost laughable.
I don't know. I just wasn't really impressed.
It was better than the prequel, but I still only liked about 1/5 of it. Becky drove me nuts. She was constantly being harassed and her life was in danger (as well as her young daughter's life), but she refused repeatedly to go to the cops. She said she didn't trust the cops in her hometown (who disliked her because of a very reasonable thing I will not discuss because of spoilers), but what about the Atlanta cops? I'm glad her mother was finally smart enough to take control of the situation.
The same writing issues from the last book were in this one as well. And I couldn't stand how repetitive it was. I'm pretty sure you could have skipped the sequel and read this one first, still knowing what was going on. Many characters had repetitive reactions to different situations, and there were so many coincidences that it was almost laughable.
I don't know. I just wasn't really impressed.
November 21, 2022
You definitely need to read both of the Lee Fontana books (& in order); either by itself would feel incomplete. Lee is definitely more likable in this one, having a soft spot for a kid, helping someone else, checking on the horse to make sure it’s being treated ok, & still resisting Satan. I liked the warmth & humor from Misto, the ghost cat, especially when he invisibly tormented Brad Falon. The one piece that made no sense to me is Lee not wanting to find out what happened to his sister, after carrying her photo all those years. It was also left unsaid where these inherited clairvoyant abilities came from. If they’re “not from the devil, he’s not giving them the dreams”—then what is being implied? That it’s from God? And what exactly was going on with the girl getting sick when her father was drugged? And why did she not get sick when he was unconscious later in the story? Now I want to go back & reread the Joe Grey book that these 2 connected to. (“Cat Bearing Gifts”, I think?)
February 15, 2016
I almost didn't finish reading this book. I usually read Murphy's Joe Grey series. At first I thought it was a Joe Grey then found out it was a Misto character book. I know of Misto from the Joe Grey series and saw this was a stand alone with Misto being the main cat. It started out as kind of a dark and sad storyline. It was depressing me. But the more I read the more I needed to see where this was going. I'm glad I finished it. It lightened up a bit near the end.
Misto is a ghost cat. He pops in and out between a young girl and an old man, both need his guidance and comfort. He can appear at will into as a large yellow cat. The connection between the old man and young girl is more then the sharing of Misto. He will guide them both on a parallel journey.
Misto is a ghost cat. He pops in and out between a young girl and an old man, both need his guidance and comfort. He can appear at will into as a large yellow cat. The connection between the old man and young girl is more then the sharing of Misto. He will guide them both on a parallel journey.
February 6, 2016
Misto, a ghostly feline, sets out to help his best friends, Lee, a career bank robber whose grandpa beat the devil, and Sammie, a nine-year old Georgia girl. Her family has been torn apart by a devilish "friend" who framed her dad for a bank robbery and murder. Misto knows there is a link between the old con and the child. They all join forces to thwart Lucifer and safe the day.
The prison break and cross-country escape, where the plan is to get back into prison, is nail-biting tense and oddly funny. The relationship that develops between Lee and the Blake family is heartwarming and poignant. Altogether a great read.
The prison break and cross-country escape, where the plan is to get back into prison, is nail-biting tense and oddly funny. The relationship that develops between Lee and the Blake family is heartwarming and poignant. Altogether a great read.
January 29, 2016
This is an unusually crafted story. It reads like a novel for older children, but the subject matter and situations are much too graphic and violent for a children’s story. The authors obviously have a complete and thorough knowledge of the Federal Prison System. The story is well-plotted and the characters vivid, making for an interesting read.
Maura
Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance & More
Official Review @ Coffee Time Romance & More
Maura
Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance & More
Official Review @ Coffee Time Romance & More
August 24, 2016
A ghost cat, Misto, brings a little girl and a convict together, people who did not know they were related to each other. The cat gives comfort to these two who are both experiencing some hard times. The girl's father has been falsely convicted of a robbery and murder; the convict is 72 and has a late stage case of emphysema. The convict, Lee Fontana, and the wrongly convicted father of the little girl, Morgan Blake, meet in an Atlanta prison and discover their relation to each other. Lee becomes involved with Morgan's problem and determines to find evidence to get Morgan free.
November 10, 2016
Shirley Rousseau Murphy, one of my favourite authors, along with her husband Pat, the second book follows The Cat, the Devil, and Lee Fontaine. I thoroughly enjoyed both these books, and hoping for another to catch up on the characters and "Misto", the ghost cat. These books are up to the standard of her Joe Grey series, which I have read and loved for many years.
June 4, 2015
Lee Fontana beats the devil at his own game and is now free from prison and on his way to Mexico. I wonder if we will hear any more of this character? Like her Joe Grey mysteries, this cat also talks, but it is a ghost cat. Ms. Murphy tells a good tale!
April 11, 2015
Liked this better than the first one. Moved along at a brisk pace and kept my interest.
April 14, 2015
good read
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