What do you think?
Rate this book
The Kat Lightfoot Mysteries #3
What's Dead PussyKat
Nothing ever seems to go Kat Lightfoot’s way. If she’s not in the middle of battling a plague of gargoyle-like monsters in 1865 New York, she’s falling head over heels in love with her friend George Pepper … which wouldn’t be so bad, except that every other female is doing the same. When Kat is caught in a passionate cinch with Pepper, a wedding is afoot, but no-one expected a gaggle of vampire women to be staying at the Chateau Chantel at the same time … nor for them to take such an interest in poor Pepper themselves. Kat has her work cut out … A tale of vampires, gargoyles, faith and farce from the author of Zombies at Tiffany’s and Kat on a Hot Tin Airship.
170 pages, Paperback
First published August 28, 2014
7 people want to read
About the author
Sam Stone
57 books96 followers'Mistress of the grisly and the glutinous' - GRAHAM MASTERTON
'A deceptively readable date with darkness – watch your step! This book is lit for the much more discerning chick (and cock) who likes to walk in the shadows. Relax with it, but be prepared for sudden jewels and little masterpieces – and the rug to be pulled from under your feet.’ - TANITH LEE on Killing Kiss.
GENRE AUTHOR.
Award winning genre writer Sam Stone began writing aged 11 after reading her first adult fiction book, The Collector by John Fowles.
Sam's writing has appeared in many anthologies for poetry and prose. Like all good authors she drew on her own knowledge and passions to write her first novel which the Silver Award for Best Horror Novel in ForeWord Magazine's book of the year awards in 2007.
In September 2008 the novel was re-edited and republished by The House of Murky Depths as KILLING KISS. Sequels, FUTILE FLAME and DEMON DANCE went on to become finalists in the same awards for 2009/2010. Both novels were later Shortlisted for The British Fantasy Society Awards for Best Novel and DEMON DANCE won the award for Best Novel in 2011. Sam also won Best Short Fiction for her story FOOL'S GOLD which first appeared in the NewCon Press Anthology THE BITTEN WORD.
In 2011 Sam was commissioned by Reeltime Pictures to write a monologue for their talking heads style DOCTOR WHO spin-off, WHITE WITCH OF DEVIL'S END. She was also co-script editor with David J Howe. The six part drama, starring Damaris Hayman, was released on DVD to much critical acclaim in Nov 2017 by Koch Media as part of boxset called THE DAEMONS OF DEVIL'S END. Sam also edited and wrote a story in the novelisation inspired by the drama for Telos Publishing also called THE DAEMONS OF DEVIL'S END.
Other works include official Sherlock Holmes stories for Constable and Robinson and Titan. Sam also wrote a Dorian Gray story for Big Finish’s successful series THE CONFESSIONS OF DORIAN GRAY.
Sam was commissioned by Telos to write several sequels to her hugely successful Steampunk Novella ZOMBIE'S AT TIFFANY'S. The audio rights were subsequently bought by Spokenworld Audio and were made available for download in Halloween 2013. In January 2015 the first novel of her new post-apocalyptic trilogy, JINX TOWN - Book 1˗ THE JINX CHRONICLES, was published by Telos and was been followed by Book 2: JINX MAGIC in 2016. The final part JINX BOUND was published in July 2018.
The rights for Sam’s supernatural thriller, POSING FOR PICASSO were acquired by Kevin J Anderson and Rebecca Moesta’s publishing house, Wordfire Press, in 2016. Peter James said that it was ‘A powerful mix of the supernatural and police investigation’.
An eclectic and skilled writer Sam also has a BA (Hons) in English and Writing for Performance and an MA in Creative Writing, which means that she is often invited to talk about writing in schools, colleges and universities in the UK. Sam is also frequently invited to appear as a guest at literary events, conventions and Comic Cons in the UK, USA and Canada.
'A deceptively readable date with darkness – watch your step! This book is lit for the much more discerning chick (and cock) who likes to walk in the shadows. Relax with it, but be prepared for sudden jewels and little masterpieces – and the rug to be pulled from under your feet.’ - TANITH LEE on Killing Kiss.
GENRE AUTHOR.
Award winning genre writer Sam Stone began writing aged 11 after reading her first adult fiction book, The Collector by John Fowles.
Sam's writing has appeared in many anthologies for poetry and prose. Like all good authors she drew on her own knowledge and passions to write her first novel which the Silver Award for Best Horror Novel in ForeWord Magazine's book of the year awards in 2007.
In September 2008 the novel was re-edited and republished by The House of Murky Depths as KILLING KISS. Sequels, FUTILE FLAME and DEMON DANCE went on to become finalists in the same awards for 2009/2010. Both novels were later Shortlisted for The British Fantasy Society Awards for Best Novel and DEMON DANCE won the award for Best Novel in 2011. Sam also won Best Short Fiction for her story FOOL'S GOLD which first appeared in the NewCon Press Anthology THE BITTEN WORD.
In 2011 Sam was commissioned by Reeltime Pictures to write a monologue for their talking heads style DOCTOR WHO spin-off, WHITE WITCH OF DEVIL'S END. She was also co-script editor with David J Howe. The six part drama, starring Damaris Hayman, was released on DVD to much critical acclaim in Nov 2017 by Koch Media as part of boxset called THE DAEMONS OF DEVIL'S END. Sam also edited and wrote a story in the novelisation inspired by the drama for Telos Publishing also called THE DAEMONS OF DEVIL'S END.
Other works include official Sherlock Holmes stories for Constable and Robinson and Titan. Sam also wrote a Dorian Gray story for Big Finish’s successful series THE CONFESSIONS OF DORIAN GRAY.
Sam was commissioned by Telos to write several sequels to her hugely successful Steampunk Novella ZOMBIE'S AT TIFFANY'S. The audio rights were subsequently bought by Spokenworld Audio and were made available for download in Halloween 2013. In January 2015 the first novel of her new post-apocalyptic trilogy, JINX TOWN - Book 1˗ THE JINX CHRONICLES, was published by Telos and was been followed by Book 2: JINX MAGIC in 2016. The final part JINX BOUND was published in July 2018.
The rights for Sam’s supernatural thriller, POSING FOR PICASSO were acquired by Kevin J Anderson and Rebecca Moesta’s publishing house, Wordfire Press, in 2016. Peter James said that it was ‘A powerful mix of the supernatural and police investigation’.
An eclectic and skilled writer Sam also has a BA (Hons) in English and Writing for Performance and an MA in Creative Writing, which means that she is often invited to talk about writing in schools, colleges and universities in the UK. Sam is also frequently invited to appear as a guest at literary events, conventions and Comic Cons in the UK, USA and Canada.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
September 3, 2022
What do you get when you mix airships, gargoyles, vampires, supernatural love spells, fallen priests, and a desecrated church (designed by none other than Charles Addams)? Well, if you're reading What's Dead Pussykat by Sam Stone, then what you get is a whole lot of creepy, sometimes romantic, paranormal fun.
The opening chapter here is particularly thrilling, with a pair of priests unwittingly battling the forces of darkness within their church. Visions, dreams, and portents of a blasphemous future all serve to set the stage for an unusual mix of supernatural themes and monsters.
If I were to have one complaint here, it's the way we're denied several crucial parts of the story in an effort to build some additional suspense, then fed those parts in a rush towards the end, revealing the truth of what we've to that point only suspected. It's not necessarily a bad way to tell a tale, I just find it a bit artificial. That said, Stone uses the narrative device to full effect here, exposing an early tease at romance to be supernaturally fueled . . . but still leaving significant doubt as to whether that's all it is.
The monsters here are well done, with the gargoyles a nice touch indeed. The vampires don't offer anything original, but they're used well, coming across as equal parts erotic and terrifying. As for the 'big' monster behind it all, that I will leave you to discover for yourself, but it was a twist I honestly didn't see coming, and a great way to bring the story full circle. It's a quick read, easily lending itself to a single sitting (or, perhaps, two), and one that flows naturally on the page. Also, as you might suspect from the title, What's Dead Pussykat has it's share of humor as well, keeping it all from getting too dark, and serving to carry the reader along.
Originally reviewed at Beauty in Ruins
The opening chapter here is particularly thrilling, with a pair of priests unwittingly battling the forces of darkness within their church. Visions, dreams, and portents of a blasphemous future all serve to set the stage for an unusual mix of supernatural themes and monsters.
If I were to have one complaint here, it's the way we're denied several crucial parts of the story in an effort to build some additional suspense, then fed those parts in a rush towards the end, revealing the truth of what we've to that point only suspected. It's not necessarily a bad way to tell a tale, I just find it a bit artificial. That said, Stone uses the narrative device to full effect here, exposing an early tease at romance to be supernaturally fueled . . . but still leaving significant doubt as to whether that's all it is.
The monsters here are well done, with the gargoyles a nice touch indeed. The vampires don't offer anything original, but they're used well, coming across as equal parts erotic and terrifying. As for the 'big' monster behind it all, that I will leave you to discover for yourself, but it was a twist I honestly didn't see coming, and a great way to bring the story full circle. It's a quick read, easily lending itself to a single sitting (or, perhaps, two), and one that flows naturally on the page. Also, as you might suspect from the title, What's Dead Pussykat has it's share of humor as well, keeping it all from getting too dark, and serving to carry the reader along.
Originally reviewed at Beauty in Ruins
September 22, 2014
The Story
After Kat and the gang defeated the shadowy evil at the Pollitt's place, we were left floating in the airship, with more than a friendship brewing between Pepper and Kat.
Next thing we know, Kat and Pepper are scurrying up a rope ladder, trying to reach the airship before their cleverly placed dynamite sticks go off. Sure, they had narrowly escaped death...again...but that's just how Kat loves life - fast, gritty and always on the edge. If not for her, Pepper and Martin, who would defeat the darkness? Even with them always pushing back, the darkness will always be there. Hopefully it will not reach the same stage as it did with the zombies, but lately the darkness has been growing. It's finding its way in to corners, creating a gloom over everything - would there be another uprising? One thing's for sure, there are a lot more creatures from the dark than there used to be, including their latest kill - gargoyles.
Their new focus on gargoyles has led them to a dilapidated church, abandoned some 20 years previous. Nothing seems right, but they know why. The darkness has entered this church, in a way unlike any they have encountered before. Would this evil be as easy to beat, especially when they have to do it under the watchful eyes of the church?
Kat and the gang jump full throttle into this church With life always on the edge, fast paced and never knowing whether they'll get through a day, it's hard not to take advantage of each moment. That attitude leads Kat and Pepper down a path they never thought possible. When they are caught in a loving embrace, by Martin and Kat's mother, they are rushed toward marriage. Luckily, Kat's mother is able to find a lovely hotel for them to have the ceremony at, and they all head there for the weekend to plan, but -as with all things Kat - nothing is quite what it seems.
They arrive at the hotel, all in a flutter. Kat is overwhelmed by beauty, love and marriage, which is nothing like the Kat we all knew. Is she changing, or is this all part of a sinister plot? Why do the ladies who've just checked in look so different, pale with bright red lips - almost as read as blood? Why does it seem like everyone is falling for Pepper? Why can't Kat seem to remember anything important and what on earth do bats have to do with it?
Let's only hope Kat and Martin can get to the bottom of this problem, before the problem flies out of hand and Pepper finds himself between more than a rock and a hard place...
What I Thought
I have yet to be let down by the brilliant writing from Sam Stone. This third instalment of the Kat Lightfoot mysteries is no less brilliant than the other two. Again, Stone has chosen to keep the overall premise of fighting the darkness as the main story of her mystery. She has also kept with the theme that each book, while fighting off darkness is key, also starts at a slightly different time and involves different minions and settings. I, personally, find this to be one of the reasons that her stories are so addicting. It is nice to know I am going to sit down and enjoy the gang, steampunk brilliance and lots of action, but I also love the fact that I know that there will not be any repetition and I will have loads of surprises awaiting me!
The characters in this story, outside of Kat and the gang, are very well developed. They have depth, emotion and we are given enough detail to be able not only to picture each of them, but to know what faces they would be making when they are talking, feel the emotion exuding from them and even believe (completely) the surprise turns they make take in the story. I love this, as all the characters are real and plausible, rather than finding myself thinking ' err, I wouldn't have seen him doing that, how disappointing' I find myself thinking 'damn, i knew that guy was bad news.' It's great!
I also found that we are delving even deeper into the main characters of our story. We are getting to know even more about Pepper, Kat, Martin, Kat's mother and even Holly! Unlike a lot of series, I like that they characters have many layers and depth, giving us more insight into them with each story, rather than building the characters in the first book and just leaving be.
The plot to this book was done perfectly, and was completely believable - with the understanding and knowledge of what we have come to expect from both the darkness and from vampires. The pace held its own, ensuring that the story had twists/turns exactly when they were needed and that you were never left waiting for something to happen to boost the story - there was always something to keep your interested piqued and your mind craving for more.
I also love that this book ends with an option for so much more from Stone and the Lightfoot mysteries. I, for one, hope she doesn't plan to stop here. I want to here so much more of the gang's adventures.
OVERALL: This book blew me away. I would highly recommend this book and the entire Lightfoot mysteries, as they are addicting. They are great reads for adults and even down to YA, probably over 15-16, with the dark details. They are great for a fast read - if you want to sit for a few hours and just immerse yourself, but are also great for a pick-up read if you only have minutes to spare. The depth and breadth of writing make this book one not to be missed and the skill from Stone will make you fall in love with Kat, Pepper and Martin more with each page.
After Kat and the gang defeated the shadowy evil at the Pollitt's place, we were left floating in the airship, with more than a friendship brewing between Pepper and Kat.
Next thing we know, Kat and Pepper are scurrying up a rope ladder, trying to reach the airship before their cleverly placed dynamite sticks go off. Sure, they had narrowly escaped death...again...but that's just how Kat loves life - fast, gritty and always on the edge. If not for her, Pepper and Martin, who would defeat the darkness? Even with them always pushing back, the darkness will always be there. Hopefully it will not reach the same stage as it did with the zombies, but lately the darkness has been growing. It's finding its way in to corners, creating a gloom over everything - would there be another uprising? One thing's for sure, there are a lot more creatures from the dark than there used to be, including their latest kill - gargoyles.
Their new focus on gargoyles has led them to a dilapidated church, abandoned some 20 years previous. Nothing seems right, but they know why. The darkness has entered this church, in a way unlike any they have encountered before. Would this evil be as easy to beat, especially when they have to do it under the watchful eyes of the church?
Kat and the gang jump full throttle into this church With life always on the edge, fast paced and never knowing whether they'll get through a day, it's hard not to take advantage of each moment. That attitude leads Kat and Pepper down a path they never thought possible. When they are caught in a loving embrace, by Martin and Kat's mother, they are rushed toward marriage. Luckily, Kat's mother is able to find a lovely hotel for them to have the ceremony at, and they all head there for the weekend to plan, but -as with all things Kat - nothing is quite what it seems.
They arrive at the hotel, all in a flutter. Kat is overwhelmed by beauty, love and marriage, which is nothing like the Kat we all knew. Is she changing, or is this all part of a sinister plot? Why do the ladies who've just checked in look so different, pale with bright red lips - almost as read as blood? Why does it seem like everyone is falling for Pepper? Why can't Kat seem to remember anything important and what on earth do bats have to do with it?
Let's only hope Kat and Martin can get to the bottom of this problem, before the problem flies out of hand and Pepper finds himself between more than a rock and a hard place...
What I Thought
I have yet to be let down by the brilliant writing from Sam Stone. This third instalment of the Kat Lightfoot mysteries is no less brilliant than the other two. Again, Stone has chosen to keep the overall premise of fighting the darkness as the main story of her mystery. She has also kept with the theme that each book, while fighting off darkness is key, also starts at a slightly different time and involves different minions and settings. I, personally, find this to be one of the reasons that her stories are so addicting. It is nice to know I am going to sit down and enjoy the gang, steampunk brilliance and lots of action, but I also love the fact that I know that there will not be any repetition and I will have loads of surprises awaiting me!
The characters in this story, outside of Kat and the gang, are very well developed. They have depth, emotion and we are given enough detail to be able not only to picture each of them, but to know what faces they would be making when they are talking, feel the emotion exuding from them and even believe (completely) the surprise turns they make take in the story. I love this, as all the characters are real and plausible, rather than finding myself thinking ' err, I wouldn't have seen him doing that, how disappointing' I find myself thinking 'damn, i knew that guy was bad news.' It's great!
I also found that we are delving even deeper into the main characters of our story. We are getting to know even more about Pepper, Kat, Martin, Kat's mother and even Holly! Unlike a lot of series, I like that they characters have many layers and depth, giving us more insight into them with each story, rather than building the characters in the first book and just leaving be.
The plot to this book was done perfectly, and was completely believable - with the understanding and knowledge of what we have come to expect from both the darkness and from vampires. The pace held its own, ensuring that the story had twists/turns exactly when they were needed and that you were never left waiting for something to happen to boost the story - there was always something to keep your interested piqued and your mind craving for more.
I also love that this book ends with an option for so much more from Stone and the Lightfoot mysteries. I, for one, hope she doesn't plan to stop here. I want to here so much more of the gang's adventures.
OVERALL: This book blew me away. I would highly recommend this book and the entire Lightfoot mysteries, as they are addicting. They are great reads for adults and even down to YA, probably over 15-16, with the dark details. They are great for a fast read - if you want to sit for a few hours and just immerse yourself, but are also great for a pick-up read if you only have minutes to spare. The depth and breadth of writing make this book one not to be missed and the skill from Stone will make you fall in love with Kat, Pepper and Martin more with each page.
June 7, 2018
Kat's friendship with Pepper seems to be developing into something more....but vampires and gargoyles in New York keep getting in the way. Are these creatures going to drive them closer together....or find a way to separate them forever? And after this adventure will Kat ever be the same again? Another cracking read from Sam Stone.....plus gargoyles! Did I mention the gargoyles? What's not to love!
June 17, 2015
Kat, George, and Martin are fighters of the darkness. It is 1865 in New York and they are visiting St Michaels, an abandoned church. As they wander around the musky church they are puzzled by very unusual gargoyle statues that look like priests. They are so realistic. Martin explains to Kat and George that they were there to investigate rumors of bats, gargoyles and strange women that have been seen in the church. Can they fight the darkness that has infested the church?
Meanwhile Kat finds herself suddenly falling in love with George. When her mother catches the two kissing, they find themselves engaged and a quick wedding is planned. Kat's mother finds a hotel to have the wedding and the family visits the hotel to start the planning. While they are there a group of women are also staying at the hotel. They are oddly dressed, with very pale skin and blood red lips. The women are attracted to George and strange things start to happen at the hotel. Is there a connection between these women and what is happening at the deserted church?
Sam Stone has again written a steampunk story that has keep me on the edge of my seat. I really enjoyed the mixture of gargoyles, bats, vampires and of course a bit of romance. The reading was easy and quick and can be read in a short time. Sam has a way of telling a story that keeps your interest and puts in twists when you least expect them. Loved the ending, totally didn't see it coming.
Meanwhile Kat finds herself suddenly falling in love with George. When her mother catches the two kissing, they find themselves engaged and a quick wedding is planned. Kat's mother finds a hotel to have the wedding and the family visits the hotel to start the planning. While they are there a group of women are also staying at the hotel. They are oddly dressed, with very pale skin and blood red lips. The women are attracted to George and strange things start to happen at the hotel. Is there a connection between these women and what is happening at the deserted church?
Sam Stone has again written a steampunk story that has keep me on the edge of my seat. I really enjoyed the mixture of gargoyles, bats, vampires and of course a bit of romance. The reading was easy and quick and can be read in a short time. Sam has a way of telling a story that keeps your interest and puts in twists when you least expect them. Loved the ending, totally didn't see it coming.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews