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A Dixie Hemingway Mystery #9
The Cat Sitter's Nine Lives
Plucky heroine Dixie Hemingway is back in this ninth installment of Blaize Clement's beloved cozy mystery series.
While driving along the beachside road that runs through the center of her hometown Dixie witnesses a terrible head-on collision. Ever the hero, she springs into action and pulls one of the drivers from his car just before it explodes in flames. A little shaken but none the worse for wear, Dixie proceeds to her local bookstore where she meets Cosmo, a fluffy, orange tomcat, and Mr. Hoskins, the store's kind but strangely befuddled owner. The next day the driver whose life she saved claims that he is Dixie's husband.
Meanwhile, both Cosmo and Mr. Hoskins have disappeared without a trace, and a mysterious phone call from a new client lures her to a crumbling, abandoned mansion on the outskirts of town. Soon Dixie finds herself locked in a riddle of deception, revenge, murder, and mystery.
"The Cat Sitter's Nine Lives" features a compelling main character and a riveting plot that is bound to satisfy the appetites of Dixie Hemingway fans and newcomers to the series.
While driving along the beachside road that runs through the center of her hometown Dixie witnesses a terrible head-on collision. Ever the hero, she springs into action and pulls one of the drivers from his car just before it explodes in flames. A little shaken but none the worse for wear, Dixie proceeds to her local bookstore where she meets Cosmo, a fluffy, orange tomcat, and Mr. Hoskins, the store's kind but strangely befuddled owner. The next day the driver whose life she saved claims that he is Dixie's husband.
Meanwhile, both Cosmo and Mr. Hoskins have disappeared without a trace, and a mysterious phone call from a new client lures her to a crumbling, abandoned mansion on the outskirts of town. Soon Dixie finds herself locked in a riddle of deception, revenge, murder, and mystery.
"The Cat Sitter's Nine Lives" features a compelling main character and a riveting plot that is bound to satisfy the appetites of Dixie Hemingway fans and newcomers to the series.
397 pages, Hardcover
First published July 8, 2014
19 people are currently reading
446 people want to read
About the author
Blaize Clement
35 books257 followersMy passion is people. I think people are absolutely magnificent. Not the power-hungry heads of governments or churches or corporations who justify all kinds of horror if it suits their goals, but the rest of us. In spite of the awful things some human beings do in order to control other human beings, most people are peacefully going about their own business, and I applaud that. Families are the backbone of any civilization, and parenting is the most important job in the world.
That same passion and respect for people makes me a strong supporter of the right of any two adults who wish to combine their lives and property to do so without anybody judging them or erecting laws to make their lives more difficult. It seems to me that people who go around condemning how or who somebody else loves would better mind their own business and spend that time showing love to their own spouses or lovers.
As a polio survivor, I’m zealous about ADA laws being implemented and intelligently observed. I try to keep a sense of humor about architectural barriers, but curb cuts and gentle ramps aren’t so difficult to install, and they make life a lot easier for many people. And does anybody know the purpose of those metal bars attached to the walls in handicap-accessible bathrooms? I used to think they might be there in case somebody in a wheelchair decided to rinse out her panty hose, but that can’t be it.
My favorite story of all time is Rudyard Kipling’s The Elephant’s Child. When my two sons were little, I would beg them to let me read that story to them, and sometimes they would indulge me. When my five grandchildren were small, I made a tape of myself reading it so they could listen to it when I wasn’t there. They indulged me too. I still get a little bubble of delight at the 'satiable Elephant's Child saying to all his dear families, “I am going to the great grey-green, greasy Limpopo River, all set about with fever-trees, to find out what the Crocodile has for dinner.”
My favorite scene in all literature is from another Rudyard Kipling story, The Jungle Book, where the wolf pack has met to look over the new cubs so they would know their own from an enemy, and Father Wolf pushes Mowgli into the center.
Come to think of it, I suppose those beloved stories about the intelligence and nobility of animals, coupled with my passion for families and children has inevitably led to writing the Dixie Hemingway Mystery series. The relationship between people and pets is one of the highest examples of unconditional love, and Dixie Hemingway is a professional pet sitter who values her family and the pets she takes care of above all else.
Okay, we’re almost finished with this pseudo-bio.
I think the best writing being done today gets the least amount of respect. Good writing isn’t determined by the subject matter, but by how well the writer keeps the reader fascinated and anxious. With few exceptions, that means good mysteries, horror, and sci-fi. I’m proud to be a member of Mystery Writers of America, International Thriller Writers, and Sisters in Crime.
My favorite quote is from the 14th century Sufi poet, Hafiz: “Sweetheart, O Sweetheart, you are God in drag!”
Okay, that’s my bio. Now you know the “real me.” I hope we meet someday and that you’ll tell me about the real you.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/blaize...
That same passion and respect for people makes me a strong supporter of the right of any two adults who wish to combine their lives and property to do so without anybody judging them or erecting laws to make their lives more difficult. It seems to me that people who go around condemning how or who somebody else loves would better mind their own business and spend that time showing love to their own spouses or lovers.
As a polio survivor, I’m zealous about ADA laws being implemented and intelligently observed. I try to keep a sense of humor about architectural barriers, but curb cuts and gentle ramps aren’t so difficult to install, and they make life a lot easier for many people. And does anybody know the purpose of those metal bars attached to the walls in handicap-accessible bathrooms? I used to think they might be there in case somebody in a wheelchair decided to rinse out her panty hose, but that can’t be it.
My favorite story of all time is Rudyard Kipling’s The Elephant’s Child. When my two sons were little, I would beg them to let me read that story to them, and sometimes they would indulge me. When my five grandchildren were small, I made a tape of myself reading it so they could listen to it when I wasn’t there. They indulged me too. I still get a little bubble of delight at the 'satiable Elephant's Child saying to all his dear families, “I am going to the great grey-green, greasy Limpopo River, all set about with fever-trees, to find out what the Crocodile has for dinner.”
My favorite scene in all literature is from another Rudyard Kipling story, The Jungle Book, where the wolf pack has met to look over the new cubs so they would know their own from an enemy, and Father Wolf pushes Mowgli into the center.
Come to think of it, I suppose those beloved stories about the intelligence and nobility of animals, coupled with my passion for families and children has inevitably led to writing the Dixie Hemingway Mystery series. The relationship between people and pets is one of the highest examples of unconditional love, and Dixie Hemingway is a professional pet sitter who values her family and the pets she takes care of above all else.
Okay, we’re almost finished with this pseudo-bio.
I think the best writing being done today gets the least amount of respect. Good writing isn’t determined by the subject matter, but by how well the writer keeps the reader fascinated and anxious. With few exceptions, that means good mysteries, horror, and sci-fi. I’m proud to be a member of Mystery Writers of America, International Thriller Writers, and Sisters in Crime.
My favorite quote is from the 14th century Sufi poet, Hafiz: “Sweetheart, O Sweetheart, you are God in drag!”
Okay, that’s my bio. Now you know the “real me.” I hope we meet someday and that you’ll tell me about the real you.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/blaize...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 118 reviews
August 4, 2014
I'm a massive fan of the Dixie Hemingway series. I am such a large fan as to say that the Blaize Clement books are some of my all time favorites.
It's a misnomer to say this book was written by Blaize Clement. As Blaize Clement passed away in 2011, this book is (i believe) the second book her son has written to continue the series. The previous one disappointed me, but I was hoping he was still getting his footing. I'm sorry to say this one is even worse. Perhaps it wouldn't be so bad if it was a stand alone book and not in his mother's series. It certainly doesn't feel like it is part of the series. I've known fanfiction to match the canon's tone better than this book.
Although the character names are the same and the story still takes place on Siesta Key, neither the characters nor scenery matched the feeling of the Blaize books.
Dixie comes off as a truly dumb blonde, a perspective of her character I had never seen before. She frequently discusses men as sexual objects, complains about how everyone coddles her (or her fear of being coddled), and has a hint of infantilism that truly disturbs me. Gone is the strong female protagonist who is trying to survive day to day in the aftermath of losing her husband and child. Although Dixie is still kind, she comes off as incredibly ditzy. I'd love to get a Word doc of this novel and run a word count of "silly." The characters come off as incredibly two-dimensional as if their saturation levels have been turned so low as to make them monochromatic. It's bizarre to see such rich characters become so flat.
The way that Dixie approaches her love interest in this book is incredibly degrading. She goes on and on about how dreamy and hot he is without describing him as a person at all. The superficial treatment of men is not unlike idolatry. Is this how John Clement thinks women see men? Dixie is constantly chastising herself that she must behave a certain way NOW THAT SHE IS A GIRLFRIEND.
As a mystery, don't expect a grand puzzle. This book is fairly heavy handed and
While I absolutely loved this series and I'm so glad that it didn't die with it's wonderful author, I really hope it comes back more true to form. I miss it's spirit.
It's a misnomer to say this book was written by Blaize Clement. As Blaize Clement passed away in 2011, this book is (i believe) the second book her son has written to continue the series. The previous one disappointed me, but I was hoping he was still getting his footing. I'm sorry to say this one is even worse. Perhaps it wouldn't be so bad if it was a stand alone book and not in his mother's series. It certainly doesn't feel like it is part of the series. I've known fanfiction to match the canon's tone better than this book.
Although the character names are the same and the story still takes place on Siesta Key, neither the characters nor scenery matched the feeling of the Blaize books.
Dixie comes off as a truly dumb blonde, a perspective of her character I had never seen before. She frequently discusses men as sexual objects, complains about how everyone coddles her (or her fear of being coddled), and has a hint of infantilism that truly disturbs me. Gone is the strong female protagonist who is trying to survive day to day in the aftermath of losing her husband and child. Although Dixie is still kind, she comes off as incredibly ditzy. I'd love to get a Word doc of this novel and run a word count of "silly." The characters come off as incredibly two-dimensional as if their saturation levels have been turned so low as to make them monochromatic. It's bizarre to see such rich characters become so flat.
The way that Dixie approaches her love interest in this book is incredibly degrading. She goes on and on about how dreamy and hot he is without describing him as a person at all. The superficial treatment of men is not unlike idolatry. Is this how John Clement thinks women see men? Dixie is constantly chastising herself that she must behave a certain way NOW THAT SHE IS A GIRLFRIEND.
As a mystery, don't expect a grand puzzle. This book is fairly heavy handed and
While I absolutely loved this series and I'm so glad that it didn't die with it's wonderful author, I really hope it comes back more true to form. I miss it's spirit.
July 17, 2014
This ninth book in the series may be the best book yet in the cat sitter mystery novels. When I heard several years ago that Blaize Clement had died, I worried that her son might not "get it right", especially when in the eighth novel Dixie seemed to take on elements of a lovesick school girl, totally out of character. That fear was reinforced at the very beginning of this volume when Dixie describes her boyfriend as "100 percent thoughtful and devastatingly, bewilderingly, unrelentingly hunky" on page one and on page 31 says that "even if that man happens to be a pure dreamboat gift from heaven". I wanted to gag. Who has used the adjective "dreamboat" to describe a man since the 1950's???
Fortunately, that saccharine dreck ended there, pretty much, and the story picked up speed and turned into one of the more interesting mysteries I've read in a while. I particularly liked that Mr. Clement broke the formulaic story line that was beginning to plague this series where Dixie stumbled into every murder scene on her appointed pet rounds. He even managed to recapture some of her wit that was so entertaining in the early books.
I'll look forward to more books in the series.
Fortunately, that saccharine dreck ended there, pretty much, and the story picked up speed and turned into one of the more interesting mysteries I've read in a while. I particularly liked that Mr. Clement broke the formulaic story line that was beginning to plague this series where Dixie stumbled into every murder scene on her appointed pet rounds. He even managed to recapture some of her wit that was so entertaining in the early books.
I'll look forward to more books in the series.
August 14, 2014
I've loved this series since I discovered it at my local library years ago and have awaited this latest haunting addition for some time. As usual, I always say in my reviews of this series that they are best read in order, but of course each stands alone. I enjoy the evolution of Dixie as she comes a bit further out of her shell in this particular book and has begun to develop a new relationship. New characters, including an older couple and their falling down house, form a mysterious backdrop to the main story and I really enjoyed them particularly. You'll love a return visit to Siesta Key, with its palpable beauty, the regular cast of characters and pets that make the series so memorable, and just the right touch of darkness and light and intrigue to keep you coming back. One of my top three mystery series of all time and I hope it goes on and on for many more books.
August 25, 2014
Blaize's son John has done an admirable job of carrying on the story of Dixie Hemmingway after her passing some years ago. This newest installment to Dixie's story was fun to read, good ongoing character development and further insight into our heroine. Keep up the great work, John! Dixie's just too much fun to let go!
November 18, 2025
Dixie seems to have 9 lives in this novel, as she encounters danger in several instances. She's too much of a risk-taker! Again, she solves the murder before the sheriff's department. Oh, and there's the dreaded letter from Guidry!
June 16, 2022
There was a lot more humor in this book than in the previous books. I give credit for that humor to John Clement. He took a fun series of books and made them even better!
August 9, 2017
Fun to read and the main characters are just a bit too perfect. But entertaining.
January 17, 2022
This was a cute cozy mystery with quite a few twists and turns. I liked Dixie and enjoyed reading about all the animals included.
September 2, 2014
Read more at Chick Lit Café! http://loonachicklit.wordpress.com/20...
Even though Blaize Clement has passed on into the great beyond, her gifted son is keeping the beloved cozy mystery series alive. Dixie is still stumbling into mysteries in her trademark white Keds and cargo shorts. Her humble abode overlooking the tranquil ocean in Siesta Key is just as cozy as ever. Her boy troubles continue to get more and more complicated. Her regular customers are still counting on her to deliver quality service to their cherished pets of all shapes, sizes and species.
Yep, it seems as though John Clement has found a way to seamlessly continue his mom’s adorable cozy series without a hitch. In fact, this might be my favorite installment because of all the puzzling subplots. The various obstacles seemed totally random and unrelated, yet the pieces all had a way of fitting together toward the very end. Well played, Mr. Clement!
Right after Dixie fearlessly rescued a man from a burning vehicle, the questions just kept multiplying. Why is a strange man in hospital bed insisting that Dixie is his wife? Did the missing bookstore clerk skip town, or is he sleeping with the fishes? The bloody paw prints on the checkout counter sure aren’t a good sign.
And in the midst of murder and mayhem, an unopened letter from Dixie’s ex-boyfriend could potentially ruin the good thing she’s got going on with Mr. Perfect. Should she open Pandora ’s Box or let sleeping dogs lie? You’ll have to read the book to find out! Trust me, this one is definitely worth your time if you’re a fan of strong female characters and four-legged sidekicks.
Even though Blaize Clement has passed on into the great beyond, her gifted son is keeping the beloved cozy mystery series alive. Dixie is still stumbling into mysteries in her trademark white Keds and cargo shorts. Her humble abode overlooking the tranquil ocean in Siesta Key is just as cozy as ever. Her boy troubles continue to get more and more complicated. Her regular customers are still counting on her to deliver quality service to their cherished pets of all shapes, sizes and species.
Yep, it seems as though John Clement has found a way to seamlessly continue his mom’s adorable cozy series without a hitch. In fact, this might be my favorite installment because of all the puzzling subplots. The various obstacles seemed totally random and unrelated, yet the pieces all had a way of fitting together toward the very end. Well played, Mr. Clement!
Right after Dixie fearlessly rescued a man from a burning vehicle, the questions just kept multiplying. Why is a strange man in hospital bed insisting that Dixie is his wife? Did the missing bookstore clerk skip town, or is he sleeping with the fishes? The bloody paw prints on the checkout counter sure aren’t a good sign.
And in the midst of murder and mayhem, an unopened letter from Dixie’s ex-boyfriend could potentially ruin the good thing she’s got going on with Mr. Perfect. Should she open Pandora ’s Box or let sleeping dogs lie? You’ll have to read the book to find out! Trust me, this one is definitely worth your time if you’re a fan of strong female characters and four-legged sidekicks.
June 4, 2017
"The Cat Sitter's Nine Lives" by Blaize & John Clement.
Dixie finds her self in the middle of a mess. In fact that mess is a pile up caused by a tailgating speed demon of a driver. Now that speed demon is trapped in his car which is ready to explode at any moment. That's when Dixie jumps into action and pulls the man to safety.
While the police and the ambulances are swinging into action Dixie decides to take a little browse inside one of her childhood haunts...Mr. Beezy's Bookstore. Yes, I said bookstore. That was, after all, her original plan before this collision occurred.
Then the mystery begins with a gardening book Dixie purchases from the proprietor Mr. Hoskins. Just what is inside this gardening book or rather just what is missing inside this book that unravels a mystery and how did Dixie get involved in it in the first place.
At the same time Dixie's makes a decision in the romance dept...or rather the decision is made for her.
This was an excellent addition to this loved mystery series. Thanks and appreciation to John Clement for continuing, in excellent style, his Mother's series. Dixie Hemingway is going strong.
Dixie finds her self in the middle of a mess. In fact that mess is a pile up caused by a tailgating speed demon of a driver. Now that speed demon is trapped in his car which is ready to explode at any moment. That's when Dixie jumps into action and pulls the man to safety.
While the police and the ambulances are swinging into action Dixie decides to take a little browse inside one of her childhood haunts...Mr. Beezy's Bookstore. Yes, I said bookstore. That was, after all, her original plan before this collision occurred.
Then the mystery begins with a gardening book Dixie purchases from the proprietor Mr. Hoskins. Just what is inside this gardening book or rather just what is missing inside this book that unravels a mystery and how did Dixie get involved in it in the first place.
At the same time Dixie's makes a decision in the romance dept...or rather the decision is made for her.
This was an excellent addition to this loved mystery series. Thanks and appreciation to John Clement for continuing, in excellent style, his Mother's series. Dixie Hemingway is going strong.
August 5, 2014
Although I read fewer "cozies" than I used to, there are still a few that I enjoy. This series is one of them. It features Dixie Hemingway, former sheriff's deputy in a small Florida town, now pet sitter. How she became a pet sitter is based on a tragedy that resulted in the loss of her son and toddler daughter. She's made a new life for herself, but still has those dark moments. Somehow she is always running across dead bodies. In this episode, she is involved in a chain collision. The road is blocked so she decides to go to a local bookstore while she is waiting for things to clear. Oh, and before that, she saved someone's life! She meets the owner of the bookstore and his very large orange tabby. He disappears shortly thereafter. Then a very wealthy woman asks her to find the cat. Yes, it's kind of silly, but it was fun. I enjoyed it immensely, and the author manages to tie things together.
July 28, 2015
The Cat Sitter's Nine Lives by John Clement is the ninth installment in Blaize Clement's cozy mystery series about Dixie Hemmingway, a cat-sitting, mystery solving heroine. Dixie is involved in a multi-car crash and saves the life of one of the drivers. With the road closed, she visits the local bookstore and meets Cosmo, a large orange cat. When bookshop owner, Mr. Hoskins and Cosmo go missing, Dixie becomes involved. Things get worse when she is invited to a crumbling mansion to meet the mysterious owner who charges her with finding Cosmo at all cost. Then she finds tiny paw prints made from blood.
John Clement does a wonderful job continuing his mom's series. The Cat Sitter's Nine Lives has a nice surprise ending and will enthrall cat lovers everywhere as Dixie Hemmingway becomes involved in yet another murder. Check out the series and look forward to the tenth!
John Clement does a wonderful job continuing his mom's series. The Cat Sitter's Nine Lives has a nice surprise ending and will enthrall cat lovers everywhere as Dixie Hemmingway becomes involved in yet another murder. Check out the series and look forward to the tenth!
January 17, 2015
Dixie Hemingway is my favorite protagonist out of any cozy mystery I've ever read. She has a tragic past that adds a depth to her character that you don't normally see. I was extremely saddened to hear the author, Blaize Clement, had passed away, and a bit apprehensive to find out her son would be taking over her series. It turns out to have been a needless worry as he has done a fine job of picking up where she left off.
The one problem I have with this series is the same problem I've had since the first one -- Dixie is a mid-thirties female, but she doesn't do things that a 30something year old would do. I know this because I'm a 30something year old female. She doesn't have a computer, for one thing. She says things that 30 year olds don't say. It's as if she's a 30 year old 30 years ago. But other than the mannerisms, she's still one of my favorite cozy characters.
The one problem I have with this series is the same problem I've had since the first one -- Dixie is a mid-thirties female, but she doesn't do things that a 30something year old would do. I know this because I'm a 30something year old female. She doesn't have a computer, for one thing. She says things that 30 year olds don't say. It's as if she's a 30 year old 30 years ago. But other than the mannerisms, she's still one of my favorite cozy characters.
June 13, 2017
I have read the series and found the main character, Dixie, a strong woman despite losing her family at a young age. Something happened to Dixie, I blame this on the author, because this book was a disappointment. Dixie was a complaining whimpering woman, the description of Michael, Paco and Ethan - which in other books did not belabor this point ad infinitum that they are all #10's and wanted by every woman on the planet. The mystery was ridiculous and didn't appear well thought out. The scenes with Ethan were bad dialogue and nauseating. I like Cora and that whole scene was weird... The best line in the book was from Cora on page 231....."You should damn well grow up is what you should do."
July 11, 2014
Wonderful!
Loved this book. Ethan and Dixie make a very nice couple and Michael and Pack are awesome. This story kept me enthralled and I found it almost impossible to put down. Reading this book is like visiting old friends and you don't want them to leave.
I can't wait for the next book, please write fast!!!!
Loved this book. Ethan and Dixie make a very nice couple and Michael and Pack are awesome. This story kept me enthralled and I found it almost impossible to put down. Reading this book is like visiting old friends and you don't want them to leave.
I can't wait for the next book, please write fast!!!!
August 23, 2014
I love this series about a pet sitter who lives on Siesta Key, near Sarasota, Florida. In this book, Dixie pulls a man out of a car that's about to explode and buys a book from an old man who is later murdered. It all fits together, as Dixie searches for the bookseller's missing cat. Start at the first one and read all nine of these books! They're good.
August 31, 2014
I thought the
Savannah Reid books were good??? This book kept me going to tbd very end. I had no idea who the kier was till the revel at the end of the book. I will now start with the first book as the one I read was on a Library table where I go. I even posted on the board for recommendations what a good book this is. I hope you'll give the series a try I don't think you be disappointed .
Savannah Reid books were good??? This book kept me going to tbd very end. I had no idea who the kier was till the revel at the end of the book. I will now start with the first book as the one I read was on a Library table where I go. I even posted on the board for recommendations what a good book this is. I hope you'll give the series a try I don't think you be disappointed .
July 9, 2014
Cat Sitter Does it Again
Dixie Hemingway (no relation) Siesta Keys' professional pet sitter gets involved in another murder in paradise. For fans of the series this is just as entertaining as the others, an enjoyable summer read. I would love to live where she does.
Dixie Hemingway (no relation) Siesta Keys' professional pet sitter gets involved in another murder in paradise. For fans of the series this is just as entertaining as the others, an enjoyable summer read. I would love to live where she does.
July 27, 2014
Still one of my favorite cozy series. The mystery is well developed, characters are believable and likeable, and the Siesta Key vibe is clear throughout the book. Good job to son John for keeping the series going so smoothly - he's doing his mom proud.
July 29, 2014
This series makes me want to move to Florida. Not really, but the descriptions are great. The stories in the series keep some characters but add enough new scenes to make it interesting. fun and light.
August 9, 2014
Wow! The son is as good as his mother. So happy to have this series continue!
May 29, 2015
of course I loved it
January 2, 2015
I totally enjoy these stories first by Blaize and now by her son, John. Quick and easy read that keeps your interest throughout.
August 25, 2017
"....losing a loved one makes you an instant member of this strange, underground club, a club that only people who've lost someone they truly, deeply love can join. Once you're a member, all you have to do is let your guard down a little bit to see that there are fellow members everywhere you go. At the gym, at the grocery store, in the line for the dressing room at Marshalls, and like it or not, you can never unjoin."
When I read this passage in "The Cat Sitter's Nine Lives", it struck me that this was John Clement's way of honoring his mother Blaize in this book. He is trying to continue her wonderful Dixie Hemingway series, but it's obviously not an easy task for him. Who isn't -- or will one day become -- a member of this club?
I really enjoy each character in this series; it's refreshing that they all are likable! I like the development of Dixie's romance with Ethan (a far better match for Dixie than Guidry). The summary of the murder, why it happened, how it played out and its denouement were somewhat predictable and somewhat just crazy, but nevertheless made for an interesting read. At times I missed Blaize's writing style and that interrupted my reading of the book. But this series remains enjoyable, and worthwhile! John -- Please continue it; I think I'm a book or two behind the most recent book, and I hope you will continue to develop these characters and keep the interesting story lines going!
When I read this passage in "The Cat Sitter's Nine Lives", it struck me that this was John Clement's way of honoring his mother Blaize in this book. He is trying to continue her wonderful Dixie Hemingway series, but it's obviously not an easy task for him. Who isn't -- or will one day become -- a member of this club?
I really enjoy each character in this series; it's refreshing that they all are likable! I like the development of Dixie's romance with Ethan (a far better match for Dixie than Guidry). The summary of the murder, why it happened, how it played out and its denouement were somewhat predictable and somewhat just crazy, but nevertheless made for an interesting read. At times I missed Blaize's writing style and that interrupted my reading of the book. But this series remains enjoyable, and worthwhile! John -- Please continue it; I think I'm a book or two behind the most recent book, and I hope you will continue to develop these characters and keep the interesting story lines going!
February 20, 2019
Dixie is on her way to the local bookstore where she spent a large portion of her childhood. However, before she can arrive there is a multiple car collision. Dixie and a very large, burly Doctor rescue the man responsible for the wreck from his burning vehicle just in time. As they hurry him away from the car, it explodes in flames. While Dixie is waiting for the road to be cleared so she can go home, she goes into the bookstore and purchases a book about gardening. The next day she is told that the man from the bookstore has vanished! She is summoned to the Silverthorn Mansion by Mrs. Silverhorn. She charges Dixie with finding the cat missing from the bookstore which fortunately Dixie had already been planning to do. So what happened to Mr. Hoskins? Where is that cat? Why did Mr. Vladim tell the nurses at the hospital that Dixie was his wife?
I did note one error that was overlooked by the copy editor. It was Cora's granddaughter, NOT her daughter who purchased the bread making machine for her. IF you are the creator of a book series, characters and plot, it is YOUR responsibility to keep track of the details. Does this series not have an editor?
I did note one error that was overlooked by the copy editor. It was Cora's granddaughter, NOT her daughter who purchased the bread making machine for her. IF you are the creator of a book series, characters and plot, it is YOUR responsibility to keep track of the details. Does this series not have an editor?
October 6, 2017
Meh. I don't know. I enjoy this series, but this episode just did not click the same way for me as some of the others - maybe because I got tired of Dixie's navel gazing, maybe because I am in the wrong headspace for this type of read, maybe both, maybe something else entirely.
I have accidentally already read book 10 and enjoyed it at the time. It is likely I will read book 11. But if that one fails to click the way this one did I am not sure if I will try 12, should 12 be published as 11 is currently the last on the list but also fairly recently published at the time of this review. Huh, maybe it is that often series just kind of slump around book #10. Who knows? I will give it at least one more try and see how it goes...
I have accidentally already read book 10 and enjoyed it at the time. It is likely I will read book 11. But if that one fails to click the way this one did I am not sure if I will try 12, should 12 be published as 11 is currently the last on the list but also fairly recently published at the time of this review. Huh, maybe it is that often series just kind of slump around book #10. Who knows? I will give it at least one more try and see how it goes...
October 2, 2021
Blaize Clement's son is doing a fine job continuing her series, but there are some unresolved questions in this book.....
I like how Dixie's relationship with Ethan is progressing and always enjoy meeting the new pets she cares for.
I like how Dixie's relationship with Ethan is progressing and always enjoy meeting the new pets she cares for.
July 13, 2017
The original author of the Cat Sitter books passed away in 2011 and now her son, John, has taken over. I've read at least one other book he wrote, and it wasn't that good. I wasn't sure what to expect with this one, but figured I'd give it a try. I'm reluctant to give up the series! Well, it was good! I read a few books simultaneously, and found myself picking up Nine Lives before the others.
April 18, 2018
This is one of the series which I like.
Ok, either it was a quick read, or I had too much time on my hands yesterday because I finished this in one day. I hadn't read this series in a while, and I was glad to do it again. Dixie never lets me down. Just enough umph and mystery to satisfy my need to escape reality.
Ok, either it was a quick read, or I had too much time on my hands yesterday because I finished this in one day. I hadn't read this series in a while, and I was glad to do it again. Dixie never lets me down. Just enough umph and mystery to satisfy my need to escape reality.
June 17, 2018
My “blind date with a book” task for the library’s summer reading challenge. Apparently I read and really enjoyed the first book in this series several years ago, but this one felt hokey, completely unbelievable, and outdated. Who writes checks in 2014?
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