Sunday 27 September 2015

fish and chips with a side of trouble

Anderson raced into the room and skidded to a stop beside Seville's desk.  "Tell me it isn't true!" he panted.

Seville stopped working on his book report for Kitty Lit. 101 and looked down at his brother.  "Tell you what isn't true, bro? What has your fluffy pantaloons all in a dither?"

Still out of breath, Andy barely managed to wheeze, "Rushton says you're planning on giving away my library!"

"You have a library?  Since when did you have a library?  And why am I giving it away?  And why don't I have one, too?"

Anderson took a deep breath.  "Okay, okay...  Maybe I was exaggerating a little.  Rushy says you're giving away half my library.  Not the whole thing.  How come?  And doesn't it matter that I don't want you to do that?"

"I don't know what you're talking about, Andy.  Right now, I'm concentrating on finishing up this report about Linda Reilly's book, Fillet of Murder.  You have yours all done?"

"NEVER MIND ABOUT THAT!  I need to know my library is still intact.  I need to know you're not giving it away!"

Seville hopped down from his desk chair.  "Andy, start from the beginning.  First of all, tell me where this library of yours is."

"It's right over there!" and Andy pointed a paw at two books sitting on a bookcase shelf.

"That's not a library, Anderson.  Why, those are just two books.  Two.  As in...  you know...  TWO."

"But they're my two books.  I bought them with my own money - okay, the peep's money - but nevertheless, I love them both.  But Rushy told me you're going to give one of them away!  He told me you're giving away my copy of Fillet of Murder by Linda Reilly.  I NEED that book for my library!  I MIGHT WANT TO READ IT AGAIN!"


Seville rolled his eyes.  "I see what's going on. Don't worry, Andy.  I am giving away a copy of Fillet of Murder but not your copy.  And technically, I'm not the one giving it away.  Linda Reilly, herself, has offered to give one lucky reader of my blog an AUTOGRAPHED COPY of her book, Fillet of Murder.  She's going to put her paw print on it and everything.  But it's a totally different copy.  It's a brand new copy.  Your library will remain intact."

"Really?" squeaked Anderson.

"Really," answered Seville.  "Couldn't give away your copy even if I tried.  I flipped through the pages and they're a little dog eared.  You kept turning over the corners of them and stuff.  Ever heard of a bookmark, my man?"

"I used a bookmark to keep track of where I was in the story, Seville, but I turned over the page corners of all my favourite parts."

Seville narrowed his eyes.  "You turned over a lot of page corners."

"I had a lot of favourite parts."

"Makes sense," and Seville nodded in agreement.  "It really was a good book.  Tell me, what did you like best?"

"I loved how Talia works at a fish and chips restaurant.  I mean, fish, right?  Best kind of restaurant around.  Not too into the chips part, myself, but the fish?  I love fish.  Mmmm..."

"Ah, that would account for the drool I found on some of the pages," Seville murmured.

"But as yummy as the book was from a fish and chips restaurant perspective kind of thing, it was really exciting, too.  I mean, there was a murder!  And then there was blame.  And then, of course, the culprit was found out but I would never in a million years have guessed who that culprit was. The news came as a huge surprise to me but when I thought about it afterwards, it all made sense. Don't know how I didn't see it before," Anderson explained.

"I'll tell you how you didn't see it," chuckled Rushton as he sauntered into the room.  "You..."

"Oh come on now, Rushy," chided Seville.  "Bet you didn't figure it out, either.  I have to say, it threw me for a loop, too.  But that's what happens when a mystery book is really well-written, you see.  There are twists and turns in the plot which always leave a surprise or two for the reader."

Rushton jumped up onto Seville's desk chair and peered at the computer screen.  "I see you're writing about the characters in the book.  I did that, too.  I really liked how they were interesting and even a little quirky but at the same time, very believable.  I thought Linda Reilly created a nice balance with that.  Characters that quirky enough to be fun to read about, making you want to know more about them, but at the same time, believable enough for them to feel really...  real.  Know what I mean?"

"I know exactly what you mean," Seville stated.  "And she even managed to fit in a little romance, there.  Peeps love that sort of stuff, you know?"

"Cats do, too..." sighed Anderson and he rested his head on his paws.

"But the best part of all, of course, was the cat." stated Rushton.

"Of course.  The cats in a book always are," said Seville.

"I could really relate to that cute little calico cat because I was a cat left behind, too," Anderson explained.  "Being cold and hungry and abandoned outdoors is no laughing matter."

"It most certainly isn't," stated Seville, "which, of course, is why Talia set out to rescue that little kitty, right away.  And rescue her, she did."

"And speaking of Talia," continued Seville, "I loved reading about the relationships between her and her family and friends.  Made me want to meet Talia and get to know her along with all the other characters..."

"You mean we could actually meet Talia and her friends?" asked Andy.  "I'd love to do that!"

"Mouses, Andy.  They're characters in a book, not real people although..."

"Although they felt real on account of the way the book was written," and Rushton finished Seville's sentence.

"They sure did.  But back to the actual mystery in the book," began Seville.  "Rushton, did you really have an idea who the killer was before it was revealed?"

"No actually, I didn't.  But I loved how Talia figured it out in the end.  That part was super exciting. Dug a few claws into the chesterfield cushions.  Don't tell the peep, okay?  She doesn't know it was me."

"Yeah, the atmosphere of the book was great," sighed Seville.  "Perfect book to be reading at this time of year when there's a chill in the air and the leaves are starting to colour up and fall.  Actually, I think the book takes place right about now.  Supposed to be just a few weeks before Hallowe'en."

"That's right!" chimed in Anderson.  "Sweater weather."

"Sweater weather!  What do you know about wearing sweaters, Andy?  But you're right, it is a name given to this time of year," agreed Rushton.

"As long as the peeps aren't putting those sweaters on any of us," declared Seville.  "But enough of that, I need to finish up my report for Professor Lyon so you two skedaddle, okay?"

"And I also need to tell all my blog readers that they can WIN AN AUTOGRAPHED COPY of Fillet of Murder of their very own.  All they need do is leave a comment on this blog post by midnight, Atlantic time, Sunday October 4th, making sure I have a way to contact them if their name should be drawn. The giveaway is open worldwide so any one of my readers can win."

"Hey Andy," and Rushton slapped his brother on the back.  "Let's go see if we can convince the peep to make us some fish and chips.  All this talk about the book has given me a craving for something warm and yummy." The two headed out of the room while Seville returned to writing up his report.

"Fish and chips..." Seville murmured.  "Mmmm...  Hang on there boys, I want some, too!" and Seville jumped down from his chair to run after his brothers, Anderson and Rushton. "Some deep fried fish sounds pretty yummy, for sure."

                                  ****************************************

Fillet of Murder is the first book in the Deep Fried Mystery Series written by my pal, Linda Reilly, and published as a Prime Crime Mystery by the Berkley Publishing Group, a division of the Penguin Group.  Connect on-line with Linda through her website, Linda Reilly, or on her Facebook page, Author Linda Reilly.  The cover picture of Linda's book was used with the permission of Linda Reilly, herself.

And remember, Linda is giving away an autographed copy of Fillet of Murder to one lucky reader. To enter, simply leave a comment on this blog post before midnight, Atlantic time, on Sunday October 4th.  The winner will be selected by random drawing on Monday October 5th.  Contest is open world-wide, unless prohibited by law.  No purchase necessary.

75 comments:

  1. Love that dishy cover! And boys, you ended up doing a good review despite the squabbling ;-0

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  2. That sounds like a good book ! Thank you for the review ! Purrs

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    1. My pleasure. The book is really great. A must-read, for sure. purrs

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  3. Love it! Thanks for not giving away anything! Would love to add a copy to my library!
    angelhwk68@yahoo.com

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    1. Yeah, Andy sure was worried when I thought I was giving away his copy. Sure is great how Linda offered to give away one of hers. purrs

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  4. very well done (pun intended) with no flakiness at all. Great job Sivvers and Anderson.

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    1. It really is! Full of twists and turns, for sure. purrs

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  6. Purrfectly good review despite the squabbling *mol*

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    1. Squabbling is quite the norm here at my house, I'm afraid. Comes with marmie territory, I do believe. purrs

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  7. Sounds like an exciting book.

    Happy birthday to Peep #1.

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    1. Oh it is. If you get the chance to read it, please do! purrs

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  8. That book looks and sounds really cool and we would love a chance to win it! Thanks for the nice giveaway and the very cool review!

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    1. The giveaway was all Linda's idea. Isn't it great? Whoever wins is going to LOVE this book, for sure! purrs

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  9. OH man a giveaway of a cool sounding book. I need to go and share this Seville!!!

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    1. Thanks so very much for sharing! I really do appreciate your doing so, a lot. PURRS

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  10. The book sounds wonderful. Your review was great. Can't wait to get my hands on a copy of the book. It's been added to my list of to reads. You can reach me at rose_red2@cinci.rr.com

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    1. It really is a wonderful book and guess what? There's going to be a book two! Can't wait for it to be available, too. purrs

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  11. Oh, how exciting! Both Mom and I love a good mystery story, especially if there is a cat in it!

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  12. Fillet of Murder sounds like a good book! We're sure glad it isn't Andy's book that's being given away. :)

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    1. So is Andy. He was having a mouses moment, for sure. purrs

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  13. I love this book too. And even got excited over all the food. Mom says as a dog I probably am not as excited as you kitties are about the fish. However I loves me some fish. Love your chat about this awesome book. Oh mom says I should tell you my name is Tyler and I am a dog. Dont be scared though, I like kitties.

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    1. Well hello there Tyler! So very pleased to meet you. PURRS

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  14. MOUSES! Oh my, you kitties have certainly got us interested in this book. We'd love to win it so our mom can read it to us. Bet you get an A+ on your report, Sivvers. XOCK, Lily Olivia, Mauricio, Misty May, Giulietta, Fiona, Astrid, Lisbeth and Calista Jo
    janet.blue@thecatonmyhead.com

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    1. Got my paws crossed for a good grade. I'm really hoping to impress Professor Lyon with this one. The book was so good. Hoping my report is, too. purrs

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  15. Aww hope Andy gets a few more books for his library, reading is such great fun especially if fish nip mice and cats involved. Does he have a Christmas list? purrs Erin

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    1. He just started taking the Kitty Lit. course last month so that's why he has only two books. But he'll get a third one in October and another in December so his 'library' will have doubled by then. purrs

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  16. Oh! I would love to win a copy of this book!

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    1. It's a GREAT book! Definitely a wonderful book to win. purrs

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  17. Sounds like a mighty fine book Seville - we'd love to give it a read!!! Cool cover art.....and any mystery involving a feline, we're on board with for sure!!

    Hugs, Sammy

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    1. Oh yeah, cozy mysteries and cats... the PURRfect combination. purrs

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  18. This sure sounds like a fun and interesting book Seville. Might be a good one to read to the kitties here at the Sanctuary. You know where to find them if they happen to win. Great Book Linda Reilly!!!!!! Sounds intriguing too.

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    1. I bet they'd LOVE it! I know I did. Peep #1 did, too. And Andy and Rushy... Clearly, it has had great reviews. purrs

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  19. The mom says she would love to read this book...and so would we...if we could read. ;)

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    1. You can't read? MOUSES! Ahhh.. you're pulling my leg. You CAN read. You just read my blog! purrs

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  20. We hope Mum will get a copy of the book and read it to us.
    Luv Hannah and Lucy xx xx

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    1. It's such a good book. I bet you and your mum would love it, for sure. purrs

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  21. I know I've said before how much I absolutely *adore* your book reports...and it just goes without saying that this was just pawsome!!! No need to enter us in the giveaway, we already enjoyed the book SO much :)

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  22. That sounds like a great book, and your review was top notch!

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    1. Awww.. thanks so much. The book really is great. It's a must-read, for sure. purrs

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  23. (*゚ロ゚)!! Murder mystery you say?! My favorite type of book! Gets me all in a dither! Hehehe! ;)

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  24. That sounds like a great book. I bet the Trout Talkin Tabbies would love to win this. Great book report- you get an A plus.

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    1. Would they ever! Those tabbies sure do love their fish. purrs

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  25. How nice to be able to give away a copy of the mystery book without having to give up your own copy. It sounds like an interesting book. Great book review.

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    1. Oh yes, this giveaway is going to make someone super happy, for sure! purrs

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  26. hi Charlee here person who belongs to Ollie Hunter Merlyn and Mia i wanted to say hi and hope i win the book wish me luck thanks Charles Dickey 427 S 72nd E Ave Tulsa OK 74112 rembratd@gmail.com thanks bye

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    1. So very nice to meet you in purrson, Charles. WELCOME to my blog. purrs

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  27. Etude, at Mischief & Mayhem Central29 September 2015 at 10:06

    Great blog Sivvers. We look forward to Grammy reading the book to us. It's better that way. We can lie in our favourite cozy spots and close our eyes and picture everything as she reads... grammyDsKnittingBasket@gmail.com

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    1. That sounds lovely! I've gotta get the peep to read to me, sometime. Gotta get her to do that, for sure! purrs

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  28. Hi guys! I'm going to get my own copy of Fillet of Murder. Thanks for providing the great review!

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  29. Great Blog Seville! You guys are so fun when you banter back and forth! If I win Fillet of Murder, will you and your SibFur's all Paw Print the book for me? I would treasure it forever!! 🐾💕🐾💕

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    1. I can do even better than that. Linda Reilly is going to autograph the book herself! A real, live author of books... purrs

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  30. Wow, I'm excited by all the responses to Seville's review of Fillet of Murder! Talia and her calico cat, Bojangles, are supurrremly happy to have made so many new friends!!

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    1. As am I. LOTS of people are participating because Fillet of Murder is such a great book. Thanks so very much for offering to give one of my lucky readers their very own copy, Linda. purrs

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  31. What an awesome story - Finally there is a voice to our adventures. Even our secret ones where we save the world and nobody knows it was us.

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    1. Oh yes... all those times we cats have had to save the world. If only the public knew. purrs

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    1. Oh, it's SUCH a good book! I highly recommend reading it, for sure. purrs

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  33. Oh how exciting,I love a good mystery book to read with mum.its just so nice to snuggle up with mum while she reads to me,please enter me Sivvers!Hey did you get your fish snack?xx Speedy

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    1. Not deep fried, I'm afraid. Came out of a tin. MOUSES!

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  34. Sounds like a great book! Nice review kitties,
    Buddy and Karen (Mum)

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  35. Copying and pasting Katie Isabella's comment here. I'm pretty sure she meant for it to be on this post and to be entered in the draw. Blogger must have been being boogery as it so often is and the comment ended up on the wrong post.

    Fish and Chips with a side of trouble! Seville, I LOVE that picture of you in your picture there and seeing Nissy made me smile. I miss him. And seeing him made me realize even more than I miss him. Thank you for the post Seville. You do a wonderful job for us and Nissy.

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    1. Yeah, POSITIVE Blogger was giving Katie troubles. She left this comment, too.

      Ooops, put the fish and chips in the wrong place. Heeeee.

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  36. Looks like a great read, ill have to pick up and read it with my Maine Coon Azrael

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    1. Oh it is! IT IS! Azrael is a Maine Coon? My brothers Rushton and Anderson are, too. Well, partly at least. I wonder if they could all be related... purrs

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    2. Whoa . . . it's already October 5th! I can't wait to see who Seville picks to win the signed copy of Fillet of Murder!

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    3. There were so many entries. I'm really excited. Getting ready for the draw as I type. purrs

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  37. AND WE HAVE A WINNER!!!

    Peep #1 put the names of everyone who had left a comment on slips of paper and then put all those slips into a bag. Then she went over to our local independent book store, The Inside Story, and asked her pal Lori to help me out. Lori drew one of the names and it was....

    Hey Peepers! Can I have a drum roll over here?

    And it was.... KIMBERLEY KOZ!!!

    Congratulations Kim! You've won an autographed copy of Fillet of Murder from Linda Reilly. Isn't that wonderful? The peep will give your name and address to Linda right away. PURRS

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I love hearin' from my pals. I really, REALLY do. PURRS.