How to Paint a Cat

The Cats and Curios Mystery #5

by Rebecca M. Hale

WHAT’S WRONG WITH THIS PICTURE?

San Francisco isn’t the biggest city in the country, but it feels pretty vast when you’re canvassing its neighborhoods looking for clues to your missing uncle’s hidden location. Aided by my two cats, Rupert and Isabella, I try to follow Uncle Oscar’s painted clues on a trail that leads from Coit Tower’s famous murals through San Francisco’s New Deal art—all while hoping my uncle’s sudden disappearance is unrelated to the murdered intern at City Hall.

Just when it seems our search has hit a wall, we receive some surprising help from beyond. But will it be enough to save us from our own brushes with death? Here’s hoping we don’t paint ourselves into a corner…

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Cozy, Cats, Cozy Mystery

357 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2014

About the author

NY Times bestselling author Rebecca M. Hale lives in Western Colorado with her feline writing associates - when she’s not off researching future books set in San Francisco, the Caribbean, or wherever else her wandering spirit takes her.

Reviews

[LORI CASWELL · Rating 5 out of 5]

an Francisco isn’t the biggest city in the country, but it feels pretty vast when you’re canvassing its neighborhoods looking for clues to your missing uncle’s hidden location. Aided by my two cats, Rupert and Isabella, I try to follow Uncle Oscar’s painted clues on a trail that leads from Coit Tower’s famous murals through San Francisco’s New Deal art—all while hoping my uncle’s sudden disappearance is unrelated to the murdered intern at City Hall.

Just when it seems our search has hit a wall, we receive some surprising help from beyond. But will it be enough to save us from our own brushes with death? Here’s hoping we don’t paint ourselves into a corner…

Dollycas’s Thoughts

These stories are not your typical cozy mysteries, they are true adventures.

How to Paint a Cat picks up right where How to Tail a Cat leaves off. Uncle Oscar is still missing or dead depending on who you ask, but he is one of the prime suspects in the murder of a young City Hall intern. His niece assisted by her cats, Rupert, who will do anything for a bite of fried chicken, and Isabella, a very inquisitive feline, are doing their best to find him or the real killer. They are being led on quite a sightseeing tour by a clue and some beautiful murals. They are kept on track by a very unusual source.

I must stress that this series needs to be read in order. Each story builds to the next and without reading the previous one the reader would be totally lost. The author uses San Francisco as not only the setting but its very interesting history plays a huge part in the plot of each book. Using the multiple points of view of several characters including those fabulous felines readers are treated to not only an awesome mystery but the sites of the area. Let me tell you the view from the kitties perch can be down right hilarious.

Hale has a different way of telling a story that may take a little bit of getting used to but when you let go you will find yourself right in the niece’s shoes trekking all over San Francisco trying to follow each and every clue. I did take a small break in my reading to check out some of the murals. Gorgeous. Then the trip I was on in the story became quite real and a lot of fun.

I totally enjoyed this story. I am so ready for HOW TO CATCH A CAT coming in 2015.

[Sheila · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another wonderful installment in the Cat and Curios series. I love this series. This time the niece solves a murder along with newspaperman Hoxton Finn. As she, Rupert, and Isabella travel through San Francisco following the clues left by James Lick, she discovers more about her uncle and the history of San Francisco. This time the history is a little more recent--the 1920's and 1930's. The usual suspects show up--Monty (will he ever leave her alone?), Dilly, and Sam. I particularly loved how Isabella and, on a lesser scale, Rupert take on more human characteristics in that they try to communicate with the niece. She does not always understand but they do try. I love the asides given in their voices. I also like following the trail to whatever her uncle wants her to find. I have to admit I would never think the murderer was who it turned out being but then I didn't think Monty would ever become the mayor of San Francisco. His will probably be a very interesting and unique mayoralty. I cannot wait for the next book.

[Fred · Rating 5 out of 5]

How To Paint A Cat is the fifth book in the Cats And Curios Mystery series.

I love this series and the author's style of writing. Ms. Hale will have two or three stories going, switching back and forth and in the end tying them all so neatly at the end. For this reader, I like to read these engrossing stories, but also take my time and think about what the author is writing so that I don't miss any of the subtleties that the author likes to use.

It's busy times in San Francisco, the interim mayor, Monty Carmichael, is about to be sworn into office. Monty got the mayoral appointment the night the young intern, Spider Jones, was found murdered at city hall. The reader will learn more about the evening that Spider was killed and just what he was working on at that time that might have been reason for his murder. Much to Oscar's niece, she also learns that the description of the two men leaving city hall, appear to be Uncle Oscar and his friend Sam.

When the "ghost" of Spider shares with the Oscar's niece to follow the "art work", she and her feline friends, Isabella and Rupert, head for museums and building that have painting from the New Deal Art Work artist. So she's off with Isabella and Rupert to find clues from the art works as to where her Uncle Oscar and Sam might be.

Most all of the characters from the previous 4 books are back to help in her search. Isabella is a big help in spotting clues during the search, while Rupert does what he does best, worry about where his next meal of fried chicken will come from.

I would recommend readers to start with book one.

Looking forward to book six

[Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I began this series, I wasn't quite sure what to make of it. It was different. And not different in a bad way, just unlike anything I'd ever read. The humor was fantastic, the multiple POV's were brilliant, and the entire idea behind making the series one big mystery with an array of smaller ones made me keep coming back for more each time another book was released.

The thing that I loved the most about this installment, was the city of San Francisco itself. It was it's own character in this clever story, offering clues to the characters as they searched for answers. It added an air of history to the plot. I loved it! I also loved the humor. These books are always so funny - thanks to the author's colorful cast of characters and their unique personalities.

Unfortunately, for readers who are new to this series, it does have to be read in order. Otherwise, you'll find yourself beyond lost, as the previous books are imperative to the plot. So, I have to recommend that you read the first four books of the series before embarking on this playfully fun journey in the series. I promise you, it's unlike anything you've ever read before, and you'll absolutely love every minute of it :)

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All conclusions are my own.

[Paul Lunger · Rating 5 out of 5]

The 5th Cats & Curios mystery, "How to Paint a Cat" by Rebecca Hale continues the story of the Green Vase antique shop given to a woman by her Uncle Oscar. In this installment, the murder of Spider Jones remains at the forefront of things as well as the inauguration of Monty Carmichael as mayor of San Francisco. Hale does a bit of backtracking in the story to bring we the reader up-to-date with events from prior novels & continues the story along rather well & using Rupert & Isabella (the 2 cats) in their usual creative way. What helps this series is that the chapters are short & sweet with a story that is free-flowing & enjoyable to no end. The use of Spider Jones' ghost as well is a nice touch as he encourages the niece to "follow the murals" in order to solve the mystery of his death but to also continue the question of is her Uncle Oscar still alive? (something that's been a theme in the entire series). Overall a solid book with a surprise ending that leaves room for more mystery & mayhem in books to come. I for one look forward to seeing what happens next.

[Michael Brown · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very strange plots, quirky characters of which several are so annoying they disrupt the story, an overall theme which after 5 or 6 books is still not evident, cats that should be sedated and sent to a kitty asylum ( I like cats but not so strange as these ), and very odd story structure. Al least these are from the library and I can always just stop reading the.

[Sarah Sammis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book! There's a bit of a cliffhanger so hopefully that means there will be another one coming. HOPEFUL!

http://pussreboots.pair.com/blog/2014...

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

i love this series.

[Catrina Licudine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I bought this book from thrift store and honestly, the book cover was the main reason why I bought it because I love cats.
This book is a fun and easy read.
It uses a lot of imagery and history from San Francisco. I spent 8 years living in San Francisco and it gives me nostalgia reading into this. I also have two cats so this book really hits home to me.

I have been such a big fan of murder-mystery novel but this one, for some reason seems lighter than others. Maybe because the two cats lighten up the mood? I like the fact that this novel focused more on the treasure hunt rather than the actual motive of the murder. This book never really explained why Mabel kills. As a result, I am now interested in reading the previous novels prior to this!

[Joan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story has a lot of complications, which the author does an excellent job of keeping untangled for the reader.

San Francisco is so well-described, it took me two days just to dry out from the mostly present fog, drizzle, and rain!

There has been a murder, and the niece's Uncle Oscar is a suspect, although he is supposedly dead. The niece, with the help of her cats, a 40-year in office Former Mayor, and a persistent ghost, must track down Uncle Oscar, and find the real killer.

If you like solving puzzles, cats who know a lot more than their humans, and a ghost who won't give up until his murderer is found, you'll enjoy this book.

[Hannah Taylor · Rating 3 out of 5]

My first time reading a crime/mystery novel. It was a fun read but I don’t think this is my favorite genre.

It was cute and cozy, but I didn’t quite see how each chapter was relevant to the story. I didn’t end up really loving the characters or finding their lives interesting.

I might pick up this genre again but I don’t think I’ll pick up this series.

[Solomong · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don't think that the author gave any clues that the murderer was who was revealed at the end. The book was OK-good but the ending was not.

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

In a way this reminds me of the writing in "A Series of Unfortunate Events," though admittedly I have only read a few pages of the extensive series.
Eccentric characters, eccentrically written.

[Jazz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very nice book! The characters are very interesting and original, the plot is good, and of course the cats add lots of fun to the story. 5 stars.

[alina evans · Rating 4 out of 5]

so cozy. impeccable characterization and lovable, human characters. san francisco and rain. the ending was a little underwhelming.

[Deb Lester · Rating 3 out of 5]

The fifth installment in Rebecca M. Hale's Cats and Curios series brings readers a little closer to finding out what Uncle Oscar is up to. How to Paint a Cat centers around the murder of an intern, clues in the murals of San Francisco and two feline heroes. Hale knows how to draw out a mystery and fans of the series will on the edge of their seats wondering if Uncle Oscar will finally be revealed. The history of the beautiful city of San Francisco plays an important role in this series and history buffs, as well as, mystery fans will love the connection. Art enters into the picture as well, as Rupert and Isabella come face to face with a whole lot of paint!

What I liked:

This series has a very interesting set up. How to Paint a Cat is somewhat confusing and definitely not a book that should be read out of sequence in the series. The main thread runs through the entire series which is now up to five books. Uncle Oscar was the owner of The Green Vase antique shop until his death. His niece and her two cats Rupert and Isabella take over the shop and begin to find clues to the death of Uncle Oscar and several treasures he had dating back to San Francisco during the time of the Gold Rush. Readers will find out a little more about Uncle Oscar and how he relates to the history of San Francisco with each book. The point of view of each book in the series including the latest book, shifts between the two cats, and several other characters in the book, which is also a bit hard to sort out on occasion. The idea of how this series could work is quite intriguing, the problem comes in with the execution of the idea.

How to Paint a Cat is book five in the Cats and Curios series. Readers are still looking for clues that lead to Uncle Oscar. There is a vast amount of historical detail in this series and this book in particular delves in the art and murals that are so much a part of the city of San Francisco. Hale has done some serious research on all aspects of the city of San Fran and readers who also might be history buffs will love the attention to detail, the descriptive parts of the novel that deal with the Gold Rush and Hale's keen sense of knowing what makes this city so unique. San Francisco takes on all the characteristics of a character.

Rupert and Isabella, the feline heroes of this series are back. Though sometimes these kitties seem more human than animal, there point of view is extremely entertaining. Hale uses a lot of humor where the cats are concerned and that gives the novel a lighter side that cat lovers will fall for. Parts of the book are told from the cat point of view, which can be a little confusing but definitely worth the time to figure out. This isn't a coaster. This is a book you have to pay close attention to.

Another interesting feature is that the protagonist, Rebecca, is rarely named. Readers see things from her point of view quite often in the book, but because she is shy and quiet, we don't really know who she is for the most part. That can be a good thing or a bad thing. In this case I think the author wants the main spotlight to be on the cats and the overall mystery of Uncle Oscar and not on the cat's person, if you will. That can create a disconnect between what readers believe the main viewpoint should be, but if readers relax and try to think outside the box a little bit, I think they will find it interesting.

The addition of the intern's ghost helped this book with several hurdles. It gave it a sort of mystery within a mystery feel, which is always good. Readers had to find out who killed the intern and how it applied to the overall mystery of Uncle Oscar. The ghost aspect of things gave the book a paranormal twist that will bring in a different kind of reader. It was just a nice addition.

What I didn't like:

Ok, it's book five. I think we should be little bitter closer to finding out the details of Uncle Oscar's death by now. I feel like we don't know anything more than we did in the beginning. We have learned more about the history of San Francisco in this series than we have about the actual mystery.

Bottom Line:

This series has an interesting premise but I think it falls a bit short of it's potential. There are just too many confusing aspects of the story to try to keep straight. The historical aspects are well written but I think the author relies on that a little too much to carry the story. I'm not quite sure this is the kind of mystery that cozy readers are looking for. But as with most things, take it with a grain of salt. Read it and see what you think.

[OpenBookSociety.com · Rating 3 out of 5]

http://openbooksociety.com/article/ho...

Brought to you by OBS reviewer Beth
how-to-paint-a-cat-cats-and-curios-mystery-rebecca-m-haleThis fifth book in the series brings us to another entry in the search for Uncle Oscar’s secrets. The secrets that are being searched for are reveled throughout the series, and this continues in this installment. Central to this book is the murder of a young intern Spider, with suspicion falling on Uncle Oscar and Sam, the frog whisperer. Spider’s ghost is very much in evidence in this book, though only Isabella and Rupert, our two cat heroes can see him clearly. San Francisco itself is a major character in the book, and the clues this time are the murals that decorate many of its public spaces.

This was an enjoyable addition to the series, the funniest scene in the whole book being the one where the cats encounter the paint. No spoiler here, given the title of the book. Their person returns to find paint covered cats, and a message painted on the kitchen floor, sneaker footprints appearing as someone or something flees the kitchen. An interesting facet of this book is the myriad points of view that make up the narration. We see things from the perspective of the cats, the ghost, and various other characters throughout the book.

While this entry was enjoyable in and of itself, I do find it frustrating that we still know so little of what Uncle Oscar is up to, and why. Sometimes the changing points of view can be a little frustrating, and you have to stay on your toes to piece together the stream of what is happening. My favorite character in the books is Rupert, who is not at all complex, but adorable and very single minded. If you can stand the suspense, the ongoing mystery of Uncle Oscar and his part in the history of San Francisco is fascinating. Definitely a series you have follow in order, or you will be completely lost. Cat lover, history lovers, and mystery lovers will have fun with this one.

[Nola Arganbright · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the fourth book in the Cats and Curios Mystery series by Rebecca M. Hale. I have read the first book in the series which was How to Wash a Cat and was happy to renew myself to the series when I saw the book in the library.
The series takes place in San Francisco and the books revolve around mysteries involving historical sites and information about San Francisco. I am a history lover and enjoy all of the information that the author packs into the books.
The main characters of the book are two cats Rupert and Isabella and their human who is the niece of Uncle Oscar the mystery guide. Oscar had left his Curio shop to his niece when he faked his own death in order to go into seclusion. He leaves clues for his niece to follow to solve mysteries. This book's mystery revolves around the death of an intern from the mayors office who was mysteriously murdered in the City Hall Rotunda.
The intern is a ghostly presence during the whole of the book and helps the niece and the cats track down his murderer through clues that Uncle Oscar has left them.
The characters are all quirky and loveable. The tour of San Francisco in the book leads from Coit Tower's famous murals that were painted as part of the New Deal Era when unemployed people earned wages through government sponsored works.
The book is fun and keep one quite involved touring the city and it's famous sites. The cat's have wonderful personalities and are very lovable. I recommend this book for a light and enjoyable read.

[Charlie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had read the first two books in the series found them just so-so and decided I would not continue to read any others. For some reason I picked this one up and even though I had skipped numbers 3 & 4 decided I would give the series another chance. Mistake. While there is something about the style I can appreciate overall I have finally reached the conclusion I don't like the series.

I thought perhaps it was just me but, each book leaves me feeling like I missed something...like if you leave the room during a commercial and come back a few minutes after the program has started again. With this book in particular I was totally unsatisfied with the ending. While the killer is revealed I have no clue why they did it. I am assuming that this "hook" is to get you to purchase the next book in the series. Not happening.

Too many of the characters are quirky to the point that no one seems capable of rational actions. The "scavenger" hunt the main character is on was a total plot device that had many holes in it. It seemed it was there just so the author could point out historical facts about San Francisco.

The entire book is like spending time in a room where everyone knows a secret except you. In real life and this book it is frustrating & annoying.

[Gloria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ahhh! Much lighter than Cavendon Hall. This is a series (number 5) beginning with How to Wash a Cat. "The niece" inherits the Green Vase, an antique store in San Francisco from her departed Uncle Oscar. Soon there are hints that he is not deceased but is part of a conspiracy. Each book solves one step of the mystery but is slightly unrewarding in not apprehending the criminal. Hopefully all the story lines will converge and solve the grand plan in the last book...whenever that may be. Still very entertaining with her two cats trying to help solve the riddles. Isabella is very indignant that her human cannot understand her very clear communication. Her brother Rubpert just wants to know when the next fried chicken will come his way. Fun read even tho unrewarding in a good ending.

[batya7 · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is part of a series, but not having read the previous volumes is not what caused me to rate it 2-stars. The hook is interesting: the protagonist, a plucky young woman who inherited an antiques shop from her "deceased" Uncle Oscar, only identified as "the niece," is following a research trail involving the death of a city hall intern and New Deal murals in San Francisco.

What I disliked was the treatment: the cats opine lugubriously, and the ghost of the slain intern assists in the search for his killer. While I love he fact that one of the characters knots, that is not enough to up my rating. I simply don't like the tone although the book is nicely written.

I will NOT look for more books in he "Cats and Curios" series.

[Patricia · Rating 3 out of 5]

These mysteries are good and I like anything that puts cats in a major role. I had to deduct a star for this one as the author rambled quite a bit. I deducted another star for the annoying habit of not naming her main character. Or, more specifically, not using her name. At the end of the first book in this series, the author gives the main character the name of Rebecca M. Hale. Yeah, that's the author's name. Weird, but whatever. Subsequent books do not refer to it again. It wasn't as noticeable in the books written in first-person POV. This book is written in third-person, however, and after a few chapters I was disgusted with the character being referred to as "the niece". It's not cute or amusing or intriguing. It's just annoying.

[Susan · Rating 1 out of 5]

I really should learn that books that look like Mills & Boon tend to be a bit that way. this has to be one of the worst books I have ever read. It is so twee with a Miss Marple like character solving mysteries with the help of her cats!! Seriously she talks to them and they apparently communicate and help her solve crimes. The writing is simple and rather naive. I certainly won't be searching for any of her other books and wuld not recommend them either unless you like very simple books along the lines of Mills and Boon but no romance involved just talking cats and ghosts!!

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although this one was a touch tedious here and there for me, the episodes were brief, and didn't detract from my overall enjoyment of How to Paint a Cat. Again, I am smitten with Rupert. Utterly. He's my kinda pussycat!

Oddly, this book didn't strike me as being the least bit tedious this time around! Guess it was whatever mood I was in on the first reading. And I am continuing my deep entrancement with all things Rupert. Where ever the "real" Rupert is, I hope he has LOTS of fried chicken!

[Susan Ferguson · Rating 4 out of 5]

The next installation of the adventures of Uncle Oscar - or rather his niece and the cats chasing around after his clues. The death at the end of the last mystery has to be solved - and, while there is the fear that the murder was by Oscar or his companions - the tension adds to the fascination. Also her neighbor, Monty, has been chosen as mayor and he is being haunted by a ghost - which doesn't sit well with Monty. He hates the ghost bugging him.

[Nancy Luebke · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book although it did take a while to get into it. It took a bit to keep the characters straight. But with all the twists and turns it kept the story meandering towards the finish. This story included the ghost of the victim and 2 cats that went almost everywhere. There is a small chiffhanger at the end.

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute. I enjoyed the first couple a bit more, although I can't put my finger on exactly why. One thing that I found distracting was that the niece has no name! I do not remember that being so glaring in the first couple of books. My cat also has ideas that she should have a stroller and go places with me...

[Colleen Mertens · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was my least favorite in this series. I figured out pretty quickly who the killer turned out to be but never would have guessed the reason. I also was disappointed with the trail of following the uncle. Others in this series were more original feeling to me. I was not happy with the ending to this one.

[Susie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was a little disappointed in this book. It didn't have it's own mystery to solve, but it was a continuation of the previous book. It seemed a little tedious in places...sort of dragging on in the clues and descriptions.

[Lin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome, always enjoy the mischievous cats since I have four.