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Mildred the Crazy Cat Lady #1
Mildred the Crazy Cat Lady
EVERY CAT HAS A NAME!
Mildred's uneventful and solitary existence changed for the better when Missy came into her life. But Missy was no ordinary cat given to her by no ordinary stranger. For nothing in life is free and her keep of Missy came at a price. Unbeknown to her the local cat club she was encouraged to join had met in secret for hundreds of years and they were in trouble. The ticking of their clocks and their time may be just about to run out.
Mildred's uneventful and solitary existence changed for the better when Missy came into her life. But Missy was no ordinary cat given to her by no ordinary stranger. For nothing in life is free and her keep of Missy came at a price. Unbeknown to her the local cat club she was encouraged to join had met in secret for hundreds of years and they were in trouble. The ticking of their clocks and their time may be just about to run out.
Kindle Edition
First published March 26, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
April 29, 2024
This book takes the reader on an unexpected journey into an imaginative and intriguing secret world filled with dark secrets, an ancient order and of course, cats. The story is rich in descriptive detail, interesting characters and hidden meanings. It unfolds with many twists and turns and takes you racing to an exciting and dramatic conclusion. Suitable for all ages and splashed with amusing interludes you do not have to be a cat lover to enjoy the book. It will leave you eagerly awaiting the sequel.
December 23, 2024
I really liked this book the story line was great it got me thinking if maybe there is a real club everytime I saw a cat while I was out walking, it was really nice being local and knowing a lot of the places that were mentioned I can't wait to carry on with the story in the second book
March 5, 2025
I feel the need to say this was chosen for a book club and I did not voluntarily attempt to read this.
DNF'd at 4%. Not well written at all and friends who made it through the whole book assured me the story was bad and the main character uninteresting.
DNF'd at 4%. Not well written at all and friends who made it through the whole book assured me the story was bad and the main character uninteresting.
May 3, 2023
I’ve literally just put this book down after reading it over a couple of days, and despite it being quite a chunky book (in part due to the excessive and distracting paragraph spacing), I don’t feel like much happened in the book.
The book is divided into sub plots - life in and around Rocke Road for Mildred’s cat, life for Mildred and the goings on at a Manor; I won’t go into details to avoid spoilers.
I’m left feeling that this was very much a “set up” book, and would have liked much more narrative around Mildred or at least more questions answered or explanations given.
The other issue was just the writing style which I found quite difficult to get into. Once I did, I found myself skimming paragraphs at a time, as it simultaneously failed to follow the rule of “show don’t tell” whilst including excessive and pointless descriptions/filler that should have been omitted.
All in all, a strange one. Plot and characters had potential but strange execution.
The book is divided into sub plots - life in and around Rocke Road for Mildred’s cat, life for Mildred and the goings on at a Manor; I won’t go into details to avoid spoilers.
I’m left feeling that this was very much a “set up” book, and would have liked much more narrative around Mildred or at least more questions answered or explanations given.
The other issue was just the writing style which I found quite difficult to get into. Once I did, I found myself skimming paragraphs at a time, as it simultaneously failed to follow the rule of “show don’t tell” whilst including excessive and pointless descriptions/filler that should have been omitted.
All in all, a strange one. Plot and characters had potential but strange execution.
August 19, 2023
I just finished the book and was surprised at how quickly I had read it and then realised it was because I really wanted to know what happened and was reading when I should have been doing other things. That sums it up for me, engaging and intriguing. I loved the character of Mildred but she is only a small cog in this machine of characters. I know a few YA readers who I am going to recommend it to as it has a great mixture of intrigue, mystery and good characters. Of course it is not only for YA readers but for anyone who wants to disappear into a slightly different version of reality where things may not be what you think they are. I was definitely left wanting to know how the story is going to continue and look forward to the next book.
November 27, 2025
I think that I was sold a copy that needed further editing which detracted from my enjoyment of a gripping story. The writing style lacked punctuation, emphasis and jumped about but I kept reading as I did want to know what happened!! The cats do not feature as much as I expected but despite this you do get drawn in. Mildred isn’t a very likeable main character but I get the feeling that she will improve in the sequel if I ever read it! Do not eat her fish paste sandwiches!
June 17, 2026
This book is charming, one of a kind, and such a fun read! The story flows really well, and Mildred feels like someone you’d actually meet and know. Set in Shrewsbury, the town itself adds so much extra warmth and personality to the whole tale. It’s a great pick for cat lovers, or anyone who wants something a bit different from the usual. 🐱
February 2, 2025
once you get past all of the grammar mistakes, it’s actually pretty fire!
please write the sequel, this is becoming my game of thrones <3
please write the sequel, this is becoming my game of thrones <3
March 14, 2025
I must read. Especially if you like something a bit different! It's easy to read just a chapter, but you'll be intrigued to know what happens next! Ever if you're not normally a reader, you'll love this book!
June 8, 2026
Waterstones review is very accurate: “Beautifully written with laugh out loud moments and tension that sends your heart racing — a must read!"
This book has completely exceeded my expectations. It’s cozy to read while exciting and engaging. Definitely a must read.
This book has completely exceeded my expectations. It’s cozy to read while exciting and engaging. Definitely a must read.
February 8, 2026
for me this was a 1.5 rating, the start of the story when you got to understand Mildred as a character I loved her and also felt sorry for her, but after about 1/4 the way through the story was lost it was going into another realm and for me I just thought it was going to be a fun read of literally a crazy cat lady but tbh there wasn't actually no where near enough story about the actual cats, I wouldn't class this as a fantasy book either it was just very random and strange how it was put together
I unfortunately won't be reading book 2 for this reason
I unfortunately won't be reading book 2 for this reason
January 6, 2024
Despite this book only being just over 400 pages long, it took me days to read it. Purely because when I put it down, I didn't want to pick it back up again! There was nothing in this book that made me want to read more than 2 or three chapters at a time.
The premise of a cat loving secret society is the reason I got this book but the pacing is extremely slow and not a lot happens until about the last quarter of the book. I only stuck it out because I didn't want another DNF on my list!
The premise of a cat loving secret society is the reason I got this book but the pacing is extremely slow and not a lot happens until about the last quarter of the book. I only stuck it out because I didn't want another DNF on my list!
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June 28, 2024It was ok. There was a lot of description but not much of a story line. I kept waiting to see if it was going to come together but it then ended. I assume it will be a series but I'm not sure if I'll read the second.
August 1, 2024
Recommended by a friend. I wasn't sure at first as I'm not a 'catty', however, the book is far more than that. If you have an interest in ancient Egypt, it's a must read. Can't wait for the next, highly recommended!
January 24, 2025
Only really cared about Mildred getting more cats and not the rest of the plot
February 6, 2026
I'm curious about what happens next but am hoping it involves a LOT less words
July 31, 2026
I genuinely thought I was reading an unedited draft at first because of the number of formatting and dialogue errors throughout the book, as if no editor has even glanced at this. There are inconsistent font sizes, punctuation mistakes, and confusing dialogue formatting on almost every page.
Especially shocking for something being sold by Waterstones.
The story itself is a genuinely clever idea. Unfortunately, I found lots of repetitive, unnecessary scenes that did zero to further the plot or characters, and only really became interesting and readable in the last 100 pages out of 440. Enjoyed it then.
I did think the idea had a lot of potential and was very fun. I just wish the editing had matched the quality of the concept.
---
For anyone wondering what I mean about the errors, here's one example from the book:
"And what is that?" Jessica asked with some concern and curiosity. Nubia looked to the floor, "I cannot say."
Two different speakers are in the same line, the same paragraph. The punctuation is also off. "Nubia looked to the floor" is an action, not a dialogue tag, so it should end with a full stop, not a comma.
A properly formatted version would be:
"And what is that?" Jessica asked with some concern and curiosity.
Nubia looked to the floor. "I cannot say."
There's also several instances of:
"Dialogue one." "Dialogue two."
On the exact same line.
"Character A speaks." Character B laughed. "Character A speaks again."
Baffling to understand who is actually doing the speaking.
Especially shocking for something being sold by Waterstones.
The story itself is a genuinely clever idea. Unfortunately, I found lots of repetitive, unnecessary scenes that did zero to further the plot or characters, and only really became interesting and readable in the last 100 pages out of 440. Enjoyed it then.
I did think the idea had a lot of potential and was very fun. I just wish the editing had matched the quality of the concept.
---
For anyone wondering what I mean about the errors, here's one example from the book:
"And what is that?" Jessica asked with some concern and curiosity. Nubia looked to the floor, "I cannot say."
Two different speakers are in the same line, the same paragraph. The punctuation is also off. "Nubia looked to the floor" is an action, not a dialogue tag, so it should end with a full stop, not a comma.
A properly formatted version would be:
"And what is that?" Jessica asked with some concern and curiosity.
Nubia looked to the floor. "I cannot say."
There's also several instances of:
"Dialogue one." "Dialogue two."
On the exact same line.
"Character A speaks." Character B laughed. "Character A speaks again."
Baffling to understand who is actually doing the speaking.
February 9, 2024
Unfortunately although there was some good ideas in the story, this one fell flat for me 😖. This wasn't helped by the writing style not being to my taste, a little too much time spent describing details etc and reiterating things that could have gone without. For the first 3/4 of the book, not a great deal really happens- it's clearly building to something, it just takes a bit too long to get there.
The majority of the characters are sadly unlikeable and just lacked....something. Everyone seems very full of their own importance.
A lot of imagination went into this and the author has done well to create something a bit different. I just think it could have done with a bit more development in places and maybe not trying to cram in so much fantasy elements.
Anyway if you like cats, fantasy, mythology, secret societies this could be for you...?
The majority of the characters are sadly unlikeable and just lacked....something. Everyone seems very full of their own importance.
A lot of imagination went into this and the author has done well to create something a bit different. I just think it could have done with a bit more development in places and maybe not trying to cram in so much fantasy elements.
Anyway if you like cats, fantasy, mythology, secret societies this could be for you...?
December 30, 2023
Mildred the Crazy Cat Lady was a very odd but good read! It follows Mildred as she tries to navigate the mysterious world of the United Kingdom Cat Chamber.
If I'm being honest, I felt it was quite a slow paced book, but it was very intriguing and I couldn't wait to get to the end to find out what was going to happen. It wasn't just following Mildred, this book also followed the events of the Watcher uprising (which were very cool, unique monsters!) and how the order dealt with them. Horak has created a detailed and original story, with fantastic world building.
I absolutely could have done with more cat action tho 🐱😂
Overall an enjoyable read that I think you should check out!
If I'm being honest, I felt it was quite a slow paced book, but it was very intriguing and I couldn't wait to get to the end to find out what was going to happen. It wasn't just following Mildred, this book also followed the events of the Watcher uprising (which were very cool, unique monsters!) and how the order dealt with them. Horak has created a detailed and original story, with fantastic world building.
I absolutely could have done with more cat action tho 🐱😂
Overall an enjoyable read that I think you should check out!
November 11, 2024
Mildred the Crazy Cat Lady is a funny, heartwarming story about Mildred, a quirky woman with a deep love for cats, she brings humour and a feeling of warmth into the story! Mildred’s unique personality adds a perfect heartfelt aspect to the story.
The book is written with a lot of humor, and it’s perfect for anyone who loves animals—especially if you’ve ever lived with a cat and know how unpredictable (and lovable) they can be. Mildred’s adventures are both funny and touching, showing how much joy animals can bring into our lives. Overall, it’s a light, feel-good read that celebrates the special connection between people and their pets.
The book is written with a lot of humor, and it’s perfect for anyone who loves animals—especially if you’ve ever lived with a cat and know how unpredictable (and lovable) they can be. Mildred’s adventures are both funny and touching, showing how much joy animals can bring into our lives. Overall, it’s a light, feel-good read that celebrates the special connection between people and their pets.
May 23, 2025
An immersive read, that takes you on a fascinating journey. I had no idea what to expect, as in all honesty, I associated the author with 'The New Bodyguard' - an excellent book about the world of close protection.
Mildred The Crazy Cat Lady did not disappoint. It provided more than enough of the absolute escapism, that I look for in this genre.
I grew up in a house full of cats, so could fully relate to that very special relationship, and the sense that there is more to them, than meets the eye.
I loved how layered this book is, and having an interest in secret societies, made it right up my street!
Mildred The Crazy Cat Lady did not disappoint. It provided more than enough of the absolute escapism, that I look for in this genre.
I grew up in a house full of cats, so could fully relate to that very special relationship, and the sense that there is more to them, than meets the eye.
I loved how layered this book is, and having an interest in secret societies, made it right up my street!
April 29, 2024
This book takes the reader on an unexpected journey into an imaginative and intriguing secret world filled with dark secrets, an ancient order and of course, cats. The story is rich in descriptive detail, interesting characters and hidden meanings. It unfolds with many twists and turns and takes you racing to an exciting and dramatic conclusion. Suitable for all ages and splashed with amusing interludes you do not have to be a cat lover to enjoy the book. It will leave you eagerly awaiting the sequel.
February 8, 2026
This was a book club book. Unfortunately, I was not a fan.
Positives:
- Mildred was a likeable character
- local author and nice chap
- cats
I was really disappointed in the following:
- printing and spelling errors
- lack of fantasy
- lack of cats
- bizarre fight scenes
- characters without much substance
- lack of worldbuilding
I had hoped for more cats and more craziness, but as it was, I didn't really understand much for the first half of the book and was just left with questions for the second. A shame, as it's nice to support local authors.
Positives:
- Mildred was a likeable character
- local author and nice chap
- cats
I was really disappointed in the following:
- printing and spelling errors
- lack of fantasy
- lack of cats
- bizarre fight scenes
- characters without much substance
- lack of worldbuilding
I had hoped for more cats and more craziness, but as it was, I didn't really understand much for the first half of the book and was just left with questions for the second. A shame, as it's nice to support local authors.
July 9, 2026
When everyone said I do not need to finish a book i wasn't vibing with, I should of listened.
Nothing that happened made any sense. The characters didn't act like people and their motives changed constantly, the story was all over the place and by the time I was done i wasn't exactly sure what happened to get here.
I will also never forgive them for including a section where the equivalent of a soldier pulled the pins if two grenades and then asked permission to use them and everyone acting like this was normal.
Nothing that happened made any sense. The characters didn't act like people and their motives changed constantly, the story was all over the place and by the time I was done i wasn't exactly sure what happened to get here.
I will also never forgive them for including a section where the equivalent of a soldier pulled the pins if two grenades and then asked permission to use them and everyone acting like this was normal.
November 11, 2024
Such an amazing book! It was so well written and exciting to read that I could not put it down. I just wanted to keep on reading to see what would happend next and where this journey was going to end. Such a fun and exciting story with unexpected turns. I was totally hooked till the very end and I can't wait to read the sequel. Would 100% recommend this book! If you like cats, homour, fiction, harry potter and an exciting story, then this will be perfect for you.
November 16, 2024
I came across this book quite by accident and the cover caught my eye, it was signed personally by the author who was it was lovely to meet.
The book I couldn't put down, the story was really well written with characters you instantly have an affinity for, and leaving lots of intrigue for a sequel. I love that it was so refreshingly different to anything else I've picked up in a long time. I'm looking forward to the next one.
The book I couldn't put down, the story was really well written with characters you instantly have an affinity for, and leaving lots of intrigue for a sequel. I love that it was so refreshingly different to anything else I've picked up in a long time. I'm looking forward to the next one.
December 11, 2024
What an absolutely cracking book this is, I couldn’t put it down once I started it. It’s been an awful long time since a book has captured my attention like this has, from the fantastic characters to the world created and beyond. I’m very intrigued to find out what happens in the next book. Please make sure you put this on your to read list, you won’t be disappointed!!! Definitely a 5 star rating.
September 6, 2024
This book is great, I was hooked by the title to begin with and then the story is so not what I was expecting! It was great and couldn't put it down. I'm totally invested in Mildred and can't wait to see what happens next! I also love the fact that cats have their 'real' name, makes me wonder what my cats are really called!!
September 26, 2024
Fantastic book - I can't wait for the sequel.
I recently bought the book from a local cat show. The author was really friendly and said that there would be a sequel coming out soon. Not what you initially expect from the title but a great story - I couldn't but it down. I can't wait to find out what happens next to Mildred and her strange associates.
I definitely recommend this book.
I recently bought the book from a local cat show. The author was really friendly and said that there would be a sequel coming out soon. Not what you initially expect from the title but a great story - I couldn't but it down. I can't wait to find out what happens next to Mildred and her strange associates.
I definitely recommend this book.
May 5, 2025
A brilliant book with twists and turns from the get go. You'll read the cover and think you know what it's about, but you don't! A genuinly good book with some good laughs and tense moments interspersed with quintessential British-ness and charm. It a page turner and it will keep you from pther things just to keep reading.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews