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The Ship's Cat
From the bestselling author of The Ghost Cat comes an epic new adventure for feline fans. The Ship's Cat is the Odyssey with cats - a heroic yet feel-good tale of unlikely friendship on the high seas.
When street-savvy London stray Archie accidentally stows away on a flight to Turkey, he's just looking for shelter. But after stumbling onto a fishing boat in a quiet cove, Archie discovers he's no ordinary feline - for with his polydactyl paws, he brings uncanny good fortune to vessels at sea.
From the sun-drenched harbours of the Mediterranean to the bustling decks of ocean racers, Archie becomes a legend among sailors. Yet beneath the viral fame and whispered tales of 'the magical ship's cat', Archie yearns for something deeper: a forever-human who will love him not as a talisman, but as a companion.
It may be luck that drives Archie on this great Odyssey around the world, but love will be what calls him home - not to some place, perhaps, but to someone.
Heartwarming, adventurous and quietly profound, The Ship's Cat is a tale of resilience, belonging, unexpected friendship and the mysterious ways love finds us.
When street-savvy London stray Archie accidentally stows away on a flight to Turkey, he's just looking for shelter. But after stumbling onto a fishing boat in a quiet cove, Archie discovers he's no ordinary feline - for with his polydactyl paws, he brings uncanny good fortune to vessels at sea.
From the sun-drenched harbours of the Mediterranean to the bustling decks of ocean racers, Archie becomes a legend among sailors. Yet beneath the viral fame and whispered tales of 'the magical ship's cat', Archie yearns for something deeper: a forever-human who will love him not as a talisman, but as a companion.
It may be luck that drives Archie on this great Odyssey around the world, but love will be what calls him home - not to some place, perhaps, but to someone.
Heartwarming, adventurous and quietly profound, The Ship's Cat is a tale of resilience, belonging, unexpected friendship and the mysterious ways love finds us.
272 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 7, 2026
About the author
Alex Howard
4 books121 followersAlex is the author of The Ghost Cat, a bestseller in the UK and USA. Also a theatre professional and social media influencer, his TikTok page @housedoctoralex has nearly 300,000 followers while his work on Capital Theatres’ dementia programme helped it receive a UK Theatres Excellence in Inclusivity Award in 2023.
Alex loves helping writers of all backgrounds craft language into beautiful prose and verse. A PhD graduate of English, his first book Library Cat owes its existence to a bout of procrastination while studying at the University of Edinburgh, going on to win the People’s Book Prize in 2017. He also writes poetry and has been published in New Writing Scotland, Gutter and The London Magazine, while his fiction has been translated into nine languages. A recovering academic, his monograph Larkin’s Travelling Spirit was published in 2021.
Somehow, Alex manages to split his time effectively between writing, delivering literary events and working at Capital Theatres, Edinburgh. When he has a spare moment (rarely!) he enjoys renovating his Edwardian flat, uncovering its hidden secrets with his cat Tabitha, son Sasha and wife, Ellie. He is currently working on a new novel The Ship’s Cat, scheduled for publication in Spring 2026.
Alex loves helping writers of all backgrounds craft language into beautiful prose and verse. A PhD graduate of English, his first book Library Cat owes its existence to a bout of procrastination while studying at the University of Edinburgh, going on to win the People’s Book Prize in 2017. He also writes poetry and has been published in New Writing Scotland, Gutter and The London Magazine, while his fiction has been translated into nine languages. A recovering academic, his monograph Larkin’s Travelling Spirit was published in 2021.
Somehow, Alex manages to split his time effectively between writing, delivering literary events and working at Capital Theatres, Edinburgh. When he has a spare moment (rarely!) he enjoys renovating his Edwardian flat, uncovering its hidden secrets with his cat Tabitha, son Sasha and wife, Ellie. He is currently working on a new novel The Ship’s Cat, scheduled for publication in Spring 2026.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thanks to NetGalley and Black & White Publishing for the advanced copy of this title in return for an honest review.
I have a copy of Alex's book The Ghost Cat but haven't read it yet, and so I went into this with no expectations. It's fair to say I will definitely be putting up my TBR list as soon as possible because if it's anything like this it will be great. This book is just so charming.
Archie felt so human, so recognisable and familiar, and I loved his narration. It's an original take to narrate a book from a cat's perspective but I really enjoyed it, especially the parts of that narration that felt more like his inner monologue, they were great.
I am definitely more of a dog person but I do still love cats and this book gave me all the bits I love about them, their independence, their sassiness.
Yes, it's a bit of fun, a grumpy cat going on a seafaring adventure. But it's got such heart. It's about feeling invisible, building up resilience, and longing for a place, a home, a people you can call your own, about love.
Alex has got such a great sense of space, first in London and then around the world, as well as on the sea. Everything is so vivid but not overwhelming and you can see Archie on his travels.
It's not heavy on plot, but that's fine by me. This is a character piece, mainly the cat, but also of the few humans he interacts with, for better or for worse. I really loved the characters, there wasn't a dud one among them.
A fabulously uplifting, quick-to-read book that I dare anyone to read without a smile on their face.
I have a copy of Alex's book The Ghost Cat but haven't read it yet, and so I went into this with no expectations. It's fair to say I will definitely be putting up my TBR list as soon as possible because if it's anything like this it will be great. This book is just so charming.
Archie felt so human, so recognisable and familiar, and I loved his narration. It's an original take to narrate a book from a cat's perspective but I really enjoyed it, especially the parts of that narration that felt more like his inner monologue, they were great.
I am definitely more of a dog person but I do still love cats and this book gave me all the bits I love about them, their independence, their sassiness.
Yes, it's a bit of fun, a grumpy cat going on a seafaring adventure. But it's got such heart. It's about feeling invisible, building up resilience, and longing for a place, a home, a people you can call your own, about love.
Alex has got such a great sense of space, first in London and then around the world, as well as on the sea. Everything is so vivid but not overwhelming and you can see Archie on his travels.
It's not heavy on plot, but that's fine by me. This is a character piece, mainly the cat, but also of the few humans he interacts with, for better or for worse. I really loved the characters, there wasn't a dud one among them.
A fabulously uplifting, quick-to-read book that I dare anyone to read without a smile on their face.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is my new favourite Alex Howard book- which says a lot because I have loved every work of his that I have ever read! This book is so incredibly well written. I am so grateful to Netgalley for providing me with an advance copy of The Ship's Cat. I have laughed, I have cried, and I have been thoroughly charmed by Archie the street cat.
August 5, 2026
This is an auto-buy author for me, and this has been my favourite so far.
It took about 50 pages to start, but then I was hooked. Books like this are exactly why I love fiction so much. This one has so much heart.
It filled my cup and the cat’s saucer, too.🪝🐾
It took about 50 pages to start, but then I was hooked. Books like this are exactly why I love fiction so much. This one has so much heart.
It filled my cup and the cat’s saucer, too.🪝🐾
May 26, 2026
Such a gorgeous book filled with adventure and fun and such lovely characters 💖 i just really love cats and this book captures the spirit of cats so perfectly
July 21, 2026
Best book of 2026 so far. Heartwarming, funny. Whimsical. Pulls at all the emotions. An absolute must read
July 26, 2026
Great story telling from beginning to end, a real page turner.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A Heart-Wrenching, Soulful Journey from the Streets of London to the Open Sea.
I went into The Ship’s Cat having never read Alex Howard before and with no idea what to expect, but I have come away needing to read everything else he has ever written.
Archie—or the ‘psycho grey street cat’ as he’s known—is the kind of protagonist that lingers in your thoughts long after the final page. Behind his 'tough street cat' exterior is a beautifully rendered journey about the courage it takes to keep looking for a 'forever-human' after the world has been unkind. His odyssey isn't just a seafaring trip; it’s a soulful exploration of what it means to be resilient when you feel invisible. It captures that heartbreaking, silent anxiety of a stray wondering if they are 'lovable enough' to earn a place by a human's side, balancing high-seas adventure with a profound, tender look at the fear of rejection.
As a former resident of Mile End, Howard’s descriptions of the East London streets felt like coming home. I found myself thinking often of the canals I used to walk past there; seeing canal boats become such a central, soul-soothing part of Archie’s later journey in Scotland felt like a perfect, poignant bridge between my own memories and his story. As a mum to two rescued London street cats myself, I spent the book imagining their lives before me, wishing (like I did for Archie) that they could speak and share their stories.
This book made me smile, but it also made me cry. By the halfway point, I was completely hooked and couldn't put it down, finishing it in just two days. It is a beautiful, five-star read that I’ll be thinking about for a long time. 🐾⛵️
A huge thank you to NetGalley, Bonnier Books UK, Black & White Publishing, and Alex Howard for providing me with an advanced reader copy of this beautiful story in exchange for my honest review. It was a privilege to read!
I went into The Ship’s Cat having never read Alex Howard before and with no idea what to expect, but I have come away needing to read everything else he has ever written.
Archie—or the ‘psycho grey street cat’ as he’s known—is the kind of protagonist that lingers in your thoughts long after the final page. Behind his 'tough street cat' exterior is a beautifully rendered journey about the courage it takes to keep looking for a 'forever-human' after the world has been unkind. His odyssey isn't just a seafaring trip; it’s a soulful exploration of what it means to be resilient when you feel invisible. It captures that heartbreaking, silent anxiety of a stray wondering if they are 'lovable enough' to earn a place by a human's side, balancing high-seas adventure with a profound, tender look at the fear of rejection.
As a former resident of Mile End, Howard’s descriptions of the East London streets felt like coming home. I found myself thinking often of the canals I used to walk past there; seeing canal boats become such a central, soul-soothing part of Archie’s later journey in Scotland felt like a perfect, poignant bridge between my own memories and his story. As a mum to two rescued London street cats myself, I spent the book imagining their lives before me, wishing (like I did for Archie) that they could speak and share their stories.
This book made me smile, but it also made me cry. By the halfway point, I was completely hooked and couldn't put it down, finishing it in just two days. It is a beautiful, five-star read that I’ll be thinking about for a long time. 🐾⛵️
A huge thank you to NetGalley, Bonnier Books UK, Black & White Publishing, and Alex Howard for providing me with an advanced reader copy of this beautiful story in exchange for my honest review. It was a privilege to read!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
First, thanks to NetGalley and Alex Howard for the ARC, which I couldn't wait to read as The Ghost Cat is one of my favourite books.
In The Ship's Cat we follow Archie's travels across the sea, all narrated from his point of view. A London street cat not very fond of humans that will meet a few people that maybe, could change his feelings and his future.
I've enjoyed every adventure of this Ship's Cat, suffered when he did, (going to cuddle my own cat for comfort), laugh with his funny thoughts, and cried as I read the last few chapters. I've loved Archie so much I wish he was a real cat.
I don't think writing a book from the point of view of an animal is easy, and Alex has done it again incredibly well, making it believable and very easy to connect with this character.
For anyone who likes a book that makes you feel, and plus if you are a cat person, then you should read The Ship's Cat.
In The Ship's Cat we follow Archie's travels across the sea, all narrated from his point of view. A London street cat not very fond of humans that will meet a few people that maybe, could change his feelings and his future.
I've enjoyed every adventure of this Ship's Cat, suffered when he did, (going to cuddle my own cat for comfort), laugh with his funny thoughts, and cried as I read the last few chapters. I've loved Archie so much I wish he was a real cat.
I don't think writing a book from the point of view of an animal is easy, and Alex has done it again incredibly well, making it believable and very easy to connect with this character.
For anyone who likes a book that makes you feel, and plus if you are a cat person, then you should read The Ship's Cat.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I have never cried over a book like I have over this lil cat odyssey book EVER.
The story follows Archie, a savvy, stray London cat who’s about ready to fight anyone who looks at him wrong. He finds himself accidentally travelling the seas far from home and all he wants is to find his way back. Maybe find his forever-human along the way.
When I tell you I ugly cried through half of this book, I am not joking. There were moments that tugged on my heart and moments that outright bled me. I was so invested in Archie’s story and who he’d end up staying with. I loved his shenanigans at sea and how his luck affected the people around him. The ending was the absolute cherry on top that made me bawl harder.
The epilogue just about ended me. 10/10 no notes. I have a cat-shaped hole in my heart that only Alex Howard’s books can fill now.
Thank you NetGalley and Bonnier Books for an ARC of this novel!
The story follows Archie, a savvy, stray London cat who’s about ready to fight anyone who looks at him wrong. He finds himself accidentally travelling the seas far from home and all he wants is to find his way back. Maybe find his forever-human along the way.
When I tell you I ugly cried through half of this book, I am not joking. There were moments that tugged on my heart and moments that outright bled me. I was so invested in Archie’s story and who he’d end up staying with. I loved his shenanigans at sea and how his luck affected the people around him. The ending was the absolute cherry on top that made me bawl harder.
The epilogue just about ended me. 10/10 no notes. I have a cat-shaped hole in my heart that only Alex Howard’s books can fill now.
Thank you NetGalley and Bonnier Books for an ARC of this novel!
July 4, 2026
There is something so special about a book that lets you see the ordinary world in an entirely new way. The Ship’s Cat by Alex Howard was such a delightful, comforting read.
Full of gentle humour, heart, and the wonderful curiosity that only a cat could bring. I absolutely loved experiencing the world through a cat’s eyes, the little observations, the quiet moments, and the reminder that adventure can be found in the most unexpected places.
Charming, cosy, and full of personality, this is one for anyone who has ever loved a cat, been owned by a cat, or wondered what is going on behind those mysterious little eyes.
Full of gentle humour, heart, and the wonderful curiosity that only a cat could bring. I absolutely loved experiencing the world through a cat’s eyes, the little observations, the quiet moments, and the reminder that adventure can be found in the most unexpected places.
Charming, cosy, and full of personality, this is one for anyone who has ever loved a cat, been owned by a cat, or wondered what is going on behind those mysterious little eyes.
May 30, 2026
This was the first novel I had read by Alex Howard and it didn’t disappoint!
I’m a self confessed dog lady, but the plot of this pulled me in and Archie the main man (or should I say cat) was such a character. I laughed, I choked up and the ending was just the best. If a film version was ever made of this book, I could definitely see someone like Danny Dyer doing the internal voice of Archie.
I also loved the way Howard wrote, so descriptive. You can definitely tell he is a doctoral graduate of English Lit.
I’m a self confessed dog lady, but the plot of this pulled me in and Archie the main man (or should I say cat) was such a character. I laughed, I choked up and the ending was just the best. If a film version was ever made of this book, I could definitely see someone like Danny Dyer doing the internal voice of Archie.
I also loved the way Howard wrote, so descriptive. You can definitely tell he is a doctoral graduate of English Lit.
May 28, 2026
I loved that Archie learnt to accept love in the end. The different nationalitys of the featured prople, was also very fun to read.
The end still caught me off guard!
I could really understand the way he thought about certain events and loved the description of his cat behaviors.
This adventure of the grumpy and scared Cat reminded me that everyone deserves love, no matter what that looks like for them.
The end still caught me off guard!
I could really understand the way he thought about certain events and loved the description of his cat behaviors.
This adventure of the grumpy and scared Cat reminded me that everyone deserves love, no matter what that looks like for them.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Alex Howard really understands cats. He gives them such powerful voices they become the perfect narrators.
I love Ghost Cat so I was really looking forward to getting stuck into this and it did not disappoint.
I love Ghost Cat so I was really looking forward to getting stuck into this and it did not disappoint.
May 11, 2026
Such an amazing book, I was delighted to find it and read it nonstop.
This book was so amazing, making me laugh and cry and absolutely sob at the end while cuddling my own cats. A fantastic feel good book
This book was so amazing, making me laugh and cry and absolutely sob at the end while cuddling my own cats. A fantastic feel good book
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 18, 2026
Loved this book!
Read a few dark books lately and this is what was needed!
Read a few dark books lately and this is what was needed!
July 4, 2026
rehellisesti ihan huono loppu 🥲💔
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews