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Catastrophe: A Highland Murder Most Fowl
Written for all the family for readers aged 7 years+, parents and grand parents...
Who needs gritty, dark psychological thriller when you can curl up in your armchair with your furry companions and read a cosy murder mystery ~ especially one where a feisty Scottish wildcat pits his superior feline wits against a delightfully wicked murderer in the rugged heart of the Scottish Highlands?
Pauline Braisher (LoveReading4Kids review)A well-crafted story, beautiful language, a mystery and a wild cat with a sense of humour. What's not to like about this book? It grabs the reader's attention from the start and holds on to it throughout the story. I also love the information about Wild Cat conservation which appears before the story starts: hopefully this will encourage readers of all ages to take an interest in the conservation of this beautiful animal. Whilst this book is going to appear on LoveReading for kids, it would be equally at home in the adult section. I normally clear my downloads after reviewing a book, but I will be keeping this one to reread and I can't wait to read about Catastrophe's next adventure.
Sharon Hall (LoveReading4Kids review)What a delightful book! I liked the descriptions of the world as seen through Catastrophe’s eyes, as he described life in the wild for him, and then getting to know Mary and George. After a while this built to a murder mystery that had you rooting for the good guys. Overall an unexpectedly lovely book and I look forward to reading more about the family’s adventures.
Who needs gritty, dark psychological thriller when you can curl up in your armchair with your furry companions and read a cosy murder mystery ~ especially one where a feisty Scottish wildcat pits his superior feline wits against a delightfully wicked murderer in the rugged heart of the Scottish Highlands?
Pauline Braisher (LoveReading4Kids review)A well-crafted story, beautiful language, a mystery and a wild cat with a sense of humour. What's not to like about this book? It grabs the reader's attention from the start and holds on to it throughout the story. I also love the information about Wild Cat conservation which appears before the story starts: hopefully this will encourage readers of all ages to take an interest in the conservation of this beautiful animal. Whilst this book is going to appear on LoveReading for kids, it would be equally at home in the adult section. I normally clear my downloads after reviewing a book, but I will be keeping this one to reread and I can't wait to read about Catastrophe's next adventure.
Sharon Hall (LoveReading4Kids review)What a delightful book! I liked the descriptions of the world as seen through Catastrophe’s eyes, as he described life in the wild for him, and then getting to know Mary and George. After a while this built to a murder mystery that had you rooting for the good guys. Overall an unexpectedly lovely book and I look forward to reading more about the family’s adventures.
147 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 26, 2015
172 people are currently reading
158 people want to read
About the author
Lucinda Hare
16 books45 followersLucinda Hare's first book The Dragon Whisperer was described as "One of the most captivating new books to be published for 8+ for some time . . . It made me laugh, cry and remember exactly what's so special about the time when you or your child live in hope of finding a dragon of your own" (Amanda Craig The Sunday Times) Lucinda's books are written for all the family from aged 8 years to 108 years young.
Lucinda lives with a badly behaved pack of nine blind or partially blind cats, four dogs and two rabbits. Run away battery hens have also been given a home. They are all adopted and many have special needs. Their feisty characters provide all the inspiration needed for Lucinda's many dragon characters. Dragons names are inspired by Native American culture including everybodies favourite overweight sabretooth dragon Two Gulps Too Many featured on her profile photo.
Her favourite book remains The Lord of the Rings which she first read at the age of 10. Her favourite series (bar the most recent) is Game of Thrones or more properly A Song of Ice and Fire.
Lucinda created and runs an online Eastern European street animal rescue named Ruff Beginnings after seeing the plight and cruelty towards street animals in Russia and Ukraine.
Lucinda experimented with many different jobs but found writing about animals, in particular the large scaled flying variety with lethal talons, teeth and tails far more fun., although the Scottish wildcat Catastrophe now features in his own cosy wildcat mystery A Highland Murder Most Fowl. You can find out more about her books and artwork on her website http://www.dragonsdome.co.uk/ and schools & libraries can buy from Gardners Books.
Lucinda lives with a badly behaved pack of nine blind or partially blind cats, four dogs and two rabbits. Run away battery hens have also been given a home. They are all adopted and many have special needs. Their feisty characters provide all the inspiration needed for Lucinda's many dragon characters. Dragons names are inspired by Native American culture including everybodies favourite overweight sabretooth dragon Two Gulps Too Many featured on her profile photo.
Her favourite book remains The Lord of the Rings which she first read at the age of 10. Her favourite series (bar the most recent) is Game of Thrones or more properly A Song of Ice and Fire.
Lucinda created and runs an online Eastern European street animal rescue named Ruff Beginnings after seeing the plight and cruelty towards street animals in Russia and Ukraine.
Lucinda experimented with many different jobs but found writing about animals, in particular the large scaled flying variety with lethal talons, teeth and tails far more fun., although the Scottish wildcat Catastrophe now features in his own cosy wildcat mystery A Highland Murder Most Fowl. You can find out more about her books and artwork on her website http://www.dragonsdome.co.uk/ and schools & libraries can buy from Gardners Books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
July 31, 2018
Wildcat turned author with the devil afoot
Narrated by a wildcat, this is an unconventional style of tale executed relatively well. The mystery isn't much of a mystery, the bad guys quite transparent from the jump. Some of the characters were almost caricatures, thick written accents included. Deciphering the written dialects sometimes detracted from the story.
The descriptions of the scenery and settings were lovely, almost poetic in their wording. I have to say, for a feline the narrator's vocabulary is better than most people I know! An example of the writing:
"I danced for the sheer joy of it. Clumsy or not, the chilly grass beneath my pads had never felt so good and the heady scent of heather made me dizzy, so that I reeled from bark to boulder. I sharpened my claws and drank in the cold fresh air that flowed down from the hills bringing a hundred scents with it. High above, a buzzard keened, but at that very moment I was freer than he was."
Narrated by a wildcat, this is an unconventional style of tale executed relatively well. The mystery isn't much of a mystery, the bad guys quite transparent from the jump. Some of the characters were almost caricatures, thick written accents included. Deciphering the written dialects sometimes detracted from the story.
The descriptions of the scenery and settings were lovely, almost poetic in their wording. I have to say, for a feline the narrator's vocabulary is better than most people I know! An example of the writing:
"I danced for the sheer joy of it. Clumsy or not, the chilly grass beneath my pads had never felt so good and the heady scent of heather made me dizzy, so that I reeled from bark to boulder. I sharpened my claws and drank in the cold fresh air that flowed down from the hills bringing a hundred scents with it. High above, a buzzard keened, but at that very moment I was freer than he was."
July 24, 2018
Funny and charming, but suspend your disbelief regarding a wildcat's behavior. The descriptions of his sensations and the landscape made me sigh with a longing to be there. Mary was infuriatingly wimpy (kindliness does not necessarily equate to milquetoast). But the real reason for only 4 stars is the ending. It just...ends. As if someone said, "Turn it in now or you don't get paid". I actually thought the download might not have finished! But there's the glossary of Scottish terms at the end so, no, it did finish.
There'd better be a book two.
There'd better be a book two.
November 9, 2018
This is a super great book!!
I just loved this book. Seeing things from a different pair of eyes that can go places that we can't. The twists and turns were surprising plus interesting you get caught up in it waiting to see what happens next. This is a book that you can enjoy again and again.💖💖
I just loved this book. Seeing things from a different pair of eyes that can go places that we can't. The twists and turns were surprising plus interesting you get caught up in it waiting to see what happens next. This is a book that you can enjoy again and again.💖💖
September 12, 2018
A very good read
Love this book! I would give it 4 stars. A must read for everyone especially cat owners. Can't wait to read sequel.
Love this book! I would give it 4 stars. A must read for everyone especially cat owners. Can't wait to read sequel.
December 6, 2021
Highland mayhem.
Good Tale full of betrayal and greed.Mary and George go to the family castle for the funeral and reading of the will of loved Aunt Edith.
Their Highland cat is part of the story a wonderful addition .
.
Good Tale full of betrayal and greed.Mary and George go to the family castle for the funeral and reading of the will of loved Aunt Edith.
Their Highland cat is part of the story a wonderful addition .
.
July 5, 2018
Awesome story about love and murder in the Scottish moors
Catastrophe is it unusual, unique name for a wildcat that was injured by a Forester in Scotland. He is rescued by this couple who paid for his surgery on his leg and adopted him when he was healing. The story is written from his point of view.
The plot is a loving couple who's aunt dies and they suspect eventually murder. To find out the story you would have to read and absorb the catastrophe.
I thoroughly enjoyed this highly recommended book. I will look forward to more stories from this author.
bookwormsuzy
Catastrophe is it unusual, unique name for a wildcat that was injured by a Forester in Scotland. He is rescued by this couple who paid for his surgery on his leg and adopted him when he was healing. The story is written from his point of view.
The plot is a loving couple who's aunt dies and they suspect eventually murder. To find out the story you would have to read and absorb the catastrophe.
I thoroughly enjoyed this highly recommended book. I will look forward to more stories from this author.
bookwormsuzy
July 10, 2018
Loved it. At first I thought I might just delete it as it was a cat telling the story, but I hung in there and found it to be a most enjoyable read. I applaud the author, it was a unique way of telling a story and certainly added a certain perspective to it that set it apart from any other book I have read. I will definitely look into any other books written by Lucinda Hare and heartily recommend this one to anyone who is looking for a different, enjoyable read.
August 29, 2019
I was asked to review this book by Lovereading.co.uk
This book is narrated by a wild cat - so quite unusual to start off. The mystery is fairly obvious guys- there are some bad people around. Anyway Catastrophe is the name of this wild cat injured in Scotland and rescued by a couple- whose aunt passes away and murder is suspected.
All sounds strange reader- actually it works and the descriptions are good, a murder from an animal point of view.
An original good read
This book is narrated by a wild cat - so quite unusual to start off. The mystery is fairly obvious guys- there are some bad people around. Anyway Catastrophe is the name of this wild cat injured in Scotland and rescued by a couple- whose aunt passes away and murder is suspected.
All sounds strange reader- actually it works and the descriptions are good, a murder from an animal point of view.
An original good read
July 25, 2018
It was a very easy story to read, I read it in a day. I enjoyed seeing the world from the cat's perspective (even if it was a human doing the imagining). Nothing new in the plot line and I didn't like having any proper ending to the story. Don't think I'll both reading any other books in this series though.
August 25, 2018
Good up to the end
And then it crashed. A murder mystery written from a cat’s point of view. Scottish setting was delightful along with the wildcat’s personality. Although the ending was logical, it was so abrupt I began looking for more pages. A bit more “wrap up” is needed to be satisfying.
And then it crashed. A murder mystery written from a cat’s point of view. Scottish setting was delightful along with the wildcat’s personality. Although the ending was logical, it was so abrupt I began looking for more pages. A bit more “wrap up” is needed to be satisfying.
April 4, 2019
Lovely
Beautufully written, the words sing.
A novel premise well delivered. I never thought I'd say this but the cat stayed in character and was full and dimensioned. The bit players, the humans, were well drawn and believable.
A lovely book for a quiet evening in front of the fire.
Beautufully written, the words sing.
A novel premise well delivered. I never thought I'd say this but the cat stayed in character and was full and dimensioned. The bit players, the humans, were well drawn and believable.
A lovely book for a quiet evening in front of the fire.
June 26, 2018
A Clever Story
I would recommend this book to anyone who loves cats and a good story. The characters were engaging and I look forward to reading more of Catastrophe's adventures with Mary and George.
I would recommend this book to anyone who loves cats and a good story. The characters were engaging and I look forward to reading more of Catastrophe's adventures with Mary and George.
July 1, 2018
An unusual but fascinating read hearing the story from the wild cat's point of view
It was just so different and descriptive of the smells the wild cat uses to navigate his world. A light hearted read of true friendship and trust.
It was just so different and descriptive of the smells the wild cat uses to navigate his world. A light hearted read of true friendship and trust.
July 9, 2018
Heavy going
Not much of an original ploy. Bogged down with what passes as Scottish phrases and confusing pronouns that are difficult to trace to the right character. All's well that ends well. But NO follow-up to show the righteous and proper ending. Just unsatisfying.
Not much of an original ploy. Bogged down with what passes as Scottish phrases and confusing pronouns that are difficult to trace to the right character. All's well that ends well. But NO follow-up to show the righteous and proper ending. Just unsatisfying.
August 21, 2018
OUTSTANDING!!!!!! Great fun and very entertaining...got to love that special animal.....On a serious note, it is sad to hear about the Scottish bobcats. Here in Arizona they are doing fine..Lucinda, please write another "Catastrophe" book asap...Thank you, Judy
August 22, 2018
Catastrophe
Catastrophe was an apt name for our host of this novel. A very new point of view on a murder mystery. Took me a little bit to get used to it but then was perfectly fine. Good mystery. Enjoy.
Catastrophe was an apt name for our host of this novel. A very new point of view on a murder mystery. Took me a little bit to get used to it but then was perfectly fine. Good mystery. Enjoy.
August 23, 2018
Amazing
Had a little trouble with the beginning. A little slow. But hang in there cause it's gonna get you all the way. But what happened to the cat? And do not tell me he died with Maud. Just fix it.
Had a little trouble with the beginning. A little slow. But hang in there cause it's gonna get you all the way. But what happened to the cat? And do not tell me he died with Maud. Just fix it.
August 31, 2018
Beautiful imagery, exciting story. Wonderfully written.
There was nothing about the book that i did not like. Had me in anticipation the entire time. Great characters and satisfying ending.
There was nothing about the book that i did not like. Had me in anticipation the entire time. Great characters and satisfying ending.
October 9, 2018
Catty
A very interesting tale of greed and murder told by a wild Scottish cat. The cat is injured, then found and treated. Does not come out unscathed, but has back leg issues. He stays with his rescuer and at times goes back to the wild. Best of both worlds!
A very interesting tale of greed and murder told by a wild Scottish cat. The cat is injured, then found and treated. Does not come out unscathed, but has back leg issues. He stays with his rescuer and at times goes back to the wild. Best of both worlds!
October 9, 2018
What a delightful book! Such a wonderful story and such clear descriptions, I could actually see the highlands. I hope she writes more in this series because I will definitely buy them. Loved the characters and the writing. Plan to read all of her books.
December 9, 2018
Foos clean read!
I only have it a 4 out of 5 bcoz I was disappointed in the ending. I would’ve like more info about Maude & the Duke getting their just desserts! The detail up to that point was right on! I loved Catastrophe’s personality and perspectives.
I only have it a 4 out of 5 bcoz I was disappointed in the ending. I would’ve like more info about Maude & the Duke getting their just desserts! The detail up to that point was right on! I loved Catastrophe’s personality and perspectives.
January 22, 2019
A catchy cat tale
An engaging tale narrated by the star, Catastrophe who underpins a classic cast of murder mystery characters as the story unfolds from the viewpoint of the omnipresent feline.
An engaging tale narrated by the star, Catastrophe who underpins a classic cast of murder mystery characters as the story unfolds from the viewpoint of the omnipresent feline.
December 30, 2019
In the eyes of a wild cat
This was an enjoyable mystery with laugh when call for it. I am hoping this is a series, looking to see what other adventure is lurking out there for the wild cat
This was an enjoyable mystery with laugh when call for it. I am hoping this is a series, looking to see what other adventure is lurking out there for the wild cat
July 8, 2018
Super
Held my attention the whole book. I am hoping the cat made it out but I couldn’t tell. Again. Loved it
Held my attention the whole book. I am hoping the cat made it out but I couldn’t tell. Again. Loved it
July 10, 2018
Great Book
I really enjoyed reading this book and getting to know Catastrophe. The characters are well drawn and the descriptions of the Scottish highlands are beautiful.
I really enjoyed reading this book and getting to know Catastrophe. The characters are well drawn and the descriptions of the Scottish highlands are beautiful.
July 12, 2018
Gorgeous scenery!
Awesomely described from the POV of a Scottish wildcat. Fun little murder mystery & who-done-it book, with a wildcat rescue & story all wrapped up into one.
Awesomely described from the POV of a Scottish wildcat. Fun little murder mystery & who-done-it book, with a wildcat rescue & story all wrapped up into one.
August 11, 2018
Wow!
What a great read! Fast pace, wonderfully descriptive. Had to read it in one sitting, it's 4 am , good thing it's Sat. morning
What a great read! Fast pace, wonderfully descriptive. Had to read it in one sitting, it's 4 am , good thing it's Sat. morning
August 28, 2018
It gets a five whiskers rating.
An interesting story. Mystery, murder, wildcats, the evil sister, the good niece and so much more. A fun read and worth a look.
An interesting story. Mystery, murder, wildcats, the evil sister, the good niece and so much more. A fun read and worth a look.
March 29, 2019
Catalytic
Great story.Enjoyed it immensely., Exciting to the end. Would look for another from author. Enjoyed Scottish dialect. Wild cat was fascinating.
Great story.Enjoyed it immensely., Exciting to the end. Would look for another from author. Enjoyed Scottish dialect. Wild cat was fascinating.
October 6, 2019
Catastrophe: A Highland Murder Most Fowl
by Lucinda Hare
Following Marie Kondo's advice, I did not finish this book. I read about 40% of it, then scanned to the end to see if I was correct. Yep. Predictable, plodding, not for me.
Yet, it should have been. I've read other series that were told from the viewpoint of a cat: Midnight Louie (Carol Nelson Douglas), Mrs. Murphy (Rita Mae Brown), Joe Grey (Shirley Rousseau Murphy), to name a few, and didn't find them predictable or boring. Hare also has a lovely way with words, especially when describing landscapes. At times, it seemed like poetry. I'm sure there would have been plenty of action in the last half of the book, and the opening scene of the chase was certainly exciting, but I couldn't force myself to read more than 40%. The Goodreads description says it is good for the whole family, from age 7 and up. Yeah, age 7 to maybe-- maybe -- 12 would be a good age span for this book, and had I been reading it for that demographic I might have loved it. But, I'm not 7-12, I'm 72. (Shrug).
One thing I did like was that the author included a "Glossary of Scottish Words" at the end. Interestingly, the first word I had to look up (brock, on page 1. Page O.N.E) was not in the dictionary, and it took me about 4 internet searches to finally find an article that definitely identified a brock as another name for badger. Articles for badger kept popping up in searches for "brock," "Scottish word: brock," and others like that. What finally produced an article that linked the two was a search for "is brock another word for badger?" SMH Most of the other words I either knew or could pick up from the context. However, unless they lived somewhere where that word is used for badger regularly, I doubt many 7-yr olds would know the meaning.
So, your mileage may vary, but it's a thumbs down opinion from me.
by Lucinda Hare
Following Marie Kondo's advice, I did not finish this book. I read about 40% of it, then scanned to the end to see if I was correct. Yep. Predictable, plodding, not for me.
Yet, it should have been. I've read other series that were told from the viewpoint of a cat: Midnight Louie (Carol Nelson Douglas), Mrs. Murphy (Rita Mae Brown), Joe Grey (Shirley Rousseau Murphy), to name a few, and didn't find them predictable or boring. Hare also has a lovely way with words, especially when describing landscapes. At times, it seemed like poetry. I'm sure there would have been plenty of action in the last half of the book, and the opening scene of the chase was certainly exciting, but I couldn't force myself to read more than 40%. The Goodreads description says it is good for the whole family, from age 7 and up. Yeah, age 7 to maybe-- maybe -- 12 would be a good age span for this book, and had I been reading it for that demographic I might have loved it. But, I'm not 7-12, I'm 72. (Shrug).
One thing I did like was that the author included a "Glossary of Scottish Words" at the end. Interestingly, the first word I had to look up (brock, on page 1. Page O.N.E) was not in the dictionary, and it took me about 4 internet searches to finally find an article that definitely identified a brock as another name for badger. Articles for badger kept popping up in searches for "brock," "Scottish word: brock," and others like that. What finally produced an article that linked the two was a search for "is brock another word for badger?" SMH Most of the other words I either knew or could pick up from the context. However, unless they lived somewhere where that word is used for badger regularly, I doubt many 7-yr olds would know the meaning.
So, your mileage may vary, but it's a thumbs down opinion from me.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews