What do you think?
Rate this book
The Cat's Apprentice
Two women meet again at a high school reunion. Irene Smythe is a dynamic, professional woman who slowly comes to believe her husband's cat wants her dead. Molly Jean Mischner is unhappily married and longing for empowerment. Unbeknownst to each other, the two women follow a single path leading one to happiness, and one to destruction.
180 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2008
5 people are currently reading
44 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
February 16, 2012
First, the things I liked. The plot was clever and potentially a lot of fun to chew on in a Hitchcockian way. There were also some really beautifully written lines such as,
"Dragging on the rich, perky Turkish tobacco was like sex with your favorite ex-boyfriend: delicious, familiar, and not at all good for you."
but, the execution was unfortunately muddy when it should be sharp and clean. Another revision would have likely fixed a lot of the plot problems. Too often I found myself flipping around the book, trying to figure out what was going on, when I should have been caught up in the forward push. It's particularly immportant to avoid fogginess when employing magical realism since any trip up pulls the reader out of that wonderful suspension of disbelief.
I won this book in an animal rescue raffle. It was very cool of the author to donate a copy of their book, so I feel a bit like a jerk for not liking it more. It was so close to being a really cool story, but I never felt immersed in the novel's world.
"Dragging on the rich, perky Turkish tobacco was like sex with your favorite ex-boyfriend: delicious, familiar, and not at all good for you."
but, the execution was unfortunately muddy when it should be sharp and clean. Another revision would have likely fixed a lot of the plot problems. Too often I found myself flipping around the book, trying to figure out what was going on, when I should have been caught up in the forward push. It's particularly immportant to avoid fogginess when employing magical realism since any trip up pulls the reader out of that wonderful suspension of disbelief.
I won this book in an animal rescue raffle. It was very cool of the author to donate a copy of their book, so I feel a bit like a jerk for not liking it more. It was so close to being a really cool story, but I never felt immersed in the novel's world.
September 29, 2012
The Cat's Apprentice is Wednesday Lee Friday's second book, following her excellent debut, A Stabbing for Sadie. Her new story is another page turner, following former classmates Irene Smythe and Molly Jean Mischner on their paths to self-discovery and empowerment.
Well, except that when Ms. Friday's involved, we're not exactly talking about enlightenment and uplift. As with a Stabbing for Sadie, here there be demons, both real and imagined. Irene believes her husband's cat is trying to kill her. And it really is a shame about Mother.
As with her first book, Friday's deft use of language brings The Cat's Apprentice to life. Her ability to create interesting characters, true-to-life dialogue, and an unpredictable plot is impressive. The story's funny, too. Check it out.
Well, except that when Ms. Friday's involved, we're not exactly talking about enlightenment and uplift. As with a Stabbing for Sadie, here there be demons, both real and imagined. Irene believes her husband's cat is trying to kill her. And it really is a shame about Mother.
As with her first book, Friday's deft use of language brings The Cat's Apprentice to life. Her ability to create interesting characters, true-to-life dialogue, and an unpredictable plot is impressive. The story's funny, too. Check it out.
June 14, 2018
I am extremely mixed when it come to this story. For starters, Wednesday Lee Friday is a terrific writer and I was surprised how she was able to convey so much into a book that's listed at 186pgs. My gripes come with the actual plot. Why this woman (protagonist I guess) was driven by such hate for Irene. The story becomes polluted with revenge, not that it's hard to follow but hard to believe at times. All characters are written well I just found it ludicrous at times.
The ending reminded me of old horror shows such as "Tales from the Darkside/Crypt." I guess if your willing to adopt the characters logic it could be an enjoyable read, instead of the head-scratcher it was for me.
The ending reminded me of old horror shows such as "Tales from the Darkside/Crypt." I guess if your willing to adopt the characters logic it could be an enjoyable read, instead of the head-scratcher it was for me.
March 5, 2012
I couldn't finish this book. It's a rare thing that I don't finish books. Does any one have spoilers for me to read?
I really wanted to like it, but after being 40% or so through the book, the main character pissed me off. I really want her to be smarter than she is acting. The voice of the book is so depressing and sarcastic and drips with dark humor. Maybe dark humor isn't my thing- so if you know you like it- I'd definitely give the book a try.
I really wanted to like it, but after being 40% or so through the book, the main character pissed me off. I really want her to be smarter than she is acting. The voice of the book is so depressing and sarcastic and drips with dark humor. Maybe dark humor isn't my thing- so if you know you like it- I'd definitely give the book a try.
March 13, 2012
This was a different take on revenge, karma and love. The end was a total twist and one I did not expect. Its a pretty quick read. I would have given it another star but I was disappointed on how the highly intelligent main character would not speak up for herself. She was better than that.
March 10, 2012
Some pretty good twists on revenge, karma, and witchery. Maybe not as goo as kiss me like you love me, but not bad either.
August 5, 2012
Hard to get into....
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews