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Fear Familiar #14
Familiar Lullaby
Familiar Lullaby by Caroline Burnes released on Apr 24, 2001 is available now for purchase.
256 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published May 15, 2001
1 person is currently reading
126 people want to read
About the author
Caroline Burnes
66 books42 followersAlso writes as Carolyn Haines
Caroline Burnes started her writing career as a photojournalist for Southern newspapers at the age of 12. She came from a "newspapering" family and as a child was teased because of her writing ambitions.
"That girl’s got ink in her blood," the back-shop printers at the George County Times, the weekly newspaper in her hometown, would say as she stood on a bucket and helped lock up the old pages of type set on a linotype machine.
Growing up in the small town of Lucedale, Mississippi, Ms. Burnes found refuge in reading. The magic of the written word, particularly the strange and wonderful worlds of fiction, was rivaled only by her love of horses.
"If I could have had a chance to be a cowgirl, I might never have written a word," Ms. Burnes said. "As it was, a typewriter was a lot easier to come by than a horse, especially since both of my parents were journalists."
Ms. Burnes earned her B.S. degree in journalism from the University of Southern Mississippi and began a career of covering politics, features and hard news across the South. A love of short fiction led her to write short stories, several of which received critical praise and attention. In 1988 Ms. Burnes took a career shift and began writing romantic mysteries for Harlequin Intrigue under the pseudonym Caroline Burnes.
In 1988 A Deadly Breed, a mystery involving horse racing in Mississippi, was published by Harlequin Intrigue, and since then she has published nearly 30 books with Harlequin Intrigue, which have been translated into nine languages.
"So many of my books feature animals," Ms. Burnes said. "Creating fictional animal characters gives me a chance to share my love of animals with my readers."
Ms. Burnes came to writing as a reader. "Since I began to write seriously about 15 years ago, I haven’t been able to read as much as I’d like. I’ve also become a much harder reader. A writer has to really work to pull me into the story and out of my very demanding life. If I had one wish, it would be for more hours in each day, more time to read and write and to ride my horses.
"I’m not a cowgirl by any stretch of the imagination, but I do have three fabulous horses who give me tremendous pleasure. I mostly ride English and do a little backyard jumping, but lately I’ve started team penning. Once again, the problem is that the cows are smarter than I am!
"I just have to be careful when I fall to land on something soft and not my hands," she said. "Brain damage is unlikely, but I need my fingers to be able to write." Ms. Burnes lives on a five-acre farm with her three horses, Miss Scrapiron, Mirage and Cogar; three dogs, Corky, Sweetie Pie and Maybelline; and five cats, Poe, Miss Vesta, Gumbo, Maggie the Cat, and Chester.
Caroline Burnes started her writing career as a photojournalist for Southern newspapers at the age of 12. She came from a "newspapering" family and as a child was teased because of her writing ambitions.
"That girl’s got ink in her blood," the back-shop printers at the George County Times, the weekly newspaper in her hometown, would say as she stood on a bucket and helped lock up the old pages of type set on a linotype machine.
Growing up in the small town of Lucedale, Mississippi, Ms. Burnes found refuge in reading. The magic of the written word, particularly the strange and wonderful worlds of fiction, was rivaled only by her love of horses.
"If I could have had a chance to be a cowgirl, I might never have written a word," Ms. Burnes said. "As it was, a typewriter was a lot easier to come by than a horse, especially since both of my parents were journalists."
Ms. Burnes earned her B.S. degree in journalism from the University of Southern Mississippi and began a career of covering politics, features and hard news across the South. A love of short fiction led her to write short stories, several of which received critical praise and attention. In 1988 Ms. Burnes took a career shift and began writing romantic mysteries for Harlequin Intrigue under the pseudonym Caroline Burnes.
In 1988 A Deadly Breed, a mystery involving horse racing in Mississippi, was published by Harlequin Intrigue, and since then she has published nearly 30 books with Harlequin Intrigue, which have been translated into nine languages.
"So many of my books feature animals," Ms. Burnes said. "Creating fictional animal characters gives me a chance to share my love of animals with my readers."
Ms. Burnes came to writing as a reader. "Since I began to write seriously about 15 years ago, I haven’t been able to read as much as I’d like. I’ve also become a much harder reader. A writer has to really work to pull me into the story and out of my very demanding life. If I had one wish, it would be for more hours in each day, more time to read and write and to ride my horses.
"I’m not a cowgirl by any stretch of the imagination, but I do have three fabulous horses who give me tremendous pleasure. I mostly ride English and do a little backyard jumping, but lately I’ve started team penning. Once again, the problem is that the cows are smarter than I am!
"I just have to be careful when I fall to land on something soft and not my hands," she said. "Brain damage is unlikely, but I need my fingers to be able to write." Ms. Burnes lives on a five-acre farm with her three horses, Miss Scrapiron, Mirage and Cogar; three dogs, Corky, Sweetie Pie and Maybelline; and five cats, Poe, Miss Vesta, Gumbo, Maggie the Cat, and Chester.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
March 25, 2012
Apparently this book is one of a series. But I didn't know that before reading, and guess what? It didn't matter, this did just fine as a stand-alone. And it was cute, although the romance wasn't the greatest.
Familiar has a pretty busy life for a cat. When he's not investigating crimes, he's pursuing his ladylove Calico Clotilde who sometimes accompanies him on his escapades. He has his work cut out for him this time though. A baby has been left on Clotilde's people's doorstep and the mother is nowhere to be found. But reporter Lily knows more than she's telling, and cop Mel is determined to find out what's going on. But his preconceived notions may make things harder on them all. And Lily is determined not to trust him.
The cats are probably the greatest characters in this book. They have a lot of personality and are probably the smartest out of the bunch. Lily is pretty good too. She's against abuse and willing to do something about it, and that's incredibly admirable to me. But she also is pretty illogical at times too when it comes to Mel. In fact, their whole relationship is just plain strange. They are practically strangers, then BAM! All of a sudden they are in love and I felt like I missed entire chapters of the book. And Mel's not even that great of a leading man. He isn't a very nice person in my opinion.
I loved how the cats helped with the investigation in this book. It added some levity. Because it really did go over some hard topics. And the knowledge of abuse was uncanny. I wouldn't hesitate to say that the author has had experience with abuse in some form. Because she said exactly how it felt and the thoughts that run through your head when it happens and why it is so hard to leave. So there's some valuable lessons in this romance novel. Although I hesitate to call it a romance, because really the romance was not a very good part of the book. It just wasn't believable at all. But the rest of the plot was exciting, and the intrigue was good.
I would definitely read another of this series. Mainly because I like the cats so much. They made a normal romance into something a little more.
Familiar Lullaby
Copyright 2001
249 pages
Review by M. Reynard 2012
More of my reviews can be found at www.ifithaswords.blogspot.com
Familiar has a pretty busy life for a cat. When he's not investigating crimes, he's pursuing his ladylove Calico Clotilde who sometimes accompanies him on his escapades. He has his work cut out for him this time though. A baby has been left on Clotilde's people's doorstep and the mother is nowhere to be found. But reporter Lily knows more than she's telling, and cop Mel is determined to find out what's going on. But his preconceived notions may make things harder on them all. And Lily is determined not to trust him.
The cats are probably the greatest characters in this book. They have a lot of personality and are probably the smartest out of the bunch. Lily is pretty good too. She's against abuse and willing to do something about it, and that's incredibly admirable to me. But she also is pretty illogical at times too when it comes to Mel. In fact, their whole relationship is just plain strange. They are practically strangers, then BAM! All of a sudden they are in love and I felt like I missed entire chapters of the book. And Mel's not even that great of a leading man. He isn't a very nice person in my opinion.
I loved how the cats helped with the investigation in this book. It added some levity. Because it really did go over some hard topics. And the knowledge of abuse was uncanny. I wouldn't hesitate to say that the author has had experience with abuse in some form. Because she said exactly how it felt and the thoughts that run through your head when it happens and why it is so hard to leave. So there's some valuable lessons in this romance novel. Although I hesitate to call it a romance, because really the romance was not a very good part of the book. It just wasn't believable at all. But the rest of the plot was exciting, and the intrigue was good.
I would definitely read another of this series. Mainly because I like the cats so much. They made a normal romance into something a little more.
Familiar Lullaby
Copyright 2001
249 pages
Review by M. Reynard 2012
More of my reviews can be found at www.ifithaswords.blogspot.com
May 1, 2021
A really fine detective story with several characters each of whom you wonder about for much of the story as they become involved with one another. About what? A baby which mysteriously shows up at the doorstep of a wealthy couple who are very much wanting a child of their own. The drama plays out between a very bright (and beautiful) female reporter seeking to help Susie (the mother of the child) and other characters, one being Waymen Bishop, a highly abusive husband with many fingers in many political self-serving pies. There is a bad cop in the story too. And, there is romance as well! Finally, the author masterfully weaves the thickening plot of 'who done it' (leaving the baby there) by telling this story through the eyes of (yes) a cat named Familiar. Sounds crazy, but you are certain to enjoy the outcome of this mystery drama.
April 17, 2018
May 16, 2001
Familiar the feline detective is back at last in "Familiar Lullaby," another top-notch entry in this long-running series. A baby is found on the doorstep of a prominent Washington D.C. couple, and Detective Mel Haskin is on the case. Everywhere he looks, reporter Lily Markey is there. Mel suspects the beautiful lady knows more about the baby than she's saying. Can Lily trust the by-the-book cop with her secrets?
"Familiar Lullaby" is a prime example of why this series is so good. Burnes somehow manages to combine all the elements of a great read in one smooth, fast-paced tale. One of the author's trademarks is her strong heroines and Lily is no exception. She's the kind of strong, feisty woman who will do anything to help someone in need, never mind the risk to herself. Mel is her equal, a hard-headed cop with a strong sense of duty and honor. He also has a moving back story that's seamlessly introduced, sad without being overwrought. There's genuine tension between them as they clash over this case. Familiar fans will be happy to know that Clotilde takes a starring role of her own this time. The kitty detective is his usual genius self, knowing exactly what clues to give the humans and when to play matchmaker when he has to.
Most of all, "Familiar Lullaby" is just plain fun to read. Many Intrigues are able to provide the romance and the suspense, but I can't remember the last time I had this much fun reading a book. The line "I laughed, I cried," is a cliché, but with this book I did that and more. I laughed at Familiar's antics and couldn't help being impressed at how much smarter this cat is than most humans. I shivered at the terrible villain and was moved by the dilemma faced by the baby's mother. I was left holding on to the edge of my chair at the suspenseful passages, which made up most of the book, because Burnes is always surprising the reader. Most Intrigue writers these days settle for straightforward stories with few twists. With Burnes, I know I can count on a complex plot with plenty of unexpected turns along the way. Somehow the author is able to juggle so many diverse elements into one seamless, delightful read. Her books feel like bigger stories, because she gives you so much more in them. The result is sheer reading pleasure.
To be honest, I'm not crazy with how many Intrigues these days are about the same subject. Three of this month's books (out of four!) are about babies. If you can only get one, this is the one to choose. It may be based on a hook, but this is a story you haven't read before. Whether this is your first Familiar book or your fourteenth, "Familiar Lullaby" is a must-read.
Familiar the feline detective is back at last in "Familiar Lullaby," another top-notch entry in this long-running series. A baby is found on the doorstep of a prominent Washington D.C. couple, and Detective Mel Haskin is on the case. Everywhere he looks, reporter Lily Markey is there. Mel suspects the beautiful lady knows more about the baby than she's saying. Can Lily trust the by-the-book cop with her secrets?
"Familiar Lullaby" is a prime example of why this series is so good. Burnes somehow manages to combine all the elements of a great read in one smooth, fast-paced tale. One of the author's trademarks is her strong heroines and Lily is no exception. She's the kind of strong, feisty woman who will do anything to help someone in need, never mind the risk to herself. Mel is her equal, a hard-headed cop with a strong sense of duty and honor. He also has a moving back story that's seamlessly introduced, sad without being overwrought. There's genuine tension between them as they clash over this case. Familiar fans will be happy to know that Clotilde takes a starring role of her own this time. The kitty detective is his usual genius self, knowing exactly what clues to give the humans and when to play matchmaker when he has to.
Most of all, "Familiar Lullaby" is just plain fun to read. Many Intrigues are able to provide the romance and the suspense, but I can't remember the last time I had this much fun reading a book. The line "I laughed, I cried," is a cliché, but with this book I did that and more. I laughed at Familiar's antics and couldn't help being impressed at how much smarter this cat is than most humans. I shivered at the terrible villain and was moved by the dilemma faced by the baby's mother. I was left holding on to the edge of my chair at the suspenseful passages, which made up most of the book, because Burnes is always surprising the reader. Most Intrigue writers these days settle for straightforward stories with few twists. With Burnes, I know I can count on a complex plot with plenty of unexpected turns along the way. Somehow the author is able to juggle so many diverse elements into one seamless, delightful read. Her books feel like bigger stories, because she gives you so much more in them. The result is sheer reading pleasure.
To be honest, I'm not crazy with how many Intrigues these days are about the same subject. Three of this month's books (out of four!) are about babies. If you can only get one, this is the one to choose. It may be based on a hook, but this is a story you haven't read before. Whether this is your first Familiar book or your fourteenth, "Familiar Lullaby" is a must-read.
February 27, 2021
A review of Caroline Burnes's Familiar Lullaby
My wife retrieved this paperback from one of our book sale boxes and, mid-reading it, read out loud a paragraph or two. She explained that Familiar was a cat and Clotilde was his lady friend and they "talked." They lived in different houses, Clotilde at the Johnson's, a wealthy couple who had everything except the child they wanted desperately and Familiar at the Curry's, friends of the Johnsons.
One day a baby is dropped off at Rose and Preston Johnson's place, in a basket.
The story unfolds: who left the baby?, why would anyone do such a horrible thing?, could the Johnsons adopt?
Two people, a detective and a reporter, Mel and Lily, show up. Very different personalities and agendas. They both want to be involved in baby David's situation. Meanwhile, Familiar (and Clotilde) seem to be everywhere, know everything, and somehow communicate with the principals
of the book, causing them to make choices that ultimately will benefit the bipeds. Humanoids are a lower species and need the superior intellect of felines.
I think I was hooked about a week after my wife finished it; her sharing with me this crazy plot did it.
Although the plot is clearly contrived, there is a serious layer going on. Susie Bishop, the baby's mother, is the one who "dumped" her child and we learn why: her husband Wayman is an abuser.
The relationship between Lily and Mel is one of mutual distrust. Lily is trying to protect Rose and get her out of the country and safe from a murderous husband but can't reveal her complicity. Mel has his own past (he's an orphan) that drives him to want to bring the guilty party to
justice.
It all sounds "corny," I know. But cops and robbers don't get any better when you let Caroline Burnes tell it. The predictable romance and the eventual conviction are masterfully developed.
And the book is drop dead hilarious. Italics are used when the cats are "talking," "plotting," "thinking." Clotilde impresses Familiar by noticing what Margie Lavert is really up to (she is the widow of Jim Lavert, a bad cop, and is under the spell of Wayman).
I'm not so certain I like this setup. Margie Lavert was awfully forthcoming with all the information about the boat and the marina. Of course, she is a cop's widow, and detail is a way of life for those in law enforcement. I guess it was Clotilde who picked up on her perfect cooperation.
I have highly trained observing skills, but Clotilde has a double dose of acute observation—feline and female. It's difficult to concede, but sometimes she's just a little more astute than even I. Which puts her about a million light years ahead of humanoids.
She couldn't put her finger on exactly what it was about the grieving widow, but she got vibes. And not the good ones either.
Now I have a choice. Should I follow Dick Tracy up to the boat and protect him, or should I stay here with the girls? Given a choice between girls and detectives, girls, normally, would win hands down. If only I could subdivide like an amoeba and be in two places at once.
I'll ask Clotilde what I should do. She'll certainly have an opinion. I don't know a female who doesn't.
Wait a minute! What's that noise? Thunderation! It's a car coming. Run, Lily, run!
I liked the book so much I contacted the author and she was kind enough to get back. She has written a ton of other "Harlequin Intrigue" books. The latest ones are about Familiar's son, Trouble. They are co-authored! Her bio reveals that she loves animals, owns horses, and is very well read. I made a push-together puzzle which features the names of the characters in her book. It contains a word search type sub-puzzle. I hope she likes it when she gets it.
My wife retrieved this paperback from one of our book sale boxes and, mid-reading it, read out loud a paragraph or two. She explained that Familiar was a cat and Clotilde was his lady friend and they "talked." They lived in different houses, Clotilde at the Johnson's, a wealthy couple who had everything except the child they wanted desperately and Familiar at the Curry's, friends of the Johnsons.
One day a baby is dropped off at Rose and Preston Johnson's place, in a basket.
The story unfolds: who left the baby?, why would anyone do such a horrible thing?, could the Johnsons adopt?
Two people, a detective and a reporter, Mel and Lily, show up. Very different personalities and agendas. They both want to be involved in baby David's situation. Meanwhile, Familiar (and Clotilde) seem to be everywhere, know everything, and somehow communicate with the principals
of the book, causing them to make choices that ultimately will benefit the bipeds. Humanoids are a lower species and need the superior intellect of felines.
I think I was hooked about a week after my wife finished it; her sharing with me this crazy plot did it.
Although the plot is clearly contrived, there is a serious layer going on. Susie Bishop, the baby's mother, is the one who "dumped" her child and we learn why: her husband Wayman is an abuser.
The relationship between Lily and Mel is one of mutual distrust. Lily is trying to protect Rose and get her out of the country and safe from a murderous husband but can't reveal her complicity. Mel has his own past (he's an orphan) that drives him to want to bring the guilty party to
justice.
It all sounds "corny," I know. But cops and robbers don't get any better when you let Caroline Burnes tell it. The predictable romance and the eventual conviction are masterfully developed.
And the book is drop dead hilarious. Italics are used when the cats are "talking," "plotting," "thinking." Clotilde impresses Familiar by noticing what Margie Lavert is really up to (she is the widow of Jim Lavert, a bad cop, and is under the spell of Wayman).
I'm not so certain I like this setup. Margie Lavert was awfully forthcoming with all the information about the boat and the marina. Of course, she is a cop's widow, and detail is a way of life for those in law enforcement. I guess it was Clotilde who picked up on her perfect cooperation.
I have highly trained observing skills, but Clotilde has a double dose of acute observation—feline and female. It's difficult to concede, but sometimes she's just a little more astute than even I. Which puts her about a million light years ahead of humanoids.
She couldn't put her finger on exactly what it was about the grieving widow, but she got vibes. And not the good ones either.
Now I have a choice. Should I follow Dick Tracy up to the boat and protect him, or should I stay here with the girls? Given a choice between girls and detectives, girls, normally, would win hands down. If only I could subdivide like an amoeba and be in two places at once.
I'll ask Clotilde what I should do. She'll certainly have an opinion. I don't know a female who doesn't.
Wait a minute! What's that noise? Thunderation! It's a car coming. Run, Lily, run!
I liked the book so much I contacted the author and she was kind enough to get back. She has written a ton of other "Harlequin Intrigue" books. The latest ones are about Familiar's son, Trouble. They are co-authored! Her bio reveals that she loves animals, owns horses, and is very well read. I made a push-together puzzle which features the names of the characters in her book. It contains a word search type sub-puzzle. I hope she likes it when she gets it.
July 22, 2017
fun to read about the PI cat! :-)
November 12, 2017
Love these books wish I could get all of them. Lois Green
August 12, 2022
Although it's part of a series this book held up just fine as a standalone. I had no expectations so was pleased to discover it was a fun, fast read. Gotta love a story that puts a cat's thoughts to words, clearly stating that they are superior beings (can't say I disagree).
May 17, 2023
This is a fun read with cats Familiar and Clotilde helping to solve the mystery.
January 26, 2024
It was different to read some from the point of view from a cat. However, the characters were rich, full, and complex. This is the 14th, I need to find the 1st.
March 11, 2016
This is an excellent book with Familiar the cat making an appearance with his girlfriend Clotilde once again. A baby boy appears on a rich couple's doorstep. Detective Mel Haskin is on the scene. Mel is sure reporter Lily Markey knows more about the baby boy than she pretends to know. That knowledge just might get them killed. Mel and the cats follow the sexy reporter, trying to unravel the mysterious baby's origins before it's too late.
February 28, 2014
Familiar returns in this novel and he gets the job done! I just love how well this black cat detective solves crimes! After sharing my life with a black cat, I truly understand how special black cats like Familiar are! Mine was every bit as curious as Familiar! I'll be reading these books for a very long time!
October 28, 2014
Feline detecting. Love it. My first ever book by this author - and I loved it. I now have to dig up her past books involving Famliar. I love the idea of a clever 4-legged feline helping us poor 2-legged humanoids to solve mysteries. This was truly a fun read. Can't wait to track down and read the other books.
April 12, 2010
I Just love this Cat!
June 12, 2011
The Cat is really smart!
March 10, 2012
I have read all of Caroline Burnes books about the cat Familiar and have enjoyed all of them.
September 11, 2012
I love Familiar! I have two black cats of my own and they definitely have personalities! It's great seeing someone give cats a personality (and other animals as well).
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews