Thud

Catnip Assassins #7.5

by Skye MacKinnon

This kitty loves playing with baubles…

Four years into being a mother, Kat needs a break. She's barely killed anyone since she gave birth and the panther within her is frustrated. She needs blood, murder and mayhem.
When she's offered the chance to infiltrate a strange cult's annual festivities, there's no stopping her. Along with her three devoted mates, Kat will have to look beyond the holiday cheer to find a killer.

A Christmas sequel to the bestselling Catnip Assassin series, an urban fantasy reverse harem romance featuring a bloodthirsty cat shifter assassin and her hunky mates. A book to warm you in the depth of winter.

This book can be enjoyed as a standalone without having previously read the Catnip Assassins series.

Genres: Paranormal, Fantasy, Action

ebook

Published December 1, 2021

About the author

Skye MacKinnon is a USA Today & International Bestselling Author whose books are filled with strong heroines who don't have to choose.

She embraces her Scottishness with fantastical Scottish settings and a dash of mythology, no matter if she's writing about Celtic gods, cat shifters, or the streets of Edinburgh.

When she's not typing away at her favourite cafe, Skye loves dried mango, as much exotic tea as she can squeeze into her cupboards, and being covered in pet hair by her tiny black cat (who's secretly a demon).


Join her mailing list ➜ ​http://skyemackinnon.com/newsletter

Join her Facebook group ➜ facebook.com/groups/skyesbookharem

Visit her website ➜ skyemackinnon.com

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Reviews

[ROMEOISNOTFUNNY · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this short catch-up story. I forgot this series is set in another world where things like Christmas trees do not exist. It becomes clear once the plot unfolds. There is even an unwelcome Mary, a star and trees oh and a Nicholas... but not saintly Saint Nic, no, this guy takes what he shouldn't instead of giving.
So our assassins are back and undercover in a cult. And I'm pretty sure they lived a cult version of Christmas. Yes, they had fun for one smutty roll in bed, lucky stabby kitty 😉
4.4 stars

[Toni Glitz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Christmas as you’ve never envisioned it. A fun and stabby festive read.

This novella is a Christmas Special spin off set four years after the events in the Catnip Assassins series. It’s a fun story which can be read as a stand alone; readers do not need to have read the series to understand this book.

This is a short, entertaining and unusual Christmas story featuring a supernatural family of one female and three males. Bored during the holidays while their children are away, the family take on an investigative job for the agency they used to run. There has been a murder. It may involve supernatural beings and the former investigator / assassin family seems just the group to look into it.

This is Christmas as you’ve probably never envisioned it. Secretive cults, sacrificial rituals and manipulative, power hungry leaders meet a sarcastic, frustrated former assassin who just wants to get back into the swing of things. All she wants for Christmas is the opportunity to get a bit stabby. Surely that’s not too much to ask.

I really like Skye MacKinnon’s style of writing. This was a fun read. I will definitely go back and read the Catnip Assassins series.

[Mx Phoebe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thud is the fun romp you have been looking for this holiday season. Skye MacKinnon brings an unusual twist to how to murder someone or sacrifice someone (because no one in a cult would kill someone (wink)). Then you have Kat going undercover with the guys where the men and women are kept separate and Kat gets to clean all day. Like I said, Thud is unusual.

Kat brings sass to the commune and she may not have all her weapons, but she can still bring style to her kill. I know it seems that I am leaving the guys out, but MacKinnon focuses all on Kat except for some key moments where Kat gets to play with more than catnip (wink).

I had a lot of fun being back with the gang again. I missed everyone working together, but I have hope for the future. In the meantime, Thud has me looking at one particular holiday decoration a little bit differently and wishing that MacKinnon had written a holiday series instead of just one for the season.

I received a free copy of this book and I am writing a review without prejudice and voluntarily.

[CarolKat · Rating 5 out of 5]

First let me say that in Kat's world there are no religions per se.

In this book Kat and her guys are supposed to be relaxing, instead they are restless without their kittens around. Aunt Rose has taken them so Kat can have some real alone time with her guys.

Now Lily is the one now in charge of the business, Kat only consults. When Lily calls with a murder, she's a bit vague about the cause of death other than to say the weapon is a tree.

The investigation of the crime scene is followed by information gathering at MEOW headquarters with Lily.

Now infiltrating this cult was interesting to say the least. The whole Father and Mother tree thing intriguing and a bit creepy. Taking tree decorating to a whole new level.

While not a traditional Christmas themed story, this was different, fun and sizzling.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love how much the characters seem to not know what they want. They have shipped the kids off for some auntie time and have the house to themselves. The quiet is too much. And then they get a call to help on a case and they all fly to help.
I loved the holiday tie in. It was very unique and interesting.
The one note I will make is that the story can be be enjoyed without reading the read of the series (I haven't), but I will say that I didn't feel like I got to know the characters very much. More like I was joining something already started. I have wanted to read the series, just haven't made it to them yet. I will definitely have to now.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nina Diab · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It's the first I've read in this series and I thought it was unique and a lot of fun. Kat and her three mates are supposed to be spending a relaxing holiday alone together while their kittens are out of the house visiting their aunt. However the four of them are bored out of their minds and the house is too quiet. When Kat gets a call from Lily asking her to help investigate a murder where the murder weapon was a tree, the four of them head over immediately. It's a strange case, followed by the infiltration of a tree-loving cult- this book was quite the adventure. My only regret is not getting the know the characters more before jumping into the action of the story, since this is not the first book of the series. But I still enjoyed it. 4 stars.

[Ash J · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have not read all of the 'Catnip Assassins' series books yet but I love Skye MacKinnon and had to pick this book up when I saw it. This story takes place a couple years after the series and is a Christmas story with adventure, mystery, and steam. Kat and her mates want to have a chill and relaxing time while their kittens are gone but when Kat gets a phone call from her friend about a murder mystery, her and her mates get involved. They have to infiltrate a cult and from things get crazy and dangerous. This was a short but fun story and now I will have to go back and read the rest of the books that I did not finish of the 'Catnip Assassins' series immediately.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[mlady_rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

You would think Kat would enjoy a week of peace and quiet with her mates. You would be wrong. They are all restless having sent the kids to visit with Gryphon’s aunt so they are happy to take up a murder mystery Lily brings them on behalf of MEOW. (In the intervening years, Kat has stepped back from the business, concentrating on being a mom.)

So they infiltrate a weird tree worshipping cult as siblings. Kat kills off the evil cult leader and Gryphon sings the cult members into going their separate ways, disbanding the cult. And after their adventure, Kat and her mates find relaxing together isn’t half bad.

[Molly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kat and her mates seem to have grown rather domesticated since having a litter. the mischievous four are off with her Aunt when half succubus Lily asks for their help with a hard to describe murder

Blessed trees, a twisted cult leader named Nicklaus, and a solstice sort of celebration involving a Messenger, Star, a tree lighting and a few characters named Luke, Joe and Mary are wrapped up in some murderous mythology with elements of many traditions

A busy holiday, and a fit conclusion- or at least a fit transition, for a mama assassin and her men

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Indie · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved it !!! love this series !!! love Kat and her mates... this is their story... a fast paced action packed drama... now retired with kittens.. Kat hasn't killed anyone in a while... with the kittens shipped off to auntie's house for some alone time with her mates... the house is too quiet... when a case comes across Lily's desk about a murder.. Kat and the guys jump at the chance... so much fun and may ham...

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This short reverse harem romance has a Christmasy feel. While their kittens are away, Kat and her mates have the house all to themselves. They enjoyed themselves but started to get a little restless. When they get a call to help with a case, they jump at the opportunity. They all go undercover to help solve a murder. Lots of intrigue, mysteries and some heat. I’d like to read the original series but enjoyed this standalone.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a NON-SPOILER REVIEW of Thud: Catnip Assassins Christmas Special by Skye MacKinnon. This read is the perfect relaxing vacation gone wrong. Kat and her mates are supposed to be enjoying some quiet, relaxing time without the kittens but that's just not how Kat rolls! This fast paced quick read had me laughing and groaning. A murder, a cult and four parents that have been cooped up with no action or adventure for too long turn this read in a fun and entertaining read.

This honest and voluntary review was made possible by reading a copy through Booksprout.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kat and the guys are back in Thud a Catnip Assassins Christmas Special. The group needs a break from the kittens and go undercover. This is an entertaining read filled with interesting and fun characters, a great storyline, mystery, steam, a perfect ending. Thud is a great addition to the series. Although you can read this book as a standalone why would you want to miss out on a great series so I definitely recommend you check out all seven books in the Catnip Assassins series. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.

[Lynall · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoy this series, and this is an amusing epilogue, with Kat and the harem investigating a cult. The cult is weird, and I love the belief system that has been built int this cult. Just weird ! There is murder and mayhem, and Kat gets to utilise her skills at the end. I would have loved for this to be longer.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

This Christmas Special novella is a spin off and happens four years after the events in the Catnip Assassins series, it is the eighth book in the series. A fun story that can be read as a stand alone. A paranormal story with murder, suspense, drama, and love. Kat and her three men Gryphon, Lennox and Ryker's story. I enjoyed reading. I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Billie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a brilliant read.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and found myself second guessing every thought I had continuously.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.

I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.

[Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Merry Kat-mas!

This holiday story finds Kat and her mates on one last case, infiltrating a tree-worshiping cult. I’ve read a couple of the Catnip Assassins books but not all; this book does stand alone, but I know it made me want to go back and read the rest of the series so that I can fit this story in with the series storyline. Nonetheless, I really enjoyed this book, and Kat’s snark is a cut above! A simply great and entertaining read.

[Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

May is back with her men, they are getting a much needed vacation from their kittens. I do wish we could have seen more of the parents with the kittens and not just reminisces, but alas we get a weird and disturbing murder instead. This is definitely a fun and fast Christmas ish novella that gives us a little peek into what their lives are like after winning the big fight.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kristine L. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kat and her mates are getting time away from their kittens. They get a call to help with a strange murder case. The 4 of them go undercover to infiltrate a cult of people who love the Mother and Father trees. This is a very different mystery adventure. Was a good story but without having read the other stories it didn't make much since to me. It is a standalone as there is an ending and not a cliffhanger. I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[DMA · Rating 5 out of 5]

As always with this catnip bunch, this was an unusual, quirky and intriguing read.
Wonderful to catch up with these amazing characters and to have a murder thrown in to keep things interesting.
A highly entertaining read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Shelly Diguer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A walk within Kats world again and what a walk 🐈 Kat and her three mates 🐱need a break from normal mundane life so along comes aunty rose to give them some time together, but they end up going on a mission to solve a murder just what they needed 😊once again a great 👍 book 📖 that kept me enthralled and entertained from beginning to end i love this series Kat kicks butt and her men are just yummy 🤤 who knew panthers 🐆 could be so sexy 😋🤪loved ❤️this book 📕

[Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

An enjoyable story that was fun to read. I loved revisiting these characters who were delightful the first time around. This story was a wonderful addition to their story. The drama and suspense were captivating as were the actions of the characters.

I requested a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Holly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This short Christmas story is probably not what you expected.
We got a lot of intrigue, drama and romance.
It started on funny note when kittens are away and Kat got itch for some action.
When they get a call for help case, they jump right in.
They all go undercover to help solve a murder mystery.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a short and quick holiday read that takes place four years after the events in the "Catnip Assassins" series. It is a fun and interesting but unusual holiday read. Kat and her men are relaxing and enjoying life when she gets a call that puts her in action. This is an entertaining read that I enjoyed.

[Ken Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Skye has brought us a nice little Yuletide story from our favorite catnip assassin. Kat needs a break from motherhood as it’s been four years since she went on an assignment and her inner panther is craving a little mayhem.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Marianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fun paranormal/urban fantasy for the holidays.. I enjoyed it! It is super sassy and funny, with characters that will make you smile for sure!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Noelle Woodruff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kat and the gang are back for a short novella Christmas story. This is set years after the Catnip Assassins series. This can be read without reading the series to understand this book. A great read just in time for the holidays!

[Vanessa Leighton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved loved loved this so much, it was a little bit of humour, the best amount of steam and could easily be read as a standalone however the rest of the series is so worth it as well.

This is such an amazing book

[Juanita E. Arp · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story. It's the first I've read in this series and I thought the storyline was humorous and entertaining. I can't wait to read more from this author. I received this book 📚, as a FREE ARC copy to read and I voluntarily leave this review.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great holiday novella from the Catnip Assassins series.
Kat and her men are bored so they decide to infiltrate a cult. Fun times, some mystery, and some heat ensue.
I received an ARC from the author via Booksprout. This is my honest review.