Cat Contest

CAT CONTEST

Friends, Romans, Mystery Fans, Lend Me Your Cat!

The year is 1933. Tomorrow is Ash Wednesday, March 1 (just like 2006--is that karma or what?). On Friday, March 3, all the banks in America will close their doors. People will panic, until they turn on their radios Saturday to hear FDR say, "...the only thing we have to fear is fear itself." But that's four days away. Tonight is February 28: Carnivale. In your kitchen and dining room, all your Sicilian relatives are laughing, drinking coffee, dancing the Tarantella. But on your front doorstep, one of the richest men in town is dying, and no one knows but you, your cousin Delphina, and the cat.

That's the setup for Book Four in my Pat Montella series.

ANNOUNCING: THE WINNERS

First, a heartfelt thanks to everyone who brought their favorite kitty to the auditions. We had 42 incredibly interesting and talented cats to chose from and the decision wasn't easy. Besides myself, my panel of esteemed judges included:

Tom Santangelo: my brother and one-time adopted parent of a completely senile and psycho but adorable white ball of feline fluff named Tiny.

Kristin Gagliardi: my god-daughter who, as we speak, is studying hard so she can one day build quirky robotic cats for Disney.

Polly Whitney: Famous cat lover, infamous Internet denizen, and penner of novels and short stories that make me drool with envy.

NOTE: These judges were given blind entries--they didn't know who submitted which cat.

AND THE WINNER IS: (insert drum roll)

Chrissie

Joan Schramm's cat Chrissie, chosen because, like most Italians, she has to butt her nose into in the middle of everything and make everything her business. She's mostly black, too, giving her a nice mysterious aura. Her other quirks will also fit the story nicely, but I can't mention them without giving away the plot. For the book, Chrissie will be called "Crisi"--short for "Cristiana" but also the Italian word for "crisis."

Besides seeing her cat in print, Joan will be receiving a signed copy of the new softcover version of Pat's first adventure: BY BLOOD POSSESSED (or, if she has already read it and can wait a few months until its release, the softcover version of HANG MY HEAD AND CRY). One runner-up will also be chosen to receive a free book.

THE RUNNER-UP: Karen Tannert's cat Rose, who's penchant for crawling into small spaces would have also served my novel well. Rose, though, is a very modern cat, into TVs and power tools. Karen will also be receiving a free book.

COMING THIS SEPTEMBER

With the fast-approaching release of my new Pat Montella mystery, POISON TO PURGE MELANCHOLY, I'll run yet another contest. No cat auditions this time, but more chances to win free books. Stay tuned!

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