Book Review AND Give-Away! The CAT,the DEVIL,and Lee Fontana By Shirley Rousseau Murphy and Pat J.J. Murphy

''The Devils Greatest Trick was making you think he never existed''. This is one of many recurring themes in the superbly crafted paranormal thriller The CAT,The Devil,and Lee Fontana, by the husband and wife author team, Shirley Rousseau and Pat  J. J. Murphy. The tale features colorful complex multi-dimensional characterizations of the central players: Lee Fontana a train robber paroled from jail after many years of incarceration, the Devil determined to avenge a bet he lost, and a ghost cat, a friendly and comforting spirit to steady and embolden Lee to fight and defeat Satan. The book is filled with other fascinating participants including a little girl who has amazingly accurate premonitions, a psychotic stalker and the lover that got away. In a fascinating narrative, the authors manage to intertwine the lives and destinies of all the participants.

                             It has been often noted that the devil is in the details.The Murphys have spun a yarn that takes the reader on a magical journey filled with mystery, intrigue and the supernatural. Utilizing literary techniques such as flashback and foreshadowing we learn how many years ago Lee's grandfather bested the devil on a wager. Lucifer is determined to get his due however, vowing to harass his descendant Lee until he owns his soul.The devil is an expert observer of human nature which makes him such a formidable adversary. He realizes most people''teeter on a cusp between evil and a blind life of virtue''.The devil believes if a person has a respectable amount of evil within them he will be able to take control of them.The antithesis of the devil is the yellow ghost tomcat Misto. He is the embodiment of Lee's conscience ,all that is right and good. He is a powerful ally at the times Lee starts to succumb to temptation. Lee is a lifelong criminal, finally paroled after many years, who has good intentions, but is very conflicted.

                               I will not ruin the story for you by revealing the ending. Suffice it to say you will not be disappointed. Kudos and accolades to the authors for creating such a suspenseful page turner. I venture to say you may have to wait for Hell to freeze over until you encounter a better read. 

ABOUT THE AUTHORS:In addition to her popular Joe Grey mystery series for adults, for which she has received ten national Cat Writers’ Association Awards for best novel of the year,

Shirley Rousseau Murphy is a noted children’s book author who has received five Council of Authors and Journalists Awards. Two of her children’s books were written in collaboration with her husband, Pat.

Pat J.J. Murphy spent his spent his career as a US Federal Probation officer in California and in Oregon, the Chief USPO in Panama, and also in GA where he retired as Chief Probation Officer for the Northern District of Georgia, after which the Murphy’s returned to their home in California, settling with their two lady cats on the Central California coast.

ISBN:9780062268785

HarperCollins Publishers

IN FULL DISCLOSURE: I am Lenny Gittleman,  the husband of Caren Gittleman the creative force behind the popular blogs Cat Chat with Caren and Cody and Dakotas Den. She asked me to write this review because of her heavy workload .All opinions expressed are my own.  I am a 36 year retired Language arts/Creative writing teacher Special Education Instructor and Debate Coach  (with the Detroit Public Schools),  with a Master's Degree in Special Education.  I have had a lifelong love of literature and believe reading is a shortcut to the acquisition of knowledge. Neither Caren nor myself were compensated for this review. She was sent a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

ENTER TO WIN!!!! The Publishers have kindly offered THREE COPIES (one copy of the book will be given to each winner), of The Cat, The Devil, and Lee Fontana to give away to our readers who are 18 and over and who reside in the U.S. AND/OR CANADA.  (Hardcover a $19.99 value). ENTER ON THE RAFFLECOPTER BELOW!!!  WINNERS WILL BE ANNOUNCED ON TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 4TH! GOOD LUCK!!!

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