Brought to you by OBS reviewer Andra

Hemingway’s Cats is the first book by Lindsey Hooper that I have read. A thoroughly enjoyable, easy to read story about the myriad of six-toed (polydactyl) cats that inhabit the Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum in Key West, Florida.

Laura Lange moves to Key West to take a job as a tour guide at the Hemingway Museum (she did after all write her college thesis on Hemingway) …and thus the story begins. The reader is taken on a journey like no other as Laura adapts to life in Key West, her new job and a blossoming love life (possibly-only time will tell). Of note – this is not the first time Laura had been to the Hemingway Museum – she visited as a child and had fond memories of the museum since that time.

The book is filled with humor. I quite enjoyed it when Nessie (officially known as Ernestine Hemingway), one of the 54 four cats that roam this historic home, museum and palm-shaded gardens was speaking or more appropriately, the narrator was telling the reader what Nessie was thinking.

“Being a cat, Nessie has never read any of the Nobel Prize winner’s acclaimed novels or stories. Also, being a cat, she has never actually counted the number of felines prowling the Hemingway estate-because cats can’t count. Nessie does, however, know each and every one of the cats personally. She knows them like the back of her six-toed paw-or however many toes she has.”

Needless to say – Nessie is one of my favorite characters in the story! Additionally, I loved the names given to the cats – Chew-Chew (a food thief), Whiskey (likes to sample drinks!), Spinderella, Larry, Curly, Moe, Boxer and Bullfighter (big-footed brothers) and Pawpa – just to name a few. Each of the cat’s personalities shone through the storytelling, also reflected in their name, and it felt like I knew each of the cats as if they were my own.

Humor is not all that the book has to offer though. We get to read about a number of romantic encounters – not just Laura and her suitor(s)… but also other characters as well (specifically I am thinking of Margarita Bouffet – the general manager of Hemingway House and dancer extraordinaire).

Finally, who wouldn’t love a book cover with so many cute cats? I count seven in total and they are all adorable. Can you tell I like cats ☺

I found this an enjoyable, fun read which took me on a journey. I would like to actually visit the museum myself! Time will tell. Regardless – I got to explore and experience the museum through this delightful story. If you are looking for a light read, with endearing characters (and cats…and other animals!), a bit of humor, some romance, a bit of inclement weather that all the humans and cats must survive and a really funky cab driver named Mama Marley – then pick up this book, get yourself a margarita (okay – that is optional) and immerse yourself in some seriously fun reading.

I am a member of the American Library Association Reading List Award Committee. This title was suggested for the 2022 list. It was not nominated for the award. The complete list of winners and shortlisted titles is at <a href="https://rusaupdate.org/2022/01/readers-advisory-announce-2022-reading-list-years-best-in-genre-fiction-for-adult-readers/">

I thought this was just a charming book. I've never been to Key West but I've always wanted to go there. This sweet story gave me a vivid trip there. The characters are definitely quirky and how can you not adore the famous 6 toed Hemingway cats?! For me this was just a comfort read to pass the afternoon with.

This story was inspired by the true tale of a Hurricane hitting Key West and the volunteers who stayed behind to keep the cats safe. Laura is a tour guide at Hemingway's home and help take care of the 54 famous 6 toed cats that roam the estate. When the weather service recommends evacuation there is no way to round up all the cats so they bring them inside and shelter in place. This is a funny sweet story that gives many of the cats wonderful personalities. A great read for any animal lover. I received a copy of this ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.

I absolutely loved this book. I went to Key West years ago and met these famous cats. I loved how they were brought to life. I also remember reading about the hurricane. The world was worried about them!!!!! I highly recommend this book!!!!!

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for this charming book in exchange for my review.
#NetGalley #KensingtonBooks #LindseyHooper
So, so, so cute!! This is the story of Laura Lange who has recently graduated college with a degree in English...and no jobs. She is coming to Key West, FL in order to work as a tour guide in the Hemingway House. She finds a family in the polydactyl cats that famously live there. She also falls in love with the humans she’s surrounded by. Unfortunately, Florida is known for the occasional hurricane, and Laura isn’t able to get all the cats out.
This was a charming book. I loved the characters, loved the cats. I loved how the cats got their
own chapters. I always enjoy Hemingway content as I’m a fan of the author. Key West and its cast of characters presented an extremely pleasant and comforting escape.
I took away one star because I did feel that there was an element to the book that felt a little contrived. Some of the characters, while likable and enjoyable, felt a little bit forced. Also, hurricanes are named in alphabetical order.
I have always wanted to visit Key West. This book was the next best thing until I’m actually able to get there. It was a delightful read.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read an ARC of this book.
Earlier reviews said that if the reader liked cats, it was a can't miss book. I absolutely agree.
It won't be the great American novel but Hooper's observations and ability to describe some of the
wonderful, entertaining antics of cats were wonderful reading. I laughed out loud many times.

So I will say what has been said already. If you love cats and like a good cat story, read and enjoy this!

Simply told, this book is about a college graduate who moves to Key West to work as a tour guide at the Ernest Hemingway home which is now a museum. Here she meets an eclectic group of people and the six toed cats that inhabit the home with an approaching hurricane on the horizon.

“Yes, I really loved that Hemingway quote. Especially the part about living life ‘intoxicated by the romance of the unusual.’ I don’t know why, but it really struck a nerve with me. It was exactly what I needed to hear, right here and right now.”

Personally, I picked this book up because of my love of travel, history and cats - on all counts the book was good. To ‘escape’ to the famous Key West, have interspersed references to Hemingway and all accompanied with delightful feline fetishes was fun. Let it be said however, this is a most quirky little book. An interesting array of characters reside in this Florida locale and it is very much a character driven book. Many will find it amusing to say the least. I struggled somewhat with the writing not really understanding some of the author choices in switching to journal mode or the fizzled drama halfway through the book as an example.

All up if any of the main themes appeal to you, it is a pleasant way to escape to Florida Keys. And if an eclectic group of people hunkering down for an oncoming hurricane of the century appeals to you, then this will be sure to entertain.

‘... just minutes before the hurricane made landfall - everyone was safe inside the Hemingway House. This included twelve people, two Chihuahuas, two boa constrictors, two box turtles, two tarantulas, two lovebirds, one parrot, one iguana, and, by last count, fifty-four cats. It felt like a slumber party. In a zoo.’






This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.

Laura Lange is excited about her new job. She’s a new tour guide at the famous Hemingway House in Key West, Florida. The historic house is known for the polydactyl (six-toed) cats who make it their home. Laura is immediately enchanted by the cats as well as the humans she meets in Key West.

However, it’s hurricane season and there is a Category 5 hurricane headed right for them. There’s no way to evacuate all those cats, so Laura and her new Key West friends stay together to protect the cats.

What a darling, sweet story. I’ve visited the Hemingway House and fell in love with every cat I saw. Each room had at least one cat making it their own. I’m hoping to some day go back. This story is based on a real-life hurricane event.

I enjoyed this story from start to finish. There’s some romance, a little suspense, and many, many beautiful and loving cats. You know this is a story I savored.

The characters are a motley group who make you smile. They all have their own little quirks. Of course my favorite characters are the cats. They have their own personalities, especially Nessie who is attached to Laura as soon as they meet.

It’s a story that touched my heart and gave me that “feel good” feeling. A wonderful escape from the real world. A true keeper!




FTC Disclosure: I voluntarily reviewed a free Advance Reader Copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a comfort read, especially the cat lovers out there. All the characters (humans and cats alike) were quite charming and I ended up just flying through the pages.
After reading this I will have to look up pictures of the real life "Hemingway Cats" and the Hemingway House in Key West. Sounds like a great place for a vacation... when it´s not hurricane season :)

Thanks to NetGalley, the author and publisher for an advanced reading copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Princess Fuzzypants here: As a cat, I knew full well when Momma visited Key West a few years ago, the favourite part of her visit would be Hemingway House. The house and grounds are beautiful but I knew it was the cats who were her prime reason for going. It did not surprise me that her favourite memory was rubbing Joe Di Maggio’s belly- the cat, obviously. So it was a no brainer we would download this book to read and review. And we are so glad we did.

What the author has done is taken a true story of the cats and the tale that was all followed by cat lovers around the world and spun it into a fiction. The cats and the humans are made up but there is an element of truth to it as the reader learns all sorts of fascinating details about the cats and the man who started the clowder. It is done up as a romantic suspense thriller, the biggest thrills coming as the hurricanes converge.
The characters are a young woman who has come to work at the house and an assortment of locals both Hemingway House employees and others. But the stars of the story are, of course, the cats. Just like they are at the house. Nessie, Pawpa and all the others have charming purrsonalities that will not fail to enchant the reader.

It is a fun read that will entertain readers old and young, feline and human. Five purrs and two paws up.

Purricanes in Key West
This is a cute book for light reading. The focal point is Hemingway's home on Key West which is now a museum and his legacy of polydactyl cats. It is a cute story with a very tame plot. The book is suitable for ages 10 and up. The only reason this is a 4 star and not a 3 star is that it is well written. I received this ARC book for free from Net Galley and this is my honest review.

I'm a cat lover and I think this is a must read for cat lovers.
The cats and human in this book are well thought and likable, the plot flows and never drags.
An entertaining and well written story.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

Hemingway's Cats by Lindsey Hooper was a fascinating read!
Laura is a tour guide for the Ernest Hemingway House. She adores Hemingway and the university graduate wrote her thesis about him. She also loves cats and her job of leading tours and informing visitors about Hemingway and the cats is perfect for her. She is having a wonderful summer with the cats, her room-mates and gorgeous cat-keeper, Jake until Hurricane Irma decides to make an appearance...

Loosely based on a true story, Hemingway's Cats was a compelling read. The characters were a very likeable bunch of folk and I loved the methods used by Lindsey Hooper of harmoniously blending the people and felines into the tale. With scatterings of humour, the deft writing style of the author impressed me, and I was invested in the story until its conclusion. Overall, a delightful novel that I highly recommend so dive in as soon as you can.

I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my own request from Kensington Books via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.

An fun, eclectic group of people at the Hemingway House in Key West along with 54 cats. The point of view switches around between the people and the cats for an interesting perspective of life in the tourist filled paradise during hurricane season.

I received a copy of this book to review through NetGalley.

Absolutely charming and imaginative story of the cats at Hemingway’s home in Key West, Florida and the humans who work there and care for them. Totally fiction and well done! I’m a cat lover from way back and appreciate seeing/hearing inside those feline minds.

Thanks to NetGalley, the author and publisher for an advanced reading copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Laura is a recent grad who is thrilled to get a job working at Hemingway's Key West home. She never expected however, to find herself caring for the 54 cats who live there. Not only caring for, caring about. This lovely story based on true events sees Laura and her friends band together to make sure the cats (and the house) make it through Hurricane Irma. Some might quibble about giving the cats a voice but it works, Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. For fans of novels based around animals.

This is a delightful read for all of us that love cats and Hemingway. Thank you to the publisher, the author and to Net Galley. This is such a fun read that it is the perfect reading escape . This is pure catnip for cat lovers with wonderful descriptions and musings of all the cats at Hemingway house.

Laura is a tour guide for the Hemingway House. She adores Hemingway and the cats each with their own personality. She loves her job of giving tours and telling visitors about Hemingway and the cats. She has even done her thesis on Hemingway. When Hurricane Irma is approaching Laura and other employees decide to stay in the house with the cats. This is a exciting part of the book and kept me reading into the night. I had no idea the cats were at the house during Irma and was on the edge of my seat.

Nessie and Pawpa are two of the cats featured in the book. The author has a wonderful way of incorporating the cats into her story along with the humans. This is wonderful for those of us that have never been to Hemingway house and always read about the polydactial cats that call the house home and their caretakers. A wonderful read that I highly recommend and will be giving as gifts. Well done to the author.

For all Ernest Hemingway fans, fans of all his cats and their descendants that have lived in the famous Hemingway museum house throughout the years and of fans of Key West this cozy mystery is definitely for you. I love how the author faces the storyline around the famous Ernest Hemingway Museum home and his world-famous cats., how the hilarious characters get into numerous antics while preparing themselves for a hurricane that hits Key West. . Highly recommend to all mystery fans, cat lovers, etc.

What an absolutely wonderful book! It's well written with beautiful descriptions of Key West, Hemingway's House and grounds, the people and the wonderful cats. It will make you want to go to Key West for vacation. I loved this book and highly recommend it.
Thank you Kensington Books and Lindsey Hooper via NetGalley for the ARC copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.