Ninth Life, The

This is a new series from Clea Simon, and new concept as well. This time around we get the story from the perspective of a cat. Blackie is not your typical feline, however. He appears to fully understand English, and to be very perceptive when it comes to following clues and solving mysteries. At the end of the book, we discover why (which I suspected a bit earlier on), but you'll have to read the book to find that out.

Blackie teams up with Care (Carrie Wright), a young homeless girl who had been mentoring under a private investigator. When he is killed, she vows to solve the last case he had taken on, and she hopes to take over his business as well. They are also occasionally joined by the younger Tick (Thomas), but Blackie isn't sure they should trust him, even though Care feels responsible for him.

The unusual duo finds themselves in several life-threatening situations, and they have to travel in some of the least appealing parts of the city to track down the information they need. The interaction between girl and cat is very well written, particularly Blackie's frustration at not being able to communicate his observations to Care.

The mystery is well-written and keeps you guessing all the way through. There are a few red herrings, and I was surprised when the full reveal was laid out. I had figured out bits and pieces, but not the big picture.

I truly enjoyed this book, and will look forward to further installments in the future.

**I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.**

This was interesting drama told from a different perspective, that of a cat and unlike those that I normally read. This is not a cozy so I was somewhat prepared for what was between the pages and I must say the author had a compelling way of telling a story that draws you in and maintains that level of intrigue that kept me pushing forward as I had to know how this was going to end. Blackie and Care are an unlikely duo and I liked how all the pieces, one by one, fell into places, of course with some misdirection that deepened the overall mission of this narrative.

He's drowning and he's not going to make it. Then someone grabs him and helps him on to land. She's a young human with pink hair and is skinny, but she's his friend now.

Severn House and Net Galley allowed me to read this book for review (thank you). It will be published March 1st.

This is a new series about a cat named Blackie that is helping his human solve a mystery. Who killed her friend and mentor who was investigating a case? And why?

The story is set in the squalid underworld of the homeless children living on the streets. You can feel the cold, the hunger and the terror of being small and hunted. No one is your friend, everyone is using you. Survival of the meanest works here.

Care, with the pink hair, wants to get away from the drugs and the gang but it's hard to do. She was learning how to investigate but then her teacher is killed. Can she find out who and why without getting killed herself?

This was a good read. Care and Blackie will be back since this is the first book in a new series. After all, some of the bad guys have been captured or are dead but the figure head at the top is still alive. There's still danger out there...

What caught my interest in this book was the cover with the black cat. Not my usual feline storyline and very different from Brown and Murphy. A large black cat with amnesia and a teenage girl trying to solve a murder. Carrie aka Care wants to find the people responsible for her mentors murder. She rescued Blackie from drowning. It was the same night her "old man" was murdered. The man was a PI and he had been letting her help him with some cases, teaching her the basics.
This tale is told from the cat's perspective. It's a different look at life on the street and how the young survive in larger cities. Murder, double-dealing, drugs, prostituion, and robbery are all part of life for these kids. The reader is seeing through the eyes of the cat. A very smart cat who is not exactly a normal cat. You will find out at the end why. I throughly enjoyed this reading and there will be more of Care and Blackie in the future.

Thank you NetGalley for the free Kindle version

A most unusual novel featuring a new partnership of private investigators: Care the girl and Blackie the cat. The book is written from the cat's eye view and it is a fascinating and remarkably successful device, as girl and cat pit their wits and their senses to solve a taxing murder mystery. It is a delight to read and a pleasure to experience the developing relationship between the two main characters. I'll be hoping to meet them again.

Clea Simon's newest novel, The Ninth Life, is an astounding novel that grabs the reader and doesn't let go.

The Ninth Life captivated me from the start. Whenever I was forced to put the book down to do chores or run errands, it stayed on my mind, the story haunting me until I picked it up again. The world of Clare, Blackie, and Tick is not a happy world. It is dirty and grim, with little hope. Despite this the novel made me want to linger, to stay with Clare and Blackie and to find some way to help - an impossible feat for a reader.

The story is told from the perspective of Blackie, a cat Clare rescues from drowning. A few days earlier, the Old Man, a private investigator who was mentoring Clare, was murdered. Clare desperately needs to find out who killed him and why. The Old Man showed her respect, taught her to think and follow clues - skills that would prevent her from becoming another street kid addicted to scat. Blackie devotes himself to helping Clare, protecting her despite his age. His senses and his instincts help him perceive danger, even when she is unaware. The streets teach that trust is slowly earned and easily broken. Despite this, she clings to her loyalty towards Tick, the child she thinks of as her younger brother. His divided loyalties and lack of understanding of the consequences make him easy prey. He helps Clare, but also endangers her. Like Blackie I hated him, didn't trust his weaknesses, but because he was important to Clare, he mattered.

Clare is a child on the cusp of adolescence, forced to grow up too fast. Yet, as unlikely as it seems, she retains her compassion. The Old Man taught her well, and gave her a hope for the future. Blackie is a cat who puts pieces together. He isn't a furred human, but he has a unique understanding of people and human nature. His memory of the time before his drowning is fleeting and dreamlike, but somehow his past is tied to Clare's case - the death of her mentor. Each of the characters was so real. I could almost touch Blackie's fur.

The Ninth Life is one of Clea Simon's best novels yet, showcasing her talent for creating vibrant characters both human and animal and for developing an unforgettable story. Her books have pioneered a new genre of animal mystery - pet noir. If you love animals and mysteries, you should never pass up the opportunity to read Clea Simon's novels.

5/5

The Ninth Life is available for preorder and will be released March 1, 2016

I received a copy of The Ninth Life from the publisher and netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review.

--Crittermom

2/14/16

The Ninth Life is one of Clea Simon's best novels yet

http://muttcafe.com/2016/02/the-ninth-life/

*Since my site is being upgraded in January, the specific address of the blog post may change. I will provide an update as soon as I know of any changes

I absolutely loved this book! In all the hundreds of books I've read over the years, this is only the 2nd one to be written from a cat's perspective. This book had a line in it that was almost verbatim from the other one, and it's always remained a PERFECT description of what a cat does when it's just done something lacking grace (e.g., jumping and falling short of the destination, being surprised by a "rear assault" by another cat, etc.): "When in doubt, wash". For all of us that own or have owned a cat, you know it's true! This is an engaging story that will touch on all your emotions... you'll laugh out loud, you may shed a tear or two, and you'll definitely be rooting for this kitty and his adopted girl. Plenty of action, too! I'd definitely recommend this to anyone who loves mysteries with a lighter touch.

*** This book was provided to me by the publisher and/or author as an ARC, in return for my honest review. ***

Princess Fuzzypants here:
Clea Simon has come up with another winner! This, the first of a series, is a great detective story, reminiscent of the film noirs of the 1940's. Its narrator is a tough guy, hard bitten, who trusts no one and travels alone. So when he is rescued from drowning by a slip of a girl, it takes him a while before he can relax his caution around her.
The fact that she is one of life's throw-aways who ekes out an existence any way she can makes him feel protective towards her. She is caught up in the midst of the mystery of her mentor's murder and she is determined to solve the case he was working on and avenge his death.
She's smart and kind and lives up to her name, Care but her world swarms with shady and wicked humans. Blackie, the narrator, is compelled to help and protect her. Did I mention that Blackie is a cat. Purrrr.
Think MIdnight Louie without the wise cracks. The two become a team, even moreso when Blackie recalls his past and why he has such an affinity for Care.
It's gritty, exciting, well written and a page turner. All I can add is I cannot wait to read more of their adventures.
A resounding five purrs and two paws up! This is a keeper.

Review: THE NINTH LIFE by Clea Simon

First in a new series by prolific author Clea Simon, THE NINTH LIFE is a departure from cozies and a venture into the territory of urban noir, an unusual kind: noir with compassion and hope. First in the Blackie and Care Cat Mysteries, THE NINTH LIFE is first-person narrative, from the viewpoint and through the voice of Blackie, an older, near-drowned cat. He is named by his rescuer, a street child named Care, herself both unique and an enigma. Together they form an odd partnership, constantly in danger but constantly caring.

This book is very different from what I usually read. I tend to go for more of the cozy, light mysteries. The Ninth Life is dark and intense with complex characters. Clea Simon does an excellent job of painting a vivid picture of a sinister world.

It’s a unique plot told from the point of view of a cat named Blackie. Readers will cringe as Blackie faces situations that a human would have difficulty surviving, but Blackie faces them head on. A young woman named Care saves his life and he has now dedicated himself to protecting her. The author does an amazing job of showing the reader how much Blackie truly loves Care and his frustration with not being able to communicate with her. Although the story is told from the feline point of view, Blackie does not talk to humans and has no magical powers.

This book might not be for everyone as there is violence and animal cruelty involved. I did have some problems with that myself, but Clea does a great job in writing a story that’s very different from her cozy mystery series.

I’m looking forward to reading more adventures of Blackie and Care.

I received a complimentary copy of this book as a part of a book tour for a fair and honest review.

Edgier than a traditional cozy mystery, Clea Simon’s The Ninth Life, is the first book in a new series featuring an untraditional hero: a cat. Yes, you read that right, the main character in this story is a cat named “Blackie”. A black furred cat rescued from drowning by a pink haired girl named “Care” (aka Carrie Wright). Unlike the traditional “cat” characters usually found in cozies, Blackie is intelligent, thinks in English, independent, concerned about the safety of the girl who saved him and very savvy when it comes to solving a mystery. A homeless girl, “Care” is unusual too – quickly forming a friendship with Blackie, she’s determined to find out what happened to her “mentor” – a private investigator who had been recently killed. If you want to try a captivating and different kind of mystery, then this is the book for you.

Ms. Simon does an excellent job introducing us to both primary characters, Blackie and Care, right from the start. I easily connected with both of them and worried about their safety as they conducted their investigation on streets filled with some real low life criminals – especially the ones who were somehow connected to the last case Care’s mentor, The Old Man, was investigating. Hoping to solve his murder, and maybe take over his business, Care definitely needs Blackie’s “cat senses” and instincts to stay safe. I liked how Ms. Simon humanized Blackie and how he devoted he is about keeping Care safe. He definitely knows who to trust, and who not to trust, before she does, though he is hampered by his “feline” abilities when it comes to communication.

The secondary characters are mostly criminals or people Care and Blackie can’t trust. There is one character Blackie and Care don’t agree on; Tick, a young man who Care feels responsible for. Blackie questions his loyalty from the start and doesn’t trust him because of something he senses but is unable to “talk” to her about. I admired Care’s desire to help Tick, but like Blackie, I sensed his divided loyalties and worried about whether or not he would betray her.

There are plenty of twists and turns to keep the reader guessing about what will happen next and what Blackie and Care will discover. The action takes place in the streets, back alleys and less savory parts of town, putting both Blackie and Care in dangerous situations as they deal with drug dealers, thieves, and murderers. While Blackie is a cat, and Care is a young teen, Ms. Simon covers some very dark and mature issues as a part of the stories plot.

Will Blackie and Care discover who killed “The Old Man”? Will Blackie be able to help Care find a home off the streets? You’ll have to read The Ninth Life to find out. I loved it and can’t wait to see where Ms. Simon takes these characters next.

Clea Simon's The Ninth Life (Severn House, digital galley) is another color cat altogether, and not the cozy I was expecting. It's narrated by Blackie, who wakes up from a near-drowning to discover he's a cat rescued by a homeless teen known as Care. I'm not much on animal narrators, but Blackie's voice offers a unique perspective on dark street life, where throwaway kids are at the mercy of drug dealers and worse.
from On a Clear Day I Can Read Forever

A wonderfully clever cozy mystery told from the perspective of Blackie the cat. I loved the story and how the author used both cat and human voices. This is a must read for all animal lovers. The sleuth is well plotted and has a marvelous twist in the end. This is fast paced reading fun. Outstanding mystery here. Thank you for the advance reading copy.

The Ninth Life by Clea Simon Severn House, 2016 Crime Fiction; 224 pgs Source: From the Publisher via NetGalley for an honest review.

I admit to some reservations about Clea Simon's The Ninth Life given the novel is told from the point of view of a cat. Having read and enjoyed some of the author's other books, however, I decided to give it a chance. Saved from drowning by a young street girl with pink hair who calls herself Care, the old cat takes an instant liking to her. Blackie, as the cat is named by Care, doesn't remember his life before the near drowning, other than the occasional flashback. Care is in the middle of her own predicament, determined to find out who was behind the murder of her mentor, a private investigator, and finish the case he started that may have lead to his death.

You might not expect a novel narrated by a cat to be quite so gritty--but there is nothing light or cozy about The Ninth Life. Care is in real danger, mixing with drug dealers, thieves and some other very seedy people. Blackie is very much a cat--he has no special abilities. He cannot talk or communicate with the humans around him beyond your average cat behavior. It makes for an interesting perspective. Although he uncovers evidence and comes to his own conclusions and occasionally comes to Care's rescue, he is really more of an observer. Care must discover the truth for herself, unraveling the leads left behind by her mentor, while trying to protect not only herself and Blackie, but also her younger friend, a fellow foster brother she's taken under her wing.

My heart went out for Care. She has a good head on her shoulders and knows how to survive, but she doesn't have all the answers. She has very limited information to go on, and it takes awhile before she has enough pieces to really make sense of everything. Nothing was quite as simple as it first appeared. Care also has a strong sense of right and wrong, another quality that instantly drew me to her. You see that in the way she treats those she cares about.

It could not have been easy to write a novel from the perspective of a cat. I admired the author's ability to do it and remain true to that voice, but also felt that it created a bit of a distance between me, as the reader, and what was going on in the book. Even so, I couldn't help but like Blackie and enjoy his take on the events going on around him. I could understand his loyalty to Care--I wanted to protect her too. And even if Blackie would hate it, I really wish I could pick him up and give him a hug.

The mystery itself was quite interesting. There are quite a few pieces to fit into the puzzle as events unfold, and it was fun to see Care and Blackie come to their own conclusions. The ending was particularly intense with a promise of more to come. The Ninth Life is a unique mystery and I am definitely curious to see where the Clea Simon goes with the characters next.

A tragic, violent world joyfully realised.

I hate cats. I read this book in order to write a review but I may struggle because my notes are useless; Blackie is such an authentic voice I found myself dragging in by the first paragraph. He dug his claws in from the start and didn't let go. His thoughts on survival, body language, humans in general are fascinating, sad and funny in equal measure.

The style, the environment and the general feel of the start of this book put me in mind of the homeless network Sherlock Holmes uses. I found myself picturing Care's mysterious 'old man' as an ageing Sherlock taking on an unusual protégé. Care herself is a delightfully well realised hero. The esteem Blackie holds her in is well deserved, his observation that her comprehension matches his eyesight is telling. The highest of compliments from a cat surely?

The story itself is well paced, moving along just fast enough to keep you from getting impatient but not so fast you miss clues or feel rushed to a conclusion. The mystery of who Blackie is and why 3 men tried to murder him is so subtly managed that at several points I totally forgot about it, until I couldn't forget. Until his memories become part of the same mystery Care is investigating ...

Overall the world woven by the words of this sensible cat create such an immersive sense of tragic melancholy, intrigue and constant fear that I'm far too involved in the story to analyse the style and content. I can only see this 'world of casual violence and retribution' that these children are forced to inhabit. My reviewing abilities are fully compromised by becoming so thoroughly engrossed in a wonderful reading experience. I love the joy of discovering a new writer, a new voice to bring me into a world I would never otherwise know.

Lucy

Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book to review