I really wanted to enjoy this story more than I did. The premise of following a Ghost Cat through history in Edinburgh sounded fantastic and delightful, unfortunately, something about this story just did not work for me. I loved Grimalkin as a main character, but I think there just wasn't enough story for me overall. Grimalkin has the opportunity to live out his nine lives, as a ghost cat, for roughly 120 years, but each of his hauntings feels incredibly brief and has only minimal details. I would have loved more story to go with each fo haunting, especially for the 3 in which Grimalkin gets to go outside into Edinburgh. As a pet owner/lover I really appreciated the book's POV from a cat's perspective, but do be aware that while this story has its cozy moments it also has several incredibly sad parts. This would be a good read for anyone looking for something similar to Before the Coffee Gets Cold or anyone with a love of Edinburgh. Thank you to HTP and Netgalley for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

What a unique idea for a book!
3.5 rounded up - mixed feelings about this one! I wouldn't call it cozy per se because there are some very emotional and sad moments, but it does have a cozy vibe too.
Traveling through history from Grimalkin's POV was interesting! It did move a bit quickly from time to time and I could have spent more time on each era/event, but I do enjoy history. Fairly quick read and enjoyable overall!

Thank you NetGalley and HTP for the ARC!

This was a sweet and fun setup to a tour through Edinburgh (and contemporary) history. I liked the Grimalkin perspective and the interweaving of cat-myth and reality. It was a pretty easy read that went fairly quickly. It's a quirky way to tell a morality/life lessons tale, and likely won't be for everyone, but I enjoyed it.

Being that we have a new cat I had a new interest in a book involving cats. Add something haunted and I was all in. Really enjoyed this book. Thank you

2.5/5

Thank you Net Galley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for allowing me to read an eARC for “Ghost Cat.”

This book was cute and cozy.

I loved the idea and concept. It just overall really didn’t have much sustenance and was pretty surface level. I loved following Grimalkin through history, starting with the invention of electricity and ending with Queen Elizabeth II’s death. My issue is I wanted more of everything. I wanted more historical details, more descriptions, more depth to each haunting, and more personality of Grimalkin.

Overall a quick ok read.

Let me start off by saying that I have mixed feelings for this book. While there is quite a lot of cat content, and the main character is a cat (Grimalkin), a highlight, the story is mostly focused on historical changes and advancements of the decade in question. It's very creative to imagine what a "ghost cat" would think of and adapt to these differences, and it's cute that he has the personality of a distinguished gentleman from the late 1800s! I was very invested in the story, especially in the middle portion; however, towards the end, some events altered my otherwise high opinion of the book. Namely, there were some very disparaging remarks about the physical appearance of certain characters that I perceived were used to add humour to the story. This turned me off quite a lot, as I didn't think it was needed or was funny, and it was fairly immature. I was susceptible to reading these remarks and imagined other readers might feel the same way. The humour is definitely hit or miss throughout the entire book. Otherwise, the book is best suited for cat lovers who also have an interest in historical fiction.

Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for this review copy. I will post a full review on my blog and social media during the week of publication.

This was a big DNF for me. I really tried, but honestly, it was incredibly dull. I kept going back to It, but the cat's personality seemed a bit annoying, the bits about how he starts to acclimate to the futures he sees is cheesy, and I just couldn't see an audience for the book - at all - other than people who enjoy books from a cat's point of view. This was a big no for me.

Rating: 3.5

In "The Ghost Cat," readers follow the journey of Grimalkin, a senior Victorian cat who experiences his nine lives throughout 20th and early 21st century Edinburgh. When Grimalkin dies peacefully at 15, he becomes the Ghost Cat and is given the chance to explore eight moments from the future, including witnessing the growth of his beloved owner Eilidh and roaming freely beyond her home.

Grimalkin's journey offers a unique perspective on the city and its inhabitants over the years, revealing changes in society, technology, and culture. As he interacts with different people, from notable figures to ordinary college students, Grimalkin observes shifting trends and the impact of significant events such as wars. His adventures bring insights into the passage of time and the essence of feline companionship.

Though the novel captivates readers with Grimalkin's ghostly travels and insights, some may wish for deeper exploration of the human stories in each setting. The narrative moves quickly through each of Grimalkin's lives, leaving readers wanting more time to connect with the characters and their worlds. Nonetheless, "The Ghost Cat" offers an engaging and charming tale of life, time, and the mysteries of existence through the eyes of a cat.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for this eARC!

This novel is the perfect ode to anyone who has loved and lost their dearest pet. As someone with a heart that is much too big, the two times I have lost a pet have been nothing but sorrow and pain. With all the love I had for them, I can only believe they had it for me in tenfold. This novel takes that idea and runs with it. It is the physical proof and embodiment of the immense love your pet has for you, and reminds you that no matter how many lives they live, they will always be looking for you in them. I cannot recommend this novel enough, and while it may split your heart in half, I speak from experience when I say it will truly heal you if you are experiencing one of those gut-wrenching loses.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher and the author for allowing me an advanced readers copy.

The Ghost Cat is an amazing story following the adventures of a ghost cat. Going through all of Grimalkin’s adventures has been a journey for me and him and I’ve loved every minute of it. This story is so enjoyable!

This was a pretty cute book. I definitely understand the cozy feel of it other people have mentioned. I will say I should've known there were going to be sad moments as well. I did tear up a few times.
But this book was cute, and it made me wonder what my cat thinks about and how he speaks in his mind. This book was a very interesting premise and I'm glad I read it.

4.25*

We tag along with Grimalkin, a senior Victorian cat. At age 15, life is simple for Grimalkin living with Eilidh, his kind owner and housekeeper to 7/7 Marchmont Crescent. When Grimalkin suddenly passes in his sleep, he is presented with the chance to visit 8 future moments equaling nine lives total.

For three he stays: Grimalkin is bound to 7/7 Marchmont Crescent, he gets to see Eilidh mature.
For three he strays: Venturing out of the house Grimalkin gets to run free and explore.
For three he plays: Now equipped with “Poltergeist” abilities, Grimalkin can interact with the physical world.

What a sweet and comforting thought that our treasured furry friends watch us throughout the rest of our lives and silently hope the best for us. If only we could have more time with our little companions.

It’s so interesting to follow along with Grimalkin through the 20th and part of the 21st century, as he overhears conversations with notable figures from the past, the rich & famous, and even ordinary college kids. Discovering new fashions and slang, and the hardships and devastation of war.

I love Grimalkin’s crotchety, old man nature. He is such a righteous, thoughtful and introspective character and a fun little guy to follow through time.

Thank you to Hanover Square Press and NetGalley for this advanced copy.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for this advance copy.

I instantly fell in love with the cover and its premise, and was pleasantly surprised with how in depth and emotional this became. Would recommend for those who enjoy a slice of life type of read.

I really enjoyed Grimalkin's voice and the devotion he showed to his first savior. The idea of a cat-god coming in and setting him up to be able to visit other time periods was really interesting and the Howard changed up the slang for each life Grimalkin had in a seemingly appropriate manner. A really fun and quick read for Historical Fiction that introduced huge figures in history with a brief glimpse into their lives.

DNF at 50%

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for the ARC! I tried my best to read this book completely, but at around the 20% mark I stopped enjoying it. The writing style was jarring for me, and the minor characters felt flat. I really liked Grimalkin's characterization in this book, and the historical aspects. The story just didn't work well for my tastes.

This books would be a great recommendation to people who love the Travelling Cat Chronicles and Before the Coffee Gets Cold. It's a short and quick read.

Let me start by saying I’m a huge cat lover and loved the premise of this book. 3/5 stars. I think overall, the story accomplishes what it set out to do, but the way it did so just wasn’t for me. I was hoping to read deeper into the human aspect of each of Grimalkin’s visits and spend more time in each setting, and that just wasn’t the case. I felt like each time I finally got to a place in the vignette that I understood and was invested in the characters, that part of the story ended.

The Ghost Cat by Alex Howard was a mostly cute story. I enjoyed the premise and Grimalkin as a narrator. However, I wished at times that we could have spent a little more time in each era as it felt a little rushed and as if our feline friend did not get long enough to experience all the new things in each decade he visited. As such, the story lacked the depth it could have had. Nonetheless, many people are sure to enjoy this book as it is in the same vein as many of the cat-centred Japanese tales that have become popular in recent years. I am giving it four stars.

Thank you for the opportunity to review this title. My review is scheduled to go live on my blog and on Goodreads on 26 August 2024. At that time I will also share across social media.

Thank you for the advanced review copy. I liked the concept of this book and fell in love with Grimalkin. Unfortunately it read a little choppy. Part of the cause may be that it didn’t translate to kindle format well. I enjoyed the historical aspects

A charming, heartwarming and nostalgic read, I fell in love with Grimalkin and all of his humorous musings. I love the concept of following this loveable cat through time, getting to see different time periods through his eyes. If anything, I wanted this book to be longer, with more depth in each of the time periods. I would recommend to a historical fiction lover who is looking for a quick and cozy read.

This book was so sweet and sad at the same time. I felt so much for the cat and the life it lived. It did remind me of "Before the coffee gets cold x, but in a more charming read.