Love cats and love the "Before the Coffee Gets Cold" series so this was right up my alley!

In this book, we follow a cat through his 9 lives in Edinburgh. It was really interesting as his lives span8 over 150 years and there are sorts of interesting observations made throughout his 9 lives.

It was a short cozy book that you can easily read in one sitting. There were definitely some lives I found myself more invested in than others, but that is what I love about this book. Everyone who reads it will take something different from it and relate to different lives of the cat!

This was a very cozy journey through Edinburgh's history. I really appreciated the inventiveness of the idea as well as the authors inclusion of historical details that really fleshed out the different time periods. I do wish that the magical element had been touched on a bit more, but I understand it is a more literary leaning book. Would absolutely recommend, especially for those that love and know Edinburgh.

THE GHOST Cat by Alex Howard

This novel is about following a cat through his nine lives in Edinburgh, moving through the ever changing city and its inhabitants over centuries.

An interesting and cute story. It takes you through time and the new inventions along the way. Many characters plus the main cat.

Thanks to Net galley for sending me an advanced reader’s copy for my review..

In this captivating read, the author masterfully weaves a narrative that is both engaging and thought-provoking. Through a blend of richly developed characters and a meticulously crafted plot, the book offers a unique exploration of its central themes, inviting readers to immerse themselves in the story's depth and complexity. The narrative is paced perfectly, balancing moments of intense action with thoughtful reflection, ensuring that readers are hooked from the first page to the last. The author's ability to evoke emotion and create a vivid, immersive world is truly remarkable, making this book a must-read for anyone looking for an exceptional literary experience.

Beyond its compelling storyline, the book stands out for its insightful commentary on the human condition, weaving philosophical questions into the fabric of its narrative. The author's skillful use of language not only enriches the text but also elevates the reader's experience, offering new perspectives on familiar themes. Whether it's the intricate dynamics of relationships, the exploration of identity, or the confrontation with ethical dilemmas, this book tackles complex issues with sensitivity and intelligence. It's a testament to the power of storytelling to illuminate the nuances of life, making it a valuable addition to any book lover's collection. Regardless of genre, this is a work that resonates on multiple levels, affirming the enduring impact of well-crafted literature.

If you know the truth about cats, then you know they are some of the wisest of creatures, and therefore Grimalkin will of course make a wonderful guide through almost 150 years of history! Born in 1887 in Edinburgh Grimalkin lives his first 15 years of life as “a thinking cat and, as such, enjoyed a life of quiet contemplation.” But in a cosmic mixup he passes a bit before his time and is granted the opportunity to live 8 more lives as a ghost cat. Through his eyes we see the world in snippets of time as it changes on its steady pace into the 21st century. Grimalkin shares his perceptions of fashion, food, decorating styles, language, inventions, world events, the people he observes and so much more all from his home base of the flat in Edinburgh where he was born. Told with wit and wisdom this is an account that is outright funny, endearing, warm and bittersweet. Any lover of history or cats will enjoy it! Thank you to Harlequin Trade Publishing and NetGalley for the chance to read this advanced reader copy.

First of all, thank you for allowing me the opportunity to read this ARC. I feel privileged to have witnessed Grimalkin’s life and observations of the world across the span of nearly 150 years.

This book has no plot. And that is not a criticism. Sometimes observing the world, the passage of time is an art and I appreciated the calm of this book.

I fully plan to gift this charming novel to my friends after Pub Day!

This was so silly and cute! A Victorian era cat living in Edinburgh dies prematurely, so he gets the option to live out his remaining eight lives as a "ghost cat." The rest of the book follows each life, from the 1800s to modern day, with each life reading as its own short story, though themes, places, and characters run throughout. Fun tie-ins with both global and local historical events; thankfully, the more obscure references were explained in footnotes. A quick, cozy read for anyone who loves cats and/or Edinburgh and/or feeling warm and fuzzy.

A fun, heartwarming tale wrapped in the history of Edinburgh as told by an average Victorian cat. Follow along with the ghost of Grimalkin as he watches history be made in his town.

3.5/5

Such an enjoyable book to read! Grimalkin is such an entertaining little floof to follow around for his lives, witnessing the passage of time and how human society has changed throughout the decades. I thought this was a very interesting take on exploring the different time periods, and it was a delight to read some familiar names and a take on their origins. Grimalkin's love for Eilidh is something that I wish I could know if my cats had for me. Each life time he experienced, he was determined to see her, and that I LOVED. I enjoyed following Grimalkin along on his "hauntings", but there were some that I wasn't as interested in on following. The ones that did tie together, whether to other hauntings or notable characters of the specific timeline, were very fun to follow. However, I do wish there was more of an epilogue on Grimalkin and him reaching the afterlife. Grimalkin coming to terms with his own "morality" (if you can call it that for a cat) was done in a way that could be applied to humans. I love reading people's takes on life itself, and this was a fun take on it, albeit a cat's!

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for an advanced reader's copy in exchange for my honest review.

This book is everything you need and want it to be! It is a cozy read and it’s through the eyes of a cat that becomes immortalized by mistake. I chose this because I read Before the Coffee Get Cold and loved it. I also was intrigued because the setting is Edinburgh, and I am in love with that city! It is a perfect setting for this read and plot as well. Imagine Outlander but instead it’s a cat traveling through time. The only complaint I have is that it was a little too focused on History and I felt like some portion of that could have gone towards plot.
Thank you, to Net Galley and Alex Howard for the opportunity of reading this ARC.

If you need a cozy read about a Victorian cat that becomes an immortal ghost cat that travels through the ages then this is the book for you. This is definitely a rainy-day cozy read great for relaxing and losing yourself in a stroll through time with Grimalkin. It was a bit dry at times but still worth the read.

This book was exactly what I wanted it to be - a cozy story about a cat. The Ghost Cat follows Grimalkin, who watches several generations pass through his building in Edinburgh. The book has a strong sense of place, which I desperately wanted, since I recently visited Edinburgh and want to return. There's a focus on history as well, as the book spans over 100 years, which I really enjoyed. To be honest, I've always been more of a dog person, but Grimalkin definitely endeared me to cats. I would definitely recommend this to fans of cozy speculative stories like Before the Coffee Gets Cold and cat lovers alike.

Thank you to the publisher and to Netgalley for granting me an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

It's not a world classic or anything, but this is a very cute & cozy of a story of a Victorian cat, Grimalkin, who through an afterworld mixup becomes the immortal ghost cat who travels through time to see multiple generations come and go from his home in Edinburgh. The author definitely knows cats and cat lovers will appreciate all the little details.

I really liked the idea of the book and following the nine lives of a cat. I sadly DNF at 30%. I just found it a bit too dry for me. I was hoping for a bit more magic in these pages and it was a bit too heavily focused as a history tour. If history is your thing I think you’d love this!