High school senior Jenny Gallagher’s psychic abilities have made life in her small New England town a rocky one. Her premonitions and déjà vu have given her a reputation, but not one she’s happy with. Tragedy is about to strike again however, and this time she oddly doesn’t see it coming. Is her gift betraying her? Now what’s happening?
Not far from Jenny, Wellesley Professor Maximus Dyer also has a gift. To his thinking, a painful and useless one. Able to see the past, his ability has brought him insight into the field of history, but other than that, he’s never known what to make of it. Overwhelmed by the physic shocks his unprotected hands receive through touch, he’s frustrated that his secrets have made any deeply real, human relationships literally beyond his grasp. But someone new enters his life who doesn’t trigger a vision. A dog?
Sidrah Keeling runs determinedly optimistic through her life trying hard not to ask the big questions. Her foresight, her ability to see glimpses of the future in her dreams, often drive her to follow a path she doesn’t understand, but she listens to them. Recognizing that the guardrails of security she’s erected around her doesn’t mean she’s in control, she reluctantly stays alert, waiting for answers, uncertain if she’ll ever find them.
Lurking deep in his sensory deprivation tank, Turner Black sees it all. Born out of the great chaos of time, he once again feels the forces of good gathering to move against him. Not in this life. This time, his darkness would reign supreme. The hunt for his antithesis would begin again now. He couldn’t wait to feel his opponent in destiny bleed.
Annabelle Lewis, a pseudonym for the author, lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Regrettably? Perhaps. She still believes she’s a Texan even though the math no longer supports that. Nor her birthplace. Nor her residence. No offense, Minnesota. You’ve got your good points too, but only about six months of the year.
In her youth, Annabelle was a complete failure. Ask anyone who knew her. Any of her teachers and family would tell you this. High school graduation was a sad day for all when Annabelle walked proudly off the high school stage, her thoughts consumed with boys, beer, and after-parties, and later into the arms of her parents. Her father’s laughter and singular remark? “I didn’t think you’d make it. Get a job at the post office, they have a good retirement plan.”
A high bar and words to live by, but Annabelle wanted more. She needed to flunk out of college too. But damn, she sure did have a good time. Trivial arrest records not-withstanding, it was a growth period for our girl. And if you look closely, you’ll see a bit of what was to come when she majored in criminal justice. Her lifelong aspiration was to become a judge. Hmm.
For better or worse, Annabelle didn’t graduate from college but did find gainful employment and a fulfilling career. This path ended when she became a mom. Married to her wonderful George, who to this day can hardly remember an actual proposal, Annabelle finally became a mother. She didn’t have a clue how hard she would need to work to keep those self-imposed requirements of Downey-fresh, iron-pressed sheets, home-baked meals, and mom-of-the-year awards arriving. She composed a small self-affirmation song and made her children sing it to her for money. She was a very good mom.
After clearing the largest hurdles of motherhood and regrettably, begrudgingly, and not-without-tears, launching her children onto the world, she looked around and realized she had a lot to say. Picking up a laptop, she got to work.
Annabelle spends her days continuing to tackle the challenges of motherhood, for both her humans and canines. She also writes. And reads. And cleans. And cooks. And bakes. And cleans again. She also supports her husband, George, in an administrative capacity for their small business. She’s in charge of payroll and cuts George’s checks. This leads to no marital acrimony.
In the beginning, with the blank page staring at her and possibly in a hostile mood after being literally mauled by a dog and by the world in general, she had an idea. What if she could wield a force of good upon unsuspecting evil-doers? What if she had the resources to get the job done without dealing with committee and anyone else’s whiney-ass opinions?
It was gold. It took off. Annabelle sat down and began to write and couldn’t stop. To date, having written over a million words in the Carrows Family Chronicles and her second series on the Boston Clairvoyants, several items have become quite clear. Annabelle had a lot to say. Annabelle really enjoys writing. And although she hates all things technology, she begrudgingly pounds her head on her desk daily as obstacles are thrown in her path. Almost a hero.
Since entering her world of make-believe, she has rebelled against all intrusion of real-world responsibilities. Her house is a mess, but she tries. Her family is fed, but more often than not, on takeout. She vows to shower every day, but no, it’s a vow she’ll never keep. Her friends are neglected, but not in her heart. Read her mordacious blog!
Read her books! Follow her on social platforms! Sign up for her newsletter! These are all good things. What are you waiting for? Jump into bed with Annabelle. She’s having a swell time. You should join her.
Was that YA? Fantasy? I’m not sure but it was a sweet, heartwarming and optimistic story. No animals were killed in the book. There was a dead cat but it had been dead for ages and the bad guy kept the bones as some sort of talisman. We didn’t witness it’s demise. There was a wonderful dog though (Bones) in the story too, a very clever and knowing dog. The dog was one of the best characters.
The book had elements of YA, fantasy, romance (but not too much) and suspense. A good mix. It is about the meeting of three individuals with psychic abilities. Sidrah Keeling is a wealthy young woman who occasionally sees future crimes and tries to help the police. Max Dyer is a history professor who can see a person’s past life and emotions by touching them with his bare hands (he usually wears gloves). Jenny Gallagher is a student who has visions about the near past and near future. They think they were fated to be brought together. And Bones, Bones is the all knowing faithful dog. She has a very important role to play in the book.
So these are the good guys. Naturally, there is a bad guy. Oh he’s very bad and he is intent on killing Jenny as she is the light to his dark, or something like that. It all gets very tense one snowy night as the forces of good are divided by the forces of evil and the battle is joined! It’s a quick read and, as I said, very heartwarming and sweet. If I’d known more about the book before reading it I probably wouldn’t have picked it but I’m glad I did. It was nice to read something less dark for a change. The ending worked well and while it doesn’t need one, it’s open enough for the possibility of a sequel. I was a little confused at the start about what I was reading but I really enjoyed it in the end. That dog 💕💕! Thanks to Netgalley, PePe Press and Annabelle Lewis for a copy of the book to review. My opinions are my own.
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Dead Cat, Run by Annabelle Lewis was quite a fascinating and unique tale. A mixture of fantasy and suspense sprinkled with a dash of romance, ‘Dead Cat, Run’ entertains from start to finish.
Dead Cat, Run introduces three individuals with psychic abilities and a dog. Sedrah Keeling, a wealthy young woman, who sees the future via her dreams, Max Dyer, a history professor who sees the past via a mere touch and Jenny Gallagher, a college student who sees the near past and future via visions. These three lived separate lives until the day when fate brought them, including the dog, together. Prior to their coming together, evil hovered at their doorsteps, but at the point of their meeting, it came knocking. Now their lives will never be the same.
The story started out slow and gradually picked up the pace, culminating into an exciting finish. Despite the slow start, I never had a dull moment. The first half of the book provided sufficient background information on the characters. The information allowed me to be completely invested in their lives and I enjoyed getting to know all three individuals. However, the character that intrigued me the most was the dog whom they named Bones.
I am eager to learn more about Bones, who appeared out of the blue, with no apparent history. Nevertheless, one thing was clear, this was no ordinary dog. Bone’s abilities went beyond that of a normal dog. Highly intelligent, observant and loyal. There were other special things about Bones, but I will not mention them. You will have read the book and discover them for yourself.
Overall, Dead Cat, Run was a well-developed and entertaining story of good vs evil. A story, which kept me reading into the wee hours of the morning. Do I regret the loss of sleep? Nah, it was well worth it. Now on to book two.
Readers who enjoy fantasy, suspense with a dash of romance should consider adding Dead Cat, Run to their reading list.
We meet three unique characters and a canine named Bones, who will steal your heart. They are drawn together in this first in series and learn their roles as evil grows around them.
Jenny Gallagher, a senior in high school who has always had premonitions and déjà vu. Her peers have labeled her a freak. Her mom doesn’t want to talk about it, but her gift is about to save her life. Professor Maximus Dyer also has a gift, one that forced him to wear gloves and limits his contact with others. His gift allows him to see the past when he touches objects or humans. When a dog is hit by a car it is only the beginning of the changes headed his way. Sidrah Keeling catches glimpses of the future when she dreams. It’s allowed her to create a comfortable life for herself. When she dreams of a man, she sets out to find him. But they aren’t the only ones with gifts….lurking nearby is Turner Black. He floats in his deprivation tank, watching it all. A powerful attorney, he uses his power and influence to control the futures one in which he rules it all.
Things unfolded slowly as Lewis introduced the characters and began weaving the threads that would bind them all together. Suspense and danger grew as the reader was made privy to the dangers that moved around our motley crew. Told from multiple POVs, this mystery-fantasy is dabbled in mythology and the three fates. The next book is Cut and Run. While the books aren’t labeled as a series, they should be read in order.
The tale was addictive as we learned about the characters and the roles they play. Each character was well drawn and likeable, well except for Turner and his team. They will give you the chills.
I felt sorry for Jenny but admired her bravery. Maximus is kindhearted, all male and his new companion Bones stole the scene more than once. I am so curious about Bones as it is very apparent he isn’t your typical dog and has some kind of gift. Where did he come from? Sidrah is generous to a fault and not afraid to go after what she wants. She readily accepts her role and the chaos that comes with it.
Fans of Nora Roberts’ trilogies will enjoy the mythological aspects of the story. Dead Cat, Run was a well paced, captivating tale that sets the series up perfectly. I look forward to spending more time with these characters and the roles they’ve taken on.
I was instantly drawn in by the cover of this book and wasn’t sure which way the plot was going to take me. I was instantly connected to Jenny and what an exceptional character she is with her abilities. You feel for her with events that have happened in the past.
The book was not what I expected at all and the fantasy element really lifted up my spirits. I got once adored the characters magical gifts and I couldn’t put this down. The writing flowed and the dots were connected at the most tense times. The dog was a lovely added extra to this and I want my very own, even though I have two you just have to read this and you’ll understand why I want this dog so much.
This is definitely a series that’s one to watch out for I can’t wait to finish the second book. If you also love a book where evil comes out to play this will definitely grasp your attention. It’s brilliant to see the characters come together and use their abilities. It’s a really fast paced read and you won’t want to stop.
I’ll definitely be going back to read her Carrows Family Chronicles. This author is fab.
This was a very enjoyable book. The characters are alive and relatable. They work their way into your mind and have you cheering them on or wishing them dead! It never hurts to have a dog that's beyond amazing, either. Animals are always the best addition to a story.
The story is a very creative way of retelling the fight between our perception of good and evil. Where people find themselves faced with the grey in-between. Where love, friends and family can come from a leap of faith.
This is also a story of the inner magic of a young woman that only comes from her true courage.
I really liked the story minus the political stereotyping. I didn't understand it's point in the story other than to insight anger perhaps.
It was a hard book to put down and a pretty smooth read.
I received this ARC from Netgalley for free. This is my honest and personal opinion.
What made me enjoy this so much was the compelling psychological depth of three well-drawn, developed characters - Jenny, Sidrah, and Max - all of whom have a different psychic abilites. Creative and thoughtful Jenny will especially appeal to young people who feel out of step with others, being simultaneously wiser and less confident than her peers, whereas Sidrah is a complicated but strong and sophisticated crime-fighter, and Max is outwardly the dashing, popular professor sighed over by young college students but hiding his vulnerable heart. Bones, the dog, is perhaps the most insightful of all them, except for Leon, who is not psychic but brings to this story a street-smart common sense and a deep heart of his own. They must battle Turner Black, who is simultaneously horrifying and magnetic. I read a pre-published version of this and now I want to read more novels in this genre.
A unique plot. Dead Cat, Run is a unique story of supernatural mystery. I especially enjoyed Bones' special abilities and the glove-wearing professor. Fun read, nice cover too.
Through NetGalley, I received a free copy of DEAD CAT, RUN by Annabelle Lewis in exchange for an honest review. It’s a coincidence of clairvoyants. As three psychics find each other through coincidence, they revel in finding others with similar gifts. Together, they begin to wonder if their fellowship is meant to help bring light to the world. As they begin to help others, their actions tip off a powerful dark force. Can they survive the machinations and attacks of the evil power? Will good triumph, or will evil prevail?
I liked this book. I recommend it to fans of thrillers featuring psychics and good versus evil.
Am I writing a review about my own book? Why yes I am! Not entirely sure why Goodreads gives us this option - but a gift horse and all that! Read this book! :)
It's been awhile since I read any fantasy or paranormal fiction, so I decided to check out this series by author Annabelle Lewis. I cannot tell you exactly why, but I was drawn in to the plot immediately and curled up on my couch reading from page one to the end. I am a fast reader, but must have taken breaks for food and physcial necessities. I honestly don't remember. I think part of this was the four clairvoyant characters she created and their backstory - a bit of angst, a bit of mythology, and an unusual dog. This proved a great "take-me-away" escapist read and who doesn't need that right now?
The book starts with the mythology behind the plot to set the scene, and then we meet the four clairvoyants. Jenny is young and broken from a life of dealing with premonitions. Max is isolated and keeps his distance because simply touching anything - object or person - brings painful visions. Sidrah has used her abilities to hold an object while she sleeps to become wealthy, but she wants more. Bones, a large dog, is a total mystery.
Supernatural forces draw them together to fight a threat to humanity - Turner, who is the reincarnation of evil from the past. He begins to hunt for his nemesis from previous lifetimes - Jenny - while she has no idea he exists. Who will reign triumphant supernatural gifts will help them win the battle.
Dead Cat, Run is my first introduction to the talents of author, Annabelle Lewis. Even though this is not my normal go to type of read, I thought this was a great read. I enjoyed getting to know the characters of Jenny, Max and Sidrah, but Bones the Dog would have to be my favorite. Who does not love to have a story that has a dog as one of its characters? This is one of those stories that starts right off the bat with action and adventure. It is an easy to read tale that had me captivated right from the start. I thought it was fun and entertaining that held my attention all the way to the end. I had to keep reading to find out what was going to happen next. I found it to be not easily predictable at all and I was hooked on the suspense and mystery.
I am giving Dead Cat, Run four and a half stars. I recommend it for readers who enjoy reading genres of thrillers, suspense, paranormal and supernatural. I would love to read more like this by Annabelle Lewis in the future and see where her imagination will take her readers to next. This is most definitely worth a read and should not be missed. I liked it!
I received a digital copy of Dead Cat, Run from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.
Mythology, Psychics, and Suspense…A Satisfying Combination
Three loners with psychic abilities chance to meet and are thrilled and relieved to find others like themselves. They quickly realize that they have complementing abilities and that there must be a reason that they have come together—along with a dog who also seems uncanny. They soon meet someone whom they recognize to be evil and a danger to them.
Although I enjoyed this book, I felt it failed to deliver on its potential. It started strong with the mythological story of the Sybils and their conflict with the god Apollo. This ancient conflict was supposed to set up the events of this story but something got, if not exactly lost, diluted along the way. The abilities of the book’s three heroes mirrored the abilities of the Sybils. However, their antagonist came across more as arrogant than evil. Had the author spent more time on the conflict between the forces of good and evil and less on the somewhat syrupy relationships between the heroes, this would have been a 5-star book.
Nonetheless, I would absolutely recommend this book and look forward to reading other books by this author.
As book 1 in the series, I cannot fault it for being a little slow in the start. There was background information that was definitely needed for the latter part of the book.
While I did find the start to be slow, it was interesting enough to keep me engaged and wanting to learn more, and figure out where the story was headed. (I don’t typically read what the book is about prior to starting it so I really had no idea what to expect or where the story would lead, if anywhere.) But lead it did.
The back half (end half?) of Dead Cat, Run brought the excitement, the thrill, the chase. It was the part of the story that I look forward too most and it definitely did not disappoint.
There were interesting characters in the entire book, but more were involved. There was definitely mystery and thrill. It was edge of my seat worry.
Dead Cat, Run has 60 chapters, but the chapters are kept short, sweet, and on point. Sixty chapters seriously felt like nothing while reading this book.
The entire story had me intrigued and turning pages long after I should have been in bed! I certainly look forward to reading book two!
The character in this one Jenny drew me to do more than look at this one. Reputations are usually ones that shed a bad light as the ones in this one do for the most part. Not everything is predictable either. Jenny does find out that and a whole lot more. Professor Maximus has a gift one that will puzzle him also. Sidrah has something too and waiting is what she is doing. Turner is in a tank and he is a work that will reign in the future so he believes. As you go along with this one you also will feel like each of the characters and get a bit of everything. This is a no way around it a page turner though.
A fast-moving, well-written gem of a book about three lonely, supernaturally-gifted people--and a fantastic dog--pushed by fate to find each other to stop a villain of mythic proportions. It opens with the plucky, odd teenaged girl surviving a horrible crime, and keeps you hooked as she heads to college and meets a dog with an unusual personality, a handsome but tortured professor who can't bear to touch people, and a gorgeous, wealthy, but also very alone woman who's been dreaming about him--though she's never even met him. The recipe of light urban fantasy elements, mystery, thriller and romance added up to a fun ride I had a hard time putting down!
I inhaled this book. Dead Cat, Run features a set of quirky characters, including a loveable dog named Bones. I've read most of Annabelle's novels and she always does a great job of developing her characters. This book was a veritable buffet of genres: mystery, suspense, paranormal, mythology; even some romance and young adult twists. A well-crafted and thoroughly enjoyable book. Looking forward to Annabelle's next book.
I loved this new book from Annabelle Lewis. Having read (and thoroughly enjoyed!) her previous work with the Carrows Family Chronicles, I was very excited to see what she had in store for us with this new world and new cast of characters. And I was not disappointed -- the elements of suspense, supernatural, and good vs. evil kept me engrossed until the dramatic conclusion. I can't wait to follow along with these new heroes and heroines with this new series from Lewis.
Dead Cat, Run is a brilliantly thrilling mind twist. The introduction to the main characters takes a bit but when you finally get into the meat of the tale you’ll be riveted to your seat. I’ll admit I picked this for the fabulous cover and the dog was my favorite character. I don’t think I’ve read this author before but I do hope we will see these characters again.
Great action read. A group of people and a dog are drawn together by their abilities to see either the past, present or future events. They are forced to overcome an evil force to survive. Great likeable characters. Would like to read more of this group’s adventures in the future.
This is a good read. I really enjoyed it. Great characters and an awesome plot. All around a fun read. I loved the dog the best. It's well written and reads fast. No sexual content and not too much violence. I recommend it for all ages. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I chose to read this book after receiving a free e-copy from iRead Book Tours. All opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased.
Jenny, Max, and Sidrah each believe that they are the only ones with supernatural abilities. When they find each other, or maybe they are brought together by some unknown force, they instantly become a family. They are so relieved to be able to share their abilities and not have to hide who they are. There is also my favorite character, Bones, the dog who attaches herself to Max. Bones is adorable and the smartest dog ever and is part of the team.
I say team because this group is a good force, and they are faced with the dark force of Turner Black. They know that Jenny is in danger and do everything to keep her safe. How long can this go on? Will evil win or will good triumph?
Dead Cat, Run is difficult to put down once you start it. It is a must read for anyone who enjoys thrillers of good vs. evil. It does stand alone, but I’m looking forward to reading the next book, Cut and Run.
Engrossing from the very beginnings. Unique paranormal filled with action. Probably the best book in this genre. Can’t wait to read the next in this series.
An excellent read from start to finish. You are hooked right from the beginning and are on pins and needles until the end. The four main characters are unique, each with their own personality and special gifts. I loved it and can't wait to see where Annabelle Lewis takes us next!
This book definitely kept me entertained. Was one that once I started, I wanted to keep reading to find out what was coming next. Will add this author to my want to follow list.
Dead Cat, Run by Annabella Lewis is the 1st book in a new series, and my first book by this author. I loved this book, it was nothing like I expected, and once I got started, I could not put it down. This book tells the beginning story about how three gifted people come together, and they must figure out why. I don't want to give too much detail on this book, but I strongly recommend it. I can't wait for the next book in the series. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
This book surprised me a bit. It stems from a small piece of mythology brought into the modern-day. I didn't know that when I picked it up, but it brought a magical realism that I didn't expect in the mystery/thriller-type novel.
Jenny is a sweet character with a talent that's pretty terrifying and that's carved her into the person she is at the beginning of the book. Within the first few chapters, Annabelle had me biting my teeth over her wellbeing. I loved the quirky professor and Bones and the mystical connections between all the characters. Sidrah, though...ugh! As a very wealthy character, I sometimes found her shallow and annoying. Not my most favorite character, but the others balanced her out. I suppose that's what well-developed characters might do--annoy some people. :)
Plot-wise, well devised and driven, and it was a fun ride to see these characters come together to defeat the big-bad, Turner Black. That's something else Annabelle does with precision: paint the bad guy so well that the reader just cringes over him.
Can I give a 4.5? No, darn! A good solid read all-in-all.
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC copy of this book.