Homer the blind cat, beloved for almost two decades since the publication of Homer's Odyssey, is back with this first in a cozy mystery series featuring Homer and his feline cohorts Scarlett and Vashti and their human companion Rachel Baum, owner of the Title Waves bookstore in Coacoochee, a small town just up the road from South Beach, Florida. When some of Coacoochee’s citizens turn up dead, Rachel begins investigating, unaware that Homer and his friends are already on the job. I’ve read a number of mysteries over the years featuring cats who solve or help solve mysteries. Most are fun to read, although some are a bit too cutesy for my taste. Gwen’s masterful plotting, combined with her trademark descriptive writing style infused with humor, make You Only Live Nine Lives a unique contribution to the genre. Set in 1998, populated with an immensely likeable cast of characters, both human and feline, including a tortie named Samkhat who lives in the alley behind Title Wave Books, with the backdrop of a charming small coastal town, this book will keep you turning the pages. But what really sets this book apart from others in this genre is Gwen’s writing style. “Rachel watched palm trees bend and sway against the gunmetal sky, their fronds thrashing like the tails of angry cats” is just one example of how she uses words to paint pictures and set the scene. Beautiful writing, a well thought out plot, and cats – what more do you need in a book? This is a thoroughly enjoyable and fun read, and a lovely escape from reality to a simpler time. I had a hard time putting this book down, and I hope it will only be the first of many in a delightful series.

Homer is back and more lovable than ever! Readers who met Homer and his sisters Scarlett and Vashti in previous books will love seeing a whole new side to their personalities. It's so much fun to "hear" the cat crew talking together, solving problems and plotting their next moves. I love this book, it is so much fun to read. It's a great story with characters you can relate to, and cats you are 100% rooting for. Many of us have read other books where cats help solve mysteries ("The Cat Who" and so on). This book follows in that fun tradition, but stands on its own two (or should I say four?) legs. I really enjoyed how Homer and his compatriots are front and center in prominent and believable roles in this story. The intriguing plot along with Gwen's witty and humorous writing style make "You Only Live Nine Lives" an exceptional contribution to the mystery-solving cats genre. I am hoping this will evolve into a whole series of "Homer Whodunit" mysteries. Many thanks to you Gwen!

Having read all of Gwen's previous books on Homer and his various pals, I was very much looking forward to this new take on the clan. I was not disappointed! This is a clever divergent that keeps the gang together but heads off in a new and fun direction with a great murder mystery. Very well written and a great read even if you are not a cat person! Gwen is a very accomplished writer and a lover of all things even tangentially cats, and it shows in this book in spectacular fashion! I'm very much looking forward to the next installments!

I am so thrilled that Gwen Cooper has started a cat cozy mystery series featuring her real cats. What a great story to start it off! I love the animal dialogue in the manner of other great cat writers - Shirley Rousseau Murphy (may she rest in peace), Carol Nelson Douglas, and Rita Mae Brown to name a few. Thank you, Gwen, for offering your talent to this genre and giving another living memory to your beloved Homer, Vashti, and Scarlett! I look forward to all the forthcoming mysteries you are creating!

Oh my gosh, where do I start! This book was so much fun following the escapades of Homer, Scarlett & Vashti. I thought I knew these kids well but this certainly turns a whole new chapter (pun intended). Love the way their little minds worked and such vivid descriptions to make me feel like I was there. This book is very different for Gwen and is most certainly terrific! I hated for it to come to an end. I'm anxiously awaiting the next book to be released in June. Good job Gwen! Meow!

I love mysteries. It’s fun to guess whodunit . Add to it the fact that Homer a cat is involved , it makes it even more exciting. Who can resist a wise cat help solving a mystery beside his human. Gwen has created a whole new genre to honor her Homer who doesnt know that being blind is a disability. To him it is a strength. He has a heightened sense of smell and hearing - two attributes that can help solve a mystery besides sight. I loved it.

I always love reading Gwen’s books - well-written, engaging and amusing - and her latest was no exception. Using a murder mystery setting to showcase the beloved feline trio of Homer, Vashti and Scarlett, along with a cast of colorful human characters in a small South Florida coastal town, makes for a fun and easy read. I’m already looking forward to the second book in the series!

Charming mash up of murder mystery from both human and animal points of view. There were enough plot twists it wasn’t immediately clearly evident who did what or why but the real stars of the book are the animals, their personalities and how they coordinate and interact with each other. Looking forward to the next book in the series!!

Homer the Wonder Cat is back in action!!! Along with Scarlett and Vashti, they can't be stopped!! I've looked forward to this book for awhile, and can't wait til the second edition. Thanks, Gwen, for bringing this to fruition for all the Homer fans. If you haven't already, please buy this book! You won't be disappointed.

Absolutely loved this book! It is one of the few books that I wanted to read because it was so well written, but didn't want to read it because I didn't want it to end. I love the way Homer,Scarlett and Vashti came to life and you could really see within their minds I can't wait for book 2

There was no surprise that just picking this book up you can’t put it down! Gwen writes her books with lots of detail. And her stories flow effortlessly. Great story and great characters. This book is a must have. Cannot wait for the next Homer whodunit!

If you like cozy mysteries, especially those with animals, you will love this book. It kept me on the edge of seat and made me want to keep reading long into the night. Kick your shoes off and put your feet up, you're going to love this book.

I love a good mystery. Combine a mystery full of entertaining characters with cats that come to life in the most engaging way and that’s a winner. I really couldn’t put this down and it left me in anticipation of the next book!

Well, who would have thought little felines can get up to these shenanigans 🤭 definitely a delightful book to read, so looking forward to their next adventures 🥳

Awesome story, and well written. Any cozy mystery and cat fan will love it, as will any Gwen Cooper fan!