The Cat’s Miaow – Jacqueline Perry-Strickland

This is the follow up book to The Magpie’s Nest  published in 2014.

Here is the blurb …

One for sorrow, two for joy,

Three for a girl, four for a boy

Queen Street, Perth – Australia

A timeworn costume shop – A missing enchanted gown

A forgotten mystery – A treacherous romance – A new novel

‘What’s this about a green dress?’ Julienne asked.
They had been best friends at high school and she burned to confide in her. ‘What would you say, Julienne, if I told you that I’m in possession of a gown that I think is enchanted?’
She laid a hand on Julienne’s forearm. ‘It’s made of the most exquisite velvet you’ve ever seen, and is so soft and lush to touch. I keep a feather from the gown in my bra as a lucky charm.’ She sighed dreamily. ‘And when its crystals sparkle onstage my performances come to life. And I mean really come to life!’
As a newsreader, Julienne was the voice of reason both on television and off. Stony-faced, she replied, ‘I would say that there’s no such thing as lucky charms or magical crystals. Your performance comes from within you and is not influenced by any talisman … no matter how much you wish it to be.’
Her expression softened and a twinkle appeared in Julienne’s brown eyes as the side of her mouth turned up in a grin. ‘Though an enchanted gown does sound rather delicious. Where do I get myself one?’

Seven for a secret finally to be told.

These books have a fabulous sense of place. Full of local colour, vernacular sayings and descriptions of the locals’ lifestyles. You could use the books as a travel guide to the cities.

This second novel goes global: Montreal, Barcelona, London and back to Perth as we follow the characters we met in The Magpie’s Nest. Where is Esmeralda? Who wore her first and what was their story? Is the gown enchanted or is it all just a series of coincidences?

This is a well-written, easy to read novel with colourful characters and great locations. And it has something for everyone; romance, mystery, fantasy and travel.

I am looking forward to the next instalment, The Hound’s Tooth.

It is published by Vivid Publishing and you can purchase copies here or at these book stores