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Kathi Daley
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The Cat of Christmas Past (Whales and Tails Mystery Book 6) Kindle Edition

by Kathi Daley (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.6 out of 5 stars 1,125 ratings

A local Scrooge, a very special cat, and a Christmas Miracle.
The Cat of Christmas Past is a magical Christmas story that will warm your heart and feed your soul.


It's Christmas on Madrona Island and Cait and friends have plans to embrace the magic of the season. The only dark spot on their celebration is the fact that a miserly old landlord is set on evicting an apartment building full of tenants just days before Christmas. Cait makes it her mission to save the old building and is aided by a cat named Ebenezer as they try to convince the old man to change his mind. Things look hopeless when she realizes that an unsolved mystery may be behind the man's gruff exterior. Cait vows to solve the mystery as a means of softening the man's heart and saving the apartments. An impossible task? Maybe. But Cait knows that miracles are real and anything can happen at Christmas. Note for mystery purists: This story involves a cold case mystery which is linked to a modern day problem but does not contain a present day murder.
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  1. Book 6 of 21
    Whales and Tails Mystery
  2. Print length
    193 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Publication date
    November 1, 2015
  5. File size
    2.2 MB
  6. Page Flip
    Enabled
  7. Word Wise
    Enabled
  8. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B014QH43GE
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Kathi Daley Books (November 1, 2015)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ November 1, 2015
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 2.2 MB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 193 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.6 out of 5 stars 1,125 ratings

About the author

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Kathi Daley

Kathi Daley

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USA Today Bestselling Author Kathi Daley lives in the beautiful alpine community of Lake Tahoe with her husband Ken. When she's not writing she enjoys hanging out on the beach with her children and grandchildren. During the summer she enjoys hiking, kayaking, mountain biking, wakeboarding, and sunset cruises on the lake. During the winter she enjoys cross country skiing, snowshoeing, and curling up by a fire with a good book.

Kathi uses her mountain home as inspiration for her books, all which include appearances by the wildlife she shares her life with.

For weekly updates and contests sign up for her newsletter The Daley Weekly at (http://eepurl.com/NRPDf)or by accessing the link on her Facebook page or website.

Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
1,125 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers enjoy this holiday mystery for its well-written, clean language and heartwarming story that puts them in the Christmas spirit. The book features characters that feel like friends and ends with a Christmas miracle, making it a delightful cozy mystery. Customers appreciate the series quality, with one noting it can be read in any order, and find it an easy, feel-good read for the season.

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83 customers mention "Story quality"80 positive3 negative

Customers enjoy the story quality of the book, describing it as a fun mystery with good stories wrapped up for happy endings, particularly suitable for the holiday season.

"...There are twists and turns to the plot and mysteries abound together with the revelation of many secrets...." Read more

"This was a sweet, simple story that was a quick read. Not big on descriptions and details but several good stories wrapped up for happy endings." Read more

"...It is a delightful read to enjoy by the fire, curled up on the couch with cocoa and your doggie or kitty...." Read more

"...This heartwarming story is full of adventure and surprises. It has moments that reflect The Christmas Carol but it had its own story to be told...." Read more

19 customers mention "Character development"19 positive0 negative

Customers love the characters in the book, appreciating that they feel like friends and that the storylines for several characters are advanced.

"...The characters are well developed and relationships are continuing o grow. A new character, Alex Turner, is introduced to the series...." Read more

"...The characters are well developed, likeable, and relatable...." Read more

"...Past has everything you would want in a Christmas cozy: a Scrooge-like character, a delightful mysterious cat, a children's Christmas pageant, a..." Read more

"...Kathi Daley’s book and characters are both easy to follow.You will also meet some of the characters from the other book in the series...." Read more

19 customers mention "Cozyness"19 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy this cozy mystery, describing it as a delightful Christmas story with warm romance. One customer particularly appreciates the cozy bookstore setting on the harbor.

"...I highly recommend this novel for readers of all ages who enjoy cozy mysteries with a potential to include romance, in which the sleuth is a feisty..." Read more

"This was a sweet, simple story that was a quick read. Not big on descriptions and details but several good stories wrapped up for happy endings." Read more

"...This is an ideal cozy mystery … it’s a fun, refreshing clean read, with no bad language, graphic violence, or adult situations...." Read more

"Very enjoyable Christmas cozy mystery, but I figured out how the kidnapping was done and who did it long before reaching the end of the book...." Read more

18 customers mention "Writing style"18 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the writing style of the book, noting its clean language and well-crafted descriptions, with one customer highlighting the effective use of words to create vivid scenes.

"...Creativity and an imagination flows smoothly on to every page bringing us a continuation of the adventures of Caitlin Hart (Cait) and her friends in..." Read more

"...Thank you, Kathi, for writing clean books that we can share with our friends of any age." Read more

"...The storyline is captivating, well written, flows smoothly, and there’s just enough intrigue to keep the reader guessing until the reveal...." Read more

"...This is a good fun read, with clean language and no "adult situations"...." Read more

15 customers mention "Christmas miracles"15 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the Christmas miracles in the book, which puts them in the holiday spirit and ends with a Christmas miracle.

"...story is quite touching and perfect for the Christmas season and Christmas miracles!..." Read more

"...This is a wonderful Christmas story, with Christmas miracles and not one murder...." Read more

"...Especially Ebenezer the cat. It is a magical Christmas on Madrona Island. Full of joy, laughter, and a 20 year old mystery???..." Read more

"...This story is engaging and has a Christmas miracle in it! We also learn about whether Destiny is going to keep her baby or not...." Read more

11 customers mention "Heartwarming"11 positive0 negative

Customers find the book heartwarming, with one mentioning how it brings joy through helping others, while another appreciates the blend of humor and mystery.

"...This will lift your spirits and get you into Christmas and all the love and joy it brings...." Read more

"...This book is delightful and is perfect to show the kindness and value of helping those who may be less fortunate and those who may be wealthy but..." Read more

"...Heartwarming and enjoyable story." Read more

"...This is a heartwarming Christmas tale which I enjoyed reading." Read more

11 customers mention "Series quality"11 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy this book series, with one customer noting that it can be read in any order.

"...A true series and not a serial each book is self contained and the series can be read in any order but I think there is something to be gained from..." Read more

"...This series has been quite interesting, with the cats being sent to help solve the mysteries. Always an entertaining read!" Read more

"...book in the Whales and Tails Mystery series and I think the best of the series so far...." Read more

"...A wonderful ending to a great book in a great series." Read more

10 customers mention "Readability"10 positive0 negative

Customers find the book easy to read, with one mentioning it's particularly suitable for the holiday season.

"...There’s mystery, gentle and warm romance, plus a touch of Christmas magic that puts a smile on your face...." Read more

"I loved this book from the start. Kathi Daley never disappoints her readers...." Read more

"...I highly recommend this book for a light-heart and feel good read to enjoy the season of giving." Read more

"...Kathi has included throughout the storyline, I feel they add to the sensory experience a touch my emotions...." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Joanne K
    5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect Christas Cozy
    Reviewed in the United States on November 2, 2015
    Verified Purchase
    The Cat of Christmas Past is the 6th book in the Whales and Tails Mystery series by Kathi Daley. Creativity and an imagination flows smoothly on to every page bringing us a continuation of the adventures of Caitlin Hart (Cait) and her friends in the Madrona Islands. This adventure introduces, Ebenezer, a cat sent by Tansy and Bella to assist Cait in solving the mystery. Christmas is quickly approaching and the residents of Madrona Island, part of the San Juan Islands off the coast of Washington, are making plans for family and community festivities. Sadness envelopes the “locals” as word spreads that a wealthy, elderly land owner intends to evict the renters in a decrepit apartment building he owns and sell the land for a condo development. Ebenezer leads Cait to the reclusive, Balthazar Pottage, and the true mystery begins. To save the building, Cait and friends seek to learn what really happened to Balthazar’s infant son on the day he was christened and his wife soon afterward. Typical of small town living, as questions are asked and lead to answers, the gossip mill is active, as well as scandal(s), making room for more questions, that lead to answers. There are twists and turns to the plot and mysteries abound together with the revelation of many secrets. The characters are well developed and relationships are continuing o grow. A new character, Alex Turner, is introduced to the series. This story is quite touching and perfect for the Christmas season and Christmas miracles!

    The Cat of Christmas Past can be enjoyed without reading the earlier books in the series. However, I prefer to read the series in order. I like the continuity, as well as the setting for the novel, the small town on the island. And, of course, the cats! I highly recommend this novel for readers of all ages who enjoy cozy mysteries with a potential to include romance, in which the sleuth is a feisty young woman. There are delicious recipes included in the book, and I am looking forward to sampling a number of them.
    5 people found this helpful
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  • Constance W. Baldwin
    4.0 out of 5 stars Nice Story
    Reviewed in the United States on February 24, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    This was a sweet, simple story that was a quick read. Not big on descriptions and details but several good stories wrapped up for happy endings.
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  • Kindle Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars A delightful Christmas story!
    Reviewed in the United States on November 2, 2015
    Verified Purchase
    Caitlin Hart is at the church to rehearse the children for the Christmas program when she learns that twelve families will be homeless by December 31. Her boyfriend Cody West arrives late for rehearsal because he had been talking with the building manager of the Bayview Apartments about the same thing. The apartments are rundown, but the tenants can afford to live there. The owner, Mr. Balthazar Pottage, is going to tear the place down right after the first of the year. Everyone needs to be out by the end of the month, because he has a buyer for the property who wants to build condos on it and he wants the dilapidated apartment buildings gone.

    Meanwhile, a special cat named Ebenezer walks in to Coffee Cat Books with a young man, Alex Turner, who wants coffee and perhaps a part time job for the last two weeks of the year. They hire the college student to help out during the rush since extra help is needed since Destiny has fallen on the ice and though she and her baby are okay, her doctor has put her on bed rest. Alex works out just fine, and even consents to play Santa Claus for the island children who come into Coffee Cat Books.

    Mr. Pottage lives in seclusion on San Juan Island. Cait and Ebenezer took the ferry ride to San Juan Island, and then had to travel on a private boat her brother Danny arranged for her in order to get to his estate. When they got there Mr. Pottage finally opened the door, looked at the cat, and called him by name. Apparently Ebenezer is his cat! Then Mr. Pottage rudely asks Cait why she is on his property. She explains who she is and about the families in his Bayview Apartments having nowhere to go that they can afford if he kicks them out. He explains that the place needs lots of repairs and needs to be brought up to code. If he goes to the expense of doing all that, he’ll have to double the rent and the tenants won’t be able to afford to live there anyway.

    Before Cait leaves, the cat swats a book to the floor, A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. Mr. Pottage says he’s trying to read it but it’s hard with his poor eyesight. Cait offers to read to him and he accepts her offer. She reads to him a while and he likes it. After about half an hour she gets a ping on her cell phone saying a storm was getting worse and they needed to leave San Juan now or be stranded there. Since she hadn’t finished reading the story yet, she promised Mr. Pottage she would come back on Monday to finish reading the story to him if he could consider an alternative that would allow the current families to stay in their apartments. So the first deal was made.

    When Cait returns to read to Mr. Pottage he offered to fix up the apartments and deed them to the families so they would own them, if she would find his son who was kidnapped at six weeks of age. Cait’s work is cut out for her as she has to work at Coffee Cat Books, work with the children at church who are practicing for the Christmas program, and how she has to interview people who were at the christening celebration at the Pottage house some twenty years ago.

    This is a wonderful Christmas story, with Christmas miracles and not one murder. It is a delightful read to enjoy by the fire, curled up on the couch with cocoa and your doggie or kitty. Kathi Daley’s writing just keeps getting better all the time. Thank you, Kathi, for writing clean books that we can share with our friends of any age.
    8 people found this helpful
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  • Marsha
    5.0 out of 5 stars Christmas Miracle
    Reviewed in the United States on April 25, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    As Cait and friends are getting ready for the Christmas play and holiday, one of the children says they're being made to move. Turns out the owner wants to tear the building down and sell the land. Cait sets out to ret and save the building and help the families who live there. Can she get through the mean old man before he goes through with his plans?
    This heartwarming story is full of adventure and surprises. It has moments that reflect The Christmas Carol but it had its own story to be told.
    I really enjoyed this book. 5 stars and a smile on your face is what you will get at the end.
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Top reviews from other countries

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    5.0 out of 5 stars Lovely read over the holidays
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 17, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    Indeed I loved it, Im not usually into this kind of read so well done on making me smile and laugh so much. A delightful read for the Christmas hols.
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  • Kichererbse
    1.0 out of 5 stars Don't waste your money on wannabe cosy mystery author
    Reviewed in Germany on December 12, 2015
    Verified Purchase
    Das ist sehr vorhersehbarer Mist. Man weiß sehr zeitig, wo der Hase hinläuft, keine Irrungen und Wirrungen in Sicht. Da fehlt jeglicher Pfiff und Humor. Die Problemstellung wird einem in 2 Sätzen hingeknallt. Das Buch ist ein Großdruck, hat 240 Seiten, die bei normalgroßer Schrift gut auf 100 Seiten gepaßt hätten. Wobei die große Schrift noch das einzig angenehme am Buch ist. Es hat so einen hart gebundenen Rücken, daß man es nicht richtig aufbiegen kann, man kämpft, um das Buch offen zu halten.).

    Andere Autoren schaffen es, durch präzise Schilderungen eines Raumes, eines Cottages oder einer Landschaft, eine "cosyness" zu erzeugen. Fr. Daley, die bemitleidenswerte Autorin dieses Werkes versucht holzschnittartig genau das Gleiche, schafft es aber - wie gesagt auf mageren 100 Seiten - nicht, diese Atmosphäre aufzubauen. Beispiel gefällig?:

    Daley: "I poured my first cup of coffee. I took it into the livingroom, where I curled up in front of the fire with one of the quilts Maggie had made for me." (Fire? Quilt? Curl up? Schon, die Zutaten sind da, aber so geschrieben, wirkts nicht wirklich gemütlich)....

    Das Buch ist nur in englisch erhältlich, ich hab es als gebundenes Buch gekauft (nicht die Kindleversion). Jedenfalls ist es so schlicht geschrieben, daß man auch, wenn englisch nicht die Muttersprache ist, der mageren Handlung gut folgen kann.

    So, don't waste your time and money on Mrs. Daley's books.

    Amazon Service war vorbildlich. schnelle Lieferung, sauber verpackt, dafür gibt es den einen Stern.
    -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    That's very predictable crap. We know very early where the wind blows, no twists and bends in sight. No flair or humor in sight. The problem gets thrown at you in two sentences, more or less . The book is set in large print, has 240 pages, which would fit on 100 pages, if set in normal print. Wherein the large font is one of the nicer features of the book. It has such a hard-bound back that you can not bend it properly, you're fighting to keep the book open.).

    Comparing with other authors, who manage to picture cosyness with precise descriptions of a room, a cottage or a landscape, Ms. Daley, the pitiful author of this work is not able to. She tries to, with coarse descriptions which do not work. Example?

    "I poured my first cup of coffee. I took it into the living room, where I curled up in front of the fire with one of the quilts Maggie had made for me.." (Fire? Quilt? Curl up? Well, the ingredients are there, but they don't work) ....

    The book is only available in english, I bought the book, not the Kindle-Version.

    So, don't waste your time and money on Mrs. Daley's books.

    Amazon service was excellent. Quick delivery, neatly packed, one star for that.
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  • Suzie Q
    5.0 out of 5 stars ... different series of books but this one is my favourite. A perfect Christmas cozy read featuring cats
    Reviewed in Canada on November 6, 2015
    Verified Purchase
    Kathi Daley writes 4 different series of books but this one is my favourite. A perfect Christmas cozy read featuring cats, family and a grumpy Scrooge like character.
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  • N.I. Customer
    4.0 out of 5 stars cat read
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 2, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    Arrived in Good time,as expected
    Report
  • Betty Skinner
    4.0 out of 5 stars Four Stars
    Reviewed in Canada on January 16, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    good book
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