Cat Flap

By: Ian Jarvis

Narrated by: Paul Halligan

Length: 11 hrs and 23 mins

Publisher's summary

A contemporary Sherlock Holmes, the eccentric Bernie Quist is a consultant detective in the city of York. Christmas is days away, and once again, the reclusive sleuth will be quietly celebrating alone. His assistant Watson, a teenager from the Grimpen housing estate, has other ideas, mostly involving parties, girls, and beer. Yuletide plans are halted when three chemists die and the fiance of one hires them to look into her apparent suicide. After discovering the chemist wasn't engaged, they're drawn into the mystery when their employer is killed. Added to this, Watson has a puzzle of his own - Quist is clearly hiding something and he's curious to know what. The investigation leads to a shady cartel of northern businessmen, a forgotten Egyptian cult, and an ancient evil lurking in the medieval alleyways of York. Quist's secret is also revealed, and Watson doesn't know what terrifies him the most.

©2017 Ian Jarvis (P)2017 MX Publishing

Cat? I'm a kitty cat and i dance dance dance!

Cat Flap, authored by Ian Jarvis and brilliantly narrated by Paul Halligan, is a delightful and ingenious contemporary mystery that takes readers on a thrilling journey through the ancient streets of York. With its engaging characters, a dash of the supernatural, and a witty narrative style, this audiobook brings a fresh and captivating twist to the world of detective fiction.

Set in the heart of York, the story revolves around the enigmatic Bernard Quist, a self-proclaimed "consultant detective" with a flair for solving complex cases. His approach to detective work is unconventional, much like his personality. Quist, a reclusive and eccentric figure, prefers to celebrate Christmas alone, but fate has other plans for him this year. His teenage assistant, Watson, hailing from the Grimpen housing estate, has a knack for getting into trouble and a desire for a more exciting holiday season filled with parties, girls, and beer.

The plot takes an intriguing turn when they are hired to investigate the alleged suicide of a chemist's fiancée. However, as they delve deeper into the case, it becomes apparent that things are not what they seem. The chemist wasn't engaged, and their client meets a sudden demise, setting off a chain of events that lead Quist and Watson into a web of mystery and danger. To complicate matters further, Watson is determined to uncover Quist's own well-guarded secrets.

As they follow the clues, the duo uncovers a shadowy cartel of northern businessmen, a forgotten Egyptian cult, and an ancient evil lurking within the medieval alleyways of York. Throughout their investigation, Quist's peculiar idiosyncrasies and mysterious past gradually come to light, leaving Watson both intrigued and terrified. This audiobook captivates listeners with its unique blend of elements borrowed from classic detective fiction and the supernatural, all set against the backdrop of a modern England that adds layers of intrigue and charm.

Ian Jarvis, the mastermind behind this literary gem, pays homage to the legendary Sherlock Holmes, but he skillfully crafts Quist as a detective with his own distinct identity. While Quist shares some traits with the great detective, he remains a character that stands proudly on his own. The story unfolds in contemporary England, and Quist's eccentricities often make him feel out of place, a fact that is intricately tied to the secrets he holds. Watson, on the other hand, embodies the essence of a modern British youth, navigating the complexities of life that Quist often finds perplexing. The audiobook features a rich ensemble of secondary and minor characters, which may initially seem overwhelming, but as the story unfolds, the purpose behind their inclusion becomes evident, contributing to the overall depth and complexity of the narrative.

What truly sets Cat Flap apart is its humor. Jarvis infuses the audiobook with a clever and dry wit that shines through in the characters' dialogues. Whether it's Quist delivering backhanded compliments or offering astute observations that fly over others' heads, the humor is a consistent source of enjoyment. Even as the plot takes a supernatural turn, Jarvis maintains a keen sense of character reactions and introduces quirky plot twists that remain grounded and comprehensible within the context of the story.

One of the audiobook's standout qualities is its ability to balance the elements of mystery and humor. Cat Flap is a thoroughly enjoyable experience that never takes itself too seriously while still offering a compelling narrative. The Sherlock Holmes connection, while serving as a hook in the beginning, gradually fades into the background as the characters are introduced and developed. Quist, with his multifaceted personality, is too captivating to play second fiddle to anyone, even the legendary Holmes.

The story opens with the mysterious death of Lisa Mirren, a death that raises eyebrows due to its peculiar circumstances. However, Lisa's demise is just the beginning of a series of unsettling events. Three chemists meet untimely and unusual deaths, all tied to a pharmaceutical company. When Quist and Watson are approached to investigate the alleged suicide of one of the chemists' fiancées, they find themselves entangled in a web of deception and murder. The layers of the mystery deepen as they discover that the supposed fiancé was not who he claimed to be.

It's important to note that Cat Flap is not a traditional Holmes story; rather, it's a modern and paranormal take on the detective genre. If you're seeking a conventional Holmesian adventure, this may not be the audiobook for you. However, if you're open to eccentric characters, a touch of horror blended with humor, and a brilliantly crafted mystery, then you're in for a treat.

The mystery at the heart of Cat Flap is both clever and intriguing. Jarvis weaves a complex web of clues and enigmatic characters, and as the story unfolds, readers are treated to a gradual unraveling of the puzzle. The villains in the story are particularly well-crafted, adding depth and tension to the plot. The central characters, Bernard Quist and John Watson (distinctly different from the familiar Dr. John Watson), offer a refreshing twist on the detective partnership. Their dynamic is engaging, and their potential for growth in future installments is promising.

Comparisons can be drawn between Cat Flap and the blend of detective and supernatural elements found in the classic TV series "Kolchak: The Night Stalker." The audiobook captures the essence of this genre, offering a unique and entertaining experience for fans of both detective and supernatural fiction.

While the audiobook is a thrilling experience, it's not without its minor flaws. Some listeners may notice occasional background noise in the audio production, which can briefly interrupt the immersion. However, these moments are far from detracting from the overall enjoyment of the narration provided by Paul Halligan. Halligan's delivery breathes life into the characters and adds depth to the story, making it an essential component of the audiobook experience.

In conclusion, Cat Flap is a modern masterpiece that successfully blends the worlds of Sherlock Holmes with the supernatural. Ian Jarvis has crafted a detective story that stands on its own while paying homage to the classics. With its intriguing plot, well-defined characters, and witty humor, this audiobook is a must-listen for fans of mystery, supernatural fiction, and detective tales with a twist. Set in the atmospheric and historic city of York, it offers a captivating journey through the mind of an unconventional detective and his young, inquisitive assistant. Cat Flap is a delightful addition to the world of contemporary detective fiction, promising listeners a thrilling and unforgettable experience.

Fun, quirky, supernatural, sort of Holmes/Watson

I'm a big Holmes/Watson fan, and not a super-natural aficionado at all, so I really didn't expect to like this. I was unexpectedly thrilled by it. I found the characters to be really entertaining, and I like how they interact, and I really liked all the action. I look forward to more in the series.
There are nods to the Holmes Canon, but I don't think they are always "true" to how Conan Doyle wrote the characters. (I am not a true Sherlockian, so don't quote me.)
I liked this a lot and plan to listen to more. I did not like the part about the snakes and the dogs, but that seems like a trite thing to write when this is a book that has people getting killed.
The mystery was very good, and I didn't see how it was going to end. I thought this was great!

I really liked it!

First, this is not a Holmes book, is a book, settled in modern times, inspired by our beloved sleuth. And a paranormal one, to make it even more different *laughs* So, if you are a traditional reader, looking for a traditional Holmes story, this is not for you.

But if you enjoy weird characters and horror mixed with humour, you're for a treat. The mystery is very clever and the villains are great. The main characters, Bernard Quist and John Watson (who is a black young man of 19, here, and nothing like our doctor!) are truly interesting and with a big potential to grow in the following books.

Because, I was very happy to discover it, there are more books in this Universe, yay!.