No One Noticed the Cat [Paperback]

Anne McCaffrey (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 2004

A best-selling fantasist presents the tale of Jamas Tighe, an embattled young king with a foolish heart, and his right-hand cat, Niffy, an extraordinary feline who tries to save Jamas from his circle of enemies.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

In an enchanting and sophisticated fairy tale for adults and intelligent children alike, a cat who may be more than a cat guides a young prince through the perils of ruling and loving. After the death of Esphania's wise regent, young Prince Jamas finds that the regent's cat, Niffy, seems to have the ability to cause him to have second thoughts when he considers actions that might lead to war or other unpleasantness. When King Egdril of nearby Mauritia appears to be casting an acquisitive eye on Esphania, Jamas, instead of waging war, invites the monarch on a hunting trip to demonstrate the martial skills of the Esphanian nobility. Egdril turns out to be quite a good fellow; it's not until Jamas falls in love with his niece, Willow, that the prince discovers the real source of evil behind the Mauritian throne. After Jamas and Willow are wed, it takes all of Niffy's cleverness to save them, Jamas's princedom and Willow's relatives. McCaffrey (the Pern chronicles; An Exchange of Gifts) weaves another lively, lightly enjoyable tale, one that's likely to sell well during the holiday season.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Kirkus Reviews

Romantic fantasy from the author of Freedom's Landing (1995), etc. When wise old Mangan, the Regent of Esphania, dies, many of his skills and qualities seem to have been transferred to his beautiful and intelligent cat, Niffy, who at once attaches herself to the new ruler, Prince Jamas. Egdril, the bluff, hearty king of the neighboring kingdom of Mauritia, seems keen to forge an alliance with Jamas, allowing the prince to marry his niece, Willow--but the real danger is Yasmin, Egdril's wicked wife, who poisons everyone she dislikes or suspects of interfering with her ambitions. So Niffy must guide Jamas through a thicket of difficulties to save the prince and the principality. But by this time Yasmin has murdered Egdril and made her monstrous infant son heir; somehow, Jamas and Niffy must stop her if evil is not to triumph. Thin and brief but quite appealing; McCaffrey is, as always, pleasant company. -- Copyright ©1996, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 144 pages
• Publisher: Wildside Press (February 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0809500884
• ISBN-13: 978-0809500888
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (37 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,381,633 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Anne McCaffrey, the Hugo Award-winning author of the bestselling Dragonriders of Pern® novels, is one of science fiction's most popular authors. With Elizabeth Ann Scarborough she co-authored Changelings and Maelstrom, Books One and Two of The Twins of Petaybee. McCaffrey lives in a house of her own design, Dragonhold-Underhill, in County Wicklow, Ireland.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

23 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A good read, June 5, 2005

By 

Gillian Buchanan "Classical Music Editor at B... (London, UK) - See all my reviews

This review is from: No One Noticed the Cat (Paperback)

I must say I enjoyed this book, which is essentially a fairy tale. It doesn't match up to the writing in the earlier Dragon books but it's still a good read and is in Anne McCaffrey's usual well written style. There is of course a happy ending with a cleverly thought out and very suitable end to the villainness! There is the feeling too that there could be more stories to come about the characters in it.

I have nearly all of Anne McCaffrey's books and was well pleased with this addition to the library.

19 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Cute and very short!!!, June 29, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: No One Noticed the Cat (Hardcover)

The story "Nobody Noticed The Cat" by Anne McCaffrey is about a Prince whose father dies leaving him a large kingdom, a lot of dangerous neighbors, and a cat. However, the cat proves to be his most helpful friend, protecting him from the scheming plans of a hateful woman and other evil people and generally, being his ears and eyes. I felt that this story was cute and interesting. It is not Anne McCaffrey's best writing( In fact I would rate it quite low againest her other work) It is not something to go goggilie-eyed over. 1, it is unbelievably short!!!! 2, It gets a little boring and predictable at certain parts of the book 3, It is very exspensive for the reasons above. (I don't know about you people but I could by 2 good books for that same price almost!!) So my recommendation is to get it out of the library or if you have time, go to the book shop and read it off the rack!!! It is really not worth buying(I read it in an hour and I will probably not read it again).

15 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Loved it., July 1, 1999

By 

Detra Fitch (USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: No One Noticed the Cat (Hardcover)

When the regent, Mangan Tighe died, he had already provided for the future peace and prosperity of Esplania. Young Prince Jamas had a smooth ascension to the throne and he was seldom seen without his cat, Niffy. Unknown to all, Niffy had been Mangan's last safety touch for the young prince. She was not an ordinary cat.

When Jamas takes Willow as his bride, caution becomes almost second nature. A treacherous and greedy Queen had plans of killing Jamas, and a few others, to gain their kingdoms. As always, no one notices Niffy, so she is able to do as Mangan intended. Niffy would save the kingdom and the new royal family.

***Ahhh, if only there were more cats like Niffy! This book is only available in hard back, but it is worth it! A KEEPER!***