Cats in Provence

By R. F. Kristi

The third book in the Inca book series finds our super cat detective embroiled in the world of art thieves.

Inca and her family are awakened one night by a disturbing phone call; someone has stolen a painting from Aunt Florence! Now, Missy and the cats must go to Provence to help find the culprit and get back the stolen painting before the opening night of the art exhibition. They'll need all the help they can get to recover the painting and clear Aunt Florence's name. Inca will have to call her friends, old and new, to help solve this case. But when the case gets more confusing, will they still find the culprit? Or is Inca in over her head?

Read all about the tantalizing tale of Inca and company solving a mystery in Provence, France.

The Inca book series is founded on the escapades of a feisty Siberian kitty who considers herself a great sleuth. Inca the Siberian kitty, the main character, exemplifies the intelligence and cunning of our feline friends, and is a sure-footed and strong-willed leader. Readers will surely admire Inca's grace and wit as they follow the detective cat's adventures in these unexpected tales of redemption.

This book series should be read by children who have a natural love for animals. The book is also great for cat and dog lovers, who will enjoy seeing the personalities of their favorite members of the animal kingdom shining through.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Austin Macauley Publishers
• Release date: Apr 30, 2019
• ISBN: 9781528953252

R. F. Kristi

R.F. Kristi, the author of the Inca book series, lives in France. She holds a doctorate in economic development and has traveled and lived in many countries around the world. She is fluent in English and French. With a deep commitment to animal rescue efforts, Kristi has a keen interest and love for animals. She created the Inca Cat series for younger readers up to age 8 or 12, and for animal lovers.

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About the Author

R. F. Kristi, the author of the Inca book series, lives in France. She holds a doctorate in economic development and has traveled and lived in many countries around the world. She is fluent in English and French.

With a deep commitment to animal rescue efforts, Kristi has a keen interest and love for animals. She created the Inca Cat series for younger readers up to age 8 or 12, and for animal lovers.

Copyright Information

Copyright © R. F. Kristi (2019)

The right of R. F. Kristi to be identified as author of this work has been asserted by her in accordance with section 77 and 78 of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior permission of the publishers.

Any person who commits any unauthorised act in relation to this publication may be liable to criminal prosecution and civil claims for damages.

A CIP catalogue record for this title is available from the British Library.

ISBN 9781788232678 (Paperback)

ISBN 9781788232685 (Hardback)

ISBN 9781788232692 (Kindle e-book)

ISBN 9781528953252 (ePub e-book)

www.austinmacauley.com

First Published (2019)

Austin Macauley Publishers Ltd

25 Canada Square

Canary Wharf

London

E14 5LQ

Acknowledgements

Edited by John Fox

Illustrations by Jorje Vanelle

1

Late at night, we were woken up by the sharp tone of Missy’s mobile phone piercing the midnight peace. Missy woke up and then buried her head back under the pillows to avoid getting up. I knew she was exhausted from working long hours at our cheese-shop-cum-restaurant.

The shrill ringing stopped after a few minutes and all was still once more. But my sixth sense had picked up some vibes and I could not go back to sleep.

I slowly raised myself from the bottom of Missy’s bed and surveyed our bedroom. Cara, my Siamese sister, was cuddled next to Missy, all rolled up in a ball. Fromage was in the little basket on a low table, sound asleep in his blanket. Charlotte, our adopted hamster, was also happily snoozing deep in Fromage’s shawl with only her little ears peeping out.

Shaking the uneasy feeling settling over me like an unwanted visitor, I crept out of the room and padded to the kitchen to help myself to a midnight snack. Food always comforted me, but this time I could not shake off the uneasy feeling. No sooner had I started chomping my favorite croquettes than the mobile phone started ringing again, buzzing like an irritating gnat.

A feeling that something was just not right entered my head again, and I dashed upstairs and jumped on Missy’s body to wake her up. As I suspected, she did just that and reached over to grab the phone. Seeing that the caller was Aunt Florence, she whispered, Why is Aunt Florence calling this late? I just spoke to her this morning. She quickly switched on the lamp and answered the phone.

I could not hear what was being said, but I felt that the news was not good. I saw Missy tense and ask Aunt Florence to take a deep breath and repeat what happened once again. Sleepyhead Missy was wide awake, her voice filled with shock and disbelief.

Aunt Florence, take a sleeping pill with some hot tea, Missy said. I am going to speak to Solo as soon as it is daylight. Don’t worry, we are there for you.

My ears pricked up at the mention of Solo. Solo is the famous detective who lives in the adjoining mansion. I was impatient to know what was going on. As soon as Missy put down the phone, I leapt onto her chest.

What happened? I purred, gazing into Missy’s eyes using my telepathic powers.

I have been born with the ability to communicate telepathically with humans. I am a kitty with several talents, but I consider my telepathic powers of communication with humans to be the greatest gift I possess.

The others were all awake by now, crowding around Missy on the bed. The alarm in Missy’s voice had jolted everyone from their slumber. As I sent wave after wave mentally to Missy, urging her to let us know what was going on, they all looked on with worried faces wondering what had made our easygoing Missy so distraught.

Missy started stroking me and explaining what had happened. Aunt Florence had been robbed of a valuable painting that she had been restoring for her client. By profession Aunt Florence was a well-respected restorer of valuable paintings.

The painting was the property of the owner of the chateau, Monsieur Du Valle, who lived next to her own