Press Release :

June, 2007

Author’s Debut Novel Will Grab Young Adults, Feline Fans

(Fort Worth, TX)

--In the opening pages of her debut novel The Cat Master (Marshall Cavendish) it becomes strikingly clear that author Bonnie Pemberton understands felines and their universe.

Their distinctive needs and personalities set the stage for this intriguing tale of sibling rivalry, moral justice and corruption of power…storylines once reserved for human drama.

The Fort Worth, Texas writer convincingly parlayed her love of animals—cats in particular—into The Cat Master, whose cast of characters also includes two dogs, a lizard, possum and a mockingbird.

The Cat Master is available in bookstores or online.

"My husband and I own five cats and two dogs,” said Pemberton. “They were all strays."

Told through the eyes of animals, and set in the alley ways of a scorching Texas summer, the book begins with the death of the Cat Master, spiritual leader of all felines. The torch is passed to one of two feline brothers, one an indoor cat, the other feral, and the struggle for power begins.

Buddy, the quiet and complacent indoor cat, is a lead character close to the author’s heart. “My cat, Buddy, was the inspiration for the story,” said Pemberton. “He was a wonderful stray who actually found me when I was living in Los Angeles. He was so loving, funny and eccentric and such an individual, that even people who didn’t like cats loved him."

Then there’s his rival, Jett, a powerful, ambitious feral who is determined to reign, no matter what it takes. “The Jett character is a combination of every tough, hard-scrabble feral I’ve ever seen trudging through alleys and neighborhoods,” she said. “I have enormous respect for all animals that survive in this world without, (and in spite of), human interference."

Always the creative type, Pemberton spent 30 years in radio and television voice-over and acting. Along the way she started Fe-Lines, Inc., a pet product company, and invented the scratching deterrent, Sticky Paws for Furniture. During this period, writing would become her only creative outlet, and over the course of many years, The Cat Master was written.

Through her literary agent, Pemberton’s manuscript was purchased by Marshall Cavendish, the noted publishing house which caters to Young Adult audiences. "This is a young adult/adult crossover book," she explained. "I think Marshall Cavendish is an ideal fit. They have such a good reputation and immediately understood that the book's appeal wasn't limited to young readers, but to animal lovers of all ages."

Meanwhile, Pemberton continues to oversee her highly successful company Fe-Lines, Inc., donating portions of product earnings to various animal charities through her Buddy Fund ("Buddy was special." She said "He was that once in a lifetime relationship that all animal lovers understand and cherish").

Pemberton is also a member of The Cat Writers Association and Trinity Writers Workshop.

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