What do you think?
Rate this book
Kitty Norville #2
Kitty Goes to Washington
In this tantalizing sequel to Kitty and the Midnight Hour , celebrity werewolf and late-night radio host Kitty Norville returns to take on dirty politicians in America's capital.
Kitty Norville prefers to be heard and not seen. So when she's invited to testify at a Senate hearing on behalf of supernaturals, and her face gets plastered on national TV, she inherits a new set of friends.
She also inherits a new set of enemies, including the vampire mistress of the city; an über-hot Brazilian were-jaguar; and a Bible-thumping senator who wants to expose Kitty as a monster.
Kitty quickly learns that in this city of dirty politicians and backstabbing pundits, everyone's itching for a fight.
Kitty Norville prefers to be heard and not seen. So when she's invited to testify at a Senate hearing on behalf of supernaturals, and her face gets plastered on national TV, she inherits a new set of friends.
She also inherits a new set of enemies, including the vampire mistress of the city; an über-hot Brazilian were-jaguar; and a Bible-thumping senator who wants to expose Kitty as a monster.
Kitty quickly learns that in this city of dirty politicians and backstabbing pundits, everyone's itching for a fight.
342 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published July 1, 2006
About the author
Carrie Vaughn
267 books4,422 followersCarrie Vaughn is the author more than twenty novels and over a hundred short stories. She's best known for her New York Times bestselling series of novels about a werewolf named Kitty who hosts a talk radio advice show for the supernaturally disadvantaged. In 2018, she won the Philip K. Dick Award for Bannerless, a post-apocalyptic murder mystery. She's published over 20 novels and 100 short stories, two of which have been finalists for the Hugo Award. She's a contributor to the Wild Cards series of shared world superhero books edited by George R. R. Martin and a graduate of the Odyssey Fantasy Writing Workshop.
An Air Force brat, she survived her nomadic childhood and managed to put down roots in Boulder, Colorado, where she collects hobbies.
Visit her at www.carrievaughn.com
For writing advice and essays, check out her Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/carrievaughn
An Air Force brat, she survived her nomadic childhood and managed to put down roots in Boulder, Colorado, where she collects hobbies.
Visit her at www.carrievaughn.com
For writing advice and essays, check out her Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/carrievaughn
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 819 reviews
March 13, 2016
Reviewed by: Rabid Reads.
Kitty took a vital step towards becoming the strong heroine that Urban Fantasy buffs crave by severing ties with her dysfunctional pack in KITTY AND THE MIDNIGHT HOUR. However, she still has a long way to go in that area, and her submissiveness remains one of the biggest turn offs of this series for me. This book addressed the supes now being “out” development in great detail while also succeeding in keeping me engaged with multiple plots and new characters.
In KITTY GOES TO WASHINGTON, Carrie Vaughn goes well beyond skimming the surface of the paranormal revelation that rocked the human world in the previous novel. A Senate committee is formed, expert witnesses are called, and the topic is explored from a variety of standpoints including its political and religious implications. I really enjoyed the author’s approach, and the fact that the discussion is most likely far from over.
Cormac & Ben are quickly becoming indispensable secondaries, and I loved the surprising direction that Vaughn took with regards to the latter. Lawyer by day, and ___ by night! I also liked Alette, the vampire mistress of Washington, more than expected as well given how the story started out. The cast has gotten a smidgen out of control though for a second installment, and I was disappointed by the prompt resolution of Elijah Smith’s thread.
Marguerite Gavin began to demonstrate her versatility as a narrator in this title by tackling German and British accents which added an extra layer of authenticity to the author’s writing, and made it easier to identify the various characters. Her voice is perfect for the radio segments, and I think that she did an equally awesome job of Kitty’s off air personality. My only criticism would have to be Gavin’s male vocals; there’s definitely room for improvement in that area.
KITTY GOES TO WASHINGTON helped to steer this series back onto the straight and narrow.
Kitty took a vital step towards becoming the strong heroine that Urban Fantasy buffs crave by severing ties with her dysfunctional pack in KITTY AND THE MIDNIGHT HOUR. However, she still has a long way to go in that area, and her submissiveness remains one of the biggest turn offs of this series for me. This book addressed the supes now being “out” development in great detail while also succeeding in keeping me engaged with multiple plots and new characters.
In KITTY GOES TO WASHINGTON, Carrie Vaughn goes well beyond skimming the surface of the paranormal revelation that rocked the human world in the previous novel. A Senate committee is formed, expert witnesses are called, and the topic is explored from a variety of standpoints including its political and religious implications. I really enjoyed the author’s approach, and the fact that the discussion is most likely far from over.
Cormac & Ben are quickly becoming indispensable secondaries, and I loved the surprising direction that Vaughn took with regards to the latter. Lawyer by day, and ___ by night! I also liked Alette, the vampire mistress of Washington, more than expected as well given how the story started out. The cast has gotten a smidgen out of control though for a second installment, and I was disappointed by the prompt resolution of Elijah Smith’s thread.
Marguerite Gavin began to demonstrate her versatility as a narrator in this title by tackling German and British accents which added an extra layer of authenticity to the author’s writing, and made it easier to identify the various characters. Her voice is perfect for the radio segments, and I think that she did an equally awesome job of Kitty’s off air personality. My only criticism would have to be Gavin’s male vocals; there’s definitely room for improvement in that area.
KITTY GOES TO WASHINGTON helped to steer this series back onto the straight and narrow.
June 16, 2012
While the first Kitty Norville book had many gripes about Kitty being submissive and weak, it seems she's shaken off her pack mentality and is now standing firmly on her own two feet in the 2nd Kitty Norville book.
I thoroughly enjoyed Kitty Goes to Washington, it had a much tighter plot and was much stronger than the last one. Kitty's just a likeable character, she's charismatic and her strength is in building a rapport through her listeners and with people she's met.
Kitty Goes to Washington is centered upon a Senate Committee Hearings to determine whether the recently exposed creatures of the night are harmful and should be accepted into the greater community. I think this addressed a key issue I had with the first book, that a radio host could just openly come out and say she was a werewolf, and it would be accepted.
It also further investigates the work of Fleming, the scientist that was introduced in the first book. Kitty has a great cast of characters around her, such as the "honest lawyer" Ben, the vampire hunter Cormac, and a few others who she meets along the way.
Thoroughly enjoyed it, and will be continuing onto the next one.
Check out Happy Indulgence for more reviews!
I thoroughly enjoyed Kitty Goes to Washington, it had a much tighter plot and was much stronger than the last one. Kitty's just a likeable character, she's charismatic and her strength is in building a rapport through her listeners and with people she's met.
Kitty Goes to Washington is centered upon a Senate Committee Hearings to determine whether the recently exposed creatures of the night are harmful and should be accepted into the greater community. I think this addressed a key issue I had with the first book, that a radio host could just openly come out and say she was a werewolf, and it would be accepted.
It also further investigates the work of Fleming, the scientist that was introduced in the first book. Kitty has a great cast of characters around her, such as the "honest lawyer" Ben, the vampire hunter Cormac, and a few others who she meets along the way.
Thoroughly enjoyed it, and will be continuing onto the next one.
Check out Happy Indulgence for more reviews!
March 15, 2010
This series--although I am only on book 2 is really missing something IMO. I am trying hard to like the series, but I am just finding the books a little boring. I think the idea behind the series is good. I like the humor that occasionally pops up. A werewolf named Kitty--excellent irony. The stories are a little lack luster.
Also, I have a great picture in my mind of what sexy monster hunter, Cormac must look like based on the author's description...then she has to throw in a mustache. Whamp, whamp, whamp...
✳✳ Reviewed on I ♥ Bookie Nookie Reviews
___________________________________________________
If you like this type of book, you might enjoy one of these groups. Check us out!
Menage Readers
Erotic Enchants
Bookie Nookie's Erotic Lending Group
Also, I have a great picture in my mind of what sexy monster hunter, Cormac must look like based on the author's description...then she has to throw in a mustache. Whamp, whamp, whamp...
✳✳ Reviewed on I ♥ Bookie Nookie Reviews
___________________________________________________
If you like this type of book, you might enjoy one of these groups. Check us out!
Menage Readers
Erotic Enchants
Bookie Nookie's Erotic Lending Group
February 1, 2015
When you're looking for a easy, fun and entertaining urban fantasy, Kitty Goes to Washington hits the spot.
Kitty Norville is somewhat on the run leaving her pack in the wake. She has been doing her talk radio show during her travels when her lawyer contacts her and tells her that the U.S. Congress has called Kitty to testify as an expert witness on the paranormal living among human kind.
A sexy large cat shifter, the vampire Mistress of DC, an evil and powerful being Kitty never new existed and a pack without the pack mentality all give Kitty a totally new perspective to the world she is now apart. Will it give her hope for her future as supernatural?
Much humor line the pages of Kitty's adventures in our nations capital, but her visit isn't all fun. Kitty is about to face some forever life altering trials that will stick to her forever.
I found myself emotionally invested in Kitty's newest adventure. Although it was a mostly fun and entertaining read, it also contained some serious character developments and growth. Kitty Goes to Washington is a really satisfying urban fantasy experience. I look forward to further adventures with Kitty and her ever growing supernatural and non-family.
Written by: Carrie Vaughn
Series: Kitty Norville
Sequence in Series: 2
Paperback: 336 pages
Publisher: Gollancz
Publication Date: June 1, 2011
Rating: 4 Stars
ISBN-10: 0575100702
ISBN-13: 978-0575100701
Genre: Contemporary Urban Fantasy
Find this book on: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Reviewed for: http://tometender.blogspot.com
Kitty Norville is somewhat on the run leaving her pack in the wake. She has been doing her talk radio show during her travels when her lawyer contacts her and tells her that the U.S. Congress has called Kitty to testify as an expert witness on the paranormal living among human kind.
A sexy large cat shifter, the vampire Mistress of DC, an evil and powerful being Kitty never new existed and a pack without the pack mentality all give Kitty a totally new perspective to the world she is now apart. Will it give her hope for her future as supernatural?
Much humor line the pages of Kitty's adventures in our nations capital, but her visit isn't all fun. Kitty is about to face some forever life altering trials that will stick to her forever.
I found myself emotionally invested in Kitty's newest adventure. Although it was a mostly fun and entertaining read, it also contained some serious character developments and growth. Kitty Goes to Washington is a really satisfying urban fantasy experience. I look forward to further adventures with Kitty and her ever growing supernatural and non-family.
Written by: Carrie Vaughn
Series: Kitty Norville
Sequence in Series: 2
Paperback: 336 pages
Publisher: Gollancz
Publication Date: June 1, 2011
Rating: 4 Stars
ISBN-10: 0575100702
ISBN-13: 978-0575100701
Genre: Contemporary Urban Fantasy
Find this book on: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Reviewed for: http://tometender.blogspot.com
November 30, 2010
Kitty Goes to Washington is an entertaining read. Carrie Vaughn tells a great story full of politics and adds a twist of paranormal lore. Kitty Norville is subpoenaed to testify at a Senate Subcommittee about paranatural biology. Sounds boring, right? While the politicking goes on in the human world, we are treated to all sorts of politics and posturing in the paranormal world. The latter is much more interesting.
Upon her arrival in Washington, D.C., Kitty is taken under the protection of Washington’s vampire mistress, Alette. Alette is a powerful vampire; her power seems to lie in her connections. Most of Alette’s family – her human descendants – work either in her employ or in the police force. Alette is good for Kitty. She recognizes Kitty’s potential and influence.
The Washington weres are not organized in a pack per se, but they gather at the Crescent Bar. The Crescent Bar’s owner Ahmed acts as an Alpha without officially fighting for the role.
There are so many great characters to rave about in this book. Kitty has a Latin love interest. Luis from the Brazilian consulate (and a hot, sexy, purring werejaguar) provided Kitty with some much needed distraction from the boring hearings. Kitty’s lawyer Ben was a loyal friend. He also had some surprisingly mad skills as a vampire hunter. Cormac makes a too brief appearance as a hired security team member.
The book did drag a little during the Senate hearings. There was plenty of action, excitement, deception, and treachery to make up for them. This Kitty was definitely kick-ass.
This book was about Kitty accepting herself as a werewolf and gaining confidence. For me the highlight was when Kitty realized that even though she did not belong to a pack, she surrounded herself with friends and family and they were her own pack.
I can’t wait to read the next book.
Upon her arrival in Washington, D.C., Kitty is taken under the protection of Washington’s vampire mistress, Alette. Alette is a powerful vampire; her power seems to lie in her connections. Most of Alette’s family – her human descendants – work either in her employ or in the police force. Alette is good for Kitty. She recognizes Kitty’s potential and influence.
The Washington weres are not organized in a pack per se, but they gather at the Crescent Bar. The Crescent Bar’s owner Ahmed acts as an Alpha without officially fighting for the role.
There are so many great characters to rave about in this book. Kitty has a Latin love interest. Luis from the Brazilian consulate (and a hot, sexy, purring werejaguar) provided Kitty with some much needed distraction from the boring hearings. Kitty’s lawyer Ben was a loyal friend. He also had some surprisingly mad skills as a vampire hunter. Cormac makes a too brief appearance as a hired security team member.
The book did drag a little during the Senate hearings. There was plenty of action, excitement, deception, and treachery to make up for them. This Kitty was definitely kick-ass.
This book was about Kitty accepting herself as a werewolf and gaining confidence. For me the highlight was when Kitty realized that even though she did not belong to a pack, she surrounded herself with friends and family and they were her own pack.
I can’t wait to read the next book.
August 13, 2024
After the unmitigated shitshow that was Kitty and the Midnight Hour, its fair to say I didn’t have terribly high hopes for its sophomore offerings.
Miraculously, I was pleasantly surprised. With Denver and her old Pack out of her sights, Kitty and the universe surrounding her is given room to breathe, and Kitty goes to Washington is a remarkable improvement for it.
Since leaving town, Kitty’s been living a peripatetic lifestyle, stopping by the odd radio station to do her weekly show, The Midnight Hour, and soaking in some much needed independence. Of course, the cliffhanger from the last book comes to play and Kitty is subpoenaed by the Senate to attend a hearing about all the preternatural research that’s been disclosed to the public.
I like the exploration of Kitty becoming an unwilling activist and spokesperson for a cause she’s found herself embroiled in through circumstances out of her control. Ben, her lawyer, plays a larger role and its nice to have a male character that isn’t scintillating abs and fiery machismo for Kitty to bounce off of. Luis, fits that role and never overstays his welcome — or the page-count, for that matter.
Luis is a fun diversion for the story, and it also give Vaughn the opportunity to course-correct the record on what a Pack is. We learn alongside Kitty that there’s more than one way to run a Pack, and the wistfulness with which Kitty grapples with it is touching, if a little rushed.
One issue I’ve always had with this brand of Urban Fantasy is how male-dominated the cast is around our female protagonist. While this book doesn’t solve that issue, we do get Alette, the vampire ruler of the territory around Washington. Every scene and insight we got about her I loved.
However, toward the end of the book, Kitty saves Alette from certain death after Leo, one of her own, betrays her. Alette’s grief over Leo’s death is somewhat marred by an observation Kitty makes:
Regardless, I really enjoyed Kitty goes to Washington.
Miraculously, I was pleasantly surprised. With Denver and her old Pack out of her sights, Kitty and the universe surrounding her is given room to breathe, and Kitty goes to Washington is a remarkable improvement for it.
Since leaving town, Kitty’s been living a peripatetic lifestyle, stopping by the odd radio station to do her weekly show, The Midnight Hour, and soaking in some much needed independence. Of course, the cliffhanger from the last book comes to play and Kitty is subpoenaed by the Senate to attend a hearing about all the preternatural research that’s been disclosed to the public.
I like the exploration of Kitty becoming an unwilling activist and spokesperson for a cause she’s found herself embroiled in through circumstances out of her control. Ben, her lawyer, plays a larger role and its nice to have a male character that isn’t scintillating abs and fiery machismo for Kitty to bounce off of. Luis, fits that role and never overstays his welcome — or the page-count, for that matter.
Luis is a fun diversion for the story, and it also give Vaughn the opportunity to course-correct the record on what a Pack is. We learn alongside Kitty that there’s more than one way to run a Pack, and the wistfulness with which Kitty grapples with it is touching, if a little rushed.
One issue I’ve always had with this brand of Urban Fantasy is how male-dominated the cast is around our female protagonist. While this book doesn’t solve that issue, we do get Alette, the vampire ruler of the territory around Washington. Every scene and insight we got about her I loved.
However, toward the end of the book, Kitty saves Alette from certain death after Leo, one of her own, betrays her. Alette’s grief over Leo’s death is somewhat marred by an observation Kitty makes:
Those words had been spoken by every woman who had ever been screwed over by a boyfriend.In one devastating sentence, Kitty minimizes a relationship that’s spanned two centuries — not just that, but one that ended in betrayal and multiple deaths. But no, all us girls have been there. It’s moronic.
Regardless, I really enjoyed Kitty goes to Washington.
July 10, 2017
Definitely liked this one more than I did the second one but still not sure about it in terms of do I really want to read all 14 books? I guess only time, and books! will tell. I will try the third one though because I can see how it will turn into a fun series.
January 5, 2023
Kitty Goes to Washington is about Kitty Norville being informed by her lawyer Ben O'Farrell that she has been summoned by the Senate Subcommittee hearings to testify on Paranormal Biology. The committee wants to know if it is safe for the paranormal community to live among the human population. Senator Joseph Duke wants to prove that the Weres and the Vampires are monsters, and that they are not fit to live among Homo Sapiens. He is willing to do anything to prove his point; even kidnapping and violating privacy.
The politicking of the human world is not as fascinating as the politicking of the paranormal world. Kitty, upon arrival in Washington, D.C., is placed under the protection of the vampire mistress Alette. She is powerful vampire. Her power comes from her connections throughout the Washington, D.C. area. Alette feels the Were community is not safe. We find out this is because it doesn't have an alpha. Instead, the community is comprised of different kinds of Weres who meet at the Crescent, a local Were bar. Its owner, Ahmed, is the unofficial alpha. He didn't fight for the honor of being alpha, but still the various Weres turn to him. Ahmed has a laid-back attitude and doesn't get involved with the human or the vampire politics.
We also meet the sexy were-jaguar, Luis. He is with the Brazilian Consulate. Kitty and Luis are attracted to each other. She feels safe with him. Their relationship grows, but will it be lasting? Another character we meet is German Were Fritz Perlmutter. Every day at four in the afternoon he comes in to have a glass of schnaps. Fritz has a fascinating story about Weres and the army, which Kitty would love to interview him for on the Midnight Hour radio show.
We meet some familiar characters from book one, such as Cormac Bennett, Ben O'Farrell, Dr. Paul Flemming and Elijah Smith. Ben O'Farrell represents Kitty at the Senate Subcommittee hearings. He, along with Cormac, save Kitty when she gets involved in dangerous vampire politics. Dr. Paul Flemming is still trying to get funding for his program on Paranormal Biology. Elijah Smith turns out to be a being Kitty has never encountered before.
I liked this novel better than the first book, Kitty and the Midnight Hour. Kitty is more assertive. She is growing in confidence as a long werewolf without a pack. She still has some submissive moments. These moments, however, fit with her maturing personality. Kitty is becoming more independent and is developing a different viewpoint of what comprises a Were pack. I liked her character in this novel. The plot is more tightly written. The subplots lead up to the climax of the story. The descriptions were vivid, but not graphic. The dialogue flowed easily from character to character. The pacing slowed a bit during the Senate Subcommittee hearings, but more than made up for it in the last one-third of the novel. The narrator, Marguerite Gavin, for this audiobook included British and German accents for some of the newer characters. Gavin did a fair job with the accents and with differentiating among the characters' voices. Kitty Goes to Washington is a good continuation of the series. I look forward to listening to book number three, Kitty Takes a Holiday.
The politicking of the human world is not as fascinating as the politicking of the paranormal world. Kitty, upon arrival in Washington, D.C., is placed under the protection of the vampire mistress Alette. She is powerful vampire. Her power comes from her connections throughout the Washington, D.C. area. Alette feels the Were community is not safe. We find out this is because it doesn't have an alpha. Instead, the community is comprised of different kinds of Weres who meet at the Crescent, a local Were bar. Its owner, Ahmed, is the unofficial alpha. He didn't fight for the honor of being alpha, but still the various Weres turn to him. Ahmed has a laid-back attitude and doesn't get involved with the human or the vampire politics.
We also meet the sexy were-jaguar, Luis. He is with the Brazilian Consulate. Kitty and Luis are attracted to each other. She feels safe with him. Their relationship grows, but will it be lasting? Another character we meet is German Were Fritz Perlmutter. Every day at four in the afternoon he comes in to have a glass of schnaps. Fritz has a fascinating story about Weres and the army, which Kitty would love to interview him for on the Midnight Hour radio show.
We meet some familiar characters from book one, such as Cormac Bennett, Ben O'Farrell, Dr. Paul Flemming and Elijah Smith. Ben O'Farrell represents Kitty at the Senate Subcommittee hearings. He, along with Cormac, save Kitty when she gets involved in dangerous vampire politics. Dr. Paul Flemming is still trying to get funding for his program on Paranormal Biology. Elijah Smith turns out to be a being Kitty has never encountered before.
I liked this novel better than the first book, Kitty and the Midnight Hour. Kitty is more assertive. She is growing in confidence as a long werewolf without a pack. She still has some submissive moments. These moments, however, fit with her maturing personality. Kitty is becoming more independent and is developing a different viewpoint of what comprises a Were pack. I liked her character in this novel. The plot is more tightly written. The subplots lead up to the climax of the story. The descriptions were vivid, but not graphic. The dialogue flowed easily from character to character. The pacing slowed a bit during the Senate Subcommittee hearings, but more than made up for it in the last one-third of the novel. The narrator, Marguerite Gavin, for this audiobook included British and German accents for some of the newer characters. Gavin did a fair job with the accents and with differentiating among the characters' voices. Kitty Goes to Washington is a good continuation of the series. I look forward to listening to book number three, Kitty Takes a Holiday.
February 20, 2017
4.5 stars - great!
I really enjoyed this story, it was pretty fabulous. Kitty showed greater strength than she had in book one, more maturity, and she found a group of shapeshifters living in harmony, so my hopes of seeing her find a healthier pack came sort of true (just for her time in Washington DC).
I laughed out loud, or at least smiled wide enough that my cheeks hurt, three times, and I had tears pooling in my eyes once. It is thanks to these emotional feelings that I'm giving an otherwise 4-star-really-enjoyed book a 4.5-star-great rating. :-)
The first of the lines that made me laugh was on page 27 in Chapter 2. Kitty is talking with Dr. Paul Flemming live on-air on her show and we have this exchange:
The next two quotes didn't make me laugh, I don't think, but I remember smiling big enough to make my cheeks hurt. ;-)
On page 191 (Chapter 9), we have this exchange between Benjamin "Ben" O'Farrell (Kitty's lawyer and ):
And lastly, on page 217 (Chapter 10), we have this humorous exchange between Luis (a werejaguar!) and Kitty, who has just hung up from a phone conversation with her mother:
The scene that brought tears to my eyes was in the Epilogue, on page 315. Kitty
I really liked Alette (vampire), and Ahmed (werewolf), and Luis (werejaguar!), and Jeffrey Miles (psychic: a medium), and even Fritz (werewolf; ). So I am rather sad that Kitty is moving on to a new place.
I was also very happy to find out exactly what sort of being was Elijah Smith. ()
In sum, I really (really) enjoyed this second Kitty Norville book. We learned some things, met some fascinating new characters, and were left with a few questions, but nothing too earth-shattering.
In other words, if I didn't want to continue this series, this book would have been a satisfying conclusion for me. Instead, though, I enjoyed this book enough that I do want to give book three a try. :-)
And in closing, for my benefit since I'm not sure when I'll be able to read book three, here is how this second book ends:
:-)
In proofreading this earlier, I realized that I forgot to share any details about the plot of this book. *gasp* So please let me correct this oversight now:
Kitty is in Washington DC to take part in Senate Hearings regarding the Center for the Study of Paranatural Biology. When she arrives, she
As for the Senate Hearings, by the end,
I also LOVE that Ben :-)
And it looks like I completely forgot about the short story at the end of the book, too! "Kitty Meets the Band" was simply delightful. The ending left me with a huge smile on my face. :-D
In the short, Kitty was doing her show from Los Angeles, which is where she was immediately before heading to Washington DC. (At least, I think I remember reading about this stop in the beginning of the book.) As her special guests, she had the band, Plague of Locusts. And Plague of Locusts is
In the end, :-)
The final lines of the short story? After :-)
I really enjoyed this story, it was pretty fabulous. Kitty showed greater strength than she had in book one, more maturity, and she found a group of shapeshifters living in harmony, so my hopes of seeing her find a healthier pack came sort of true (just for her time in Washington DC).
I laughed out loud, or at least smiled wide enough that my cheeks hurt, three times, and I had tears pooling in my eyes once. It is thanks to these emotional feelings that I'm giving an otherwise 4-star-really-enjoyed book a 4.5-star-great rating. :-)
The first of the lines that made me laugh was on page 27 in Chapter 2. Kitty is talking with Dr. Paul Flemming live on-air on her show and we have this exchange:
“I suppose I’ve always appreciated a good mystery,” he said.It's that last line that surprised a laugh out of me. "Surefire weight loss on a diet of chocolate ice cream." lol ;-)
“But there are so many other mysteries for a medical doctor to unravel. Like a cure for cancer. Surefire weight loss on a diet of chocolate ice cream.”
The next two quotes didn't make me laugh, I don't think, but I remember smiling big enough to make my cheeks hurt. ;-)
On page 191 (Chapter 9), we have this exchange between Benjamin "Ben" O'Farrell (Kitty's lawyer and ):
“It’s not something you’re going to end up in court over, is it?”*hehehe* ;-)
Not human court, at any rate. “No, I don’t think so.”
He sighed. “Just for you, I think I’m going to raise my rates. To pay for the hair loss treatments.”
And lastly, on page 217 (Chapter 10), we have this humorous exchange between Luis (a werejaguar!) and Kitty, who has just hung up from a phone conversation with her mother:
“I assume Cheryl is your sister? Which means you have a nephew named Jeffy?”I might have laughed, just a little bit, at this one. ;-)
“And a three-year-old niece named Nicky.” He was still smirking. As if I could help it that my sister had picked names straight out of a 1950s sitcom. “Are you making fun of my normal family?”
“Not at all. Not at all.” He considered thoughtfully, then added, “Jeffy?”
I threw a pillow at him.
The scene that brought tears to my eyes was in the Epilogue, on page 315. Kitty
I really liked Alette (vampire), and Ahmed (werewolf), and Luis (werejaguar!), and Jeffrey Miles (psychic: a medium), and even Fritz (werewolf; ). So I am rather sad that Kitty is moving on to a new place.
I was also very happy to find out exactly what sort of being was Elijah Smith. ()
In sum, I really (really) enjoyed this second Kitty Norville book. We learned some things, met some fascinating new characters, and were left with a few questions, but nothing too earth-shattering.
In other words, if I didn't want to continue this series, this book would have been a satisfying conclusion for me. Instead, though, I enjoyed this book enough that I do want to give book three a try. :-)
And in closing, for my benefit since I'm not sure when I'll be able to read book three, here is how this second book ends:
:-)
In proofreading this earlier, I realized that I forgot to share any details about the plot of this book. *gasp* So please let me correct this oversight now:
Kitty is in Washington DC to take part in Senate Hearings regarding the Center for the Study of Paranatural Biology. When she arrives, she
As for the Senate Hearings, by the end,
I also LOVE that Ben :-)
And it looks like I completely forgot about the short story at the end of the book, too! "Kitty Meets the Band" was simply delightful. The ending left me with a huge smile on my face. :-D
In the short, Kitty was doing her show from Los Angeles, which is where she was immediately before heading to Washington DC. (At least, I think I remember reading about this stop in the beginning of the book.) As her special guests, she had the band, Plague of Locusts. And Plague of Locusts is
In the end, :-)
The final lines of the short story? After :-)
January 22, 2016
I brought the first three Kitty books hoping for a truly interesting read. I’ve never been the biggest of werewolf fans – I like them, but I do not love them in the way I love other supernatural creatures – yet I was hoping this series would turn me around. It was such a promising idea. It was such an interesting idea. A radio host of a supernatural chat show who just so happens to be a werewolf – colour me interested.
Unfortunately, the story failed to pull me in the way I had hope it would.
After being left with a feeling of ‘meh’ from the first book, I wasn’t overly eager to pick up the second book in the series. However, as it was sitting on my bookshelf I went ahead and picked it up. I cannot leave a book unread when I own it. Even when I hate a book I try my damnedest to work my way through it. So it was that I picked up the second book in the series.
Fortunately, things picked up somewhat in this book.
The book still failed to move above a three star rating, yet I wasn’t as inclined to consider a possible two stars – as I had been with the first book. With this one, we have a solid three star rating based upon what occurred.
In this one, we find out more about the supernatural world. We go beyond the dysfunctional group dynamics of Kitty’s original pack, which seems to allow Kitty to grow as a character (with her being not quite as weak an individual in this second book). We find out about other supernatural creatures, mostly we find out more about the other ‘were’ creatures that exist in the world. All we knew about the creatures from the first book is but a small aspect of what exists.
Not only that, but the underlying story continues on. Aspects that came to light in the first book continue forward in this one, making for some very interesting events. In fact, a lot more happened in this one than in the first book. Things progressed at a real rate this time, with real activity occurring to leave you wanting to read more.
Overall, it was quite the improvement on the first book.
Unfortunately, the story failed to pull me in the way I had hope it would.
After being left with a feeling of ‘meh’ from the first book, I wasn’t overly eager to pick up the second book in the series. However, as it was sitting on my bookshelf I went ahead and picked it up. I cannot leave a book unread when I own it. Even when I hate a book I try my damnedest to work my way through it. So it was that I picked up the second book in the series.
Fortunately, things picked up somewhat in this book.
The book still failed to move above a three star rating, yet I wasn’t as inclined to consider a possible two stars – as I had been with the first book. With this one, we have a solid three star rating based upon what occurred.
In this one, we find out more about the supernatural world. We go beyond the dysfunctional group dynamics of Kitty’s original pack, which seems to allow Kitty to grow as a character (with her being not quite as weak an individual in this second book). We find out about other supernatural creatures, mostly we find out more about the other ‘were’ creatures that exist in the world. All we knew about the creatures from the first book is but a small aspect of what exists.
Not only that, but the underlying story continues on. Aspects that came to light in the first book continue forward in this one, making for some very interesting events. In fact, a lot more happened in this one than in the first book. Things progressed at a real rate this time, with real activity occurring to leave you wanting to read more.
Overall, it was quite the improvement on the first book.
July 27, 2017
I think this Kitty series has a chance of growing into something interesting. But this book was not it's champion. To me it was extremely boring. There were a few sparks but nothing caught fire.
The book is based around the Senate hearing for Paranormal research. The author seems to have researched the process and it reads like a real court transcript. And by that I mean it's boring.
Have I said boring twice now? Well I guess that makes three times now.
Now there are a few things I liked. The introduction of Estelle and her very small covent was interesting. A female vampire who is powerful enough to hold a city with only 3 members in her covent. Pretty impressive.
I am curious of what may happen with Kitty and the wolf hunter. I would have liked some good banter between the two of them.
I absolutely DID NOT Care for Kitty bedding the first shifter who is nice to her. I mean she literally sleep with the first shifter. No love. No chase. No build up. Just a Hello and then bumping-n-grinding.
Personally, it is hard to relate to such a weak female lead. She still steps back to let a male protect her. And did I mention she is very nosey. How are you going to be a nosey and be a scared-y cat at the same time?
I won't be jumping to Book 3. I may come back around and give the series another chance when I'm desperate. But I think for now I'll give Kitty the deuces and see her when I see her.
Audible Books Listener
The book is based around the Senate hearing for Paranormal research. The author seems to have researched the process and it reads like a real court transcript. And by that I mean it's boring.
Have I said boring twice now? Well I guess that makes three times now.
Now there are a few things I liked. The introduction of Estelle and her very small covent was interesting. A female vampire who is powerful enough to hold a city with only 3 members in her covent. Pretty impressive.
I am curious of what may happen with Kitty and the wolf hunter. I would have liked some good banter between the two of them.
I absolutely DID NOT Care for Kitty bedding the first shifter who is nice to her. I mean she literally sleep with the first shifter. No love. No chase. No build up. Just a Hello and then bumping-n-grinding.
Personally, it is hard to relate to such a weak female lead. She still steps back to let a male protect her. And did I mention she is very nosey. How are you going to be a nosey and be a scared-y cat at the same time?
I won't be jumping to Book 3. I may come back around and give the series another chance when I'm desperate. But I think for now I'll give Kitty the deuces and see her when I see her.
Audible Books Listener
October 23, 2014
I almost gave this 4 stars because the book takes an interesting look at what our government would do if confronted by vampires & werewolves. It wasn't very in depth, of course. This is a candy book - fun, enjoyable & a quick read. Still, she tackled a bit more than I would have expected. Good series so far. On to the next, "Kitty takes a Holiday". Since Kitty is a werewolf, it's bound to be fun.
February 27, 2021
Kitty Goes to Washington
3.5 Stars
As the title implies, Werewolf radio talkshow host, Kitty Norville, travels to the capitol to testify before a Senate committee on the existence of supernatural beings. While there, she becomes involved in the various agendas and machinations of a variety of dangerous groups - vampires, lycanthropes, and politicians.
Despite its potential, this follow-up novel falls short of expectations. The first half of the book is slow with a great deal of exposition, and the second half fails to capitalize on the small amount of tension that does build up.
Kitty's characterization is problematic. Not only does her poor decision-making play into the dumb blond stereotype, but she is too much of a damsel in distress in need of rescue. The woman is a freaking werewolf for crying out loud, yet
In terms of the plot, there are several threads that ultimately come together, but each is rather anti-climactic and is resolved either too easily or by an almost deus-ex machina element.
Despite these issues, Kitty is a very appealing heroine and the secondary cast is interesting enough to continue with the series. Moreover, Marguerite Gavin's narration of the audiobook is excellent. I could listen to her read the phonebook and enjoy it.
3.5 Stars
As the title implies, Werewolf radio talkshow host, Kitty Norville, travels to the capitol to testify before a Senate committee on the existence of supernatural beings. While there, she becomes involved in the various agendas and machinations of a variety of dangerous groups - vampires, lycanthropes, and politicians.
Despite its potential, this follow-up novel falls short of expectations. The first half of the book is slow with a great deal of exposition, and the second half fails to capitalize on the small amount of tension that does build up.
Kitty's characterization is problematic. Not only does her poor decision-making play into the dumb blond stereotype, but she is too much of a damsel in distress in need of rescue. The woman is a freaking werewolf for crying out loud, yet
In terms of the plot, there are several threads that ultimately come together, but each is rather anti-climactic and is resolved either too easily or by an almost deus-ex machina element.
Despite these issues, Kitty is a very appealing heroine and the secondary cast is interesting enough to continue with the series. Moreover, Marguerite Gavin's narration of the audiobook is excellent. I could listen to her read the phonebook and enjoy it.
May 6, 2020
This series has become my new obsession. Its sooo important to have a series to binge in these difficult times. Even if other books failed you, you know u can come back to this series and seek solace.
This series is pretty rare in the sense that Kitty have a pack in the first book and everything went to shit in the first book and Kitty went on and start on a clean blank slate. Very unexpected
Going to Washington bring about a new set of challenges for Kitty. Wow I don't even have words for how crazy this story is. Kitty being involved in politics a totally new ball game. I am not so gung ho over her and Louise but I am happy to see how she progress with Cormick
This series is pretty rare in the sense that Kitty have a pack in the first book and everything went to shit in the first book and Kitty went on and start on a clean blank slate. Very unexpected
Going to Washington bring about a new set of challenges for Kitty. Wow I don't even have words for how crazy this story is. Kitty being involved in politics a totally new ball game. I am not so gung ho over her and Louise but I am happy to see how she progress with Cormick
September 19, 2015
3.5 Stars
"Kitty Goes to Washington" is the second instalment in the Kitty Norville series by Carrie Vaughn. It pretty much beings where 'Kitty and the Midnight Hour' finished.
Kitty is on the run after leaving her pack and abusive alphas. She's moving from city to city, doing her radio show, The Midnight Hour as she travels. This time she ends up staying in Washington after agreeing to an interview with a senator. She's also asked by the Vampire Mistress of the City to stay with her, which is a little awkward as Kitty doesn't know or trust her.
There's lots of political intrigue and Kitty is called to testify at a Senate hearing about supernaturals. Also, the creepy Elijah Smith who we meet in 'Kitty and the Midnight Hour' is back and there's a surprising twist to his story which was quite exciting.
There's a little bit of romance but not with who I wanted it to be, which was a bit disappointing - it's sure to come in subsequent books, right? Kitty also meets up with different Lyncanthropes, a were-fox and were-jaguar, and finds that harmony can be achieved to a point without a pack.
However, for me Kitty still has to move on with regards to her submission. She's getting better but it's still there. I want her to be independent and see her stand up for herself more, but she wants to submit to everyone who challenges her, which frustrates me.
Despite this slightly annoying personality trait, I am growing to really like Kitty, I feel as though she's just working things out herself, she hasn't been a werewolf long and I'm hoping we'll soon see an amazing, determined, independent women who utilises her werewolf strengths.
I really enjoy Vaughn's writing. It gives a definite sense of where Kitty is in her world and creates believable characters. I love all the secondary characters, especially Ben, her Lawyer and Cormac, a bounty hunter. We also get to meet other interesting characters in this book, although not all likable, such as an irritating reporter who keeps getting in Kitty's face and asking intrusive questions and a scientist who's researching supernaturals, who I dislike intensely and don't trust at all, and rightly so after what he does to Kitty...
VERDICT:
A really enjoyable second instalment. "Kitty Goes to Washington" is jam-packed with action and mystery, and I'm interested in seeing how Kitty deals with things after all that has happened to her. I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series, 'Kitty Takes A Holiday'!
"Kitty Goes to Washington" is the second instalment in the Kitty Norville series by Carrie Vaughn. It pretty much beings where 'Kitty and the Midnight Hour' finished.
Kitty is on the run after leaving her pack and abusive alphas. She's moving from city to city, doing her radio show, The Midnight Hour as she travels. This time she ends up staying in Washington after agreeing to an interview with a senator. She's also asked by the Vampire Mistress of the City to stay with her, which is a little awkward as Kitty doesn't know or trust her.
There's lots of political intrigue and Kitty is called to testify at a Senate hearing about supernaturals. Also, the creepy Elijah Smith who we meet in 'Kitty and the Midnight Hour' is back and there's a surprising twist to his story which was quite exciting.
There's a little bit of romance but not with who I wanted it to be, which was a bit disappointing - it's sure to come in subsequent books, right? Kitty also meets up with different Lyncanthropes, a were-fox and were-jaguar, and finds that harmony can be achieved to a point without a pack.
However, for me Kitty still has to move on with regards to her submission. She's getting better but it's still there. I want her to be independent and see her stand up for herself more, but she wants to submit to everyone who challenges her, which frustrates me.
Despite this slightly annoying personality trait, I am growing to really like Kitty, I feel as though she's just working things out herself, she hasn't been a werewolf long and I'm hoping we'll soon see an amazing, determined, independent women who utilises her werewolf strengths.
I really enjoy Vaughn's writing. It gives a definite sense of where Kitty is in her world and creates believable characters. I love all the secondary characters, especially Ben, her Lawyer and Cormac, a bounty hunter. We also get to meet other interesting characters in this book, although not all likable, such as an irritating reporter who keeps getting in Kitty's face and asking intrusive questions and a scientist who's researching supernaturals, who I dislike intensely and don't trust at all, and rightly so after what he does to Kitty...
VERDICT:
A really enjoyable second instalment. "Kitty Goes to Washington" is jam-packed with action and mystery, and I'm interested in seeing how Kitty deals with things after all that has happened to her. I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series, 'Kitty Takes A Holiday'!
March 8, 2018
While I enjoyed the first book in this series, Kitty Goes to Washington is decidedly better. She’s out on her own, dealing with the trauma of what happened to her in her pack, and just trying to figure herself out. However, she’s asked to testify at a Senate hearing on behalf of supernaturals, which will potentially affect how everyone views them. Will laws be passed against them, will they be hunted after this? It’s a huge concern, so she decides to involve herself in it and do something about it. Meanwhile, supernatural evangelical dude bro (I forget his name, sorry) who’s able to “cure” supernaturals also makes an appearance, and Kitty finds that the shifter community isn’t as structured as she thought.
I really loved how all of this came together. Some stuff left hanging from the first book is resolved, and we’re given a much deeper look into the supernatural community, now that Kitty is away from Pack restraints and can explore on her own. I liked being able to learn more about vampires and that more types of supernaturals and non-human beings were vaguely introduced. I’m excited to see that come into play in later books. I also genuinely enjoyed reading Kitty’s transition from dependent pack member to mostly independent young woman figuring out her place in the world.
Adding in politics is a nice bonus, because we can’t get away from that in real life, so it felt realistic to have this debated on the Senate floor. I especially appreciated the racist/prejudiced Senator who’s out to prove something against supernaturals. That was sadly too realistic. There are a couple more plot lines that involve other supernaturals, and I was happy to see them all nicely woven together into something that made sense.
There’s some romance, but it doesn’t take over the plot. It was just enough of a taste for me to make this book seem reasonable, especially with everything else going on.
Overall, Kitty is a likeable character, it’s easy to read her do just about anything. I enjoyed this book quite a bit and am excited to see this world and Kitty’s character develop in future books.
Also posted on Purple People Readers
I really loved how all of this came together. Some stuff left hanging from the first book is resolved, and we’re given a much deeper look into the supernatural community, now that Kitty is away from Pack restraints and can explore on her own. I liked being able to learn more about vampires and that more types of supernaturals and non-human beings were vaguely introduced. I’m excited to see that come into play in later books. I also genuinely enjoyed reading Kitty’s transition from dependent pack member to mostly independent young woman figuring out her place in the world.
Adding in politics is a nice bonus, because we can’t get away from that in real life, so it felt realistic to have this debated on the Senate floor. I especially appreciated the racist/prejudiced Senator who’s out to prove something against supernaturals. That was sadly too realistic. There are a couple more plot lines that involve other supernaturals, and I was happy to see them all nicely woven together into something that made sense.
There’s some romance, but it doesn’t take over the plot. It was just enough of a taste for me to make this book seem reasonable, especially with everything else going on.
Overall, Kitty is a likeable character, it’s easy to read her do just about anything. I enjoyed this book quite a bit and am excited to see this world and Kitty’s character develop in future books.
Also posted on Purple People Readers
July 11, 2009
This book is more serious than the first book. Kitty's off to Washington to testify before a Senate committee chaired by a Christianist demagogue about the newly emergent vampire and were communities. She is welcomed by Washington's primary vampire, centuries old Alette, who tells her the city's packs are anarchic and dangerous, and houses Kitty herself. When Kitty meets the city's pack leaders at their restaurant headquarters, she discovers rather that they are un-Pack, that they feel the Pack system is an oppressive one. Kitty finds this really attractive, but she is still wrestling with the loneliness of being pack-less herself, and she has little time to think things over. Not only is she attending the committee meetings in the company of her attorney Ben to hear others testify, but she grabs the chance to deal with the charismatic preacher who claims to heal vampires and werewolves, only to keep them with him afterwards. The action comes hard and heavy after that, as Kitty comes to learn that while many people offer her friendship, it may be the only ones she can trust are the vampire/werewolf killer Cormac and his friend/her attorney Ben.
June 5, 2017
I enjoyed Kitty's world, but I found it weird how she wasn't allowed to interact with other shifters due to their instability or whatever and how Kitty only took the word of a vamp. On the flip side, I found it interesting that this particular vamp wanted to help her, I was ultimately surprised. This whole thing with the hearing and stuff was actually quite boring especially when we found out that the Senator was it?, wanted to keep her from testifying until the full moon when she was more volitile. Instead things go completely wrong and I'm so disgusted by the senator's religious rhetoric and how he used his fear mongering into helping his adgenda. He really is a complete nut. I did find it interesting how she was interested in the jaguar guy, that was cool. Though I feel like Kitty doesn't want to be Alpha due to the responsibility, I think she is a natural Alpha, and needs to realize this instead she keeps turning other shifters away from her when she could be helping them since it appears the non-alphas respond to her. I suspect at some point she will find her Alpha male and together will lead a pack, unless she does it on her own.
November 23, 2015
This is an excellent followup to Carrie's first Kitty book. It is certainly not simply more of the same, but a story all on its own. You could even read this without having read the first one and get the full effect, though I'd still recommend reading the first book to get the full background on Kitty herself.
While book 1 is full of action, this read more like a mystery wrapped up in government conspiracy and McCarthyist type witch hunting. It was almost like a light paced Tom Clancy with a dab of supernatural.
I still love how Carrie portrays Kitty. She's a werewolf and she can be badass, but most of the time she's a simple girl with the fears and concerns shared by many women her age. She's a strong character in the sense that she's real. It isn't her supernatural abilities that give her strength, but her personality.
My favorite moment in the book: "And Ben, if your watching? Just one word: lawsuit."
While book 1 is full of action, this read more like a mystery wrapped up in government conspiracy and McCarthyist type witch hunting. It was almost like a light paced Tom Clancy with a dab of supernatural.
I still love how Carrie portrays Kitty. She's a werewolf and she can be badass, but most of the time she's a simple girl with the fears and concerns shared by many women her age. She's a strong character in the sense that she's real. It isn't her supernatural abilities that give her strength, but her personality.
My favorite moment in the book: "And Ben, if your watching? Just one word: lawsuit."
August 1, 2017
I wanted to like it, I really did. The plot is so convoluted though. It's a case of writing in character actions that characters wouldn't ever really take just to further the plot.
I'll probably give the next book another shot but it better be better than this nonsense.
I'll probably give the next book another shot but it better be better than this nonsense.
January 29, 2011
What the he** happened? I would think the character of kitty is supposed to "evolve", become stronger, more confident. Exactly the opposite happened!! It was nervewracking! I really forced myself to end this book. Kittys character was downright pathetic... I really was looking forward (after I read the first book) to see Kitty grow stronger but... I was bitterly dissapointed... and (SPOILER) a magic circle of salt, bread and other herbs killed Elijah Smith who was supposedly a fey... What?! Come on... There could have been a whole book based on Kitty and Elijah. The charakter seemed really interesting, strange and mysterious... One word: waste! :(
Ps.: After the first book I was sure I've found a series that I would pursue but the second book was so much of a dissapointment that I don't think I'll go on reading the others. :(
Ps.: After the first book I was sure I've found a series that I would pursue but the second book was so much of a dissapointment that I don't think I'll go on reading the others. :(
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 10, 2016
The story really shapes up as it goes along and took some very entertaining turns. It isn’t nearly as dark and unhappy as the first installment, and there was practically no gore (yay!). (I'm a wimp.) Kitty is getting over her abusive pack and starting to assemble a new, supportive team. I ended up liking Alette the vampire; lawyer Ben and mercenary Cormac are starting to develop more as characters (and have a couple of fun entrances); and I wouldn't mind seeing psychic Jeffrey in a future book, either.
January 22, 2016
This one was much better than the first. Kitty is really coming into her own but she still has a bit part of her that's a scaredy cat and I'm tickled that she doesn't deny it exists. She's brave, doing the right thing in spite of wanting to run, but she doesn't deny that she wants to run anyway. I like that.
I'm enjoying this series. On to the next.
I'm enjoying this series. On to the next.
September 2, 2015
I liked the first one better. This one was somewhat disjointed, but I will probably continue on with the series. I like Kitty's character and I enjoy the radio show aspect.
April 5, 2017
Second in the Kitty Norville urban fantasy series about a werewolf radio show host in Denver.
My Take
I enjoyed this! And I sometimes hate that I won't allow myself to read the next installment in a series until I've done the just-finished story's review first!
The series, Kitty Norville, is total fluff and lots of fun while Kitty herself has a nice sense of honor even as she's trying to find herself in the new role life has thrust upon her. Vaughn presents a nice balance of Kitty becoming stronger in herself while remaining considerate of others. She makes a nice argument about treating shifters and vampires as people.
Oh, crack me up! I just love the caller to Kitty's radio show who "knows" she's an expert on Dracula because she's seen every Bram Stoker-inspired movie. I love Kitty's statement about the book — that it's the techno-thriller of its time. True enough. Makes me wonder what "techno-thriller" of our day will be the Dracula classic in a hundred years. Vaughn also provides an interesting interpretation of Daniel in the lion's den…hmmmm…
What is the deal with Alette? Kitty is an adult and Alette is not her mother! Oh, snicker! I just love Duke's reaction to discovering his pet assassin has a pre-existing relationship..! With Duke's nemesis. I dunno, the denouement with Smith was too easy.
Ya know, in spite of Alette's hijacking and her attitude, I much prefer her to Ahmed. She's got a lot more humanity in her. Between her help with the camp's breakup and her comment that "immortality ought to make one more sensitive to the plight of the downtrodden, and more apt to work toward the betterment of humanity. Not less." Because it's true, vampires do "have the luxury of taking the long view".
So, did'ja hear the joke about the bigot, the opportunists, and the scientist…? Yeah, it wasn't much of a joke although Kitty did a great job of turning it around at least a little bit. What is it with bigots and extremists? That they believe they can get away with anything if it forwards their agenda?? I am rather surprised that the bad guys let Kitty get away with her announcements. Wouldn't it just figure the FCC would grab the wrong end of the stick?
What Kitty and Cormac discover — and experience — is just nasty…and that's a major understatement! I'm just dying to find out what happens in Kitty Takes a Holiday !
The Story
Kitty's been on the road with her show for a month now when Ben contacts her to let her know about the subpoena from Washington. Seems Kitty has been established as the go-to girl on supernaturals, and Dr. Flemming's press conference has blown the lid off things.
Kitty has barely arrived before she's hijacked by the Mistress of the City's MIB and "invited" to stay at her home. Seems some of the vampires have different concerns from the Mistress. Meanwhile Kitty also explores the shifter's side.
It's Kitty's reporter instincts that unravel the evils percolating away in our capital city.
The Characters
Kitty Norville was slaving away at a local radio station until she "accidentally" outed herself and ended up going on the road with her supernatural talk show. Hmmm, this is much too simplistic a statement, but I'd hate to ruin your reading fun..! Her mom and dad are totally cool with her new condition. Cormac is a vampire and werewolf hunter and yet, a friend of Kitty's.
KNOB is…
…the radio station in Denver. Matt from KNOB still handles the engineering albeit at a distance while Ozzie, KNOB's manager, takes care of the legal end. Ben O'Farrell is her lawyer and quite comfortable with her other half.
Dr. Paul Flemming heads up the Center for the Study of Paranatural Biology which is the focus of the Senate hearing. He's behaving very secretively — shredding papers, avoiding Kitty's calls, etc. Jeffrey Miles is a professional psychic and channeler with an unexpected surprise for Kitty. Reverend Elijah Smith is a faith healer (we first met his idea of healing in his Church of the Pure Faith in Kitty and the Midnight Hour ); he's got an interesting background and a terrifying future plan.
Alette is the Mistress of Washington D.C. A vampire with the police in her pocket. Her MIB, Tom and Bradley, are both considerate and implacable. Leo is Alette's second-in-command and quite the snot. Emma is Alette's unfortunate descendant.
Luis is a jaguar shifter who works at the Brazilian embassy. Ahmed is a shifter who owns a Moroccan restaurant that seems to operate as a general headquarters for all shifters even though Ahmed is totally without concern for his fellow shifters. Don't even get me started on his thoughts about the vamps. Fritz is an old, very private werewolf with a very chequered past.
Senator Duke is the head of the committee investigating the supernatural and Dr. Flemming's center. He's also a major bigot and asshole with his own very nasty agenda. His fellow senators on the committee are Henderson and Dreschler.
Roger Stockton is a reporter with Uncharted World, a rather sleazy tabloid. Think of every bad thing you've heard about a reporter's persistence and lack of regard for his targets…
The Cover and Title
The cover is range of oranges from the deep, deep red-orange of the sky with its full moon to the orange-and-black palette that makes up the Brazilian jaguar's pelt. Kitty herself is cocking a pose with her back to us in her short black dress with the wide banded straps trimmed in a pale orange that matches the wide trim that emphasizes the bust of the dress. Kitty is in front of a microphone but looking down at Luis with a satisfied look on her face.
The title is scarily accurate for indeed Kitty Goes to Washington, but not for anything fun!
My Take
I enjoyed this! And I sometimes hate that I won't allow myself to read the next installment in a series until I've done the just-finished story's review first!
The series, Kitty Norville, is total fluff and lots of fun while Kitty herself has a nice sense of honor even as she's trying to find herself in the new role life has thrust upon her. Vaughn presents a nice balance of Kitty becoming stronger in herself while remaining considerate of others. She makes a nice argument about treating shifters and vampires as people.
Oh, crack me up! I just love the caller to Kitty's radio show who "knows" she's an expert on Dracula because she's seen every Bram Stoker-inspired movie. I love Kitty's statement about the book — that it's the techno-thriller of its time. True enough. Makes me wonder what "techno-thriller" of our day will be the Dracula classic in a hundred years. Vaughn also provides an interesting interpretation of Daniel in the lion's den…hmmmm…
What is the deal with Alette? Kitty is an adult and Alette is not her mother! Oh, snicker! I just love Duke's reaction to discovering his pet assassin has a pre-existing relationship..! With Duke's nemesis. I dunno, the denouement with Smith was too easy.
Ya know, in spite of Alette's hijacking and her attitude, I much prefer her to Ahmed. She's got a lot more humanity in her. Between her help with the camp's breakup and her comment that "immortality ought to make one more sensitive to the plight of the downtrodden, and more apt to work toward the betterment of humanity. Not less." Because it's true, vampires do "have the luxury of taking the long view".
So, did'ja hear the joke about the bigot, the opportunists, and the scientist…? Yeah, it wasn't much of a joke although Kitty did a great job of turning it around at least a little bit. What is it with bigots and extremists? That they believe they can get away with anything if it forwards their agenda?? I am rather surprised that the bad guys let Kitty get away with her announcements. Wouldn't it just figure the FCC would grab the wrong end of the stick?
What Kitty and Cormac discover — and experience — is just nasty…and that's a major understatement! I'm just dying to find out what happens in Kitty Takes a Holiday !
The Story
Kitty's been on the road with her show for a month now when Ben contacts her to let her know about the subpoena from Washington. Seems Kitty has been established as the go-to girl on supernaturals, and Dr. Flemming's press conference has blown the lid off things.
Kitty has barely arrived before she's hijacked by the Mistress of the City's MIB and "invited" to stay at her home. Seems some of the vampires have different concerns from the Mistress. Meanwhile Kitty also explores the shifter's side.
It's Kitty's reporter instincts that unravel the evils percolating away in our capital city.
The Characters
Kitty Norville was slaving away at a local radio station until she "accidentally" outed herself and ended up going on the road with her supernatural talk show. Hmmm, this is much too simplistic a statement, but I'd hate to ruin your reading fun..! Her mom and dad are totally cool with her new condition. Cormac is a vampire and werewolf hunter and yet, a friend of Kitty's.
KNOB is…
…the radio station in Denver. Matt from KNOB still handles the engineering albeit at a distance while Ozzie, KNOB's manager, takes care of the legal end. Ben O'Farrell is her lawyer and quite comfortable with her other half.
Dr. Paul Flemming heads up the Center for the Study of Paranatural Biology which is the focus of the Senate hearing. He's behaving very secretively — shredding papers, avoiding Kitty's calls, etc. Jeffrey Miles is a professional psychic and channeler with an unexpected surprise for Kitty. Reverend Elijah Smith is a faith healer (we first met his idea of healing in his Church of the Pure Faith in Kitty and the Midnight Hour ); he's got an interesting background and a terrifying future plan.
Alette is the Mistress of Washington D.C. A vampire with the police in her pocket. Her MIB, Tom and Bradley, are both considerate and implacable. Leo is Alette's second-in-command and quite the snot. Emma is Alette's unfortunate descendant.
Luis is a jaguar shifter who works at the Brazilian embassy. Ahmed is a shifter who owns a Moroccan restaurant that seems to operate as a general headquarters for all shifters even though Ahmed is totally without concern for his fellow shifters. Don't even get me started on his thoughts about the vamps. Fritz is an old, very private werewolf with a very chequered past.
Senator Duke is the head of the committee investigating the supernatural and Dr. Flemming's center. He's also a major bigot and asshole with his own very nasty agenda. His fellow senators on the committee are Henderson and Dreschler.
Roger Stockton is a reporter with Uncharted World, a rather sleazy tabloid. Think of every bad thing you've heard about a reporter's persistence and lack of regard for his targets…
The Cover and Title
The cover is range of oranges from the deep, deep red-orange of the sky with its full moon to the orange-and-black palette that makes up the Brazilian jaguar's pelt. Kitty herself is cocking a pose with her back to us in her short black dress with the wide banded straps trimmed in a pale orange that matches the wide trim that emphasizes the bust of the dress. Kitty is in front of a microphone but looking down at Luis with a satisfied look on her face.
The title is scarily accurate for indeed Kitty Goes to Washington, but not for anything fun!
July 6, 2020
Notes:
Enjoyed the first half more than the last. Not a strong plot line for this one and that's taking into account that I'm sure it was a setup for the overall plot arc. Like #1 was intro to Kitty and #2 was to setup the series path.
Enjoyed the first half more than the last. Not a strong plot line for this one and that's taking into account that I'm sure it was a setup for the overall plot arc. Like #1 was intro to Kitty and #2 was to setup the series path.
November 21, 2020
Round up to 3.5 stars.
September 4, 2023
This was a chore to finish, the incompetence really ruined the storyline for me. 1.5 stars will not continue the series
.
.
April 15, 2011
OK. I have to say, I love Kitty Norville. Kitty Goes to Washington is book 2 in the series, by Carrie Vaughn. Following her hasty departure from Denver in
Kitty and the Midnight Hour
, Kitty is doing her late night radio show at a different station every week. Now, she's been summoned to Washington, DC, to testify before Congress about supernaturals... since she has "come out" as a werewolf on the show.
As soon as Kitty arrives in the nation's capitol, she is intercepted by the minions of Alette, the city's master vampire. Kitty is not sure if Alette's intentions are good or bad, but the vampire says she just wants to give Kitty safety and protection during her stay. Kitty accepts. While waiting to testify, Kitty learns about the shapeshifters of Washington DC and their easygoing way of getting along with each other. They all hang out together at a werewolf bar, where she meet Luis, a hot Brazilian shifter, who becomes her man of the moment. Cormac and attorney Ben show up and help Kitty out when she starts learning more about government research facility at the center of the hearings --and her safety becomes more at risk. We also learn more about the Rev Elijah Wood and who & what he is (but I'm not going to say what that is.) It all ends with a bit of horror for poor Kitty,
I loved seeing Cormac again. I keep rooting for him to hook up with Kitty, and frankly, I want to shake him out of his fear and prejudice about her. I LIKED Allete, probably more than any of the shapeshifters we met in this book. And I'm proud of Kitty for her continued growth and strength. I was upset with what happened to her at the end, but it was a great plot device and a jumping off point for the next installment in the series. I just wish there were more repercussions for those who worked against her.
5 stars. I love this series.
As soon as Kitty arrives in the nation's capitol, she is intercepted by the minions of Alette, the city's master vampire. Kitty is not sure if Alette's intentions are good or bad, but the vampire says she just wants to give Kitty safety and protection during her stay. Kitty accepts. While waiting to testify, Kitty learns about the shapeshifters of Washington DC and their easygoing way of getting along with each other. They all hang out together at a werewolf bar, where she meet Luis, a hot Brazilian shifter, who becomes her man of the moment. Cormac and attorney Ben show up and help Kitty out when she starts learning more about government research facility at the center of the hearings --and her safety becomes more at risk. We also learn more about the Rev Elijah Wood and who & what he is (but I'm not going to say what that is.) It all ends with a bit of horror for poor Kitty,
I loved seeing Cormac again. I keep rooting for him to hook up with Kitty, and frankly, I want to shake him out of his fear and prejudice about her. I LIKED Allete, probably more than any of the shapeshifters we met in this book. And I'm proud of Kitty for her continued growth and strength. I was upset with what happened to her at the end, but it was a great plot device and a jumping off point for the next installment in the series. I just wish there were more repercussions for those who worked against her.
5 stars. I love this series.
June 4, 2012
Another fun romp in the woods with Kitty. These books are so easy to read; like little delicious snack-sized morsels. I am totally lapping them up.
In this one there was a lot less of the squicky submissive nature of Kitty's wolf in evidence, thank Heavens. Don't get me wrong, it's not gone completely; four years of molding and shaping yourself one way can't be eradicated overnight, but we at least see her making a conscious effort not to back down at every threat. Even if she has to manually override her wolf's natural instinct sometimes. I really am enjoying watching this progress.
I feel like I got to know Kitty a lot more this time and I like her a lot as a protagonist. She is actually quite endearing in the way that she's not all bravado and snark. It's certainly a refreshing change for me. She hasn't had the ideal start at this new life as a supernatural being, and in this book, being subpoenaed to come to a hearing in Washington opens her eyes to a new possible way to live as a lone wolf as she stumbles across more of her kind and sees how different it could be. She's not really decided where she's going to settle yet after being forced to leave Denver, and is living a sort of nomadic lifestyle at the moment. It worried me at first that there would be none of the characters I'd recognize from book one in it with her being on her own in a new city, but I needn't have worried. The hearing soon requires her to once again employ the services of her lawyer, Ben. And we even get an appearance from a certain biker-boot wearing bounty hunter :)
“How can you stand it? The way they look at us?” He said, “I know that I could rip out their guts, and I choose not to.”
It's hard to explain exactly why these books are so engrossing to read because they aren't even all that action-packed or mystery-filled compared to others I've read. Kitty more or less falls into situations rather than goes looking for them like other heroines, but whatever it is, it works for me. I guess I just like Kitty...and that's all there is to it.
4 Stars! ★★★★
In this one there was a lot less of the squicky submissive nature of Kitty's wolf in evidence, thank Heavens. Don't get me wrong, it's not gone completely; four years of molding and shaping yourself one way can't be eradicated overnight, but we at least see her making a conscious effort not to back down at every threat. Even if she has to manually override her wolf's natural instinct sometimes. I really am enjoying watching this progress.
I feel like I got to know Kitty a lot more this time and I like her a lot as a protagonist. She is actually quite endearing in the way that she's not all bravado and snark. It's certainly a refreshing change for me. She hasn't had the ideal start at this new life as a supernatural being, and in this book, being subpoenaed to come to a hearing in Washington opens her eyes to a new possible way to live as a lone wolf as she stumbles across more of her kind and sees how different it could be. She's not really decided where she's going to settle yet after being forced to leave Denver, and is living a sort of nomadic lifestyle at the moment. It worried me at first that there would be none of the characters I'd recognize from book one in it with her being on her own in a new city, but I needn't have worried. The hearing soon requires her to once again employ the services of her lawyer, Ben. And we even get an appearance from a certain biker-boot wearing bounty hunter :)
“How can you stand it? The way they look at us?” He said, “I know that I could rip out their guts, and I choose not to.”
It's hard to explain exactly why these books are so engrossing to read because they aren't even all that action-packed or mystery-filled compared to others I've read. Kitty more or less falls into situations rather than goes looking for them like other heroines, but whatever it is, it works for me. I guess I just like Kitty...and that's all there is to it.
4 Stars! ★★★★
Displaying 1 - 30 of 819 reviews