Reviewed by Brenda Casto for Readers' Favorite

Cat's Got His Tongue by Jane McBride takes readers on an emotional journey from the beginning pages. Everything in Kyle and Ann's life changes in a split second when something happens at the mall that puts their daughter in jeopardy. Instead of the event drawing the couple together, Kyle becomes distant as he tries to deal with what happened, and soon learns that he can't do it alone. He finds himself back in therapy, but realizes the true answer to finding peace is forgiving the person who changed their life. In order to do that, Kyle feels he must take a trip to see the man. The journey he embarks on allows him to make a few new friends, but will it allow him to find the peace he longs for?

I have had the privilege of reading all four books in the Ann and Henry series and Cat's Got His Tongue was by far the most stirring, emotionally charged story yet. I found myself drawn in from the very start, when a simple day at the mall turns into a scene that no parent even wants to imagine. Ann immediately reacts, but it is what Kyle does that elevates him to hero status in so many people’s eyes. Yet, he struggles with what he did. He questions not only his faith, but the way that he reacted makes him realize that he isn't always in control of his anger. I found myself questioning what was right according to the law versus doing what needs to be done in order to protect family. The emotions of the characters were tangible, I immediately felt hate for the perpetrator, but then the author gave glimpses of a hurting soul so that I wound up feeling sympathy for him. I felt I was on an emotional journey myself as Cat's Got His Tongue unfolded. From the dramatic beginning, Ms. McBride doesn't allow the plot to drag, from the waiting room of Kyle's therapist where we meet men who are dealing with PTSD, to the characters Kyle meets while taking his trip; each character provides an interesting, sometimes touching look at life.

While we meet several new characters, including Daisy the cat, my heart was very heavy when a few characters didn't make it. Jane McBride has created memorable characters that truly feel like family. She allows me to share their ups and downs, but also allows me to share their hope and faith. Cat's Got His Tongue grabbed my heart from the beginning, taking me on an emotional journey that provided a few laughs, but also allowed me to get real glimpses of faith, family and love. Easily one of my favorite series and one I highly recommend.