Ernest Mirich's latest novella, 'Damn Cat,' is now available in ebook and paperback formats, offering readers a laugh-out-loud story that blends humor, suspense, and the colorful life of Los Angeles into a memorable adventure. The book follows Carter Ferris, a talented writer whose life takes a chaotic turn when his beloved Himalayan cat, Buttercup, mysteriously vanishes. Just as his wife Maggie is recovering from wisdom teeth surgery—under the influence of wine and painkillers—she insists Carter must find Buttercup.
Driven by Maggie's insistence, Carter sets off on a wild rescue mission through the unfamiliar streets of the San Fernando Valley. Throughout his quest, Carter encounters an array of eccentric characters, each with their own theories about Buttercup's whereabouts, but none leading to the actual cat. His journey brings him face-to-face with quirky neighbors, an overenthusiastic pet rescuer named Eddy Buick, and even a gang member moonlighting at Pet Co. What follows is a series of comedic misadventures, complete with mistaken identities and unexpected confrontations.
The story raises the question of whether Carter will manage to bring Buttercup home or consider buying a new cat from a roadside seller. 'Damn Cat' presents itself as a hilarious tale of urban escapades, relationship dynamics, and a determined man's quest to reunite with his furry friend. For readers interested in Mirich's theatrical background, his portrayal of Sid Vicious, bassist for the notorious punk band The Sex Pistols, in the play 'Vicious' earned him acclaim from The Los Angeles Times as a 'Tour de Force' and a Best Actor nod from the LA Weekly.
Mirich's transition from theater to fiction writing marks a significant development in his career, which began with a childhood passion for writing that provided solace and expression. His early experiences with writing helped him navigate personal challenges and led to the creation of imaginative worlds. His talent blossomed during college years exploring poetry and playwriting, with a move to Chicago marking a significant chapter that included accolades for standout performances in the theater world.
The author's subsequent move to Los Angeles precipitated a pivotal life change where poetry yielded the spotlight to playwriting, establishing Mirich as a formidable presence in the LA theater scene. Following his theater success, Mirich turned to screenwriting and film acting, starring in independent films and television shows including an appearance on the popular 'Relics' episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation. This publishing milestone represents another evolution in a career that has spanned multiple creative disciplines.
For the publishing industry, 'Damn Cat' represents another entry in the growing market for humorous urban fiction that captures specific city cultures. The novella's focus on Los Angeles neighborhoods and characters provides local readers with recognizable settings while offering outsiders a comedic tour of the city's eccentricities. Mirich's established reputation in Los Angeles theater circles may help bridge audiences between performing arts and literary communities, potentially expanding readership for both.
