📖 Overview
Peter Gethers is an American author, publisher, and screenwriter known for his versatile career in publishing and entertainment. His most recognized work is the Norton the cat trilogy, beginning with the bestseller "The Cat Who Went to Paris" (1991), which chronicles his life with his Scottish Fold cat.
Beyond his cat-centered memoirs, Gethers has authored several thriller novels under the pseudonym Russell Andrews, including "Gideon," "Icarus," "Aphrodite," "Midas," and "Hades." His work spans multiple genres, from biographical works to fiction.
A notable figure in the publishing industry, Gethers has maintained parallel careers as both an author and publishing professional. He is also recognized as one of the founding members of the first Rotisserie Baseball League in 1980, which launched the modern fantasy sports movement.
Active in multiple creative fields, Gethers divides his time between New York City and Sag Harbor, continuing to write across various mediums including television, film, and print journalism. The author comes from a creative family background, with a television producer father and a writer brother.
👀 Reviews
Peter Gethers' readers describe him as a skilled storyteller who brings humor and heart to his cat memoirs and culinary writing. His cat trilogy (Norton) earned praise for its warm, relatable accounts of life with his Scottish Fold cat.
Readers highlight:
- Self-deprecating humor
- Travel writing that captures local details
- Emotional authenticity in describing relationships
- Clear, conversational writing style
Common criticisms:
- Some find his personal narratives self-indulgent
- Later books feel repetitive of earlier works
- Food/travel sections can drag with excess detail
Ratings:
Goodreads:
- The Cat Who Went to Paris: 3.9/5 (2,800+ ratings)
- A Cat Abroad: 3.9/5 (1,100+ ratings)
- My Mother's Kitchen: 3.7/5 (300+ ratings)
Amazon:
- The Cat Who Went to Paris: 4.5/5
- Ask Bob: 3.8/5
One frequent comment notes that while his cat books appeal mainly to feline enthusiasts, his culinary memoirs have broader appeal.
📚 Books by Peter Gethers
The Cat Who Went to Paris (1991)
A memoir chronicling the author's transformation from a cat-hater to a devoted companion of Norton, a Scottish Fold kitten who accompanies him through life in New York City.
A Cat Abroad (1993) The second installment in the Norton trilogy follows the author and his Scottish Fold cat during their adventures living in Provence, France.
The Cat Who'll Live Forever (2001) The final book in the Norton series documents the last years of Norton's life and reflects on their 16-year journey together.
Gideon (2000) A thriller about a writer who becomes entangled in a deadly conspiracy while researching a biography of a mysterious subject.
Icarus (2001) A suspense novel following an investigation into suspicious deaths connected to a revolutionary medical breakthrough.
Aphrodite (2003) A thriller centered on a series of murders linked to an ancient archaeological discovery.
Midas (2005) A mystery involving corporate intrigue and murder in the world of high finance.
Hades (2007) A suspense novel about a detective investigating ritualistic killings connected to Greek mythology.
My Mother's Kitchen (2017) A biographical work combining family history, recipes, and memories of the author's relationship with his mother.
A Cat Abroad (1993) The second installment in the Norton trilogy follows the author and his Scottish Fold cat during their adventures living in Provence, France.
The Cat Who'll Live Forever (2001) The final book in the Norton series documents the last years of Norton's life and reflects on their 16-year journey together.
Gideon (2000) A thriller about a writer who becomes entangled in a deadly conspiracy while researching a biography of a mysterious subject.
Icarus (2001) A suspense novel following an investigation into suspicious deaths connected to a revolutionary medical breakthrough.
Aphrodite (2003) A thriller centered on a series of murders linked to an ancient archaeological discovery.
Midas (2005) A mystery involving corporate intrigue and murder in the world of high finance.
Hades (2007) A suspense novel about a detective investigating ritualistic killings connected to Greek mythology.
My Mother's Kitchen (2017) A biographical work combining family history, recipes, and memories of the author's relationship with his mother.
👥 Similar authors
Cleveland Amory blends personal memoir with cat-focused narratives in his books like "The Cat Who Came for Christmas." His work mirrors Gethers' approach to chronicling life with feline companions while maintaining a career in media and publishing.
James Herriot writes memoirs about his experiences with animals, focusing on relationships between humans and their pets. His storytelling combines humor and heart in recounting real-life experiences, similar to Gethers' style in his Norton series.
John Dunning combines his insider knowledge of the book industry with thriller writing. His background in the publishing world informs his fictional works, much like Gethers' dual career as publisher and author.
Lawrence Block writes thrillers set in New York City with complex characters and intricate plots. His work shares similarities with Gethers' thriller novels written under the Russell Andrews pseudonym.
William Zinsser writes about the craft of writing while incorporating personal experiences and memoir elements. His work crosses multiple genres and demonstrates expertise in both the craft and business of writing, reflecting Gethers' varied career in publishing.
James Herriot writes memoirs about his experiences with animals, focusing on relationships between humans and their pets. His storytelling combines humor and heart in recounting real-life experiences, similar to Gethers' style in his Norton series.
John Dunning combines his insider knowledge of the book industry with thriller writing. His background in the publishing world informs his fictional works, much like Gethers' dual career as publisher and author.
Lawrence Block writes thrillers set in New York City with complex characters and intricate plots. His work shares similarities with Gethers' thriller novels written under the Russell Andrews pseudonym.
William Zinsser writes about the craft of writing while incorporating personal experiences and memoir elements. His work crosses multiple genres and demonstrates expertise in both the craft and business of writing, reflecting Gethers' varied career in publishing.