Cat in the Dark : A Joe Grey Mystery

Rating:
Summary: A wonderful cosy filled with enchantment
Review: Joe Grey and Dulcie, direct descendants of ancient Celtic cats, discuss last night's robbery that is in the newspaper. The two felines worry that a new resident, Azrael the cat, is the evil mastermind behind some recent crimes. Azrael, who also can talk, informs Joe and Dulcie that the break-in is nothing. Furthermore, he states that three people will soon be murdered. The prediction turns out to be true.

Much to the chagrin of Joe's human companion, the cats begin to investigate. However, Dulcie has personal problems to deal with too. Her human companion has some wanted and some unwanted company, staying with them and the new librarian wants Dulcie barred from the facility where she obtains much joy from reading. The cats concentrate on the killings, honing in on Azrael's missing human friend even as they remain wary of the evil feline. They know that they must quickly solve the case before Joe and Dulcie end up in "holy catastrophe" (To Julie Newmar from Robin).

With her fourth "Cat" novel, Shirley Rousseau Murphy demonstrates that she has the feline touch. CAT IN THE DARK briskly moves forward and the cats are brilliantly different and nicely developed characters, who are totally unlike their sleuthing peers. The well-written mystery will leave readers ultimately to feel that Ms. Murphy is paying homage to her cats.

Harriet Klausner

Rating:
Summary: A fine "Fantasy Whodunit"
Review: This is the fourth book in the "Joe Grey" series. I think the author has refined her technique a lot since the first book, "Cat On the Edge". I think she has improved her stories to the point where they are truly ready to be included among the best of Fantasy or Whodunit books. The main theme is about two cats who have become able to understand and speak English. The cats pull off all kinds of coups in solving crimes. Coups that would be impossible for humans. The cats are most loveable and likeable. The cat characters are the most vivid, but the human characters that the cats "own" or interact with are now also quite likeable. The plots are well done and there is quite a bit of suspense.

Rating:
Summary: A fine "Fantasy Whodunit"
Review: This is the fourth book in the "Joe Grey" series. I think the author has refined her technique a lot since the first book, "Cat On the Edge". I think she has improved her stories to the point where they are truly ready to be included among the best of Fantasy or Whodunit books. The main theme is about two cats who have become able to understand and speak English. The cats pull off all kinds of coups in solving crimes. Coups that would be impossible for humans. The cats are most loveable and likeable. The cat characters are the most vivid, but the human characters that the cats "own" or interact with are now also quite likeable. The plots are well done and there is quite a bit of suspense.