Book Review: Catch As Cat Can

Reviewed By: Webspinner - RAM

Catch As Cat Can     Amazon US PB Amazon US HC Amazon Canada PB Amazon Canada HC
Rita Mae Brown
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Cozy   Cats   Woman Main Character
Series: Mrs. Murphy # 10
Bantam; 2002; PB 332pp

In Croset, Virginia, it's time for the annual Dogwood Festival and spring; Croset's postmistress Mary Minor "Harry" Hristeen is no more immune to spring fever than any of the other residents. First, there are the stolen hubcaps that reappear at the local junkyard. Then there is the death of a young mechanic over a cup of coffee at the Wrecker's Ball - right in front of the town's most influential citizens.

With another death, a shooting, and $530,000 in a safe, Crozet's citizens are running in circles trying to figure it all out. But in Croset, the animals have the advantage -- their biggest problem is how to call the attention of a human to the clues they find and to protect "Harry" at all costs.

After all, "Harry" belongs to them -- Mrs. Murphy [cat #1], Tucker [the Welsh Corgi], and Pewter [cat #2], enlist the aid of the other critters, including Gin Fizz, Tomahawk, and Pop Tart [the horses] to help find clues while they decide how they feel about "Harry" dating her ex-husband, or whether they would rather she play the field with the new good-looking visitor. The rat, the bluejay, the owl, and various other local domesticated and wild animals all play roles in the series co-authored by Rita Mae Brown and Sneaky Pie Brown. The animals all communicate on their own level, trying to keep the hands that feed them safe. It's a different world in Croset, and it's one of only two cat series' that have not grown stale for me. I adore Mrs. Murphy and her friends. A new offering in the series is always a delight!

Webspinner - RAM

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Webspinner - RAM