Book Review: The Cat and the Jill of Diamonds

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

The Cat and the Jill of Diamonds     Amazon US HC Amazon Canada HC
Carole Nelson Douglas
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Cats
Series: Midnight Louie # 5
Five Stars, Jun 2000, $21.95, 300 pp.

Long before Midnight Louie adopted Temple Barr, or as much as this womanizing cat can settle down with anyone, he made his home at the Crystal Phoenix. Nicky Fontana and his wife Van von Rhine own the classic Vegas small hotel and casino and are making it a must- go- to place in Las Vegas. Inside the hotel is the Crystal Curtain Music Theatre where Gentleman Johnny Diamond sings the tunes that have made him the heartbreaker of millions of women.

Someone stalks Johnny, sending him letters threatening to kill the performer. Nicky beefs up security to the point that the crooner begins to go stir crazy and needs a taste of diversion. Professional gambler Jill O’Roarke is hired to teach Johnny how to play poker. They fall in love with one another, but each of them conceals secrets that could tear them apart.

Superstar Midnight Louie’s role in this delightful prequel from his seafood salad days is that of watcher. He studies the strange behavior of humans as if he is a social anthropologist struggling to understand an alien race. His witty, ironic observations entertain the audience as few characters can. Still, he also plays a pivotal role in the superbly designed romantic suspense. Louie proves why he is such a favorite of readers, as Carole Nelson Douglas leaves her audience purring for more.

Harriet Klausner

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner