Cries And Whiskers
By Clea Simon
Poisoned Pen Press, $24.95
ISBN: 978-1590584644
Click here for an interview with the author.

Only an emergency cat rescue mission could drag music writer Theda Krakow out of bed on a freezing January morning in New England. Musician and cat shelter owner Violet needs Theda's aid after learning that Gail Womynfriend, a rabid animal rights' activist who sees the domestication of animals as the equivalent of slavery, was just hit by a car with her last words a plea to "Get the cats out" of a condo condominium site. While the women initially fail to find any felines, the hit and run "accident" has Theda concerned, especially when Theda's friend Tess, who works for a research company that had clashed with Gail, shows up bruised and with conflicting stories explaining her own traffic accident. Although she normally loves her job checking out and discovering new bands, pressure from Theda's boss to focus on a rich kid band, combined with her witnessing a drug overdose at a concert, leaves her feeling depressed. It's a feeling not helped by the sluggish behavior of her policeman boyfriend Bill, whose broken leg has him reassessing his career at a time when Theda needs some stability in her life. However, it's the sudden loss of someone essential to her life that sends Theda reeling and desperate to discover who is threatening the love of her life.

Despite the cat-themed title and definite emphasis on animal (and feline) rights, this is not a cozy series featuring talking cats who solve mysteries. What makes this, the third in the Theda Krakow series, so interesting is the behind-the-scenes glimpse into the underground music world. Theda's love of this world and her ability to aid musicians shine as strongly as her love for her cat Musetta. Simon as well develops the relationship between Bill and Theda in a mature manner that is both believable and relatable. Although the threat against Theda's cat has her acting in a manner so rashly that non-cat owners may find Theda neurotic and obsessive, she ultimately emerges as a very fresh, funny, and engaging character. This is a series that breaks boundaries and continues to prove to be a surprisingly complex entry in the "cat mystery" — and general mystery — genre.

Review by CINDY CHOW

©2007 Lorie Ham. All rights reserved.