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Casual Cruelties: A brand new nail-biting domestic suspense with a breathtaking twist
by Alison IrvingShe wants to escape the prison of her marriage—but after decades of mind games, does she have the strength to break free? Fifty-three, long-married, and in the throes of menopause, Laura is dismayed. She&’s always tolerated her journalist husband&’s belittling insults and manipulation—but at least she got some peace when he was busy at his job. Now he&’s working from home, and her life is becoming a nightmare. Laura&’s blessed escape comes in the form of book club meetings where her female friends commiserate and joke about raging hormones and rogue chin hairs. She also runs into an ex-boyfriend, and their renewed friendship awakens the spirit and self-confidence she thought was long gone. But when Laura learns some startling things about her spouse, she begins to think she needs a different kind of life change. But an abuser can be dangerous when deprived of his fun—and just how far is Laura prepared to go to get her life back?
Casual Friday: A John Lago Thriller
by Shane KuhnCasual Friday is the story of hit man John Lago's very first assignment as a recruit with Human Resources, Inc., a placement agency that sends assassins, disguised as interns, to take out high-level targets under cover of corporate invisibility. John will go on to become the most successful "intern" in HR's history. You can read more about his career in The Intern's Handbook, a full-length thriller that will be published on April 8, 2014.
Casual Friday: A Kill Your Boss short story
by Shane KuhnWanted: Discerning reader with an open mind and an appetite for destruction.John Lago is an intern. But that's just a cover - his real job is to kill people. The problem is, he's still very much learning. Tasked with taking out a corrupt movie boss, John heads to Hollywood for a mission that will see him fall in love (briefly), work his way to the top (again, briefly), and find out what it takes to make heads roll in Tinsel Town.Discover the filthy gorgeous world of KILL YOUR BOSS in this raucous short story prequel. No previous experience required.
Cat & Mouse (Alex Cross #4)
by James PattersonAlex Cross is back in a novel with a cast of characters more sinister and deadlier than ever. Gary Soneji, a dying prison escapee, is looking for revenge on Cross, while another insane killer is pursued by Thomas Augustine Pierce--a brilliant and relentless detective who may even be better than Cross. As the bodies pile up, and Cross is nearly murdered in his own home, the game of cat and mouse leads to one final trap, and it's anyone's guess who will survive.
Cat About Town (A Cat Cafe Mystery #1)
by Cate ConteThe first novel in a frisky new mystery series set in a small New England town, where an unlikely citizen is called in to solve the purrfect crime. . . Maddie James has arrived on Daybreak Island, just off the coast of Massachusetts, on family business. The last thing she expected to find here was a stray orange tabby—one so cute and cuddly that Maddie is struck with the idea to open a cat café. But little does Maddie know that she's in for something a lot more catastrophic when her new furry companion finds the dead body of the town bully. Now all eyes are on Maddie: Who is this crazy cat-whisperer lady who's come to town? It pet-hair-maintenance and crime-fighting weren't keeping her busy enough, Maddie now has not one but two eligible bachelors who think she's the cat's pajamas.. .and will do anything to win her heart. But how can she even think about happily-ever-after while a killer remains on the loose--and on her path?
Cat Among The Fishes (The 9 Lives Cozy Mystery Series #5)
by Louise ClarkCamping Trip Dampened by Murder in Cat Among the Fishes, a 9 Lives Cozy Mystery from Louise Clark--Vancouver, British Colombia, Canada—The long-promised Jamieson-Armstrong family camping trip takes a pause with news of murder at the local fish farm where the vacationing families recently visited. Even worse, it looks like their campsite neighbor's brother-in-law, Adam, is the prime suspect in the fish farm Manager's murder.Ignoring protests from family, Christy and Sledge, along with Stormy the cat, start asking questions at the mayor's office and quickly learn of political opposition to the fish farm and form a list of distinguished suspects.But when a second murder occurs, Adam is further implicated. Believing something is very fishy at the farm, Sledge, Christy, and Stormy continue their probe. But someone doesn't want the truth exposed. Now, the sleuthing team must solve the murder before they become next week's fish food.Publisher Note: The 9 Lives Cozy Mysteries, while containing some very mild profanity, will be enjoyed by readers of clean and wholesome cozy mysteries. Cat lovers and those fond of all things feline, as well as readers of Amanda Lee, Denise Grover Swank, Rita Mae Brown's Sneaky Pie Brown Mysteries, and Shirley Rousseau Murphy's Joe Grey Mysteries will not want to miss this series.The 9 Lives Cozy MysteriesThe Cat Came BackThe Cat's PawCat Got Your TongueLet Sleeping Cats LieCat Among the FishesCat in the LimelightAbout The Author: Louise Clark has been the adopted mom of several cats with big personalities. The feline who inspired Stormy, the cat in the 9 Lives books, dominated her household for twenty loving years. During that time, he created a family pecking order that left Louise on top and her youngest child on the bottom (just below the guinea pig), regularly tried to eat all his sister’s food (he was a very large cat), and learned the joys of travel through a cross-continent road trip.The 9 Lives Cozy Mystery Series—as well as the single title mystery, A Recipe For Trouble, are all set in her hometown of Vancouver, British Columbia.
Cat Among the Pigeons: A Hercule Poirot Mystery: The Official Authorized Edition (Hercule Poirot Mysteries #32)
by Agatha ChristieMurder is part of the curriculum at an exclusive school for girls in Agatha Christie’s Cat Among the Pigeons, as the intrepid Poirot sets out to bring a stealthy killer to justice.Late one night, two teachers investigate a mysterious flashing light in the sports pavilion while the rest of the school sleeps. There, among the lacrosse sticks, they stumble upon the body of an unpopular games mistress—shot through the heart point-blank.The school is thrown into chaos when the “cat” strikes again. Unfortunately, schoolgirl Julia Upjohn knows too much. In particular, she knows that without Hercule Poirot’s help, she will be the next victim.…
Cat Among the Pumpkins: A Hettie Bagshot Mystery
by Mandy MortonCat lovers, rejoice! The second installment in Mandy Morton's cat-driven series has arrived with Cat Among the Pumpkins, where crime-solving is in the capable paws of felines. And these cats haven't been declawed.As All Hallows’ Eve approaches, Hettie Bagshot of The No. 2 Feline Detective Agency has more than just a ghost and warlock tart on her plate. Along with her faithful sidekick, Tilly, the tabby duo set out to investigate an old crime and a spate of new murders. Why is Mavis Spitforce dressed as a pumpkin? Can Irene Peggledrip really talk to cats from the spirit world? Did Milky Myers murder his family on Halloween, longer ago than anyone can remember? All questions the pair must answer before the case can be solved. As the November fog closes in, where will the killer strike next—and will there be enough catnip to go around?
Cat And Mouse: The Addictive and Gripping Crime Thriller of 2025
by M. J. ArlidgeIF YOU THINK YOU'RE ALONE:THINK AGAIN A scratching at the window.A tap on the door.What if, this time, someone is out there? A silent killer stalks the city, targeting those home alone at night, playing a deadly game of cat and mouse with the victims.As panic spreads, Detective Inspector Helen Grace leads the investigation, but is herself a hunted woman, her every step shadowed by a ruthless psychopath bent on revenge.As she tracks the murderer, Grace begins to suspect there is a truly shocking home truth that connects these brutal crimes. But what she will find is something more twisted than she could ever suspect...*****PRAISE FOR THE MILLION-COPY BESTSELLER M. J. ARLIDGE:'Chilling' THE TIMES'Addictive'EXPRESS'Truly excellent' THE SUN'Amazing' RICHARD MADELEY'Terrifying and wildly compelling ... Nobody does chilling suspense quite like M.J. Arlidge'B.P. WALTER'Helen Grace is one of the greatest heroes to come along in years'JEFFERY DEAVER'Mesmerizing' LISA GARDNER'Chills to the bone' DAILY MAIL
Cat And Mouse: The Addictive and Gripping Crime Thriller of 2025
by M. J. ArlidgeIF YOU THINK YOU'RE ALONE:THINK AGAIN A scratching at the window.A tap on the door.What if, this time, someone is out there? A silent killer stalks the city, targeting those home alone at night, playing a deadly game of cat and mouse with the victims.As panic spreads, Detective Inspector Helen Grace leads the investigation, but is herself a hunted woman, her every step shadowed by a ruthless psychopath bent on revenge.As she tracks the murderer, Grace begins to suspect there is a truly shocking home truth that connects these brutal crimes. But what she will find is something more twisted than she could ever suspect...*****PRAISE FOR THE MILLION-COPY BESTSELLER M. J. ARLIDGE:'Chilling' THE TIMES'Addictive'EXPRESS'Truly excellent' THE SUN'Amazing' RICHARD MADELEY'Terrifying and wildly compelling ... Nobody does chilling suspense quite like M.J. Arlidge'B.P. WALTER'Helen Grace is one of the greatest heroes to come along in years'JEFFERY DEAVER'Mesmerizing' LISA GARDNER'Chills to the bone' DAILY MAIL
Cat Bearing Gifts (The Joe Grey Mysteries #18)
by Shirley Rousseau MurphyA car crash, stolen treasure, a dead thief, and a blonde divorcée have a feline P.I. and his four-legged cohorts clawing for justice in this cozy mystery.On the twisting road home from San Francisco, tortoiseshell Kit and her elderly housemates, Lucinda and Pedric Greenlaw, are hurt in a terrible car crash. The accident is terrifying enough, but then two dangerous men steal the Greenlaw’s town car, making off with a hoard of jewels and gold carefully hidden in the car. As paramedics rush the Greenlaws to the emergency room, a badly shaken Kit hides from hungry coyotes, waiting for Joe and their human friends to rescue her.Back home in Molena Point, Joe Grey and his tabby lady prowl an abandoned stone cottage where they’ve discovered two rough-looking men hiding. Determined to help the Greenlaws, Kit follows the two housebreakers: one badly injured, the other eager to end his partner’s misery in order to make off with more wealth than he realizes. But the cat’s investigation is in trouble as they claw their way to the truth, hoping that tomcat Misto and his unfailing memory might provide some answers to their questions.Praise for Cat Bearing Gifts“Talking cat fans will welcome Murphy’s exciting 18th mystery featuring feline Joe Grey. . . . Anyone unfamiliar with this cozy series will be quickly drawn in by the complete believability of Murphy’s crime-solving felines and their helpful human companions.” —Publishers Weekly
Cat Breaking Free: A Joe Grey Mystery (The Joe Grey Mysteries #11)
by Shirley Rousseau MurphyIn this cozy mystery, a talking cat and his four-legged friends investigate cat trappers and murder in smalltown California.The fur starts flying—the fur of Joe Grey, Feline P.I., that is—when a gang from L.A. comes up to tranquil Molena Point, California, and begins breaking into the village’s quaint shops. After all, Molena Point has been his home since he was a kitten eating scraps from the garbage behind the local delicatessen, and he doesn’t take well to marauding strangers. Joe even wonders whether the blonde who’s moved in next door to human companion Clyde could be a part of the gang—she’s been acting pretty suspicious lately.But when the strangers start trapping and caging feral cats—speaking cats, like Joe and his girlfriend Dulcie—it proves too much for the intrepid four-footed detective. And when one of the gang is murdered, and a second mysterious death comes to light, he has no choice but to try to stop the crimes. Joe, Dulcie, and Kit, who used to be a stray herself, are deep into the investigation when they are able to release the three trapped felines. But as Kit leads them away to freedom, will she herself return to that wild life?In this marvelous book that once again opens the door to the spectacular world of Joe Grey, meet three new cats—winning cats drawn from among hundreds of their owners’ entries and chosen at random to appear in this book—and join old friends and new in this ambitious and enjoyable entry in the series.Praise for Cat Breaking Free“Murphy’s 11th Joe Grey cat cozy . . . offers the usual winning blend of suspense and whimsy. . . . A complex, well-crafted plot and lively, credible characters will leave fans purring with pleasure.” —Publishers Weekly“[An] action-filled plot. As usual, the three cats are true to both their feline and sentient natures. This eleventh entry in the Joe Grey Mystery series . . . continues to enhance characterizations, both feline and human, all the while providing an intriguing whodunit for series fans.” —Booklist
Cat Burglar Caper (Nancy Drew and the Clue Crew #27)
by Carolyn Keene Macky PamintuanEight-year-old Nancy Drew solves cases with her friends in new Clue Crew adventures!
Cat Chase the Moon: A Joe Grey Mystery (Joe Grey Mystery Series #21)
by Shirley Rousseau MurphyFeline P. I. Joe Grey and his friends pounce on three investigations that may connect to one larger mystery—including one case that is very personal—in this hair-raising installment in Shirley Rousseau Murphy’s beloved, award-winning series.Joe Grey and his partner, Dulcie, are frantic when Courtney, their pretty teen-kitten goes missing. Aided by their two- and four-legged friends, they hit the streets of Molina Point in search of their calico girl. Has Joe Grey and Dulcie’s only daughter been lured away by someone and stolen? Is she lying somewhere hurt, or worse?Courtney has no idea that everyone is desperately looking for her. Locked in an upstairs apartment above the local antiques shop, she’s enjoying her first solo adventure. When she first met Ulrich Seaver, the shop’s owner, Courtney was frightened. But the human has coddled and pampered her, winning her trust. Sheltered by her parents, her brothers, and her kind human companions, the innocent Courtney is unaware of how deceptive strangers can be. She doesn’t know that Ulrich is hiding a dangerous secret that could threaten her and everyone in this charming California coastal village.With his focus on finding Courtney, Joe Grey has neglected his detective work with the Molina Point Police Department. Before his daughter disappeared, Joe found a viciously beaten woman lying near the beach. Now the police investigation has stalled, and the clever feline worries his human colleagues may have missed a vital clue. Joe is also concerned about a family of newcomers whose domestic battles are disturbing the town’s tranquility. Loud and abrasive, the Luthers’ angry arguing, shouting, and swearing in the early hours of the night have neighbors on edge and the cops on alert. One of the couple’s late-night shouting matches masked the sounds of a burglary, and now a criminal is on the loose.Though the crimes are as crisscrossed as the strands of a ball of yarn, Joe Grey’s cat senses tell him they may somehow be linked. It’s up to the fleet-footed feline and his crime-solving coterie to untangle the mysteries before it’s too late.
Cat Chaser
by Elmore LeonardThe hero of Cat Chaser, George Moran, isn't looking for trouble but finds it anyway when he winds up in bed with the wife of a drug-dealing mob-connected Dominican cop--vicious, macho and ready to follow George to the ends of the earth, which in this case means Miami.
Cat Chaser
by Elmore LeonardA lean and mean thriller about one man and the Mob from 'the crime laureate' INDEPENDENT.The last time Florida motel owner George Moran was in the Dominican Republic he was in a uniform and people were shooting at him. Years later he's back looking for a girl he lost - and finding one he'd be better off without. Mary de Boya may be beautiful, but she's also the wife of a former death squad general in exile with mob connections. So much for the trip down memory lane - now Moran finds himself in a cat's cradle of drug deals, swindles, vengeance and murder.'Dialogue like broken glass, sharp and glittering, and a raft of low-lifes individualised in primary colours like hard-edged pop art' Independent
Cat Coming Home
by Shirley Rousseau MurphyCats can't come home again . . . or can they? Escaping Los Angeles and the ugly memories of her son's recent murder, Maudie Toola returns to her childhood home of Molena Point, bringing her orphaned grandson, whom she must now raise, with her. Mourning for her son, she's not looking forward to the holidays but feels she must make them positive for the child. But Maudie is unaware that the killer has followed her, nor does she know that the small seaside village is dealing with a series of brutal assaults. A team of criminals is stalking single women, hiding their attacks behind spectacular break-ins to divert the cops. And this time there's not even a phone call from the four-footed snitch to give the cops a lead. Meanwhile, a new tomcat appears on the scene, a wise and elderly wanderer who bears an important message from a state prisoner for the chief of police. But this cat has a personal agenda too-as does Maudie, who harbors her own secret about her son's killer. As the lonely prison cat provides the link between the mysteries, Joe Grey and his pals, in turn, help him find a surprising new home, a safe retreat in time for the holidays. With a story both enchanting and suspenseful, Shirley Rousseau Murphy shows once again why her trio of feline sleuths are so beloved by her fans, and why the Joe Grey mysteries should be at the top of every cat lover's Christmas list.
Cat Coming Home
by Shirley Rousseau MurphyCats can't come home again . . . or can they?Escaping Los Angeles and the ugly memories of her son's recent murder, Maudie Toola returns to her childhood home of Molena Point, bringing her orphaned grandson, whom she must now raise, with her. Mourning for her son, she's not looking forward to the holidays but feels she must make them positive for the child. But Maudie is unaware that the killer has followed her, nor does she know that the small seaside village is dealing with a series of brutal assaults. A team of criminals is stalking single women, hiding their attacks behind spectacular break-ins to divert the cops. And this time there's not even a phone call from the four-footed snitch to give the cops a lead.Meanwhile, a new tomcat appears on the scene, a wise and elderly wanderer who bears an important message from a state prisoner for the chief of police. But this cat has a personal agenda too--as does Maudie, who harbors her own secret about her son's killer. As the lonely prison cat provides the link between the mysteries, Joe Grey and his pals, in turn, help him find a surprising new home, a safe retreat in time for the holidays.With a story both enchanting and suspenseful, Shirley Rousseau Murphy shows once again why her trio of feline sleuths are so beloved by her fans, and why the Joe Grey mysteries should be at the top of every cat lover's Christmas list.
Cat Coming Home
by Shirley Rousseau MurphyCats can't come home again . . . or can they?Escaping Los Angeles and the ugly memories of her son's recent murder, Maudie Toola returns to her childhood home of Molena Point, bringing her orphaned grandson, whom she must now raise, with her. Mourning for her son, she's not looking forward to the holidays but feels she must make them positive for the child. But Maudie is unaware that the killer has followed her, nor does she know that the small seaside village is dealing with a series of brutal assaults. A team of criminals is stalking single women, hiding their attacks behind spectacular break-ins to divert the cops. And this time there's not even a phone call from the four-footed snitch to give the cops a lead.Meanwhile, a new tomcat appears on the scene, a wise and elderly wanderer who bears an important message from a state prisoner for the chief of police. But this cat has a personal agenda too--as does Maudie, who harbors her own secret about her son's killer. As the lonely prison cat provides the link between the mysteries, Joe Grey and his pals, in turn, help him find a surprising new home, a safe retreat in time for the holidays.With a story both enchanting and suspenseful, Shirley Rousseau Murphy shows once again why her trio of feline sleuths are so beloved by her fans, and why the Joe Grey mysteries should be at the top of every cat lover's Christmas list.
Cat Coming Home
by Shirley Rousseau MurphyCats can't come home again . . . or can they?Escaping Los Angeles and the ugly memories of her son's recent murder, Maudie Toola returns to her childhood home of Molena Point, bringing her orphaned grandson, whom she must now raise, with her. Mourning for her son, she's not looking forward to the holidays but feels she must make them positive for the child. But Maudie is unaware that the killer has followed her, nor does she know that the small seaside village is dealing with a series of brutal assaults. A team of criminals is stalking single women, hiding their attacks behind spectacular break-ins to divert the cops. And this time there's not even a phone call from the four-footed snitch to give the cops a lead.Meanwhile, a new tomcat appears on the scene, a wise and elderly wanderer who bears an important message from a state prisoner for the chief of police. But this cat has a personal agenda too--as does Maudie, who harbors her own secret about her son's killer. As the lonely prison cat provides the link between the mysteries, Joe Grey and his pals, in turn, help him find a surprising new home, a safe retreat in time for the holidays.With a story both enchanting and suspenseful, Shirley Rousseau Murphy shows once again why her trio of feline sleuths are so beloved by her fans, and why the Joe Grey mysteries should be at the top of every cat lover's Christmas list.
Cat Crimes
by Martin Greenberg Ed GormanKiller Kittens. Whiskered Witnesses. Domesticated Detectives. Showcasing the top names in mystery fiction today, CAT CRIMES is a unique collection of mini-mysteries featuring the most inscrutable animal of all. Creepy, comic, fiendish, and clever, the seventeen tales included in this collection will make anyone's fur stand on end. You'll discover the vengeance of a kitty scorned in "A Weekend at Lookout Lodge," the unhappy heroics of Hugo the cat in "Scat," the brilliant maneuvering of a cat trapped in "Last Kiss," the high cost of Hollywood love in "Little Cat Feet," along with thirteen other stories by: Douglas Barton; Jon L. Breen; Barbara Collins; Bill Crider; Barbara D'Amato; Gene DeWeese; David H. Everson; Christopher Fahy; Joan E. Hess; Dorothy B. Hughes; J.A. Jance; Peter Lovesey; John Lutz; Barbara Paul; Bill Pronzini; William J. Reynolds; Les Roberts; For mystery fans and cat fanciers alike, CAT CRIMES proves once again that where cats silently tread, mischief can't be far behind....
Cat Crimes Takes a Vacation (Cat Crimes Anthology Series)
by Martin Greenberg Ed GormanIn these fifteen original stories by today's best mystery writers, you will witness a bevy of baffling crimes set in the most exotic vacation spots on earth--and all featuring a four-footed friend. From the French Riviera and the Greek Islands to Monte Carlo and the Cornish Coast, these thrilling mysteries include Midnight Sun, where a telltale clue in a cat's luscious fur exposes a killer on a doomed Norwegian tour... The Envelopes, Please, where a screenwriter at Cannes is saved by a fondness for felines... and The Cat Who Knew Too Much, who foils a scheming husband out to dispose of his wife in merry old London. Amusing, intelligent, and eccentric, these clever cat tales are for mystery buffs and armchair travelers!
Cat Crimes for the Holidays
by Martin Greenberg Ed Gorman Larry SegriffCELEBRATE THE HOLIDAYS WITH FAMILY AND FELINES from Maine coon to Scottish fold, tabby to Siamese, white Persian to calico crack all manner of holiday capers. Arbor Day reminds a veterinarian how a kitten's coat cinched a murder case... A smart young woman at Christmas discovers that the way to an old man's inheritance is not through his heart but through his cat... A family Hanukkah celebration gives a sharp-eyed cop with a fondness for felines insight into blackmail and murder... abused stray at Thanksgiving sends a family over the edge And many more! Once again mystery fans will cheer as cats meet crime for a fur-raising showdown of deceit, detection, and a dizzying display of feline fireworks.
Cat Cross Their Graves: A Joe Grey Mystery (The Joe Grey Mysteries #10)
by Shirley Rousseau MurphyA smalltown tomcat and his four-legged pals probe the shocking murder of a beloved former Hollywood star in this cozy mystery.The beautiful, serene village of Molena Point, California is the type of place where people go to get away from the harsher realities of life––which is what attracted classic film star Patty Rose to buy the village inn, and settle down to enjoy her golden years. But as the town gathers to celebrate and honor the beautiful, aging actress with a festival of her old films, Patty is brutally murdered––to the horror and shock of this peaceful burg.A gentle tortoiseshell cat, Kit, has been enjoying a retreat to the animal–loving actress’s inn, where she’s spending time with her feline friends Dulcie, and the slick tomcat sleuth, Joe Grey. But her relaxation is cut short when she hears the gunshots that end Patty's life, and sees her dead body sprawled on the inn's front steps. She glimpses the killer racing into the parking garage, and soon follows his trail.Joe and Dulcie must now follow the naïve Kit’s trail, and keep her from getting into serious trouble. To complicate matters, Joe discovers that Dulcie has been hiding a runaway child––one of the lucky humans that these special cats choose to talk to––who has now been kidnapped, likely by the same man who killed their famous friend. In the end, the little girl’s abduction leads them to Patty’s killer, and the feline friends are all united––but they all must mourn a departed friend as they stand beside the newly laid grave of Patty Rose.Praise for Cat Cross Their Graves“Fans of the series will welcome this new episode, which maintains the expected suspense and investigative skills of the cats.” —Booklist“The somber plot is leavened by the author’s affection for her characters and their rewarding small-town lives.” —Kirkus Reviews
Cat Deck the Halls
by Shirley Rousseau MurphyThe cats who saved Christmas . . . The charming seaside village of Molena Point, California, leads one to expect a quiet traditional Christmas surrounded by family and friends-but not this holiday season. Instead of singing carols and climbing into Christmas trees, Joe Grey, feline P.I., is faced with his most difficult case yet-and that's saying a lot for a wily tomcat who for years has been solving crimes the police can't even crack. At midnight in the deserted gardens of the shopping plaza, a stranger lies dead beneath the village Christmas tree; the only witness to the shooting is a little child. But when the police arrive, summoned by an anonymous phone call of feline origin, both the body and the child have disappeared. As police scramble for leads, the grey tomcat, his tabby lady, and their tortoiseshell pal, Kit, launch their own unique investigation. Together Joe Grey, Dulcie, and Kit face their most heartbreaking case yet as they care for the child who may be the killer's next target. Trying to sort out perplexing clues amidst the happiness of the season, they shadow a cast of colorful characters. But neither the police nor their unknown feline assistants are aware that they might have stumbled over the murderer and never known it, until an electrifying final scene when the killer's identity is revealed. For years Shirley Rousseau Murphy has written tales that have delighted readers and critics alike. With her lyrical prose and fast-paced plotting, Murphy has created another delightfully absorbing trip to a magical place populated by unforgettable characters whom readers have come to think of as friends.