"Autumn has arrived, and the citizens of Pickax find
themselves amid a clamor of activity. In addition to the
opening of its latest theatrical production, the town is
celebrating the dedication of a new bookstore and park
built in memory of Pickax's beloved bookshop owner Edd
Smith. Columnist Jim Qwilleran, while participating in the
festivities, is also busy with his latest book project: an
account of a uniquely historic guest residence, the
Hibbard House." The merry atmosphere, however, is dampened
by the suspicious death of an out-of-town actor and the
mysterious theft of a rare book. Qwill's research into the
Hibbard House provides unexpected insight into these
strange proceedings. Qwill must also rely on his
perceptive Siamese Koko, who has been acting particularly
odd in regard to the newest resident of the Hibbard House.
Has Koko gone bananas, or will his unusual behavior help
Qwill unravel this mystery?