Joe Grey, Dulcie and Kit, cats of unusual intelligence and capable of speech, are back for another adventure. Murder once again strikes the sleepy, quaint town of Molena Point, this time at Christmastime. Kit, on her nightly prowl of the town, sees a dead man hidden among an outdoor Christmas display. In his arms a small child sobs quietly. But when Kit races away to call for help, the body and the child both disappear.
After a search, rescuers locate the child but cannot find the body of the man. There are traces left behind by the killer, however, and police work to decipher the clues. As the Molena Point police department works the case, the cats find another plot unfolding in the town. Why is someone spying on Kit's new neighbors? And what are the neighbors up to?
Multiple POVs give insights in the minds of the cats, their human companions, other locals and the killer himself. The disparate threads eventually weave together into two distinct criminal activities, dividing the cats' attention. But with the killer still among the townspeople is anyone safe?
Readers familiar with Ms. Murphy's Joe Grey series will delight in another episode of cat crime-solving. There are some references to past events that may confuse new readers to the series, but not too much detail is given. I was able to pick up the series again after missing the past several books without causing significant confusion. CAT DECK THE HALLS is an enjoyable visit with old friends.
The cats who saved Christmas . . .
The charming seaside village of Molena Point, California, leads one to expect a quiet traditional Christmas surrounded by family and friendsβbut 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 yetβand 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.
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