The owner of the Green Vase antique shop has kept the store closed while she researches the history of San Francisco in all the books left to her by her Uncle Oscar. Even though Oscar appears to be alive, no one seems to know where to find him.

Once again, he has set up a discovery of some part of the past for his niece and her two cats to discover. As a backdrop to the shenanigans, he arranges for the kidnapping of the albino alligator that is such a popular exhibit at the aquarium.

Isabella has to give her person constant clues to keep her going in the right direction, while Rupert just cares about the fried chicken that his owner brings him.

This series is really enjoyable. We get a lot of history without being bored by it. Uncle Oscar and his friends keep us interested and intrigued. The elaborate plots entertain the readers all while keeping us wondering how Oscar's mind works. HOW TO TAIL A CAT was a little different than the previous books in the series. The murder doesn't happen until the end of the book and we are left waiting for the next book for identification of the killer. I had to go back and read the ending again to make sure I hadn't missed anything. The shenanigans that the cats and the characters get up to are great fun.