Cat Pay the Devil

In Molena Point, California, a group of feline detectives have purr-fected human speech, and in this delightful cat tale what they say saves lives. William Dufris gives a playful performance as wily tomcat Joe Grey, and his crew, Dulcie and Kit. The trio, along with some feral felines, become concerned when a really bad guy escapes from jail, Dulcie's housemate, former FBI agent Wilma Gertz, is kidnapped, and Wilma's ex-partner is shot. Dufris is convincing as Joe calms an overwrought Dulcie, and he keeps things energized as the pack sets off to rescue Wilma, solve the murders of several local women, and prevent further catastrophe. Highly recommended for fans of the series, the story is fast-paced and involving, and Dufris's reading is delicious. S.J.H. (c) AudioFile 2007, Portland, Maine

January 1, 2007
Talking tomcat Joe Grey and his fellow feline sleuths, Dulcie and Kit, track an escaped convict in their engaging 12th adventure (after 2005's Cat Breaking Free
). Just as the cats fear, Cage Jones kidnaps Dulcie's human housemate, a retired U.S. probation officer, Wilma Gertz, who testified in Cage's probation hearing to prevent his release. The crime rate rises in Molena Point, Calif., with the murder of several area women and the return of Cage's former partner-in-crime, Greeley Urzey—back to reclaim stolen ancient artifacts he and Cage believe Wilma took. As the cats go wild trying to save Wilma, their chatty, anthropomorphic shenanigans might raise eyebrows, but Murphy's surefire plotting makes this more than just another cute cat cozy.