Cat Shout for Joy by Shirley Rousseau Murphy.

A light-hearted mystery that will tug at your heart-strings, CAT SHOUT FOR JOY by Shirley Rousseau Murphy will also keep you guessing as to the reason and the culprit of the crimes.

This delightful mystery features the antics and sleuthing techniques of a gray tomcat named Joe Grey and his dark striped companion Dulcie, along with several other furry investigating companions and a few humans.

This story begins with a mixture of emotions. Joe Grey and Dulcie’s friends, Pan (the red tomcat) and Kit (a tortoiseshell) are off on an adventure. Pan’s father Misto (the old yellow cat) is dying but isn’t afraid since he says he’s lived many lives. Joe Grey and Dulcie are expecting their first kittens and even though Dulcie hasn’t told Joe Grey yet, Misto tells her there will be three kittens and one will be a little calico girl who will be special.

Meanwhile, the humans in Molena Point are having their own problems too. What starts out as a street prowler attacking the elderly in the village soon escalates to murder when one of the victims dies. With no witnesses and no clues, the humans and felines are at a loss as to who the killer is and why they are attacking the elderly.

Author Shirley Rousseau Murphy does an excellent job blending the cats’ adventures with the humans’ activities to create a plausible world where the four-legged sleuths aide in the investigations. The story moves at a steady pace and holds your attention with its twists and turns.

The characters are well-developed and likable. The small town setting adds charm and enhances the story. The author’s rich descriptions and eye for detail makes the reader feel a part of the adventure.

You don’t have to be a cat lover to enjoy this tantalizing tale. In addition, CAT SHOUT FOR JOY is a standalone read and it’s not necessary to have read the previous book in order to keep up with the story.

Cats and humans, criminals and murder all combined with morsels of humor, a little sadness and a celebration to create an entertaining mystery you won’t be able to put down.

Cat Shout for Joy by Shirley Rousseau Murphy, A Joe Grey Mystery (Book #19), William Morrow, @2016, ISBN: 978-0062403490, Hardcover, 336 Pages 

FTC Full Disclosure – A copy of this book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review. The thoughts are completely my own and given honestly and freely.

Thanks for stopping by today. Are you familiar with the Joe Grey Mystery series? I’m sorry to say I wasn’t until this book. Not sure how I missed it. What do you think of having a cat as a P.I. in a story?