This collection of "mystery" stories all have one thing in common: there's a cat in them. Sometimes the cat is the detective, sometimes a witness and often the victim. In a few, the cat is merely incidental. However, even though cats are pretty versatile animals, there seems to be a limit to how one can factor into a mystery story, particularly considering I came away from this book thinking several of the tales were pretty similar. Poison seemed to factor pretty frequently, as did identifying a killer by fur or scratches delivered via the pet of the victim. It almost got too predictable. However, if one is a true cat lover, I think enjoyment can be had from this collection. Maybe don't read them all in one sitting, though. ( )

Excellent and varied collection of short stories featuring cats - as the victim, as the perpetrator, as the hero, as the detective, or as the silent witness. The styles vary too, from gently humorous, to hard-boiled detective, to horror. My favorite may be "Horatio Ruminates" by Dorothy B. Hughes. A wise and dignified Horatio conspires with a lovely calico lady and her kits to rid his Lady of an unwelcome boarder. ( )