- Reviewed in:
Publishers Weekly,
page
.
- Review Date:
2012-08-27
- Reviewer:
Staff
This appealing first in a new paranormal cozy series from Agatha-winner Hart (Death Comes Silently and 21 other Annie Darling bookstore mysteries) introduces unemployed investigative reporter Nela Farley, who can read cats’ thoughts. When Nela’s flighty sister, Chloe, an employee of the charitable Haklo Foundation, suddenly decides to take a vacation, Nela comes to Craddock, Okla., to fill in for Chloe. Nela stays in the apartment of Haklo’s late chief operating officer, Marian Grant, who recently died in what seemed to be an accident, though Nela gathers from Marian’s cat that she was a victim of foul play. The suspense builds as everyone on the foundation’s small staff becomes a suspect, from trustee Blythe Webster, a powerful woman who expects to be treated with deference, to newly hired assistant curator Abby Andrews. Reporter Steve Flynn provides a romantic foil for Nela, while Det. K.T. Dugan believes Nela is up to no good. Traditional mystery fans will find a lot to like. Agent: Deborah Schneider, Gelfman Schneider Literary. (Oct.)
