From Publishers Weekly
Recommended only for dedicated cat lovers, this lackluster tale is the latest outing (after Cat in the Dark) featuring the feline Sherlock Holmes named Joe Grey and his companion, Dulcie. As usual, the cats not only outsmart most humans, but also make telephone calls, order take-out and speak perfect English, although only to each other and a few favored people. Hunting in Hellhag Canyon, Joe witnesses a fatal car accident that appears to be murder. While local police search for the victim's identity, Dulcie is keeping an eye on neighbor Lucinda Greenlaw's house. Just widowed, Lucinda, who's waiting for the funeral and a possible inheritance, has been surrounded by her husband's unsavory relatives. Joe and Dulcie suspect that Shamas Greenlaw's death while boating was no accident, especially when his black market business dealings come to light. Now it remains for the feline duo to lead human investigators to connect the suspicious car accident to some of the Greenlaw clan and to prove that the two deaths are related. Murphy's fifth novel moves at a snail's pace and the humans involved, such as Joe's housemate, Clyde, are mere window dressing. Cat fans may fancy the story in any case, but others won't enjoy the plot digressions into the history and mythology of felines. (Jan.) Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.


From Library Journal
Joe Grey, the talking cat (Cat in the Dark), and friend Dulcie help police solve a suspicious fatal car accident. A special treat for cat mystery fans who like a little more feline participation. Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.


From Kirkus Reviews
Sleuthing cats Joe Grey and Dulcie (Cat in the Dark, 1999, etc.) are living at Molena Point, California, Joe with repairman Clyde Damen and Dulcie with librarian Wilma Getz. Theyre able to talk to each other and to their respective hosts, read the paper, and use the phone, among other things. At the moment, Dulcie is spying on the house next door, where widow Lucinda Greenlawwhose chronically unfaithful husband, Shamasdrowned two weeks before, is fending off the mostly rapacious Greenlaw relatives gathered in a nearby trailer park waiting for the funeral. Meanwhile, Joe is enjoying an early morning hunt in Hellhag Canyon when a skidding car from the road above comes hurtling down the cliff. Exploring the wreck, Joe finds the driver dead and a brake line obviously cut through. Back home, Joe does his best to keep Sheriff Max Harper alert to the murder possibilities, especially when its discovered the victim was a part of Shamass lucrative but mysterious business operations. It seems Shamass nephews Dirken and Newlon and cousin Sam Fulman were also part of those operations. Complications escalate with the appearance of Shamass last mistress, Cara Ray Crisp, and again with Newlons murder. It takes Joe and Dulcie, helped this time by a tiny, nameless feral cat, to bring the killer to justice. Only feline worshipers will enjoy Murphy's endless spins into cat adoration. But even ailurophobes will acknowledge that clever plotting and lyrical prose offer top entertainment. -- Copyright ©2000, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.



"A special treat for cat mystery fans."

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Cat to the Dogs is the latest entry in Shirley Rousseau Murphy's mystery series featuring a pair of cats who discovered one day that they have the amazing ability to read, speak, and solve crimes." "There was the car "accident" on Hellhag Hill, which looked - well - fishy, to Joe's night-wise eyes. And there was the suspicious but not unwelcome death of the town philanderer, Shamas Greenlaw. Soon the little coastal California town was filled with greedy relatives and Shamas's brazen young mistress, all looking to share the widow's grief - and her rumored gold." "Every earthquake has its aftershocks, and now even Dulcie, the library cat, is getting weird. She's going to the dogs, literally. She's taken to mothering the two orphaned pups discovered at the scene of the crash." "And worst of all, there's Clyde, Joe's erratic but lovable human. He thinks cats should stay out of police work (as if humans could handle it on their own!), and to make his point, he's locking Joe and Dulcie out of the house when Officer Harper comes over to play poker." "Clyde is afraid the two will give away their secret - that a few select cats can not only talk, but also read - and even use the telephone (Where does Harper think those anonymous tips are coming from after all?) But Joe is not about to give up the chase. Not until the "ghost" of Hellhag Hill is tracked down and brought to justice.

FROM THE CRITICS

Armchair Detective

A delicious romp . . . of murder, revenge, and jealousy, interlaced with fantasy. This is excellent reading, whether you believe or not. Not to be missed!

Monterey Herald

Shirley Rousseau Murphy's two irresistible feline sleuths are at it again in their latest caper...The fifth title in the "Joe Grey" series, "Cat to the Dogs" blends feline 'attitude' with a captivating story line to create a readable and highly enjoyable mystery...If a cat is part of your life, but you haven't discovered Joe Grey and Dulcie yet, it's time you did.

Cats

Magical whimsy and deft writing.

Armchair Detective

Excellent reading...Not to be missed!

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