Saturday, May 14, 2011

How to Moon a Cat-Rebecca M. Hale

How to Moon a Cat
Rebecca M. Hale
Berkley, Jul 5 2011, $7.99
ISBN: 9780425242179

Since her Uncle Oscar passed away, his niece Rebecca took over his antique store The Green Vase and his apartment in San Francisco. Very few people shop at the Green Vase so the niece depends on Rupert the cat finding hidden packs of money that Oscar hid all over his abode. Rupert’s latest find is not money but a toy bear holding a sign saying Nevada City. That is where Tour of California starts and hopefully a clue to a hidden Oscar treasure.

Hoping to avoid Frank Lapis who pressured her and almost killed her trying to ger uncle’s secrets; Rebecca, her two cats (Rupert and Isabella) and Monty the nosy neighbor head to Nevada City where she finds another bear with a sign that says Sutter Fort. They head there next while meeting two men in disguise who follow the niece to see what treasure she finds. One of the villains plans to steal the treasure and kill her; the other has a different shocker for Oscar’s niece.

This exciting road trip goes from danger to humor and back as the adorable cats are brilliant tacticians who amusingly but cleverly maneuver the niece somewhat for treats but often to keep her safe. Fast-paced, cozy readers who enjoy something different will relish the charming Cats and Curios Mysteries (see Nine Lives Last Forever and How to Wash a Cat) as Oscar’s niece continues her dangerous adventures into the weird whimsical world of her late Uncle.

Harriet Klausner

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