The book had its shortcomings on many fronts, yet it did possess some charming details here and there. For instance, the group of aging women who cared for one another was quite endearing. However, it failed to deliver in several key aspects. Firstly, it wasn't much of a mystery. Right from the start, you knew who the "bad guy" was, and the plot unfolded in a rather predictable manner. The portrayal of the cult leader was also lacking. Despite having no charisma shown throughout the book, he was somehow able to inspire unwavering loyalty in others. This aspect could have benefited from more development. Then, there was the concerning idea that the violence of "good men" was justified due to the dangerous world filled with bad men. This is a dangerous right-wing ideology, even when presented in an apparently gentle way. The cats in the story were too anthropomorphic, losing much of their "catness" in the process. They were special cats, while other cats were not only unable to talk but also not "sentient," which was a letdown from a post-human perspective. Joe and Dulcie's relationship was stereotypically heterosexual and lacked the narcissism that is characteristic of actual cats. They were more like middle-class people who happened to be short and furry, following humans around and obsessing over human problems, relationships, and solving human mysteries. Kit was also just a well-meaning but immature human teenager. The lack of realism wasn't a major flaw, but it was disappointing for a cat lover. On the positive side, among the overly large cast of humans, the women seemed to be interested in building houses and driving big cars, while the men were into cooking, which was a refreshing change considering the often outdated gender roles in cozy mysteries. The feminism was mild and diluted, but there were hints of it, especially in the way the older women formed a vibrant and important community and took care of each other. Overall, while the book had its flaws, it wasn't as bad as many others out there, and there was potential for improvement in terms of mystery, cat behavior, and psychology.
Good suspense is a crucial element in a book, and this one has it in spades. The story is complex enough to be truly interesting, yet not so convoluted that I lost track of what was happening. This perfect balance kept me engrossed and reading for long stretches of time.
Here's a little piece of advice that I don't think is a spoiler: After Kit gets trapped in the cottage, don't assume you'll just read "a little more" to see how she gets out. It actually takes quite a while, adding to the anticipation and excitement.
What's also refreshing about this book is that it doesn't have the typical feline hunting in the hills. So, it offers a nice break from that kind of carnage. Instead, it delves more deeply into the big picture, exploring themes like dying, death, and what might happen after death.
Spoiler alert: I just realized that they never identified the children's skeletons that were found. However, my only real disappointment is that I wanted Dulcie to grant Genelle's dying wish and talk with her. The woman was missing her own cat, and that would have surely brought her some comfort in her final moments.
A charming tale unfolds, where cats take on the role of detectives, sleuthing for the good guys. These feline investigators are on a mission to unwind a disturbing saga. Their sharp senses and keen intellects serve them well as they navigate through the mystery, following every clue with precision. The story is filled with excitement and intrigue, as the cats face various challenges and obstacles along the way. But they never give up, determined to solve the case and bring justice to those involved. With their unique abilities and unwavering dedication, the cats detectives prove that they are a force to be reckoned with. In the end, they successfully get their men and bring an end to the disturbing saga, leaving readers captivated by their charming and heroic adventures.