Joe Grey #1

Cat on the Edge

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It's been quite a week for Joe Grey. First the large, powerful feline discovers that, through some strange, inexplicable phenomenon, he now has the ability to understand human language. Then he discovers he can speak it as well! It's a nightmare for a cat who'd prefer to sleep the day away carefree, but Joe can handle it. That is, until he has the misfortune to witness a murder in the alley behind Jolly's Deli -- and worse, to be seen witnessing it. With all of his nine lives suddenly at risk, Joe's got no choice but to get to the bottom of the heinous crime -- because his mouse-hunting days are over for good unless he can help bring a killer to justice.

274 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1,1996

Series

This edition

Format
274 pages, Mass Market Paperback
Published
January 1, 1996 by Avon Books
ISBN
ASIN
Language
English
Characters More characters
  • Joe Grey

    Joe Grey

    a gray bobtailed cat who can understand human speech and speak himself...

  • Clyde Damon

    Clyde Damon

    a scruffy auto mechanic who owns Joe Grey...

  • Dulcie the cat

    Dulcie The Cat

    Joe Greys feline lady love and a pet to Wilma Getzmore...

  • Kate Osborne (Joe Grey)

    Kate Osborne (joe Grey)

    a beautiful human who is more than she seems; she is married to Jimmie Osborne, who doesnt appreciate hermore...

  • Wilma Getz

    Wilma Getz

    a retired probation officer and spinster who now works in the reference section of the Molena Point public library; she is the owner of Dulcie...

  • Max Harper

    Max Harper

    police chief of Molena Point, a widower and a high-school friend of Clyde Damonsmore...

About the author

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Shirley Rousseau Murphy is the author of over 40 books, including 24 novels for adults, the Dragonbards Trilogy and more for young adults, and many books for children. She is best known for her Joe Grey cat mystery series, consisting of 21 novels, the last of which was published when she was over 90. Now retired, she enjoys hearing from readers who write to her at her website www.srmurphy.com, where the reading order of the books in that series can be found.

Murphy grew up in southern California, riding and showing the horses her father trained. After attending the San Francisco Art institute she worked as an interior designer, and later exhibited paintings and welded metal sculpture in the West Coast juried shows. "When my husband Pat and I moved to Panama for a four-year tour in his position with the U. S . Courts, I put away the paints and welding torches, and began to write," she says. Later they lived in Oregon, then Georgia, before moving to California, where she now enjoys the sea and views of the Carmel hills.
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Community Reviews

Rating(4.2 / 5.0, 100 votes)
5 stars
46(46%)
4 stars
30(30%)
3 stars
24(24%)
2 stars
0(0%)
1 stars
0(0%)
100 reviews All reviews
July 15,2025
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In my personal experience, it would have been better without the philosophical musing about how the cats had gained these powers, for lack of a better word.

Sometimes, overthinking such aspects can take away from the simplicity and enjoyment of the story. However, despite this, it was still a good tale.

The unique perspective of hearing it from the point of view of the cats added a fun and novel element.

It allowed the reader to see the world through their eyes and imagine what it would be like to have such extraordinary abilities.

The story had its own charm and吸引力, even with the minor drawback of the philosophical ponderings.

Overall, it was an interesting read that offered a different take on a familiar concept.

Perhaps in future stories of this kind, a better balance could be struck between the fantastical elements and the philosophical musings to enhance the overall experience.
July 15,2025
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This is the very first installment in a remarkable 21-book series centered around Joe Grey, the feline P.I., along with his human and cat friends.

Now, let's be clear. Is this series incredibly deep and profound? Well, not exactly. But here's the thing - is it fun? Oh, absolutely! If you happen to be a die-hard cat lover and have ever wished that your own furry friend could strike up a conversation with you, then this series is tailor-made for you.

Joe's cozy home in Molena Point, his charming human friends, and his beloved cat Dulcie are all engaging and truly wonderful characters. The mystery aspect might not be the sole reason why one would pick up this book, but it sure is a whole lot of fun to try and piece together what exactly is going on.

I have found myself coming back to this series time and time again, and I never seem to tire of Joe and his gang. He's just such a cool cat, and Dulcie makes a perfect counterpart to his tomcat ways. It's a series that brings a smile to your face and keeps you entertained from start to finish.
July 15,2025
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I find this series to be utterly charming.

I'm approximately 10 books into it now, and I've just come here to write a review.

Generally speaking, I don't find the concept of a "talking cat" to be extremely fascinating. However, in this series, these cats truly remain faithful to their cat nature.

Their behaviors, mannerisms, and the way they interact with the other characters are all very believable and add a unique charm to the story.

Each book in the series seems to build on the previous ones, developing the characters and the plot in an interesting and engaging way.

I'm really enjoying this series and can't wait to see what happens next.

I would highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good fantasy or mystery series with a touch of humor and a lot of heart.

July 15,2025
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Meoawsome, what a unique and creative word! I don't think it existed before, but now it does! Haha.

I gave this book 3 stars. I have to admit that I really enjoyed reading it. However, there were a couple of times when I almost wanted to give up.

This is a decent book that I often put on while doing the washing up or other chores. It's a murder mystery, and the detective is a cat, which I think is a really clever idea. As a cat lover, I was immediately drawn to this concept.

At one point, I thought this book was PG and was considering rating it 4 stars. But then, one of the chapters was rather sinister, which really confused me about its rating. It would have made more sense to me if the tone and content were more consistent. What I mean is, if the author is aiming for an adult audience, then they should stick to that. On the other hand, if they are targeting a younger audience, then they should adjust the content accordingly.

Despite these minor flaws, I will definitely read the next book in this series because I believe it has good potential. I'm looking forward to seeing how the story develops and how the cat detective solves more mysteries.
July 15,2025
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Cat on the Edge by Shirley Rousseau Murphy is the inaugural installment in the Joe Gray mystery series. In this engaging tale, the feline protagonist, Joe Gray, witnesses a heinous murder. To his horror, the murderer then sets his sights on him. This first book in the series presents an interesting premise, featuring talking cats and a human who discovers an unexpected ability to transform into a cat. At the beginning, it can be a bit challenging to keep track of the numerous characters and animals, as the cats exhibit rather human-like qualities. However, as the story progresses, all the elements gradually come together.


The identity of the murderer is known from the outset, and the book focuses more on how the cats manage to stay out of harm's way and assist the humans in solving the mystery. It is a captivating and charming read that will surely appeal to fans of mysteries and those who enjoy stories with a touch of the supernatural. The unique combination of talking cats and a shape-shifting human adds an element of fun and intrigue to the narrative. Overall, Cat on the Edge is a promising start to what looks to be an exciting series.

July 15,2025
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Interesting concept but not my cup of tea - talking cats (!). The idea of cats being able to communicate verbally with humans is truly fascinating. It could open up a whole new world of understanding and interaction between us and our feline friends. We could have deep conversations, share our thoughts and feelings, and maybe even learn some of their secrets. However, for me personally, it's just not something that I'm overly interested in. I love cats for their unique personalities, their cute little faces, and their ability to bring joy and comfort into my life. But I don't feel the need for them to talk to me. I'm perfectly content with the way things are, with their silent meows and gentle purrs. Maybe it's because I enjoy the mystery and enigma that surrounds cats. Their actions and behaviors can be so unpredictable, and that's part of what makes them so charming. So while the concept of talking cats is interesting, it's just not for me.

July 15,2025
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I truly have a deep affection for this charming and cozy cat series.

What makes it so captivating is the remarkable way in which the author crafts it into a highly plausible and yet mysteriously enchanting mystery.

The characters within this series are far from being silly; instead, they are well-developed and engaging.

The stories themselves are not only original but also maintain a fast-paced rhythm that keeps the reader on the edge of their seat.

I particularly appreciate that the adventures are not only filled with fun and excitement but also have an element of suspense that adds to the overall allure.

Moreover, the series is clean, making it suitable for a wide range of readers.

As for me, I can't wait to dive into the next installment and continue this wonderful literary journey.

July 15,2025
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I was initially under the impression that this would be a charming and light mystery centered around a cat detective. However, it took an unexpected turn and became a bit stressful. One of the antagonists in the story has a profound dislike for cats, which made me extremely anxious.

Overall, though, I still found it to be really enjoyable. In fact, I'm quite likely to continue reading or listening to the series.

You know, I'm not sure if all the installments in this series will be like this. But halfway through, I found myself unable to resist searching for spoilers. I was just so worried that something might happen to the adorable kitties!

SPOILER ALERT

Thankfully, by the end of the story, all the kitties are completely okay. Although they do endure a bit of a rough time at the hands of the bad guy! It's a relief to know that they manage to come out unscathed in the end.

This series has definitely managed to capture my attention, and I'm eager to see what adventures await the cat detective and his furry friends in the future.
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