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.
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.
I have a certain fondness for cats. However, I find myself in a situation where I don't believe I can bring myself to read another book within this particular series. I suppose my affection for cats isn't quite intense enough to subject myself to that. The story, to a certain extent, was acceptable, and the plot was also passable. But there was a particular aspect that I didn't quite take a shine to, and that was all the detailed descriptions of the cats' feelings and sensations. It felt a bit overwhelming at times. Additionally, I had the impression that there wasn't a sufficient explanation provided as to why the cats behaved and were the way they were. Maybe in the forthcoming books of this series, this aspect will be delved into more deeply and clarified.