I'm completely hooked!

I happened to pick up and read one of the Joe Grey mysteries right from the middle of the series. Instantly, I was captivated and just had to find out all the details about how he learned to talk and read, and so much more.

The very first installment of this amazing series presents Joe Grey already proficient in talking, and his equally gorgeous kitty sidekick, Dulcie, also able to communicate verbally.

Together, they witness a heinous crime and soon find themselves being hunted by the killer. But of course, to discover what actually unfolds, you'll have to delve into the mystery itself.

As you read, you'll find yourself chuckling and laughing out loud. It'll make you want to spend countless hours "listening" to all your own pets, imagining what they might have to say.

So, go ahead and enjoy this wonderful series.

You know what was truly remarkable about this book? It was similar to other talking animal books. This cat was a genuine cat through and through.

It wasn't some complex animal hybrid, but a completely grumpy tom cat to the very core.

Just picture this: one day your cat suddenly starts talking to you, and all it has to say is really nothing extraordinary. It might just be about how it really wants some tuna, or it'll scratch your couch. And then it might say, "Hey, are you having another girl over tonight? That was fun last time."

All of a sudden, the cat is no longer cute and cuddly. Instead, it's like a lazy, unemployed fat guy who just won't leave your house.

However, despite all this, Joe, the cat, still has some moral fiber within him.

It's this combination of a rather unlikable exterior and a glimmer of moral goodness that makes the character of the cat in this book so interesting and unique.

It makes you wonder what other adventures and conversations Joe will have in the pages of this book.

I was anticipating a cozy mystery, but unfortunately, this book failed to meet that expectation. It was filled with an excessive amount of grittiness that simply didn't fit the bill.

Surprisingly, there was also a fantasy element present, which added an unexpected twist. Despite my initial disappointment, I do plan to read a few more installments in the series.

This will allow me to gain a better understanding of the main characters and observe how the fantasy element develops.

Truth be told, I neither had a profound love nor a strong aversion to this book. Maybe, just maybe, I would have derived more enjoyment from it if I hadn't been envisioning the quaintness, gentle humour, and idealistic settings that are characteristic of some other cat sleuth book series.

However, I am still willing to give this series a chance and see where it takes me.

Pretty fun!

However, there were a few plot holes near the end that left me a bit unsatisfied. Overall, though, it was much more engaging than I had initially expected. (No offense intended, I just had some skepticism about the whole cat murder mystery thing.)

I did have an issue with some very stereotyped gender roles and the use of the trope where the strange foreign guy with an accent and nonconforming spiritual beliefs or occult knowledge is portrayed as the bad guy.

We never find out why Kate was in the alley with no memory. Was she turning into a cat and wandering the town unconsciously? Also, there was an early mention of another cat showing up by the wharf with no memory, but this wasn't elaborated on. Did the Welsh guy cause these changes, or does he just happen to know how to manipulate them? Maybe these questions will be revisited later in the series.

It would be great if the author could address these plot holes and develop the characters and storylines more deeply in future installments. This would make the series even more enjoyable and engaging for readers.

I truly disliked this book to such an extent that I simply couldn't bring myself to finish it. This is highly unusual for me as I am generally quite persevering when it comes to reading. The fictional concept of talking cats and humans collaborating with them to solve crimes was something I just could not accept. It seemed completely absurd and far-fetched.

Besides this rather ridiculous premise, I also found that an inordinate amount of time was dedicated to providing backstories on the uninteresting recurring characters and their interactions. I have a genuine fondness for cats in real life, but these fictional cats in the book did nothing for me. They failed to capture my imagination or engage my interest.

In conclusion, this book was a major disappointment for me, and I would not recommend it to others.

Ah, yet another cozy mystery that features a cat. Not just any cat, mind you, but a talking cat. In fact, there are two talking cats in this story. And then there's a third semi-talking cat, or perhaps it's a talking semi-cat. The mystery at the heart of the story was actually quite good. The villain was identified relatively early on, but that didn't manage to reduce the level of suspense. We were left not only wondering about his motivation but also puzzling over why there were suddenly cats around town that could talk, read, and even use the telephone.

However, the story seemed to lose something in its execution. The extensive descriptive narrative that had initially impressed me in the first few pages ultimately became an obstacle to the story's progress. In fact, the entire first chapter was dedicated to the bad guy chasing a cat all over town. Then, in chapter 3, the same bad guy was chasing a different cat throughout the town. Both of these chapters felt as if they went on forever. It was quite clear that this villain was putting an inordinate amount of effort into chasing and attempting to kill cats.

The final straw was that the characters just weren't all that interesting. With the exception of Wilma, the retired... well, shoot, I can't recall what her occupation was. It had something to do with law enforcement, but she wasn't a police officer. Maybe she was a parole officer? Gosh, perhaps she wasn't that interesting after all. She certainly wasn't the main human character. Nope, they were just plain boring.

I've read approximately half of the books in this captivating series. And now, I've finally delved into this one, which happens to be the very first in the series.

Being already familiar with the charming characters of Joe and Dulcie, it was truly an exciting experience to read about the precise moment when the two first met.

Certainly, everyone has their own personal favorites within a series. However, without a doubt, this particular book is currently my absolute favorite.

I wholeheartedly recommend it to all those who have a penchant for engaging and well-written stories. It offers a unique and enchanting reading experience that is sure to leave you eager for more.

So, don't hesitate to pick up this book and embark on a wonderful literary journey.

I read this book a while ago, so my memories of it are a little bit fuzzy.

However, I loved it so much that I couldn't help but start devouring the rest of the series at an extremely fast pace.

To my great delight, they are all really good, and the first one is especially charming.

I have always had a special preference for books told from a cat's perspective, and this series has become my absolute favorite so far.

It's like a delicious treat for a lazy afternoon, perfect for relieving the stress accumulated during the work week.

Whenever I pick up one of these books, I can easily lose myself in the wonderful world created by the author, forgetting all the troubles and worries in real life.

It's truly a great source of entertainment and relaxation.

Joe and Dulcie both witnessed the same murder separately.

The murderer saw them and tried to kill each of them. Joe has learned that he can understand and speak human language, which frightens him. Meanwhile, Dulcie has an encounter with the murderer and flees her home. They meet while hiding, both afraid to go home.

I really like the conversation between Clyde and Joe on the telephone. Then, a cat enters under the dock who remembers how she got there. Later, Kate Osborn enters the story. Clyde, Wilma, Joe, Dulcie, and Kate all work together to solve the mystery so that Joe and Dulcie can return home.

This book is about talking cats and it is a must-read to truly understand the series. It offers an exciting and engaging story with interesting characters and a thrilling mystery to solve. The idea of cats being able to communicate with humans adds an extra layer of charm and intrigue to the plot. Overall, it is a captivating read that will keep you hooked from beginning to end.

Odd little book. I like it and thought it was okay. It wasn't a book that I liked enough to read all of it cover to cover. However, it was an okay feel-good-ish detective story. And since I do love cats, it was quite fun reading.

A bit sad that the cats didn't think they were the gods of the world but saw everyone as equal. XD

Some cats do get ill-treated (hurt) in the story. So if you don't like reading about people hurting animals, this wouldn't be a good book for you. It's important to note that such content might be disturbing for some readers. Nevertheless, the overall story had its charm with the detective aspect and the presence of the cats. It was an interesting read, although not without its flaws.

CAT ON THE EDGE is the first installment in The First Joe Grey Mystery series by Shirley Rousseau Murphy.

Unlike traditional mystery novels where people are the sleuths, this book offers a unique and delightfully cozy mystery centered around Joe Grey, a tomcat. Suddenly, Joe Grey gains the remarkable ability to understand humans and even talk like them!

In the charming coastal village of Carmel-by-the-Sea, Joe Grey becomes the sole witness to a murder. His once-relaxing days of simply curling up and catching mice are now in jeopardy.

This book is a very, very fun read that takes readers on an unexpected adventure with a feline protagonist. It combines the elements of mystery and the endearing charm of a talking cat, making it a must-read for mystery lovers and cat enthusiasts alike.

Whether you're looking for a lighthearted mystery or a unique take on the genre, CAT ON THE EDGE is sure to satisfy. So, pick up this book and join Joe Grey as he attempts to solve the murder and protect his peaceful life in the village.

The book was sufficiently entertaining for me to make it the whole way through. However, it was really simplistic and the way it constructed and described the cat-human thing felt a bit forced. I chose to read this book because I wanted something light, and it definitely met that criterion.

Nonetheless, I did not feel inspired or connected to the story or characters in any way. In fact, I was rather relieved when the book ended. While it was a cute idea, it was not really my thing at all.

Perhaps for those who enjoy light and simple reads with a touch of fantasy, this book might be a good choice. But for me, it lacked the depth and complexity that I typically look for in a book.