Joe Grey #12

Cat Pay the Devil

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Molena Point, California, should be a tranquil place. Nestled quietly on the Pacific coast miles below San Francisco, it's not the kind of town escaped convicts seek out. But if you're a thief named Cage Jones, you've just sprung yourself from the clink, and the woman who turned state's witness and helped put you behind bars lives there––where better to go than Molena Point?

Wily Tomcat Joe Grey knows that something sinister is afoot when he hears about Cage Jones––but he doubts that his girlfriend Dulcie's suspicions that the escaped thief is after Dulcie's human companion, Wilma, are justified. But when Jones shoots a federal officer, and the bodies of two peaceful, local residents are found brutally murdered in their home, even the suspicious Feline Detective knows that things are only going to get worse. Paw–in–paw with Dulcie and their tattercoat friend Kit, the indomitable feline trio––with special powers that only a few select humans are privy to––team up to capture the thief, and in one of award–winning author Shirley Rousseau Murphy's most suspenseful and unforgettable books to date, bring peace to the town they love.

295 pages, Hardcover

First published February 20,2007

Series

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(4.1 / 5.0, 38 votes)
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38 reviews All reviews
July 15,2025
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Much as I like revisiting my Molena Point "family", there was almost an excessive emphasis on the relationships and personal issues in this installment. It seemed that the mystery aspect took a backseat, and as a result, there were numerous loose ends left hanging. These loose ends are likely to be picked up and resolved in future books of the series. However, this particular book did not quite meet my expectations as it deviated from what I had come to love about the series. The focus on personal dramas sometimes overshadowed the excitement and intrigue that I usually associate with a mystery novel. Overall, while I still have affection for the Molena Point "family", this book is not my favorite of the series.

July 15,2025
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I absolutely adored this entire series.

The cats in it are not only able to talk but also solve mysteries, which is such great fun.

It's definitely a cozy mystery, and that's exactly the kind of thing I love.

There's nothing that I have to overly concentrate on.

I can just relax and enjoy the story as it unfolds.

The charming characters and the interesting plot keep me engaged from start to finish.

Each mystery is unique and full of surprises, making it impossible to put the book down.

I highly recommend this series to anyone who loves cozy mysteries and cute talking cats.

It's a delightful read that will surely bring a smile to your face.
July 15,2025
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I listened to the audio.

These are indeed cute little stories that bring a certain charm and entertainment.

They serve a great purpose, especially when I find myself in a situation where I can't locate exactly what I truly desire among the offerings on Libby.

In such moments, these stories fill that gap, providing a source of diversion and enjoyment.

They have the ability to transport me to different worlds and engage my imagination, even if they may not be the exact content I initially had in mind.

Overall, I'm quite glad to have discovered these audio stories as they offer a valuable alternative when the main options seem limited.

They add an extra layer of variety and interest to my listening experience.

July 15,2025
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I have such a strong desire to see Greely get what he deserves!

Greely has been causing trouble and making a mess for far too long. His actions have had negative consequences for many people around him.

I can't help but imagine the satisfaction I would feel when he finally faces the music. It would be like a weight being lifted off my shoulders.

Every time I think about it, my anticipation grows. I wonder what form his comeuppance will take. Will it be a public humiliation? Or perhaps a legal consequence?

No matter what it is, I just hope it comes soon. I want to see Greely held accountable for his actions and learn his lesson once and for all.

Until then, I'll continue to wait and watch, eagerly anticipating the day when Greely gets his.
July 15,2025
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Cat Pay the Devil is a captivating, yet eerie mystery that delves deeper into the shadows than your typical adorable cat "story."

Ms. Murphy has crafted a remarkable ensemble of characters, both feline and human. As a passionate cat lover, I found great amusement in the "law enforcement" cats that loiter around police stations and crime scenes, eavesdropping and "sniffing about." Ms. Murphy skillfully weaves a theme of domestic violence into the narrative.

The central mystery was resolved in a gratifying way, but the subplots didn't quite come together neatly at the conclusion. To be honest, I'm still puzzling over how one of the victims met their demise.

All things considered, Cat Pay the Devil is an engaging tale. I stumbled upon it in the ship's library during my recent Alaskan cruise. I managed to get halfway through, but had to return it when I disembarked. The moment I arrived home, I promptly ordered a copy from my local library.

This book offers a unique blend of mystery and the charm of cats, making it a worthwhile read for those who enjoy a touch of the unexpected in their literary adventures.
July 15,2025
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Wilma holds some rather strange views regarding battered women. It's quite concerning as her perspective might not be in line with what is considered empathetic or understanding.

Moreover, the break in the murders plotline seems to have remained unresolved. This leaves a sense of incompleteness and frustration for the readers or viewers.

We can't help but wonder what could have happened next and why the story didn't come to a proper conclusion in this regard.

Perhaps there were intended to be further developments that didn't materialize, or maybe the author or filmmaker had other priorities.

Either way, it's a pity that these two aspects, Wilma's views and the unresolved plotline, didn't receive the attention they deserved.

It makes us question the overall coherence and effectiveness of the narrative.

Hopefully, in future works, more care will be taken to address such issues and provide a more satisfying and comprehensive experience for the audience.
July 15,2025
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It was just okay.

It managed to fill up a rainy night, which was something.

However, I really had a hard time getting fully into it.

I did enjoy it to some extent, but there was a distinct lack of enthusiasm on my part.

Perhaps it was because the subject matter didn't quite grip me as much as I had hoped.

Or maybe it was the way it was presented that left me a bit cold.

Nonetheless, it served its purpose for that particular evening, but it didn't leave a lasting impression.

I'm not sure if I would recommend it to others, as it might not have the same effect on them.

Overall, it was an average experience that I'll likely forget about in the not-too-distant future.

July 15,2025
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I absolutely loved it!!!!!

There was so much happening within the pages of this book that it had me completely hooked.

The story was filled with excitement, mystery, and interesting characters that made it impossible to put down.

I found myself constantly eager to turn the next page and discover what would happen next.

It was one of those rare books that you just want to devour in one sitting because you can't bear to wait to find out the conclusion.

I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of reading it and would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a great read.

I can't wait to see what else the author has in store for us in the future.
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