How to Moon a Cat

July 1, 2011

The Green Vase antiques shop, tucked into San Francisco's financial district, is inhabited by two upstairs resident cats and one young female human. She's inherited the shop from her uncle and has discovered that real treasure and history can be found anywhere in the building if she listens to her cats. This third madcap cozy (after Nine Lives Last Forever) whimsically combines Gold Rush history with a contemporary bicycle race, the Tour of California, as our heroine and her two cats head out on a treasure hunt that was surely orchestrated by her late uncle. She has lots of company in this light first-person narrative, including a deadly duo seeking fortune and revenge. VERDICT With its clever structure and endearing protagonists, this is a delightful series. Hale's characters are charming, and the layered story lines ensure our interest in the next installment. For all cat detective readers, plus California-bound folks who crave local color. Penny Warner's Connor Westphal series would complement.

Copyright 2011 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.