THE MULTIPLE CAT

In this thin, rambling mystery the only character with integrity and personality is Sally, a stray cat adopted by a reclusive millionaire. The human heroine is Annabel Hinchby-Smythe, who impersonates an interior decorator to acquire gossip for a scandal sheet and becomes a de facto, but inept, detective. Diana Bishop has mastered the arch tone and aristocratic style so characteristic of Annabel. She does her best to make her seem vital and interesting. But to be fully effective in rendering this tale, she needs to improve her meowing. This is a classic murder story with scheming relatives, suspicious employees and elegant surroundings, not to mention appealing felines. D.L.G. © AudioFile 2000, Portland, Maine [Published: OCT/NOV 00]