PAWING THROUGH THE PAST

With the help of two cats and a corgi, Mary "Harry" Haristeen, Postmistress of Crozet, Virginia, tries to learn why murder is dogging her twentieth high school class reunion. The Best-Looking Senior is the first to die, shot point-blank right between the eyes, soon followed by the Wittiest. What links them in the murderer's mind? Kate Forbes shapes her voice perfectly to suit both the furry and furless in Brown's eighth cozy featuring tiger cat and detective-helper, Mrs. Murphy. Her portrayal of convincing chatter among cats, dogs, horses, mice, a possum, and an owl parallels the humans' talk, anticipating their solution. In that way, she vindicates all pet-lovers, who have always known their beloved animal friends were just waiting for the right moment to step in and save the day. E.V. (c) AudioFile 2002, Portland, Maine [Published: DEC 02/ JAN 03]