While out relocating feral cats, Gail Womynfriend is hit by a car and killed. Music critic and amateur detective Theda Krakow and her friend Violet take up where Gail left off by trying to rescue the last of the cats. Theda has her hands full trying to interview the latest ‘it’ band, Swann’s Way, while investigating a new drug that is making the rounds among club goers. Along the way, Theda learns that Gail’s death was no accident. Gail, an animal rights activist, was at odds with her group and had been acting on her own the night of her death. Who was angry enough with Gail to kill her? To make matters worse, Theda’s beloved cat then goes missing. Who took Musetta and why?

Cries and Whiskers is an interesting read with an intense plot. There are several storylines that occur together, all of them integral to the book. However, this can be confusing at times; the reader is torn as to what the main plot is. Clea Simon is a good and solid writer. Her characters have depth and well-fleshed out backgrounds. Clea Simon has an eye for detail that allows her story to come alive. Her storyline was imaginative yet believable. I especially liked Theda’s devotion to her cat — this gave her a human quirk that many readers can relate to. Cries and Whiskers is an entertaining and well-written mystery. It has a strong, female lead character with an intriguing premise. Anyone who likes cats will love this mystery!

Reviewed by: Kristen