The Cat Who Knew a Cardinal (Jim Qwilleran Feline Whodunnit)

Yet another in the author's series of stories (The Cat Who Went Underground, etc.) about millionaire (inherited) journalist Jim Qwilleran and his Siamese cats Koko and Yum Yum - the latter two, along with Jim's moustache, supposedly gifted with a talent for detection. Here, they're all enjoying life in remote Pickax, in Jim's spectacularly renovated barn, when he discovers school principal Hilary Van Brook shot to death in the apple orchard. Arrogant Hilary - thoroughly detested by all despite his genius for school administration - seems to have had a secret past, but Police Chief Brodie and most of the townspeople are content to blame the killing on builder Dennis Hough after he commits suicide. Jim doesn't buy that theory and - after he's approached about buying the Amberton horse farm in neighboring Lockmaster and has had a chance to explore Hilary's luxurious living quarters - it doesn't take long for him to uncover the true murderer. A rambling, shapeless story helped a bit by its agreeable small-town characters but without tension or impact. Readers immune to the charm of cats - beware! They're omnipresent as well as omniscient here. (Kirkus Reviews)