Cat in a Leopard Spot

Before Midnight Louie I had never read one single mystery. Then I got a cat named Louie, (most unlike the Midnight P.I.) but went off on a tear with these books. I happen to be getting very aware of the sanctuaries devoted to caring for abused, abandoned and neglected big cats, so this one had to be read out of order. She does a very creditable job describing the true plight of the big cats in horrible situations while somehow allowing Louie to lose none of his charm and swagger. Oh, yes, the human characters are interesting too! May help if you've visited Las Vegas, but not strictly necessary, her (and Louie's) descriptions are great.

This is the first book I've read in this series. Now I'm hooked. I want to read everything else that was ever written by Carole Nelson Douglas. Every minute of reading this book was pure pleasure. I highly recommend this book.

One year has passed since freelance Las Vegas publicist Temple Barr and black alley cat Midnight Louie found each other. Temple also got back with her boyfriend Max Kinsella, a counter terrorist agent with many more enemies than friends. During Max's absence, Temple made a friend in former priest Matt Devine, a virgin. This quartet is linked, and like it or not, are forced to work together at times. Matt currently worries about a female stalker, Kitty the Cutterwho he wants to keep away from Temple for fear she might harm her. Max tries to keep some of his deadlier enemies away from Temple for the same reason. Midnight Louie wants to keep his prime source for a Grade A meals, along with her two male associates, from injury too. However, Louie also has the job of insuring the safety of his buddy Leopard by seeing that he makes it back to his owner with a little help from Temple and company. Those who read the first twelve Midnight Louie books will notice that the thirteenth novel returns everyone to the earlier story arcs. CAT IN A LEOPARD SPOT is an enjoyable mystery, especially when the stars are anthromorphized animals that can stand-alone. Yet the story line encourages readers to go back to the beginning to fully appreciate obscure references and ongoing plots. Carole Nelson Douglas shows that her feline has at least thirteen lives.Harriet Klausner