The Cat Who Wasn't a Dog

I despise mysteries in which psychic pets communicate the solution to their humans. Fortunately, this isn't one of those. The cat in question is quite normal and the object of a reasonable amount of affection, but not so much as to be cloying. The humans, on the other hand, are quite interesting. The main characters are two female actresses of a certain age who are currently between stage productions in London. When they come to the aid of a fellow actress whose favorite pet has died, they become embroiled in both her current play and a murder investigation. While the solution to the mystery is predictable, I did enjoy this book. None of the characters are tremendously deep, but we do get some glimpses into the world of the professional theater and enjoy the characters' accumulated knowledge of it and all of the glamorous, witty, tragic, and outrageous personalities the theater produces. This book is a fast and easy read and I will read more by this prolific author. If you are looking for a lighthearted read to while away an afternoon, pick this one up.

When their friend's ancient dog dies, actors Trixie and Evangeline are summoned to help grieve--and help assist the dog on its way to the taxidermist who will immortalize its remains. Despite an appointment, however, no one appears to be at the taxidermist--at least no one alive. When Trixie finds a living cat, a dead man, and a fast-spreading fire, the three women flee--accidentally leaving behind the mortal remains of Fleur-de-Lys. Getting away from a fire is one thing--getting away from murder is something else. The police soon identify the aging actresses and their driver as witnesses--or suspects. Trixie and Evangeline have to return to the scene of the crime, witness the dreadful rehersals for a reprisal of Arsenic and Old Lace, and deal with a number of unlikable and unsavory characters including their hostess's step-mother, the director, the lead man, and a friend of Evangeline who is intent on making big bucks in investment. Trixie finds herself more and more attached to the rescued cat, Cho-Cho-San, but there are plenty of other claimants for Cho-Cho's love. Still, somebody had left the living cat at the taxidermist--with instructions to have it stuffed. Author Marian Babson does a great job developing her characters--with the blend of competition and mutual support that typifies the thespian professions. Her writing is light and enjoyable with plenty of places that left me with a big smile on my face. Mystery fans will notice that the actual solving of the mystery goes on outside of the book--the primary protagonists aren't really involved in solving the murder(s) or arson. I would have thought that this would detract from my reading pleasure but, to my surprise, it didn't. THE CAT WHO WASN'T A DOG is a fun and enjoyable novel.

One of them is cats. Besides lovely Cho-Cho-San, there's a gentleman theatre cat named Garrick. The other delight is that Trixie and Evangeline, the former Hollywood Golden Age movie stars from REEL MURDER, ENCORE MURDER, and BREAK A LEG, DARLINGS!; are back. Overbearing and obnoxious characters abound, not least Evageline herself. Loved the idea she came up with to cure one actor's lackluster performance, though. There're interesting recipes that are being tested for a cookbook for people on the road, such as how to make a nicely poached egg when you don't have a egg poacher with you. Pity the cookbook is on a tight deadline and the recipe tester is stuck with the suspects. Will it be safe to eat anything in THAT kitchen?The strength of this book is in its wickedly diverting dialog, to use an old phrase. If you're in the mood to put up your feet and spend a cozy afternoon chortling (while giving thanks that Trixie has to deal with those people instead of you), I recommend this book.

This fast read is the latest of Babson's books and is a lot of fun. Don't look for any actual detection- there isn't much. Instead you get unforgettable characters, a geisha-girl cat and an evening with friends Evangaline and Trixie, actresses deluxe. Not so good as an introduction to Marian Babson but delightful for fans.

Everything is quiet and settled for actresses of stage and screen, Evangeline Sinclair and Trixie Dolan until they receive a call from fellow thespian Dame Cecile Savoy. The Dame's beloved Maltese Fleur de-Lys has died after twenty years and she needs her friends around her in her time of grief. When they arrive in Brighton, driven there by their friend Eddie in his taxi, they take Fleur to the taxidermist.When they arrive at the store, nobody seems to be in sight so they spread out looking for the owner. Trixie finds a live cat waiting to be stuffed and saves it when a fire breaks out. All four leave the scene unharmed but Eddie tells his friends he saw a dead body. A neighbor writes down the plate number of his car and the police arrest Eddie. Trixie and Evangeline stay with a friend in Brighton determined to find a way to clear Eddie. However, another dead body, found in their friend's basement, sidetracks them. In their usual befuddled manner, the duo try to fix things and end up turning things into a comedy of errors.Marian Babson has written another witty whimsical cozy that will appeal to animal lovers and mystery readers who don't like blood and gore in their tales. The two protagonists are delightfully dotty as is the support cast, who seems to live in their own artistic realm. THE CAT WHO WASN'T A DOG is another winner by an author who can always be counted on to deliver a fine tale in this case of a tail.Harriet Klausner