July 1, 2014
Summer along Lake Michigan should be idyllic, but from time to time assistant library director/bookmobile driver Minnie Hamilton and Eddie, her cat, encounter major drama. One afternoon, the bookmobile becomes an ambulance, transporting to the closest hospital a local artist, Russell McCade, who has suffered a stroke. Russell and his wife, Barb, are grateful, naturally, and a friendship evolves. When Russell is named as a suspect in a murder, Minnie is shocked. The McCades are devastated, and in true amateur sleuth fashion, Minnie knows she must investigate. After some harrowing situations, most notably on her houseboat, Minnie and Eddie solve the case. VERDICT Cass's heartfelt second series entry (after Lending a Paw) demonstrates real flair and features an earnest yet professional protagonist with an extremely likable and intuitive cat. Partner with Miranda James, of course, and also consider Clea Simon.
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