Cat Playing Cupid

Joe Grey #14

by Shirley Rousseau Murphy

Love—and murder—are in the air . . .

It took Joe Grey's human, Clyde Damen, nearly forever to pop the question to his girlfriend, Ryan Flannery, and what more romantic time to tie the knot than on Valentine's Day? But dark secrets from the past soon threaten to destroy everyone's happiness.

First, a body discovered many miles away reopens a ten-year-old cold case involving a man who disappeared days before his own wedding. Then another body is found closer to home on the grounds of a ruined estate, deserted save for a band of unusual feral cats.

Though the police investigate, only Joe Grey suspects that the crimes are related. And when he barely escapes alive from a deadly chase, Joe and his friends, Dulcie and Kit, know they'll need to use their powers of feline perception to bring justice to the small town of Molena Point . . . and save Valentine's Day!

Genres: Mystery, Cats, Fiction, Fantasy, Cozy Mystery, Audiobook, Cozy

368 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 2009

About the author

Shirley Rousseau Murphy is the author of over 40 books, including 24 novels for adults, the Dragonbards Trilogy and more for young adults, and many books for children. She is best known for her Joe Grey cat mystery series, consisting of 21 novels, the last of which was published when she was over 90. Now retired, she enjoys hearing from readers who write to her at her website www.srmurphy.com, where the reading order of the books in that series can be found.

Murphy grew up in southern California, riding and showing the horses her father trained. After attending the San Francisco Art institute she worked as an interior designer, and later exhibited paintings and welded metal sculpture in the West Coast juried shows. "When my husband Pat and I moved to Panama for a four-year tour in his position with the U. S . Courts, I put away the paints and welding torches, and began to write," she says. Later they lived in Oregon, then Georgia, before moving to California, where she now enjoys the sea and views of the Carmel hills.
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Reviews

[Betty · Rating 5 out of 5]

On the eve of Clyde and Ryan's wedding, Charlie finds a feral cat, Willow in her barn. She less Charlie to Sage who is badly injured. On the way to the vet, Willow tells Charlie about a body and a book about speaking cats in the Pamillion ruins. Sage and Kit were kittens together when she was ran with clowder
Joe has a plan to alert the MPPD where the body is located. He is wondering how his life will changed when Ryan moves into the house.
QqMike, Ryan's father is retired and looking into cold cases for MPPD. The first case involves Lindsay whose was left at the alter 10 years ago. These cases are skillfully bought together.

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

Part of one of my favorite series. The within-book human mystery in this installment wasn't especially strong, not nearly as interesting as the cats' story that has grown throughout the Joe Grey series and Murphy's closely-related The Catswold Portal. This would probably be a confusing read for someone who's jumping into the series at this point without having the background information.

[Jill Tool · Rating 4 out of 5]

Joe Grey is back at it again, helping the Molena Point PD solve a murder. Only this time it's a little different, there wasn't much of a mystery here, yes two dead bodies are found, both of them about ten years old, a cold case. Lindsay Wolf, was engaged to the victim that was found in Oregon, and the other was found in Molena Point.

When Willow one of the talking feral talking cats, brings a wounded Sage to Charlie, one of the only humans that Willow trusts, she takes him to the local vet. It turns out that the old vet, has always known about the talking cats, and informs Charlie she needs to bring him some "special" cats, meaning Joe Grey, Dulcie, and Kit. Here is where we learn about how these cats are so special. However, Clyde, Joe's human is finally getting married to Ryan Flannery, his long time girlfriend, and Joe is please, he likes Ryan but isn't crazy about her dog coming along and invading his house, but he does like Ryan, who has figured out on her own about the cats.

If you haven't read any of the previous books I would suggest you do first, this book might be a little confusing for someone to just jump in and not know the who's who in the book. In all the books, the story is well written, all at a pretty face pace, the character's are well developed, but that also stems from the other books that have helped them along the way to grow and build relationships.

The Joe Grey series isn't as far fetched as some of the other series out there about talking cats, but is a fun series to read, to escape what's going on in your life, or the news around the world, this series is such a fun, entertaining, relaxing read. You'll find yourself smiling, laughing, especially at some of the things Joe does and then him and Clyde getting into their little arguments, or even if you just want to escape along the San Francisco area, with all the beautiful descriptions along the way of the scenery.

[Betsy · Rating 2 out of 5]

First of all, this book has absolutely nothing to do with a cat playing cupid! Second, it's not even much of a mystery. Two bodies are found but the reader can guess, as soon as the clues are presented, whose bodies they are and who the killer is. The fact that the cats in this book actually talk sounds more interesting than it turns out to be. As far as being 'detectives' the cats do little more than make phone calls to the police as anonymous informers. At one point, there is a whole chapter (perhaps more) where the cats manage to get into the apartment of the killer, find a box of stationery which is supposedly a clue, and drag the box all the way back home where the box is hidden in a closet and never again resurfaces. What was the point of them finding the clue in the first place? Nobody ever finds out about it! There are a couple of instances where the cats get into a jam, but instead of building suspense, the author gets them out of it easily within a couple of paragraphs. Also, there are loose ends that are not tied up to the reader's satisfaction. Things happen for no apparent reason. I give it two stars only because I like cats and the idea of them talking appeals to me.

[Sissy A. Bèans · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the characters! So real! Will you be able to write more after Cat Shining Bright?

So well written and so BELIEVABLE! I wish my cats could talk to me... I think. Spunkmeyer did a round of fresh toilet paper on the roll. He does like to see it pile up on the floor! He is a 13 month old Maine Coon who has a lot of energy! Still a kitten but at 17 lbs, A busy kitten! But at night he comes to me and wants petting and then licks my hand. And cuddles! Ouch! But so sweet! He would be a great character! If only I could write! He is a scream! Too bad we can't include pictures.. Spunkmeyer was a rescue up 20' in a tree because coyotes treed him! No one claimed him! Cept us! We just thought he was a little longer haired kitten and when we took him to the vet a coup!e of months later we all thought Maine Coon! The vet said 8-9 months old. He agreed and SM (as we call him for short) licked his fingers! He is a pure treasure and I am so.glad my husband braved the 20'ladder and saved him!

[Kali · Rating 4 out of 5]

Since I have now read 14 of these cat mysteries...how is that possible?...it is obvious that I like them. They have been a lovely escape from the increasingly disturbing real-world news. And I have rated all of them at 4 or 5 stars because I have found them to be well-written, with interesting characters that I care about, a beautiful coastal setting, and plots that keep me intrigued. This one, though, is heavier on the characters, and actually I found it occasionally a bit confusing, as though the lives of the characters had caused me, and the narrative, to wander away from the plot of the mystery. But, I just went to the library and checked out book #15.

[Kris Sellgren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Joe Grey, cat PI, finds himself in more trouble than ever as he investigates two cold cases of murder that may be related. Cupid is loose in Molena Point. Clyde and Ryan, Joe’s human housemates, get married and go on a honeymoon. Both Kit, the kitten that Joe and his love Dulcie have adopted, and Clyde’s father-in-law are drawn to the wrong tomcat and woman, respectively. Joe, Dulcie, and Kit learn much more about their heritage as speaking cats in the course of this cozy mystery.

[Emily Cullen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two bodies are found, one opening up a cold disappearance case. The police will need felines Joe Gray, Dulcie and Kit to help. Plus Joe's human Clyde finally ties the knot with Ryan! I love this cozy mystery series; you will too if you're a cat lover. There's a bit of fantasy in this series because these special cats can talk!

[Gen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once again Dulcie, Kit, and Joe Gray including Rock are at it again. While reading this series one can visualise how smart, devious, and independent a cat can be. One sometimes wonders what is a cat thinking when he gives one a certain look? I'm not sure how I would react if I ever encountered a talking cat, but Dulcie, Kit, and Joe in the meantime are feeding my imagination.

[Ellen White · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love is in the air Clyde and Ryan on their honeymoon. Dulcie has eyes for a feral cat Sage. Charlie thinking of the richness in so many lives now knowing about the talking cats. Finding out the secrets over the years that the veterinary had held. Made this even more enjoyable, the characters we love, to know how they feel about these special cats.

[Lynne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Decently written, kinda dragged in parts. I found this at a local thrift store and as I’ve kinda been on a trend of mysteries with cats. I was rather surprised when the cats actually talked to certain people in the story. Very different, not my favorite, but okay. Think I’ll read something without cats next!

[Alayne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I very much enjoyed this book, after I had suspended my disbelief over cats who could talk and read and use a mobile phone! The only reasons for the loss of a star were that the author kept switching back and forth in time which took a bit of getting used to, and this was a book in the middle of a series which I have never read, so there were references to past books with no explanations.

[Fred Nachbrunn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A reset of characters relationships promising great things for future books

A combination of old and new characters. Surprising plot twists.
Changing relationship between cast of characters offer infinite plot future.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this group of nonhuman sleuths. This time they get caught up in a case that’s ten years old. There is also love in the air with all the ups, downs, and complications that go along with it. Happy reading!🙂

[Carol · Rating 2 out of 5]

There were some fun uses of cat behavior throughout the story. I would consider this a young adult read. I won’t be reading any of the others in the series. Too juvenile for me. The title doesn’t fit, either. No cats played Cupid.

[Lorraine Shaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book

[Pam Mertens · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved the concept. This is a series for all of us who swear our cats understand us. I read this out of sequence but am now back to the beginning of the series and looking forward to it.

[DONNA LIND · Rating 5 out of 5]

Car Balou

Exciting and suspenseful. Didn't want to put it doy. Joe Grey never disappoints me. Can't wait to start the next one.

[Pat · Rating 5 out of 5]

As usual.... I loved this story about these Cats... these seem to be my go-to books. I am intrigued with Shirley Rousseau Murphy’s stories and her imagination!

[Angie Carter · Rating 2 out of 5]

Picked up at a book sale. Not sure why I didn’t enjoy this more. I mean who doesn’t want a talking cat who solves mysteries????

[Oscar & Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoy reading all of Joe Greys books. I’ve read about 10 or so and I just get a kick out of them.

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

https://www.goodreads.com/review/edit...#
Does Kit find her soulmate?

[Kristin · Rating 2 out of 5]

Took a lot to get through it (I kept falling asleep). The cats' thoughts seemed more human than feline which I found irritating. Too many unanswered questions after finishing it.

[Allan Krummenacker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This fourteenth outing for the Joe Grey Mystery Series was fun and intriguing for me. While I haven't read the full series yet, I have read the earliest books and was quickly drawn into this wonderful world where some cats can speak and think on par with humans, while others cannot.

Miss Murphy keeps each story building on this mystery either slightly or heavily. In this case it was more heavily focused on while at the same time dealing with a classic whodunnit mystery. What is the connection between a body, dead 10 years, up in Oregon to the mysterious disappearance of a local man who was going on a hike locally? And when a second body, also dead some 10 years is discovered in an unmarked grave, the big questions arises to this person's identity. Could this one be the missing local man? If not, then who is it and why were they buried with a book that frightens the speaking cats because it contains hints about them.

Another nice touch to these books is that they do not focus solely on the cats themselves but the people in their lives. It is an ensemble piece that keeps growing and evolving, along with the characters themselves. We are slowly introduced to more and more of the many residents of Molena Point (which is modeled upon Carmel California where the author resides).

This is an excellent series that keeps you coming back for more. You'll find yourself cheering for the cats and their people, as well as a number of the secondary characters who keep the series growing. One of the more feel-good mystery series you want to curl up with on a quiet day and maybe make you wonder about any four-footed friends in your life.

[Gaele · Rating 4 out of 5]

AudioBook Review:
Stars: Overall: 4 Narration: 4 Story: 4

Love is in the air in this installment of the Joe Grey mysteries: Clyde and Ryan are finally getting married on Valentine’s Day, after a protracted courtship. Not to be outdone, the happy moments don’t last too long as a body is discovered – that of a man who disappeared just before his own wedding. Not long after, another body turns up dead: and the cats decide that the two bodies are connected.

Again Shirley Rousseau Murphy manages to utilize the cats and their peculiar talents to great advantage in the story, but this one also spends more time with the human counterparts and their perspectives and relationships with the cats. We also have a bit more flavor from the area around Molina Point, on the northern California coast.

Again Susan Boyce is narrating this story, to great effect: her smooth delivery style, subtle pacing differences and small tone adjustments enhance each character with a unique yet completely fitting delivery of their thoughts and words, without once delving into over-acting or highly exaggerated voice.

These are completely and utterly enchanting cozy mystery stories, heavy on the charm and clever in the plotting. While this installment does include several characters from past stories, and this would not be the first book to start this series, it was an enjoyable and fun read.

I received an MP3 Download from AudioGo via AudioBook Jukebox for purpose of honest review for the Heard Word. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enough suspense that I just kept reading & reading. A few minor annoyances: I think sometimes authors are too concerned with coming up with different ways to say the same thing, e.g. sometimes using a character’s first name & sometimes their last name, making it hard to keep track of who they’re talking about, especially if you’re new to a series & still trying to learn the characters; referring to an ambulance as an EMT van & medic van, which is both weird & suggests they don’t know the difference between an EMT & a paramedic; but the most surprising thing was calling a buried body an interNment, when the correct word would be interment.

Edit after reading a 2nd time, 4 mos. later: I think perhaps the author’s knowledge of medical stuff is a little lacking. Besides the above, I noticed this time, in a description of a discovered buried skeleton: “the thin femur bones encased in a pair of heavy hiking boots”! (That’s the thigh bone! The boots were on the thigh bones??!) Also, with an injured animal, seeming to be using “splint” & “cast” interchangeably. Still enjoyed re-reading it tho!

[Abbey · Rating 4 out of 5]

CAT PLAYING CUPID, Shirley Rousseau Murphy
2009, #14 Joe Grey/Dulcie, Molena Point, California
[fantastical PI - A/4.5]

Lovers of many sorts abound in this Valentine-themed mystery, set in one of my favorite places, with some of my all-time favorite characters. Murders, skullduggery, thrilling chases, sad occurrences, interesting interactions between humans and felines, felines and felines, fill the pages, along with a wedding, a honeymoon that goes bad, and a feline courtship (well, sort of).

It’s a smooth and satisfying read, but would likely seem a bit cute to you if it’s your first book in this long series. Although the plot is actually quite dark, and there are many places that are scary and thrilling, you need to already feel “involved” with the characters for this sweeter-than-usual story to “work” properly. And for me it did, with just enough unexpected twists mixed with a careful furtherance of the multiple regular storylines added to the murder plot. Murphy’s writing is smooth, gentle, surprisingly rich and fascinating; wish she’d write faster!

[Annah · Rating 3 out of 5]

I just went on vacation and took a stack of the 'Cat ....' books from Shirley Rousseau Murphy with me as fun, light reads. They were that! I found I enjoyed them more than I expected to - and even to the point of ignoring all the other books I brought with me.

They are fast-paced mysteries with enough twists of plot to keep you guessing. I also enjoy the concept of talking cats - that bit of mystery and magic appeals to me. These books would be in the genre called 'cozies' - you can be pretty sure that none of the main characters are going to die, thought they might have hard things happen to them. At the end, you can be happy for them all. Cozy. Perfect for a summer vacation.

[E. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Joe Grey's human, Clyde, is finally marrying Ryan! The happy newlyweds leave for their working honeymoon and an "almost" wedding from 10 years in the past entangles the remaining Molina Point characters in a reopening of a missing persons case. The feral speaking cat colony becomes involved in the investigation but their very existence is threatened by the mysterious clues being uncovered. The tattercoat Kit must make one of the hardest decisions of her young life and Joe discovers that he may not be invincible after all. An entertaining addition to the saga of Joe, Dulcie and Kit.

[Sandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

So I like cats. So I like books where cats can talk! So sue me. I've just recently come across these Joe Grey mysteries and they are great fun...and the cats are more literate than a lot of people you know. Big tom cat Joe, who describes himself as a "cop in cat skin, working undercover," is aided in his detective work by sweet Dulcie and little Kit, whose talking, reading, and detection skills are known to only a few humans. Here they solve some cold case murders that have bearing on an ancient secret about some local felines that must remain a secret.