Clea Simons heroine, Theda Krakow, has just lost her beloved cat and made a major career change to become a freelance writer. Feeling a bit blue, she takes a walk along her Cambridge street and meets the neighborhood cat lady, Lillian, an old woman living in a decrepit house full of cats.
Sensing an interesting story, Theda returns to interview Lillian, only to discover that the woman has died from an apparent accident. The cats have been taken to a shelter, and the police have washed their hands of the incident. But something smells fishy to Theda.
As Theda investigates Lillians death, she learns that the house is rumored to contain treasure hidden among the boxes and stacks of paper. Theda also comes across Lillians son, a waiter who helped Lillian care for the cats, and a neighbor who is a true cat-hater. Who had it in for Lillian?
Simon fills her story with a little bit for everyone: a look at the Boston rock scene, a suspenseful mystery and a soft spot for cats. Published by Poisoned Pen Press, the 284-page Mew is for Murder is scheduled for release in August.
Posted: July 19, 2006, 5:00 a.m. EST