The Black Cat
In Martha Grimes' The Black Cat, a couple of months have passed since Superintendent Richard Jury of New Scotland Yard was suspended for saving the lives of two little girls, and the pensive detective has grown more wary than ever. He doesn’t know what to think when he’s called on a case far out of his jurisdiction.
In the outlying village of Chesham, a beautiful young woman has been shot to death and left in the cold wearing a gown by Yves Saint Laurent and shoes by Jimmy Choo. Jury wouldn’t think twice if this homicide took place at the Royal Albert Hall, but what’s interesting is that it occurred on the grounds of a back-alley pub. The only witness is the pub’s black cat, who seems to be involved in a mystery of his own.
Identifying the murdered girl is tricky, until she's recognized as a local who was living a double life: as a retiring librarian by day, and a high-class call girl by night. When two more escorts are murdered, Jury must use all his wits and intuition to determine the connection.
During the investigation, a name pops up that sets Jury’s teeth on edge: his old nemesis, Harry Johnson. And Johnson, along with the imperturbable dog, Mungo, just may be the key to it all.
Hardcover : 336 pages
Publisher: Viking Penguin/Div. Penguin Putnam ( April 06, 2010 )
Item #: 12-867828
ISBN: 9780670021604
Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 8.25 x 0.813inches
Product Weight: 13.0 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
Boring -- and Not Melrose's Club 
August 03, 2010
It seems that Grimes is tired of this series. She trots out her characters -- including the mandatory pub scene with everyone sitting around the table -- but there doesn't seem to be any heart in it anymore. It's like there is a check list that she goes down to make sure she includes everyone at least once. While it was a fun read, it certainly felt like she was going through the motions in order to turn out a book by a deadline.
I agree with Chuck B -- time to move on.
Reviewer: Patricia L
Loved it
July 08, 2010
Martha strikes again with her British characters. Her child characters are such a hoot and always seem to set Melrose in his place. I am looking forward to another with her British characters.
Reviewer: Jane
Another Winner
June 17, 2010
Wash your mouth out Chuck. I love the Richard Jury books. I also love dogs and cats and believe me they do communicate with each other. A good easy going mystery. Looking forward to the next one. Hurry Martha!
Reviewer: Daisy M
Depends on What You Want
June 05, 2010
Being my first Martha Grimes I had no expectations. Since I'm an eccentric animal lover who has a varied taste in mysteries, I was delighted to discover cats and a dog among the characters. This is no spine tingling thriller, but I enjoyed the story as a lighter murder mystery with enough plot and surprises to entertain and keep me guessing.
Reviewer: Sara
Not up to snuff
May 19, 2010
Is Grimes getting bored with Richard Jury? Wandering on about high-fashion shoes? Bringing in a dog and a cat that hold more or less intelligent conversations? Her main character (Jury) has always seemed a little depressed, but now seems in need of professional help. Definitely not up to snuff. Maybe time to snuff the series.
Reviewer: Chuck B
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