The Company of Cats Book

Gossip maven Annabel Hinchby-Smythe is thrilled when she is mistaken for a top interior decorator by recent acquaintance and computer millionaire Arthur Arbuthnot. When he invites her to redecorate his dreary London flat, it gives her an unparalleled opportunity to delve into the reclusive tycoon's life and provides her with tidbits to feed the gossip columnists. Little does she realize what her deception will lead to; the shabby mansion houses and odd and disagreeable group of relatives, each of whom seems to have a questionable agenda concerning Arbuthnot and his money. Only Sally, a cat rescued from the streets, seems to have a rightful place in Arbuthnot's affections, although she is loathed by everyone else. As Annabel wrestles with the mysteries of material samples, Arbuthnot's relatives contend with each other. His family members are at each other's throats, and the tension in the timeworn mansion is at an all-time high. When the millionaire's corpse is discovered in his inner sanctum, all indications point toward foul play. His greedy relatives are quick to cover up any suggestion of murder, but Annabel is profoundly suspicious. When Arbuthnot's lawyers reveal that Sally, the cat, is the main beneficiary of his will, and whoever looks after her will control his massive fortune, the relatives all scramble to win the feline's affections. All too aware of what this means for the cat's life expectancy, Annabel spirits her away from the conspiring clan. This does not deter them, however; multiple Sally look-alikes are adopted by the Arbuthnot entourage as they try and pass each off as the precious feline. Between posing as a designer, acting as a cat-refuge service, and solving a murder, Annabel has her hands full. The Company of Cats is the usual Marion Babson delight; lighthearted and charming, it will appeal to cat lovers and mystery lovers alike. Read More