ISBN: 0-812-56535-5 Order from: Amazon.com Barnes & Noble.com
A playful continuation of the Midnight Louie mysteries, this novel combines two spunky narrators, and a quirky puzzle full of eccentric celebrities in a wacky Las Vegas.
Reviewed by David on January 10, 1999
Genre: Mystery (Amateur Sleuth, Cat)
Synopsis: Temple Barr, a short, curious and energetic PR consultant for a Las Vegas casino, is hired to assist Domingo, an eccentric world-famous artist who wants to transform Las Vegas by installing (artistically, of course) a million of shocking-pink plastic flamingos. Meanwhile, her feline companion Midnight Louie's budding acting career turns unexpectedly perilous, as the famous cat's life and health become endangered by a malicious rival. However, it is a sudden and suspicious death of a human actor which spurs Temple into playing an amateur detective once again.
Full Review: Carole Nelson Douglas is the author of several fantasy, science fiction and mystery books, including Probe and the pleasant fantasy series starting with Six of Swords. This is another of her Midnight Louie mysteries, a book where Temple Barr and her black tomcat Midnight Louie alternate as narrators. The series started with Catnap.
The red-haired, diminutive and perky Barr, who loathes the adjective "cute" when applied to her person and any part thereof, is helping Domingo, the world-famous artist notorious for his arrogance and womanizing ways. At the same time, the shooting of a cat-food commercial starring Midnight Louie, the object of his dreams the Divine Yvette, and a slew of Vegas celebrities turns unexpectedly ominous, as several dangerous accidents culminate in a suspicious death.
While Temple investigates, Louie adds his humorous interjections, as his life and well-being is menaced by both a feline a rival and his beloved Yvette's owner, the fading star Savannah Ashleigh. The usual cast of characters, including Temple's neighbor Matt, the former (and perhaps future) lover Max, and the police lieutenant Molina both assist and complicate Temple's snooping.
The feisty and intelligent heroine, combined with the hectic pace and humorous tone, with the occasional moment of intense emotional anguish, make this an enjoyable and fun read. The book is especially deft exposing the vagaries of the modern mating dance, including several episodes in the life of Matt, the handsome and inexperienced former priest and a romantic interest of Temple's.
Overall: 6.5; Plot: 6; Characters: 6.5; Style: 6.5; World-building: 6; Originality: 5.5;
Copyright date 1997, Tom Doherty Associates (Forge), April 1998, Mass market paperback
ISBN: 0-812-56535-5 Order from: Amazon.com Barnes & Noble.com