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A playful continuation of the Midnight Louie mysteries, this novel combines two spunky narrators, and a suspenseful plot; intentionally fanciful at times to the point of giddiness.
Reviewed by David on December 31, 1998
Genre: Mystery (Amateur Sleuth, Cat)
Synopsis: Temple Barr, a short, curious and energetic PR consultant for a Las Vegas casino, is trying to come up with a family-oriented attraction for the Crystal Phoenix, while simultaneously contributing to an amateur performance. While investigating Las Vegas's colorful past in order to add color to her plans, Temple stumbles upon skullduggery she is tempted to investigate. Her imposing cat companion, Midnight Louie, contributes assistance and adds amusing commentary.
Full Review: Carole Nelson Douglas is the author of several fantasy, science fiction and mystery books, including the pleasant series starting with Six of Swords, and Probe. This is another of her Midnight Louie mysteries, a book where Temple Barr and her tomcat 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 asked by her new employers, the management of the classy Crystal Phoenix in Las Vegas, to come up with a scheme to appeal to the elusive family customer. While coming up with a brilliant new idea, Temple's life gets complicated by a new murder apparently connected to her innocent and handsome neighbor, the ex-priest Matt Devine.
To add color, there is the familiar exasperated police lieutenant C. R. Molina, who is harboring a secret of her own, the incredible Fontana brothers, ghost stories with buried treasure, and a string of burglaries in the nearby casinos.
Meanwhile, her feline companion Midnight Louie runs into some previously unknown relatives, and does some sleuthing of his own. The hectic finale combines a Temple-written spectacle, breath-taking underground chase, feline acrobatics and intensified romantic involvement.
This series is at times rather fanciful, and a bit self-indulgent. The mystery is sprinkled with mid-brow literary references, satirical exaggeration, and occasionally serious, emotionally intense, moments. There is some gradual development in the life of the main character and her friends, although the book can easily be read as a stand-alone story. Many of the characters are intentionally zany, but the author succeeds in the difficult task of infusing charm and humor into Las Vegas.
The feisty and intelligent heroine, combined with the hectic pace and humorous tone, make this an enjoyable and fun read.
Overall: 6.5; Plot: 5; Characters: 6.5; Style: 6; World-building: 6; Originality: 5.5;
Copyright date 1995, Tom Doherty Associates (Forge), June 1996, Mass market paperback, 408 pages
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