Review of "Sam the Cat: Detective"

"That part aside, we get along pretty well: I stay out of his hair; he stays out of my fur."

     Linda Stewart's Sam the Cat: Detective is for everyone who is convinced their cat has a secret life they never see. Sam lives with his roommate, a bookseller who specializes in mystery novels, in a New York apartment complex. He's been in the PI business for three and a half years, and he's good at it. Enter Sugary, a pretty blonde with a big problem: her family has been robbed, and the cat-loving building janitor, Max, is the primary suspect. Determined to help his client and clear Max's name, Sam heads to the street in search of a lead. But with little more to go on than a description of the stolen item and an unusual scent, this may very well be a case even a cat can't solve.

     From the first page, it's obvious that Stewart understands cats. Not just their habits and sleep cycles, but also their distinct personalities and inborn mystique. Sam and his neighbor, Spike, deal with cats of all shapes, sizes, and dispositions. From grumpy Angie to obliging Sue, the cats they encounter are unique and decidedly feline. Sam himself is an interesting character to read, with his sense of duty, determination to do right by his friends and clients, and talent for haggling. Although the characters are a little flat, they have just enough roundness to them to be interesting and believable.

     The plot in this book is very well written. Sam is constantly going from contact to contact, asking questions and searching for patterns where none seem to exist. Every plot twist is a surprise, every decision realistic. Readers may find themselves running right alongside this four-legged hero as he pokes at theories in the hope that something will bite. Although he doesn't like getting into fights, Sam has to claw his way through more than one scrap before the story is over, each one written with great pacing and action. Even the low-tension scenes carry a sense of anxiety, thanks to the stakes. This is balanced out neatly by smart humor and witty logic that works quite well with the overall sense of noir.

      Since the story's principal characters are cats, it follows that many of their crime-solving tactics are unique to their species. Sam and his various companions leap across penthouse railings, battle a yapping schnauzer, and make deals with some less-than-pleasant cats. It's refreshing to note that the good guys and bad guys are clearly separate figures. The book doesn't contain foul language, and is suitable for all ages.

     I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a smart, fun read about a cat detective who knows his stuff. With its dynamic cast, firm sense of realism, and easy humor, the novel has its own distinct writing style that perfectly fits the story it tells. Stewart knows cats, so cat-lovers can trust her to get the facts right. For strong writing, witty dialogue, and a fundamental understanding of its feline cast, I give Linda Stewart's Sam the Cat: Detective five stars.