Cries & Whiskers: A Theda Krakow Mystery    by Clea Simon Order:  USA  Can Poisoned Pen, 2007 (2007) Hardcover, Audio, CD     Reviewed by Mary Ann Smyth Theda Krakow, Music Critic for a Cambridge, Masschusetts newspaper, loves cats. She has one of her own – black-and-white Musetta - who pretty much rules the household. What cat doesn't? When an animal rights activist is killed in what looks like a hit-and-run accident, Theda feels it is the result of the woman's militant stance on animal rights – any animal's rights. Theda and her punk-rock animal-shelter-owner friend Violet set out to rescue feral cats from encroaching construction. That action leads to more mystery than the hit-and-run. At the same time, a new drug has hit the club scene – one that is causing ODs. And in trying to interview a band on the music scene for her column, Theda finds herself in more trouble than she bargained for. The plot of Cries & Whiskers is a good one, with twists and turns that add suspense to the story. I like Theda. She's a good person who is able to make her living writing columns about current musicians and their gigs – something with which she feels very much at home. Her friends are intense but caring. The action moves easily from one glitch to the other. When Musetta is catnapped, Theda moves into high gear. The denouement is exciting as Theda's life is at stake. The fun part is the humor as the reader is treated to Theda's ruminations about ongoing happenings as well as her relationship with her cop boyfriend, along with her housemate Musetta's. Cries & Whiskers is a quick, easy read, well worth the effort. Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons. Find more Mystery books on our Shelves or in our book Reviews