What the Cat Saw

This appealing first in a new paranormal cozy series from Agatha-winner Hart (Death Comes Silently and 21 other Annie Darling bookstore mysteries) introduces unemployed investigative reporter Nela Farley, who can read cats%E2%80%99 thoughts. When Nela%E2%80%99s flighty sister, Chloe, an employee of the charitable Haklo Foundation, suddenly decides to take a vacation, Nela comes to Craddock, Okla., to fill in for Chloe. Nela stays in the apartment of Haklo%E2%80%99s late chief operating officer, Marian Grant, who recently died in what seemed to be an accident, though Nela gathers from Marian%E2%80%99s cat that she was a victim of foul play. The suspense builds as everyone on the foundation%E2%80%99s small staff becomes a suspect, from trustee Blythe Webster, a powerful woman who expects to be treated with deference, to newly hired assistant curator Abby Andrews. Reporter Steve Flynn provides a romantic foil for Nela, while Det. K.T. Dugan believes Nela is up to no good. Traditional mystery fans will find a lot to like. Agent: Deborah Schneider, Gelfman Schneider Literary. (Oct.)