Cat of One's Own

Adamson's fluffy cat series continues to grow at a kittenish pace with this 17th entry in a series that began less than a decade ago with A Cat in the Manger (1990). Since then, cat-sitting New York actress Alice Nestleton and an assortment of colorful felines and equally appealing humans have moved from a paperback format to hardcover without missing a meow. A simple request from old acquaintance Amanda Avery to help her choose a cat from a pet shelter launches Alice on her new adventure. Despite being told that he is ""difficult,"" Amanda insists on adopting Jake, a feline of unusual coloring and character. Jake's adoption is followed shortly by his disappearance from Amanda's locked apartment; left in his place is an ominous ransom note. Amanda's disastrous attempt to deal with the ransom leaves Alice trying to cope with two orphaned animals, a murder and a plethora of clues. Some of the clues suggest that Amanda had unexpected theatrical ambitions. Others indicate that the animal shelter may harbor more than animals. Boyfriend Tony Basillio and disreputable old mystery writer Sam Tully are enlisted to aid Alice as she once more turns from actress to sleuth in order to avenge a friend and clear herself of suspicion. (Feb.)