Royal Cat: A 'Big Mike' Mystery

Abyssinian alley cat Mycroft-aka Big Mike-returns for his second adventure (after Desert Cat) among the wacky denizens of Empty Creek, Ariz. The townspeople have turned out for the Empty Creek Authentic Elizabethan Spring Faire, but mischief turns foul when the queen is murdered. Mystery-bookstore owner Penelope Warren, the hastily chosen new queen, snoops around when she isn't sending shrews and bawds to the pillory or kissing Sir Walter Raleigh, while her feline companion, Mike, newly appointed royal cat, wears an Elizabethan collar and cloak and spends his days dreaming of lima beans and thinking. Mike points his claw at the murderer just before Penelope is taken captive and sentenced to be beheaded. The rousing finale-featuring a ragtag band of revolting peasants-and the antics of the exceptionally ribald cast more than make up for the occasional plot lapse. Royal Cat is lusty good fun. (June)