cover image Santa Clawed

Santa Clawed

Rebecca Kai Dotlich, , read by Kate Forbes. . Recorded Books, $34.99 ( , unabridged, six CDs, 6.5 hrs., $34.99 ISBN p) ISBN 978-1-4361-7236-3

Brown is perhaps the only known novelist who collaborates with her cat, Sneaky Pie, but if their writing is any indication of their inherent talent, then the relationship should be celebrated. The pair's 17th novel finds Harry and friends Mrs. Murphy, Pewter and Tee Tucker involved in a holiday investigation in which an old friend is the prime suspect. For newcomers to this popular series, the catch is that the supporting characters are, you guessed it, talking animals. Kate Forbes gives a solid performance, creating interesting and original voices for each character, both human and animal. Her voice flows well, drenched in a certain storybook charm that manages to entertain an adult audience. A Bantam hardcover (Reviews, Sept. 15). (Nov.)