Katapult

Stubbornly independent Sacramento, Calif., P.I. Kat Colorado ( Katwalk ) is working on two crimes this time out: the first is personal, the murder of her ``cousin'' John; the other concerns the killing of a teenage prostitute. Kat is called into the former case by her informally adopted ``grandmother,'' feisty Alma Flaherty. Kat follows the confusing trail of events leading to Johnny's killer, along the way locating another missing ``cousin'' (and possible suspect), Micha; withstanding attacks on Alma, herself and her beloved cat; and redeeming a teenage hooker. Unfortunately, Kat does little real investigative work, and Johnny's mystery unravels a bit too neatly, with little suspense. The plot line concerning the hookers is left dangling, with scarcely any attempt on Kat's part to find the murderer. Perhaps Kat's future adventures will involve more detecting, and fewer smart comments. (Nov.)