Cat Who Moved Mountain

This droll and engaging mystery, 13th in The Cat Who . . . series, firmly grips the reader even though the murder in question is a year old and the killer is apparently behind bars. Jim Qwilleran, an affable former big-city crime reporter who has just inherited a considerable fortune, heads for a vacation in the rustic Potato Mountains to ponder the future course of his life. Accompanied by his two omniscient felines, Koko and Yum Yum, he takes up residence in the former home of the town's leading citizen, J.J. Hawkinfield, murdered one year ago. The sheriff tells Qwilleran that the deceased, a believer in unfettered development of the area, was killed by one of the more militant mountain people, who oppose land sales and want to protect their rural environment. Under the pretext of researching Hawkinfield's biography, Qwilleran pries into everyone's business, aided by the garrulous residents, who raise gossip to a new art form. With the help of his unique cats, he uncovers new evidence and brings to a satisfying conclusion a lively, witty tale bolstered by sharply etched characters. Mystery Guild main selection, Literary Guild and Doubleday Book Club alternates. (Jan.)