Cat Who Knew Cardinal

Like news from Lake Wobegon, Braun's Cat Who . . . series featuring retired journalist and heir Jim Qwilleran and his Siamese cats Koko and Yum Yum has charmed readers, and this 12th installment about events in mythical Pickax City is no exception. Qwill and cats move into an antique apple barn renovated by building contractor (and amateur actor) Dennis Hough. Concurrently the Pickax Theatre Club stages Henry VIII , with Hilary VanBrook, the unlikable but talented new high school principal, directing and playing the plum role of Cardinal Wolsey and a woman from neighboring Lockmaster (instead of a Pickaxian) controversially cast as Queen Katharine. When VanBrook is murdered in his car after a closing night party at Qwill's new home, Qwill looks into VanBrook's past while the police investigate his death. Local suspicion falls on Hough, the newest member of the community, but he is found hanged in the apple barn, and Qwill doubts that it's suicide. Koko and Yum Yum once again help Qwill identify the culprit via whisker twitches and tail wags. Series fans and newcomers alike will purr with delight. Mystery Guild main selection; Literary Guild and Doubleday Book Club alternates. (May)