Cat Telling Tales

By: Shirley Rousseau Murphy

Narrated by: Susan Boyce

Length: 10 hrs and 27 mins

Publisher's summary

Even the bright seaside village of Molena Point has been hit hard by the economic downturn. Sadly, former residents haven’t just left their homes; they’ve abandoned their pets, too. Luckily, Joe Grey’s human friends have joined together to care for the animals. But just as one problem is solved more arise. A suspicious fire leaves a twelve-year-old boy homeless when the body of his alcoholic elderly guardian is discovered in the smoldering ruins. Then, a woman with two children appears on the Damen doorstep, claiming to have no money and nowhere else to go. The experienced Joe Grey smells a rat, and will work his paws off to prove it. Scratching out clues, he and his P.I. posse follow a trail that lead to a scam involving a group of shady real estate agents. When a realtor goes missing, Joe suspects the mysteries are connected. And just when the Damen household is filled to capacity, another stray arrives with answers… and the possibility of true love for the adventurous tortoiseshell Kit.

©2011 Shirley Rousseau Murphy. All rights reserved. (P)2011 AudioGo

A delightful narrator and a good story

Would you listen to Cat Telling Tales again? Why?

I have already listened to this audio book twice! Why? It is a fun read and a delight for any Joe Grey fan. I am baffled why there are note more of this popular series on audiobook they would be my go to choice for a light, cat loving read.

Who was your favorite character and why?

The listener becomes absorbed in the lives and events of the cat characters who are all portrayed with affection and wit. The sub-story about Pan and Misto will move any cat lover and have them cheering at the end. A favourite? It would be mean to pick one out - the humans and Molena Point are a delight and the cats make me laugh and sometimes hold my breath!

What does Susan Boyce bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

It is, sometimes, simply nice to be read to, and by a voice of Susan Boyce's quality with its gentle characterisation and relaxed manner.

Any additional comments?

PLEASE commission Susan Boyce to read the whole series - there is a huge gap in the Joe Grey lover's library that Auduble needs to fill!

One of the best Cat Mysteries Ever

Would you listen to Cat Telling Tales again? Why?

I will listen to this again for sure. I love the series and Susan Boyce did a fantastic job bringing the characters to life.

Who was your favorite character and why?

I especially like Kit as she has a special wonder about the world around her. All the cats are wonderful characters with individual personalities.

What about Susan Boyce???s performance did you like?

She captures the personalities of the cats and the people so that it all becomes very believable. The focus is on the mystery, not on the fact that the cats are talking to each other and to their human friends.

Any additional comments?

I have read and love all the Shirley Rousseau Murphy Joe Grey books. I was disappointed with the narrator of the two previous audiobooks and only tried this one because the sample sounded so much better. (The other narrator was just not right for these books, in my opinion). I hope that they continue making these audio versions and that Ms. Boyce does the narrating. If you listened to the others and didn't want to try again, I suggest that this one is worth a credit. Great story to read and a great story to listen to.

Narrator, not so good

The narration is choppy making a difficult listen. However the story is quirky and fun and would have been rated much higher with a better narrator. It's good to see that future books have another narrator. Thanks

Murdered Grandma, Sweet Grandson, & Homeless Pets

Wow! This series just keeps getting better! The economic downturn has hit Molena Point (based on Carmel, California, a unique and wonderful little town), and Clyde and Ryan are snapping up abandoned homes for a song . . . renovating them and turning them over for a profit. But in the meanwhile, many abandoned pets are on their own. But the residents of Molena Point are coming to their rescue. Joe Grey, Dulcie and Kit are ever on the job, sleuthing . . . when they come upon a terrible scene . . . a burned out home, with an elderly woman dead. And her young grandson, Billy, is now homeless. Police Chief, Max Harper soon finds out that Hesmerra, Billy’s grandma, didn’t die from the fire. Billy, worried about the stray cats that he and his grandmother cared for, wants nothing to do with foster care . . . nor his aunt, Debbie Kraft, who had two daughters of her own. Joe Grey, Dulcie and Kit are on the job searching for the culprit in the murder of Hesmerra, while also trying to figure out how Debbie Kraft, recently come to town fits into the picture. Great narration, excellent storyline. Like a fairytale for adults . . . with no disagreeable sex scenes and only light cursing, no f bombs or using the Lord’s name in vain. Love this series!

Murphy remains a top choice

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

yes, the idea of a communicative cat is fun!

What other book might you compare Cat Telling Tales to and why?

although Joe is the main role - and a macho cat - there are new personalities to explore

Have you listened to any of Susan Boyce’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

no.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

yes, there is always a good turn of events in stories and they hold my attention.

Any additional comments?

I can do many chores with my hands/eyes and still listen to a very good mystery tale.

from the cat's perspective

the narration is great , her voice is enjoyable and pleasant to listen to, her voice really complimented the story she read...

a story for an adult about curious cats that can talk and solve crimes... finding evidence better than any detective...

if you want a mystery or suspenseful murder and crime solving story .. .. but you don't want anything too graphic or "adult content" but you are looking for a story told that mixes in funny things to make you smile, it is an enjoyable read, and if it were a movie it would be appropriate to show on regular TV...

tbh... I think this would make a fun PG or made for TV movie! especially if they used real cats alongside human actors.... ( fans of Sabrina and her cat Salem, would enjoy watching or reading this book!!)

thank you for writing a fun story!

Nearing the end…

Especially enjoyed this one? Of course all the Joe Grey mysteries are engaging but his had some pretty funny quips from Joe,in his dry wit. The introduction of new cats, Miso’s son finding him was especially sweet. Good mystery again,pulling it all together. Some scenes of the cats doing what cats do makes these stories maybe a little hard for some,ie their hunting but it’s “ real life” cat behavior. Had many mice dropped at my door as their gift.Bringing in the stressing of importance of spay,neuter and adoption was icing on the cake.

Cat lover

Total delight. This series is a must buy. Each book entertains and engages my curiosity for solving a mystery

Enjoyable

As always, these cat mysteries are a fun listen. This one left some unanswered questions, so I will need to see what the next one in series is!

Great narrator

I really liked the narrator in this book. She does a good job with different voices and it’s a smooth read. Not choppy at all.