How to Tail a Cat

The Cats and Curios Mystery #4

by Rebecca M. Hale

WHEN IS A WHITE ALLIGATOR A RED HERRING?


Okay, granted, an albino alligator on the loose in San Francisco is pretty darn exciting. But my two cats, Rupert and Isabella, and I have better things to do than tail a reptile from Nob Hill to Fisherman’s Wharf. We’re investigating the mysterious Steinhart brothers, the 1900s-era benefactors who provided the original funding for Clive the alligator’s aquarium. Follow the money, as my uncle Oscar used to say…


In the media circus surrounding Clive, one clown gets a little too close to the renegade gator—our very own aspiring mayor, Montgomery Carmichael. We’d hate to see Monty meet an undignified end, but we’re on a hunt of our own—for Uncle Oscar’s latest treasure. Of course, that’s assuming the whole thing isn’t a crock…

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Fiction, Cozy, Cats, Crime, Animals

298 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published September 4, 2012

About the author

NY Times bestselling author Rebecca M. Hale lives in Western Colorado with her feline writing associates - when she’s not off researching future books set in San Francisco, the Caribbean, or wherever else her wandering spirit takes her.

Reviews

[C. (Comment, never msg). · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’m going to share how this book fits into my journey with this author. I love cats involved in all aspects of family life, enjoy Rebecca’s bizarre style, and am enchanted with the obscure San Francisco history she brings vibrantly to life. This series of books is responsible for my fascination with that city. Her mysteries until now were well-conceived too. They haven’t been paranormal but I consider hiding places and symbols and intricate meanings to decipher, enormously rewarding.

Rebecca’s distant uncle adored her and her cats and bequeathed his Jackson Square building to her: a vast apartment with a tunnelled basement and defunct antique store in between. Every novel leads us on a historically-driven chase, after Rebecca finds an item of value amidst his pile, or a more blatant message. I found “How To Tail A Cat” the least rewarding because the cats needed to coax her to see the first clue, instead of there being an exciting discovery for readers. What’s more, she goes to outrageous trouble for an artifact that was already retrieved, which proved to be heavily anti-climactic. Lastly, I’m not keen on her multi-character presentation. The book and my enthrallment would trot along if she stuck straightforwardly to her protagonist.

The next volume contains a ghost, which I would normally seize upon. However following a person everyone knows is alive has lost its enchantment; with no apparent purpose. Even for the thrill of playing games, there is no sense in not having a conversation with Rebecca. That the man clues everyone into his objective except her, has become tiresome. What is clear, after loyally absorbing numerous volumes, is that the author is no closer to cluing us in either. I regret to report that I am done. If interest is dangled too long, it falls.

[LORI CASWELL · Rating 5 out of 5]

Never a dull moment in San Francisco. The mayor is headed to Sacramento as Lieutenant Governor and an interim mayor needs to be selected by the board. But much more exciting is the albino alligator that is on the loose and been sighted in many places from Fisherman's Wharf to Nob Hill.

Oscar's niece and her cats Isabella and Rupert don't have time to tail an alligator. Her uncle has left her more clues to chase and this adventure starts at Lick's Fried Chicken and has something to do with the Steinhart brothers. This is where the alligator connection begins as in the 1900's the brothers were the benefactors who provided the original funding for the alligator's aquarium.

So which trail to follow? Hunt for Oscar's hidden treasure if there even is one? Or follow the aspiring mayor, Monty Carmichael, around town as he tries to capture the alligator? It would be bad if Monty became lunch for the pale reptile but Isabella seems set on following Uncle Oscar's clues. What to do? Maybe both!

Dollycas's Thoughts

I love these cats and these stories. Rupert and Isabella are two awesome cats, even if they just want fried chicken for dinner like Uncle Oscar used to make. One is very opinionated and inquisitive, the other much more laid back, both are very entertaining. They are the main characters of these stories.

I also love these stories because they have real settings and true adventures. There really is a Steinhart Aquarium and they really do have an albino alligator, his name is Claude. He is definitely the inspiration for Clive in the story right down to an injury and bad eyesight. You can even see him here. The California Academy of Sciences looks like such a cool place and Rebecca M. Hale takes us there on a mini escape. She takes real happenings and places and creates a mystery around them. Sometimes you really wonder what is real and what is fiction and that just keeps those pages turning. Her previous book in the series How to Moon a Cat, was my choice for Best Cozy Mystery in 2011 for just that reason. You find yourself drawn into the story, following the clues, down in the tunnels, out on the streets, and all around San Francisco. CHOMP! The story just grabs you and hold on tight.

It has to be hard to write for cats, alligators, and humans but this author seems to do it with ease. Oh Rebecca, where will you, Rupert and Isabella take us next? I can't wait for our next adventure.

[Susan Ferguson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoy this series. They are rather bizarre in a way, but fun, too.

Oscar's niece has gotten caught up in another mystery her uncle has left her clues, too. But she needs Isabella's help to uncover all the clues. Isabella also requires lazy Rupert to do his share of the work. The opening scene is funny, with interim mayor candidate Monty Carmichael thinking he can capture Clive, the missing albino alligator from San Francisco's science museum.
Then you get into all the story behind this moment in time - and find out what happens in the end of the episode.
The previous mayor, PM, is dabbling in all things going on in the city still. The current mayor is going to Sacramento to be Lieutenant Governor, and very happy to get away from incidents involving frogs. "James Lick" has opened a fried chicken restaurant which seem to be making Oscars chicken recipe. His niece buys it for her cats. She is not so concerned with making The Green Vase antique shop pay now, but following Oscar's clues involving the history of San Francisco. This mystery involves the missing alligator from the Aquarium and the Steinhardt brothers who were big in funding the aquarium originally. James Lick is also a name from the past. The PM guesses who he might be and knows something is up with the interm mayoral candidates. But the excitement keeps brewing with Clive being spotted around town - dressed appropriately - with a friend. In one of the first sightings, a woman is upset because Clive is wearing a Hermes scarf that she wants - and she is afraid he looks bbetter in it than she will!

I love all the history and am fascinated by Isabella, who is awfully knowing for a cat. But she and Rupert ARE special cats, historical cats in fact (from the first book in the series).

[Jeannie and Louis Rigod · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a San Franciscan, I have to tell you, this book makes me smile, laugh aloud, work at figuring out the mysteries, and enjoy the history of the city I love so much! Focus is the Steinhart Aquarium in Golden Gate Park. We are also caught up in the election of the interim Mayor.

There is Fried Chicken in the air (followers of the series will know what I'm saying,) and it is exciting Isabella and Rupert, two beautiful cats that live above the Green Vase Antique store. Their person,Oscar's niece begins to find clues, secrets, objects and more that lead her on a chase throughout the city to find Clive, the famous Albino Alligator. Clive is missing from the Aquarium and the city is on alert.

Montgomery Carmichael, hopeful interim Mayoral candidate, is hot on the trail as well. The Ex-Mayor is busy aiding the New incarnation of James Lick, Millionaire Tramp.

While the media chases Clive, and James Lick and friends work the election, San Francisco is enjoying the Indian Summer season with relish.

There are many mysteries in this book. Yes, there is a murder but you might be surprised when it occurs and it leads you to wonder... This is not a traditional murder mystery, no it is far more.

Ms. Hale writes with the quirky style that us San Franciscans love. The characters do not need names as we recognize their description. But, the book isn't just for insiders, no it is for persons that enjoy true mysteries and love to laugh. This is a wonderful series. It ends with a cliff hanger which is exciting to me as I await the next in the series. Oh, I now know 'How to Tail a Cat."

[Fred · Rating 4 out of 5]

To Tail A Cat is the fourth book in the Cats and Curios Mystery series by Rebecca Hale.

I started the series with the third book and I now wished I had started at the beginning. I really enjoy this series and is one that makes you think about what you are reading and not just read the words on the pages.

Uncle Oscar has left his antique store, The Green Vase, to his niece with all it's treasure and clues to help her with various mysteries she has to solve in each book. The niece, who is nameless also possesses two cats, Isabella and Rupert, who are more than willing to make clues more noticeable to their human. Truth be told, Rupert is more concerned with when his next helping of fried chicken will be in his bowl.

The main part of this story deals with the California Academy of Sciences' Steinhart Aquarium. The Swamp Exhibit at the aquarium centers around Clive the albino alligator. When Clive goes missing, the story is about as big as the Board of Supervisor's meeting to select a new mayor. And there a lot of interest in who will be appointed the new mayor. Even the prior mayor has an insider at city hall keeping his ear to the doors.

I enjoy this series as it is one that the reader needs to take their time reading to enjoy all of the story.

[Lauri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very cute and quirky! Gotta love felines Rupert and Isabella, the true brains of the operation. I wasn't quite sure where this one was going at first with albino alligator, Clive, or the mysterious fried chicken chef & his hole-in-the-wall restaurant and all the political meanderings... But once again the new owner of the Green Vase Antiques Shop prevails with help from her felines.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

I could say so much about this book, but I will try to keep it short. I will say that the first half of the book was hard to get into it. I kept reading mostly since I loved the animas' POV in the book. Once I reached half way, it started picking up pace and I enjoyed it. It was cute and not the typical mystery, which makes it fun. It felt light hearted and just exciting to see where the story would go next. Then I approached the end and saw a lost of a character. It came out of no where and was shocking to see such an out of place chapter in there. So be warned that you may be shocked by what feels like an out of place chapter.

However, with all that being said, it is is still a fun book.

[Natalie · Rating 1 out of 5]

I will not be continuing with this series. There was almost no treasure hunt or mention of San Francisco's history, far too many side characters and side plots. The main character was treated like a secondary character and never, NEVER, once referred to by name, only by "the woman", or "the niece", or "Oscar's niece" (the cats calling her "their person" I can forgive). Her name was used in the first three books yet all of a sudden she's relegated to obscurity? The first three books were okay, learning about San Francisco's Gold Rush days was interesting, the cats antics were amusing, but the series has taken a decidedly downward turn.

[Angela Neary · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the whimsical aspect of this book with its off-the-wall plot and eccentric characters, including, of course, the cats, and Claude, the albino alligator. I loved the tour through all my favorite spots in San Francisco - although the author doesn’t mention specific names, it was fun to guess at the famous SF haunts in and out of which the characters bounced. I haven’t read any other books in the series, but look forward to doing so.

[Lois · Rating 4 out of 5]

The series grows on you, the author in the last couple of books in the series has given the cats more participation and expanded on their different personalities.

[Bonnie Drummond · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am so sorry but this book didn't hold my attention. The characters didn't feel right with the plot.

[Lila · Rating 2 out of 5]

More a comic escapade than a mystery as Oscar's niece pursues clues centered around eccentric San Francisco's history, so it is a shock when a horrid murder happens at the end with no follow-up.

[Michele · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not as good as previous entries in the series.

[Tonya Rhoades · Rating 1 out of 5]

Hard to follow. Absurd plot. Weak conclusion.

[Alice Liu · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book suffers from being quirky just for the sake of being quirky, and mysterious just for the sake of bring mysterious. In the interim, it forgets to be a mystery.

[Christyn · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a series that to be understood best - has to be read in order. But even if you read it in order you will not get all the answers you're looking for because there are things that are going on throughout the books. That is, things aren't neatly resolved in just one book. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. For me, I'm just not sure it's working. Don't get me wrong, the writing isn't necessarily bad - just a little different. Truthfully, it's a bit hard to read, not because it's bad - it's just different. I don't like to leave things unresolved over the course of so many books - I mean I still don't get why Oscar is doing this and why everyone else is going along with it. Is there a point to his elaborate little game?

The characters don't have any depth, they aren't compelling and they don't get any more interesting. It doesn't help that in this book the writing shifted. Usually in series we get to know characters more, progressively - we get closer to them. In this book, we're doing the reverse - at least with the human characters - particularly Oscar's niece. We went from getting her as a narrator to her as just an anonymous secondary character. Throughout the whole book she's being called Oscar's niece, the Woman, or the Niece - it's a little jarring. This is written with a whole bunch of people's perspectives but delegating her to The Woman, The Niece or Oscar's niece made her feel less human. Maybe I'm just tired of the series.

I didn't find the mystery particularly interesting either. Or rather I didn't find the treasure hunt interesting. It's like second-hand treasure hunting, I mean the characters aren't finding new treasure, they're using clues placed for them and then having the treasure pretty much put in their laps. Though perhaps with the clues they find where the original treasure was (though that's not revealed), but now is just another token from Uncle Oscar (followed by the revelation of the real treasure later). It's just not as exciting. The only thing that kind of surprised me was the murder that happened toward the end (I can guess it has something to do with what Spider was working on). Though there is still a lot we don't know - including how Oscar got the bloodstained bag. There are too many unanswered questions for me to really enjoy the book - and I just don't understand the purpose of all this…

2 stars. When the next book comes out I may take a look if they have it at my local library, I suppose it depends how I feel. Right now I just feel tired.

[Jack · Rating 2 out of 5]

Unfortunately, I was disappointed in this installment of "Cats and Curios."

This could have been a very good story, but, similar to its predecessor, "How to Moon a Cat," tangents intrude a lot. Throughout the majority of the book, each chapter is a crap shoot as far as where we start out. There are several different scenarios playing out simultaneously throughout the city. Not until the last few chapters (which number 74 in total) do all these scenarios make an attempt to weave together.

Not to disappoint completely, there is one murder, but that is not the focus of the story. In fact, this only occupies a couple chapters, and there is no mystery surrounding "Who Done It."

The characters (at least the ones exclusive to this book) can get confusing if you're not paying close attention...maybe a little even if you are.

If you really enjoy the story, and you are the type to be able to do this, you will want to read this twice in succession in order to fully grasp the plot(s).

I have a theory that says the author, Rebecca Hale, found that her writing style was a bit different than the premise on which "Cats and Curios" is based. So alas, she has begun a new series called "Mysteries in the Islands," starting with "Adrift on St. John." I am reading that now. From the few introductory pages,it seems this may be Ms. Hale's better niche.

[Dharia Scarab · Rating 3 out of 5]

Found book 4 at a thrift store, so I figured I'd give it a go.
Just as weird as the previous books in the series, although this book features even less of our nameless heroine. This book was even more of an ensemble cast effort.

Surprisingly enough this book ends with a murder, maybe that will factor in to the next book.


Since I don't normally write reviews unless I have something specific to say, here's the break down of how I rate my books...

1 star... This book was bad, so bad I may have given up and skipped to the end. I will avoid this author like the plague in the future.

2 stars... This book was not very good, and I won't be reading any more from the author.

3 stars... This book was ok, but I won't go out of my way to read more, But if I find another book by the author for under a dollar I'd pick it up.

4 stars... I really enjoyed this book and will definitely be on the look out to pick up more from the series/author.

5 stars... I loved this book! It had earned a permanent home in my collection and I'll be picking up the rest of the series and other books from the author ASAP.

[Karissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

What do an albino alligator, a chicken-loving cat duo, a mysterious uncle, and the mayor have in common? A convoluted mystery, that’s what. This delightfully whimsical cozy is full of hilarious hijinks by the niece’s cats and the albino alligator, ridiculous clues and riddles, and some of the strangest and most unusual characters you will ever encounter.

My first book by Rebecca M. Hale, I found it to be so much fun—humorous, sometimes silly, but a thoroughly good romp. This author’s writing style absolutely captivated me. She writes from the animals’ points of view, something you do not see often, and it gives a unique and unusual spin to her mystery story. I also liked the different layers she put into her mystery—it wasn’t a straightforward who-done-it. The fried-chicken motivating her cat made me laugh since I have a food-motivated pet and the polar opposite personalities of her cats gave a playful aspect to the dialogue.

[Susan · Rating 1 out of 5]

I tend to like series, but am aware that there are many traps for the series author. One is assuming that readers are going to be as interested as you in following these characters through their lives whether or not there's a payoff in a particular volume. This book ends with a seemingly unexplained murder, but I don't think I want to wait until the next book, or the one after that, for an explanation. The characters don't seem to have much depth. I've read the first two, though not the third, so I had some hint as to who the characters are, but I pity anyone who picks it up without that preparation. An antique dealer who inherited a shop in San Francisco from her uncle (who isn't really dead) is reluctantly involved in the disappearance of an albino alligator from the aquarium, and the political skirmishing over the selection of a new mayor.

[Mary Kay Kare · Rating 1 out of 5]

It would be great if, before writing another book, this author learned to use the English language. She continually misuses words. Including one of my pet peeves, hone in instead of home in. Also, she described one character as wearing ankle length Capri pants. I kid you not. By definition, Capri pants stop at the calf. She used dallied when she meant dabbled -- leading to some very odd pictures in my head. She used reclusive when she meant secluded. And on and on and on.

The former viewpoint character is now referred to exclusively by the terms the niece and the woman. Extremely distancing. The switch to 3rd person narration makes no sense at all, but if she'd used the woman's name it would at least have been less distancing.

Furthermore, the plot is stupid. Don't bother. I wish I hadn't.

[Francy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book seems to be a "filler", preparing and teasing readers for the next one. I was more than a little disappointed at the result of the treasure hunt in this one but the author seems to have anticipated as much in her readers because her main character came to the same conclusion as I did. I do love the authors ability to write from the animals perspective and I have to admit this book, like her others, made me laugh so it wasn't a total disappointment.



Omg, Monty is so funny, although it is good he is a fictional character. I think if there was a real life version he would be highly annoying.

[Paul Lunger · Rating 4 out of 5]

The 4th book in Rebecca Hale's Cats & Curios Mystery series, "How to Tail a Cat", deals with an escaped albino alligator named Clive & the quest to find out more about the Steinhart Aquarium which houses the exhibit. There really isn't much of a mystery to this story other than a case of follow the clues & the usual reaction of the mayor to all things amphibious. We've also got the various scenes where Clive makes appearances in places he shouldn't & a twist on that story. Overall this is a par for the course outing in this enjoyable series that keeps advancing our storyline with these characters even further & keeps things light something needed in this genre

[Deb · Rating 2 out of 5]

I keep reading this series, in part because the books are set in Jackson Square, San Francisco, but the "mysteries" are getting more and more obscure and less and less resolved. Is Uncle Oscar really dead or is he, for some obscure reason, running a fried chicken restaurant in North Beach? The heroine and her two cats are sympathetic characters but the level of eccentricity surrounding her is starting to get annoying. At this point, the only thing that keeps me coming back are the obscure bits of San Francisco history revealed in each volume. The denouements are never satisfying anymore, only confusing.

[Nola Arganbright · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read the books out of sequence which is not a good idea but it is all making sense to me now.
This is a fun Cozy series but must be read in sequence in order to be understood. Rebecca has been left an antique store by her Uncle Oscar who spent much of his life collecting artifacts and studying San Francisco history. This book is one of the adventures her send his niece and her cats on.
The cast of characters are quirky and multi talented. They return in each book. There are references again to Mark Twain. Once again we are treated to the antics of the cats Isabella and Rupert as they help solve the mystery. We also enjoy the company of an albino alligator named Clive.

[Kayt18 · Rating 3 out of 5]

ok i have realized that if i had read this series at a different time in my life i would love it. but due to cognitive issues i have from m/s this is just too complicated for me now. yep i could see me really liking all the weirdness involved in these books. an albino alligator, frogs with orange mustaches, bald mice wearing jackets. all the makings of a fun read. however so much is complicated and hard to fit together. i do wish i had read these a long time ago back when they might have made some semblance of sense.

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

The fourth title in Rebecca M. Hale's Cats and Curios Mystery Series. We meet Clive the albino alligator, a San Francisco celebrity that goes missing. I found the first three installments to be page turners - this one not so much. While enjoyable it just doesn't seem to have the same zip and vigor that the first couple of books had. In the end one character meets their demise -- but the book offers no clues as why or who the murderer was. Maybe that will be in the next one...

[Stewie's Mom · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book, but... I wished that the secretive segmented style had been less so. I have read the three prior stories and I don't remember them reading so choppy. The quick scenes kept me wondering what was going to happen next, but I also felt a little lost. Maybe if Isabella had been more vocal I would have understood more. I hope that the next book will be less choppy and more direct than this one.

[Melody · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the first 2 books in this series. The third was a little harder to like and this one is even harder. I like the plot but wish the author would refer to the heroine by her name. This one had less history in it compared to previous stories and that was also a disappointment. Hopefully the next story will be a little more organised and explain who killed that poor boy at the end.

[Wilde Sky · Rating 3 out of 5]

An albino alligator is stolen and search is on for a new Mayor of San Francisco.

Quite an enjoyable read in terms of the characters (I especially liked the thoughts of the alligator) but at the end I ended up with questions on why the characters had acted as they had. It read like a series of disconnected scenes, as if chapters / pages were missing and / or the story hadn’t been fully developed.

I rated this 3 but it was really a 2.5.