A cat murder takes place on the very first page. Although this is primarily a tale of crime and punishment, dark and unexpected laughs abound in this deadly serious novel. Insanity involving cats weaves a spell of symbolism in a lateral story. Can nothing stop the beasts? What's it all about and who wins the mini war between cat and man? The narrator is Nicholas, a straight arrow, part of the unofficial neighborhood watch.When a crime is committed nearby, Murphy is the logical choice to take the rap. The law thinks so and the neighborhood agrees. Nicholas is horrified when charges are filed and does his utmost to get Murphy safely off the hook. But safety is not to be for the poor, hard-luck bastard Murphy, who's on the superhighway to death row. There is another major player in this drama, old man Nailor, a gossip who is at the top of his game and who disseminates information to deadly effect.