Cats Don't Smile — Dolores Hitchens

Two elderly cat ladies get tangled up in a murder case when they house sit for their cousin in this cozy mystery classic.Dolores Hitchens has been writing novels of mystery and suspense, under a variety of names and in a variety of styles, but always entertainingly and often achieving something more than casual entertainment. —The New York TimesThe Murdock sisters of Los Angeles are keeping each other company in their golden years. But while strait-laced Jennifer is content with knitting and reading at home, inquisitive Rachel and their black cat, Samantha, are getting out . . . and into trouble . . .The sisters receive a letter from their cousin Julia in Sacramento. She must travel out of town and needs Rachel and Jennifer to house sit and keep an eye on her tenants. Although they expect a dull visit, the sisters feel it's their duty to help, so they pack up Samantha and head north. From the moment they arrive, there's never a dull moment. Julia has already left. The guests are just plain odd, and there's a mysterious family in the big house next door. Rachel cannot help but be suspicious at every turn. Then there's tension, tears, and finally, murder.Unable to resist a mystery, Rachel jumps at the chance to investigate. But as she strings together the clues—the burned cufflink, the music at midnight—she gets closer to revealing a killer who will do anything to remain hidden.Previously published in 1945 under the pseudonym D. B. Olsen.