Cats have been a staple of mysteries for centuries. From William Shakespeare's Graymalkin in Macbeth to Rita Mae Brown's title character in the Mrs. Murphy mysteries, cats have been used by writers to depict all aspects of the human condition.

In Murder Off the Books, Rachel pours out her deepest secrets to Snickers, her butterscotch feline companion. Snickers cares about Rachel, especially when extra dollops of yummy cat food are being distributed. This furry fraidy cat has high expectations for her owner. Rachel's job is to meet her cat's daily needs: food (according to Snickers, dry nutritious kibble is a snack; wet food is as necessary as air); a warm place to sleep(preferably in Rachel's bed, on the side by the window); and a dog-free house (Whiskey didn't get that memo).

Pets soften hard-boiled sleuths and act as good sounding boards. Incorporate a cat into your story as your detective works her way through all the red herrings (did someone mention fish??). If you're thinking of including a fuzzy friend for your hero, here are some points to consider.

Home Alone. A cat's natural independence makes it a handy pet for a detective who travels. Anna Pigeon from the Nevada Barr series often leaves her cat with a friend when taking a temporary post in a new park. Unlike a dog who needs to be walked every few hours, a sleuth can go on an overnight stakeout and know that her cat is just fine.

Not Just For Women Only. Although an unfortunate stereotype, it seems that famous literary cats have female owners: Midnight Louie, owner Temple Barr (author, Carole Nelson Douglas); Birdie, owner Temperance Brennan (author, Kathy Reichs); and Mrs. Murphy, owner Mary Minor (Harry) Hairsteen (author, Rita Mae Brown). Feline Joe Grey, owner Clyde Damen (author Shirley Rousseau Murphy) is an exception. KoKo and Yum Yum, owner Jim "Qwill" Qwilleran (author Lilian Jackson Braun) is another. These fictional men aren't afraid to be seen with a cat in their arms. Give one to your male detective and start a trend.

Who's Laughing Now? Cats in a story can play many roles. Need some comic relief? Throw in a scene with a trio of hungry cats crashing an all-you-can-eat fish buffet. Need a touch of foreboding? Black cats with glowing eyes and pointy teeth are ready to slink across the page. Your hero or heroine needs comforting? A warm furball is waiting to curl up on their laps.

We're busy finishing Murder Takes the Cake, our first sequel. We hope the creative mystery muse is also visiting you. How's this for a writing prompt? A butterscotch-colored cat is dozing on the windowsill. The house is dark and still. Suddenly, the feline's ears perk up, her tail shoots in the air. She sees a shadowy figure scurrying around the back of the house and she . . . What happens next? Let us know!

Hope you have only lucky cats cross your path this month.

Best Wishes,

Evelyn David