Questions abound in James's gripping 10th Cat in the Stacks mystery (after Claws for Concern). Widowed librarian Charlie Harris isn't looking forward to the Christmas open house his flirtatious new neighbor, Gerry Albritton, has invited him to attend. But even though she has offended half the town of Athena, Miss., everyone shows up at Gerry's party out of curiosity. Who is this woman who claims to have grown up in Athena, but no one remembers? At least one guest knows more than he or she is letting on, for Gerry collapses and dies, poisoned at her own party. Charlie doesn't relish getting involved in the investigation, but he can't stay on the sidelines. As Charlie looks into Gerry's past, he discovers a tangle of tragic family secrets that have been hidden for decades. Meanwhile, Charlie and his Maine Coon cat, Diesel, are also dealing with a box of five lively kittens that someone left on his doorstep. James has crafted a warmhearted Christmas story that combines seamlessly with a satisfying mystery. Agent: Nancy Yost, Nancy Yost Literary. (Oct.) c Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.