When a black cat appears on Sheriff Dan Rhodess doorstep, Rhodes is unsettled. He is allergic to cats, which is bad enough. Then his inquiry after the cat leads him to what at first glance appears to be an accidental death, except its no accident. Blacklin County might seem to be a place of bucolic contentment, but old romances and recent conflicts can make life a lot more complicated (and dangerous) than one might think. Before long, Rhodes finds himself dealing with a womens literary society, a Red Hat club, a metal-detecting group, illegal gambling, and a chainsaw attack. Who knew that cats could be so much trouble?