Now frogs have begun to appear in the antiques shop and in San Francisco’s City Hall; Rebecca has also found herself in possession of almost identical copies of an old collection of Mark Twain’s writings and a note from Oscar that says “Follow the Frogs.”  Not sure what is to be found by following the frogs, Rebecca heeds the note and finds herself deeper in with the old gang, a former vigilante organization, missing coins and Frank, a master of disguise, who is still in the wind - or is he?  

Full of quirky characters who keep readers guessing, Nine Lives Last Forever, may be a little hard for readers who like more linear mysteries to follow.  It is very whimsical and there is a lot of San Francisco history that is interesting.  Several of the characters are also masters of disguise making it a little hard to keep them, and their relationships to each other, straight.  The plot is also a little hard to follow (unless you follow the frogs!) as it is not always clear what Rebecca is looking for or why. 

Fans of zanier mysteries and personified cats will enjoy this mystery, while those who prefer more traditional, straight forward stories may quickly become frustrated.                                                

--Jennifer Monahan Winberry