Track of the Cat

By: Nevada Barr

Narrated by: Barbara Rosenblat

From the vivid opening vista, high in craggy mountains, to the final haunting glimpse of a moonlit canyon, Nevada Barr's first mystery, Track of the Cat, instantly caught the attention of readers and reviewers. Its popularity gained it both an Agatha and an Anthony Award.

The young naturalist, Anna Pigeon, has moved to the Southwest wilderness to be a park ranger. There, her days are filled with the physical demands of working in the Guadalupe Mountains and the satisfaction of living in this splendid land. Her peace is shattered one morning, though, when she discovers the body of another ranger deep in Dog Canyon. How did the usually cautious woman die? Although at first the evidence indicates an attack by a mountain lion, Anna soon suspects that there are craftier predators afoot in the wild grasses.

Fast-paced suspense and sharply defined characters will immediately sweep you up in the force of this compelling mystery. By the end, you'll be nodding in satisfaction at the final twist and anticipating the next book in the Anna Pigeon series. Narrator Barbara Rosenblat's performance highlights Anna's savvy courage and determination to catch her prey.

Listen to more Anna Pigeon mysteries.©1993 Nevada Barr (P)1997 Recorded Books

Critic reviews

"Thrilling...Ms. Barr has a naturalist's eye for detail and an environmentalist's fury at the destruction of the wilderness." (The New York Times Book Review)
"The texture, scents and sounds of the West Texas wilderness permeate this forceful debut....A park ranger herself, Barr develops a complex, credible and capable heroine who believes in truth and justice while remaining conscious of the ambiguities of human existence." (Publishers Weekly)
"Spectacular descriptions, psychological insight, and a refreshingly independent heroine." (Library Journal)

Excellent story, Love this character...

Anna Pigeon is a real woman with her insecuritites and flaws and intelligence. I really like this character and with one book have become a fan of the series. I will definately read more.

Thinly develops storyline

Probably the most enjoyable part of this book were her lovely descriptions of the desert landscape. But the character development, and personal story of the characters left them all thin and stock. She could have done so much more to develop them. She never even explains why Anna left New York and what tragedy made her run away to be a park ranger in Texas. Pretty disappointing story overall. Although I always enjoy Barbara's masterful narration.

Review Reader

The actual story is very good. I really like Nevada Barr novels. However, it was very irritating to have to listen to the reader swallow constantly - almost after each sentence. I could hardly finish the audio. Was she sick or had a dry throat?

Good idea, but not finished properly

Would you try another book from Nevada Barr and/or Barbara Rosenblat?

Possibly

What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)

Disappointing. It fell flat after all that build up

What do you think the narrator could have done better?

Not paused so many times

Could you see Track of the Cat being made into a movie or a TV series? Who should the stars be?

No.

Any additional comments?

Was a story with good potential, but went into too much detail where not needed and not enough when needed, ie the end

Entertaining

Interesting story but characters not particularly engaging.
I figured out the bad guys but not the manner of the crime pretty early on.
Good narration!