Chapters 1 and 2 Summary

This mystery novel is one of a series of stories about the exploits of newspaper reporter Jim Qwilleran and his two intuitive and troublemaking Siamese cats. As they settle into their new life in a small Midwestern town, the unusual trio of investigators is drawn into the mystery surrounding the death of a respected antiques dealer. As they draw closer to the truth, the narrative explores themes related to the inevitability of justice and the value of trust.

On a wintry evening not long before Christmas, a man later identified as Qwilleran takes a cab ride from the local Press Club to his seedy hotel, telling the good-natured and inquisitive cabbie that he is new in town and that he is employed by the Daily Fluxion, a local newspaper. As the cab drives through a slummy part of town, the cabby...