Throughout The Cat Who series, Braun sets her mysteries against a background of contemporary social issues. In this novel, published in 1968, one such issue is how cities treat their poverty areas. Like many ghettos, Junktown was originally a neighborhood of well-to-do families, but now most of the city's residents consider it a dangerous eyesore; in fact, Qwill moves into one of the decaying mansions only because he cannot afford to live anywhere else. Discussion groups might focus upon his changing attitude toward Junktown, as he realizes how the mayor's plan for urban renewal will displace the current residents and destroy their community. A related topic is the efforts of Junktown merchants to preserve/restore the area and the indifference, even opposition, of the city government. Discussants might examine the conflict between the historic preservation movement and urban renewal advocates of the 1960s.

Drug traffic was another...