Cat of Many Tails
| Company type | Novel |
|---|---|
| Industry | Literature |
| Founded | 1949 |
| Founder | Ellery Queen |
| Products | Mystery novel |
Cat of Many Tails is a mystery novel published in 1949 by Ellery Queen, with its setting rooted in New York City.
Plot summary
In Manhattan, a strangler targets residents indiscriminately, employing unique silk cords—blue for male victims and pink for female ones. The murders affect individuals from varied social backgrounds, ethnic groups, and city districts, triggering widespread fear throughout the metropolis. To solve the case, Ellery Queen gathers a circle of people linked to those killed along with expert advisors. Through uncovering the common connection among the victims, the investigation leads to identifying and apprehending the culprit, thereby restoring public calm.
Literary significance and criticism
This work stands as an early portrayal of what is now known as a serial killer, though at the time it was referred to as a "multiple murderer." The narrative highlights the extensive impact on the city by incorporating unusual storytelling elements for Ellery Queen, such as numerous fictional newspaper articles and an afterword titled "A Note on Names."
The novel utilizes a Q.B.I. technique featuring concise, authentic sketches of New Yorkers from diverse social strata, giving it the feel of interconnected stories rather than a conventional detective tale. This approach shifts the focus toward a pursuit of the criminal instead of a traditional whodunit mystery, exemplified by a significant scene involving Ellery in consultation with a psychiatrist.
Cat of Many Tails was transformed into the 1971 television pilot film Ellery Queen: Don't Look Behind You.