Throckmorton is more than a smart-mouthed cat.

He's an Araurran—a daemon—trapped in the body of a domestic cat who happened to be his last meal. Throckmorton's been on Earth a long time, perfectly happy to dwell among humans without causing much of a stir.

But the recent war on Araunt changed everything. Sarlock, the Tyrant of Araunt, has declared Throckmorton a traitor, and the Tyrant's daemon assassins are busily hunting down and slaughtering noble Araurrans on Earth. Throckmorton is very much on their lists.

Time for this talking cat to call the cops for help.

Because that'll turn out so well . . .