Best bets this week: A cat circus, 'Girl on the Train' author Paula Hawkins

AUTHOR TALK:Paula Hawkins and Edan Lepucki

The author of the blockbuster book The Girl on the Train, Paula Hawkins is making Tampa one of only six stops on her U.S. tour for her new book, Into the Water. She will be joined by fellow bestselling author Edan Lepucki (California) for a conversation about balancing literary and popular fiction, and the process and pressure of following up a groundbreaking debut novel. Admission, $40 ($50 for two), includes a copy of the book. 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at Tampa Theatre, 711 N Franklin St. (813) 274-8982. tampatheatre.org.

CAT CIRCUS: The Amazing Acro-Cats

A circus starring trained cats? How can we resist? The Amazing Acro-Cats, a troupe of rescued kitties, tour the country and delight fans. Animal trainer Samantha Martin's feline fur babies will be performing eight shows starting Tuesday at Stageworks Theatre in Tampa. The performers jump through hoops, walk the tight rope and even play in a cat rock band. And sometimes they just quit doing tricks and wander into the audience. That's fun, too. As the ringleader, Martin seeks to educate audiences on cat behavior and rescues stray cats to help them get adopted while on tour. Shows are at 2 and 7 p.m. Tuesday through May 18. 1120 E Kennedy Blvd. $22-$39. (512) 378-3952. circuscats.com.