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The Cat Who... #13
The Cat Who Moved A Mountain
After five years of legal formalities, Jim Qwilleran has officially inherited his freedom and a fortune, which leaves him with a serious dilemma. What should he do now? Seeking a place of peace and isolation to make up his mind, he heads to the Potato Mountains for the summer.
But Qwill lands in the middle of controversy, not solitude. The mountains are haven to the independent roughneck descendents of prohibition-era moonshiners. The valley is home to developers eager to turn the pristine Potatoes into a giant tourist trap. To make matters more complicated, a Tater, as the mountain folk are called, has been convicted of the murder of millionaire developer J.J. Hawkinfield. Some people swear the wrong man was convicted, and Qwill is inclined to agree when he hears what transpired before the trial. But if Forest Beechum didn't do the dirty deed, who did? With Qwill, Koko, and Yum Yum on the case, the killer won't get away with murder.
239 pages, Hardcover
First published February 24, 1992
148 people are currently reading
2013 people want to read
About the author
Lilian Jackson Braun
194 books1,721 followersLilian Jackson Braun was an American writer. She is well-known for her light-hearted series of The Cat Who... mystery novels. The Cat Who books center around the life of former newspaper reporter James Qwilleran, and his two Siamese cats, KoKo and Yum Yum in the fictitious small town of Pickax located in Moose County, "400 miles north of everywhere." Although never formally stated in the books, the towns, counties and lifestyles described in the series are generally accepted to be a modeled after Bad Axe, Michigan (located in the "Michigan Thumb") where she resided with her husband for many years until the mid 1980's. Many also believe that the culture and history of the Upper peninsula of Michigan are represented in the series as well, which is quite possible as it is indeed a fictitious location.
Lilian Jackson Braun began her writing career as a teenager, contributing sports poetry for the Detroit News. She later began working as an advertising copywriter for many of Detroit's department stores. After that stint, she worked at the Detroit Free Press as the "Good Living" editor for 30 years. She retired from the Free Press in 1978.
Between 1966 and 1968, she published three novels to critical acclaim: The Cat Who Could Read Backwards, The Cat Who Ate Danish Modern and The Cat Who Turned On and Off. In 1966, The New York Times labeled Braun, "the new detective of the year." The rising mystery author disappeared from the publishing scene for 18 years. The blame came from the fact that mystery novels were starting to focus on sex, violence, and foul language, and Braun's light-hearted books were not welcome in this new territory. It wasn't until 1986 that the Berkley Publishing Group reintroduced Braun to the public with the publication of an original paperback, The Cat Who Saw Red. Within two years, Berkeley released four new novels in paperback and reprinted the three mysteries from the sixties. Braun's series became an instant best seller once again. In January 2007 the twenty-ninth novel in the series, The Cat Who Had 60 Whiskers, was released in hardcover by the Penguin Group.
Not much was really known about Braun, as she prefered to keep her private life that way. For years, publishers have given inaccurate accounts of her year of birth, which has remained unknown until she openly acknowledged her age in an interview for the Detroit News in January 2005.
Lilian Jackson Braun began her writing career as a teenager, contributing sports poetry for the Detroit News. She later began working as an advertising copywriter for many of Detroit's department stores. After that stint, she worked at the Detroit Free Press as the "Good Living" editor for 30 years. She retired from the Free Press in 1978.
Between 1966 and 1968, she published three novels to critical acclaim: The Cat Who Could Read Backwards, The Cat Who Ate Danish Modern and The Cat Who Turned On and Off. In 1966, The New York Times labeled Braun, "the new detective of the year." The rising mystery author disappeared from the publishing scene for 18 years. The blame came from the fact that mystery novels were starting to focus on sex, violence, and foul language, and Braun's light-hearted books were not welcome in this new territory. It wasn't until 1986 that the Berkley Publishing Group reintroduced Braun to the public with the publication of an original paperback, The Cat Who Saw Red. Within two years, Berkeley released four new novels in paperback and reprinted the three mysteries from the sixties. Braun's series became an instant best seller once again. In January 2007 the twenty-ninth novel in the series, The Cat Who Had 60 Whiskers, was released in hardcover by the Penguin Group.
Not much was really known about Braun, as she prefered to keep her private life that way. For years, publishers have given inaccurate accounts of her year of birth, which has remained unknown until she openly acknowledged her age in an interview for the Detroit News in January 2005.
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January 12, 2020
Book Review
3.5 of 5 stars (rounded up) to The Cat Who Moved a Mountain, the 13th book in the "Cat Who" cozy mystery series, written in 1992 by Lilian Jackson Braun. Just when you thought things couldn't get any kookier with this series, Qwill up and moves to the Potato Mountains. He needs some time away from everyone and everything in Pickax, to that he can decide his future. The 5 years he was required to live in Pickax in order to keep the K-Fund inheritance are up, and he's to leave... but does he want to? That is the question... at least until he meets the Big Potato people and the Little Potato people, in reference to which side of the mountain the inhabitants live on. But when someone is murdered, it's those bad lil taters that caused... but Qwill doesn't think so, and he's soon swept up in trying to solve the crime, forgetting about his own decision. What's fun about this book is it sets the stage for Qwill's decision to remain in Moose County, even after the inheritance is officially his to keep. But seriously... potato people? I had to look it up. No such thing in Michigan... but there is a Potato Mountain in California. Coincidence?
About Me
For those new to me or my reviews... here's the scoop: I read A LOT. I write A LOT. And now I blog A LOT. First the book review goes on Goodreads, and then I send it on over to my WordPress blog at https://thisismytruthnow.com, where you'll also find TV & Film reviews, the revealing and introspective 365 Daily Challenge and lots of blogging about places I've visited all over the world. And you can find all my social media profiles to get the details on the who/what/when/where and my pictures. Leave a comment and let me know what you think. Vote in the poll and ratings. Thanks for stopping by. Note: All written content is my original creation and copyrighted to me, but the graphics and images were linked from other sites and belong to them. Many thanks to their original creators.
3.5 of 5 stars (rounded up) to The Cat Who Moved a Mountain, the 13th book in the "Cat Who" cozy mystery series, written in 1992 by Lilian Jackson Braun. Just when you thought things couldn't get any kookier with this series, Qwill up and moves to the Potato Mountains. He needs some time away from everyone and everything in Pickax, to that he can decide his future. The 5 years he was required to live in Pickax in order to keep the K-Fund inheritance are up, and he's to leave... but does he want to? That is the question... at least until he meets the Big Potato people and the Little Potato people, in reference to which side of the mountain the inhabitants live on. But when someone is murdered, it's those bad lil taters that caused... but Qwill doesn't think so, and he's soon swept up in trying to solve the crime, forgetting about his own decision. What's fun about this book is it sets the stage for Qwill's decision to remain in Moose County, even after the inheritance is officially his to keep. But seriously... potato people? I had to look it up. No such thing in Michigan... but there is a Potato Mountain in California. Coincidence?
About Me
For those new to me or my reviews... here's the scoop: I read A LOT. I write A LOT. And now I blog A LOT. First the book review goes on Goodreads, and then I send it on over to my WordPress blog at https://thisismytruthnow.com, where you'll also find TV & Film reviews, the revealing and introspective 365 Daily Challenge and lots of blogging about places I've visited all over the world. And you can find all my social media profiles to get the details on the who/what/when/where and my pictures. Leave a comment and let me know what you think. Vote in the poll and ratings. Thanks for stopping by. Note: All written content is my original creation and copyrighted to me, but the graphics and images were linked from other sites and belong to them. Many thanks to their original creators.
July 1, 2020
Too lightweight for my current mood. My mind wandered often. There were also a few things that rubbed me the wrong way. Ended up skimming due to lack of engagement.
July 7, 2018
The 13th in the series is a lucky one for James Qwilleran. Having fulfilled his 5 years living in Pickax as required by the will, he is now the sole and rightful heir in full possession of the billion dollar Klingenschoen fortune, and free to go wherever he wants. Now he has a decision to make – what’s next? Does he stay on in Moose County? Move back to a big city? Buy a newspaper? Write a book?
Jim has recently heard about the unspoiled beauty of the Big Potato mountains, and he feels that this would be a perfect destination to get away from it all and think about his future. He loads Koko and YumYum and the infamous “turkey roaster that serves as their commode” into his clunker car and off they go to the Tiptop Inn, the only place he can find that will allow cats. He’s not renting a room, he’s renting the entire inn, which is empty and for sale. Koko begins acting strangely as soon as they move in and it turns out – surprise – that the inn was the site of a murder. Qwill soon suspects that the wrong man was convicted of the crime.
This was one of my favorites so far in the series and more tightly plotted than some of the others. The themes of economic growth versus conservation; locals versus newcomers; and wealth versus poverty are timeless and a bit more weighty than those that usually confront Jim and his sidekicks. I liked the way Jim becomes friendly with the mountain people (Taters) as well as the town dwellers (Spuds) and develops sympathy for both points of view, realizing that the issues they face will probably confront his beloved Moose County in another few years as progress and tourism increase.
I have a few minor quibbles. All this action is supposed to happen in one short week - why the rush? Also, the BIG CLUE that Koko uncovers to identify the murderer was, to me, ridiculous. Finally, this is the first time that Braun deliberately dangles a cliffhanger for the next book, which I dislike. On the other hand, that situation lead directly to Jim firmly and clearly declaring, “I love you” to Polly which, as we long time Cat Who readers know, is BIG.
Originally published: 1992
Body Count: This is unique in The Cat Who…series as there are zero deaths that can be attributed to the cursed proximity of Qwill and the cats. Two old people die in Moose County while they are away in the Potatoes; the murder happened a year before they arrived and no new people go toes up during the investigation.
Preceded by: The Cat Who Knew a Cardinal
Next Up: The Cat Who Wasn’t There
Jim has recently heard about the unspoiled beauty of the Big Potato mountains, and he feels that this would be a perfect destination to get away from it all and think about his future. He loads Koko and YumYum and the infamous “turkey roaster that serves as their commode” into his clunker car and off they go to the Tiptop Inn, the only place he can find that will allow cats. He’s not renting a room, he’s renting the entire inn, which is empty and for sale. Koko begins acting strangely as soon as they move in and it turns out – surprise – that the inn was the site of a murder. Qwill soon suspects that the wrong man was convicted of the crime.
This was one of my favorites so far in the series and more tightly plotted than some of the others. The themes of economic growth versus conservation; locals versus newcomers; and wealth versus poverty are timeless and a bit more weighty than those that usually confront Jim and his sidekicks. I liked the way Jim becomes friendly with the mountain people (Taters) as well as the town dwellers (Spuds) and develops sympathy for both points of view, realizing that the issues they face will probably confront his beloved Moose County in another few years as progress and tourism increase.
I have a few minor quibbles. All this action is supposed to happen in one short week - why the rush? Also, the BIG CLUE that Koko uncovers to identify the murderer was, to me, ridiculous. Finally, this is the first time that Braun deliberately dangles a cliffhanger for the next book, which I dislike. On the other hand, that situation lead directly to Jim firmly and clearly declaring, “I love you” to Polly which, as we long time Cat Who readers know, is BIG.
Originally published: 1992
Body Count: This is unique in The Cat Who…series as there are zero deaths that can be attributed to the cursed proximity of Qwill and the cats. Two old people die in Moose County while they are away in the Potatoes; the murder happened a year before they arrived and no new people go toes up during the investigation.
Preceded by: The Cat Who Knew a Cardinal
Next Up: The Cat Who Wasn’t There
January 2, 2020
4 stars
This is my favorite non Pickax City book in the series so far. The setting, the Potato Mountains was interesting, after an extremely funny drive which took a few days and chapters Qwill lands in the midst of a rural vs town feud. The mystery itself was terrific and of course Koko solves it early on it only takes Qwill the rest of the book to solve it for the human audience. There is even quite a bit of suspense in the book as Qwill drives the mountain roads, and hikes through the woods.
All my 2020 Cozy Mystery Reviews
This is my favorite non Pickax City book in the series so far. The setting, the Potato Mountains was interesting, after an extremely funny drive which took a few days and chapters Qwill lands in the midst of a rural vs town feud. The mystery itself was terrific and of course Koko solves it early on it only takes Qwill the rest of the book to solve it for the human audience. There is even quite a bit of suspense in the book as Qwill drives the mountain roads, and hikes through the woods.
All my 2020 Cozy Mystery Reviews
April 20, 2021
The backstory was stronger than the mystery plot however, Qwilleran never fails to disappoint. His description of the dog helping him out of the woods rocks!
Unfortunately, Qwilleran and the cats were away from home, so I didn't have a chance to visit with the regulars past phone calls and a brief introductory reception.
Another reading-The action scenes are not usual for this author, they seem contrived by an editor. The book was enjoyable like having coffee with an old pal.
Unfortunately, Qwilleran and the cats were away from home, so I didn't have a chance to visit with the regulars past phone calls and a brief introductory reception.
Another reading-The action scenes are not usual for this author, they seem contrived by an editor. The book was enjoyable like having coffee with an old pal.
April 2, 2017
I still cherish the day I was going through a dusty box of books at my local charity store, and picked up three or four of Lillian Jackson Braun's wonderful books. I was instantly drawn to the idea of a crime solving cat, and decided to give them a go. I have since hunted down and read most of the series, despite the fact that they are difficult to find in both secondhand stores and libraries. I adore the world created; Qwilleran is life life with his faults, his assumptions, his delights in small things, such as good service in a restaurant, or finding a small treasure to buy for himself or a friend. I love how this series grows and covers all aspects of his life, from poor to rich and in between. Although I adore Moose Country, it was a refreshing change to set this book in a new town, with new characters. As always, Koko and Yum Yum are the highlights of the book, and their little characteristics add charm to the story, and indeed gives hints all the way through as to the conclusion. Koko, if he could talk, would completely eclipse Qwilleran as a main character, and even without this ability, steals the scene every time. I recommend this whole series, and not just this book, to anyone who enjoys a traditional mystery novel, but would enjoy the added twist of the wonderful cats.
abandoned
February 14, 2023Dear Qwill, I'm going to have to say goodbye to you and your kitties! You were wonderful companions over the last year as I went through cancer treatment and couldn't concentrate on anything. Now it's apparent that your stories are basically the same in each book except for a new location. Love, Suzy and Queenie, the kitty
Why I'm reading this: Got this from the library a while ago and am going to read and see if I will continue this series or if I'm finished with it. So lightweight, but then, that's half the fun of The Cat Who . . . books.
Why I'm reading this: Got this from the library a while ago and am going to read and see if I will continue this series or if I'm finished with it. So lightweight, but then, that's half the fun of The Cat Who . . . books.
August 8, 2012
To be frank, I don't know why people love these books.
+ Specific to The Cat Who Moved a Mountain:
- If I have to hear one more variant of "potato" used to name a place, person, group, or item, I might scream. "Spuds" vs. "Taters"... really? How can anyone read this without snorting?
- As another reviewer mentioned, we don't even meet the key characters in the crime until either late in the book or never at all. Why should I give a damn about some guy in prison if all I hear about is decorations Qwilleran hates, how terrible the rain is, and a sprained ankle? If that's too spoilerific for you folks--oops.
+ the Cat Who series in general:
- I couldn't care less about cats saying "YYYOOOOWWW!" all the time (much less what the narrator guesses the cat is trying to say).
- When the mystery is solved, I have no idea how Qwilleran came to that conclusion. I will grant that my eyes glazed over so often that the clues could have been lit in neon and punctuated with eight exclamation points and I might have still missed them.
- There are myriad meaningless details included about everything from draperies to restaurant food, and I honestly couldn't give two fucks about any of it. Every novel needs details, but this feels like a Better Homes & Gardens catalog.
- Qwilleran annoys me. This may have something to do with the narrator of the audiobooks who makes him seem like a whiny, demanding playboy who can't even make pasta for himself.
+ Specific to The Cat Who Moved a Mountain:
- If I have to hear one more variant of "potato" used to name a place, person, group, or item, I might scream. "Spuds" vs. "Taters"... really? How can anyone read this without snorting?
- As another reviewer mentioned, we don't even meet the key characters in the crime until either late in the book or never at all. Why should I give a damn about some guy in prison if all I hear about is decorations Qwilleran hates, how terrible the rain is, and a sprained ankle? If that's too spoilerific for you folks--oops.
+ the Cat Who series in general:
- I couldn't care less about cats saying "YYYOOOOWWW!" all the time (much less what the narrator guesses the cat is trying to say).
- When the mystery is solved, I have no idea how Qwilleran came to that conclusion. I will grant that my eyes glazed over so often that the clues could have been lit in neon and punctuated with eight exclamation points and I might have still missed them.
- There are myriad meaningless details included about everything from draperies to restaurant food, and I honestly couldn't give two fucks about any of it. Every novel needs details, but this feels like a Better Homes & Gardens catalog.
- Qwilleran annoys me. This may have something to do with the narrator of the audiobooks who makes him seem like a whiny, demanding playboy who can't even make pasta for himself.
May 29, 2022
De rijke journalist Jim Qwilleran gaat naar de Potato mountains om na te denken over zijn toekomst. Het enige huis echter waar hij zijn twee Siamese katten, Koko en Yum Yum, mee naartoe mag nemen is Tiptop, dat bovenop de berg gelegen is.
Qwil komt te weten dat de vorige bewoner van het huis, J.J. Hawkinfield, vermoord is. Hij is door een raam van het huis geduwd en in de afgrond terechtgekomen. De jonge Forest Beechum werd veroordeeld voor de moord, maar hij is steeds blijven beweren dat hij onschuldig is.
Qwil leert de dorpsbewoners kennen, en krijgt zo heel wat informatie over de moord te horen, roddels en feiten. Hij raakt meer en meer geïntrigeerd door de zaak en is ervan overtuigd dat Forest onschuldig is.
Samen met zijn katten, waarvan vooral Koko speciale gaven lijkt te bezitten, kan hij uiteindelijk het raadsel oplossen.
Spannende/ontspannende lectuur voor tussendoor.
Qwil komt te weten dat de vorige bewoner van het huis, J.J. Hawkinfield, vermoord is. Hij is door een raam van het huis geduwd en in de afgrond terechtgekomen. De jonge Forest Beechum werd veroordeeld voor de moord, maar hij is steeds blijven beweren dat hij onschuldig is.
Qwil leert de dorpsbewoners kennen, en krijgt zo heel wat informatie over de moord te horen, roddels en feiten. Hij raakt meer en meer geïntrigeerd door de zaak en is ervan overtuigd dat Forest onschuldig is.
Samen met zijn katten, waarvan vooral Koko speciale gaven lijkt te bezitten, kan hij uiteindelijk het raadsel oplossen.
Spannende/ontspannende lectuur voor tussendoor.
February 18, 2018
Qwill and the kitties are away from Moose County again, and it falls a little flat.
Qwill is officially a milllionaire. He stuck it out and has his hands on the Klingshoen fortune. What does this fool of a pompous ass do? He decides to rent a house in a the mountains for the ridiculous amount of $1000 a week to reflect on what his next move should be. Now, please keep in mind that this book is like 30 years old, so with inflation that makes this all the more ridiculous. Qwill is dumb. He waits until the middle of the night to make his long distance calls so it will be cheaper, but spends $1000 on a huge house for him and the 2 cats. Remember when long distance rates were a thing? Remember when we cared about stuff like that instead of using our cell phones with unlimited minutes? Or even made phone calls at all? Also, Qwill does no real reflecting, gets caught up in a mystery, and tries to put his mack down on multiple younger women. Polly is way too good for you, dude. You sicken me. In the end, he heads back to Pickaxe, as he should. With a tiny cliffhanger that I'm sure will be dropped by the time I roll into book 14.
2.5 stars, but I am rounding down because Qwill gets more insufferable by the day. He's an ass, but I stay for the cats and the colorful cast of characters in Moose County.
Qwill is officially a milllionaire. He stuck it out and has his hands on the Klingshoen fortune. What does this fool of a pompous ass do? He decides to rent a house in a the mountains for the ridiculous amount of $1000 a week to reflect on what his next move should be. Now, please keep in mind that this book is like 30 years old, so with inflation that makes this all the more ridiculous. Qwill is dumb. He waits until the middle of the night to make his long distance calls so it will be cheaper, but spends $1000 on a huge house for him and the 2 cats. Remember when long distance rates were a thing? Remember when we cared about stuff like that instead of using our cell phones with unlimited minutes? Or even made phone calls at all? Also, Qwill does no real reflecting, gets caught up in a mystery, and tries to put his mack down on multiple younger women. Polly is way too good for you, dude. You sicken me. In the end, he heads back to Pickaxe, as he should. With a tiny cliffhanger that I'm sure will be dropped by the time I roll into book 14.
2.5 stars, but I am rounding down because Qwill gets more insufferable by the day. He's an ass, but I stay for the cats and the colorful cast of characters in Moose County.
September 4, 2022
This is the first that I have read in this entertaining series. I have one more that I am looking forward to. I love the cats and the protagonist, Quill. I can recommend this as a light read with a mystery thrown in.
August 27, 2017
Silly, campy, obvious, so fun
Okay, this author kind of sucks at mystery, and her characters are obvious and flat, and everything is really dated, and small town stuff is both romanticized and oversimplified, but she's also created this lovely and sort of silly world that a reader can take a little mental vacation into, so it's great. The stories have continuity and not too many sloppy mistakes. If you are looking for erudite literature, this ain't it. If you're looking for period fun, here it is!
Okay, this author kind of sucks at mystery, and her characters are obvious and flat, and everything is really dated, and small town stuff is both romanticized and oversimplified, but she's also created this lovely and sort of silly world that a reader can take a little mental vacation into, so it's great. The stories have continuity and not too many sloppy mistakes. If you are looking for erudite literature, this ain't it. If you're looking for period fun, here it is!
February 12, 2018
A slice of life from a time long ago but still pertinent today - this is why I enjoy these CAT books. Environmentalists at odds with big money contractors who want to clear the land of trees for homes and businesses is something most cities contend with in today's world. Those who are native to the land are at odds with those new to the town who want to bring their big city ways to "enrich" them. And in the midst of all of this is Qwilleran and his Siamese who are just out for a vacation, but find a murder mystery to solve. I liked it! Quick and easy to read.
November 2, 2020
I'm amazed when I read some reviews of this book. When I pick up a book with a title like "the cat who" in its title, I don't expect Dickens or Twain nor even Lawrence or Poe. What i expect and get is a light read with the expectency of a smile or chuckle. That's what L. J. B gives me and glad she does. It gives me a break from more serious / heavy reading.
May 7, 2018
This is one of the best in the series so far! I absolutely love the picture of the Potato mountains she painted in my head. Koko was not just on his game, he was beyond this time! Qwill should have known something sinister was going to happen while on his trip, trouble finds him. This story was one of the more believable ones to date. I look forward to continuing the series as I re-read them!
December 28, 2020
This is just what I needed this year ... a re-listen of a favorite cozy book.
December 31, 2015
Another cute, witty mystery adventure with Qwill and the cats. Love having one of these on laundry day! Nothing deep, just fun.
January 7, 2022
My ultimate comfort read. Qwill, Koko and Yum Yum have been my companions my whole life and nothing brings me peace like George Guidall reading their story aloud.
December 10, 2023
ladies and gents, she's done it again
(if the cat who books have no fans, I am dead)
(if the cat who books have no fans, I am dead)
June 6, 2019
A fun read with crafty cats stealing the scenes.
November 29, 2024
2.75 stars (Audible). Feud between the classes, a wrongful murder charge, + 2 smart kitties!
February 26, 2008
Easily one of the best - if not THE best - of Lilian Jackson Braun's "Cat Who" series, "The Cat Who Moved A Mountain" celebrates a milestone in Jim Qwilleran's life: after living in Pickax City for five years, as per the terms of Francesca Klingenschoen's will, Qwill has officially inherited the Klingenschoen fortune. Suddenly a multi-millionaire - in fact, the richest man in the Northeast Central United States - Qwill feels the need for a few weeks of solitude to contemplate his future possibilities. On the advice of a friend, he rents a house in the Potato Mountains, packs up his books, his computerized coffeemaker, and the cats, and hits the road, pleasantly anticipating three months of peace and relaxation...briefly interrupted by a slight case of murder. Throughout the story, Braun's narrative descriptions are absolutely astounding: Qwill's two-day road trip to Spudsboro, his first impressions of Tiptop (his rented vacation house), his marvelling appreciation of the natural beauty of his surroundings, his exploration of the town during a shopping trip for supplies, and his discovery of the eccentric Potato Cove, are all- written so vividly, with such astonishing detail, that the imaginitive reader finds himself or herself transported to the Potato Mountains to live the adventure alongside Qwill and the cats. And what an adventure it is! The action never lets up as Qwill: becomes lost on the wrong mountain, on a mountain-ledge road with a cliff of one side, a sheer drop on the other, and no means of avoiding an oncoming car; loses his way in the woods and calmly has a conniption when confronted by a large - well, I don't want to spoil the surprise!; becomes disoriented in a blackout; agonizes through frightening incidents with both Koko and Yum Yum, singly; loses his footing in a mudslide and plunges into a hole beneath a thundering waterfall, barely saving his own life; faces three days of stranded isolation with soaking clothes and a fractured ankle; witnesses a car crash; and is nearly wiped out in a flood...and that's only PART of the action! A real winner!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 2, 2019
This is the very best book in the series. It is the first one I read and I am glad I came across it first because it got me hooked. I laughed a lot while reading this book but was also impressed with Qwill as he sought for justice. Being from the Rocky Mountains, I pictured them while reading and while that made me extremely homesick for my native land, it also made me feel close to them. I found this book on our rolling library at our local hospital one night. A fellow nurse asked if I had read the other books in the series. I went hunting for them and eventually had the whole collection. This one, however, remains my very favorite.
September 22, 2018
Although I've only mildly enjoyed others in this series, I really loved this one for some reason. First, I really enjoyed the protagonist in this book ... got to know him a bit better. The cats are absolutely adorable, a dog that saves lives is always impressive, a years-old feud between mountain and valley folk made for an interesting story, but also a poignant reminder that we're all pretty much alike. The mystery is an old one, and the story offers us "clues" in the form of Qwill's visits with various town folk, telling him the story of the murder through their eyes. Really enjoyed this one.
May 14, 2010
Qwill goes to a different part of the country - the Potatoes (do they really exist or is this a real flight of fancy) where he gets annoyed by the bigotry of the better off residents when they are talking about the residents who are more in tune with the environment. KoKo helps him to solve a miscarriage of justice after which he decides to go home just as the exploitation of the hills causes an environmental disaster. His week long visit feels like a lot longer - he certainly packs a lot in.
October 10, 2016
I always enjoy this series. I will be sad to read the last book. As I type this on my tablet there is a very spoiled Cat Who is trying to help me with the review.
May 27, 2020
Audiobook.
This was my first book in the “cozy mystery” genre. I guess I see what they mean by calling it cozy. It’s not a suspenseful mystery book. Just a light, sometimes humorous simple maybe unrealistic story. But you’re not gonna be drawn in with suspense or feel afraid. These types of books are short too, so you don’t need to designate a lot of time or thought to them. Perfect for a cozy scenario curled up by a fire or on vacation, if you’re looking for light reads.
This story focuses on our main character Qwillerin and his two Siamese cats Cocoa and Yum Yum. Qwillerin is looking for an escape. And when a friend suggests the Potato mountains, he seeks out lodging for himself and his two cats, which winds up being more difficult than he expected. The only option ends up being a huge old inn where he would stay by himself with his two cats. Little does he know, it come with a murder mystery that the local townspeople thought was an open and shut type of case.
Qwillerin winds up on a whirlwind vacation. What he expected to be relaxing winds up being a week of danger and discomfort. He meets some quirky townsfolk and winds up fully involved in reinvestigating the murder. With the help of his two Siamese, the real murderer is brought to justice.
The book was mildly interesting. As an audiobook, I found it easy to tune out of. I decided to try these books because my grandma read and liked them many years ago. I’m interested in what the others are like so I’ll definitely check out at least one more audiobook, because several are available from my library on the overdrive app.
This was my first book in the “cozy mystery” genre. I guess I see what they mean by calling it cozy. It’s not a suspenseful mystery book. Just a light, sometimes humorous simple maybe unrealistic story. But you’re not gonna be drawn in with suspense or feel afraid. These types of books are short too, so you don’t need to designate a lot of time or thought to them. Perfect for a cozy scenario curled up by a fire or on vacation, if you’re looking for light reads.
This story focuses on our main character Qwillerin and his two Siamese cats Cocoa and Yum Yum. Qwillerin is looking for an escape. And when a friend suggests the Potato mountains, he seeks out lodging for himself and his two cats, which winds up being more difficult than he expected. The only option ends up being a huge old inn where he would stay by himself with his two cats. Little does he know, it come with a murder mystery that the local townspeople thought was an open and shut type of case.
Qwillerin winds up on a whirlwind vacation. What he expected to be relaxing winds up being a week of danger and discomfort. He meets some quirky townsfolk and winds up fully involved in reinvestigating the murder. With the help of his two Siamese, the real murderer is brought to justice.
The book was mildly interesting. As an audiobook, I found it easy to tune out of. I decided to try these books because my grandma read and liked them many years ago. I’m interested in what the others are like so I’ll definitely check out at least one more audiobook, because several are available from my library on the overdrive app.
July 14, 2023
This was one of the better ones of this series along with the first three written much earlier. This was #13. For me, the cats are always the best part of this series. Qwill, the middle aged journalist and amateur detective is ian nteresting personality, though not especially likable. His librarian girlfriend is not particularly likable either and she has almost no part in this mystery due to Qwill being out of town. This story had a variety of well-described characters and discussed the background and culture of the mountain location where Qwill has gone for some quiet thinking time. The environment and crafts were fun to hear about. I always enjoy listening to the audio because of the excellent and authentic sounds the siamese cats make, comic relief in an otherwise serious-toned mystery. The two Siamese cats are quite active and involved and their very catlike behavior is well-written. Qwill has quite a few close calls among other adventures including being rescued by a dog. Recommended.
December 4, 2025
Sympa, mais pas transcendant.
Il n'est pas indispensable d'avoir lu les volumes précédents pour comprendre l'histoire, puisque l'auteure fait des piqûres de rappel concernant son protagoniste pour ceux qui, comme moi, arrivent en plein milieu.
Le récit reste assez simpliste, les sujets à explorer étaient vastes et intéressants (spéculation immobilière, écologie, préservation des arts anciens) mais l'auteure est malheureusement restée en surface...
Il n'est pas indispensable d'avoir lu les volumes précédents pour comprendre l'histoire, puisque l'auteure fait des piqûres de rappel concernant son protagoniste pour ceux qui, comme moi, arrivent en plein milieu.
Le récit reste assez simpliste, les sujets à explorer étaient vastes et intéressants (spéculation immobilière, écologie, préservation des arts anciens) mais l'auteure est malheureusement restée en surface...
February 19, 2023
On impulse, Qwill decides to spend the summer in the Potato Mountains.of course he ends up involved investigating the murder of a polarizing businessman even though someone has already been convicted and sentenced to life in prison. As usual, Koko contributes by finding clues at just the right times, and the famous moustache sends out signals when they are on the right track.
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