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The Cat Who... #12
The Cat Who Knew a Cardinal
An alternative cover edition for this ISBN can be found here.
The stage is set for Jim Qwilleran and his cats, Koko and Yum Yum, to solve a puzzling mystery in this New York Times bestseller in the Cat Who series.
All the world's a stage--and now Jim Qwilleran's apple orchard has become the stage for a real-life murder scene. The much-disliked director of the Pickax Theatre Club's Shakespeare production, Hilary VanBrook, has been found dead after the closing-night cast party. With the help of his super-smart Siamese, Qwill must cast a suspicious eye on all the players--especially the ones pussyfooting around behind the scenes...
The stage is set for Jim Qwilleran and his cats, Koko and Yum Yum, to solve a puzzling mystery in this New York Times bestseller in the Cat Who series.
All the world's a stage--and now Jim Qwilleran's apple orchard has become the stage for a real-life murder scene. The much-disliked director of the Pickax Theatre Club's Shakespeare production, Hilary VanBrook, has been found dead after the closing-night cast party. With the help of his super-smart Siamese, Qwill must cast a suspicious eye on all the players--especially the ones pussyfooting around behind the scenes...
288 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published May 1, 1991
152 people are currently reading
1924 people want to read
About the author
Lilian Jackson Braun
194 books1,717 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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Displaying 1 - 30 of 358 reviews
September 13, 2017
Book Review
4 of 5 stars to The Cat Who Knew a Cardinal, the 12th book in a 29-book series, written in 1991 by Lilian Jackson Braun. In this cozy little mystery, Qwill must solve a murder that's happened on his own property. This is the one that explores the greatness of the converted barn he lives in on the apple orchard. Koko goes a little cuckoo over the cardinal that seems to be harassing him from the trees. And the theatre crowd comes over to visit Qwill every night after the show... not for nothing, but this guy's got a more active life than me. They probably don't finish the show until after 10. If guests showed up every night at my place after 10, I'd not be a happy camper. But it makes for a cool mystery when the one everyone hates is found dead in the garden. Maybe Qwill couldn't take it anymore and pushed himself over the line this time... or perhaps the killer realizes Qwill is on to him or her... great scene in the converted barn -- it's 3 stories high and has a few episodes of danger. Someone could fall easily... and of course, someone eventually does.
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.
4 of 5 stars to The Cat Who Knew a Cardinal, the 12th book in a 29-book series, written in 1991 by Lilian Jackson Braun. In this cozy little mystery, Qwill must solve a murder that's happened on his own property. This is the one that explores the greatness of the converted barn he lives in on the apple orchard. Koko goes a little cuckoo over the cardinal that seems to be harassing him from the trees. And the theatre crowd comes over to visit Qwill every night after the show... not for nothing, but this guy's got a more active life than me. They probably don't finish the show until after 10. If guests showed up every night at my place after 10, I'd not be a happy camper. But it makes for a cool mystery when the one everyone hates is found dead in the garden. Maybe Qwill couldn't take it anymore and pushed himself over the line this time... or perhaps the killer realizes Qwill is on to him or her... great scene in the converted barn -- it's 3 stories high and has a few episodes of danger. Someone could fall easily... and of course, someone eventually does.
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.
September 8, 2018
2000 - May 20, 2017
In memory of our beloved Kiki who left his previous home down the street and came to our doorstep at age 13. Not asking for much, he moved in and filled our home and our hearts with more love than anyone deserves. We miss him more than words can express.
In memory of our beloved Kiki who left his previous home down the street and came to our doorstep at age 13. Not asking for much, he moved in and filled our home and our hearts with more love than anyone deserves. We miss him more than words can express.
December 31, 2019
4 ½ stars
This was a reread that I’d last read in the 1990’s when I read the entire series available at the time. It was my favorite book of the series back then and I still remembered many details of the book which is different from my reread of the early books which I retained a slight familiarity with. It really stood up for me I liked that the mystery was tied together with Edmund Backhouse and will look for his biography next time I’m in the library. I also love the barn as a setting.
This was a reread that I’d last read in the 1990’s when I read the entire series available at the time. It was my favorite book of the series back then and I still remembered many details of the book which is different from my reread of the early books which I retained a slight familiarity with. It really stood up for me I liked that the mystery was tied together with Edmund Backhouse and will look for his biography next time I’m in the library. I also love the barn as a setting.
January 4, 2023
Another murder and another mystery solved by Qwill and his amazing Siamese, Koko and Yum Yum. Interesting feature of these light, easy-to-read books is that our main characters live somewhere different in each installment. Sometimes in a completely different city or town and sometimes just in a different abode. This time they are in a redesigned apple barn which provides plenty of space for the kitties to roam and plenty of places for clues to the murder of the high school principal to be unearthed!
Why I'm reading this: Book 12 of a series I can't help but keep reading. Insubstantial, but fun, engaging and quick to read. Have read the previous 11 in 2022!
Why I'm reading this: Book 12 of a series I can't help but keep reading. Insubstantial, but fun, engaging and quick to read. Have read the previous 11 in 2022!
July 31, 2020
I saw these in my feed and think I have read most of them but only to 12 do I have listed in my goodreads read list. I use to like them as "filler". That book you read when you had nothing else to read. They are simply stories with kinda mystery to them but if you need something to "cleanse the palate" and not have to put any effort into reading... these would be those books to read.
January 27, 2015
A fun read, a barn for a house and the antics of the cats was a great re-read.
December 28, 2025
I needed an easy read and this book was in the family book case.
Everything about the book is easy - easy to understand, all characters have an easy life, even the weather is pleasant.
Several dead bodies, no sex (not even a kiss).
Nothing to write home about.
Everything about the book is easy - easy to understand, all characters have an easy life, even the weather is pleasant.
Several dead bodies, no sex (not even a kiss).
Nothing to write home about.
July 29, 2017
Really camp, but great camp
Okay, she's not a Dickens or Rowling, but she's created this ridiculous place with just lovely characters... there are twenty or thirty books in the series and they are chronological, and it's a sweet place to check out into for a mental vacation.
Okay, she's not a Dickens or Rowling, but she's created this ridiculous place with just lovely characters... there are twenty or thirty books in the series and they are chronological, and it's a sweet place to check out into for a mental vacation.
June 8, 2018
After a disastrous venture Down Below, James Qwilleran and his cats are back in Pickax for the 12th in the series, and it doesn’t take much time before they are once again embroiled in a murder mystery.
The cardinal in the title refers mostly to a bird that Koko befriends after he, Qwill, and YumYum move into yet ANOTHER new home – a converted hexagonal apple barn on the Klingenschoen property. Qwill came up with this idea on the fly in the previous book, to explain his interest in large tapestries, and apparently he liked it so much that he went through with the project. This unique home, which includes a “penthouse” built exclusively for the cats, attracts a great deal of interest and attention, so much so that tickets for a public tour to benefit the Pickax library are immediately sold out.
Shortly after he moves in, the entire Pickaxe amateur theater company shows up late one night for an impromptu party after the final performance of their latest play. Qwill has been involved with the company on and off. So he good-naturedly allows the gathering, which is a thin excuse for the troupe to get a more private look at his new home. After the party breaks up in the wee hours of the morning, Qwill ventures outside to see why one of the cars is still parked in front of the barn. He finds that it’s owner – the widely disliked director of the play - has been murdered, leaving the entire theater company and himself as possible suspects.
This was one of my favorites in the series so far. The mystery was interesting as was a minor subplot where Polly the librarian seems to be two-timing Qwill. There were many funny moments involving the cats. Braun clearly knows that sinking feeling when a cat owner steps on something unexpected with their bare feet; and how cats will immediately jump into any open suitcase and refuse to budge; and how they will react with bored disdain when you present them with a new toy you were sure they would love.
In the previous book, the number of dead bodies piled up around James Qwilleran slowed down a bit, but the Grim Reaper is back. Scottie, his tailor, is one resident of Pickax who has finally picked up on this:
Based on one of the deaths this time, it could be argued that it’s not Qwill; instead Koko and YumYum are actually the Cats of Death.
Originally published: 1991
Body Count: 3
Preceded by: The Cat Who Lived High
Next Up: The Cat Who Moved a Mountain
The cardinal in the title refers mostly to a bird that Koko befriends after he, Qwill, and YumYum move into yet ANOTHER new home – a converted hexagonal apple barn on the Klingenschoen property. Qwill came up with this idea on the fly in the previous book, to explain his interest in large tapestries, and apparently he liked it so much that he went through with the project. This unique home, which includes a “penthouse” built exclusively for the cats, attracts a great deal of interest and attention, so much so that tickets for a public tour to benefit the Pickax library are immediately sold out.
Shortly after he moves in, the entire Pickaxe amateur theater company shows up late one night for an impromptu party after the final performance of their latest play. Qwill has been involved with the company on and off. So he good-naturedly allows the gathering, which is a thin excuse for the troupe to get a more private look at his new home. After the party breaks up in the wee hours of the morning, Qwill ventures outside to see why one of the cars is still parked in front of the barn. He finds that it’s owner – the widely disliked director of the play - has been murdered, leaving the entire theater company and himself as possible suspects.
This was one of my favorites in the series so far. The mystery was interesting as was a minor subplot where Polly the librarian seems to be two-timing Qwill. There were many funny moments involving the cats. Braun clearly knows that sinking feeling when a cat owner steps on something unexpected with their bare feet; and how cats will immediately jump into any open suitcase and refuse to budge; and how they will react with bored disdain when you present them with a new toy you were sure they would love.
In the previous book, the number of dead bodies piled up around James Qwilleran slowed down a bit, but the Grim Reaper is back. Scottie, his tailor, is one resident of Pickax who has finally picked up on this:
“Weel, laddie, you’ve done it again!” he said, putting on the brogue that pleased his customers.
“Meaning What?” Qwilleran asked.
“You found another dead body! Canna remember any dead bodies before you moved into town.”
Based on one of the deaths this time, it could be argued that it’s not Qwill; instead Koko and YumYum are actually the Cats of Death.
Originally published: 1991
Body Count: 3
Preceded by: The Cat Who Lived High
Next Up: The Cat Who Moved a Mountain
July 25, 2016
I listened to this audiobook. This is my first "The Cat Who..." Book. If it were any cozier it would have put me to sleep. The main character owns two Siamese cats who apparently have a sixth sense for uncovering clues. I really didn't enjoy this very much. Harmless enough, the story left so many unanswered questions and incomplete story lines I found myself saying "that's it?" An unlikeable school master is directing the local play of Henry VIII. He is murdered after the cast wrap party. No one liked him, but most of the potential suspects are easily dismissed. The story meanders around the real questions, spending much time on fringe stories about the quaint town and it's quirky residents. Boring.
June 2, 2022
Once again, newspaperman Jim Qwilleran gets mixed up in mayhem and murder. This time, the director of the local theater club is found dead in Qwill's apple orchard. When Koko leads Qwill on with some clues, the true story emerges. I really enjoy this series. The author knows how cats behave and incorporates that into the stories. And, as a side note, this book meets my goal for the year, and it's only the first week of June!!!
November 7, 2024
In questa avventura leggiamo di Koko che si fa un nuovo amico, un bellissimo cardinale rosso, ma Koko non fa mai niente senza motivo. 😅
Un altro giallo carino ma con poco mordente, peccato!
Tre stelle e mezzo
Un altro giallo carino ma con poco mordente, peccato!
Tre stelle e mezzo
November 28, 2024
3.0 stars (Audible). A childhood memory unlocked! A favorite of my grandma + aunt, Lilian Jackson Braun based these stories on a fictitious Midwestern town, ultimately Bad Axe, MI, where she + her husband lived until the mid-80s. Koko + Yum Yum, 2 siamese cats, are truly the detectives in these stories. Fun to listen to them after all these years!
January 17, 2018
First Read: As a cat lover and owner, I really liked this book. It is great to listen to on audio books while driving. The reader has a very calming interesting voice that helps bring the book(s)and characters to life. I've read most of these and really enjoy them. Being a cat lover myself, I loved KoKo and YumYum. Makes me want to get another cat, but one in our house is quite enough. Qwill is an interesting character, one I'd like to know. There was a murder in his neighborhood and the story works toward solving it. There is also a Shakespeare play done that creates a lot of neighborhood interest. Recommend.
Second Read: Qwill and the cats have returned to Pickax (yay!) after some time Down Below in the last installment (cat who lived high). They have moved into the apple barn which has been restored. The theater club has just finished a wildly successful Shakespeare production and most of the cast shows up at the barn after the final show for cast party / barn warming. After everyone leaves, Qwill looks outside and notices a car still there. The cats are uneasy so he goes out to investigate and finds the director slumped over the steering wheel with a bullet to the back of the head. Most people in Pickax had reason to want him dead. But the question is: who actually did it?
I'd wanted something mindless and easy to read as an offset for the other books I'm reading at the moment. I knew this series would fit the bill. Fun, light, somewhat predictable - in terms of knowing that both cats will be up to all sorts of antics which will provide the clues if Qwill can just get their meaning.
Second Read: Qwill and the cats have returned to Pickax (yay!) after some time Down Below in the last installment (cat who lived high). They have moved into the apple barn which has been restored. The theater club has just finished a wildly successful Shakespeare production and most of the cast shows up at the barn after the final show for cast party / barn warming. After everyone leaves, Qwill looks outside and notices a car still there. The cats are uneasy so he goes out to investigate and finds the director slumped over the steering wheel with a bullet to the back of the head. Most people in Pickax had reason to want him dead. But the question is: who actually did it?
I'd wanted something mindless and easy to read as an offset for the other books I'm reading at the moment. I knew this series would fit the bill. Fun, light, somewhat predictable - in terms of knowing that both cats will be up to all sorts of antics which will provide the clues if Qwill can just get their meaning.
February 8, 2018
Qwill and the kitties save the county again! So many bodies following him around, I'm starting to question Chief Brodie's talents.
Anyway, same formula that my gal LJB always follows, and it mostly works. Qwill gets a taste of his own medicine when Polly steps out on him in her own independent, yet innocent way. You saucy librarian minx, you. She buys a bright blue dress, and doesn't tell Qwill. Egads! And she attends a wedding without him and dances the night away, and goes out on a secret brunch date. But all is resolved by the end, as you would expect. And Qwill is happily living in the renovated Apple Barn, which sounds kick ass, and I'm a bit jealous.
As always, 3 solid stars.
Anyway, same formula that my gal LJB always follows, and it mostly works. Qwill gets a taste of his own medicine when Polly steps out on him in her own independent, yet innocent way. You saucy librarian minx, you. She buys a bright blue dress, and doesn't tell Qwill. Egads! And she attends a wedding without him and dances the night away, and goes out on a secret brunch date. But all is resolved by the end, as you would expect. And Qwill is happily living in the renovated Apple Barn, which sounds kick ass, and I'm a bit jealous.
As always, 3 solid stars.
April 28, 2016
I think I made the mistake of not starting this series from the beginning. There was a whirlwind of characters and it took me a while to figure out who they were and I didn't really succeed in keeping them straight. I did like how the MC treasured his cats and it was a little funny how he treated them like people. I don't know if I buy that Coco had detective abilities, but I think Qwilleran really wanted to believe so and that was fine with me. The mystery was okay, but I had trouble following along and was quite surprised by the ending (again, I think I was still trying to get into this series).
I think this will be a good series, I just need to start from the first book.
I think this will be a good series, I just need to start from the first book.
March 5, 2022
I re-read this book - I think I've read the whole series? I found it in a library in New York, then my family moved to Michigan. now I get double nostalgia from reading this series in my childhood and also thinking about home. the writing is really legit! lots of descriptions, and the characters have their own lives, so things develop and progress in each book. I really like the cozy feeling, love the cats (very catlike antics, except for allowing Q to put them in carriers and tote them around without ruining his life).
November 9, 2017
Qwill is moved into his renovated apple barn and already there's trouble. After the local thespian group dropped by to celebrate, the director is found shot to death in Qwill's yard, and it's the genius contractor responsible for the barn transformation who is the prime suspect. Jim doesn't believe it for a minute, and between tour groups and horse races, he's determined to get to the truth.
I love these books. Can't believe I'm on #12 already. I started wanting a Siamese around book five, I think, so read warily if you're not inclined to pets.
I love these books. Can't believe I'm on #12 already. I started wanting a Siamese around book five, I think, so read warily if you're not inclined to pets.
January 4, 2020
One of the delights of this series is that one never knows where Jim Qwilleran and his Siamese cats, Koko and Yum-Yum will be residing as the setting for their residence changes throughout the series and they always add an interesting twist to the mystery of murder and mayhem and a fascinating new cast of characters for their interactions.
As always, I can't wait to read the next one in the series but didn't realize until I added the title on GoodReads that I missed reading #11 so will take a step back as I can't miss any of the titles in this series.
As always, I can't wait to read the next one in the series but didn't realize until I added the title on GoodReads that I missed reading #11 so will take a step back as I can't miss any of the titles in this series.
June 22, 2019
One of the best things about this series is, of course, the cats. This time around, Qwill buys some bubble pipes and whips up some soap bubbles to entertain them. Being an occasional pipe smoker, he first, automatically, draws on the pipe which results in hacking and coughing. This gets the cats' attention. The bubbles when he manages to produce them? Koko and Yum Yum don't get the point and wander off in boredom no matter how he tries to interest them.
Oh yeah, there's mischief and murder also and Koko does help to solve the murder by giving Qwill clues. Or is that just hindsight that makes it seem that way? 😄
Oh yeah, there's mischief and murder also and Koko does help to solve the murder by giving Qwill clues. Or is that just hindsight that makes it seem that way? 😄
September 16, 2019
I am really enjoying this series, and glad she wrote quite a lot of books! The cats are so fun, and funny, (and naughty!) and the characters are all great, from Qwill and Polly down to even the murder victims. Very fun series!
September 18, 2022
3 Stars
Murder, fraud, cardinals and cats. Another fun mystery with Koko, Yum-Yum and Qwill.
Murder, fraud, cardinals and cats. Another fun mystery with Koko, Yum-Yum and Qwill.
February 13, 2023
I quite enjoyed this one - the barn conversion and decor, Koko and the cardinal, interesting mystery concerning the school principal.
January 29, 2024
Another entertaining entry into "The Cat Who" series. I've read some reviews that find the protagonist unlikeable, but I don't have any issue with him. The real issue, if any, with these books is the suspension of disbelief needed with regard to the psychic and detecting skills of the cats at the center of the books, Koko and Yum Yum. But they are worthwhile for cozy mystery purposes.
June 16, 2023
Revisiting this series in audio format this time. Still fun and one of my favorites!
August 20, 2023
Once again, the author has created a tale of intrigue, yet again, that I find compelling, entertaining, and the perfect example of a "cozy". She remains one of my favorite authors.
This time, Qwilleran's home is the four-story old apple barn next to the orchard, that is a half of a mile from the mansion (now a theatre house), and the apartment above the carriage house that were his former residences in Moose County. The apple barn has been remodeled by the new-comer, son of the beloved Mrs. Cobb, and the intrepid interior designer who is also the daughter of Sheriff Brodie. In the carriage house is the companion of the last two years of his time in Moose County, Polly Duncan.
The converted apple barn is magnificent design of octagonal design, fieldstone foundation with three stories of balconies, in its open design, with ramps and catwalks spiraling upwards for the entertainment of his two majesties- regal Koko, and loving YumYum. He adds tapestry for stunning effect. One a warm day, the barn smelled of Winesaps, and Jonathans.
This volume shares, in a wonderful mix, Shakespeare's King Henry VIII, horse breeding, horse racing, and a new burgeoning interest of Qwill's of old print typefaces who enjoys the ones of animals, and, of course, Koko loves to knock out of the display case. . These extras always give such a rich flavor to her characters, and add wonderfully into the story. We, the readers, are reminded that Qwill wrote a book, for which he is now searching amongst the threads of the mystery. The harsh school principal's mysterious life is glimpsed into to make interesting discoveries. The relationship with Polly is shown as strained but by the end-- at least for me--shown to be very strong, even with her poorly named baby Siamese cat, Bootsie.
The town has a Look-Alike contest for one of the old town legends, Tippy the cat, only to later discover that the cat has a disputed appearance despite an old portrait of the cat that hangs in the famous restaurant.
As ever, with her novels, no one is spared. It is sad to see a character one has gotten to enjoy their presence, only to be taken away.
This time, Qwilleran's home is the four-story old apple barn next to the orchard, that is a half of a mile from the mansion (now a theatre house), and the apartment above the carriage house that were his former residences in Moose County. The apple barn has been remodeled by the new-comer, son of the beloved Mrs. Cobb, and the intrepid interior designer who is also the daughter of Sheriff Brodie. In the carriage house is the companion of the last two years of his time in Moose County, Polly Duncan.
The converted apple barn is magnificent design of octagonal design, fieldstone foundation with three stories of balconies, in its open design, with ramps and catwalks spiraling upwards for the entertainment of his two majesties- regal Koko, and loving YumYum. He adds tapestry for stunning effect. One a warm day, the barn smelled of Winesaps, and Jonathans.
This volume shares, in a wonderful mix, Shakespeare's King Henry VIII, horse breeding, horse racing, and a new burgeoning interest of Qwill's of old print typefaces who enjoys the ones of animals, and, of course, Koko loves to knock out of the display case. . These extras always give such a rich flavor to her characters, and add wonderfully into the story. We, the readers, are reminded that Qwill wrote a book, for which he is now searching amongst the threads of the mystery. The harsh school principal's mysterious life is glimpsed into to make interesting discoveries. The relationship with Polly is shown as strained but by the end-- at least for me--shown to be very strong, even with her poorly named baby Siamese cat, Bootsie.
The town has a Look-Alike contest for one of the old town legends, Tippy the cat, only to later discover that the cat has a disputed appearance despite an old portrait of the cat that hangs in the famous restaurant.
As ever, with her novels, no one is spared. It is sad to see a character one has gotten to enjoy their presence, only to be taken away.
February 13, 2025
2/5/25 to 2/12/25 - 4 stars - The school principal is very effective and successful, but he's rude and anti-social, so when he is murdered, no one in town is too upset about it. But because it happened outside his home, Qwill decides to investigate by asking plenty of insightful questions of the many people in the area. A horse farm in Lockmaster looks for funding from the K Fund, and Qwill becomes involved when he visits the local steeplechase and learns more about horses from his friends the Bushlands (photographer). Since he recently moved into the apple barn, Qwill is also dealing with curiosity seekers and must put up with an open house for which tickets have been sold.
2/20/15 to 2/25/14 - 4 stars - Another very cute installment in the "The Cat Who..." series (#12). In this one, Qwill has been living in Pickax for 4 years and has recently moved into the renovated apple barn. Koko becomes "friends" with a beautiful red cardinal and they "commune" through the large windows. A not-very-well-liked member of the community is killed, and Koko and Qwill set out to figure out the murderer since it happened in their orchard. Koko's use of the typesetting tiles helps lead Qwill in the right direction. Other highlights: Polly and Qwill have some relationship problems, Qwill goes to the Lockmaster steeplechase, we revisit Bushy and his wife Vickie.
2/20/15 to 2/25/14 - 4 stars - Another very cute installment in the "The Cat Who..." series (#12). In this one, Qwill has been living in Pickax for 4 years and has recently moved into the renovated apple barn. Koko becomes "friends" with a beautiful red cardinal and they "commune" through the large windows. A not-very-well-liked member of the community is killed, and Koko and Qwill set out to figure out the murderer since it happened in their orchard. Koko's use of the typesetting tiles helps lead Qwill in the right direction. Other highlights: Polly and Qwill have some relationship problems, Qwill goes to the Lockmaster steeplechase, we revisit Bushy and his wife Vickie.
February 21, 2019
Spoiler alert.
I really enjoy the Cat Who books. They are gentle escapist reads. Ordinarily I would give this book a four star rating. But, there are three incidences in this book that prevent me from doing so. The first is the suicide of one of the characters. The suicide was not pertinent to the plot. And, logic was thrown out the window when the character went to Jim Qwilleran's house to kill himself. With all the woods around, why go to a friend's home to kill oneself by hanging?
The second unnecessary incident was the death of a charming elderly lady. We have a scene where she tells about her youth and shortly after that she suddenly dies. Again, this was not crucial to the story. So, why include it?
The third incident was the killing of a cardinal with whom Koko had made a friend. The cardinal's death played a role in determining who the killer was but, goodness, couldn't she come up with something less disturbing than the bird being shot?
I cannot imagine what was going through Ms. Braun's mind as she wrote this book. It was a very good effort except for these three moments. I have known people who have killed themselves. It is an epidemic with teenagers. To include an unnecessary suicide in a cozy mystery is a bad choice, I feel. Therefore, the best I could give this book was three stars.
I really enjoy the Cat Who books. They are gentle escapist reads. Ordinarily I would give this book a four star rating. But, there are three incidences in this book that prevent me from doing so. The first is the suicide of one of the characters. The suicide was not pertinent to the plot. And, logic was thrown out the window when the character went to Jim Qwilleran's house to kill himself. With all the woods around, why go to a friend's home to kill oneself by hanging?
The second unnecessary incident was the death of a charming elderly lady. We have a scene where she tells about her youth and shortly after that she suddenly dies. Again, this was not crucial to the story. So, why include it?
The third incident was the killing of a cardinal with whom Koko had made a friend. The cardinal's death played a role in determining who the killer was but, goodness, couldn't she come up with something less disturbing than the bird being shot?
I cannot imagine what was going through Ms. Braun's mind as she wrote this book. It was a very good effort except for these three moments. I have known people who have killed themselves. It is an epidemic with teenagers. To include an unnecessary suicide in a cozy mystery is a bad choice, I feel. Therefore, the best I could give this book was three stars.
April 12, 2018
Few series can keep you as captivated as this one. This book was a fantastic read that not only kept me turning the pages, but also gave me a few laughs. Much like Qwill, I too do not know one bird from the another, except a Cardinal and a Robin maybe. Good read, looking forward to the next one.
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