What do you think?
Rate this book
The Cat Who... #20
The Cat Who Sang for the Birds
an alternate cover edition can be found here
In this delightful new novel featuring Jim Qwilleran and his lovable cats, Koko and Yum Yum, the rites of spring are celebrated with the fine art of birdcalling....and a fateful act of murder. It seems that this spring, a cat's fancy may turn to crime-solving...
In this delightful new novel featuring Jim Qwilleran and his lovable cats, Koko and Yum Yum, the rites of spring are celebrated with the fine art of birdcalling....and a fateful act of murder. It seems that this spring, a cat's fancy may turn to crime-solving...
260 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published February 2, 1998
155 people are currently reading
2135 people want to read
About the author
Lilian Jackson Braun
193 books1,713 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 291 reviews
May 3, 2020
Book Review
3.5 rounded up to 4 stars for The Cat Who Sang for the Birds, the 20th book in the "Cat Who" cozy mystery series. Well kiddoes... only 3 books in this 30+ series for me to complete a book review on... I can't believe it's coming to an end. This was a really traditional cozy... reminds you of apple pie and a lovely spring day where everything's just shiny and pretty and calm. But those darn birds won't stop tweeting. Though I read this 10 years before I had my dog Ryder, I can imagine him trying to catch the birds and kill them -- just as Koko felt in this book. The town's all abuzz over some strange happenings, including weird and early weather. The mystery is light. The characters are fun. It's a good book in this series, but I understand there are a lot to keep up with. The murders make sense, that is, the reason for them and the root killer. But in the end, why would anyone ever stay in this town? Seriously, Qwill... you're a good guy and all, and I'll probably turn into you in about 30 years, but I don't want to die. Move. Now.
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.
3.5 rounded up to 4 stars for The Cat Who Sang for the Birds, the 20th book in the "Cat Who" cozy mystery series. Well kiddoes... only 3 books in this 30+ series for me to complete a book review on... I can't believe it's coming to an end. This was a really traditional cozy... reminds you of apple pie and a lovely spring day where everything's just shiny and pretty and calm. But those darn birds won't stop tweeting. Though I read this 10 years before I had my dog Ryder, I can imagine him trying to catch the birds and kill them -- just as Koko felt in this book. The town's all abuzz over some strange happenings, including weird and early weather. The mystery is light. The characters are fun. It's a good book in this series, but I understand there are a lot to keep up with. The murders make sense, that is, the reason for them and the root killer. But in the end, why would anyone ever stay in this town? Seriously, Qwill... you're a good guy and all, and I'll probably turn into you in about 30 years, but I don't want to die. Move. Now.
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.
April 15, 2021
In this 20th book in 'The Cat Who' cozy mystery series, newspaper columnist/amateur sleuth Jim
Qwilleran helps solve crimes involving arson, theft, and more. The book works fine as a standalone.
*****
Jim Qwilleran (Qwill) was a crime journalist in Chicago when he inherited billions of dollars from his mother's friend Fanny Klingenschoen. To receive the money Qwill had to move to the city of Pickax in Moose County, which is '400 miles north of everywhere.' So Qwill and his two Siamese cats, Koko and Yum Yum, relocated to Pickax. There Qwill used his inheritance to set up the Klingenschoen Fund, which supports projects that benefit the community.
Quill had a huge apple barn converted into a unique home for himself and his felines.....
.....and then built an enclosed gazebo nearby, so the cats could watch birds.
Qwill's dwelling is the talk of the town, and attracts attention from both Pickax residents and tourists.
Quill writes a twice-weekly column, called The Qwill Pen, for the 'Moose County Something' newspaper. Quill is very familiar with Pickax and its residents because he's always researching topics and interviewing people for his column. Thus Quill knows when things are 'off' in town, especially if he's alerted by his cat Koko - who has a supernatural ability to detect crime and criminals. Koko communicates by yowling, licking photos, knocking down books, moving compass needles, throwing checkers on the floor, shredding newspapers, and so on.
In this book Qwill interviews two people for The Quill Pen: a young artist who raises butterflies and makes paintings of them;
and an elderly farming widow who sticks to the old traditions and takes in old dogs.
Qwill is always interested in the lives of his interviewees, and takes note when the butterfly artist's bartender boyfriend is suddenly flush with money. Quill also takes umbrage on behalf of the farm wife when she's cheated on a property sale. When the old woman dies in unfortunate circumstances, Qwill makes sure she has a fitting funeral.
Koko seems to know something bad is going on with respect to the two women, but his 'communications' aren't always easy to interpret, so it takes a while for Qwill to catch on. However, he gets there in the end.
Meanwhile, Qwill gets involved with the town's Adult Spelling Bee;
initiates a naming contest for two new library cats;
attends an art show;
buys an antique compass; etc.
Though 'the cat who' books are cozy mysteries, they're also stories about the colorful residents of Pickax. These include Qwill's lady friend Polly Duncan- who runs the library; Qwill's friend Arch Riker - who publishes the Moose County Something; Arch Riker's wife Mildred - who's a great cook; Derek Cuttlebrink - a 6' 8'' tall college student who acts in the community theater; Weatherby Goode (aka Joe Bunker) - who reports the weather; Hixie Rice - who runs public relations events; Police Chief Andrew Brodie - who knows about Koko's special abilities; Celia Robinson - who leaves Qwill casseroles and does a spot of espionage for him; and more.
I enjoyed this cozy mystery and its quirky characters.
You can follow my reviews at
https://reviewsbybarbsaffer.blogspot.com
February 7, 2021
Enjoyable cozy read with the characters from Moose County, Maine. Mr. Q & Koko once again sense something is not quite right with a fire that killed an elderly lady and the land grab that ensued. I laughed at the various old tombstone inscriptions especially a husband & wife: SHOT BY HER DEAR HUSBAND; HANGED FOR KILLINFG HIS DEAR WIFE or how about HERE LIES A HAPPY MAN, NEVER MARRIED. LOL.
I am also a more analytical person and I liked a comment made by a character "Imagination's a muscle; needs exercise."
I suppose I exercise my imagination through reading!
I am also a more analytical person and I liked a comment made by a character "Imagination's a muscle; needs exercise."
I suppose I exercise my imagination through reading!
August 31, 2019
First Read: I have read all the cat books by this author except a couple. I love cats. My mom and I started them about 25 or so years ago and I've been reading them off an on since then. Some are better than others. This one was quite good. They are all well written and always give some interesting information about cats. Koko and Yum Yum (the two Siamese cats) help Qwill solve the mysteries.
This episode has crimes, multi-murders, and it introduced us to butterflies, and their "hatching" process, getting ready for a spelling bee and how it can bring a community together, how birds play an important role in our environments, how cats can create unity in a neighborhood, and other fun and interesting tidbits. Polly posed for Qwill for a local artist, and was very pleased with the outcome. Recommend. Enjoyed this one was better than some of her later ones.
Second Read: Quilleran and his delightful Siamese cats, Koko and Yum-Yum, have solved yet another mystery in Moose County, 400 miles north of everywhere. As an avid reader of the late Lillian Jackson Braun, I am sad to say I have only one more of her wonderful stories left to read. My plan is to keep it for a time when I really need a positive lift to my spirit and can lose myself in the quaint town of Pickax with friends I have come to know through the many stories Lillian has written.
I highly recommend The Cat Who... series for anyone who enjoys a light mystery story and the adorable antics of cats. The plots revolve around Quilleran, a reporter, who winds up being the foster parent of a cat that changes his life in many ways.
In this story (#20 in the series), clever KoKo helps Quilleran figure out several unfortunate coincidences (by weight of his abundant 60 whiskers), all the while being distracted by the birds around the unique "Barn" they share. Recommend
This episode has crimes, multi-murders, and it introduced us to butterflies, and their "hatching" process, getting ready for a spelling bee and how it can bring a community together, how birds play an important role in our environments, how cats can create unity in a neighborhood, and other fun and interesting tidbits. Polly posed for Qwill for a local artist, and was very pleased with the outcome. Recommend. Enjoyed this one was better than some of her later ones.
Second Read: Quilleran and his delightful Siamese cats, Koko and Yum-Yum, have solved yet another mystery in Moose County, 400 miles north of everywhere. As an avid reader of the late Lillian Jackson Braun, I am sad to say I have only one more of her wonderful stories left to read. My plan is to keep it for a time when I really need a positive lift to my spirit and can lose myself in the quaint town of Pickax with friends I have come to know through the many stories Lillian has written.
I highly recommend The Cat Who... series for anyone who enjoys a light mystery story and the adorable antics of cats. The plots revolve around Quilleran, a reporter, who winds up being the foster parent of a cat that changes his life in many ways.
In this story (#20 in the series), clever KoKo helps Quilleran figure out several unfortunate coincidences (by weight of his abundant 60 whiskers), all the while being distracted by the birds around the unique "Barn" they share. Recommend
March 27, 2014
Another delightful tale by Lilian Jackson Braun. Qwilleran once again follows his inquisitive journalist's nose into a series of unusual events in Pickax, aided by his clever cat Koko. Qwill is able to tie the threads of the events together from information gleaned from the many relationships he has built over the years. Koko helps by trying to communicate pertinent information to Qwill by knocking over certain objects, leaving Qwill to figure out what Koko means. Only when the mystery is solved does Qwill see the connections Koko was making.
While Braun's books are light, fun stories, what keeps me coming back are the quirky characters in Pickax. Braun deftly weaves her knowledge of literature, art and fine cuisine into the story through the interests of the residents, and expects her readers to know what she is talking about. I enjoy an author who assumes her audience is educated and intelligent!
While Braun's books are light, fun stories, what keeps me coming back are the quirky characters in Pickax. Braun deftly weaves her knowledge of literature, art and fine cuisine into the story through the interests of the residents, and expects her readers to know what she is talking about. I enjoy an author who assumes her audience is educated and intelligent!
December 5, 2020
As I've shared previously I love this series! If you love cats and cozy mysteries this series would be my first recommendation. If anyone has a desire to write cozy mysteries this series would also be first on my recommended reading list.
There's always a murder to be solved and I enjoy matching my interpretations with Qwill in deciphering Koko's clues. Yum-Yum the other Siamese that enjoys residence with Qwill and Koko provides her own unique expressions during every adventurous tale. I also enjoy the interactions between Qwill and Polly Duncan's cat Brutus (formerly known as Brutus*).
As winter is over, Qwill, Koko, and Yum-Yum have returned to residence in the reconverted apple barn. Koko and Yum-Yum are enjoying the new gazebo that gives them special viewing pleasures of other critters as much as Qwill enjoys the fresh air, reading, and entertaining guests.
For all who love the furry face characters in cozy mysteries there will be special joy in reading "The Cat Who Sang for the Birds" as three (3) new furry faces are introduced and due to their new residences are posed for frequent mention in the remaining novels of the series. I am certainly hopeful of the possibilities.
*If you're reading the series out of order, you can learn the timing and reason for Bootsie's name change in "The Cat Who Tailed a Thief."
There's always a murder to be solved and I enjoy matching my interpretations with Qwill in deciphering Koko's clues. Yum-Yum the other Siamese that enjoys residence with Qwill and Koko provides her own unique expressions during every adventurous tale. I also enjoy the interactions between Qwill and Polly Duncan's cat Brutus (formerly known as Brutus*).
As winter is over, Qwill, Koko, and Yum-Yum have returned to residence in the reconverted apple barn. Koko and Yum-Yum are enjoying the new gazebo that gives them special viewing pleasures of other critters as much as Qwill enjoys the fresh air, reading, and entertaining guests.
For all who love the furry face characters in cozy mysteries there will be special joy in reading "The Cat Who Sang for the Birds" as three (3) new furry faces are introduced and due to their new residences are posed for frequent mention in the remaining novels of the series. I am certainly hopeful of the possibilities.
*If you're reading the series out of order, you can learn the timing and reason for Bootsie's name change in "The Cat Who Tailed a Thief."
February 10, 2022
I thought I had read ALL of LJB’s books years ago, but I apparently hadn’t read this one. As I read I remembered why I liked her books so much. She writes an engaging story that have a mystery component; yet her characters, not the mysteries are what keeps drawing you back to her books.
An enjoyable read.
An enjoyable read.
May 5, 2019
Not my favorite in this series, as there's not much to the mystery ... but the cats and the characters are as delightful as ever.
August 28, 2022
I've seen this book series on library shelves for years and years - the mystery books with a cat theme. I also never realized there was a cozy mystery genre and now, thanks to my book club's bingo game, I do now. :). That being said, I don't think I'll read another one of these books again. It read like an intricate soap opera with forced moments of making siamese cats, Koko and Yum Yum, primary characters. The main character and owner of the siamese, Mr. Q, was intriguing and likable but he was quite the busybody. The mystery itself wasn't even a real mystery...it was more like learning details about gossip, misbehavior, and corruption in a small community. There were also so, so many characters who seemed to always be introduced around a cup of coffee or a lunch/dinner; it was just A LOT. If I hadn't committed to finishing this book to earn a bingo square, it definitely would have been a DNF.
June 2, 2018
This book wasn't as good as the last two that I had read in the series. I didn't enjoy it as well as the ones before it. There really wasn't much mystery in this one. The book had rambled on about the spelling bee, an Art Center, and an old lady that lived across from the Art Center all through out the book. You know there's something suspicious going on, just based off previous book, but Braun don't really get to it until about the last 5 or so chapters of the book. It still had the vibe and flow as the previous books I had read but the mystery part of the book was lacking a little bit.
The only real problem I have with this series is that there are way to many characters. With so many characters in the books it get confusing at times. All the characters I can name off my head Jim Qwilleran, Arch Rickers, Junior Goodwinter, Amanda Goodwinter, Koko and Yum Yum (Of course), Hixie Rice, Celia Robertson, Calvert Mcbee, some lawyer, Calvert's parents, painters, mayor and so many more.....It's ridiculous.
The only real problem I have with this series is that there are way to many characters. With so many characters in the books it get confusing at times. All the characters I can name off my head Jim Qwilleran, Arch Rickers, Junior Goodwinter, Amanda Goodwinter, Koko and Yum Yum (Of course), Hixie Rice, Celia Robertson, Calvert Mcbee, some lawyer, Calvert's parents, painters, mayor and so many more.....It's ridiculous.
June 28, 2016
Another fun romp with Qwill and the cats.
Read
October 25, 2023Following the events of a fatal fire, Qwill suspects foul play. Koko makes feathered friends while Yum Yum studies caterpillars and butterflies. Moose County hosts an adult spelling bee.
I'm not reading these in order. I just pick them up when I come across them out in the wild. Overall, I liked this better than the last one. I appreciate the sparse, snappy style of Braun's writing, and her descriptions of the cats and their body language are great. Having the spelling bee as a through thread added a nice highlight to an otherwise grim tale. Like Qwill, I like to read aloud to my cats (a calico she-demon named Reese and a shy, fluffy maine coon mix named Box Cat), and I found this volume was good for that. Some stories are just meant to be read aloud.
Another highlight for me was the supporting cast. Usually in books like this, the murder victim is more of a plot device than a person. Oftentimes, we as readers barely get to know them before they are axed off in bizarre titular "Death by" fashion. These characters exist to die on page five as the story's "inciting incident." And that's if they're lucky. Sometimes, they're killed off-page. Hell, sometimes they're dead before the story even starts.
While this sort of emotional distancing for the reader can function to keep the cozy well... Cozy, I found myself appreciating this particular story for how upset I felt over the victim's loss, which came a bit later in the story, after a very sweet introduction. This caused me to be more invested in the outcome, and ultimately made the last 75 or so pages fly by.
I would recommend this one for people who are fans of the genre, or anyone who likes books, cats, and Columbo.
I'm not reading these in order. I just pick them up when I come across them out in the wild. Overall, I liked this better than the last one. I appreciate the sparse, snappy style of Braun's writing, and her descriptions of the cats and their body language are great. Having the spelling bee as a through thread added a nice highlight to an otherwise grim tale. Like Qwill, I like to read aloud to my cats (a calico she-demon named Reese and a shy, fluffy maine coon mix named Box Cat), and I found this volume was good for that. Some stories are just meant to be read aloud.
Another highlight for me was the supporting cast. Usually in books like this, the murder victim is more of a plot device than a person. Oftentimes, we as readers barely get to know them before they are axed off in bizarre titular "Death by" fashion. These characters exist to die on page five as the story's "inciting incident." And that's if they're lucky. Sometimes, they're killed off-page. Hell, sometimes they're dead before the story even starts.
While this sort of emotional distancing for the reader can function to keep the cozy well... Cozy, I found myself appreciating this particular story for how upset I felt over the victim's loss, which came a bit later in the story, after a very sweet introduction. This caused me to be more invested in the outcome, and ultimately made the last 75 or so pages fly by.
I would recommend this one for people who are fans of the genre, or anyone who likes books, cats, and Columbo.
April 28, 2023
De appelschuur waar Jim Qwilleran met zijn 2 siamese katten woont is enorm. Toch is er nog wat bijgebouwd zodat de katten in alle rust naar de vogeltjes kunnen kijken. Qwill is meer betrokken bij het niuewe kunstcentrum waar hij uiteraard iedereen kent (hij is natuurlijk de financier achter de schermen) al heeft hij niet van iedereen een even goede indruk.
Een jonge vrouw die vlinders schildert solfert hem op met een doos met rupsen, waar hij moet op babysitten tot ze verpoppen. Er wordt weer veel gegeten en gedronken, zowel bij mensen thuis als in de verschillende eetgelegenheden in Pickax. Toch blijft het frappant dat Liiian Jackson Braun dit voorstelt als gourmet terwijl de katten uit blik eten (weliswaar krab) en Qwill gewoon wat opwarmt in de microgolfoven. Typisch Amerikaans zullen we maar denken.
In het boek wordt onder andere een politieke beerput uit het verleden opengetrokken. En dat blijkt om moord te gaan. Gevolgd door nog meer moorden in het heden. Enkel Koko onderkent dat het om moord gaat en legt de verbanden. Tegen dat Qwill dat begrijpt en bewijzen voor de politie heeft is er nog een moord gebeurd die hem erg raakt. Weer een einde in mineur.
Mooi en heel dramatich is het overlijden van een eenzame oude boerin. Qwill trekt zich haar lot aan en organiseert een heel grote plechtigheid met alles er op en er aan.
Past perfect in de rest van de reeks. En bouwt ook op de vorige boeken. Meer en meer wordt het duidelijk dat de boeken nog wel apart kunnen gelezen worden maar dat het toch aanbeveling verdiend om ze in de juiste volgorde te lezen.
Een jonge vrouw die vlinders schildert solfert hem op met een doos met rupsen, waar hij moet op babysitten tot ze verpoppen. Er wordt weer veel gegeten en gedronken, zowel bij mensen thuis als in de verschillende eetgelegenheden in Pickax. Toch blijft het frappant dat Liiian Jackson Braun dit voorstelt als gourmet terwijl de katten uit blik eten (weliswaar krab) en Qwill gewoon wat opwarmt in de microgolfoven. Typisch Amerikaans zullen we maar denken.
In het boek wordt onder andere een politieke beerput uit het verleden opengetrokken. En dat blijkt om moord te gaan. Gevolgd door nog meer moorden in het heden. Enkel Koko onderkent dat het om moord gaat en legt de verbanden. Tegen dat Qwill dat begrijpt en bewijzen voor de politie heeft is er nog een moord gebeurd die hem erg raakt. Weer een einde in mineur.
Mooi en heel dramatich is het overlijden van een eenzame oude boerin. Qwill trekt zich haar lot aan en organiseert een heel grote plechtigheid met alles er op en er aan.
Past perfect in de rest van de reeks. En bouwt ook op de vorige boeken. Meer en meer wordt het duidelijk dat de boeken nog wel apart kunnen gelezen worden maar dat het toch aanbeveling verdiend om ze in de juiste volgorde te lezen.
September 30, 2018
#20 in The Cat Who... wasn't one of the more memorable ones, but just fine in the low-key way that fans of the series enjoy. Qwill and the cats are again living in the converted hexagonal apple barn in Pickax. There is a new addition - a screened in structure where the trio and visitors can hang outdoors and watch the birds. Also, the house Polly was building on the property - before the stress of the project literally gave her a heart attack - has been repurposed an Arts Center, where most of the action is centered.
Although the Ice Festival from the last book was a bust, Hixie Rice is planning more excitement for Moose County: an adult spelling bee. When that idea unsurprisingly fails to catch fire, she turns to Qwill. His brainstorm turns it into the World Series of Spelling with team hats and jerseys, bases to run, stadium seating, etc. The event is a smashing success.
Meanwhile, a fire that destroys a farm and kills an elderly Moose County woman is followed by a series of break-ins at the Arts Center. These events tturn out to be related in a surprising way. Qwill helps to put the diabolical plot together with the help of Koko.
Qwill, who honestly can sometimes be a bit of an asshole, was very likable in this one. I really loved the way he turns Maude's funeral into a tribute and the event of the Moose County season. Also, when someone leaves two kittens at his place, he has another genius idea: he gives them to the library to become in-house mascots. (This reminded me of the real-life story of Dewey, the Library Cat, which I read a few years ago.) The presence of these furry celebrities unites the town and helps resolve the Great Card Catalog Controversy. It seems funny twenty-something years later, to think that people preferred the little drawers full of hand-typed cards and vehemently resisted the conversion to an electronic system!
Body Count 2
Published: 1998
Preceded by: The Cat Who Tailed a Thief
Next up: The Cat Who Saw Stars
Although the Ice Festival from the last book was a bust, Hixie Rice is planning more excitement for Moose County: an adult spelling bee. When that idea unsurprisingly fails to catch fire, she turns to Qwill. His brainstorm turns it into the World Series of Spelling with team hats and jerseys, bases to run, stadium seating, etc. The event is a smashing success.
Meanwhile, a fire that destroys a farm and kills an elderly Moose County woman is followed by a series of break-ins at the Arts Center. These events tturn out to be related in a surprising way. Qwill helps to put the diabolical plot together with the help of Koko.
Qwill, who honestly can sometimes be a bit of an asshole, was very likable in this one. I really loved the way he turns Maude's funeral into a tribute and the event of the Moose County season. Also, when someone leaves two kittens at his place, he has another genius idea: he gives them to the library to become in-house mascots. (This reminded me of the real-life story of Dewey, the Library Cat, which I read a few years ago.) The presence of these furry celebrities unites the town and helps resolve the Great Card Catalog Controversy. It seems funny twenty-something years later, to think that people preferred the little drawers full of hand-typed cards and vehemently resisted the conversion to an electronic system!
Body Count 2
Published: 1998
Preceded by: The Cat Who Tailed a Thief
Next up: The Cat Who Saw Stars
May 8, 2022
Not really a review of the story in this book, which was amazing as usual, but a review of the physical book I checked out of the library, perhaps to serve as a request for some, a warning to others. This book has so much cat hair in it that it triggered my allergies every time I read it. Thankfully it only took three or four nights to read, but at one point, I even pulled a clump of hair out from between the pages. I know cat-lovers love these books, but have mercy on those of us who love cats, but our bodies don't! Give your books a good shake and flip through the pages before returning them to the library. Many thanks in advance!
March 1, 2018
In Lilian Jackson Braun's 20th Cat Who book, The Cat Who Sang for the Birds, Jim Qwilleran "Qwill" befriends an elderly lady who lives on a plot of land near Moose County's new art center. Not long after meeting her, the elderly woman dies in a suspicious fire, and the the same day, there's a theft at the art center. Qwill and his psychic cat, Koko, (and of course, his second cat Yum Yum, who plays less of a sensational role) explore the case and bring peace back to Moose County.
On the one hand, this really isn't much of a mystery. The plot focuses only very lightly on the arson and homicides. Furthermore, the villains are pretty obvious from the beginning. So, if you're looking for a fast-paced, plot-driven mystery/ thriller, this isn't probably the book for you. One the other hand, though, once I adjusted my expectations and allowed myself to see this book as something different from the literary thrillers that are being written by the dozens today, I really enjoyed this book. Moose County is quant and idyllic, and their baseball themed spelling bee was just adorable. The resident library cats were homey. The relationship between Qwill and his lady love, Polly, was just very sweet. I loved the small town culture and the gossip and the everyone-knows-everyone feel. I will say, however, for someone who hasn't read other Cat Who books, there is a little bit of a learning curve when you jump in in the middle. The abundance of characters with their bizarre last names were difficult to keep straight. Several past cases were references briefly, and I found that a little distracting. However, I'm glad I gave this book a read and will be eager to try out some of the earlier Cat Who books.
On the one hand, this really isn't much of a mystery. The plot focuses only very lightly on the arson and homicides. Furthermore, the villains are pretty obvious from the beginning. So, if you're looking for a fast-paced, plot-driven mystery/ thriller, this isn't probably the book for you. One the other hand, though, once I adjusted my expectations and allowed myself to see this book as something different from the literary thrillers that are being written by the dozens today, I really enjoyed this book. Moose County is quant and idyllic, and their baseball themed spelling bee was just adorable. The resident library cats were homey. The relationship between Qwill and his lady love, Polly, was just very sweet. I loved the small town culture and the gossip and the everyone-knows-everyone feel. I will say, however, for someone who hasn't read other Cat Who books, there is a little bit of a learning curve when you jump in in the middle. The abundance of characters with their bizarre last names were difficult to keep straight. Several past cases were references briefly, and I found that a little distracting. However, I'm glad I gave this book a read and will be eager to try out some of the earlier Cat Who books.
December 7, 2025
A cute mystery read with a smart cat and some interesting residents in a town
August 13, 2023
Another great story
August 25, 2024
My mom loved this series. I think she wanted to live in Qwill’s rehabbed apple barn. Murder She Wrote meets Lake Woebegone
December 3, 2021
Great addition to the series - familiar characters and a couple of delightfully eccentric newbies. The house Polly was building officially opens as the Art Center. Mysterious break-ins and arson are no match for Koko and Qwill.
Read
August 18, 2022It was alright
September 20, 2021
In this installment, Mr. Q and Koko not only solve a couple of current mysteries, but also help to set right an injustice from the past. Qwilleran also helps out with the latest community fundraiser and still finds time to spend with his friends.
October 25, 2020
These books are so much fun. This was the first one I have ever listened to. The narration was wonderful.
September 8, 2007
It is May, following the earliest spring on record in Moose County, and Qwill and his Siamese Cats, Koko & Yum Yum, embark on another series of adventures involving the opening of Pixckax's new art center, the sale of land by a widow and her death shortly afterwards in a fire, the underhanded activities of a town councilman, and the usual Pickax characters and their activities. As usual, it is Qwill and Koko who unravel the mystery and solve the various problems.
November 18, 2008
This was another re-read. I haven't read it in a few years, so it was fun picking it up again. I think this is the last of the series written by Braun. I've just started re-reading The Cat Who Saw Stars and so far, it's not up to par with the previous books and the style isn't quite the same.
This book is still as good as the others. I enjoyed trying to remember what happens and who the bad guys were
This book is still as good as the others. I enjoyed trying to remember what happens and who the bad guys were
August 18, 2017
.
I like the main character in this series and his hometown characteristics. It's fun to tag along and experience his quirky lifestyle. I don't care for cats, but his don't demand too much attention.
Happily reading along through these adventures.
I like the main character in this series and his hometown characteristics. It's fun to tag along and experience his quirky lifestyle. I don't care for cats, but his don't demand too much attention.
Happily reading along through these adventures.
December 8, 2009
Quill is an entertaining character and his cats are a lot of fun. There isn't a lot of depth but it's good clean fun to read and quick too.
January 15, 2018
Another great mystery solved with the help of a very smart cat. There were a lot of clues to help. I always enjoy the Cat Who mysteries.
April 5, 2024
Behold the Twentieth Book of this series, featuring former crime reporter and investigator Jim Qwilleran, who is divorced, in his fifties, and sports an enormous mustache. He is the devoted servant of his two Siamese cats, Koko and Yum-Yum; and Koko has been known to nudge Qwilleran when the former reporter is stuck on a line of investigation. This was a pretty good offering in the series, with murder, financial chicanery, and birds.
It is spring in Pickax City, and Qwilleran and the cats enjoy the gazebo behind the redesigned apple barn they live in six months of the year; Qwilleran entertains his friends, Yum-Yum chases after stray insects, and Koko sings to the birds. Down the road is the new Art Center, and across from the Art Center is the broken down farm of Maude Coggin; Qwilleran interviews here, and finds that she takes in stray dogs, and has sold her farmland to an outfit down in Lockmaster that told her they would keep the property in farmland; she got four thousand dollars for all the land. Not long afterward, the farmstead burns down, and the old lady dies; when Qwilleran tries to find the outfit that purchased the farmland, it turns out to be a fictitious name. Qwilleran also meets one of the artists at the Art Center, who paints and raises butterflies; she is Phoebe Sloan, whose father runs the drugstore, and her boyfriend is the bartender at Chet’s Barbeque, run by powerful and ruthless councilman Chet Ramsbottom. Qwilleran’s girlfriend Polly Duncan is having her portrait done by one of the other artists, and the library in town (which Polly runs) is up in arms against computerization of the catalogs. Qwilleran also gets involved in a Spelling Bee, which Qwilleran thinks should be set up like a baseball game.
I did enjoy reading this book, and I am now in the home stretch of this series, with some eight or nine books left.
It is spring in Pickax City, and Qwilleran and the cats enjoy the gazebo behind the redesigned apple barn they live in six months of the year; Qwilleran entertains his friends, Yum-Yum chases after stray insects, and Koko sings to the birds. Down the road is the new Art Center, and across from the Art Center is the broken down farm of Maude Coggin; Qwilleran interviews here, and finds that she takes in stray dogs, and has sold her farmland to an outfit down in Lockmaster that told her they would keep the property in farmland; she got four thousand dollars for all the land. Not long afterward, the farmstead burns down, and the old lady dies; when Qwilleran tries to find the outfit that purchased the farmland, it turns out to be a fictitious name. Qwilleran also meets one of the artists at the Art Center, who paints and raises butterflies; she is Phoebe Sloan, whose father runs the drugstore, and her boyfriend is the bartender at Chet’s Barbeque, run by powerful and ruthless councilman Chet Ramsbottom. Qwilleran’s girlfriend Polly Duncan is having her portrait done by one of the other artists, and the library in town (which Polly runs) is up in arms against computerization of the catalogs. Qwilleran also gets involved in a Spelling Bee, which Qwilleran thinks should be set up like a baseball game.
I did enjoy reading this book, and I am now in the home stretch of this series, with some eight or nine books left.
January 6, 2023
Entertaining twentieth book of The Cat Who Series
Wonderful book, twentieth in The Cat Who Series and one of my favorites in the series, about Jim Qwilleran and his beautiful Siamese cats, one of whom solves crimes with his ESP like extraordinary abilities. In this book Qwilleran is enjoying the new Art Center that recently opened right near his barn is Moose County and he meets a new artist called The Butterfly Girl by her fans because she paints all different varieties of butterflies. He also meets a 93 year old farm woman who recently sold her land for way below market value to a suspicious company who promised her to use it for agricultural purposes. Shortly after he meets her the old lady's farmhouse burns to the ground and she is killed in the inferno. Right after that the company sells two parcels of land to the county for non agricultural purposes and Qwilleran becomes suspicious that these people took advantage of a 93 year old woman and then killed her to better their finances. Afterwards he gets a letter from The Butterfly Girl that her abusive loser boyfriend was involved with torching the old woman's house and that she was afraid of him.
Wonderful book, twentieth in The Cat Who Series and one of my favorites in the series, about Jim Qwilleran and his beautiful Siamese cats, one of whom solves crimes with his ESP like extraordinary abilities. In this book Qwilleran is enjoying the new Art Center that recently opened right near his barn is Moose County and he meets a new artist called The Butterfly Girl by her fans because she paints all different varieties of butterflies. He also meets a 93 year old farm woman who recently sold her land for way below market value to a suspicious company who promised her to use it for agricultural purposes. Shortly after he meets her the old lady's farmhouse burns to the ground and she is killed in the inferno. Right after that the company sells two parcels of land to the county for non agricultural purposes and Qwilleran becomes suspicious that these people took advantage of a 93 year old woman and then killed her to better their finances. Afterwards he gets a letter from The Butterfly Girl that her abusive loser boyfriend was involved with torching the old woman's house and that she was afraid of him.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 291 reviews