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The Cat Who... #14
The Cat Who Wasn't There
alternate cover edition of ISBN 0515111279 / 9780515111279
Qwill's on his way to Scotland-and on his way to solving another purr-plexing mystery. But this time Koko's nowhere near the scene of the crime. He and Yum-Yum are back in Pickax being coddled by a catsitter...but Koko won't sit still once Qwill's traveling party returns--minus one member. He's behaving oddly, and Qwill know what that means: Koko may have been miles away from the murder scene--but he's just a whisker away from cracking the case!
Qwill's on his way to Scotland-and on his way to solving another purr-plexing mystery. But this time Koko's nowhere near the scene of the crime. He and Yum-Yum are back in Pickax being coddled by a catsitter...but Koko won't sit still once Qwill's traveling party returns--minus one member. He's behaving oddly, and Qwill know what that means: Koko may have been miles away from the murder scene--but he's just a whisker away from cracking the case!
279 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published September 8, 1992
155 people are currently reading
1959 people want to read
About the author
Lilian Jackson Braun
194 books1,702 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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August 21, 2017
Book Review
4 of 5 stars to The Cat Who Wasn't There, the 14th book in the "Cat Who" cozy mystery series, written in 1992 by Lilian Jackson Braun. This might be one of my favorite books in this series, as it takes the story on a new adventure. Qwill is on a trip to Scotland and the cats are left behind in Pickax. How will the solve the crime this time? Well... they do... thru odd behaviors with the cat sitter. More Polly in this one! And a change of scenery, with a good mystery, help make this a fun read. Plus, I love Scotland, so I will always read stories about it. Maybe I'll get there one day, too. As for this one, lots of history, interesting characters, especially when one disappears off the bus tour. Kicks off a great mystery and a lot of questions to try to figure out what's behind the entire thing -- as well as why and how does Qwill get himself involved in these things. If you want to sample the book series, this is good, but it won't give you the flavor of Pickax. So maybe read this one as your third or fourth, if you don't plan to read the whole series in order.
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 Wasn't There, the 14th book in the "Cat Who" cozy mystery series, written in 1992 by Lilian Jackson Braun. This might be one of my favorite books in this series, as it takes the story on a new adventure. Qwill is on a trip to Scotland and the cats are left behind in Pickax. How will the solve the crime this time? Well... they do... thru odd behaviors with the cat sitter. More Polly in this one! And a change of scenery, with a good mystery, help make this a fun read. Plus, I love Scotland, so I will always read stories about it. Maybe I'll get there one day, too. As for this one, lots of history, interesting characters, especially when one disappears off the bus tour. Kicks off a great mystery and a lot of questions to try to figure out what's behind the entire thing -- as well as why and how does Qwill get himself involved in these things. If you want to sample the book series, this is good, but it won't give you the flavor of Pickax. So maybe read this one as your third or fourth, if you don't plan to read the whole series in order.
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.
January 10, 2008
I'm only going to bother reviewing one of the "Cat Who..." books, so just consider this a general review of the whole series, I'm just using The Cat Who Wasn't There to do it because it was the first one I read. Since high school, these books have been my cheesy, fun, light-reading (yet with enough classical references to actually keep me occupied), something to do when I felt like reading, needed my mind occupied, but just didn't feel the energy needed to foucus on the new translation of Dante (or whatever). They're great, they're fun, witty enough to keep me occupied and I'm willing to admit that I still pick one up from time to time, especially during the summer. ;o)
The series centers on a tiny town ("400 miles north of everywhere," as every book begins) and a retired big-city reporter who moved up there after inheriting an unexpected fortune from a distant relative. He and his cats solve mysteries while being surrounded by a quirky town with lots of quirky people...and yep, thats pretty much the whole thing. Go ahead, make fun of me if you must.
The series centers on a tiny town ("400 miles north of everywhere," as every book begins) and a retired big-city reporter who moved up there after inheriting an unexpected fortune from a distant relative. He and his cats solve mysteries while being surrounded by a quirky town with lots of quirky people...and yep, thats pretty much the whole thing. Go ahead, make fun of me if you must.
January 22, 2020
3 ½ stars
I usually don’t enjoy the non Pickax books as much but this book with the trip to Scotland had
Macbeth as as subplot is
Cozies Reading Challenge
I usually don’t enjoy the non Pickax books as much but this book with the trip to Scotland had
Macbeth as as subplot is
Cozies Reading Challenge
June 15, 2017
I think when I finally read the last few books in this series, I will be sad. I have thoroughly enjoyed every book. They are not dirty, the language does not make you blush. There are times when you shake your head and have to wonder if people really act like this in small towns, but they are enjoyable books to read.
March 29, 2021
I'd never read one of the "Cat who" books so I thought I'd give it a shot. It was a pretty entertaining story overall. It's slow getting to the crime/mystery. It's about a quarter of the way through the book before a body hits the ground, but the narrative was engaging enough to keep me reading. The only negative I had was with the supporting characters. I guess they were supposed to be a quaint collection of small town folk, but they are portrayed in many cases as petty, small minded and generally people you would cross the street to avoid. Even the hero, Quill, has a sneering attitude to many of the supporting cast. None of which endeared me to the townsfolk of Pickaxe.
July 18, 2018
The 14th …Cat Who… book was set up by a cliffhanger in the previous installment. Polly has been frightened by a potential kidnapper and Qwill races home early from his sojourn in the Big Potato mountains to make sure she stays safe. Another event from the previous book has repercussions here – the deaths of Dr. Hal Goodwinter and his wife. As a result of this double loss, their daughter Dr. Melinda Goodwinter returns to Pickax to take over the family medical practice. I never liked Melinda because she was too young for Qwill and her interest in him seemed mercenary; but more annoyingly, she insisted on calling him “Lover.” Koko wanted no part of her, either, and it turned out we were both right.
Just after Qwill returns home, a local woman named Irma Hasselrich announces a trip to Scotland for prominent residents of Pickax. Qwill’s mother, as we and Polly know VERY well, was a Mackintosh; and since this is also a great opportunity to get Polly out of harms way for awhile, they become members of the Bonnie Scots tour group. So does Dr. Melinda, which leads to some uncomfortable moments when this aggressive female tries to renew her former relationship with Qwill. There are some interesting descriptions of the Scottish countryside and the various dramas that are inevitable among people who spend a lot of time together on a bus. Unfortunately, a jewel theft and an unexpected death cause the premature end of the trip.
Back in Pickax, a production of MacBeth is in rehearsals, Dr. Melinda plans an unprecedented estate sale at the Goodwinter mansion, and there is a big Teddy Bear Heist in the neighborhood. These events occupy the local attention and culminate in a shocking kidnapping – but the victim is NOT Polly! With assistance from Koko, Qwill has been piecing the mystery together. He saves the day and unmasks a murderer.
Another development - which I expected because I read book #19 before I started the series from the beginning – is the romance that develops between Qwill’s oldest friend, Arch Riker, and his friend Mildred Hanstable. (Arch had been involved with Amanda Goodwinter but they were never serious about each other.) All in all, this was an entertaining entry in the series
Originally published: 1993
Body Count:
Preceded by: The Cat Who Moved a Mountain
Next Up: The Cat Who Went into the Closet
Just after Qwill returns home, a local woman named Irma Hasselrich announces a trip to Scotland for prominent residents of Pickax. Qwill’s mother, as we and Polly know VERY well, was a Mackintosh; and since this is also a great opportunity to get Polly out of harms way for awhile, they become members of the Bonnie Scots tour group. So does Dr. Melinda, which leads to some uncomfortable moments when this aggressive female tries to renew her former relationship with Qwill. There are some interesting descriptions of the Scottish countryside and the various dramas that are inevitable among people who spend a lot of time together on a bus. Unfortunately, a jewel theft and an unexpected death cause the premature end of the trip.
Back in Pickax, a production of MacBeth is in rehearsals, Dr. Melinda plans an unprecedented estate sale at the Goodwinter mansion, and there is a big Teddy Bear Heist in the neighborhood. These events occupy the local attention and culminate in a shocking kidnapping – but the victim is NOT Polly! With assistance from Koko, Qwill has been piecing the mystery together. He saves the day and unmasks a murderer.
Another development - which I expected because I read book #19 before I started the series from the beginning – is the romance that develops between Qwill’s oldest friend, Arch Riker, and his friend Mildred Hanstable. (Arch had been involved with Amanda Goodwinter but they were never serious about each other.) All in all, this was an entertaining entry in the series
Originally published: 1993
Body Count:
Preceded by: The Cat Who Moved a Mountain
Next Up: The Cat Who Went into the Closet
June 11, 2017
I haven't read any other books in the series. I wasn't expecting high literature, but I was expecting an engaging mystery, probably humorous, and I was really disappointed. Details which would help you solve the mystery are left out at the end (I felt like a grumpy Poirot when the details were revealed). The plot progressed extremely slowly, with lots of unnecessary detail, and honestly not enough pizazz. The writing is dull. The cats played a very minor role (I hoped from the bank cover that the cats would be solving the mystery. They just meow and lick things.) Furthermore, it's supposed to be set in the rural north (I inferred far north Maine), but the depiction of small town life is not very convincing. I finished it, but only put of a sense of obligation to discover the murderer.
June 16, 2025
First Read: 5*****
The beginning of this book has Qwilleran racing back from the Potato Mountains to Pickax because he has received word that his present love, Polly Duncan was stalked by a mysterious stranger one evening when she was returning home. Qwillern immediately decides she was going to be abducted and be held for ransom. He has it in his mind that Pickax is being overrun by people from Down Under and that more of this type of crime is going to keep happening. This is true, when quiet rural towns become the destination of people who want to move from the hustle and bustle of city life. However, once home he is persuaded by Polly to join in a trip to Scotland that she and others are going on and of course, he immediately decides to join in on the tour. Once again more cash for plane fare, hotels, restaurants, clothing, gifts, etc. are flowing out of his inherited coffers. But, one little dilemma has also cropped up in Qwilleran 19s happy-go-spending life in Pickax. And, that is the re-appearance of Dr. Melinda Goodwinter who has come back home from Boston to continue her father medical practice after he suddenly dies.
Second Read: Melinda, however, was also a past lover of Qwilleran when he first moved to Pickax-which I haven't read about yet. She has it in her mind that they need to resume where they left off much to Qwilleran's consternation. And, she just happens to be one of the Scotland tour participants. So, off to Scotland they all go and in the middle of trying to keep out of Melinda clutches the mysterious death of their tour guide, Irma, occurs. Once back in Pickax, Qwilleran immediately starts trying to figure out how and why her death happened. His investigation brings about some startling results about an old Pickax family and how even the Cbest of families can have unfavorable secrets which can lead to very disastrous endings.
This an enjoyable book, and being in another country creates some good and plot for good reads. Recommend.
Third Read: I guess I really must love these books, but yes a third read! I get such a kick out of them. I really enjoy the cleanliness of the language, the humor, the antics of the cats, and are just plain fun. You'll probably see some more down the pike. Enjoy!!!
The beginning of this book has Qwilleran racing back from the Potato Mountains to Pickax because he has received word that his present love, Polly Duncan was stalked by a mysterious stranger one evening when she was returning home. Qwillern immediately decides she was going to be abducted and be held for ransom. He has it in his mind that Pickax is being overrun by people from Down Under and that more of this type of crime is going to keep happening. This is true, when quiet rural towns become the destination of people who want to move from the hustle and bustle of city life. However, once home he is persuaded by Polly to join in a trip to Scotland that she and others are going on and of course, he immediately decides to join in on the tour. Once again more cash for plane fare, hotels, restaurants, clothing, gifts, etc. are flowing out of his inherited coffers. But, one little dilemma has also cropped up in Qwilleran 19s happy-go-spending life in Pickax. And, that is the re-appearance of Dr. Melinda Goodwinter who has come back home from Boston to continue her father medical practice after he suddenly dies.
Second Read: Melinda, however, was also a past lover of Qwilleran when he first moved to Pickax-which I haven't read about yet. She has it in her mind that they need to resume where they left off much to Qwilleran's consternation. And, she just happens to be one of the Scotland tour participants. So, off to Scotland they all go and in the middle of trying to keep out of Melinda clutches the mysterious death of their tour guide, Irma, occurs. Once back in Pickax, Qwilleran immediately starts trying to figure out how and why her death happened. His investigation brings about some startling results about an old Pickax family and how even the Cbest of families can have unfavorable secrets which can lead to very disastrous endings.
This an enjoyable book, and being in another country creates some good and plot for good reads. Recommend.
Third Read: I guess I really must love these books, but yes a third read! I get such a kick out of them. I really enjoy the cleanliness of the language, the humor, the antics of the cats, and are just plain fun. You'll probably see some more down the pike. Enjoy!!!
January 29, 2017
Who doesn't love cats who know better than their humans?
January 29, 2020
Qwilleran goes on a trip to the Scottish Highlands with a group from Moose County (but without, of course, his cats Koko and Yum Yum). Sixteen set out, but only fifteen return alive. Was the death foul play? And how can Koko solve this murder that happened thousands of miles away?
A few years ago, I read through this series to figure out where it jumped the shark. This is a solid entry, though not one of the best ones. If you're a fan of cozy mysteries and somehow haven't found this series yet, start at the beginning.
A few years ago, I read through this series to figure out where it jumped the shark. This is a solid entry, though not one of the best ones. If you're a fan of cozy mysteries and somehow haven't found this series yet, start at the beginning.
February 13, 2023
2 stars
I picked this book up thinking it would be a silly little cozy murder mystery about cats solving crimes, but there is NO CAT CRIME SOLVING HERE >:(
There’s one car who yowls at things sometimes and every time that happens every character treats him like he’s a god, but it adds nothing to the plot and doesn’t help solve anything. The characters were boorish, and the ending was completely predictable and poorly handled. Booooooo.
I picked this book up thinking it would be a silly little cozy murder mystery about cats solving crimes, but there is NO CAT CRIME SOLVING HERE >:(
There’s one car who yowls at things sometimes and every time that happens every character treats him like he’s a god, but it adds nothing to the plot and doesn’t help solve anything. The characters were boorish, and the ending was completely predictable and poorly handled. Booooooo.
October 2, 2025
Listened to the audio version, same narrator as the Longmire books so well done from that end. Story was good too with a lot of quirky characters, color commentary (trip to Scotland where the death occurs), humorous conversation, and meandering subplots.
Braun knows how to weave a tale - a cat's tale! Koko and YumYum could have had a bit more page presence but overall a good time was had by all - despite the murder (with hints of Macbeth) and related illegal shenanigans! A typical 'Cat Who' for those who enjoy the genre.
Braun knows how to weave a tale - a cat's tale! Koko and YumYum could have had a bit more page presence but overall a good time was had by all - despite the murder (with hints of Macbeth) and related illegal shenanigans! A typical 'Cat Who' for those who enjoy the genre.
July 30, 2025
Koko solves another crime even though he’s at the Barn in Moose County and the murder takes place in Scotland where Qwill and Polly are vacationing.
August 3, 2025
3 Stars
"Out damned spot!"
The end came too quick for the murderer, but I knew who it was immediately.
**Incorrect Cover for this edition. I have the white cover with blue lettering.
"Out damned spot!"
The end came too quick for the murderer, but I knew who it was immediately.
**Incorrect Cover for this edition. I have the white cover with blue lettering.
January 6, 2019
Love her books! She makes the cats seem so real, so intelligent, so loveable. By the way
I do like the other characters in her books too. As well as the mysteries!
I do like the other characters in her books too. As well as the mysteries!
June 6, 2016
THE CAT WHO WASN 19T THERE 5*****
The beginning of this book has Qwilleran racing back from the Potato Mountains to Pickax because he has received word that his present love, Polly Duncan was stalked by a mysterious stranger one evening when she was returning home. Qwillern immediately decides she was going to be abducted and be held for ransom. He has it in his mind that Pickax is being overrun by people from Down Below and that more of this type of crime is going to keep happening. This is true, when quiet rural towns become the destination of people who want to move from the hustle and bustle of city life. However, once home he is persuaded by Polly to join in a trip to Scotland that she and others are going on and of course, he immediately decides to join in on the tour. Once again more cash for plane fare, hotels, restaurants, clothing, gifts, etc. are flowing out of his inherited coffers. But, one little dilemma has also cropped up in Qwilleran 19s happy-go-spending life in Pickax. And, that is the re-appearance of Dr. Melinda Goodwinter who has come back home from Boston to continue her father 19s medical practice after he suddenly dies. Melinda, however, was also a past lover of Qwilleran when he first moved to Pickax-which I haven 19t read about yet. She has it in her mind that they need to resume where they left off much to Qwilleran 19s consternation. And, she just happens to be one of the Scotland tour participants. So, off to Scotland they all go and in the middle of trying to keep out of Melinda 19s clutches the mysterious death of their tour guide, Irma, occurs. Once back in Pickax, Qwilleran immediately starts trying to figure out how and why her death happened. His investigation brings about some startling results about an old Pickax family and how even the 1Cbest 1D of families can have unfavorable secrets which can lead to very disastrous endings.
The beginning of this book has Qwilleran racing back from the Potato Mountains to Pickax because he has received word that his present love, Polly Duncan was stalked by a mysterious stranger one evening when she was returning home. Qwillern immediately decides she was going to be abducted and be held for ransom. He has it in his mind that Pickax is being overrun by people from Down Below and that more of this type of crime is going to keep happening. This is true, when quiet rural towns become the destination of people who want to move from the hustle and bustle of city life. However, once home he is persuaded by Polly to join in a trip to Scotland that she and others are going on and of course, he immediately decides to join in on the tour. Once again more cash for plane fare, hotels, restaurants, clothing, gifts, etc. are flowing out of his inherited coffers. But, one little dilemma has also cropped up in Qwilleran 19s happy-go-spending life in Pickax. And, that is the re-appearance of Dr. Melinda Goodwinter who has come back home from Boston to continue her father 19s medical practice after he suddenly dies. Melinda, however, was also a past lover of Qwilleran when he first moved to Pickax-which I haven 19t read about yet. She has it in her mind that they need to resume where they left off much to Qwilleran 19s consternation. And, she just happens to be one of the Scotland tour participants. So, off to Scotland they all go and in the middle of trying to keep out of Melinda 19s clutches the mysterious death of their tour guide, Irma, occurs. Once back in Pickax, Qwilleran immediately starts trying to figure out how and why her death happened. His investigation brings about some startling results about an old Pickax family and how even the 1Cbest 1D of families can have unfavorable secrets which can lead to very disastrous endings.
January 19, 2014
This book starts exactly after the storyline in: The Cat Who Moved A Mountain. Qwilleran returns to Pickaxe when he hears about a mysterious man who was hiding around his romantic interest Polly when she came home one night. Qwill senses something is wrong and suspects that someone intends to kidnap his friend to then extort money from him. Sounds crazy, but the 'stache knows!
Upon returning to Pickax ahead of schedule he meets up with friends and finds the town the same and yet changed a bit. The local Doctor has committed suicide and his daughter (also a Dr.) returns to take over his practice. She and Qwill have a "past." And she comes on strong to try and re-ignite their relationship. At the same time, a trip to Scotland is put together and Qwill decides to join in... then finds out both Polly and this new Doc are going. sigh.
This mystery is an assemblage of events that don't add up right to Qwill and little by little he finds the truth beneath the surface, and it's not a pretty picture.
Upon returning to Pickax ahead of schedule he meets up with friends and finds the town the same and yet changed a bit. The local Doctor has committed suicide and his daughter (also a Dr.) returns to take over his practice. She and Qwill have a "past." And she comes on strong to try and re-ignite their relationship. At the same time, a trip to Scotland is put together and Qwill decides to join in... then finds out both Polly and this new Doc are going. sigh.
This mystery is an assemblage of events that don't add up right to Qwill and little by little he finds the truth beneath the surface, and it's not a pretty picture.
October 14, 2019
Fun, fun, fun with the Qwill, Polly, and their cats once again. It is hard to deny that Koko the cat is in tuned with all the people living in Pickax, so in tuned that he knows when they die, even when they're out of town. Yum Yum cat works her way into the hearts of those she suspects, while pilfering their small treasures. Bootsey the cat is a Koko and YumYum wannabe...but we love her anyway.
I was unsure that the good doctor Goodwinter would not once again become the apple of Qwillian's eye. She certainly laid on the "lover" act pretty heavily. And with all the men in town sporting wile, bushy beards, I was willing to think one, then another, then another was the frightening intruder. Such an exciting place to live; small, but full of mysteries, strange and/or funny characters walking up and down the streets, and plenty of nosy neighbors minding everyone's business.
Give yourself a good time...read this book...and the others in the series. They are great diversions!
BTW: my cat, Emil, is not impressed by Koko, Yumyum, or Bootsey...just sayin'
I was unsure that the good doctor Goodwinter would not once again become the apple of Qwillian's eye. She certainly laid on the "lover" act pretty heavily. And with all the men in town sporting wile, bushy beards, I was willing to think one, then another, then another was the frightening intruder. Such an exciting place to live; small, but full of mysteries, strange and/or funny characters walking up and down the streets, and plenty of nosy neighbors minding everyone's business.
Give yourself a good time...read this book...and the others in the series. They are great diversions!
BTW: my cat, Emil, is not impressed by Koko, Yumyum, or Bootsey...just sayin'
May 16, 2025
re-re-reading. dark and tragic mystery. I again had my suspicions (although enough time has passed that I remembered nothing). lots of concern on Qwilleran's part about people coming from outside, juxtaposed with his sense that they weren't really present in Scotland as tourists. the descriptions of the photography series were lovely and didn't just handwave about what made Bushy's pictures special. lots to love here (even the "ethnic" dinner at Linguini's). such a wonderful series and a gift to have this history of development in Michigan, even if by fictional proxy.
--
rereading this series has been a great experience so far. Qwilleran references a lot of things that happened in books I just read, so I feel like I actually know what's going on! it's also interesting to see where the characters go over time. the mystery in this one is pretty dark. I had a lot of suspicions about who could be responsible, and it was fun watching Qwill and Koko uncover clues together.
--
rereading this series has been a great experience so far. Qwilleran references a lot of things that happened in books I just read, so I feel like I actually know what's going on! it's also interesting to see where the characters go over time. the mystery in this one is pretty dark. I had a lot of suspicions about who could be responsible, and it was fun watching Qwill and Koko uncover clues together.
April 3, 2017
I have to say, I miss the part of the book where Koko wasn't there, although he was making his presence felt. You come to depend on his Yows and Yargles signalling clues, and he is giving them, you just don't realize it.
Qwill has been persuaded to look into his Scottish heritage by joining a Pickaxe tour group. While there, Irma Hasselreich dies mysteriously. The truth comes out after Koko's obsession with Melinda Goodwinter and pink pills. It was odd seeing Melinda portrayed as she was, so money hungry. She was slightly annoying in previous books, but just more so in this one.
Another Cat Who read in one sitting, this time before bed. I had to keep reading until the end, even though I've read this series before. They are just addictive, and you find yourself drawn in and caring for or hating the characters accordingly. They really are just that good!
Qwill has been persuaded to look into his Scottish heritage by joining a Pickaxe tour group. While there, Irma Hasselreich dies mysteriously. The truth comes out after Koko's obsession with Melinda Goodwinter and pink pills. It was odd seeing Melinda portrayed as she was, so money hungry. She was slightly annoying in previous books, but just more so in this one.
Another Cat Who read in one sitting, this time before bed. I had to keep reading until the end, even though I've read this series before. They are just addictive, and you find yourself drawn in and caring for or hating the characters accordingly. They really are just that good!
August 1, 2016
I bought this book for 50 cents from the discard pile at our Silver Bay Public Library annual fund raiser. Most of Lillian Jackson Braun's "Cat" books were there. I picked a fun one. What I like is the rural setting in Pickax City, 400 miles north of everywhere, somewhere in the northeast central U.S. It fits the profile of several towns in my neighborhood. And, the bus tour of Scotland reads like a tour we took in Norway in 2013. It is a soft story compared to my other current read, "Dark Matter", by Blake Couch.
June 3, 2015
Once again, fairly good narrator (lovely rich voice that works for Qwuill), but the story & characters are such cliches. Qwuill in particular is such a knowitall, his superior make opinions and attitude towards the women in this book (and series) drives me nuts. Mystery was decent, but ... I tolerate the book/series more than I enjoy it. The cat antics are the only amusing part.
Still reading the audiobooks though, because I haven't found anything better that captures my attention.
Still reading the audiobooks though, because I haven't found anything better that captures my attention.
February 19, 2016
Another installment featuring Qwill and the cats. This time Qwill goes to Scotland (leaving the cats behind) and the tour leader dies. Upon returning to Moose County, Qwill does his usual investigating with Koko's help and solves the mystery. There were some interesting twists, but I figured out the biggest one pretty early on. I gave this one 3.5 stars because it seemed too easy and a bit repetitive. Maybe I just need a break from the series for a bit...
February 21, 2019
This is the best of the series that I've read so far! I am loving the characters more with each book I read, and this one had a few extras to recommend it. First, the trip to Scotland provided great memories for me of things I saw there, along with some good Scottish history. Also, the mystery in this one was quite good, and woven throughout the story, so I really felt I was reading a mystery. It is a good book, with a not-too-surprising ending, but a very enjoyable read!
August 5, 2014
I love these Cozy Cat Mysteries... they are a joy to listen to on the way to work and back (makes driving bearable hahaha). This is a great read or listen for everyone!
June 13, 2015
Always enjoy "the cat who books" this was especially fine with Scottish lore in it
March 20, 2018
It was bland and not much really happened. Things did happen, but in a very unexciting way. I didn't enjoy this book...
April 24, 2018
A rolicking good romp through another mystery. Great fun.
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