El gato que atrapó a un ladrón

The Cat Who... #19

by Lilian Jackson Braun

Se acerca la temporada navideña en Pickax pero el pueblo se encuentra preocupado.

Pequeños brotes de pillaje hacen que todos estén en ascuas. Habrá que recurrir al famoso reportero e investigador James Qwilleran y a sus dos gatos siameses KoKo y Yum Yum quienes perciben algo aún más siniestro que los robos...

Si lo que te gusta es la novela policíaca y de espionaje, este libro te atrapará desde las primeras páginas y no te dejará indiferente. Todas las novelas de Lilian Jackson Braun son amenas y amables, la autora nos introduce en los mundos del arte de un modo divertido y los protagonistas de sus obras son entrañables.

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Cozy Mystery, Cats, Animals, Audiobook, Cozy

Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 1997

About the author

Lilian 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.

Reviews

[Federico DN · Rating 2 out of 5]

Highly impurrfect.

Willard Carmichael, a local banker and once a close acquaintance, dies under very suspicious circumstances, leaving behind a big fortune, a flashy and ostentatious young widow, and an unfinished house-restoration project investment that involved a big chunk of the townsfolk of Pickax, in Moose County. Jim Qwilleran, the independent millionaire reporter, along with his beautiful Siamese cats Koko and Yum Yum, will try to solve the troublesome mystery.

Meh, this was barely ok. I have so many gripes with this story I'll need to write a list or sth. Sigh.

Many of my unlucky issues may probably be explained because I started with #19 rather than #1. This is what happens when you read a Reader's Digest used book and they have thrown in an installment in the middle of the series rather than a standalone writing. Sigh. Anywho.

- A staggering amount of characters, not all easily discernible.
- Almost every single character in town owns a cat. Dogs must have gone extinct in this universe.
- Utterly predictable, you can see the bad guy coming nearly from the start. SO obvious!
- I could replace the cats for rats or monkeys and it could possibly work out just the same.
- Koko seems to be more perceptive and intelligent than the so called 'detective'.
- For a cat lover Jim Qwilleran dismisses almost every single 'clue' his cats throw at him.
- I usually love animal related stories but didn't love this one, at all.

There's a lot more but my memory is already failing me, and since I finished this just a few minutes ago I guess it's also forgettable. I still wish to read #1 to see if this series was good at any point or at least during the beginning, but it's hardly a priority. Also I'm heavily outlier here so never mind me.

*** I read a Reader's Digest condensed edition, which may or may have not affected my enjoyment.



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PERSONAL NOTE :
[1997] [263p] [Mystery] [1.5] [Not Recommendable]
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Altamente Impurrfecto.

Willard Carmichael, un banquero local y alguna vez conocido cercano, muere en circunstancias muy sospechosas, dejando atrás una gran fortuna, una llamativa y ostentosa joven viuda, y una inversión y proyecto inacabado de restauración de casas que involucra a una gran parte de la gente del pueblo de Pickax, en el condado de Moose. Jim Qwilleran, el reportero independiente millonario, junto con sus hermosos gatos siameses Koko y Yum Yum, intentarán resolver el enigmático misterio.

Bah, esto apenas si estuvo bien. Tengo tantas quejas para esta historia que necesito escribir una lista o algo. Suspiro.

Muchos de mis desafortunados problemas probablemente puedan explicarse porque comencé con #19 en lugar de #1. Esto es lo que pasa cuando lees un libro usado de Reader's Digest y agregan una entrega a mitad de una serie en lugar de un escrito independiente. Suspiro. Lo que sea.

- Una desconcertante cantidad de personajes, no todos fácilmente discernibles.
- Casi todos los personajes de la ciudad tienen un gato. Los perros deben haberse extinguido en este universo.
- Totalmente predecible, podés ver al malo viniendo casi desde el principio. TAN obvio!
- Podría reemplazar los gatos por ratas o monos y posiblemente podría funcionar igual.
- Koko parece ser más perceptivo e inteligente que el supuesto 'detective'.
- Para un amante de los gatos, Jim Qwilleran descarta casi todas las 'pistas' que sus gatos le arrojan.
- Normalmente amo las historias relacionadas con animales, pero esta no me encantó, para nada.

Hay muchas más cosas pero ya me falla la memoria, y siendo que terminé esto hace unos pocos minutos, supongo que también es olvidable. Igual quiero leer #1 para ver si esta serie fue buena alguna vez o al menos durante el principio, pero no es en absoluto una prioridad.

*** Leí una edición condensada de Reader's Digest, que puede o no haber afectado mi resultado.



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NOTA PERSONAL :
[1997] [263p] [Misterio] [1.5] [No Recomendable]
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[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

Final Thoughts
4 out of 5 stars to The Cat Who Tailed a Thief, the 19th book in the "Cat Who" cozy mystery series, written in 1997 by Lilian Jackson Braun. In this gem, the author takes on the classic mystery tale of a wealthy man who dies under murky circumstances, leaving behind a larger inheritance and a very young wife. Was it a burglary gone wrong, or did someone think they were getting that money? Could it be the wife? Children? Other family or a ruthless foundation? Qwill knows something is wrong, and that cat won't stop acting strange. Another good story in this series. I enjoyed the ending in this one and was happy with the mystery as a whole. We're getting towards the end of this series... only a few more reviews to write up this week. For fans of the series, you'll like this book.

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.

[ꕥ Ange_Lives_To_Read ꕥ · Rating 4 out of 5]

SECOND READ: September 2018
So back in January I read this, #19 in The Cat Who... series and here I am back again, 9 months later after deciding to read the books in order from the beginning. It's not at all necessary to read them in order but it makes it more fun because LJB has truly created a whole world. She'll mention people and places and events from the previous books and you feel like you live in Moose County and know all about them. So my re-read ...Tailed a Thief was as entertaining as the first time, because now I had the context and history of all the characters involved.

In this installment, Qwill and the cats have moved into Indian Village for the winter, which results in some funny commentary about the sub-standard building methods in the upscale condos. This allows him to be closer to Polly, who also bought a condo now that her health is improving and she moved out of cousin Lynette's house.

Speaking of Lynette, she has met the man of her dreams in the person of Carter Lee James, a developer from down below who wants to turn her neighborhood of Pickax, filled with gracious old homes, into a historic district. Citizens line up to pay Carter $20,000 to be part of the project. But is he on the up and up? Qwill has some doubts. Meanwhile, Hixie Rice is planning an Ice Festival for Moose County, but the unusually warm weather may prove to be her nemesis.

There is an especially sad development in this one that made it somewhat darker than others in the series.

Body Count 2 Willard Carmichael (mugging); Lynette Duncan (poisoning)

Published: 1997

Preceded by: The Cat Who Said Cheese
Next up: The Cat Who Sang for the Birds

FIRST READ: January 2018
I haven't read one of these books in years, but this one reminds me of how consistently entertaining they are. Jim Qwilleran solves mysteries with the help of his Siamese cats, Koko and Yum Yum who have "psychic powers." This may sound cheesy, but the way they give Jim hints about what is really going on is very subtle: for example knocking a book about poison off a shelf, leading him to ponder how someone really died.

Braun creates an appealing world in her books, with a cast of mostly lovable, recurring characters and references to past incidents both in Moose County and Down Below (which I believe are fictional places meant to be places in or near Minnesota). Now that I've dipped my toe back in, I think I may try to read (or in some cases re-read) them all from the beginning, something I always meant to do.

Off to Google, to find out which one is first. Okay for my future reference: Here's a list of the Cat Who books in order of publication * = I own it):

The Cat Who ...

... Could Read Backwards *
... Ate Danish Modern *
... Turned On and Off *
... Saw Red *
... Played Brahms
... Played Post Office
... Knew Shakespeare *
... Sniffed Glue
... Went Underground *
... Talked to Ghosts
... Lived High
... Knew a Cardinal
... Moved a Mountain *
... Wasn't There
... Went into the Closet
... Came to Breakfast
... Blew the Whistle
... Said Cheese
... Tailed a Thief *
... Sang for the Birds *
... Saw Stars
... Robbed a Bank
... Smelled a Rat
... Went up the Creek
... Brought Down the House
... Talked Turkey
... Went Bananas
... Dropped a Bombshell
... Had 60 Whiskers
... Smelled Smoke

[Benjamin Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

This morning I finished up Lilian Jackson Braun’s The Cat Who Tailed a Thief. This is the 19th book in the series, originally published in 1997; I’ve been working my way through them at the rate of about two to three a year. I was a bit surprised when I looked up this series to find out that this is the 19th book I’ve read so far…tells me my many years of reading are really starting to pile up :)

I’ve really endeavored to understand why I like reading these novels so much. They are mystery novels, of which I read my fair share, but the mystery involved with each book is usually pretty straight forward, often clever but not overly complicated. Very often I figure out “who dunnit” before the protagonist does but I still enjoy the unfolding story. These books are considered to be “cozy” mysteries, a sub-genre that usually appeals to female readers, and older females at that. Not exactly the kind of novel that a middle-aged man like myself brags about to the other guys at work. Of course there are exceptions but these books also involve cats. Now I like my own cat but I usually don’t like others people’s cats too much. Add to that the fact that the cats in the Cat Who series are Siamese cats and I really shouldn’t be enjoying them the way I do.

I suppose I like them because of the lifestyle led by the characters. There is just something about living in a small town like Pickaxe filled with its peculiar personalities that appeals to me. And I like the protagonist’s (Jim Qwilleran, or Qwill to his friends) circumstances: a journalist by profession who now has the luxury to lead whatever life he desires due to the inheritance of billions of dollars. There is no pressure for him to do anything he doesn’t want to do, so he writes a twice a week column for the local newspaper on the subject of his choice and spends a lot of time enjoying literature, etc…and of course, solving crimes.

This particular book lasts for an entire winter in the small town of Pickaxe. There is a petty thief on the loose and Qwill has decided to publish a book of “Short and Tall Tales” reproducing the local legends and stories in one collected compendium. The town is buzzing over the proposed re-development of a downtown Victorian housing area. Most of the story revolves around the interactions of the citizens of the town but Qwill’s suspicions are aroused when the out-of-town slick, well-dressed developer moves in on the action. A prominent citizen dies mysteriously and Qwill is off to the investigation. I great new character is introduced in the form of the local weatherman, Joe “Wetherby Goode” Bunker. I certainly hope to hear more from him in future books.

If you’re in the mood for a light mystery, you could certainly do worse than a “Cat Who” book but I do recommend starting at the beginning just so you can get a good feel for all of the characters involved. I still have 13 books to go plus one more reportedly being published soon. Coolness.

[Una Tiers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another re-read to see the regular of this series. The action scene leading to the resolution does not feel like Braun's writing.
Still a nice read.

[Ferne (Enthusiastic Reader) · Rating 5 out of 5]

As I’ve shared in numerous reviews I love this series! This book in particular was a treat for me to read for multiple reasons. First was my delight with the cover. Although I don't select books by cover art I couldn't help but notice a different "look" but was too eager to begin reading the story to pursue it. Then I noticed that the running heads of each chapter were of slightly different design than I usually viewed in this series. As I opened the book one night and the cover again captured my attention I decided to check the copyright page for the publisher and realized the difference. The majority of the editions I've read in this series have been published by Jove Books. Jove Books are published by The Berkley Publishing Group, a division of Penguin Putnam, Inc. (New York, New York). The edition I purchased for this title is printed by Headline Book Publishing (London, UK). Cover art delights include the calligraphy type font identifying "A Jim Qwilleran Feline Whodunnit" and in the midst of black shoe prints font that announces "The captivating series featuring the most extraordinary detective team" and no one can argue with that assessment.

As I mentioned in my review of "The Cat Who Knew a Cardinal" (#12 in the series)...

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.

Qwill’s friend, Polly Duncan (librarian at the local public library) has also changed residences a few times as well. During the winter months and for this adventure in the series Qwill and Polly are living in apartments in Indian Village.

Additional delights of this adventure:
• As usual, Koko is doing his very best to communicate to Qwill to assist in the latest murder investigation and also as usual, Qwill is missing the important clues.
• “Chief” (Qwill) has given Celia Robinson another assignment for investigation and their ways of communication add to readers' smiles since there are privacy issues due to Qwill’s temporary location change of residence.
• Readers learn whether Qwill actually wears the kilt in public that he had made in Macintosh tartan as a tribute to his Mother, Anne Macintosh Qwilleran, who raised her son as a single parent.
• Qwill often talks about writing a book but in this adventure he’s actually visiting several individuals to begin interviews and transcribing them for a "collection of stories and legends about the early days of Moose County, to be published by the K Fund and sold in gift shops. Proceeds will go ti the historical museum." The stories are unique and are not to be missed!
• Writer of a twice-weekly column titled "Straight from the Qwill Pen” for the Moose County Something and one of the latest offerings is the specialized art of naming cats. I won’t spoil the surprise on how this subject came to Qwill’s reflection. The column does include a “Cat Poll” for the newspaper's readers and you won’t want to miss reading all the postcard submissions and answers given verbally to Qwill while he’s out and about.

[Carol Jones-Campbell · Rating 4 out of 5]

As for pure entertainment and relaxation value, I would rate this book a full four stars. The four star rating is simply because these are short, entertaining novels, not literature. In this episode, Koko and Qwilleran once again team up to solve a mystery, this one involving a thief. Reading is many things to me.

I find this series so charming. There are so many returning characters (everyone's a bit eccentric) and things happen to them as the series progresses. But it felt like going back to a restaurant or bar and seeing all the same old regulars. Some people might not appreciate that, if they're looking for more suspense, but I enjoy the writing and the cozy atmosphere. These are kind of like comfort food books for me. At the same time, in this particular story, decent people are brutally murdered. It was a bit frustrating that Qwill seemed so oblivious until the very end, but he wraps things up pretty quickly once he clues in.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Who wants to meet me for dinner at the Old Stone Mill?

[Joy Gerbode · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been enjoying this series more and more as I read. This one was especially interesting, and I am particularly enjoying all the bookish references in the books. The cats continue to be the highlight of the books, though Qwill is also a great character. I particularly liked all the references to cat names, and I always enjoy the antique, remodeling, etc. themes.

[Elliott · Rating 4 out of 5]

I find this series so charming. There are so many returning characters (everyone's a bit eccentric) and things happen to them as the series progresses. I haven't read any "cat who..." books in several years, but it felt like going back to a restaurant or bar and seeing all the same old regulars. Some people might not appreciate that, if they're looking for more suspense, but I enjoy the writing and the cozy atmosphere. These are kind of like comfort food books for me? At the same time, in this particular story, decent people are brutally murdered. It was a bit frustrating that Qwill seemed so oblivious until the very end, but he wraps things up pretty quickly once he clues in.

[Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I frickin' love all of these books! My aunt was a big fan but I only discovered them myself about a year ago. Ever since, I've been reading them in order for pure pleasure in between more "serious" books. I never give a crap about whodunnit, I just love hanging out with Qwill and his Siamese and all the recurring characters in his small town 400 miles north of everywhere. The writing is excellent, the characters are charming, and just enough changes with every book to keep it interesting while retaining all that cozy familiarity I love.

[Berit☀️✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well! I haven't read one of these books in a very long time, and it was really nice to go back to Pick Ax and visit. I love all these characters especially the cats, the cute little mystery he can't quite figure out, but that darn cat gets it! Hopefully there won't be so much time in between my rating of this book and the next book.

[Brandy · Rating 1 out of 5]

El problema de esta serie es que salió publicada hace la tira de años y conseguirlos en papel es "misión imposible". Para hacer la ficha de este título en concreto, me las he visto y deseado. Apenas hay datosy la portada es un apaño casero.
Me he tenido que apañar con una copia digital "piratona" (con estos libros superdescatalogados, agradezco el gesto del que se molestó en escanearlo y subirlo) que está fatal. Aún no tengo claro si es una traducción patatera o un escaneo malo, ya que le faltan frases, palabras cada dos por tres y además está en latino. Salí hasta el gorro de "departamento" en vez de "apartamento" y cosas así.

Entiendo que al ser el número 19 de la serie, la autora debió pensar que el lector que fuera a leer este título, se habría leído los 18 anteriores, pero como no ha sido mi caso, me he encontrado perdida entre tanto nombre, que además no se distingue si es de hombre o mujer en un primer momento. Da la sensación de estar ante una sesión de "Radio Macuto" de un pueblecito pequeño donde todos se conocen. El prota se pega toda la novela yendo con uno y otro a restaurantes y bares y la verdad es que Koko y Yum Yum, los gatos siameses tampoco es que tengan mucha relevancia en la novela.
Amos, un churro y una desilusión.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun will Qwill, Koko and Yum-Yum.

[Andree · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another enjoyable outing from this series. Rounded up a star because I thought everyone was on form in this one. And the murder actually felt impactful, unlike some of these.

[Julrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

These books are so cozy to listen to. Love the narrator and the simple story telling. So easy to listen to!

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's always so nice to have a visit with Qwilleran and his two kitties. I enjoy seeing what trouel they can get into and out of.

[Kirsti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another of my favorites in the series, because it introduces another of my favorite characters, the weatherman, Wetherby Goode. As always, Qwill has moved residence, and is staying in indian village. It means he has convenient access to Polly. I liked the collecting of the Short and Tall tales, and I liked the mystery of Danielle and her 'cousin' Carter Lee James. Mosca is a funny inclusion as well. I love the lighthearted approach to mystery here, and the personal interest Qwill had in the case, because of Lynette. Koko is as astute as always, and my vocabulary always goes up a notch from reading these. I have to think that Lilian herself was very well read and informed, especially on Shakespeare and other great authors and playwrights.

Will move on now, and maybe try something a little different from this series, before returning to it. I hired out almost the entire collection from my library for the holiday period, so we'll see how I go.

[Shannon · Rating 3 out of 5]

SIGH. It wasn't a terrible listen, but the story is so overwhelmed by the obnoxious Qwill that it's hard to enjoy it as the simple cozy mystery it is.

Also, bone to pick with the misogynist Qwill, who is older than Lynette in the book (who had recently turned 40), yet keeps describing her like a senior citizen!! While he considers himself in his prime!

Cue GIANT EYEROLL.

(Might be overly sensitive to this as my 40th birthday is rapidly approaching, but since I'm not particularly hung up on ages, I think it's just such blatant double-standard that irks me).

[Missy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book #52 read in 2010

This book had a slow and rambling start. It picked up about three-fourths of the way through the book to a satisfying end.

[Brenda · Rating 2 out of 5]

Yep, boring af. Not gonna read any other of the series.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wetherby called to him, "Shall I pour you a Squunk water?"

"No, I need something stronger," Qwilleran said. "Open a ginger ale."

[Lynnette · Rating 3 out of 5]

Moose County sure does seem to attract the scoundrels, and this installment of "The Cat Who" stories brings yet another into Mr. Q's life, leading to a couple of mysteries for Koko to assist with investigating. The reader also is granted more Moose County history throughout, in the guise of material for a book Qwilleran says he's going to write.

[Sherry · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an easy and fairly quick read. I don't usually like mysteries, and there were a lot of characters dumped on the reader early which made it a little difficult to keep straight. Overall, it was fine but not something I would go back to.

[Christina Gutke · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoy this series! I like the characters and the cats. A fun, quick read!

[Judi · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun read, as The Cat Who... books always are!

[Michelle D Kercheval · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love all the "cat who" books-especially the audio versions as the reader is so good!

[Sherrese Holder · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been reading this series for years. I love the series. Some may not. But for me it's great.

[Peggy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightful as usual .

[Greta · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love rereading these and the narrator is the guy that used to do the Smuckers commercials back in the 80s!