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The Cat Who... #SSC3
The Private Life of the Cat Who...
A collection of short stories starring Koko and Yum Yum—the fantastic feline duo from the bestselling Cat Who series.
What could be more purrfect for fans of the Cat Who series than an intimate look at the private lives of those extraordinary Siamese cats Koko and Yum Yum—the most unlikely, most unusual, most delightful team in detective fiction!
In this charming collection of feline antics, you’ll discover why Jim Qwilleran considers Koko a veritable clone of T.S. Eliot’s Rum Tum Tugger, how Yum Yum was rescued from a burglar who is not above a spot of catnapping, and many more fascinating catly facts...
“The feelings produced by reading about Qwill and his pals can best be compared to that coziest of feelings—having a purring cat on your lap.”— Booklist
What could be more purrfect for fans of the Cat Who series than an intimate look at the private lives of those extraordinary Siamese cats Koko and Yum Yum—the most unlikely, most unusual, most delightful team in detective fiction!
In this charming collection of feline antics, you’ll discover why Jim Qwilleran considers Koko a veritable clone of T.S. Eliot’s Rum Tum Tugger, how Yum Yum was rescued from a burglar who is not above a spot of catnapping, and many more fascinating catly facts...
“The feelings produced by reading about Qwill and his pals can best be compared to that coziest of feelings—having a purring cat on your lap.”— Booklist
160 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published October 27, 2003
43 people are currently reading
1345 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 146 reviews
February 18, 2019
Book Review
3 out of 5 stars to The Private Life of the Cat Who..., a short novella written in 2006 by Lilian Jackson Braun. So... this is not one of the normal cozy mystery books in the "Cat Who" series, rather a journal written by the main character, Jim Qwilleran, known as Qwill, about the history of his relationship and the antics of his two Siamese cats, Koko and YumYum. For fans of the series, it's a cute refresher that you can choose to read or ignore. If you only care about the mysteries, then skip this one. If you love the characters, it's a quick 2 hour read. For new folks, if you want to see a little bit about the characters or the style, it's a good intro; however, it's not a cozy mystery where you solve a crime. Keep those recommendations in mind and you'll know what to do! Enjoy.
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. I appreciate it.
3 out of 5 stars to The Private Life of the Cat Who..., a short novella written in 2006 by Lilian Jackson Braun. So... this is not one of the normal cozy mystery books in the "Cat Who" series, rather a journal written by the main character, Jim Qwilleran, known as Qwill, about the history of his relationship and the antics of his two Siamese cats, Koko and YumYum. For fans of the series, it's a cute refresher that you can choose to read or ignore. If you only care about the mysteries, then skip this one. If you love the characters, it's a quick 2 hour read. For new folks, if you want to see a little bit about the characters or the style, it's a good intro; however, it's not a cozy mystery where you solve a crime. Keep those recommendations in mind and you'll know what to do! Enjoy.
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. I appreciate it.
July 8, 2018
these stories are a whole lotta fun
and i've read them all but one
due to age i might forget
but never will i regret
getting to know koko and yum yum
and i've read them all but one
due to age i might forget
but never will i regret
getting to know koko and yum yum
September 21, 2017
This is a very short companion volume to the "Cat Who" series of mystery novels. It's listed as 137 pages long but that is misleading considering all of the blank pages, chapter title-only pages, and huge margins and triple-spaced lines. The entire book took me less than an hour to read.
In essence, the book is a series of snippets, short journal entries from Qwill relating to the antics of his two Siamese cats that feature in the Cat Who series. Don't expect a mystery story in here but don't be surprised to find anecdotes about the naming of cats, why cats do what they do (at least according to cat owners) as well as several clever limericks. In sum, this is simple, mildly humorous, and serves as a great reminder for those that are in withdrawal from the end of the larger series.
In essence, the book is a series of snippets, short journal entries from Qwill relating to the antics of his two Siamese cats that feature in the Cat Who series. Don't expect a mystery story in here but don't be surprised to find anecdotes about the naming of cats, why cats do what they do (at least according to cat owners) as well as several clever limericks. In sum, this is simple, mildly humorous, and serves as a great reminder for those that are in withdrawal from the end of the larger series.
March 7, 2024
Cute, fun, short cat vignettes.
January 17, 2018
I would have liked this one to be a little longer. I was enjoying the little scenes with the cats, even though they were pretty much already written in the novels.
April 2, 2009
Being a long time fan of this series compelled me to track down this book and add it to my Mt. TBR (Mount To Be Read). I am glad that I did as I loved it. It's only 136 pages long and told from the view point of James Qwilleran (the human main character) in a journal style. The book relates how Qwill came to have his two feline roommates because as any cat lover knows you do not own cats, the best you can hope for is a peaceful partnership (source of that quote later).
The book not only contains humorous stories about the cats growing up with Qwill but it also includes poetry and limericks about each cat highlighting some of their unique talents. Koko is the slueth and helps Qwill solve the many mysteries that come their way. Adorable Yum Yum is attracted to anything shiny and will steal it if the chance arises which often times provides Qwill and Koko with much needed clues.
I very much enjoyed the writing style of this Cat Who book because it was written in an informal and funny way. There was no real story to tell and so the little snippets just kind of floated together giving the reader the impression that this really was someones journal, someones thoughts. Overall an enjoyable book.
The book not only contains humorous stories about the cats growing up with Qwill but it also includes poetry and limericks about each cat highlighting some of their unique talents. Koko is the slueth and helps Qwill solve the many mysteries that come their way. Adorable Yum Yum is attracted to anything shiny and will steal it if the chance arises which often times provides Qwill and Koko with much needed clues.
I very much enjoyed the writing style of this Cat Who book because it was written in an informal and funny way. There was no real story to tell and so the little snippets just kind of floated together giving the reader the impression that this really was someones journal, someones thoughts. Overall an enjoyable book.
January 27, 2020
I love this series. How could I have skipped this one?
December 27, 2023
A cute and easy read telling about Ko ko and Yum Yum.
September 4, 2022
An amusing stroll through the life of James Qwilleran and his cats Koko and Yum Yum. Not having read one of the Cat Who books in a while, this was a nice refresher of their charm.
June 23, 2009
Love it, love it, love it!! Lilian Jackson Braun is a cat person's cat person. She understands. Wonderful light reading; the more i read of this author, the more i want to read. Luckily there are scores of Cat Who books. I just love how she dedicates her books to her loved one: "The Husband Who...".
September 8, 2015
I love the Cat Who books, but this is just a refresher with little new information. I love the writing style as always, and the poems were cute (they've been in the books already though) This book is also rounding out my collection nicely, maybe one day I will find the Cat Who cookbook as well. Four stars because I can't bear to have a Cat Who book at any less.
February 4, 2016
This is a quick and fun read. Done in a journal format, it has tidbits about Koko and Yum Yum. How each cat came to live with Quilleran. Their quirks and habits. How they have helped solve some of the mysteries.
If you enjoy these two feline detectives and their adventures, then these glimpses into their histories is right up your alley.
If you enjoy these two feline detectives and their adventures, then these glimpses into their histories is right up your alley.
February 29, 2024
I bought this book hoping for new stories in addition to the series, but this was just a rehash of some of Koko and Yum Yum's highlights throughout the books. It felt like a cheap way for the author and publishing company to make more money without doing any work, which is such a slap in the face for the fans.
June 6, 2020
A last goodbye to little KoKo and Yum Yum, and perhaps my favorite of all, simply because there is no "story-line ," just sweet, everyday glimpses into the lives these two adorable Siamese. They are the kind of anecdotes that catlovers everywhere share when they meet, and it was a joy to read.
July 23, 2011
I would have rated this higher except that it doesn't have any new material in it. It is basically a compilation of what is already covered in the Cat Who series.
August 9, 2016
Une lecture agréable mais sans plus...
June 17, 2025
This book is a one hour synopis of the characters, personalities of all the in The Cat Who Series by Lilian Jackson Braun.
James Mackintosh Qwillran is the main human character in the books. Qwilleran (Qwill to his friends) is a man who goes from late 40's to mid 50's over the course of the series. He is often described as looking melancholy or brooding, but more often, the most eligible and richest bachelor around. He inherited millions, and didn't want the money, so establish the Klingenshein foundation that distributes to needy causes of all sorts. Major girlfriend is Polly Duncan, head librarian in local library
Kao K'o-Kung is the full name of Siamese cat, who is almost always referred to as Koko. He is named after a 13th century Chinese artist who name is usually written in Pinyin as Geo Kegong. He is very handsome and had the appearance of a prize-winning show-cat and an obstinate attitude to anything he does not like.
YumYum is also Siamese, and has had a troubled past. Named after a character in the opera "The Mikado" by Gilbert and Sullivan She is a very smart, smaller cat than Koko and more affectionate. Her beautiful violet blue eyes are slightly crossed.
Koko is a remarkable male Siamese who happens to have sixty whiskers instead of usual forty-eight. They live in Pickax which is 400 miles north of everywhere, and Qwill does written work for the Moose County Something. Each episode for one reason or another finds them working to solve a murder of some sort. From Koko's death howl to YumYum's subtle ways of winning hearts. They have better diets than most humans, and their favorite word is TREATS, and they come running. They have lived in several different places. Qwill converted an old apple barn into a lovely four-story home that he and the cats adore. Later in the books, he purchases a unit in the complex where Polly lives, part time in each.
Braun, to me, is a fantastic writer. She passed away in 2011 and was in process of her 30th book. It was not published after her death. I'm sure I could write more but wanted to give an overview. They have a lot of endearing friends we come to love.
James Mackintosh Qwillran is the main human character in the books. Qwilleran (Qwill to his friends) is a man who goes from late 40's to mid 50's over the course of the series. He is often described as looking melancholy or brooding, but more often, the most eligible and richest bachelor around. He inherited millions, and didn't want the money, so establish the Klingenshein foundation that distributes to needy causes of all sorts. Major girlfriend is Polly Duncan, head librarian in local library
Kao K'o-Kung is the full name of Siamese cat, who is almost always referred to as Koko. He is named after a 13th century Chinese artist who name is usually written in Pinyin as Geo Kegong. He is very handsome and had the appearance of a prize-winning show-cat and an obstinate attitude to anything he does not like.
YumYum is also Siamese, and has had a troubled past. Named after a character in the opera "The Mikado" by Gilbert and Sullivan She is a very smart, smaller cat than Koko and more affectionate. Her beautiful violet blue eyes are slightly crossed.
Koko is a remarkable male Siamese who happens to have sixty whiskers instead of usual forty-eight. They live in Pickax which is 400 miles north of everywhere, and Qwill does written work for the Moose County Something. Each episode for one reason or another finds them working to solve a murder of some sort. From Koko's death howl to YumYum's subtle ways of winning hearts. They have better diets than most humans, and their favorite word is TREATS, and they come running. They have lived in several different places. Qwill converted an old apple barn into a lovely four-story home that he and the cats adore. Later in the books, he purchases a unit in the complex where Polly lives, part time in each.
Braun, to me, is a fantastic writer. She passed away in 2011 and was in process of her 30th book. It was not published after her death. I'm sure I could write more but wanted to give an overview. They have a lot of endearing friends we come to love.
October 29, 2018
Braun, Lilian Jackson. The Private Life of the Cat Who. . . Jove, 2004.
Lilian Jackson Braun’s Cat Who novels are the coziest of cozy mysteries. James Mackintosh Qwilleran, a reporter from a large Midwestern city that seems modeled on Detroit or Chicago has inherited two Siamese cats, Yum Yum and Koko, and a large fortune that allows him to semi-retire to a small town in a place that resembles the upper peninsula of Michigan in the same way that Hogwarts resembles Eaton. Koko has some ESP that makes him aware of local murders and give Qwill the hints he needs to solve them. To keep himself busy between murders, Qwill writes a column in the local newspaper that often tells cat stories. This book is a mash-up of clips from those columns that appeared in earlier novels. Only for deeply hooked fans.
Lilian Jackson Braun’s Cat Who novels are the coziest of cozy mysteries. James Mackintosh Qwilleran, a reporter from a large Midwestern city that seems modeled on Detroit or Chicago has inherited two Siamese cats, Yum Yum and Koko, and a large fortune that allows him to semi-retire to a small town in a place that resembles the upper peninsula of Michigan in the same way that Hogwarts resembles Eaton. Koko has some ESP that makes him aware of local murders and give Qwill the hints he needs to solve them. To keep himself busy between murders, Qwill writes a column in the local newspaper that often tells cat stories. This book is a mash-up of clips from those columns that appeared in earlier novels. Only for deeply hooked fans.
February 15, 2024
Well, I am officially done this series. The series as a whole was solid, if not spectacular. It ably fills that niche when I want something that I know essentially what it's going to be. For the most part, they're competent cozy mysteries with entertaining characters and cats.
This "short story collection" is essentially synopses of episodes in the broader series where the cats do something particularly cat-like or noteworthy. Worth reading if you want a reminder of cat escapades, or you want to get a sense of general tone of the series, I suppose. Unlike the previous short story collection, I think this does probably stand on its own. But there's also nothing new here if you've read the original books. So very skippable. Also very slight.
This "short story collection" is essentially synopses of episodes in the broader series where the cats do something particularly cat-like or noteworthy. Worth reading if you want a reminder of cat escapades, or you want to get a sense of general tone of the series, I suppose. Unlike the previous short story collection, I think this does probably stand on its own. But there's also nothing new here if you've read the original books. So very skippable. Also very slight.
August 15, 2024
I read the entire series of "Cat Who..." books and enjoyed them all. But this book, with its short chapters of only 3 -4 pages each, was a bit of a disappointment. There was very little substance to it. There were some amusing moments, but then just as I was starting to enjoy the story, the chapter would come to an end. I needed more than this book offered.
Some references were made to other books in the series, but since it has been 15 years or more since I read the rest of the series, those references didn't really mean much to me.
If you're looking for a quick read, this could be the book for you. It only took me about an hour to read the entire book. It wasn't bad, but certainly not great either.
Some references were made to other books in the series, but since it has been 15 years or more since I read the rest of the series, those references didn't really mean much to me.
If you're looking for a quick read, this could be the book for you. It only took me about an hour to read the entire book. It wasn't bad, but certainly not great either.
June 16, 2017
Although I love the Cat Who books and have read them all several times over, I was sadly disappointed by this book. And very likely because I've read them multiple times over the decades. If you've never read the Cat Who books, this is a great overview of the series. If you want to reminisce, this is also a good choice. My problem was that I expected NEW stories and insights of the private life of Koko and YumYum. To be honest, I didn't finish the book on cd. The disc stopped working midway, so let me know if I therefore missed amazing new stories! George Guidall is the quintessential Qwill and always will be. I can't imagine anyone else reading these.
September 27, 2024
Qwill’s story of how Koko and Yum Yum came into his life and their adventures together as they learned to get along and how Koko taught Qwill to take care of him. Follows the same timeline and storyline as the ‘The Cat Who series’ with more emphasis on the Qwill/Siamese relationship. Even though Koko is king, most of the stories seem to be about Yum Yum.
Footnote: 1) About a third of the sentences in the Kindle eBook version I read are run together with no spaces between words. Very annoying.
Fave scenes: Koko’s pills, Yum Yum rescuing the hummingbird and Yum Yum & the hollow log.
Footnote: 1) About a third of the sentences in the Kindle eBook version I read are run together with no spaces between words. Very annoying.
Fave scenes: Koko’s pills, Yum Yum rescuing the hummingbird and Yum Yum & the hollow log.
August 19, 2020
In addition to the books in The Cat Who series there are a few extras. This is a collection of the tales that are in the actual books. I don't think anything is added that is not included in the novels. These are just written in the voice of Qwilleran as if he is telling just the Koko and YumYum escapades. A nice addition to reading the collection. Especially if saved for last, it is a nice review.
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January 24, 2023Wonderful Collection of Stories about Koko and Yum Yum
Wonderful little book with stories about Koko and Yum Yum, the siamese cats of James Qwilleran from the Cat Who Series. It's told from Jim Qwilleran's perspective and describes the adorable and sometimes infuriating antics of the two siamese cats that he adopted when they were orphaned from two different households and situations. An entertaining book for anyone who is interested in The Cat Who Series.
Wonderful little book with stories about Koko and Yum Yum, the siamese cats of James Qwilleran from the Cat Who Series. It's told from Jim Qwilleran's perspective and describes the adorable and sometimes infuriating antics of the two siamese cats that he adopted when they were orphaned from two different households and situations. An entertaining book for anyone who is interested in The Cat Who Series.
April 16, 2020
This is a very cute book. If you like cats or have kids who like cats, you'll probably like the book. I particularly enjoyed the Koko-isms. It's also short enough that it won't take much time to read. I finished it in about an hour, give or take. One thing I found a little jarring was that there was no timeline. The book jumped around from event to event and wasn't put in any particular order.
March 8, 2023
I really love The Cat Who books. They are suspenseful and funny. I love cats and see so many things that Koko and Yum Yum do that my gal, Callie does too. All pets are precious and I love reading books about their adventures whether true or made up. Very entertaining! Thank you for writing these adventurous tales about these adorable cats, Koko and Yum Yum. I am forever a fan!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 14, 2024
I think if I'd followed this series at all then I'd understand it more more I just picked it up at the library on a whim and read it in an hour or so and thought it was cute but didn't really get a lot of the point. But it seems like a long series so I assume if I'd been reading it then I'd like it more. I don't think I'll continue the series though
March 24, 2024
I love Lillian Jackson Braun! I love her characters so much. This wasn't one of the mysteries, it was a cute, clever collection of stories about how Quill met Koko and Yum Yum and their lives together. It really gives more background of the cats personalities an idiosyncrasies. I loved Koko and Yum Yum before, but love them just a little more now. Happy reading
May 14, 2024
I agree with Emily’s review 100%. Just a rehash of bits of various books and definitely a cheap way for the publisher and author to make more money. Nothing new or interesting to read here. 137 pages with large print, double spaced, chapter pages with juvenile illustrations, and many blank pages. 30 minutes of my life wasted.
March 4, 2025
Good: cute poems and a little bit of info about other cats and the importance of cat naming.
Sad: not a whole lot of new content. If you’re a reader of the series, you’ll note that a lot of the content is lifted from the series. It may be presented in a slightly different way, but the same, nonetheless
I expected more from this one and it didn’t deliver.
Sad: not a whole lot of new content. If you’re a reader of the series, you’ll note that a lot of the content is lifted from the series. It may be presented in a slightly different way, but the same, nonetheless
I expected more from this one and it didn’t deliver.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 146 reviews