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The Cat Who... #1
The Cat Who Could Read Backwards
THE FIRST COZY MYSTERY IN THE BELOVED NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING CAT WHO SERIES!
The world of modern art is a mystery to many. But for Jim Qwilleran, it turns into a mystery of another sort when his assignment for The Daily Fluxion leads down the path to murder.
A stabbing in an art gallery, vandalized paintings, a fatal fall from a scaffolding—this is not at all what Qwilleran expects when he turns his reporter talents to art. But Qwilleran and his newly found partner, Koko the brilliant Siamese cat, are in their element—sniffing out clues and confounding criminals intent on mayhem and murder.
This riveting beginning to the Cat Who series is the perfect cozy mystery for cat lovers to start sleuthing!
The world of modern art is a mystery to many. But for Jim Qwilleran, it turns into a mystery of another sort when his assignment for The Daily Fluxion leads down the path to murder.
A stabbing in an art gallery, vandalized paintings, a fatal fall from a scaffolding—this is not at all what Qwilleran expects when he turns his reporter talents to art. But Qwilleran and his newly found partner, Koko the brilliant Siamese cat, are in their element—sniffing out clues and confounding criminals intent on mayhem and murder.
This riveting beginning to the Cat Who series is the perfect cozy mystery for cat lovers to start sleuthing!
256 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1966
1210 people are currently reading
15291 people want to read
About the author
Lilian Jackson Braun
194 books1,700 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 1,802 reviews
September 6, 2017
5 stars to Lilian Jackson Braun's The Cat Who Could Read Backwards. The cozy mystery is a major fan favorite, but who would think it could rate a full 5 stars! To me, I only compare books for ratings in their own genre, so among cozies, I think this is a top notch read.
I am very intrigued with this series. I loved the introduction of the cat. And the city backdrop was very fun. I was surprised to see the author had a 20 year span between the first few books and the remainder of the series, but I ultimately liked the jump to Moose County in the future. I almost adopted a Siamese cat due to these books!
I am very intrigued with this series. I loved the introduction of the cat. And the city backdrop was very fun. I was surprised to see the author had a 20 year span between the first few books and the remainder of the series, but I ultimately liked the jump to Moose County in the future. I almost adopted a Siamese cat due to these books!
September 19, 2018
I didn’t really know what to expect from this book, but in the end it pleasantly surprised me, sound like I’m “damning it with faint praise” but that is not the case. In the end it really was good fun, and of course being a cat lover, I thought Koko was good and a fine example of a Siamese. My Siamese(cross) is also very vocal and amazingly intelligent.
Besides Koko, the characters were good and whilst stereotypes in a detective novel, they were all well done. The setting was a good one, small town America and I loved the period.
I’d certainly read another “Cat who ....”
Besides Koko, the characters were good and whilst stereotypes in a detective novel, they were all well done. The setting was a good one, small town America and I loved the period.
I’d certainly read another “Cat who ....”
December 26, 2022
Jim Qwilleran's life took a bit of an unexpected detour....divorce, alcoholism....but he's getting things back on track. He takes a job as a feature writer with a newspaper, the Daily Fluxion. Although in the past he was a prize winning reporter, he starts out a bit humbly at his new job -- writing features on local artists. His publisher wants him to smooth some ruffled feathers. The paper's art critic has published some scathing, sarcastic commentary on the work of many local artists. Jim doesn't realize how cutthroat the art world can be until a local gallery owner turns up dead. He finds himself covering his art beat, while working in some sleuthing into the darkness lurking behind the local art culture.
This book is the start to this popular series. There are 29 books in this series, plus a couple short story collections. The first three books were written in the 60's when working at a large daily newspaper meant huge rooms filled with typewriters, hanging out at the press club, etc. As a former reporter and editor, it made me smile. Jim Qwilleran is thrown into writing features on art when he knows nothing about art at all. This might seem unrealistic to some....but not to me. On my first day as a newspaper reporter when I was fresh out of college, I was thrown into covering city and county commission meetings. I had to research things like property tax and appraisals, elections and other important topics that I knew absolutely nothing about. I was thrown right into the fire on day one and had to figure it out. Totally normal.....you have to fake it til you make it. Call and ask questions, check facts multiple times, look foolish on occasion to make sure a story is on target.....reading about Jim trying to swim through his confusion about art, eccentric artists and local shows made me smile. I never had to work in a large room filled with typewriters....we had computers. But, when I first started as a journalist at a small rural daily paper, we had to print our stories, send the trimmed copy through a wax machine and layout the pages by hand. I had to take and print my own photographs in "the dungeon''....the dank and horrid darkroom on the bottom floor of an ancient building. Reading this book made me a bit nostalgic for my own "old days.'' :)
The first three books in this series were written in the 60s. Then Lilian Jackson Braun picked it up again in the late 80s....that's when I discovered this series. I got to book 8 before life interrupted and I lost track of the series. I'm going to revisit the books I read way back then.....and then read my way through the stories I missed! :) Lots of reading to do! I'm looking forward to revisiting the interesting reporter whose mustache tingles when a story is going to break and his two siamese cat companions!
This book is the start to this popular series. There are 29 books in this series, plus a couple short story collections. The first three books were written in the 60's when working at a large daily newspaper meant huge rooms filled with typewriters, hanging out at the press club, etc. As a former reporter and editor, it made me smile. Jim Qwilleran is thrown into writing features on art when he knows nothing about art at all. This might seem unrealistic to some....but not to me. On my first day as a newspaper reporter when I was fresh out of college, I was thrown into covering city and county commission meetings. I had to research things like property tax and appraisals, elections and other important topics that I knew absolutely nothing about. I was thrown right into the fire on day one and had to figure it out. Totally normal.....you have to fake it til you make it. Call and ask questions, check facts multiple times, look foolish on occasion to make sure a story is on target.....reading about Jim trying to swim through his confusion about art, eccentric artists and local shows made me smile. I never had to work in a large room filled with typewriters....we had computers. But, when I first started as a journalist at a small rural daily paper, we had to print our stories, send the trimmed copy through a wax machine and layout the pages by hand. I had to take and print my own photographs in "the dungeon''....the dank and horrid darkroom on the bottom floor of an ancient building. Reading this book made me a bit nostalgic for my own "old days.'' :)
The first three books in this series were written in the 60s. Then Lilian Jackson Braun picked it up again in the late 80s....that's when I discovered this series. I got to book 8 before life interrupted and I lost track of the series. I'm going to revisit the books I read way back then.....and then read my way through the stories I missed! :) Lots of reading to do! I'm looking forward to revisiting the interesting reporter whose mustache tingles when a story is going to break and his two siamese cat companions!
June 14, 2011
I am surprised in a way at finding myself giving a "series mystery" book four stars (since I make it a point to hand out very few "5s" that's a big score for me). I don't read a lot of mysteries and only ran across MS. Braun because I was looking for audio books for my wife. She was in ill health for a long time and had trouble holding and later seeing to read text, so I was constantly scouring the public library shelves and used book stores for audio books. Sometimes I would take them to work with me and listen in my vehicle. I discovered that (most) of these were very interesting.
Allow me to digress here a second and point out that for some reason there are some books later in the series that seem (to me) to have virtually no plot whatsoever, even my wife who would ask me to search for these books commented on it. In those it's very like a record of what the people around town are doing in their day to day lives...and an "oh by the way, a murder happened and we solved it". These seem a little odd to me.
This is the first book in the series and is somewhat different than the setting/story type that the series will settle down into. Here we meet Qwill (Jim Qwilleran ) who was at one time a "crack crime reporter" but has (at least in his own eyes) fallen. He's writing on the "art beat". In the course of the story Qwill "meets" Kao K'o-Kung (Koko) a Siamese cat owned by the victim. Qwill begins "taking care of Koko" but of course they'll stay together.
Throughout the series Koko will do things that lead to the solving of mysteries and seem to show uncanny abilities and intelligence, or maybe they're just amazing coincidences (ya right). It's never really stated that Koko understands all he seems to but of course we know he does.
Allow me to digress here a second and point out that for some reason there are some books later in the series that seem (to me) to have virtually no plot whatsoever, even my wife who would ask me to search for these books commented on it. In those it's very like a record of what the people around town are doing in their day to day lives...and an "oh by the way, a murder happened and we solved it". These seem a little odd to me.
This is the first book in the series and is somewhat different than the setting/story type that the series will settle down into. Here we meet Qwill (Jim Qwilleran ) who was at one time a "crack crime reporter" but has (at least in his own eyes) fallen. He's writing on the "art beat". In the course of the story Qwill "meets" Kao K'o-Kung (Koko) a Siamese cat owned by the victim. Qwill begins "taking care of Koko" but of course they'll stay together.
Throughout the series Koko will do things that lead to the solving of mysteries and seem to show uncanny abilities and intelligence, or maybe they're just amazing coincidences (ya right). It's never really stated that Koko understands all he seems to but of course we know he does.
June 4, 2013
The mystery plot is decent but it took awhile to get going. The resolution felt extremely rushed and was a bit out of left field, which I don't enjoy in a murder mystery.
The book was written in the 1960's so parts of it are predictably dated. An electric pencil sharpener is a shocking piece of cutting edge technology. There's a very casual attitude to smoking and getting on a plane involves a lot less security. Also, I was very confused about a clue until I remembered that an electric clock is not the same as a digital clock and doesn't behave the same when unplugged. I was fine with all of that. Dated technology doesn't bother me.
What bothered me was the very masculine air to the book. Qwilleran walks through the newsroom on his first day and notes the "inevitable girl reporter." At one point he describes a satisfying salad as a "man's salad". Women are described chiefly by how they look and if the male characters think they're "a dish" or not. The only female character who is not described as feminine is named Butchy. No joke, that's her first name. She's described as husky, and she never grew out of her tomboy phase because apparently her large frame wouldn't let her. She's not allowed to be feminine, is what I took away from it. I was not surprised when it was later inferred that Butchy was a lesbian. Because of course. *sigh* That's all very dated, too, but I'm much less inclined to be fine with it.
Qwilleran does no cooking for himself. I could feel myself getting fatter every time he went out to eat somewhere.
The book was written in the 1960's so parts of it are predictably dated. An electric pencil sharpener is a shocking piece of cutting edge technology. There's a very casual attitude to smoking and getting on a plane involves a lot less security. Also, I was very confused about a clue until I remembered that an electric clock is not the same as a digital clock and doesn't behave the same when unplugged. I was fine with all of that. Dated technology doesn't bother me.
What bothered me was the very masculine air to the book. Qwilleran walks through the newsroom on his first day and notes the "inevitable girl reporter." At one point he describes a satisfying salad as a "man's salad". Women are described chiefly by how they look and if the male characters think they're "a dish" or not. The only female character who is not described as feminine is named Butchy. No joke, that's her first name. She's described as husky, and she never grew out of her tomboy phase because apparently her large frame wouldn't let her. She's not allowed to be feminine, is what I took away from it. I was not surprised when it was later inferred that Butchy was a lesbian. Because of course. *sigh* That's all very dated, too, but I'm much less inclined to be fine with it.
Qwilleran does no cooking for himself. I could feel myself getting fatter every time he went out to eat somewhere.
July 15, 2025
While I am not a fan of "cozy" mysteries normally, Lillian Jackson Braun's novel "The Cat Who Could Read Backwards" is irresistibly fun and adorable.
Originally published in 1966, "TCWCRB" was the first of a long-running series featuring Braun's clever newspaper reporter Jim Qwilleran (with a "w") and his adopted Siamese cat Koko, who helps him solve mysteries. In this book, Qwilleran is assigned the local arts reporter. As someone who is more accustomed to writing sports or covering local politics, he's a bit leery about covering the city's art scene. It turns out, the art scene is cut-throat.
After three mysterious deaths happen in succession among the group of local artists, Qwilleran's investigative mode kicks in. He has suddenly gone from having very little to write about to writing plenty.
As with most "cozy" mysteries, there is an obvious absence of profanity, gratuitous sex, and violence. While I personally love all of that stuff, you won't really miss it. Braun tells a pretty engaging story without it.
Originally published in 1966, "TCWCRB" was the first of a long-running series featuring Braun's clever newspaper reporter Jim Qwilleran (with a "w") and his adopted Siamese cat Koko, who helps him solve mysteries. In this book, Qwilleran is assigned the local arts reporter. As someone who is more accustomed to writing sports or covering local politics, he's a bit leery about covering the city's art scene. It turns out, the art scene is cut-throat.
After three mysterious deaths happen in succession among the group of local artists, Qwilleran's investigative mode kicks in. He has suddenly gone from having very little to write about to writing plenty.
As with most "cozy" mysteries, there is an obvious absence of profanity, gratuitous sex, and violence. While I personally love all of that stuff, you won't really miss it. Braun tells a pretty engaging story without it.
May 26, 2014
Cats are my family. I enjoy any books that adequately include them; you know, more than claiming they exist. However I staved off collecting most of Lilian Jackson Braun’s sweet-looking books because they are numerous. Even I surmised they would be fluff. Perusal took years. Let me overturn that impression: they have substance! The mysteries are excellent and you really settle into the cast!
“The Cat Who Could Read Backwards”, 1966, is constructed superbly. Jim Qwilleran, like many, didn’t know cats in close quarters. Introduced to a Siamese by a short-lived character; Jim is stunned by Koko’s profound intelligence and elegance. His own history is doled out over several novels: a divorcé starting anew in a smaller city, with a smaller bank account. He was an award-winning crime reporter in a major centre. We find him gratefully assigned to newspaper features about art. Knowing neither art nor this city, readers learn the subject along with him. All Lilian’s books appear to expound on a new topic, which I thoroughly enjoy.
Compounded by a strong, identifiable history: two factors launched my pleasure to five full stars. From antagonism and cliques of the art industry, to the mystery itself; all of it was written extremely well. Jim’s involvement is plausible, he makes logical efforts at deduction, there is a flow, and the interest remains raised. The sensitivity of his moustache and Koko’s ability to convey his intuitiveness, are unique touches. Especially praiseworthy: I have never seen a cat-themed novel depict a human / feline relationship better than Lilian’s do. The proliferation of her series is extraordinary in itself. The first three were well-received in the 1960s but paused for eighteen years. Lilian felt that hardcore crime was en vogue. She resumed her pen in 1986, to greater acclaim ~ and my gratitude.
“The Cat Who Could Read Backwards”, 1966, is constructed superbly. Jim Qwilleran, like many, didn’t know cats in close quarters. Introduced to a Siamese by a short-lived character; Jim is stunned by Koko’s profound intelligence and elegance. His own history is doled out over several novels: a divorcé starting anew in a smaller city, with a smaller bank account. He was an award-winning crime reporter in a major centre. We find him gratefully assigned to newspaper features about art. Knowing neither art nor this city, readers learn the subject along with him. All Lilian’s books appear to expound on a new topic, which I thoroughly enjoy.
Compounded by a strong, identifiable history: two factors launched my pleasure to five full stars. From antagonism and cliques of the art industry, to the mystery itself; all of it was written extremely well. Jim’s involvement is plausible, he makes logical efforts at deduction, there is a flow, and the interest remains raised. The sensitivity of his moustache and Koko’s ability to convey his intuitiveness, are unique touches. Especially praiseworthy: I have never seen a cat-themed novel depict a human / feline relationship better than Lilian’s do. The proliferation of her series is extraordinary in itself. The first three were well-received in the 1960s but paused for eighteen years. Lilian felt that hardcore crime was en vogue. She resumed her pen in 1986, to greater acclaim ~ and my gratitude.
November 30, 2023
5🌟💛
If you're looking for the perfect or purrfect (lol) cozy mystery this is it! This is purrfectly written. I loved all of the characters, especially KoKo the cat!! Good ending and just truly appreciate a well written book and good story. So excited to be starting this series.
If you're looking for the perfect or purrfect (lol) cozy mystery this is it! This is purrfectly written. I loved all of the characters, especially KoKo the cat!! Good ending and just truly appreciate a well written book and good story. So excited to be starting this series.
March 30, 2017
Rating: 3.5*
I don't read a lot of mysteries, but I had to read this for my university's book club. This is even more out of my norm, since it's not a modern thriller but more of a classic whodunnit, published before I was born.
The story is narrated by Qwilleran (not the only guy with an odd name), who takes on a job as an art reporter despite having a history of crime reporting (and no art knowledge whatsoever). But never fear, as his old job follows him to the new, with a death in the art world.
I found this to be quite a quick read. This is partly because the book is only 260 pages, but I think part of the reason is also that its spurred on a lot by dialogue, not laden down with too much detail. The characters were all very strange and often funny. That being said, it did take a while to get to the actual death that sets everything off. There was a lot of laying the foundation.
It helped that Qwilleran was new in town, as the reader could be introduced to the full cast of characters along with the narrator. It actually added some build up initially to allow the reader to guess who was going to die and why, but it eventually got a bit tedious for me.
The ending was unexpected, but it was also a bit disappointing, if that makes sense. I was guessing throughout who the murderer could be and what their motive was, and I kept switching between a few suspects. I didn't suspect who it turned out to be, which I suppose is a good thing, but the reasons were just a bit...dull. Also, someone crucial to the whole saga only gets introduced at the end, which I felt was a bit of a cheat, as it didn't give the reader even a chance to figure things out on their own.
The whole cat aspect was a funny little touch, with the cat in question actually helping to share some clues (but also some red herrings). I think anyone who has owned or loves cats will appreciate how Koko's personality was so ...feline. So regal. What a cat. The art critic who owns the cat was also odd, but also a bit cattish himself, preferring to be a recluse and having a contempt for others.
All in all, I'm glad I gave it a go, but I don't think I'll be switching to mysteries as my primary genre anytime soon. Good thing I'm making the club read sci-fi next!
I don't read a lot of mysteries, but I had to read this for my university's book club. This is even more out of my norm, since it's not a modern thriller but more of a classic whodunnit, published before I was born.
The story is narrated by Qwilleran (not the only guy with an odd name), who takes on a job as an art reporter despite having a history of crime reporting (and no art knowledge whatsoever). But never fear, as his old job follows him to the new, with a death in the art world.
I found this to be quite a quick read. This is partly because the book is only 260 pages, but I think part of the reason is also that its spurred on a lot by dialogue, not laden down with too much detail. The characters were all very strange and often funny. That being said, it did take a while to get to the actual death that sets everything off. There was a lot of laying the foundation.
It helped that Qwilleran was new in town, as the reader could be introduced to the full cast of characters along with the narrator. It actually added some build up initially to allow the reader to guess who was going to die and why, but it eventually got a bit tedious for me.
The ending was unexpected, but it was also a bit disappointing, if that makes sense. I was guessing throughout who the murderer could be and what their motive was, and I kept switching between a few suspects. I didn't suspect who it turned out to be, which I suppose is a good thing, but the reasons were just a bit...dull. Also, someone crucial to the whole saga only gets introduced at the end, which I felt was a bit of a cheat, as it didn't give the reader even a chance to figure things out on their own.
The whole cat aspect was a funny little touch, with the cat in question actually helping to share some clues (but also some red herrings). I think anyone who has owned or loves cats will appreciate how Koko's personality was so ...feline. So regal. What a cat. The art critic who owns the cat was also odd, but also a bit cattish himself, preferring to be a recluse and having a contempt for others.
All in all, I'm glad I gave it a go, but I don't think I'll be switching to mysteries as my primary genre anytime soon. Good thing I'm making the club read sci-fi next!
See this review in its natural environment, Dani Reviews Things.
February 7, 2018
This is the first book in the series, published in 1966. Like most of The Cat Who... books I've read, I found the mystery - a series of murders in the local art scene - to be the least compelling part of the experience. This was a great introduction to newsman James Qwilleran. For fans of the series, we know what fate has in store for Jim, but his circumstances are very different in this original novel: divorced, broke, unemployed. He lands a job as a features reporter for The Daily Fluxion. Arch Riker, a recurring character in the novels, is an old acquaintance of Jim's who works there as well. Jim meets photographer Odd Bunsen and bartender Bruno at the hallowed Press Club, where they all love to hang out. We find out about Jim's trademark mustache and his tomato juice addiction. (I don't think it's ever specifically stated, but I got the impression that alcoholism played a part in Jim's past.) And most importantly, we find out how he met Koko and began their great partnership.
It was fun reading what it was like to work on a newspaper before computers, the internet, cell phones. There was also some sly commentary on the art world and its pretensions. Throughout, details humorously betray the late-60's setting of the novel, such as the reaction when it was revealed that one of the paintings described might fetch as much as -GASP! - $150,000. And there was a lesbian character - a female welder, naturally - named (I kid you not) Butchy.
All in all, this was a very quick and enjoyable read, and now on to the next book in the series, The Cat Who...Ate Danish Modern. More art world mystery and mayhem? Do we meet Yum Yum in this installment? Stay tuned.
First Published: 1966
Body Count: 3
Next up: The Cat Who Ate Danish Modern
It was fun reading what it was like to work on a newspaper before computers, the internet, cell phones. There was also some sly commentary on the art world and its pretensions. Throughout, details humorously betray the late-60's setting of the novel, such as the reaction when it was revealed that one of the paintings described might fetch as much as -GASP! - $150,000. And there was a lesbian character - a female welder, naturally - named (I kid you not) Butchy.
All in all, this was a very quick and enjoyable read, and now on to the next book in the series, The Cat Who...Ate Danish Modern. More art world mystery and mayhem? Do we meet Yum Yum in this installment? Stay tuned.
First Published: 1966
Body Count: 3
Next up: The Cat Who Ate Danish Modern
July 26, 2025
Jim Qwilleran is a little anxious. He wants - needs - the job he is interviewing for with the managing editor of the Daily Fluxion, circulation 427,463. A recently divorced man in his 40's, on the wagon, he hasn't had a steady job for a long time. He is looking for a fresh start as, hopefully, the crime reporter, his speciality before he hit the skids. When he accepts a position on the newspaper as the Art feature writer, he's grateful for the job, no matter how rueful he feels about the demotion (past winner of the Publishers' Trophy). Luckily, he knows the feature editor, Arch Riker, an old friend from Chicago.
Riker gives him his first assignment: an interview with Cal Halapay, married local painter of popular pictures of apple-cheeked kids. It's made the 27-year-old a very rich man, despite the vicious reviews by the Daily Fluxion's real art critic, George Bonifield Mountclemons III. However, Qwilleran knows that since his job is the background feature writer - he actually knows nothing about art - all he needs to do is ask questions about the artist's family and life, while arranging access for the newspaper's photographer.
The interview leads to party invitations, where he meets many of the unnamed Midwest city's major citizens. Qwilleran discovers almost everyone hates Mountclemons, which becomes awkward, but not unmanageable, when the man himself invites Qwilleran to move from the rundown hotel where he is staying to Mountclemons' house, where he has a spare bottom-floor apartment. He decides he likes Mountclemons, especially after he meets Mountclemons' Siamese cat, Kao K'o-Kung, or Koko, for short. The art critic can be arrogant and nasty, but he also is a wonderful cook, and he has a house of beautiful art. He also loves his cat.
Soon, there are murders and Qwilleran ends up with Koko. The beautiful cat seems to 'know' things, and to this reader appeared to be the most intelligent character in the book. In any case, Qwilleran and Koko find that the other is a very satisfactory roommate.
I bought this entire series (up to a point) in the 1990's because I adore cats. I had no idea of what the series was like. Tonight I finished 'The Cat Who Could Read Backwards' (1966 copyright), which is the first book in the series.
The big cast of characters is interesting, so there are a variety of suspects once the murders begin. It is a very pleasant, humorous read, with the action as gentle (and mostly off-screen) as floating fluffy seeds from flowering dandelions, despite any violence. The book is certainly fine as either a teen or adult read. I feel as if this is The Uber Book which may define the fun and enjoyable type of cozy genre for me.
I have to admit that while Qwilleran is billed as an investigative reporter, I don't think he actually solved this mystery.
I will continue reading about Koko not only because I have many books from the series sitting purchased but unread on my shelves. It will be good to fill my mind with stories that are mildly violent with cute characters instead of the usual grim gore, fetid filth and dark damage I usually indulge in. Right?!?
Riker gives him his first assignment: an interview with Cal Halapay, married local painter of popular pictures of apple-cheeked kids. It's made the 27-year-old a very rich man, despite the vicious reviews by the Daily Fluxion's real art critic, George Bonifield Mountclemons III. However, Qwilleran knows that since his job is the background feature writer - he actually knows nothing about art - all he needs to do is ask questions about the artist's family and life, while arranging access for the newspaper's photographer.
The interview leads to party invitations, where he meets many of the unnamed Midwest city's major citizens. Qwilleran discovers almost everyone hates Mountclemons, which becomes awkward, but not unmanageable, when the man himself invites Qwilleran to move from the rundown hotel where he is staying to Mountclemons' house, where he has a spare bottom-floor apartment. He decides he likes Mountclemons, especially after he meets Mountclemons' Siamese cat, Kao K'o-Kung, or Koko, for short. The art critic can be arrogant and nasty, but he also is a wonderful cook, and he has a house of beautiful art. He also loves his cat.
Soon, there are murders and Qwilleran ends up with Koko. The beautiful cat seems to 'know' things, and to this reader appeared to be the most intelligent character in the book. In any case, Qwilleran and Koko find that the other is a very satisfactory roommate.
I bought this entire series (up to a point) in the 1990's because I adore cats. I had no idea of what the series was like. Tonight I finished 'The Cat Who Could Read Backwards' (1966 copyright), which is the first book in the series.
The big cast of characters is interesting, so there are a variety of suspects once the murders begin. It is a very pleasant, humorous read, with the action as gentle (and mostly off-screen) as floating fluffy seeds from flowering dandelions, despite any violence. The book is certainly fine as either a teen or adult read. I feel as if this is The Uber Book which may define the fun and enjoyable type of cozy genre for me.
I have to admit that while Qwilleran is billed as an investigative reporter, I don't think he actually solved this mystery.
I will continue reading about Koko not only because I have many books from the series sitting purchased but unread on my shelves. It will be good to fill my mind with stories that are mildly violent with cute characters instead of the usual grim gore, fetid filth and dark damage I usually indulge in. Right?!?
June 19, 2013
Although I started listening to the Cat Who series with The Cat Who Ate Danish Modern, The Cat Who Could Read Backwards is actually the first in this series of cozy mysteries. The narration was just as good as in the other book. Sadly, I couldn't say the same for the story itself.
First, I think the story is beginning to show its age in an entirely unacceptable way, as we deal with a woman the book somewhat subtly indicates is a lesbian and than very un-subtly names "Butchy". The plot than goes on to paint her as a possible murder suspect; a highly unattractive and masculine woman; and someone who's motives and actions are not very nice even if she isn't the killer. I was kind of appalled. The second problem had more to do with the plot itself. Specifically, that there wasn't one. The main character basically sits back and lets events unfold until at the end he stumbles on (literally) a character we have never met before and who turns out to be the bad guy. Talk about unsatisfying! And our main characters doesn't even captures this bad guy, oh no. His cat does instead! Now, the cat tripping the bad guy is a plot device I'm ok with once in a mystery featuring a cat. But that happened in the other book too and twice is just too much. I don't think I'll be going on with this series.
This review first published on Doing Dewey.
First, I think the story is beginning to show its age in an entirely unacceptable way, as we deal with a woman the book somewhat subtly indicates is a lesbian and than very un-subtly names "Butchy". The plot than goes on to paint her as a possible murder suspect; a highly unattractive and masculine woman; and someone who's motives and actions are not very nice even if she isn't the killer. I was kind of appalled. The second problem had more to do with the plot itself. Specifically, that there wasn't one. The main character basically sits back and lets events unfold until at the end he stumbles on (literally) a character we have never met before and who turns out to be the bad guy. Talk about unsatisfying! And our main characters doesn't even captures this bad guy, oh no. His cat does instead! Now, the cat tripping the bad guy is a plot device I'm ok with once in a mystery featuring a cat. But that happened in the other book too and twice is just too much. I don't think I'll be going on with this series.
This review first published on Doing Dewey.
May 9, 2011
Written in 1966, Lilian Jackson Braun’s The Cat Who Could Read Backwards is certainly not the oldest book I’ve ever read, nor is it one of the best books I’ve ever read, but it was unique because of one of the main characters. Koko the Siamese cat, who can read a freshly published newspaper backwards by tracing the letters and who has a knack for uncovering clues that piece together difficult crimes. This book in a way reminded me of an Alfred Hitchcock film – a lot of build up to a brief yet explosive finale. I suspect this may have been because it was the first in a series, and certain characters deserved lengthy descriptions. With that said, the book was well written, with a dash of surprising red herrings and an almost constant upheaval of what the reader thinks they know about the mystery.
I would go so far as to say that The Cat Who Could Read Backwards is more a mystery than a crime novel, or a cosy crime at that. It may not be as ‘cosy’ as others, like many written by her excellency Agatha Christie, but it is a polar opposite to some of the more grizzly and gruesome crime novels abundant today. In this first story of Jim Qwilleran (Qwill) and Koko, Qwill accepts a job working on art pieces for a newspaper called the Daily Fluxion. He appears to have had a relatively decorated career that took an unexpected halt, but this point isn’t explained at all. Perhaps in other novels in the series? The first half of the novel sets the scene – we meet a handful of exceptional artists, each quirky in their own ways, one bitterly disliked art critic, and of course the masterful Koko.
In a nutshell, a pompous critic named George Bonifield Mountclemens III (yes, that’s his name!) has ruffled a number of feathers with his biased and scathing reviews of most of the local artists. He selectively favours a small few, while burning bridges with the others. At first the reader even doubts his existence! But Mountclemens definitely exists, and Qwill finds himself inhabiting a small apartment attached to Mountclemens’ antique and dilapidated home. Within a number of pages, there is a brutal stabbing, an attack by vandals, and a suspicious accident at a small gathering. Something is not right within the art world.
I was extremely surprised and almost somewhat let down by the conclusion. I do, however, have a strong liking for the feline component of the novel, Koko. From his first appearance, Koko is described as a supremely intelligent and elegant cat who appears to know a great deal more about the world than an average cat should. The author has a gigantic love of cats that is made abundantly clear throughout the novel, as cats are described positively numerous times. Anyone who knows me even slightly well knows that I too love cats, so this series will hold a great deal of appeal for me. I won’t rush out to read the next, but that’s more because I’m put off by the sheer number of books in the series – over 25 in total! It’s a great idea though, a cat detective. I like it a lot.
I would go so far as to say that The Cat Who Could Read Backwards is more a mystery than a crime novel, or a cosy crime at that. It may not be as ‘cosy’ as others, like many written by her excellency Agatha Christie, but it is a polar opposite to some of the more grizzly and gruesome crime novels abundant today. In this first story of Jim Qwilleran (Qwill) and Koko, Qwill accepts a job working on art pieces for a newspaper called the Daily Fluxion. He appears to have had a relatively decorated career that took an unexpected halt, but this point isn’t explained at all. Perhaps in other novels in the series? The first half of the novel sets the scene – we meet a handful of exceptional artists, each quirky in their own ways, one bitterly disliked art critic, and of course the masterful Koko.
In a nutshell, a pompous critic named George Bonifield Mountclemens III (yes, that’s his name!) has ruffled a number of feathers with his biased and scathing reviews of most of the local artists. He selectively favours a small few, while burning bridges with the others. At first the reader even doubts his existence! But Mountclemens definitely exists, and Qwill finds himself inhabiting a small apartment attached to Mountclemens’ antique and dilapidated home. Within a number of pages, there is a brutal stabbing, an attack by vandals, and a suspicious accident at a small gathering. Something is not right within the art world.
I was extremely surprised and almost somewhat let down by the conclusion. I do, however, have a strong liking for the feline component of the novel, Koko. From his first appearance, Koko is described as a supremely intelligent and elegant cat who appears to know a great deal more about the world than an average cat should. The author has a gigantic love of cats that is made abundantly clear throughout the novel, as cats are described positively numerous times. Anyone who knows me even slightly well knows that I too love cats, so this series will hold a great deal of appeal for me. I won’t rush out to read the next, but that’s more because I’m put off by the sheer number of books in the series – over 25 in total! It’s a great idea though, a cat detective. I like it a lot.
May 24, 2025
I was introduced to "The Cat Who..." series in the mid-1980s when The Cat Who Saw Red was published. I was immediately intrigued by the story of Jim Qwilleran and his adventures in solving crimes with his feline partners, Koko and Yum Yum. I soon learned that The Cat Who Saw Red was actually the fourth in the series. The author had written three books in the mid-1960s and then stopped writing (or stopped publishing) for two decades. Eventually she would write a total of 29 books in this series, all of which I read and loved.
Upon rereading her first book, The Cat Who Could Read Backwards, however, I noticed some things that I didn't pay attention to on my initial reading in the 1980s. Qwilleran, while styling himself as a gentleman, shows more than a few misogynistic traits. I plan to reread the series over a period of time. I will be interested to see if that characteristic changes with the changes in society over the ensuing years.
The other incredibly cringeworthy thing in this book is the inclusion of an obvious lesbian character who is quite casually introduced as "Butchy" (yes, everyone calls her that). Her physique and mannerisms match her nickname. At least Thank goodness for small favors.
Even with all that, I still enjoyed the story of how Qwilleran met and became the guardian of Kao K'o-Kung, aka Koko, and how they became crime-solving partners. I eagerly await Yum Yum's arrival, hopefully in The Cat Who Ate Danish Modern.
Upon rereading her first book, The Cat Who Could Read Backwards, however, I noticed some things that I didn't pay attention to on my initial reading in the 1980s. Qwilleran, while styling himself as a gentleman, shows more than a few misogynistic traits. I plan to reread the series over a period of time. I will be interested to see if that characteristic changes with the changes in society over the ensuing years.
The other incredibly cringeworthy thing in this book is the inclusion of an obvious lesbian character who is quite casually introduced as "Butchy" (yes, everyone calls her that). Her physique and mannerisms match her nickname. At least Thank goodness for small favors.
Even with all that, I still enjoyed the story of how Qwilleran met and became the guardian of Kao K'o-Kung, aka Koko, and how they became crime-solving partners. I eagerly await Yum Yum's arrival, hopefully in The Cat Who Ate Danish Modern.
August 20, 2015
This is my first exposure to Lilian Jackson Braun's cozy Qwilleran and Koko (the Siamese cat) mysteries. I had previously avoided them as the concept of the reporter, aided by a cat, solving mysteries didn't really appeal to me. However as I've begun to explore the mystery genre more and more and due to recommendations from a number of Goodreads friends, I finally bit the bullet and took the plunge (how's that for mixed metaphors). And I have to say, this introduction to Qwilleran, the new reporter on the art beat of the Daily Fluxion, and his burgeoning acquaintance with Koko, his landlord's Siamese cat, was most enjoyable. This is definitely a 'cozy' mystery, a murder of a local art critic welcomes Qwill (and his bristly moustaches, which seem to have a life of its own) to his new job on the art beat. Qwill previously was a crime reporter on another paper, but due to unexplained circumstances, now finds himself exploring the local art scene of the Fluxion, a paper in some unnamed city. As he explores the art scene and familiarizing himself with it, he rents an apt from the Flux' art critic and his Siamese cat and finds himself embroiled in this mystery; one murder, maybe two, maybe three. I wanted to give this mystery a 3 star, maybe a 3.5, but ultimately, it was such an enjoyable read and the characters were interesting and the mystery was a pleasure to delve into, that I had to give it a 4 star. Looking forward to reading more of the developing relationship between Koko (the real detective) and Qwill in mystery number 2, The Cat who Ate Danish Modern.
July 10, 2021
I’ve been reading cozy mysteries for a LONG time, but I had never read any of this famous series. According to Fantastic Fiction, Ms. Braun wrote and published the first three books in the 1960s, to some acclaim, and then disappeared from the writing scene for about 20 years. I found it an interesting and well-written of the genre. I enjoyed the comments about Qwilleran’s moustache, as though the moustache is a separate entity. Being a cat lover, I very much enjoyed Koko’s abilities to entertain and detect and I look forward to reading more.
December 28, 2023
A fun, diverting mystery perfect for a plane read or short escape. Koko the cat, Siamese super sleuth, teams up with investigative reporter Jim Qwilleran to solve murder, mayhem and a series of art heists. Leave it to the cat to be the centerpiece of this dream team. If you like this one, there are 28 more cat tales by the prolific Lilian Jackson Braun awaiting you.
January 22, 2021
Art Critic turned sleuth solves the crime with the aid of a neighbours cat!
It sounds silly and far fetched but was a lovely way to pass a few hours.
Light and fun read, a great way to pass a few hours!
It sounds silly and far fetched but was a lovely way to pass a few hours.
Light and fun read, a great way to pass a few hours!
April 12, 2025
Third time's the charm-- the first time I read this book I liked it, the second I almost didn't like it, but the third time I fell in love.
January 5, 2019
Not bad, but boring.
January 29, 2020
"How does it feel to be playing Dr. Watson to a cat?"
Jim Qwilleran memang cuma reporter biasa, bukan detektif. Awalnya sempat jadi wartawan bagian kriminal, dapat penghargaan, menulis buku; dan kini, di usia lebih dari 40 tahun, setelah bercerai dari istrinya dan berpindah-pindah pekerjaan, Qwill terdampar di surat kabar sebuah kota kecil dan bertugas mengisi artikel tentang seni.
Aku, yang makin lama makin lambat membaca, merasa tertolong dengan gaya penceritaannya yang nggak bertele-tele dan kocak, terutama menyangkut kumisnya si Qwill, yang menurut dia berfungsi sebagai antena yang memberikan berbagai pesan dan firasat (>∀<☆)
Di rumah rekan kerjanya, seorang kritikus seni yang dibenci banyak orang karena kritikannya kayak seblak level 15, Qwill bertemu denganbelahan jiwanya calon majikannya...
Kao K'o-Kung (❤ω❤) alias Koko❤
Langsing, berotot, cerdas penuh wibawa, Koko langsung membuat Qwill patuh dan menghamba...
*eh tunggu, ceritanya ga kayak gini juga*
*sedikit tercampur dengan emosi pribadi...
Pokoknya, kemudian di kota itu ada kasus pembunuhan di sebuah galeri seni, dan Qwill yang mantan reporter berita kriminal jadi sangat tertarik, berusaha mencari siapa pelakunya. Namun, Qwill sebagai tokoh utama di sini lebih berfungsi mewakili Watson, Hastings, dan pembaca; yang terseok-seok mengumpulkan data dan mengambil kesimpulan
Jadi, detektif di novel ini sebenarnya adalah Koko (°◡°♡) ...atau kalau mau lebih tepatnya, ini adalah novel misteri tanpa tokoh detektif yang kuat dan berkarisma (⁀ᗢ⁀) karena Koko terlalu kuat dan berkarisma sebagai kucing ଲ(ⓛ ω ⓛ)ଲ
Seru banget bacanya~ dan walaupun ada satu-dua hal yang mengganjal, seperti tapi aku bener-bener menikmati membacanya, dan penasaran dengan petualangan Koko selanjutnya~ (^◕ᴥ◕^)
Jim Qwilleran memang cuma reporter biasa, bukan detektif. Awalnya sempat jadi wartawan bagian kriminal, dapat penghargaan, menulis buku; dan kini, di usia lebih dari 40 tahun, setelah bercerai dari istrinya dan berpindah-pindah pekerjaan, Qwill terdampar di surat kabar sebuah kota kecil dan bertugas mengisi artikel tentang seni.
Aku, yang makin lama makin lambat membaca, merasa tertolong dengan gaya penceritaannya yang nggak bertele-tele dan kocak, terutama menyangkut kumisnya si Qwill, yang menurut dia berfungsi sebagai antena yang memberikan berbagai pesan dan firasat (>∀<☆)
Di rumah rekan kerjanya, seorang kritikus seni yang dibenci banyak orang karena kritikannya kayak seblak level 15, Qwill bertemu dengan
Kao K'o-Kung (❤ω❤) alias Koko❤
Langsing, berotot, cerdas penuh wibawa, Koko langsung membuat Qwill patuh dan menghamba...
*eh tunggu, ceritanya ga kayak gini juga*
*sedikit tercampur dengan emosi pribadi...
Pokoknya, kemudian di kota itu ada kasus pembunuhan di sebuah galeri seni, dan Qwill yang mantan reporter berita kriminal jadi sangat tertarik, berusaha mencari siapa pelakunya. Namun, Qwill sebagai tokoh utama di sini lebih berfungsi mewakili Watson, Hastings, dan pembaca; yang terseok-seok mengumpulkan data dan mengambil kesimpulan
Jadi, detektif di novel ini sebenarnya adalah Koko (°◡°♡) ...atau kalau mau lebih tepatnya, ini adalah novel misteri tanpa tokoh detektif yang kuat dan berkarisma (⁀ᗢ⁀) karena Koko terlalu kuat dan berkarisma sebagai kucing ଲ(ⓛ ω ⓛ)ଲ
Seru banget bacanya~ dan walaupun ada satu-dua hal yang mengganjal, seperti tapi aku bener-bener menikmati membacanya, dan penasaran dengan petualangan Koko selanjutnya~ (^◕ᴥ◕^)
February 4, 2021
Primo di una serie di cozy mystery americani degli anni '60, con protagonista Jim Qwilleran, un ex cronista di nera. Qwilleran viene ingaggiato dal Daily Fluxion, un giornale locale di una città americana non meglio specificata - ma che deve essere nella parte orientale, visto che si può raggiungere New York in breve tempo in macchina e non deve essere neanche tanto distante da Pittsburgh - per affiancare il critico d'arte, il terribile George Bounifield Mountclemens III, che fa il bello e il cattivo tempo nell'avanguardia artistica locale e non, con articoli sferzanti. È lui il proprietario del gatto Kao K'o-Kung (abbreviato Koko), un siamese viziatissimo e intelligentissimo, che sembra davvero saper leggere alla rovescia (cioè da destra a sinistra), a cui Qwilleran si troverà a fare da babysitter. In breve tempo, Qwilleran si troverà a indagare su un omicidio proprio nell'ambiente artistico.
Mi è piaciuto molto lo stile di Lilian Jackson Braun; e il fatto che Koko collabori in un certo senso con Qwilleran nelle indagini mi ha fatto molto apprezzare questo romanzo, per cui credo proprio che continuerò a leggere la serie. (E pure io, mentre scrivevo la recensione, ho scritto Quilleran, senza la w, un problema che il nostro Jim, a quanto pare, ha spesso!)
Mi è piaciuto molto lo stile di Lilian Jackson Braun; e il fatto che Koko collabori in un certo senso con Qwilleran nelle indagini mi ha fatto molto apprezzare questo romanzo, per cui credo proprio che continuerò a leggere la serie. (E pure io, mentre scrivevo la recensione, ho scritto Quilleran, senza la w, un problema che il nostro Jim, a quanto pare, ha spesso!)
May 20, 2017
The Cat Who Could Read Backwards by Lilian Jackson Braun is the first in a series of cozy mysteries. Jim Qwilleran is a middle aged reporter starting a new position at the Daily Fluxion as an art writer assigned to write stories about the local artists for the newspaper's feature section despite his complete lack of knowledge about art. As he begins introducing himself around town, the one constant he finds is that everyone hates his newspaper's art critic George Bonifield Mountclemens III. Then a local art dealer is murdered followed shortly by the homicide of the art critic.
The star character in the story is the spoiled Siamese cat owned by Mountclemens, Kai K'o-King or Koko for short. Qwill meets Koko when he is invited to dinner, and they become better acquired when Qwill cat-sits for a few days. What is most apparent is that Qwill needs to work on his cat communication skills because Koko is the one who knows what is going on and leads Qwill to the clues.
The mystery was ok, and the cat was magnificent. 4 stars.
The star character in the story is the spoiled Siamese cat owned by Mountclemens, Kai K'o-King or Koko for short. Qwill meets Koko when he is invited to dinner, and they become better acquired when Qwill cat-sits for a few days. What is most apparent is that Qwill needs to work on his cat communication skills because Koko is the one who knows what is going on and leads Qwill to the clues.
The mystery was ok, and the cat was magnificent. 4 stars.
April 15, 2011
This the first in the “Cat Who…” series. It is were we meet Jim Qwilleran, prize winning newspaper reporter. He has had a bit of a rough time in the past few years – not much is said as to what the problem was, but he only drinks tomato juice, his wife has left him, and all he can hope for is a job reporting on the art scene for the Daily Fluxion. There is a mysterious art critic, George Bonifield Mountclemens, already commenting on the actual art – Jim is expected to work on the human interest side.
Interest is the word, the art world is full of extremely egotistical characters. Quickly befriended by Mountclemens and his Siamese cat, Koko, Jim finds himself investigating three murders. One of the murders is that of Mountclemens – and Koko the cat proves to be a very able co-investigator. He may be small, furry and incapable of speech – but he “speaks” volumes. Jim Will just have to learn to understand him.
This is a cosy read – light and fluffy – with the bonus of a cat
Interest is the word, the art world is full of extremely egotistical characters. Quickly befriended by Mountclemens and his Siamese cat, Koko, Jim finds himself investigating three murders. One of the murders is that of Mountclemens – and Koko the cat proves to be a very able co-investigator. He may be small, furry and incapable of speech – but he “speaks” volumes. Jim Will just have to learn to understand him.
This is a cosy read – light and fluffy – with the bonus of a cat
July 24, 2019
3.5 stars.
An amusing send-up of modern art disguised as a mystery.
Very 1960s; girls are called dolls, electric pencil sharpeners are considered ostentatious, and everybody drinks and smokes.
The characters are charming and the mood is fun.
I would have rated it higher, but I found the ending a little disappointing.
An amusing send-up of modern art disguised as a mystery.
Very 1960s; girls are called dolls, electric pencil sharpeners are considered ostentatious, and everybody drinks and smokes.
The characters are charming and the mood is fun.
I would have rated it higher, but I found the ending a little disappointing.
October 10, 2022
Murderer just suddenly appears in the last few pages out of nowhere...? So much misogyny, every woman is described only in terms of her appearance and attractiveness, one blatantly by her measurements twice and was told she was prettier when she smiled, most annoy the male main character, and all of the women are minor characters. Weird for a woman author, I guess that's the 60s for you?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 3, 2018
3.5
I was so surprised with this one! I'm a crazy cat lady so the title was very appealing to me. I thought it would be very quirky and over the top but it works so well that I didn't mind it!
It was so quick to read to, it was refreshing. I'll continue the series for sure!
I was so surprised with this one! I'm a crazy cat lady so the title was very appealing to me. I thought it would be very quirky and over the top but it works so well that I didn't mind it!
It was so quick to read to, it was refreshing. I'll continue the series for sure!
May 6, 2020
I really enjoyed this easygoing, lighthearted, funny story. The writer's style reminded me a little of Jonathan Lethem. Though more streamlined and simple than contemporary fiction, the narrative still holds up as pure fun.
August 12, 2023
Katinas? Detektyvas? Aišku, imu.
Jimas Qwilleranas kadaise apdovanojimus skynęs kriminalinės skilties žurnalistas, jau kuris laikas be darbo. Tik todėl sutinka imtis meno apžvalgininko dienraštyje darbo. Tiesa, vienas meno kritikas į tą dienraštį jau rašo – paslaptingasis Mountclemensas, kurio nekenčia kone visi miestelio menininkai. Suprantama, išskyrus tuos vieną-du, kuriuos jis savo apžvalgose giria. Ir štai tas Mountclemensas pasiūlo Jimui išnuomoti butelį savo name. Jimas nujaučia, kad žema nuomos kaina ne šiaip sau – akivaizdu, kad retsykiais teks rūpintis ne mažiau nei šeimininkas rafinuotu Mountclemenso katinu Koko.
Ramų gyvenimą sudrumsčia galerijos savininko nužudymas. O netrukus Jimas kieme aptinka ir nudurto Mountclemenso kūną. Ar pavyks sumaniam katinui ir jo Watsonui (t.y. Jimui – norėčiau pasakyt, kad buvo atvirkščiai, bet ne, nebuvo) surasti žudiką?
Gana lengva ir kiek naivoka knyga. Detektyvas prasideda jau kone įpusėjus, ir tarsi būtų neblogai susuktas, bet va – tyrimo eiga ir atomazga... Na, šiaip sau. Bet katinas simpatiškas, aha.
Vasaros karščiams visai gerai. Tvirti trys iš penkių.
Jimas Qwilleranas kadaise apdovanojimus skynęs kriminalinės skilties žurnalistas, jau kuris laikas be darbo. Tik todėl sutinka imtis meno apžvalgininko dienraštyje darbo. Tiesa, vienas meno kritikas į tą dienraštį jau rašo – paslaptingasis Mountclemensas, kurio nekenčia kone visi miestelio menininkai. Suprantama, išskyrus tuos vieną-du, kuriuos jis savo apžvalgose giria. Ir štai tas Mountclemensas pasiūlo Jimui išnuomoti butelį savo name. Jimas nujaučia, kad žema nuomos kaina ne šiaip sau – akivaizdu, kad retsykiais teks rūpintis ne mažiau nei šeimininkas rafinuotu Mountclemenso katinu Koko.
Ramų gyvenimą sudrumsčia galerijos savininko nužudymas. O netrukus Jimas kieme aptinka ir nudurto Mountclemenso kūną. Ar pavyks sumaniam katinui ir jo Watsonui (t.y. Jimui – norėčiau pasakyt, kad buvo atvirkščiai, bet ne, nebuvo) surasti žudiką?
Gana lengva ir kiek naivoka knyga. Detektyvas prasideda jau kone įpusėjus, ir tarsi būtų neblogai susuktas, bet va – tyrimo eiga ir atomazga... Na, šiaip sau. Bet katinas simpatiškas, aha.
Vasaros karščiams visai gerai. Tvirti trys iš penkių.
July 20, 2010
Fine 1st entree in long running series for cat/mystery fans...
With nearly two dozen novels in "The Cat Who..." series, Braun has obviously struck a chord with mystery and cat lovers. Almost a classic yarn in the ilk of Elliot Queen, there's no sex and no profanity in this nice clean straightforward story of three murders -- a puzzling whodunit. Jim Qwilleran is introduced as the leading man; an accomplished journalist, he takes an "Art Beat" job with a small paper for which he's hardly qualified but makes the best of it. He hears so much about the paper's hated official art critic, one G.B. Mountclemens, that he can't wait to meet him. Ironically, he likes the guy and decides to rent out his lower apartment. His low rent paves the way for quite a bit of cat sitting, and so we meet the brainy Siamese "Koko", who in addition to normal feline fickleness, independence, and fastidiousness, is a bit of a sleuth himself (in addition to reading newspaper headlines!). When the owner fails to return from a trip and winds up murdered, our hero starts sifting for clues along with his reporting chores. Between his twitchy mustache and hints from the cat, the case is solved quite neatly in just a couple of hundred easy to read pages.
Braun has cats of her own, undoubtedly the inspiration for her series, and cat lovers will be amused at the Koko's antics and the spoiled treatment he is accorded. He eats much better than most humans! But the story doesn't just rest on the cat -- Qwillerman is a likable guy who pursues his puzzles doggedly, while he and we learn a little about art and art galleries along the way. His interviewing skills and easygoing manner with people make him a natural at sniffing out the truth. For a few hours of fun relaxation and entertainment, try this tale!
With nearly two dozen novels in "The Cat Who..." series, Braun has obviously struck a chord with mystery and cat lovers. Almost a classic yarn in the ilk of Elliot Queen, there's no sex and no profanity in this nice clean straightforward story of three murders -- a puzzling whodunit. Jim Qwilleran is introduced as the leading man; an accomplished journalist, he takes an "Art Beat" job with a small paper for which he's hardly qualified but makes the best of it. He hears so much about the paper's hated official art critic, one G.B. Mountclemens, that he can't wait to meet him. Ironically, he likes the guy and decides to rent out his lower apartment. His low rent paves the way for quite a bit of cat sitting, and so we meet the brainy Siamese "Koko", who in addition to normal feline fickleness, independence, and fastidiousness, is a bit of a sleuth himself (in addition to reading newspaper headlines!). When the owner fails to return from a trip and winds up murdered, our hero starts sifting for clues along with his reporting chores. Between his twitchy mustache and hints from the cat, the case is solved quite neatly in just a couple of hundred easy to read pages.
Braun has cats of her own, undoubtedly the inspiration for her series, and cat lovers will be amused at the Koko's antics and the spoiled treatment he is accorded. He eats much better than most humans! But the story doesn't just rest on the cat -- Qwillerman is a likable guy who pursues his puzzles doggedly, while he and we learn a little about art and art galleries along the way. His interviewing skills and easygoing manner with people make him a natural at sniffing out the truth. For a few hours of fun relaxation and entertainment, try this tale!
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