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The Cat Who... #6
The Cat Who Played Post Office
Inheriting unexpected millions has left reporter Jim Qwilleran looking like the cat who swallowed the canary. While his two Siamese cats, Koko and Yum Yum, adjust to being fat cats in an enormous mansion, Qwilleran samples the lifestyles of the rich and famous by hiring a staff of eccentric servants. A missing housemaid and a shocking murder show Qwilleran the unsavory side of the upper crust. But soon it's Koko's purr-fect propensity for clues amid the caviar and champagne that gives Qwilleran pause to evaluate the most unlikely suspects...before his taste for the good life turns into his last meal.
268 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 1, 1987
396 people are currently reading
2277 people want to read
About the author
Lilian Jackson Braun
194 books1,721 followersLilian Jackson Braun was an American writer. She is well-known for her light-hearted series of The Cat Who... mystery novels. The Cat Who books center around the life of former newspaper reporter James Qwilleran, and his two Siamese cats, KoKo and Yum Yum in the fictitious small town of Pickax located in Moose County, "400 miles north of everywhere." Although never formally stated in the books, the towns, counties and lifestyles described in the series are generally accepted to be a modeled after Bad Axe, Michigan (located in the "Michigan Thumb") where she resided with her husband for many years until the mid 1980's. Many also believe that the culture and history of the Upper peninsula of Michigan are represented in the series as well, which is quite possible as it is indeed a fictitious location.
Lilian Jackson Braun began her writing career as a teenager, contributing sports poetry for the Detroit News. She later began working as an advertising copywriter for many of Detroit's department stores. After that stint, she worked at the Detroit Free Press as the "Good Living" editor for 30 years. She retired from the Free Press in 1978.
Between 1966 and 1968, she published three novels to critical acclaim: The Cat Who Could Read Backwards, The Cat Who Ate Danish Modern and The Cat Who Turned On and Off. In 1966, The New York Times labeled Braun, "the new detective of the year." The rising mystery author disappeared from the publishing scene for 18 years. The blame came from the fact that mystery novels were starting to focus on sex, violence, and foul language, and Braun's light-hearted books were not welcome in this new territory. It wasn't until 1986 that the Berkley Publishing Group reintroduced Braun to the public with the publication of an original paperback, The Cat Who Saw Red. Within two years, Berkeley released four new novels in paperback and reprinted the three mysteries from the sixties. Braun's series became an instant best seller once again. In January 2007 the twenty-ninth novel in the series, The Cat Who Had 60 Whiskers, was released in hardcover by the Penguin Group.
Not much was really known about Braun, as she prefered to keep her private life that way. For years, publishers have given inaccurate accounts of her year of birth, which has remained unknown until she openly acknowledged her age in an interview for the Detroit News in January 2005.
Lilian Jackson Braun began her writing career as a teenager, contributing sports poetry for the Detroit News. She later began working as an advertising copywriter for many of Detroit's department stores. After that stint, she worked at the Detroit Free Press as the "Good Living" editor for 30 years. She retired from the Free Press in 1978.
Between 1966 and 1968, she published three novels to critical acclaim: The Cat Who Could Read Backwards, The Cat Who Ate Danish Modern and The Cat Who Turned On and Off. In 1966, The New York Times labeled Braun, "the new detective of the year." The rising mystery author disappeared from the publishing scene for 18 years. The blame came from the fact that mystery novels were starting to focus on sex, violence, and foul language, and Braun's light-hearted books were not welcome in this new territory. It wasn't until 1986 that the Berkley Publishing Group reintroduced Braun to the public with the publication of an original paperback, The Cat Who Saw Red. Within two years, Berkeley released four new novels in paperback and reprinted the three mysteries from the sixties. Braun's series became an instant best seller once again. In January 2007 the twenty-ninth novel in the series, The Cat Who Had 60 Whiskers, was released in hardcover by the Penguin Group.
Not much was really known about Braun, as she prefered to keep her private life that way. For years, publishers have given inaccurate accounts of her year of birth, which has remained unknown until she openly acknowledged her age in an interview for the Detroit News in January 2005.
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August 12, 2017
Book Review
4 of 5 stars to The Cat Who Played Post Office, the 6th book in the Cat Who mystery series, by Lilian Jackson Braun. This is one of my favorite books in the whole series. It's actually the book that really changes the series, moving Qwill from the urban city atmosphere to 400 miles north of everywhere. Yes, some changed in the previous book, number 5, but this is the one where Qwill had to make some decisions about his future. His Aunt Fanny has passed away, leaving him millions of dollars; however, he has to move to Moose County where she lived for 5 years to inherit the funds. The good thing... he doesn't want the money, but he knows in order to protect all the charities and foundations, he needs to keep the money. And he does... but he eventually stay a lot longer than 5 years.
It kicks off with Qwill having some memory issues post-accident. Someone does not want him inheriting this money, nor living in Pickax. And thus begins his long-time friendships and enemy-lines among the townspeople in Moose County. This is the book where you learn the history, the core families, the necessary facts to set up a series for another 20 books. It's a must read if you are sampling some in this series. For a while, I wanted to move here... even tho it doesn't exist... it was modeled after a few towns. Perhaps some day... and I too can solve cozy crimes.
About Me
For those new to me or my reviews... here's the scoop: I read A LOT. I write A LOT. And now I blog A LOT. First the book review goes on Goodreads, and then I send it on over to my WordPress blog at https://thisismytruthnow.com, where you'll also find TV & Film reviews, the revealing and introspective 365 Daily Challenge and lots of blogging about places I've visited all over the world. And you can find all my social media profiles to get the details on the who/what/when/where and my pictures. Leave a comment and let me know what you think. Vote in the poll and ratings. Thanks for stopping by. Note: All written content is my original creation and copyrighted to me, but the graphics and images were linked from other sites and belong to them. Many thanks to their original creators.
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4 of 5 stars to The Cat Who Played Post Office, the 6th book in the Cat Who mystery series, by Lilian Jackson Braun. This is one of my favorite books in the whole series. It's actually the book that really changes the series, moving Qwill from the urban city atmosphere to 400 miles north of everywhere. Yes, some changed in the previous book, number 5, but this is the one where Qwill had to make some decisions about his future. His Aunt Fanny has passed away, leaving him millions of dollars; however, he has to move to Moose County where she lived for 5 years to inherit the funds. The good thing... he doesn't want the money, but he knows in order to protect all the charities and foundations, he needs to keep the money. And he does... but he eventually stay a lot longer than 5 years.
It kicks off with Qwill having some memory issues post-accident. Someone does not want him inheriting this money, nor living in Pickax. And thus begins his long-time friendships and enemy-lines among the townspeople in Moose County. This is the book where you learn the history, the core families, the necessary facts to set up a series for another 20 books. It's a must read if you are sampling some in this series. For a while, I wanted to move here... even tho it doesn't exist... it was modeled after a few towns. Perhaps some day... and I too can solve cozy crimes.
About Me
For those new to me or my reviews... here's the scoop: I read A LOT. I write A LOT. And now I blog A LOT. First the book review goes on Goodreads, and then I send it on over to my WordPress blog at https://thisismytruthnow.com, where you'll also find TV & Film reviews, the revealing and introspective 365 Daily Challenge and lots of blogging about places I've visited all over the world. And you can find all my social media profiles to get the details on the who/what/when/where and my pictures. Leave a comment and let me know what you think. Vote in the poll and ratings. Thanks for stopping by. Note: All written content is my original creation and copyrighted to me, but the graphics and images were linked from other sites and belong to them. Many thanks to their original creators.
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March 18, 2018
I am almost positive this was the first “The Cat Who…” book I ever read - many, many years ago. In the past I’ve read them as I found them and I believe they stand on their own; but I’m really enjoying this chronological march through Qwill’s adventures. Also, my memory is for shit anymore so it’s like reading them all for the first time. Anyway, the 6th book in the series is a good one.
This time, Qwill's beat was ... being a millionaire.
Having decided to take the offer he couldn’t refuse, he and the cats are residing in splendor in Aunt Fanny’s palatial mansion in Pickax and trying to figure out how to be wealthy. Rosemary is officially history and he is now dating Melinda Goodwinter, the young doctor from the last book. She apparently was able to overcome her reservations about his advanced age after he came into all that money. (I just don't like her. For one thing, she has a really annoying habit of calling him “Lover.” I hope he gives her the heave-ho in the next book.) Besides Melinda, he meets a bewildering variety of other Goodwinters, as that seems to be the surname of half the town - they were a founding family, most made their fortune in mining.
In addition to Goodwinters, the new Moose County location provides much opportunity for humor, with its unique characters and customs and Qwill’s fish out of water story. I enjoyed the reappearance of people we've met before - one of the advantages of reading the books in order. Iris Cobb, his wacky Junktown landlady from “…On and Off” is now a widow, so she moves in to become his housekeeper. Arch Riker comes for a visit and we learn that he and his wife Rosie have separated. Frank and Lori are back, Lori is pregnant and becomes Qwill's part time secretary.
As the novel opens, an accident has caused Qwill to suffer a brief bout of amnesia so we get a lot of clues to his past courtesy of Arch Riker, who tries to jog his memory. They’ve been friends since kindergarten. Qwill was in the service. He became a top crime reporter and did many assignments overseas, winning journalism prizes. He wrote a bestselling book about urban crime. His mother died when he was in college. He married his wife (name: Miriam) in Scotland and they have been divorced for about 10 years; her family was wealthy and it’s hinted that they were involved in some shady stuff.
Although the tone was light, the body count was unusually high in this one. The mystery this time involves the disappearance of a maid 5 years ago, and Koko is really integral to solving the case; his increased involvement is something I really enjoyed.
All in all, a very enjoyable outing in the series.
Originally published: 1987
Body Count: 5
Preceded by: The Cat Played Brahms
Next Up: The Cat Who Knew Shakespeare
This time, Qwill's beat was ... being a millionaire.
Having decided to take the offer he couldn’t refuse, he and the cats are residing in splendor in Aunt Fanny’s palatial mansion in Pickax and trying to figure out how to be wealthy. Rosemary is officially history and he is now dating Melinda Goodwinter, the young doctor from the last book. She apparently was able to overcome her reservations about his advanced age after he came into all that money. (I just don't like her. For one thing, she has a really annoying habit of calling him “Lover.” I hope he gives her the heave-ho in the next book.) Besides Melinda, he meets a bewildering variety of other Goodwinters, as that seems to be the surname of half the town - they were a founding family, most made their fortune in mining.
In addition to Goodwinters, the new Moose County location provides much opportunity for humor, with its unique characters and customs and Qwill’s fish out of water story. I enjoyed the reappearance of people we've met before - one of the advantages of reading the books in order. Iris Cobb, his wacky Junktown landlady from “…On and Off” is now a widow, so she moves in to become his housekeeper. Arch Riker comes for a visit and we learn that he and his wife Rosie have separated. Frank and Lori are back, Lori is pregnant and becomes Qwill's part time secretary.
As the novel opens, an accident has caused Qwill to suffer a brief bout of amnesia so we get a lot of clues to his past courtesy of Arch Riker, who tries to jog his memory. They’ve been friends since kindergarten. Qwill was in the service. He became a top crime reporter and did many assignments overseas, winning journalism prizes. He wrote a bestselling book about urban crime. His mother died when he was in college. He married his wife (name: Miriam) in Scotland and they have been divorced for about 10 years; her family was wealthy and it’s hinted that they were involved in some shady stuff.
Although the tone was light, the body count was unusually high in this one. The mystery this time involves the disappearance of a maid 5 years ago, and Koko is really integral to solving the case; his increased involvement is something I really enjoyed.
All in all, a very enjoyable outing in the series.
Originally published: 1987
Body Count: 5
Preceded by: The Cat Played Brahms
Next Up: The Cat Who Knew Shakespeare
July 26, 2025
'The Cat Who Played Post Office' by Lilian Jackson Braun is number six in the series. Jim Qwilleran, owner of the amazing psychic sleuth Koko the Siamese cat, is a retired newspaper columnist. He unexpectedly inherited a mansion and other properties along with a lot of money that came with the condition he live in Moose County for five years. Qwilleran is not comfortable with this. He feels it is too much of everything - the mansion full of priceless antiques, the necessity of hiring servants, gardeners, lawyers and accountants, and the natural elevation of his social status requiring responses to all sorts of community responsibilities.
The cats Koko and Yum Yum are settling in. Koko in particular. He has unexpectedly taken an interest in the avalanche of mail which is pushed through the mail slot in the front door every day. He grasps particular pieces of mail and personally delivers them to Qwill.
Hmmmm.
Whatever it is Koko is trying to alert Qwill about, Qwill is not very quick to figure it out. Qwill does begin to realize a missing girl - who once was a servant in the mansion for the previous owner - might have been killed. In trying to play detective in learning the truth of the mystery he is asking questions in all the right places but he is woefully on the wrong track. Out and about on his daily bike ride, a truck runs him down and almost kills him! Koko becomes exasperated with him. If only Koko could talk!
Will Qwill figure it out? No. But Koko will!
This a very lightweight cozy mystery series, the author's tongue being firmly in cheek, with lots of evils vaguely and quickly described and off-screen. But there are dead bodies, unjust murders of innocents, poor people, ne'er-do-wells etc.. However, the books require suspending judgement of all kinds of reality because of Koko's mysterious abilities. The series is really a two-and-half-star read, gentle reader. I can't recommend it all.
😺😸😺
On to the next book in the series!
The cats Koko and Yum Yum are settling in. Koko in particular. He has unexpectedly taken an interest in the avalanche of mail which is pushed through the mail slot in the front door every day. He grasps particular pieces of mail and personally delivers them to Qwill.
Hmmmm.
Whatever it is Koko is trying to alert Qwill about, Qwill is not very quick to figure it out. Qwill does begin to realize a missing girl - who once was a servant in the mansion for the previous owner - might have been killed. In trying to play detective in learning the truth of the mystery he is asking questions in all the right places but he is woefully on the wrong track. Out and about on his daily bike ride, a truck runs him down and almost kills him! Koko becomes exasperated with him. If only Koko could talk!
Will Qwill figure it out? No. But Koko will!
This a very lightweight cozy mystery series, the author's tongue being firmly in cheek, with lots of evils vaguely and quickly described and off-screen. But there are dead bodies, unjust murders of innocents, poor people, ne'er-do-wells etc.. However, the books require suspending judgement of all kinds of reality because of Koko's mysterious abilities. The series is really a two-and-half-star read, gentle reader. I can't recommend it all.
😺😸😺
On to the next book in the series!
March 26, 2009
I have to say that so far this is one of the best in The Cat Who series as far as suspense and unexpected plot twists are concerned. Lilian Jackson Braun is one of my favorite escapist authors and as such I usually know what is going to happen but the characters keep me engaged. Not so with this book. I thoroughly enjoyed the twists and turns in this one and I could not put it down until I finished it.
Qwill starts the story in the hospital after someone tries to run him over during his daily bike ride. It does not take long for Qwill and Koko to figure out that this bit of foul play is connected to Qwill's habit of snooping into criminal activity; this time the activity surrounds a young housemaid and one of the town's prominent sons. As Qwill and Koko dig deeper into the mystery of the missing girl the people surrounding the case begin to die strange, unexpected deaths with the final death being the most surprising of all. As usual our dynamic duo solves the case and life is good until the next mystery begins.
Qwill starts the story in the hospital after someone tries to run him over during his daily bike ride. It does not take long for Qwill and Koko to figure out that this bit of foul play is connected to Qwill's habit of snooping into criminal activity; this time the activity surrounds a young housemaid and one of the town's prominent sons. As Qwill and Koko dig deeper into the mystery of the missing girl the people surrounding the case begin to die strange, unexpected deaths with the final death being the most surprising of all. As usual our dynamic duo solves the case and life is good until the next mystery begins.
November 29, 2022
Book on CD performed by George Guidall
Another charming episode in the life of journalist James Qwilleran (known simply as Qwill) and his precocious Siamese, Koko.
Qwill has inherited a sizeable fortune and must move to the estate in the “way up there” part of the state in order to collect the funds. Seems not everyone in town is happy to have him there, however. The story starts out with Qwill in the hospital, after having “fallen off” his bicycle and suffering a concussion. As he slowly begins to regain his memory, the story moves back in time to his arrival in town and his curiosity about a former houseworker on the estate who disappeared.
I like the series because I like Qwill. He’s a confirmed bachelor (having failed at marriage more than once already), but a gentleman. His work as a journalist gives him a reason to poke his nose in where it doesn’t belong. If he doesn’t immediately pick up on the significance of a clue, well trust that Koko will point him in the right direction with a yip, yowl or repeated scratching at a seemingly ordinary box.
I read this one out of order (inadvertently) … so I need to go back and find out how he came to inherit this estate.
George Guidall does a fine job of performing the audio. I like the voice he uses for Qwill – AND for Koko! He has a naturally deep voice, but he doesn’t a respectable job of voicing the female characters as well.
Another charming episode in the life of journalist James Qwilleran (known simply as Qwill) and his precocious Siamese, Koko.
Qwill has inherited a sizeable fortune and must move to the estate in the “way up there” part of the state in order to collect the funds. Seems not everyone in town is happy to have him there, however. The story starts out with Qwill in the hospital, after having “fallen off” his bicycle and suffering a concussion. As he slowly begins to regain his memory, the story moves back in time to his arrival in town and his curiosity about a former houseworker on the estate who disappeared.
I like the series because I like Qwill. He’s a confirmed bachelor (having failed at marriage more than once already), but a gentleman. His work as a journalist gives him a reason to poke his nose in where it doesn’t belong. If he doesn’t immediately pick up on the significance of a clue, well trust that Koko will point him in the right direction with a yip, yowl or repeated scratching at a seemingly ordinary box.
I read this one out of order (inadvertently) … so I need to go back and find out how he came to inherit this estate.
George Guidall does a fine job of performing the audio. I like the voice he uses for Qwill – AND for Koko! He has a naturally deep voice, but he doesn’t a respectable job of voicing the female characters as well.
March 27, 2017
What I liked most about this book is that it really feels like the bridge between two huge parts of Qwill's life, that if being a renowned crime reporter, and the beginning of his life in Mooseville and inheriting the Klingenschoen fortune. I like how this one starts with Qwill's loss of memory, and Arch having to remind him. This is one of my favorites in the series, because I prefer the Pickaxe books to the books set 'Down Below'.
These books are definitely for cat lovers, and for those who love a good mystery with a nice, slow build up. I read this while waiting for my boyfriend to fix the bearing on a trailer, so it was a very quick read, but like all in the series a very good one. Five stars!
These books are definitely for cat lovers, and for those who love a good mystery with a nice, slow build up. I read this while waiting for my boyfriend to fix the bearing on a trailer, so it was a very quick read, but like all in the series a very good one. Five stars!
July 5, 2025
I do like my mysteries cozy, but this was perhaps a bit overly cozy for me. And I probably would have preferred it if the cat was just very intelligent for a feline, not close to omniscient. Still, I did enjoy it. The writing was fun, and the mystery was solid. I’d like to read some more of this series.
April 30, 2010
Nothing is like it seems and Pickax is not a quiet little town 400 miles north of everywhere. Qwill soon finds out that the town has dirty little secrets and some are quite dangerous to investigate.
The overall plot is interesting if somewhat thin but that's expected in this series but since it's early days in Moose County, the gallery of characters I came to love are just paper thin dolls in this instalment.
We meet or get to know more the infamous Amanda Goodwinter, shop owner and designer; her cousin Melinda Goodwinter, the young doctor Qwill is dating; Junior Goodwinter, the young journalist of the Pickax only newspaper; the Goodwinter lawyer siblings : Penelope and Alexander; Chef Brodie; his daughter Franceska; Mrs Cobbs is welcomed back into the fold and Arch Riker, Qwill ex-editor from Down Below also visits.
Lots of characters that only pass through the story not really feeding it, just mostly doing figuration. Which is not what I remember from later titles in the series but I might be mistaking. The late titles have a reverse problems: no plot and only quirky characters passing through. I'm hoping my memories of the middle books are not just embellished memories.
The overall plot is interesting if somewhat thin but that's expected in this series but since it's early days in Moose County, the gallery of characters I came to love are just paper thin dolls in this instalment.
We meet or get to know more the infamous Amanda Goodwinter, shop owner and designer; her cousin Melinda Goodwinter, the young doctor Qwill is dating; Junior Goodwinter, the young journalist of the Pickax only newspaper; the Goodwinter lawyer siblings : Penelope and Alexander; Chef Brodie; his daughter Franceska; Mrs Cobbs is welcomed back into the fold and Arch Riker, Qwill ex-editor from Down Below also visits.
Lots of characters that only pass through the story not really feeding it, just mostly doing figuration. Which is not what I remember from later titles in the series but I might be mistaking. The late titles have a reverse problems: no plot and only quirky characters passing through. I'm hoping my memories of the middle books are not just embellished memories.
July 2, 2016
2.5 stars. I just really don't like these books as much as I did when I started. They're OKAY, but I definitely don't love them. I will continue the series for now, just because I enjoy the settings, the murder mysteries, and the cats.
But Qwill is still very unlikeable. He thinks every woman he meets wants to go on a date with him, when he is ALREADY dating someone who wants to marry him!
Hello?!
Ugh. Also, I thought the twist at the end of this book was really lame.
But Qwill is still very unlikeable. He thinks every woman he meets wants to go on a date with him, when he is ALREADY dating someone who wants to marry him!
Hello?!
Ugh. Also, I thought the twist at the end of this book was really lame.
May 8, 2021
This is the 6th book in The Cat Who series. They can be read out of order but there is an on-going storyline for the main character Qwilleran and the supporting characters grow as well. In this one Qwill has inherited the Klingenschoen fortune and moves to Pickax. A lot of the story is about him learning about his new surroundings and the people that live there. He also has a lot to learn as a prominent member of society and he is not exactly comfortable living in a big mansion.
As is natural for him when he comes across curious and puzzling information he starts to dig around to uncover the full story. In this case it's about a former maid with artistic talent who worked for the Klingenschoen family. When he looks into her disappearance from years ago things take a darker turn.
This book started off a little differently with Qwill waking up in a hospital with temporary amnesia. It was a nice way to begin the story and lets you know right away that something's going on in town. I always enjoy the attention paid to detail of the town, food, and anything that Qwill is working on/learning about. The characters, returning and new, are always incorporated well. The cats, Koko and Yum Yum, are always doing interesting stuff in the background and in this story Koko's work is definitely appreciated as it has an impact on the action at the end.
As is natural for him when he comes across curious and puzzling information he starts to dig around to uncover the full story. In this case it's about a former maid with artistic talent who worked for the Klingenschoen family. When he looks into her disappearance from years ago things take a darker turn.
This book started off a little differently with Qwill waking up in a hospital with temporary amnesia. It was a nice way to begin the story and lets you know right away that something's going on in town. I always enjoy the attention paid to detail of the town, food, and anything that Qwill is working on/learning about. The characters, returning and new, are always incorporated well. The cats, Koko and Yum Yum, are always doing interesting stuff in the background and in this story Koko's work is definitely appreciated as it has an impact on the action at the end.
February 1, 2020
3 Stars
Consistently good fun with Qwilleran and Kitties.
Consistently good fun with Qwilleran and Kitties.
October 30, 2022
This was the first book I ever read in this cute series that I've decided to call "Cat Mystery Books," and as I read the book it became painfully clear that I needed to go back and read the first books if I was going to have more context of the characters. Now, each novel is a self contained mystery, but there is a bit of an over-arching story with recurring characters, and especially in the sense that we follow Qwill and his cats around. Well, it's safe to say I am glad I started this series from the beginning and now fully understand the context in which Qwill's life is going.
Here our main character has fully moved into the town of Pick Axe and brought the feline friends to explore their new big house. As Qwill starts to arrange his new life by calling in some old friends from "down below" to help around the house. Mrs. Cobb returns to take a job as house keeper. His friend Arch Riker comes to visit once in a while, so we do get to hear from some recurring characters. However, in addition to these returning friends, we have a quite a new cast of characters to meet. As usual some are far more mysterious than the others, but we get to know Qwill's new girlfriend Melinda Goodwinter a lot better in this novel. I rather like her and am curious to see if she'll be around for longer than the single novel. I feel like Braun started off with a bit of the James Bond feel for Qwill, resulting in a new girlfriend in each novel, but now it seems that she has returned to writing, maybe Qwill will settle into a more stable life. Well... as stable as possible for a man solving mysteries with the help of Koko that is.
In this novel as Qwill is exploring his new domicile he finds the whole mansion overwhelming to take in. So, he finds smaller rooms above the garage that would be much more to his liking, rather than living in total opulence. While looking over those rooms he comes across one that used to be occupied by a young girl that was employed there years ago. Qwill comes to find out that the girl suddenly disappeared, and Koko is rather overly interested in the case of this missing person. Past experience has taught Qwill to trust Koko's instincts and begins asking questions about this girl's past. Naturally, as we can guess from the series, foul play was involved and a small town murder mystery comes back to the forefront!
As far as mysteries go, I thought this one was one of the better in the series so far. Some of the others felt rather abrupt and involved villains you rarely ever met. In this novel you get to meet a few of the people involved in the mystery, so it's real case of "who done it," which made for an exciting read. If you've been reading the series up until now, you will certainly not be disappointed in this mystery.
I really liked the antics of Koko and Yumyum, their whole fascination with the mail delivery and running around with the letters was wonderful. It reminded me of a situation with my own cats where I had a rather playful cat named Tony and one time I had a bunch of papers spread out on the floor because I was organizing something and what did he do? He ran through the papers and started playing with them. Batting them around and carrying them off. So, it was fun to think about the two cats running around with the letters.
Here our main character has fully moved into the town of Pick Axe and brought the feline friends to explore their new big house. As Qwill starts to arrange his new life by calling in some old friends from "down below" to help around the house. Mrs. Cobb returns to take a job as house keeper. His friend Arch Riker comes to visit once in a while, so we do get to hear from some recurring characters. However, in addition to these returning friends, we have a quite a new cast of characters to meet. As usual some are far more mysterious than the others, but we get to know Qwill's new girlfriend Melinda Goodwinter a lot better in this novel. I rather like her and am curious to see if she'll be around for longer than the single novel. I feel like Braun started off with a bit of the James Bond feel for Qwill, resulting in a new girlfriend in each novel, but now it seems that she has returned to writing, maybe Qwill will settle into a more stable life. Well... as stable as possible for a man solving mysteries with the help of Koko that is.
In this novel as Qwill is exploring his new domicile he finds the whole mansion overwhelming to take in. So, he finds smaller rooms above the garage that would be much more to his liking, rather than living in total opulence. While looking over those rooms he comes across one that used to be occupied by a young girl that was employed there years ago. Qwill comes to find out that the girl suddenly disappeared, and Koko is rather overly interested in the case of this missing person. Past experience has taught Qwill to trust Koko's instincts and begins asking questions about this girl's past. Naturally, as we can guess from the series, foul play was involved and a small town murder mystery comes back to the forefront!
As far as mysteries go, I thought this one was one of the better in the series so far. Some of the others felt rather abrupt and involved villains you rarely ever met. In this novel you get to meet a few of the people involved in the mystery, so it's real case of "who done it," which made for an exciting read. If you've been reading the series up until now, you will certainly not be disappointed in this mystery.
I really liked the antics of Koko and Yumyum, their whole fascination with the mail delivery and running around with the letters was wonderful. It reminded me of a situation with my own cats where I had a rather playful cat named Tony and one time I had a bunch of papers spread out on the floor because I was organizing something and what did he do? He ran through the papers and started playing with them. Batting them around and carrying them off. So, it was fun to think about the two cats running around with the letters.
April 17, 2017
I couldn’t remember whether this was a book I had read before, so went on and bought it anyway. As it turns out, this is one I had read, so it is a re-read for me. However, this is one of the best Cat Who … books, so it was not a difficult task at all.
James Qwilleran and his two Siamese cats, Koko and Yum Yum, have officially moved to Pickax City in Moose County. He has been required to live in Moose County for five years to claim his inheritance of the Klingenschoen fortune. Almost immediately, Koko homes in on a mystery.
In one of two servants’ apartments over the garage of the Klingenschoen mansion, Qwilleran finds the walls covered with extravagant murals of a type that leave him wondering if the painter left to get a job painting subway trains. It turns out that the person responsible was a maid who “worked” at the house some five years earlier. In any case, she seems to have disappeared almost without a trace. He uncovers (with help from Koko) a note to Miss Klingenschoen indicating the girl moved to Florida only to discover later that the note was not in the girl’s handwriting.
Curiously enough, as Qwilleran begins asking questions about this former maid, Daisy Mull, anyone who seems to know very much about her suddenly and mysteriously dies. It gets so bad that Qwilleran himself is run off the road as he is riding his bike near the old Dimsdale mine and nearly killed.
Koko, the detective cat, is more active in this case than in most of his other adventures. Not only does he uncover the note and the box and suitcase containing all the remains of Daisy’s earthly belongings, but he keeps setting up obstacles by the back door to obstruct the prowler who eventually does come to the house to silence Qwilleran once and for all. And he is the one who succeeds in knocking the man out so the police can handle him. But there is much more to the story than that, and it is a truly strange tale.
But for all the mystery and danger, life in Moose County seems somehow both more amusing and safer than in other places. It is truly a fun place to be.
James Qwilleran and his two Siamese cats, Koko and Yum Yum, have officially moved to Pickax City in Moose County. He has been required to live in Moose County for five years to claim his inheritance of the Klingenschoen fortune. Almost immediately, Koko homes in on a mystery.
In one of two servants’ apartments over the garage of the Klingenschoen mansion, Qwilleran finds the walls covered with extravagant murals of a type that leave him wondering if the painter left to get a job painting subway trains. It turns out that the person responsible was a maid who “worked” at the house some five years earlier. In any case, she seems to have disappeared almost without a trace. He uncovers (with help from Koko) a note to Miss Klingenschoen indicating the girl moved to Florida only to discover later that the note was not in the girl’s handwriting.
Curiously enough, as Qwilleran begins asking questions about this former maid, Daisy Mull, anyone who seems to know very much about her suddenly and mysteriously dies. It gets so bad that Qwilleran himself is run off the road as he is riding his bike near the old Dimsdale mine and nearly killed.
Koko, the detective cat, is more active in this case than in most of his other adventures. Not only does he uncover the note and the box and suitcase containing all the remains of Daisy’s earthly belongings, but he keeps setting up obstacles by the back door to obstruct the prowler who eventually does come to the house to silence Qwilleran once and for all. And he is the one who succeeds in knocking the man out so the police can handle him. But there is much more to the story than that, and it is a truly strange tale.
But for all the mystery and danger, life in Moose County seems somehow both more amusing and safer than in other places. It is truly a fun place to be.
April 9, 2024
After his Aunt Fran passed away, Qwill inherited millions, he just has to live in the small town for 5 years to get it or else it goes to the government. The reporter has to adjust to living the high life with his 2 furry companions. But when another murder shows up, Qwill's back to his crime solving ways.
February 12, 2012
Without Koko Jim would be lost. Koko is definitely the brains behind the outfit.
June 13, 2019
Ok, I’m finished with this series. The plots are ridiculous and I’m getting tired of the older guy who only likes younger women garbage. He can take himself and his silly mustache elsewhere.
August 27, 2021
I do feel like these stories have not stayed as strong as the original, but for a quick fast mystery they're still enjoyable. In large part because the cats are just a ton of fun. I'm always in to see what ever antics KoKo is up to next. YumYum is just adorable as well. This book is really the transition point as Qwill gets his new lifestyle set up and established. What's he going to do with all the millions he's suddenly inherited. Of course there's a mystery to be solved and one that ends up with Qwill as a target.
Overall the story was simplistic and I got really annoyed with Qwill's new girl of the moment. Her "lover" nickname for Qwill just bugged the crap out of me. But again the cats always redeem things for me. I loved KoKo escorting her out when he'd decided it had gotten late enough thank you. :)
This is going to be one of those series' I pick up when I want a quick lighthearted read and nothing more.
Overall the story was simplistic and I got really annoyed with Qwill's new girl of the moment. Her "lover" nickname for Qwill just bugged the crap out of me. But again the cats always redeem things for me. I loved KoKo escorting her out when he'd decided it had gotten late enough thank you. :)
This is going to be one of those series' I pick up when I want a quick lighthearted read and nothing more.
May 30, 2022
This time, it's personal. Newspaperman Jim Qwilleran learns he has become a millionaire. He is the sole heir of a rich aunt and can't believe his good fortune. But the will stipulates he must move to Pickaxe City, 400 miles north of everywhere, and live there for 5 years. An accident on a lonely country road while out bicycling turns out to be no accident at all-merely a plot to silence Qwill for digging too deep into a local mystery. This is one of my favorite mystery series, and I thoroughly enjoyed this book!!!
February 14, 2024
It's been a while since I've read the last "The Cat Who..." novel an it was nice to get back to it. I think the series became better after setting the plot in one place, giving the protagonist a house and a more settled life. The plot itself was rather good, the atmosphere of the quirky, small town being nicely described, however the ending came much too easily - though I did appreciate how it was a result of some clever actions, pity that just not from the protagonist.
August 2, 2022
I really liked this part of cats and Qwill adventures. It feels fresh and energetic, a lot is happenning. So that was nice to read. Maybe also because everything changes in Qwill's life, and it is compelling to read the next parts. This time the cat was a bit too clever, but it is still cute. Especially people who have cats can understand this :>
September 24, 2016
We were presented with an unusual cliffhanger at the end of the last novel. Jim Qwileran (Qwill) was left an enormous fortune in inheritance, provided he remain living in the Pickaxe area for five years. He was also offered his life-long dream assignment back in the big city. While this might seem a no brainer for most, Ms. Braun's convincing portrayal of this man and his dedication to his profession truly left this reader wandering what he would decide to do.
In a stroke of genius, Ms. Braun delays the revealing of that decision for a short while. When the novel opens, Qwill awakens in a hospital bed having no recollection of who he is or why he is there. It is only when his pal, Arch Riker, arrives and begins reminding Qwill of who he is - the fastest recovery from amnesia that I've ever read - that it is revealed that he took the money and relocated to Pickaxe. Qwill remembers that, for the last number of weeks, he has been searching for a young woman who disappeared five years ago. He also remembers that the bicycle accident that landed him in the hospital... was no accident at all.
Ms. Braun takes her series from the city to the country. And while Qwill may have had to sacrifice his job in order to claim the inheritance, he won't have to give up the one thing he enjoys most - solving crimes with the seemingly incidental yet always crucial clues of his psychic-seeming Siamese cat, Koko. I swear, Qwill is drawn to more small town crime than Jessica Fletcher! And it's amazing at times who those murdered or doing the murdering turn out to be!
Ms. Braun brings a few characters from the city novels, such as Iris Cobb, to Pickaxe City with Qwill. She also begins building upon the characters she introduced in the last novel - the attorneys handling the estate, the young doctor (who's taken quite a liking to Qwill), the Junior Editor of the local paper, Goodwinters all. And she introduces new characters - yet one more Goodwinter, Amanda, is one of Lilian's best. As both an interior decorator and city councilmember, she's over the top and obnoxious, yet genuine. Indeed, this new setting will allow Ms. Braun to present certain characters more fully - and character building is one of her greatest strengths.
Koko's clues in this novel seem to be more cerebral - showing a true, psychic connection between himself and his mustache wearing caregiver. The letters on the piano that he presses - E,D,C,G - could refer to any number of songs - but the tune it brings to Qwill's mind is the opening of A Bicycle Built for Two, "Daisy, Daisy...". When the woman he begins looking for is revealed to have the name Daisy Mull...
The mystery included in this novel is, yet again, excellent. Indeed, it is just as impressive a story as the one presented in the last novel. But to say more on it would be to give too much away. As such I'll end my review here - giving this novel 4.25 out of 5 stars as I did for the last.
Thanks for the novel, Lilian.
In a stroke of genius, Ms. Braun delays the revealing of that decision for a short while. When the novel opens, Qwill awakens in a hospital bed having no recollection of who he is or why he is there. It is only when his pal, Arch Riker, arrives and begins reminding Qwill of who he is - the fastest recovery from amnesia that I've ever read - that it is revealed that he took the money and relocated to Pickaxe. Qwill remembers that, for the last number of weeks, he has been searching for a young woman who disappeared five years ago. He also remembers that the bicycle accident that landed him in the hospital... was no accident at all.
Ms. Braun takes her series from the city to the country. And while Qwill may have had to sacrifice his job in order to claim the inheritance, he won't have to give up the one thing he enjoys most - solving crimes with the seemingly incidental yet always crucial clues of his psychic-seeming Siamese cat, Koko. I swear, Qwill is drawn to more small town crime than Jessica Fletcher! And it's amazing at times who those murdered or doing the murdering turn out to be!
Ms. Braun brings a few characters from the city novels, such as Iris Cobb, to Pickaxe City with Qwill. She also begins building upon the characters she introduced in the last novel - the attorneys handling the estate, the young doctor (who's taken quite a liking to Qwill), the Junior Editor of the local paper, Goodwinters all. And she introduces new characters - yet one more Goodwinter, Amanda, is one of Lilian's best. As both an interior decorator and city councilmember, she's over the top and obnoxious, yet genuine. Indeed, this new setting will allow Ms. Braun to present certain characters more fully - and character building is one of her greatest strengths.
Koko's clues in this novel seem to be more cerebral - showing a true, psychic connection between himself and his mustache wearing caregiver. The letters on the piano that he presses - E,D,C,G - could refer to any number of songs - but the tune it brings to Qwill's mind is the opening of A Bicycle Built for Two, "Daisy, Daisy...". When the woman he begins looking for is revealed to have the name Daisy Mull...
The mystery included in this novel is, yet again, excellent. Indeed, it is just as impressive a story as the one presented in the last novel. But to say more on it would be to give too much away. As such I'll end my review here - giving this novel 4.25 out of 5 stars as I did for the last.
Thanks for the novel, Lilian.
June 4, 2016
I liked “The Cat Who Played Post Office” enough for four-star feedback. What sank a star with a heavy thud is Archie’s admission, a propos of nothing, that he ended the lives of his cats because he and his wife divorced! A cat-loving author considers divorce a reason to kill family? He could have sent them to his wealthy friend! Jim invites Archie to move there!!!! The ex-wife could have held onto them until they solicited any number of friends. Archie ran a newspaper! He could have printed an ad for temporary care! I do not accept animals handled as if they were disposal. Life equals life. I lost respect for Lilian Jackson Braun over this.
I had been enjoying the balance of this novel because the mystery yielded numerous angles and widening layers to characters’ personalities. It was well-contrived and keeps our interest as it builds. The last novel did not show how Jim, Yum-Yum, and Koko managed after inheriting the estate of his Mother’s friend. This story backtracked for us in an intriguing, creative way. I appreciate fresh approaches. Jim is recuperating in a hospital and the summary of his new life emerges, with the tale of a bicycle accident. By the time we have rewound to that incident, a mystery is well underway.
Jim discovers a room briefly occupied by a housemaid and a box of belongings. It doesn’t add up that they weren’t returned and because every attempt to question people precipitates unsettling outcomes; it becomes urgent to find this woman. Jim encountered this case plausibly and although the villains are no surprise, there were plenty of strange personalities to keep us guessing. A feeling of danger was conveyed. I frown however, at the notion that fifty year-old Jim constantly ends up with attractive, younger girlfriends.
I had been enjoying the balance of this novel because the mystery yielded numerous angles and widening layers to characters’ personalities. It was well-contrived and keeps our interest as it builds. The last novel did not show how Jim, Yum-Yum, and Koko managed after inheriting the estate of his Mother’s friend. This story backtracked for us in an intriguing, creative way. I appreciate fresh approaches. Jim is recuperating in a hospital and the summary of his new life emerges, with the tale of a bicycle accident. By the time we have rewound to that incident, a mystery is well underway.
Jim discovers a room briefly occupied by a housemaid and a box of belongings. It doesn’t add up that they weren’t returned and because every attempt to question people precipitates unsettling outcomes; it becomes urgent to find this woman. Jim encountered this case plausibly and although the villains are no surprise, there were plenty of strange personalities to keep us guessing. A feeling of danger was conveyed. I frown however, at the notion that fifty year-old Jim constantly ends up with attractive, younger girlfriends.
June 11, 2019
Re-read 2019
This is the first book that takes Jim Qwilleran out of the big city and transplants him to a small town. His mother's best friend has died and left him her fortune. He starts a foundation to help the town her family helped start. However, there is a stipulation in her will that he needs to live in Pickax City or forfeit the inheritance. So he moves into her mansion, once he starts fixing it up he discovers a mystery over a missing maid. While investigating her more people that are linked to her start having deadly accidents. This was a huge switch from the originals that show their 60s and 70s links, you can tell the decades have switched, and Braun probably felt it would be easier to do that by changing the geographic location. I have to admit I like the books set in the small town better than the big city. The quirks of the locals really make the series. The series is complete and is a great cozy read.
This is the first book that takes Jim Qwilleran out of the big city and transplants him to a small town. His mother's best friend has died and left him her fortune. He starts a foundation to help the town her family helped start. However, there is a stipulation in her will that he needs to live in Pickax City or forfeit the inheritance. So he moves into her mansion, once he starts fixing it up he discovers a mystery over a missing maid. While investigating her more people that are linked to her start having deadly accidents. This was a huge switch from the originals that show their 60s and 70s links, you can tell the decades have switched, and Braun probably felt it would be easier to do that by changing the geographic location. I have to admit I like the books set in the small town better than the big city. The quirks of the locals really make the series. The series is complete and is a great cozy read.
December 16, 2020
I read (actually listened to) most of the "Cat Who" books before GoodReads, so I don't have an accurate listing of the books I enjoyed. I just know that when I needed a comfortable and uplifting change in my audio books in the car, I would grab the oldest Cat Who CD book off of the shelf at the library. So, now I'm thinking I want to fill in the books I haven't enjoyed yet... problem... I'm not sure if I have listened to them or not. So, this one, I *think* enjoyed before. I am also just putting 3 stars on these because I know I didn't hate any of them and none of them went to 5 star status, but I'm certain some are 4 stars. All that to say my rating doesn't matter. I do know that I enjoyed the books in Moose County MUCH more than the ones from "down below".
If you want a light, entertaining, but engaging read, I honestly recommend any of the series... and I'm not a cat lover, either.
If you want a light, entertaining, but engaging read, I honestly recommend any of the series... and I'm not a cat lover, either.
July 7, 2022
Read this yesterday. It was one of the few books I've read in the last month, so that was a thing. I did enjoy it. Pleasantly surprised we're still in Pickaxe at the end of the book (generally you change location, or at least Qwilleran changes his residence every book). I kind of like the town. I particualrly like his interior designer.
Are these books perfect? No. Are they perhaps a little dated? Yes. But they're enjoyable, and reliable.
Are these books perfect? No. Are they perhaps a little dated? Yes. But they're enjoyable, and reliable.
July 5, 2019
What a delight! I'm revisiting some of The Cat Who books on audio at the moment and this one was so enjoyable. George Guidall is such a lovely narrator, I couldn't imagine anyone else doing it as well.
November 14, 2017
The best in the series.
Geez louise, why is it called a cozy mystery, the story was heart brokenly dark.
Yeah yeah, most of characters are adorable loonies and cats are the brains of the whole affair, but ouch, my heart. And I don't even have one. The doctors confirm.
Geez louise, why is it called a cozy mystery, the story was heart brokenly dark.
Yeah yeah, most of characters are adorable loonies and cats are the brains of the whole affair, but ouch, my heart. And I don't even have one. The doctors confirm.
April 27, 2018
Early in the book I wasn't loving it ... but as it went on I began to enjoy this story. It was really about the cat solving a years old mystery ... and it was kind of fun.
November 19, 2019
I love this series and this is the first book in the series where Qwill is living full time in Pickax City. I'd say books 5-15 are my favorites in the series.
May 2, 2018
After an accident leaving Jim Quilleran with temporary amnesia, he slowly learns that he has inherited a fortune and that someone may be trying to deliberately 'rub him out'due to the questions he's been asking about the disappearance of a young girl. Koko the cat is using his brilliant, unfathomable clue-finding skills to help Quill solve a mystery that the town he finds himself in would rather just leave swept underneath the rug.
The Cat Who... series is always such a joy to read, particularly being a cat-appreciater myself as well as a murder mystery fan. I love Lilian Jackson Braun's style - being able to weave such a great plot filled with intrique, murder and other generally nasty things, but still maintain a fun and comedic light-heartedness. With lovable characters (human and feline) and their lovable idiosyncrasies, I look forward to reading another one soon.
The Cat Who... series is always such a joy to read, particularly being a cat-appreciater myself as well as a murder mystery fan. I love Lilian Jackson Braun's style - being able to weave such a great plot filled with intrique, murder and other generally nasty things, but still maintain a fun and comedic light-heartedness. With lovable characters (human and feline) and their lovable idiosyncrasies, I look forward to reading another one soon.
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