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The Cat Who... #1-3 omnibus
The Cat Who...: Could Read Backwards; Ate Danish Modern; Turned On and Off
Three complete and unabridged novels featuring Jim Quillerin and his brilliant Siamese cat Koko.
594 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1990
88 people are currently reading
408 people want to read
About the author
Lilian Jackson Braun
193 books1,714 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 46 reviews
August 21, 2015
I love these three novels! A great introduction to a fabulous cozy mystery series. This is probably the ninth time I've read these books. What makes me keep coming back?
Details! Lilian Jackson Braun knew how to weave her words in a way that would paint pictures showing the reader as well as telling the reader the story of Jim Qwilleran and his feline companions. She also knew her feline behaviors and anyone who loves a cat will be completely taken with her descriptions of the two Siamese and their behaviors and vocalizations.
In The Cat Who Could Read Backwards we are introduced to Qwill. He's an older man who is trying to make a fresh start at life after hitting bottom. While she doesn't come out and say it, the reader can deduce Qwill is a recovering alcoholic who has gone through a nasty divorce. He finds a new job at the Daily Fluxion and his skills as a writer are put to the test in the feature department. He takes on the challenge with gusto and meets the reigning art critic and the critic's cat Kao'ko Kung. We get to see how truly big Qwill's heart is when he becomes cat sitter. The big mystery begins well before we meet the art critic and his talented feline. I love how this introductory mystery sets the foundation for what is to come without being super slow paced or overly muddled.
In the Cat Who Ate Danish Modern Qwill's assignment shifts from art to interior decorating. One of the fun things about this installment is that Qwill feels threatened by the regular decorating writer and wants to show her that a guy can find and write about home decor as well as she can. I'm betting that Lilian Jackson Braun drew on her own experience for that. Anyway, Qwill and Koko find themselves circulating among the well to do. They end up solving a robbery and murder as well as adding a new little face to the family. This one is my favorite of the series because we see a hardened, former crime reporter open his heart to another Siamese in need of a home thereby setting his family before moving into new adventures.
The Cat Who Turned On and Off is another favorite. Qwillern has had to move his lodging and his assignment AGAIN! He's a great writer and reporter who can take on any task. This time we find Qwill, Koko, and Yum Yum in Junktown - a neighborhood filled with antique stores and unique individuals. The neighborhood is run down and city hall neglects it so that it can soon bulldoze it for a more modern neighborhood. However, there is a way to save Junktown and it is tied to the Underground Railroad.
The first two mysteries were first written in the 1960s and it is easily noted by the dress, settings, and behaviors. So I encourage you to put away your 21st century thoughts and read this as if you were watching Mad Men or The Astronaut Wives Club.
Qwilleran if friendly, likable, super curious, and intelligent. His cats are just as intelligent some time more so.
If you enjoy cozy mysteries or "kitty stories" (as Braun referred to them) then you will most likely enjoy this series. These are the first 3 of 29 or 30 depending on how you count. The first ones are the best.
Details! Lilian Jackson Braun knew how to weave her words in a way that would paint pictures showing the reader as well as telling the reader the story of Jim Qwilleran and his feline companions. She also knew her feline behaviors and anyone who loves a cat will be completely taken with her descriptions of the two Siamese and their behaviors and vocalizations.
In The Cat Who Could Read Backwards we are introduced to Qwill. He's an older man who is trying to make a fresh start at life after hitting bottom. While she doesn't come out and say it, the reader can deduce Qwill is a recovering alcoholic who has gone through a nasty divorce. He finds a new job at the Daily Fluxion and his skills as a writer are put to the test in the feature department. He takes on the challenge with gusto and meets the reigning art critic and the critic's cat Kao'ko Kung. We get to see how truly big Qwill's heart is when he becomes cat sitter. The big mystery begins well before we meet the art critic and his talented feline. I love how this introductory mystery sets the foundation for what is to come without being super slow paced or overly muddled.
In the Cat Who Ate Danish Modern Qwill's assignment shifts from art to interior decorating. One of the fun things about this installment is that Qwill feels threatened by the regular decorating writer and wants to show her that a guy can find and write about home decor as well as she can. I'm betting that Lilian Jackson Braun drew on her own experience for that. Anyway, Qwill and Koko find themselves circulating among the well to do. They end up solving a robbery and murder as well as adding a new little face to the family. This one is my favorite of the series because we see a hardened, former crime reporter open his heart to another Siamese in need of a home thereby setting his family before moving into new adventures.
The Cat Who Turned On and Off is another favorite. Qwillern has had to move his lodging and his assignment AGAIN! He's a great writer and reporter who can take on any task. This time we find Qwill, Koko, and Yum Yum in Junktown - a neighborhood filled with antique stores and unique individuals. The neighborhood is run down and city hall neglects it so that it can soon bulldoze it for a more modern neighborhood. However, there is a way to save Junktown and it is tied to the Underground Railroad.
The first two mysteries were first written in the 1960s and it is easily noted by the dress, settings, and behaviors. So I encourage you to put away your 21st century thoughts and read this as if you were watching Mad Men or The Astronaut Wives Club.
Qwilleran if friendly, likable, super curious, and intelligent. His cats are just as intelligent some time more so.
If you enjoy cozy mysteries or "kitty stories" (as Braun referred to them) then you will most likely enjoy this series. These are the first 3 of 29 or 30 depending on how you count. The first ones are the best.
November 5, 2024
I read the first story but I don’t think I need to continue on. It’s more anachronistic than I can tolerate at my advanced years. It’s not at all out of place for the time it was written and it was entertaining but a dab’l do.
Read
September 28, 2015I LIKE THE CAT WHO BOOKS, ABOUT A WEIRD WEALTHY CATFARMER DUDE AND HIS TWO SIAMESE CATS.
IL THOSE BOOKS UNTIL THE SERIES GOES OFF THE RAILS AT THE END.
WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE COZY MYSTERY SERIESES, MEME? I'M SICK AND NEED SOMETHING TO READ THAT ISN'T TOO DEMANDING.
THE CAT WHO SERIES. THE FIRST TEN OR FIFTEEN ARE BEST. THEY'RE OLDER SO THEY'RE KIND OF CASUALLY SEXIST, BUT THEY ARE ALSO EXTREMELY COZY AND HEAVILY FEATURE TWO ASSHOLE SIAMESE CATS.
IL THOSE BOOKS UNTIL THE SERIES GOES OFF THE RAILS AT THE END.
WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE COZY MYSTERY SERIESES, MEME? I'M SICK AND NEED SOMETHING TO READ THAT ISN'T TOO DEMANDING.
THE CAT WHO SERIES. THE FIRST TEN OR FIFTEEN ARE BEST. THEY'RE OLDER SO THEY'RE KIND OF CASUALLY SEXIST, BUT THEY ARE ALSO EXTREMELY COZY AND HEAVILY FEATURE TWO ASSHOLE SIAMESE CATS.
January 28, 2009
This whole series is a wonderful fast read with interesting tidbits of non-common information, and some of the main characters are cats
July 2, 2020
Check out my reviews on the main versions of each book.
April 8, 2023
Seasoned reporter Jim Qwilleran has just begun at the Daily Fluxion, but even though he knows nothing about art, he is the new art writer in the feature department. A big change for the ran of hard news reporting. But he needs the job. He moves into the building owned by the art critic on the paper and soon befriends his landlords cat, who he calls Koko. Researching the art world shows Qwilleran that there is much animosity as the local artists are vocal in their hatred or support of galleries, the art critic and art itself. As he's trying to make sense of it all a murder occurs which leads him to investigate. It's in his nature to want to know what happened. In looking for clues he uncovers more than he bargains for.
This is a fast paced, interesting, sometimes humorous book. Quirky artists, very strange art, gruff newspaper men and of course a very odd cat who can read backwards makes for a fun read.
This is a fast paced, interesting, sometimes humorous book. Quirky artists, very strange art, gruff newspaper men and of course a very odd cat who can read backwards makes for a fun read.
November 6, 2019
Enjoyable
This is one of my favorite cozy mystery series. If you want something that does not offend,does not have gratuitous violence or sex and that you can read in an afternoon, then this is your book.
This is one of my favorite cozy mystery series. If you want something that does not offend,does not have gratuitous violence or sex and that you can read in an afternoon, then this is your book.
December 6, 2019
I LOVE this series, so much so that I have acquired all three hardbacks from the original printing, with dust jackets, and some signed by author Lilian Jackson Braun. I am currently collecting the whole series in hardback now, though I still love the paperbacks :)
February 20, 2023
This book had many characters with well balanced personalities. However, because of the amount of characters, it was difficult to keep track of them. By the time the culprit was revealed, I had no idea who they were and instead had to Google the book to refresh myself as to who they were.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 9, 2023
3.5
Read the first one separately. Review for all three at The Cat Who Could Read Backwards
Read the first one separately. Review for all three at The Cat Who Could Read Backwards
January 26, 2024
So enjoyable, engaging and easy to read! The stories are just suspenseful and exciting enough to give you something to look forward to, without being intense and making you feel stressed. I highly recommend these books for anyone looking to read a pleasant, quaint story.
October 26, 2019
Love this series! Read! Enjoy!
July 1, 2020
Really really great fun read. My favorite was the the cat who read backwards.
February 21, 2021
First 3 novels provided some background into the books I have already read. This should count as 3 books towards 2021 reading challenge but will likely count as only one.
May 22, 2024
Meow! Lived up to my expectations. Three is plenty.
December 17, 2024
I love this series! Read it probably 30 years ago! This is the first one where Qwill, the main character meets Koko the Siamese. This one deals with art dealers.
June 10, 2025
The cat books are lots of fun. I thought I had read them all but was glad to discover some I didn’t know about. I just wish there were more of them.
July 23, 2025
I loved this series.
September 3, 2025
Qwilleran at his finest
A true cozy trio of mysteries at the beginning of Koko’s and Yumyum’s adventures. Well worth the read. Careful, they may be addictive!
A true cozy trio of mysteries at the beginning of Koko’s and Yumyum’s adventures. Well worth the read. Careful, they may be addictive!
September 20, 2025
Always on. Never off.
This author's gifts are always on show. Wonderful characters. Marvelous pacing. Fun on four feet and a magnificent clairvoyant lip duster!
This author's gifts are always on show. Wonderful characters. Marvelous pacing. Fun on four feet and a magnificent clairvoyant lip duster!
February 26, 2017
Cat Lovers don't miss this!
The three short stories were page turners. Liked the detailed character development. Cat lovers who read this will smile as they see the familiar little feline behaviors that occur with Koko and Yum Yum.
The three short stories were page turners. Liked the detailed character development. Cat lovers who read this will smile as they see the familiar little feline behaviors that occur with Koko and Yum Yum.
Read
February 9, 20177/17-22/11
The Cat Who Could Read Backwards -- I re-read this book as a tribute to Ms. Braun. It is the introduction to the series, and lays good groundwork for the character development in later books. It's interesting re-reading the first book after reading the rest of the series, knowing what became of the characters puts an interesting spin on reading the initial book. I like Qwilleran and KoKo better in later books, but I still like revisiting and reacquainting myself with them in the beginning. Good series and good friends are like that -- you can visit them over and over and over and never tire of their company.
12/30-31/16
The Cat Who Ate Danish Modern -- It's been a while since I read this book and I'm glad I decided to re-read it. I forgot how much I really enjoy visits with Koko (and Yum Yum). The mystery was intriguing; I had forgotten whodunit so it was fun to re-discover the solution with Qwill and Koko. I remember thinking the later episodes in the series were not worth it, and mainly a case of trading on the name, but the earlier ones are well worth the read, and the re-read!
The Cat Who Could Read Backwards -- I re-read this book as a tribute to Ms. Braun. It is the introduction to the series, and lays good groundwork for the character development in later books. It's interesting re-reading the first book after reading the rest of the series, knowing what became of the characters puts an interesting spin on reading the initial book. I like Qwilleran and KoKo better in later books, but I still like revisiting and reacquainting myself with them in the beginning. Good series and good friends are like that -- you can visit them over and over and over and never tire of their company.
12/30-31/16
The Cat Who Ate Danish Modern -- It's been a while since I read this book and I'm glad I decided to re-read it. I forgot how much I really enjoy visits with Koko (and Yum Yum). The mystery was intriguing; I had forgotten whodunit so it was fun to re-discover the solution with Qwill and Koko. I remember thinking the later episodes in the series were not worth it, and mainly a case of trading on the name, but the earlier ones are well worth the read, and the re-read!
April 24, 2012
*This review is for the first tale in this book only- ' The Cat Who Could Read Backwards'*
I read this as part of a Goodreads group monthly book choice.
I have to say I was intrigued by the synopsis as it sounded unusual.
In the story we meet the main character Qwilleran who was previously a crime reporter but has just started a new job which sees him mingling with artists and gallery owners.
However Qwilleran soon has a mystery on his hand as a gallery owner is murdered and a famous painting stolen but he has help however from a super intelligent siamese cat called Koko who communicates with actions, so together they work out 'who did it?'.
This book is considered 'cosy crime' and is very light, I prefer much grittier crime so that is probably why I struggled to keep engaged in the story.
However I gave this book a three star rating because I did like the way the author went in to depth with the characters and the story was well written and quite funny in parts.
Not a bad read but my group picked the first story in this book and I can't say I enjoyed it enough to want to read the next two in it.
I read this as part of a Goodreads group monthly book choice.
I have to say I was intrigued by the synopsis as it sounded unusual.
In the story we meet the main character Qwilleran who was previously a crime reporter but has just started a new job which sees him mingling with artists and gallery owners.
However Qwilleran soon has a mystery on his hand as a gallery owner is murdered and a famous painting stolen but he has help however from a super intelligent siamese cat called Koko who communicates with actions, so together they work out 'who did it?'.
This book is considered 'cosy crime' and is very light, I prefer much grittier crime so that is probably why I struggled to keep engaged in the story.
However I gave this book a three star rating because I did like the way the author went in to depth with the characters and the story was well written and quite funny in parts.
Not a bad read but my group picked the first story in this book and I can't say I enjoyed it enough to want to read the next two in it.
Read
November 27, 2007I love the whole "Cat Who" series. They are simple, quick reads. These books are part of the genre called the "cozy mystery." Yes, people die, but there is not a lot of details on the blood and gore. It's more about small town life, the people who live there, and the trail to discovering "whodunit." I love cats so Coco and Yum Yum are big hits with me!
June 26, 2012
Lilian Jackson Braun was a late-bloomer, which goes to show that age has nothing to doing with creativity! I lent my first omnibus out (the cat who book that started it all for me!) so I just purchased another off Amazon. I can't wait to tear into it!
I'm working on the complete collection!
I'm working on the complete collection!
June 22, 2013
The first three "The Cat Who..." books, written in the 60's, these are light mysteries filled with over-the-top stereotypes and caricatures, bland humor, and the worship of cats. They have very little to offer, without enough substance to even qualify as brain candy.
September 10, 2013
Finished "The Cat Who Turned On and Off". Having read a later book & now gone back to the beginning, I'm glad I did. While each book does stand on its own, it's nice to see how thing progress. Will be taking a little break from these for a while, but looking forward to reading more.
February 18, 2016
What a delightful series :-) Anyone who has ever owned a cat can appreciate these books, especially if that cat is a Siamese! The fact that the story is about a MALE feline-codependant is a nice twist. The mysteries are pretty good too. You can't always figure out "who done it" before the end.
July 7, 2009
Read the first from this book of three books. Now it's on hold while I read some other books. :-)
February 21, 2009
Fun easy to read mysteries.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews