Jim Qwilleran and his cats Koko and Yum Yum must solve a curious caper in this mystery in the bestselling Cat Who series.Something is amiss at Maus Haus. Not just the mystery of an unsolved “suicide” which hangs over the old mansion, but something ominous in the present-day residence. When Qwilleran moves in to work on his new gastronomical assignment, strange things begin to happen. First it’s a … happen. First it’s a scream in the night, then a vanishing houseboy. But when his old girlfriend disappears, something has to be done. Qwilleran, Koko and Yum Yum set out to solve the mystery—and find a murderer!
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Qwill, KoKo and YumYum are at it again in The Cat Who Saw Red, the 4th book in Lilian Jackson Braun’s “Cat Who” cozy mystery series. The interesting thing about this novel, besides my 3 star review (ha!), is that this is the first novel she published after taking a 20+ year hiatus from the series. The last ones were written in the 1960s and this was published in 1986. While she was busy writing it, I believe I was watching the NY Mets with the season championship. But I digress…
For a cozy, this one’s a little stronger than usual. A few dead bodies. Interesting ways to dispose of them. Qwill’s on a diet, but he is staying at MausHaus where his meals are included and cooked by a famous chef. The cats are becoming explorers. And Qwill’s hearing odd noises, or is it his lack of food intake? A fun edition in the story… nothing too different from the others, but it’s got the usual charm. The mystery is a little stronger than usual, which helps. Plus I like seeing Qwill try out different places to live. The cats seem to enjoy it, and after all, isn’t that what this one is all about?
I totally adore ALL of Lillian Jackson Brauns’ cat books. They are such a hoot.
Ever so slowly I am rebuilding my library again [we had a mold problem and I lost over 300 + books to mold].
Former crime reporter Jim Qwilleran starts a new diet just before he’s made the newspaper’s first ever gourmet reporter. In typical Qwill fashion, he immerses himself in the culture by moving into a boarding house where the owner is a gourmet chef and requires all boarders to have some sort of connection to food. Part of the reason for moving there (okay, maybe most of the reason) is that Qwill’s old flame lives there, and when she disappears, he starts to question if foul play is involved. Still, she’s always been flighty, as Qwill knows well enough. Then a houseboy vanishes, and Qwill kicks his investigation into high gear.
My experience with this book is probably a bit tainted by the fact that I’ve read it before, many years ago. It’s actually one I remember most from whichever ones of this series I read when I was younger. So that being said, I really liked the story and the mystery, even though I was pretty sure I knew what was going on the entire time. Because even with that past experience, I couldn’t quite decide for sure if my theory was correct or not. In the end, the mystery was interesting and maybe even a bit more sensational than normal for this series.
I always enjoy the antics that the cats get up to, and this book was no exception for me. Qwill even has a bit of a scare involving them, and it’s very touching to see his reaction. One particular side character amused me quite a bit too, even down to a comical description of the car that he drives. I only wish there would have been more of him. Overall, this was an entertaining read that I do believe beat out the previous to be my favorite in the series so far. I would recommend this book for fans of the classic whodunit & cozy mystery genres.
All of the Cat-Who books are must read! This is an early book in the series and should be read before the later ones.
Lilian is always a fun time reading.
Love this series of books, great read.
Kept me guessing
I’ve read all of the “Cat Who…” books and loved every one.
The characters in this book are wonderful I love Koko and yum yum. it’s a great read.. I’ve read almost all of Lilian Braun books.
Good read
All of the cat who books are delightful.
I have loved every book by Ms. Braun that I’ve read and this is certainly no exception. The info on potting was very interesting and set this one apart.
I have enjoyed the entire series.
Her books so engaging , her characters are endearing
I love Quill, KoKo and Yum Yum!! This was one of the earlier books I somehow missed. The story was a delightful read and I ended up functioning on two hours sleep today cause I had to know “who done it”. Ms Lillian never disappoints!
I really like all the “Cat Who…” books and this one is no exception. Koko and Yum Yum hold your interest with their antics as Koko helps “solve” a mystery.
I thought I had read all of _The Cat Who…_ series. I had missed this one and found
it nostalgic fun after all these years.
You like the people in the book and would like to know them better
I love the Cat Who series. Quill, Koko and YumYum make a great team!
I have enjoyed every one of the “the Cat Who” books. I like the way whatever issue arises in the story get solved. Never with violence, just Koko’s whiskers and innate sense that allows him to somehow convey answers to those around him.