The Cat Who Played Brahms. Lilian Jackson Braun. 1987. Penguin. 256 pages.
For Jim Qwilleran, veteran journalist, it was one of the most appalling moments of his career.Jim Qwilleran has had many jobs at The Daily Fluxion, and when the novel opens, he's on his way to being offered a new job as an investigative reporter. But. For Jim that might not be enough. For he's a little unsettled. And what he wants, what he really wants, is time away. He asks for three months vacation. He wants to spend some quiet time in the country at his aunt's cabin by the lake. He may even do a little writing. So he says. But the country may not prove all that quiet and peaceful. And, no, it's not because Koko and Yum Yum, his Siamese, are too lively. (Though to see them in action is something! For example, when someone tries to break into Jim's place, Koko can hold his own and then some!) No, there's something strange going on in this lake community.
For starters, the not-so-hidden messages on cassette tapes...
Even on vacation it seems Qwill and Koko are in demand to solve a mystery! I am enjoying these Cat Who books so much!!! I would definitely recommend them to cat-lovers or mystery lovers!
© 2011 Becky Laney of
Becky's Book Reviews
The Cat Who Saw Red. Lilian Jackson Braun. 1986. Penguin. 250 pages.
Jim Qwilleran slumped in a chair in the Press Club dining room, his six-feet-two telescoped into a picture of dejection and his morose expression intensified by the droop of his oversized mustache. Jim Qwilleran has just been designated the paper's food critic. Unfortunately, Jim has just been placed on a diet by his doctor. When he gets the news that the paper is going to be paying him to eat at all the local restaurants, he's reading over his diet sheet.
No potatoes
No bread
No cream soups
No fried foods
No gravy
No sour cream
No desserts
No wonder Jim is feeling down! His first assignment takes him to Maus Haus where he crosses paths with an old girlfriend--now married, now a potter. He also learns that there's an apartment to rent. True, Maus Haus houses some very eccentric people, but there's also a great cook and housekeeper. (I'm not quite sure how to feel about Jim moving in every book!) His two Siamese cats, Koko and Yum Yum seem to like this move. And his two cats especially love all the food he's bringing home--since Qwill is on a diet, since he's restricting himself to three bites per dish.
But it isn't long before Jim and Koko are back at work solving another mystery. His ex, Joy Graham, has gone missing, and though her husband claims she's run off--again--this time to Florida--a state Jim knows she hates--it may take him a while to really discover the truth.
I enjoyed this one. I did. I am just loving the Cat Who mysteries. I love Koko and Jim. (I still don't feel like I "know" Yum Yum.) These books are just very satisfying, very cozy.
Qwilleran tried to entertain the group with tales about Koko and Yum Yum. "They can smell through the refrigerator door," he said. "If there's lobster in there, they won't eat chicken, and if there's chicken, they won't eat beef. Salmon has to be a nationally advertised brand; don't ask me how they know. In the morning Koko rings for his breakfast; he steps on the tabulator key of the typewriter, which jerks the carriage and rings the bell. One of these days I think he'll learn to type." (40-41)
© 2011 Becky Laney of
Becky's Book Reviews
Becky, do your really think someone who likes mysteries but doesn't much like cats would like this book? Just curious.
Lisa (http://myliteraryleanings.wordpress.com)
Lisa, I don't necessarily think someone who HATES cats, who LOATHES cats would enjoy this one. They'd probably find other mysteries they'd enjoy more. A love for cats is not an essential.