Customer Reviews

The Cat Who Knew a Cardinal (Thorndike Press Large Print Paperback Series)

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1 star:		(1)

 

 

Another enjoyable quick reading mystery story by Lilian Jackson Braun featuring Qwilleran and his two Siamese cats Koko and Yum-Yum. In this episode, Hilary VanBrook, the disliked Principle of PickAx is found murdered in Qwilleran's orchard the morning after a cast party is thrown. Koko was the one to find the body and Qwilleran begins to piece together the clues. A cardinal singing outside the window holds the key to the suspect.

Well I must start by saying, I have never really cared for mystery novels. But my mother-in-law left a copy of The Cat Who Knew a Cardinal here after her last visit, and I picked it up to glance at it and the next thing I knew, I was on the fourth chapter. These stories aren't just mystery novels, in fact, I wouldn't care if there were no mystery at all - the characters (including the cats, of course!) and the scenarios are just endearing, and I want to read more of these stories just so I can be back in Qwilleran's world.

In the 12th book in The Cat Who...mystery series with KoKo and Yum Yum, James Qwilleran and his two Siamese cats move into their newly converted apple barn, and are celebrating the successful first run production by the Pickax Theatre Club. When the entire cast (except for one) shows up at Qwilleran's new home for a wrap-party and informal housewarming, he is happy to entertain many of his close friends. The party lasts well into the early morning hours, and when the last guest drives away, KoKo starts his impressive "death howl". Walking outdoors, Qwilleran learns there has been a shooting on his property, and the controversial high school principle has been murdered. Qwilleran and his amazing cats begin to investigate, and quickly dig into some truths buried in the nearby town of Lockmaster. And when Polly returns a day late from a wedding she attended in the town, Qwilleran starts to get suspicious about what is happening in Lockmaster. In between bird watching with KoKo, a cat pageant to find a look-alike for Tippy's beloved mascot, and a steeplechase, Qwilleran puts the pieces together on another murder in sleepy Moose County.

This is my favorite cozy mystery series! I had read all of the books in the past, and wanted to read them again for a second time. This time around, I have chosen to listen to them on CD, as I love the voice of George Guidall. The stories are charming, and I have fallen in love with Moose County and all of its residents. The mysteries themselves are not always very difficult to figure out...but that is not the allure of the series for many. The characters are endearing, and as you read the books in the series, you will feel like you know each one. The books are also a great read for pre-teens or those that have read and enjoyed the Nancy Drew series. I feel this series is the benchmark for many cozy mysteries today, and hope to enjoy this series for years to come. I highly recommend any (and all) of the books in this series.


The 1st book in the series is called "The Cat Who Could Read Backwards". Enjoy!

The 12th book of this series starts with Qwilleran settled into his new home, an old apple barn that has been restored and turned into living quarters. The upper beams are about forty feet above the ground and the cats are in seventh heaven. Qwilleran's other project, building a community theater, has also been completed and a successful run of "Henry VIII" has just finished. When the director, school principal Hilary VanBrook had proposed this play nobody thought it would fly, but the unpopular director had pulled it off in high fashion.

Following the final performance the cast and crew descended on Qwilleran's barn for the cast party. As was normal, the much-maligned VanBrook kept pretty much to himself but for some reason Koko found him very interesting. Once the party guests had all departed, Koko called Qwilleran's attention to a single car that was still outside. Going out to investigate, Qwilleran found a body with a very fresh gunshot wound inside the abandoned car. Determined to mind his own business this time the former reporter called the police and tried to stay out of the investigation. Koko however would have none of that and started leaving clues.

Despite Koko's clues however, Qwilleran continued his hands off approach except for sniffing around the victim's house looking for an old book. Finally though, Qwilleran gave in and started to sniff around because a friend of his was being falsely accused of the crime. This time our amateur sleuth solves the mystery on his own, not picking up on Koko's clues until it was all over. Yum Yum actually provides the most important clue, although completely by accident and once again the cats rush in to save the day when Qwilleran gets into deep trouble.

Along the road to solving this murder Qwilleran runs into several sub-plots that add a great deal to the story. There is a suicide that may or may not be connected to the murder, a cat beauty pageant that turns into a riot and a horse race down in Lockmaster. On top of everything else, Qwilleran and Polly seem to be on the outs and Qwilleran is sure that the librarian has a new love interest.

Like the previous books in this series, this book is filled with quirky and fun characters and features the wonderful backdrop of Moose County. The interaction between the characters is cleaver and imaginative and the cats are superbly portrayed. I am also happy to report that the mystery, while not always the center of the plot, is interesting and it is solvable. The clues are all there and if the reader pays close attention he/she can solve the mystery before Qwilleran.

On the negative side, there are some questions involving the victim that are never answered. Maybe however, these questions will be answered in a future book because Qwilleran is thinking about doing a biography of the deceased. Given what he has already found out he just might have a best seller on his hands.

Jim Qwilleran, the star of this series, is the heir to the vast Klingenschoen fortune. He lives with his two Siamese cats, Koko and Yum Yum in Moose County, 400 miles north of everywhere.

The action opens with the Qwill and the cats settling in to their latest residence, the newly remodeled apple barn. The peace is shattered as the Theater Club drops by for a house (barn) warming party. When the last of the party goers leave Qwill discovers that one is unable to go on his own power, he has been murdered just outside Qwill's door! The story then focuses on the deceased, Hilary VanBrook, principal of Pickax High School and director of the latest Theater Club production. When a fellow actor disappears he becomes the chief suspect. Qwill, of course, believes that the answer lies elsewhere and, aided by the cats, begins to investigate.

His attention is divided however, his latest lady friend, Polly Duncan, is acting strangely - perhaps he has a rival for her affections. Koko and Yum Yum are similiarly distracted by a new activity - bird watching, especially cardinals. The trio presses on, even traveling out of Moose County looking for answers. In the end the mysteries are solved and life in Moose County continues.

I found this one of the less satisfying books in the series. The action begins nearly a year after the end of the previous book. The character of the second victim, Dennis Hough, who was Iris Cobb's son - introduced in The Cat Who Talked to Ghosts - has changed character slightly, and earned Qwill's trust and respect since we first met him. The motive for his death is weak and there is no real explanation given for the breakup of his family.

Qwill's relationship with Polly is one of the themes of this story and though it is given quite a bit of attention I felt that it was more of a tease. Also, as with the previous novel, I felt that the ending had been rushed with some of the threads left a bit loose.

If you are a devotee of the series you will want to read this one, especially for the Polly and Qwill story. If you are new to series perhaps starting elsewhere would be better, but if you a just looking for a good mystery this may not be your best choice.

I like this book because you would never suspect who the killer actually is. It was exciting all the way through the book. Now since I've read this book I'm thinking about reading all the other Cat Who mysteries.

Sometimes I wonder why Qwill has to be so negative about everything. If he were a real person, I doubt whether I would want to be that great of a friend of his. Lillian Braun writes his attitude to be that he is always wonderful, and everyone else grows boring and tiresom. Instead it is Qwill who grows boring and tiresom. In the later books, this deficiency is corrected, but when I go back and read the earlier books, I always wonder where Qwill gets off.

As with all the books, Qwill and Koko find the killer in the end, though Qwill's life is put in grave danger to do so. There is a little character development, especially in the relationship between Qwill and Polly, and we learn a little more about Bushy the photographer and Derek Cuttlebrink finally comes into play.

Over all, it is a necessary book to read if you are intent on reading the series, but you could probably skip it.

Qwill and the Siamese move into the apple barn. It is spectacular! The cats and Qwill seem to be very cozy. Qwill gets ready for bed and looks out the window to see a caravan of carlights heading his way. It happens to be the cast of Henry VIII, dropping by for a barn warming party.

The party lasts quite late. After they leave the cats get jumpy and look out the window to see a leftover car. After several minutes, Qwill decides to go investigate. He discovers the dead body of the high school principal. Qwill and Koko work to solve the crime.

Qwill comments about Polly being jealous. Read this book to see if, in fact, Qwill is the jealous party.

This was a very enjoyable book. You will enjoy it too.

My mom sent me this book to read and it was my introduction to the "Cat Who" books. I could not put it down. Since then I have "lapped up" every book in the series I can find. Siamese cats are extremely smart and Koko is right up there with my own. I can definately identify with Q when dealing with his loved ones at home!

I really think that Lillian Jackson Braun enjoys the color red.

This is the second book of hers that I have read, and the plot thickened because of the color red!

This was a great book. I loved it so much it took me two days to read! VanBrook is a mean principal and director with many mysteries. When he is found dead in Qwill's apple orchard, shot in the back of the head, it takes Qwill's brilliant sleuthing (and a little help from Koko and Yum Yum) to uncover this Man of Mystery's secret murderer!

This book takes you on a dectective's delight through rabbits, horses, cardinals, and, of course, cats. I suggest you read this wonderful book!