25 of 26 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Koko Takes The Turkey, January 13, 2002
Qwilleran is feeling dissatisfied with his job at the Daily Fluxion. Despite numerous efforts on his part to return to crime reporting, the managing editor persists in keeping Qwill assigned to the feature page. Finally, he decides that he needs a long break, a sabbatical where he can take the time to think things over, maybe do some independent writing. Thus, it will come as no surprise to loyal readers that "The Cat Who Played Brahms" finds Jim, Koko, and Yum Yum making their longest move ever, 400 miles north to Pickaxe City where his 'Aunt' Fanny Klingenschoen lives and has made a summer cabin available to him.
Qwilleran's dreams of an idyllic vacation are quickly shattered. Footsteps on the roof, laughter from the beach, and eerie sounds from the underbrush all haunt his nights. Koko the high-tech cat figures out how to play the cassette player. And Qwilleran, a died-in-the-wool city boy finds that living without locks on the doors leaves him perpetually nervous. Of course, inevitably, on his first trip fishing he overhears a violent argument and then hooks a mysterious corpse. One that just as quickly disappears back into the depths.
Qwill knows something illegal is going on, but is unable to pinpoint it. It is divers plundering wrecks from the lake? Or, perhaps, illicit smuggling. Then again, it may be a fiendish plot aimed at Aunt Fanny, who seems to run most of Pickaxe. No one seems to have a clue. Jim and his visiting friend Rosemary (from 'down under') investigate, but make very slow progress. Indeed, the only crime that can be proven is the terrible pasties served at the 'Foo' Diner. Once again it is necessary for Koko and Yum Yum to take charge and guide their fumbling humans from clue to clue.
With this novel the reader is introduced to the setting for the rest of the series - Pickaxe and it's environs, far to the north of the Daily Fluxion. For those of you who wonder where this really is, I can only say that Lilian Braun's home for many years was the state of Michigan, but you will have to draw your own conclusions. Much of this novel, as well as those to follow, will spend significant time fleshing out the scene with characters (every other one of which seems to be named Goodwinter), history and geography. This sets the overall pattern for the tales, which will gradually become more cozy than mysterious. The puzzles, never really particularly difficult, will become increasingly less important as Braun focuses on life in this somewhat fantastical world.
The writing itself remains enjoyable throughout, the antics of the cats stay as delightful, and Qwilleran will be stubborn and irascible for the foreseeable future. I enjoy the stories for the relief they provide from the seemingly inescapable seriousness of many mysteries and thrillers. The books provide a comfort zone where bad things happen, but horrible things don't. While I don't recommend trying to read the series one book after another they are great for those times when one needs a distraction. And as another writer who is often out-thought by his cats, Braun strikes a very sympathetic note.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
23 of 25 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A good read (and an essential "early" one) in the Cat series, February 18, 1998
Ms Braun wrote her first three "Cat Who" books about 30 years ago. When she returned to the theme in 1986 she apparently made the decision to move the locale from the City to the rural setting of Moose County. After one more book "down below" (TCW Saw Red), this volume, THE CAT WHO PLAYED BRAHMS, introduces us to the geography, people and their families and many of the other intrigues and relationships that are further explored in future books in the series.
Jim Qwilleran decides to take an extended vacation and chooses a cabin in Mooseville, 400 miles north of the city. He has the free use of it from a quasi-aunt and long time friend of his mother's. While passing through Pickax, the county seat, he visits Aunt Fanny for a reunion after many years and proceeds to Mooseville accompanied by Koko and Yum-Yum. While settling into the cabin he meets many locals who will also feature in future episodes and becomes aware that all is not well on the crime front. Several deaths and other events point in so many different directions hat the precise nature of the crime is not clear at all to either Jim or Koko. Eventually, the puzzle is solved, but not before the chain of events leads to the death of octagenarian Aunt Fanny. At the end of the book, Jim is informed that Aunt Fanny has made him her sole heir, but a stipulation of the will requires that he relocate to Moose County for a period of no less than five years. This sets the stage for future "tails" in the "The Cat Who" series.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
17 of 18 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
NORTH TO MOOSE COUNTY!, January 20, 1999
By A Customer
In this book, the fifth in "The Cat Who ..." series, Qwill and the cats head north to vacation in a cabin owned by family friend "Aunt Fanny." This book introduces us to Moose County and some of its residents. By the end of the book, Qwill's life has changed drastically. Not to be missed, especially if you're reading the series. Has important developments in the characters and settings. Will hold your interest. If you like cats and light mysteries you'll love this book.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
