Customer Reviews

The Cat Who Sang for the Birds

5 star:		(22)
4 star:		(11)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

Once again we tune in on the denizens of Moose County and find all in an uproar. In fact there are several uproars going on in this cozy neighborhood located 400 miles north of everywhere. First there is the new art center which most people love but the director somehow expects the farmers in the vicinity to keep their dirt off of the roads. When it rains you see, that dirt becomes mud and eventually gets tracked into the art center. Worse yet, the library has gotten rid of their card catalog and replaced it with a computer. This little innovation even sparks a demonstration complete with a grill for burning protestor's library cards.

Amid all of the normal Pickax City hubbub resides the ever-affable Jim Qwilleran and his mystery solving cats Koko and Yum Yum. In this entry in the series Koko has taken to singing like a bird and communing with his bird friends as often as he can. He has also been on the case again after a suspicious fire claims the life of one of Pickax's oldest citizens. The authorities rule that the fire started with a kerosene heater but Qwill doesn't buy it and neither does Koko. Yum Yum for her part is happy playing with her new yo-yo.

Eventually of course everything works out and as in previous books Qwill looks back to see just how precise Koko's clues were. For those new to the series Koko, although talented can't talk but he tries to tell Qwill what has happened in some odd ways. Usually however Qwill doesn't figure out Koko's clues until he has solved the mystery on his own. The best thing about this series besides the wonderful cast of characters is that the reader gets the same clues as does Qwilleran and if one pays very close attention Koko will tell you who done it long before the solution is revealed.

Overall this book, while enjoyable is just a little darker than most of the previous entries, although the body count is fairly low especially compared to some of its predecessors. I can't put my finger on the difference but there is a slightly different tone to this book and it is not an altogether welcome change. On the other hand this is still a very fun and entertaining read and this is a book that should be on every cozy mystery lover's bookshelf.

Although a lot of diehard fans argue that this is the first "The Cat Who" book that may provide evidence that Lillian Jackson Braun is no longer writing the series, I honestly think that "The Cat Who Sang for the Birds" is a wonderful book. It is a great addition to any "Cat Who" collection. The characters in this book are given much care and thought, and it is a definite page turner. It was this book that made me wish for a real Pickax, so that I could go live among these wonderful people. Qwilleran becomes more compassionate in these pages, Polly loses her constant doubting attitude, and the rest of the residents of Pickax become more than just "characters" in Qwill's life. If Lilian Jackson Braun did indeed pass on her pen, then the author of this book would be an excellent successor. Long live the Siamese!

I just purchased 2 of Braun's books, this one and "The Cat Who Saw Stars." I inadvertently read them out of order. This book, the predecesor to Stars, was by far the best work that Braun has released in recent years. Second only to Backwards (for the older books ) and Cheese (for the newer ones). Her work is always superlative and Qwill and their Royal Catlinesses are wonderful. If you like the "Cat Who" series, buy this one. I'll even recommend the Stars, simply because Braun wrote it.

Spring has sprung in Moose County, and that means that the beauty of nature is quickly unfolding. From butterflies emerging from their cocoons, to baby birds hatching and chirping left and right; even romance blooming in the sunny days. But not everything is peaceful and quiet within Moose County. Underneath the beautiful façade are secrets, local vandalism, cruelty, and many other strange events. Strange events that Qwill just can't stop himself from poking his nose into.

Even though he came from Down Under, Jim Qwilleran has found that residing in Moose County - 400 miles from everywhere - couldn't be more pleasant. He has good friends, keeps good company with his prized felines Koko and Yum Yum, enjoys the perks of being a reporter for the Moose County Something, and spends his days sniffing out stories. When some unexpected, and out-of-the-ordinary acts of vandalism occur within little Moose County, the residents are sent into a tizzy, trying to figure out who would commit such a disgraceful crime. Qwill, however, is one of the only people interested enough to do a little investigating to finger the criminal. But as he continues digging, he begins to uncover some very unexpected things, such as strange events involving some of the local political candidates. To Qwill, vandalism is one thing, but when a murder takes place, he knows that he'll have to enlist the help of both Koko and Yum Yum to assist him in catching the culprit. Qwill would prefer simply spending time with a remarkable local artist known as Butterfly Girl, and savoring the opening of the new Art Center. But he'll have to solve the crime before his mind can finally rest, and he can enjoy the new beauty springing up all over Moose County.

The beauty of Lillian Jackson Braun's work does not necessarily lie in the mystery contained within the pages of her books, but, rather, the character development she weaves in her tales. That character development is quite prevalent within THE CAT WHO SANG FOR THE BIRDS. The descriptions of Butterfly Girl, and the nosiness of the people of Moose County does overshadow the mystery that Qwill, along with Koko and Yum Yum are investigating; but for those looking for a quaint read, it is not perturbing in the least, and actually makes for a refreshing trip through a cute community, where we have the opportunity to catch up with new and old friends. Mystery light, but still a delight!

Erika Sorocco

Freelance Reviewer

This was such a good book! The funeral scene brought tears to my eyes. Qwill spends a lot of time at the new art center. He befriends a young artist who paint butterflies. She is in a state of flux and wants to move in with her boyfriend.

The lady who lives across the road from the art center is Maude Coggin. She is an interesting lady who is ninety three. Qwill interviews her and discovers that she takes in stray dogs.

Koko wakes Qwill up one night to find that Mrs. Coggin's house is on fire. More mysteries abound and Koko knows what is going on and tries to communicate with Qwill.

This was a great book and I enjoyed it very much.

The Cat Who Sang For the Birds was my introduction to the series and I've been transported to 400 miles north of anywhere many times since then. Its the relaxed style and wonderful characters that keep me coming back for more.

Heaven is Pickax!

I generally enjoy Lillian Jackson Braun's "Cat Who," books. I have read them all and was a subscriber and contributor to now defunct newsletter that promoted the books. I eagerly waited the 20th book, "The Cat Who Sang to the Birds." I was disappointed. The story line, as in the other 19 books, continues the relationships of the recurring characters. (That's why it's important to read the books, including the collecting of short stories, in sequence.) The latest entry finds a very early Spring in Moose County. Qwillearan interview with an elderly woman who dies in suspicious fire, sketches stolen from the newly opened art museum and a the disappearance of a young artist should make for an exciting novel. It falls short. The cats do play a part in the investigation but their role is not as involved as in the past books. Fans of LJB probably will want to read this book. Those who have never read her books might be turned off from searching out the older ones. For me, there is always next year and the 21st "Cat Who.." book.

I am a big fan of the Cat Who mystery series. The Cat Who Sang For the Birds was the first new book in the series to come out after I had begun reading the series. Therefore, it was all rather fresh to me, and I found both the book and the style quite interesting. I think part of what makes this series so great is that it's not so much murder mystery as a nice, well-connected tale. The Pennant Race (spelling bee) is a nice extra, and so are some of Qwill's pursuits. On further reading of the book, after reading some of the others, I find that it could be more interesting and exciting. The humor however is there, and so are the cats! Let the cats live on forever!

I love a good whodunit but gave up on this series for quite a while. However, while browsing for titles recently I ran into it again and decided to try a few. I'd forgotten how delightfully on point Ms. Braun is with her understanding of the Siamese. Having been raised by one (Impy) myself and having had my household managed by one ever since, I know them too, and Koko and Yum Yum are as recognizable to me as any of those I have known.

If you're a deep down died in wool murder mystery enthusiast, however, this series may be a bit too light for you. Certainly as it has developed over the years, the stories have stressed the interesting characters and interrelationships of small town people more than the murders that have occurred among them. Like the English novelist Angela Thirkell High Rising (Angela Thirkell Barsetshire Series), Ms Braun has managed to capture the ambience of an era and the intimate relationships among long time members of small communities; in the case of the former, early 20th century rural England, in the case of the latter more recent northern US--my guess, though it's not stated, northern Minnesota, since it's known for its cold, snowy winters, and its history of logging, mining, quarrying and bootlegging.

If you find the works of PD James The Private Patient (Adam Dalgliesh Mysteries), Martha Grimes The Anodyne Necklace and Kathy Reichs Bones to Ashes: A Novel (Temperance Brennan Novels) more to your liking than the works of Maggie Sefton Dropped Dead Stitch (A Knitting Mystery) or Joanne Fluke Strawberry Shortcake Murder (Hannah Swensen Mysteries), the Cat Who Mysteries are probably not for you. Like the latter two authors, Ms Braun delights with her tales of people that the reader gets to know and appreciate with each book. The murder plot is almost of secondary importance, and this is especially true of The Cat Who Sang for the Birds.

The author goes into great detail about the main character's home, his personal friends, the history he shares with each, where they dine, what they talk about, how they fit in with town activities. Greater attention is paid to the naming of the library's cats and in the arrangements for a spelling bee than in the details of the murders. The reader is not privy to details of the crime scene beyond the facts as reported by others. There is no real "puzzle" to solve and few "clues" with which to solve it. In fact, as murder mysteries go, this one does not really follow the rules at all.

That said, I will also say that I enjoyed it. But then I like Siamese; I enjoy spending vicarious time in Moose County--probably because I live in Minnesota; I like the characters I meet there; and I'll probably visit again soon!

This is a wonderful read! Anyone who like cats will really enjoy Lilian's books. I have read this book and "The Cat Who Tailed a Thief" and I've enjoyed them both. I can't wait to obtain ALL Lilian Jackson Braun's books about these wonderful cats!

The main reasons I like these books are 1) I like adventures and mysteries concerning animals and 2) The way she makes KoKo so mystical and wise makes me realize I'm not the only person who believes cats DO have some kind of unworldly knowledge. Thank you Lilian Jackson Braun!

I just wish I didn't have to wait for her books to get on the clearance rack.