(3.5 / 5)

I kinda feel like the author is putting more page time into Qwilleran getting content for his collection of short stories or his twice-weekly newspaper column than into the episodic mysteries. The mystery in this book takes leaps forward that don't allow for much intrigue or suspense. Still, I do generally enjoy the happenings in Moose County, as well as the characters. What I did not enjoy in this book, though, was the side plot where Polly is on vacation with her sister and sends postcards back to Qwilleran hinting at a guy she met and is spending a lot of time with. Qwilleran and Polly's long-term relationship has started to wear on me, since they tend to go back and forth being jealous of each other, and in between, are just super happy to be in this not-fully committed relationship.

Twenty-four books into the series, there is not much that hasn't been done. And to be fair, when a book takes us away from Moose County and its citizens, I usually like it even less. But because of how many of these I've read, it's also often easy to guess who's going to be involved in the murder, whether victim or killer. Though in this case, I did have one guy pegged as being on the side of the bad guys, and instead he ended up being a victim, so I can't say there isn't still some unpredictability now and then. In the end, though, this installment in the series was okay, but not a stand-out. ( )

Qwill is asked to come stay at the Nutcracker Inn. His cover story is he is researching material for his column. The true story is he is trying to find out what it is that is making Lori Bamba, one of the owners, feel so uneasy.

Once Qwill, Koko and Yum Yum (his two feline co-horts) were settled, it was time to start investigating. The first mystery solved was what was locked behind the door to the turret in Qwill's room. Antique furniture belonging to the original family who built the building in the late 1800s!

The next mystery involved a body found floating in the creek. A much more serious matter! Seems he is a guest at the inn and also has golden nuggets hidden in his shoes.

Koko once again lets his curiosity go in high gear as he 'helps' Qwill solve this murder.

Oh, and the thing that was making Lori feel uneasy? That is solved too!

"The Cat Who" is a series I've enjoyed for quick reads over the years. ( )

As I've read this series I've discovered that all the books in the series is a lot a like. I know it's a series and the characters are all suppose to be there and you know them very well but the plots of the books are pretty much the same. There's a murder, Koko suspects something is not right, Qwill investigates, he figures the mystery out, and then gives a detailed description of what happened in the book and how it ties into everything that has just happened. Their all pretty much the same. As I've read the books they have gotten more boringly predictable but still slightly enjoyable to read. ( )

I can't help it. I love these books. They are so calm and laid back. Love the Q mustache. Great characters that you think you know personally. ( )

Qwill is a newspaper reporter and the richest man in Moose County. While his friend Polly is on vacation Qwill decides to move himself and his two cats into the Nutcracker Inn where Lori Bamab, one of the innkeepers has been having bad vibes. The body of one of the hotel guests is found floating in the river. My problem with this entry in the series is that unlike the earlier books Qwill doesn't do any real investigating and Koko, the detective cat, doesn't turn up any clues of value. Most of the book is Qwill interviewing people for his column and descriptions of food Qwill is eating. Definitely not a good entry in the series. ( )