The Cat Who Knew a Cardinal

(4.5 / 5)

Ahh, the apple barn at last! The thing I remember most from when I read some of this series around 20ish years ago is the converted apple barn with ramps and balconies that Qwilleran, Koko, and Yum Yum live in. I didn't quite realize how long it took them to get there, but it isn't surprising that it was this far in, given the progression of Qwilleran's life up to this point. It's only a shame that their housewarming is punctuated by murder, not to mention the further tragedy that is more of a spoiler to mention here. The mystery in this book is another good one, though I was struck by similarities in the main players of the drama to those in a previous book, The Cat Who Talked to Ghosts. I loved Koko's "friendship" with the show more cardinal and found myself reacting with high sentiments at the developments related to it.

One thing I didn't care for in this book is the hit that the relationship between Qwilleran and Polly takes. The way they seem to regard each other makes me feel sad and wonder how long they can possibly last. They both seem ready to toss each other over at the first chance. Maybe this is supposed to be due to the fact that neither of them wants a marriage, but they still get quickly jealous over the other paying a little extra attention to someone of the opposite gender. I used to think of their relationship as sweet and comfortable, but I'm definitely starting to see it differently now. We'll see how that progresses, though, since I'm only a little more than 1/3 of the way through the series, which I do recommend for fans of cozy mysteries. show less

After a disastrous venture Down Below, James Qwilleran and his cats are back in Pickax for the 12th in the series, and it doesn�Ûªt take much time before they are once again embroiled in a murder mystery.

The cardinal in the title refers mostly to a bird that Koko befriends after he, Qwill, and YumYum move into yet ANOTHER new home ‰ÛÒ a converted hexagonal apple barn on the Klingenschoen property. Qwill came up with this idea on the fly in the previous book, to explain his interest in large tapestries, and apparently he liked it so much that he went through with the project. This unique home, which includes a ‰ÛÏpenthouse‰Û built exclusively for the cats, attracts a great deal of interest and attention, show more so much so that tickets for a public tour to benefit the Pickax library are immediately sold out.

Shortly after he moves in, the entire Pickaxe amateur theater company shows up late one night for an impromptu party after the final performance of their latest play. Qwill has been involved with the company on and off. So he good-naturedly allows the gathering, which is a thin excuse for the troupe to get a more private look at his new home. After the party breaks up in the wee hours of the morning, Qwill ventures outside to see why one of the cars is still parked in front of the barn. He finds that it‰Ûªs owner ‰ÛÒ the widely disliked director of the play - has been murdered, leaving the entire theater company and himself as possible suspects.

This was one of my favorites in the series so far. The mystery was interesting as was a minor subplot where Polly the librarian seems to be two-timing Qwill. There were many funny moments involving the cats. Braun clearly knows that sinking feeling when a cat owner steps on something unexpected with their bare feet; and how cats will immediately jump into any open suitcase and refuse to budge; and how they will react with bored disdain when you present them with a new toy you were sure they would love.

In the previous book, the number of dead bodies piled up around James Qwilleran slowed down a bit, but the Grim Reaper is back. Scottie, his tailor, is one resident of Pickax who has finally picked up on this:

‰ÛÏWeel, laddie, you‰Ûªve done it again!‰Û he said, putting on the brogue that pleased his customers.

‰ÛÏMeaning What?‰Û Qwilleran asked.

‰ÛÏYou found another dead body! Canna remember any dead bodies before you moved into town.‰Û

Based on one of the deaths this time, it could be argued that it‰Ûªs not Qwill; instead Koko and YumYum are actually the Cats of Death. The two cats are alone with poor Grammy when she drops dead in the elevator.

Originally published: 1991

Body Count: 3 Hilary Van Brook (gunshot to the head, outside the apple barn); Dennis Hough (suicide/hanging inside the apple barn) Grummy (natural causes at her home in Lockmaster while Qwill and the cats are visiting.).

Preceded by: The Cat Who Lived High

Next Up: The Cat Who Moved a Mountain show less

Another adorable story in the tried and true Lilian Jackson Braun formula. It's not particularly weighty reading, but it was just the perfect thing to pass the time while I waited out a snowstorm. One Warning: If you are a serious cardinal lover, you might want to pick something else.

Even though I love cats, I've never been attracted to cosy mysteries involving feline sleuths. However, that changed with this one from Braun. It was my first of Braun's and it won't be the last. The help provided by the cats was almost natural, or at least could be attributed to Qwilleran's imagination. Light entertainment, very enjoyable. Braun knows the nature of cats well.

Much like its protagonist, this story ambles along, leisurely highlighting the nooks and crannies of the small town and its characters. But the narrative also never loses sight of its main mystery, and Qwill's interactions with his neighbors aren't separate from his murder investigation, but an integral part of it. (Being a cat lover, I also appreciate the humorous asides about Qwill's feline accomplices.) Nothing earthshattering, but it's light and entertaining -- a good one to read on a trip and then pass on.

The Pickax Theatre Club shows up at Qwill's converted apple barn for an impromptu closing-night cast party. When things die down and most everyone is gone, there is still a car parked on the property. When Qwill checks on it, he finds the dead body of Hilary VanBrook, the disliked director of the play!

Having been a prize-winning reporter on the crime beat, Qwill finds himself drawn into searching for the murder and the reason for the killing. His partners in sleuthing are Koko and Yum Yum, his pair of Siamese cats.

When a visitor shoots and kills a cardinal that Koko has befriended, Qwill starts to take a long hard look at the man and the people around him. Qwills ability to engage people in conversation and learn things, and Koko's show more extraordinary ability to give Qwill hints to follow make for a fun and interesting read.

This is a series that I've read almost all the books on and will be sad to get to the end, but I am enjoying them as I go! show less

I love the way these little mysteries wander into small town, middle of nowhere life. The cats keep me entertained. One thing is for sure, I never want to meet Jim Qwilleran; people are always dying around that man!