The Cat Who Went Up the Creek

(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 show more 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. show less

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 show more '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. show less

Qwill spends time at the newly refurbished Nutcracker Inn, sees the Pirates of Penzance, meets a nature photographer and a pediatrician and discovers foul play in the Black Forrest.

I really don't expect too much from the "Cat Who..." books, and mostly, they struggle to meet my low expectations. This one is no exception. Tree Pirates? Really? Two dead bodies and the most you can come up with is Tree Pirates? Oh, and the hilarity of a mustache cup collectors club? It put me to sleep, which is what I wanted it to do, but most of the time, that's not the goal of a mystery novel. That, and the more I read them, the more I realize how unflattering the potrayal of women are in Braun's books. Young, unmarried women are all flirty golddiggers, show more young married women are prone to dehabilitating personality quirks, and older unmarried women are as fickle as teenagers. Blech. show less

The cats and Q are as cute as ever, but I think I wouldn't have enjoyed this one as much if I didn't already "know" the background of most of the characters from reading earlier books included in this series. I'll always enjoy reading Braun's whimsical smalltown mysteries filled with colorful characters but, if you are new to her "Cat Who" works, I wouldn't recommend starting with this one.

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.

I enjoyed this one for it's setting near a nature conservancy and references to Gilbert and Sullivan. Pretty interesting cast of characters, as well. Easy listening in the car!

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.