I cannot honestly say I remember how I found this book, but since it was a mystery, and it concerned cats, I thought it might be an interesting read. I have to say I was somewhat disappointed. I realize this is a series of books, and I came in now knowing any of the characters, but I nearly gave up reading it afer about 50 pages. I think some time after that, I began to get somewhat interested. I loved the two Siamese cats, and I loved thier owner. They were well-portrayed, and they were what kept me reading. I also liked the fact that it happened in a small town. so often these kinds of stories take place in a big city.What I did not like is that the mystery was not even a real mystery. I would have preferred not knowing so many of the details of the mystery halfway into the book. The reader was told too much about the case, and that ruined it for me. I enjoyed how the cats always knew certain things, but it would have been nicer to just have those details and not the police facts.I do not know what the relationship was between the main male and female character. Of course, I have not read the other books, but why are they not dating or married? I also do not like the fact that the main character is not willing to come to terms with his own past. It bothers me that he refuses to accept that. I enjoyed learning about his past, but he ruined it!In short, it is your choice, but I would not readily recommend this book to anyone. It is a fine writing style--certainly nothing against the author. But I wish it had more depth in the actual mystery portion. I would have loved to have seen more from the cats!!
This is the first one in the series I have read and I gather it is very late in the series. I am sure I must have just picked a poor one to start with. There are dozens in the series so they must be very popular and surely must normally have a little more substance to them. I would imagine that if you read them in order you have the chance to warm to the characters and enjoy revisiting.My goodness, how it droned on about what people were eating and wearing and what the rooms looked like. ***SPOILERISH FROM HERE, but not much******************************I gather that the setting is miles from anywhere but it seems to be the cultural and social centre of the middle of nowhere. Busy, busy, busy.I didn't see the point of the cats showing us clues as Qwilleran seemed to be only half heartedly "sleuthing" and some of the clues even the reader couldn't really pick up on until the final "reveal" and you think "oh yeah, that was the point of the endless banging on about...whatever". There wasn't really a mystery anyway, you know who did it but expect a twist that never comes, just holes to pick in the plot.On the up side, if you approach the book NOT as a mystery but as a day to day description of life and socialising in the area, with references to mystic cats, with not much point to it all, then it is a nice light read.
Do You like book The Cat Who Robbed A Bank (2001)?
Reading this edition made me wonder if Ms Braun's editor did his/her job. The story was very choppy and it seemed as if there were complete paragraphs that got repeated in different places in the story. Braun was definitely not on top of her game with this book.7/7/2013: Still felt a little rushed and choppy...and a bit like a clip show with most of the writing devoted to catching up a new reader with the series than attention being paid to the actual plot. This is one of those books that demonstrates a bit of the reasoning behind "Show don't tell."
—Gheeta
This is my 1st "the cat who" book. Probably not best to start reading a series with the 22nd book, but that's what I did. I had been contemplating reading this series for quite some time. I wanted to try my first book as an audio edition and this one was the only one my library had. I started listening and immediately was blown away with the narrator. He was wonderful. The book started slowly but still kept my attention. Well do to a confluence of circumstances I could not finish the audio version but still wanted to finish the book and went back to library to get the book. I am glad I had heard some of the audio version as I now had a "voice" to attach to the protagonist. I enjoyed the story but am a bit perplexed about the connection with cats. I thoroughly love Koko and Yum Yum but their connection to solving mysteries is thin, so thin that you have to be told near the end of the story what the connection is. Regardless, I enjoyed the story and intend to go back to book one and read this series.
—Barbara
Qwillian and his feline companions once again become involved in some nasty business in their small town. While the town is excited about the upcoming Scottish festival and games, a well-known businessman comes to town on one of his regular visits. Selling and buying old jewelry and heirlooms he is also known for the series of young, pretty 'assistants' he brings along. Early one morning when the cats wake Qwill up he has an inkling that something is amiss. The businessman is found murdered and his assistant, along with a large amount of cash and jewelry is missing.Part of Braun's wonderful series of cozy mysteries for cat lovers and those who enjoy some humor along with underplayed violence. Deadly, but not too graphic. A nice introduction to the characters and an ever growing cast of locals.
—Steve Chaput
