While Qwilleran spends a lot of his time suspecting a certain person/company of dirty dealings, I had a different culprit in mind, and even fingered a henchman for that culprit, for reasons that I thought were rather obvious. But where in the previous book, I thought that the predictability of the stories in this series were beginning to make it less enjoyable for me, I didn't mind figuring a lot of the mystery out early this time. I think that's because the story itself—the plot and even the characters—was all more engaging and enjoyable this time. Plus, Qwilleran's reason for suspecting who he did makes perfect sense in the context of the rest of the series, and I actually enjoyed the way he ranted ineffectually against the perceived villain. Overall, I felt that it was one of the better books in the series. ( )

As I've shared previously I love this series! If you love cats and cozy mysteries this series would be my first recommendation. If anyone has a desire to write cozy mysteries this series would also be first on my recommended reading list.

There's always a murder to be solved and I enjoy matching my interpretations with Qwill in deciphering Koko's clues. Yum-Yum the other Siamese that enjoys residence with Qwill and Koko provides her own unique expressions during every adventurous tale. I also enjoy the interactions between Qwill and Polly Duncan's cat Brutus (formerly known as Brutus*).

As winter is over, Qwill, Koko, and Yum-Yum have returned to residence in the reconverted apple barn. Koko and Yum-Yum are enjoying the new gazebo that gives them special viewing pleasures of other critters as much as Qwill enjoys the fresh air, reading, and entertaining guests.

For all who love the furry face characters in cozy mysteries there will be special joy in reading "The Cat Who Sang for the Birds" as three (3) new furry faces are introduced and due to their new residences are posed for frequent mention in the remaining novels of the series. I am certainly hopeful of the possibilities.

*If you're reading the series out of order, you can learn the timing and reason for Bootsie's name change in "The Cat Who Tailed a Thief." ( )

#20 in The Cat Who... wasn't one of the more memorable ones, but just fine in the low-key way that fans of the series enjoy. Qwill and the cats are again living in the converted hexagonal apple barn in Pickax. There is a new addition - a screened in structure where the trio and visitors can hang outdoors and watch the birds. Also, the house Polly was building on the property - before the stress of the project literally gave her a heart attack - has been repurposed an Arts Center, where most of the action is centered.

Although the Ice Festival from the last book was a bust, Hixie Rice is planning more excitement for Moose County: an adult spelling bee. When that idea unsurprisingly fails to catch fire, she turns to Qwill. His brainstorm turns it into the World Series of Spelling with team hats and jerseys, bases to run, stadium seating, etc. The event is a smashing success.

Meanwhile, a fire that destroys a farm and kills an elderly Moose County woman is followed by a series of break-ins at the Arts Center. These events tturn out to be related in a surprising way. Qwill helps to put the diabolical plot together with the help of Koko.

Qwill, who honestly can sometimes be a bit of an asshole, was very likable in this one. I really loved the way he turns Maude's funeral into a tribute and the event of the Moose County season. Also, when someone leaves two kittens at his place, he has another genius idea: he gives them to the library to become in-house mascots. (This reminded me of the real-life story of Dewey, the Library Cat, which I read a few years ago.) The presence of these furry celebrities unites the town and helps resolve the Great Card Catalog Controversy. It seems funny twenty-something years later, to think that people preferred the little drawers full of hand-typed cards and vehemently resisted the conversion to an electronic system!

Body Count 2 Maude Coggins (arson); Butterfly Girl (strangulation)

Published: 1998

Preceded by: The Cat Who Tailed a Thief
Next up: The Cat Who Saw Stars ( )

Spring time and Qwill has had a screened-in gazebo built for Koko and Yum Yum to enjoy the wild life and the outdoors. It is also a great place to get some reading and writing done too. The birds are singing and so are the cats. May not be the best harmony but the cats don't care!

When a neighbouring house is vandalized with spray paint and then later is torched, killing the 94 year old owner in the blaze, things become very suspicious. Along with this comes strange happenings at the new Art Center that is across the intersection from the burnt house.

Koko starts his strange tricks, trying to give Qwill some clues. The problem is interpreting them.

Another fun read in "The Cat Who..." series. I enjoy these fast reads as a break. I've had a Siamese before and know what characters they can be, so it is no stretch of the imagination when I read about the antics of Koko and Yum Yum. ( )

This book wasn't as good as the last two that I had read in the series. I didn't enjoy it as well as the ones before it. There really wasn't much mystery in this one. The book had rambled on about the spelling bee, an Art Center, and an old lady that lived across from the Art Center all through out the book. You know there's something suspicious going on, just based off previous book, but Braun don't really get to it until about the last 5 or so chapters of the book. It still had the vibe and flow as the previous books I had read but the mystery part of the book was lacking a little bit.

The only real problem I have with this series is that there are way to many characters. With so many characters in the books it get confusing at times. All the characters I can name off my head Jim Qwilleran, Arch Rickers, Junior Goodwinter, Amanda Goodwinter, Koko and Yum Yum (Of course), Hixie Rice, Celia Robertson, Calvert Mcbee, some lawyer, Calvert's parents, painters, mayor and so many more.....It's ridiculous. ( )