The Cat Who Tailed a Thief

It's winter in Moose County, 400 miles north of everywhere, and there's a petty pilferer around! But when a charity jar with almost $2,000 is discovered missing, the investigation really gets going. Soon some of the pilfered items show up in the work locker of one of the community's best-loved young men, leading Qwill to suspect a frame-up. But there are plenty of other twists and turns in this book, including a mugging that turns into murder, a suspicious wedding between a young gentleman and a middle-aged widow (with plenty of money), and finally another murder. Of course, Kao K'o Kung knows what is really going on long before Qwill figures it out, but then, if you've read this far in this series, you should be used to that by now.

Lilian Jackson Braun is my favorite mystery writer. She always keeps gross and explicit things out of her books and trails the adventures of Jim Qwilleran and his two Siamese Ka'o Ko Kung (Uh, Koko for short), the male cat, and Yum Yum, the female. In this particular book, Qwill is in for many surprises and Mrs. Braun did a great job. The suspense builds until the last couple of chapter where the climax and falling action leave you too ecited to put the book down. An elaborate plan by a criminal and his kleptomaniac "wife" leave Moose County in a swirl of confusion until Qwill reveals the real intentions of the dashing decorater. A must read!

I have read all of Braun's Cat Who books, and this one is a great example of the books where she's really hit her stride. Koko and YumYum are throwing hints all over the place, and Qwilleran makes a new friend--Joe "Wetherby Goode" Bunker, who's a terrific character. Qwilleran goes around the North country gathering spooky tales, and these little stories just add to the enjoyment of the book.None of the Cat Who mysteries are that profound. I wasn't shocked at the solution to the mystery. But for pure enjoyable reading, I recommend this Cat Who book very highly.

The Cat Who Tailed The Thief was the first book of the series I was introduced to. I was attracted to Quill's humorous nature and the author's unique way of potraying him, together with Polly Duncan and others. Indeed, it sounded so realistic that I found myself captivated. I enjoyed excerpts from the "Quill's Pen" coloum (especially the one with cats) which seemed very refreshing and with lots of comical expression in it. I also favoured "Short and Tall Tales" in which Quill delights himself with old tales that have such a twist of enchanment in them. I had no problem at all in trying to keep track with the characters mentioned (being my first time)and I found absolute enjoyment in the author's fun and refreshing way of introducing and following on the characters' movements. After reading the other comments though, I found that some of you (may I add) did not regard this book as highly as I had. You were not comfortable with the way Ms Braun wrote about the culprit by giving away obvious clues. Hence, may I conclude, for first-time newcomers, you need not regard this book as a high-tension suspense-thrilling mystery book, but as an enjoyable remedy to your stressed out life that may soon add a little colour and flourish to it!

I always look forward to Ms. Braun's books. Ever since my friend Patty gave me the first one. I have read every one more than once. Where else can you get a good "who done it" without having to subject yourself to gratuitous sex and violence. I feel right at home with all the people of Moose County. I sure wish Qwill and Polly would tie the knot "Scottish Style" and I'm sure glad Polly changed Bootsie's name...not dignified enough for a cat.