ree87's review
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
tabithar's review
3.0
3.0 stars. The absurdities in this book are more extreme but its part of the Pickax mystique. I enjoyed the characters but felt this "mystery" was much more transparent from early on in the book. This book was used to further expand character development throughout Pickax and the characters were more what the story was about than the overall mystery. It was an enjoyable, if not surprising, read.
deannaosmith2's review against another edition
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.0
withloveandlights's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
staticdisplay's review
4.0
2020 update: reading through the series in order and enjoying it quite a bit. most of the characters become more likable as the series progresses; I don't really enjoy Qwill's dalliances with women, for example. this story is Dark, but most of those themes are obscured beneath luxurious descriptions of Qwill's new mansion, and the cats' antics, and Iris Cobb making macaroni and cheese and reading palms. it feels cozy all the way through till about the last 5 or so pages. comforting and soothing to return to these familiar places and characters.
---
I don't remember marking so many books from this series read, much less having actually read them. To be fair, it's been at least 10 years since I was reading this series. This felt like almost the first book in the series to me, so I'm surprised it's #6. There are a lot of familiar characters, but some are noticeably absent (well, mostly Polly). The characters aren't what I remembered, either; I think everything mellows out, to some extent, with age... but I liked reading about Qwill in his new house with his "new" housekeeper. I enjoyed all of the descriptions of Koko's antics. I love the cozy feeling of this series (even when people drop like flies) and the way that characters grow and change over time. Braun always writes with authority about interior design, something I keep forgetting to comment on. (There... that's my comment.)
---
I don't remember marking so many books from this series read, much less having actually read them. To be fair, it's been at least 10 years since I was reading this series. This felt like almost the first book in the series to me, so I'm surprised it's #6. There are a lot of familiar characters, but some are noticeably absent (well, mostly Polly). The characters aren't what I remembered, either; I think everything mellows out, to some extent, with age... but I liked reading about Qwill in his new house with his "new" housekeeper. I enjoyed all of the descriptions of Koko's antics. I love the cozy feeling of this series (even when people drop like flies) and the way that characters grow and change over time. Braun always writes with authority about interior design, something I keep forgetting to comment on. (There... that's my comment.)
carolyn84's review
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
govmarley's review
3.0
Qwill and the cats are getting settled into the K Mansion, some people are murdered, and Qwill continues to be on the prowl as a mustachioed ladies man. This last part is the least believable.
Qwill moves into the Klingshoen Mansion, as part of his incredibly lucky inheritance. He seems to be dating the town doctor while constantly asking her cousin, the lawyer, out to dinner, drinks, whatever. Really, Qwill? Get over yourself. You are NOT a ladies man. I refuse to believe it.
Anyway, I digress. He discovers one of the former maids left town without taking her things, and he realizes something's fishy. Or at least Koko realizes something's fishy, and leads Qwill to the clues, as usual. Smart kitty! And then lots of things happen, including murders, and the crime is solved. Hooray!
Extra bonus fun: Mr. Q brings Mrs. Cobb up north to be his housekeeper. She's awesome and I'm glad she's back in the series. Now let's get Arch Riker up there permanently (you know it's coming!) and the gang can all live happily ever after.
Qwill moves into the Klingshoen Mansion, as part of his incredibly lucky inheritance. He seems to be dating the town doctor while constantly asking her cousin, the lawyer, out to dinner, drinks, whatever. Really, Qwill? Get over yourself. You are NOT a ladies man. I refuse to believe it.
Anyway, I digress. He discovers one of the former maids left town without taking her things, and he realizes something's fishy. Or at least Koko realizes something's fishy, and leads Qwill to the clues, as usual. Smart kitty! And then lots of things happen, including murders, and the crime is solved. Hooray!
Extra bonus fun: Mr. Q brings Mrs. Cobb up north to be his housekeeper. She's awesome and I'm glad she's back in the series. Now let's get Arch Riker up there permanently (you know it's coming!) and the gang can all live happily ever after.
imthektx's review against another edition
5.0
I love these books! And Koko and Yum Yum are the best book cats ever to exist. I love them.
sreddous's review
5.0
I adore this series. The writing is descriptive and the characters memorable. The mysteries are engaging without jerking you around and they unfold naturally. But what makes this series so special -- I love the main character Qwilleran's relationships with the cats.