mabs's review
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
tabithar's review against another edition
4.0
I read several books from this series over a decade ago. A recent conversation about cozy mysteries prompted me to go back to reread this series in order. This book is the first in the series.
This book introduces us to Mr. Q, some of his newspaper friends and how he meets Koko. Qwill (Mr Q) starts a new job at a small newspaper covering profile/general interest writeups of local artists. As he familiarizes himself with the local artists, he becomes aware of a strong undercurrent of discord between his newspaper's art critic and local artists (with few exceptions). As he acclimates in his new job and community, he finds himself not only in the midst of strong opinions...but realizes at least one of his new acquaintances is angry enough to commit murder. As the body count increases, Qwill learns Koko is key to solving the mysteries.
This book introduces us to Mr. Q, some of his newspaper friends and how he meets Koko. Qwill (Mr Q) starts a new job at a small newspaper covering profile/general interest writeups of local artists. As he familiarizes himself with the local artists, he becomes aware of a strong undercurrent of discord between his newspaper's art critic and local artists (with few exceptions). As he acclimates in his new job and community, he finds himself not only in the midst of strong opinions...but realizes at least one of his new acquaintances is angry enough to commit murder. As the body count increases, Qwill learns Koko is key to solving the mysteries.
annakim's review against another edition
3.0
I read this series back when I was a kid and upon rereading, the details just seem so dated. Even when I first opened the books, I cringed at some of the descriptions of the art and clothing and the same feelings remain. The mild sexism and homophobia are somewhat problematic, though realistic for the time the book was written (mid-60's).
All in all, the entire series is cute, but like all mystery series with a gimmick, it does get pretty formulaic towards the end.
All in all, the entire series is cute, but like all mystery series with a gimmick, it does get pretty formulaic towards the end.
nicolec417's review against another edition
3.0
Adding to my read list, but wanting to revisit. This was a favorite series of mine when I was younger.
***
Definitely a nostalgic read, and extremely dated. The ending is rushed and made me flip back through to see if I missed something. I didn’t. She cheated her readers.
Yet. Despite its flaws, I had fun re-reading and added the next in the series to my Kindle.
***
Definitely a nostalgic read, and extremely dated. The ending is rushed and made me flip back through to see if I missed something. I didn’t. She cheated her readers.
Yet. Despite its flaws, I had fun re-reading and added the next in the series to my Kindle.
starcrab's review against another edition
3.0
This was cutesy, silly and fun to read. It kept me happy for the short time it took to read it, and that's what matters! I liked Lilian Braun's clean sense of humor and vivid descriptions.
rosularum11'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? No
4.0
Great cozy mystery. Half of it is solving a case, half is cat shenanigans and conversations with friends. A fun, light-hearted read
kleavens's review against another edition
4.0
Sometimes you just need an easy to read, quirky mystery.
reading_morgan's review against another edition
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
physco1999's review against another edition
4.0
Lilian Jackson Brauns book, “The cat who could read backwards” was a interesting book. It started off with Jim Qwilleran a prize winning reporter with a nose for crime who’s been down on his luck receiving a job at the Daily Fluxion as an art writer. While gathering information for his column he comes to learn about the Fluxions art critic George Bonifield Mountclemens, known for his horrendous and hurtful reviews of local shows. After digging for a bit Jim receives an invitation to have dinner with the critic who also stated to be an absolutely amazing cook which then leads to an invitation to rent out the one downstairs apartment. The agreement would come with the responsibility of cat-sitting a talented Siamese cat who has a schedule, enjoys reading, and a flair for mystery. The cats name is Kao K’o-Kung (koko). After moving into the apartment a murder happened, followed by second and then finally a third.
This books has you asking a lot of questions, makes you suspicious of so many characters and makes you wonder about skill sets cats may have that we humans may never know about or understand.
This books has you asking a lot of questions, makes you suspicious of so many characters and makes you wonder about skill sets cats may have that we humans may never know about or understand.