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ladythana's review against another edition
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death and Murder
Minor: Misogyny
echalmers's review against another edition
5.0
This series is a wonderful, fun mystery series. I did not enjoy the last few books as much, but that may have just been me.
const_02's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
dgilbreath's review against another edition
3.0
The characters and their descriptions captivated me more than the story itself in "The Cat Who Could Read Backwards." Koko, the cat, undoubtedly was the best thing to happen to Mr. Qwilleran. While I'm not eager to dive into the series further, I did appreciate the cozy and easy to read nature of this book—perfect for a bedtime read. I also thoroughly enjoyed the little details of a book clearly published in the 60s compared to something you might read published a little more recently.
dunnadam's review against another edition
3.0
I was waiting for the cat, who doesn’t appear until the 25% mark, then I was waiting for the cat’s owner to die, as it was obvious the hero was going to inherit the cat, and that didn’t happen until the 80% mark. Consequently I felt like I knew most of the book what was going to happen.
The book had a couple things in common with Alexander McCall-Smith, the twitching mustache for example reminded me of talking shoes from the Ladies Detective series.
The cat’s name is Kao K’o Kung, or KKK. Not smart.
There’s a lesbian character named “Butchy” who is described as “mannish” and one of the main suspects.
Overall I liked the book enough, a distraction for an afternoon, not rushing for the next in the series.
The book had a couple things in common with Alexander McCall-Smith, the twitching mustache for example reminded me of talking shoes from the Ladies Detective series.
The cat’s name is Kao K’o Kung, or KKK. Not smart.
There’s a lesbian character named “Butchy” who is described as “mannish” and one of the main suspects.
Overall I liked the book enough, a distraction for an afternoon, not rushing for the next in the series.
sarahrheawerner's review against another edition
3.0
So... I finally gave in to my curiosity (no puns about cat-killing, now) and read what I had long viewed as a member of a weird fringe genre of literature: CAT MYSTERIES!
The Cat Who Could Read Backwards by Lilian Jackson Braun is the first in one such series (dubbed "The Cat Who..." mystery series).
I was a little disheartened that the cat (named Koko) was not the main character -- rather, he plays supporting actor to newspaper reporter Jim Qwilleran as the latter finds out who kills a local art critic.
Notably, The Cat Who Could Read Backwards was published in 1966, so there are no mobile phones in characters' pockets, no computers in the newsroom, all newspapers are printed on paper, etc.
And honestly, that just made this cozy mystery feel all the more cozy to me. There's just something about reading a paper book or newspaper by the fire with a cat curled up in your lap that's incredibly comforting. Despite, you know, all the murder that keeps happening.
This is a good-natured, cozy murder mystery that pokes fun at the pretentious nature of the art world while elevating the pretentious nature of cats. I liked it, much to my surprise. But I'm not incredibly sure it's worth your time.
Get the full scoop in the latest episode of the Write Now podcast.
The Cat Who Could Read Backwards by Lilian Jackson Braun is the first in one such series (dubbed "The Cat Who..." mystery series).
I was a little disheartened that the cat (named Koko) was not the main character -- rather, he plays supporting actor to newspaper reporter Jim Qwilleran as the latter finds out who kills a local art critic.
Notably, The Cat Who Could Read Backwards was published in 1966, so there are no mobile phones in characters' pockets, no computers in the newsroom, all newspapers are printed on paper, etc.
And honestly, that just made this cozy mystery feel all the more cozy to me. There's just something about reading a paper book or newspaper by the fire with a cat curled up in your lap that's incredibly comforting. Despite, you know, all the murder that keeps happening.
This is a good-natured, cozy murder mystery that pokes fun at the pretentious nature of the art world while elevating the pretentious nature of cats. I liked it, much to my surprise. But I'm not incredibly sure it's worth your time.
Get the full scoop in the latest episode of the Write Now podcast.
crimsonsparrow's review against another edition
slow-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
2.0
perfectpinkypie's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0