A review by billd
The Cat Who Turned On and Off by Lilian Jackson Braun

lighthearted relaxing medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.0

 The Cat Who.... has been such an enjoyable series so far. I recognize that I've only read the 1st 4 books but they have been getting better and better. The Cat Who Turned On And Off by Lilian Jackson Braun is the 3rd book in the series so, yes, I read the 4th out of place. Sue me! 😎

Fearless feature writer for the Daily Fluxion, Jim Qwilleran, has been forced to live with his two Siamese cats, Koko and Yum Yum, in a local hotel. Their antics are causing complaints from the other residents. Qwill, an ex crime reporter for a big newspaper, is given the opportunity to write a Xmas feature. He finds himself in Junktown, not drug's 'Junk', but antiquing Junktown and his editor tells him to writer a heart-warming feature about the antique dealers who reside there.

Against his better nature, Qwill begins to conduct research and 'luckily' for him, finds an apartment to rent at the home of one of the antique dealers, CC and his wife Iris Cobb. Of course the house is haunted. Qwill discovers that recently one of the locals was found dead in his antique shop. The police say it was an accident, but Qwill's magic moustache twitches and he thinks it might have been a murder.

His boss doesn't want Qwill to investigate, he wants a happy Xmas story. So combining the two, Qwill writes a series of articles about the interesting, quirky dealers and also tries to find out what happened to Andy; liked by some, disliked by others.

It's a fun, easy, comfortable read. Koko and Yum Yum provide fun and games and Koko continues to discover clues. The people are interesting, especially Iris and another dealer, Mary Ducksworth, for whom Qwill has developed a bit of a crush. The story flows nicely, it's difficult to put down and ultimately, the ending is satisfactory and pleasing. Most enjoyable. Now on to #5 (4.0 stars)