Step into the charming world of The Cat Who…, where a whisker-twitching Siamese cat and a curious journalist unravel mysteries in a cozy small town! Lilian Jackson Braun’s beloved series of 29 mystery novels blends feline intuition, light-hearted intrigue, and the warmth of community life, captivating readers with its unique take on the cozy mystery genre. Centered on Jim Qwilleran and his clever Siamese cats, Koko and Yum Yum, these stories offer a delightful escape into a world where cats are more than pets—they’re detectives!
From its debut in 1966 to its final book in 2007, The Cat Who… has charmed millions with its quirky characters and small-town charm. Whether you’re a cat lover or a mystery enthusiast, this series invites you to curl up with a cup of tea and a good whodunit.
How The Cat Who… Began
Lilian Jackson Braun, a former journalist and Detroit Free Press editor, launched The Cat Who… series in 1966 with The Cat Who Could Read Backwards. Inspired by her love of cats and her own Siamese, Braun crafted a world where feline instincts guide human sleuthing. The series began in an unnamed Midwestern city but soon settled in the fictional Pickax, Moose County, a quaint locale ‘400 miles north of everywhere,’ modeled after Bad Axe, Michigan, where Braun lived. After a hiatus from 1968 to 1986, due to a market shift toward grittier mysteries, Braun returned with The Cat Who Saw Red, reigniting the series’ popularity with Berkley Publishing’s support.
The Heart of The Cat Who…
The series follows Jim Qwilleran, a mustachioed ex-crime reporter, as he tackles mysteries with his Siamese cats, Koko and Yum Yum, in Pickax. In The Cat Who Could Read Backwards (1966), Qwilleran, new to art reporting, investigates a gallery murder with Koko’s uncanny clues, like flipping book pages to reveal hints. The Cat Who Ate Danish Modern (1967) sees him dive into interior design, only to uncover a burglary and murder at a featured mansion. The Cat Who Saw Red (1986) explores a culinary mystery when Qwilleran moves into a haunted apartment, with Koko sniffing out danger. The Cat Who Knew Shakespeare (1988) weaves literary intrigue as Koko’s book-toppling habits point to a killer.
Themes of community, friendship, and feline intuition shine throughout. Pickax’s quirky residents, from librarians to antique dealers, create a cozy backdrop, while Braun’s light, humorous style keeps the tone inviting. The cats’ subtle ‘sixth sense’—like Koko’s yowls or Yum Yum’s knack for finding objects—adds charm without veering into fantasy. The setting, with its nod to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, grounds the series in a relatable, nostalgic Americana.
Why The Cat Who… Resonates
The Cat Who… series carved a niche in the cozy mystery genre, popularizing animal detectives and inspiring countless cat-themed mysteries. Its millions of copies sold, translated into 16 languages, reflect its global appeal. Fans adore the heartwarming bond between Qwilleran and his cats, finding comfort in Pickax’s familiar faces. The series’ longevity, spanning over four decades, earned Braun a lasting legacy, honored by the Mystery Writers of America’s Lilian Jackson Braun Award for cozy fiction in 2023. Even today, readers discover joy in its gentle pacing and clever mysteries, perfect for a quiet evening read.
- First Book: The Cat Who Could Read Backwards (1966)
- Last Book: The Cat Who Had 60 Whiskers (2007)
- Total Books: 29 novels, plus three short story collections
- Setting: Pickax, Moose County, inspired by Bad Axe, Michigan
- Award: Lilian Jackson Braun Award established in 2022
Grab The Cat Who Could Read Backwards and dive into The Cat Who…’s cozy mystery world, where Koko and Yum Yum are ready to lead you through a purr-fectly delightful adventure!