The Cat Who Ate Danish Modern (1967)

This series is my go-to for dumb reading. But this early entry was unusually interesting, and without some of the tics that accumulate in the later part of the series. Qwilleran is assigned to a home decor supplement, but the weekly assignments seem to lead to burglary and death. This is back when Q was still working, still living in a city, and just in the process of acquiring his cats. I was surprised at how much I enjoyed it. ( )

I enjoyed this book, but I did have a hard time taking parts of it seriously. Yes, being a cat mystery, I've suspended disbelief when it comes to the super-smart cat helping with the murder investigation. But I can't easily get past the out-dated gender stereotypes, and the mustache getting credit for the main character's intuition is getting annoying instead of charming.

On the other hand, I do enjoy the wide range of colorful characters portrayed in the novel (and the series), and the cats are wonderful. (Especially since we have now met Yum-Yum. The cats are the reason I first picked dup this series long ago - I'm a G&S fan, so having cats named Koko and Yum-Yum was irresistible.)

But, I did know who did it before it was revealed. (I just realized, though, one of the mystery aspects was only kinda explained. Hmm.) At least, I knew who did part of it. The other part wasn't really related, but I was expecting it to be in order to tie things up neatly. (Instead things were tied up neatly on one front and quickly - therefore without much explanation - on the other front.) (Yikes, discussing the resolution of a murder mystery without spoilers is difficult!)

Anyway, it's a solid story, though a bit dated, and it has awesome cats. It's a solid three stars, but I don't think I can give it more than that in the modern era. ( )

In this second pleasant outing in the Cat Who series, reporter Jim Qwilleran enters the world of interior design to solve a mystery involving foppish designers, jade, suspicious coincidences, and mysterious deaths. Meanwhile, his magnificent Siamese cat Koko develops a taste for a certain fabric, and acquires a girlfriend as well. Originally published in 1967, this quick read is dated, but still entertaining. ( )

In this second book, Qwilleran is back, now the official owner of the amazing Siamese cat named Koko, whose owner was murdered. This time Jim's beat is...interior design. Tasked with producing a weekly insert for The Daily Fluxion called, obnoxiously, "Gracious Abodes," Jim attacks the assignment with reluctance - he knows nothing about interior design. But he is soon immersed in design-world intrigue that includes, of course, murder. Again, the mystery here is almost beside the point.

This book as funnier than the first - I laughed out loud quite a few times. There is a running gag that designers refer to all colors as foods; a conceit which becomes more and more absurd: Parsley, Mushroom, Caramel Custard, Avocado, Poppy Seed, Dried Fig, Cream of Carrot.
Suddenly, Qwilleran saw the color scheme of the office with new eyes. It was Pea Soup Green, and the walls were painted Roquefort, and the vinyl floor was Pumpernickel...
Odd Bunsen is back; in this installment we learn that he has six children and a fondness for strong drink (probably related concepts). Also Qwill's age is pegged as "over 45" which is a bit younger than I imagine him. He acquires a pretty younger girlfriend named Alacoque Wright, or Cokey for short. (I don't trust her. At one point, Koko bites her in the head, so the relationship is surely doomed.) Another important development is the appearance of Yum Yum. At the very end of the book, she plays an important role, and becomes a permanent fixture in the Qwilleran household.

First Published: 1967
Body Count: 3 David Lyke (murder) Mrs Tait (heart attack) Natalie Noyton (suicide)
Preceded by: The Cat Who Could Read Backwards
Next up: The Cat Who Turned on and Off ( )

Fun Mystery Books. A Little dated but no more than your average cozy mystery. A must for any cat-lover! ( )