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The Cat Who Saw Red summary
Brief summary
The Cat Who Saw Red by Lilian Jackson Braun is a captivating mystery novel that follows journalist Jim Qwilleran and his intuitive Siamese cats as they investigate a series of suspicious events in their small town.
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The Cat Who Saw Red
Summary of key ideas
Unsettling Events at Maus Haus
In The Cat Who Saw Red by Lilian Jackson Braun, we find Jim Qwilleran, a journalist, moving into the Maus Haus, a peculiar mansion in the city of Pickax. He plans to write a book about the town's local restaurants. He is accompanied by his two Siamese cats, Koko and Yum Yum, who have a knack for sniffing out trouble.
Soon after arriving, strange occurrences begin to unfold at Maus Haus. Qwilleran hears a woman's scream in the middle of the night, but when he investigates, he finds nothing amiss. Then, the houseboy, Ben Nicolas, vanishes without a trace, leaving Qwilleran and the residents of Maus Haus puzzled and concerned.
Unraveling the Past
Qwilleran is intrigued by the house's mysterious history, especially the unsolved 'suicide' of the previous owner. He learns that the deceased, the flamboyant artist George Bonifield Mountclemens, was found dead in his studio. The circumstances surrounding his death were dubious, leading Qwilleran to suspect foul play.
Qwilleran's investigation into Mountclemens' death is further piqued by the discovery of a red paint can in the attic, which is the same shade as the paint splattered on Mountclemens' last painting. He starts to believe that the artist might have been murdered, a theory backed by Koko's unusual behavior around the red paint.
The Disappearance of Rosemary
As Qwilleran delves deeper into the mystery, another strange event occurs. His old girlfriend, Rosemary Whiting, who was also investigating Mountclemens' death, suddenly disappears. Qwilleran fears for her safety and is determined to find her. He enlists the help of his friend Arch Riker, the local police chief, to assist in the search.
During their investigation, Qwilleran and Riker discover that Rosemary was onto something significant before her disappearance. She had found a hidden room in Maus Haus, which contained valuable paintings and a mysterious diary. Qwilleran realizes that Rosemary's findings might be the key to solving Mountclemens' murder and her own disappearance.
Unmasking the Culprit
As the pieces of the puzzle fall into place, Qwilleran and his cats race against time to solve the mysteries surrounding Maus Haus. With Koko's intuitive abilities and Yum Yum's cleverness, they unearth the truth behind Mountclemens' death and Rosemary's disappearance.
In a thrilling climax, the trio exposes the real culprit, who had been hiding in plain sight all along. The red paint, the hidden room, and the elusive diary all play a crucial role in unmasking the murderer and bringing justice to the victims.
A Riveting Conclusion
In the end, The Cat Who Saw Red concludes with the resolution of the mysteries at Maus Haus. Qwilleran's journalistic instincts and his cats' keen observations have once again proven invaluable. As Qwilleran continues his stay in Pickax, he looks forward to his next culinary adventure, knowing that wherever he goes, his feline companions will be there to help him solve the next enigmatic case.
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What is The Cat Who Saw Red about?
The Cat Who Saw Red is a mystery novel by Lilian Jackson Braun. It follows journalist Jim Qwilleran and his two intuitive Siamese cats as they investigate a series of strange events in the small town of Pickax. When a local actress is found dead and a red scarf becomes a key clue, Qwilleran and his feline companions uncover a web of secrets and deception.
The Cat Who Saw Red Review
The Cat Who Saw Red (1986) follows journalist Jim Qwilleran and his intuitive Siamese cats as they investigate a mysterious murder in the small town of Pickax. Here's why this book is worth delving into:
- Featuring a clever feline detective and its human partner, the story offers a unique and charming perspective on crime-solving.
- Intriguing plot twists keep readers engaged and guessing until the very end, making it a captivating mystery novel.
- The small-town setting and quirky characters add depth and humor to the story, ensuring that boredom is out of the question.
Who should read The Cat Who Saw Red?
Readers who enjoy cozy mysteries with a feline twist
Cat lovers looking for a charming and light-hearted read
Those who appreciate clever and quirky characters in a small-town setting
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The Cat Who Saw Red FAQs
What is the main message of The Cat Who Saw Red?
The main message is about solving mysteries with the help of an intuitive feline friend.
How long does it take to read The Cat Who Saw Red?
Reading time varies, but it's a quick read. The Blinkist summary can be finished in a few minutes.
Is The Cat Who Saw Red a good book? Is it worth reading?
The Cat Who Saw Red is worth reading for a cozy mystery escape.
Who is the author of The Cat Who Saw Red?
The author of The Cat Who Saw Red is Lilian Jackson Braun.
What to read after The Cat Who Saw Red?
If you're wondering what to read next after The Cat Who Saw Red, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Eating Animals by Jonathan Safran Foer
- Fox by Martin Wallen
- The Omnivore's Dilemma by Michael Pollan
- The World Without Us by Alan Weisman
- Green Illusions by Ozzie Zehner
- Energy Myths and Realities by Vaclav Smil
- Fukushima by David Lochbaum, Edwin Lyman, Susan Q. Stranahan and the Union of Concerned Scientists
- The Moral Case for Fossil Fuels by Alex Epstein
- Should We Eat Meat? by Vaclav Smil
- Cradle to Cradle by William McDonough and Michael Braungart