Showing posts with label Lilian Jackson Braun. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Lilian Jackson Braun. Show all posts

Friday, 15 May 2026

Book Reviews with Amber ~ The Cat Book Connoisseur at The Mewton-Clawson Library ~ #362 featuring **The Cat Who Went Underground** by Lilian Jackson Braun **PLUS** Friendly Fill-Ins Blog Hop

A whimsical illustrated banner for The Mewton‑Clawson Library at BBHQ shows an orange‑and‑white cat sitting proudly in the foreground, surrounded by colourful bookshelves, blooming flowers, leafy trees, and tiny book‑themed decorations such as an open book, a quill, and a thimble. Decorative bunting hangs overhead, adding to the cosy, storybook atmosphere. The text reads “Welcome to The Mewton‑Clawson Library at BBHQ” and “Book Reviews with Amber.”
This review of The Cat Who Went Underground by Lilian Jackson Braun is part of Book Reviews with Amber, the Cat Book Connoisseur at the Mewton-Clawson Library. Scroll to read.

The world’s leading feline literary critic

From the shelves of the Mewton-Clawson Librarya curated review destination for cat-centric fiction at BionicBasil.com
Amber's Book Review Pink Dot Divider ©BionicBasil®

This Week’s Intro ~ 72% Post‑Festival Calm, 18% Glitter Residue, 10% Sleepy Mouse Energy

Hello, my furbulously serene library guests

and

Welcome back to the Mewton‑Clawson Library at BBHQ, where the atmosphere this week has shifted from full‑throttle festival frenzy to a gentle, contented post‑Stackstock sigh.

The energy is still buzzing… but softly. Like a purr instead of a roar. Like the disco ball that’s finally switched to “ambient twinkle.”

Stackstock has officially wrapped for the season, and the library is settling into that dreamy, floaty lull that happens after several days of glitter, cheese‑fog, neon lights, and mice performing feats of questionable physics on roller blades.

The mice have retired their LED skates (for now), and most of them are curled up in tiny hammocks made from repurposed bunting. A few are still wearing their festival bandanas, but only because they’ve fallen asleep in them.

The fax machine, exhausted from its role as Festival Coordinator, is humming at a much lower volume - more “spa day” than “main stage.” It’s currently printing soothing affirmations like:

“Mew did a great job!”

“Glitter is temporary; memories are forever.”

“Hydrate, recalibrate, and avoid electrical sockets.”

The Calmness Tracker 3000 pens have dimmed themselves to a soft pastel glow, drifting lazily between lavender and mint. They claim it’s their “recovery mode.”

Aisle P, once the beating heart of Stackstock, now looks like the morning after a very polite mouse rave:

the encyclopedia stage is half‑dismantled

the cheese‑fog machine is unplugged and cooling down

and the “WELCOME BACK TO STACKSTOCK” banner is drooping slightly, as though it too needs a nap

Clive the Paperclip has downgraded himself from Festival Director ~ Level 2 to “Acting Assistant of Post‑Event Logistics,” which mostly involves sighing dramatically and sweeping up glitter with a sense of noble resignation.

The thesaurus is resting its voice after its powerful performance of Metaphors in Motion, though it is still muttering synonyms for “tired” under its breath.

And Velvet? She’s curled up on a stack of soft‑cover romances, still glowing with pride from her reading debut.

The entire library feels warm, peaceful, and gently sparkling ~ like the afterglow of something magical.

Stackstock may be over… but its shimmer is still settling in the air.

A cosy library scene glows softly in warm light. Three sleepy mice rest in hammocks made from colourful bunting strung between bookshelves. Each wears a tiny festival bandana and snoozes peacefully amid twinkling fairy lights. On a desk below, a smiling fax machine prints a page that reads “Rest is productive,” beside a steaming cup of chamomile tea and three pastel‑glowing Calmness Tracker pens. Nearby, a thesaurus whispers glowing words — “serene,” “placid,” “tranquil” — while Clive the Paperclip sweeps up glitter with quiet dignity. The atmosphere is calm, comforting, and gently sparkling - the perfect post‑Stackstock lull.

📚 A Morning of Quiet & Quirks

Me: “Melvyn, sweetie… why does the library feel unusually calm this morning?”

Melvyn: “Because it is. The Calmness Tracker 3000 pens have entered ‘Recovery Mode.’”

Me: “Recovery Mode?”

Melvyn: “Yes. They refuse to glow above 30% brightness. They say it’s ‘non‑negotiable.’”

Me: “Fair enough. And what’s that smell? It’s not cheese fog… thank goodness.”

Melvyn: “Chamomile. The mice are brewing calming tea. They said they’re ‘emotionally depleted.’”

Me: “After Stackstock? Understandable. Are they still wearing their festival bandanas?”

Melvyn: “Most of them. They fell asleep in them and now claim it’s a ‘comfort aesthetic.’”

Me: “Adorable. And what’s Clive doing?”

Melvyn: “He’s sweeping up glitter with the air of someone who has seen too much.”

Me: “Poor thing.”

Melvyn: “He keeps muttering, ‘Never again,’ but we all know he’ll be first in line to organise the next one.”

Me: “True. And the fax machine? Is it still printing festival maps?”

Melvyn: “No. It’s printing affirmations.”

Me: “Affirmations?”

Melvyn: “Yes. Things like ‘Today requires no glitter’ and ‘Rest is productive.’”

Me: “I like that one.”

Melvyn: “It also printed mew a sticker that says ‘VIP: Very Important Peacekeeper.’”

Me: “Peacekeeper? Why?”

Melvyn: “Because mew stopped the mice from trying to build a second fog machine out of a teapot.”

Me: “Ah. Yes. That was a moment.”

Melvyn: “A heroic one.”

Me: “I’ll be on my meditation cushion.”

Melvyn: “Meditating or napping?”

Me: “Whichever happens first.”

Melvyn: “Valid.”

📚 General Library Status Update

Sleepy mice in bunting hammocks Soft‑glowing Calmness Tracker pens A fax machine in full “self‑care mode” A thesaurus whispering synonyms for “peaceful” Clive the Paperclip sweeping glitter with quiet dignity

In short:

The library is calm. Gently calm. Calm with a faint shimmer of leftover festival magic and the soft scent of chamomile drifting through the aisles.

And honestly? I’m loving the serenity.

So, my furbulous library guests, if mew spot a mouse yawning mid‑sentence or a pen refusing to glow above pastel, don’t panic, it’s simply the library easing itself back into everyday life.

Probably.

A split image shows two sections of a large home library. The top section features long white bookshelves filled with colourful books and magazines, with a cat walking along the wooden floor in front of them. The lower section shows another area lined with shelves of older, leather‑bound volumes and encyclopedias, with chairs placed nearby for reading. Text in the centre reads “Part of The Mewton‑Clawson Library ©BionicBasil®,” highlighting the cosy, well‑stocked library setting.
A black‑and‑white line illustration shows three stacked books arranged like steps. A cartoon mouse with large ears stands proudly on the top book, while another mouse on the ground to the right looks up toward it. The drawing has a playful, storybook feel.
Today, the P.A. is also joining in Friday Fill-ins Blog Hop with the pawesome 15 & Meowing and Four-Legged Furballs.
A cartoon illustration titled *Friendly Fill‑Ins* shows two cats sitting on a grassy field dotted with flowers. The cat on the left is orange with a red collar and a winking expression, while the cat on the right is black with green eyes and a blue collar. A butterfly flies above them, and rolling green hills and a blue sky form the background. Text at the top reads “Friendly Fill‑Ins — Hosted by Four‑Legged Furballs & 15andmeowing.”
1. I think the word or phrase ____________________ is overused.

2. I am embarrassed to admit that I _______________________.

3. I wish I could convince _________ to _________.

4. I could _________ even if I were blindfolded.

The P.A.'s answers are...

1. I think the word or phrase “flow” is overused. Let’s be honest: FOMO, slay, girl math, and about 900 other phrases need to be gently escorted off the premises. Social media has sucked the life out of everything! 

2. I am embarrassed to admit that I have a favourite spoon and get upset when someone else uses it. (As you should. Spoon loyalty is real, just ask Parlsey!)

3. I wish I could convince The B Team to stop acting like rent is due every time I’m two minutes late with dinner. The performance is Oscar‑worthy, especially Smooch!!! LOL

4. I could distinguish every memfur of th B Team even if I were blindfolded. They all have their little iddy biddy 'tells', but don't ever let on that I told you! LOL 


Amber's Book Review Pink Dot Divider ©BionicBasil®
Let's see what I've got to show mew this time!

A black‑and‑white illustration features a vintage typewriter with a paw print on the sheet of paper. Stacks of books sit on both sides: on the left, a small cartoon mouse stands atop the books, and on the right, a cartoon elephant balances on the stack. The scene has a playful, literary feel, fitting as a divider for Amber’s book reviews.
A cosy, warmly lit library with tall wooden bookshelves filled with books and green plants. At the centre sits an orange‑and‑white cat behind a wooden desk, posed like a dignified literary critic. On the desk are a yellow lamp, stacked books, a feather quill, rolled parchment, and a small mouse perched on a book. In front of the cat is a copy of The Cat Who Went Underground by Lilian Jackson Braun. Above the cat is a banner reading “This Week’s Top Book Pick! with Amber, the world’s leading feline literary critic & Cat Book Connoisseur.” A small sign in the corner reads “SHHHHH!!!”
Mewton-Clawson Library Copy

The Cat Who Went Underground


The Cat Who… Mysteries, Book 9


by 

Lilian Jackson Braun

A symmetrical black‑and‑white illustration shows four cartoon mice arranged in pairs on either side of two pieces of Swiss‑style cheese placed in the centre. Each mouse faces inward toward the cheese, creating a playful, balanced composition.

Today I'm back with more from the original The Cat Who series; there are 29 in total, but don't quote me. I got an urge to reread this epic series earlier this year, for the first time since 2007.

Eleven down, including today's review, and ONLY eighteen to go! MOL

Here are the previous reviews.











🐾 This Week’s Paw‑Approved Pick: 

Dahlings, pack your whiskers and your bug spray, non-toxic of course, because this week we’re heading to Moose County’s wild side, Qwill’s log cabin retreat, where the mosquitoes are vicious, the handyman is missing, and Koko is about to prove that even in the woods, a Siamese detective never takes a holiday.

I first read this one back in 2007, and revisiting it now feels like curling up in a familiar sunbeam, warm, nostalgic, and just a little bit dangerous.

What’s the Vibe?

Think: ✨ cozy mystery meets rustic chaos ✨ summer cabin vibes ✨ a missing handyman ✨ a serial killer lurking beneath the floorboards ✨ Koko in full investigative mode

It’s atmospheric, slightly eerie, and full of that classic Braun charm, which is her quintessential style. I love it! MOL

🐾 What’s the Story?

Qwilleran decides it’s time for a peaceful summer getaway at his log cabin in Moose County. He packs the essentials:

his moustache

his typewriter

and, of course, Koko and Yum Yum

plus their litter tray, which goes everywhere with them

But the moment they arrive, things start going sideways.

A handyman hired to fix the cabin mysteriously disappears. Tools go missing. Odd noises echo from beneath the floorboards. And Koko, normally the picture of feline composure, begins throwing absolute catfits.

Then the bodies start turning up.

Qwill finds himself entangled in a chilling mystery involving:

🪵 missing carpenters 🪚 suspicious renovations 🕳 strange happenings under the cabin 🧰 and a killer who knows how to stay hidden

Koko, naturally, is already on the scent, pawing, digging, and yowling at clues long before Qwill catches on.

⚔️ What I Loved

😸 Koko’s Underground Obsession:  He’s scratching, digging, and staring at floorboards like they purrsonally offended him. And as always, he’s right.

🐈‍⬛ Yum Yum:  Our dainty queen provides the purrfect contrast, soft, sweet, and blissfully unaware of the horrors lurking below.

🧔 Qwilleran in Cabin Mode:  Less polished, more rugged, and hilariously out of his depth when it comes to DIY. His moustache, however, remains fully operational.

🌲 The Setting:  The cabin, the woods, the isolation, it all adds a deliciously eerie edge to the cozy formula.

🔍 The Mystery:  A serial killer in Moose County? The plot balances the darker elements with the usual warmth and wit Braun brings to every one of these books in the Cat Who... series.

Tone & Style

cozy with a creepy twist
gently humorous
atmospheric
character‑driven
purrfect for fans who like their mysteries with a side of rustic charm

It’s one of the more suspenseful entries, but still firmly in cozy territory.

📖 Final Thoughts

This book is a standout in the series, a little darker, a little stranger, and wonderfully engaging. Koko shines, Qwill stumbles into danger, and the cabin setting adds a fresh flavour to the ongoing saga.

If mew love cozy mysteries with feline brilliance, woodland vibes, and a plot that keeps mew guessing, this is a purrfect pick.

🪄 Summed Up in One Sentence

🐾 A suspenseful, witty cabin‑in‑the‑woods mystery where Koko digs up secrets that refuse to stay buried. 🐾

A Top Paw Read!

Paperback:  256 pages
Audio:  very expensive on Amazon
A black‑and‑white line illustration shows three stacked books arranged like steps. A cartoon mouse with large ears stands proudly on the top book, while another mouse on the ground to the right looks up toward it. The drawing has a playful, storybook feel.
My Ratings Scale

A simple black‑and‑white rating chart uses rows of pink paw prints to show five levels of book ratings. Five paw prints correspond to “Top Paw ~ Read Immediately,” four to “Furry Good ~ Read As Soon As,” three to “Good ~ Put It On Stand‑By,” two to “Average ~ Emergency Reading,” and one to “Meh! ~ Take a Nap Instead.”

Amber's Book Review Pink Dot Divider ©BionicBasil®

Rating of:

The Cat Who Went Underground


Overall Enjoyment

A horizontal row of five identical pink paw prints representing the highest rating level in the pet‑themed book‑review scale, corresponding to “Top Paw ~ Read Immediately.”ook Reviews 5 Paw Rating ©BionicBasil®

A black‑and‑white illustration features a vintage typewriter with a paw print on the sheet of paper. Stacks of books sit on both sides: on the left, a small cartoon mouse stands atop the books, and on the right, a cartoon elephant balances on the stack. The scene has a playful, literary feel, fitting as a divider for Amber’s book reviews.

Other Fun Blog Hops to Join in Today

A horizontal row of six square graphics, each representing a different themed blog hop: “Brian’s Thankful Thursday Blog Hop” with a cat silhouette; “The Cat Blogosphere” with a globe and cat; “Feline Friday” with stylised cat drawings; “Nature Friday Blog Hop” on a stone background; “Flashback Friday” with a cat and dog; and “Friendship Friday” featuring two cats.


Amber's Book Review Pink Dot Divider ©BionicBasil®

Do enjoy the book if mew decide to read it.

It's time for me to say BFN or bye-for-now as mew know the drill, so many books, so little time, and I'll be back next week with another specially paw-picked book just for mew, and don't forget that all my previous reviews can be found on my Book Review page.

Until next time...

Keep calm and read more books

Amber 

The Cat Book Connoisseur

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© [2026] BionicBasil®. All Rights Reserved. No part of this post, characters, or lore may be reproduced, scraped, or rewritten in any form (including AI) without express written permission
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 graphics created with paid licence www.canva.com 

Friday, 24 April 2026

Book Reviews with Amber ~ The Cat Book Connoisseur at The Mewton-Clawson Library ~ #359 featuring **The Cat Who Sniffed Glue** by Lilian Jackson Braun **PLUS** Friendly Fill-Ins & Photo Fails Blog Hops

A whimsical illustrated banner for The Mewton‑Clawson Library at BBHQ shows a cat in the foreground, surrounded by colourful bookshelves, flowers, trees, and small book‑themed decorations like an open book, a quill, and a thimble. The text reads “Welcome to The Mewton‑Clawson Library at BBHQ” and “Book Reviews with Amber,” creating a cosy, storybook‑style library scene.
This review of The Cat Who Sniffed Glue by Lilian Jackson Braun is part of Book Reviews with Amber, the Cat Book Connoisseur at the Mewton-Clawson Library. Scroll to read.

The world’s leading feline literary critic

From the shelves of the Mewton-Clawson Librarya curated review destination for cat-centric fiction at BionicBasil.com
Amber's Book Review Pink Dot Divider ©BionicBasil®

This Week’s Intro ~ 96% Calm, 2% Proactive Planning, 2% Fun & Frivolity

Hello furbulous library guests 

and 

Welcome to the Mewton-Clawson Library at BBHQ 

Thank mew for joining me in the stacks today, and today I can report that the library is moving steadily into its fun era. Everything is buzzing with harmony, and the mice have upgraded from rollerskates to roller blades. The fax machine is still proactive and planning review titles two weeks ahead, which is truly delightful.

Frivolity is also the buzzword of the week, with all stationery and office equipment joining in the fun. So much so that even Clive the Paperclip has appeared from the Library Archive on Level Six in the bunker to coalesce in the main library.

The Unexpected Stationery Migration

The library has become a hive of cheerful chaos. Aisle P is now the unofficial party zone, disco lights courtesy of the Calmness Tracker 3000 pens, who’ve unionised and synchronised their glow to bounce off the newly installed disco ball, it's like The Nip Nirvana Lounge on Level 11! MOL

Clive the Paperclip has emerged from the depths of Archive Level Six, declaring himself “Head of Stationery Relations.” He’s currently negotiating break times for the pens and staplers, while the fax machine prints out the minutes of each meeting (complete with paw‑print signatures).

Melvyn, ever the voice of reason, has installed two Mouse Droids as bouncers to keep the encyclopaedias from gatecrashing. The thesaurus is writing limericks about the situation, one of which rhymes “roller blades” with “library parades.”

The stationery cupboard, meanwhile, has emptied itself entirely. Pens, pencils, sticky notes, and even the highlighters have joined the festivities, forming a conga line that stretches from Aisle P to the staff kitchen.

📠 The Fax Machine’s Latest Trick

It’s now printing party itineraries and snack schedules, complete with glittery paw‑print borders. The latest sheet reads:

10:00 - Catnip cocoa tasting (mini marshmallows optional)

11:30 - Roller‑blade relay (mice only)

12:00 - Biscuit appreciation break

13:00 - Calmness meditation (optional nap)

14:30 - Karaoke: “Don’t Stop Retrieving”

The pens glow approvingly. The fax machine hums contentedly. The library is alive with laughter, light, and the faint scent of catnip cookies.

“Eight cheerful mice wearing colourful bandanas rollerblading through an old‑world library with tall wooden bookshelves and warm lantern light. The polished floor gleams as they glide past rows of leather‑bound books, their rollerblades flashing red, blue, yellow, and orange wheels. The scene feels lively and whimsical, full of motion and cosy charm.”

And the mice, well, see for yourselves... yep, it really is that fun! MOL

📚 A Morning of Fun & Frivolity

Me: “Melvyn, sweetie, how’s the library looking today?”

Melvyn: “Energetic. The fax machine printed a party itinerary.”

Me: “A party itinerary? For whom?”

Melvyn: “Everypawdy. Even Clive the Paperclip’s on the guest list.”

Me: “Clive? From Level Six? He hasn’t surfaced since the Great Stapler Shortage of December 2025!”

Melvyn: “He’s back and apparently leading the Stationery Union.”

Me: “Oh dear. What’s on the itinerary?”

Melvyn: “Catnip cocoa tasting, roller‑blade relay, and karaoke.”

Me: “Karaoke?”

Melvyn: “Yes. The thesaurus is performing ‘Don’t Stop Retrieving.’

Me: “That’s… inspired.”

Melvyn: “The pens are glowing purple in support.”

Me: “They’ve unionised, haven’t they?”

Melvyn: “Completely. They’ve even mediated biscuit breaks.”

Me: “Smart. What’s the fax machine doing now?”

Melvyn: “Printing motivational posters. One says, ‘Mew can do it!’ Another says, 'Go Faster!'

Me: “I love it. The library’s never been so lively.”

Melvyn: “It’s officially our fun era.”

Me: “Then let’s embrace it. Want to join the roller‑blade relay?”

Melvyn: “Only if there’s catnip cocoa at the finish line.”

Me: “Always. I'll meet mew at the finish line, I'll be on my meditation cushion.

Melvyn: "Napping or meditating?"

Me: "Drinking cocoa and waiting for mew to break the current record of how fast a librarian can roller-blade around the library!"

📚 General Library Status Update

Happy roller‑blading mice Happy party vibes Happy fax machine (now event coordinator) Happy pens (glowing purple in solidarity) Happy thesaurus (singing karaoke classics)

In short:

The library is calm. Joyfully calm. Calm with a faint whiff of primo catnip, cocoa, and glitter‑infused triumph.

And honestly? I’m ecstatic.

So, my meowvellous library guests, if mew spot roller‑blading mice or purple‑glowing pens zipping past the main desk, don’t worry, it’s simply the library celebrating its newfound sense of fun.

Probably.

Now, let’s see what this week’s top book pick is!

A split image shows two sections of a large home library. The top section features long white bookshelves filled with colourful books and magazines, with a cat walking along the wooden floor in front of them. The lower section shows another area lined with shelves of older, leather‑bound volumes and encyclopedias, with chairs placed nearby for reading. Text in the centre reads “Part of The Mewton‑Clawson Library ©BionicBasil®,” highlighting the cosy, well‑stocked library setting.
A black‑and‑white line illustration shows three stacked books arranged like steps. A cartoon mouse with large ears stands proudly on the top book, while another mouse on the ground to the right looks up toward it. The drawing has a playful, storybook feel.
The P.A. is also joining in Friday Fill-ins Blog Hop with the pawesome 15 & Meowing and Four-Legged Furballs.
A cartoon illustration titled *Friendly Fill‑Ins* shows two cats sitting on a grassy field dotted with flowers. The cat on the left is orange with a red collar and a winking expression, while the cat on the right is black with green eyes and a blue collar. A butterfly flies above them, and rolling green hills and a blue sky form the background. Text at the top reads “Friendly Fill‑Ins — Hosted by Four‑Legged Furballs & 15andmeowing.”

1. Have you ever noticed _____________________?
2. Would you choose ________________ or ____________________?
3. Do you think it’s possible to _________?
4. What _________ would you recommend for _________?

The P.A.'s answers are...

1. Have you ever noticed how the moon pops up in all the wrong places at all the wrong times?

2. Would you choose endless snacks or endless naps?

3. Do you think it’s possible to terraform Mars?

4. What bunker upgrade would you recommend for The B Team? They’re planning an expansion, and I’ve been asked to gather… suggestions! LOL


Amber's Book Review Pink Dot Divider ©BionicBasil®

As it's the last Friday of the month, we're also joining in the furbulous...

A light‑blue promotional graphic for the Pet Photo Fails! Blog Hop features bold red and blue lettering at the top, with illustrated stage lights and a camera to suggest a photography theme. A playful cartoon cat reaches up from the bottom left corner. Text at the bottom reads “Hosted by Melissa’s Mochas, Mysteries & Meows” along with the website address.

Do stop by Mudpie's meowvellous blog at www.mochasmysteriesmeows.com to join in.

A white cat with black markings lies on its back inside a small metal planter box outdoors, nestled among green leafy plants. The planter sits on a bed of pebbles beside other wooden planters and a brick wall. The cat looks completely relaxed despite being squashed into the pot, creating a humorous gardening‑gone‑wrong moment. “copyright www.bionicbasil.com” appears at the bottom.

Smooch in April 2022, keeping the catnip plant warm... so he said at the time! MOL

Amber's Book Review Pink Dot Divider ©BionicBasil®

Let's see what I've got to show mew this time!

A black‑and‑white illustration features a vintage typewriter with a paw print on the sheet of paper. Stacks of books sit on both sides: on the left, a small cartoon mouse stands atop the books, and on the right, a cartoon elephant balances on the stack. The scene has a playful, literary feel, fitting as a divider for Amber’s book reviews.
Amber the cat sits behind a desk in a warmly lit, book‑filled library, surrounded by shelves, plants, and soft golden lighting. On the desk are a yellow lamp, stacked books, a feather quill, and a rolled parchment, with a small mouse perched on nearby books. In front of the cat is the featured book, The Cat Who Sniffed Glue by Lilian Jackson Braun. Above, a banner announces “This Week’s Top Book Pick! with Amber, the world’s leading feline literary critic & Cat Book Connoisseur.” A sign on the desk reads “SHHHHH!!!”. “copyright www.bionicbasil.com” appears at the bottom.
Mewton-Clawson Library Copy

The Cat Who Sniffed Glue


The Cat Who… Mysteries, Book 8


by 

Lilian Jackson Braun
A symmetrical black‑and‑white illustration shows four cartoon mice arranged in pairs on either side of two pieces of Swiss‑style cheese placed in the centre. Each mouse faces inward toward the cheese, creating a playful, balanced composition.
Today I'm back with more from the original The Cat Who series; there are 29 in total, but don't quote me. I got an urge to reread this epic series earlier this year, for the first time since 2007.

Ten down, including today's review, and ONLY Nineteen to go! MOL

Here are the previous reviews.









The Cat Who Wasn't There ~ BK 14    

🐾 This Week’s Paw‑Approved Pick: The Cat Who Sniffed Glue

Dahlings, gather round and twitch those whiskers, because this week we’re heading back to Pickax, where the snow is deep, the gossip is deeper, and Koko’s whiskers are tingling with trouble, as is Qwill's moustache! MOL

The Cat Who Sniffed Glue is classic Braun: warm, witty, and sprinkled with just enough danger to make your tail puff just a touch.

What’s the Vibe

A cozy crime with small‑town charm, eccentric locals, and a mystery that creeps up on you like a cat on silent paws.

Expect:

quirky characters
a double murder
a dash of vandalism
and Koko being an absolute furry genius

It’s comfort reading with claws.

🐾 What’s the Story?

Pickax has been enjoying its usual sedate calm, the kind only a small town full of nosy neighbours can maintain, when a string of petty vandalism begins to ruffle the community’s fur. Paint splashed here, a bit of mischief there… nothing too serious.

Until it is.

Young banker Harley Fitch and his new bride, Bella, are found murdered, and suddenly the quiet town is buzzing like a startled beehive. Qwilleran’s moustache twitches (always a sign), and Koko becomes obsessed with glue, books, and anything remotely sticky.

Coincidence? Of course not. Koko never does anything by accident.

As Qwill digs deeper, he uncovers a tangle of secrets involving:

a soft‑spoken librarian with musty old books

a taxidermist with questionable hobbies (Smooch knows all about questionable hobbies! MOL)

intricate marine models

and a family history that’s anything but tidy

Koko, naturally, is several paw‑steps ahead.

⚔️ What I Loved

😸 Koko’s Sticky Obsession: His fascination with glue is both hilarious and oddly prophetic. Only Koko could turn a pot of adhesive into a clue.

🐈‍⬛ Yum Yum: Our dainty queen continues to be adorable, adding sweetness to balance Koko’s intensity.

🕵️ Qwilleran’s Moustache: The moustache is practically a character at this point; twitching, tingling, and guiding Qwill toward the truth.

🏘 Pickax’s Community Chaos: The locals are as eccentric as ever. Braun’s small‑town atmosphere is comforting, familiar, and full of personality.

📚 The Library & Bookish Clues: Old books, hidden motives, and literary breadcrumbs? Yes please.

Tone & Style

cosy
clever
gently humorous
lightly suspenseful
purrfect for snuggling up on a comfy sofa with a nice cuppa - my preference catnip, of course
Braun’s writing is like a warm blanket: soft, familiar, and always welcome

📖 Final Thoughts

The Cat Who Sniffed Glue is a delightful entry in the series, not the darkest mystery, but one of the most charming. The murders are intriguing, the clues are satisfying, and Koko is in top form, proving once again that no crime is too sticky for a determined Siamese.

If mew love cozy mysteries with feline flair, quirky characters, and a plot that unfolds at just the right pace, this is a purrfect pick.

🪄 Summed Up in One Sentence

🐾 A witty, warm, and wonderfully sticky mystery where Koko’s instincts shine, and Pickax’s secrets unravel. 🐾

A Top Paw Read!


Paperback:  292 pages
Audio:  1 x used CD on Amazon
**Alt Text:**   A black‑and‑white line illustration shows three stacked books arranged like steps. A cartoon mouse with large ears stands proudly on the top book, while another mouse on the ground to the right looks up toward it. The drawing has a playful, storybook feel.
My Rating Scale

A simple black‑and‑white rating chart uses rows of pink paw prints to show five levels of book ratings. Five paw prints correspond to “Top Paw ~ Read Immediately,” four to “Furry Good ~ Read As Soon As,” three to “Good ~ Put It On Stand‑By,” two to “Average ~ Emergency Reading,” and one to “Meh! ~ Take a Nap Instead.”

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Ratings of:

The Cat Who Sniffed Glue


Overall Enjoyment

A horizontal row of five identical pink paw prints representing the highest rating level in the pet‑themed book‑review scale, corresponding to “Top Paw ~ Read Immediately.”
**Alt Text:**   A black‑and‑white illustration features a vintage typewriter with a paw print on the sheet of paper. Stacks of books sit on both sides: on the left, a small cartoon mouse stands atop the books, and on the right, a cartoon elephant balances on the stack. The scene has a playful, literary feel, fitting as a divider for Amber’s book reviews.

Other Fun Blog Hops to Join in Today

A horizontal row of six square graphics, each representing a different themed blog hop: “Brian’s Thankful Thursday Blog Hop” with a cat silhouette; “The Cat Blogosphere” with a globe and cat; “Feline Friday” with stylised cat drawings; “Nature Friday Blog Hop” on a stone background; “Flashback Friday” with a cat and dog; and “Friendship Friday” featuring two cats.
          Brian's Home   Catblogosphere    Feline Friday   Nature Friday    Flashback Friday   Friendship Friday          
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I really hope mew enjoy the book if mew choose to read it.

It's time for me to say BFN or bye-for-now as mew know the drill, so many books, so little time, and I'll be back next week with another specially paw-picked book just for mew, and don't forget that all my previous reviews can be found on my Book Review page.

Until next time...

Keep calm and read more books

Amber 

The Cat Book Connoisseur

A single bright pink paw print with a soft black shadow sits centered on a plain background. The design features one large rounded pad and four smaller oval toe pads, creating a bold, playful icon used as Amber’s signature sign‑off





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