Book Reviews with Amber ~ The Cat Book Connoisseur at The Mewton-Clawson Library ~ #352 featuring **The Cat Who Played Brahms** by Lilian Jackson Braun **PLUS** Friendly Fill-Ins

From the shelves of the Mewton-Clawson Library, a curated review destination for cat-centric fiction at BionicBasil.com

✨ This Week’s Intro ~ 100% Stability, 100% Calm, 100% Peachy ✨

Hello, my gorgeous library guests

and

Welcome back to the Mewton‑Clawson Library at BBHQ.

I am delighted to report that the library remains in a state of utter, uninterrupted tranquillity … which is both delightful and slightly suspicious.

Yes, my dahlings, another week of calm, quiet, and meautifully predictable library behaviour. Everything is running so smoothly that even the dust motes seem to be floating in organised formation.

The shelves are aligned with mathematical precision.

The books are resting peacefully in their designated spots.

The mice are conducting their duties with serene professionalism.

Even the encyclopaedias have adopted a soft, contented hum reminiscent of a spa soundtrack.

And the best part?

Melvyn has calmed down.

Truly calmed down.

Not “Melvyn‑calm” (which usually means “tense but resigned”), but actual calm.

📚 A Morning of Perfectly Ordinary Peace

Me: “Melvyn, sweetie, isn’t this lovely? Everything is so peaceful.”

Melvyn: “It is … surprisingly pleasant.”

Me: “No anomalies, no flickers, no runaway stationery.”

Melvyn: “The stapler hasn’t even glared at me.”

Me: “Progress.”

Melvyn: “And the thesaurus sent me a thank‑mew note.”

Me: “It’s embracing emotional maturity.”

Melvyn: “It used three synonyms for ‘gratitude."

Me: “That’s restraint.”

Melvyn: “Amber … I think I’m relaxed.”

Me: “Sweetie, that’s wonderful!”

Melvyn: “Is this what relaxed feels like?”

Me: “Yes.”

Melvyn: “I like it.”

Me: “I knew mew would.”

Melvyn: “Should I be worried?”

Me: “No.”

Melvyn: “Are mew sure?”

Me: “Yes.”

Melvyn: “Okay … I’ll try to enjoy it.”

Me: “That’s the spirit.”

Melvyn: “What's next on the agenda?"

Me: “Er ... Meditation.”

Melvyn: “Nap or meditation?"

Me: “Yes.”

📚 General Library Status Update

No time pockets

No flickers

No humming anomalies

No PPE‑wearing mice

No dictionary interventions

No atlas disagreements

No thesaurus incidents (it is writing affirmations on Level Six)

In short:

The library is calm.

Deeply calm.

Deliciously calm.

And honestly? I’m savouring every spectacular moment.

So, my wonderful library guests, if mew notice the gentle hush of purrfectly content bookshelves and the soft patter of mice who have embraced inner peace, rest assured, this is still the correct version of the library.

More than likely! MOL

Here's my meditation in full swing ...

Apologies for no Egypt Travelogue this week, my meditation was deep, and I mean really deep ... deep deep. So much so that I astral travelled to another dimension, lost track of time, and hence, had no time left.

But not to worry, dahlings, I'll be back next week with another furbulous update from the motherland.

The P.A. is also joining in Friday Fill-ins Blog Hop with the pawesome 15 & Meowing and Four-Legged Furballs.

1. I don’t _____________, but I appreciate those that do.

2. Lately, I can’t get enough ___________________.

3. _________ scared me away from _________.

4. _________ forced me to learn how to _________.

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

1. I don’t volunteer for stuff, but I appreciate those who do. I help in other various ways, including donations. Or if I get asked to make things for charity fundraisers, I'm more than happy to do all of that. I'm a more behind-the-scenes type of person ... not front-row.

2. Lately, I can’t get enough garden time. Yesterday I got a wheelbarrow full: the neighbours had their hedge trimmed, and a lot of the conifer branches fell on our side of the fence, so I cleared that up, and then I gave all the bird baths a good clean and topped them up. Next, I have to trim all the ornamental grasses as they look dreadful after such a wet winter, but my electric shears were not up to the task, so it was a full-on assault with the big clippers.

3. The monster fluffing spider in Smooch's outdoor basket scared me off from removing the blankets to wash them. Yep, I'm not a fan at all. So Sidney, as the 'pider has been named, can stay there and have deep and meaningful conversations with Smooch while I try to forget all about that episode. Inside the house, if any larger spiders do get in, Melvyn takes care of them during his nightly pawtrols. How do I know this? Because I find legs ... yeah ...

4. Life forced me to learn how to keep calm and carry on, be very independent, and self-sufficient. 

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

Mewton-Clawson Library Copy

The Cat Who Played Brahms

The Cat Who… Mysteries, Book 5

by 

Lilian Jackson Braun

Today I'm back with The Cat Who series; there are 29 in total, I think, but don't quote me. I've been rereading this epic series for the first time since 2007.

Here are the previous reviews. Fluff knows what I was thinking, jumping to the middle of the series, maybe the catnip tea being too strong, and I wasn't thinking straight:

The Cat Who Could Read Backwards ~ BK 1

The Cat Who Ate Danish Modern ~ BK 2

The Cat Who Turned On & Off ~ BK 3

The Cat Who Saw Red ~ BK 4

The Cat Who Moved a Mountain ~ BK 13

The Cat Who Wasn't There ~ BK 14     

📚 This Week’s Paw‑Approved Top Pick: The Cat Who Played Brahms

Dahlings, prepare your whiskers for a deliciously atmospheric mystery filled with country quiet, suspicious neighbours, midnight footsteps, and one Siamese cat with a sudden passion for classical music. Yes, Koko is at it again, and this time he’s adding a touch of Brahms to his investigative repertoire. He's such a dude! MOL

❓ What’s the Vibe?

A cozy rural mystery with a musical twist.

Think peaceful lakeside retreat… that immediately becomes anything but peaceful.

Add in eccentric locals, strange noises, and a cat who develops impeccable taste in classical composers, and mew have a wonderfully quirky, gently suspenseful tale.

It’s warm, witty, and just a little eerie, the purrfect blend for a Sunday afternoon read.

🐾 What’s the Story?

Jim Qwilleran, moustache aficionado with salt and pepper hair, journalist, and devoted staff to Koko and Yum Yum, is having a bit of a life wobble. A career crisis? A midlife crisis? A “too many deadlines, not enough naps” crisis? Who can say? MOL

To clear his head, he heads to a lakeside cabin owned by a family friend, bringing his two feline geniuses along for moral support. But the countryside has other plans.

From the moment they arrive:

🐾 mysterious footsteps skitter across the roof at night

🐟 the locals clam up tighter than a tin of premium tuna

👤and Qwill’s relaxing getaway turns into a full‑blown mystery

Then, while fishing, Qwill quite literally hooks onto something he shouldn’t, and suddenly the peaceful lake becomes the centre of a chilling crime.

Meanwhile, Koko develops an unexpected obsession with Brahms, which, naturally, is not random. When Koko fixates on something, sweetie, it means something.

⚔️ What I Loved

😼 Koko: Dramatic, brilliant, and now apparently a classical music critic. His timing is impeccable, his instincts razor‑sharp.

😺 Yum Yum: Sweet, delicate, and quietly observant, the emotional anchor of the trio.

📰 Qwilleran: Earnest, slightly frazzled, and doing his best to relax while the universe refuses to let him.

🌲 The Cabin Setting: Rustic, atmospheric, and full of secrets. A purrfect backdrop for a mystery.

🎣 The Mystery: Subtle, intriguing, and steadily building. The clues are woven beautifully, and the reveal is satisfying without being heavy‑pawed.

📖 Final Thoughts

This instalment in the Cat Who… series is captivating, gently suspenseful, and full of character. The rural setting adds a fresh flavour, the mystery is engaging, and Koko’s musical fixation is one of the most delightful quirks in the series so far. His unexpected obsession with Brahms … which, naturally, is not random. This is so fun!

It’s cozy crime with a classical twist, warm, clever, and pawesomely feline. And I'm finding these books are even better the second time around, and they were utterly furbulous on the first read! 

🪄 Summed Up in One Sentence

🐾 A lakeside mystery filled with music, mischief, and a Siamese sleuth who always knows more than he lets on. 🐾

A Top Paw Read, and a Furbulous Addition to the Series!

Paperback:  258 pages

Audio:  N/A

My Rating Scale

Ratings of:

The Cat Who Played Brahms

Overall Enjoyment

Other Fun Blog Hops to Join in Today

          Brian's Home   Catblogosphere    Feline Friday   Nature Friday    Flashback Friday   Friendship Friday          

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

Follow us @BionicBasil® on Instacat

Don't furget to subscribe and never miss another review! 

 graphics created with paid licence www.canva.com 

Book Reviews with Amber ~ The Cat Book Connoisseur at The Mewton-Clawson Library ~ #351 featuring **Twelve Angry Librarians** by Miranda James **PLUS** Friendly Fill-Ins & Pet Photo Fails

From the shelves of the Mewton-Clawson Library, a curated review destination for cat-centric fiction at BionicBasil.com

✨ This Week’s Intro ~ 100% Stability, 100% Calm, 0% Shenanigans (Suspiciously) ✨

Hello, my gorgeous library guests

and

Welcome back to the Mewton‑Clawson Library at BBHQ.

I am thrilled to report that the library remains in a state of utter, uninterrupted serenity. Yes, my dahlings, another week of epic calm. No flickers. No anomalies. No books or tomes endeavouring to express themselves interpretively. The atmosphere is so peaceful that even the dust motes are floating in slow motion.

Melvyn, naturally, is convinced this is a trap.

The shelves are still flawlessly aligned.

The books are still whisper‑quiet.

The mice are still conducting themselves with the poise of tiny librarians in training.

Even the encyclopaedias have embraced a soothing hum that could be marketed as a relaxation soundtrack.

It’s all very … harmonious.

📚 A Morning of Tranquil Peace 

Me: “Melvyn, sweetie, isn’t this lovely? Another purrfectly calm morning.”

Melvyn: “Amber… the stapler hasn’t even clicked once today.”

Me: “It’s conserving energy.”

Melvyn: “It doesn’t conserve energy. It plots.”

Me: “Sweetie, everything needs a little stillness.”

Melvyn: “Even the thesaurus hasn’t sighed dramatically.”

Me: “It’s practising mindfulness.”

Melvyn: “Amber, it spent yesterday arranging its pages by emotional intensity. What’s left to be mindful about?”

Me: “Inner peace.”

Melvyn: “Amber, this level of calm is unnatural.”

Me: “It’s called tranquillity.”

Melvyn: “It’s called ominous.”

Me: “Sweetie, mew’re wound tighter than a ball of yarn at a kitten convention.”

Melvyn: “I’m just saying… the library is too quiet.”

Me: “It’s called serenity.”

Melvyn: “It’s called ‘something is about to happen.’”

Me: “The only thing happening is me trying to enjoy my catnip tea. Want a biscuit? I've got some Jammie Dodgers.”

Melvyn: “Amber… the thesaurus just walked past the door.”

Me: “Walking is good. Movement is healthy.”

Melvyn: “It was tiptoeing.”

Me: “It’s being considerate.”

Melvyn: “Amber, please.”

Me: “Fine. I’ll check on it after my tea.”

Melvyn: “Thank mew.”

Me: “Unless I fall asleep first."

📚 General Library Status Update

No time pockets

No flickers

No humming anomalies

No PPE‑wearing mice

No dictionary interventions

No thesaurus incidents (it is doing mindful colouring on Level Six)

In short:

The library is calm.

Deeply calm.

Suspiciously calm.

And honestly? I’m luxuriating in it.

So, my pawesome library guests, if mew notice the soft rustle of purrfectly behaved books and the gentle patter of mice who have embraced administrative excellence, rest assured, this is still the correct version of the library.

Probably.

Now, let’s begin this week’s travelogue before Melvyn starts crafting an emergency preparedness plan titled “What To Do When The Calm Inevitably Ends”, and Oswald begins stockpiling cheese cubes “just in case.”

🐊 Amber’s Egyptian Adventure #16: Crocodile Couture at Kom Ombo

(Where the Nile Glitters and the Crocodiles Judge Quietly)

Location: The Twin Temples of Kom Ombo - a purrfectly symmetrical sanctuary dedicated to Sobek, the crocodile god, and Horus the Elder, perched dramatically on the Nile’s edge with sandstone glowing honey‑gold in the sun.

Time: Early evening, when the river breeze cools the air, and the temple stones radiate the day’s warmth like a purrfectly heated sunbed.

Dahlings, this week I ventured to Kom Ombo, a temple so symmetrical it felt like walking into a divine mirror, one side for Sobek, lord of crocodiles and chaos, and the other for Horus the Elder, noble and serene. Naturally, I positioned myself exactly in the centre, because balance is important… and also because both gods deserved an equal opportunity to admire me.

The Nile shimmered beside the temple, its waters catching the last rays of sunlight, which glimmered like golden sparkles as feluccas drifted past. I paused dramatically on the steps, tail elegantly curled, and announced:

“I, Amber, have arrived. Please keep all crocodiles and lesser deities calm.”

For this outing, I wore a Nile‑green silk wrap, flowing like river water, cinched with a belt of gold, malachite, and carnelian. Around my neck shimmered a crocodile‑scale collar in iridescent greens and blues. And atop my head? A twin‑plumed headdress with a stylised crocodile tail motif, fierce, furbulous, and guaranteed to make Sobek himself blink twice.

Inside, the temple walls told stories of offerings, rituals, and divine drama. I admired a relief of Sobek receiving tribute and whispered:

“Dahling, mew have excellent taste in accessories.”

Then I padded into the Crocodile Museum, where rows of mummified crocodiles lay in glass cases, their ancient teeth frozen in eternal judgment. I sipped my Crocodile Bite Cooler, a zesty blend of lime, mint, ginger, and a whisper of catnip essence and murmured:

“Oh my, I’ve never been surrounded by so many teeth.”

The dual sanctuaries glowed in the golden light, each chamber mirroring the other. I walked serenely between them, letting the symmetry frame me like a living hieroglyph. The breeze carried the scent of the Nile, and for a moment, I felt like the goddess of balance, beauty, and impeccable fashion.

Kom Ombo may honour two gods, but today it honoured me, a feline of elegance, courage, and just enough sass to keep the crocodiles guessing.

My Crocodile‑Approved Essentials Included:

🐊 A Crocodile Bite Cooler, sharp, refreshing, and with a hint of danger (just like Sobek)

📜 A scroll of temple inscriptions, annotated with my paw‑written notes, “I would’ve loved to have been here back in the day.”

👑 A twin‑plumed headdress, fierce enough to impress crocodiles and falcons alike

🐾 A Nile‑green silk wrap, ideal for dramatic poses against sandstone

Mood: Regal, river‑breezy, and deliciously daring (with one eye on the water… just in case)

Quote of the Day: “Two gods, one temple, and a cat who knows exactly where to stand.”

✨ Next week, we’re heading somewhere island‑bound, goddess‑blessed, and shimmering with magic. Think: sacred waters, lotus blossoms, and a temple rescued from the rising Nile.

Today, the P.A. is also joining in Friday Fill-ins Blog Hop with the pawesome 15 & Meowing and Four-Legged Furballs.

1. I rue the day ________________.

2. One thing I wish I had closure with is __________________.

3. _________ recently took a turn for the worse when _________.

4. My _________ has improved thanks to _________.

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

1. I rue the day I said, “I’ll remember that password.” I should have written it down, but there you go! LOL

2. One thing I wish I had closure with is what happened to the amethyst earring that mysteriously vanished years ago.

3. My healthy eating streak recently took a turn for the worse when hubby mentioned take-out pizza and pudding ... and chocolate pudding too ... it's my kryptonite.

4. My day has improved thanks to finding money in a coat I haven't worn in ages.

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

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

 Melvyn The Blur

He was mid lick, no more explanation needed! MOL 

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

Mewton-Clawson Library Copy

   Twelve Angry Librarians   

A Cat in the Stacks Mystery: 8

by

Miranda James

Today I thought it was about time to continue with the A Cat in the Stacks series, as it's been ages since I've reviewed any of Miranda James' furbulous novels, and they are so good. If mew missed any of the previous reviews for this series so far, here are the links to catch up:

Murder Past Due ~ Book One - Reviewed by Humphrey

Classified as Murder ~ Book Two

File M for Murder ~ Book Three

Out of Circulation ~ Book Four

The Silence of The Library  ~ Book 5

Arsenic and Old Books ~ Book 6

No Cats Allowed ~ Book 7

📚 This Week’s Paw‑Approved Top Pick: Twelve Angry Librarians

Dahlings, gather your tote bags and polish your spectacles, because this week’s book drops us right into the middle of a librarian convention, which, as it turns out, is far more dangerous than any of us polite library felines might have imagined. And at the centre of it all? Charlie Harris and the incomparable Diesel, a Maine Coon of magnificent proportions and even more magnificent intuition.

❓ What’s the Vibe?

Southern charm, academic drama, simmering rivalries, and a murder that practically begs for a cat’s discerning eye. It’s cozy, clever, and full of that warm, bookish atmosphere that makes me want to curl up on a stack of overdue returns and watch the drama unfold.

🐾 What’s the Story?

Charlie Harris, interim library director and full‑time cat dad to Diesel, is already stressed about hosting the Southern Academic Libraries Association's annual meeting. Public speaking? In front of librarians? The horror.

But things get worse, so much worse, when the keynote speaker turns out to be Gavin Fong, Charlie’s old nemesis from library school. Gavin is arrogant, abrasive, and determined to rile up the entire profession by declaring that degreed librarians are obsolete. Naturally, this does not go down well.

So when Gavin drops dead shortly after his speech, the list of suspects is longer than a library’s overdue fines. And because Charlie was seen arguing with him the day before, he’s suddenly the prime suspect.

Enter Diesel:

dignified

purrfectly observant

and ready to help his human sniff out the truth

Together, they must untangle academic grudges, professional jealousy, and librarian politics, which, trust me, are far more cut‑throat than they sound.

⚔️ What I Loved

😼 Diesel: A gentle giant with impeccable manners and impeccable instincts. His presence alone elevates every scene.

📚 The Librarian Drama: Oh, the pettiness. The rivalries. The whispered gossip over coffee urns. Delicious.

🕵️ Charlie: Endearing, thoughtful, and constantly trying to stay out of trouble … which never works.

🏫 The Academic Setting: A convention full of librarians is the purrfect backdrop for a mystery, so many secrets, so many grudges, so many tote bags.

🔍 The Mystery: Well‑paced, twisty, and satisfying. Plenty of clues, plenty of motives, and a final reveal that feels earned.

📖 Final Thoughts

This is a charming, warm, and thoroughly enjoyable cozy mystery with just the right amount of tension. Diesel shines (as he should), Charlie muddles through with heart, and the academic setting adds a delightful flavour of professional chaos.

If mew love mysteries where the cat is the smartest creature in the room, and the humans are just trying to keep up, this is a wonderfully comforting read.

🪄 Summed Up in One Sentence

🐾 A delightful, librarian‑laden mystery where Diesel steals the show, and the humans scramble to keep up. 🐾

A Top Paw Read, and an epic addition to this meowvellous series!

Paperback: 266 pages

Audio: 7 hours 25 mins

My Ratings Scale

Ratings of:

Twelve Angry Librarians 

Overall Enjoyment

Other Fun Blog Hops to Join in Today

          Brian's Home   Catblogosphere    Feline Friday   Nature Friday    Flashback Friday   Friendship Friday    

   

I really hope mew enjoy the book as much as I did 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

Follow us @BionicBasil® on Instacat

Don't furget to subscribe and never miss another review! 

 graphics created with paid licence www.canva.com