The Cat Who Had 14 Tales

Jim Qwilleran and his Siamese sleuths, Koko and Yum Yum, investigate the disappearance of a wealthy railroad buff--and alleged multimillion-dollar embezzler--a case that becomes complicated by red herrings, a tragic train wreck, and murder at a railroad tavern.

The Great Food Explo is scheduled to open in Pickax with a bang, introducing new restaurants, country inns and food speciality shops. Unfortunately the 'bang' takes the form of a bomb which wrecks a hotel, killing the housekeeper and causing extensive damage. Enter Qwill and his Siamese cats, Koko and Yum Yum, whose instincts tell them that the murderous bomb was meant as something stronger than a warning to someone. While Qwill searches for clues, a possible witness to the bombing surfaces - who is shot to death before he can be questioned. But Qwill, Koko and Yum Yum are on the case...

In this latest installment, prizewinning reporter Jim Qwilleran—along with his lovable Siamese cats Koko and Yum Yum—solve a mystery that arises when a local banker dies under suspicious circumstances, leaving behind a flashy young widow, an unfinished house- restoration project, and a trail of clues as elusive as a cat burglar in the night . . .

In this delightful new novel featuring Jim Qwilleran and his lovable cats, Koko and Yum Yum, the rites of spring are celebrated with the fine art of birdcalling....and a fateful act of murder. It seems that this spring, a cat's fancy may turn to crime-solving...

UFOs in Mooseville? Rumors abound that a missing backpacker has been abducted, and it looks like Jim Qwilleran's sedate summer may be interrupted by an investigation -- with the help of his own little aliens, Koko and Yum Yum. And when the backpacker's body turns up -- and transplanted Floridian Owen Bowen is found dead soon afterward -- the search for intelligent life turns into a close encounter with a killer...

The way Jim Qwilleran sees it, there's nothing worse than being left high and dry. But that's exactly where he's been ever since a record-breaking drought hit Moose County. He's bedraggled. Beleaguered. And, following a rash of fires at local historic mine sites, deeply bewildered. Some blame the blazes on bad weather conditions, but Qwill's thinking arson. And when a mysterious explosion is followed by a blood-chilling murder, he starts seriously praying for snow--and answers. Good thing Koko can smell trouble a mile away...

Pickax's favorite columnist, James Qwilleran, is enjoying a brief holiday in the nearby town of Black Creek - but his two Siamese, who prefer the spaciousness of their home, beg to differ. The blissful tranquility is soon interrupted by the discovery of a body floating down the creek. And a possible motive for his murder is suggested when several gold nuggets are found in his possession. Might he have been illegally prospecting for gold? If so, it seems he wasn't the only one in search of an easy fortune. And his competitor is far more determined to strike it rich...

The good people of Moose County are in a fever of excitement. It's almost time for the gala groundbreaking of the Pickax bookstore - and the town of Brrr is preparing for its bicentennial celebration. All the festivities, however; are spoiled by the discovery of a man's body on James Qwilleran's property. Could it be the work of a killer who used the same MO in northern Michigan? To solve the case, Qwill and his feline pals, Koko and Yum Yum, will have to prick up their ears and determine who committed this fowl deed.

A twenty-ninth installment of the popular series finds Moose County in an uproar over a string of lucrative inheritances and a bee sting-related death, throughout which Polly departs for Paris, Koko the irrepressible Siamese meets a piano tuner, and Qwill writes a play.