Books like The Cat Who...: Could Read Backwards; Ate Danish Modern; Turned On and Off

I love these three novels! A great introduction to a fabulous cozy mystery series. This is probably the ninth time I've read these books. What makes me keep coming back?Details! Lilian Jackson Braun knew how to weave her words in a way that would paint pictures showing the reader as well as telling the reader the story of Jim Qwilleran and his feline companions. She also knew her feline behaviors and anyone who loves a cat will be completely taken with her descriptions of the two Siamese and their behaviors and vocalizations.In The Cat Who Could Read Backwards we are introduced to Qwill. He's an older man who is trying to make a fresh start at life after hitting bottom. While she doesn't come out and say it, the reader can deduce Qwill is a recovering alcoholic who has gone through a nasty divorce. He finds a new job at the Daily Fluxion and his skills as a writer are put to the test in the feature department. He takes on the challenge with gusto and meets the reigning art critic and the critic's cat Kao'ko Kung. We get to see how truly big Qwill's heart is when he becomes cat sitter. The big mystery begins well before we meet the art critic and his talented feline. I love how this introductory mystery sets the foundation for what is to come without being super slow paced or overly muddled.In the Cat Who Ate Danish Modern Qwill's assignment shifts from art to interior decorating. One of the fun things about this installment is that Qwill feels threatened by the regular decorating writer and wants to show her that a guy can find and write about home decor as well as she can. I'm betting that Lilian Jackson Braun drew on her own experience for that. Anyway, Qwill and Koko find themselves circulating among the well to do. They end up solving a robbery and murder as well as adding a new little face to the family. This one is my favorite of the series because we see a hardened, former crime reporter open his heart to another Siamese in need of a home thereby setting his family before moving into new adventures.The Cat Who Turned On and Off is another favorite. Qwillern has had to move his lodging and his assignment AGAIN! He's a great writer and reporter who can take on any task. This time we find Qwill, Koko, and Yum Yum in Junktown - a neighborhood filled with antique stores and unique individuals. The neighborhood is run down and city hall neglects it so that it can soon bulldoze it for a more modern neighborhood. However, there is a way to save Junktown and it is tied to the Underground Railroad. The first two mysteries were first written in the 1960s and it is easily noted by the dress, settings, and behaviors. So I encourage you to put away your 21st century thoughts and read this as if you were watching Mad Men or The Astronaut Wives Club. Qwilleran if friendly, likable, super curious, and intelligent. His cats are just as intelligent some time more so. If you enjoy cozy mysteries or "kitty stories" (as Braun referred to them) then you will most likely enjoy this series. These are the first 3 of 29 or 30 depending on how you count. The first ones are the best.