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The Cat Who Played Post Office summary
Brief summary
The Cat Who Played Post Office is a charming mystery novel by Lilian Jackson Braun. Join amateur sleuth Jim Qwilleran and his clever Siamese cats as they unravel a puzzling series of events in the small town of Pickax.
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The Cat Who Played Post Office
Summary of key ideas
Unraveling a Mysterious Death
In The Cat Who Played Post Office by Lilian Jackson Braun, the protagonist Jim Qwilleran, a journalist, inherits a substantial fortune from a distant relative. This unexpected windfall allows him to leave his modest apartment and move into a grand mansion, the Klingenschoen estate, with his two Siamese cats, Koko and Yum Yum. The story takes a chilling turn when a maid, who had been working at the mansion for years, goes missing.
Qwilleran, intrigued by the disappearance, starts to investigate the case. His cats, especially Koko, who appears to have a knack for solving mysteries, also join in. Koko's unusual behavior, such as sitting on a specific spot in the mansion, leads Qwilleran to a hidden compartment containing the maid's dead body. This discovery shocks everyone, and the police begin to investigate the case as a murder.
Unveiling Dark Secrets
As Qwilleran delves deeper into the mystery, he uncovers a web of secrets that have long been buried within the Klingenschoen family. He learns about the bitter family feud, the strained relationships, and the dark history of the mansion. Koko continues to provide cryptic clues, nudging Qwilleran toward the truth.
During his investigation, Qwilleran encounters several eccentric characters, including the Klingenschoen family members and the mansion's peculiar staff. He develops a deep suspicion of the family's matriarch, Mrs. Klingenschoen, and her son, Robert, who seem to be hiding something. Qwilleran's persistence eventually leads him to uncover the shocking truth behind the maid's murder.
Unraveling the Culprit
As the story unfolds, Qwilleran pieces together the evidence and realizes that the maid's death was not a random act of violence. Instead, it was a well-thought-out plan orchestrated by someone within the Klingenschoen family. With Koko's help, he deciphers the clues and identifies the culprit. The murderer turns out to be Mrs. Klingenschoen's son, Robert, driven by his desire to protect his mother and the family's reputation.
The shocking revelation leaves the entire household in disbelief. Robert is arrested, and the mansion is left in disarray. Qwilleran, in the midst of this chaos, also discovers a newfound appreciation for the simple life he once led, with his cats and his modest apartment. He realizes that the grandeur of the Klingenschoen estate was not worth the dark secrets it harbored.
Conclusion
In conclusion, The Cat Who Played Post Office is a thrilling mystery that unravels the dark secrets of an affluent family. Through the eyes of Jim Qwilleran and his two feline companions, we witness the unsettling reality hidden behind the façade of wealth and luxury. The story is a testament to the power of curiosity, intuition, and the unbreakable bond between a man and his cats.
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What is The Cat Who Played Post Office about?
The Cat Who Played Post Office is a cozy mystery novel by Lilian Jackson Braun. Set in the small town of Pickax, it follows journalist Jim Qwilleran and his two clever Siamese cats as they investigate a series of mysterious events. When a local post office is destroyed in a fire and a rare stamp goes missing, Qwilleran and his feline companions uncover a web of secrets and deceit. With charming characters and a delightful feline twist, this book is a purr-fect read for mystery lovers.
The Cat Who Played Post Office Review
The Cat Who Played Post Office by Lilian Jackson Braun (1987) is a delightful mystery novel that keeps readers intrigued from start to finish. Here's why this book is a great choice:
- Featuring charming feline characters who bring a unique perspective to the mystery genre.
- The book seamlessly blends humor and suspense, keeping readers entertained throughout the story.
- Its clever plot twists and engaging narrative ensure that boredom is never a possibility while reading.
Who should read The Cat Who Played Post Office?
Readers who enjoy cozy mysteries with a touch of humor
Cat lovers who appreciate feline characters with unique personalities
Those who like to solve puzzles and follow clues along with the protagonist
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The Cat Who Played Post Office FAQs
What is the main message of The Cat Who Played Post Office?
Solving mysteries with the help of a clever feline.
How long does it take to read The Cat Who Played Post Office?
Reading time varies, but Blinkist summary can be read quickly.
Is The Cat Who Played Post Office a good book? Is it worth reading?
It's a cozy mystery worth reading for its charm and intrigue.
Who is the author of The Cat Who Played Post Office?
The author of The Cat Who Played Post Office is Lilian Jackson Braun.
What to read after The Cat Who Played Post Office?
If you're wondering what to read next after The Cat Who Played Post Office, 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