A witty and heartwarming cozy mystery where two brilliant Siamese cats help their human uncover the truth behind a string of fires and a suspicious death in Moose County.
 
When columnist Jim Qwilleran begins investigating a series of mysterious barn fires in Moose County, he senses that something more sinister is smoldering beneath the surface. Then, when a local man is found dead at the scene of the latest blaze, Qwill’s sharp instincts — and his cats’ uncanny behavior — tell him this was no accident. With Koko’s odd reactions and Yum Yum’s mischievous curiosity guiding the way, Qwill must uncover who’s lighting fires in Pickax before the entire town goes up in smoke.
 
In The Cat Who Smelled a Rat, Lilian Jackson Braun returns to the snowy streets of Pickax City for another witty and comforting mystery filled with warmth, humor, and community spirit. As a harsh winter grips Moose County, the local residents are on edge — and when arson and murder strike, Qwill knows there’s more to the story than meets the eye.
 
Between his journalistic investigation and the cryptic clues from his clever Siamese duo, Qwill slowly unravels a plot involving greed, revenge, and long-buried grudges. With Braun’s trademark light touch and her deep affection for small-town life, this installment blends charm, suspense, and the delightful antics of Koko and Yum Yum into a purr-fectly satisfying cozy mystery.
 
💖 Why You’ll Love It
A classic cozy mystery filled with humor, heart, and feline wit.
Features the beloved sleuthing Siamese duo, Koko and Yum Yum.
Blends small-town charm with a clever, slow-burn mystery.
Warm and comforting tone with just the right touch of intrigue.
A fan-favorite entry in the long-running Cat Who… series.
🌟 Perfect For
Fans of Rita Mae Brown, Laurie Cass, and Sofie Ryan.
Readers who love cat-centered cozy mysteries.
Cozy collectors completing their Cat Who… series.
Book clubs seeking heartwarming, easygoing mysteries.
❤️ Fans Also Liked
If you enjoyed The Cat Who Smelled a Rat, you might also like:
The Cat Who Went Up the Creek by Lilian Jackson Braun — a lakeside mystery full of fun and feline flair.
The Cat Who Had 60 Whiskers by Lilian Jackson Braun — a thoughtful later-series mystery.
A Whisker of Trouble by Sofie Ryan — a modern cozy full of warmth and humor.