Jim Qwilleran, a journalist, moves to town for a fresh start. While covering the local art scene, he grows suspicious of a prominent art dealer whose behavior doesn’t add up. As Qwilleran begins looking into it, strange events pile up and the mystery becomes more complicated. Fortunately, his Siamese cat, Koko, has an uncanny instinct for noticing clues that help guide the investigation.
The Cat Who Could Read Backwards is the 1st book in the long-running “Cat Who…” cozy mystery series. A new paperback edition releases on March 17, 2026, bringing this classic mystery back into print for new readers, even though the series has been around since 1966! The writing is cozy, witty, and straightforward, and at only 240 pages, it’s perfect for a single sitting read!
The story is mostly told from Qwilleran’s POV in a single timeline, which makes it very easy to follow. The dynamic between Qwilleran and siamese cat Koko is the best part of the book—full of humor and witty banter. Koko isn’t a talking or magical car, but he’s unusually intelligent and observant, and reacts strongly to certain objects or people—and those reactions point Jim Qwilleran in the right direction during his investigations! The unnamed charming city where Jim Qwilleran works for The Daily Fluxion is filled with eccentric townsfolk who gossip and offer red herrings to keep readers guessing!
The short chapters & steady pacing really helps keep you engaged. All the threads of the mystery come together in a satisfying conclusion while still some questions remain unanswered, leaving lots of possibility for the books that follow!
Readers who enjoy small-town cozy mysteries, clever animal sidekicks, & memorable characters will really enjoy this one—and if you love it, you’ll be delighted to know there are 29 books and 3 short story collections that follow!
