Qwilleran's prospects for quiet on his return to Pickax are thwarted by a noisy bird, his girl's wandering attention, and the murder accusation leveled against his friend YA-- Koko and Yum Yum cavort again, this time to help Qwill solve the puzzling, untimely deaths at their new home, a cavernous barn complete with picture windows from which the two cats watch the neighborhood birds. This highly entertaining novel is sure to please all who want a light mystery. Cat lovers particularly will enjoy the antics of the feline heroes, while others will appreciate the creative solution that grows out of seemingly unrelated clues. Qwill, a semi-retired newspaper writer, is owned by the cats and provides needed assistance as a sleuth. Relaxed, rural America is well drawn (except for the number of murders it has had since the series moved to this locale) and provides a delightful setting in this amusing romp that's perhaps Braun's best. --Claudia Moore, W. T. Woodson High School, Fairfax, VA Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.