Customer Reviews

Cat Who Saw Stars (Jim Qwilleran Feline Whodunnit)

5 star:		(25)
4 star:		(11)
3 star:		(13)
2 star:		(18)
1 star:		(27)

 

 

During the first chapter of "The Cat Who Saw Stars" I wondered where were all the lovingly drawn character sketches, the fascinating idiosyncrasies, the breezy history of Moose County? Where was Ms. Braun's telling use of words, her ear for dialect, her deft use of rhetorical forms? To someone insensitive to words, "his moustache was a virtual landmark" probably wouldn't flicker an eyelid, but such a trite mixed metaphor made my upper lip itch. What was going on? Perhaps an editor unworthy of Ms Braun had done the damage. Perhaps marketing focus groups had begun to lead even Lilian Jackson Braun. Perhaps . . . I thought of the tragic impairments that often attend one's latter years. Whatever the reason, I felt sad.

But I read on despite the growing itch under my nose.

When I came to chapter three and read "watching the fireflies blink their little flashlights," I realized the truth. Lilian Jackson Braun could not have possibly written this tripe. I went to my bookshelf and pulled down several earlier "Cat Who . . ." books. I urge you to do the same. Compare, as I did, the style and quality of writing in this novel with that of her previous books. I'm confident that you will arrive at the same conclusion. "The Cat Who Saw Stars" is written by a ghostwriter - a ghost that's but a pale refection of Ms. Braun. I could go on pointing out instance after instance my investigation uncovered supporting this conclusion. But why should I spoil your fun? Be a literary detective and see for yourself. Need I say more?

Oh, yes, there is one more thing. I'll tell you how to prepare chicken livers and bacon en brochette fit for the most discerning palate if you can tell me the name of this Ghost Who Plays Braun.

I honestly don't know what to make of this book. Are the other reviewers right? Has Ms. Braun retreated and allowed a ghost writer to take over? I'm going to hope not; that wouldn't bode well for the rest of the series, and I'm enough of a fan of Qwill and Koko to look towards the day that their adventures end with dread.

It shouldn't come as a shock to any fans of these books when I say that the mystery aspect has been going downhill for awhile. Qwill's adventures--whether with the Pickax locals or picturesque natives in the many places he visits--have been taking precedence. I actually don't mind that; Ms. Braun has a masterful hand with characters, and Qwill's escapades in Moose County are sufficiently entertaining that one can forgive her for the less intense, less fascinating whodunnits. (Mind, those who are reading the series for the whodunnits more than for the characters have probably been in for disappointment.)

In _Cat Who Saw Stars_, though, the mystery isn't just weak, it's practically nonexistant. Early on, a body is discovered. Do we ever find out who buried it? No. Is it the focus of the plot? No. Are Koko and Yum Yum on center stage, as we've come to expect from the novels prior to this one? Not really. Is Koko an alien? He'd better not be. That might tempt me to sell my entire collection.

Further, the characterization is seriously off-kilter. Qwill believing in UFOs? Giving the Siamese cutesy-folksy cat toys? Somehow, I can't buy that. And where are so many of the favorite characters? I'm not about to mourn the absence of Polly (whom I've frankly been wishing would be the victim of some killer or other for awhile now), but there are other Moose County residents whom I'd love to see. Now, granted, half of our old friends have been offed by now, but you'd think a few more of the survivors would merit a cameo.

Even die-hard fans of the series might do better to give this one a skip, if they can't find it at the local library. It definitely shouldn't be the first Cat Who book for anyone interested in getting into them. For someone who doesn't have many expectations, though, and is just looking for a quick and somewhat entertaining story, this might be worth picking up. Even at her worst, Ms. Braun can still turn out a reasonably pleasant evening's reading.

Qwill is looking for some relaxation, so he takes Koko and Yum Yum up to his cabin by the lake. But far from relaxing, he finds himself doing more then his normal columns for the paper. He's got a new restaurant and play to review. The locals have become obsessed with UFO sightings. And a hiker has disappeared. Looks like he and Koko have their work cut out for them.

Or they might if this were an ordinary book in the series. It really does seem like the author is running out of steam with the series. While it's never been the height of suspense, usually the cases progress with some regularity over the course of the book. Here, however, we are treated to many meetings with friends we've made over the series, but, while enjoyable, they don't serve to advance the storyline. Several things are introduced and never resolved, and the "climax" is extremely weak. Not to mention a final chapter that is pulled from a lesser novel.

Even die hard fans will find it hard to enjoy this entry in the long running series. By all means, if you're new to Lilian Jackson Braun, do NOT start here. The earlier books in the series are much better and show why she has developed such a loyal following. This was my first time to try one of the later books, and I hope it's not indicative of its neighbors. I'd hate to see such a fun series go out with a whimper instead of a bang.

This is the third book I've read in the Cat Who... series, and I loved it! Don't decide this book isn't worth reading just because some of the other reviews say it isn't. A few parts were confusing, but the overall story was great. So far this is my favorite in the series, and I can't wait to read them all!

I am a big fan of Ms, Braun and her characters; Qwill, Koko and Yum Yum. I have read every book. I am so sorry to report that something is wrong here! This book has so many unanswered questions. Ms. Braun always leaves loose ends that wind up in another of her books, but this is different. What about that mysterious lady walking on the beach and in the restaurant? Who was she? I absolutely love the "Cat Who.." series, and hated to admit the last few have left me scratching my head. Some of the books are slower than others, but this seems to be getting worse with each book. I hope someone finds out if there is a ghost writer. I also hope they find a new ghostwriter if there is one! I am sure that one of the fans of the book could do a better job! I feel that I know more about the characters and history than the person who is writing it. I never thought I would write a bad review on a "Cat Who..." book. I hope it will get better! I am still a die-hard fan! If you are new to this series, try the earlier books, they are so much better.

As a long time fan of Ms. Braun's, I found it very difficult to finish reading this book. I truly believe she now has a ghost writer and not a very good one at that! The dialogue is stilted and awkward. I heard back in the early 90's that she had a contract to produce something like 10 more books and I wonder if she found she had to hire someone to do this. To me, her books began to go downhill with the Potato Mountain escapade. It ended abruptly and the remaining books in the series were a disappointment. I've loved this series and the wonderful characters in Moose County but from now on, I'll just reread the ones I enjoyed.

I used to await Braun's new "Cat Who" books eagerly so I could snap them up at the bookstore, but the last few have been somewhat disappointing, so I was content to wait for a friend to lend me her copy of THE CAT WHO SAW STARS. I am pleased that I did not pay for this book, and I'm sorely tempted to discontinue reading the series altogether.

Actually, I am concerned about Braun's health. This book felt to me like she didn't have the energy to do anything more than slap together a few disjointed Qwill observations on rural life. There isn't even a coherent mystery to follow in this book, and it contains the biggest plot hole I've ever seen: the sleuth decides to just chalk the whole thing up to UFOs.

This book can be enjoyed by only Ms. Braun's most die-hard fans, and I am sorry to say I no longer count myself among them.

I usually enjoy the "Cat" books but with this one I happened to notice that I was on Page 187 and still had no idea what the story was about. What a waste of time and money. I will certainly check the review before I buy another.

As a big fan of the "Cat Who" stories I am let down by this story. Ms. Braun usually does a better job of describing the area, characters, and tying all of the story together. This particular book references UFO's a couple of times but only as a side plot. Also there is reference to people on the beach of the cabin who are not used for anything else in the story.

I also missed the cats being more of a center of the story. Koko and Yum Yum are usually a major part of hte story. This time they seemed to be almost an afterthought.

I usually recommend Ms. Braun's books with gusto, not this one.

I agree with the other readers that this installment in the "Cat Who" series does not come up to usual standards. A lot of extraneous loose ends and people are introduced for no seeming purpose, like the woman on the beach and the UFOs. The backpacker mystery is never solved, other deaths (although accidental) are glossed over as everyday occurrences, and Owen's death is confessed. The local color is interesting, but that's about it. The editing is also sloppy. Niagara is misspelled through the first half of the book. Yum Yum sits with Gertrude the Kalico Kat 5 pages before Qwill gives it to her. The 12 pairs of hands at Safe Harbor belong to 24(?) widows. The cats and Polly have become one-dimentionsal backdrops. It may be my imagination, but in this book Qwill the reformed drinker seems to ply guests with liquor (and no food) at every opportunity. Sorry, I'll go re-read an old favorite.