Rating: 
Summary: another charming read
Review: Lilian Jackson Braun has come through again, with a light and charming tale of Moose County, "north of everywhere." Polly, the chief woman in Quill's life, is absent on a trip, although a frequent correspondent by postcard, in this novel. No romantic interest arises to take her place, so Quill and the two Siamese cats are the principal characters as they unravel a mystery involving two murders, greed, and local history. Highly recommended to take your mind off any real-life troubles!
Rating: 
Summary: The Emperor's New Clothes
Review: Well, I read the plethora of reviews, most lukewarm, regarding Braun's latest "mystery" so I won't repeat what has been said effectively before I decided to weigh in with my observations.What a sad little book! The problem may be Braun's diehard audience remember the first ten or twelve installments in the series -- when Qwilleran had a dark past, when he was a real working journalist (not just a dilettante) and when the stories introduced truly intriguing characters and there was a genuine mystery. For those readers, such as myself, the trite meanderings in this novel -- shoving Qwilleran in a kilt at the drop of a hat (or should that be tam o'shanter?)and summing up the "mystery" in a final dashed off chapter of supposition with the flimsiest of motives was the final straw. Yet this book and all the other mediocrities that preceded it, have routinely flickered on the Times Best Seller List. I've come to believe Braun has perpetrated the biggest hoax on the mystery reading public. I read in an earlier review that Braun plans one final book. I don't care; I've sworn off the series.
Rating: 
Summary: the author who wrote too fast
Review: This book was so disappointing. I stumbled on this series only three years ago and quickly became a fan of Koko and Qwill.I've read all the books and own the companion guide as well. So it pains me to say that this book was not the equal of the best or even the middle-grade of the others. A body is discovered but then evidently lost track of by the author.There is little plot development so the killer drops out of the sky. The other charming parts of the past stories have been the descriptions of the local towns and people and the activities of the cats. There was none of this in this book. Why were the cats not central to the mystery? Why did Qwill have to go to a completely heretofore unknown location in the area? Almost none of the familiar and/or beloved characters were in this book. I don't recall the Bambas being important in any book before,so why now? Most of all I am disappointed that Koko was relegated to a third hand role. Come on--do you think most readers are fans because of Qwill. No,he's just the gent at the end of Koko's hairbrush. Please do better next time!
Rating:
Summary: A disappointment for fans
Review: I have been a long time fan of the Cat Who mysteries, but the last couple of books in this series have been a severe disappointment for me. What happened to the well-plotted story lines, the devious twists and turns, and the rich cast of characters? This last installment is just mystifying to me. It seems to be written in a desultory way, as if the author is performing an unwanted task, or filling an onerous obligation by doing the minimum necessary to get by. If Lilian Jackson Braun is actually still writing these herself, I would be shocked. Even if it is getting hard to come by fresh ideas and new characters, I can't believe someone's actual style of writing could change so much.
Rating: 
Summary: Lots of loose ends
Review: In the latest addition to the "Cat Who" series, James Quilleran is invited to the Nutcracker Inn in nearby Black Creek to investigate the dark feeling which seems to permeate the place. With this rather weak premise, Quill packs up his cats and heads off for a mini-vacation. He soon figures out what is causing the problem, but his conclusion doesn't make much sense to this reader. He also discovers a dead body, but after reporting it to the police, he almost seems to forget about it and to become involved in other activities in the community. He does several interviews for a new book he's writing, attends dramatic presentations and gets to know the other guests at the Inn. He also carries on a correspondence with his friend Polly, who is taking a trip with her sister. In her postcards, she keeps mentioning a man she has met, but that little subplot also goes nowhere. Finally, the killer's identity is revealed, but it is handled as if it is an insignificant event. There are lots of subplots which are never fully developed and the reader is left with a rather incomplete feeling at the end. These books will probably be read by Braun's die-hard fans, who can only keep hoping that the books will return to their previous charm and polish.
Rating:
Summary: TIME TO HANG IT UP, MS. LILLIAN!
Review: Ms. Braun has obviously worked this formula for all it is worth and should put it to rest. While I could not wait for her previous works to hit the stands, it has become almost embarrassing to read her last few books in the CAT WHO series. Especially if you are expecting a mystery with lots of witty interchanges between man and cat(s). The only roll the cats have lately is loud meows and eating. And forget about mystery. What it is about is Quill's community service, eating out, and writing his column. I totally agree with Pat Dulude's review on every point. So without having to repeat everything, just read that review and remember the days when THE CAT WHO books were exciting and fun and move on to another author that can deliver.
Rating:
Summary: What happened to the rest of the story
Review: I always look forward to the "Cat Book", but I was very disappointed, as it rambled and didn't tie up any of the loose ends. Is the author still writing, or is she having someone else write thses books. Who was Walter, how did Polly hurt her ankle, who was Danny's folks, who really was behind the murders, etc. the list goes on and on.
Rating:
Summary: Creekside capers are up to snuff!
Review: Can never put the "Cat Who..." books down until I'm done. This was a good story with interesting history about Moose County. Missed Qwills daily interaction with Polly but enjoyed the stirrings in Qwill caused by Polly's absence. Thought the plot was easy to follow with many suspects to choose from and enough twists and turns to keep me interseted. Still love the cats. Really enjoy Qwill's friendships with various characters. A quick read and engrossing.
Rating:
Summary: Enjoyable, though some may not follow the subtle clues
Review: I love reading about Qwill, the cats, and the Pickax locals. I also enjoy learning something about antiques in this book's case. While the resolution of the mystery seems to be suspended in favor of exploring old and new characters, there are subtle clues along the way. I recommend this book, and I look forward to the next one.
Rating: 
Summary: Just a tad squirrely.
Review: Where is the unabridged version? As usual, Lilian Jackson Braun has immersed the reader in another great mystery while bringing to life the wonderful characters of Moose County. Only one portion of the tale needed further research; a rather strange attribute was credited to mother squirrels that would have more appropriately been characterized by opossums.
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