Cat Who Went Up the Creek

Rating:
Summary: One of the best
Review: I found this most recent addition to the Braun mystery series very enjoyable. It starts out as an easy read then gets more exciting and busy near the end. I found that once I got to the last 1/3 or the book that I didn't want to put it down as there was too much going on. It made for a great read on a cool winter week-end. Keep them coming Ms. Braun. I'm always interested in what the two cats and Mr. Q will be doing next.

Rating:
Summary: Gossip Disguised
Review: Sooner or later one has to face the fact that Lilian Braun's "Cat Who..." series has long since ceased to be a mystery series. In fact the mystery parts have only a couple of different formulas. This is one of the 'Jim Qwilleran goes somewhere with the cats' formula. The place this time is the Nutcracker Inn in Black Creek. It is run by Qwill's friends Lori and Nick Bamba who have asked him to stay for a bit and dispel an 'ominous cloud' that Lori senses in the atmosphere. Since Qwill's long time significant other, Polly Duncan, is off for a vacation Quill undertakes the case.

In short order a set of valuable antiques are found that link back to a tragic romantic part in the Inn's past. The furniture is removed, the cloud breaks and all is well until a body is found in the Black Creek. One of the Inn's resident's has died mysteriously. What follows is no surprise. Quick as a bunny, Jim moves into the dead man's cabin, which enables Koko to take over the case. Koko discovers some gold nuggets in a shoe, and Jim is convinced that someone is mining in the Black Forest Conservancy. More mayhem ensues, and only Koko has any handle on what is going on.

All of this would make it a mystery story if it took up a significant portion of the book. But the truth is that, other than some ruminations on Qwilleran's part most of the characters completely ignore the murders in their midst. This gives the book an odd atmosphere, almost as if the reader had wandered into an insane asylum. For some time the strength of Braun's writing has been all the humorous characters she introduces, Qwill's little tidbit's of writing, and the antics of Koko and Yum Yum. There is plenty of this, right down to a choreographed barroom brawl; it just never quite comes together.

There are many interesting tidbits, including a potential rival for Polly, so the story is still basic 'Cat Who...' stuff. I suppose there comes a time in every series where the stories have been doing the same thing for so long that the writer does a bit of a walkabout, and this, unfortunately is the case here. If you are so fond of this series that a rather vague mystery and sketchy characters won't put you off, then this tale will work for you. But the new reader is best off starting earlier in the series with meatier books. Although no one would ever describe Braun's cozies as heavyweight material.

Rating:
Summary: "Days of Moose County Lives"
Review: When I learned of Mrs. Braun's upcoming word, "The Can't Who Went Up the Creek," I waited with tepid anticipation. Her more recent offerings hadn't been what I had come to expect from the series and I hoped that perhaps things would pick up and the series would return to its previous quality. Unfortunately, I was disappointed...

In the past, Lilian Jackson Braun's works have been an excellent mixture of mystery, suspense, and storytelling. In recent "Cat Who" history though, and especially in this work, there's a couple of elements missing: the mystery and suspense! Instead, it reads more like one big story with some elements about a murder mixed in. Although it was a mildly interesting little story, there was really no suspense factor that would keep me wanting to read the book over some other book I might happen to have with me at the time. Some of the best things from past works are missing, such as Qwilleran actively working to stop murder plots, Koko and Yum Yum being a more significant portion of the story, and Celia Robinson- Agent 0013 1/2 being written once and forever written out of the series. On the positive side, one character is for the most part missing: Polly.

If you're just starting out on the series, or you haven't yet read all of the "Cat Who" books, don't read this one first. If you are a loyal fan, and can't abide by missing out on her this newest book, then try getting a copy of this from library first before deciding whether to buy. You may found you made a wise decision.

With this latest offering, Lilian Jackson Braun is not only up the creek, she's jumped the shark.

Rating:
Summary: After 24 books, very predictable
Review: I think that my title says it all. These books are cute, but the formula never changes. A stranger (non-Moose County person) is involved in some mysterious dealing that Qwill and the cats must investigate. How boring. Here's some advice for the people that loved it -- find a new author, one with imagination.

I wish that the author would find a new formula for her books. But, why bother when this one will end up a New York Times bestseller like all of the rest of her books? I am very glad that I borrowed this book from the library. Don't waste your money on it.

Rating:
Summary: Where's the Beef?
Review: Other reviewers like to give plot analyses, I like to generalize about whether a new reader can "safely" spend his or her money on the book and not be grossly disappointed.

All of the "Cat Who" books by Lilian Jackson Braun are good entertainment. These stories are "clean" and Braun has a sense of humor that I thoroughly enjoy. I rarely chuckle when I read, but Mark Twain and Lilian Jackson Braun can make me laugh out loud.

I eagerly look forward to each new "The Cat Who..." book by Lilian Jackson Braun. If you are contemplating buying this book and have never read any books by Braun, go ahead, you'll enjoy Braun.

Just so you know, the cats in the story do not talk and they do not do things that are terribly unbelievable. If you've ever owned a cat, you can relate to the cats' behavior. If you're a dog-or-bird-only person, you will still love these stories (and be glad you have a dog or bird!).

Each "The Cat Who" book is a stand-alone story, but you might enjoy them better if you read them in order of publication. My personal opinion is that the older books are more enjoyable--probably because the author was fresh then and took more time fleshing out the characters, but I still enjoy each new title as it appears each January. I wish Ms. Braun could publish one a month. . . .

If you are from Michigan, you will certainly enjoy seeing a few familiar places mentioned in "The Cat Who Went up the Creek" and will howl with laughter at Braun's "The Cat Who Went to Breakfast" for its depiction of the disguised Mackinac Island.

If you are from "anywhere" NORTH, you will totally love the "Cat Who" series after Qwil moves from "down below" to the north. If you are from the south, you are missing a lot - of cold weather. These books will make up for your misfortune.

I gave this book 4 stars only because I like the older books better--the main character Qwil was more actively involved in the mysteries of the older stories. Although I enjoyed reading about Qwil this time in "The Cat Who Went Up the Creek," I got too full eating all the way through the story with him and his dinner guests.

For a quick look at the contents, the main character "vacations" at an Inn where bodies turn up at different times floating in the creek. The cast of characters include the Inn owners and vacationing guests. The butler did not do it.

Rating:
Summary: A Very "Lite" Comfort Book
Review: Every year I anicipate Ms. Jackson Braun's newest book. Unfortunately, the last few years have not been very satisfying. The Cat Who Went Up The Creek is a mere shadow of the former funfilled glory that is the "Cat Who" series. Yes, it is somewhat entertaining--probably because I knew all the characters previously. My cat, Cujo thought there was very little of his favorite character-Koko. In fact, Koko & Yum Yum appear to be almost afterthoughts in this lightweight book.I read a library copy and was glad that I did. I would have been upset if I had actually spent money on this book.

Rating:
Summary: Definitely not what they once were
Review: This newest book in LJB's series was better that some {robbed a bank}, but certainly not as good as they used to be. I find myself missing a lot of great characters, and I am just glad we did not lose anymore locals. The writing does not feel like Ms Braun and the plot leave much to be desired, but I alway enjoy romping through Pickax. I personally was glad Polly went on vacation even if it means creating a new sister we never heard of. I will continue to read the books no matter what. It's like a trip home for Christmas and not seeing everyone. Its fun to go back, But you wish you could have had a better time.

Rating:
Summary: VERY, VERY GOOD BOOK!
Review: This was one of the best books I've read in a long, long time. If you wanna read a very GOOD book, pick up this one.

Rating:
Summary: I've lost a friend
Review: I've read and listened to all the books in this series, spending many enjoyable (!) hours on the freeway listening to the talking books and forgetting about everyday concerns.
Unfortunately, this book is unfulfilling. I missed the mysteries, character development, and plot of the earlier books in which each book was an adventure. It was like visiting old friends. This is no longer the case.
I understand Lilian Jackson Braun plans one last book and I only hope that it lives up to the wonderful early stories.

Rating:
Summary: Do you Like Warm Baths?
Review: Do you like Warm Baths? Do you like to take them often? Do you remember one warm bath experience and would like to repeat it again and again? If so, then read the Cat Who series. Once you have read one, you have pretty much read all of them. They are pleasant. Nobody who is a main character will die. The mystery will be solved, everyone will pretty much be the same as before. No sex. (Lord knows, Quill and Polly ain't getting any--at least not where we can know about it). No graphic violence. No surprises. Discreet. Calm. Slow.

Don't get me wrong. I'm not necessarily knocking these books here. I've read every one of these books at least once. I own some of them in hardback. However, just don't get the idea that because there are 24 of them that any kind of great creativity is happening. The author has found a groove and intends to grind it straight through to the center of the earth or the sales saturation point which ever comes first. She doesn't take chances.

Sometimes a warm bath is exactly the thing to do. If you want a read where you know pretty much how it's going to go before you open the book, this is the series and the book for you for you.