The Cat Who Came to Breakfast (Cat Who..., #16) By Lilian Jackson Braun
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When a cabin cruiser mysteriously explodes in the marina of Breakfast Island, newspaper reporter Jim Qwilleran and his feline companions investigate shady happenings at the hot vacation spot. 125,000 first printing. The Cat Who Came to Breakfast (Cat Who..., #16)
Ok, so I picked this up partly because I'm in charge of the Mystery/Adventure/Suspense area of my library and it behooves me to know more about the books in that section.
But also because there's this parody book called The Cat Who Killed Lillian Jackson Braun, which I wanted to read. And I felt like I should read one of the books being parodied before I read the funny book.
I wasn't thrilled with this little mystery, though I guess I could see what people who DO like these books see in them. Older protagonist who is cantankerous and judgmental, talks to his psychic cat, and is wealthy. I like books with smart detectives because it makes me feel smart to be on their side. People like books with this detective because they like to look down on everyone else and bitch and moan about life.
And while psychic cats don't do it for my in the cozy mystery genre, I could get behind a psychic cat in a fantasy book maybe.
Anyway, not my cup of tea. But it is about the length of an Agatha Christie mystery and those ARE my cup of tea. They just happen to be a little less cutesy and a little more dramatic. All the drama here takes place off the page and is recounted later. Even when people are dying it's all very Oh dear, well I guess we'll have to do something else today since our boat has exploded killing the driver. Lilian Jackson Braun Book Review
3+ out of 5 stars for The Cat Who Came to Breakfast, the 16th cozy mystery book in the Cat Who series, written in 1994 by Lilian Jackson Braun. Qwill and the cats head off the Breakfast Island for a little relaxation jaunt; however, the island is known by so many different names, everyone keeps steering him to different parts. Last count, it had 4 names and Qwill couldn't figure out what was going on... that is, until a boat blew up and created a little mischief. Qwill's mustache tingles, and the cats are behaving weirdly, so something is amiss. While this was a good book in the series, there wasn't anything overly memorable about it. It also took him away from Pickax and the townspeople we know and love, so it's a little different style. I appreciate when the author moves to a different locale in a series every now and again, to give the reader something different. But with this series, perhaps because it has 30 books, I feel like we jump around too often. All in all, the mystery is good, but leaves you feeling like it was a one-off story disconnected from the norm. It was around now when I thought to myself... good series, but 15 should be the max!
About Me
For those new to me or my reviews... here's the scoop: I read A LOT. I write A LOT. And now I blog A LOT. First the book review goes on Goodreads, and then I send it on over to my WordPress blog at https://thisismytruthnow.com, where you'll also find TV & Film reviews, the revealing and introspective 365 Daily Challenge and lots of blogging about places I've visited all over the world. And you can find all my social media profiles to get the details on the who/what/when/where and my pictures. Leave a comment and let me know what you think. Vote in the poll and ratings. Thanks for stopping by. Lilian Jackson Braun I've read a few of this author's works back in the days when I was overdosing on mysteries. My mom has also read a few and one day she saw many titles listed in her favorite by-mail book dealer's catalog. Then she asked if my favorite online used bookseller might have Braun's books also, so off I went to check.
I found tons of them, even some omnibus editions of three-in-one volume, all at better prices, so we went through Mom's list and I ordered four of the omnibus books. 12 titles for the price of what 5 new ones would have been. Mother was thrilled and we had lots of chocolate to celebrate the moment.
The next day I went out for a walk and prowled around in of the local thrift shops, where I saw this book. I knew it was Mom's author, of course, but I couldn't remember if it was one of the titles I had managed to order for her. I waffled (only for a few seconds) and decided to buy it just in case it was not one of those books: Mother would never forgive me for allowing it to get away if was not on her 'just bought these' list. I figured I could read it myself and then donate it. After all, at a dollar, the price was quite reasonable!
Well, obviously, that is what happened. This is not one of the books I had read before, but I was quite familiar with the main character JIm Qwilleran and his two cats Koko and Yum Yum. This story involves the shenanigans going on at an island which has been partly developed for the tourist industry. There has been trouble: food poisoning, a collapsed step on a porch, even a couple of deaths. Are these really just accidents or is Someone doing something to try to stop the march of 'progress'? Qwill and his kitties spend two weeks trying to find the answer.
I liked the story, and appreciated the fact that there was not a lot of gruesome blood and guts involved. Of course you do have to accept that Koko the Siamese cat is especially smart and talented, even to the point of knowing what is going on before Qwill does, but this is not overdone; it doesn't get to the eye rolling stage it might have in other hands.
So I can say that I enjoyed this light mystery and I might try more of Braun's works, if Mom will allow me to read some of her new dozen. If I wash my hands and promise not to take them outside, I might have a chance. lol
Lilian Jackson Braun
The 16th …Cat Who… book was my least favorite of the series so far. It had many of the same themes as #13 …Moved a Mountain, but it is not nearly as well done and Qwill is in full cranky jerkoff mode again.
Old friends Nick and Lori Bamba have opened a Bed and Breakfast on Pear Island. They invite Qwill and the cats to visit and see if they can figure out who is trying to sabotage the island’s development as a tourist destination. The mystery was flat and the humor that makes this series so enjoyable was largely absent.
Originally published: 1994
Body Count: one.
Preceded by: The Cat Who Went into the Closet
Next Up: The Cat Who Blew the Whistle Lilian Jackson Braun First read: 10/97 I enjoy these books for some down time in reading. They are clean and hold my interest. I enjoy Qwill's comfortable relationship with Polly I keep waiting for something to happen or something better to come along, but this relationship is very convenient. The cat's are in full form in this book. Really enjoyed it.
The books in this series are always such a delight to read...relaxing, a way to escape into the world of Qwill and his cats, Koko and Yum Yum.
Second Read 03/13/18: This time Qwill and the cats are off to Breakfast Island...aka Pear Island...where the locals are none too happy about the development that has taken place, turning the island into a “resort”. Accidents happen, deaths occur. Is it all coincidence or a plot to return the island to its former state of tranquility for the locals.
I did not see it coming, the ending of this book. A nice surprise, everything all nicely wrapped up with of course room left for continuing books in the series...
RECOMMEND
Each read is better than the last. I caught on to some things this time that I missed last time. I really like Jackson Braun. She has a gift that I enjoy in my reading. It's not that its too hard, but it is a read that is good for a wide range of readers. She is a clean writer which I really like in my reading as well. I like it for that reason too. Lilian Jackson Braun
I've been binging on this series, and you'd think at some point I'd get tired of Qwill and his cats and their antics, but I just don't!! I love them! this entry in the series takes place on a version of - I have to assume - Mackinac Island (because of the fudge). there's a lot of tension and strife between the new tourists, the native families, and the wealthy people who spend their summers in mansions on the island. the big new hotel is dogged by all kinds of unpleasant incidents, including a drowning, an explosion, and more. I love reading about Koko and Yum Yum being annoying (and I was delighted that Yum Yum's name was originally Freya, because I have a cat now who happens to be named Freya) and Qwilleran getting annoyed by hotel decorations, the abundance of pears, and a young woman who attaches herself to him. meanwhile, what's Polly up to in Oregon?
I did feel like this was a bit short - maybe some room to develop some of the characters more, or explore the island's history, or look into the mystery of the lighthouse keepers. still, a fun and satisfying read. Lilian Jackson Braun I love the suspense Lilian Jackson Braun weaves into her stories. Qwillleron takes you on a journey on the path to Who done it? allowing the reader to engage with the community. I love to sleuth and usually have everything figured out before the end of the book. This one kept me guessing right up to the end. I enjoyed the journey. The Lori and Nick Bombas dilemma pulled me in, the XYZ drama kept me attentive, and the island intrigue was fascinating. Having read several of Braun's Cat Who books, I'm with Liz Cage...ready to become the next resident of Pickax, 400 miles north of everywhere. Lilian Jackson Braun VERY enjoyable!
Lilian Jackson Braun A big resort has been built on Pear Island, aka Breakfast Island, aka Grand Island and Qwill for one is not happy about the changes. Qwill's friends Nick and Lori Bamba are now on the island running a B&B. Nick contacts Qwill because he's concerned about a series of recent accidents and wonders if Qwill would be willing to come over and snoop around. He goes - under the guise of reporting about the island and the resort for the Newspaper - and, of course, life is not dull during his 2 week vacation.
While I enjoy the lightness of this series, this one seemed lighter and looser to me than some others. Without giving anything away, I feel as if several parts were a real stretch and a manufactured conclusion. There is enough going on with the recurring characters, however, to leave plenty open for the other books of the series.
Lilian Jackson Braun Newspaperman Jim Qwilleran heads to Pear Island for some relaxation; and gets caught up in local intrigue. When a series of accidents occur, it takes Koko's skill at dominoes to solve the murder puzzle. This all occurs while his true love, Polly Duncan, is away visiting a friend in Oregon. This one had me guessing until the very end. A very enjoyable read!!! Lilian Jackson Braun