The Cat Who Went Bananas

By: Lilian Jackson Braun

Narrated by: George Guidall

Length: 5 hrs

Publisher's summary

Autumn has arrived, and the citizens of Pickax find themselves amid a clamor of activity. In addition to the opening of its latest theatrical production, the town is celebrating the dedication of a new bookstore and park built in memory of Pickax's beloved bookshop owner Edd Smith. Columnist Jim Qwilleran, participating in the festivities, is also busy with his latest book project: an account of a uniquely historic guest residence, the Hibbard House.

The merry atmosphere, however, is dampened by the suspicious death of an out-of-town actor and the mysterious theft of a rare book. Qwill's research into the Hibbard House provides unexpected insight into these strange proceedings. Qwill must also rely on his perceptive Siamese Koko, who has been acting particularly odd in regard to the newest resident of the Hibbard House. Has Koko gone bananas, or will his unusual behavior help Qwill unravel this mystery?

With her 27th Cat Who book, Lilian Jackson Braun proves yet again that Qwill, Yum Yum, and Koko are the purrfect team to solve any mystery.

©2004 Lilian Jackson Braun (P)2004 Penguin Audio and Recorded Books, LLC

Critic reviews

"A master of mystery who knows exactly when to let the cat out of the bag." (People)

George Guidall.... read for me!

Would you consider the audio edition of The Cat Who Went Bananas to be better than the print version?

I love George Guidall as a reader. I love this series but him as Mr Q really brings the stories to life.

What does George Guidall bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

I could listen to George Guidall read a textbook and I love this series so any chance for him as Mr Q is a positive in my book.

My all-time favorite audible series.

This is the series I listen to over and over. George Guidall isn't capable of scoring less than five stars. He's the best!

Excellent Story/Plot

Another great cat book....I am always excited to hear about Koko and Yum yum ' s adventures.

Excellent Read

I could listen to George Guidal read forever. As usual the story was like visiting old friends. An immersing feeing of comfort and relaxation . A little disappointing with the mystery unsolved.

Not the Quality I Have Come to Expect

At this point in the series the plots are beginning to take on a triteness of quality as if the author was having trouble reaching for new material. Choosing to use the deterioration of Qwill's and Polly's relationship was a disappointing and ill-founded way to do that.

The cats

Small town setting. The way the town, people, newspaper, flora and fauna, and pets were included in this well rounded story.

Another Pleasant Visit

Different reactions among listeners to the recent entries in this long running series are understandable. For the listener who has visited with George Guidall over the years, no single book stands alone on its merits; on the other hand,first time readers or those who are able to encapulate each experience from the others, are likely to respond differently.
Speaking as a long time listener (I do not believe I ever read one), who believe the reader is the perfect embodiment of the lead character, this was quite enjoyable despite the authors minimalist approach to "the mystery". True mystery fans, to whom the character and situations are secondary, will have reason for complaint.

another great book

love George. best narrator. wish they did a tv series with Tom Selleck. he would do it justice

This could have taken place in Lake Wobegone.

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

I enjoyed listening to this book; great characters, kind of like hanging out in an L.L. Bean catalog, but at Lake Wobegone.

What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)

Fizzles out.

What does George Guidall bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

George Guidall is the grandfather you never had, and my favorite narrator. Sometimes I look for books that he's narrated, because I like his narration that much.

If this book were a movie would you go see it?

Nope. I'd wait for it to come out on Netflix, or TV.

Any additional comments?

This is ok, but it's a little like hanging out in a retirement home with active seniors.

I adored The Cat Who books!

I have read all of her books. Now I am re-reading them. I have been known to wake my husband at night, laughing at Koko’s antics. I even named my large red Siamese cat, KoKo!!!