The Cat Who Went Bananas

By: Lilian Jackson Braun

Narrated by: George Guidall

Length: 5 hrs and 1 min

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)

VERY disappointing

Don't even bother. If you, like myself, have been a fan of Coco and Yum-Yum for many years, you'll find yourself wondering if she switched editors -- or if this book was even edited at all.

She crams in every character who has ever made an appearance in one of her books, with a very weak plot that really only shows up in the last 1/3 of the book, and is never resolved. Please, Ms. Braun, go back to your tried and true formula. Your loyal readers do not expect iinvolved character development. We just want the fluffy, yet delightful formula you've always delivered before.

9 of 10 people found this review helpful

The books a mystery, the story is not.

Contrary to assumption, this book is not a murder mystery but actually just a story about a town that happens to have a murder happen during the story. There is no resolution nor is there any plot. This book wanders aimlessly and simply ends. The characters in the book are incredibly shallow and flat. They give no sense of reality. You don't feel like you are reading about real people at all. The "suspension of disbelief" that should occur in a good novel is not obtained and you feel like you are reading disjointed sentences mentioning characters.

Hopefully this book is a result of "The Author Who Went Bananas" and is not a glimpse into the decline of the series yet to come.

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Revisiting once again!

I just adore the "cat who series" ! Lillian was a fantastic writer! They have carried me through some hard times in my life with laughter and intrigue. Now when I re-read them it is like visiting a old familiar place. George's voices are spot on and smooth to listen to. Enjoy these stories over and over again!!

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

disappointing

Abrupt ending. Too many loose ends. Did the author just get lazy and quit? Performer was terrific.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

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.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

bananas

another good one! The store opens, Polly acts like she's never had a job before, and qwill saves the day.

Just Lay Back And Relax

Easy listen. True pleasure. Not overly exciting but keeps you tune in waiting to see what happens next.

the cat who...is beloved.

I love this author. I love getting into bed at night and listening to my books. WHT a great way to end the day.

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.

Excellent Story/Plot

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