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)

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.

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.

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.

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!!

disappointing

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

Shortened

Although shortened it’s still an interesting book. Lillian Jackson Braun I was a delightful writer! The characters were full of life and personality! Many of who or people that you would like to know personally. The only regret I have is that the book was shortened. And the narrator was not good at cat meows and talk.

another great book

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

Interesting

Easy to listen to and held your interest all the way through the story. Good summer listening.

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!

bananas

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