staticdisplay's review against another edition
4.0
I don't remember reading this at all. I've been reading this series for most of my life - before I ever knew I would live in Michigan, and long since leaving. I'm now going back to re-read it all in order. I love all of the characters, but I never got to see their stories develop chronologically, so it feels a lot like I'm reading a new series. there's a big shift at the start of this story; time has passed, and the characters are a little softer and less "gritty." (mostly just that Qwilleran's flirting becomes a lot more genteel. also there's an actual Gritty.) it's so much darker and more tragic than I realized. it's quite difficult to consider this a "cozy." LJB creates colorful characters, so even a tertiary character who never speaks has a compelling death (which happens several times in this book). I really enjoyed the way all the historical elements were intertwined. Qwilleran doesn't do much investigation, the information all comes to him. but it's a series of serious and sad events... LJB has created a very real little world. she manages a lot of humor and warmth, which is important to balance all of the other things that happen.
siria's review against another edition
1.0
An incredibly light read, The Cat Who Knew Shakespeare is written in such a simplistic manner that it read almost like a young adult novel. If it weren't for (very mild and oblique) references to sexual activities, I would have thought it aimed at ten year olds. The prose is pretty cheesy and clichéd, the characters undeveloped, and the 'mystery' not really one at all—in fact, there isn't really any detective work done. The main character does some mild nosing around other people's business, but that's about it. I can't believe that this series has at least twenty books in it. Unless you're a true completist afficionado of cosy, Golden Age-style detective stories, this is not recommended.
carolyn84's review against another edition
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
govmarley's review against another edition
3.0
More Qwill and the kitties solving crimes in the sleepy village of Pickax, where there must be a murder every week. Qwill needs to hook up with Jessica Fletcher because they both are murder magnets. Moose County's a rough place to live, people.
The newspaper's publisher has died. Accident, or murder? Well, since it's a cozy I'll let you figure it out. Qwill is on the case, and trying to be a mustachioed ladies man about town, but the cats continue to thwart him. Go, cats. Qwill is ridiculous. Polly is way too good for you. Still the same cast of characters you know and love, with Arch, and Mrs. Cobb, and a million Goodwinters.
A fun, easy series. Really enjoying reading through them all again. 3 stars.
The newspaper's publisher has died. Accident, or murder? Well, since it's a cozy I'll let you figure it out. Qwill is on the case, and trying to be a mustachioed ladies man about town, but the cats continue to thwart him. Go, cats. Qwill is ridiculous. Polly is way too good for you. Still the same cast of characters you know and love, with Arch, and Mrs. Cobb, and a million Goodwinters.
A fun, easy series. Really enjoying reading through them all again. 3 stars.
booksbecreads's review against another edition
3.0
This was a quick audio book (only 5 CDs and 6 hours). The narator is a man who suits the main character well.
I am a sucker for cats which is why I originally brought the first book in the series. They are all about a new reporter Mr Q and his two siamese cats YumYum and KoKo. KoKo is a cat who has a habit of solving mysteries and both cats have great personalities.
This one didn't contain as much suspence or action as the first book I read, but I never picked up the who done it for the crimes so it keeps your interest.
I would recommend for cat lovers, those who want a quick read (or listen)and those who want a book that you can pick up and put down again when time permits.
I am a sucker for cats which is why I originally brought the first book in the series. They are all about a new reporter Mr Q and his two siamese cats YumYum and KoKo. KoKo is a cat who has a habit of solving mysteries and both cats have great personalities.
This one didn't contain as much suspence or action as the first book I read, but I never picked up the who done it for the crimes so it keeps your interest.
I would recommend for cat lovers, those who want a quick read (or listen)and those who want a book that you can pick up and put down again when time permits.
numberonehowdareyou's review against another edition
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.75
dairine's review against another edition
2.0
No. Just no. I don't wanna spoil it, but I'm seriously mad at Braun right now.
imthektx's review against another edition
5.0
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again. I love these books. I’ve grown attached to Qwill, Koko and Yum Yum. Are these books literary masterpieces? No. But for cozy mysteries, they are VERY well written and unique. “Ik ik ik” - says Koko.