Reviews

The Cat Who Knew Shakespeare by Lilian Jackson Braun

cstaude's review against another edition

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4.0

I probably should not have jumped from the 2nd book in the series to the 7th because a great deal had changed for Jim Qwilleran in the interval. However I was able to enjoy this mystery nonetheless. Sadly I also saw the ending coming- hence the 4 star rating- but I loved the characters and the cats were as delightful as ever!

goddesofwolves's review

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4.0

I love this book, I been reading them back to back and have not been disappointed yet. I love every book so far.

lazwright's review against another edition

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3.0

Qwill and his Siamese cats are just as charming today as they were when I first read this series as a little girl.

avafritsch's review against another edition

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adventurous funny mysterious fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

These are quick reads. There's a little mystery, some g-rared love scenes, and good food. The killed is always determined and the K fund is available to repair any damage. 

amanda071's review against another edition

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2.75

Wederom brengt Qwilleran hemzelf en zijn geliefden in gevaar als hij zaken niet wil laten rusten. Een auto ongeluk lijkt toch niet zo onschuldig te zijn. Gelukkig kan Koko gebeurtenissen aanvoelen om zo zichzelf en Yum Yum in veiligheid te brengen. Een brand zorgt voor meer duidelijkheid.

deannaosmith2's review against another edition

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lighthearted mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

2.0

tabithar's review

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5.0

This is one of my favorites to date. I really enjoyed all the small town sidelines and the way characters were developed as Mr. Q investigated a murder and learned more about his community. I was particularly satisfied with the ending.

wombat_88's review

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lighthearted mysterious relaxing medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

staticdisplay's review against another edition

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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

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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.