| Title | : | The Cat Who Came to Breakfast (Cat Who... #16) |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | 0515115649 |
| ISBN-10 | : | 9780515115642 |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Mass Market Paperback |
| Number of Pages | : | 261 |
| Publication | : | First published February 9, 1994 |
The Cat Who Came to Breakfast (Cat Who... #16) Reviews
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Book Review
3+ out of 5 stars for
The Cat Who Came to Breakfast, the 16th cozy mystery book in the "Cat Who" series, written in 1994 by
Lilian Jackson Braun. Qwill and the cats head off the Breakfast Island for a little relaxation jaunt; however, the island is known by so many different names, everyone keeps steering him to different parts. Last count, it had 4 names and Qwill couldn't figure out what was going on... that is, until a boat blew up and created a little mischief. Qwill's mustache tingles, and the cats are behaving weirdly, so something is amiss. While this was a good book in the series, there wasn't anything overly memorable about it. It also took him away from Pickax and the townspeople we know and love, so it's a little different style. I appreciate when the author moves to a different locale in a series every now and again, to give the reader something different. But with this series, perhaps because it has 30 books, I feel like we jump around too often. All in all, the mystery is good, but leaves you feeling like it was a one-off story disconnected from the norm. It was around now when I thought to myself... "good series, but 15 should be the max!"
About Me
For those new to me or my reviews... here's the scoop: I read A LOT. I write A LOT. And now I blog A LOT. First the book review goes on Goodreads, and then I send it on over to my WordPress blog at
https://thisismytruthnow.com, where you'll also find TV & Film reviews, the revealing and introspective 365 Daily Challenge and lots of blogging about places I've visited all over the world. And you can find all my social media profiles to get the details on the who/what/when/where and my pictures. Leave a comment and let me know what you think. Vote in the poll and ratings. Thanks for stopping by. -
Jim Qwilleran (Qwill) was a crime journalist in Chicago when he inherited billions of dollars from his mother's friend Fanny Klingenschoen. To receive the money Qwill had to move to the city of Pickax in Moose County, which is '400 miles north of everywhere.' So Qwill and his two Siamese cats, Koko and Yum Yum, moved into a converted apple barn in Pickax, and Qwill began penning a biweekly column for the 'Moose County Something.'
In Pickax, Qwill used his inheritance to set up the Klingenschoen Fund, which supports projects that benefit the community. Currently, the Klingenschoen Fund is supporting the foundation of a community college and overseeing other forward-looking endeavors.
The story opens in the month of June, with Qwilleran and the cats on their way to nearby Breakfast Island, a small islet also known as Pear Island, Providence Island, or Grand Island....depending on who you're talking to.
Until recently, the residents of Breakfast Island included an elite clique of wealthy families in an exclusive gated community;
and locals who were descendants of a shipwrecked crew - people who lived off the land and enjoyed their quiet lives.
Now, however, a corporation called XYZ Developers has purchased a large chunk of Breakfast Island and converted it into a vacation destination that boasts a luxury hotel, several B&Bs, restaurants, fudge shops, souvenir stores, and the like.
Qwill's friends, Lori and Nick Bamba, currently own Breakfast Island's 'Domino Inn', a rustic hostelry with domino games in each room.
Unfortunately, a guest at 'Domino Inn' was injured on a loose stair and other 'accidents' on Breakfast Island include food poisoning at a restaurant and a drowning. Lori and Nick Bamba speculate these incidents are deliberate sabotage, and ask Qwill - who has a nose for wrongdoing - to investigate. So Qwill agrees to stay at Domino Inn for two weeks, with the cover story of looking for interesting items for his newspaper column.
Once Qwill is settled in, he acts like a typical tourist, walking around to see the sights; hiking through the woods; dining in local eateries; purchasing a pair of comedy and tragedy masks from an antique shop; chatting with local residents; playing dominoes with fellow visitors; and so on.
During one of Qwill's excursions he happens to help a young woman called Elizabeth Applehardt, who's been bitten by a snake. It turns out Elizabeth belongs to one of the island's rich families, which provides an opportunity for Qwill to hobnob with the island's 'aristocracy.'
Meanwhile, Koko and YumYum are hanging out in their Domino Inn cottage, looking at the wildlife; being groomed and pampered; eating gourmet meals; and so on.
Moreover - as usual - the cats help Qwill investigate misdeeds. Koko is a psychic cat who has ways of providing information about crimes; and YumYum's kittenish nosiness unearths clues. This time Koko knocks PARTICULAR dominoes off a table and removes hazelnuts from a bowl of mixed nuts....which are hints about transgressors; and YumYum unearths a clue from behind couch cushions.
The harmful incidents escalate while Qwill is on Breakfast Island, and it appears a murderer is on the loose. It takes all of Qwill's (and Koko's) ingenuity to solve the case.
The usual recurring characters make an appearance, including: Qwill's childhood friend Arch Riker, who's now the publisher of 'The Moose County Something'; Arch's wife Mildred, a retired teacher and gourmet cook; Qwill's lady friend Polly Duncan, who's head librarian in Pickax; college student and amateur actor Derek Cuttlebrink - a 6' 8'' tall young man who's got a summer job on Breakfast Island; Pickax Police Chief Andrew Brodie - who knows about Koko's special abilities; and more.
I like this series and enjoyed the book.
You can follow my reviews at
https://reviewsbybarbsaffer.blogspot.com -
I've read a few of this author's works back in the days when I was overdosing on mysteries. My mom has also read a few and one day she saw many titles listed in her favorite by-mail book dealer's catalog. Then she asked if my favorite online used bookseller might have Braun's books also, so off I went to check.
I found tons of them, even some omnibus editions of three-in-one volume, all at better prices, so we went through Mom's list and I ordered four of the omnibus books. 12 titles for the price of what 5 new ones would have been. Mother was thrilled and we had lots of chocolate to celebrate the moment.
The next day I went out for a walk and prowled around in of the local thrift shops, where I saw this book. I knew it was Mom's author, of course, but I couldn't remember if it was one of the titles I had managed to order for her. I waffled (only for a few seconds) and decided to buy it just in case it was not one of those books: Mother would never forgive me for allowing it to get away if was not on her 'just bought these' list. I figured I could read it myself and then donate it. After all, at a dollar, the price was quite reasonable!
Well, obviously, that is what happened. This is not one of the books I had read before, but I was quite familiar with the main character JIm Qwilleran and his two cats Koko and Yum Yum. This story involves the shenanigans going on at an island which has been partly developed for the tourist industry. There has been trouble: food poisoning, a collapsed step on a porch, even a couple of deaths. Are these really just accidents or is Someone doing something to try to stop the march of 'progress'? Qwill and his kitties spend two weeks trying to find the answer.
I liked the story, and appreciated the fact that there was not a lot of gruesome blood and guts involved. Of course you do have to accept that Koko the Siamese cat is especially smart and talented, even to the point of knowing what is going on before Qwill does, but this is not overdone; it doesn't get to the eye rolling stage it might have in other hands.
So I can say that I enjoyed this light mystery and I might try more of Braun's works, if Mom will allow me to read some of her new dozen. If I wash my hands and promise not to take them outside, I might have a chance. lol -
First read: 10/97 I enjoy these books for some down time in reading. They are clean and hold my interest. I enjoy Qwill's comfortable relationship with Polly I keep waiting for something to happen or something better to come along, but this relationship is very convenient. The cat's are in full form in this book. Really enjoyed it.
The books in this series are always such a delight to read...relaxing, a way to escape into the world of Qwill and his cats, Koko and Yum Yum.
Second Read 03/13/18: This time Qwill and the cats are off to Breakfast Island...aka Pear Island...where the locals are none too happy about the development that has taken place, turning the island into a “resort”. Accidents happen, deaths occur. Is it all coincidence or a plot to return the island to its former state of tranquility for the locals.
I did not see it coming, the ending of this book. A nice surprise, everything all nicely wrapped up with of course room left for continuing books in the series...
RECOMMEND
Each read is better than the last. I caught on to some things this time that I missed last time. I really like Jackson Braun. She has a gift that I enjoy in my reading. It's not that its too hard, but it is a read that is good for a wide range of readers. She is a clean writer which I really like in my reading as well. I like it for that reason too. -
A big resort has been built on Pear Island, aka Breakfast Island, aka Grand Island and Qwill for one is not happy about the changes. Qwill's friends Nick and Lori Bamba are now on the island running a B&B. Nick contacts Qwill because he's concerned about a series of recent accidents and wonders if Qwill would be willing to come over and snoop around. He goes - under the guise of reporting about the island and the resort for the Newspaper - and, of course, life is not dull during his 2 week "vacation".
While I enjoy the lightness of this series, this one seemed lighter and looser to me than some others. Without giving anything away, I feel as if several parts were a real stretch and a manufactured conclusion. There is enough going on with the recurring characters, however, to leave plenty open for the other books of the series. -
I love the suspense Lilian Jackson Braun weaves into her stories. Qwillleron takes you on a journey on the path to "Who done it?" allowing the reader to engage with the community. I love to sleuth and usually have everything figured out before the end of the book. This one kept me guessing right up to the end. I enjoyed the journey. The Lori and Nick Bombas dilemma pulled me in, the XYZ drama kept me attentive, and the island intrigue was fascinating. Having read several of Braun's Cat Who books, I'm with Liz Cage...ready to become the next resident of Pickax, 400 miles north of everywhere.
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Ok, so I picked this up partly because I'm in charge of the Mystery/Adventure/Suspense area of my library and it behooves me to know more about the books in that section.
But also because there's this parody book called "The Cat Who Killed Lillian Jackson Braun," which I wanted to read. And I felt like I should read one of the books being parodied before I read the funny book.
I wasn't thrilled with this little mystery, though I guess I could see what people who DO like these books see in them. Older protagonist who is cantankerous and judgmental, talks to his psychic cat, and is wealthy. I like books with smart detectives because it makes me feel smart to be on their side. People like books with this detective because they like to look down on everyone else and bitch and moan about life.
And while psychic cats don't do it for my in the cozy mystery genre, I could get behind a psychic cat in a fantasy book maybe.
Anyway, not my cup of tea. But it is about the length of an Agatha Christie mystery and those ARE my cup of tea. They just happen to be a little less cutesy and a little more dramatic. All the drama here takes place off the page and is recounted later. Even when people are dying it's all very "Oh dear, well I guess we'll have to do something else today since our boat has exploded killing the driver." -
The 16th …Cat Who… book was my least favorite of the series so far. It had many of the same themes as #13 …Moved a Mountain, but it is not nearly as well done and Qwill is in full cranky jerkoff mode again.
Old friends Nick and Lori Bamba have opened a Bed and Breakfast on Pear Island. They invite Qwill and the cats to visit and see if they can figure out who is trying to sabotage the island’s development as a tourist destination. The mystery was flat and the humor that makes this series so enjoyable was largely absent.
Originally published: 1994
Body Count: one.
Preceded by: The Cat Who Went into the Closet
Next Up: The Cat Who Blew the Whistle -
VERY enjoyable!
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Newspaperman Jim Qwilleran heads to Pear Island for some relaxation; and gets caught up in local intrigue. When a series of accidents occur, it takes Koko's skill at dominoes to solve the murder puzzle. This all occurs while his true love, Polly Duncan, is away visiting a friend in Oregon. This one had me guessing until the very end. A very enjoyable read!!!
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I've been binging on this series, and you'd think at some point I'd get tired of Qwill and his cats and their antics, but I just don't!! I love them! this entry in the series takes place on a version of - I have to assume - Mackinac Island (because of the fudge). there's a lot of tension and strife between the new tourists, the "native" families, and the wealthy people who spend their summers in mansions on the island. the big new hotel is dogged by all kinds of unpleasant incidents, including a drowning, an explosion, and more. I love reading about Koko and Yum Yum being annoying (and I was delighted that Yum Yum's name was originally Freya, because I have a cat now who happens to be named Freya) and Qwilleran getting annoyed by hotel decorations, the abundance of pears, and a young woman who attaches herself to him. meanwhile, what's Polly up to in Oregon?
I did feel like this was a bit short - maybe some room to develop some of the characters more, or explore the island's history, or look into the mystery of the lighthouse keepers. still, a fun and satisfying read. -
I love these books--the main character is funny and really understands how cats think. I also enjoy these stories because they are mysteries, my favorite genre.
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One of my favorites in the series.
Re-read 2019
Review to come -
If you, like me, haunt used bookstores and library sales, it is a guarantee that you will find the works of Patricia Cornwell, Rita Mae Brown and Lilian Jackson Braun. It is a testimony to the incredible popularity of these writers. I have worked my way through all of the Cornwells, but had avoided the other two. I picked this one up at a library sale.
I did know that the word "cozy" was frequently applied to the Cat series. If this one is indicative of the rest, may I suggest two others? Demented and dull. This is the shaggy dog of cat mystery stories. There is no discernible plot, but Braun just keeps telling it. The hero (Qwill) and his two "animal companions" --- the Siamese implied by the title --- head to an island resort to unspool who is trying to ruin its development. There are a series of random incidents, including a few murders. Qwill solves the "mystery" by consulting the domino tiles his cat knocks over. At this point I thought Braun had to be joking. Alas, she was not. The mystical cat solves the "mystery."
Qwill is a fairly bland character to carry the narrative. Victims are bumped off when offstage or without any proper introduction, so it is difficult to care much about what is going on. There is no wit in the writing at all. There is a moment when Qwill (a writer) maps out a potential skit he supposedly writes that satirizes tourists. Yeah. It not only didn't sound witty, it didn't even sound remotely humorous. And if you are looking for charming interaction with Siamese cats combined with decent plots, Richard and Frances Lockridge's Mr. and Mrs. North mysteries will do a much better job than Qwill and his animal companions.
Did anyone else ever figure out why the cats wouldn't eat the damn meatloaf? And what on earth does the title have to do with anything? We get detailed descriptions of Qwill's breakfasts, but the cats? Not so much. -
Kembali bersama Detektif Koko si Kucing Siam dan asisten-manusianya, Qwill si jurnalis ଲ(ⓛ ω ⓛ)ଲ Dibantu oleh Yum Yum, kawan seperkucingan Koko.
Kalau dilihat dari nomor urutan terbitnya, sudah jauh dari buku yang terakhir aku baca, yang bernomor-urut 2. Qwill yang miskin dan menyedihkan di buku 1 dan 2, entah mendapat warisan di buku nomor berapa, dan kini bisa beli makanan kucing yang enak-enak dengan mudah! Ga perlu nunggu bonus dan gajian~ (TT o TT)
Kisah kali ini tentang pulau yang dijadikan tempat wisata orang-orang kaya, tanpa mempertimbangkan aspek lingkungan maupun kondisi penduduk setempat. Keterlaluan! Dasar peme... *sinyal hilang* Yah, ini kisahnya di antah-berantah, 'kan? Hanya fiksi, 'kann?? Hehe...
Qwill membawa Koko dan Yum Yum berlibur di pulau ini karena dimintai bantuan oleh seorang teman. Katanya berturut-turut ada 'kecelakaan' dan korban meninggal di pulau, tapi ditutup-tutupi oleh pihak developer maupun peme... *sinyal hilang lagi*
Seperti biasa, kemampuan Qwill terletak di pencarian data. Untuk analisis data, maupun pengungkapan kasus, Papa Poirot tetap di hati💙(^▽^) //heh.
Lagipula, kalo lagi mentok, Qwill 'konsultasi' pada Koko, jadi bisa dibilang Koko-lah detektifnya!
Analisisnya bisa dibilang campur-aduk dengan teori cocok-cocokan Qwill, tapi (kalau mau 'bermurah hati') bisa dibilang Qwill menggunakan Koko sebagai 'pencetus ide', lalu menemukan pemecahannya.
Tapi tetep aja aku suka seri ini (⁄ ⁄>⁄ ▽ ⁄<⁄ ⁄) Ngeliat Qwill yang putar otak gimana caranya ngabisin makanan yang sudah dibeli banyak-banyak tapi ternyata ngga disukai Koko dan Yum Yum, maupun saat liat Qwill minta maaf padahal yang ngobrak-ngabrik kamar adalah dua makhluk berekor itu, aku rasanya menemukan kawan senasib-seperbabuan (ಥ▽ಥ) -
I had never read this series before that being said this was fun quick read. The character's all stand alone in their personalities and flaws or actions.
At the conclusion I think it was a bit rushed yet it tie things up a bit. Is there more? -
This segment of the saga of the wonderful Cat Who was delightful. Good mystery, lots of interesting characters, and of course, the unbelievable antics of the famous cat. Good reading.
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A cozy mystery - interesting, funny characters with a mystery of crime on the island..... the best part to me were the 2 cats with minds of their own....
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A clean cozy mystery. I removed reading this series for the first time in middle school. Every bit and then I feel myself craving the simple stories.
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Gentle mystery, with the cats sharing clues and solving murders.
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Another good story about Qwill and his wonderful cats Koko and Yum Yum. Short book this time but I enjoyed it as always.
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I must have missed this one the first time around. An interesting plot, but execution bordered on the ludicrous, even for Ko-Ko.
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Qwill and the kitties take yet another vacation and bad things happen. This time they spend time on Breakfast Island (or Pear Island, Grand Island, or Providence Island, depending on who you ask). Anyway, a vacation is a vacation and Qwill is a huge skinflint, so he goes, natch. Breakfast Island is being overdeveloped for tourists, and this causes unrest, as you might imagine. There is lots of talk of fudge, which made me laugh. Go to any tourist trap place and you'll find fudge. How this started, I have no idea, but it is true. Or at least it used to be.
There's a murder, and his good friends Lori and Nick Bamba have opened an inn and invite him to stay. I'm surprised there is room in the cabin for Qwill, his mustache, the kitties, and his huge ego. Although he's a little off balance because the lovely Polly is off to Oregon and he's scared she will leave him forever. Qwill, you are an ass. He gets involved with one of the rich, original families on the island, ferrets out the mysterious ongoings, and saves the day with the help of Koko, as usual.
The end is silly, the mystery is weak, and you know damn well I will read book 17. Stop judging me. I love these books. 3 stars. -
I like the ones where he goes to a different locale. Well, actually I guess that’s most of them! But it keeps them from getting set-bound. I don’t know about the solidity of Qwill’s “evidence” at the end. The strongest piece requiring a weak person to testify against her brother, & the family having the money to hire a good lawyer, it seems unlikely he’ll get convicted. He & the other guy can testify against each other, but one has money & the other doesn’t, so who’s going to do time & who isn’t? So as usual, some things are left hanging a little (e.g. do the new hotel & stores get rebuilt?), & the solution is hardly air-tight—but who reads these books for that? I read them for a light adventure. I mean, really, Koko’s contribution was probably the weakest so far in this one: e.g. how do you know if the domino with 2 & 6 on it is b & f, or h, or z? And then at the end Qwill just tosses aside 2 that don’t “fit”! You can make them say anything you want with that loose technique! It must really be Qwill who’s psychic, not Koko. But again, the books are fun, so I just don’t care. What I DO care about is why TNR wasn’t mentioned to take care of the excess cat problem on the island.
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People who flock to Mackinac Island and enjoy mysteries will enjoy this tome. Though named differently, the mysteries take place on Breakfast (or Pear, or Grand, or Pirate, or ....) Island. The name changes depending on the type of resident. There are a lot of similarities between this fictitious island and Mackinac Island.
Fellow "The Cat Who..." fans already know the main characters and what they are usually up to. If you've been paying attention, Qwill and the siamese reside in a different place in each book.
I'm leaving out my synopsis, because that has always been the same. However, these stories are NEVER boring. I'm having a fun time with Qwill, Koko and Yum Yum!
Once again, if you love Mackinac Island, Michigan, and mystery, you'll love this! -
Yawnyawnyawnyawnyawn. Not the worst of these books I've read, but still patronizingly obnoxious and I found the mystery less than inspired - it could have been good & complex, but it failed to take advantage of the possibilities offered - which is why it's getting only 2 stars. It's almost worse when you can see that this could have been an intriguing book.
Not really surprised at this point. Listening for the sake of having something to listen to at this point! -
I really enjoy this series...this is the third or fourth time I'm reading through the series but I have such a hard time with this book. I don't know why...the story line is familiar. But this book is very slow and boring.
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I would give this one a 3.5
Once again, Qwill and the cats are away from Pickax, so there were a lot of new-ish characters. Some we have met before, but they had larger roles this time around. A lot of seemingly unrelated "accidents" catch Qwill's attention and he investigates (of course).
