The Cat Who Killed Lilian Jackson Braun : Book Review

In "The Cat Who Killed Lilian Jackson Braun" by Robert Kaplow, readers are treated to a delightful and witty murder mystery that serves as a tribute to the beloved "The Cat Who..." series by Lilian Jackson Braun. The story centers around the shocking murder of Braun herself, and it is left to the eccentric detective Jim Qwilleran and his faithful feline companions, Koko and Yum Yum, to unravel the mystery.

Kaplow's writing style skillfully captures the essence of Braun's original series, creating a world filled with vibrant characters and a cozy small-town backdrop. The author effortlessly combines humor and suspense, resulting in an engaging and enjoyable reading experience. The interactions between Qwilleran and his cats are particularly entertaining, as the feline duo possesses a remarkable ability to guide him in the right direction.

One of the standout elements of this book is the metafictional twist that Kaplow introduces. As the characters investigate Braun's murder, they also contemplate their own existence as fictional entities. This clever addition adds an intriguing layer to the story, holding the reader's attention until the very end. The inclusion of references to the real-life Lilian Jackson Braun and her books further immerses the reader within this unique literary world.

Although "The Cat Who Killed Lilian Jackson Braun" pays tribute to Braun's series, it also stands on its own as a satisfying standalone novel. Kaplow thoughtfully provides enough background information for readers new to the original series to fully comprehend the storyline. However, fans of Lilian Jackson Braun's works will undoubtedly appreciate the numerous Easter eggs and nods to her stories that are peppered throughout the book.

Overall, "The Cat Who Killed Lilian Jackson Braun" is a delightful, clever, and engaging mystery that honors a beloved book series. Kaplow successfully captures the spirit of Braun's tales while infusing his own creative twist into the narrative. Whether you are a fan of the original series or simply seeking an entertaining and immersive read, this novel is sure to captivate and entertain.

What are readers saying?

"The Cat Who Killed Lilian Jackson Braun" by Robert Kaplow received a range of reviews from readers. Some were captivated by the book's original premise and humorous storytelling, while others felt that it fell short in terms of character development and overall plot execution.

Many readers found the idea of a cat solving a murder mystery to be fascinating. They enjoyed the lighthearted nature of the story and commended Kaplow's witty writing style and clever dialogue, making it an enjoyable and quick read.

However, some reviewers felt that the characters lacked depth and growth. They found the main character, Jim Qwilleran, to be uninteresting and shallow, which hindered their overall enjoyment of the book. Additionally, a few readers were disappointed with the plot, feeling that it failed to live up to the intriguing premise and didn't fully engage them throughout the story.

Despite these criticisms, there were also positive aspects of the book that were admired by readers. Many found the cat character, Koko, to be endearing and enjoyed its involvement in the investigation. Koko's playful antics and attempts at communication were highlighted as particular highlights of the story, adding charm and humor to the narrative.

Overall, while "The Cat Who Killed Lilian Jackson Braun" had entertaining moments and was praised for its wit, some readers desired more in terms of character development and plot execution. If you enjoy light and humorous mystery novels with a unique twist, this book may be worth a try. However, be aware that it may not fully meet all of your expectations.

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