Crystal

My first observation is that the book was rushed to press without benefit of thorough proofreading. I've mentioned this before re LJB and others: Publishers tend to allow the work of high-profile, best-selling authors to skate through the copy- and content-editing process in order to get books into eager readers' hands quickly. In the chapter where Qwill visits the batik artist, she explains the process of "dying" the work. Even a cursory copyedit should have caught that error. ("One rarely hears of anyone dying while dyeing fabric.") There were other dumb copy errors like this that really annoy dyed-in-the-wool (sorry!) editors such as myself.
Likewise, an editor who really cared about the story as much as meeting the deadline would have tactfully suggested that the author stay on the storyline and tie up all her loose ends. We never learn the identity of the killer of the Fire Watch volunteer, or even why he was killed, because the focus of the story shifts from preservation of the Moose County shafthouses to preservation of what's left of Book Alley, and wanders awhile through the preservation of murals in the Post Office. Such a rabbit-chase wouldn't have bothered me so much if all the threads had come together to a more satisfying conclusion instead of raveling off in different directions.
I'm sorry, but Polly is getting more and more tedious--her little catfit over the first batik Qwill hangs in his apartment, for example. I've been rooting for Fran Brodie, but she really didn't shine much in her brief appearance in this episode. (I'm also disappointed that the Siamese seem to figure less and less prominently in the stories; has anyone besides me noticed that? Yum Yum is practically redundant these days.)
But, overall, I have to admit I enjoyed it, if only because after 23 books, I'm so deeply invested in this little world 400 miles north of everywhere. Reading the latest LJB is like a visit with a sister you don't get to see very often; it's like you've never been apart, and it's good to catch up. Nothing is said that really sticks with you, but you still look forward to the next visit.

Tess

The Cat Who Smelled a Rat seemed to have less Koko and Yum Yum than previous books. They were even sent away during the climatic confrontation. If I were Kao Ko Kung, I would have a catfit!

Racwheels

I liked Smelled a Rat, except, obviously, the death of Eddington. I was so into finding out who the murderer was that I finished it all in about an hour, and was somewhat, but not completely surprised by who she wrote in as the murderer. I was glad to see that she hadn't killed off Homer, because he's one of the funnier characters, and hopefully he will live to be a centarian. The character of Susan Exbridge is used in the series entirely too much, even though I can somewhat understand why she was in this one, even though she really didn't come off to me as a character that would be of any help. This was a good book, maybe not her best, but still good. Looking forward to the next one.

BBmatTYBEE

I have read all of the Cat Who Books. I have lost track of how many time. I keep one by my chair all the time. I read them in copyright sequence. My one observation about this new book: Did Lilian write it? Or did Lilian write it with some inexpert editing. The character of Polly did not ring true this go round. Also the treatment of food did not come across the way it is usually presented. The cozy foursome with Riker and Mildred didn't seem in keeping with previous books. I liked the book. I hated it that Edd had to go. I will be waiting in line for the next one next December/January. But I wonder if anyone else has any observation about my points. After all, the woman is at least 85 years old. When I get that old I hope I will still be able to write my name. Editors have not done a good job on several of her books. A writer is at the mercy of the editor therefore I wonder what's happening.

Jan

I thought it was the best of the less-than-exceptional books produced over the last few years. I found it reasonably entertaining, and unlike "The Cat Who Robbed a Bank," there was an actual mystery involved. Having said that, I regret that it wasn't anywhere near the quality of the books written in the 1960s and 1980s. Instead of slowly unravelling plotlines, we got occasional clues dropped here and there combined with a corporate whistle-blower who conveniently provided the police with all of the evidence they needed, thus negating the need for Qwilleran to prove whodunit himself. And where was Koko's involvement in solving the crime? Sure, he uncovered a few clues and howled at all the right times, but why wasn't he up on the balcony during the confrontation to push a geranium pot onto Kirt Nightingale's head? It says something about the quality of the latest books that many of the glowing reviews printed on the dust jacket have been appearing on "Cat Who..." dust jackets for years.

Joann

Actually, I enjoyed the book very much but the character of Polly did not seem to ring true. As of late, Qwill and Polly had exchanged "sweet nothings" in French which I don't think they did at all in this book. Did anyone else notice this? And also, if Polly is such an avid birdwatcher, why did she object so strongly to the the batik which showed two robins and a worm?
Another thought...since Polly had her heart attack, she has been very careful with her diet, but that seems to have "gone out the window" in this book. Does anyone else have a reaction to that? [A good number of folks, actually, judging from my e-mail.]

Dawn

I was not disappointed in The Cat Who Smelled a Rat. Truth be told, reading a "Cat Who" book is like a literary day trip to an amusement park. I do it for pleasure without any complex thought, a refreshing day trip. Good or bad, I am an addict to the novels. I spend the 364 days of wait until the day the next component of the series is availible. I fill the void pursuing more thought provoking mystery reading. But, like the yellow marshmallow chicks availible only at Easter, the wait only makes the endulgence more decadent. I have had my yearly mental "sugar fix" and will go on to more mentally stimulating mysteries that sustain me through the year, but I am already anticipating next year, and guilty pleasure that will come when I sink my teeth into the next "Cat Who" book.
I do have one small issue that troubles me. Years ago in my high school writing class, I was taught haiku poetry must conform to three lines consisting of 5 syllables, 7 syllables, and 5 syllables. It seems that this standard was not followed in the book.
My final bit of advice to fellow Braun readers: Just enjoy the books for what they are without critiquing their filling. Remember how Mildred felt when the boot in the soup was a ham bone. Enjoy the magic.

Germaine

After reading "...Rat", I suspect Ms. Braun is setting us up to dump the Church Lady (oops! I mean, Polly) with Two Red Flags. Flag One: she made Polly more annoying than usual ( if that's possible ) to the point where Qwill was holding back from her to avoid her reactions. Flag Two: the most unforgivable trick Polly (thought) she played on Qwill was serving him INSTANT DECAF! I thought that was pretty mean...almost alarming that she'd do that when she knows how much he loves brewed coffee. [Maintainer's Note: I missed this most vital and alarming aberrancy until you pointed it out! Many thanks for crsuading to expose the hard, honest truth!] I think Ms. Braun will have Polly answer a distress call from her sister, and Polly will drive off into the sunset, never to be seen again. I mourn the loss of dear Edd. Edd, his cat and his shop were such a comfort to Qwill, I was surprised at his death. (And I'm still grieving over Iris.) I love all the characters, with Ko Ko and Yum Yum at the top of the list. Can't wait for the next book.

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