Jim Qwilleran and his cats Koko and Yum Yum try to solve a haunting mystery in a historic farmhouse in this New York Times bestseller in the Cat Who series.When Mrs. Cobb heard unearthly noises in the antique-filled farmhouse, she called Jim Qwilleran for help. But he was too late. It looked as if his kindly ex-housekeeper had been frightened to death—but by whom? Or what? Now Qwilleran’s moved … what? Now Qwilleran’s moved into the historic farmhouse with his two cat companions—and Koko the Siamese is spooked. Is it a figment of feline imagination—or the clue to a murder in Moose County? And does Qwilleran have a ghost of a chance of solving this haunting mystery?
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It has been many years, but I have read all of the “Cat Who” series, and liked every one. You get to know the characters (and cats) and they become like friends. Wish I could find another series I like as much as this one.
This book has a special place in my heart, because I read it years ago with my son. The re-read lost a little of it’s original charm, but there was a spark of enjoyable nostalgia.
The main character, Jim Qwilleran (Qwill) is a cross between Sam Elliott and Mr. Grant (from the Mary Tyler Moore show). I think his mustache could be considered a character by itself. Although he seems like a good guy with a strong moral compass, he is willing to “bend” the rules to suit his snooping. There are a lot of characters introduced throughout the book, but we really don’t get a strong sense of who they are as people. For me, that creates a some distance and I didn’t feel as interested in their lives. I think it would’ve been fun to explore more of a love interest for Qwill, but he is devoted to his cats.
This storyline is different from some of the other Cat Who books, in that there wasn’t really one “mystery,” just a lot of different folklore that is passed down that has the small-town gossip wheel turning. In this sense, the story is relatable because it feels authentic. I think most people understand how fast news spreads in a small town regardless if it’s fact or not. The details of the various rumors and the fact that they eventually start to uncover some truths keeps the reader engaged. What I found lacking, for me, was some humor and maybe a faster pace.
If you are looking for something that is realistic in nature, with some potential supernatural elements, and you enjoy a slow build, then you’ll enjoy this book.
This was an odd installment of the series, but it somehow worked. After the death at the beginning, it almost feels like Qwill is just wandering through town meeting new people, settling into a temporary abode, and the like. But all the while it’s all building into the tiniest hints and clues that come together in the final third of the book.
The only issue I had was a bit of inconsistency… Qwill is beyond curious about some crates in the barn where he’s living but says he can’t check them out because of someone who is often working in the barn, but when that someone takes off for days at a time, Qwill doesn’t make any attempt to check out the crates. Really?
Excellent
The whole series is great fun, especially if you like Siamese cats.
Even dog people have to love Coco and Yum Yum.
Great mystery involving cats with no sex or violence.
4 out of 5 stars to The Cat Who Talked to Ghosts, the 10th book in the Cat Who series by Lilian Jackson Braun. Ugh… this was such a sad one to read. I loved the series and read a bunch all in a row. This was mixed in the middle of the long read, towards the early middle part of the entire series… but poor Iris Cobb is killed. It’s not a spoiler, as it says so in the book jacket cover. But she was my favor transplant from Down Below… when she came up with her antique business and kept Qwill company… I was so happy for him. I didn’t want them to get together romantically, but I loved the friendship. I think it was a huge series change, but also a big mistake, for this character to be murdered. Don’t you hate it when the author does something like that? All in all, it was a good book. I loved the concept of ghosts. I liked the mystery. I was happy with the emotions and sentiments around the funeral. And it ended on a good note… but I will always wonder what could have been, had Iris Cobb made it a few more books!
Love the book. Love the series!
All the Cat Who Books are wonderful reads!