Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

As one of many dedicated fans, and one who has been intimately involved with this series previously, I must confess that this was the single most disappointing read of them all!! I finished the book, and then spent a few minutes attempting to reflect in my own mind about what I read, what I learned, and what I felt. Sadly, I decided I read a book that was unfortunately so disconnected, so disjointed, so unlike previous ones in the series (even counting the last four which have been questionable in so many ways)that I was forced to attempt to answer many unanswered questions. Further, I learned in reading this, the latest book in the series, that there was absolutely no relationship between this one and the early books in the series (primarly any that predate "The Cat Who Went Up the Creek"). This one was disjointed, disconnected, unfortunately lacking in depth, devoid of any character development and/or plot, and lacking in the very qualities that brought readers to the series annually! There are more unanswered questions in this book than in many of the previous ones combined! Gone are the meals enjoyed by Qwill and guests (including Polly)--to be replaced by a catering service that we don't even know. Gone are the antics of the cats--many of the redeeming characteristics that caused many of us to look forward to each new book. Gone are the "characters" we've grown to love and eagerly visit with each year in a new book. Truly, this was the first book in which I can honestly say I didn't feel as though I'd spent a "bit" of time in Pickax visiting old friends. Indeed, this one left me feeling quite sad--maybe that was the intent! Certainly, Qwill's journaling and the stress placed on it, must suggest that we can anticipate some sort of "Qwill's Journal" in the future, but although I'd like to think there is yet another "Cat Who..." in the future, I have to think I speak for many of the most dedicated fans when I say that perhaps now is the time to end the series--let us take fond memories of the cast of characters away while we still remember them and why we loved the series to begin with!! Don't attempt something that apparently isn't working or isn't possible to resurrect!