Elodie has learned detective skills from her parents,
world-renowned art theft investigators. Young readers will easily follow her
step-by-step strategy for solving the mystery, as she examines the different
suspects. She first considers motives to see if one person emerges as the prime
suspect. Is the catnapper looking for a ransom payment? Is the person angry
that the cat inherited the entire fortune of Lucien Saint Martin? Are they
jealous of the cat’s world fame as the richest pet and now the star of a movie?
Elodie’s sidekicks are highlights and provide interest
beyond solving the case. Oscar dreams of becoming a Hollywood stuntman, constantly practicing parkour and other feats. In this book, he takes up
magic and performs card tricks and sleight-of-hand maneuvers. Oscar is ecstatic
when he spots his stuntman hero working in the movie being filmed in the
apartment’s courtyard. Elodie’s dog, Carnegie, is another amusing character, even though he can’t talk. His cuteness allows him to move about without suspicion,
and his sniffing skills help him pursue clues. He plays a large role in solving
the crime!
What didn’t work as well:
The entire plot revolves around the missing cat, so there’s not
much character development. While Elodie tries to follow her investigative
process, she makes some assumptions that lead her to false suspects. This leads
to her wondering if she’s cut out to be a successful detective. Oscar and
Elodie provide moral support for each other, and it’s just what they need.
The final verdict:
This book is perfect for young middle-grade readers with a love
for mysteries. The conflict isn’t overly serious or complicated, and Elodie,
Oscar, and Carnegie make a fun group of detectives. I recommend you give this
book a shot, along with The Vandehoff Heist.
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