Kat Wolfe takes the case by Lauren St John
Illus. by Daniel Deamo. Macmillan, 2019, ISBN: 9781509874217.
(Age: 10-14) Highly recommended. Themes: Mysteries, Detectives,
Palaeontology, Pets, Conservation. When a landslide on the cliffs
above Bluebell Bay reveals a rare fossilized 'dragon' dinosaur and
uncovers a human skeleton, it is time for detectives Kat Wolfe and
her best friend Harper Lamb to investigate. Who was responsible for
the death of an amateur fossil-collector?
The town soon becomes overrun with reporters, scientists, fossil
hunters and attracts famous actors. Harper's palaeontologist father
immediately begins to lead the team in the preservation of the
dinosaur, whilst others are out to steal the skeleton for its
special medicinal qualities.
Kat's pet sitting service Paws and Claws provides opportunities for
her to listen, observe and gather information as she walks dogs and
cares for Mr B the python. Horses, dogs, her pet Tiny an F1 Savannah
cat, a stolen lynx and the python play important roles in the
discovery of an evil plot hatched by a dangerous group of people. A
weekend spent with Kate's grandfather, the British Minister of
Defence at his stately home also provides insight into the Bluebell
Bay mysteries. Kat's high-level computing skills (hacking) proves
crucial as well. Added to the danger of the investigation, the
animal catcher is determined to catch Tiny who loves to disappear at
night.
Author Lauren St John excels with this multi-layered, tense plot,
filled with fascinating characters and an array of pets. She
promotes a vegan lifestyle, explores the dynamics of family
relationships and delves into the illegal trade in exotic animal
products and the extinction of wild animal species. Her descriptive
narrative and detailed settings, her ability to lay the groundwork
and draw the threads together into a thrilling conclusion, make this
an engaging novel. Daniel Deamo's sketches, includes ninjas fighting
on a rooftop and a python curled in a driver's seat, combine with
the catchy chapter headings focus the reader's attention and build
the drama.
'Kat Wolfe takes the case' an excellent novel for readers from 10 to
14 years, opening conversations about conservation and environmental
issues.
Rhyllis Bignell