Review: Cats In Provence by R.F. Kristi

CATS IN THE PROVENCE

Inca Cat Series, Book 3

by R.F. Kristi

Middle Grade Fiction

ages 8+

98 pages

Trouble in Provence The third in the Inca Book Series finds our super cat detective embroiled in the world of Art thieves. Inca and her family are awakened in the night by a disturbing phone call. Someone has stolen a painting from Aunt Florence! Now Missy and the cats must go to Provence to help find the culprit and get back the stolen painting before opening night at the art exhibit. They’ll need all the help they can get to recover the painting and clear Aunt Florence’s name. Inca will have to call on her friends, old and new, to help solve this case. But when the case gets more confusing, will they still find the culprit? Or is Inca in over her head? Read all about the tantalizing tale of Inca and Company solving a mystery in Provence, France. The Inca book series is founded on the escapades of a feisty Siberian kitty who considers herself a great sleuth. Inca the Siberian kitty, the main character, exemplifies the intelligence and cunning of our feline friends and is a sure-footed and strong-willed leader. Readers will surely admire Inca’s grace and wit as they follow the detective cat’s adventures in these unexpected tales of redemption. This book series should be read by children who have a natural love of animals. The book is also great for cat and dog lovers who will enjoy seeing the personalities shine through of their favorite members of the animal kingdom

MY TIDBITS

These cats are on the prowl in a new home and on a new adventure with all sorts of unexpected twists.

This is the third book in the series but can be read as a stand-alone without any problem.

The cats in this tale have lovely personalities and is easy to like. The problems they face are easy to sympathize as well as the cat's reactions. There are surprises in the story as it takes unexpected twists and turns...and what's cuter than a bunch of cat sleuths? The writing is simple and peppered with a few more difficult words, which make it great for vocabulary building. The dabs of French sprinkled in bring the scenery to life as well.

My favorite part of this book is the French feel. The world comes to life in a way which even kids who have never visited the country can soak up and feel at home in. It's a lovely way to open up to the culture.

The chapters flow easily and are mixed with occasional illustrations. But at 98 pages, this isn't exactly a long read. The heavy narration, especially in the first chapters, does lean toward heavy explanations and could have been brought more to life by letting the reader simply live the  moment instead of being told about it. Once the story gets going, it does grab and lead to a wonderful adventure.