Kat Wolfe Investigates: A Wolfe & Lamb Mystery

Gr 4–6—Katarina, better known as Kat Wolfe, and her veterinarian mom are happy to move from busy London to a new practice on England's Jurassic coast. The town of Bluebell Bay seems idyllic: their provided home comes complete with a genuine wildcat named Tiny and the veterinary office is filled with friendly, albeit demanding pet owners. Needing money for a new laptop, Kat begins a pet-sitting service. When the owner of her first client, an action film–loving parrot named Bailey, appears to have gone missing, Kat resolves to get to the bottom of the situation. While most of the adults in town, including the local constable, think there's nothing amiss, Kat finds a kindred spirit in another of her clients. Harper Lamb, an American girl whose father is a visiting professor, is laid up with two broken legs. Her lack of mobility has not slowed her quick mind and tech-savvy fingers, both of which help Kat immensely. The story barrels along at high speed with just the right amounts of suspense and humor. The complex plot is populated with eccentric and entertaining characters, both human and animal, including Kat's mysterious grandfather, a feisty retired librarian, and a skittish racehorse. The Briticisms are easily understood through context. St. John's (The White Giraffe) love and knowledge of animals is strongly evident.