Cindy Vincent’s book The Case of the Crafty Christmas Crooks was a delightful read. Mysteries are my favorite genre, and this one
did not disappoint. This is the perfect
text to give to a younger audience in order to introduce them to the mystery
novel. The two main characters, Buckley
and Bogey, who are based on Vincent’s beloved cats, are wonderful to follow as
the reader tries to uncover the clues of the case with them. These detective sleuths are determined to
protect their family from the Christmas crooks roaming the neighborhood,
because as the name suggests, these villains are breaking into various homes in
St. Gertrude
and robbing them during the Christmas season.
and robbing them during the Christmas season.
Buckley is new to the festivities
of Christmas, and he desperately wants to learn more about the fuss surrounding
Christmas. Why is there a tree in his
family’s living room, and why do you put presents around it? Why do people love stars and whose birthday
is everyone celebrating? As Buckley
tries to put the pieces together surrounding the recent robberies, he begins to
scope out the facts regarding this amazing holiday. But will he come to understand how important
this one special day is? And will the
other cats in his home be able to explain it to him in a way that speaks
directly to his heart?
Bogey is the older wiser detective, and he has taught
Buckley all he knows. Even during this
case, Bogey imparts his knowledge on this next generation of cat
detectives. Buckley notices how seasoned
Bogey is, and is left in awe time and time again by how much Bogey truly knows
about the humans in their community.
Buckley is determined to learn all he can from his incredible brother—including
the mystery of this season.
I
love how Vincent uses this wonderful story to impart the wisdom of the
Christmas story. It is directly and
simply stated by one of the furry characters, which makes it easy to
understand. This timeless story, which
may be familiar to us, can now be understood by those who read this lively
tale. The adventures that take place amidst
this very important scene become icing on the cake and the perfect ending to a
wonderful escapade.
I tend to give books as Christmas gifts, so if you are
looking for a book Christmas present this year, I highly recommend purchasing
this text for the young reader in your life.
And don’t forget—there are several other stories in the series as
well!
Series: Buckley and Bogey Cat Detective Caper
Genre: Christian, Children's, Cat-themed Mystery, Suspense
Publisher: Whodunit Press
Publication date: October 11, 2013
Number of pages: 178
Genre: Christian, Children's, Cat-themed Mystery, Suspense
Publisher: Whodunit Press
Publication date: October 11, 2013
Number of pages: 178
Buckley and Bogey, Cat Detectives, find their next case hits a little too close to home. Because someone has been breaking into houses and stealing all the Christmas presents! And the first two robberies even took place in their very own neighborhood. Holy Catnip! Of course, the boys leap in on all fours to investigate right away. Then it isn't long before they realize they are dealing with some real criminal masterminds, since these burglars know exactly how to cover their tracks. Plus, the crooks have the whole town of St. Gertrude on edge and they're threatening to ruin Christmas for everyone.
But figuring out the identity of the Christmas Crooks isn't the only mystery around. After all, Buckley had just been adopted from the cat shelter this year, and this was the first he'd ever heard about Christmas. And he quickly finds out there is a lot to learn! From Christmas trees to Santa Claus, and jingle bells to the birth of baby Jesus, the real meaning of Christmas is a mystery to him. But he and Bogey can't really enjoy any of it until the Christmas Crooks are caught. That's because it becomes very clear, very quick — these Christmas Crooks have set their sights on the boys' house, too! And the burglars are headed straight for their door. Holy Mackerel!
Cindy Vincent, M.A. Ed., is the award-winning author of the Buckley and Bogey Cat Detective Capers, a mystery series for kids and cat-lovers that features the adventures of two black cat detectives. And yes, as she is often asked, Cindy used her own black cats, Buckley and Bogey, as the inspiration for the series, since they seem to run surveillance on her house each and every night. Cindy is also the creator of the Mysteries by Vincent murder mystery party games and the Daisy Diamond Detective Series games for girls, along with the Daisy Diamond Detective novels, which are a spin-off from the games. She lives in Houston, TX with her husband and an assortment of fantastic felines. Cindy is a self-professed “Christmas-a-holic,” and usually starts planning and preparing in March for her ever-expanding, “extreme” Christmas lights display every year . . .
Other Books in the Series
Hello again, Heather, my dear girl! Thanks once more for hosting me (and Buckley and Bogey) on your beautiful site!! (I still LOVE the teacup at the top!) I can't even begin to tell you how much I enjoyed and appreciated your review. This Christmas book is so near and dear to my heart, and it's wonderful to see that someone else "got it." I'm such a fanatic about Christmas, and I love the real Christmas story myself, that I feel beyond blessed to bring it to life in a way that kids can understand.
ReplyDeleteAlso, it looks like I missed the thread from (last time) the cover reveal on my upcoming book . . . But to answer your question . . . (okay, I have to be honest here) I like fruitcake best with my tea. There, I've admitted to it. My British grandmother used to make fruitcake and Christmas pudding (along with the hard sugar sauce) that was just amazing. And yes, I am that "odd" person who actually appreciates a fruitcake at Christmas. Or any time for that matter. Yum.
How about you? I read where you like scones . . . do you have a favorite recipe? And, do you ever host a "high tea" for your friends? I've done this many times, where I tell everyone to wear a hat and gloves, and come for High Tea. So fun.
Anyway, I've completely veered off course. Ha! I want to thank you again. I hope to run into you more often, and I pray that you continue and grow in all your endeavors!!
God Bless!
Cindy
Hi Cindy,
DeleteIt is lovely to hear from you again! You are so welcome! I am so happy that I had the opportunity to review one of your books. I can't wait to read the other stories in the series and your other book that comes out later this year. In fact, I will actually be giving this book to a couple of people in my family--I know they will enjoy it. :) And I am so happy to hear that you enjoyed my review. I always hope and pray that I write good reviews for the books I read and enjoy.
I don't think you are "odd" at all for liking fruitcake at Christmas--any dessert or pastry made by someone from England has to be good! I've never had Christmas pudding, but it sounds delightful. I remember Scrooge and the Ghost of Christmas Present mentioning that treat in A Christmas Carol.
Yes, I love scones! My favorites are cranberry and orange scones, which I make every chance I get. I will have to send you the recipe. They are perfect with lemon curd, but I so wish I could get clotted cream here. Clotted cream with scones and tea in England was simply marvelous.
I also love Tea Time magazine--have you seen it? They have dozens of scone and high tea recipes in their magazine and online, and yes, I have hosted a High Tea party on several occasions.
Thank you so much for your words of encouragement! I greatly appreciate them. I hope you have a wonderful day and happy writing!
Heather :)