Review of Cat Detectives in the Korean Peninsula

[Phaswana Mokonyama]

[Following is a volunteer review of "Cat Detectives in the Korean Peninsula" by R.F. Kristi.]

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5 out of 5 stars

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Cat Detectives in the Korean Peninsula by R.F. Kristi is a children's novel that follows the adventures of Inca - the Siberian cat - and her group of animal family and friends. They were all part of an investigative company that was led by Inca, which was aptly named Inca & Company. They were known for solving complicated mysteries. They were set to jet to the Korean Peninsula to accompany their human mom, Missy, to a baking competition that was to be held by the famous French cookery school, the Cordon Bleu Cookery. Chefs from North and South Korea were set to compete against each other.

Their journey there wasn't so smooth. They found a bit of a hurdle that also required Inca's detective skills. This was where she showed her initial talent for solving mysteries. The rest of the journey was far more complicated and dangerous. I enjoyed the complex nature of the storyline. Most children's books employ a simple storyline, but this one took the storytelling a level or two above the ordinary.

I also enjoyed the illustrations in the book. They complemented the story well. They were fun and colourful, which should make for great entertainment for those who read it. I wish that Missy and Solo were also fully illustrated like the rest of the other characters. There wasn't any uniformity on that front, and I counted that as the only negative part of the story.

With that said, I see no reason to rate this novel anything less than 5 out of 5 stars. It's well-balanced. It has fun little bits, but it also has its serious moments. The storyline isn't one-dimensional like most I've read in the genre.

I think that children who are between the ages of 7 and 12 will enjoy this book. It's a little more complex for younger children. It has political undertones that should make for interesting conversations between children and their parents, and I think that it makes it perfect for preteens.

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Cat Detectives in the Korean Peninsula
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