It Was a Dark and Stormy Night. Really.

I would like to take credit for the above line, but it comes from a charming book for early readers by Heather Edwards, the author of Sherlock Cat and the Missing Mousie, illustrated by Amanda Downs. One look at the cover tells you you are in for a good ride.

            Spot, a Siamese cat named by his owner, Mary, when she was only three, and Fluffy, the family’s orange cat, lead normal cat lives until one night the electricity goes out. When the father decides to read The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes aloud to his family by candle light, it only takes one or two adventures to inspire Spot to plan a new life: He will become Sherlock Holmes. Fluffy will be the new Dr. Watson and record their adventures. 
            So begins this thoroughly delightful tale. 

            When you’re a detective, everything looks suspicious. Soon Spot, uh, Sherlock, is at the window, pondering happenings next door: Why haven’t the Petersons been seen for days? Why is their dog, Toby, digging holes in the yard at night? What did he drop in the hole? Who is the unknown stranger fiercely commanding him to get indoors? Enigmas multiply until, worst of all, Sherlock’s favorite mousie goes missing. 

            Eventually these mysteries and others are solved, but not before the two sleuths get into a series of adventures that had me laughing even the third time I read this charming book.

            Heather Edward has managed to weave together familiar Holmes and Watson traits with thoroughly believable cat behavior. The plot twists are clever. The humor is both subtle one moment, zany the next. And Amanda Downs’ adorable illustrations come to life all through the story. 

Kid will love this book. And, as an added bonus, it’s an excellent introduction for young people to learn a little bit about Sherlock Holmes.  

It's for sale at Amazon in both Kindle and Paperback, and you can buy it HERE. I am hoping to get an interview with the author and illustrator in the future. 

How about you? Have you read any books lately that had you laughing? Have you read any that you just had to read again? Please share.