FOR FASTER ANSWERS, CHECK THESE LINKS BEFORE YOU EMAIL US:

Received an email from us, or wondering if something changed at Smashwords?
Check our 'Site Updates' for the latest news.

Have a question not already answered in the links at left or on our FAQ? Ask it below.

Your E-mail:
Subject:

Location: Canada

Member Since: June 13, 2016

Peterfrinton

The Bandit Cat Investigation on June 16, 2016

I just read The Bandit Cat, and like Lea Tassie, add caveats about being long past reading children's books, and to being a felineophile... The story line is more than plausible; in fact it has elements in it that touch many families- moving to a new home, single parent, short of money, societal stratification, facing the unknown, sibling dynamics. The author weaves these into a fast moving narrative that should keep a pre-teen engaged, and soft pedals the preachy stuff that comes with the genre. This is no high-drama, conflict ridden tale, but rather one which addresses family and neighborhood issues head-on, and resolves to a happy ending. Not for hyperactive young kids used to space adventures or shoot-em-ups. Or maybe it is, as an antidote. Barbara McDonell has an easy talent with words and takes a very measured approach to some dicey situations. She cleverly paints the rich relationships in which her characters live, and gives them all a chance to grow, while not ignoring their foibles. It gets a solid four stars.