The Stink Files, Dossier 002: To Scratch a Thief

The Stink Files #Dossier 002

by Holm & Hamel, Jonathan Hamel, Brad Weinman (Illustrator)

Life is good for James Edward Bristlefur. The sophisticated British secret agent cat is settling into his new home in New Jersey. He's become quite fond of his uncouth but loving new family. He's even gotten used to being called Mr. Stink. (Although he does not appreciate jokes about his new name, thanks very much.) Then a dark shadow falls across his happy home. Someone is threatening Mr. Stink's new family -- a thief who leaves no pawprints. As James investigates the crimes, he realizes that a frightening old enemy lurks at the center of a web of conspiracy, plotting against him. Who is the hidden paw behind these misdeeds? And what grudge does he bear against our hero? As every cat with a past knows, sometimes you need to sharpen your claws ...

Genres: Mystery, Animals, Childrens, Espionage, Humor, Fiction

144 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2004

Reviews

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Meh. From what I understand, the third book is the last one written, but it doesn’t end the series, so I was reading this with the mindset of not wanting to get too invested in it. Not a bad book, but I would have enjoyed it better if I knew there were more books in the series to read. I will not read the next one, as each of the two books I read had an epilogue cliffhanger and I don’t want to be left hanging like that. 3, would be more if there were more books coming, stars.

[Andy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mr. Stink has been set up, and he knows it. And he knows that whomever set him up knows that he knows, et cetera.

This is a cute kitty story. It's kind of a mix of noire and british espionage. You've got the suave and debonaire protagonist, the enticing woman (seen through a glass door, no less), and the evil antagonist with a diabolical laugh.

Predictable through and through but I still enjoyed it because it was such a fast read. I really liked making up the voices in my head. I liked trying them out loud. I wish I had a radio show and lots of sound effects.

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mr.Stink is back and this time he is trying to nab the thief that keeps stealing from his owner's pet food store. Just as delightful as the first story. Very cute for intermediate grades and cat lovers alike.

[Tara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like these books. They’re your classic first person detective/spy stories but with animals as the characters, still in our world. The story is interesting and funny and clever. I can’t wait to read the next one.

[Dolly · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the second book in The Stink Files series by Jennifer L. Holm and Jonathan Hamel. It's a fun, fast read and has a nice mixture of animal quirkiness and espionage intrigue.

I thought the description of the various science experiments was entertaining, especially when the boys had to adapt and improvise when something went wrong.

Our oldest and I read this book independently. She's a big fan of 'spy' books right now, so it really fit the bill. We'll be looking for the next book in the series, The Stink Files, Dossier 003: You Only Have Nine Lives, at our local library soon.

[Nikki]

AWESOME!

[Ashley Gonalez · Rating 2 out of 5]

got bored with book

[Madison · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was really cool because it is about a spy cat that has to find this evil cat. I think you sould read it.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

just as good as the first one.