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Mr Perkins Takes Charge: A tale of a very superior cat
Mr Perkins makes sure this is a very different sort of story about a cat.
There cannot be too many books about a moggy working in a lawyers’ office.
When he strolls into Spong, Salter and Tethering Solicitors out of nowhere, he is set to change lives. Is he just a stray or a magical cat, who can gift those around him the changes they deserve? Both good and bad.
The antics of Mr Perkins will amuse and possibly mystify you. As they do everyone who brushes up against a feline of such majestic influence.
This is a story for anyone who loves our feline friends. It’s a story for those in the legal profession. It’s a story for those who stare out of an office window and wonder. Come and join Mr Perkins as he pads around, helping himself to tuna and sunshine.
There cannot be too many books about a moggy working in a lawyers’ office.
When he strolls into Spong, Salter and Tethering Solicitors out of nowhere, he is set to change lives. Is he just a stray or a magical cat, who can gift those around him the changes they deserve? Both good and bad.
The antics of Mr Perkins will amuse and possibly mystify you. As they do everyone who brushes up against a feline of such majestic influence.
This is a story for anyone who loves our feline friends. It’s a story for those in the legal profession. It’s a story for those who stare out of an office window and wonder. Come and join Mr Perkins as he pads around, helping himself to tuna and sunshine.
- GenresAnimals
130 pages, Paperback
Published January 17, 2023
11 people want to read
About the author
Suzanne Stephenson
14 books6 followersRetired from the legal world to country life surrounded by animals ."Bearswood End" is my first fictional work in print but I write away when the animals let me. "Mr Perkins takes Charge" has been influenced by humans and cats in my life but especially cats.
" Forever Waste" received a badge from the International Review of books and the reviewers comments included saying "Overall, an adorable romantic satire for those who enjoy seeing love win out for good people."
" Forever Waste" received a badge from the International Review of books and the reviewers comments included saying "Overall, an adorable romantic satire for those who enjoy seeing love win out for good people."
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
September 30, 2023
Oh, dear, oh dear. This was such a charming conceit--the solicitors' office cat meddles in everyone's business to improve their lives for the better. But beyond the conceit, there was nothing in this book that I enjoyed reading. The prose was plodding and repetitive. THe dialogue was contrived and characterless. The characters themselves were stock figures, rather than people. One of the lawyers adopts a refugee family because he's lonely and has a big house. For the rest of the book, they are referred to as 'his refugee family', because that is their role: they are refugees. They never even get names--unlike everyone's pet, who is given a name. To be sure, in a book about a cat, it makes sense that all the pets are named. I just rather wish that people were afforded the same respect.
Worst of all, the stock roles assigned to each personality-less individual were tainted by many, many unthinking, outdated gender stereotypes.
When some children have difficulty with literacy at school, the little girl is only interested in shopping and fashion, and her mother wants her to be a model. The little boy is interested in math and science.
The headmaster's wife herself works full time at the local secondary school as a teacher, but what she teaches is 'home economics', and she's still responsible for cooking dinner every night, which is inedible (hahaha!), and no one eats it, and as a result her children are fat and have pimples from relying on chips. Hahahaha the female partner is responsible for cooking, no one tells her that she needn't do this domestic labour, so for over a decade she's been taking on extra responsibilities she didn't need to undertake, and getting blamed for the health of her children. Because womens be cooking, right?
The lawyers themselves are all men, except for one token woman, whose life difficulty that the cat solves invovles a reluctance to get married and have children. Because womens need to make babies, right?
One lawyer's life difficulty involves an overbearing wife who needs to be divorced. Another lawyer's life difficulty involves an overbearing mother whose influence must be cast off. Because womens are just a ball and chain of shackles, right?
The secretaries are both women. Of course.
Very, very disappointing.
Worst of all, the stock roles assigned to each personality-less individual were tainted by many, many unthinking, outdated gender stereotypes.
When some children have difficulty with literacy at school, the little girl is only interested in shopping and fashion, and her mother wants her to be a model. The little boy is interested in math and science.
The headmaster's wife herself works full time at the local secondary school as a teacher, but what she teaches is 'home economics', and she's still responsible for cooking dinner every night, which is inedible (hahaha!), and no one eats it, and as a result her children are fat and have pimples from relying on chips. Hahahaha the female partner is responsible for cooking, no one tells her that she needn't do this domestic labour, so for over a decade she's been taking on extra responsibilities she didn't need to undertake, and getting blamed for the health of her children. Because womens be cooking, right?
The lawyers themselves are all men, except for one token woman, whose life difficulty that the cat solves invovles a reluctance to get married and have children. Because womens need to make babies, right?
One lawyer's life difficulty involves an overbearing wife who needs to be divorced. Another lawyer's life difficulty involves an overbearing mother whose influence must be cast off. Because womens are just a ball and chain of shackles, right?
The secretaries are both women. Of course.
Very, very disappointing.
January 15, 2024
I loved this story as it's cute and well done. A cat which is both magic and realistic like any cat. A well plotted and sweet story.
Good storytelling, loved it
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine
Good storytelling, loved it
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine
March 24, 2024
Thank you NetGallery and BooksGoSocial for this book! What a sweet heartwarming story of Mr Perkins the cat! Black cat Mr. Perkins; has found a new place to call home - an attorneys office. He has meowed his way to everyone’s heart and seems to know exactly what to do to help a person find their true happiness and help those in need. Between purrs and plenty of treats he makes the would around him a better place. When his work is done he knows when to make a graceful exit. To anyone who has/had a cat or any pet will understand how they make our lives more complete and a better place home can be.
September 18, 2023
A black cat shows up on the doorstep of a provincial solicitor's firm and promptly makes himself at home. Dubbed Mr. Perkins, the cat meows, looks enigmatic, and takes the employees in hand with the certainty of a seasoned social worker. This collection of tales is illustrated with black-and-white sketches of Mr. Perkins in action.
Bernard, unhappily married to his former secretary after the untimely death of his wife? Mr. Perkins eats Bernard's awful tunafish sandwich lunch, allowing Bernard to go to the pub with a coworker, which leads step by step to a face-off with the former secretary, who decamps with her tasteless furniture, leaving Bernard and his daughter the happier for it.
Graham, who takes more than a nip or two at work? Mr. Perkins nudges his hand away from the booze, meows his encouragement for Graham to mentor young David, and sooner rather than later, Graham is tossing his bottles in the rubbish and David is shaping into a good young professional.
Mr. Perkins slides a few flyers for adult daycare into the pocket of the beleaguered receptionist, Maureen, whose combative elderly roommates need to find outside interests. Mr. Perkins likewise draws the workaholic Ariana's attention to a flyer about weddings in Spain, which causes her to decide to spend her Christmas holidays, at long last, with her fiancé, at his mother's, in Spain, and get married.
Mr. Perkins foils a pair of yoiks from robbing the office, thereby converting the curmudgeonly old maintenance man in to a man more tolerant of cats. "Fred had made it plain on previous occasions that he did not like Mr. Perkins one bit."
There's a level of British animal-story whimsey here that I could not quite go with.
Each human character's were introduced with a dossier that seemed oddly specific for being essentially set-dressing: Mr. Ali, for instance, a neighbor who helps foil the break-in, is also a "well-established client who was wishing to move his restaurant to larger premises. It was known locally for its South Indian cuisine. The new location was to be in the middle of the High Street in the premises of what had been an unsuccessful Greek restaurant which had only lasted about two years. Before the Greek restaurant the premises had been a successful English steakhouse for about ten years before the chain went bust." Nothing more is mentioned of the restaurant, btw.
It's a quirk that I thought was ironic or humorous at first, but by the end of the slim, illustrated book, I found it a little unsettling. A bit like the fixed stare of a cat, one might say. This sort of naive storytelling device seems to say less about the characters than about the narrator...Be that as it may, ultimately, I believe this book will find its devotees, regardless my dissenting opinion.
Mr. Perkins Takes Charge is for fans of British cozy, wise cats, and morally tidy storytelling.
Thanks to NetGally for the e-ARC in exchange for my unfettered opinion.
Bernard, unhappily married to his former secretary after the untimely death of his wife? Mr. Perkins eats Bernard's awful tunafish sandwich lunch, allowing Bernard to go to the pub with a coworker, which leads step by step to a face-off with the former secretary, who decamps with her tasteless furniture, leaving Bernard and his daughter the happier for it.
Graham, who takes more than a nip or two at work? Mr. Perkins nudges his hand away from the booze, meows his encouragement for Graham to mentor young David, and sooner rather than later, Graham is tossing his bottles in the rubbish and David is shaping into a good young professional.
Mr. Perkins slides a few flyers for adult daycare into the pocket of the beleaguered receptionist, Maureen, whose combative elderly roommates need to find outside interests. Mr. Perkins likewise draws the workaholic Ariana's attention to a flyer about weddings in Spain, which causes her to decide to spend her Christmas holidays, at long last, with her fiancé, at his mother's, in Spain, and get married.
Mr. Perkins foils a pair of yoiks from robbing the office, thereby converting the curmudgeonly old maintenance man in to a man more tolerant of cats. "Fred had made it plain on previous occasions that he did not like Mr. Perkins one bit."
There's a level of British animal-story whimsey here that I could not quite go with.
Each human character's were introduced with a dossier that seemed oddly specific for being essentially set-dressing: Mr. Ali, for instance, a neighbor who helps foil the break-in, is also a "well-established client who was wishing to move his restaurant to larger premises. It was known locally for its South Indian cuisine. The new location was to be in the middle of the High Street in the premises of what had been an unsuccessful Greek restaurant which had only lasted about two years. Before the Greek restaurant the premises had been a successful English steakhouse for about ten years before the chain went bust." Nothing more is mentioned of the restaurant, btw.
It's a quirk that I thought was ironic or humorous at first, but by the end of the slim, illustrated book, I found it a little unsettling. A bit like the fixed stare of a cat, one might say. This sort of naive storytelling device seems to say less about the characters than about the narrator...Be that as it may, ultimately, I believe this book will find its devotees, regardless my dissenting opinion.
Mr. Perkins Takes Charge is for fans of British cozy, wise cats, and morally tidy storytelling.
Thanks to NetGally for the e-ARC in exchange for my unfettered opinion.
November 22, 2025
Mr Perkins Takes Charge, by Suzanne Stephenson.
A sweet tale about a clever black cat.
What a lovely, happy little story. I did enjoy getting to know Mr. Perkins the special black cat with yellow eyes.
The story begins when, one day, a black cat wanders through the open doorway and into a solicitors office. The cat being clever and knowledgeable, delights everyone with his gentle personality and handsome self. The receptionist and other staff working in the office building decide to call him, Mr. Perkins, because he ‘Purrs,’ so sweetly.
Everyone in the office has their own set of problems and, somehow, the intuitive Mr. Perkins, knows just how to help resolve these in his own clever way… Miaow!
What follows is an interesting, thoughtful tale, full of wit and surprises too. The tale extends to friends and acquaintances when Mr. Perkins miraculous feats of helping everyone are recognised by the community.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book with its sweet illustrations throughout the book, drawn by the author herself.
A beautiful story for children and adults too, who enjoy stories about animals and kindness.
A sweet tale about a clever black cat.
What a lovely, happy little story. I did enjoy getting to know Mr. Perkins the special black cat with yellow eyes.
The story begins when, one day, a black cat wanders through the open doorway and into a solicitors office. The cat being clever and knowledgeable, delights everyone with his gentle personality and handsome self. The receptionist and other staff working in the office building decide to call him, Mr. Perkins, because he ‘Purrs,’ so sweetly.
Everyone in the office has their own set of problems and, somehow, the intuitive Mr. Perkins, knows just how to help resolve these in his own clever way… Miaow!
What follows is an interesting, thoughtful tale, full of wit and surprises too. The tale extends to friends and acquaintances when Mr. Perkins miraculous feats of helping everyone are recognised by the community.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book with its sweet illustrations throughout the book, drawn by the author herself.
A beautiful story for children and adults too, who enjoy stories about animals and kindness.
October 5, 2023
A delightful tale of a cat who adopts a solicitors office and persuades all the members in the office to make better life choices. A black stray cat wanders into the law office and is adopted by the partners. The cat visits with all of the members and persuades through miaow and purring his opinions on various topics. They Name him Mr. Perkins. Mr. Perkins helps one member curb his drinking problem by shutting the drawer every time the man reaches to take a nip. He helps a partner stand up to his unreasonable and cruel wife who is making him and his daughter miserable. The wife is so shocked, she leaves him, applies for a divorce and he and his daughter live happily afterwards. The cat knocks off brochures about visiting Spain and Weddings in Spain to encourage one of the solicitors to stop procrastinating and marry her fiance. There are more partners the cat manages to help - he even thwarts a burglary. This is a sweet read and I enjoyed reading it.
December 17, 2023
Mr. Perkins Takes Charge unfolds as a heartwarming exploration of the unexpected impact a stray cat named Mr. Perkins has on the lives of the individuals at Spong, Salter and Tethering Solicitors. The narrative skillfully navigates through dedicated chapters for each office member, revealing how the enigmatic feline becomes a transformative force, bringing positive and puzzling changes to their lives. The novel's charm lies in its simplicity and feel-good factor, with each chapter providing a glimpse into the characters' dreams and quirks touched by Mr. Perkins' mysterious influence. Cat lovers will be enchanted by the whimsical portrayal of feline charm, and British humor aficionados will appreciate the unique and delightful touch it adds to this cozy tale. Despite any initial quirkiness, the novel stands as a compelling read, offering a low-stakes, pressure-free journey into a world where a cat takes charge, leaving a lasting impression on the hearts of those he encounters.
September 12, 2023
A magical black cat who is set out to change lives. Sign me up! One day, he wanders into a solicitors office and starts changing lives, one purr at a time.
Perfect fall read as we approach halloween! Not spooky at all, just black cat vibes. This was a super fun whismical read that is perfect for when you are looking for something light and easy. As a cat lover myself, I enjoyed this book so much and found myself smiling and also wishing Mr Perkins was real.
It might be time for me to get another cat.
This blurb really sums up this book: "This is a story for anyone who loves our feline friends. It’s a story for those in the legal profession. It’s a story for those who stare out of an office window and wonder."
Perfect fall read as we approach halloween! Not spooky at all, just black cat vibes. This was a super fun whismical read that is perfect for when you are looking for something light and easy. As a cat lover myself, I enjoyed this book so much and found myself smiling and also wishing Mr Perkins was real.
It might be time for me to get another cat.
This blurb really sums up this book: "This is a story for anyone who loves our feline friends. It’s a story for those in the legal profession. It’s a story for those who stare out of an office window and wonder."
December 18, 2023
I wouldn't call this the best book I ever read, but I did enjoy it. Like some other reviewers have pointed out, this book does rely heavily on character stereotypes, with some of these having unpleasant implications. If these stereotypes are ignored, this is a charming read. I liked watching Mr. Perkins go about his day and make positive changes, it was cute. I just wish some of the dialogue and prose were a bit more elegant and a bit less stilted. Although most of this review was complaining, I did enjoy this. I love books featuring cats, so Mr Perkins alone was enough to guarantee my enjoyment.
Thanks to Netgalley for providing a free copy in exchange for an honest review!
Thanks to Netgalley for providing a free copy in exchange for an honest review!
May 6, 2025
I don’t hold with animals investigating crimes, so upon realising Mr Perkins wasn’t going to do that, I was relieved! But it seems Mr Perkins isn’t any old cat, he has something about him that can somehow make people change their minds about something. He decides he wants to reside in a solicitors’ office, and surprisingly, they agree to let him stay. Somehow, every solicitor and secretary in the place has their lives changed for the better, because somehow, Mr Perkins knows how to get them, one at a time, to choose to live a better way.
Definitely a book for children, because of course, they all love cats. A nice little story.
Definitely a book for children, because of course, they all love cats. A nice little story.
June 10, 2025
A mysterious cat called Mr Perkins wonders into a solicitor’s office and over the course of a several weeks seems to manipulate circumstances and somehow changes the lives of the people that work there, mostly for the better, until he moves on again. This is a sweet and wholesome tale about a magic cat that small children will definitely love due to the magical element and adults will appreciate the supernatural aspect as well as the wit and the message about friendship and family. I do wonder what Mr Perkins will do next and who he will help and looking at the author’s page I can see there are a couple of more books based on the feline character, which I will definitely check out.
September 25, 2023
Is it enough to say I’ve already purchased four copies of this book for my cat loving family and friends? Mr. Perkins is a purrfectly enigmatic cat who invites himself into a law firm in England. He knows just how to nudge a person to make positive changes and enjoy life more. Important for animal lovers to know: no animals die or are harmed in this book. I truly hope this will be a series. Mr. Perkins fills the need for a feel good, relaxing book.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the chance to read this arc in exchange for an honest review.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the chance to read this arc in exchange for an honest review.
October 8, 2023
I picked up on "Mr Perkins Takes Charge" on NetGalley wanting something light and cosy to read after a bit of a slump of not finishing many books. Something that was low stakes and no pressure. That is exactly what I got.
Mr Perkins is a black cat on a mission to make sure everyone in the solicitors office prioritises their personal life and own happiness. A message I am sure a lot of us could take on board.
The format on kindle was a little off, with some titles/words being in odd places but other than that, I enjoyed the chilled reading experience whilst cuddling with my cats.
Mr Perkins is a black cat on a mission to make sure everyone in the solicitors office prioritises their personal life and own happiness. A message I am sure a lot of us could take on board.
The format on kindle was a little off, with some titles/words being in odd places but other than that, I enjoyed the chilled reading experience whilst cuddling with my cats.
November 30, 2023
“Mr. Perkins Takes Charge” by Suzanne Stephenson is a charming novel about the difference a stray cat makes in a law office when he decides to move in. Each chapter features one of the members of the office and the life-changing impact Mr. Perkins has on them. It’s a very short novel and can be easily read on a rainy afternoon when one is in the mood for some feel-good reading. I read an ARC provided by Net Galley, and while there were some issues with formatting that distracted me from time to time, I thoroughly enjoyed the story. My opinion is my own.
February 3, 2024
Precious Mr. Perkins showed up on my doorstep as a gift from a dearest of friends in much the same way he appeared on the doorstep of the law firm in the story. This story is pricelessly British, even offering an explanation of those who work in the British legal system at the end. I would describe this one as a feline version of Mary Poppins. Mr. Perkins and his intuitive understanding of what these people need in their lives is filled with such joy as they grow and progress and live better lives. It was exactly the book I needed right now. How I wish we all had a Mr. Perkins in our lives.
September 11, 2023
What an utterly adorable story! I enjoyed it immensely.
Mr Perkins, a black cat, wanders in to a solicitors office and makes himself at home. He seems to know who needs him, and is happily obliging with purrs. “The Perkins effect” makes everybody happy.
This story shows how much animals can do for people. A wonderful book for cat lovers.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for letting to read this delightful book.
Mr Perkins, a black cat, wanders in to a solicitors office and makes himself at home. He seems to know who needs him, and is happily obliging with purrs. “The Perkins effect” makes everybody happy.
This story shows how much animals can do for people. A wonderful book for cat lovers.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for letting to read this delightful book.
September 11, 2023
Mr Perkins Takes Charge by Suzanne Stephenson
Mr Perkins, a black cat isn't just a magical cat, he's a healer. This communicates within the human understanding that sometimes we need a little happiness as grown adults with responsibilities. I love this story because it reminds me of my Black cat - Luna. She's my healer on days when I want to give up and don't want to face any challenges and she reminds me, that she needs me as much as I need her.
Mr Perkins, a black cat isn't just a magical cat, he's a healer. This communicates within the human understanding that sometimes we need a little happiness as grown adults with responsibilities. I love this story because it reminds me of my Black cat - Luna. She's my healer on days when I want to give up and don't want to face any challenges and she reminds me, that she needs me as much as I need her.
September 16, 2023
132 pages
5 stars
What a delightful book. A black cat wanders into a solicitors office and completely enchants all who work there. He befriends and heals all the troubles that the humans have.
If you love cats, you will certainly enjoy this book.
I want to thank NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for forwarding to me a copy of this wonderful book for me to read, enjoy and review. The opinions expressed in this review are solely my own.
5 stars
What a delightful book. A black cat wanders into a solicitors office and completely enchants all who work there. He befriends and heals all the troubles that the humans have.
If you love cats, you will certainly enjoy this book.
I want to thank NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for forwarding to me a copy of this wonderful book for me to read, enjoy and review. The opinions expressed in this review are solely my own.
September 28, 2023
One day a black cat wondered into the offices of Spong, Salter and Tethering Solicitors and made himself comfortable in the reception comfy chair. The receptionist liked cats so gave him some milk and treats and was pleased to see him on their doorstep the next day. He regularly turned up and gradually made himself at home. The people working there gradually realised if Mr Perkins took an interest in you, your life began to improve. I found this gentle story to be entertaining and fun.
September 28, 2023
I like stories that feature an animal as a protagonist, and I do have a soft spot for cats, so I was looking forward to reading this.
This was a charming short story. I think it's a story that older children might enjoy, as well as adults, and I liked its simplicity - nothing about it was complicated. It's probably a good choice for a light read, if you want something to relax with. The illustrations are adorable too.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for a free copy to review.
This was a charming short story. I think it's a story that older children might enjoy, as well as adults, and I liked its simplicity - nothing about it was complicated. It's probably a good choice for a light read, if you want something to relax with. The illustrations are adorable too.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for a free copy to review.
April 28, 2025
Heartwarming tale
This is a sweet and charming story of a cat who walks into a solicitors practice and changes the lives of its staff for the better. The reader learns about each character as, person-by-person, Mr Perkins gives them a nudge in the right direction. His background is cloaked in mystery, with tantalising hints to his origin, which all adds to the fun of this light-hearted, feelgood tale for all ages. Delightful.
This is a sweet and charming story of a cat who walks into a solicitors practice and changes the lives of its staff for the better. The reader learns about each character as, person-by-person, Mr Perkins gives them a nudge in the right direction. His background is cloaked in mystery, with tantalising hints to his origin, which all adds to the fun of this light-hearted, feelgood tale for all ages. Delightful.
November 27, 2023
Cute set of stories about how cat, spending some time in a British solicitors' firm, helped them remain human and connected and set off into the sunset when his work was done. Gave me the same warm, cozy feeling I get reading Rumpole or Peter Wimsey. A feat in and of itself, that.
September 27, 2023
This was a fascinating book with an interesting premise, but I found it really hard to get into. I applied of the author for a creative idea and I do love cats so this one appealed to me!
August 4, 2025
A very cute animal story that is perfect for younger readers. Highly enjoyable!
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews