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The Scarlet Files #1
Cat Burglar
Schoolgirl by day, cat burglar by night...
Scarlet McCall thinks she has it all figured out. She and her dad are on a mission to return stolen treasures to their rightful owners. But when they take an ancient Aztec bracelet, her world turns upside down.
Dad goes missing, and mysterious powers erupt inside Scarlet. She's hunted by sinister people, who will stop at nothing to possess the bracelet. Searching for her dad, Scar must learn who to trust before it's all too late.
Scarlet McCall thinks she has it all figured out. She and her dad are on a mission to return stolen treasures to their rightful owners. But when they take an ancient Aztec bracelet, her world turns upside down.
Dad goes missing, and mysterious powers erupt inside Scarlet. She's hunted by sinister people, who will stop at nothing to possess the bracelet. Searching for her dad, Scar must learn who to trust before it's all too late.
240 pages, Paperback
Published January 7, 2016
About the author
Tamsin Cooke
16 books9 followersBorn in Lancashire to a Polish mum and English dad, Tamsin spent lots of the first twelve years of her life in different countries. She learnt to walk in South Africa, roller-skate in Florida and synchronise swim in Hawaii. This has given her a great love of travel which she does whenever possible. She also adores having adventures and seeing wild animals. Since writing Cat Burglar, Tamsin has become fascinated with spirit animals. She'd like to think her spirit animal is a jaguar or a wolf. But her friends tell her it's a Labradoodle.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
January 27, 2016
This is the first in a new series of books featuring Scarlet McCall. With 224 pages, 33 chapters and no illustrations, this is best for readers comfortable with reading slightly longer chapter books. My nine year old daughter devoured this and I would imagine it would be best for ages 8+.
I have been heartened lately by the number of great books I have come across with girls in more active, exciting roles. My daughter recently read a novel called, “Electrigirl,” by Jo Cotterill, also published by Oxford University Press, which had a girl superhero. This novel features Scarlet and her father, who steal stolen treasures in order to return them to their rightful owners.
This is an exciting and fast paced adventure, which features Scarlett, a lost Aztec artefact and mysterious powers. When Scarlett’s father disappears, it is up to her to find him and I find that children always love books where the children are in the reversed role of having to protect the adults in their life. This is really a thrilling and exciting read and I am sure my daughter will read on in the series.
I have been heartened lately by the number of great books I have come across with girls in more active, exciting roles. My daughter recently read a novel called, “Electrigirl,” by Jo Cotterill, also published by Oxford University Press, which had a girl superhero. This novel features Scarlet and her father, who steal stolen treasures in order to return them to their rightful owners.
This is an exciting and fast paced adventure, which features Scarlett, a lost Aztec artefact and mysterious powers. When Scarlett’s father disappears, it is up to her to find him and I find that children always love books where the children are in the reversed role of having to protect the adults in their life. This is really a thrilling and exciting read and I am sure my daughter will read on in the series.
June 11, 2017
Original review posted on Reading Addict
July 3, 2018
Deabea aștept continuarea! O carte minunată care te ține cu sufletul la gură.
January 8, 2019
Suspans,mega ultra geniala😃
July 14, 2023
Wow... 😳
October 13, 2023
I loved this book !!! A must read for sure
April 7, 2024
I read it. I remember reading it. But I have no idea what happened. So I'm assuming it was okay?
October 27, 2022
it was good i liked the plot but i don't see why the wiping her dads memory was nesserery
July 4, 2023
Daddy Ethan
March 6, 2016
Scarlet McCall is not your average thirteen year old. In school she spends her time trying to attract as little attention as possible, while at home she’s constantly trying to prove to her dad that she’s the perfect partner for his cat burgling business. Spirited and resourceful, Scarlet is a quick learner and determined to show her dad how good she can be. But even though she thinks she knows how serious the family business is, she’s about to learn that she doesn’t know the half of it – and even what she does know, might not be quite so true after all.
This was fun. Yes, it does all rather revolve around illegal activities, but with a title like this, it’s hardly a secret that Scarlet and her father are thieves. Ones with good intentions – returning ancient artifacts to their rightful owners. Mostly. Or that’s what Scarlet chooses to believe, when she thinks about it at all. At first she’s much more interested in showing how clever and smart she is and getting away with the whole thing. It’s not until Ethan starts helping that she begins to question things and they become a little less straightforward.
If I’m honest I found Scarlet a little irritating at first, the way she doesn’t always do as she’s told because she thinks she knows better than her dad. But as the danger mounts and Scarlet is on her own, I really admired her cleverness and quick thinking. It was also fun to see the tables turned and have her trying to keep a less experienced partner under control. Scarlet definitely has a lot to learn throughout this book, but it’s fun to see her try.
The thing I liked best, though, was the Aztec storyline. The bracelet and the masks and the myths and the magic. It made a glorious change from Greek/Roman/Norse and I am thoroughly in favour of jaguars. I also loved that Scarlet was completely in charge here. While Ethan was the one checking his hair and making sure he looked good, Scarlet was too busy trying to save her dad and avoid attention for any of that. They make a good team, with each having their own strengths and weaknesses that aren’t confined to traditional gender roles.
Overall this is a great, fast-paced, action-packed read, with a fun set of characters, some intriguing mythology and much more magic than I expected. It gets a bit violent at times, with some scenes that might scare younger readers, but for confident readers who enjoy adventure this will go down a treat. I look forward to seeing what Scarlet gets up to next.
(I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.)
This was fun. Yes, it does all rather revolve around illegal activities, but with a title like this, it’s hardly a secret that Scarlet and her father are thieves. Ones with good intentions – returning ancient artifacts to their rightful owners. Mostly. Or that’s what Scarlet chooses to believe, when she thinks about it at all. At first she’s much more interested in showing how clever and smart she is and getting away with the whole thing. It’s not until Ethan starts helping that she begins to question things and they become a little less straightforward.
If I’m honest I found Scarlet a little irritating at first, the way she doesn’t always do as she’s told because she thinks she knows better than her dad. But as the danger mounts and Scarlet is on her own, I really admired her cleverness and quick thinking. It was also fun to see the tables turned and have her trying to keep a less experienced partner under control. Scarlet definitely has a lot to learn throughout this book, but it’s fun to see her try.
The thing I liked best, though, was the Aztec storyline. The bracelet and the masks and the myths and the magic. It made a glorious change from Greek/Roman/Norse and I am thoroughly in favour of jaguars. I also loved that Scarlet was completely in charge here. While Ethan was the one checking his hair and making sure he looked good, Scarlet was too busy trying to save her dad and avoid attention for any of that. They make a good team, with each having their own strengths and weaknesses that aren’t confined to traditional gender roles.
Overall this is a great, fast-paced, action-packed read, with a fun set of characters, some intriguing mythology and much more magic than I expected. It gets a bit violent at times, with some scenes that might scare younger readers, but for confident readers who enjoy adventure this will go down a treat. I look forward to seeing what Scarlet gets up to next.
(I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.)
January 12, 2016
Cat Burglar by Tamsin Cooke is the story of Scarlet McCall, 13-year-old completely unremarkable schoolgirl by day, apprentice cat burglar by night. Her dad is in the business of stealing back stolen art and antiquities – and given that this involves balaclavas, night-vision goggles, and grappling hooks, Scarlet is only too happy to accompany her dad on his missions.
When they steal an ancient Aztec bracelet, things take a turn for the mystical. This is no ordinary archaeological find – it’s a magical artefact that gives Scarlet mysterious powers. Which is just as well, as the people who want the bracelet kidnap her dad, and she needs every bit of help she can get to rescue him before it’s too late…
If there’s one thing you can say about this book, it’s “blimey it’s fast paced!” From the initial heist, through Scarlet’s dad’s disappearance, through to the dramatic rescue, the pace doesn’t let up for a minute. I blasted through the book in two sittings – the last hundred and fifty pages in one go, even though it was past midnight and I had work this morning.
Scarlett is a great character, too. She’s been forced to be anonymous and unobtrusive – cat burglars don’t want anyone to notice them, ever – but when she needs to step up, she’s fierce and determined. Her growing understanding of her need to trust other people is touching – and Ethan, the gel-haired pretty-boy hacker who provides her with support, provides an excellent foil. She’s not just a vessel for the plot to advance, though, as she has her own values and morals – some of which provide a little comic relief when her vegetarianism comes into conflict with some of her new carnivorous abilities!
The Aztec mythology is woven seamlessly into the narrative, and provides fantastic depth to the story. It made me want to pop along to the British Museum to have a look at their artefacts from the Americas.
OUP have done a nice job with the book production, too. There’s a jaguar-pattern motif throughout the book, and a bright foiled cover that makes it virtually impossible to photograph! (Cover and inside illustration credit goes to “okili771/Shutterstock.com” which doesn’t sound like much of a name to me…)
The ending wraps up the story nicely, but even better, it sets us up for further adventures of Scarlet, her dad, and Ethan. Can’t wait. It has all the makings of a fantastic children’s series.
When they steal an ancient Aztec bracelet, things take a turn for the mystical. This is no ordinary archaeological find – it’s a magical artefact that gives Scarlet mysterious powers. Which is just as well, as the people who want the bracelet kidnap her dad, and she needs every bit of help she can get to rescue him before it’s too late…
If there’s one thing you can say about this book, it’s “blimey it’s fast paced!” From the initial heist, through Scarlet’s dad’s disappearance, through to the dramatic rescue, the pace doesn’t let up for a minute. I blasted through the book in two sittings – the last hundred and fifty pages in one go, even though it was past midnight and I had work this morning.
Scarlett is a great character, too. She’s been forced to be anonymous and unobtrusive – cat burglars don’t want anyone to notice them, ever – but when she needs to step up, she’s fierce and determined. Her growing understanding of her need to trust other people is touching – and Ethan, the gel-haired pretty-boy hacker who provides her with support, provides an excellent foil. She’s not just a vessel for the plot to advance, though, as she has her own values and morals – some of which provide a little comic relief when her vegetarianism comes into conflict with some of her new carnivorous abilities!
The Aztec mythology is woven seamlessly into the narrative, and provides fantastic depth to the story. It made me want to pop along to the British Museum to have a look at their artefacts from the Americas.
OUP have done a nice job with the book production, too. There’s a jaguar-pattern motif throughout the book, and a bright foiled cover that makes it virtually impossible to photograph! (Cover and inside illustration credit goes to “okili771/Shutterstock.com” which doesn’t sound like much of a name to me…)
The ending wraps up the story nicely, but even better, it sets us up for further adventures of Scarlet, her dad, and Ethan. Can’t wait. It has all the makings of a fantastic children’s series.
June 15, 2019
Scarlet McCall is the only child of a single Dad. She is a schoolgirl who doesn’t really have any friends because of her aloof behavior. She doesn’t want to be indifferent but her reality doesn’t allow her to become close to her fellows. She may be a naïve and benign looking girl in her early teens but she is so much more.
The McCall family has a secret job of restoring precious stolen artifacts to their rightful owners. However, this is not an easy job. They have to be extremely careful because the clients that they take are no ordinary people and even for a minor mistake in the execution of their burglary plan they could get in a lot of trouble.
They have to be very discreet in their burglary missions (hence the title) so they don’t get caught. Right after Scarlet successfully completes her first ever mission of stealing the Aztec bracelet alone, is when the twist happens. She gains some mysterious powers and as soon as she finds out her Dad has been kidnapped she must learn to control these powers in order to use them in finding her dad.
Another major character is the boy next door, Ethan, who has come to visit his grandma. Think of him like the handsome guy who knows computers and tech stuff – more like a cute geek. He’s always there to help Scar even though at first she finds him rather nosy. Their romance no matter how minute is of a sweet kind and keeps the romance box filled for the reader.
All in all it is a page-turning, filled with action, adventure, romance, drama, mystery and suspense kind of a book. There won’t be a dull moment with this one. The simple language and easy to understand story makes this perfect for middle grade literature. However, it doesn’t mean the NON-middlegraders cannot enjoy it, right? Because I’ve read it and I enjoyed it thoroughly.
Now can we take a moment to appreciate the GORGEOUS cover? I mean look at it, that pretty leopard print is making me ogle.
The McCall family has a secret job of restoring precious stolen artifacts to their rightful owners. However, this is not an easy job. They have to be extremely careful because the clients that they take are no ordinary people and even for a minor mistake in the execution of their burglary plan they could get in a lot of trouble.
They have to be very discreet in their burglary missions (hence the title) so they don’t get caught. Right after Scarlet successfully completes her first ever mission of stealing the Aztec bracelet alone, is when the twist happens. She gains some mysterious powers and as soon as she finds out her Dad has been kidnapped she must learn to control these powers in order to use them in finding her dad.
Another major character is the boy next door, Ethan, who has come to visit his grandma. Think of him like the handsome guy who knows computers and tech stuff – more like a cute geek. He’s always there to help Scar even though at first she finds him rather nosy. Their romance no matter how minute is of a sweet kind and keeps the romance box filled for the reader.
All in all it is a page-turning, filled with action, adventure, romance, drama, mystery and suspense kind of a book. There won’t be a dull moment with this one. The simple language and easy to understand story makes this perfect for middle grade literature. However, it doesn’t mean the NON-middlegraders cannot enjoy it, right? Because I’ve read it and I enjoyed it thoroughly.
Now can we take a moment to appreciate the GORGEOUS cover? I mean look at it, that pretty leopard print is making me ogle.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 7, 2016
Burglars, kidnapping, escaped wild animals – the content in this book could easily leave one to believe that this is not a children’s book. However, sometimes the most unpredictable content makes for the best read.
Thirteen year old Scarlet is a cat burglar – along with her father they break into properties restoring stolen antiquities and treasures to the rightful owners. And they’re rather good at it. But then one day they steal an ancient Aztec bracelet with strange and magical powers, and Scarlet’s world begins to change - not least herself and her physical being. With elements of fantasy mixed with real world life and death decisions, this is a gripping tale, far from anything else aimed at this readership.
It’s a page-turning action adventure. The language is simple, keeping up with the pace of the plot with little time for lengthy description or in-depth exposition, or indeed too much character development. Scarlet is brave, plucky, canny and worldly – although her lack of expertise in modern technology is rather surprising. To fill the gap, Tamsin Cooke introduces the boy next door – not just a heartthrob, but a savvy geek who is able to hack computers and provide backup techy assistance.
To read the rest of the review visit http://wp.me/p5mtrm-vW
Thirteen year old Scarlet is a cat burglar – along with her father they break into properties restoring stolen antiquities and treasures to the rightful owners. And they’re rather good at it. But then one day they steal an ancient Aztec bracelet with strange and magical powers, and Scarlet’s world begins to change - not least herself and her physical being. With elements of fantasy mixed with real world life and death decisions, this is a gripping tale, far from anything else aimed at this readership.
It’s a page-turning action adventure. The language is simple, keeping up with the pace of the plot with little time for lengthy description or in-depth exposition, or indeed too much character development. Scarlet is brave, plucky, canny and worldly – although her lack of expertise in modern technology is rather surprising. To fill the gap, Tamsin Cooke introduces the boy next door – not just a heartthrob, but a savvy geek who is able to hack computers and provide backup techy assistance.
To read the rest of the review visit http://wp.me/p5mtrm-vW
February 6, 2016
A very strong start to a new middle-grade series with a great new heroine in thirteen-year-old cat burglar, Scarlett McCall. This is fast-paced and full of action with a set of likeable characters - I especially liked Scarlett's dad, and her side-kick, Ethan. The plot, involving Aztec artefacts and kidnappers, is great fun.
Looking forward to the next one already.
Looking forward to the next one already.
June 15, 2016
A fantastic story that takes you in a completely unexpected direction. Fast paced and full of fun. Scar is a new, exciting and unusual hero. The reader is brought completely into her world, making everything seem unnervingly real. And the next book is due out soon. I can't wait!!
February 7, 2016
Full of mystery, action and excitement. Scarlet and her Dad are an awesome duo. Just don't go trying on any Aztec bracelets...
July 13, 2019
I loved this book it’s just the thing I need. I really couldn’t stop reading only if I know what’s happened , I will of course definitely read all the series.
January 11, 2016
Great thriller adventure book, engaging from the opening chapter for all.
April 23, 2017
A great book for teenagers.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews