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Wolfe and Lamb Mysteries #2
Kat Wolfe Takes the Case
Join brave Kat Wolfe and her animal sidekicks in this second mysterious adventure filled with friendship, freedom and a fierce wild cat! When a landslide on the Jurassic Coast reveals a rare ‘dragon’ dinosaur, best friends Kat Wolfe and Harper Lamb are thrilled, especially when stars and scientists come flocking to sleepy Bluebell Bay. But after they begin investigating a suspicious death, events spiral quickly out of control for detectives Wolfe and Lamb. Worse still, Kat’s wild cat is in trouble. Can they solve the mystery – and save the cat's life – before it’s too late? Kat Wolfe Takes the Case is the second book in Lauren St. John's Wolfe & Lamb series, and is illustrated by Daniel Deamo.
368 pages, Paperback
First published April 4, 2019
6 people are currently reading
177 people want to read
About the author
Lauren St. John
76 books404 followersLauren St John grew up on a farm and game reserve in Africa, the inspiration for her acclaimed memoir, Rainbow's End, and her award-winning White Giraffe series for children. Dead Man's Cove, the first in her Laura Marlin mystery series, won the Blue Peter Book of the Year Award in 2011. Her bestselling One Dollar Horse trilogy for teenagers was followed by The Glory, a breathtaking YA adventure and romance about a long distance horse race across the American West. Formerly a sports and music journalist, Lauren is the author of Seve and Hardcore Troubador: the Life & Near Death of Steve Earle, a superb, gripping biography of an Americana legend. The Obituary Writer, her first adult novel, was published in 2014 and she is currently at work on her second. Both The White Giraffe and The Glory have been optioned for film.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
March 13, 2020
The follow-up to 'Kat Wolfe Investigates' which was one my favourite books that I read last year. I'm pleased to say I loved this one just as much.
Kat Wolfe and Harper Lamb make a great team, and their latest mystery was completely engrossing. They are an intelligent pair, and the ever more complicated case that they were attempting to solve was excellently handled.
The animal characters in this book are also a highlight. Tiny (the F1 Savannah cat), Charming Outlaw (a horse) and Bailey (a parrot) all return, along with some fun new additions. The illustrations at the beginning of each chapter are lovely, though my favourites are the ones one inside covers. At the beginning, a map of Bluebell Bay, where the story takes place, and at the end a character page featuring colour pictures of 'Wolfe & Lamb's Animal Friends'. I'm partial to the horses of course, but Xena the pomeranian is impossible to resist!
These books are such fun to read, and I look forward to the next one.
Kat Wolfe and Harper Lamb make a great team, and their latest mystery was completely engrossing. They are an intelligent pair, and the ever more complicated case that they were attempting to solve was excellently handled.
The animal characters in this book are also a highlight. Tiny (the F1 Savannah cat), Charming Outlaw (a horse) and Bailey (a parrot) all return, along with some fun new additions. The illustrations at the beginning of each chapter are lovely, though my favourites are the ones one inside covers. At the beginning, a map of Bluebell Bay, where the story takes place, and at the end a character page featuring colour pictures of 'Wolfe & Lamb's Animal Friends'. I'm partial to the horses of course, but Xena the pomeranian is impossible to resist!
These books are such fun to read, and I look forward to the next one.
June 19, 2019
In this second book of the Wolfe and Lamb Mysteries, Kat Wolfe and best friend, Harper Lamb along with their animal friends, find themselves deep in another mystery. After a landslide revealed fossilized bones from a long dead dinosaur, Harper’s father was immediately involved. Then following the shocking discovery of a human skeleton, Kat and Harper began digging deeply – they knew they needed to find answers. But it was the unearthing of a dangerous group that had the girls realizing the seriousness of what was going on. Could they solve the mysteries which were on their doorstep in Bluebell Bay? And could they keep their beloved animals safe from the local animal catcher?
Kat Wolfe Takes the Case is another excellent mystery by Lauren St John. For children around 10 years and onwards (adults as well) readers will delight in Kat and Harper’s adventures. I’m keen to read #3 when it is published. Highly recommended.
With thanks to Macmillan Children’s Books for my copy to read in exchange for an honest review.
Kat Wolfe Takes the Case is another excellent mystery by Lauren St John. For children around 10 years and onwards (adults as well) readers will delight in Kat and Harper’s adventures. I’m keen to read #3 when it is published. Highly recommended.
With thanks to Macmillan Children’s Books for my copy to read in exchange for an honest review.
July 24, 2019
This was really cute. I loved that there was such a great friendship between Kat and Harper. Together they made a wonderful team of detectives fighting to keep animals safe. My only quip was that I felt so many things were happening at once that it was hard for me (a adult), to keep up with all the different mysteries going on on the island. Everything was explained thoroughly by the end though and brought it back full circle. My daughter and I can’t wait to see what happens next for the duo.
May 5, 2019
Once again, just a gorgeous book (occasionally a bit heavy handed on the vegan promotion, but I can understand why...). Kat and Harper are fabulous main characters, and I just love reading along on their adventures! St John has created a rich world at Bluebell Bay, filled with vibrant animal personalities and plenty of mystery and adventure. This book features some necessary commentary on endangered animals and how human activities endanger them further. Definitely a book (a series!) I will be recommending often!
April 5, 2020
A good mystery for younger independent readers, to be reviewed on my blog.
June 20, 2020
While the build-up for the story was a little bit too long imo, I absolutely LOVE Kat's love for animals. I love how she and Harper solve the case and how well it's put together.
June 29, 2023
i’m in love
June 8, 2019
In the second book of the Wolfe and Lambe Mysteries series, we see the detective duo investigate after a suspicious death is uncovered when a landslide reveals a rare archaeological find in idyllic Bluebell Bay, where Kat and Harper live. As ever with Lauren St John, the mystery is constructed expertly- I love the way she builds tension as she introduces the characters and situation, and then gets properly into the mystery after laying groundwork so well and utterly hooking you into the story, and bringing all of the loose threads introduced together to form an incredibly satisfying conclusion. I also love her writing in terms of prose, because I think she just has such a distinct narration style that builds a vivid idea of every character and setting, even if they`re so minor that they aren`t even named- her world feels so real. The characters are also really well done- I like both Kat and Harper lots, and think they work fantastically as a duo since their skills and personalities complement the other`s so well and the side characters all have distinct traits and it was fun to get to know some new people and have others introduced in book one explored further. This is another really great mystery from the author, and I`m already hoping that I`ll see Wolfe and Lambe solve several more cases together. 4.5/5
March 13, 2024
I really enjoyed this!
July 4, 2019
Loved it, a mystery with lots off twists 2 horses 2dogs a wild cat and a snake, ok she’s rather heavy on the vegan wagon but I don’t mind that.
June 30, 2019
When a landslide on the cliffs above Bluebell Bay reveals a rare fossilized ‘dragon’ dinosaur and uncovers a human skeleton, it is time for detectives Kat Wolfe and her best friend Harper Lamb to investigate. Who was responsible for the death of an amateur fossil-collector? The town soon becomes overrun with reporters, scientists, fossil hunters and attracts famous actors. Harper’s paleontologist father immediately begins to lead the team in the preservation of the dinosaur, whilst others are out to steal the skeleton for its special medicinal qualities.
Kat’s pet sitting service Paws and Claws provides opportunities for her to listen, observe and gather information as she walks dogs and cares for Mr B the python. Horses, dogs, her pet Tiny an F1 Savannah cat, a stolen lynx and the python play important roles in the discovery of an evil plot hatched by a dangerous group of people. A weekend spent with Kate’s grandfather, the British Minister of Defence at his stately home also provides insight into the Bluebell Bay mysteries. Kat’s high-level computing skills (hacking) proves crucial as well. Added to the danger of the investigation, the animal catcher is determined to catch Tiny who loves to disappear at night.
Author Lauren St John excels in this multi-layered, tense plot, filled with fascinating characters and an array of pets. She promotes a vegan lifestyle, explores the dynamics of family relationships and delves into the illegal trade in exotic animal products and the extinction of wild animal species. Her descriptive narrative and detailed settings, her ability to lay the groundwork and draw the threads together into a thrilling conclusion, make this an engaging novel. Daniel Deamo’s sketches, includes ninjas fighting on a rooftop and a python curled in a driver’s seat, combine with the catchy chapter headings focus the reader’s attention and build the drama. ‘Kat Wolfe takes the case’ an excellent novel for readers from 10 to 14 years, opening conversations about conservation and environmental issues.
Kat’s pet sitting service Paws and Claws provides opportunities for her to listen, observe and gather information as she walks dogs and cares for Mr B the python. Horses, dogs, her pet Tiny an F1 Savannah cat, a stolen lynx and the python play important roles in the discovery of an evil plot hatched by a dangerous group of people. A weekend spent with Kate’s grandfather, the British Minister of Defence at his stately home also provides insight into the Bluebell Bay mysteries. Kat’s high-level computing skills (hacking) proves crucial as well. Added to the danger of the investigation, the animal catcher is determined to catch Tiny who loves to disappear at night.
Author Lauren St John excels in this multi-layered, tense plot, filled with fascinating characters and an array of pets. She promotes a vegan lifestyle, explores the dynamics of family relationships and delves into the illegal trade in exotic animal products and the extinction of wild animal species. Her descriptive narrative and detailed settings, her ability to lay the groundwork and draw the threads together into a thrilling conclusion, make this an engaging novel. Daniel Deamo’s sketches, includes ninjas fighting on a rooftop and a python curled in a driver’s seat, combine with the catchy chapter headings focus the reader’s attention and build the drama. ‘Kat Wolfe takes the case’ an excellent novel for readers from 10 to 14 years, opening conversations about conservation and environmental issues.
November 19, 2025
Heck yeah! Wcześniej myślałam, że to gorszy tom, ale chyba zmieniam zdanie.
Biuro detektywistyczne po raz kolejny musi się zmierzyć ze złowrogimi siłami, a oprócz Harper zagrożeni są jeszcze Kai i jego tata-genialny chiński medyk i... smok z Blubell Bay.
I zacznijmy od tego, że kocham naszą złolkę, to znaczy nie ją samą, ale jej design. Wiecie, bo to piękna, niezależna, zła kobieta była. Ale tak na serio, gdyby nie rodzaj działalności, którym się zajmuje, byłabym w stanie ją polubić. Np. taka defraudacja pieniędzy czy coś. Bo Alicia ma w sobie coś magnetycznego. Ale handlowanie produktami ze zwierząt zagrożonych wyginięciem i chęć kolekcjonowania jak najwięcej, żeby mieć, jak już wymrą?! Brrrr! Obrzydliwe to było. Straszne. Ale pokonał ją Mr. Bojangels(kocham ten zwrot o obywatelskim aresztowaniu przez węża).
I tak po raz kolejny przechodzimy do kwestii zwierząt. I okej, może Orkan jest ledwie zaznaczona, może Atrakcyjny Bandyta nie odgrywa już takiej roli, ale Mr Bojangels i Xena odrabiają to z nawiązką("moja wojownicza księżniczka).
Harper i Kat znów dają radę, choć oczywiście nie obejdą się bez pomocy znajomych małych i dużych, nawiążą sporo nowych przyjaźni, z których najbardziej zainteresował mnie chyba V. Chcę więcej informacji o tym strażniku duchu, walczącym na dachu i przebierającym się za kobietę.
Coś na minu? No brakowało mi jakiegoś psychologicznego ujęcia Luciana, bo ludki dały dwa zdania, że jest ponury i zarąbiście! Mamy podłego sadystę, mordercę bezbronnych zwierzątek. No, ale rozumiem, że nie dało się wszystkiego wcisnąć do książki dla dwunastolatków.
Biuro detektywistyczne po raz kolejny musi się zmierzyć ze złowrogimi siłami, a oprócz Harper zagrożeni są jeszcze Kai i jego tata-genialny chiński medyk i... smok z Blubell Bay.
I zacznijmy od tego, że kocham naszą złolkę, to znaczy nie ją samą, ale jej design. Wiecie, bo to piękna, niezależna, zła kobieta była. Ale tak na serio, gdyby nie rodzaj działalności, którym się zajmuje, byłabym w stanie ją polubić. Np. taka defraudacja pieniędzy czy coś. Bo Alicia ma w sobie coś magnetycznego. Ale handlowanie produktami ze zwierząt zagrożonych wyginięciem i chęć kolekcjonowania jak najwięcej, żeby mieć, jak już wymrą?! Brrrr! Obrzydliwe to było. Straszne. Ale pokonał ją Mr. Bojangels(kocham ten zwrot o obywatelskim aresztowaniu przez węża).
I tak po raz kolejny przechodzimy do kwestii zwierząt. I okej, może Orkan jest ledwie zaznaczona, może Atrakcyjny Bandyta nie odgrywa już takiej roli, ale Mr Bojangels i Xena odrabiają to z nawiązką("moja wojownicza księżniczka).
Harper i Kat znów dają radę, choć oczywiście nie obejdą się bez pomocy znajomych małych i dużych, nawiążą sporo nowych przyjaźni, z których najbardziej zainteresował mnie chyba V. Chcę więcej informacji o tym strażniku duchu, walczącym na dachu i przebierającym się za kobietę.
Coś na minu? No brakowało mi jakiegoś psychologicznego ujęcia Luciana, bo ludki dały dwa zdania, że jest ponury i zarąbiście! Mamy podłego sadystę, mordercę bezbronnych zwierzątek. No, ale rozumiem, że nie dało się wszystkiego wcisnąć do książki dla dwunastolatków.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 20, 2020
This one is a 3.5 for me, and anyone who loves animals, fossils, and a complicated mystery will enjoy it. Middle graders who have missed this author's other books will want to read this one and then check those out as well since she doesn't dumb down complex and troubling situations for her young readers and makes sure that even though the plot might seem outlandish, it is based in reality. In this book, the second in the cleverly-named Wolfe and Lamb Mysteries series, Kat Wolfe and her best friend Harper Lamb become embroiled in a series of mysteries in Bluebell Bay where they live. The town is filled with tourists and curiosity seekers after a large fossil is uncovered, and then, not long afterward, the skull of a human is found. Kat and Harper aren't sure if the two are connected in any way, but they are surely determined to find out. Both girls are animal lovers as is Kat's paternal grandfather. The author has carefully included details that show both girls' strengths and character while also acknowledging some of their fears and weaknesses. As smart as Kat is, sometimes she gets distracted, which could cause problems for her and the pets for which she is responsible. I have to say that I was shocked at some of the shady practices of some of the individuals described here, but I probably shouldn't have been. I look forward to reading more from this young detective team.
April 29, 2019
This is an outstanding book which I would unhesitatingly recommend to all readers of 8+. On one level it is a pacy, MG mystery with the young detectives, Kat Wolfe and her best friend Harper Lamb, trying to discover who was responsible for the death of an amateur fossil-collector at the foot of the cliffs in picturesque Bluebell Bay. However, the author, Lauren St John, has seamlessly woven other important themes through this story; extinction, environmental concerns, unscrupulous profiteers and the importance of not judging people based on appearances. I was swept along by the gripping narrative, clever characterisation and along the way learned a great deal about conservation and paleontology. I love books which entertain and educate simultaneously and I think that this one will be hugely popular with children of 8+ especially at this time of increasing involvement of youngsters in the debate on environmental issues. Thank you Toppsta for sending me this book - I will be adding it to the school library tomorrow and recommending it highly.
There is a full review on my blog here: https://vsviewfromthebookshelves.home...
There is a full review on my blog here: https://vsviewfromthebookshelves.home...
May 23, 2019
PLease see my review for book #1 of the series. Leaves off shortly after book one, and does not hold back the adventure. In fact if anything this book steps up the action to a greater and more perilous degree (not for the reader) which drives the story forward at times with much gusto and a wonderful sense of style and suspense worthy of more mature thrillers/action adventures.
Should you buy this book? Absolutely, yes. I loved it, and as I put aside some of the cliched characters and actions, I enjoyed it even more.
What I liked most: Well I have to say pretty much everything—from a large and ecclectic selection of suspects and victims, to the situations they were placed in and the action.
What I disliked: At this time, some weeks after having read the book, I have to say nothing comes to mind. That is good as if it had been bad it would most definitely have stuck in the grey cells. If I was pushed to say anything bad, it would be that maybe it tried too hard, but hell, if that is a bad thing when the result is so pleasing, then bring it on every time asI wont say no.
Should you buy this book? Absolutely, yes. I loved it, and as I put aside some of the cliched characters and actions, I enjoyed it even more.
What I liked most: Well I have to say pretty much everything—from a large and ecclectic selection of suspects and victims, to the situations they were placed in and the action.
What I disliked: At this time, some weeks after having read the book, I have to say nothing comes to mind. That is good as if it had been bad it would most definitely have stuck in the grey cells. If I was pushed to say anything bad, it would be that maybe it tried too hard, but hell, if that is a bad thing when the result is so pleasing, then bring it on every time asI wont say no.
April 18, 2021
I really enjoyed this one especially because there were lots of links to the environment and climate change and I found the animal extinction society really interesting but obviously horrific. I liked that there were lots of little mysterious throughout and also the illustrated front cover is awesome! (9+)
January 18, 2023
The investigation adventure of Kat and Harper, They are assisted by the all knowong, Ms. Edith. In this story they seek to solve 11 mini mysteries. The adventures are all tied together by animals, big and small. Notable appearances are by Orkaan, Tiny, Pax, and Mr. B. There are many lessons for the readers of this tale. Together we can solve mysteries and save the Earth as we know it
November 9, 2019
I really enjoyed this book. I fell in love with the two main characters straight away and loved the relationship that they had with all of the animals. I would have loved this book as a girl and would have been obsessed.
A very clever story with a thoughtful and relevant message.
A very clever story with a thoughtful and relevant message.
January 17, 2021
The Wolfe & Lamb detective agency is in service again with this second mystery, involving once more endearing animals and the two fierce Kat and Harper. The plot was complex enough to keep me turning the pages, yet charmingly simple. A lovely middle-grade read.
March 2, 2020
I always have trouble with books that shift point of view within chapters. It took me a while to get into the story, but the subject was interesting.
March 15, 2020
its the second book to cat wolfe investigates and i thoght it was really fun and a good book
August 24, 2020
Just the right touch of magical realism. And loved the information at the end from the author on the need to save species.
October 8, 2020
Une belle suite qui nous tourne vers d'environnement et l'extinction des animaux en passant par une enquête.
December 16, 2021
Good
Very good everything good grammar good punctuation just insanely good I would recommend reading other books by Lauren
St. John
Very good everything good grammar good punctuation just insanely good I would recommend reading other books by Lauren
St. John
February 11, 2023
Amazing
May 5, 2023
Actual rating - 4.5 stars.
December 31, 2023
Very long introduction to mystery
January 5, 2025
the jump from missing person is a spy to taking on a world class illegal drug circle is crazy
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews