Review Detail

What worked:
It will be more difficult to enjoy this book if readers don’t like cats. Four of them are living in the home of Rose, Aunt Verity’s deceased landlord, but they’re able to walk and talk like humans. Each cat has its own personality with Marzipan being the most trusting and level-headed. Clarissa is the skeptical one as she’s pretty cold to the idea of Elsby helping them. She’s been studying magic for years and she’s very protective of her private room filled with unusual objects. Horatio loves literature so he’s often reciting poetry or Shakespeare and wishing for more books. Tappy is timid and shy and hopes that everyone can get along. The cats need Elsby’s help but they’re clearly keeping secrets from her.
Elsby doesn’t have many friends so she has some issues in that area. Her mom is across the country for work and Elsby’s only met her Aunt Verity a couple of times. Elsby’s best friend is away at camp so communication with her is difficult. Elsby is a little upset that her friend has made it even harder to contact her. Elsby’s friendship with the cats makes her feel better and wanted but she becomes a bit possessive about them. She’s envious and hurt when the cats seem to prefer another character. Elsby’s sensitive emotions add to her problems as she tries to learn more about the cats and the ritual they need her to complete.
The author develops suspense as she drops hints about the magic flowing through the town. The cats ask Elsby to help with an incantation and Marzipan tries to mention there are potential dangers involved. Clarissa quickly quashes that talk. Aunt Verity takes Elsby to visit a private library full of books on magic. She comments that Elsby needs to be careful because some malevolent spells may have been cast by evil mages. Elsby sometimes feels like someone is watching her and she learns that ghosts may be lurking around the town. All of these events prepare readers for magical moments late in the book and potential threats that await.
What didn’t work as well:
While magic is part of the story, it’s not clear exactly how it works. Preparations are made for the cats’ ceremony but they’re not shared with readers. Other spells aren’t described either so magic apparently happens but there’s little information about it. More details are shared late in the book but it would be nice if there had been more groundwork to prepare readers.
The final verdict:
Magic and cat lovers will enjoy this book as Elsby tries to help the animals and navigate friendship. Some characters and events are predictable but the mystery behind Rose and her magic will capture young readers. I recommend you give this book a shot.