by Richard Sala
First Second
Cat Burglar Black is about a young lady named Katherine Westree, but she prefers to go by the initial K. The story starts with K entering a new school, which turns out to be a front for a secret organization of thieves called "The Obtainers". We find out that K, since here parents disappeared when she was very young, was placed in an orphanage where she along with the other children were trained to be pickpockets and thieves. At her new school, K meets three other girls who who also are trained thieves. K and the others are eventually told that there is a pirate treasure and that they must break into houses in the area to acquire three portraits of the schools founder Anodyne Quinn. These portraits are clues to the hidden treasure and are guarded by very eccentric keepers.
I found this book to be a charming mix of a Nancy Drew style mystery with an Edward Gory vibe. The old house where the school is held and the unique, almost Dickensian, characters are sure to keep sleuthful minds interested. The art work grew on me. Initially the designs I thought were a little crude, but for the story and it's intended audience, the drawing style fit very well. The story flows along at a good pace. There are creepy moments and times of high suspense. But there is also heartfelt, touching touches. Especially when K is thinking about her parents.
This book is definitely worth adding to any library collection. And looking in the California Catalog, it looks like many libraries have already added this to their stacks. I would recommend this to any tween, bus especially a girl, who is looking for a Lemony Snicket, Nancy Drew type story.
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