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Crime Busters, Inc.: The Alligator Alibi
Kimberly Houser, Author
Who is kidnapping the pets of Highland Oaks housing development? It’s up to detective Chim Chim Tanner, five pounds of fierce feline courage, and partner Simone at Crime Busters, Inc. to solve the mystery and prove the innocence of their newest client—an ill-tempered alligator named Calvin.
Despite his terrifying appearance, Calvin seems to be as harmless as his story proclaims. But as Chim Chim and Simone examine crime scenes and interview witnesses, which include a pampered Abyssinian feline and a nervous Chihuahua, the evidence starts to build against Calvin. They begin to suspect that their client may be guilty after all . . .
The Crime Busters detectives soon find themselves in a race against the clock as another victim is nabbed right under their whiskers! Can Chim Chim and Simone solve the case before more lives are lost?
Plot/Idea: 8 out of 10
Originality: 8 out of 10
Prose: 8 out of 10
Character/Execution: 9 out of 10
Overall: 8.25 out of 10
Assessment:
Plot: Houser delivers a fun, rousing, action-filled story with abundant appeal to reluctant readers and animal lovers alike.
Prose: Houser's prose is clean and clear, with abundant humor and fetching dialogue.
Originality: The story of animal detectives investigating a case of kidnapped pets is inventive and immensely appealing to the target audience.
Character/Execution: The feline protagonists are amiable, tough, and quirky detectives, while the cast of usual suspects, are anything but usual. Houser's own affection for animals--from furry to scaled--comes through the gentle, endearing writing and spot-on characterizations.
Date Submitted: August 18, 2020
