Cat Among the Pigeons

Cat Among the Pigeons follows the story of Cat, a 12-year-old girl in late 18th century London, and her mission to protect her best friend Pedro, a former slave whose freedom is threatened. When Pedro's previous owner arrives in London attempting to reclaim him as property, Cat and her group of friends must work together to prevent his capture and secure his permanent freedom. Cat finds herself disguised as a boy in an aristocratic boarding school, learning skills typically reserved for male students while evading authorities. The plot centers on the dangerous game of cat and mouse between Cat's group and those who wish to return Pedro to slavery, culminating in a high-stakes confrontation that tests the limits of friendship and justice. The novel explores themes of freedom, equality, and the power of young people to stand up against systemic injustice, set against the backdrop of Britain's evolving stance on slavery in the 1700s.

Readers describe this YA mystery as a fun entry in the Cat Royal series that blends humor with historical fiction. Readers highlight: - Cat's witty narration and strong personality - The theater setting and behind-the-scenes details - Integration of real historical events and figures - The fast pace and engaging plot twists - Appeal to both middle grade and teen readers Common criticisms: - Some found the plot more predictable than previous books - A few readers note the romantic subplot feels rushed - Period-specific language takes adjustment for some younger readers Ratings: Goodreads: 4.2/5 (1,200+ ratings) Amazon: 4.5/5 (80+ reviews) "Cat's voice remains as sharp and entertaining as ever" notes one Goodreads review, while another mentions "the historical elements blend seamlessly with the adventure." An Amazon reviewer writes: "My 12-year-old devoured it in one sitting but some of the vocabulary required discussion."

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🔹 The term "Cat Among the Pigeons" was a common 18th-century phrase meaning someone who causes trouble or disturbance - perfectly fitting the protagonist's role in disrupting the social order. 🔹 The British slave trade, central to this story, was finally abolished in 1807 after a 20-year campaign led by William Wilberforce and other abolitionists. 🔹 Julia Golding worked as a diplomat before becoming an author and holds a doctorate in English literature from Oxford University, lending authenticity to her historical fiction. 🔹 Georgian London (1714-1830) saw extreme wealth inequality, with about 1% of the population controlling 25% of the nation's wealth - a social dynamic reflected in the book's settings. 🔹 Girls disguising themselves as boys was not uncommon in 18th-century London, as it offered more freedom and employment opportunities in a strictly gender-divided society.